Granite Bay Gazette; Vol. 14, Issue 7

Suiting up for summer

Destination ImagiNation

The Gazette’s Sarah Bertin outlines fashion trends

Friday, April 8, 2011

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Powder Puff face-off

Two teams advance to State Finals – B1

Gazette THE GRANITE BAY

Close game ends in senior victory

C8

THE AWARD-WINNING STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF GRANITE BAY HIGH SCHOOL

GRANITE BAY HIGH SCHOOL w 1 GRIZZLY WAY w GRANITE BAY, CA w 95746 w VOLUME 14 w ISSUE 7 Commentary

Structural engineer Kit Miyamoto, president of West Sacramento-based Miyamoto International, assists with damage assessment in Kesennuma, Japan.

“This disaster basically paralyzed the whole country,” said Miyamoto. “We can learn a lot of lessons for California.”

alison sale

asale.gazette@gmail.com

A few regrets from my geeky band days

T

his one time, at band camp…I made a mistake.

It was my junior year, back when I was a full-blown band geek. I was section leader of our school band, principal flautist of a local youth symphony, had a triple dose of honor bands, practiced daily and took private lessons weekly.

I did it all, but it was all too much.

I was constantly sick – both physically and mentally – and I’ll forever associate my band days with negative thoughts because of this.

Don’t get me wrong. We have an award-winning band that has an incredible knack for teaching dedication and discipline, and they do it better than any program I’ve seen on campus.

It ain’t easy convincing a bunch of grumpy teenagers to wake up at 5:45 in the morning to march in the same direction over and over again, only to go to the rest of their classes tired and sweaty.

But our program does it, and they do it well – the whole band is a tight-knit group of hard-working, successful individuals.

Despite all of this, my experience still ended terribly – I left the band office in tears after finally expressing my three years of pent up frustration with the program, which was obviously a contributing factor towards my decision to quit.

All because of one silly psychological concept: confirmation bias. It’s simply human nature to search out any and all evidence that confirms our biases, and to reject anything that disproves it.

Because of that darned bias, I only remembered when our director singled out a scared freshman on the field, instead of the shelves upon shelves we filled with 5-foot tall trophies.

Instead of the incredibly supportive network of friends I was a part of, I still vividly remember trying desperately to control my anger during the frustratingly long rehearsal hours.

But the real mistake I made, that one time at band camp, was my response to this confirmation bias.

I shouldn’t have dwelled on the negativity, shouldn’t have fueled the fire and spread it to my peers.

I was hypocritical, as I was angry with my director for spreading the negativity from the top down while I was off spreading the negativity from the bottom up. Misery does love its company.

I regret it, and I’m willing to take full responsibility for that one.

But I don’t regret quitting.

Yes, I had a wonderful experience before I forced it to be negative – I had a tight-knit, quirky band family that gave me important leadership experience.

I met the love of my life, and I experienced the immense satisfaction that hard work brings.

But it was my responsibility to take care of myself when the situation turned sour, even though it was my fault that it did so in the first place.

I had to lobby for myself – for my physical and mental health.

Because, honestly, I am the only person that can make the right change towards a better future.

Luckily, I realized that before it was too late. *** Alison Sale, a senior, is a Gazette co-editor-in-chief.

Carolyn Cole/ Los Angeles Times/MCT

Local ties to foreign disaster Japanese students contact families

BY HALEY MASSARA

hmassara.gazette@gmail.com

On the morning of March 12, Granite Bay High School senior Kristi Shinfuku woke to startling news – a magnitude 9.0 earthquake and a tsunami had struck the home of her

aunt, Toshiko Yamagata, and uncle, Hirotaka Yamagata, in Sendai, Japan.

“Basically I went into freak-out mode,” she said in an email interview.

Shinfuku couldn’t contact her family for two days. Though their home had survived the earthquake, they were left without basic utilities like running water, electricity and heat.

Since the disaster, Toshiko and Hirotaka have been receiving emergency rations of gas. Toshiko has been keeping their pharmacy open as required by law, and Hirotaka is volunteering for the relief effort.

To help, Shinfuku has been sending care packages of food and warm clothing to them.

Making amends New law aims to reduce deaths from alcohol poisoning

BY KATIE ZINGHEIM

kzingheim.gazette@gmail.com

In August 2010, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed the Teen Alcohol Safety Act. The law, which went into effect on Jan. 1, could mean major changes for California teenagers.

There are two parts to the law: the first part allows the filing of civil suits against adults who provide alcohol to minors in their home.

The second part has a much more direct affect on high schoolers: minors who either call 911 for a friend with alcohol poisoning, or take them to the hospital, are granted temporary immunity from being prosecuted for being under the influence of alcohol.

The law was spearheaded by Debbie and Steve Allen, a couple from Redding whose 17-year-old daughter Shelby died of alcohol poisoning at a friend’s house in 2008.

inside this issue

News

A1 – A6

Voices

A8 – A11

Second Look

A12

Features

B1 – B6

Sports

C1 – C8

Green Screen

G1 – G20

“People who have seen (World War II) say that this is worse than anything they’ve ever been through,” she said. “It’s heartbreaking.” *** Although California may have escaped most of the raw devastation of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami, the disaster still hits very close to home for some GBHS students and their families.

Sophomore Chiyoh Arai is one of many who have been unable to contact their loved ones in Japan since the earthquake hit.

“We called them, but the power line was out, so we emailed See JAPAN, page A6

Test incentive proposals wGrade bump wFree parking for juniors and seniors in the fall if API reaches 860 (currently 845) wReserved parking for juniors and seniors who score Proficient or Advanced on three or more tests. wA free, non-date dance for students who score Proficient or Advanced on three or more tests wSophomores may be allowed to park in the parking lot if they receive Proficient or Advanced on three or more tests wAdmission for AP classes requires basic on the STAR tests wBasic or higher scores are required if a junior or senior wishes to be a TA

Kathie Sinor Health teacher is on the board of the Coalition for Placer Youth, which held an underage drinking forum.

In remembrance of Shelby, the Allens formed the Shelby’s Rules Foundation. Representing the foundation, Debbie travels to speaking engagements across the state to educate parents and teenagers about the dangers of binge drinking.

Allen recently participated in a forum hosted by the Coalition for Placer Youth titled Teenage Drinking: A Deadly Mix. Health teacher and CPY committee member Kathie Sinor organized the forum, which was attended by about six hundred local parents and teens.

CPY organized the forum to educate about several underage-drinking related issues, including the passing of the Teen Alcohol Safety Act. “(The forum) was a multi-faceted See ALCOHOL, page A6

Gazette graphic /MAGGIE LOUIS and ALISON SALE

Teen crashes Deadly accident with Del Oro High School student reminds that young drivers are more accident-prone

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GBHS may adopt new grade bump STAR test scores would change math grades up to 10 percent

BY PARKER EVANS

pevans.gazette@gmail.com

It’s “860 or bust” this year for Granite Bay High School.

A 15-point jump in the school’s Academic Performance Index score from 845 to 860 certainly isn’t out of reach of GBHS students, according to principal Mike McGuire.

The API score measures schools with similar test scores and demographics. Its formula is based largely on the school’s performance on the STAR test, which will be administered at GBHS both next week, and the week after spring break.

This year, there’s a renewed effort toward the test that in years past has often received little more than a cursory glance from teachers.

Although the percentage of juniors scoring in the two highest quintiles for math has steadily increased over the past three years, GBHS still ranks toward the bottom of its API “band.”

But for next month’s test, the GBHS administration, in consultation with academic department coordinators and faculty members, has decided to entice students to give a little extra effort in a test that otherwise has very little See STAR, page A6

Budget crisis hits wrong note Cavitt and Olympus Junior High school music programs in danger

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News

A2

Granite Bay Gazette

Friday w April 8, 2011

NAMES IN THE NEWS

adrienne blevins ablevins.gazette@gmail.com

Madrigal Choir invited to NYC for competition On Friday, March 18, Granite Bay High School’s Choir Program, headed by music teacher Kristin Faulkner, traveled to Anaheim for the Heritage Music Festival.

Heritage is a national music festival where both choral and instrumental groups play in front of judges for a score.

Scoring is broken down into five levels, with 100 points being the maximum score. The levels are Gold (90-100 points), Silver (8089 points), Bronze (65-79 points), Merit (50-64 points) and Festival (below 50).

Both Chamber and Madrigal Choirs went up against groups from all over the country and were very successful.

Chamber Choir scored an average of 83 points, putting them at second place out of 10 choirs in the Silver Level.

Madrigal Choir scored an average of 95.75 points. They placed second out of five choirs in the Gold Level, and also received the Adjudicator’s Award.

Because of this high placing, the group has been invited to compete at the Festival of Gold’s National Invitational Choral Festival. The competition will be held in New York City at Carnegie Hall. *** Elections for student government positions will be held today. The positions that students are running for are ASB president, senior vice president and spirit commissioner.

All other positions were uncontested.

Running for ASB president are juniors Wes Finkemeier and Meghan Cole, and the race for senior vice president is between juniors Hank Montgomery and Michaela Monaghan. Junior Danielle McFarland has already been announced as senior president.

Spirit commissioner is a paired position, so Kevin Staniszewski and Daniel Flinders are running against Emma Farrell and Paige Finkemeier. *** Junior Mackenzie Sato, who is a drum major for the Emerald Brigade, was recently admitted to the Tanglewood Percussion Workshop.

The workshop is two weeks long and part of the prestigious Boston University Tanglewood Institute, a summer festival for high school musicians in Lenox, Mass.

Sato was asked to participate after the audition tape she sent in was reviewed.

“Once we’re there we take master classes with professors, take lessons and study basic construction, repair and (other) things about percussion,” Sato said. “Hopefully I’ll walk away with improved technique.”

Know something we should know?

Contact the Gazette’s Adrienne Blevins at: ablevins.gazette@gmail.com

CORRECTIONS In the March issue, a photograph on page B7 incorrectly identified a young woman as a firefighter. She is actually a student in the Placer County Fire Science Regional Occupation Program. The Gazette regrets the error. *** The Gazette is committed to doing good journalism, and accuracy is a fundamental element of journalistic excellence.

Let us know if we’ve made an error by emailing us at: gbgazette@yahoo.com Identification Statement Granite Bay Gazette Published eight times per academic year c/o Granite Bay High School 1 Grizzly Way Granite Bay, CA 95746 Subscriptions: $25 per year/ $15 per half year

Driving Dangers Recent accidents involving local teens prompt community to consider hazards

BY KELSEY KNORP

kknorp.gazette@gmail.com

It is a widely know fact that motor vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of death in the United States. This is especially true for teenagers since it is the number one cause of death for people 15-19 years old.

Locally, car accidents seem to be quite frequent. On March 4 alone, there was a rollover accident on East Roseville Parkway and an accident in Loomis that proved fatal for a Del Oro High School student.

The rollover accident occurred at 4:08 p.m. at the intersection of East Roseville Parkway and Eureka Road and involved three cars, one of which was on the median and another on the sidewalk.

Five ambulances were requested on the scene. One car was flipped, but the passengers inside only suffered minor injuries, and the teenage boy in the backseat was able to crawl out once given access.

Battalion chief Kevin Morris of the Roseville Fire Department was on the scene.

Though the victims of the accident were mostly unharmed, he cautions against careless driving around intersections.

“Intersections are your most common areas for accidents,” Morris said. “If you have a car coming one direction at 30 (miles per hour) and another going 30 (from another direction), that could create a pretty gnarly situation.”

Circumstances were not as forgiving for 17-year-old Brad Schlimmer of Del Oro High School. At 7:58 p.m., his car hit a tree on Pacific Street and caught fire, trapping him inside.

Andy Portillo of the Loomis Fire Protection District was on call and at the scene the night of the accident.

“When we got there, the cops were trying to pull him out,” Portillo said. “They can only do so much (without) the protective gear we have.”

Though the car was engulfed by flame, Portillo and another fireman were able to See CRASHES, page A5

College acceptances are released to most Seniors reflect on their admission decisions

BY CHRISTINE ZAVESKY czavesky.gazette@gmail.com

As the spring weather has rolled in full force, so have the letters and emails from various colleges to many anxiously awaiting Granite Bay High School seniors.

For some, four months have passed since submitting many lengthy, expensive and, at times, frustrating applications. The stress that accompanied the application process has since returned as college hopefuls eagerly anticipate the deciding word.

Senior Jessica Northam found herself extremely busy during the fall, as she applied to 18 different universities in California, Oregon, Montana and Nevada. Since she has started hearing back from schools, she has felt especially excited by her acceptances to the University of the Pacific and Saint Mary’s University, but devastated after being turned down by the University of Southern California, her top choice school.

“I took a huge risk (by applying there). I was true to myself but I still went outside the box,” Northam said. “I knew it was a risk, but I re-

ally wanted to get in. I kind of (had to) convince (my)self, yeah if you don’t get in, it’s not a big deal.”

However, Northam has taken the rejections in stride and remains very optimistic about the process.

“It makes the decision a little bit easier (when you are turned down), because it makes the choice for you,” she said.

However, as much as Northam can see the positives in being turned down, senior Phil Vogeley has felt much of the frustration of the process.

He applied to Sacramento State University and the University of California schools in Berkeley, Davis, Irvine, Los Angeles and San Diego. He was only accepted to CSUS and UCD, was waitlisted at UCI, and was turned down by UCLA, UCSD and Cal. “I didn’t expect to be rejected from UCSD, but UCLA and Berkeley I knew would be tough,” Vogeley said.

“I expected to get in (to UCI) and was waitlisted, so it wasn’t really what I expected in terms of how (I would fare), but that’s how it is.”

Although Vogeley’s reality didn’t quite match up to his hopes, he is satisfied that he has the opportunity to at-

Gazette photos /MAGGIE LOUIS

The Fire Department responds to an accident on the corner of East Roseville Parkway and Eureka Road, above. Another car involved in the crash ran off the road and into someone’s backyard, below.

Ashby Vose She applied early decision to NYU and was accepted. She appreciates the relief of knowing.

Kristi Shinfuku She was admitted to UC Berkeley, but only for the Spring 2012 semester, which is unusual.

FBLA does well at section competition Eight members qualify for states; look ahead to nationals

BY ADRIENNE BLEVINS ablevins.gazette@gmail.com

Phil Vogeley He was accepted to Sacramento State and UC Davis, but waitlisted at UC Irvine which came as a surprise. tend UCD next year. Even though he is disappointed he didn’t get into his dream school, UCLA, Vogeley understands that college admittance is more difficult than ever.

“The UC system was really competitive this year compared to previous

Granite Bay High School has always been known for having a wide selection of worthwhile extracurricular activities. The most recognition, however, tends to go to sports teams, the music and arts programs, the media program and volunteer service clubs.

One lesser known, but just as successful program, is the Future Business Leaders of America club.

FBLA is a nationwide program whose goals are to cultivate a new generation of prepared, aggressive and organized businessmen and women.

Adviser and business teacher Bill Patterson said the GBHS program aims to focus the organization’s goals specifically on the school.

“Because it’s a high school, it’s more of a foundation…(Students should) be of service to the neighborhood, (and learn) ethics (and) skills,” he said.

One thing the club does is participate in competitions, both as a team and as individuals.

“Each person only does two (individual) events and one group one,” said senior Moyez Hirani, a member of the club.

Most recently the group found success at Sections, which was

See ACCEPTANCE, page A5

See FBLA, page A5

Worries rise alongside gas prices Many factors without easy solutions are the cause of price increases

BY KELSEY KNORP

kknorp.gazette@gmail.com

Gazette photo /SARAH BERTIN

Gas prices are displayed at the Safeway gas station.

The time has come again for Californians to watch in wide-eyed dread as the numbers on local gas station signs steadily increase.

Granite Bay residents grumble and groan with everyone else, but the cause for full tanks and subsequently empty wallets is hazy for many. Contrary to popular belief, there is no one instant fix, as there are too many contributing issues.

Granite Bay High School history

teacher and avid current events follower Mike Valentine offers some insight on the issue.

Valentine claims that a primary cause of the rising gas prices is the commodities market, a market where raw or primary products are exchanged.

Investors in the commodities market can invest in oil futures, which are much like stock. The purchase and sale of the futures consequently cause gas prices to rise.

The age-old concept of supply and demand is also a reason for the rise.

Because countries such as China, Brazil and India have increasingly more cars on their roads, gas has naturally become more widely distributed worldwide.

Many media outlets have been addressing the effect of conflicts in oil producing countries on the cost of gas in the United States. Turmoil in the Middle East and Libya has been largely credited by news publications for inflation of U.S. gas prices because of the supposed reduction in gas exportation in these See GAS, page A5

Friday, April 8, 2011

News A3

w The Granite Bay Gazette

News Briefs

Students and faculty participate in St. Baldrick’s event

BY KATIE ZINGHEIM

kzingheim.gazette@gmail.com

St. Baldrick’s came to Granite Bay High School for the third year in a row on Thursday, March 17.

The event was coordinated by the St. Baldrick’s club and held during a one lunch.

Several hundred students gathered to support students and faculty having their heads shaved on the theater in the quad. A few local salons volunteered their time to wield the buzzers.

Senior Zack Meyer, president of the oncampus St. Baldrick’s club, was in charge of organizing the charity.

After gathering donations from the school for the week leading up to event, the St. Baldrick’s club collected over eight thousand dollars.

All money was sent to the St. Baldrick’s foundation, which is committed to research and treatment for childhood cancer.

Gazette wins Gold Crown

The Gazette won its fourth consecutive and fifth-ever Gold Crown award at a March 18 ceremony in New York City. The award, which is given by the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, honors general student newspaper excellence; it is considered by many to be the Pulitzer Prize of American scholastic journalism.

Seven Granite Bay High School students – Mary Haney, Alison Sale, Shannon Wagner, Shannon Carroll, Adam Tilford, Maggie Louis and Slater McLaughlin – and Gazette adviser Karl Grubaugh attended the CSPA convention in New York and joined hundreds of high school journalism students and

advisers from across the United States at the awards ceremony.

Student dies at home

Senior Adam Johns died at home March 28. School officials released the following statement on Tuesday, March 29: “Yesterday, we received information that Adam Johns, a twelfth grade student, took his own life. The staff, students and community of Granite Bay High School grieve his passing. Counselors, psychologists and administration are on campus in the Career Center to give support to students, staff members and parents in coping with this tragic loss.”

A memorial service for Johns was held Saturday at Valley Springs Presbyterian Church in Roseville.

Gazette photos /KATIE ZINGHEIM

Science teachers John Thomas and Shane Dixon, junior Will Lewis, senior Andrew Murch and social studies teacher Mark Broers, far left to right, have their heads shaved in the St. Baldrick’s fundraiser. Above, sophomore Brian Mueller says goodbye to his long locks.

COLLEGE AND CAREER CENTER SAT I & II Deadlines: Test date Registration deadline May 7 April 8 June 4 May 6

Late Registration April 22 May 20

State budget cuts threaten school music programs Local junior high band programs and elementary schools look for funding from alternate sources

BY JON SETIAWAN

jsetiawan.gazette@gmail.com

In the past few years, everyone in the state has been experiencing the negative effects of statewide budget cuts. Class sizes have gone up, and money has been noticeably tighter in the schools.

Recently, the Eureka Union School District asked the Eureka Schools Foundation to provide the funds for the music programs at Ridgeview and Excelscior elementary schools and the concert band programs at Cavitt and Olympus middle schools.

The ESF funds the entire district up to eighth grade.

“Because the district does not get enough money from the state to fund all the programs that the district has, they have asked the ESF to pay for the cost of music education including band and choir for fourth through

eighth grade,” ESF president Rebecca Nash said.

Contrary to some rumors, however, the programs are not going to be cut. The district is simply asking the ESF to pay for the music programs if they want to keep it.

“The programs aren’t being eliminated, but they need ESF to pay for it,” Nash said. “For next year, the teacher’s jobs are safe because the board did not give them notice, which they would have had to do if they wanted to lay them off.”

This not only affects the students in band at the elementary and middle schools of the district, but the Granite Bay High School Emerald Brigade Marching Band as well because they could begin to see a decline in members in years to come.

Many of the Emerald Brigade members joined primarily because of their extremely positive experience with participation in band during their elementary and

middle school years. that strong starting foundation,” Myers said.

“For me band was such a great experience,” Senior Sonia Mateus, who is a current member of the CJHS Vicky Myers said. “In Excelsior I just tried band and band, is one of the many music students who will be got hooked on it. It (would affected by the funding change. be) disappointing (if the Dedication is one of the drivprograms were eliminated) ing factors in doing band in The district does not because a lot less people are high school, and much of that going to be able to join the dedication can develop through get enough money band program.” participating in band in middle from the state to fund According to Myers, school. starting band at an earlier all the programs that “If I wasn’t dedicated, to oboe age creates a great starting and music, then no way would (it) has. point necessary in order to I continue with band in high be introduced to more chalschool,” Mateus said. lenging music later.

Mateus said that she would be – Rebecca Nash, ESF Despite this, Myers says disappointed if the program were president she still would have continto begin experiencing some of ued with high school band the negative effects of the budget because of having an older crunch. sibling and their positive “People should keep funding experience. because music fills people’s lives with happiness, which “It would be really hard to continue without having is corny but the truth,” Mateus said.

Students, alums broaden horizons

ASB UPDATE

Reasons for traveling abroad include studying, teaching, philanthropy

BY SHINEUI PARK

spark.gazette@gmail.com

STUDENT GOVERNMENT

The Ripple Effect, a campaign organized by student government, started this week. It’s aim is to decrease bullying and disrespect on campus.

ASB president Taylor Lilley hopes to improve school spirit and respect Gazette: As ASB president, what types of events do you put on or promote?

Taylor Lilley: I promote anything that has to do with the whole entire school, so anything related to the student body as a whole is what I am in charge of.

What is the current event you are planning or working on?

I am currently doing a campaign called the Ripple Effect; (we believe) one good action can start a chain reaction. It will consist of media stories promoting good acts and the classes will be doing activities (to show) that one good action can start a chain reaction.

In what area do you think our school culture needs to be improved and how would you choose to improve that?

I think our school can improve on respecting staff and being respectful of others and the Ripple Effect campaign should help change that.

What is the biggest event student government is planning right now?

The biggest event we will be working on is Day at the Bay because we pretty much will be working the whole day putting up the inflatables and that stuff.

– compiled by Alex Pink

Argentina, Thailand, China– these are only some of the many countries students travel abroad to every year. Whether they travel for studying, mission trips or wanting a new domestic lifestyle, these students dedicate themselves to putting their previous lives aside for an entirely new one in these foreign countries. *** Junior Kelsey Knutzon left California for Argentina on Aug. 10, 2010 and returned four months later on Dec. 20.

Knutzon went to Argentina with Youth for Understanding, which is a non-profit international educational organization with programs in 64 countries.

Knutzon took Spanish at GBHS and hoped to improve and develop her bilingual skills over a more extended period of time.

In Argentina, she lived in a foster home located in the Neuquén Province, which is a suburb-like area that is not much different from many cities in the United States.

There, Knutzon lived an average life: going to school, taking piano lessons and spending time with the new friends she had become acquainted with.

“My most memorable moment was right around the time I was leaving Argentina,” Knutzon said. “We had a big party with my new friends and family and I never realized till then how many amazing people I’ve met while staying there.”

Knutzon is again attending GBHS for the second semester after spending a full semester in Argentina.

“If anyone is thinking of going abroad, I fully recommend it. It’s a life changing experience and right now, being in high school, is a good time for it,” Knutzon said. *** Burma, also known as Myanmar, is located south of China and next to Thailand. Burma and Thailand are the two countries that class

of 2010 graduate Connor Morgan went to for norm to move to China for three months. his mission trip with Youth with a Mission an She left not long after the beginning of the international Christian volunteer organiza- second semester on Jan. 5, and will be arrivtion, whose members dedicate themselves ing back in the United States next week. to Christ as they travel to different countries Ragan currently has relatives residing throughout the world. in the city of Guilin, where she not only He left on Dec. 9, 2010 and returned on enjoyed the cultural experience but gained Feb. 19, staying in cities such as Yangon teaching experience as well. She worked and Mandalay in Burma and Chiang Mai at a school called “English World,” where and Bangkok in Thaishe worked for 18 hours land. a week with two other “People have told teachers who flew from me that when you go England.

I feel braver to Burma, you step Her adjustment to the 30 years into the past city was not a difficult than I have ever because the counthing to accomplish and felt before, and try’s just so undereven the guest room she it’s a great feeldeveloped,” Morgan stayed in at her relative’s said. “That country’s residence had been very ing– not being poverty-stricken, and Americanized, even comafraid of what the I really did feel like I plete with an American stepped back 30 years toilet. world has to offer. when I was there.”

After three months of As he stayed in living and working in the country, he witGuilin, she left on March – Brittany Ragan, GBHS nessed things such as 29 to meet with her mom 2011 graduate children residing in to tour famous tourist garbage dumps and sites across China. women involved with “It was very emotional sex-trafficking in the and very hard for me to red-light district. say goodbye to the city “This experience made me a lot more open- and to all those in it. Guilin had become minded and really took the focus off myself my home and my entire current life and it and put it on other people. It also made me was beyond hard saying goodbye to all of more aware of what really goes on in the the friends I had grown so close to,” Ragan world and how some people live their lives said in an email. on a day to day basis,” Morgan said.

Gaining both the knowledge of a differAfter being so influenced by his mission ent culture and experience of how to teach, trip, Morgan plans to return to Burma and Ragan has definitely grown throughout her Thailand and reside there for one year. trip.

“I want to figure out how I can make an “I feel that I have lost any worry that I impact on other people’s lives,” Morgan would’ve usually had. After doing so many said. things in a big city on my own, I just don’t *** feel stressed anymore,” Ragan said. “I feel Most high school seniors attend school un- braver than I have ever felt before, and it’s til graduation comes around, but early 2011n a great feeling– not being afraid of what the graduate Brittany Ragan stepped out of the world has to offer.”

A4 News

Friday, April 8, 2011

w The Granite Bay Gazette

After a decade and a half, age takes its toll Aging creates leaks in the big gym, but new buildings also experience water problems

building is pretty new, with all the fancy skylights, and to have a leaking ceiling is kind of weird,” said senior Jenn Goishi, who is in Construction on Granite Bay High School Honberger’s AP statistics class. was finished in 1996: the year it first opened.

Honberger agrees, noting that the 900 wing It’s been 15 years since opening, and the is years newer than the rest of the school. buildings are beginning to show some signs of “I would think it shouldn’t be leaking bedeterioration. cause the building is so new,” Honberger said, Some of the green paint around the school “but with new buildings of this type what often has been in need for another coat, but the paint happens, especially with the windier storms, is a highly expensive metallic type. water sometimes gets in places it shouldn’t.

Although assistant McNulty has been in charge principal Brian McNulof the buildings for three ty, who is in charge of years and says the leaking the buildings at GBHS, I would think roofs have been a problem for wants to address this, numerous years now, and not it shouldn’t be there are more pressing just at GBHS. leaking because matters at hand.

Woodcreek High School, The most prominent which GBHS was modeled the building is so deterioration problem after and mirrors in design, new. the school is currently was built a few years before facing is leaking roofs in and is facing some of the the gym and parts of the same problems as well.

– Bruce Honberger, 900 building in the back “Woodcreek is having the math teacher of the school includsame problem, because they ing GBHS math teachhave the same kind of roof er Bruce Honberger’s and design,” McNulty said. classroom.

Problems with the roof have “(My roof) started leaking for the first time been at the school for a few years, but the 900 after the last big storm we had, and this was building leak is new for this year. the second storm, so it’s only been leaking for The issue, though active for a few years is a little bit.” Honberger said. being addressed now because if the roof in the The leak in the 900 building, however, does gym isn’t fixed soon enough, more problems not seem as severe as the leaks from the gym will arise with the wood flooring. roof.

“The architects have had it in their hands “The leaking wasn’t too bad, it dripped in for approximately 3-4 months, checking the about two places so we had to put trash cans design and redesigning and making sure the out to catch the water, but it dripped every few problem is fixed,” McNulty said, “If we’re minutes, nothing too major,” Honberger said. looking to fix it, we have to do it right. If we The leaks, although seemingly minor, seemed don’t, sooner or later the wood in the gym will to be a distractor for students in class. get warped and we’ll have to replace that as The 900 building, which was an addition well.” years after the school was built, has the same The tight education budget does not help, as type of roof as the gym, which could be the the roof will cost more than $15,000 to repair, reason why a newer building is experiencing but McNulty said the school hopes to finish the leaks as well. repairs by the end of the 2012 school year.

“It’s kind of weird, especially because that

BY JON SETIAWAN

jsetiawan.gazette@gmail.com

Gazette photo /RACHAEL VASQUEZ

A garbage can and tarp are used to collect water from a roof leak in the big gym. There is a similar leak in the 900 building.

Hate crimes and racism still prevalent in today’s world GBHS Sikh students experience racial profiling

BY SAMANTHA SPARGO sspargo.gazette@gmail.com

On March 4, Sardar Surinder Singh and Sardar Gurmtej Atwal were taking a walk near their homes in Elk Grove, when they were shot. Singh, 65, died immediately and 78-year-old Atwal was left in critical condition as a result of this suspected hate crime.

Allegedly, Singh and Atwal were targeted simply because they wore turbans, symbols of their Sikh faith.

As a result of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, hate crimes against Sikhs, who are often mistaken for Muslims, have increased dramatically. The percentage of anti-Islamic hate crimes saw more than a 1,000 percent increase, according to the FBI’s Hate Crime Statistics, from 0.02 percent in 2000 to 27.2 percent of religiously motivated hate crimes in 2001.

This percentage has since steadied at around 9 percent as of the last

records in 2009, still a dramatic and they slashed our tires and they leap from 0.2 percent average be- cut our tree (in our front yard), then fore 2001. they ran out too fast for us to do Junior anything about Elveen Mann it,” Mann said. and her family “The whole time I don’t think experienced they were yellprejudice after ing, ‘Go back to there’s been a the attacks on your country.’” time when I’ve the Twin TowMann’s father gone to the ers as a result Dalip Mann exof their Sikh perienced racism airport and not faith and Midmore recently been searched or dle Eastern while helping a background. customer at the screened Around 1 local gas station a.m. in the he owns. After – Elveen Mann, m o r n i n g Mann’s customer GBHS junior shortly after became upset, he the 911 terrortold Mann that he ist attacks, the should “go back Mann family, to the country the only non-white residents of where (he) came from.” their Monterey-area neighborhood, Stories like those of the Manns a-woke to the noise of an engine. and that of Singh and Atwal illus“These young kids came and took trate the hasty and incorrect cona ship anchor or something like that nection that is sometimes made be-

tween Sikhs and the Taliban solely based on appearances.

“I feel like our country acts like there has never been a terrorist other than a Muslim,” Mann said.

“When you think of Muslim, it’s just saying dark skin and a turban, even though (almost all) Muslims don’t wear turbans.”

Mann says that discrimination is not really a problem on the GBHS campus. But in public places, such as airports, she feels that she is singled out for her race and religion.

Mann was on a trip with a group of Caucasian students, when she was taken aside by airport security officials.

“They kept repeatedly asking me how old I was and what my name was like they didn’t believe me. And they searched me and did a whole pat down,” Mann said.

“I don’t think there’s been a time when I’ve gone to the airport and not been screened or searched.”

Junior Amrit Narwan, who is also a Sikh, thinks that she and her family are profiled in a similar manner.

“Every single time my cousin goes to the airport he gets pulled over and gets you know the ‘random’ security check when they’re not really that random,” Narwan said.

Some see turbans and automatically assume the worst.

Religious Sikhs wear turbans, as do Islamic members of the Taliban terrorist organization, which is one of the main reasons the two groups are often confused.

To sophomore Karmtej Cheema, who wears a turban on a daily basis, the head wrap is an important

religious symbol.

“It’s pretty much (worn) to respect the hair,” Cheema said. “We respect the hair because it’s godgiven.”

Cheema, like Mann, says he does not feel threatened at GBHS because he wears a turban.

“I feel like our school is really open to different cultures, and I appreciate that. I don’t think anyone goes around school trying to hate on other cultures,” Mann said. “I just wish that the rest of our community and everybody could be a little better.”

A5 News

Friday, April 8, 2011

w The Granite Bay Gazette

GAS: Many GBHS students are feeling the effects of inflated gas prices Continued from page A2

countries.

Since 65 percent of U.S. oil is imported from these countries, their conflicts will naturally somewhat affect the United States, but perhaps not as detrimentally as most citizens believe.

“Has the oil stopped coming, and has it slowed down?” Valentine asked. “The answer is no.”

Often the U.S. government points fingers at other countries to justify the rise in prices, when truthfully they are only a small factor.

In fact, Saudis have increased oil production despite the conflict currently occurring in their country.

Californians have especially suffered the wrath of gas expense. Analysts have said this is due to the reformulation of our gas that is necessary depending on the season.

California’s refineries are responsible for

creating a winter and a summer gas for- miles on a charge, are already steadily mula in order to promote cleaner air, and growing longer. these facilities are costly “Once gas goes to maintain. up to five bucks, In Valentine’s opinion, the lines will get Has the oil California’s grand total even longer,” Valof 25 million registered entine said. “That slowed down, vehicles and reputation for will help drive and has it severe pollution are large prices down too.” stopped coming? contributing factors.

Licensed GBHS students have been “We always seem to be The answer is no. largely impacted hit harder,” he said. “I by the higher mean come on, you go to – Mike Valentine, history prices.

Wyoming and you’re paySenior Kyle ing less per gallon… how teacher Garcia resides in does that work?”

Forest Hill, a 35Valentine believes a sominute drive from lution will come once the Granite Bay. He price gets high enough to keep Californians from driving. Waiting commutes every day to and from school.

Due to the amount of driving he does, he lists for gas electric cars such as the new $30,000 Chevy Volt, which can drive 90 must fill up his gas tank every four days.

This used to cost him around $30, but since the increase in prices, it costs him more than $40. This has considerably changed his weekly driving habits.

“I can only come down (to Granite Bay) once every weekend,” Garcia said. “And I can’t come down after school on weekdays, because once I go home, coming back uses too much gas.”

He tries to fill his car up at Safeway, where he can get a three-cent discount per gallon, putting the cost at $3.86 per gallon. However, if he has to get gas near his house, it is at Gas N’ Shop, which is about 20 cents more expensive.

Junior Hailey Israel pays for her own gas without help from her parents, which means she has also felt the effects of higher gas prices.

She never fills her tank completely, instead filling her car with $20 worth of gas per week, a $7 increase from what she paid

before gas-price inflation. Israel considers herself lucky to drive a car that gives 25-35 miles per gallon.

Her job as a tournament director for recreational basketball pays about $120 per weekend, but to get to her job she must make a 50-mile journey round trip to North Highlands.

“I feel like I’m not making as much money from my job because of the commute,” she said.

Israel, like Garcia, also takes advantage of the Safeway Club Member discount, but it is not enough.

As the natural fluctuation of supply and demand continues and once Middle Eastern conflicts are resolved, the prices will eventually fall. Until then, some sacrifices will have to be made.

“Maybe one day we won’t have to be so dependent on other countries,” Valentine said.

ACCEPTANCE: With acceptances out, seniors decide which school is right for them Continued from page A2

years,” Vogeley said. “In terms of the statistics of kids who got in and kids who got rejected, it’s been a lot harder (to be accepted).”

Senior Kristi Shinfuku went online to check the status of her UC Berkeley application, but upon opening her portal, she read a strange decision.

“When I checked, it said ‘Congratulations,’ and everything was normal as it would in any other letter,” Shinfuku said. “Then it said for spring 2012 and I thought I applied wrong.”

Shinfuku was one of a handful of GBHS students admitted for only the Spring 2012 semester.

According to her, she would be able to live there and take some of her general education requirements, but she wouldn’t techni-

cally be a member of the student body until the second semester of her freshman year.

Since UC Berkeley wasn’t her first choice school, she didn’t feel too upset about the strange decision. However, she did find it a little unusual and says that Berkeley may be one of very few schools who admit students for only the second term.

“It was just weird. I don’t know whether to feel happy or not. I got

accepted, but not really,” Shinfuku said. “I felt rejected, but I wasn’t – I could still go if I wanted to.”

Unlike many of her fellow seniors, Asbhy Vose has known where she will be attending next year since early December.

After deciding she wanted to attend a school in an urban setting, she researched schools in Boston, Chicago and New York, and found New York University.

She visited it over the summer

and fell in love. With her heart set on it, she applied early decision, a binding application that says that the school is the applicant’s top choice.

“My deadline was November first, so it was super early but I got it in and got it all done,” Vose said. “I knew by December 8th, before Christmas break. It was the best Christmas present ever.”

Without having to stress about waiting to hear from schools until

March like other students, Vose has felt much more relaxed and had very few second thoughts.

“It’s really nice (to know because) everyone else is still freaking out,” she said. “Every once in a while, when it’s cold and rainy, I (panic and) think it’s going to be worse (in New York City). There are a few things like that where I think I made a bad decision, but I think I’ll be happy with whatever comes my way.”

CRASHES: Hydroplaning, rainy weather, cell phones put young drivers in danger Continued from page A2 pop the roof of the car off to try and rescue the boy. The Rocklin Fire Department, also on the scene due to the location being just inside its jurisdiction, was able to help put out the fire and use the Jaws of Life to cut the victim out.

Unfortunately, when they extracted Schlimmer from the vehicle, he had no pulse.

“Even if he was alert, he couldn’t have gotten out,” Portillo said. “The car was too damaged.”

The unofficial cause of the accident is speeding, though the victim was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. According to Morris and Portillo, speed and inattention are a lethal combination that is seen far too often in teens.

Dell Oro students attended a candlelight vigil for Schlimmer the following day.

Many Granite Bay High School students have had their own experiences with crashes, such as senior Morgan Thomas who was involved in a hydroplaning accident that did not end so tragically.

“I was coming out of my neighborhood, and it had just started raining,” Thomas said. “I hydroplaned and then spun out.”

The hydroplane caused Thomas’s car to flip on its side and then flip back over into oncoming traffic.

She blacked out until she was awakened by a woman who had witnessed the accident.

“I slammed on my brakes (while hydroplaning), I didn’t know better,” Thomas said.

When hydroplaning, it is safer to ease your foot off the gas pedal and avoid braking.

Her car was totaled and required about $1,800 of repair work. Thomas suffered a concussion, which she has since recovered from.

Both Portillo and Morris attribute many accidents to inattentiveness and human error.

Though the hands-free law has been in effect for almost two years, many accidents are still caused by drivers who are distracted by cell phones. Morris does note, however, that since the art of the airbag has been perfected, many victims walk away from accidents that would have otherwise been fatal.

Morris believes many accidents could be prevented if teens were more aware of how and when their

FBLA: Club enjoys another year of success Continued from page A2 held on March 5. Events are held in marketing, accounting, personal finance, solving hypothetical scenarios and public speaking.

Some events involve interviews, but most are in the form of written tests. One even involves submitting a video clip of a sample advertisement.

The people who place in the top five, three, or two, depending on the event, qualify to move onto States.

Eight GBHS students placed, including Hirani, sophomore Gokul Asokan and sophomore Brian Wei. They will be moving on, along with the top members from the other five section competitions, which were held all over California, to the State Competition which will be held on April 14 in Santa Clara.

After that, members who place in the top two in certain events can continue on to nationals. This year, nationals will be held in Orlando, Fla., at the end of June.

The club has a history of doing very well. For the last five years, students have gone to nationals.

Last year, sophomore Brian Wei got to go to Tennessee for the competition.

The club has been around since GBHS opened. Originally, business teacher Jeanne Sampson was the adviser of the program, but Patterson became involved when he decided he wanted to help out with an activity to supplement the teaching position he was applying for at GBHS. At the first competition he attended, Patterson encountered a reason that makes many people like the club, including himself.

At the awards ceremony, one of the girls on the team placed second

out of the top 10. She had never won anything before, and her pride touched Patterson.

Her father came to pick her up and she excitedly showed him the plaque she won.

“She’s crying and he’s hugging her, and I’m just sitting there going, this is why I do what I do,” Patterson said.

Senior Ali Sharif, who is the president of the club, doesn’t do any other extracurricular activities, so he agreed with Patterson on the good feeling of being involved in something.

He especially appreciates the leadership skills he has learned from his experience in the club.

Another perk of the program is that it looks impressive on college applications, which is what influenced senior member Simon Balean to join.

“My friends were doing it, and there were posters up saying it was good for college apps, so I decided to try,” he said.

The fact that he is considering going into business in college was another contributing factor.

In fact, students can continue doing FBLA in college. At that level, the program is referred to as Phi Beta Lambda, and is more of a time commitment.

“Someone like me, I’d love to do it in college, I love business (and it’s) what I want to major in,” Hirani said, “but I don’t know about the other kids.”

Aside from competitions, the club primarily works on service projects, such as the March of Dimes and the Go Green Project. They also sold drinks at the Homecoming Bonfire.

FBLA members can also par-

Your names.

Your faces.

The Gazette.

ticipate in leadership conferences.

Balean has attended one.

“There are practice competitions and there is information on how to run businesses,” he said. “They explain the business world and how you can impact it.”

Club meetings are held about once a month and members take practice tests, study from books and prepare for an event if one is coming up.

“You become friends,” Sharif said. The members spend lots of time together, especially since most students are in the club for all four years of high school.

One of the goals that the club has for the future is to get more people involved. On average, the club has consisted of about 25 members each year.

“Club day, we’ll have 85, 105 sign up,” said Patterson. “The first meeting we’ll have 30-40 people, but then they’ll ... decide it’s not for them, and that’s fine too.”

Patterson said he tries solicit kids in his business classes and parents at back to school night, emphasizing the importance of being more than just a student and getting involved in activities.

“I like the fact that (FBLA) gives recognition to students who normally don’t get recognition,” Patterson said. “My goal is to give our students opportunities.”

cars needed maintenance in order to function as safely as possible.

“The simple things a teen can do (are) ask parents for help, or take the car to an auto shop,” Morris said.

Another contributing factor is

weather and a lack of safe driving in weather that requires attention.

Morris says multiple accidents are almost guaranteed to occur on the first day of rain each year. Also, more accidents occur in warm

weather than many would think, due to the number of people who are out and about.

“No one ever thinks it will happen to them,” Portillo said. “We think we’re invincible.”

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w The Granite Bay Gazette

JAPAN: Granite Bay offers support Continued from page A1

Gazette illustration/PARKER EVANS

Blood-alcohol content of teenagers can vary greatly depending on weight and drinks consumed. A BAC of 0.2 can lead to memory loss and blacking out.

ALCOHOL: Teens more susceptible to neurological damage Continued from page A1 approach,” Sinor said. “We addressed the behavioral aspects – why kids drink – (as well as) the physical effects of alcohol and the short-term and long-term consequences of teens drinking.”

Sinor wanted to focus on educating teens about how much damage alcohol can have on their brains.

According to a 2010 report by the American Medical Association, “the brain’s frontal lobes, essential for functions such as emotional regulation, planning and organization, continue to develop through adolescence and young adulthood. At this stage, the brain is more vulnerable to the toxic and addictive actions of alcohol and other drugs.”

The biggest medical concern surrounding teen drinking today is the trend of binge drinking, which is defined as drinking five drinks within two hours for males and four drinks for females.

While the trend of “drinking to get drunk” is rather obvious to teenagers, it’s a source of increasing concern for adults considering the possible medical ramifications.

“No one drinks alcohol because they like the taste of it,” said a senior boy who asked to remain anonymous. “You drink because you want to get drunk, and feel the effects of it.”

To Kent Morrison, a sobriety counselor with New Directions Counseling Associates, this attitude is precisely

the problem. He said young people into the hospital with acute alcohol underestimate the potential dangers poisoning. of alcohol, and don’t see it for what is The average age of participants in really is – a toxin. the study is 15.3 years. The age range “As an adolescent, you can actually is from 13-17 years, and the average have a higher alcohol tolerance than an blood alcohol level of the youth, when adult, so it takes more to get you drunk. hospitalized is 0.177.

However, the other side of it is you will Patmon, who’s been a nurse for three have more (neuroand half years, logical) harm done said there’s been to you at a minimal an increase in amount of alcohol,” the number of If it takes three, Morrison said. “If minors brought four, five beers to it takes three, four, into the hospital five beers to get you with alcohol poiget you drunk, it drunk, it will only soning. There’s will only take one take one beer to start also been a sigbeer to start doing doing harm to yournificant increase self.” in the amount of harm to yourself.

Binge drinking is females hospiwhat killed Shelby talized, and the Allen – she had age that both – Kent Morrison, been taking shots genders start New Directions Counseling of vodka with a few showing up in Associates friends when she the emergency began throwing up and passed out. Her friends, who were also drunk, didn’t think to call for medical help. In the morning, they found Shelby dead in the bathroom.

Frances Patmon is an emergency room nurse at Sutter Roseville, and she has been involved in a study funded by a grant received in conjunction with University of California at Davis.

With the grant, the E.R. nurses and other hospital officials involved keep track of statistics of the youth brought

room has been getting younger and younger.

Younger drinkers and female drinkers face even higher risks of alcohol damage than the stereotype of drunken junior and senior boys.

Morrison and Patmon both said that teenage girls are increasingly trying to “keep up with the boys” when they drink. According to Morrison, not only do females have lower body mass than males, but they have lower concentrations of an enzyme in the stomach that

breaks down ethanol.

“They’re all in the same environment, so (girls) see the boys drinking three or four drinks, then they’re going to want to drink three or four drinks,” Morrison said. “Well, three or four drinks will have a much more significant impact on a female than it will on a male.”

Females also tend to have a different psychological response to drinking.

While many males drink for the social aspect of it, girls are more inclined to get drunk as a stress relief.

Overall, binge drinking compounds the effects of alcohol, and can impact neurological development and memory.

For a female who weighs 130 pounds, it only takes five drinks to begin to experience vomiting, memory loss, and blacking out – a blood-alcohol level of about 0.2, halfway to the 0.4 fatal level.

For a boy of 160 pounds, it takes about seven drinks to reach a BAL of 0.2.

Until more teenagers are educated about the dangers of binge drinking, the Teen Alcohol Safety Act could prevent unnecessary deaths such as Shelby’s.

“Kids will do everything they can not to get caught, including harming themselves and including harming friends. No one wants to accept blame for their own actions,” Morrison said.

“If we eliminate the threat of that consequence, hopefully kids will make better choices, because alcohol poisoning is preventable. If we get a chance to work with somebody in enough time, it’s 100 percent save-able.”

and Facebooked them,” Arai said in an email, “and some of them replied back to us.”

Those who have made contact with Arai are without transportation and have lost their homes.

“We’re really worried about our family who hasn’t contacted us back yet,” she said.

Although the heaviest damage to utilities and property was concentrated in the northern area of Japan, many people throughout the country experienced a lapse in communications.

Former freshman Hajime Oishi had one such experience. Though he now lives in Kanagawa prefecture, which is south of Tokyo and somewhat distanced from the earthquake and tsunami, he was unable to contact his Japanese family members immediately following the disaster.

“I couldn’t believe that it was really happening,” he said in an email interview. “I was so scared even though I was far away from an ocean.”

Non-perishable goods like bottled water and batteries are in short supply in Tokyo, Oishi said, though conditions have improved since the crisis began.

The global response to the disaster has been overwhelming, with the American Red Cross reporting more than $120 million in donations to the Japanese relief effort.

Several students have been organizing their own Red Cross benefit fundraisers on and off campus.

Freshman Jori Vajretti and her friends have been conducting bake sales and collecting donations during lunch. Those who donate receive a freshly-folded origami crane, a Japanese symbol of prosperity.

On March 25, the Pleasant Grove Lollicup location donated a portion of its drink sales to a Japanese relief fund.

Mikuni, a sushi restaurant chain owned by Arai’s father Taro Arai, recently catered a large fundraiser, “Hope for Japan.” The event was hosted by Bayside Church and successfully raised more than $170,000 for the relief effort.

Mikuni has been doing several independent promotions for the Red Cross, including a special “Rescue” sushi roll.

Japanese teacher Naoko Eshbaugh, whose son was in Japan when the earthquake struck, expressed her gratitude regarding the outpouring of international support.

“We need to cherish what we have. The simple things, like family and friends, (and) the fact that we can go to the grocery store (for) food supplies,” she said.

Eshbaugh will be visiting Japan over spring break, and she said she isn’t worried about her safety abroad.

The proposed Japanese class trip to Japan may be postponed until next year, amid concerns about radiation from the compromised Fukushima Daiichi power plant, as well as logistical problems like closed tourist attractions. Parents of would-be travelers will make a final decision sometime before the June departure date.

“My priority is the safety of travelers,” Eshbaugh said.

Japanese authorities are currently struggling to contain the Fukushima plant, which has been leaking contaminated water.

Radiation has been detected in the area surrounding the plant, and in Californian dairy products. But according to the Environmental Protection Agency, the amount of radiation is so minuscule that American consumers are safe.

Despite the grim circumstances, Shinfuku has high hopes for Japan’s future. According to her uncle, there haven’t been any riots over food or supplies, and people are still acting civilly, even obeying traffic laws.

“People are rallying together and they really know how to survive – they share food,” Shinfuku said. “They are going to make it through.”

STAR: GBHS administration takes first step towards motivating students by offering grade bumps, free dance Continued from page A1 bearing on their academic careers.

“We needed to underscore the importance of the test,” McGuire said.

If GBHS hits the magic number of 860, McGuire has promised a return to free parking for upperclassmen.

Additionally, two rows of spaces in the parking lot will be reserved for students who receive STAR test scores of all “proficient” or “advanced,” the two highest quintiles.

Special decals will be given to these students who will be able to park in the designated area on a first-come, first-serve basis.

In addition to special parking privileges for upperclassmen, McGuire is also considering offering parking passes to sophomores who performed exceptionally on their STAR tests as freshmen.

McGuire is willing to do whatever it takes to emphasize the importance of the STAR test.

“We realized that there are some things we could change in the culture to show that this test matters,” McGuire said.

Most controversial, though, are the proposed grade bumps for STAR test scores.

Under the proposed rules, English, history and science students could raise one semester’s grades by a half grade – potentially bringing students from a B+ to an A-, for example, or from a D+ to a C-.

In math courses, the potential grade bump is even more pronounced. Students who receive “advanced” on the test, even in a weighted class, could raise their

grade from a B- all the way to an A-.

Students who received a D in a semester in math but manage a “basic” score on the STAR test would receive a C on their transcripts and not need to retake the course to satisfy graduation requirements.

Strangely enough, after taking the STAR test for the 10th and final time as a junior in 2010 – California students start taking STAR tests in second grade – senior Moby Ahmed is glad he’s graduating before the new incentives take effect.

“I don’t know if it’s right for the students that already have A’s,” Ahmed said.

A 4.4 GPA student who currently plans to attend the University of Michigan next year, Ahmed admits he put a minimal effort into the test last year as a junior.

“If you give grade bumps, it will lower the value of a good grade,” Ahmed said. “Students work hard to get their A’s, and a grade bump depreciates its value.”

McGuire takes a different stance.

“A student who scores ‘advanced’ on the STAR test has demonstrated mastery,” he said. And mastery of the standards is the bottom line.

According to McGuire, the STAR test is comparable to a course final, at least in the math department.

McGuire gives the credit for the renewed focus to the teachers.

“The faculty for the most part had a change of mind on this,” said McGuire, who called the new emphasis a “grass-roots movement.”

A few GBHS teachers looked to other local schools for inspiration for tips on preparing students for

standardized tests.

Annie Ellis is a sophomore at Rocklin High School, which has been focused on increasing STAR scores for years.

“They definitely do what they can to motivate us,” Ellis said.

At Rocklin High, the school puts on a yearly “Excellence Assembly” where students who improved on their previous years’ STAR scores are awarded T-shirts and recognized in front of their peers.

At the assembly, high scorers are entered in a raffle for a variety of prizes, including prom tickets.

Rocklin’s strategy doesn’t include a grade bump and goes beyond just the assembly.

Every year, if there’s any improvement in the overall API score, the school throws a barbecue for students complete with a popular free dance.

This year, if Rocklin High reaches its target API score of 900, the school’s principal and assistant principals have promised to shave their heads.

Even with all of the rewards, however, Ellis believes the Rocklin administration’s attempts at motivation aren’t always enough.

“I think (the incentives) might help a few students who otherwise wouldn’t care about (the STAR test),” Ellis said, “but for the most part, that mindset isn’t going to change.”

Ellis admitted that the incentives weren’t in the back of her mind last spring when she took the STAR test.

“It’s cool to have the added bonuses, though,” she added.

At GBHS, the administration is

tackling the issue of motivation from both sides, including punishments for poor performances as well.

Students who score “below basic” on this year’s English tests will not be allowed to be teacher assistants for the next school year.

McGuire is establishing restrictions on Advanced Placement classes as well.

“If you’re going to be in an AP course, I expect ‘basic’ or better in that subject,” McGuire said.

The issue of restricting offcampus periods is a little hazier, however. McGuire said he doesn’t want to cross the line by hurting some students who actually need that off-campus period.

“I am not going to interfere in a student’s life based on the STAR test if they have valid or legitimate reasons,” McGuire said.

Overall, McGuire recognizes that GBHS is still in the incentive program’s early stages, and the school’s efforts might be subject to a little trial and error.

“It’s action research at its finest,” McGuire said.

Right now, all he can do is sit back and wait for the results. When the scores come back, the administration will reevaluate and adjust as needed.

Expectations are high. McGuire has his sights set on a 15-point increase for the school’s API scores and a massive decrease in the percentage of students scoring below “basic” in math.

“Our assumption is that students will take the test seriously,” McGuire said, “and that their test scores will reflect what they know.”

The Gazette

Friday, April 8, 2011

w The Granite Bay Gazette

News A7

Voices

Granite Bay Gazette

A Section

Friday w April 8, 2011

Chill out, world

GAZETTE The Granite Bay

GRANITE BAY HIGH SCHOOL 1 GRIZZLY WAY GRANITE BAY, CA 95746

Editors-in-Chief: Parker Evans Jessica Reese Alison Sale Katie Zingheim News/Web Editors: Adrienne Blevins Haley Massara Matt Veneman Kyle Pawlak Voices Editors: Sarah Bertin Adam Tilford Features Editors: Katie Bostedt Shannon Carroll ShinEui Park Justin Shiiba Entertainment Editors: Jamie Cologna Brittany Hince Sonia Iyer Shannon Wagner Sports Editors: R. Slater McLaughlin Laura Preston Christine Zavesky Photo/Graphics Editor: Maggie Louis Illustrators: Justin Shiiba Alison Sale Adam Tilford

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Commentary

Our over-reactive society needs to calm down

ome topics in the world call for expresses her politically incorrect a serious demeanor. Nuclear frustration and promptly receives death threats, devastating tsunamis threats. and terrorism are all topics that When did people start taking YouTube should never be taken lightly. rants so seriously? There are plenty of However, when I turn on the TV to insensitive people out there, but I don’t watch the news, I don’t think I should think that kind of immaturity warrants see a story about how PETA is upset such a frightening response. with President Obama for killing a fly.

Free speech guarantees everyone the Does anyone remember when that right to an opinion, but that doesn’t happened? I remember it well, because mean that anyone has to agree with it.

I performed a double-take at my TV set I think we might need to start learning to make sure I “Sticks and stones...” wasn’t watching again, and just calm the Onion News down a little.

Network.

Another situation in I think the world At that modire need of calming needs a good, ment, my first is the high school GPA thought was that race. long vacation, PETA needs to For some reason, it because right take a chill-pill. has become an absolute now, people are However, since life priority for many then I have come students these days taking everyto realize that it to achieve the highest thing way too isn’t just PETA GPA possible because that needs to they believe without seriously. calm down – it’s it they will ultimately everyone. be unhappy in life – or I think the at least that’s the only world needs a good, long vacation, plausible explanation I can come up because right now, people are taking with. everything way too seriously.

I knew that people worried about For instance, most people have heard grades, but not until a little while ago about the girl from UCLA, Alexandra did I realize the seriousness of it all.

Wallace, who posted a racist rant on One school day at lunch, I walked YouTube about Asians being loud in the into a teacher’s classroom to talk about library. However, not everyone knows something, but I was staring at my that she received death threats because of what she said.

Yes, death threats. An ignorant college girl

Commentary

austin downs adowns.gazette@gmail.com

adam tilford atilford.gazette@gmail.com

phone as I entered the room so I didn’t know who else was inside.

When I looked up, I was standing a few steps behind a student who was in tears, sobbing, and trying to get out the words to ask for reconsideration on a grade.

After stealthily tip-toeing backwards out of the room, I began thinking about the perceived pressure that exists in high school to get amazing grades, and I came to the conclusion that, once again, people just need to chill out a little.

I don’t think receiving a “B” is literally worth crying over.

In the end, I think humanity in general is just too stressed out. We need to prioritize, relax and just try to enjoy ourselves a little more.

Life should never be taken too seriously, because in the end no one gets out alive anyway. *** Adam Tilford, a senior, is a Gazette Voices editor.

Photographers: Rachael Vasquez John Park Allison Garvey Staff Writers: Ari Black Austin Downs Allison Garvey Sahil Khosla Kelsey Knorp Gary Nielsen John Park Alex Pink Jon Setiawan Samantha Spargo Rachael Vasquez Moosa Zaidi Advertising Manager: Nico Mamone

Adviser: Karl Grubaugh The Gazette is published eight times per academic year by students in the advanced journalism class at Granite Bay High School.

Content is determined by the staff and does not necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of Granite Bay High School’s faculty, administration, adviser or student body.

Students are protected in their exercise of press freedom by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States and California Education Code 48907.

Signed editorials and columns reflect the views of the writer.

Letters to the editor and guest commentaries are encouraged and must be signed, although anonymity can be granted on a case-bycase basis.

The editorial board reviews letters to the editor, advertising and guest commentaries and reserves the right to edit and refuse material. Reasons can include length, clarity, libel, obscenity, material disruption of the educational process at Granite Bay High School or violation of copyright laws.

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People are losing power in this democratic nation

“W

e the People.” That’s what America’s constitution says.

But I can’t help but wonder… does that even mean anything today?

The more and more I pay attention to the news, the more and more I hear and see a few individuals taking away power from the general public (i.e., Wisconsin’s union fiasco and the Supreme Court lifting the ban on corporate political spending).

Compared to other industrialized nations, we seem to be heading backwards.

Both politically and economically, a narrow concentration of people controls the general well-being for the rest of the people.

In overturning years of court rulings, the Supreme Court ruled by a close 5-4 vote that corporations no longer have a limit to their funding but instead had complete freedom to fund any political campaign they wanted to; they are now treated as individuals.

When I heard about this, my first and only reaction was a farewell to democracy.

Here is how I see it: Politician A is running against Politician B for a position. Politician A decides to take the honest and sincere way and sets up 15 fund-raiser dinners in which he attends every single one and personally thanks each and every person’s contribution to his campaign. He ends up raising a grand total of $25,000.

Meanwhile, Politician B decides to not hold any fund-raisers of any sort but instead goes on a relaxing vacation. When he returns from his vacation, a wonderful corporation (let’s just go with an international company such as McDonald’s) has generously donated $1 million to Politician’s B campaign.

Politician B than uses this money to annihilate Politician A through a bombardment of smear ads.

As is true in America, Politician B wins the election.

Corporations should not be counted as individuals in the sense of contributors. In the grander scheme of striving for democracy, how can a capitalistic style of business be a part of democracy?

And who’s to say those corporations will not pull money from their international profits and funnel that into their donations (this has probably already happened through clever accounting, but shhhhh…that’s top secret information and the public can’t know about this).

Not only is power concentrated within a few people, the economy (including government spending and funding) is also like this.

The U.S. government currently spends $4 on the elder crowd for every $1 spent on people under the age of 18.

But wait a minute; doesn’t the pathway for a brighter better future start with the young and not the old? So how come we are spending most of our money on (pardon me for sounding cruel) those dying off and not the youth who are going to be eventually running our nation?

America is seeing the gap between poor to rich widen immensely, and the middle class is becoming less and less powerful. Too few people control too much of the money, and far too many people have too little money.

Not only is the gap widening, but it is now becoming more and more difficult to rise above your birth status. As of right now, if you are born poor, you will most likely stay poor. If you are born rich, you will most likely stay rich.

If this country continues to move down the path it is heading, then I bid a farewell to our glory days and I can only wish that I was part of past generations where the American dream could be realized by most Americans. *** Austin Downs, a sophomore, is a Gazette staff writer.

Everyone needs to help in times of world crisis

Send Letters to the Editor to: gbgazette@yahoo.com Identification Statement Granite Bay Gazette Published eight times per academic year c/o Granite Bay High School 1 Grizzly Way Granite Bay, CA 95746 Subscriptions: $25 per year/ $15 per half year

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atural disasters aren’t just a topic for overblown Hollywood movies – they are also a harsh reality.

International crises like the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami caused widespread poverty, death and hopelessness. However, the world’s response was fantastic and nearly everyone was trying to help the millions of victims in some way, shape or form.

When the Haiti earthquake struck last year and hundreds of thousands of peoples’ lives were at risk, the U.S. jumped at the opportunity to help.

These kinds of responses are exactly

EDITORIAL The voice of the Granite Bay Gazette

what are needed to help all of the victims of the recent Japan tsunami who are struggling to survive and rebuild across the Pacific. Hopefully these efforts can be sustained for as long as it takes to rebuild.

We urge everyone to donate or aid the relief effort in some way, because, as citi-

zens, we all have a responsibility to help out when a friendly nation is in need.

Remember that “Golden Rule” drilled into our heads in kindergarten and elementary school? Treat others as you would want to be treated yourself. That is one rule that should never be broken, especially in times of crisis.

Try to imagine a scenario where, after Hurricane Katrina caused devastating floods in New Orleans in 2005, the rest of the country sat back and did nothing.

Try to imagine that we decided to let New Orleans attempt to rebuild itself without the rest of the nation’s help.

That’s a scary scenario, isn’t it?

When anyone experiences a crisis, whether it is a person, a city, a state or an entire country, they need the help of others.

Yes, it’s true that we are in pretty rough economic times, but in the big picture some things are more important, and some people need money more than us.

So right now, let’s make the right move and help out Japan. This isn’t a problem that should quickly be forgotten – it’ll take hard work and lots of aid, but soon enough Japan will be back up and running without death, destruction or radiation.

Friday, April 8, 2011

Voices A9

w The Granite Bay Gazette

Granite Bay youth that yearn to escape should appreciate the ‘bubble’ they’ve grown up in

Commentary

G

ranite Bay, Commentary California, otherwise not-soaffectionately known as “the bubble,” is a fairly upscale suburban community known to be generally wealthier than other places. It is home to some of the highestranked public schools in California, and its residents have 70 percent kknorp.gazette@gmail.com less chance of experiencing violent crime than the scenario is one rest of the nation. found in movies, Why, then, do so many people, primar- in books, but rarely ily Granite Bay High School students, in real life. Plenty insist that Granite Bay is such an awful of students are less place to live? fortunate than those It seems that this hatred emerges at residing in Granite around the ages of 14 or 15, when teens Bay, and all of them become anxious to be older, more somiss out on chances phisticated and more cultured. Of course to cultivate their every adolescent wants to explore new abilities and create a interests and satisfy their curiosity about successful future for the world, but does that mean they have themselves. There’s to hate the place where they grew up? nothing wrong with These students neglect to realize that in embracing the opfour or five years – which, in the grand portunities you have scheme of things, is a short period of been presented with, time – they will be on their own. The even if they are on years before the age of 18 are a small the cliché silver fraction of an entire life left to live wher- platter. ever or however a person should choose.

Your inner advenAlso, keep in mind that these places are turer may be ready foreign to you. There’s always intrigue to leave everything in the unknown, but did you ever conbehind and explore sider that every place has its flaws? what the rest of the Haters, I ask you this: would you world has to offer, rather have been raised in a town where but did you ever consider that now, it isn’t safe to walk your own street at in this place that seems mundane and night? Where innocent children suffer purposeless, is the time to gather tools the consequences of gang violence, or you’ll need for the rest of your life? grow up only to become involved in While you’re here, take advantage gangs themselves? of the wide array of available classes, It’s easy to stand at a distance and say programs and resources that can, if used that we are willing to be part of such a correctly, guide you anywhere you want society, for the sake of living somewhere to go to pursue almost any dream. If you more interesting. I’m sure some even se- let it, Granite Bay can be an essential cretly see themselves in a rags-to-riches stepping stone, and a pretty stable one. scenario, somehow beating the odds, What happens when your curiosity overcoming their circumstances, and is satisfied and you’re ready to settle making something of themselves. down? Instead of complaining and The truth is, this glorified ghetto counting down the days until graduation,

sarah bertin sbertin.gazette@gmail.com

Not all native U.S. citizens have such ‘American’ habits

kelsey knorp

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Gazette illustration/ADAM TILFORD

put as much work as possible into all of your endeavors, to prepare yourself for the trials of the real world, for financial independence, for a time when you’ll no longer be sheltered by the umbrella of your high school teachers and parents.

After the novelty of a new place has worn off, you’ll realize the mercy that is shown to youth is no longer available to you, that mistakes are no longer steps in the learning process but detrimental actions with real consequences.

For those who, at ages as young as 15 or 16, are anxious to graduate and get as far away from their suburban hometown

as possible, take a deep breath and try to realize that you have your whole life to experience the glamour and diversity of other places if you so choose. But be grateful that as a teenager you’ve had the chance to begin equipping yourself with the tools you need to make a successful life for yourself, to pursue a profession and be able to afford a safe, comfortable lifestyle for your children, or even just for yourself. Even the most spontaneous people need stability eventually. *** Kelsey Knorp, a junior, is a Gazette staff writer.

Gas prices fill tanks but empty wallets High costs are tough for low-budget teens

Gazette illustration/ADAM TILFORD

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t’s becoming one of the most dreaded experiences for anyone who drives a motor vehicle. It makes my stomach turn and causes immediate grief – it’s the feeling you get when you put your key in the ignition and the empty fuel light blinks to life. I remember I only have a few miles remaining before I have to fill up my gas tank.

Even though I knew I needed to fill my tank days ago, I put it off. I just can’t bring myself to spend ludicrous prices for gas.

I am finding it increasingly difficult to pull into the gas station after passing the sign that says it is $4 per gallon. I pass the gas station every day, and every day the price has raised at least a cent or two. I cringe passing that sign. It gives me the sudden urge to turn around, put my car in my garage, buy a bike and never drive ever again.

Unluckily I don’t have the luxury of driving a Prius and only paying $25 to fill up my tank. In the past month, my gas has gone from costing $40 a tank to $55 a tank, and that number has continued to climb.

By summer the Energy Information Administration estimates that gas will soar to over $4 a gallon.

I started driving a year and a half ago. Back then, gas cost half of what it does now. I think it is ridiculous how insanely high gasoline prices have gotten.

With so much going on in the world, gas shouldn’t be people’s biggest priority.

Every day I drive to school, and at the

Commentary

jamie cologna jcologna.gazette@gmail.com

end of the day I drive home. Both times I get stuck sitting in traffic, wasting my precious gas, trying to get to or out of the parking lot. Then I drive around Granite Bay, and there is a stop sign every couple hundred feet, wasting even more of my gas.

Little things, like driving on the freeway, immediately brighten my day; I look forward to using less gas and saving money.

Now when my mom offers to drive me somewhere, I immediately accept the offer. I used to love the freedom of driving myself, but I am now more than happy to let her waste her gas bringing me somewhere.

This gas crisis has made me completely re-evaluate my spending habits. I have had to cut how much food I buy or how much I go to the mall, because I know that my money now needs to go toward feeding my car. *** Jamie Cologna, a senior, is a Gazette Green Screen editor.

was born in California, but I’m definitely foreign. With French and Colombian parents, I’ve never been a typical American girl.

I’ve never read the story of the Three Stooges nor seen Little Red Riding Hood, but I’ve read Le Petit Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, a classic French short-story, three times instead.

I’ve never gone to church, never watched baseball or played soccer as a child; instead I went to Versailles in Paris and the Museum of Gold in Bogota.

Growing up, I never ate Bisquick pancakes or Aunt Jemima syrup. I never dared eat anything that was manufactured by McDonalds or Denny’s. On the other hand, I ate quiche, crêpes, sancocho, empanadas, couscous and coq-au-vin; food that many have never even heard of before.

I never put My Amerimyself down can-raised for being just a little bit peers different than seem to my Amerifind it hard can-cultured friends. to accept In elothers for ementary school, my who they mom would are. always pack me a lunch with a piece of an apple pie or a Panini. Seems simple enough, I thought, but I never heard the end of it; “What in the world are you eating?” my classmates would ask.

Years went by, with them eating cafeteria food and me eating my home-made lunches.

Finally in high school, I thought it would be different. I was completely mistaken.

To this day, I still have senior friends, supposedly educated, mature 18-year old students, who continue making snide comments about the food I eat, although it is mainly crêpes and fruit.

The problem isn’t the remarks; it’s that, even with a simple thing like food, my American-raised peers seem to find it hard to accept others for who they are. It seems to me, the more I grow up, the more the stereotypical American becomes a reality I see every day.

The typical American is ignorant. Just look at what we learn in our schools – about Christopher Columbus’s romantic journey to conquer the Americas, about the atomic bomb that saved thousands of American soldiers and about spreading democracy around the world.

But we never learn about the indigenous people killed while taking over the western hemisphere. We never learned about the fact that the atomic bomb was dropped to remove the emperor, but the U.S. was already planning on rebuilding Japan around that same emperor. And we never learned that in order to spread our so-called democracy, we sponsored dictators like Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and Saddam Hussein, and helped overthrow the first democratically elected president of Iran in 1953, Mohammad Mosaddegh, because he wasn’t going to comply with what our government wanted.

We are ignorant in politics. We curse Obama for being educated on the Muslim culture, because who would be well-informed about the Middle East? And because of this knowledge, the Birthers are given more so-called proof that Obama was not born in America. Better yet, an ABC poll states that in 2010, 14 percent of Americans believed he was born abroad and 19 percent were unsure.

As a generation of emerging students, we should be able to understand others for who they are and become more accepting of other cultures. We should be able to make informed decisions about minorities, different ideologies and traditions that many Americans aren’t accustomed to.

It’s time to take the lead on changing how Americans are perceived. Travel, try new things, educate yourself on other cultures.

It doesn’t take much, but if Sarah Palin’s famous phrase about seeing Russia from her house is any indication of the intellectual state of Americans, we have a long way to go. *** Sarah Bertin, a senior, is a Gazette Voices editor.

A10 Voices

Friday, April 8, 2011

HEARD on the

w The Granite Bay Gazette

Breeding a talentless America

The media’s attention on ‘celebrities’ leads to undeserving fame and love

BAY R

What did you think of the last minute Sadies’ dress code change?

“I didn’t think dressing up like Indians was really that big of a deal.”

F r e s h m a n

ebecca Black has no singing talent. Everybody knows that. Her music video Friday has reached more than 65 million views with more than one million dislikes, and almost every comment on it is negative. Why then is she currently in the studio making her debut album? Why is she being contacted by countless songwriters and record labels for new song ideas? Why is she even being offered a singing career in the first place if most people think her voice is appalling?

Because she knows that she’ll make millions off that album, and that no matter how terrible her songs are, she’ll rake in the dough.

But who could blame her? Many people would leap at the chance to exploit themselves for millions.

The blame for her undeserved rise to celebrity shouldn’t be on her – it should be blamed on us, the people, who have allowed her trash to become an internet phenomenon and even reach the iTunes top 100 chart.

Our pop-sensationalized, internet-addicted, reality TV-loving culture has transformed the word “talent” into meaning any mediocre wannabe pop star with auto-tune, or any eccentric drug-addicted has-been craving attention.

Yes that means you, Charlie Sheen.

You have recently been in the news nonstop for what exactly? Acting as if you’ve just con-

T

S o p h o m o r e

Victoria Moreno “It’s garbage. People should be able to wear what they want to a costume dance.”

J u n i o r

justin shiiba jshiiba.gazette@gmail.com

sumed five different drugs at once and considering yourself “bi-winning?” Not exactly what I’d call a perfect role model.

I’m not saying living with two “goddesses” and making $2 million per episode of Two and a Half Men isn’t desirable. I don’t object to Sheen’s lifestyle or demand him to change it, but the media obsession and glorification of his life is nauseating.

Charlie Sheen would never have been an issue if we didn’t give him the constant attention he craves so badly.

It seems as if the world revolves around these “celebrities” that have absolutely no talent or purpose in life but to look sexy, to act crazy and to party all day,

every day.

Ke$ha, Paris Hilton, Kim Kardashian and everyone on Jersey Shore are useless celebrities that are paid millions to do absolutely nothing on a daily basis.

People always hate on Justin Bieber, whether it’s commenting on YouTube videos how he is gay or saying he sounds like a girl, but at least the kid can actually sing and has talent compared to these worthless superstars.

I actually have a lot of respect for Bieber because, despite all the hate, he still goes out performing like a rock star and ignoring all the little 10-year-olds who are jealous that he’s stealing their girls.

But for “singers” like Rebecca Black, I have absolutely no respect.

We need to stop glorifying talentless trash and giving them undeserved attention, and start praising those people with real talents and abilities.

Don’t know where any of these hidden talents are?

Just search for any cover of any song on YouTube and I guarantee you’ll find dozens of singers/songwriters who don’t require auto-tune to sound amazing.

After all, isn’t that how Justin Bieber was found?

What the world needs is more Justin Biebers, and fewer Rebecca Blacks and Charlie Sheens. *** Justin Shiiba, a senior, is a Gazette Features editor.

The etiquette of cake

Kaylee Ries “I was bummed because I was going to dress up as an Indian and I had to be a cowgirl instead.”

Commentary

Ugly sweets just make the pastry-deprived among us feel left out

he baked good is a beautiful thing.

Aside from being the most delicious sub-genre of dessert ever devised by man, they are commodities, a sort of karmic currency, to be baked and bought whenever one needs an extra dose of sugary deliciousness in her day.

But there’s this cake fad that’s starting to bug me. I’m not sure how it came about, or really, why cake has suddenly started to irk me, but perhaps you’ve started noticing them, too.

Whenever an even mildly popular girl celebrates a birthday, she’ll be promptly given an obnoxiously large cake, still in the pan, clearly thrown together by her friends in a last-minute yet somehow omnipresent birthday gift.

Birthday Girl and her friends will parade this gloriously ugly, gruesomely well-frosted abomination of a cake around all day long, laughing and picking at it with plastic forks from the cafeteria.

I envy this girl and her cake. I envy how obviously homemade it is, and how the 12 pounds of sprinkles dumped on top of it make it look like a tray of unicorn vomit.

Commentary

haley massara hmassara.gazette@gmail.com

I envy the fact that this cake will invariably be carted around through all of Birthday Girl’s classes, and though she’ll never show much interest in actually eating more than a forkful of it, I will never, ever be able to bum a piece.

Maybe I’m just bitter. I’ve been cursed with a summer birthday, which means that if I get a cake, I’ll have to eat it indoors sitting down, like a civilized human being.

I’ll never get to eat a crumbly, icing-inundated

half-stale hunk of cake-like substance in alternately freezing and scorching Granite Bay weather, huddled around the cake pan with a few of my friends.

And I guess it’s that classic experience I regret not having, mediocre as it may be.

Maybe it’s the proliferation of the cakes that bugs me so. I mean, there really can’t be a birthday in all of my classes every day, can there?

The pastry pandemic has gotten so uncontrollable that there is actually a table in the girls’ locker room specifically reserved for cakes, cookies and the like. Even then, the plates are fighting for space.

I’m sure part of the recent cake influx is due to Sadies. What better way to ask out your man than with a big heaping dish of fatty, chocolatey awesome? I know I wouldn’t say “no.”

But even so, the cakes are everywhere.

Are these girls just searching for excuses to bake things now, and parade them around the

school, making everybody wish that they, too, had cake?

Could there be a cake conspiracy? Is it an endless chain of pining for cake and then flaunting it?

Maybe what I’m hoping for is officestyle cake socialism – that is, everyone gets pastries whenever anyone brings any.

But this is America, and I suppose we all have the right to our own sweet, frosting-topped property. Just because I’m amiable to making truly irresponsible amounts of hideously delicious cookies and distributing them to my peers on the Gazette staff doesn’t mean I should expect the world to be so forthcoming.

Ultimately, though I may gripe out of jealousy as those girls tote their treats around campus, I hope that perhaps someday I, too, will get my very own fail cake, even if I have to make it myself.

After all, that’s kind of the beauty of the sloppily-made from-mix pastry – you don’t need any special occasion.

You just need a few hours, an egg and some cake-craving friends. It’s the memories of baking things that make them so sweet. *** Haley Massara, a sophomore, is a Gazette News editor.

Daniel Sutherland “I think they’re over-doing it. It’s not meant to be offensive.”

S e n i o r

Gazette illustration/ADAM TILFORD

I don’t see any gang relations or safety issues, so I think kids should be able to use their right of free expression.

Thumbs Up

Thumbs Down

Jameson Mayer

Thumbs up: The

S t a f f

Bernadette Cranmer Compiled by Maggie Louis

school year is coming to an end!

Thumbs down:

Where have all the summer jobs gone?

by Maggie Louis, a staff writer.

Thumbs up:

The sun is finally coming out!

Thumbs down: We’re

still supposed to get rain within the next few weeks.

Gazette photos /SARAH BERTIN

Granite Bay Gazette

Great Debate

The

A Section

Friday w April 8, 2011

THE WILD (AND CENSORED?) WEST

Gazette staffers debate whether the dance dress code was effective in its effort to avoid offending Native Americans Commentary

jessica reese jreese.gazette@gmail.com

Jessica: Anything goes in the Wild West… except beads and feathers? First with The Tribe, and now with Sadies, the Granite Bay High School administration is cracking down on all things Indian – or, to be politically correct, Native American. Personally, it all seems a little ridiculous, not to mention overdramatic. We’re talking about high school students at a dance with a few brightly colored feathers on their head – it’s hardly anything to get all worked up about. They’re not mocking a culture; they’re dressing to fit the theme set by the school’s own student government.

Commentary Gary: Who’s to say that you can’t fit a theme and preserve a culture’s religious symbols? In my opinion, if there was concern expressed in the community regarding students making light of what some find sacred, it doesn’t hurt to play on the safe side. Considering people could still go to Sadies as Native Americans, I in no way see this as an overreaction – or ridiculous for that matter.

gary nielsen gnielsen.gazette@gmail.com

Jessica: The fact that students could still attend Sadies as Native Americans only furthers the pointlessness of the matter. Forgive me if I don’t see how the addition of a couple beads and feathers causes a Native American costume to become suddenly offensive. I mean, if a culture is going to take offense, it should be to the costumes themselves, not some colored feathers from the local craft store. After all, what about feather hair extensions? Those are technically embellishments, so are they then outlawed? And are pony beads insulting, or just clay and wooden beads? At a certain point, the argument that the rule is to preserve a culture becomes moot.

Gary: I don’t think the question was ever whether or not the costumes were offensive.

I think that the costume limitation was to preserve religious symbols for members of the community. To clarify, the administration did say that feathers in the hair were OK. What they were trying to avoid (not to put words in their mouths) were headdresses, beading (which apparently has religious significance) and face paint. Keep in mind that “Native American culture” is an auspice over literally thousands of tribes, so these symbols could be sacred to one tribe and mean nothing to the other. With this in mind, even if there are Native Americans that found this policy moot, or even if you yourself found this policy moot – there is a minority that felt more respected by this small costume code, so I support it wholeheartedly.

Jessica: While it is true that beads and feathers are religious symbols for certain Native American tribes, I do not think that preserving the integrity of such items can be done with a dress code for a high school dance. As I pointed out, these are items that can be purchased at any craft store anywhere in the country. They are not intended for any kind of religious use. Now, if the students were driving to reservations to get religious feathers, headdresses and beads to wear to a dance, then I too would have an issue. That is when they are destroying the integrity of a religion. But attaching a faux feather to a headband? I hardly see how that ruins any shred of integrity. There is no malicious intent behind their actions, nor are they using actual religious paraphernalia.

Gary: Just because I can glue Popsicle sticks together into crosses doesn’t mean that they have any less religious significance. Where you buy the materials is not what needs to be questioned. And in regards to the argument that preserving the integrity of these symbols can’t be done with a dress code – it can. That’s exactly what our administration did. I absolutely believe that students didn’t have “malicious intent,” however, this cultural sensitivity was in no way out of line, nor was it ridiculous.

A12 Second Look

Second look

Grease is the word

Friday, April 8, 2011

w The Granite Bay Gazette

GBHS drama puts on its annual spring musical

 Danny Zuko, played by senior Adam Godbey, above, leads the rest of cast in the final verse of “We go together.” Roger (Garrett Blank) sings, left, along with Jan (Sharon Vaupen). Kenickie (Collin Venables), below, shows the rest of his Burger Palace Boys the new wheels he has for them to fix up. Marty (Kelsey Lynn) listens, bottom right, as Betty Rizzo (Hanna VanNoland) tells her she thinks she is pregnant with Kenickie’s baby. Sandy Dumbrowski (Ashley Hilton), bottom left, takes a gulp of the sneaky pete as Rizzo looks on critically. Vince Fontaine (Clay Markin), far left, flirts with Marty during the school dance.

wGazette photosw Maggie Louis

Lifestyle

Granite Bay Gazette

B Section

Friday w April 8, 2011

Commentary

katie bostedt

kbostedt.gazette@gmail.com

Experiencing senior year ... twice

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’ve been to Senior Sunrise. I laughed at Senior 5th quarter and I’ll walk the stage at graduation.

Well, technically I haven’t, since I’m still a junior, but I have experienced it just the same.

You see, a majority of my friends are seniors. I have been through senior year with my friends, and have heard about everything I have to look forward to next year.

Junior year has been tough on me–I’m taking challenging classes and learning to balance homework, youth group and other activities.

It’s been hard to want to hang out with my senior friends who are taking easy classes, when I can’t because of homework.

Another challenge has been senior-only events. While my older friends are at senior events, I’m hanging out with my few friends that are my age, usually waiting for the seniors to come back.

Although it’s been tough, I’ve learned to accept the fact that I can’t do everything they can, and that my time will come.

While they’re finding out which colleges they’ve been accepted to and picking majors, I’m behind the pack stuck asking questions to even understand the application process.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to be happy for my friends as they figure out their future, but it can be challenging always being a step behind them.

This year has been great, but next year will be a completely different experience. Many of my friends will leave and school might not be the same without them.

As I reflect on my junior year so far, I wouldn’t change anything. I love my friends and am blessed to have so many role models to look up to.

As for this year, my junior friends and I have been thinking about what Junior Prom will be like, but I’m not sure it will be as fun without all the seniors there. I haven’t learned to adjust to not going everywhere with them.

Knowing lots of seniors has its advantages, too though. I can talk to them about which classes they liked and what to look forward to next year.

I also know what to be prepared for next year, such as the applying to colleges. I can visit friends who are going away while touring whatever college they may be attending.

As I’m watching them get ready to leave, I’m learning from their mistakes and their successes, and enjoy helping them with their last year here the best I can.

This year I’ve met so many new people, and look forward to seeing what the seniors will do as they move on with their lives.

I know I’ll miss the seniors a lot; this is the only graduating class that I’ve been especially close to. Sometimes I wish I was a part of their class, but I know I need to grow without them and learn for myself, not by hearing it from others.

Next year will be a new experience for me, as I make new friends and can finally be a senior myself.

I’m looking forward to doing and seeing everything that I’ve listened to my friends talk about all year long.

*** Katie Bostedt, a junior, is the Gazette’s Lifestyle co-editor

inside lifestyle

Top Ten

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How To

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Random Student

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SAT Tip

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Gazette photo /maggie louis N SALE

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Destination imagination Granite Bay teams Gazette

illustratio

prepare for State

BY ALISON SALE

asale.gazette@gmail.com

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Gazette photos /Maggie Louis

Team L.E.G.I.T. works on their costumes and set for the upcoming State Competetion on April.

o the casual observer, freshman Jared Mayer’s garage looks like a war zone.

Cardboard tubes line the concrete floor, PVC scraps are strewn across the table and fresh paint seems to cover every surface.

To the casual observer, the 14-foot volcano god raises more questions than it answers.

But to an experienced Destination ImagiNation (D.I.) team, everything about this scene makes perfect sense.

Mayer’s male-dominated team, Influenced By Mountain Dew, placed first in the regional competition on March 5, closely followed by Granite Bay High School’s other D.I. team, L.E.G.I.T., an all-girl team.

Destination ImagiNation challenges kids of all ages – everyone from kindergartners to university students – to be creative with open-ended central challenges focusing on everything from engineering to fine arts, which the teams work toward for three to six months.

Teams also participate in a think-on-your-feet style challenge on the day of the tournament, which tests teamwork, building skills and their ability to think outside the box. “(Destination Imagination) creates an environment See D.I., page B4

The stories behind GBHS’ favorite teachers Daniels shares her adventurous side

BY JUSTIN SHIIBA

A

jshiiba.gazette@gmail.com

nyone who has taken Judy Daniels’ 12th grade English class has most likely read Into the Wild by John Krakauer, a novel that revolves around a young man named Chris McCandless who one day decides to leave everything behind and journey across America.

Taught in both her AP language and CP English classes, Daniels has found a certain affinity towards the book that she loves sharing with her students When listening to her past life stories and adventures, one can’t help but find a deep connection between Daniels and McCandless that explains her attraction to

William Jessup University Welcoming sixth president John Jackson

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the book.

Born in San Francisco, Daniels was constantly on the move due to her father’s transfers for work.

“I went to twelve different schools between kindergarten and my senior year of high school,” Daniels said.

“Going to all those schools and starting over so many times developed a bit of a wandering spirit in me.”

Whether it was drifting off for hours on her own in the city, or setting up an elaborate circus in her backyard only to end up with a broken nose, Daniels was always adventurous and daring.

“My parents could never underestimate the potential for me to end up in some odd place doing something nobody else would ever think to do,” Daniels said.

It is no surprise that the second Daniels found herself in the driver’s seat of a car, her opportunities for adventures became See ADVENTUROUS, page B5

Blomquist’s tough choice of career paths

BY KATIE ZINGHEIM

S

kzingheim.gazette@gmail.com

tanding in front of a full classroom, math teacher Duane Blomquist looks to be in his element.

Whether jotting down problems on a SmartBoard or clearly and fluidly answering a student’s question, Blomquist is the type of teacher high-schoolers hope to get–enthusiastic, friendly and excellent at what he does.

He’s not, however, the type of math teacher one might expect to jump out of a helicopter and into the midst of a forest fire.

In fact, teaching is a profession Blomquist said he stumbled upon quite by serendipity. It was certainly the farthest thing from his mind when, after high

school, he decided to leave the busy Bay Area, go live on his grandfather’s ranch in Redding, Calif. and become a firefighter.

Growing up near the Santa Cruz Mountains, Blomquist said he spent much of his spare time as a teenager hiking and rock climbing. When his grandfather, who was a fire chief in Redding, suggested fire fighting, it seemed like the perfect fit for Blomquist, who said he was often called Smokey the Bear by his siblings.

“I hated crowds and the busy city I lived in and just wanted to get out, into the outdoors,” Blomquist said. “I thought, ‘If I could get a job where I could work outdoors and make money and work in nature, that would really melt my heart.’”

Blomquist’s grandfather got him into a See FIREFIGHTING, page B5

Leon Yip Discussing his survival of the Cambodian genocide

Convent in Loomis A nunnery was recently built locally

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B2 Lifestyle

ways to capture the Easter Bunny

Friday, April 8, 2011

w The Granite Bay Gazette

Christian college makes changes William Jessup University gets a new president

BY KATIE BOSTEDT

Roll in glue. Roll in white fur. Hop over to him.

Make him fall in love with you. Capture him after.

Tell him you’ll give him a lifetime supply of free candy.

Tell him you’ll take away his hopping abilities.

Buy a piñata. Let him swing first. Put the bandana over his eyes.

Then drop a net on him.

Turn on his favorite song.

When he starts dancing, turn on a strobe light and trick him into dancing his way into a cage.

D

kbostedt.gazette@gmail.com

r. John Jackson, the former Executive Pastor at Bayside Church, recently took advantage of a new opportunity, which landed him as the new President at William Jessup University.

William Jessup is a small Biblicallybased college located in Rocklin. Originally located in the San Francisco area and named San Jose Bible College, the campus relocated to Rocklin and changed its name to William Jessup University in 2003.

Jackson never thought he would be a president of any college, so it was a surprise when the WJU Search Committee, looking for applicants for the open president position, asked if he would interested.

“I said (to the Search Committee) “I don’t know if I’m interested or available, but I will meet with the committee one time,” Jackson said.

Jackson did not actively pursue the job, and at their only meeting, Jackson fired question after question to the Search Committee, who responded with a similar technique. “And so began a romance,” Jackson said.

Jackson never aspired to be a college president, but after considering it a while, he became interested.

“When I had that first meeting with the Search Committee, I was thinking this wasn’t really what I was supposed do, but the more it went along, I started to get pretty excited,” Jackson said.

Around the beginning of January, Jackson learned that his recommendation was forwarded to the board at WJU, and the last week of February he was accepted as the Gazette photo /RACHAEL VASQUEZ next president of WJU.  William Jessup University is a local Bible college for students desiring to further their Christian education “Once the confirmation had happened, we really felt like God had made it possible Roseville High School senior Moe Grammer, who well as with a number of other churches,” Jackson for this role,” Jackson said. will be attending WJU in the fall, is looking forward said. “I’m also involved in Thriving Churches InternaAlthough he knows Jackson personally, Granite Bay to next year. tional, and I will stay connected there.”

High School alumnus Matt Cimino, who graduated “I thought it was really cool having someone from Even with his new job, Jackson puts what has alclass of 2007 and currently attends WJU, was initially Bayside being the president of my future school,” ways been important to him first. surprised to learn of Jackson’s new position.

Grammer said.

“I’ve been married 31 years, and I have 5 children,” “My thought was that they were going to find a Although seeing people she already knows around Jackson said. “I mostly just (enjoy) spending time president from another university,” Cimino said. with my family.”

“Instead, they hired a pastor, which makes sense, but I campus will be comforting, she’s looking forward to the changes next year.

Jackson certainly never planned on being the presiwasn’t expecting that.”

“I’m looking forward to meeting new people and dent of any college, but feels confident in his position Before the announcement that Jackson would be the now that he has begun working. new president, there was one rumor of who the Search starting a new chapter of my life,” Grammer said.

Like Grammer, Jackson is excited about the new “I like to say God never wastes an experience,” Committee was considering. changes in his life, but he is also looking forward to Jackson said. “In some ways it feels like every single “There were rumors about a guy from Tennessee, but maintain the relationships he already has. thing in my life has prepared me for this moment in we all knew he wasn’t going to come,” Cimino said. “(I am) going to remain connected at Bayside, as time, even though I never planned it out.”

Construction Tech Class allows students creative freedom

BY ARI BLACK

H

Get a giant cage and a helicopter. Catch him off guard and plop it on him when he least expects it.

Tell him that Santa is your favorite anyways, and then see what happens.

Gazette photo /MAGGIE LOUIS

Bribery. Tell him you’ll give him a carrot.

The classic – a net.

By Ari Black

gh school – otherwise known as “the beginning of the end.” In this period of students’ lives, they begin to decipher what they will be in their future careers.

The basics of education such as math and English are crucial as students grow older, but electives are the recreational classes that exercise the creative side of students’ minds.

Construction Technology is an elective that mixes responsibility, creativity and wood to open the gates to a future career in construction and wooden art work.

Granite Bay High School Construction Technology teacher Steve Dolan enjoys teaching the relaxed curriculum of the class.

“It’s an activity-based class, so with a little bit of demonstration and instruction,”

Dog houses like the one above are a common Construction Tech project

Generations have different views on events Varying perspectives on historical happenings

BY AUSTIN DOWNS

Take his eggs. Maybe he’ll end up chasing you.

ablack.gazette@gmail.com

Dolan said, “I just turn the loop to the kids and they get to build.”

Although the class is recreational, there are serious elements to the class.

“There’s a lot of focus on a career path.

I’m not teaching them to be hobby craft makers, and things like that,” Dolan said.

“I support them, get them into an advanced class and then get them an internship through ROP.” As in any class, there are different initiatives for different students. Some take the class as an academic break while others take it hoping for a future career in construction.

“I would say a third of my class is interested in doing this type of field as a job,” Dolan said. “Most are just here for an elective or an academic break.”

For the beginner’s class, two projects are done per semester.

“We do Adirondack furniture, then we do another piece such as a table or footrest.”

See TECH, page B5

T

adowns.gazette@gmail.com

he September 11 attacks. The Kennedy assassination. A man walks on the moon.

These are historical events forever etched into the minds of different generations.

Each major historical event has a monumental impact on the generation that lived through it. And with every new generation, the previous generation’s story slips away, becoming just another section of a history book.

Take, for example, Frank W. Buckles.

He was the last American World War I veteran who died on February, 27 at the age of 110. For America, the WWI history has taken that final leap and any living connection to the war now only exists on paper.

For Greg Holmes, a math teacher at Granite Bay High School, the Vietnam War and Apollo 11’s moon landing were the two most important historical events he and his generation have lived through.

had been smashed: his roommate threw a chair at the TV. “I remember clearly. July 20, 1969. I “(The war) changed everything. It was out playing softball and I rememchanged the way wars were broadcasted ber looking up at the moon and saying and changed the way people thought ‘There are people up there,’” Holmes about their government,” Holmes said. said.

Teacher Zachary Weidkamp was a America beating the Soviet Union child during the time of the Gulf War in the Space Race was a huge deal for (1990-1991). many Americans at the time Holmes “It was one of the said. first wars to be fully The Vietnam War broadcasted to the is also a memory public. Of course I very clear to Holwasn’t fully aware what mes. He was in high was happening, I just school when he first remember watching it,” heard word that he Weidkamp said. could be drafted to The Gulf War was war. It wasn’t until also one of the first college that the draft modern wars, meaning – Greg Holmes, was a major issue to that it wasn’t necessarimath teacher him. ly all ground troops, but He remembers that more of a technological he and his friend were sitting in their war of cruise missiles and fighter jets. college dorm watching the first draft When Weidkamp looks back on it, list being announced on TV. When the he said that he took his liberties for first group of men had been selected, granted, but now appreciates what freeHolmes’s friend was among the ones doms he has. chosen. Before Holmes knew it, the TV For the faculty at GBHS, a significant

(The war) changed the way people thought about their government

world event many can remember and were affected by would be the collapse of the Soviet Union (USSR).

Most faculty members grew up during the Cold War and the collapse of a superpower in the post WWII era would appear to be something out of a dream.

When news was breaking out that the USSR was collapsing, history teacher Mike Valentine was in college majoring in political science.

“My professor walked into class one day and announced ‘Class, We are now witnessing the end of Communism.’

And I remember sitting there thinking ‘There’s no way this is happening. This rebellion will be crushed just like the others,’” Valentine said.

For students at GBHS, the September 11 attack was the dramatic historical event many students can remember.

Senior Shelbi Tooley was living near Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach, Virginia. She was at school when she learned of the attacks.

“Most of the students at the school had parents who worked in the base. It was just overall very stressful,” Tooley said.

Friday, April 8, 2011

w The Granite Bay Gazette

Student

Spotlight

Lifestyle B3

Sharing Listening to music in class his part of history Leon tells of his story in Cambodia

BY KYLE PAWLAK

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Zach Meyer

St. Baldrick’s president talks about his busy schedule Gazette: What activities are you involved in at school?

M: Inside of school I am a part of the varsity swim team, the president of the St. Baldrick’s club and I was one of the captains of the varsity water polo team.

G: What activities are you involved outside of school?

M: Outside of school, I am on a Rocklin indoor recreational soccer team and deeply involved in my church.

G: How did the St. Baldrick’s event begin?

M: This is the third time the event has been on campus. The first time it involved the Students Against Cancer Club in 2009. This year, the St. Baldrick’s Club was started specifically for the event. It was my first time organizing an event but it was my third time shaving my head for the event.

G: What were the financial results of the fundraiser?

M: Going into the event, we received 550 dollars through online donations. After the event at school, we raised probably over 8,000 dollars.

Gazette photo /JOHN PARK

The fourth period aerobics class is one out of the many classes that use music

Teachers play music in the classroom to uplift the atmosphere and for educational reasons

BY MOOSA ZAIDI

mzaidi.gazette@gmail.com

G: What does the money go to?

M: It goes straight to St. Baldrick’s in order to research treatments and cures for childhood cancer. Also, a lot of money goes to cancer awareness campaigns.

G: How do you balance so many activities at once?

M: You just get used to being busy. Sometimes, some simple activities will have to take all the negative impact. For me, it’s sleeping.

-Compiled by Rachael Vasquez

How to:

Be a listener of good music

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ple, the current theme is movies, so songs range from “We are many students and teachthe Champions” by Queen to ers, music has always been “Car Wash” by Rose Royce. an important part of life outside Milburn uses music from her the classroom. However, several class to expand her students’ musical teachers at Granite Bay High School horizons. have managed to bring music inside “It lets the kids hear different music and the classroom for both entertainment and appreciate different genres and educational value. not just listen to Usher or Chris Perhaps the most readily obviBrown. They hear Queen; ous example of music in the My only they listen to Phil Collins,” classroom is a class such as teaching Milburn said. dance, which focuses entirely She ends up choosing tool is on music. most of the songs for the “My only teaching tool is music. show herself. However, music,” dance teacher Deserie she encourages students Milburn said.

– Deserie Milburn, to research songs they like During warm-ups, Milburn GBHS dance and she plays them in class tends to play popular music to after screening for offensive teacher help motivate students. material. “(I play popular music) just to While by exposing students kind of push them and keep them to a variety of music Milburn awake, but then after that I run the expands the students’ musical horizons, gamut,” Millburn said. foreign language teachers perhaps Overall, Milburn places a great emphaexpand these horizons even further by sis on variety in her music. One way introducing students to music from she does this is by choosing a theme different countries. for each dance show and then For her International Bacchoosing several different calaureate Spanish class, decades and genres to fit Annie-Marie Gonzales that theme. plays music For examor

See MUSIC, page B4

Gazette illustration/JESSICA REESE

1. Do not listen to the Top 40. Yes, this includes Justin Bieber for all you crazed fans.

Sure, Top 40 artists may have a little bit of talent for making it to the top, but they lost all of their authenticity in the process of getting there.

2. Keep an open mind on various genres.

Everyone has a favorite, but it’s important to respect each artist for their own individual touch on the music they perform.

The

un- Official SAT practice guide

Match the words in the first column with the definitions in the second column. Each chalkboard is its own separate game. Answers can be found on B5.

1. Strident 2. Ephemeral

4. Don’t limit yourself to certain bands. It’s crucial to acknowledge underground bands, as well as popular ones.

4. Benign

-Compiled by Ari Black

Chalkboard 2

Chalkboard 1

3. Listen to the classics, such as the Beatles and Led Zeppelin. In order to truly appreciate modern day music, it’s important to understand where their origin comes from.

5. Play an instrument. Understanding the fundamentals of instruments can result in appreciation for every type of music — after understanding the difficulty of the task before you judge.

CollegeBoard SAT

3. Rancor

5. Intrepid 6. Inane

a. hermit; loner b. Bitterness; lasting resentment; hatred c. Fearless; courageous, bold d. Reject the authority of; cast off; disown e. Loud and harsh; shrill f. Composed of elements drawn from different sources

- Compiled by John Park

7. Adulation 8. Recluse 9. Disseminate 10. Dogmatic 11. Eclectic 12. Repudiate

g. Kindly; gracious; favorable h. Silly; senseless; empty-headed i. Distribute; spread; disperse j. Short-lived; fleeting; transient k. Flatter; excessive praise l. Opinionated; arbitrary; doctrinal

Source: Baron’s

kpawlak.gazette@gmail.com

o matter how good the teacher, it is impossible for any history class to cover every historical event. As a result, it is quite possible that some of the more gruesome details of human history, whether recent or ancient, may be skimmed over.

However, in Pico van Houtryve’s English 10 class, this is certainly not the case.

In this class, students conduct research projects on genocides throughout history with the guidance of both van Houtryve and the school librarian, Julianna Hedstrom.

In addition to focusing on their individual projects, the class has learned about a certain genocide: the 1970’s Cambodian genocide; an event that a GBHS staff member, Leon Yip, lived through.

Yip spoke to the class and explained to them the story of Cambodia and his own story of survival.

During a civil war in Cambodia in the 70s, a communist group called the Khmer Rouge took the nation’s capital, Phnom Penh, and killed as many as 2.5 million people. Many of those targeted were educated citizens. Those with a high school education or higher were killed.

“Doctor, engineer, educator—they killed them. It was genocide,” Yip said in his speech to the class.

The Khmer continued to control the country for four years and had many strict rules.

“You were only allowed to wear black, (and) everyone was given only two pair (of) clothes a year,” Yip said.

Yip escaped to Thailand during the war, and although he was separated from his family, he eventually made his way to America.

After training and working as a welder for several years, Yip saved enough money to buy a donut shop and opened his own business in Sacramento.

“I sold my business when my kids graduate(d) from college…I stay home for a couple months, and I got bored” Yip said, “So I said, ‘What kind of job am I looking for,’ well it’s got to be in school.”

Yip eventually decided to become a janitor, and to this day he helps keep the school in good order for its students.

By speaking out about his experiences, Yip has affected many of those who witnessed him speak, such as Hedstrom.

“I think we can read in books about other people…see documentaries, (and) have a background, but to hear someone give their firsthand account and tell their story… really does give you a whole new understanding (of it),” Hedstrom said.

“I still can’t comprehend everything he went through. What I can only hope to do is (be inspired)…to be as courageous as him, to learn from him, be like him.”

Sophomore Hannah Peskin is in van Houtryve’s class and had the opportunity to listen to Yip’s story “It was the first time I had ever heard somebody from one of these types of events speak, so it was really eye opening,” Peskin said. “You read about it, (and) you see pictures, but you never actually hear somebody talk about it (with) their tone of voice.”

“It’s very inspiring to hear it all…to get someone’s insight and know this really happened, someone was really there and saw this.”

One fact that Peskin noticed most about Yip’s story was that despite everything that happened to him, he had decided to give back to students by working as a janitor.

“It’s not like he was forced to get a job here. For him it’s almost like community service on his part. I think that is the most inspiring part. He came with nothing and still gives back,” Peskin said.

Van Houtryve also felt inspired by Yip, and emphasized Yip’s importance to Granite Bay. “He is an important member of this community, not just because he is an employee of the school, but because he is willing to share his experiences with others,” van Houtryve said.

“He gave us a vision of hope, surviving, moving on, (and) starting a new life,” van Houtryve said. “He was an incredible inspiration, and…he’s the kind of person that when he walks into the room he just makes you happy.”

“If there is one lecture that every kid at (GBHS) should see, it’s (his). Within (his) life experiences (he) has life lessons we can’t get from any book.”

Leon chose to express one of these life lessons to the class in his speech.

“Listening to my story, know…there is nothing you cannot overcome, if you are willing to change, do (it). When your mentality changes, your attitude changes.

When your attitude changes, your habits change. When your habits change, your life can change,” Yip said.

B4 Lifestyle

Friday, April, 8 2011

Random facts

w The Granite Bay Gazette

Random club of the month

A list of facts you will never need to know but always find interesting

One of 2,100 GBHS students is randomly selected every issue

Pink Ladies Club President: Saba Naeem What is the purpose of your club?

We want to raise awareness for breast cancer, and not only breast cancer, but all kinds of cancer. We mainly focus on breast cancer.

Every ton of recycled paper saves about 17 trees.

How many members are in your club?

During club day, like a million people sign up and they don’t really participate. I think a little over 100 people signed up, and about 15 to 25 are active members.

Camels have three eyelids.

Cats have over 100 vocal cords.

All porcupines float in water.

Emus and kangaroos cannot walk backwards.

What is the best aspect of your club?

I think the best thing is that people are actually interested in helping other people out and they do it so willingly and excitedly. A positive attitude and helping a really good cause are the best aspects.

A jellyfish is 95% water.

Children grow faster in the spring time.

The state of Maine has 62 lighthouses.

The Hawaiian alphabet only has 12 letters.

A cat’s lower jaw cannot move sideways.

Fish can cough.

Kassie Donnels, junior

A bullfrog is the only animal that never sleeps.

You blink over 10,000,000 times a year.

The tongue is the fastest healing part of the body.

Frogs never drink Source: http://www.snapple.com/retired-facts/

–compiled by ShinEui Park

Gazette photo /GARY NIELSEN

The Gazette: What is your dream college?

Somewhere warm and by the beach! If it has those things, then we’re good.

If you could spend a day anywhere in the world, where would you go and what would you do?

I’d go to Europe because I’ve never been there. I’d want to tour it and sightsee, and visit Spain so I can practice my Spanish.

What is your favorite food to cook or bake?

I like making crème brule because I like using the torch to caramelize the sugar on top.

Are you showing symptoms of junioritis?

Yes! I’ve been lazy about doing my homework and usually do it the day it’s due.

How would you spend an ideal Friday night?

Relaxing and hanging out with my friends. Because of volleyball, I like to relax when I have the chance

What are you looking forward to most about the end of the year?

I’m looking forward to having warm weather again and finally being a senior!

Why should students get involved with your club?

There are so many different types of cancer and it can be so devastating.

If you know someone who has been impacted by it, you will know how significant your little bit of help is to them. Being involved in a little activity can turn out to be something bigger.

Our club is a part of the larger Sacramento chapter and we communicate with the Susan G. Komen society. If you get involved, anything you can do really helps out, not only in terms of money, but it lets people in the area see that there is hope and that people actually care about finding a cure for cancer.

When does your club meet?

We try to have a meeting every other week, that’s our goal. We meet every other Thursday in Mrs. Bacharach’s room (821).

–compiled by Christine Zavesky

–compiled by Samantha Spargo

MUSIC: Teachers have their own reasons for playing music in classrooms Continued from page B3 from each country the class studies.

Students learn popular music of that country as well as more traditional music. For example, for Spain, students learn both urban Reggaeton and traditional Flamenco.

In addition to using music to teach culture, Gonzales uses music to teach the language in its natural form.

“The nice thing about music for language teachers is it teaches them music in context whether they are studying the grammar or vocabulary that is in that song,” Gonzales said.

For classes other than her IB classes, she selects songs based on vocabulary themes such as love or crime.

She chooses the songs herself from her collection of CD’s and what she hears on the radio.

According to Gonzales, music not only helps her students learn but also simply makes her classroom more enjoyable.

“I love music. Music makes me feel happy. It makes me want to dance. It sets the mood,” Gonzales said.

Art teacher Myron Stephens uses music to enhance his students’ creative ability and to guide them in making art.

He plays his music from Pandora and also from his large stacks of CD’s organized into different categories.

Certain categories are reserved for special occasions.

After school art parties feature inappropriate rap music. Stephen plays “torture music” such as organ music only when students complain about his music choice.

DI: Granite Bay teams go on to state Continued from page B1 where you have to come up with a creative solution, particularly Instant Challenge,” Sarah Hoffman said, a GBHS senior, D.I. alumna and now head judge for the youngest competing level.

“I mean that’s just hilarious to watch. The ingenuity of that kind of thing is just astounding – it doesn’t matter who it is, what year or level. If it’s got a spark, then you can’t deny it,” Hoffman said.

The instant challenge is exactly what helped L.E.G.I.T. move on to the state competition, coming up on April 9. There, they hope to qualify for Global Finals, held during GBHS’ finals week on May 25-28 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Seniors Parker Evans, Joe Wilkie, Mitchell Kobayashi, Zach Meyers, Ryan Williams and Jake Williams were the Roseville Royals back in the day, and still volunteer with the organization – Meyers and Wilkie even judged the challenge Influenced by Mountain Dew competed in last year.

“It was cool to get back in the D.I. scene without having to worry about performing,” Meyers said.

“D.I. set up my group of friends in school, taught me how to be creative, solve problems without having to rely on others, (and) work with others because everyone thinks a little bit differently.” ***

L.E.G.I.T. It’s Llama, Elephant, Giraffe, Indri (a type of lemur,) and Tyrannosaurus-Rex to be exact.

Granite Bay High School freshmen Preet Cheema, Kelsey Haag and Sydney Kahmann joined forces with Emily Mair and Terrin Spray, two 8th graders from Horizon Charter School for the first time this year.

Every Saturday, Sunday and often during the school-week, the team members can be found in Team Manager Deb Haag’s garage, crafting new props and running through lines for their princess-related traveling road show.

Haag and Cheema joined a team together in 3rd grade, and have been pursuing their passion for engineering-related challenges ever since.

Well, ever since this year, that is, because Mair and Spray always chose the acting-oriented challenges.

Cheema and Haag lost the battle – the team settled on acting out Challenge C, Triple Take Road Show.

“It’s harder because (Cheema and I have) never done this (kind of challenge) before,” Haag said.

“We have to put more time into the props and acting, whereas before we knew we had the points from our structure because we knew it held (a certain weight limit.)”

But there was another added twist – because several members of the team are in high school, they moved into the Secondary Level competition.

“More is expected (from us,)” Haag said. “It’s high school so ‘Oh, it has to be great!’”

Despite their conflicting interests with acting and craftsmanship, the girls are all united under one goal: Global Finals.

Mair wanted to go to this weeklong event full of international D.I. participants and pin-trading ever since she began at age seven.

“I really don’t care about winning – I just want to be there,” Mair said.

The girls use inspiration from anything and everything to spark their creativity, and that’s exactly how their story line came to be.

When Haag first read over the rules for the challenge, she noticed the cartoon buses at the top of the page, and they decided to create the bus and center the story around it.

And thus, the story was born.

“Everything just kind of snowballed from there,” Haag said.

For the characters traveling with the road show, Cheema and Haag took inspiration from a former instant challenge, in which they changed a princess story in three different ways. The girls picked princesses that fit their personalities, but still faced just one problem.

Overall, however, music guides students in different phases of art production “If they’re trying to do a lot of skin tones or they’re trying to do detail work, I’ll put on something more mellow. If we’re just starting a new painting put on some rowdy stuff on to get them going,” Stephens said.

“Blues is kind of good for the story telling elements, which they need, kind of allegorical elements to their works.”

Stephens said he always chooses the music but only music that will help the students. “Whatever the class needs,” Stephens said.

It may seem less surprising that the arts and language classes use music. However, even some math and science teachers have found a place for music in their classroom.

Physics teacher Steve Miller plays music when stuWho would play Prince Charming?

“Sydney wasn’t here at the meeting when we picked the princesses,” Haag said. “We realized, ‘Oh, we need a prince – nose goes! Sydney’s not here, so she gets to be the prince!’”

Kelsey played the main character, Princess Aurora from Sleeping Beauty, and she was the belle of the ball with her fitted newspaper dress.

After many hours of scrunching, folding, fanning, gluing – and restarting the night before the regional tournament – Princess Aurora’s dress was done, complete with pink accent color thanks to the pink edges of an old phone book.

Each Princess (and the lone Prince) was responsible for making her costume out of recycled material such as old wine corks, old lampshades to create a corset top, bottle caps, weaved caution tape and more.

The rest of their props utilized recycled material as well, most of which was collected from friends and family, or bought at a recycled material store, ReCreate, in Roseville. *** Influenced By Mountain Dew Freshmen Julia Bermudez, Nicole Sullivan, Chandler Dale, Dillon Kanada, Jared Mayer and Matthew Moeller have been together as a team for the past five years. For three of those five years, their endeavors lead them

dents are performing experiments. He said he plays it quietly enough that students can still easily hear each other and instructions.

“I think it’s just something fun (and) something different to do, (by) letting different kids pick their music,” Miller said.

He always finds it interesting to hear the music choices of different students and observes how many of them prefer older music.

Math teacher Scott Becker plays music when his students are working on homework in class.

Becker believes that if nothing else, the music in his classroom often makes his students more comfortable.

“I don’t know if it helps kids. I know a lot of kids study with music so it’s an environment they’re used to studying in,” Becker said.

all the way to Global Finals.

As far as team dynamics go, the two girls keep the boys in line.

“Unless you tell them to do something, they won’t do it,” Sullivan said.

“They watch Two and a Half Men,” Bermudez said, “and play Playstation,” Sullivan added.

Is it frustrating?

In a heartbeat, both agreed in unison: “Yes.” Perhaps it’s because they’re influenced by Mountain Dew? “These guys drink a lot of mountain dew,” Bermudez said.

But for a good reason – Mayer’s European knight costume requires chain-mail, and the teammates are cutting and connecting soda tops to create it.

“Whenever I need more soda tops, I just tell them to go drink more, and they do it,” Bermudez said.

But Mayer’s costume wasn’t the only one that required time-consuming work. By chance, Bermudez also created a newspaper dress to suit her character as a teacher.

It took her an entire weekend to make the dress, as she sewed it with a sewing machine, but had to guide the dress through manually or else the paper would tear.

For teammates Moeller and Kanada, costumes aren’t the only fun props to create.

Hence, their 14-foot towers.

Each side is decorated differently to suit the different settings of the storyline. The European setting includes cardboard bricks and an arched window 10 feet off of the

ground which Kanada and Dale narrate from. The Hawaiian setting includes a giant painted “Volcano God” and for the Russian setting, Russian palaces were painted on with a dome cardboard-topper that is placed above the 14-foot tower.

The tower is even equipped with a pressurized confetti gun to help announce the arrival of the king (complete with trumpet introduction) in the first Medieval Europe scene.

This engineering aspect is what keeps some of these busy students involved. “(The best part about all of this is) you get to build stuff with your friends,” Moeller said.

The team agrees that their strength lies in the Instant Challenge, where Mayer is the leader and time-keeper and the rest of the team inputs ideas.

“We have good teamwork, and we have good people that can think on their feet,” Sullivan said.

But the teamwork isn’t the only aspect that benefits these students outside of Destination ImagiNation.

“I’ve learned a lot from these guys over the years – like, I can burn almost anything,” Bermudez jokes to fellow teammate Kanada, who has been known to intentionally light sparklers near wooden props.

“I’ve learned how to use all those power tools in the garage because the boys were always busy (using them) and I needed to work with (my teammates,)” Bermudez said.

Friday, April 8, 2011

Lifestyle

w The Granite Bay Gazette

B5

ADVENTUROUS: Daniels gets random FIREFIGHTING: Blomquist enjoys the urges to travel and explore nearby areas thrill of the job and helping out others Continued from page B1

endless.

“Once I had a driver’s license, my penchant for adventure turned into taking off and driving until I ran out of gas money or time,” Daniels said. “(I was) just looking for new things to see and new people to meet.”

At the age of 23, Daniels decided to go on a journey, similar to McCandless, and travel across the country.

“I quit my job in a bank and took off across the country in my VW van with $50 to my name and three months until I had to return,” Daniels said.

Her goal was to reach Brockton, Massachusetts where she wanted to make a surprise visit to one of her friends.

Over the next three months Daniels took numerous odd jobs, such as a waitress in a truck stop and a wood chopper for a couple of elderly women. Daniels survived off of these various one to two day jobs for gas money to last the trip.

“I either slept in a sleeping bag outside or in the back of the van depending on my sense of safety and the weather.”

One memorable night, Daniels was driving in the middle of the night near a prison in Joliet, Illinois.

Running low on gas, Daniels became lost and started driving aimlessly, trying to find the nearest station.

But while stopped at a stop sign, a man appeared near her window and tried to open the car door. Luckily, Daniels locked the door and drove away quickly before he had a chance to open her door. To this day, Daniels is convinced that the man was an escaped convict from

Continued from page B1

the prison.

After her three month journey, Daniels settled down for a bit to raise her daughter, but it didn’t take long for her sense of adventure to kick in again.

“I loaded my five year old daughter and our clothing in the VW and took off from the city,” Daniels said. “I did my old favorite thing of driving without a plan or specific direction.”

Ending up on Highway 108 outside of Sonora, Daniels found a sign reading “Twain Harte.”

“I liked the name and took the left-hand turn down this incredibly beautiful pine tree-laden, winding road.

I was entranced and drove though the arch that signals one’s entry into Twain Harte,” Daniels said.

Seeing a For Rent sign, she checked with the realtor listed on the sign and gave the man a check for 95 dollars.

“I left San Francisco at 8 AM and was moving clothing into the little red cabin at 4 in the afternoon,” Daniels said.

Daniels has had many more interesting experiences such as staking a claim in a mine at Nevada, working on an apple orchard and living in a teepee on a beach for several months.

Although she still has that random urge to wander and explore, Daniels has strayed from her Chris McCandless-like days.

“I’m still into adventures,” Daniels said. “But now they are more than likely to take the form of trash talking over a rousing game of Mexican Train dominoes.”

TECH: Dog houses by Construction Tech class look professionally-made Continued from page B2

But for the advanced class, the curriculum is taken a bit more seriously.

“The advanced class is truly construction. We use 2x4’s and real roofing type materials,” Dolan said. “We build dog houses, and it teaches the students how to build a floor, wall, and a roof.”

The dog houses also give the students a preview to how it will be if they ever pursue a profession in construction.

“It offers students the opportunity to feel like true construction managers. They build the same product over and over again and they learn about estimating quantities, production flow and just overall management skills.”

When Craig Lyman, owner of Douglas Ranch Supply, came across a construction tech-made dog house at one of the Eureka School Foundation fundraisers, he immediately contacted Dolan about his interest in the houses.

“The construction is first rate and better than any

If you really knew me,

you would know...

When I was seven, my parents started a foster care home. I’ve had 22 foster siblings over the course of my life, and my family has adopted four of them. My mom has always loved children, and Sam Freitas she was a neo-natal nurse before, so she decided to start a home. Then, she could spend time with her own kids and other children at the same time. It was the experience of a lifetime.

My brother and I used to hate each other and never get along, but once I started high school (he was a senior at the time) we became best friends. He has always been there for me and can help me with anything because he’s two years older than me, so he’s experienced and been through it all Courtney already. I can always turn to Thibedeau him for help.

- Compiled by Ari Black

mass produced dog house on the market. They will last for 10-20 years and are built just like a home.”

“Normal dog houses sell for 200 dollars and are not anywhere as nice as these or are as nicely built,” Dolan said. “These should sell for 300-400 dollars; the problem is the consumer is not used to moving anything so heavy and has trouble with them. It takes three strong young men to move the houses off of our trucks and into a backyard.”

GBHS Junior Perry Thompson is in Construction Technology. Going into the class, he already had some experience with woodworking.

“I built a garage and have always worked on little projects since I was a little kid.”

Thompson said the time varies for each individual on how long an average project will take to complete throughout the semester.

“It all depends who you are and how much experience you’ve had. With experience, some students could finish within 2 or 3 days.”

firefighting academy, where he excelled. Before he knew it, he was fighting structure fires and wild fires in downtown Redding.

Working as a fire fighter in Redding also allowed Blomquist to do the hiking and camping that he loved. After a camping trip when he was chased by a bear, Blomquist began carrying a gun with him when he hiked.

“My grandfather (told me), ‘You’re going to be one of those guys like Jeremiah Johnson, this guy living out in the wilderness. You’re going to be out in the middle of nowhere. In fact you’re going to die someday in the middle of nowhere and we’ll never know’,” he said.

Blomquist said the excitement of firefighting and the chance to help injured people were the aspects of the job he loved the most.

One of his most memorable experiences was when his station responded to a car crash on a mountain road. They couldn’t find the car for several minutes, until one of the crew noticed tire tracks leading off the side of the road and over a cliff.

As the crew peered down the side of the cliff, the car was nowhere in sight. Finally, Blomquist said they spotted a white Camaro sitting in a tree. They could hear a baby crying inside the car.

Due to his rock climbing experience, Blomquist hooked up to a safety line and climbed out on the tree. When he reached the car, he saw that the mother was already dead. He got the baby out of the car and they took it to the hospital.

“Sometimes you go back to the fire station almost crying at night with what you went through,” Blomquist said. “But some part of you says, ‘I saved someone’.”

After some time, a few of Blomquist’s friends and fellow firefighters who specialized on wildfires suggested he do the same– fighting wildfires often provided opportunity to travel around the world to fight fire.

The promise of a bigger adventure was something Blomquist couldn’t resist. He was trained to be a Smokejumper, a firefighter who parachutes from planes into a remote wildfire; work on a Helitack crew, fighting fire from helicopters and repelling down into the fire; and to be a certified faller, which meant he would go into large forest fires and fell trees into the fire so they didn’t spread the flames.

Because falling was a specialty job, Blomquist was called all over the country to help fight large wild fires. He traveled to places such as Tennessee, Michigan and Florida. One of Blomquist’s most memorable jobs was falling trees in the Yellowstone wildfire.

After working for several years as a faller and

eventually a station foreman, Blomquist became interested in working for the Forest Service.

“What I really wanted to do was work in Yellowstone and get paid money just to manage forests, or do wildlife studies and see what populations do as they migrate,” he said. “So then I (went) back to college to get my Forestry degree, and I never went back.”

When Blomquist enrolled in California State University at Chico, he had every intention of earning his Forestry degree. He was surprised to find he had a talent both for mathematics and for teaching others.

While he still fought fires and worked as a faller during the summer, Blomquist became more and more involved in math. He would help his classmates understand lessons, and was asked to tutor at the college’s tutoring center.

Choosing to leave firefighting behind wasn’t an easy decision.

“A lot of my firefighting friends were not very rich– they’d work seasonally but then just be bums the rest of the year,” Blomquist said. “I was really still going to college for a Forestry degree, but something in the back of my head was telling me, there’s a better job with this teaching gig.”

When he graduated from Chico with a double major in math and physics, Blomquist was still deciding between two different lifestyles.

“The flight thing with fighting fire intrigued me– jumping out of planes. I liked helicopters, so I thought, maybe I should fly jets for the military,” he said. “I graduated from college and I applied to flight school and I applied to grad school, and I got accepted to both.”

Even though Blomquist said his heart was still in forestry, his conservative side pushed him to pursue teaching.

“Some of my firefighting friends were older than I was, and they were the old hippie bums– literally they lived in a trailer in the winter,” he said. “They were all single, and I thought, I don’t want to do that.”

Blomquist earned masters degrees in teaching and mathematics from University of California Davis and University of California Berkeley.

He has now been teaching for 25 years. “(In firefighting), whatever you’re doing is always exciting and always different, (teaching) is kind of mundane. When you talk about different worlds— bell rings, you teach math. When I was in the fire station, middle of the night, you’re dressed in thirty seconds, running out, into your fire truck. I loved that,” Blomquist said. “In some ways I (curse) myself for changing, but… you don’t know where you’re going to end up.”

Continued from page B3: The un-Official SAT practice guide answers; Chalkboard 1: 1. e, 2. j, 3. b, 4. g, 5. c, 6. h Chalkboard 2: 7. k, 8. a, 9. i, 10. l, 11. f, 12. d

College of the Month:

California Institute of Technology Who: 2,175 students: 585 undergraduate men, 382 undergraduate women, 857 graduate men, 351 graduate women.

Where: Pasadena, Cali. in Los Angeles County Tuition and Fee Cost: The tuition for 2010-11 is $34,989; the total estimated cost of attendance is $52,389 Acceptance Rate: 12.6% acceptance rate last year U.S. News Ranking: 7th (tied with MIT) Athletics: Caltech Beavers • Caltech has 17 NCAA Division III varsity sports • It is a founding member of and participates in the Southern California intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) • Caltech also offers several club sports.

Mascot: The Beavers (nature’s engineer) Academics: • Caltech is largely focused on mathematics, science

and engineering, but also includes majors, called “options,” in the humanities and social sciences • Students do not declare their option until the end of their freshman year and so have time to explore • 75% of undergraduates complete some research

project. The most popular a method of research called the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships Program (SURF) which pairs students with a mentor and funds a research project of

their choice over a 10-week period.

• 31 alumni and faculty have received Nobel Prizes while 5 current faculty members are Nobel laureates.

Fun Facts: • Cal Tech manages Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) for NASA. This research and development center specializes in robotic spacecraft and created the Mars rovers Spirit and Opportunity.

• Einstein was a visiting professor at Caltech before being appointed to Princeton.

• Rather than have fraternities or dorms, Caltech has eight houses.

• Cal Tech is famous for its pranks. The most famous of these is the Great Rose Bowl Hoax. For the 1961 Rose Bowl, Caltech students changed flip cards to spell Caltech when raised by the audience at half-time show.

• Caltech and MIT have a fierce ongoing rivalry –compiled by Moosa Zaidi

Your names Your faces www.granitebaygazette.com

Visit it.

The Gazette

B6 Lifestyle

Friday, April 8, 2011

w The Granite Bay Gazette

Sisterhood of the traveling convent

Sisters featured on Oprah open a new convent chapter in Loomis

BY JESSICA REESE

F

jreese.gazette@gmail.com

or many, their knowledge about sisters in religious orders doesn’t extend past Sister Act and The Sound of Music. These days, it’s rare to come into contact with sisters, dressed traditionally in their habits.

However, sisters are still around, and several dozen will soon move into Loomis.

The reason is a combination of a thriving order based in Ann Arbor, Michigan – the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist – and a generous donation of land by a local couple.

The Dominican Sisters have taken in 10 to 20 girls every year for the past five years and are quickly outgrowing their Mother House. They have expanded three times in Ann Arbor, but each time they finished a project and got ready to occupy it, they found they’d already outgrown the new space. This time, they decided to expand in two places at once.

They are currently working on an expansion project in Texas, as well as the one in Loomis.

The convent they intend to build in Loomis will house between 75 and 80 sisters on a full-time basis. During August and Christmastime, the number will rise to about 100 as a result of all of the sisters in the area gathering at the convent.

The sisters chose to establish their community in Loomis thanks to the generosity of Fred and Joan Cordova, parishioners of a local Catholic church, St. Joseph Marello.

Joan Cordova said she was touched when she received a postcard from the nuns describing their issue with space in Ann Arbor. Seeing all the sisters in their habits brought back memories from her childhood, when she was educated in Dominican schools.

“You don’t see (sisters like that) in California anymore,” Cordova said. “The few sisters that are here, you can’t recognize anyways because they don’t wear habits.”

Joan shared her idea with her husband. She told him, “God has given us so much (already), we have to pay back something of this.”

When he agreed, she wrote to the Sisterhood’s Mother Superior, Mother Mary Asumpta, to ask if the sisters would be interested in starting a community in California. A few phone calls later, Joan and the sisters were on a hunt for a place to build the convent.

They found it two years later: a 38-acre lot in Loomis. The Cordovas bought the land and donated it to the nuns.

Currently, there are three sisters living on the

Loomis property and five living and teaching at the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary parish in Sacramento.

In the future, the sisters hope to establish a school in the area, as teaching is a large part of the Sisterhood’s mission. Every sister is required to return to school after her four years of formation to get her teaching degree. (The commitment to teaching is what separates sisters from nuns, who meditate and pray but aren’t required to live a life of service in the community.)

Sister Thomas Augustine, one of the sisters on the Loomis property, said that while the Loomis community has overall responded positively, the town has some reservations. “They want to know more about who we are and what we plan to build,” she said.

Because of their rarity, the sisters understand why people may be wary, as many know very little about them.

To combat this, in 2009 and again in 2010, a few of the sisters appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show.

To the sisters, this was a great opportunity to share with the world who they are and that sisters are still around.

“Oprah has opened up the doors for so many people who don’t have any understanding of religious life,” said Sister Catherine Marie, who lives in Loomis. “Viewers (were able to) experience and (get) a better understanding of (the lifestyle).”

Misunderstandings about their religious lives are something the sisters are familiar with. Often, people do not know much about them or make assumptions about their lives.

“As sisters, we take vows of chastity, poverty and obedience,” Sister Catherine Marie said.

To many, these vows seem cumbersome and strict. And while Sister Catherine Marie recognizes that her life is more structured than others, she views the so-called “rules” as freedom.

“In my book, (chastity) was very important because it meant that I now have the freedom to love beyond just (a) husband and children,” she said. “I had the freedom to now love everyone as my children.”

As for the vow of poverty, Sister Catherine Marie sees this rule as an opportunity to be free from the concerns of money and the economy.

“I thank God that I’m free of that,” she said with a smile.

With so much joy in their lives, the sisters hope to bring some to the community, as well.

“The whole foundation of our life is prayer,” Sister Catherine Marie said, “so the spiritual benefits (for the community) are infinite.”

Members of the Loomis community and other supporters, top, listen as Sister Mary Samuel answers questions about the specifics of the convent.

Sister Mary, above and left, talks with citizens regarding how the convent will affect the area. Sister Mary, bottom, listens as officials talk about the approval process.

Gazette photo / RACHAEL VASQUEZ

Sports

Granite Bay Gazette

C Section

Friday w April 8, 2011

Raising the bar

Commentary

slater mclaughlin rmclaughlin.gazette@gmail.com

High school’s atmosphere will not last The last Granite Bay boys’ basketball game marked the end of an era for our senior class.

The era at least ended with a sense of justice; the better team won, and neither the fans nor the players were left with a bad taste in their mouths.

Being a sports fan senior year has been a series of lasts – last soccer match, last football game – but none of them have felt more palpable than the last basketball game.

It was truly the end.

Granted, it was a great way to end – culminating in the best playoff run the program has ever produced.

But the quality of the ending did not totally console the sadness.

It was the last game that the student body as a whole would get behind.

The atmosphere of the games; the small gym, knowing the players and having a fan base that includes almost all of your friends are all things that are unique to high school.

After the last soccer game, there was still football to look forward to and basketball after that. But the last basketball game had me looking backwards.

The crowd support this year, due in large part to the Tribe, was by far the best I have seen in my four years at Granite Bay and the energy made a difference to both the fans and players alike.

Spurred on by the incredible skill of our soccer team (and maybe a bit of World Cup hangover), Grizzly supporters packed around the edges of the pitch with vuvuzelas in hand.

The atmosphere at the football games was spiced up with the Tribe and otherwise as good as always, and the propensity of fans to tailgate before the games speaks to the sense of community that GBHS sports bring to fans, players and parents alike.

But what made this year truly great was the basketball season.

A packed gymnasium with screaming fans is a common sight at Oakmont or Woodcreek but was foreign to Granite Bay until this season.

The gym was filled wall to wall at big games against Woodcreek and Del Oro and the basketball games became a part of school life in a way they hadn’t been before.

The elation of the one-point wins against Woodcreek and McClymonds are etched into my memory, as is the horror of the Sheldon game.

Now that these are in the past, I wonder what the future brings.

Some of us may go to schools which will see bowl season or March Madness glory and others may go to schools that have little to no athletic programs.

But no matter which you attend, there will never be anything like the high school experience again.

So juniors and underclassmen: cherish this. *** R. Slater McLaughlin, a senior, is a Gazette Sports co-editor

Gazette photo/MAGGIE LOUIS

Senior Katie Zingheim during practice at various stages of her vault. Zingheim started vaulting in eighth grade and has since become one of the best in the nation

Stanford-bound Katie Zingheim gets top marks

BY SHANNON CARROLL

W

scarroll.gazette@gmail.com

Rising Star

hile the focus at Granite Bay High School tends to be on the terrific teams in football, basketball and other high-profile sports, the best athlete at the school may well be a pole vaulter – Katie Zingheim.

When you consider that she finished third at last year’s state championships, has the best jump of any high-school girl in the country so far this season and has turned her prowess into a scholarship at Stanford University starting next fall, Zingheim has to rank at or right near the top of

the list of the most C3successful athletes in the history of the school.

Not that the affable Zingheim would make that claim. She just shrugs and says, “I basically eat, sleep and drink pole vaulting. I don’t know what I’d do without it. It’s just such a big part of me.”

Zingheim started pole vaulting in eighth grade after a family friend asked for company. She started training with Curt Roth, father and coach of Scott Roth, who won three state championships while at GBHS and recently won the 2010 NCAA Indoor Championships for the University of Washington.

The coach told Zingheim to try pole vaulting for a couple of months and then he’d be blunt about whether she had potential. After about four months, Roth’s review was glowing.

“I was not the most confident person, so to have a coach who’s worked with all these athletes telling me I could be good was a huge confidence burst,” Zingheim said. “I felt like I belonged to something.”

Zingheim started training hard and made the varsity team as a freshman. However she didn’t make it past the section championship and decided to start working with a new coach, Tracy Majors, who was more suited to her.

“One of the first things I learned about Katie is that she’s got both talent and heart,” Majors said.

See VAULT, page C6

Triple change for GBHS coaching

Freshman Caitly Mcduffee pitches against Mesa Verde for the varsity Grizzly team

Freshman girls’ soccer, softball and girls’ lacrosse all see new faces

BY MOOSA ZAIDI

mzaidi.gazette@gmail.com

Every year the players of a sports team change, but it’s not every year that coaches change, and it’s especially not every year in Granite Bay High School that three teams have their coaches change.

This year the freshman girls’ soccer, girls’ varsity lacrosse, and softball teams all have new coaches.

Two of these coaches are new altogether. One of these coaches is new to the freshman girls’ soccer team but in no way new to GBHS. GBHS English teacher Katrina Wachs is filling in for English

Gazette photo / MAGGIE LOUIS

teacher and previous coach Liz McCuen due to McCuen’s pregnancy.

Once McCuen returns next year, she will resume her position as coach of the freshman girl’s soccer team, but Wachs has expressed her interest in staying involved in the program.

Wachs said that the most surprising part of coaching has been how engaged she has become and the excitement during games.

“It’s more fun than I ever thought it was going to be. I’m having a blast,” Wachs said.

Wachs said that balancing coaching with teaching has been

a challenge but she has learned to cope better.

“I’m working on the weekends more and I’m also using my time better,” Wachs said.

She compares the joy of coaching to the joy of teaching.

“You know that feeling when you’re teaching and a light bulb goes off and a kid learns something? It’s the same on the soccer field,” said Wachs.

The new girls’ lacrosse varsity coach Stu Brokowsky, finds similar contentment in teaching players. “(The best part has been) just seeing how much the kids have See CHANGES, page C6

Hard work and attitude pay off for Stroughter GBHS graduate living NFL dream in Tampa Bay

BY LAURA PRESTON

lpreston.gazette@gmail.com

Less than four percent of high school athletes continue to play in college; less than one percent of college athletes make it to the big leagues; by doing both, an athlete defies the odds.

But to do this while battling depression and working to achieve a college degree shows something more than just character, it shows a will to succeed that cannot be broken.

Sammie Stroughter, a graduate of Gran-

ite Bay High School and current NFL player for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, did just that, letting nothing stand in the way of achieving his dream.

Stroughter began playing football, his freshman year in high school. He had played baseball and basketball before, but his mom felt that he was just too small to play. In his first year, however, he took matters into his own hands and tried out for the team without her knowing.

“I made a big lie,” he said. “One of my uncles and my auntie bought me my cleats so (my mom) didn’t even know.

The whole time she was thinking I was a part of student government.”

After admitting to his mother that he was playing football she gave him her support and watched him excel on the field. Stroughter chose to pursue football because of the challenge it provided and the way it made him push himself to the limit of his abilities.

At GBHS, Stroughter knew his ticket to playing in college would be his grades, and was willing to do whatever it took to be able to play.

“I worked hard, especially when it came to grades and things like that,” Stroughter said. “I wanted my teachers to know and See STROUGHTER, page C7

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

Sammie Stroughter surveys the field after receiving the ball for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

inside sports Grizz Quiz

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Rising Star Athlete of the Month

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Boys’ lacrosse Strong Grizzly team aims for section title

Natalie Gulbis Q & A with GBHS graduate and LPGA pro

Powder Puff Clash Seniors fight for a 28-22 victory over the Juniors

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C2 Sports

Friday, April 8, 2011

Fastest game on two feet is taking the West by storm

w The Granite Bay Gazette

Lacrosse success at GBHS shows sport’s growth

BY ALEX PINK

apink.gazette@gmail.com

It involves a ball, a stick, and a net.

Shoulder pads, gloves, and cleats. Helmets and mouth guards must be worn.

Opponents can body check and use their stick as a shield, a weapon, or as a machine to fire in shots or as a tool to save nail-biting goals.

It is known as the fastest game on two feet: lacrosse Beginning in 2004, boys’ lacrosse has been one of the newest additions to Granite Bay High School’s sports program.

Current varsity coach Scott Pink introduced the rapidly growing sport to the Granite Bay and Sacramento area and it has continued to excel ever since.

“Here in the Granite Bay area we started with about 30 players and its grown to about 200-400 players,” said Pink.

The sport may be booming but boys’ lacrosse is still a relatively new sport to the Northern California area, so there are few local teams for GBHS to compete against.

The boys play in the Sacramento Valley League which consists of Foothill, Jesuit, St. Mary’s, Oak Ridge, and Bella Vista High Schools.

Winning the league title last year, the GBHS boys’ varsity lacrosse team plans to bring home another league title.

However, Pink says two teams in particular may be a threat to a repeat and will be crucial games for the team to win.

“Our biggest rivals this year are going to be Jesuit and Oak Ridge,” Pink said. “All of our competitors are tough but I think they (might) be our biggest concern.”

The 2011 team appears to be ready to attempt to attain the league title again this year and so far they are on the right track with an undefeated league record of 2–0.

Senior varsity captain Chris Campbell has high hopes and aspirations for the

rest of their season. fensive teams.

“I think we have a really strong team,” The JV boys seem to be Campbell said. “Not only because we bound toward a promising (are) skilled, but (also because) the season. players like each other and interact With the amount of wins and well.” success both lacrosse teams Campbell also has a positive outlook have brought to the Granite on achieving a league title.

Bay community, its fan base “I think we can totally win league,” seems to be growing and Pink he said. “I have no doubt in my mind assures that it can only conthat (every player) will try their hardest tinue to get better. (in) every single quarter of every single “It has taken awhile for fans game.” to learn about lacrosse” said Junior captain Will Harkin held simiPink, “but it will begin to lar views on the future outcome for the increase as lacrosse on ESPN season. has drawn in more fans.”

Suffering a hamstring injury, Harkin With the growth of playhas been out for a few games; however ers, success and fans, GBHS he looks forward to getting back on lacrosse appears to be on their the field and pushing his team to more way to a challenging yet victovictories. rious season.

“We have a really good defense,” said “We are doing really well,” Harkin, “but we also have really good said Pink. “I think we have scorers (who) bring us wins and … we good chance of winning league shouldn’t lose anymore games.” title but it will be tough.”

The varsity team is not the only aspect of the lacrosse program that is raking in wins.

Coach Scott Donaldson has been running the junior varsity program, who has dominated in their league as well.

Just in preseason, JV beat teams from Davis, Piedmont, Novato, Monte Vista, and other well-respected teams from the Bay Area.

JV has maintained an undefeated record with high– scoring games and a Gazette photos /MAGGIE LOUIS seemingly reliable Senior Chris Denham, top, cradles the ball while looking up-field. Junior Jack Hanly, above, passes around a Cardinal Newman defender. defensive and of-

Hard–hitting game brings dangerous checks, injuries New rules work to improve the safety of players

BY ADAM TILFORD

atilford.gazette@gmail.com

At Granite Bay High School on Mar. 4, during a lacrosse game between GBHS and Acalanes High School, Granite Bay player Nik Reeves performed a hard check on an opposing player.

Chris, the Acalanes player, had the wind knocked out of him, so he came off the field. After getting his breath back, he realized that he could taste blood when he coughed.

A physician in the area came to assist Chris and advised that he be taken to a hospital.

These events beg the question: How dangerous is lacrosse?

Hits like the one Nik Reeves performed on the Acalanes player are not a rare occurrence.

Grizz Quiz How often do you do your laundry?

“He just hit one of our players so I was kind of upset a little bit,” Reeves said, “so I went after him and I just kind of crushed him.”

A penalty had been called on the hit, according to Acalanes coach Brent Ringwood, but it wasn’t anything too flagrant.

“The hit did not look particularly vicious from our perspective on the sideline,” Ringwood said.

Apparently, these hits happen all the time, but very rarely are they accompanied by injury.

Out of Reeves’ eight years playing lacrosse, he’s never seen anything like that happen before.

According to GBHS coach Scott Pink, the sport is no more dangerous than any contact sport, and probably has fewer injuries than football.

“We’ve had some injuries, but they’ve been more like pulled hamstrings,” he said.

Kenzie Gainer Girls’ Lacrosse

Mitchell Kobayashi Swimming

Additionally, the National Federation of State High School Associations, or NFHS, has revised the rules of play for lacrosse this year to make the sport even safer.

“The rules have changed this year to prevent any kind of serious injury, particularly to the head and neck area,” Pink said, “which is really what you have to worry about the most.”

Broken bones and pulled muscles will happen on occasion, but the biggest worries are neck and spine injuries and concussions, Pink said.

“This year the refs are being very strict on high hits and helmet to helmet hits,” Ringwood said. “Overall, they have done a great job of limiting dangerous play of any kind.”

According to Reeves, players aren’t necessarily in danger unless they aren’t playing the correct way.

“If you play by the rules, you’re fine,” he said.

After coughing up blood on Mar. 4 after being hit,

Jennifer Manduca Softball

Once a week

Never. My mommy does it My parents do it

Innie

Innie

What’s your favorite kind of cookie?

Chocolate Chip

What’s your favorite classic Disney movie?

What tattoo would you get if you had to get one?

Do you have an innie or an outie?

Nik Reeves Senior GBHS lacrosse defender Nik Reeves landed a punishing hit during a game which landed an opposing team member in the hospital.

the Acalanes player was taken to a nearby hospital by his parents.

There, he was evaluated by a physician and was found to have no serious damage, either to his ribs or lungs.

After being cleared to play, he was back on the field four days later at Acalanes’ next game and, according to his coach, felt no ill effects.

Wesley Finkemeier Boys’ Golf

Annelise Spargo Track and Field

My mom does my laundry, I never have...

Once a week

Innie

Innie

Innie

Chocolate Brownie

Chocolate Chip

Snickerdoodle

Sugar

The Lion King

Peter Pan

Pinocchio

Tarzan

Cinderella

A tree on my wrist

A tribal on my calf

Stars

I would get a heart with “MOM” across it!

Stars on my wrist Compiled by Laura Preston

Friday, April 8, 2011

w The Granite Bay Gazette

Sports C3

First-class Grizzly original The Gazette’s Slater McLaughlin chats with LPGA pro and GBHS grad Natalie Gulbis Gazette: How is your career currently?

Natalie Gulbis: It’s good. Last year I had three charity (golf) events last year that all benefited the Boys’ and Girls’ Club.

G: Why do charity organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club appeal to you so greatly?

NG: (The Boys and Girls Club) is an organization that I became involved with during my rookie year, I enjoyed interacting with the kids and seeing what (they do) in different communities across the country. I wanted to continue to do things with the club and join their efforts to raise money and build more buildings in less fortunate communities.

FAST FACTS Natalie Gulbis, Granite Bay High School graduate and LPGA Tour golfer (2001present) wQualified for first LPGA event at age 14, a record at the time wFirst team All-American at the University of Arizona in 2001 wThree-time Solheim Cup winner

G: On your website you make note of your Latvian heritage.

Have you grown up with any influence from the culture or followed any traditions?

NG: Both. My father is Latvian and his heritage has been very important to him and he educated me (in it). Our family participated in several Latvian traditions on my father’s side as well as some traditions from Finland on my mother’s side. Family and tradition have always been very important to me.

www.nataliegulbis.com

LPGA golfer Natalie Gulbis in the follow through of her swing. She is currently in her tenth year on the Tour.

KEITH ALLISON

G: You are very skilled at marketing, both developing interest for yourself and for causes you are interested in. How did you hone that skill?

NG: I’ve always had very good teams around me. When I came out as a professional I had a strong marketing team from the beginning, my father put together a good team for me. Just through experience with them, I have learned.

G: What was the first moment that really made you believe that you could be as successful in golf as you are today?

NG: When I played in my first LPGA event when I was 14, which was in the Sacramento area. It was called the Longs Drugs Challenge and that was my first experience playing against the best players in the world.

G: What was that experience like?

NG: Overwhelming. I was the youngest at the time to ever qualify for an LPGA event and every part of it was very exciting, from playing in front of fans to playing alongside players I had looked up to and admired.

G: Who was your inspiration growing up?

NG: Nancy Lopez. I really looked up to her with how she handles herself, both as a champion and multiple tournament winner on the LPGA, and even more so for how she interacted with fans and treated people outside the ropes. This is now my tenth season and I have become better friends with her and worked with her as a captain of mine and I can see she is the same way today.

G: Did your time at Granite Bay High School help or hinder you in developing your career?

NG: I think it was very instrumental because when I was at Granite Bay High School I played on a boys’ team. At that time Granite Bay did not have a girls’ team; in fact, most of the high schools in the Sacramento area did not have female teams, except for the private all-girls schools. I think playing on the boys’ team at Granite Bay was a very big part of development that I enjoyed as I went to college.

Kings in danger of leaving town A departure is not unexpected, but still hurts

BY AUSTIN DOWNS

adowns.gazette@gmail.com

Widespread rumors that the Sacramento Kings may be leaving the area for Anaheim has brought mixed feelings to the Granite Bay community.

During the month of March, the Maloof family, the majority owners of the Kings, registered four new domain names for its possible new home. They are the Anaheim Royals, Anaheim Royals of Southern California, Orange County Royals and Los Angeles Royals.

Rumor of the move first arose around four months ago. Since the rumors first surfaced, many Kings supporters have rallied and shown strong support and determination to keep the Kings in Sacramento.

So far, these attempts seemed to have made very little impact in stopping the Kings from moving.

Jason Sitterud, the boy’s varsity basketball coach at Granite Bay High School, said that a key factor that the Kings would want to move would be their stadium.

ARCO Arena first opened back in 1988.

At the time, it was state-of-the-art. But 26 years later, newly-renamed Power Balance Pavilion sits among the older crowd.

For the past few years, the Maloof family have been proposing to the Sacramento officials to has taxpayers construct a new arena. However, most of the proposals far exceed the willingness of the taxpayers during economic times like this.

“The stadium is quite old compared to other sports arenas today. Not only that, it’s also not (near) downtown. If you look at the other arenas, they are all downtown,” Sitterud said.

Another aspect that has arisen is what will happen to Power Balance Pavilion (formerly ARCO). With the absence of the Kings in the arena, it would have minimal use.

Not only that, a portion of the local economy depends on the Kings being in Sacramento. The businesses that have relations with the Kings would suffer. Worse, all the people who have a job at the arena during basketball season would be laid off.

Run aims to raise money for research

BY SAMANTHA SPARGO sspargo.gazette@gmail.com

On Saturday May 7th, volunteers, runners, and breast cancer survivors will convene at Cal Expo to participate in the 15th annual Race for the Cure. The fundraiser is put on by the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation’s Sacramento Valley chapter, which has donated over $12 million since its creation.

Board of director and co-chair of the Race for the Cure, Ann Yoshimoto, says that the fundraiser has continued to be successful in recent years despite the recession.

“We are fortunate enough that in our area we have so many sponsors and support throughout the community… that help make the difference,” Yoshimoto said.

Charity Navigator, a website that

reviews non-profit organizations, gave League. the Susan G. Komen Foundation a five “When they are done with the race, evstar or “exceptional” rating because of eryone gets free food, so I had to package their superior organizational efficiency all of the donuts and bananas and waters,” and reputation in Harris said. the realm of breast This year, the Granite cancer fundraising Bay High School cheerand awareness. leading team will be Seventy-five “Seventy-five helping out with the race, percent of (monpercent of (money as they have for many raised) stays within years in the past. ey raised) stays our service area,” “We have been supwithin our service Yoshimoto said. porting Race for the Cure “It’s really nice to for the past six years area. know that you are with over 70 cheerleadreally helping your ers participating,” cheer – Ann Yoshimoto, Susan own community and coordinator Michelle others around you.

Hubbard said in an eG. Komen Race for the The other twentymail. “It (is) a great way Cure co-chair five percent goes to for our cheerleaders to national research.” support a great cause.”

Volunteers are the The GBHS Pink Ladies heart of Komen and Club is involved with the help the organization keep their operaRace for the Cure as well. tional costs down.

“Every year we buy medals from the Junior Haley Harris has volunteered in revenue we’ve raised from Hoops for the past for the Race for the Cure with See CURE, page C7 her mother through the National Charity

Read the Gazette: Granite Bay High School’s award-winning newspaper

G: What about on the Tour?

NG: Playing in team events. I have played on three Solheim Cup teams, which is (a team that) represents the United States versus a team from Europe, and every single team that I was on (has) been able to retain the cup. It’s a unique opportunity to play alongside the best players on the American side and represent your country.

G: What are your other passions besides golf?

NG: Sports and entertainment.

I really enjoy going to sporting events and live concerts. Because I have the opportunity to travel to a lot of different cities I’m always trying to catch something live or unique to a city in the United States or a country that I’m traveling.

G: What is that lifestyle like?

NG: Very exciting. Every week is a little different. There’s always something going on. I started off this season in Mexico City. I’ve been to Thailand, and then to Singapore. I’m very lucky to be able to play golf in different places of the world that I may not have ever had the opportunity to visit and see different cultures and meet different people all over the world.

G: Where do you see yourself five years from now?

NG: I hope nothing changes. I hope it is exactly the same as it is now. Maybe a few more stops in the memory book, but I love what I’m doing now.

Freshman pitcher Mitch Hart has been solid for the Granite Bay High School junior varsity baseball team. He aspires to make varsity next year as a sophomore.

For many longtime season ticket holders, the move will be heartbreaking.

Matt Talley, a GBHS senior and who has had season tickets to the Kings for the past five years, has lost his interest in the Kings since hearing about the move.

“My interest in them has gone down a little bit this year. But I really stopped caring when the Kings stopped trying to be good,” Talley said.

If the Kings do decide to move to the Anaheim region, they will be the third NBA basketball team in the southern California area.

While Anaheim officials have said that they are fine with adding a third basketball team to their area. However, many Granite Bay residents are upset that southern California would have three professional sports team in such a close proximity.

“I’m fine with them moving anywhere but (Anaheim). It’s stupid to now have three teams down there,” said sophomore sports enthusiast Jackson Vose.

If the Kings decide to leave their home of the past 26 years, it will be felt as a great loss by the community and many Kings supporters.

Racing for breast cancer awareness

G: What are some of your favorite memories from your days at Granite Bay? NG: Everything. The teachers, going to football games and we had a good basketball program too. Obviously playing on the golf team was fun.

Gazette photo / MAGGIE LOUIS

Frosh pitcher throwing strong

BY KATIE ZINGHEIM

kzingheim.gazette@gmail.com

Freshman Mitch Hart is already on his way to joining the ranks of talented baseball players that have come through Granite Bay High School.

The pitcher has been a member of several successful traveling teams– he was a key player for the Lakeside Little League team that made it to the state finals last year.

Like many high school baseball players, Hart’s first exposure to the game was playing in the backyard with his dad and little brother.

He soon found he had a talent for the game, and his love of baseball grew from there.

This year, he’s on the GBHS Junior Varsity team, an experience he has enjoyed so far. “(Being on the JV team) is really fun, and the team’s really good this

year,” Hart said.

Hart has his sights set on making the Varsity team his sophomore year, and will use his pre-high school experience to his advantage.

“The games against the top ranked teams in the country were really hard, but it’s been good to have that kind of competition,” he said.

During those games, Hart said he learned to develop a competitive attitude by treating all games the same, and carrying the same mindset from the practice field to the mound.

“I just play the game I know how to play,” he said.

One of his most memorable baseball experiences was when he threw eighteen strikeouts during an All-Star game.

Down the road, Hart’s goal is to earn a college scholarship for baseball. His dream schools are University of Arizona and Arizona State University.

C4 Sports

Friday, April 8, 2011

Granite Bay Spring Sports Update Girls’ soccer “We’re undefeated (in league) and we’re first place in league right now, at 4-0. Right now though, we have to stop playing to the level of our competition. We’re the best team in the league in my opinion, but we’re not going to do much if we go out and just think that we are; we have to play like we’re the best.”

Coach Chris Roberts

Boys’ volleyball “Our only losses are to teams ranked in the top 20 nationally. The athletes are playing well, they’re really working hard…we’re a young team so getting everybody developed and playing all these pressure games at the beginning should pay off (towards the end of the season).”

Coach Bruce Honberger

Boys’ tennis “We beat Del Oro 7-2 already, so we’re cruising along but I want the guys to focus on the big picture, which is sections and regionals at the end of the road. I don’t want them to lose sight of the fact that we’re going to face some very tough competition, so we’re working towards being prepared for that.”

Coach Rory Wood

Track and field “The varsity teams are off to a very good start, but the teams that we’ve faced so far are not as competitive as the teams we will face in the future. We definitely need everyone to concentrate on doing their absolute maximum.”

Coach Roosevelt Kent

Boys’ golf “We’ve only had three matches so far because many of them have been rained out, but we’ve already beaten Del Oro, which is huge because they’re the team to beat in the area.”

Coach Terry Stafford

Boys’ lacrosse “We had a great non-league season. We’ve done well despite a lot of injuries. Our top three scorers have been injured pretty much the whole season. We’re still ranked pretty high despite all that. We hope to win the league again.”

Coach Scott Pink

Girls’ lacrosse “They’ve gotten so much better at all the different skills. We are way ahead of the progress I expected of them. We’re still a relatively young team so it’s just getting (the freshman and sophomores) up to varsity speed.”

Coach Stu Brokowski

Swimming “We’re kind of at the peak of our training right now…

So now that everyone’s in shape we’re trying to get speed into practice and they’re all hurting.”

Coach John Sherman

Baseball “We’ve done really well for the preseason games.

We’ve won five straight beating teams ranked above us.

Our guys are really starting to gel as a team and I think the cohesiveness is good because it’s helping us on the field. For the most part the guys are battling every day.”

Coach Pat Esposito

Softball “They’re working really hard, but what they haven’t quite figured out yet is how to go 100% at all times. In the game they have to go in with confidence and you get that confidence from good strong practices. We haven’t been able to translate the confidence they’ve gained in practices into games.”

Coach Michelle Grainger

“We’ve only lost one game, and that was to St. Francis, and they’re really good…(but) our team (plays) really well together, I feel like we’re very united this year. We still need to improve on our possession with the ball, but it’s been really fun so far anyway.”

Senior Morgan Geiger

“We played in a tournament down in San Diego with some teams that are ranked in the top 20 in the nation, and we were able to hold our own. We play such a strong schedule early on so we’re better prepared for our league games. I’m definitely confident in our team.”

Senior Kyle Howarth

“The seasons going very well. We have a great line– up this year and our coach is really good, and we’re undefeated so far. We’ve already beaten Del Oro which is our toughest competition, so it looks like we’re going to go undefeated again this year.”

Senior Blake Hunter

“Boys varsity won the King Gilbert Invitational which is our own home meet, and it looks like both the boys’ and girls’ teams will do well in league and in section.”

Senior Maddie Lummis

“We just have to focus on taking what we do in practice out onto the course. We shoot a lot lower in our practice rounds, and I think that’s just because of the pressure of the matches. We still are all very confident that we’re going to go very far this season though.”

Junior Wes Finkemeier

“This year we’re dealing really well. We beat 4 of our barrier teams. We have some injuries, but the team is finding that synergy.”

Senior Chris Campbell

“Its going really great so far and we’ve only lost one game. We’ve been a lot better than I think everyone expected us to be this season because we have a lot of new players.”

Senior Alexa Wolf

“We’re basically dominating everyone we go against, but at practice we’re trying really hard.

We’re past the endurance stage so now we’re just going for power.”

Senior Nick Boliard

“We’re really playing well. We have to work on performing well at all three aspects of the game at once – hitting, defense, and pitching. If we can put all three of those together we are going to be a pretty good team and be tough to beat.”

Senior James White

“We are 4-2 so far. We have to work our hardest on defense. We need to get more power when we’re hitting and also a lot of the girls get nervous, so we have to get over the mental aspect of the game.”

Senior Amanda Befort Gazette photos /GARY NIELSEN

Compiled by John Park and Gary Nielsen

w The Granite Bay Gazette

Friday, April 8, 2011

w The Granite Bay Gazette

Sports C5

Working in the off-season

Athletes play overtime to perfect their skills

BY ARI BLACK

aublack.gazette@gmail.com

At Granite Bay High School academics and athletics take top priority.

A majority of the students at GBHS spend their after school hours filled with a daily repeating routine of sports, homework, and sleeping.

For some, the off-season from their sports serve as a break from the stress and busy schedules.

Some other athletes must continue their training even when their sport is not in session.

GBHS boys’ water polo coach John MacLeane notes how crucial staying in shape is for his athletes.

“Water polo is one of the most physically demanding sports in the world,” MacLeane said. “At the Los Angles Olympic games the athletes were tested and the water polo players had the highest level of fitness in the summer games.”

Because of the high demand, MacLeane recommends that his players also participate on the swim team in the off season. This allows them to increase their endurance as well as stay in shape.

Due to off-season require-

ments, the overall performance of athletes has improved tremendously. Working hard has paid off for futures in the sport for some individuals, especially.

“I think our success both in (wins) and the number of athletes from GBHS who play at the next level speaks for itself,” he said.

“There is a very good chance that in the next Olympic Games there will be two GBHS player’s on our polo team.”

Along with water polo, Granite Bay swim also has off-season requirements for its athletes.

GBHS junior Kendall Blakeman views the requirements as helpful for her successful team.

Along with the off season, Blakeman regularly goes to the gym to stay in shape year- round.

“Without the off-season, it would be harder to get into shape once the season started, and would affect our teams winning streak.”

Not only do the workouts keep her in shape, but also make her swim faster with more endurance.

“Practice takes endurance. You have to be strong enough to withstand two hours of intense physical strain. It takes personal time and energy,” Blakeman said.

Along with water polo and

swim, GBHS junior Arik Bird plays football, a sport where athletes are expected to consistently stay in shape and strong.

“I attend a training called Airforce every Sunday with the rest of (the) varsity skill players, and have to work out during the week,” Bird said.

Although Bird works out all week, he believes that the diet of a football player is one of the most challenging aspects for being successful in the sport.

The off-season requirements help him in many elements of his sport.

“The workouts help me stay in shape and increase my size, speed, and overall knowledge for the game.”

Although Bird believes the requirements are beneficial, he does not believe they are absolutely necessary. He believes the worst part of not having the requirements would be slowing him down, but not to a large extent.

In order to stay in shape, Bird must make sacrifices.

“Although I must sacrifice time that would be spent to hang out with my friends or study, it’s definitely worth it in the end.”

Gazette photo /MAGGIE LOUIS

Members of the GBHS water polo team are told they should participate in swim in the off–season to so that they may stay in shape.

Multiple injuries hamper successful GBHS athletes Lacrosse, football, track athletes all show signs of wear

BY SAHIL KHOSLA

skhosla.gazette@gmail.com

Despite the success of Granite Bay High School’s sports teams, injuries seem to have become more prevalent and have even had a significant impact on the team’s performance.

The boys’ varsity lacrosse team has seen multiple athletes sitting on the sidelines due to game injuries, including one the captains, junior Will Harkin.

Harkin suffers from a pulled hamstring, which has severely hindered his performance and playing time on the field.

However, Harkin has played a fulllength game and managed to score three goals on his injury, but the severity of his injury has restricted his playing time significantly and has been playing “man

up” in more recent games.

“Lacrosse is my best part of my day, (and) I hate the feeling of not being able to play (with the team),” Harkin said.

Harkin’s absence has not only impacted his own being but also the team’s performance, as well as leading to some doubt about the outcome if he had been playing at some close games during the season. “(Will) was chosen as captain by the team and not having him has taken a whole dimension off our offense,” junior Daniel Arndt said.

However, Harkin wasn’t the only injury for the lacrosse team. Arndt, a defender, suffered a concussion during a scrimmage with Novato High School.

His injury put him out for two weeks, as he suffered both a concussion and whiplash after hitting the ground.

Arndt’s concussion was the result of a head collision with a bulky opponent, and he was out for two weeks.

“The first week I couldn’t do any exercise and I could only read in ten minute intervals, which made reading very difficult,” Arndt said.

However the pain of the injury was no match for the emotional toll of having to watch the game from the sidelines, especially during some of the season’s more challenging games.

“It was one of the worst feelings just watching not being able to do anything, you felt helpless and there was nothing you can do about it,” Arndt said, “You’re doing the best for your team, which is to get better and hope you won’t have that kind of injury again.”

Fortunately after the two weeks had ended Arndt was able to rejoin his team

and resume his routine lacrosse.

“I really just felt reenergized coming back, the team greeted me with enthusiasm, and I felt really supported by the team after being out and being a contributor,” Arndt said.

The effect of injuries isn’t limited by the end of a sports season as they prove to be a difficulty for off-season athletes.

In the case of junior Gavin Andrews, his knee injury from wrestling has temporarily prevented him from conditioning with the varsity football team off-season.

“I’m in crutches for five weeks, but I should be playing football in late June or early July,” Andrews said.

Despite his injury Andrews remains positive about his condition and has plans for rehabilitation in the upcoming weeks.

“Any kind of rehab is difficult because you have to do every small thing (to get better) or it’s going to affect you in

the long run,” Andrews said. “(But) it shouldn’t be holding me down, I should just keep going with it.”

Additionally, freshman Clare Carroll, a rising cross country and track star, has also had to take some time off from track due to her knee injuries.

Carroll’s running style caused additional strain to be exerted on both of her knees, which made running a difficult endeavor.

“I would have liked to participate but I know that taking time off is the best thing I can do and will help me (recover) in the long run” Carroll said.

Carroll hopes to gradually return to running by adopting a new form of running. “(Finding a new style) is a little frustrating because I’ve had physical therapists tell me a bunch of different things: how to position my arms and my legs,” Carroll said. “But I know it will help in the long run.”

GBHS senior Luke Keffer gives dedication and time commitment to multiple swim teams

BY SAHIL KHOSLA

skhosla.gazette@gmail.com

Gazette photo /Rachael Vasquez

GBHS senior Luke Keffer dives into the pool for his school practices and also for his Sierra Marlins club swim team.

Everyone has a different reason to wake up in the morning, for senior Luke Keffer, it’s getting ready for the intense morning swim practice.

Keffer enters his fourth season as a varsity swimmer for Granite Bay High School and is a veteran swimmer for the Sierra Marlins Swim Team and has achieved admirable success in his events.

For GBHS, Keffer swims the sprint freestyle, relay and 200-yard individual medley; however, for club he swims 100-yard freestyle, 150-yard freestyle and 100-yard fly.

Keffer was an All-American Swimmer – which consists of the top 100 swimmers in the nation – for his relay and was also member of the first team, the top relay team from the Sac-Joaquin Section. He also received the Most Improved award for

the varsity boys last year.

“My Sections (meet) was one of the best meets I’ve ever had, we came in second and weren’t expected to do anything amazing,” he said.

Keffer also placed 9th in the 200-yard individual medley and 13th in freestyle at Sections last year and placed 3rd in freestyle for League.

“Luke is a hardworking student athlete, he excels in both. He’s brilliant, he’s handsome, ladies want to be with him and men want to be him,” GBHS swim coach John Sherman said, “I wish I were Luke.”

Keffer began swimming for the Johnson Ranch Barracudas and later joined the Sierra Marlins when he was 11 years old and has been swimming for them ever since. “(I started) swimming when I was seven years old,” Keffer said. “My parents made me join because I have asthma and it’s supposed to be good for your lungs.”

Whether it’s the intense early morning practices or after school, Keffer always strives to improve on his technique and strength and encourages his teammates to do the same. “(Luke is) a good teammate, (as) he pushes me in practice everyday to be the

best that I can, and he has luscious hair,” junior Hunter Christian said.

Keffer has received a tempting offer from McGill University in Montreal, Canada to swim in college, and is currently in contact with several Ivy League schools including: Harvard, Princeton, Dartmouth and Cornell.

“I was offered (financial compensation)

by McGill but I didn’t sign (with them),” Keffer said. “I’m still looking at other (colleges).”

However, he expressed that he would be happy to attend any of the Ivy Leagues and looks forward to having a very successful season.

There is a unique challenge this year, as the last meet of the season will mark the boys 100 meet winning streak.

“It’s against Nevada Union and they are really good (this year),” Keffer said. “I’m sure well be alright but it’s going to be a close (meet).”

Despite having a potentially challenging final meet, the GBHS swim team’s season objective is clear.

“We will win sections,” Keffer said. “(It’s) our goal.”

Covering all the bases.

The Gazette

C6 Sports

Friday, April 8, 2011

w The Granite Bay Gazette

VAULT: Olympic aspirations are within reach, coach says Continued from page C1

“You just can’t teach that as a coach. It also helps that she’s basically a perfect specimen for pole vaulting. She’s fast, she’s tall and she’s really strong” The next year, Zingheim finished seventh at the state championships.

“Of course, I was really happy with my finish,” Zingheim said. “I had come from basically nowhere. But medals were given out to first through sixth-place finishers, so I had to sit there and watch them put the medals around everyone else’s necks.”

The finish boded well for her for the start of her junior season. Then came what Zingheim calls “the lost months.”

She simply couldn’t get herself to plant the pole in the box at the base of the jump.

She would sprint toward the jump, pole at the ready. Then, at the last second, something would click in her brain, and she would “run through,” jumping up on the mat in the landing area without ever attempting a jump.

Zingheim isn’t quite sure what triggered her problems. They may have had something to do with a meet where the spikes on one shoe caught on the runway and she did a face plant.

“I had been jumping incredibly through December, and it was like a light switch turned off. It was hard to be standing at the back of the runway with a pole, knowing I wouldn’t take off. It was like I hit a wall,” Zingheim remembered.

The problem lasted for close to two months until Zingheim started talking to a sports psychologist her parents found in Boston.

“As a parent, it’s hard to see your child in a situation where you feel like you can’t really do anything,” Katie’s mother

Nancy Zingheim said.

Katie said: “I had to learn that you will never be able to convince yourself that you’re not afraid. You are.”

Eventually, at a meet at Folsom High School, Zingheim raced down the runway – and planted the pole, rather than running through. The height she cleared, 10 feet, is ordinarily trivial for someone like Zingheim, but she ran over and hugged her coach. They started jumping up and down.

“People were giving us weird looks,” Zingheim said, “but, coming from where I had been, 10 feet was like climbing to the top of Mount Everest.”

Later in the season, she cleared 13’0” for the first time. She tied for third at state, even though she was a bit disappointed to only clear 12’3” at the meet.

Then the colleges started calling.

Zingheim decided on Stanford, partly because of the great athletics and academics, but also because the man who will be her coach, Toby Stevenson, reminds her of Majors.

“I think of him as the boy version of my coach now,” Zingheim said.

Stevenson has nothing but praise for Zingheim.

“Katie’s athletic talent is outstanding and her results speak for themselves,” Stevenson said. “Stanford is lucky to have Katie and I look forward to working with her.”

She also felt like she fit in really well at Stanford.

“When I was at UCLA, I told myself, ‘I could see the college version of me coming here.’ When I was at Stanford, I felt like I could pack up my stuff and start school there the next day,” Zingheim said.

After deciding on Stanford and feeling like a ton of bricks had been lifted off her shoulders, Zingheim set a personal best of 13’4” at a meet in March hosted by Sac State.

According to athletic.net, Zingheim is currently ranked No. 1 nationally. There are only two other girls who have gone over 13 feet this year so far.

Zingheim is working harder than ever, trying to reach that elusive top spot on the podium at the state meet. With the help of her lifting coach, Dave Warner, she’s putting on more muscle and working on her explosiveness.

“She’s stronger than most of my elite football players when it comes to leg strength,” Warner said. “The hardest things I make her do are shoulder step-ups to a really high box with 60 pound dumbbells. I have only one or two kids who can do that, and she rocks it.”

He added, “She tackles whatever challenge is thrown at her with a happy-golucky attitude. That’s why she’s going to be in the Olympics some day. And I feel very thankful to have trained an Olympic athlete before she even got there.”

Zingheim’s weekly training regimen usually consists of two strength workouts with Warner, two days of pure running and two days where she’ll work with her pole vaulting coach.

“I really admire Katie for all the hard work she puts in, 24/7, every day, all year long,” said Curt Zingheim, her father.

Her goal for this season is to clear 13’8”, but Zingheim acknowledged that she has the Olympics in her sights for down the road.

“My mom and I made a deal where she said she’ll get a tattoo of the Olym-

CHANGES: Softball coach brings plenty of experience, hopes to lead team to playoffs

Continued from page C1

improved. The skill level for most of the girls (improved) by over 50 percent since February.”

Brokowsky had previously retired from coaching after coaching for several years but decided to coach again when he was approached with the opportunity by some of the team parents.

Brokowsky is the third coach in three years for the girl’s varsity lacrosse team. Last year’s coach was Kristin Marshall.

Tip Carter was the coach the year before that.

According Brokowsky, these frequent coaching changes have created problems in continuity.

For example, Brokowsky and Marshall have different approaches to fundamental techniques of playing.

“I would say I’m very different than the previous coaches in terms of what we’ve done,” Brokowsky said. “The previous coach did not let them cradle the ball when running, and I insist on it.”

Another challenge has been the disparity in playing experience. GBHS only has one girls’ team, which forces the seniors and freshmen to mix.

As a result Brokowsky has had to often focus on basic technique.

Junior captain Page Kastner believes this has benefited the entire team. “(Our coach is) good at teaching (freshmen and sophomores), while still having us improve, it’s not like (he is) holding the juniors and seniors back,” Kastner said.

So far the team has done well. “They’ve beat some teams they weren’t supposed to beat, so that’s pretty neat,” Brokowsky said “We’re concentrating more on the basics and it’s really paying off,” Kastner said Brokowsky is unsure whether he will be able to continue coaching next year, partly due to his age; he will be 62 next

year.

“We haven’t even finished this season; for me to guess what will happen a year from now is really impossible,” Brokowsky said Wachs played soccer competitively until age 18 and recreationally afterward. Brokowsky played lacrosse in college.

The new softball coach, Michelle Granger, also played in college and won an Olympic gold medal in the 1996 Atlanta games.

Her Olympic year was essentially her last year. Granger said she was invited to play for University of California Berkeley again in 2000 but had limited success since she had already had her second child.

Now one of Granger’s daughters is old enough to attend GBHS next year so Granger has decided to become involved with the school team.

Granger has coached pitching at Berkeley. “It’s not that different really,” Granger said. “In college its just fine tuning, but in high school you get what you get.”

Granger hopes to take what she’s got with the softball team and improve it greatly. She said the team struggled last year.

“Last year they only won three games,” Granger said. “That is not good.”

She sees last year’s season as the absolute minimum for this year. “If we win more than three games, then I’ll tell you we’ve improved,” Granger said.

However, her hopes are much higher. “I have every intention of going to playoffs this year, so anything short of winning league and going to play-offs would be a disappointment.”

In fact, Granger predicts her enjoyment as a coach will be depend on her team’s performance.

“I haven’t figured out if I enjoy (coaching) yet,” Granger said.

“Ask me after we’ve had some games on road, we haven’t played enough for me to be irritated enough to say I don’t like it, or I like it.”

Gazette photo /MAGGIE LOUIS

Senior pole vaulter Katie Zingheim, bound for Stanford University on athletic scholarship next year, is California’s elite high school pole vaulter this season. pic rings if I make the Olympic team,” Zingheim said with a laugh. “My dad said he’ll do it if I get a gold medal.”

Wherever pole vaulting takes her, Zingheim believes the most important thing is to stay humble.

“It goes without saying that I couldn’t have done any of this without my parents,” Zingheim said. “I owe a lot to them.”

Zingheim also feels a ton of gratitude to her coach, someone she said is like her big sister.

“We can have really intense life discussions about things like relationships, religion and college,” Zingheim said. “She’s my mentor. She knows who she is and stands up for it, something that has helped

make me the person that I am today.”

Majors felt the same. “She’s my buddy,” she added.

Freshman Gigi Grondona, who has been training for pole vaulting with Zingheim for a year and a half, said, “Not only is Katie an incredible pole vaulter, but she’s an incredible person.”

Zingheim said that pole vaulting has helped her as a person.

“I was never super comfortable with myself,” Zingheim said. “When I started in junior high, I was just a baby, just figuring things out. Now, [pole vaulting] has become my identity. I can’t imagine what I’d be doing if I wasn’t pole vaulting. It’s who I am.”

SPORTS BRIEFS Sierra Foothill League All-League selections from basketball season announced wSix Granite Bay High School basketball players were named to the Sierra Foothill League All-League teams. Senior Jonathon Davis was named co-MVP for the boys, and seniors Robert Duncan, Kyle Howarth and Jacob Keys were named to first team. Junior Nate Brillington was named to the second team. In addition, Davis was named to the Sacramento Bee’s All-Metro second team.

Duncan was a third team selection, and Keys was an honorable mention. Senior Cayley McDowell was the lone GBHS player on the girls’ all-league selections. She earned second team recognition.

4.0 cumulative GPA as a marketing major, and has been a Big-12 Conference All-Academic recipient twice. She competed in the 500 yard freestyle, 1,650 freestyle and 400 individual medley at the NCAA championships.

Scott Roth wins second consecutive NCAA championship wFormer GBHS standout pole vaulter Scott Roth, a senior at the University of Washington, successfully defended his NCAA title in the event, clearing a height of 18’ 1/2”.

He becomes the sixth Husky to ever win multiple national titles. This title earned him his sixth All-American recognition since he started his collegiate career.

GBHS graduate earns Academic All-American status

Senior distance runners commit to colleges

wGBHS graduate and Texas A&M University junior Alyssa Conner earned Academic All-American honors in swimming for the 2010-2011 season. She received the Elite 88 Academic Recognition Award, which is given to the athlete at the NCAA Championship event with the highest grade-point average. She carries a

wStandout senior distance runners Brooke Holt and Christine Zavesky committed to compete in cross country and track and field next year at Brigham Young University and the University of California Berkeley, respectively.

—From staff reports

Friday, April 8, 2011

w The Granite Bay Gazette

Stats at a Glance

Boys’ Volleyball Upcoming Games: w4/9 @ Bellarmine tournament w4/12 vs. Roseville w4/14 vs. Nevada Union

Girls’ Soccer Upcoming Games: w4/8 vs. Roseville w4/13 vs. Nevada Union w4/19 vs. Woodcreek

Track and Field Upcoming Meets: w4/9 @ Arcadia w4/13 SFL Meet #3 w4/27 SFL Meet #4

Baseball Upcoming Games: w4/11 vs. Woodcreek w4/13 @ Woodcreek w4/15 @ Antelope

Boys’ Tennis Upcoming Matches: w4/26 SFL team tournament

Boys’ Golf Upcoming Matches: w4/11 @ SFL #1 tournament w4/12 vs. Woodcreek w4/14 @ Del Oro

Boys’ Lacrosse Upcoming Games: w4/8 vs. St. Mary’s w4/15 vs. Bella Vista w4/30 @ Stevenson

Girls’ Lacrosse Upcoming Games: w4/9 vs. Lick Wilmerding w4/12 @ St. Francis w4/14 vs. Oak Ridge

Swimming Upcoming Meets: w4/23 @ Palo Alto Invite w4/29 SFL Finals w4/30 SFL Finals

Softball Upcoming Matches: w4/8 Stephanie LeDoux Tournament w4/9 Stephanie LeDoux Tournament w4/12 vs. Roseville

Sports C7

STROUGHTER: Athlete worked hard in English

Continued from page C1

understand that this was a priority for me because I’ve seen a lot of players before myself who couldn’t go to college because of their grades.”

As a result he spent much of his time after school with English teacher Judi Daniels during his senior year. Stroughter needed a “B” in her class to be able to get his football scholarship to Oregon State University.

“He was pretty serious about doing well in (my class) and spent a lot of time working with me after school two or three days a week, every week trying to better understand something or working on something that was happening in the class,” Daniels said. “He was really dedicated to being able to play football in college.”

After spending countless hours working on English, the two formed a bond that remains today as Stroughter returns to GBHS to visit Daniels about once a year. But what she remembers most is how sweet and kind he is.

In her senior English class, Daniels has read Into the Wild countless times but on one particular occasion she began to cry while reading aloud to her class.

Stroughter sat right in front of Daniels in that class, and what he did next left a lasting impression.

“I choked up and I couldn’t keep reading,” she said. “He stood up and said, ‘I’ll finish that for you, Mrs. Daniels’ and he took the book right out of my hands and he finished reading it.”

After GBHS, Stroughter attended OSU on a football scholarship. Although he had offers from schools like Boise State, Utah State, Fresno State and Nevada, OSU was, he and his mom agreed, the best fit for him.

In college, football remained a priority, but Stroughter realized that there were more important things than just being able to play.

“A lot of players who play college sports, when they get done with them, they have nothing to fall back on,” he said. “Getting my degree in sociology and a minor in communications really helped me out and allowed me to know that if football got taken from me tomorrow, then I could find another job that I am very, very excited for.”

However, in his junior year Stroughter began to suffer depression brought on by what he says were many factors and took a break from football.

At that time in his life, he was facing family deaths along with the death of his recruiting coach, Tim Gilstrap, troubles with a good friend and a lack of care for his mental, physical and spiritual health, all which contributed to his depression.

After seeking treatment for clinical depression, Stroughter returned to the game he loved, but he also returned with the understanding that he went through what he did for a reason.

“If I could take it back, I wouldn’t,–I wouldn’t change anything especially what I went through,” Stroughter said. “It allowed me to be here and to talk and to relate to other players.”

Stroughter finished his career at OSU with numerous accolades including being a member of the first and second All-Pac 10 teams, third in career receptions with 164 and fourth in all-purpose yards with 4,299.

From college, Stroughter was picked up in the seventh round of the NFL draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he continues to play today. He said that the city and community have embraced him and he’s grateful the coaches have given him the opportunity to continue playing.

As for what he plans to do after his professional career comes to a close, Stroughter hopes to remain close to the sport he loves the most as a coach so that he might impact the lives of young men the same way his life was impacted.

Stroughter returns to GBHS occasionally, and on his most recent visit stopped

by Daniels’ senior English class to give some words of wisdom.

“He said, ‘You can have or do anything you want, but it’s on you, you have TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS to be the one who decides what kind of person you’re going to be,’” Daniels said. “His advice to the kids was to figure that out now, figure out what kind of Tampa Bay Buccaneer wide receiver Sammie Stroughter graduated from GBHS and attended Oregon State University on scholarship. person you want to be.”

Story about Sammie a refreshing change

Stroughter breaks many unwanted stereotypes

A

rrogance. will that is rare to find.

Commentary It’s something that can be seen When talking with Sammie across professional sports of all Stroughter for the article in this different kinds by the best players at the issue of the Gazette, I entered the highest levels. interview thinking he would just And it is this very arrogance and the be another arrogant football player, spotlight that is placed on “franchise kind of like some of the ones who players” that gives professional athletics walk the halls of our dear campus. a poor reputation.

So naturally I was surprised Lift back the layer of grossly over-paid when I was referred to as “ma’am” “superstars” and sex, drugs and gun– and “miss” and given undivided possession scandals and you’ll find a attention from a very humble and lpreston.gazette@gmail.com completely different type of professional spiritual professional athlete. athlete, the kind who has worked his tail Even more so, I was taken aback off through high school and college to get where he is. by his willingness to discuss his depression, an illness that These aren’t the guys you’ll see on the highlight reels, debilitated him and made him so vulnerable that it removed and maybe not even on the field on game days, but these him from the sport that he loved.

And the more I talked with him the more I came to realize are the guys who demonstrate a type of determination and

laura preston

how many players in the NFL go unnoticed because they aren’t making top 10 plays every week or becoming the new highest paid athlete of the century.

These are the guys who simply play because they love it. They don’t care about their salaries or which team they play for, as long as they can still suit up on Sundays and say they play for somebody, that they achieved the ultimate goal of being a professional athlete.

How many professional football players return to their high school just to see their senior English teacher and take a stroll around their old stomping grounds to be reminded of how far they have come?

Not many, which makes Stroughter unique.

He demonstrates the other side of the professional athlete, the side too often overshadowed by fame and fortune.

Stroughter didn’t attend a football powerhouse and hasn’t been involved in any kind of scandal, but he still made it, pushed through adversity, a word which he says isn’t even in his dictionary, and he’s living out his goals to their fullest extent.

And that’s admirable.

Bringing sports to CURE: Groups raise money for breast cancer research your plate Continued from page C3

THE GAZETTE

Hope and Pennies for Patients for breast cancer survivors and we go to the end at the finish line and cheer people on,” senior and Pink Ladies Club president Saba Naeem said.

Any money that the club has left over at the end of the year is donated to the Susan G. Komen foundation.

Co-coordinator Yoshimoto has a personal connection to the event she helps organize.

Five years ago she went for a routine mammogram and was shocked to be told her doctors had found something suspicious.

“I went to a surgeon and was diagnosed with a Stage 1 tumor, but it was invasive, so early detection really made a difference on the outcome,” Yoshimoto said.

In the following months Ann had a lumpectomy and went through six weeks of radiation treatment to rid her of the breast cancer.

And so Yoshimoto contacted Komen Sacramento and offered to do anything that she could to help. She has been a part of the organization for the greater part of the last five years she has been cancer-free.

“During treatment time, I knew I wanted to do something else besides just being a survivor of it all,” Yoshimoto said.

C8 Sports

Friday, April 8, 2010

w The Granite Bay Gazette

to Head HEAD

Seniors:

28

Juniors:

22

Juniors and seniors deliver exciting showdown once again The annual Powder Puff game between the juniors and seniors years, and put in so many hours that not playing in order to avoid was marked by a few different changes which separated the game an accident was something I really did not think twice about.” from others in the past.

The absence of “trash talk” and animosity between the classes One of the most significant of these changes was the creation of was also a factor in distinguishing the game from previous years. the “Dog Pound,” a spirit group designed to cheer on and support “Classes go in packs. They like each other or they don’t. As the two teams without having to play on the field. All Dog classes, the seniors and juniors (this year) have always Pound participants were given the traditional Powder

BY ALLISON GARVEY gotten along…and on the sidelines I didn’t see any agarvey.gazette@gmail.com Puff t-shirt, participated in team dinner and had a (issues between them) so that was awesome…it special cheering section in the end zone on game night. was probably the best experience I’ve had with Activities Director Tamara Givens says the creation Powder Puff,” said Givens. of the Dog Pound gave girls an alternative to particiAfter weeks of practicing in wild weather, early pate in Powder Puff without having to attend practices morning meetings and growing anticipation, the and play on game night. two teams were finally able to fight it out on the “They got to lead the team out (onto the field), go to team field for the Powder Puff trophy on Friday, March 25. dinner, and (wear their class) shirts— that seemed to be what most The juniors started off the game with a bang, with eventual of the kids wanted,” Givens said team MVP Jodie Higgins scoring the first touchdown within the As well as participating for the experience without having to first ten seconds of the game. However, the seniors soon caught play, the Dog Pound allowed girls who were scholarship athletes a up, beginning a series of back-and-forth touchdowns. chance to participate without risking injury.

In a tense last few seconds of the game, with the score 28 to 22, While not all students who opted for the Dog Pound are on the juniors gained possession of the ball within yards of the end athletic scholarship, their hesitation to play is primarily for athletic zone, but the seniors pulled out the win as the juniors didn’t have reasons. enough time to score final touchdown.

Senior Dacia Biletnikoff, who will be attending the London “Even at the very end when we did lose it was still a really cool Contemporary School of the Arts in London, England in the fall, experience because we knew that we were so close to winning,” believed the injury risk was too devastating a factor to her future. junior Meghan Cole said.

“After I graduate, I will be dancing full time, (so) the risk of Although the two teams worked equally hard for their classes, being injured in a one-time event was definitely a big factor in my the game was seen as a fair shot for both classes to win, and make decision not to play,” Biletnikoff said. “I have worked so many the most of the experience out of what was given to them.

JULIA WILLIAMS

Seniors Zahra Madraswala and Serena Hart, top, line up on the defensive line against juniors Brooke Johnson and Jessica Douglass. Junior Samantha Hughes, far right, runs the ball. Junior Jennifer Korb, center middle, breaks through seniors Rachel Kludjian and Camila Monsalve. Senior Alex Fidler blocks junior Rebecca Schmidt, bottom center, as senior Courtney Naddy attempts to run away from junior Jessica Harter. The seniors do their team cheer, bottom left, underneath the stadium lights. Referees Brent Mattix and Mike Valentine, middle left, talk during a timeout. Seniors Lauren McCrary and Katryna Ton, middle-top left, embrace each other in celebration of the seniors’ triumph over the juniors.

wGazette photosw Maggie Louis

Dateland

Activities for singles and sweethearts Pages 12-13

Grease previewhe

tt A look a g upcomin al usic school m

Page 6

Dress guide

Where to find dresses for Junior Prom and Senior Ball

Page 14

Fashion feature

Music for ho pe

Stylish ideas for your summer wardrobe

An ins ider at the ’s look charit conce y rt

Pages 18-19

Page

21

Virtual reading Literati, Kindles and Nooks – oh my!

Page 20

Shift to thrift

Local discount stores to suit your style and budget Page 8

New technology

Forecast for devices to come in 2011 Page16-17

Page 2

April 2011

Contents.

In this issue...

Page G6 – Grease musical preview Page G7 – Spring break activity guide Pages G12-13 – Movie theater reviews Page G17 – Local bookstore review

Page G10

Vegan food guide

Page G14

Finding the dream dress Page G16

Pages G18-19 – Summer fashion Page G20 – Facebook stalking Page G21 – Music for hope preview

Teens and cartoons Gazette front cover illustration/ JUSTIN SHIIBA and ALISON SALE Gazette illustration/ ALISON SALE

April 2011

SUNDAY

Page 3

Calendar.

Y

MONDA

Y

TUESDA

DAY

WEDNES

AY

THURSD

AY

FRIDAY

SATURD

8

ACT Test

Grease @ GB

10

Junior Academic Merit Awards

15

Music for Hope Concert

One Lunch: Staff Potluck

Spring Break ter Eas Day

25

River Cats vs.

Padres

Lil Wayne @ Arco Arena

g*

tin s e T TAR S *

* Senior ng i t Academic Tes R Merit Awards * STA

May

4

Grease @ GB

Kevin Hart Comedy @ Sacramento Convention Center

Cinc od May e o

Junior Prom

30 Senior Ball

Gazette illustrations/SAMANTHA SPARGO

‘You’ve been struck by a Smooth Criminal’

I

Ownership always comes at a price, and music is no exception

llegal music downloading.

How many music fanatics out there have not tried this at some point?

The answer to this, sadly, is few.

For years now, downloading music for free from programs like Limewire, has been considered completely acceptable.

Millions of online forums, tutorials, and free software for computers are out there encouraging what is, essentially, a crime.

There’s no doubt that paying for music can seem unreasonably expensive. Paying a chunk of change per song can really add up for someone who wants a varied playlist.

For the average teenager, music is such a fundamental part of the everyday life that paying money for it seems unfair.

And the recent increase in cost of iTunes songs from $0.99 cents to $1.29 certainly doesn’t help.

And then of course, there’s the age-old argument that everybody does it.

Commentary

sonia iyer

siyer.gazette@gmail.com

But just because a crime is popular, that doesn’t make it any less of a crime.

Just like we expect to be paid for our work, it is the musicians and production companies’ job to produce popular music, and the seemingly

outrageous $1.29 per iTunes song is what funds their living.

When the resulting CDs and iTunes songs are not purchased, musicians and music companies are being cheated out of the money that they’ve worked for.

To most people, those who create today’s popular music appear rich enough and can live without our few extra dollars purchasing their songs.

When we have a small fraction of the income they do, of course it seems like they don’t need it. It is a greater cost-income ratio for us, after all: relatively, we lose more money than they gain.

But this doesn’t change the fact that the money is rightfully theirs.

And in reality, if everybody began downloading this music for free, none of this music would be available to the public in the first place because it would make no profit.

Everybody knows that nothing is really free. If a person wants to own music produced by other people, it is necessary to pay the price.

Page 4

Music.

B+

Noah and the Whale Last Night on Earth

BY PARKER EVANS

pevans.gazette@gmail.com

E

nglish indie rock darlings Noah and the Whale make a triumphant return in 2011 with Last Night on Earth.

After the cutsie folk-pop of 2008’s Peaceful, the World Lays Me Down and the heartbreakingly sad The First Days of Spring in 2009, Charlie Fink and his band of Londoners decided that it was time to join the pop scene right and proper.

Last Night on Earth adds even more elements to a band whose sound is already fairly diverse. Noah and the Whale seamlessly shifts from poppy synthesizers to soaring orchestral pieces to stripped-down ballads in the blink of an eye.

Opener “Life is Life” is an exercise in the former, as drum machines and floaty synthesizers support a catchy hook.

The single, “L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N.,” has received plenty of radio airtime overseas in England, and for good reason. The sing-along chorus is bright and magnetic.

Long-time fans of Noah and the Whale might be surprised to find

C+

that this album will be popping up in some unexpected places.

Following in the footsteps of trendy not-quite-mainstream bands Vampire Weekend and Black Keys, Last Night on Earth is commercially conducive.

The vibraphone intro on “Give It All Back” is just begging to be used in an IBM spot and the brilliant orchestral hook on “Just Before We Met” wouldn’t seem out of place in a Prius commercial.

Unfortunately, the later tracks don’t quite manage to keep the energy of the album’s first half going.

The instrumental “Paradise Stars” is clearly meant to mark a shift in tone, but goes too far in killing the record’s momentum. Especially since the slower tracks simply aren’t as strong.

The closer, “Old Joy,” is the only standout towards the end. Fink’s naked, unaffected voice melds well with the somber piano.

Last Night on Earth is a ball of energy, understandably flaming out at under 35 minutes.

It’s all worth it. Last Night on Earth leaves the listener actively curious about the next path the band will take.

STARTIME INTERNATIONAL

Gimme Some by Peter Bjorn and John was released on March 29.

Skip to: Second Chance

bhince.gazette@gmail.com

he Swedish trio is back with a brand new album, and for all of you “Young Folks” fans, I’m sorry to report that it’s whistle-free.

Gimme Some begins with “Tomorrow Has to Wait,” which consists mostly of echo-ey repetition and re-repetition of mantras to a steady, hard-hitting beat that all the instruments hit in uniform. It’s unconventional, but not bad.

“Dig a Little Deeper” is a feel-good song with a repetition of “oh-oh!”’s in the background of every chorus. The chorus is an attempt at profound thought, and a bit pretentious: “All art has been contemporary (dig a little deeper).” The trio closes the song with some bongos and a few more “oh-oh!”’s for the road.

Peter Bjorn & John (PB&J) don’t hesitate to break out the cowbell in “Second Chance.”

However, it is effectively used and makes

for a really catchy, upbeat song that isn’t too overdone. It’s kind of like a more sophisticated version of a pop song that might appear in an 80’s movie.

“Eyes,” like “Dig a Little Deeper,” has a surf-esque quality to it similar to that of Vampire Weekend’s latest album.

“Breaker Breaker” has no build up and no real conclusion – as soon as it starts, it ends...I’m not sure why it’s there.

“May Seem Macabre” (meaning grim or ghastly, of course) breaks up the album with a swell of beautiful rhythms that are far from macabre.

“Don’t Let Them Cool Off” is fast-paced and dominated by guitars. It also includes the repetition of “don’t let them cool off” 22 times over the course of roughly three minutes – of which you are made painfully aware.

“Black Book” has awkward, choppy electric guitar sounds combined with awkward, choppy vocals that give way to high pitch noises that only seem to get louder as you continue to

Britney Spears Femme Fatale

BY ALLISON GARVEY

O

agarvey.gazette@gmail.com

ne thing’s for sure – Britney Spears’s days of “Oops I Did It Again” and “Lucky” are definitely long gone.

Her new album, Femme Fatale, produced by Jive Records was released March 25. Her two singles, “Hold It Against Me” and “Till the World Ends,” introduce the dance/electronic pop vibe which is carried throughout the rest of her album.

The sounds of most all of her songs mesh one into one another with little-to-no distinction between tracks.

The album features collaboration with different artists than Britney usually gravitates towards.

“Big Fat Bass” features Will.I.Am. underneath extremely loud, deep bass reverberations that will radiate through your speakers and leave you racing to turn the volume down.

However, one thing I will say for Britney is that the album shows a completely different side of her as an artist. The album is a complete 180 degree shift from her earlier days of recording, and I would say pretty different from the tracks on Circus, her 2008 album.

The bulk of the album seems to roll by relatively unnoticed. Tracks such as “I Wanna Go,” “Seal It With a Kiss” and “Trouble For Me” all feature the same upbeat dance mix with – you guessed it – heavy-hitting

MERCURY RECORDS

Last Night On Earth

by Noah and the Whale was released on March 7.

Skip to: L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S. O.N.

Peter Bjorn and John Gimme Some

BY BRITTANY HINCE

T

April 2011

listen.

The album begins to mellow out with “Down Like Me.” It’s humbly made and easily the most relatable song on the album with gloomy but fitting lyrics. And the song isn’t stagnant – it progressively builds and changes to conclude in a trippy whirlwind of sound.

“Lies” contains annoying, nasally vocals that yell at you from the depths of your headphones. Overall, it’s just an obnoxious amount of noise.

“I Know You Don’t Love Me” is consistent with the rest of the album. It’s not a bad song, but it’s not a strong finish. (The 60 seconds of non-intriguing instrumental at the end didn’t help.)

PB&J’s albums always seem to contain one or two gems among a sea of the easily-forgotten tunes, and Gimme Some is no exception.

But if you are willing to take the time to dig a little deeper for a decent song, there’s no harm in giving Gimme Some a second chance.

D

bass beats.

As strange as the rest of the rest of the album is, nothing compares to the final track; “Criminal” is by far the most eccentric song on Femme Fatale. The song opens with what sounds like a wooden flute, making her sound more like a snake charmer than a pop artist.

The biggest shame which comes with the album is that with a dominant electronic, dance sound, her voice seems to have lost nearly all of the originality which brought her to fame in the first place.

While certain tracks such as “Up and Down” definitely make you want to dance around the room, it is easy to forget that you are listening to Britney Spears; she could be easily replaced with any other pop genre artist.

As the twelve songs on the album came to an end, I found myself feeling relatively unsatisfied.

Overall, the electronic mix of dance-pop (which seems to be little more than a running track list for a rave or dance club) doesn’t do much for the listener.

The feeling which a new Britney Spears album with iconic music generally brings was missing on Femme Fatale. In its place you will find a series of overproduced, auto-tuned dance tracks with a supporting voice that really isn’t anything special.

JIVE RECORDS

Femme Fatale by Britney Spears was released on March 29.

Skip to: Up and Down

February 2011

Teacher Playlist

Page 5

More Music.

 Mark Broers

ELECTRONIC MIXTAPE

BY JON SETIAWAN

jsetiawan.gazette@gmail.com

1. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana This song is perfect for jumping up and down, since I can’t dance.

2. “Wonderwall” by Oasis I became interested in this group on a trip to London.

3. “All My Life” by Foo Fighters Foo Fighters used to make the best funny videos.

4. “Higher Ground” by Red Hot Chili Peppers I can actually sing this one.

7. “Orange Crush” by R.E.M. (They were) great in concert years ago.

8. “The Swing” by INXS (This song was) a favorite of my younger years.

9. “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley This was the first dance at my wedding with my wife.

10. “Party in the U.S.A.” by Miley Cyrus My (younger) daughters love it, (and your age group is) singing it now too.

5. “One Love” by Bob Marley This one’s great for chillin’.

11. “All the Small Things”

by Blink 182 I met Mark from (Blink 182) in Hawaii at a hotel when our daughters played in the pool.

6. “Gone Away” by The Offspring (A great song by) graduates of (the University of California) Irvine that went into music instead.

12. “Master of Puppets” by Metallica (Metallica is a) great Bay Area band. (This was) my pre-game music for college sports.

Electronic music for your listening pleasure: 1. “La La La” by LMFAO This very upbeat happy tune is perfect for cruising down the streets in sunny weather during spring break.

2. “Phantom” by Justice This song is purely electric. Even the vocals are digitally altered to the point of being incomprehensible. The middle of the song has a crazy breakdown of purely scratchy synths for those who enjoy heavier electronic music.

3. “No Matter What You Do” by Benny Benassi Benny Benassi’s signature electronic pulsating instruments backing a repeating vocal create an interesting mixture in this 2003 single.

4. “Mars” by Fake Blood This song takes a while to build up, but after the build, a very aggressive beat comes in — perfect for blasting.

5. “In For the Kill (Skrillex Remix)”

by Skrillex La Roux’s In For the Kill is remixed and changed into a slower paced electronic song, but keeping the same vocals from the original.

6. “Ghosts N Stuff” by Deadmau5 Made by Canadian Progressive house producer Deadmau5, this upbeat award winning track features different instrumentation combinations with a catchy beat that you’ll definitely be replaying.

7. “Fresh” by Nu World Hustle Perfect beat for hip-hop dancers to dance to, this song is slower in tempo, and is extremely catchy.

8. “Derezzed” by Daft Punk Straight from the movie Tron: Legacy, this song includes many of the Daft Punk instruments that they are famous for.

9. “Children of the Sandstorm” by Darude vs. Robert Miles The popular song Sandstorm by Darude is remixed and a calmer introduction is added and mixed into various sections of the song by Robert Miles to create this unique take on the original stadium pump-up song.

10. “Ants” by edIT Categorized under Electronica/ Glitch, this song by edIT is everything they are known for. The sporadic beats and syncopated ‘glitches’ with melancholy acoustic guitar arpeggios makes for a very different song.

- compiled by Jon Setiawan

MUSICIAN OFTHE MONTH

BY RACHAEL VASQUEZ

A

rvasquez.gazette@gmail.com

dam Holmes was born to play drums.

Whether he is performing with the Granite Bay High School band, in the comfort of his own home or at a party, Holmes finds comfort in doing what he loves.

Holmes began playing music in the first grade. Since then, he has mastered several instruments, including guitar, piano and, his least favorite, trumpet.

In fifth grade, Holmes became involved in band due to his dad’s influence – his dad was on his high school drum line.

Although he has been playing the drums since first grade, Holmes decided to play a new instrument (the trumpet) when he joined his middle school band.

“I gave trumpet a try for two years because my dad’s brother played the trumpet,” Holmes said. “I had to give it up though because I felt that I was just

better suited to play on the drumline.”

Through treacherous years of practice, Holmes is now an important member of the GBHS drumline. Although he admires the structure of the school band, he admits there’s nothing like playing on his own.

“I like to think that I take bits and pieces from the school band and transfer it over to my freestyle playing at home,” Holmes said. “The GBHS school band installs discipline that makes it worth while for a person who also likes to play outside of (the school band).”

The GBHS school band requires a lot of dedication. However, Holmes has plenty of time to work on other musical projects.

Along with seniors Larry Lynch, Jason McConnen, Danny Debruin, and Bobby Stuckey, Holmes is a part of the cover band Retro State. Since Holmes joined the band in the seventh grade, Retro State has performed at a few Granite Bay Golf Course parties, birthday parties and bars.

Another one of Holmes’ side projects is learning to sing. Although he hasn’t

mastered the skill, Adam remains focused on being multi-talented.

No matter how many instruments he masters, Holmes’ true talent lies in drumming. Much of his inspiration comes from solo artists, such as Prince and John Mayer.

However, he is rhythmically influenced

by Neil Peart from Rush.

“It’s a goal one day to play with as many sets as Neil Peart,” Holmes said.

“Maybe one day I can be that great but I highly doubt that will happen.”

Whatever future success Holmes may have can be attributed to the many dedicated hours of practice he has put into drum line over the past years. He loves how important his role is to his classmates and to his school.

“There can’t be a great school band without having a great drumline because we make the whole band sound cohesive,” Holmes said. “In my opinion, a drummer is the main foundation of any band.”

Gazette photo /RACHAEL VASQUEZ

Adam Holmes is on the drumline at GBHS and is a drummer for the band Retro State.

Gazette illustrations/SAMANTHA SPARGO

Page 6

Perform.

April 2011

GREASE lightning!

Students in GBHS musical theater bring the classic story to the stage problems when production first began.

“I think that one of the biggest challenges in the rvasquez.gazette@gmail.com beginning of our production was to start out by saying ‘forget the movie. We’re going to make it our here is a class where desks aren’t needed, show,” Prichard said. disturbing the calmness of the classroom is Luckily the class has spent countless hours in acceptable and doing make-up and hair is preparation for the much-anticipated play. allowed – Musical Theater.

Senior Ashley Hilton is not only on the make-up Upon closer look, the class isn’t as chaotic as committee but she is the female star of the play it seems. The unconventional portraying Sandy, the new student at classroom has been the second home Rydell High School. Her good-girl One of for student actors over the three ways conflict with her love interest’s months they spent preparing for their the biggest rebellious nature.

Bad-boy Danny is production of the 1972 Broadway challenges... portrayed by senior Adam Godbey. musical Grease.

Similar to the play, Hilton and was to start out While most people are more Godbey differ, but only in their familiar with the 1978 Grease movie by saying ‘forget levels of musical theater experience. staring John Travolta as Danny Zuko the movie.

We’re “I’ve been in musical theater for and Olivia Newton-John as Sandy four years,” Hilton said.

“I think it going to make it Olsen, the musical theater class was only natural for me to want to hopes to bring a new interpretation our show. have a lead role in my last year of to the community by using the same high school.” play and music as the Broadway While Hilton has been in the class – Jim Prichard, production. With that in mind, the for her four years of high school, musical theater audience’s expectations of the play Godbey only recently joined the teacher in comparison to the familiar movie class in January, not knowing if he might come as a problem. could earn the male lead.

“When people go to see the movie, “Everyone wants to have a lead role,” Godbey said. it needs to be realistic and that’s why the movie has a “But there was a certain glory for me wanting to be car race and auto shop,” musical theater teacher Jim the lead role because I’ve never been involved in a Prichard said. “With the Grease Lightning (car we musical at (GBHS) before.” have) on our stage the audience should recognize that Although he didn’t have nearly as much experience it is a stage production and accept the (quality).” with musicals as Hilton had, Godbey had been in Although Prichard was enthusiastic about the drama classes and taken choir in middle school. decision to perform Grease, there were many

BY RACHAEL VASQUEZ

T

Hilton recognized Godbey’s talent and persuaded him to take the class and audition for the male role, since the musical theater class was lacking male participants.

“His drama friends and I convinced him to sign up,” Hilton said. “I knew he had done choir (from 6th to 8th grade) and that he has an amazing voice, so I really pushed him to join.”

On stage, Godbey appears to have the façade that he has a part of musical theater throughout high school, despite not having been.

Like Godbey, Prichard approaches Grease to his best ability.

“Whenever anyone asks me what my favorite play is I tell them the title of the show that I am working on,” Prichard said. “If I can’t approach (a play) thinking that this is going to be the best show that I have ever done, then why bother?”

The production has the talent to be remembered as one of the best at Granite Bay High School – but the story behind the charming 1950’s atmosphere and humorous teenage angst isn’t the most morally educating.

“The moral (of Grease) is actually pretty bad because Sandy has to change in the end after Danny treats her horribly,” Hilton said. “(However) we’re not trying to provide guidance but rather entertainment.”

It can be mutually agreed upon that the love story isn’t the most compromising but the most important idea is that the production leads a new generation to love Grease as much as the generations before.

“I can remember when I saw Grease for the first time (on Broadway) and it’s something to be remembered,” Prichard said. “I want the audience to look at the show and not think of it was a high school show but just simply great – (because) as soon as anyone qualifies it as a high school production then I think we haven’t done our job.”

Gazette photos/MAGGIE LOUIS

GBHS musical theater students perform their rendition of Grease after diligent preparation and rehearsals on March 31, April 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9.

April 2011

Adventure.

Page 7

Fun in the sun

Making an at-home spring break exciting is just a few creative suggestions away

BY ALLISON GARVEY

W

agarvey.gazette@gmail.com

arm, sunny beaches, tropical vacations, trips through Europe, family reunions – all are things that start to roll around as plans for spring break begin to form.

But for those who believe that staying in Granite Bay dooms spring break to being a dull week of sitting on the couch, there are a surprising few activities which can make a local spring break anything but boring.

Old Town Folsom About a 20 minute drive away, Old Town Folsom is a great way to get away from Granite Bay while still staying close to home.

The Folsom bridge serves as an amazing backdrop for photo adventures with friends, the American river at the bottom is the perfect place to go within minutes of home, but far enough away to where you feel like you’re in a town outside the “bubble.”

“I love going down to the bridges in old Folsom and taking pictures,” senior Lauren McAvoy said, “it’s actually really fun and I always get amazing photos.”

Old Town Folsom has more to offer than just a backdrop for the artsy; the city has many different bike trails which are perfect for an afternoon ride with friends, and the great selection of restaurants close by make it easy to make a day out of the trip.

“It’s just nice to go to and get away from Granite Bay for a short amount of time,” senior Phil Vogeley said.

Lake Day The quintessential pass time for spring break, trips to the local lake is always a go-to activity for those who are looking for a fun day with family and friends.

Put together supplies for a barbeque, bring jet skis or go out on a boat on Folsom lake for the day.

“It’s really nice to just hang out with family and friends for the day, whether you’re boating or just tanning and relaxing,” senior Jenna Reese said.

Having the lake within 5 minutes of town makes this a perfect option for those warm springtime days.

Picnic at the Park Most teenagers, when asked what to do to fill time, don’t think to make a sack lunch, grab some friends and spend the afternoon at a park rolling around on the grass, playing on the playground, just enjoying the day.

Chances are it’s not an activity done very often, but it can bring people back to days of carefree childhood fun.

There are dozens of local parks to choose from – Feist, Hillsborough, and Treelake just to name a few – and all of them offer an amazing spot to kick back and relax.

Beyond just an everyday fun activity, some tie the childhood days of parks and playgrounds ties into the Easter holiday.

“Easter’s coming right around the corner,” senior Ashby Vose said, “so (over spring break I’m) going to get a big group of people together and hide Easter eggs all over a park and have a giant Easter egg hunt.”

Utilizing the many parks right in the area makes activities during spring break fun and convenient.

“It’s great because everyone can come and contribute something,” senior Brittany Vu said. “(My friends and I) put together a potluck, bring iPod speakers, fly around a kite, and just relax and enjoy the day.”

Gazette illustrations/KATIE ZINGHEIM

Eat.

Page 8

Pete’s Restaurant & Brewhouse a house salad for my mom and gumbo and Thai fried prawns for my girlfriend.

After a short wait, the salad and ete’s Restaurant and Brewhouse gumbo arrived. is one of the most recent adThe salad was a mix of fresh greens, ditions to Granite Bay’s wide but to me it seemed a bit over-priced range of dining opportunities. for the quality and amount received.

Pete’s is located in Quarry Ponds The gumbo was hot and consisted of right off of Douglas Boulevard on the rice, chicken celery, tomato and okra, way to Folsom Lake. but was overly thick and not that tasty.

As my mom, girlfriend and I walked So right from the start the food was in, we were instantly greeted by the only mediocre and we began to wonamiable hostess and shown to a booth der if we had made of our choice. the right decision for As I sat down, I our dinner plans. noticed the numerThe restaurant But once our main ous televisions spread entrées had arrived we is a perfect throughout the reschanged our minds. place to go taurant and I enjoyed The pepperoni pizza with friends or the laid-back, friendly was delicious with its environment. homemade crust and family when The restaurant is a plentiful pepperoni. looking for an perfect place to go with The pizza was large enjoyable dining friends or family when enough to feed everyexperience. looking for an enjoyone, and was very able dining experience. reasonably priced for Minutes later, our the quality. I would go waitress came, inback just to try anothtroduced herself and took our drink er one of their many different pizzas. orders. As we waited for our drinks, The Thai fried prawns were just as I found myself watching the different good. Each large prawn was envelsports that appeared on the TVs. oped in a tasty crust and was served I noticed some other fellow Granite with a specialty dipping sauce.

Bay High School students in the resAll in all, I would definitely go back taurant as well; Pete’s seemed like a several times just to try some more popular place for teenagers. of the items on the very large menu.

Our drinks arrived and I was pleasThe service was very good, the entrées antly surprised at the large size. The were delicious, and if it wasn’t for the waitress then took our dinner orders: little hiccup in the beginning, the dina pepperoni pizza for my mom and I, ner would’ve been nearly flawless.

April 2011

Lucille’s Smokehouse BBQ

BY MATT VENEMAN

BY AUSTIN DOWNS

mveneman.gazette@gmail.com

P

adowns.gazette@gmail.com

I

t’s man’s greatest love: meat. And my visit to Lucille’s Smokehouse BBQ in Rocklin satisfied my love of meat.

When I first saw the southern style of the building, I knew the inside would have a southern flavor as well.

And it didn’t disappoint.

I was seated quickly in not-themost comfortable seats, but that was soon forgotten as I was happily greeted by a waiter.

Being meat-crazy, I ordered myself a full rack of ribs of their signature baby back ribs, waited for my food, and took in the southern environment filled with slogans and pictures of all sorts.

There was music playing in the background, with waiters and busboys bustling. This created an atmosphere that made the restaurant an exciting place to be in.

I wish I had ordered something to pass the time, for I was seated in the corner of the restaurant and after about two minutes or so, I had surveyed my surrounding and ended up playing on my phone.

However, the time between ordering and receiving my ribs was only 10 or so minutes, which was surprising because the taste and tenderness of the ribs was top notch.

The ribs broke off easily and I savored every bite, although I noticed there was a significantly small

amount of meat on most of them.

Although I couldn’t finish the rack, I did greatly enjoy it. However, because the ribs were so engulfed in the BBQ sauce, my hands were very sticky. I had received napkins, but they didn’t help the problem. They just made my hands even stickier.

I eventually had to ask for something better to wipe my hands with, and they brought me towels, which were much better.

As for its positives, the BBQ there was better than anything I’ve had. The meal also came with fries, though they didn’t impress me.

The price came to a grand total of $28, not including tip. I didn’t think this was overpriced due to their high quality, but the price of the drink ($3 for a soda) was way too much.

Overall, if you are in a BBQ kind of mood and want to treat yourself to excellent southern food, Lucille’s is sure to not disappoint.

Gazette photo /MAGGIE LOUIS

Lucille’s satisfies any meat craving with high quality, southern food.

Source Global Tapas

BY SAMANTHA SPARGO sspargo.gazette@gmail.com

S

ource Global Tapas is one of the newest eateries in the Quarry Ponds shopping center, located in the space that was formerly occupied

by Toast.

Source specializes in tapas, or dishes similar to appetizers in style and size. The tapa originated in Spain and is central to Spanish dining culture, as it is meant to be shared over conversation.

I went into Source with high expectations, and was not disappointed.

The minute that I stepped into the restaurant, I was greeted with a smile by a waitress who immediately showed me to a table. I was impressed throughout my visit with the cheery staff and attentive service.

As I walked through Source, I noticed the modern décor and interesting wood prints which gave the restaurant an organic, downtown feel.

The silverware isn’t set out as at most restaurants, but kept in a glass container in the middle of the table, which is illustrative of the relaxed atmosphere.

There is seating inside, as well as outside on Source’s two covered patios. From both the inside

and outside tables at the back of the restaurant there are nice views of the pond and surrounding greenery.

On the day that I dined at Source the weather was overcast and dreary, but from my seat near a large window it was not hard for me to imagine myself seated on the patio on a nice day, enjoying the scenery and sunshine.

When my helpful waitress handed me the menu, I had a hard time choosing between the various options, all of which sounded yummy.

I am not a fan of goat cheeses but decided to try Source’s sliced baguette with pomegranate and pine nut chévre cheese spread anyway. I was pleasantly surprised to find the spread did not have the sharp taste characteristic of most goat and bleu cheeses. It was neither thick nor heavy and paired nicely with the crunchy baguette.

To go with my baguette and accompanying spread, I ordered the Kabocha squash soup garnished with pumpkin seed oil and chives. The flavors of the two gourds mingled excellently and had me scraping the bottom of the bowl for the last few slurps. The soup was tasty and light, with a slightly grainy texture that I enjoyed. The pomegranate spread was unique, but the flavors were not as bold as those of the soup.

The presentation of the food was top-notch. My

soup came out looking like a delectable painting, with swirls of pumpkin seed oil garnish creating a design like that of a fancy cappuccino.

I was extremely surprised when my food arrived less than five minutes after I had ordered it. This, though, may have been due to the fact that I squeezed in minutes before they closed to prepare for dinner, which means I was their last lunch customer.

When all was said and done I ended up with a light, gourmet lunch for slightly less than $10.

Source has three different menus for brunch, lunch and dinner, each containing different tapas and desserts.

The menus include a little bit of everything, from Caribbean wontons to good old American ribs.

For those 21 and over, Source offers a wide selection of award-winning local and international wines that can be paired with its tapas.

Source is the ideal place for a casual date night with a significant other or lunch with friends. If planning on dining during peak dinner and lunch hours, it’s best that you make a reservation in order to avoid a wait.

I would highly recommend Source to anyone who is looking for new flavors and good service and does not want to travel far from home.

April 2011

Page 9

Eat.

Leatherby’s

BY MOOSA ZAIDI mzaidi.gazette@gmail.com

O

ld-fashioned, while not always the most desired of descriptors in general, evokes feelings of wholesomeness and nostalgia when applied to food.

Leatherby’s rightfully claims this label with its oldfashioned ice cream and classic American diner food.

When I entered the restaurant with some friends, we were greeted by a waiter and quickly seated near window seats.

The restaurant was surprisingly empty, so we received incredibly speedy service.

Anyone who goes there goes for the ice cream, but the menu does not end there.

In addition to ice cream, the restaurant serves burgers, sandwiches, soups, salads and fries – everything you would expect from a traditional diner.

Customers order the ice cream at the same time as the rest of the food but can choose to have it come with the rest of their food or later.

For someone going to the restaurant for the first time, picking an ice cream between so many choices

was not an easy task.

The restaurant offers all of the simple choices offered at any ice cream parlor: single-flavor ice creams, root beer floats, banana splits and malt shakes.

The uniqueness of this restaurant comes from its numerous complex and sublime creations.

Eventually, I chose once of these more complex creations, the Black and Tan. For the main course, I had a veggie burger with a side of potato salad. The burger was hot and the salad was cold, as it should be.

There was nothing especially remarkable about the potato salad. The veggie burger was delicious; my only disappointment was that cheese costs extra.

Finally, I asked for my ice cream, the Black and Tan. I was expecting dessert; I got a feast.

A tall ice cream glass was overfilled with tan almond ice cream.

It was generously topped with whipped cream.

Black hot fudge covered the whipped cream and dripped down the glass into the saucer in which the ice cream came.

As with any respectable sundae, topping it all off was a bright red maraschino cherry.

Panera Bread

BY JON SETIAWAN jsetiawan.gazette@gmail.com

W

ith the cold rainy weather we’ve been having, I was craving a hot bowl of soup.

Luckily, I heard about Panera Bread off of Douglas Boulevard by TJ Maxx from a few friends and decided to try it out for myself.

I went on a Sunday afternoon, and it was seriously packed. There were so many people there ordering, waiting for food, and either eating at tables or waiting for someone to finish eating.

What first caught my attention upon entering was the array of breads, pastries and bagels they had on glass display before getting to the cashier counter to order. They all looked fresh, and I almost forgot about the menu looking at them all.

The menu had a variety of items ranging from sandwiches to a list of soups, salads, espresso drinks and teas. I eventually decided on their combination deal, which includes a soup, salad and side. I chose the cream of chicken and rice soup, a Caesar salad and bread.

After ordering, I was given a pager that I was told would go off once my food was ready, which I thought was a neat and interesting way of telling customers when their food was ready.

Although the dining area was pretty crowded, I was luckily able to find a seat after ordering.

After I sat, I took in the atmosphere

of the restaurant, beginning with the music. Calm café tunes were playing, and when paired with the contemporary architecture and dark tones, this created a very warm and comfortable environment – perfect for enjoying soup on a rainy day.

It wasn’t long at all before the pager went off and my food was ready, which was surprising because of the large number of people there.

The salad I got was in a huge bowl, and was much larger than I had expected. But it wasn’t anything spectacular, just your average Caesar salad.

The soup was really hot – perfect for the cold weather. The combination of a creamy soup paired with a slice of their baguette was simply delicious.

Because customers pick up their own food, there’s no need for table waiters, so customer service is limited. Usually after a meal you are supposed to bus your own table.

However, there were several employees walking around the dining room clearing plates for customers, which I thought was a nice change.

As for the price, it’s on the more expensive side, but the meal proved to be a healthy light meal that is worth the extra bucks as opposed to fast food.

Anyone looking for a fresh, light meal in the area should definitely give Panera Bread a try, especially when the weather calls for some hot soup.

The ice cream came with a long handled spoon to reach into the very depths of the almond ice cream’s fluffy goodness.

However, I was never able to make it that far. I left the restaurant thoroughly satisfied, my only regret ordering the burger before-hand and not being able to fully consume my ice cream.

Gazette photo /MAGGIE LOUIS

In addition to traditional diner food, Leatherby’s offers an array of unique ice cream creations.

Tres Agaves

BY SAHIL KHOSLA

skhosla.gazette@gmail.com

A

s I stepped into Tres Agaves, the cozy Jaliscan-inspired restaurant, I was immediately struck by colorful décor embellishing the walls.

After a few moments I was greeted by the hostess up front, and led back to a table.

I began with some of the chips and salsas, a scarlet chipotle and a green tomatillo salsa.

However, I was dismayed by the chips, as I found them to be overly oily, which left my fingers with a slick feeling.

But after pointing it out to the server, they brought out a new batch of warm, crunchy chips that tasted better and were less oily.

Things appeared to improve after I ordered an appetizer, the empanadas, which are stuffed with chicken and mushrooms, complemented by a cilantro-avocado sauce that was quite scrumptious.

The empanadas were palatable but they ran a bit on the greasy side as well.

After a brief interval, the main course arrived, the carnitas, which is a slow roasted pork seasoned with oregano and sea salt. But unfortunately it appeared dry with an overly rough exterior and wasn’t quite as succulent and tender as I had hoped for.

The carnitas were also

accompanied by a side of rice and beans, though the beans didn’t appear very flavorsome and lacked salt.

But I did find the pico de gallo salsa to be a pleasant touch, and the fresh tortillas were a soft and warm comfort.

I also tried a portion of the Chiles Rellenos, which consists of poblano chiles stuffed with melted cheese, vegetables, and the subtle notes of Mexican truffle.

This dish was rather delightful with its smooth flavor, and none of the food’s ingredients overpowering another.

Finally, I tried a mahi mahi taco, which was topped with pico de gallo, a tangy chipotle mayo and a sweet pepper slaw.

It was an appetizing dish with the sweetness of the slaw balancing the accentuated taste of the chipotle mayo.

The service was acceptable; my server was more attentive later in the meal than at the beginning.

There is some room for improvement. Given that it wasn’t a very busy night, it would have been nice to have been helped earlier on that evening.

Overall, the execution and presentation of the food at Tres Agaves is nothing to boast about, but did make for a decent dining experience.

However, I don’t think it’s a restaurant that I’ll be visiting again soon.

Page 10

April 2011

Eat.

Vegan Food Dinner

Andy Nguyen’s Vegetarian restaurant

V

BY HALEY MASSARA

hmassara.gazette@gmail.

egan food has something of a bad reputation. However, now those who don’t eat any animal products at all (eggs and dairy included), don’t have to be limited to a fairly bland, all-vegetable cuisine.

But veganism has evolved from a relatively uncommon practice to a fullblown fad, and the eating is, as far as I can tell, pretty good.

Location: Broadway and 19th street in Sacramento.

Description: upscale Asian cuisine.’

Price range: $20 per entrée You have to try: Supreme Noodle Soup Much of the menu involves vegan-friendly soy meat or fake fish. That might sound a little scary to the uninitiated, but the “meat” is such a perfect imitation, even the most bloodthirsty carnivores will be satisfied. Portions are large, so order lightly.

Sunflower Drive-In Location: Old Fair Oaks Description: Vegan Burgers Price range: Around $6 per entrée You have to try: The Nutburger If the idea of eating a fresh vegan burger as roosters peck at your feet sounds good to you, the Sunflower Drive-In is the place for you.

A small flock of chickens wander outside this cozy, hippie-friendly joint, and are quite happy to take donations of tortilla chips from charmed customers. That said, Sunflower makes excellent chips.

The stand offers a variety of vegan and vegetarian-geared sandwiches, but their real specialty is the Nutburger, a hearty burger made from ground nutmeat.

Snacks Capital Dawg

Sugar Plum Vegan Cafe

Location: 20th street between Capitol and L. Description: Hot Dogs Price range: Around $4 per hot dog You have to try: The vegan corn dog

Location: K and 23rd street in Midtown Description: Specializes in desserts Price Range: Inexpensive for baked goods, slightly pricier for entrees You have to try: The Whoopie Pie

Capital Dawg, offers a huge selection of cylindrical meats, with every topping anyone could ever possibly think of putting on a hot dog, their vegan dogs are almost indistinguishable from real meat.

Sugar Plum Vegan Cafe is a hipster-ish café in Midtown that serves soups, sandwiches and larger entrees. The best part has to be their baked goods.

Remember those chocolate Hostess cupcakes with the curly-Q’s on top? Sugar Plum does a lard-free version that is somehow indescribably, richer, sweeter and much, much better.

Sugar Plum also offers a veganized version of the Whoopie Pie as well as an ever-shifting lineup of phenomenal cookies and cupcakes.

April 2011

Page 11

Enjoy.

Recipe of the Month

Chocolate Covered Cookie Bars

BY ALLISON GARVEY

A Gold cuff at Target --- $14.00

agarvey.gazette@gmail.com

lmost everyone remembers the happy feeling that comes from a Reese’s peanut butter cup or a cookie fresh from the oven. This cookie-candy bar hybrid melds the best of both worlds for nothing short of the best cookie bar experience.

This bar is versatile enough to bring to a party or snack for a few close friends.

Ingredients: •Cookie base: Use your favorite peanut butter cookie recipe. A great hint if you’re stretched for time is to use a packaged cookie mix. This saves time and is really easy.

•Peanut butter filling: 1/3 cup light corn syrup, 3 tbsp. butter, softened, 3 tbsp. peanut butter, 1 tbsp. plus 1 tsp. water, 1 tsp. vanilla, dash salt, 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar •Caramel: 2/3 bag caramel candies, 2 tbsp. water, 1 cup salted peanuts (chopped) •Chocolate topping: 2/3 bag milk chocolate chips

Gold and turquoise cuff at Forever 21 --- $12.00

Bracelets

On the Bay

Gazette photo /Allison Garvey

Chocolate covered cookie bars are perfect for a sweet treat.

Instructions: 1. Heat oven to 350°F. Cut two sheets of parchment or wax paper and place in the bottom of your baking dish so that the bottom and sides are all covered. In a good sized bowl, stir the cookie base ingredients until a soft dough forms. Press the dough in the bottom of the pan and bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool for about 30 minutes.

2. In large bowl, beat all filling ingredients, except for powdered sugar, with an electric mixer on medium speed until it’s creamy. The mixture will be thick like a frosting. Then, gradually beat in powdered sugar until it’s completely mixed together. Press the filling over your cookie base and refrigerate it while you make the caramel layer.

3. Unwrap 2/3 of the caramel candies and put them in a medium saucepan with the 2 tablespoons water, heat over low heat, and stir constantly until the caramel candies are melted. Stir in the chopped peanuts and spread that mixture over the filling and cookie base. Refrigerate about 15 minutes or until caramel layer is firm.

4. In a small microwavable bowl, microwave chocolate chips uncovered on high for 1-2 minutes until melted. Check the chocolate every 45 seconds though, because chocolate can burn quickly. Spread evenly over caramel layer and refrigerate for about 1 hour or until the chocolate has set. Cut them into bite-sized bars and enjoy!

Cayley McDowell

BY ALEX PINK

F Studded leather wrap bracelet at H&M --$10.00

Assorted bangles at Charlotte Russe--$5.00

Compiled by Jamie Cologna Gazette photos /Jamie Cologna

apink.gazette@gmail.com

or some, art is a simple passion, an expression or just a natural talent.

Senior, Cayley McDowell uses her artistic talent as an outlet.

Completing art one, two, three, four, and currently enrolled in Advanced Placement Studio Art, McDowell, has dedicated her four years to the Granite Bay High School art program.

“I didn’t want to do an elective where you couldn’t go any further, Mcdowell said.” I wanted to continue going through with something.”

From graphite to pastels to paint, McDowell has gained much experience in the art community. She demonstrated strong devotion to the program by entering the final art level offered at GBHS, AP studio art.

AP studio art is an AP class that is graded off of the content and skill of students’ art work: They are graded based on criteria from composition, to placement of objects.

At the end of her current spring semester, McDowell will have to submit 15 of her paintings to the AP board.

hit painters’ block.

McDowell, however, was easily able to find what inspires her art by simple looking and relating to the world around her. “(I paint) things that happen in everyday life and stuff that people can easily relate to,” McDowell said.

For McDowell, learning all the skills to obtain and increase her artistic ability came from her hard work and dedication to the program, but also from Myron Stephens, GBHS art teacher. “(Stephens) taught me everything (I) need to know… So (I) can do anything,” Mcdowell said, “I have come to appreciate art (because of him).”

She admits she found a natural talent in art; however, she purGazette photo /CAYLEY MCDOWELL sued it for more than just that Cayley McDowell is in AP Studio Art, this reason. is her fourth year of art at GBHS. McDowell became friends “Besides the paintings, (I) also have with her brush and paint. She to complete different mediums to bound her thoughts together and used submit, including pastels and graphite art as her outlet; it became her way to projects…basically stuff I learned in escape the stress of everyday life. basic art,” McDowell said.

“Art has become more than an interWith over 10 paintings to submit in est,” Mcdowell said. “It is an outlet for just a short period of time, it seems me and I am really glad I have stuck that some artists at the AP level may with it.”

Pages 12 and 13

Sit back, relax and enjoy the theatre!

United Artist Roseville

Century Folsom 14 With a 20 minute driving requirement, Century Folsom 14 may not be the most ideal theater to go watch a movie at. But if you are finishing up a day of shopping at the outlets, or find red leather plush seating to be worth a few more minutes in the car, it is the perfect theatre for you. It is relatively less crowded than Roseville theatres, but even if you happen to show up on a busy day, the front row seats aren’t a bad deal. Far enough away from the screen to not cause viewers to suffer from motion sickness, the front row can enjoy the same movie experience as those early birds that thought they stole the worms of good seating.

April 2011

View.

Floor stickiness: Average Seat comfort: Deluxe comfort Legroom: Roomy Additional features: None Location benefits: Proximity to Folsom Outlets Ticket line: No wait, 1 register Concession line wait: No wait, 1 register Matinee price: $7.50 M&M price: $3.75 Sour patch kids: $3.75 Smallest popcorn: $4.25

While United Artist is a popular local go-to for movie watchers, its slow service and limited movie selection makes it a less attractive option than the other theatres, unless the film you are dying to see is only showing at UA. However not overtly bad in any of the reviewing categories, United Artist fell short of the other theatres in efficiency, options and features.

Floor stickiness: Below average Seat comfort: Average Legroom: Tight Additional features: Retro video games line the theater corridors Location benefits: Proximity to Chicago Fire Ticket line: 1 minute 30 seconds, 2 registers Concession line wait: 7 minutes, 2 registers Matinee price: $6.00 M&M price: $4.00 Sour patch kids: $4.00 Smallest popcorn: $6.00

Blue Oaks Cinema 16 It’s a little bit of a trek to reach the Blue Oaks Cinema 16 from Granite Bay as it requires a ride down both Highways 80 and 65 to arrive at the Rocklin theatre. However, the Blue Oaks Cinema was the cleanest and most timely theatre The Gazette came across. The long line for tickets evaporated as employees helped customers make it through the registers.

The economic layout of the building led to incredible ease when navigating the theatre: the concession stand acted as the central location around which all the showing rooms were located, making mid-movie snacks and bathroom breaks quick and convenient.

Century Roseville 14 Taking credit of having the largest selection of movies within 10 miles, Century 14 Roseville is a local favorite. Multiple showings throughout the day and a great variety in snacks offered add to the theatre’s appeal. Stick around afterwards to play a few games in the Starcade!

United Artist

Century Roseville 14

Blue Oaks Cinema 16

Century Folsom 14

Floor stickiness: Zero stick Seat comfort: Comfortable Legroom: Roomy Additional features: Party room for birthday parties, $165/hour including movie tickets and priority seating Location benefits: None Ticket Line: 2 minutes, 6 windows open Concession line wait: 1 minute, 3 people working Matinee price: $7.75 M&M price: $4.00 Sour patch kids: $3.00 Smallest popcorn: $4.00

Floor stickiness: Below average Seat comfort: Average Legroom: Average Additional features: Starcade, fill-your-own candy bag Location benefits: Proximity to Mikuni Ticket Line: 1 minute 30 seconds, 2 registers Concession line wait: 3 minutes, 1 register Matinee price: $7.75 M&M price: $3.75 Sour patch kids: $3.75 Smallest popcorn: $4.00

BY BRITTANY HINCE and SHANNON WAGNER bhince.gazette@gmail.com w swagner.gazette@gmail.com

Gazette illustrations and photo illustrations/JUSTIN SHIIBA and ALISON SALE and BRITTANY HINCE

Page 14

April 2011

Dress.

Perfect Apparel Find the perfect dress for this years Junior Prom or Senior Ball.

Proms To Beaches 911 Washington Blvd. 201, Roseville

Proms to Beaches is a common place among students to buy a formal dress.

They carry more brands that imaginable. From Jovani to Sean Collection, the dress selection is extensive. Not only to the dresses in the store appeal to a large audience, but if the dress for you isn’t in store, the staff is more than happy to order the dress you want.

The employees are also extremely helpful, based on the shopper’s dress selection, they will bring dresses to her dressing room that they think are suited to her personal style.

The only down side is that it has a tendency to be on the pricier side. There are great deals, but for the most part the dresses are pretty high end, and the cost reflects that. However, if another seller offers the same dress at a cheaper price, they are usually more than happy to match that cost.

For students, one of the benefits of buying from Proms To Beaches is that once they buy a dress there, they can register it so that nobody else from the school can get the same dress. It’s guaranteed to be one of a kind.

Designer Consigner 6945 Douglas Blvd. Granite Bay

Designer Consigner is a great option for those shopping on a budget. The dresses are either new or lightly worn, with some discounted up to 75 percent off. They carry the same luxury brands as other high end stores but at lower prices.

Unfortunately, consignment stores, tend to be hit or miss. One might find the dress of her dreams, or nothing at all. For the lucky shoppers, they are destined to find a perfect dress at a fraction of the original cost.

BY JAMIE COLOGNA

jcologna.gazette@gmail.com

Krazy Mary’s Boutique 3230 Folsom Boulevard, Sacramento

One of the stand out women’s boutiques in the Sacramento area is Krazy Mary’s. The selection is vast and other than those of consignment stores, the prices are nearly unbeatable. The employees are extremely helpful and knowledgeable.

They can quickly procure dresses from their numerous racks upon request.

Krazy Mary’s isn’t strictly a dress store, so while looking for a dress one could stumble up on the perfect accessories or shoes to go with it.

Because Krazy Mary’s restocks more frequently than other boutiques, one has a better chance of finding the perfect dress than at other stores.

San Francisco Time permitting, it is often worth while to take a day trip to San Francisco. There are endless stores, boutiques and one of the best shopping malls in the state. It is almost impossible to leave the city empty handed.

Stores there will have different apparel than the more local ones.

This makes it less likely that another girl will have the same dress.

San Francisco is also on the cutting edge of fashion, so for those that want something more out of the box and edgy, they are more likely to find a dress in the city.

Bridal Stores If all else fails, local bridal stores are another option. There is a misconception that bridal stores only carry wedding gowns and stuffy bridesmaid dresses. However, many of these shops such as David’s Bridal and Enchanted Bridal, stock a small number of prom dresses. Some of the most popular dresses over the past few years have been those covered in sequins.

Gazette model /ALLIE KREBS

Gazette photos /SARAH BERTIN

April 2011

Page 15

Enjoy.

Tom and

Jerry

BY SHINEUI PARK

spark.gazette@gmail.com

O

ne of the greatest television shows of all time according to TIME magazine, Tom and Jerry introduced the world to the love-hate relationship between Tom the house cat and Jerry the mouse.

Although Tom’s main goal is to capture Jerry through wit-induced contraptions and schemes, the pair displays a strong bond of friendship in some peculiar episodes.

As a child who moved to America from another country back in the year 2000, I was not yet fully comfortable with the English language. I struggled to understand the plots of other television shows when the main characters spoke too much and too often.

But with Tom and Jerry, I knew I would always have an enjoyable time watching the never-ending fight between the two iconic characters while hearing only orchestrated music in the background.

Although Tom and Jerry were often criticized for their display of crude violence to a young audience, the axes, irons, clubs and swords all add in to the comical

GOOGLE

Tom and Jerry features two iconic characters whose quarrels entertained the audience.

effect of the quarrels.

Despite this violence, it taught me important lessons as well. For example, in the episode “The Million Dollar Cat,” I learned that money doesn’t always make you happy.

For those unfamiliar with the show, here’s the basic

plot: Tom chases Jerry, Tom ends up failing, Tom devises up a new plan that is sure to work, Jerry may or may not be finally captured, Tom’s plan backfires and Jerry wins (or in some rare, cases they both lose).

What I liked best about this series was that the show was always an hour long, but the actual cartoons were in seven minute segments. This allowed viewers to venture through many different situations with both Tom and Jerry in the course of an hour.

These ventures were not always just Tom sitting at home waiting for Jerry to come out of his mouse-hole.

I recall many of the episodes taking place in different settings, such as the beach, a cruise ship, New York and even the Wild West. They were characters that varied their actions through the different scenarios the directors put them through.

The classic Tom and Jerry cartoons were enjoyable to watch because it allowed me to view the American culture from the 40’s up to the 90’s.

I remember sitting on the couch watching hours of old reruns of Tom and Jerry and not being tired of any of them. The show just had that kind of magic where even though I was aware that Tom and Jerry always fought, their friendship was inevitable.

Iphone App of the Month:

Rebecca Black: Friday

Blocked

gnielsen.gazette@gmail.

F

T

his puzzle game is one of the simplest, concept wise, out there.

The goal is to slide a horizontal blue block out the hole in the border on the other side.

It’s called “Blocked” because impeding the horizontal blue block are vertical and horizontal gray ones.

Blocks can only move left and right if they are horizontal and up and down if they are vertical.

This game is specifically tricky, because as the levels (there are 100) progress, the patterns become increasingly devious.

There are some levels that with four or five flicks of the finger, any average Joe can figure out, but on the “Harder” and “Hardest” levels things become tricky.

By far the most frustrating of all the levels is 64. It epitomizes the delicate balance of concentration, leading to rage and ending in euphoria that this game promises.

This level is especially difficult because in order to get the blue block out of the hole, the blocks in the bottom right must be slid to the left side, but there are three vertical blocks keeping that from happening with any ease.

Nobody is their right mind could make something so obviously bad and feel content with placing it on Youtube for the or too many Fridays in a row, the world to see. cries of students belting out Rebecca Well, the world has certainly seen it.

Black’s hit (or miss) single “Friday” The video itself starts with a camera panhave been heard around campus. ning from the alarm clock to Black’s face.

This Suddenly her month’s Youeyes pop open, tube video as if waking up has been on Friday is the receiving milpinnacle of human lions of hits existence, and she per day. bursts into song.

For all those After singing that don’t about having know, Rea bowl of cebecca Black real, Black walks – Friday outside to the bus (OFFICIAL stop, where her VIDEO) has friends pick her consistently up, none of which been one appear to be over YOUTUBE of the most the age of 15. watched vid- Rebecca Black became an over night Enter the main eos each day internet sensation. chorus. Black on Youtube. sings, “It’s Friday, Friday, got to get down It has comments in the hundreds of thou- on Friday,” while her friends bob their sands and for good reason. heads and wave their hands around as if This music video balances atrocious, nathose were the “chillest” lyrics ever uttered sally singing with an absurd visual display. by man.

What really makes the video though, are This pattern of poor lyrics, teenage the incoherent lyrics. stereotypes and off tune singing continues By the end (if you make it that far) from there. you’re left confused and perplexed as to All in all, this video is great for a good how anybody produced this music video laugh. Beware though, it is irritatingly with a straight face. catchy.

BY GARY NIELSEN

BY GARY NIELSEN

GOOGLE

After employing the best and brightest I could find, and dumping over two hours into this level, I was able to finesse my way to victory.

Despite the frustration it causes, when a tough level is finally beaten there is no better feeling in the world in that moment.

With 100 levels, there is plenty of time to learn tricks for getting blocks from point A to point B by using patterned rotations, almost in the way that a Rubik’s Cube is solved.

That is what makes this game especially engaging; it essentially teaches one the ins and outs of unblocking each puzzle just in time for the most impossibly difficult combinations out there.

It is definitely an awesome time killer and brain exerciser for anyone looking for a good puzzle.

gnielsen.gazette@gmail.

Page 16

April 2011

Television.

The TOONS they are a changin’ Upperclassmen prove that they’re never too old for kids’ shows

L

BY JOHN PARK

jpark.gazette@gmail.com

istening in on many conversations on campus, you might hear a lot of talk about the latest exploits of Dwight Schrute, Pauly D, or perhaps even the Glee club. However, these popular trends often belie the television watching habits of a significant portion of the students at Granite Bay High School.

“I definitely like to watch shows like Jersey Shore, but I know so many people who still watch cartoons and other kids’ shows, but they’re afraid to admit it,” senior Kevin Kong said. “(Personally), I like to watch a lot of kid shows still, like Fairly Odd Parents, Kim Possible and Hannah Montana.”

Kong is not alone when it comes to shirking responsibilities in favor of television. Many students, notably upperclassmen, however, prefer to procrastinate with childrens’ shows.

“I just think that when you become a junior or senior, there’s less pressure to look or behave a certain way, so people go back to their roots with cartoons, and they remember what they loved so much about them in the first place,” senior Ben Steiner said.

Much of the appeal of cartoons is derived from there simplicity.

“The newer shows are just too confusing. Like Lost? No matter what you do, you’re going to get confused. The island moves! What kind of island moves? That’s not even real,” Kong said.

Confusing plot lines and moving land masses can steer viewers away from drama and towards simple, light-hearted childrens’ shows. However, there is much debate over whether or not newer cartoons or old school, 90’s cartoons are best.

Steiner is of the opinion that the newer cartoons are a bit

ridiculous.

According to Steiner, the humor is not as well thought out in newer cartoons, and is even accompanied by questionable morals.

Junior Ian Fitzgerald disagrees.

“My television viewing usually depends on my mood, but I love shows like Avatar: The Last Airbender or Phineas and Ferb. They’re just so clever,” Fitzgerald said.

There are others like Kong and senior Ben Uy, who prefer a mix of cartoon shows like Spongebob Squarepants and teen sitcoms like iCarly and Hannah Montana.

“Honestly, I’ll watch any kids’ show just because they offer quick humor (rather than) something that requires too much thought,” Kong said.

According to Uy, cartoon shows provide entertainment on the most basic level, and that only people who take themselves too seriously can’t enjoy them.

“I like (them) because they’re original, they’re cute and they’re just hilarious. Like Spongebob can lose an arm, but he’ll get it back two seconds later!” Uy said.

Still others prefer solely teen sitcoms, such as senior Lizzy Schliessmann.

“I just like (them) because (they) can be really simpleminded,” Schliessmann said. “When I’m babysitting I’ll watch (them) and (they are) entertaining. If you need a break and don’t really want to think too hard about something, (sitcoms) are the perfect thing.”

Although many would mock or condemn those who still watch cartoons as “childish,” Uy strongly disagrees.

“It’s just silly to me that people think they’re too cool for it now,” Uy said. “People are still kids at heart, whether they know it or not.”

Gazette illustrations/JESSICA REESE and ALISON SALE

April 2011

Read.

Page 17

Bookstores: a novel idea Book retailers stay alive in the midst of the electronic reader craze

BY ALEX PINK

W

apink.gazette@gmail.com

ith technological advances such as the Kindle and iPad in the recent years, many people have come to conclusion that books are going to soon be gone.

Extinct. Done. Nonexistent.

The image of book stores shutting down and the possibility of not being able to purchase a hard copy novel could soon become reality with these new, unraveling technology trends.

Fortunately, the Granite Bay and Roseville areas still have bookstores that offer many options to the avid book worm or typical student. From franchise companies like Borders Books and Music to indie book stores like The Almost Perfect Bookstore, there are ways to ditch the electronic book trend and keep books alive.

The Almost Perfect Bookstore Looking for a cheap copy of a book to annotate in? Or an older edition of Romeo and Juliet?

An abundant selection of books is available at the Almost Perfect Bookstore.

A bit unattractive and intimidating at first glance, The Almost Perfect Bookstore is overflowing with books; they are against the walls, on the floor and just about everywhere else.

It may be a bit of a pain to try and find a title, but the friendly staff is educated about the selection and eager to help.

Cook books, historical novels and everything in between can be found somewhere beneath all the endless piles of books around the store. They have countless subsections: fiction, nonfiction, romances, western, cooking and children’s books.

This is the perfect place for anyone who loves finding random, wacky reading pleasures.

It also has trade policies that allow people to exchange books for store credit or cash.

A minor inconvenience is that The Almost Perfect Bookstore does not accept credit cards, which may prove to be a problem if cash isn’t on hand.

This store is perfect for those in the mood to search for and find a half-priced popular fiction title or just a random, outrageous book.

Borders Books and Music Books, movies, music, coffee, magazines and more can be found in the Rocky Ridge shopping center on Douglas Boulevard. Borders Books and Music offers a wide variety of merchandise– suiting book worms, coffee date antics, movie fanatics and music lovers alike.

Searching for that Oops I Did It Again Britney Spears CD or the entire Harry Potter book collection? Borders has it. And finding it may be just one click away.

With their quick-find computers located around the store, it is easy for customers to locate the book they may be looking for. Just type in the name of the item in question, and sure enough, it pops up and informs whether the book is available and where it may be hiding amongst the shelves.

And even better, its selection is astounding.

SAT guides, The Color Purple, The Big Book of Sudoku for Dummies and all the romantic novels by Nicolas Sparks are all offered and readily available for ordering.

Unfortunately, Borders has filed for bankruptcy and various stores have fallen out of business due to the rise of technology inventions replacing books and CDs. However, on its website, Borders sells digital books, or eBooks, to keep up with the fast changing trends of society.

Gazette photos /MAGGIE LOUIS

Local bookstores like Borders and The Almost Perfect Bookstore continue to provide hard-copy literature for readers in an age dominated by electronics.

Page 18

Fashion.

April 2011

What a wonderful wardrobe Find summer styles that are both eye-catching and comfortable.

BY SARAH BERTIN

sbertin.gazette@gmail.com

Summer is approaching rapidly as school comes to a close.

The recent 70 to 80 degree weather has resulted in trips to the lake and laying out in the back yard. It’s time to change out of hooded sweatshirts and boots and into bathing suits and dresses. Take your own original style and throw in patterns, laces, crochets, high waist shorts and a mixture of neutrals, bright colors and metallics.

April 2011

Page 19

Fashion

W

ith new waist fitting shorts, you are sure to accentuate your curves.

Not only is the wide-leg cut comfortable, but the length is also sophisticated. This fits perfectly with a tucked-in shirt. These shirts can range from loose to slim fitted. Add a skinny, leather belt to top off the look.

Wear a long and simple necklace or a short and intricate one.

They will add a glow to an otherwise drab outfit.

Lace-up sandals, wedges, oxfords and saddle shoes make it possible to look perfect from head to toe.

Gazette models /Cami Monsalve/ Natalie De La torre

Gazette photos /SARAH BERTIN

Designers are bringing comfort back into fashion. This season’s summer dresses laid back and relaxed. Light and airy sheer chiffon is a favorite for designers. To add style to a simple dress, choose between a ruffle-trimmed neckline, floral patterns or cuffed sleeves.

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Trends.

April 2011

Music for Hope An insider’s look at the band’s upcoming benefit concert

BY SONIA IYER

siyer.gazette@gmail.com

F

or years, Granite Bay High School’s band has been known for its accomplishments in music performance.

With its annual Music for Hope charity event, the band takes music beyond entertainment, raising funds for serious illnesses.

Music for Hope came about as a result of a Granite Bay mother, Wendy Hunt, who was known for her selfless contributions and dedication to the band and greater community.

Following her struggle through and passing away from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), the GBHS concert band decided to make the best they could of the tragedy, resulting in a benefit concert for cancer research.

After their first performance in 2000, other high school bands – Antelope, Oakmont, Woodcreek and Roseville – volunteered to join in on the effort as well.

Since then, these groups have come together on one night each year to raise funds for the ALS Association and American Cancer Society, while informing the community about these illnesses.

“This is one of the few events that actually (allows us) to see other bands from the area,” senior band member Vicky Myers said. “It’s a real coming together.”

Each band in the concert performs individually, playing unique pieces.

This year, pieces by the GBHS band include Profanation, Noble Gestures, and Avé Maria.

Typically, the pieces performed create an emotional impact on the audience.

“I predict that this year maybe Avé Maria will have some emotional moments because it is a song that is sometimes played at memorials,” band director Lynn Kulikowski said.

Between performances by each band, presentations are given to increase awareness about fatal illnesses. “(Guest speakers) talk about their survival stories and

Gazette photo/MAGGIE LOUIS Gazette illustrations/ALISON SALE & JESSICA REESE

experiences with relatives, so it’s really emotional,” senior band member Mark Cratty said.

This year, the focus of the concert is on prevention of diseases. Representatives from ALS and American Cancer Society will be coming to speak about screenings for early detection.

Additional guest speakers this year include, for the first time, the widowed husband of Hunt, as well as Kirollos Ghendi.

Ghendi, a GBHS band alumnus, will be speaking about his experience with cancer at age eight, and the importance of early detection.

“If you catch it early, it’s survivable,” Kulikowski explained. “(Maybe) we could save somebody’s life by getting that message across.”

The concert as a whole is a balance between entertainment and increasing awareness.

“I was an MC last year, and (I) tried to convey the seriousness of the event while at the same time trying to keep it on the more lighthearted side to keep (the audience) engaged,” Cratty said.

Besides spreading the word, a primary benefit of the concert is the money raised.

Over the past 11 years, the event has raised more than $33,000, donating all profits from the tickets bought. The profits are split evenly between ALS and the American Cancer Society, helping fund research for a cure.

“Both of these societies do a lot of work,” Kulikowski said.

“And because of the research they’ve done, (these illnesses) are a lot more survivable now than they were 20 or 30 years ago.”

As for preparation, band members have been practicing and publicizing the event to encourage attendance.

“The (students) really get behind it,” Kulikowski said. “One of the messages we try to get out there is that we’re not trying to make money on this concert. It’s for a good cause.”

Overall, the concert serves to make good of a devastating tragedy.

“Every year we get to have this conversation on who (Hunt) was, what the prevention (for diseases) is and what the two charities are,” Kulikowski said. “I love having the memory of her live on in a positive way.”

The Granite Bay High School concert band rehearses a piece for the April 13th charity event.

April 2011

Enjoy.

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Stalking on facebook S

talking a person excessively may earn you a substantial fine and an enticing restraining order, but on Facebook it seems to be the norm. “(It’s) because everyone does it! How else are you supposed to meet friends if you don’t stalk people?” sophomore Chiyoh Arai said.

Stalking people has become quite a ubiquitous hobby among users, and many different styles exist.

“I like to stalk people and look at other people’s pictures, and see how they are doing (as) I have a lot of friends in different states and countries,” Arai said. “I like to comment on everyone’s statuses and I like to stalk people’s conversations and like (their comments) a lot.”

With all of this access to other people’s lives, Facebook stalking has become a recent phenomenon, taking social networking to an entirely new level.

The Gazette’s Sahil Khosla investigates the rise in posting personal information on social network sites • The average user spends over 700 minutes on Facebook per month.

• 35 million users update their status each day.

• Facebook has more than 500 million active users.

• 48 percent of 18 to 34 year olds check Facebook immediately upon waking up.

• There are more than 200 million active users currently accessing Facebook through their mobile devices.

Source: FacebookFlow.com Gazette illustration /ALISON SALE

Sometimes stalking people can even extend to people one doesn’t really know, and that can make for an interesting conversation.

“I’ll go on my friends’ pictures and I’ll see a good looking man and then I go to their profile and see how many mutual friends I have,” Arai said. “I also get a lot of random friend requests from other people and I stalk them before I add them.”

Another stalking style involves receiving regular updates for notifications and friend activity.

“I subscribe to certain people and I get texts whenever they do something,” junior Naomi Mark said. “I do follow my sister, so I go through her wall posts and I stalk people that go to (her college), to make sure she’s safe.”

However, Facebook stalking is often just the beginning of their person-following addiction.

According to Mark, Facebook stalking is the inception of stalking people in real life.

There is some truth in these words, as stalkers

have even gone as far as to choose favorites to follow.

“My favorite person to stalk is Laura Rogers; she has a ton of pictures that are fun to go through (and) I like to comment on the pictures,” junior Jordan Thompson said.

Because Facebook has a very addicting quality, users stay on for multiple hours a day, constantly refreshing their news feeds.

Due to its popularity, Facebook has taken over mobile devices as well, allowing people to keep track of their friends that way.

For Arai, not having a laptop by her side doesn’t matter because she stays connected on her iPhone.

Because of this, the amount of time spent on Facebook has reached new heights, as has the frequency with which users update their status.

Status updates on Facebook let users share what’s on their mind with their friends.

Some users enjoy posting special, personal statuses such as “The truth is…” in which friends like the status to get a reply on their wall.

“I got 60 likes within the hour and I knew I was

going to regret it; I stayed up till 3 a.m. doing it,” Arai said.

Poking friends is another way of connecting with friends that has developed immensely, with poke wars being waged among user.

Uploading photos allows users to share the latest news or their favorite moments, especially after a big social event, letting friends follow their lives.

“I’ve put up 500 to 600 photos over the years,” junior Laura Rogers said.

However even ordinary tasks such as uploading photos have been pushed to new heights by certain users.

“I used to have a 365 album take a picture every day for one year,” Arai said.

Overall, facebook stalking appears to be a comGazette illustration /ALISON SALE mon tool for teens. “(It’s) a great way to pass the time and keep you entertained, as you browse through people’s profiles and see what they are up to,” Thompson said.

April 2011

Film.

lionsgate

ROGUE PICTURES

Rated: PG-13

Rated: R

By: Kelsey Knorp kknorp.gazette@gmail.com

By: Shannon Carroll scarroll.gazette@gmail.com

the lincoln lawyer: B+

The verdict is in, and The Lincoln Lawyer is officially a guilty pleasure.

Based on the book by Mike Connelly, Matthew McConaughey stars as lawyer Mick Haller, a slime ball who defends anyone who can afford him, out of the back of an old Lincoln (hence the title). He doesn’t seem to care much about if his client is guilty or innocent, as long as he gets paid.

Mick lands a big client, rich playboy Louis Roulet (Ryan Phillippe), who is charged with attempted rape with a deadly weapon. Louis swears he’s innocent.

As Mick gets going on the case, things start to not add up. The movie becomes an action-packed thriller, full of twists and turns.

Eventually, it becomes clear that the sleazy lawyer has a heart of gold – and is very, very shrewd.

Adding to the fun is the star-studded cast.

Marissa Tomei, though under-utilized, glows as Mick’s ex-wife. William H. Macy does a great character turn as Mick’s investigator and close friend. Josh Lucas is strong as the assistant district attorney who refuses to acknowledge evidence that points to Louis’ innocence.

In some ways, McConaughey plays McConaughey, just as he always does. But that’s still enjoyable, because he’s just so good at being glib, funny and slick. (My only real complaint is that, unlike in other films, he only takes his shirt off once.)

But this film gives McConaughey a chance to do some real acting, as a character who is forced to deal with his own set of ethics and the justice system he has sworn to defend.

McConaughey does a fantastic job as the lawyer grappling with his own internal conflict.

Something disappointing, however, was that the character development wasn’t all that deep.

When the director wanted McConaughey to show emotion, his character usually just turned to the bottle.

The movie could almost have been a really good episode of a TV show like Law and Order.

Still, the film was a great reminder that there is an actor under that perfectly tanned exterior.

While the movie won’t be nominated for an Academy Award any time soon, it was a perfectly lovely time killer.

limitless: C-

Despite its confident title, Neil Burger’s Limitless is in fact limited in its ability to hold a viewer’s attention for a full hour and 40 minutes.

Limitless is not lacking in its star power, with Bradley Cooper and Robert de Niro holding central roles. It is more the victim of a promising idea that was never fully developed.

The plot centralizes around starving writer Eddie Morra and a drug called NZT that gives the user 100 percent access to the mind, thereby allowing them to achieve unthinkable feats: Morra takes over the stock market in a matter of days after he first acquires NZT. I admit this supernatural action thriller hooked me at the beginning, and showed promise through the concept of the magical NZT. But what first captured my interest soon led me to skepticism.

Most movies with elements of science fiction attempt to explain their phenomena by creatively manipulating real scientific data to help viewers more easily absorb the nonsense they are being fed.

However, I found it hard to understand how one black-market pill could contain what’s necessary to access every area of the brain simultaneously.

Morra’s initial acquiring and first dose of NZT provoked interest in me, and I waited eagerly to see what came next in this fascinating story. However, his predictable acquisition of riches in a matter of days was even more discouragingly followed by Morra’s employment as a high profile advisor to business mogul Carl Von Loon.

These expected successes were punctuated throughout the film by minor crises, all stemming from the inability of Morra to find additional NZT when he either runs out or misplaces it. The desperation he accumulates throughout the movie finally comes to a head in a scene that consists of Morra slurping up a puddle of NZT-infused blood.

This was the point at which I lost faith entirely.

In a movie that is supposed to focus on a high-tech drug, blood sucking was not quite as effective as it would be in, say, Twilight.

As is often the case with modern cinema, another movie concept fell victim to poor writing and lack of development. Throughout the movie, the plot spiraled quickly downward.

To the actors’ credit, I witnessed no seriously cringe-worthy acting.

All that is left to be said is that perhaps the writers and producers of this movie should have invested in a nice dose of NZT.

H

WARNER BROS. PICTURES

ave you ever watched an entire movie slightly confused and bored, and hoped the ending would make up for it all, only to be disappointed?

Sucker Punch was one of those movies.

From the very beginning the plot is both minimal and confusing – and as a result of the lack of dialogue, it is difficult to connect with any of the characters.

The movie starts with the mother of main character Baby dying. In turn, she leaves everything to her two daughters.

When the clichéd evil stepfather reads the will, he flies into a temper, locking Baby in her room. She later escapes trough the window and finds a gun to defend herself with.

Somewhere in the whole event, her sister dies, and Baby is sent to an insane asylum to be lobotomized.

During her stay in the asylum, Baby slips into her own dream world where she and the other female inmates are erotic dancers in a brothel run by one of the asylum’s orderlies.

As if this wasn’t enough, whenever Baby dances in this dream world she has created, she enters a dream within a dream (remind you of anything?) where she is on a quest for freedom with her new-found friends, one that requires killing thousands of enemies.

This dream quest mirrors Baby’s real life plan to escape the asylum, which in reality involves stealing objects needed to escape.

About one of the only good things in this movie were the actions scenes.

Although the heroes were seemingly invincible, the fights were digitally well done, if boring due to the sheer volume of enemies.

The fact that everything happens in this movie is a dream gave the moviemakers a blank check to do anything they wanted with the fight scenes, and they took full advantage of that, throwing in dragons, undead German soldiers from World War 2 and more.

However, despite the fantastic nature of the fights, the lack of an intriguing plot meant I just didn’t care.

The fight scenes were dropped in randomly, and clearly were supposed to have some reflection on Baby’s dream reality, but the characters were so shallow that it didn’t matter to me if they won or not.

After straying from reality for most of the movie, the audience is reintroduced to the real world in time to see Baby lobotomized.

Between the shallow characters and confusing plot, Sucker Punch dug itself a whole too deep to be fixed by ludicrous fight scenes, leaving any viewer who cares for more than battles completely bored.

Rated: PG-13 By: Kyle Pawlak kpawlak.gazette@gmail.com

sucker punch: C-

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universal PICTURES

Rated: PG By: Katie Zingheim kzingheim.gazette@gmail.com

hop: C+

hen I left the theater after seeing Hop, I wasn’t quite sure what had just happened.

Sitting in the car on the way home, I again struggled to find the words to convey what I had just experienced.

Odd, maybe. Hop was quite frankly an odd movie.

The storyline was rather unoriginal, echoing the basic theme of many fun-for-the-whole-family holiday movies.

Within the first few minutes, you discover that the Easter Bunny is, in fact, real– and in a very North Pole, Santa’s workshop kind of way, oversees a giant underground candy factory on– wait for it– Easter Island.

The Easter Bunny’s son, named E.B. (oh the hilarity,) is supposed to take over the job from his old man, but has his mind set on becoming a drummer in a band. He runs away from home (classic angsty teenager move) and crosses paths with the human Fred O’Hare (I see what they did there,) played by James Marsden.

Now, I took all the clichéd cuteness for what it is, because Hop is a children’s movie after all.

But let’s be serious, movies like Up and Despicable Me have set the bar pretty high for children’s movies.

Hop made an honest attempt at having an engaging and, in the end, moral-conveying storyline, but didn’t really succeed. It didn’t fail, but landed somewhere in the realm of mediocre.

The plot moved along quickly, but as soon as it picked up any weight the focus of the movie would switch to something else.

The ADD storyline wasn’t helped by characters that were overexaggerated and superficial– it may be a kid’s movie, but again, previous successes such as Finding Nemo and Shrek prove that even little humans deserve to see characters with depth and realistic emotional development.

A vague plotline and cheap characterization were merely the backbone for a movie that I imagine the writers had a bit too much fun with.

There was just enough unexpected absurdity to keep me amused. One thing the Hop did really well was not take itself too seriously– a trait that was evident in the non-sequitur moments of the film.

The movie would have been exponentially better had it been a little more focused– on either fleshing out an unconvincing storyline or making wider use of the few comedic gems sprinkled throughout an altogether confusing hour and a half.

T

UNIVERSAL PICTURES

he premise of Paul is based on a match made in heaven – a couple of Klingon speaking, amateur sci-fi comic book writers and an actual extra-terrestrial.

Simon Pegg and Nick Frost play Clive and Graeme, two lovably lame British nerds on a pilgrimage to the Mecca of geek that is Comic-Con, which they followed with a tour of UFO “hotspots” throughout the American Southwest.

Their trip is turned around when they confront Paul (Seth Rogen): a rude, wisecracking, cigarette smoking alien.

Paul is trying to get home and is on the run from a government agent named Lorenzo Zoil, played by Arrested Development star Jason Bateman.

Except for the inclusion of several other minor characters chasing the protagonists, the plot is a predictable “guys running away from other guys” tale.

The Pegg and Frost comedic combination has been established in Hot Fuzz and Shaun of the Dead, and the decidedly British style of humor in these two films is less eminent in Paul, but the endless amount of chemistry between the two is just as clear.

Just as Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz parodied zombie flicks and buddy-cop movies, Paul thrives off of both subtle and over-the-top references to the likes of Star Wars, Star Trek and other centerpieces of sci-fi history.

Paul’s major let-down is the fact that so much of the humor is reliant on awkwardness and pop-culture references instead of clever writing, which will leave those not versed in sci-fi lore scratching their heads.

The style of Paul’s humor is heavily influenced by director Greg Mottola’s biggest movie – Superbad – which detracts from the Pegg and Frost feel.

Paul will leave sci-fi fans laughing throughout, but a predictable plot and a lackluster romantic engagement kept it from having a more universal appeal.

Rated: R By: R. Slater McLaughlin rsmclaughlin.gazette@gmail.com

paul: C+

W

Page 23

Film.

S

SUMMIT ENTERTAINMENT

ource Code deviates from the beaten path that typifies action movies and does it in a fresh and exciting way.

What seems at first to be another “actionhero-saves-the-city-while-surviving-multipleexplosions” movie gives way to a thoroughly engaging plot coupled with some thoughtprovoking questions.

The plot follows soldier and pilot Colter Stevens (Jake Gyllenhaal) as he is continually sent to a parallel universe in order to unravel a bomb threat in Chicago through a mysterious program known only as the Source Code.

Colter awakes strapped in a steel pod after every eight minutes, trapped at the mercy of a relentless military director who forces him to initialize the code repeatedly against his wishes.

The catch? Colter is only given the same eight minutes to discover the identity of the bomber.

The idea of viewing the same scene again and again can be somewhat disheartening, but it is very cleverly told and retold, and the scene never feels too repetitive. Differing view points and Colter’s ability to even change some events instill a fantastic sense of suspense, and the movie remains engaging even though it is based around such a short moment in time.

Colter’s emotions also repeatedly put the mission in jeopardy. Most often, he is unable to follow orders because of his obstinate unwillingness to accept the reality that the higher-ups have presented to him. His emotional attachment with fellow passenger Christina (Michelle Monaghan) also presents various conflicts.

However, this movie is not without flaw.

The audience has no real incentive to become emotionally invested in the characters, as continually reliving the same moment does not exactly allow room for character development.

Also, Gyllenhaal is not the right actor for the part.

His attempts to add comedic relief by making faces at bombs and punching random bystanders was too disjointed with the overall mood.

There is also never a clear explanation for the Source Code, as the inventor of the program writes off the explanation about how the Source Code works as “quantum mechanics,” insisting that Colter could never understand.

These minor flaws aside, the movie delivers a well a designed plot, and is worth a trip to the theatre for anyone seeking an engaging and original movie.

Rated: PG-13 By: John Park jpark.gazette@gmail.com

source code: B+

April 2011

Page 24

April 2011

Movies.

rogue pictures

Limitless

C-

warner bros. pictures

lionsgate

The Lincoln Lawyer

B+

Sucker Punch

D

In Theat ers C+

C+

Hop

UNIVERSAL PICTURES

Paul

universal pictures

B+

Source Code

summit entertainment