December 2012 issue 4

Seasonal travels

Is the end near?

Fall sports wrap-up

G10-11 B1

B1

C1

Rumors fly as end of the Mayan calendar draws closer

Winter vacation alternatives in California something

Grizzlies end season with many successes

The Granite Bay Gazette GRANITE BAY HIGH SCHOOL w 1 GRIZZLY WAY w GRANITE BAY, CA w 95746 w VOLUME 16 w ISSUE 4 w FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2012

Commentary

lena eyen

leyen.gazette@gmail.com

Can’t we be proud of what we’ve done?

I

often think back to the days of first-grade recreational soccer.

There was one phrase that was basically the team motto: ‘Try your best.’

Unfortunately, this concept has crashed and burned. We are living in a society where the goal is to never be satisfied with what we’ve done.

There is always something more I can be doing. If I’m watching TV, well, there is probably homework that could be getting done instead.

Not to say that being a loafer on the couch will get you anywhere in life. But at what point do you take a step back and admire what you’ve worked hard to accomplish?

Sure, self-satisfaction gets you nowhere. You have to continue to push yourself in order to stay motivated and make even better strides. But it’s gotten to the point where we encourage each other to feel worse about ourselves when we aren’t as good as the next person.

For me, and for every other high school senior, getting into college is a challenge. It shouldn’t be about getting the highest GPA, participating in the most extracurriculars or getting the best SAT score. It should be about being content with what we’ve done.

I can easily say the best things that have happened to me during high school have happened by chance. Not necessarily by luck, but by keeping an open mind and constantly consulting with myself (and not the A-plus student next to me) on what it is I actually enjoy.

Math has never been my favorite subject and probably never will be.

But I have always had a passion for art. Does the fact that I’m not good at math make me a lesser person? In Harvard’s mathematics department, probably. But in my eyes, no.

I really believe we are encouraged to live lives that aren’t our own. So when it comes to being satisfied, are we basing that judgment on what we want or what other people have accomplished and expect of us?

A teacher recently told us about how he once taught with “no grades.” The jaws around the room all dropped. The thought of not being rewarded with praise for a good grade left me wondering, why would I work hard if there is no incentive to drive me?

And then I realized that was exactly the problem.

It shouldn’t be about what we get back, but what we put forth. And so when we are disappointed at the reward (or lack thereof) we need to reconsider what we took from the journey.

Instead of looking at the future as a maze that consists of constantly trying to reach a higher score, I want to look at it as a way to become inspired by what I enjoy.

So often, I hear people talk about their dream colleges – Stanford, Berkeley, Brown, Harvard ... the list goes on. Good for those people – they have something to act as a constant reminder of the possible reward. I, without a doubt, have aspirations and hopes for where I might end up.

With about five more months left in high school, it’s hard to avoid thinking of what could have been different.

I’m proud to say there isn’t much I would have changed, and I’m not saying we should go around gawking about how great we are.

But sometimes, we’re our own most brutal critics. *** Lena Eyen, a senior, is a Gazette co-editor-in-chief.

Gazette photos /KRISTIN TAYLOR

Among the Grizzlies celebrating a NorCal title, left, are J.R. Calton, Justin Ramirez, Steven Graber, Taft Partridge and Kevin Blank, left to right. Johnny Cooley, above, scores one of his four touchdowns.

The Grizzlies struggled at the beginning of the year with three losses in four games, but now they’re ...

Headed to State!

BY AUSTIN DOWNS

adowns.gazette@gmail.com

In the middle of the third quarter, Granite Bay High School was leading 31-3 against NorCal Div. 1 opponent St. Ignatius and coasting.

On second down, St. Ignatius junior quarterback Rocco Dileo looked downfield for his receiver as he threw the ball into Grizzly territory.

But instead of hitting his target, the ball was intercepted by senior Grizzly defensive back Aaron Knapp, who exploded down the field, with

Tonight’s 8 p.m. state Div. 1 championship football game featuring Granite Bay against Long Beach Poly will be broadcast by the Comcast Sports Channel.

Check with your cable or satellite TV provider for details.

his defensive teammates blocking for him, and scored a touchdown on what ended up being a 50-yard interception return. With the extra point, Granite Bay took a commanding 38-3 lead.

And GBHS coach Ernie Cooper could

finally relax.

“We’ve got this now,” coach Ernie Cooper said. “We’ve got this.” *** On Dec 7, GBHS squared off against St. Ignatius for the first ever California Interscholastic Federation Northern California Division 1 Regional Championship at California State University, Sacramento. The Grizzlies, coming into the game 11-3 and on a 10-game winning streak, had defeated Oak Ridge 35-23 a week

See FOOTBALL, page A7

NorCal Champs

Westlake 24, GB 6 Oaks Chrst. 48, GB 13 GB 47, Vacaville 21 Pittsburg 28, GB 27 GB 42, Lincoln 14 GB 45, Roseville 6 GB 41, Rocklin 34 GB 21, Del Oro 7 GB 48, Woodcreek 13 GB 38, Nevada Union 7

Playoffs GB 52, Napa 0 GB 56, Downey 20 GB 37, Franklin 7

Section Championship GB 35, Oak Ridge 23 NorCal Championship GB 45, St. Ignatius 17

AcaDec team suspended for lack of coach Program won 13 of last 14 county titles

BY SYDNEY KAHMANN

skahmann.gazette@gmail.com

After winning the county Academic Decathlon title 13 times in the past 14 years, Granite Bay High School finds itself without an AcaDec program.

“Unfortunately what has happened is that one of the integral pieces, a coach willing to commit that amount of hours to work with our kids, could not be found,” GBHS principal

Mike McGuire said.

Coaching an AcaDec team is an intense time commitment, according to teacher Anthony Davis, who stepped down from coaching after the 2010-2011 season.

Davis started the AcaDec team at Woodcreek High School, coaching at Woodcreek for five years before coming to GBHS and coaching its team for eight years.

While Davis enjoyed his experiences as coach, he now has two children and does not

have the time needed for AcaDec. “AcaDec takes a lot of time to coach it well and to have the (students) do well,” he said.

AcaDec teams compete against other schools in ten categories – art, economics, essay, interview, language and literature, mathematics, music, science, social science and speech – all focused on the specific topic that is assigned that year.

“AcaDec is an all-encompassing experience with many different academic aspects,” said senior Karmtej Cheema, who was on the team last year as a junior. “You learn things you

wouldn’t necessarily learn in classes at high school and you learn far beyond anything you’d be expected to learn (on a specific subject).”

While Cheema enjoyed AcaDec, he is the only remaining member of last year’s team.

The rest of the members were seniors who graduated last year; Cheema was the only junior on the team.

While GBHS students may mourn the lack of an AcaDec program, they are not alone.

See ACADEC, page A6

Every 15 Minutes program impacts Granite Bay High

Anti-drunk driving simulation focuses on consequences

BY KRISTIN TAYLOR

ktaylor.gazette@gmail.com

The tarp is lifted from the accident scene in Granite Bay High School’s eighth Every 15 Minutes anti-drunk driving program since 1999, and for a moment there is a chilling, motionless silence.

Senior Patrick Carroll lies on the hood of the car, bloody and exposed to a stone-faced crowd, killed upon impact. Beside him sits the driver, his younger sister, junior Riley Carroll, who must portray a hysteric and distraught

One GBHS family’s story

BY HAYLEY MCAVOY

hmcavoy.gazette@gmail.com

“Austin (Ketchersid) heard the sirens, (on April 16, 2005) not knowing they were for his own sister,” Lori Ketchersid said.

Those sirens are now among Austin’s most vivid memories That night, Kourtney Ketchersid was hit by a drunk driver.

Austin lost a sister. His mother, persona.

The dispatch plays over the speakers and the action begins.

Riley called out her brother’s name in desperation multiple

Lori Ketchersid lost a daughter.

All those close her, lost a beloved friend.

Austin, who is now a senior at GBHS, and Lori chose to relive the tragedies they faced by telling their story at the memorial assembly for the Every 15 Minutes program. *** See LOSS, page A5 times and paced back and forth across the scene in frustration and confusion. Meanwhile, although perfectly still and lifeless, her brother was listening intently.

Gazette photo /KRISTIN TAYLOR

Senior Riley Carroll tries to shake her dead brother, senior Patrick Carroll, awake during the crash scene simulation.

“The worst feeling about that was having my sister right next to me so upset and I can’t comfort her,” Patrick said. “That was the worst thing; having to just lay

there and do nothing while she suffered.”

No part of the crash scene was See PROGRAM, page A8

inside this issue

News

A2 – A8

Voices

A9 – A11

Second Look

A12

Features

B1 – B6

Sports

C1 – C6

Green Screen

G1 – G20

Early grads

The Contract

A2

A3

Students graduate early to pursue post-high school endeavors

Student-written and -directed play by Alex Chesebro

A2

News Off to

Granite Bay Gazette

COLLEGE

Friday w December 14, 2012

NAMES IN THE NEWS

sydney kahmann skahmann.gazette@gmail.com

Students graduate early and pursue their passions

Freshman event Cocoa and Cram on Tuesday

Tommy Thompson and Sabrina Sabbagian, who both plan on graduating a year early, pose in a cheesy college brochure style.

C

ocoa and Cram is an event designed to prepare freshmen for their finals. And what better way to do that than with hot chocolate and cookies?

So freshmen, go study, drink hot cocoa, eat cookies and enjoy having relatively easy finals while you can.

By the time you are all upperclassmen, you can nostalgically reminisce on the glory days of your carefree youth.

Cocoa and Cram will be held after school on Tuesday. *** Freshman Maggie Bell won the varsity girls’ state cross country title on Nov. 24 in Clovis, CA. Bell then went to the Nike X National meet in Portland, OR on Dec. 1. Bell placed 60th overall.

After the Nike X National, Bell ran in the Junior Olympics on Dec. 8 in Albuquerque, NM. She placed first in the youth girls’ 4K race.

Trent Brendel, a senior, finished in tenth place at the varsity boys’ state cross country final. *** Winter Ball is tomorrow.

If you drive to a party after the dance, be sure not to drink and drive. Remember the car-crash simulation of Every 15 Minutes?

That could be you ...

Your last dance may be a tango with death. *** There was a food fight last Friday.

December is a cold, rainy month.

And the cafeteria is now closed “indefinitely.”

The phrase “out in the cold” now has a new, more-literal meaning. *** Every 15 Minutes was held on Dec. 6-7 on campus.

The upperclassmen and staff members watched the pain and grief drunk-driving accidents can bring in both simulations and real life.

The members of the Living Dead were: Alex Rocca, Cassidy Sissung, Tommy Thompson, Bryanne Cross, Jonah Poczobutt, Erica Peterson, Claire Ellinwood, Jackson Rodriguez, Jill Unverforth, Weston Holt, Scott Allison, Chiyoh Arai, Rylee McKeon, Colleen DeYager, Kelsey Lynn, Nick Herrick, Justin Habashi, Kate Hurley, Dane Kelley and Jeff Gaebler.

The students in the crash simulation were Beau Hershberger (drunk driver), Riley Carroll, Patrick Carroll, Vinnie Esposito and Renee Merchant.

The emcees of the Dec. 7 memorial service were seniors Jennifer Gilbert and Trent Brendel.

***

Sydney Kahmann, a junior, is the Gazette News editor.

CORRECTIONS In a story on page A1 in the November issue about the new broadcast and computer equipment in the Media and IB Film lab, the story incorrectly reported that the lab and equipment upgrades all happened last spring and summer in anticipation of the new IB Film class.

In fact, the computer upgrades happened two years ago. The Gazette regrets the error. *** Accuracy is perhaps the most important fundamental of good journalism. It's the policy of the Gazette to correct all factual errors that are brought to our attention. Email 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

Gazette photo /GRACE MOORE

BY KRISTIN KURPERSHOEK kkurpershoek.gazette@gmail.com

High school students are often anxious to graduate, go to college and immerse themselves in the real world outside of the “Granite Bay Bubble.”

A small group of juniors and seniors at Granite Bay High School can wait no longer and have taken steps to move on to the next stage of life by graduating early.

As of Nov. 27, seven students were on track to graduate early and had submitted the necessary paperwork. However, this number could increase up until Dec. 5 when a meeting will be held for all of the early graduates of the 2012-2013 school year.

The requisites for early graduation are fairly easy to ful-

fill and require that students meet all of their A-G University of California admission requirements, talk to their counselor to verify they have all of the needed credits and write a letter to assistant principal Cathy Raycraft. The letter must include their post-graduation plans and their official request to graduate early.

According to GBHS counselor Carey Bussey, GBHS used to only require 220 credits to graduate as opposed to the current 260, so this is the main challenge that students face.

Bussey said because of this, students who graduate halfway through their senior semester are more common than juniors who graduate a full year early.

This year, at least two of the seven who are scheduled to graduate early are juniors.

GBHS junior Tommy Thompson, who has played and excelled at soccer for many years, has made the decision to graduate early in order to further his soccer career.

He and his brother, senior Tanner Thompson, both have scholarships to play soccer at Indiana University. Thompson was motivated partly to play with his brother in college and partly from his aspirations to play professionally.

“I’m just trying to get as much time as (I can) in college and then get to the pros, if possible,” Thompson said.

Thompson seems to have a pretty good idea of what he will do with his future, and while his ultimate dream is to play soccer professionally, he also has a back-up plan.

“I pretty much know what I’m going to do,” Thompson See GRADS, page A6

GBHS senior succeeds in national science contest Brian Wei selected as Siemens Competition semi-finalist for project

BY CHRIS PEI

cpei.gazette@gmail.com

The Siemens Competition in Math, Science and Technology is recognized as one of the most prestigious high school-level competitions in the nation – and with good reason.

Funded by the Siemens Foundation and administered by the College Board, the Siemens Competition, in essence, encourages students to assume the roles of professionally trained scientists.

Students receive the opportunity to conduct in-depth research projects at the

nation’s finest facilities and laboratories, occasionally leading to new, patentable discoveries.

On Oct. 19, Granite Bay High School senior Brian Wei was selected as a competition semi-finalist for his submission involving safer, non-carcinogenic alternatives to polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-derived materials.

As a preface to the project, Wei was selected to be a Garcia Summer Scholar, spending seven weeks at the Stony Brook University in New York – the research he conducted at the university eventually providing the basis for his project.

The primary focus of the Garcia Summer Scholar program, according to Wei, is an interdisciplinary field called materials science, which applies the properties of matter to various scientific and engineering topics.

Wei, for instance, focused on researching polymeric nanocomposites that could serve as PVC alternatives.

“The most important issues by far were (PVC’s) carcinogenic properties, the ability of some varieties of PVC – especially those commonly used in children’s toys – to leach harmful chemicals into the environment and the difficulty and expense of disposing or recycling PVC in an ecologically responsible way,” Wei said.

“My goal was to develop new materials that could eliminate these concerns – and fortunately, we were largely successful and have developed at least two materials which we are planning to patent in the near future.”

According to Wei, the inspiration behind the entire project originally arose from his personal hobbies.

“I use PVC on a regular basis, wheth-

Brian Wei GBHS senior submitted a research paper on safer PVC alternatives to the 2012 Siemens Competition.

er while modifying Nerf guns, or while constructing various aquarium-related mechanisms,” Wei said. “I was worried about the easily inhaled PVC dust and smoke that could be inadvertently generated when working with the material. I did some online research about the effects of these by-products and was surprised at their toxicity, especially to PVC workers. At that point, I See SIEMENS, page A6

Wellington Way, the road in front of GBHS, is a county road, out of the school’s jurisdiction.

Gazette photo/ KAYLYN O’DONNELL

Wellington Way traffic congestion doubles commute times, raises chance of car accidents

BY LENA EYEN

leyen.gazette@gmail.com

For many Granite Bay High School seniors, the commute to and from school takes twice as long as it could without traffic.

GBHS senior Zoey Kenny said that while it usually takes her 10

minutes to get to school, the traffic can increase her commute to at least 20 minutes.

While there is still a lot of unavoidable congestion, assistant principal Brian McNulty said there is a traffic plan that the school tries to enforce.

“We try to get the traffic flow

from the south gate, up through the north gate,” McNulty said. “People can still come in the north gate, and then students can turn right, and veer off.”

Considering the worst traffic is obviously before and after school, McNulty said the administration is just trying to get the flow to move

as quickly as possible.

“We are in a limited space (and) cannot change it,” he said. “So that’s been the plan for the last two years.”

GBHS Student Resource Officer Deputy Joe Herrick said what he looks for are safety violations.

“It’s been like this since the

school was built,” Herrick said, “but the parents don’t have a place to pick up the kids without parking in (the red) area.”

Since almost the entire front of the school is marked with red curbs, Herrick said he avoids ticketing parSee TRAFFIC, page A5

Curtain Call: “The Contract”

Friday, December 14, 2012

News

w The Granite Bay Gazette

A3

Senior Alex Chesebro writes and co-directs the winter play

BY ALEXA ZOGOPOULOS

azogopoulos.gazette@gmail.com

Granite Bay High School is renowned for being the best of the best in virtually every department. With such high goals for each program director, it isn’t that often that students will get the chance to showcase their own, completely original work.

However, every winter, the GBHS drama department exhibits a student-written, studentdirected play that gives students the chance to not only become young playwrights and direc-

tors, but to completely let their creativity loose in an environment that does not offer many chances for students to do so freely.

Alex Chesebro, a senior, was given the opportunity to be the head director and writer of this year’s winter show, “The Contract.”

“The Contract,” written by Chesebro and co-directed by Chesebro and fellow seniors Tomasina Tallerico and Abigail Schmalz, is about a group of workers at a failed security agency and how each of them ended up working

there.

For Chesebro, “The Contract” was produced after countless hours in front of a computer screen, typing and backspacing away until reaching satisfaction.

“I rewrote the entire script twice ... and throughout the process had to rewrite a lot more of it several times,” Chesebro said.

The playwright of last year’s student-written show, UCLA freshman Sara Beil, had similar difficulties when writing “The Office.”

“I spent a lot of late nights working on the script,” Beil said. “I had

a few ‘oh crap’ moments when I wasn’t sure how I was going to tie (a particular) scene together and almost gave up on ‘The Office’.”

Beil’s production ended up being a huge hit and gave members of the community a chance to see what happens when students are able to use their own ideas and be their own supervisors.

Although the writing process has consisted of much frustration and alteration, Chesebro was able to put out an original piece that attracted many students to auditions See DRAMA, page A6

Alex Chesebro, Nikole Farler and Anthony Raddigan prepare for the January opening of “The Contract.”

Gazette photos/ KAYLYN O’DONNELL

It passed, but will schools get the money?

California voted yes on Prop. 30, but Placer county was not in favor

BY NICOLE BALES

nbales.gazette@gmail.com

On Nov. 6, Proposition 30 was passed in California. The measure will temporarily increase the personal income tax on those earning more than $250,000 for seven years and increase sales tax by a quarter cent for four years.

Eighty-nine percent of the tax revenues will be allocated to K-12 schools and 11 percent to community colleges.

“I think there’s too much waste in government already, and when we give them more money, they’re just going to waste that,” said Marie Simmons, a Placer County resident.

This is how most Placer County residents felt about Prop 30. In fact, 61 percent voted

against it on Election Day. “I think it starts from the home, if parents aren’t supporting the education system and encouraging their kids and giving them a good foundation where they have an attractive environment to learn … I don’t think any amount of money is going to improve education,” Simmons said.

If Prop 30 had not have passed, state education would have been cut by $6 billion for the 2012-13 school year.

The Roseville Joint Unified High School District would have cut $505 per student, leaving RJUHSD with $5 million in cuts.

“Unfortunately, yes, I do think (the cuts) would be detrimental,” Simmons said. “I think the students would be the ones suffering, but it

comes back to I don’t think, even if you throw in more money, they’re going to get better – it’s just they’re not going to get worse.”

Helen Gallo voted yes on Prop 30 because she wasn’t prepared to re-budget increases in her son’s tuition at California Polytechnic University at San Luis Obispo.

She also sees the affect the limited budget has on her other son’s school, Sutter Middle School in the Folsom Cordova District.

“There’s so much budget cuts there (and teachers receive so little money) and it’s difficult even with the budget we have because we live in a community where parents really care about education, we’re more willing to make sacrifices out of our pockets to help the school,” Gallo said.

She said the Parent Teacher Association organizes drives and fundraisers to support electives and the library, which is now only open

The Gazette talked to Kristen Hilburn, Winter Ball head commissioner.

Gazette: What does your job entail?

Hilburn: I am in charge of creating the event and getting all the supplies needed for the event, along with chaperones, theme and decorations and DJ. Gazette: Are there any new additions or changes to Winter Ball this year?

Gazette photo / HALEY MASSARA

See PROP 30, page A5

ASB UPDATE Student Government discusses upcoming dance – Winter Ball

Brandon Dell’Orto encourages drivers to vote yes on Proposition 30 before the Nov. election.

News Briefs

Hilburn: Not as of right now.

Gazette: What message is student government trying to relate to students about Winter Ball this year?

Hilburn: We are really trying to encourage a lot more people to go stag and to realize it’s not just a date dance, it’s for everyone.

Gazette: What attire are students expected to wear?

Hilburn: It’s just a semi-formal. Boy’s wear nice pants and a shirt and tie and girls wear dresses.

–compiled by Nicole Bales Kristen Hilburn, Winter Ball head commissioner, said ASB will not be making any major changes to Winter Ball.

Gazette photo /SUMMER HAENNY

Gazette photo /SUMMER HAENNY

Jacob Wonderly, Darcy Stockel and Jacob Volinsky, from right to left, after bowling at Rocklin Lanes as part of the GBHS bowling club on Monday Dec 3. The bowling club meets at 3:30pm.

Bowling club strikes back with energy to spare Registrar Kelley Zorio is Granite Bay High School’s first clerical employee to ever advise a club.

Her club is the new bowling club, a club well-suited for Zorio and her passion for bowling.

“I love the fact that anybody can bowl,” Zorio said. “You can be missing limbs and you can bowl, you can be tall you can bowl, you can be short you can bowl, you can be anything and still bowl.

That’s one of the things that I like about it, anybody can do it.”

The bowling club is a prime ex-

ample of this, because many of its members are autistic.

Through the bowling club, both Zorio and the students have learned life lessons and skills.

“You can play a sport or do an activity and you don’t have to be super competitive,” Zorio said.

“You might be getting some social aspects out of it, (like being) part of a team. ... To see them grow that way has been a joy for me.”

Zorio has not been the only person having a great time while

bowling, as many of the members have started to open up and branch out socially at their weekly Monday outings.

“It’s just really neat to see them get excited to go bowl,” Zorio said. “They’re just having fun and starting to make friends. Not only are they intertwining with kids from our school, but they’re bowling with others too. It’s really neat to see them interact with a variety of kids.”

–by Sydney Kahmann

A4 News

Friday, December 14, 2012

w The Granite Bay Gazette

Compromise, after month-long controversy

Revised district ad policy protects student press

BY HALEY MASSARA

hmassara.gazette@gmail.com

After more than a month of revisions and reconsiderations, the controversy surrounding a new on-campus advertising policy has finally been put to rest.

The updated policy, which was first proposed by the Roseville Joint Union High School District board of education on Oct. 9, would have banned printed advertisements – including those in student publications, like yearbooks and newspapers – that contained religious iconography, supported a political candidate or were otherwise deemed “unsuitable” for youths.

As of Nov. 13, however, the new ad policy no longer mentions student publications at all, effectively removing any possibility of the district restricting student journalistic content.

The ban on religious imagery

was also removed.

The news comes as a relief to student publications advisers, including Granite Bay High School’s newspaper adviser Karl Grubaugh.

“I’m not only satisfied,” he said, “(but) I marvel at the fact that our district was as responsive as they were.”

When the first revision to the ad policy – the one that included student publications – was proposed, Grubaugh, along with other advisers around the district, expressed concern about potential First Amendment conflicts.

According to him – and to Adam Goldstein, a lawyer working for the Student Press Law Center in Virginia – the policy as it was originally written would have violated California Education Code 48907, a law that makes student-produced journalistic content immune to undue censorship or prior review.

In other words, because adver-

tisements in print fall under Ed. Code 48907’s protection, they can’t be restricted against the wishes of student journalists on publication staffs in the district’s comprehensive high schools.

This would become the subject of some contention between the district and both advisers and publication staffs, however, as the policy was updated before teachers had time to respond.

GBHS yearbook adviser Bernadette Cranmer said she thought the entire disagreement could have been avoided.

“I think it would have been useful,” she said, “if, when the district began to consider such a policy, they had invited the publications advisers from the district to have a discussion about it.”

In an email interview, Goldstein said most of the ad policy’s problems came not from the district’s original intent, but from the wording of the California School Board

Cranmer said she felt the Association policy the ad policy changes served RJUHSD board used The RJUHSD school board as a low-risk test of the as a model. district’s ability to negoti“The problem rehas been incredibly protective ate questions about the leally was that they of student rights and respectful gality and appropriateness started by looking to the CSBA policy,” he of those rights. This blew up at of free student expression.

“Although this is painful, said, “which tries to Roseville because the school I do think it’s a good way say that free speech board has done such a good to educate people about in California schools doesn’t include adjob for so many years of making student press rights,” she said. vertising. But there’s students into citizens.

Grubaugh was pleased no legal basis for that – Adam Goldstein, attorney, Student Press with the district’s effort to assumption. In fact, compromise. what little caselaw Law Center “I felt like this was a exists goes the other terrific effort on (the disway.” trict’s) part to respond to After the potentially flexibility. problematic portions of the new “The RJUHSD school board has the concerns of the people (teachpolicy were brought to administra- been incredibly protective of stu- ers) on the ground, and to do so in tors’ attention, Goldstein, along dent rights and respectful of those a timely and effective manner,” with the district’s own lawyer, rights,” Goldstein said. “This blew Grubaugh said.

He hopes the administration will began revising the new policy to up at Roseville because the school avoid infringing on student rights. board has done such a good job for run future changes by publications Since the policy has been so many years of making students advisers ahead of time, he added.

“It’s not that we win and (the changed to comply with Ed. Code into citizens.”

48907, those involved with the Grubaugh and Cranmer ex- district) loses,” he said. “It’s (that) revision process have been com- pressed similarly positive senti- student journalists win – and that’s to everybody’s benefit.” plimentary of the school board’s ments.

TRAFFIC: To ease congestion, CHP suggests new routes Continued from page A2 ents who remain in their car.

Even though the school has control over a traffic plan, the road in front of the school, Wellington Way, is a county road and therefore the accident reports are out of the school’s jurisdiction.

According to the City of Roseville website, accident history of an area is evaluated by comparing the “actual” accident rate to the “expected” accident rate. If the actual rate is significantly and consistently higher (year after year) than the expected rate, then the city looks at engineering ways to reduce the actual rate.

“If there is a traffic accident, as far as the investigation of that traffic accident, it goes through the CHP,” Herrick said. “The Sheriff’s Department follows up with any crime regarding thefts, drug use, things like that ... But anything that’s traffic-related falls under the CHP’s authority.”

In an email interview, CHP Officer Dave Martinez said the traffic and collisions at and near GBHS have been manageable to handle.

“We have records of all reportable accidents in Placer County, Wellington Way included,” Martinez said. “Specifically for (the GBHS) area, right of way violations occur as well as distracted driving (and) inattention.”

Martinez said the Placer County CHP office is responsible for hundreds of miles of freeway and county roads, including GBHS. “(T)he pick-up and drop-off times for (GBHS) is also our heavy commute time on the freeways,” Martinez said. “Our officers are assigned specific beats, which also includes Granite Bay, however we do not have the resources to assign a uniformed officer just

Traffic in and around the GBHS parking lot is typically very congested, especially immediately before and after school.

to (GBHS).”

Martinez said one of his major concerns is for both the parents and students he has seen talking and texting while driving during the congested hours.

“This is very dangerous while driving, especially when it’s crowded with several pedestrians and vehicles, not to mention illegal,” Martinez said.

Martinez suggested alternate options for the regular school commute, in hopes of clearing up some of the problem. For students who haven’t had their license for a year, carpooling saves both gas and space on the road. For those who don’t yet have that ability, planning a designated meeting place, other than the front of the school, would also work to alleviate some of the crowding.

Steve Blank, a current resident of Silverwood, the neighborhood adjacent to the school, said that even

though the traffic is a burden, he has managed to work around it.

“We’ve lived here 11 years and its just never been a major issue for us because it’s just 20 minutes in the morning and 20 minutes in the afternoon,” Blank said.

“We always get (out of the house) before 8:30 and don’t forget anything (at home.) Otherwise we’d be waiting,” he said.

In attempts to alleviate the problem, McNulty said school officials have introduced new ideas that could potentially help.

“We’ve looked at having the (California Highway Patrol) out there, (but) they don’t have enough manpower,” McNulty said.

“We have had meetings with Silverwood West (residents) and they have done traffic studies through

Gazette photo /KayLYN O’DoNNELL

streets,” he added. “They had been thinking about putting in different crosswalks (and) stop signs, and (the current plan) is what they’ve come up with.”

There are several small changes that could be made, and McNulty said he is aware of one change that could potentially solve the issue.

“There is one other possible solution which would be a pick-up and drop-off ... on the south side of Eureka, where it splits into Wellington,” McNulty said.

“But, we need to know whose property that is and if we can get an easement. So that is being looked at by the county.”

Currently, the situation can only be improved with the help of both students and parents themselves.

Martinez said both they need to have the right mentality.

“Everyone needs to have patience,” he said.

Drama, speech and debate under new management Holmes, Prichard leading programs once led by now-retired staff

BY KIANA OKHOVAT

kokhovat.gazette@gmail.com

This year, two of Granite Bay High School’s biggest programs, drama and speech and debate, are under the instruction of new teachers.

Kyle Holmes, who taught English last year, has taken over the drama program, and Robert Prichard has taken over the shining speech and debate program.

These two programs used to be taught by Jim Prichard (drama) and Rita Prichard (speech and debate).

“So far, the year has been off to a great start,” Holmes said.

His highlight as the new drama teacher was the fall production, “You Can’t Take It With You.” “They made me very proud as a teacher and a director,” he said.

One obstacle Holmes encountered when he began teaching drama in August was gaining his students’ trust.

“I (was) the new guy, so they

were a little reluctant (to trust me) at team has made so far in the school year. first,” he said, “(but) eventually they “Seeing the amount of work put in by did and they warmed up to (me).” a lot of the students, and the success Junior Perry they have enjoyed Vargas, who has been very valihas acted dating,” he said.

I (was) the new guy under both What Prichard has so they were a little Prichard and really enjoyed seeHolmes, said ing so far in the sereluctant (to trust me) he enjoyed mester was the level at first, (but) eventuboth teachers. of leadership dis“Mr. Holmes played by his more ally they did and they … makes experienced debate warmed up to (me). drama a lot students, and seeing of fun,” Varhis younger debaters gas said, “(But develop over time.

– Kyle Holmes, drama teacher his) approach “I really like to see at directing the more experienced is different.” competitors being In his experience under Prichard, Vargas very … helpful to the ones that are less expesaid Prichard would let students make rienced,” he said. “Seeing the leadership in their own choices, whereas Holmes is the team has also been very … validating.” more hands-on.

However, a continuing difficulty PrichIn the speech and debate program, ard has encountered is encouraging his Prichard is happy with the progress the students to go over the gap between good

Your names.

Your faces.

Your newspaper.

Your website.

work and great work.

“At some point, a student has to make a choice, to hone their craft to master, or to just accept … proficiency,” he said.

Although he did say that that jump will happen eventually, he prefers it to happen sooner. In his few months bonding with the speech and debate team, Prichard notes that something he has learned from his students has been to increase his level of trust in them.

“I’m still exploring … finding the right mix of accountability and freedom,” Prichard said. “I’ve learned to relax a little bit.”

Overall, Prichard has been very pleased with the progress the speech and debate team has made.

Senior Tiffany Alunan who has been under the coaching of both Rita Prichard and her son, offers her insight on having her previous coach’s son as her new coach.

One of the qualities that Alunan likes about Prichard is that he himself was in speech and debate when he was in high school.

“He gives us a lot more individualized help, and he’s doing a really good

job managing the team,” Alunan said.

The fact that Robert Prichard is the son of a former speech and debate coach is also advantageous. Alunan said his personality is very similar to Mrs. Prichard, resulting in a smooth transition in the program.

“Our team’s been able to still do really well even after the legacy of Mrs. Prichard,” Alunan said, Junior Parmeet Sahot a s a i d h e f e e l s t h e s a m e w a y.

“It’s kind of like she never really left in the end, because it’s her son,” he said. “The same ideals are being strived for in the team.”

Juniors Kritika Amanjee and Daisy Koch, both of whom have been under the coaching of both Rita and Robert Prichard, agree.

As a result of having been in his students’ shoes when he attended high school, Koch said he can offer an enhanced perspective.

“He helps the debaters see every point of view,” Koch said.

“He understands the point of the view of the debater better rather than the teacher, or the judge watching the debater,” Amanjee agreed.

Friday, December 14, 2012

News

w The Granite Bay Gazette

A5

PROGRAM: Every 15 Minutes stirs emotions The Carroll siblings were chosen as the victims in hopes that their how to act and what to say. She tragedy would evoke emotion from was told to say and do whatever a wide range of students, as they are she felt and let the moment extremely involved at GBHS. Riley is involved in cheer, drama consume her.

“It was so natural when I started and student government, and Patrick doing it,” Riley said. “As soon participates in water polo and is as they checked his pulse, I got in the International Baccalaureate out and the firefighter came over program.

“We hoped the reaction to and everything from then on was totally how I would have reacted the Carrolls in the scene would personally touch the students in the naturally.”

The most heated moment of the crowd and make the connection that simulation was when the driver much stronger,” Every 15 Minutes of the second car and the person commissioner Hailey Lederer said. responsible for the accident, “The Carrolls are both amazing senior Beau Hershberger, was kids, and so many people love them being put into the police car. at our school.”

What made Patrick’s “death” Riley ran at him screaming and needed to be restrained by the extremely unjust is that neither of the Carrolls say they have ever chaplains comforting her.

“I got taken to the back and was experimented with alcohol, making them all the more talking to the innocent. chaplains and “My brother and I said, I’m so I thought it was I don’t drink, so it mad at Beau. really believable would happen (when) I’m so mad,” are coming home Riley said. and it seemed we sober,” Riley said.

“And they said, sincere to me. “He’s my best friend, ‘Well, do what so we’re singing in you would do car a lot of the normally.’ And – Crosby Allison, the time and we have our I said I would senior music going (…) and charge at him.

I could totally see us And they were just coming home like, ‘OK, do maybe late at night from a friend’s that.’”

When Riley first learned she house and getting hit.”

Although Riley abstains from the would have an acting role in Every 15 Minutes, she was influence of alcohol, she said many initially more nervous than of her friends go out and drink.

“I think (the accident scene) is excited.

“You are responsible for just going to make them more aware affecting your school and about their decisions,” Riley said. impacting them,” Riley said. “This is going to help me to just “I’m apprehensive because (…) keep doing what I’m doing and not it’s really vulnerable to be crying make a poor decision or something and stuff like that in front of a ton like that.”

In regards to her performance, of people.”

A l t h o u g h s h e w a s n o t Riley wished for her friends to take completely confident going it seriously and learn the powerful into the simulation, Riley left message she was trying to convey a powerful mark and relayed a about the repercussions of drinking and driving. bold message.

Following the crash scene, the “I thought it was really believable and it seemed sincere Carrolls were separated as Patrick to me. I think how she responded was driven off to the morgue and was realistic,” senior Crosby Riley joined the walking dead.

Patrick would be the last to join Allison said.

Continued from page B1

Above, junior Riley Carroll is comforted by a Chaplain on the scene during the Every 15 Minutes crash simulation.

Senior Beau Hershberger, right takes a Breathalyzer test. the group, as the morgue was 30 minutes away and his body would have to be “processed.”

“When we got there, they zipped (the body bag fully) back up and wheeled me out,” Patrick said. They even put me in the cooler where they keep the dead bodies.”

Riley and Patrick’s reunion was a moment of final relief for the siblings.

“You appreciate the people around you,” Riley said. “You appreciate your friends. You appreciate your family.”

Both of the Carrols have been significantly changed after the events of Thursday and Friday, taking with them a valuable lesson out of a situation filled with grieving and pain.

“It was just a great experience and gave me a new perspective on the issue of drunk driving,” Riley said.

“I hope this first-hand experience encourages others to never do it, ever.”

Gazette photos /kristin taylor

LOSS: Ketchersids speak at Every 15 Minutes about their sister and daughter Continued from page A1 Kourtney was on her way home from work at a pizza restaurant in Rocklin. She was planning on meeting friends after work.

As she crossed through the intersection of Douglas Boulevard and East Roseville Parkway, her Acura was plowed broadside

by Joshua Bauser’s Ford Expedition Joshua Bauser, an ex-GBHS student, made choices that night, choices that changed a family’s life forever.

He chose to drive after he’d been drinking. He chose to drive 82 mph. He chose to run a red light.

“He deliberately drove around three lanes of stopped traffic,” Lori said.

After the initial impact, Kourtney’s car was pushed into the landscaping of a nearby office building.

Kourtney’s friends began to worry when she didn’t show up. They tried to get ahold of her and then heard the sirens as Austin did.

They soon learned the crashed involved Kourtney.

“By the time anyone was able to reach us, Kourtney had died,” Lori said.

Lori and her husband Mark Ketchersid were out of town, when they received a call from their older daughter, Kimberly.

“I didn’t answer in time and thought it was just a wrong number, Lori said. “When I answered, it was my daughter Kimberly who couldn’t speak.”

Kimberly then gave the phone to a close family friend, and he told Lori of the terrible accident. He said, “Kourtney’s dead.”

“I remember falling to the floor as my legs collapsed from underneath me, Lori said. “I dropped the phone, in shock, and was crying uncontrollably.

“My husband was awake, but I could barely speak to tell him what happened.”

Bauser was 21 years old at the time and his blood alcohol level about an hour after the crash was .08, the level at which a person is considered legally intoxicated.

Marijuana was also found in Bauser’s car.

Those choices Bauser made all led to the early death of 20-year-old Kourtney Ketchersid.

Kourtney was a GBHS alumni. She graduated in 2002. But before that, she was a student at GBHS. She walked these halls, sat in the gym seats, even had many of the same teachers who teach at GBHS today.

She, like many seniors this year, was looking forward to attending Sacramento State University in the fall.

“She was a happy little girl who grew up to be a beautiful young woman with a big heart,” Lori said. “She brought joy to everyone in our family and even to strangers.”

Austin’s memories of Kourtney were different, as he was 10 years old at the time.

“I don’t remember much of my sister,” Austin said. “That’s either because I was only 10 when she died or because most of my memories are repressed.

“But the few memories I do have of her, are filled with pure joy.”

At Bauser’s sentencing in March 2006, Austin wrote a letter to Kourtney to be read aloud to the court.

Austin was too overcome with emotion to read it himself, so his father Mark did it for him.

He wrote: “Kourtney was a perfect example of how to live a good life.”

He recalled her generosity in allowing him to borrow her CDs or movies or even play Super Mario Brothers with her, and he remembered laughing with her.

His letter ended with the simple words “I miss Kourtney.”

Neither Austin nor his mother were able to recall the letter he wrote to her.

Austin only had two vivid memories of that time: the sirens, and the look on his father’s face after he told Austin of his sister’s death.

“The next morning (after the accident) walking into my parents bedroom, seeing my mom’s face buried in her pillow, balling, not even being able to look up and tell me what was happening, but the look on my dad’s face when he told me Kourtney had passed away,” Austin said.

Lori faced any mother’s worst nightmare.

“There have been days where getting out of bed was my biggest accomplishment,” she said.

“I was in a coma the following year. Not being able to handle losing Kourtney, I became very depressed, very ill and had a seizure and went into a coma for a week.

“The effects can be really different, so some of my memories of things aren’t there; I kind of remember a letter, but not for sure.”

The sentencing hearing of Joshua Bauser in March 2006 brought tears to the entire courtroom.

Bauser was also a student at GBHS from

Carroll, senior Renee Merchant, junior 1999-2001.

Vinnie Esposito and junior Riley Carroll, Lori Ketchersid addressed Bauser directly saying: “It may seem like the term of who was injured.

Throughout the day, students are taken your sentence is forever, but just put it in out of classes every 15 minutes to join the perspective. Kourtney’s life on this Earth is over, and you still have many good years “living dead,” a representation of the statistic that every 15 minutes someone is inahead of you. jured or killed by a drunk driver, although “You will one day have the freedom to that statistic has improved in recent years. live a good life – hopefully one that brings All those students who joined the “living joy to others, like Kourtney would if she dead” and those who were involved in the were still here. crash scene were taken out of school and “I challenge you to live life as she out of contact as if they really had died. would.”

In the funeral service held on Dec. 7, Bauser pleaded guilty to felony gross to honor the students who had died in the vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, simulation, GBHS Principal Mike McGuire felony drunken driving causing bodily spoke. injury and two enhancements of causing He described what had happened as a great bodily injury and death. nightmare so awful, the only way to end it He was sentenced to 9 ½ years of actual was to say ‘and then he woke up.’ prison time and had to make restitution of McGuire said those deaths were so hor$10,000 to the state victims fund. His last rifying, that it has to be a known whereabouts nightmare. were at High Desert “Thank God we can State Prison in Susanwake up,” he said. ville.

I wanted to make The Ketchersid Family Attempts to contact didn’t get the luxury of the Bauser family were sure everyone simply ‘waking up’. unsuccessful. knew the dangers “Sometimes I still Lori Ketchersid recalls of it, and how it expect to hear her walk some of the sentencing through the door or get hearing. She remembers can affect anybody, a phone call from her,” Bauser’s apology. whenever, you Lori Ketchersid said.

“They were not very never know when “But I live with the realremorseful at all,” Lori ity that it’s never going said. “The judge told to happen.”

Joshua, when he was – Austin After McGuire gave his giving his statement, to Ketchersid, senior speech, Lori and Austin sit down and be quiet beKetchersid both spoke of cause he didn’t believe a their loss, bringing much word he was saying.” of those in the audience “He didn’t think to tears.

Joshua was remorseful “I didn’t know Austin (Ketchersid), but at all.”

It took time for Lori Ketchersid to fathom his story is what got me (to cry),” said junior Amanda Miller. the words to tell Bauser how his stupid be“Not everyone knew I lost my sister, but havior had completely changed her family. those who did always treated me normally, “Though I haven’t been able to forgive afterwards everyone was hugging me and it him, I hope that he has learned from his poor judgment that night and realized the was nice everyone knew,” Austin said. hurt and pain he caused my family.”

Senior Marissa Latzen and Dalton France *** both know the Ketchersids and their story.

The Every 15 Minutes program is meant “I thought (Lori and Austin) were so to prevent this from happening to another brave, and there is no way I could’ve done family. that if that happened,” Latzen said.

In the simulation, students and adult volTheir bravery stems from their determiunteers recreate a crash scene involving a nation to stop this from happening again, drunk driver hitting another car. The drunk and to stop another family from going driver (played by senior Beau Hershberger) through what they had to go through. ends up going to jail.

“I wanted to make sure everyone knew The other victims included senior Patrick the dangers of it, and how it can affect any-

Kourtney Ketchersid Ketchersid was killed by a drunk driver in April 2005 while driving to meet her friends after work. body, whenever, you never know when,” Austin said.

“I never want to know the pain they went through,” Miller said.

The Ketchersids’ speeches gave an entirely new perspective to the students at GBHS, showing exactly how drunk driving can affect a family.

“I thought it was very touching and eyeopening, it gave an even more realistic view on the whole drinking and driving situation and showed how it affects the family,” France said.

Kourtney’s death has forever changed the Ketchersid family.

“It’s changed my life tremendously; losing a child is the hardest thing a person can live through,” Lori said.

In her speech, she spoke of the little things she would do with her daughter like going to the mall, to lunch, singing to the radio, go Black Friday shopping or even when Kourtney would bring her a Snickers bar from work.

She talked about how it was difficult to plan family vacations or family gettogethers.

“It’s changed my entire family life, we’ve all gotten closer,” Austin said.

Even though he doesn’t have many memories of his sister, he does know that she taught him to snowboard, play soccer, fish and introduced him to music.

All of these are passions of his today.

“Ever since she died, I’ve been following all of her passions that she spread on to me,” Austin said.

Austin continues to keep Kourtney’s spirit alive by keeping up what she passed on to him.

Lori and Austin both hope to use Kourtney as an example to others to not drink and drive, because things can go wrong in a matter of seconds.

“Every day is a new day,” Lori Ketchersid said. “I (…) always hug my kids and tell them I love them and not take anything for granted.”

A6 News

Friday, December 14, 2012

w The Granite Bay Gazette

GRADS: GBHS students discuss their plans to graduate early Continued from page A2 said. “I’ll study business and play soccer and if I go pro, I’ll go pro and do business later, and if I don’t go pro, then I’ll do business right after college.”

Although Thompson has his plans laid out and his priorities in order, it has not been his lifelong dream to graduate early – as he puts it, he simply just “went with the flow.”

“I didn’t have any aspirations to do it my freshman and sophomore year,” Thompson said. “But then when I went to Indiana and talked to the head coach, he suggested it just as a possible option.”

At the urgings of his brother and coach, Thompson finally made the decision to graduate early at the

end of his sophomore year.

Although Thompson is excited to join his brother and play the sport he loves at the next level, he has experienced some downsides to graduating early.

“I will be missing out on a bunch of memories that are going to be happening with my friends next year,” Thompson said.

He is also disappointed that the administration will not allow him to walk with the junior class when they graduate next year.

But Thompson maintains a positive outlook and thinks that graduating early now will really benefit him in the long run.

“It’s a sacrifice I’m willing to make in order to pursue my dream,” Thompson said.

However, for GBHS senior Jas-

mine Habibeh, the benefits did not outweigh the drawbacks.

Habibeh considered graduating early because she wanted to follow in the footsteps of her older brother who graduated early and said how exciting it was to be able to start his post-high school life at 17 years old.

However, Habibeh felt that since she did not plan her schedule accordingly, it would be too difficult for her to fulfill all of the requirements by the end of the fall semester.

“It would be hard for me to gather all of the credits,” Habibeh said.

Another downside was that Habibeh would not be able to attend Senior Ball, an event that she had been looking forward to.

“I asked (the administration) and

DRAMA: Student Alex Chesebro writes original play

Perry Vargas and Riley Carroll, left, act out a scene from the play “The Contract.”

Patrick Carroll and Anthony Raddigan, below, attend Monday afternoon practice.

Continued from page A3 and, according to the theater department head, Kyle Holmes, was as good as any published script.

“The script is hilarious,” Holmes said, “and Alex (Chesebro), Tomasina (Tallerico) and Abby (Schmalz) are doing a great job at being professionals.”

Originally, Holmes was hesitant to continue the tradition of having the winter show be student-written. But after Chesebro and his co-directors were able to prove themselves, he decided to take the risk of putting on something totally new.

“When you have student directors, you don’t have the experience ... so there’s a concern in the quality of (the play),” Holmes said. “I have to approach any show that gets put on through my department as a producer.”

Since rehearsals for “The Contract” began, Chesebro has been noticing major differences in directing his own show than a published work, and finds it both intimidating and exciting.

“It’s a bit nerve-racking,” Chesebro said. “In the past I’ve always been under some sort of supervision, but now it’s pretty much all me with the help of Abby (Schmalz) and Tomasina (Tallerico), so I sometimes question whether I’m doing things right.”

Though the show has only been in the works since the week following Thanksgiving break, “The Contract” is already off to a wonderful start and is expected to be very successful and enjoyable when it

they said that I would still get my senior portraits, but I wouldn’t get to go to senior ball,” Habibeh said.

“I really wanted to go to that, and that’s also why I decided to wait until the end of the year.

Sabrina Sabbaghian is another GBHS junior who is motivated to graduate a full year early.

“I just really wanted to start college … and I’m really excited to start working,” Sabbaghian said.

“I already have my whole life planned out with joining my dad’s business, so I just wanted to get school over and done with early.”

Her future plans consist of attending New York University or the University of California at Irvine. However, she is planning to go to a junior college for two years before moving on to a four year

Gazette photos / KAYLYN O’DONNELL

opens the final week of January.

“They’ve been doing a great job and it’s been coming along greatly,” Holmes said. “It’s going to be really neat to see how it will all come together once it finally hits the stage for the first time publicly.”

Even with all the stress, secondguessing and constant worrying about whether or not the show will live up to its potential, Chesebro is still thrilled to be getting such a mature opportunity that most GBHS departments don’t offer.

“I think we’re given some options for creativity (at school), but I don’t think a lot of students are willing to be creative and put in a lot of time and effort to generate that,” Chesebro said.

“The Contract” will open on Thursday, Jan. 31 and will continue through the following Saturday.

university.

Although Sabbaghian is not even 16 yet, she is very ambitious and knows exactly what direction she wants her life to go in.

Sabbaghian’s dad is involved in web posting and has his own web business, and Sabbaghian would like to work for him. She is also passionate about fashion, and ideally she would like to attend NYU and double major in computer science and fashion. However if she attends UC Irvine, she would major in computers and continue with fashion as a side hobby.

Sabbaghian will miss all of the close friends she will leave behind as she pursues her future.

“When I’m in college I’m just going to (remember) walking on the Granite Bay campus, meet-

SIEMENS: Brian Wei selected as semi-finalist in competition Continued from page A2

ing to an end – allowing Wei and Bhat only enough time to write a page or two knew something needed to be done, of what would eventually be a 22-page which led me to do research at Garcia. thesis.

This left the bulk of Wei and Bhat’s paFrom the beginning, I was more interested in doing the research than winning per to be written during the school year, amidst a rigorous academic and extraany sort of competition.”

Wei was eventually led to participate curricular schedule.

“We don’t know how he managed to in the Siemens Competition through his navigate through these Garcia program labotasks in addition to ratory partners, who the already rigorous had already entered the senior academic and competition.

We are very proud extracurricular activiHe decided to start the ties, let alone all the project in collaboration to see a Grizzly college application with Meghana Bhat – recognized as one work,” said Dong Wei, a senior at the private all-girls school, Casof the (nation’s) top Brian’s father. “That was remarkable and tilleja School, in Palo high school re(will) definitely benefit Alto – who was also searchers. him as he meets more interested in researchchallenges in his coling nanocomposites. lege and (professional) “It was great working – Dong Wei, Brian Wei’s life.” with Brian,” Bhat said. father After participating in “We would discuss the Siemens Competiideas on the project and tion, Brian decided to plan out what composbroaden his horizons – ites we would create or test every day. He was really serious submitting an entry to the Intel Science about the project, and it was great that Talent Search competition.

Although the preliminary results have we both wanted to work as many hours as we could in the lab to get progress not come back, Brian’s family is conon our research. It would definitely be vinced that his work will allow him to go nice to get the chance to work further in far in the world of science.

“We are very proud to see a Grizzly the research as a team, testing out more nanocomposites – a chance we didn’t recognized as one of the (nation’s) top have this summer since we both live so high school researchers,” Brian’s father said. “We are sure he now has the confar from Stony Brook University.”

By the time they had finished their re- fidence that his hard work could have search, however, the summer was com- ‘world-changing’ outcomes.”

ACADEC: GBHS team takes brief hiatus after years of county success Continued from page A1

a former AcaDec team member and GBHS graduate.

“We were a little disappointed, The captain can then help stuactually probably pretty dis- dents with sections that are harder appointed,” said Bobby Ritter, for them and, if necessary, lecture Roseville High School’s AcaDec to the entire team on challenging coach, “Granite Bay’s been a real sections that the coach is not an powerhouse.” expert on.

With GBHS’s history of winning But a captain is just one pieces the county AcaDec competition, of an AcaDec team. the remaining county high schools Teams are made of six to nine with AcaDec teams students and di(Lincoln, Roseville, vided into three Rocklin and AnteWe’ve done l e v e l s b a s e d lope) now lack their on a student’s so well (at primary motivator. non-weighted, “Granite Bay adds the county academic grade a real competitive average: level) because point edge,” Ritter said. honors, scholaswe’ve been The winner of tic and varsity. the county AcaDec The scholastic able to field competition, which and varsity memgreat teams. has historically been bers of the team GBHS, moves on to are the biggest the state competideciding factor – Anthony Davis, tion. Without GBHS, between schools. previous Acadec other schools have “It is hard to get coach an opportunity to go a good team,” Daon to state. vis said. “The se “We’ve done so cret to an AcaDec well (at the county level) because team is getting (to) the varsity we’ve been able to field great level … those are the students who teams,” Davis said. “We just ... don’t do their homework, they worked very hard to get the best don’t study and they’re typically people possible … the smart (kids) the ones who do really well on a who could work well with other test, so finding those students is students.” the challenge.”

AcaDec teams must have mem- But underneath it all, to be on bers with a variety of grade point the AcaDec team, a student must averages, but especially a “strong be passionate about learning. captain,” according to Nick Jones, “(It’s for) those students who ...

just like learning and would like to learn a little more than they do in the classroom,” Davis said.

Bradley Cordell, the 2011-2012 AcaDec coach, describes the vital characteristic all team members have as an “intrinsic desire to learn.”

Cordell had never coached an AcaDec team before last year, but his team kept up with GBHS tradition and won first place at the county competition.

He believes his team was successful because of the close bonds between team members.

“It’s essential to select a team which works well together,” Cordell said in an email. “GBHS was successful last year because each member had a unique contribution and area of expertise to share/teach to their team. (Teammates) were willing to learn from others on the team as well.”

But future AcaDec teams and coaches find themselves in a slightly more difficult position.

“When I stepped down and handed (AcaDec) over to Mr. Cordell,” Davis said, “he had the advantage of having a couple of students who remained behind and would kind of explain the craziness.”

Once this year’s seniors graduate, all student experience with AcaDec will leave with them. So if AcaDec is restarted, the new coach will have to start a team from scratch.

“As those students ... gradu-

granitebaytoday.org

ing my friends (at) the same spot we’ve been meeting (at) since freshman year and knowing I’ll never be able to do that again,” Sabbaghian said.

Although she does not want to leave her friends behind, she is ready to start the next chapter of her life.

While these early graduates acknowledge there are some friends, teachers and events they will miss, they are willing to sacrifice them for experiences they might not otherwise receive as high school students.

“I’ll be around more mature people and different kinds of people, and I’ll be in the world at a younger age than most would,” Sabbaghian said, “… I’ll have so much more time in my life to do more.”

ate and there aren’t any students teachers. left behind to tell the story of “We’ll try every year,” McGuire AcaDec,” Davis said, “it would said. “We’ll ask anybody if they be difficult for the coach – not want to take this coaching on and impossible certainly – but difficult Mr. Davis will explain (AcaDec). in the first year.”

We’ll make a run at it again.”

How does Davis recommend Davis, personally, thinks new building an AcaDec team to last? teachers would be well-suited to “I started with all sophomores the AcaDec coaching job, he said. ... that set the stage or sort of the “We have a number of new teachplatform for the ers that we’ve years to follow,” hired over the last he said. “Getting two years,” Davis GBHS was (it going) the first said, “and I could successful last year is the tougheasily visualize est, getting the one or a couple of year because program off the doing it.” each member had them ground.”

Coaching an Having a rough a unique contribuAcaDec team start at the begindoes not have to tion and area of ning, though, is be done by one expertise to share/ teacher alone; in only natural.

“The first year fact, having multiteach to their or two, like (for) ple coaches might team. any other new be better. coach, will be a “It is advanlearning year,” – Brad Cordell, last year’s tageous to have McGuire said. more than one “The hardest part GBHS Acadec coach coach to help will then (be) beshare the burden ing OK with the from a coaching hour commitment for the coaching standpoint,” Davis said. “That was and supporting of the kids.” tremendous in having that kind of Coaches should keep in mind help from other teachers.” that picking the right team mem- When students are preparing bers will help make the initial for the 10 different tests, it can be burden of starting up an AcaDec beneficial to have other teachers team much lighter. lecture to the team on their subject.

How soon AcaDec will be “Getting other teachers on board resumed and when students will to help with (subjects a coach does resume competition is up to the not know well) would be great,”

Updated daily.

Mike McGuire GBHS principal said that the return of the Academic Decathlon team is dependent on teacher commitment.

Davis said. “Having more than just one coach or having a co-coach situation is a great way to do it.”

Students and teachers who want an AcaDec team should start planning before the end of the school year, Davis said.

“If there is indeed interest,” he said, “start talking to sophomores and juniors … and then begin the tryout process for kids in the spring.”

By the time the school year ends, the new AcaDec topic is released, and the binders of materials can be ordered and distributed to students over the summer.

“Hit the ground running when the beginning of the year comes in August,” Davis said. “Then you’ve got a chance to be a really competitive team. But you can’t start in the fall and expect to be competitive.”

Unless students have too little time to prepare for the AcaDec competition, there should be no reason for them to do poorly at the county and state levels.

“Our kids,” McGuire said, “are bright enough and hardworking enough to be competitive.”

Friday, December 14, 2012

News

w The Granite Bay Gazette

FOOTBALL: Grizzlies steamroll St. Ignatius Continued from page A1

earlier in a tiring Sac-Joaquin Section Division 1 title game.

The Wildcats, coming into the game 10-4, had narrowly defeated Bellarmine in the Central Coast Section Open Division title game by a score of 13-10.

GBHS defeated Oak Ridge with its potent fly offense, and the Grizzlies planned to continue using their runoriented offense in the NorCal game.

“I was just hoping that we could just milk (our running game) for one more week,” Cooper said.

Cooper was not disappointed, as the Grizzlies scored on their first two drives of the game.

“It was a terrific start to the game,” Cooper said.

It wasn’t just the Grizzly offense that was clicking – the team’s defense also proved troublesome for the Wildcats, wreaking havoc on the St. Ignatius passing game.

Offensively, senior running back Johnny Cooley led the way for the Grizzlies, scoring a career-high four touchdowns.

However, Cooley was quick to acknowledge that stats do not reflect the entire effort of the team.

“For all of my touchdowns I had my teammates pushing me along – it was a team effort,” Cooley said.

The Grizzlies led 24-3 at halftime, and then came out and scored another 21 third-quarter points and, after substituting liberally in the fourth quarter, only allowing two inconsequential second-half touchdowns.

As the fourth quarter was winding down, the Grizzlies started celebrating, including chasing down coaches with coolers full of ice-cold water.

Cooper, however, managed to avoid being drenched.

After the game, Cooper was effusive in his praise of the Grizzlies.

“I’m proud to say that this is probably the best group of guys I’ve ever coached,” Cooper said.

The Grizzlies were scheduled to leave Thursday morning for Carson, in Southern California, where they will face Long Beach Poly at the Home Depot Center in the state Div. 1 championship game. The Jackrabbits, 12-3, beat Clovis North 28-7 in the Southern California Div. 1 championship Friday night.

The 8 p.m. game will be broadcast locally by Comcast cable.

Similar to the Grizzlies, Long Beach Poly focuses heavily on the running game, so the match up between two of the state’s best running offenses should be quite a show.

Section Championship The Grizzlies faced Oak Ridge on Nov. 30 in the Sac-Joaquin Section Division 1 championship game at Sac State and won 35-23.

The Grizzlies and Trojans have faced off numerous times in the postseason in recent years, with GBHS knocking out Oak Ridge 2112 last year in the second round of the playoffs.

Coming into the game, Cooper was fully aware of the Trojan’s strategy. “(Oak Ridge) can control the ball on offense (and) … our offset to (their offense) would be running the ball,” Cooper said.

GBHS scored on its opening drive with Cooley completing the touchdown on a 5-yard run. However, a poor kickoff gave the Trojans an advantageous starting point, they drove down the field and ended up

with a field goal.

Before the first quarter ended, GBHS scored again, this time on a 9-yard pass completion from senior quarterback Grant Caraway to senior Tony Ellison, to take a 14-3 lead.

Both teams threw interceptions while near the opponent’s end zone, the first coming when GBHS sophomore linebacker Cameron Smith made his first of two inerceptions. On the ensuing GBHS drive, Caraway threw an interception, but luckily for the Grizzlies, the error proved minimal.

“Sometimes that is just the way football happens,” Cooper said. “It was unfortunate that we threw that interception so close to scoring, but (Oak Ridge) had just done the same, so it all evened out.”

In the second half, Cooper was hoping his running offense would remain efficient and effective.

Following Ellison’s 11-yard touchdown run that gave the Grizzlies a 21-9 lead, Cooper’s game plan shifted.

“As soon as we were up (21-9), I told my guys that we were going to use the clock to our advantage.

For the most part, we did just that,” Cooper said.

Against Oak Ridge, the Grizzlies were led by senior fullback Taft Partridge, who ran for 235 yards on 11 carries.

During the fourth quarter, Partridge put the Grizzlies up 34-17 with an astonishing 86-yard run that sealed the victory.

“As soon as I broke through, I could feel that it was going to be a touchdown,” Partridge said.

For Cooper, the victory was sweet, but just another step on the Grizzly postseason journey.

“I’m just pleased that we won this

Gazette photos /kristin taylor

Junior Luke Bussey, top, takes down an Oak Ridge opponent in the endzone in the section title game. Johnny Cooley, above, is tackled after another substantial gain against the Trojans. Taft Partridge, right, celebrates the NorCal victory with a fan. game tonight,” Cooper said. “It’s a great accomplishment to a great season.”

Playoffs In the first three rounds of the playoffs, the Grizzly offense was unstoppable, and the defense was formidable.

Granite Bay outscored three opponents by a combined score of 145-27 – including an openinground 52-0 route of Napa, a 56-20 defeat of Downey of Modesto, and a 37-7 victory against previously unbeaten and No. 1 ranked Franklin of Elk Grove.

In the first month of the season, however, Granite Bay was 1-3, with losses to two Southern California powerhouse programs in Westlake

and Oaks Christian and a disappointing 28-27 loss to Pittsburg of the East Bay. At that point, Cooper realized the Grizzlies needed get back to the basics of football.

“I told my guys that we need to re-evaluate ourselves,” Cooper said.

“The losses were tough, but we needed to look beyond that for the rest of the season ahead.”

By focusing on football fundamentals, the Grizzlies started what has become an 11-game winning streak, with a state championship at stake tonight.

For Cooper, it all made sense.

“When playoffs started,” he said, “we were on a roll and really finetuned.”

It showed.

granitebaytoday.org

A7

A8 News

Friday, December 14, 2012

w The Granite Bay Gazette

PROP. 30: Tax measure results in mixed feelings Continued from page B1

for two days a week.

“You think about the library and you think it’s just books, but it’s not just about books,” Gallo said. “There’s kids who don’t fit in and don’t hang out with anybody at school (who) have that library as a safe place to go.”

Electives, such as an engineering class her son takes, were threatened to be cut as a result of a tightened budget.

The class needed $3,000 from the PTA to replace circuit boards, because they are not funded by the district.

“We can only allot so many teachers so much money so we (discussed that) parents (may) need to chip out $100 every month to afford the class, so it’s affecting everything,” Gallo said.

She said the electives offer an alterna-

tive for students who are not strong in core classes.

“I don’t think we put enough money into our schools, because if we don’t give our kids a foundation, then how do they get better jobs?” Gallo said.

Although most Placer County residents voted no on the proposition, 64 percent of GBHS students voted yes in a straw vote conducted in Jarrod Westberg’s Advanced Placement government class’s.

One of these students, senior Meagen Beiler, who is applying to California State Universities at Sacramento and Chico.

“It would be awful for the state schools and education everywhere because it would take money away,” Beiler said.

Beiler’s mom, Kathleen Beiler, is a teacher for the Eureka School District, and she also voted yes on the prop, so Beiler said that makes it an even more personal propo-

sition for her.

“It’s important because it’s the future of our whole country, so I feel like it’s an easy answer because if we want to go anywhere and if we want to get out of the situation we’re in, we have to educate the youth,” Meagen said.

Brandon Dell’Orto, a history teacher at GBHS and president of the Roseville Secondary Education Association, said the district had saved enough money to get through the cuts without substantial changes, but the school still would have experienced cuts.

“Probably (what the district) would have done is cut the budget by two to three million (dollars) by the time everything was said and done next year, and been ready to cut another two to three million the following year, which would have meant bigger class sizes,” Dell’Orto said.

He said there were discussions of possibly

SMART IS THE NEW

doing away with freshman sports because some sports and other programs have already been cut.

“Our district was getting ready to pretty sincerely batten down the hatches and see if we can weather the storm. With (Prop.

30) passing we now have the opportunity to hire some new teachers to make class sizes go down,” Dell’Orto said. “We now have the opportunity to help out teachers who haven’t had any cost of living advance adjustment in healthcare or regular cost of living (raise) for a number of years. (and) get ready to do different projects.”

He understands why most residents voted no, but he said Prop. 30 was necessary.

“We’re a country that was born being angry and pissed off at taxes, that’s where we started-we’re still there. Anyone who has to pay more is going to be frustrated and feel that it’s not fair, I understand how a big

D I G I T A L

T O D A Y

137740

(go to schools)- they need the money,” she said.

SEXY.

Be able to find Iran on a map. Know what the city council is up to behind closed doors. Find out how to make an icebox peanut butter pie from scratch. Get it all in the newspaper, print or digital, because a little depth looks great on you.

P R I N T

chunk of our community would be frustrated,” Dell’Orto said.

The RSEA supported Prop. 30 and GBHS teachers including Dell’Orto campaigned on major streets both the day before Election Day and on Election Day, encouraging voters to support students.

“I’ve seen the numbers, I’ve seen what they were getting ready to do and now that doesn’t have to happen,” Dell’Orto said.

“Now the next interesting part of the story is what will they do with the money-will they actually get it to the schools?”

Beiler said she believes the state will keep the money going to schools.

“I hope (the state decides to keep the money going toward schools) because they know how important it is and Gov. Jerry Brown was advocating for it and he has a lot of power in the state so I think it will-

THE

NEWSPAPER

T O M O R R O W

Read breaking news at www.granitebaytoday.org.

Smart Content_(cafe)_9x11_bw.indd Black

GET IT

Voices

Granite Bay Gazette

A Section

Friday w September 14, 2012

GAZETTE The Granite Bay

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

Editors-in-Chief: Nicole Bales Lena Eyen Haley Massara Chris Pei News Editor: Sydney Kahmann Voices Editors: Emma Gracyk Kiana Okhovat Lifestyle Editors: Meghan Carlsen Kristin Taylor Madison Touloukian Green Screen Editors: Hayley MacAvoy Jonah Poczobutt Joseph Puhala Alexa Zogopoulos Sports Editors: Austin Downs Amber Les Brad Wong Online News Editors: Chase Evans Mary Haney Kate Hurley Ashcon Minoiefar Photo Editor: Kristin Taylor Illustrators: Chase Evans Lena Eyen Hayley McAvoy Emma Gracyk Photographers: Kaylyn O’Donnell Luke Chirbas Staff Writers: Austin Alcaine Kevin Burns Tamren Johnk Summer Haenny Nicolette Richards Myles Slattery Thomas Taylor Advertising Manager Megan Hansen 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-by-case 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.

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

Winter Ball from a girl’s perspective Guys aren’t the only ones who are filled with anxiety and angst

I

t is that time of year again Commentary – when the music in stores becomes jolly, Starbucks coffee cups change design and guys start bringing roses to school to ask that special someone to the dance. The anticipated Winter Ball is here once again.

Or should I say the dreaded Winterball.

It is not that I am against date dances. I enjoy dressing up fancily for a night and egracyk.gazette@gmail.com going out with a group of friends. If the music was date, considering Winter Ball better, I would probably even was still a month away. look forward to the dancing Guys might bit. think girls It is the build have it easy. up to this oneAll we have night dance that to do is stand makes Winter At times I feel the by and look Ball unpleasant. asking is a bigger pretty while Winter Ball the guy has is advertised deal than goto plan an way in advance. ing to the actual elaborate way Posters are put of asking dance.

Guys go up more than a the girl of month before as far as making his choice. the actual date. mock bullitens On top of These posters that, the guy and ice sculpcan make you faces possible very excited tures to ask that rejection.

- and just as What guys special someeasily very do not realize frustrated. one. When girls is the anxiety When I first get flowers, all girls face. saw these We stress her peers stop posters, I started over who we to imagine the to ‘“aw” and ask want to be perfect guy and who she was asked by and the perfect dress then we must asked by. with a perfect simply wait night under the for our prince stars. As weeks charming to went on and sweep us off our feet. people were starting to get And while guys fear asked, I felt the posters mock rejection, girls fear rejecting. me, reminding me of how I We fear getting asked by the had not been asked yet. wrong guy and then having to And then I realized how say no and hurt his feelings. ridiculous it was to start At times I feel the asking is fretting about not having a

emma gracyk

night, my experience has a bigger deal than going to been Winter Ball is more of the actual dance. Guys go as far as making mock bulletins a night to show off and make and ice sculptures to ask that memories with friends.

Winter Ball is almost like special someone. When girls a repeat of Halloween but get flowers, all of her peers stop to “aw” and ask who she for teenagers. It is fun and interesting to see classmates was asked by. in something other than I honestly love seeing all T-shirts and jeans. Peers the creative ways students appear transformed. come up with in asking. It The month before Winter sparks change in a typical Ball is exciting and nerveschool day. Yet sometimes racking. The I wonder if asking breaks up the build up the monotony of to Winter a regular school What guys do Ball is a week. A sort of bigger deal not realize is the glowing hope than the anxiety girls face. grows in girls; If actual dance. not asked today, We stress over At this maybe she’ll get time of year who we want to asked tomorrow.

I notice there While the be asked by and dressing are three type up, of people – then we must picture taking, those who food and dancing simply wait for have no bit of Winter our prince desire to Ball, the anxiety go, those leading up to the charming. who will go dance is truly no matter exhilarating. what, and And in the end, who one goes with those who will only go if that or does not go with is not special someone asks. a huge deal. Just enjoy Some girls have no desire yourself no matter what. to waste the money on a one*** time-use dress or the time Emma Gracyk, a senior, on makeup and hair no one is a Gazette Voices editor. will truly appreciate since it is mostly dark at the dance anyway.

Others plan on going no matter what – date or no date.

In the end, does the guy really make all the difference?

Perhaps going with friends is the best option. That way, no awkwardness occurs.

While some may hope a relationship comes out of the

Gazette illustration /EMMA GRACYK

Views of rap music are generational

Contrary to belief, rap music isn’t worsening, it’s instead a change of trend.

M

any hip their worth, entertainment.

NWA posed as controversial figures school rappers, normally the top comCommentary hop Modern-day artists such as throughout the ’80s and ’90s who sent ment is contains something like, “This listeners Chief Keef and French Monmeaningful messages about discrimiis why Hip Hop sucks!” claim that “hip hop tana aren’t nation and These comis dead,” when, on necessarracism. Ironiments usually the contrary, it is ily lyrical cally, today from a Controversy beToday, old-school come booming with sucgeniuses, it seems that 40-year-old tween both parties rap listeners are cess. but rather artists sit back man, sitting Although there approach and ride the behind his has been brewing looking to the aren’t rappers of their music wake that computer screen for more than 20 modern culture dominance such as a little difthese oldwho wishes he Tupac, Notorious ferently. school artists could go back years, and those for lyricism and B.I.G or Nas, there They try have created.

20 years to who are considered are disappointed are rappers who are to perfect One of the when the “real” mslattery.gazette@gmail.com making impressive their delivmost promihip hop was beto be “Old-School with the unintellinoise in the rap world. ery or their “flow” nent movemade. rappers” were once ments created gent sound of the ingControversy Artists such as Jay-Z and Kanye West rather than bother the rap novices 21st century. seem to have the entire rap culture at with creating meanby NWA was between both their fingertips, selling more albums ingful lyrics to the negaparties has been themselves. and making more money than Tupac or impress their fans. tive attitude brewing for Notorious B.I.G ever did.

Whereas oldtoward the more than 20 years, and those who are considered to Today, old-school rap listeners are school rappers would government and the be “old-school rappers” were once the looking to the modern culture for lyrihave proposed lyrics containing moral police. rap novices themselves. cism and are disappointed with the unin- stories, nowadays rappers simply talk The releasing of the song “F--- the *** telligent sound of the 21st century. about money, women, drugs and expen- Police” by NWA was a ground-breaking Myles Slattery, a junior, is a Gazette Yet these people need to realize that sive things. moment in the world of rap music. they can take the new-styled songs for Artists and groups such as Tupac and When looking through videos of new- staff writer.

myles slattery

The consequences of our decisions can be horrific

We are defined by the decisions we make and how we react to our consequences. And one major decision that we may all have to make is to put ourselves behind the wheel when under the influence.

Granite Bay High School offers the Every 15 minutes Program to bring to the attention of students the graveness and horror of deaths caused by drunk driving.

Despite the program’s name, ever since drunk driving has been illegal in California, the number of deaths caused by drunk driving has, in fact, decreased. Instead of every 15 minutes, a death is caused by drunk driving every 48 minutes.

This amounts to approximately 30 daily deaths caused by reckless

driving. The amount focus has to of money spent be on driving on alcohol-related safely, becuase crashes is about $51 anything can The voice of the billion per year. happen.

Texting while Being drunk Granite Bay driving is also impairs that Gazette dangerous. ability to drive California is one safely, and of many states that when you are has forbidden using any handheld on the phone, you take away that device when behind the wheel. safety from yourself. When you This includes texting. In 2011 text, you take your eyes off of alone, 23% of car crashes were the road. When you talk on the caused by texting behind the phone, 100% of you focus is not wheel. And what’s worse is that on driving. You may think it is, but persons in the age group 16-24 it is not. were most likely to be on their Since we all live together as a phone when driving. unit, in society, our choices impact Driving is a responsibility. When those around us, from people operating a vehicle, all of your whom we might not be acquainted

EDITORIAL

with, to people we love and hold dear.

Even if we are not acquainted with the people who are impacted by our actions, they have families and friends who are affected.

Put yourself in their shoes.

Once we choose to go down the wrong path, especially regarding something as serious as driving safely, there is no turning back.

What happens, happens. Nothing in the past can be changed.

The indescribable weight of grief,sadness, anguish, desolation, and pain you can cause people through being irresponsible is inexpressible.

And having to live with that burden, with that incredible guilt, is torture.

But that is nothing compared to the amount of affliction and unnecessary misery you caused to someone’s family and friends.

Because if you kill someone in an accident, you have not only single-handedly taken the life of an innocent human being, but you have destroyed the family and friends of that victim.

All of this, this never-ending misery, can never happen.

But you can make the right choice.

It truly isn’t that hard. It’s one of the easiest choices you will ever have to make.

Why bother taking such a dangerous risk with you can guarantee your own safety through driving responsibly?

A10 Voices

Friday, December 14, 2012

Is ‘social justice’ really just?

HEARD on the

w The Granite Bay Gazette

BAY

What is your fondest winter break memory?

“Getting presents.”

freshman

Bill Nguyen “Going to San Francisco to go shopping.”

Gazette illustration/EMMA GRACYK

What began as a way to stop appropriation has spiraled out of control

sophomore

S

“Dinner with my family.”

junior

Corey Consunji “Having a white Christmas when I was younger.”

senior

Sara northam

Thumbs down: Homework…

“Going bird hunting with my boys.” AP and Honors homework…

staff

haley massara

Thumbs Up Thumbs up: One more week of school until Winter Break!

John MacLeane –Compiled by Hayley McAvoy

Commentary

Thumbs Down

Shelby McPhail

guy writing laws that was before the real top me if you’ve heard this one: decide who pays for her crusaders started Check your (insert adjective) birth control. A person popping up. privilege. of Native American Racism, sexism Now, I’m a purebred, blue-blooded descent probably doesn’t and the like are the Jewish liberal, and I’m content with love seeing hipster biggest topic for a that identity. I’ve attended my fair girls wearing feather lot of SJ activists, share of gay rights protests, I’m headdresses like they’re and rightly so – you appropriately offended by whatever some cute vintage hat, piggish bureaucrat’s off-color comments don’t need to be rather than a sacred eight different kinds are making headlines this week, and symbol. Privilege was of minority to know I’ve preset a frequency to NPR on my coined to help these there’s discrimination parents’ car radios. people understand why in the world.

But there’s this one nagging thought I what they’re doing And so the more keep having. It started as just a fleeting might be offensive – and zealous preachers judgment, and gradually, as election why they don’t have of the SJ cause season degenerated into the usual hmassara.gazette@gmail.com the moral high ground partisan bloodbath, it metastasized into a have collectively if they simply claim it figured out a way to full-blown opinion. isn’t. delineate the truly oppressed from the What I’m about to say is a liberal But as the SJ movement spreads, mere complainers. anathema. I’ve been holding it in for so too does its message, and like an It’s a concept called months now, but I overblown game of telephone tag, privilege. You have confess: I’m sick with each manifestation, it mutates and it, I have it, and to death of political distorts itself. theoretically, everyone correctness.

But as the SJ There are so many ways to be with a pulse has it. It’s For the uninitiated, movement spreads, anything beyond your privileged that it’s nearly impossible to the spidering, account for them all – so if you try to immediate control that amorphous thing so too does its discuss any vaguely taboo subject and gives termed “social message, and like an automatically you’re not the most mightily oppressed you some kind of legjustice” (or SJ for short) can best overblown game of up in modern society. sad sack on the North American You can have privilege continent, you can expect to be told that be defined as a telephone tag, with for being white, for you’re a bigot of some sort and to kill largely internetbased movement each manifestation, it being male, for being yourself.

What began as a legitimate tool to financially well-off whose stated goal mutates and distorts – all the things you fight appropriation and cruelty has very is the promotion nearly become another way to spread might expect. of civil rights and itself. it. It almost feels as though there’s this But the deeper you societal equality unspoken contest within SJ circles to see go into the SJ world, for minorities. Its who can be the most underprivileged – the more nitpicky primary strongholds that somehow, a non-binary pansexual you are required to be have traditionally demiromantic otherkin person of color’s about your various privileges. Free of been sites like Tumblr and Reddit, but opinion is much more valid than mine. major illness? Health privilege. Think its tactics and messages have gradually Anti-racism has started to degenerate of yourself as a girl, if you’re female, been working their way into the into reverse racism (which is still or a boy, if you’re male? Cisgendered mainstream (remember Kony 2012?). discriminatory), in these extreme little privilege. Able to read this sentence?

At first, I, like a good little corners of the internet. Feminism is Literacy privilege. progressive, passively supported the fermenting into misandry. The very I don’t mean to imply that having SJ bloggers in their noble quest. All same people who were once praised for these privileges isn’t a genuine they required of me was the occasional their efforts to raise awareness about ‘like’ or ‘share’ to make me feel morally advantage in the world. But every depression and anxiety are now told they minuscule thing that doesn’t make your superior. can’t have it, because they live in nice life worse can be privilege. And the Photos of angry feminists holding suburbs and were born with the right more you have, according to those on signs to protest victim-blaming in genitals in the right spots. the crazier end of the SJ spectrum, the cases of rape? Sure! Posts explaining And this weird reverse-discrimination less your opinion should matter in any how to address a transgendered person thing has trickled into the offline world, kind of political setting. correctly? Great! A link to a fundraiser as well. I find myself panicking over I think I get what the intended to help an oppressed group in some my college applications because (on point of all of this was, I really do. faraway country? There’s no way I’m top of all the normal, GPA- or time A disadvantaged female SJ activist donating, but hey, points for effort! management-related reasons) I’m not an – understandably, I believe – likely That’s how it started, at least. Very especially sympathetic individual. It’s doesn’t want a middle-aged white benign, very well-intentioned. That

Thumbs down: One more week of finals, tests and finishing college applications.

not a pretty truth, but it’s the truth – if I weren’t ethnically boring or financially solvent, my chances of being accepted to a competitive school would be slightly better, ignoring all of my academic qualifications. That’s a scary thing, even for a liberal.

My point is twofold.

First, as far as the SJ movement goes: No one will ever take you seriously if you equate cheeseburgers to genocide and the “Are you a boy or a girl?” prompt at the beginning of a Pokemon game to erasism. Pick your battles carefully and knock it off with the hyperbole.

The goal of all your campaigning and awareness-raising is still one worth fighting for, so long as you don’t let your ideology get diluted with useless antagonism.

Otherwise, you can expect people like me – and internet trolls who are much, much less courteous – to simply mock you, rather than take the time to listen.

And secondly, to people of the Real World – I know I’m going against the liberal grain by saying all of this, but just consider: are the scholarships, job offers, and the like that preferentially seek out the disadvantaged or underrepresented among us really less discriminatory? Or do they simply change the age-old pattern of rewarding those born into luckier circumstances into one that rewards the unlucky?

I can’t answer that, but I have no more control over my demographics than anyone else, no matter their race, gender, orientation or yearly income.

This is not a comfy place to be in.

But I’d rather be honest, in all my disillusionment, than blindly reblog, repost or repin whatever SJ-related debate happens to show up on my screen.

You don’t have to agree with me.

Heck, I know a lot of you won’t. But so long as you really think critically – as long as you don’t let the mob-mentality of the Internet or the guilt-tripping and conformity of party politics squelch your well-meaning doubts – I’ll never respect you any less for it.

I might be in the wrong, but at least I’m genuine in my wrongness. *** Haley Massara, a senior, is a Gazette co-editor-in-chief.

Thumbs down: I have to share my car with her.

Thumbs up: My older sibling is home from college!

by Hayley McAvoy, green screen editor.

Gazette photos /SUMMER HAENNY

Friday, December 14, 2012

Voices A11

w The Granite Bay Gazette

Are group projects still considered necessary?

Commentary

amber les

ales.gazette@gmail.com

While some cheer when assigned group projects, others invariably groan

“F

or this project, you’ll work in groups.”

Cue the groaning from almost every student in the class, and for good reason.

I’m assuming that every teacher is taught to incorporate some sort of “group project” work into their curriculum.

Don’t get me wrong, I believe whole-heartedly in learning to work together.

In elementary school, the shy kids tended to break out of their shells when they could group together for a presentation on math multiplication tables.

As said by many of my teachers in past years, these groups are supposed to teach you to be able to work with people when you’re older or be able to deal with people you don’t like.

Group projects from fifth to eighth grade provided a nice change in the usual classroom routine and instilled valuable negotiating and social skills.

Maybe they are beneficial when we are younger, but as students get older group projects need to stop.

The sound of the term “group projects” has struck a painful chord with me since freshman year.

Most students are warned that the grades they

Gazette illustration /CHASE EVANS

receive in high school will play a factor in getting accepted to college.

With that in mind, I figured my academic performance would be something that I could control.

But when group projects didn’t’ seem to die off after eighth grade, my bitterness began.

For one thing, group projects are socialistic: a bunch of individuals get a grade based on what everyone’s combined work quality was in the group.

So, as my luck usually played out, my final grade wouldn’t be what I felt I earned.

In high school, the idea of picking your own groups is a sin. Teachers assume students will get a worse grade because they will create a group with their friends and mess around.

So apparently when the teacher puts together groups of strangers or acquaintances in all different categories of “academically able,” the grades

should turn out fantastic.

Unfortunately for me, this has not been the case.

I have been stuck with people who loved the idea of feeding off of a grade that someone else worked for.

Some people realize that if they’re paired with someone who will do all the work for them, they can relax while they watch their GPA rise.

On the other hand, the person stuck with all the work gets frustrated, all for a grade that both parties would “earn.”

Some students want none of the work with all of the benefits.

Personally, I want a grade that is all my own. I want my grade to be directly reflected by the outcomes of my hard work, not by a “joint effort.”

How am I supposed to explain to a college that, although I met expectations in a class, I got a

lower overall grade because of a less-than-satisfactory group project grade?

If there was a section entitled Which Classes Were Hurt By Group Projects on college applications, then maybe it would be more reasonable to assign group projects.

Some teachers have realized that group projects can be unproductive, and they cut them altogether.

Others decide to vary the grading to make it a little more fair.

My bad experiences have left me upset about any mention of “pairing up” in class.

Save the grade-sharing for fourth grade math problems, not a class that could affect my future. *** Amber Les, a senior, is a Gazette sports editor.

Your name. Your Faces.

Your newspaper. The Gazette.

Want your voice to be heard? Submit a guest commentary to gbgazette@yahoo.com!

A12 Second Look

Second look

Every 15 Minutes

Friday, December 14, 2012

w The Granite Bay Gazette

Upperclassmen watch an alcohol-related car accident simulation wGazette photosw Kristin Taylor

Far left, junior Vinny Esposito is carefully moved from the destroyed vehicle to the ambulance. Senior Renee Merchant, left, sits motionless in the passanger seat following the fake collision. Speaking with an officer, junior Riley Carroll, below, lets out grief-filled sobs over the death of her older brother, junior Patrick Carroll. Far below left, senior Erica Peterson, junior Tommy Thompson, junior Jackson Rodriguez and drama teacher Kyle Holmes stand lifeless watching the scene, maintaining their roles as “the walking dead.”

Showing immense guilt, senior Beau Hershberger sits on the hood of the police car, observing the mess he has caused. Far below left, Riley screams at Hershberger angrily for murdering her brother. Assistant Principal Brent Mattix comforts senior Sam Myers following the simulation.

Lifestyle

Granite Bay Gazette

B Section

Friday w December 14, 2012

Commentary

madison touloukian mtouloukian.gazette@gmail.com

BY KEVIN BURNS

kburns.gazette@gmail.com

Boys, let me dress myself

I

t’s the end of the world as we know it – yet most people feel fine.

As we approach the end of the year, the country is in angst due to a myth, created by the Mayans, which says the world will end on Dec. 21.

Many people write off the prediction as a fable, yet as the popularity grows, the ancient tale is becoming a topic on every news station, website and newspaper. Due to it’s enormous popularity, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration published a paper answering 10 frequently asked questions about the event.

There was even a movie made about the deciding day, 2012, which featured the world falling to pieces as the super-rich bought into a safe escape.

Despite all the influences from the Internet and television, many students at Granite Bay High School refuse to believe that the fate of the world rests on the shoulders of a society who collapsed almost 1,100 years ago.

“I don’t think (the apocalypse) will happen,” senior Marissa Latzen said.

Latzen, confident that she will ease into winter break alive, is in agreement with many students in her class.

Junior David Zech said he is not counting on the world ending in a week, but he is still interested as to what will happen around the world.

“I’ll watch the news (that day) and look for anything out of the ordinary to see if the world is really ending or not,” Zech said.

Whether or not the world is bound to end, students at GBHS will be worrying for the first half of their day, when they are taking their final tests for two classes. If the world is in fact collapsing on itself, as the Mayans predicted, some students may decide to free up their schedule.

“If it does seem like it’s going to end,” Latzen said, “I won’t go to school that day.”

Senior Jeremy Ly agreed with Latzen, saying that he will just spend time with friends and family if the world really comes to an end.

“I want to spend the rest of my time wisely,” Ly said.

In spite of the lack of evidence to support an apocalypse, people all around the world believe in the prophecy. News website Reuters took a poll and found that one in seven people agree that the world will end before we reach 2013.

All the chaos has caused some students at GBHS to wonder how society has believed such an unimaginable prediction.

“People believe it because the Mayans said it,” Ly said, “and they are just too gullible.”

Zech also sees people as too naive, and said that he

A

s I grab my favorite pair of shorts from my dresser drawer, my day instantly brightens. I pull the soft denim shorts over my waist and button them right above my belly button.

With their faded mint green color and loose fit, they’re perfect for a casual day.

I tuck my shirt in, slip on my Birkenstock sandals and head out the door. A few girls compliment me, and my confidence boosts a little as I embrace my coveted highwaisted shorts.

I love high-waisted shorts.

They’re belted at the smallest part of your waist (personally my favorite physical feature) and make your legs look longer. They’re also much more comfortable than those tight, skimpy short-shorts that need to be pulled down every time you take a step.

I mean, who wants to walk around yanking down the shorts that have proceeded to reveal half their butt cheek?

This is why I’m such a fan of the high-waisted variety.

Now please don’t take this column to be a rant in regard to my feelings against short-shorts. I could care less whether you wear those or an ankle-length skirt.

But I have to ask, what are you thinking when you put on those shorts? If you’re wearing them to impress boys, please don’t.

I guess some would say the down-side to wearing high-waisted shorts would be that guys don’t find them attractive.

Last week, as I sat working in my fourth period journalism class, I overheard a conversation occurring within a group of junior boys. They were complaining about how unattractive high-waisted shorts were.

One boy claimed that they just weren’t flattering to a woman’s shape. Others said that they looked like a denim diaper, or that they belong in a mom’s closet.

I’ll admit to the validity of the latter argument, because a few pairs of my shorts were originally stolen from my mother’s closet.

But I think that makes them better. They were something that, before their wild popularity, you couldn’t get from any day trip to Target.

I didn’t think much of the boys’ comments and returned the following week in a different pair of high-waisted shorts.

As I stood waiting for the bell at the end of a class period, a male classmate approached me. He didn’t bother with any small talk before informing me that, due to my current outfit choice, his opinion of me went down.

The fact that this boy would even consider saying that about me simply because of my outfit of choice is a bit disturbing.

Judgments should not be made based on the style of shorts I wear.

Simply because I’m embracing a trend that isn’t attractive to the opposite sex should not make me a better or worse person.

I don’t think we should be expected to value ourselves based on the opinions of other people.

I’m going to wear what I feel comfortable in, whether or not it’s appealing to boys.

I plan on continuing to wear my high-waisted shorts until I tire of them. They’re my favorite.

That’s what fashion should be about – loving what you’re wearing, and holding on to that love despite the critiques from others.

So ladies, pull your shorts up to your belly button if that’s what floats your boat.

Amidst male grumbling, I hope that high-waisted shorts live on.

*** Madison Touloukian, a senior, is a Gazette’s Lifestyle co-editor.

See END OF WORLD, page B4

Gazette illustration/LENA EYEN

GBHS is halfway done with the school year

Students feel many different emotions as the first term wraps up

BY MADISON TOULOUKIAN

A

mtouloukian.gazette@gmail.com

s Granite Bay High School reaches the halfway point of the 2012-2013 school year, freshmen and seniors are beginning to see how high school has affected them.

Ask any high school grad what they thought of high school, and you’ll get a completely different answer. This is because most high school students feel that high school is an individual experience – it’s difficult to share.

These individual experiences end up shaping students as they transform from freshmen to seniors.

The change from 8th grade to 9th grade is monumental, and freshmen are noticing the changes.

“High school gives us a lot more freedoms,” freshman Joey Carlsen said.

These freedoms open the door for learning in new and innovative ways.

“It’s much more straightforward and

inside lifestyle

SAT Tip of the Month

B3

Random Student

B4

Random Club

B4

College of the Month

B5

New club on campus The Water Project raises money

B2

(combines) learning and fun at the same time,” freshman Sonia Matheus said.

Carlsen agrees that there is a greater connection between teachers and students.

“The teachers act like people and less like drones that just (tell) you information,” he said. “It feels like you’re treated more responsibly.”

New freedoms bring more opportunities for students to get involved.

“I’m enjoying (high school) more than 8th grade because of all the activities you can do,” Carlsen said.

Carlsen joined the drama club and also auditioned for the student directed play.

“Even though I didn’t make it (after auditioning), it was really fun because I got to meet a lot of people,” Carlsen said.

With over 50 clubs, a band and choir and 24 sports, GBHS offers numerous ways for students to get involved on campus.

Matheus plays mellophone and oboe in the Emerald Brigade.

“Being a part of a group with a wide variety of personalities and ages really helps

you grow as a person,” Matheus said.

Personal growth has been a major part of the high school experience.

“There’s been a lot of emotional growth and I think that’s all anyone can hope for – a chance to develop as a person and a student,” senior Taylor Reynolds said.

GBHS senior Paul Zajac also changed as he went through high school, constantly growing as he tried different programs.

“A lot of (freshman year) was spent trying to find myself and trying different activities,” Zajac said. “Senior year I felt a lot more established and…able to get involved (to) set a great example for others.”

Throughout his four years at GBHS, Zajac played water polo, participated in cross country and the swim team and is also a member of the Future Business Leaders of America club. He’s also worked behind stage in the theatre, helping with the sound and lights in school productions.

Being a part of so many different groups on campus has opened Zajac’s mind to the many types of people at GBHS.

Winter Ball asking gets creative Boys have unique ideas for asking their dates

B2

Joey Carlsen Carlsen is a freshman happy to be in high school.

“I look at people more openly than I used to,” Zajac said.

Carlsen also has seen his view change even in these past few months of high school.

“I look at things differently and I don’t see everything as a joke,” he said.

Upon entrance into high school, the stress levels of students tend to elevate due to the new environment.

“I thought high school was going to be a drag,” Matheus said. “The teachers are great and the older kids are so welcoming.”

See HALFWAY, page B4

Perfect Pinterest weddings Girls use the site to plan their dream day

B3

B2 Lifestyle

Friday, December 14, 2012

top Funny New Year’s Resolutions for 2013

w The Granite Bay Gazette

Granite Bay decorates for holidays Students and staff adorn their homes with holiday cheer

BY TAMREN JOHNK

tjohnk.gazette@gmail.com

Switch my username to “password” and my password to “username” just to make it harder for hackers.

Spend less than $1,724 at Starbucks.

Stop buying useless junk on Amazon. Everybody knows that Quality Value Convinience (QVC) has better deals.

I will find the idiot that let the dogs out.

Become a millionaire on Farmville.

Create a full proof plan to survive the Zombie Apocalypse.

Sometimes it can be hard to realize that it’s the holiday season at school.

At home, houses are decorated for the winter season and students can relax and enjoy the festive atmosphere, whereas at school, students are focused cramming to do homework and studying for tests.

Because of this stress, the winter holiday is easily forgotten on school campuses. Luckily, there are still some school faculty members who enjoy decorating for the holiday season here at Granite bay High School.

Helen Guzenski, the administrative assistant at the front desk, is one who enjoys decorating for the holiday season.

It’s a festive time of year, and she likes the office to look welcoming and cheery.

“I put a wreath on my little wooden bear that’s on the counter, I put some snowmen on a string and I sometimes have festive lights,” Guzenski said. “I also have another wreath that I hang on the window that says either Happy Holidays or Seasons Greetings and I have a small Christmas tree.”

Guzenski likes to decorate because she celebrates the winter season and enjoys the Christmas holiday.

“People comment a lot of times on how nice it looks,” Guzenski said.

“People in general are being very friendly towards it.”

Spanish 3 and Spanish International Baccalaureate teacher, Anna-Marie Gonzalez, enjoys varying decorations each month to recognize as many holidays as she can, such as Easter, Day of the Dead, Christmas, Cinco de Mayo and Mexican Independence.

Over the years, Gonzalez has accumulated more and more items to add to her holiday decorations.

“For Christmas I put out streamers that hang down that say ‘Feliz Navidad,’ and I have a tree,” Gonzalez said. “I try to stick with decorations that look Hispanic. For example I have chili pepper lights, a Virgin Guadalupe, a manger scene and other Hispanic decorations.”

Gonzalez believes that decorating should be allowed anywhere in the school. Whenever she decorates her room, it makes her feel happy and spirited inside.

“I know that my students love my decorations because they come in and

Gazette illustration/LENA EYEN

say in Spanish that they like it,” Gonzalez said.

English 9 and English 11 teacher Kay Bacharach, uses decorations that have either been handed down to her from another teacher or are items that she doesn’t use anymore at home.

“This year I have a little light-up tree, some holiday tissue boxes, and I brought some Christmas lights from home,” Bacharach said. “The kids seem to like those the most because it somewhat illuminates the room whenever I turn off the lights.”

Bacharach has always liked decorating her classroom because while decorating at home is sometimes overwhelming and it takes a while to do, at school, it is quick and easy and confined to one area.

Over the years, Bacharach has gotten a little more decorative and enjoys it more because of the positive feedback she receives from her students.

“(Decorating) certainly shows a little bit of me because I’m not real uptight,” Bacharach said. “I think decorating is just relaxed, fun, spirited and adds a different type of element to class.”

Honors English 11 and English 9 teacher Shannon McCann has made it a goal to decorate for every holiday, which she has never done before. McCann was also fortunate enough to receive numerous decorations from a prior teacher.

“The decorations are all brand new to me, so when I pull them out, it’s almost like Christmas every time,” McCann said. “I’m buying some more as I go, so it’s almost become a game for me myself.”

She believes that decorating is a bonus and helps to create a comfortable and homey atmosphere in the classroom.

“I think I’m (decorating) because it uplifts my own spirits and when the kids come in and respond to it, it just makes

me happy,” McCann said.

It’s always a nice surprise for students when the room looks totally different than it did the day before, and McCann believes that it’s all worth the effort.

“I think it’s fun when the environment changes so it’s not always the exact same thing all the time,” McCann said. “It’s a little more interesting to look at and I think that it makes the room feel warmer.”

She believes that students need to focus on academics, but that they also need to be constantly aware of their atmosphere and surroundings.

“If anyone wants to show their spirit during the holidays then I think they should be able to let their personalities shine however they want,” McCann said.

McCann also believes that decorating brings out the mom in her.

“This is our home away from home, so I think we should make it as colorful

Club fundraises to build well in Africa Teacher heads ‘The Water Project’

BY EMMA GRACYK

egracyk.gazette@gmail.com

Work on being less outwardly judgmental. People can always tell.

Drive closer to the speed limit.

“Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day.

Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.”

This Chinese proverb is the basis of the new Granite Bay High School club The Water Project.

More than 1 in 8 people in the world don’t have access to safe drinking water and nearly 80% of illnesses in developing countries are linked to poor water and sanitation,

according to The Water Project Inc. The Water Project focuses on raising money to build clean water sources in Africa. The club is formed underneath the non-profit organization The Water Project Inc. The Chinese proverb is the club’s motto because their vision is to build a permanent water source that will provide people in Africa clean water for years.

“A lot of corporations in the world have been trying to send impoverished

world material things– food, clothing, things that don’t last long – and what happens is these people start to rely on this delivery and they don’t work for it,” junior club president Anna Lim said.

While materials such as food or shoes may only last for a couple days or years, a clean water source can last for generations.

The club’s goal is to build a well in Africa, which costs $7,000. Lim hopes to raise $1,000 by the end of See WATER, page B4

Gazette photo /Grace Moore

Spanish teacher Jill Cova has a box in her classroom for students to collect recycable bottles and cans to raise money towards the well.

Boys find dates for dance Stop fantasizing about slamming on my breaks when a Porsche is

Girls are asked to Winter Ball in creative and thoughtful ways preceding the December dance

BY THOMAS TAYLOR

tthomas.gazette@gmail.com

Stop making resolutions starting next year.

- Compiled by Summer Haenny

Gazette illustration/LENA EYEN

Dresses, tuxedos, limousines, high heels, photos and proud parents are some of the cornerstones of the Granite Bay High School Winter Ball.

Perhaps the most important part of the Winter Ball experience is actually asking that special someone to this extremely elegant dance.

Some people just get the girl flowers and ask them to Winter Ball but other GBHS students went above and beyond to ask their dates this

year.

“I did not want to just do (it in) a really lame way,” junior Zachary Boyle said, “I wanted to do a good job and make it special.”

“So I went to the girl’s house and put a stick of butter on her doorstep late one night while she was asleep.

I door-bell-ditched her, and when she opened the door and picked up the butter she was kind of confused.

When she did not see anyone else she went back inside.”

Boyle then ran up to the door, and then gave her a poster that said,

“Now that I’ve gotten you buttered up do you want to go to Winter Ball with me?”

“I brought her roses and popcorn as well and it was really awesome,” Boyle said.

Boyle and Sierra Panter plan to have an excellent time at the dance on Dec 15.

While Boyle used surprise to make his date feel special, junior Parker Burman employed a “punny” style.

See WINTER BALL, page B5

Lifestyle

Friday, December 14, 2012 w The Granite Bay Gazette

B3

Local families follow traditions

Students share what holiday traditions their families value

BY AUSTIN ALCAINE

aalcaine.gazette@gmail.com

It’s no secret that most people have Christmas traditions, but many students at Granite Bay High School have their own unique family traditions that are specific to their family.

These traditions go beyond the mundane average family traditions of waking up going downstairs in your pajamas and opening presents by the tree.

“My dad dressed up as Rudolph once and danced around the tree,” junior Eddie Leskauskas said.

“That tradition has stuck with our family ever since.”

Whether it is an accidental tradition that stuck or just a long family tradition, it is apparent that these quirky customs keep families closer.

“It really keeps everyone close.

We all have a good time and joke around,” Leskauskas said.

Other GBHS families have

more active traditions where they all get involved in something together.

“My family all jumps into our pool before we open presents and it’s kind of like our own polar bear club,” junior Jeff Gaebler said.

Some GBHS families cook a meal traditional to their family heritage. Many families of Mexican decent cook tamales as a Christmas tradition.

“My mom cooks tamales every year for Christmas,” junior Luke Chirbas said.

Although not a different tradition to the Spanish community, many students at GBHS are unaware of the common tradition that many Hispanic GBHS students’ families participate in every year.

Other GBHS students’ families also cook other interesting meals for Christmas.

See TRADITIONS, page B5

Gazette illustration/CHASE EVANS

Girls hunting for the perfect dress GBHS students search to find ideal formal attire for Winter Ball

BY MADDY HARRIS

mharris.gazette@gmail.com

About a month before Winter Ball, it seems, every girl frantically searches for that perfect dress.

Granite Bay High School girls either borrow, buy, shop online, or even go thrifting for dresses.

The ideal Winter Ball dress varies from price to taste.

What are the spending limits for most of GBHS girls?

At school and home, some girls choose to shop online and order a few dresses and pick

their favorite.

However, some girls solely go on the internet just to get an idea of what kind of dress they want or where to get it.

Most girls want to look their best at their “night under the stars,” as the Winter Ball theme states, but how much is too much could vary from girl to girl.

“Over $200 is a lot of money for a dress,” senior Megan Rutlen said.

In certain events such as Junior Prom or Senior Ball, typically girls spend a little more dough on the dress.

Especially with Senior Ball, it is somewhat more understandable to spend more time and

money on a dress in the eyes of those senior girls attending, as it is their last high school formal.

Winter Ball, however, holds as a highlight of dances through out the year for all grades at GBHS. Being that it is the only formal dance of the year for most of the school, the cost of the dress for girls may not impact their Senior Ball spending.

“Senior Ball is a special event and the dress is formal and long,” senior Colleen Deyager said.

See DRESS, page B5

weddings

Student

Spotlight

For my special day...

Marissa Hayes

Tennis athlete strives for academic success Gazette: How do you balance playing varsity tennis and taking Advanced Placement classes?

A: I go home, work through my homework and try not to get too distracted by TV. I also have fourth period off and I take athletic P.E., which helps to give me more time to work.

Gazette: Are you planning to continue tennis in the future?

A: I’m planning on playing tennis as a side sport, as in a club or intramural.

Gazette: Have you had to sacrifice many things with your busy schedule?

A: I’ve had to sacrifice hanging out with my friends a lot. I get to hang out with them more on the weekends, but other than that I’m just mainly with my tennis ‘family’ or my family.

Gazette: Do you regret taking AP classes while still trying to balance your social and athletic life?

Students publicize future wedding desires

BY MEGHAN CARLSEN

mcarlsen.gazette@gmail.com

Wedding planning – it’s a multibillion dollar industry and the focus of millions of women from a very young age.

And now girls have a new outlet for their creativity.

The social network Pinterest has become popular among students over the past year and is an outlet for various creative ideas and pictures of health tips, exercise tips, fashion and home styling. However, one feature that is a big draw for many students is the ability to “pin” pictures to a uploaded by wedding Hayley ideas. “board” for future McAvoy Various cakes, dresses, flowers, rings, settings and photo ideas line the Pinterest “wedding boards” of

these current GBHS girls. limited to girls, which seems natural fantasize about their wedding days.

Sophomore Erin Guy currently has to some who feel wedding details are “I think girls are raised off the idea a Pinterest “board” devoted to wedmostly worries in the minds of girls of Barbie and … feminine mindsets (and they are told) that there’s some ding ideas but understands the line anyway. sort of pristine wedding (and) prisbetween fantasizing about the future “I think about (weddings) probtine Ken doll for you,” Habashi said. and the reality of her age. ably three times a week,” said avid Habashi compares this type of “Of course you’re going to dream wedding-pinner, senior Carly Flajole. daydreaming to that of guys admiring about (your wedding day),” Guy “Boys probably never think about it pictures of luxurious cars or guns. said. “It’s that big day in your life unless they are in a relationship.”

“I think the difference between but we also have a lot ahead of us However some male students dislike graduating, going to college and agree with this mindset that only girls them is that guys usually know they will never be able to own a $20,000 actually having a serious relationship think about their future wedding.

Hayley McAvoy from Hayley McAvoy from car and a giant gun or whatever … in which you would choose to get While the trend is highly accepted highestheel.tumblr.com said. “With the married.” among girls, some boys haven’t even they like,” Habashistylemepretty.com girls, it seems like it’s something you Yet, girls currently continue to fanheard of the trend, such as senior Hayley McAvoy from can reach.” tasize and pin hundreds of ideas to Justin Habashi. ownewed.com Flajole says she feels that the fanthese boards whenever they happen “I don’t want to say (I think about tasy might not be so unobtainable. something they like. my future wedding) a lot because “My parents are still together and Having these ideas be at the tips that’s very anti-masculine,” Habashi of girls’ fingertips on their phones or said. “I think about my ideal wedding they’re in love, so, to me, … (when I see) the pictures, I say ‘Oh, that’s computers makes weddings a rather but I don’t … care about the details. what I want and my parents have it frequent focus of theirs on a daily I just care about the feelings behind too,’” Flajole said. “(But) I can see basis. it and hopefully who’s going to be “If (girls) see something that inthere.”

Hayley McAvoyhow from(if) you think you’re wedding volves a wedding, they start to think Toward the public display of one’s will (be a certain way) … it could everythingetsy.com about what they would like,” said future wedding desires and tastes, hurt you when it’s not exactly persophomore Rachel Huntington, a fel- such as on Pinterest, Habashi says he fect.” low wedding idea-“pinner.” has mixed feelings. He explains that This craze has been somewhat it probably feels natural for girls to See PINTEREST, page B5

A: I don’t regret taking them because they will help me with colleges, but they are time-consuming.

-Compiled by Tamren Johnk

The

Gazette illustration/HAYLEY MCAVOY

CollegeBoard SAT

un- Official SATpractice 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.

2. Loquacious 3. Jingoism 4. Egalitarian 5. Aspersion

a. Using words to stir up exaggerated patriotism b. Arrogant c. Concerned with countryside d. Talkative, using too many words e. In an early stage of development

you would know...

Chalkboard 2

Chalkboard 1 1. Nascent

If you really knew me,

6. Supercilious

f. Equal, believer in equality

7. Pugnacious

g. Become fixed and rigid

8. Ambivalence

h. Negative feeling, damaging remark

9. Pastoral 10. Ossified

i. Aggressive j. Uncertainty; having mixed feelings

- Compiled by Kristin Kurpershoek

Carli Kelly

If you really knew me, you would know that ... every female in my family is a nurse and that’s what I want to be.

Madi Marzinik

Cardin Baxter

If you really knew me, you would know that ... I’d rather go to Russia than Hawaii.

If you really knew me, you would know ... that I love computers.

- Compiled by Meghan Carlsen

B4 Lifestyle

Friday, December 14, 2012

Random facts

Random club of the month

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

One of 2,128 GBHS students is randomly selected every issue

Make a Wish Club President: Senior Kelsey Green Gazette: Why should people join your club?

People should join my club because we help out the community by making a Make-a-Wish child’s wish come true.

Most lipstick contains fish scales.

It is estimated that at any one time, 0.7% of the world’s population is drunk.

What is the goal of your club?

The goal of our club is to make one specific child’s wish come true, and we chose the wish of Bailey, who is a 7-year-old boy with a bone cancer. So our goal is to raise the $5,000 needed in order to make his wish of going to Lego Land come true.

A man is 4 times more likely to get struck by lightning than a woman.

A cockroach can live for 10 days without a head.

What fundraisers have you put on this year?

We have had three fundraisers so far. One of them was at the Habit Burger Grill, one of them was at Noodles, and then another one was called Super Stars.

‘Typewriter’ is the longest English word that can be made by using only one row of a keyboard.

When and where does your club meet?

Our club (meets) once or twice a month in Mrs. McCann’s room after school on Wednesdays.

You’re more likely to die on your way to buy a lottery ticket than you are to actually win the lottery.

A woman speaks about 7,000 words a day, while the average man speaks a little over 2,000.

Sources: http://www.allrandomfacts.com/

–Compiled by Kristin Taylor

Parker Boring, sophomore

Gazette photo /GrACE MOORE

What is your favorite color?

Red.

(in Granite Bay).

What is your favorite class?

Algebra II

What is your dream job?

I don’t have a dream job.

If you could live anywhere, where would you live?

I’m fine with where I live right now

What is your favorite movie?

I’ll have to go with Space Balls.

HALFWAY: High school leads to personal growth and acceptance in students Continued from page B1 Experiences in this new environment varied from student to student.

“Even though we’re in high school we’re still freshmen so (we’re) still looked down upon,” Carlsen said.

He hopes that when he reaches senior year, he will embrace the new freshmen.

Most of all, seniors look back on their

freshmen year and are positive that they’re maturity has grown in leaps and bounds.

“I’d like to think I finally know who I am and what I want,” senior Jordan Powell said.

Reynolds agrees and is thankful of the time she’s had to grow as an individual.

“These four years have shaped who I am now, and I like that person,” Reyn-

olds said.

While they’re all appreciative of the memories and knowledge they’ve acquired throughout their four years, seniors are thrilled that they’re halfway done with their last year.

“Another semester of high school feels about right, to be honest,” Reynolds said. “Any more and I think I would go insane.”

END OF THE WORLD: GBHS expresses some doubts about the Mayan theory Continued from page B1 he thinks people just want to believe in myths in general.

Whether they believe it or not, there is no general consensus of how the world will react on Dec. 21.

“I think one side will be screaming at the other ‘I told you so’,” Zech said, “and everyone will be angry.”

Ly, agreeing with Zech, said he thought that many people will freak out and go to their underground rooms and hide, but the sane will live normally and not change what they do.

Reed Klaeser, a junior at GBHS, took the opposite path and

foresaw a much less destructive future.

“I think the school will let the 21st pass,” Klaeser said, “without much of a fuss.”

Junior Faiz Khan said he thinks most people will act normal, but he is interested to see how everyone reacts to something as small as rain.

As fascinating as Dec. 21 has become, most students at GBHS are not buying into the prediction.

“I think most people will just go on with their lives like normal,” Latzen said, ““but many people (easily) believe in whatever society tells them.”

WATER: Spanish teacher leads new club to help community in another country Continued from page B1

w The Granite Bay Gazette

Chin said. “It’s not necessarily limited to painting and visual arts.”

The Water Project meets in Spanish the year. teacher Jill Cova’s room Thursdays Lim and junior Loyce Chin’s original to discuss fundraising opportunities intent was to make a club based on art and ways to raise world and use their passion for awareness. a good cause.

Some fundraisers in the After researching good causes, Lim realized the We are trying to making include a car bash people pay to beat club’s focus needed to promote all sorts (where up a car), an art walk and be more on the cause, and art would be incorof creativity and a Habit fundraiser. With approval, a porated. arts, including administrative coin box is planned to be “Art is great and at music set up in the cafeteria.

GBHS it’s actually very “Instead of getting profitable,” Lim said. an extra cookie, people According to art – Loyce Chin, GBHS can put in a quarter (to teacher Myron Stephens, junior go towards the well in GBHS art students sold Africa),” senior treasurer over $9,000 total in Justin Habashi said. ”If artwork last year. the entire school (parThe club contacts loticipated), like we do with cal businesses interested the Ripple Effect, (we) could make a in showing student artwork. If a student change (that) would be good.” receives a commission or a painting is The club also hopes to have an Awaresold through a business contacted by the ness Day for their cause, with possibly a club, then 15% of all proceeds go towards construction of the well in Africa. guest speaker and art auction.

Currently, the club has recycling bins “We are trying to promote all sorts of set up in ten classrooms on campus. creativity and arts, including music,”

Jill Cova Cova is the club adviser for The Water Project Club.

Each bottle recycled is worth five cents.

The money made by recycling goes towards the well in Africa.

Since the club is formed underneath The Water Project Inc., results are able to be seen and the purpose of each dollar is documented.

“Pictures are taken, they tell us about what’s going on and they do follow up checks to see if it’s being successful,” said junior vice president Stephanie Chu. While the club is still in the beginning stages of establishment, they hope that media and administrative approval will lead to further awareness.

“If you teach him how to fish, which is the building of the well,” Habashi said, “then he’ll (drink) for a lifetime.”

If you could have a super power, what would you have and why?

Teleportation because I (could) teleport anywhere and eavesdrop on anybody.

–Compiled by Grace Moore

Your names.

Your faces.

The Gazette.

What is your favorite memory of this year so far?

My favorite memory was from the Super Stars fundraiser, and it was really great to get so many donations (…) and it was a really great feeling to see all those blue stars up in the office and know that people donated and cared.

–Compiled by Kristin Kurpershoek

Lifestyle B5

Friday, December 14, 2012 w The Granite Bay Gazette

College of the Month:

how to...

Oregon State University Who: 24,977 students

• OSU offers more than 200 undergraduate programs.

Where: Corvallis, Oregon

Campus Life: • There are more than 300 clubs and activities.

• Nine types of housing are offered at Oregon State University.

• They experience 147 rainy days per year on average and the average low temperature in January is 32 degrees.

Tuition and Fee Cost: $22,212 Acceptance Rate: 77.7 percent U.S. News Ranking: #139 School Colors: Orange and black Mascot: Benny Beaver Athletics: • OSU has had nine previous students who have won a gold medal in the Olympics • Oregon State University is part of the NCAA I athletic conference.

Academics:

Gazette illustration/THOMAS TAYLOR

• In 2008, more high school valedictorians enrolled in Oregon State University than any other college in the state.

• They have a #1 academic ranking in conservation biology, forestry, wildlife science and agriculture science.

Make a Holiday hand-wreath Gazette illustration/TAMREN JOHNK

Fun Facts: • OSU’s biggest football rival is University of Oregon.

• Maraschino cherries were invented at OSU. • Oregon State University was originally an all-boys school.

1. Trace your hand on different colors of construction paper.

2. Cut out the handprints.

3. Glue the pinky finger to the thumb of the hand to the right and the left.

- Compiled by Maddy Harris

4. Continue gluing so that all of the hands form a doughnut shape.

5. Hang it on the front door for all to see.

Continued from page B3; The un-Official SAT practice guide answers: 1. E, 2. D, 3. A, 4. F, 5. H, 6. B, 7. I, 8. J, 9. C, 10. G

-Compiled by Summer Haenny

TRADITIONS: Families are drawn together by their typical holiday customs Continued from page B3

“My family every year cooks up a Thanksgiving dinner with turkey, gravy and stuffing,” junior Blaise Nasri said.

Every year, Nasri and his family also go up to the Sierra Nevada Mountains to find their own Christmas tree rather than having an artificial one.

“We have gone and gotten a tree for as long as I remember,” Nasri said. “It just feels more like Christmas to us with the smell of pine in our home.”

Some families also get together every year to participate in their own reindeer games.

“Everyone in my family gets together and we all participate in family games that we have done

for years,” Leskauskas said.

Leskauskas emphasized how much this tradition brings his family together during the holiday season.

“We play an assortment of games but we are never playing to beat one another in competition.”

Leskauskas said. “We are playing to have a good time and rejoice with our loved ones during the

holiday season.”

Other than the traditional family meals or games, some GBHS families like to spread the holiday cheer to their neighbors.

“The week of Christmas, every night, my family goes out and sings Christmas carols to all of our neighbors,” said Nasri.

Nasri also made a point that spreading the Christmas merri-

ment to his neighbors also keeps his family close and involved in the Christmas spirit.

“We all have a good time out there singing,” Nasri said. “(It) makes us all feel really close to each other and makes (us grow) closer to the neighbors by spreading the Christmas cheer.”

Whether it be by singing, playing games or cooking a meal that

DRESSES: Students go through different sources to prepare for dance Continued from page B3 In order to cater to this special event, some spend less on a Winter Ball dress to save for the future.

Usually, short, less-formal dresses are worn to Winter Ball every year, making Junior Prom and Senior Ball dresses more expensive.

On average, it seems as though most girls wear a different dress whenever they attend this dance through their high school career.

After the dress comes the expense of possible makeup, hair, nails, and, for some, the spray tan.

Not all girls choose to get their hair done; some may have their friend or mom do it for them.

Curling, straightening, or styling your hair for a dance does not necessarily need to be done by a hair dresser.

For example, senior Elise Leben asked one of her good friends, senior Tiana Teunissen, to style her hair a couple hours before the dance.

By having Teunissen do her hair, she has eliminated the cost of getting her hair done all together.

“My expenses for Winter Ball were very low, (mostly) because I did not have to get my hair done,” Leben said.

Now and again, girls love having a day of being pampered and relaxing before the dance.

Under these circumstances, if there’s a budget to uphold yet a certain hairstyle is desired, the Citrus Heights Beauty College offers to do hairstyles in a range of $20 to $40, depending on the length of hair.

Having acrylic nails seems to be a popular trend in the past and this year for Winter Ball preparation.

Some students who cannot afford the price of such nails can always do an at-home mani-pedi party with friends.

Painting each other’s nails and pampering themselves, while watching a festive holiday movie, has also been known to be a fun pastime for girls before Winter Ball.

Some people argue that it is the date that impacts how much the girl pays for preparation.

If the date is someone they’re interested in or a boyfriend, some girls are more willing to pay the big bucks for that perfect dress, rather than if the date is just a friend.

“No matter who your date is,” Deyager said, “girls will always try to look their best.”

PINTEREST: Girls’ outlet to fantasize Continued from page B3

Gazette illustration/CHASE EVANS

WINTER BALL: Original and creative gestures presented to invite students to attend the formal dance as their date Continued from page B2 “A bunch of friends and I were hanging out. One of the girls there was the girl I wanted to ask to Winter Ball.” junior Parker Burman said. “I waited for a little while, searching for my perfect opportunity. When I found a lull in the conversation I brought out a pack of gum and offered it to everyone there, including the girl I was planning to ask.

“She accepted it, expecting nothing but a piece of gum, but when she unwrapped it she found a piece of paper that said—will you ‘gum’ with me to Winter Ball?

“She almost did not notice the paper and was about to eat the piece of gum!”

Burman used a sly pun to get his date, junior Ken-

nedy Bell to go with him to Winter Ball. His plan was very simple but it got the job done in a cute way.

Burman’s success shows that one’s plan does not have to be super extravagant. A smart, simple way works just as well.

In contrast, senior John Haff went the an extreme route for his last Winter Ball.

“This year I thought I should go all out,” Haff said.

“I wanted it to be intense, funny, and super cute all in one.”

Haff is one of the many people who work on the Granite Bay Today school bulletins, so he put that to good use.

“Basically I did a mock bulletin that only showed for her class. The Bulletin had Mr. Weidkamp giving me this job of finding a Winter Ball date super quickly.”

is not traditional with the Christmas holiday, it is evident that all these unconventional Christmas traditions bring some GBHS families closer together. The little quirky customs become a part of their Christmas spirit.

“Sometimes we even give my dog a little bit of blueberry muffin,” Gaebler said, “if he has been particularly nice this year.”

Haff said.

“The video shows me scrambling around and then it shows me opening the door to her classroom, but I was also opening it in real life.

“It was pretty crazy,” Haff said. “It’ll be my third Winter Ball so I’m pretty excited.”

These three brave students used a range of tactics to get their special ladies to go with them to Winter Ball.

Boyle used surprise tactics to shock his date into going with him to the dance, Burman used some sly and simple comedy to convince his date that he was the one, and Haff went big and intense for his last year of high school.

These students used every trick in the book to get their dates to go with them to Winter Ball. These young men worked hard to get their dates.

Habashi says he doesn’t feel this trend is all bad, however, because these types of profiles of likes and dislikes can show a lot about a person.

“There are some people who you never knew would be that high maintenance but then you look at their Pinterest and they have like a $20,000 dress (picked out),” Habashi said. “And then there are those people who want the cute little beach-side resort kind of weddings and (then I would) know that I have some chemistry with them.”

Habashi, Flajole, Huntington and Guy agree that weddings can become governed solely by what the bride-to-be favors.

“I think it’s kind of weird how it’s just automatic that boys have no say (in their wedding),” Flajole said. “I think they should have they’re dream wedding too.”

Habashi reasons that this ideal Pinterest wedding trend makes it more difficult for men to have a say in the planning of a wedding if and when a couple reaches the point of marriage.

“If your partner ever disagrees (when) you have been wanting something from childhood and you have picture-Pinterest proof of it (then) it might lead to some strife in the future,” Habashi said.

He does however feel such a public display of someone’s tastes can help a guy out when trying to figure out things a girl likes such as flowers for a school dance.

He feels it’s like a wish list and especially helpful to men who are on their way to getting married so that they are able make the decisions that would make their bride-to-be happy without having to ask her.

Flajole assures that the “wedding board” she’s created on Pinterest is not a serious undertaking and more for entertainment than anything else.

“It’s fun to look at and just imagine your own wedding but I can see why boys think it’s weird because we’re still in high school,” Flajole said. “I don’t have my wedding planned. I just like to look.”

B6 Lifestyle

Friday, December 14, 2012

w The Granite Bay Gazette

Christmas

DISASTERS GBHS students reminisce on holiday fiascoes

BY AMBER LES

ales.gazette@gmail.com

During the holiday season, families can usually expect warm gatherings with their loved ones, possibly with a nice meal and gifts to add to the occasion.

Other times, a family may run into some mishaps that they can only hope won’t become new traditions.

According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, a safety certification organization, one the most common holiday “disasters” is fire-related.

Each year, more than 400 Americans are killed from holiday season fires. Some causes include faulty Christmas lights, artificial and natural Christmas trees catching fire, candles, and various kitchen-related causes.

Megan Zabrowski, a senior at Granite Bay High School, had a very personal account of how fire can alter holiday plans.

“On Christmas night, my dad was cooking prime rib on the outside barbecue,” she said. “But everyone in the family was inside for a while, without realizing that the meat had lit on fire with flames spewing out of the grill.”

Her family’s dinner was ruined, and they couldn’t find a replacement meal since all the stores were closed for the holidays.

“We ended up having to repaint the entire back of the house (because of the fire),” Zabrowski said.

Although her night seemed to be ruined, it was “memorable” to her and her family.

This kind of disaster can be avoided if families take the precautions necessary to have a safe holiday.

ROSPA advises that when using the stove or fire to cook, one or more people should always be in the room.

Also, natural

Christmas trees should always be well-watered, to prevent the dryness that can lead to easy ignition.

According to ROSPA, the most common cause of injury during the holiday season is because of high falls while putting up decorations.

But not all holiday chaos can be caused by a common fire or injury in the home.

Other times, a traumatic experience can lead to a not-so-jolly day.

“Four years ago, my family

was out of town and neighbors were watching our Chihuahua,” senior Kylie Harris said.

The Harris family received a phone call on Christmas Day from the neighbors.

“They told us that our dog had been eaten by a coyote,” she said.

In contrast to Zabrowski’s incident, Harris’s didn’t leave a funny memory in its

wake.

Because of the tragic news, Harris says that it was her “worst Christmas ever.”

Another GBHS senior, Emily Rocha, seems to have had some bad luck over the years during this festive time.

“When I was one, I got ahold of some tinsel and started choking on it,” Rocha said.

Her mother ended up having to call 911, and the fire department showed up.

“From what they tell me, a fireman saved my life,” she said.

But her most memorable, and quite “awkward,” memory came when her grandma had a change of heart.

“Before Christmas, my grandma had told the family that she wanted to make it through the holidays with her boyfriend, and then break up with him,” Rocha said.

The boyfriend came over to her grandma’s on Christmas Eve. Every present was opened except for a very large box for her grandma.

“The large box had a bunch of little boxes inside of it, and as my grandma opened them, they got smaller and smaller,” Rocha said. “Everyone in the room was silent, because we figured it was a ring.”

When her grandma opened the ring box, her boyfriend was silent because of the obvious lack of excitement in the room.

After more uncomfortable silence, the topic shifted to dessert.

“They obviously broke up after the holidays, like (my grandma) planned,” Rocha said. “But it was definitely one awkward and memorable Christmas.”

Gazette illustration/HAYLEY MCAVOY

Sports

Granite Bay Gazette

C Section

Friday w December 14, 2012

Soccer, volleyball shy of section titles

Commentary

austin downs

adowns.gazette@gmail.com

Anticipating my final year of volleyball After four long years of waiting, I’m finally going to be playing the sport I love as a senior.

Sure, I was on the boys’ varsity volleyball team last year, but I didn’t get to play much. Instead of taking Athletic P.E. like the rest of my teammates did, I was an editor for the Gazette, and there was nothing wrong with that. But this year will my chance to finally compete at my fullest ability.

As the preseason conditioning approaches, I can’t wait to get back in groove of high school volleyball.

However, previous excitement and enthusiasm has met its fair share of doubts and uncertainty.

Will volleyball win another section title despite the tough competition this year? Will the season live up to my own expectations?

Regardless, my answer is the same for both questions: I don’t know and I don’t care. All I know is that I’ve already been a part of varsity volleyball from the moment I first got here at this school.

Back when I was on the freshmen team, all three volleyball teams went to Nevada Union High School for league play.

After the freshmen and junior varsity game concluded, my parents consequently could not attend the game so I was going to be taking the school bus home with whoever else had to.

Because of this, I would be sticking around for the varsity game.

I remember that I was sitting on the very top of the NU gym bleachers when coach Bruce Honberger waved to me and pointed towards the benches, telling me that he wanted me to sit with the team.

Me? You want me? You want the shaggy-haired brace-face kid to come sit on the varsity bench with the rest of the varsity team?

I couldn’t have been more overwhelmed at that moment.

As the game went on, I remained at the bench, watching in amazement as the team swept the Miners in a clean 3-0 victory.

I remember telling myself after the game had concluded that I would one day come back here, next as a senior and would hopefully inspire a freshman on the bench, just as the seniors on that team did.

The following year, I got pulled up to be on the roster for the varsity team, a tradition that happens every year for the volleyball program.

Sadly, we got knocked out in the first round of playoffs against Oak Ridge High School.

My last year, which was the thrill of a lifetime as the boys’ varsity volleyball team dominated in league and in tournaments across California.

You see, even though my senior year of volleyball hasn’t technically started, I’ve been living in that realm for my entire high school career. So I don’t really care that much about winning the section title or whether or not the season will be as fun as I hoped.

Like I said before, those types of things don’t really have any importance to me.

All that I want to do is finish off my high school sports career the same way I started it: with a smile.

*** Austin Downs is a senior sports editor for the Gazette.

GRANITEBAYTODAY.ORG

In the SJS section final on Nov 10, senior Charlie Gunn, left attempts to shield the ball from a Jesuit player. The Grizzlies lost the match 5-0. The girls’ varsity volleyball team, above, strategizes during a team huddle.

Gazette photo /KATE HURLEY

Grizzly fall sports dominate league play, qualify teams and players for postseason

BY TREASA HAYES thayes.gbt@gmail.com

After a strong and successful season last year, many of the returning players for Granite Bay High School girls’ volleyball team looked to build upon that season and carry the lessons learned to this year’s season.

As the season began, the team had high goals for themselves.

“We really wanted to prove ourselves to everybody because [we’ve always been underestimated,” senior defensive specialist Kiah Drongesen said.

For coach Jamie Ingram, the team’s chemistry was superb.

“These girls got along great on and off the court…they wanted to win for each

other.”

Senior Megan Zabrowski agrees with Drongesen in regards to the teams’ efforts on the court.

“We were [always] playing for our teammates [on the court],” Zabrowski said.

In addition to the team’s chemistry, the team also saw new young faces make a name for themselves, such as sophomores Brooke Hershberger and Libby Deters.

“Being sophomores, Deters and I still have two more seasons of high school volleyball,” Hershberger said. “So getting to experience varsity level will definitely help for the seasons to come.”

With such a tremendous season, the team earned a rank of 25th in state against the top teams in northern California.

GBHS alumni play collegiate athletics

Sports at GBHS helped prepare for change

BY NICOLETTE RICHARDS nrichards.gazette@gmail.com

As fall sports come to a close, players have finished a season full of hard work, expectations, and games.

These are not your average athletes and they don’t go to Granite Bay High School – at least anymore.

They are Division I athletes, either freshmen getting their first glimpse of what’s to come, or veterans completing another year.

For alumnus Max Vogt, who graduated in 2012 and plays tennis for Bryant University in Smithfield, Rhode Island, college athletics has not disappointed.

Vogt is already experiencing immense success, winning the Northeaster Conference Player and Rookie of the Month awards.

Off to an impressive start, Vogt is still realizing his reality.

“Everyone was telling me there is nothing like playing a

In addition to their state and local rankings, the girls’ ranked second place in the Sac-Joaquin division, an achievement the team was proud to earn.

“We really pulled together to work on each goal we set for ourselves,” Drongesen said.

Besides the talented young players on the team, Ingram really admired the teams’ personal strive for excellence.

“Skill and technique are obviously important,” Ingram said, “but passion is huge.”

The players along with Ingram say that this year was focused heavily on determination and chemistry.

“If you don’t have the determination to win, then you’re not going to be very successful,” junior Cally Chamberlain

said.

In the games against Saint Mary’s High School and the tournament at Harbor High School in Santa Cruz the team experienced emotional battles throughout the matches, something that stayed with the team for the remainder of the season.

“The extra energy and passion gave them the extra spark to give them wins,” Ingram said.

Kate Hurley has been playing girls’ volleyball for many years, and she says that this year’s team was the most close-knit unit she can recall.

“I have never felt so close to a team as I did this year. We treated each other with respect, love and support” Hurley said.

See ATHLETICS page C3

Unique wintertime sports I didn’t realize how great (college athletics) is until I was able to do it.

– Max Vogt

sport in college,” Vogt said, “but I didn’t realize how great it was until I was able to do it.”

Besides him enjoying his own See COLLEGE, page C5

GBHS students paricipate in athletics outside of school despite the distance

BY NIKI RICHARDS

nrichards.gazette@gmail.com

Hockey, skiing and ice skating are all sports students associate with activities during the winter, but for some Granite Bay High School students, they are more than just joyful tidings, but rather a competitive lifestyle.

Junior Rebecca Halwachs has done competitive figure skating since she was six years old, and has taken this fun wintertime hobby to a whole new level.

Competitive figure skating entails rigorous training with long

hours of practice and commitment that rivals any other sport, which can affect a teen’s educational and social life.

“We go out of state (for competitions), so I usually have to leave for a week and miss school and fall behind (in my classes),” Halwachs said. “It affected my social life more when I was younger because I was at the (ice skating arena) five times a week and couldn’t hang out with anyone because I didn’t have time.”

See WINTER, page C5

Freshman Maggie Bell wins Division II cross country title Runner was also victorious at the Junior Olympics

BY ZACH BURGER zburger.gbt@gmail.com

On Saturday November 24 Granite Bay High School’s very own freshman Maggie Bell won the Division II Girls meet at the CIF State Cross Country Championship race in Fresno.

The win was only fitting considering her race record. Bell has had a dominant season on the

cross country trail. After having a stellar SFL season, Bell ran in the sub-section meet but only gave it a minimal effort, just trying to qualify.

“I finished 21st overall,” she said. “I wanted to save our energy so I just did a [light] run.”

At sections she finished first, with a time of 18 minutes and31 seconds. It was an excellent showing for her and she was proud with her endeavor. In addition to that win, she also qualified for the state meet.

“It was amazing that I got that far,” Bell said. “I trained during the summer and during the season almost everyday with the team.”

During a cross country meet, freshman Maggie Bell, center, runs towards the front of the pack. Bell recently won a state cross country championship and also a race at the Junior Olympics

The state meet was held at Woodward Park Course in Fresno, which covers 5,000 meters of grueling hills, unsettled ground, and endless opportunity for the 200 female athletes.

Bell finished the race with a time of 17 minutes and 28 seconds.

With that time, Bell got her name put in the record books.

She become only the fifth area girl to win at the state meet, the third fastest freshman of all time in the 26- year history of the race, and GBHS’ second female state winner besides Caitlin Chock in

Courtesy photo / GRANITE BAY TODAY

See BELL, page C5

inside sports Grizz Quiz

C2 C2

Rising Star

C3

Athlete of the Month

C5

Sports Briefs

r

Benefits of Athletic P.E. Sports who require fourth period class have more time to practice, prepare for games.

C2

Pre-conditioning at GBHS Many sports involve workouts long before the regular season begins.

C3

Winter Sports Preview Girls’ and boys’ basketball , wrestling look to have a successful season in the weeks ahead.

C4

C2 Sports

Friday, December 14, 2012 w The Granite Bay Gazette

Is athletic P.E. worth the time and effort?

Players talk about benefits, how it impacts teams

BY KEVIN BURNS

kburns.gazette@gmail.com

Despite some Granite Bay High School varsity teams practicing upwards of four times a week, many varsity athletes train every day in athletic physical education.

Recently, more and more athletes have been taking athletic P.E. with their teammates and coaches to get a leg up on the competition.

As the popularity has grown rapidly, so has the intensity of practice, which begs the question: is it too much?

“I’ve done the after school practices and the athletic P.E.,” junior Frankie Cervantes said, “and there’s definitely a difference in the intensity and coaching style.”

Cervantes, a varsity water polo player in the fall and varsity swimmer in the spring, has done athletic P.E. in past years and is intent on taking it every year he is on a varsity team.

Swim is not the only sport, though, that uses athletic P.E. to give its players an edge. The boys’ basketball team at GBHS uses its hour and a half as effectively as possible. “(Athletic P.E.) gives (the team) a chance to get a little more practice in,” junior Spencer Palmer said, “(but) we also watch film and go to the weight room.”

Palmer and the other varsity basketball players appreciate the fact that they don’t have to take time after school to practice when it is more convenient to practice during school, and many athletes agree.

“I like how after school I still have

Grizz Quiz

Composed by Brad Wong

time to do things,” Cervantes said, “as or not it will be mandatory to varopposed to having to practice after sity athletes in the future. school.”

“I don’t think it should be Not only does it help athletes for extra mandatory,” Cervantes said, “but time and practice, but athletic P.E. also if you’re serious about your sport helps in preparation. (…) I think it is a necessity.”

“It’s a really good way to prepare for As the competition to get into the season and it balances out my tough college and impress the scouts risacademic schedule,” junior and varsity es each year, serious athletes need cornerto put in as much back Luke work as they can, Bussey even if they have said. to take a lighter Bussey class load in order If you’re serious noted that to practice. about your sport (...) I athletic Many athletes P.E. was a are happy to lose think (athletic PE) is a great way their fourth period necessity. for him to to go play the get back sports they love, in shape but some don’t – Frankie Cervantes, varsity and ready want to put in the athlete for the extra time. football With such a reseason. cently successful Palmer boys’ basketball also said how helpful athletic P.E. is to program, Palmer thinks that the the basketball team. high expectations that come with “Some schools don’t have athletic success make better basketball P.E.,” Palmer said, “and that gives us players. an hour and a half each day of more “If you want to play a varsity practice than them.” sport,” Palmer said, “then you need The extra practice may have played to be willing to practice during 4th a factor in helping the Grizzly football period.” team make it to the Sierra Football Whether or not athletic P.E. is league championship this year. required in the future, the effect on The question is not whether or not the players will stay the same. the athletic P.E. program is effective, as “I think in the long run,” Palmer many athletes believe it is, but whether said, “it will really help our team.”

Sean Brown Wrestling

What do you really want from Santa this year?

Plane ticket to Colorado to ski

Who is your favorite NBA player?

Isaiah Thomas

My two front teeth

Derrick Rose

Elf

Home Alone Favorite holiday food?

Most memorable moment of 2012?

Frankie Cervantes plays in a game during the earlier water polo season, when he had athletic P.E.

Jacob King Boys’ Basketball

Scott Romuk Boys’ Basketball

Home Alone or Elf?

Gazette photo /KRISTIN TAYLOR

Pumpkin pie

Stuffing

Spring Break in Cabo with my bros

Senior Ball last year

Alex Cooney Wrestling

Girls’ Basketball

Shoes

A Kings’ winning record

Everyone in the world to experience happiness and love

Evan Turner

Isaiah Thomas

Tyreke Evans

Elf

Elf

Elf

Christmas cookies

Pumpkin pie

Cookies and milk

Spring break in Newport

Breaking my back

Signing to play Division I lacrosse for SDSU

Varsity basketball player proves himself Point guard hopes to have future success

“I like how everyone likes each other and the coaches,” McHale said. nrichards.gazette@gmail.com Milnes agrees, “The team has a really Sophomore Colin McHale is takgood chemistry.” ing the basketball court by storm as In the beginning, playing in high point guard for Granite Bay High’s school was just to stay physically fit and Junior Varsity team. have fun, but now this sports star feels This prodigy has been playing in his skills have solidified and is aspiring his element of basketto play in colball for 8 years, and lege after his is only 15 years old, high school On and off the already proving his experience. skill and commitment court, he’s a good With his to the sport at a young commitment teammate and a age. to the team, good guy.

Adding his attrione would butes of leadership think this and commitment, young athlete – Connor Milnes, teammate McHale is a signifiwould have cant part of the GBHS a hard time JV basketball team. holding his “He’s a good leader,” grades up, but teammate Connor Milnes said, “On this is no issue for McHale. and off the court he’s a good teamHowever, he does feel “it’s only going mate and a good guy.” to get harder” as the years go on, and As the season kicks off, the JV may pose as a problem once he reaches boys are 3-1 in the standings and varsity. prospects look positive for the hard That being said, it does not daunt this working team. basketball boy.

McHale has greatly enjoyed his “I am committed and feel we are goexperience on the GBHS basketball ing to be amazing just as long as we put team so far in his high school career. in the work,” McHale said.

Katrina Reeves

BY NIKI RICHARDS

Gazette photo /LUKE CHIRBAS

Colin McHale dribbles the ball down the court in a recent Varsity basketball game. He plays point guard.

Friday, December 14, 2012

w The Granite Bay Gazette

Sports C3

Winter sports gain edge in preseason Many teams practice early in the year

BY AUSTIN ALCAINE

aalcaine.gazette@gmail.com

Many Granite Bay High School student athletes have been preparing for the upcoming winter and spring sports by preparing themselves in preseason training and athletic P.E. The GBHS basketball team has been training since the summer for the upcoming basketball season.

“Preseason training helps us work out the kinks in our team so we are ready when the season starts,” player Brendan Gonzales said.

Along with preseason, the varsity basketball players take to go to an athletic P.E. during their fourth period as we, in order to get an early start to the practice.

“We don’t just practice during athletic P.E. we also go over plays, and get some team chemistry going,” Gonzales said.

The basketball team also has the chance to work together during the off-season, which a lot of other teams don’t get the chance to.

The Grizzly boys hope this work will give them a head start for the rest of the season.

“I think it definitely give us a huge advantage,” Gonzales said.

“We aren’t just playing basketball we are in the weight room two to three (days) a week, and most other teams do not do that.”

Another sport that is getting started on preseason training is the track and field team. They started training Oct. 29 and will end on Dec. 17.

The preseason track practices are open for anyone to come out and participate.

This way, prospective student athletes have a great opportunity to practice and try a new sport.

“We are hoping for more kids to come out and practice it is a great way to get started this season,” Coach Jackie Nasca said.

The preseason track practices consist of a team warm-up of a one mile run. Then the team does dynamic stretching and abdominals exercises.

After the warm-up the team breaks up into two groups, either a sprint work out or a hurdles and jumper workout.

“The preseason workouts are really giving me a head start on the season and when the season

starts I won’t have to worry about getting into shape, but just making my times faster,” junior Dante Weeks said.

The preseason work outs also gave the junior varsity team last year a big advantage and they ended up going undefeated and won the league championship.

“The track practices could be really helpful to athletes who plan on participating in track this year,” Nasca said.

According to coach Nasca there are also athletes who could be coming to the preseason practices and are not showing up, even though attending is very helpful for the upcoming season.

“The preseason practices are very beneficial for the athletes that will come out and participate in the practices,” Nasca said.

Nasca also believes that it could put the team in much better shape for the upcoming season.

“If more students plan on being part of the track team, we’ll have a stronger group to come out and practice in the preseason practices,” Nasca said.

Preseason practices for all the GBHS sports make a big differ-

Courtesy photo / Conner Christie

Many winter sports teams, like boys’ varsity basketball, have been training for their sport long before the actual since, in this case since the middle of the summer.

ence on the court and the track when it comes to be faster stronger because it puts athletes in better shape.

“All the practice and time the team has spent together has really

made us a lot closer and helps our play out on the court,” Gonzales said.

The athletes at GBHS agree that preseason training gives them an upper hand on the competition for

the upcoming season.

“With all the practice I have been putting in, I get more and more excited for the upcoming track season,” said Tyus Obregon GBHS track athlete.

GBHS enthusiast Chase Pedone finds second family

Senior pushes others to show their support for fellow students in sports

BY BRAD WONG

brwong.gazette@gmail.com

Senior Chase Pedone can be seen at almost every football game – taking action shots from the sidelines.

But Pedone is much more than a photographer for GBHS sports.

While he isn’t in full body paint or yelling at the top of his lungs, he’s had a history of being a dedicated fan.

Pedone initially joined The Tribe with original founders and GBHS alumni Bobby Stuckey and Grant Dechert.

From joining, Pedone immediately found a sense of community and made some new friends along the way.

“I really hit it off with fellow sports fanatics such as Steven Graeber and Grif-

fin Powers,” Pedone said.

Because of his positive experience, Pedone has decided to keep up his school spirit, which wasn’t much of tough Gazette illustration/CHASE EVANS choice.

Pedone, who played a multitude of sports through his childhood and in high school, has sports revolve around his life.

“The Tribe is a once in a lifetime opportunity: you either do it or you don’t,” Pedone said.

As Pedone is almost done cheering as a

From this group, Pedone has found GBHS student, many benefits, not just for the he wants to make athletes, but also the members. sure there is still “We all need someone to go a quality fan to the game with and cheer on base. the team,” Pedone said, “beThe Tribe is a He finds The in that environment is just Tribe relatable to once in a lifetime ing unbelievable.” bench pressing.

Going to ever y game, home “You have to opportunity: you and away, can become a big keep on raiseither do it or you commitment for some, but is no ing the bar and obstacle for this fan. keep on adding don’t.

“What’s kept me coming back weight, or in this to support each and every game case, people to make for a good – Senior Chase Pedone is helping the team get the win,” Pedone said. unit,” Pedone He believes that as long as he said. is making a positive impact for The aspect Pethe athletes and the end result done loves most of the game, he’ll never stop about The Tribe rooting on his Grizzlies. is the cohesive“I don’t care about how cold or hot it is, ness one can find on and off the field. how hard it’s raining, or whether I have to “I really like how a fan base takes a lot of individuals and combines them into one stand for hours.” Pedone said. “It’s solely important to me that I contribute to the supportive group,” Pedone said.

Chase Pedone has only had positive experiences as a fan after joining The Tribe sophomore year.

team morale.”

Pedone has no doubt enjoyed his years as a dedicated GBHS fan and wants to encourage others to experience the same.

“Students should become a fan for one thing and one thing only,” Pedone said, “they ought to come out and show their school spirit.”

Besides the presence The Tribe has in the stands, their effect is off the field too.

“The Tribe is a family and anyone who goes to GBHS can be a part of that family,” Pedone said.

ATHLETICS: Fall sports come to an end Continued from page C1

“We worked together as one.”

With such a memorable season, Hurley hopes next season can bring a similar result.

“I hope next year we are all as close as we were this year,” Hurley said. “We are losing several seniors, but hopefully incoming (junior varsity) players have the same mindset as the rest of us.”

Senior Chandler Awalt also realized the impact the team’s chemistry had on their season.

“Everyone on the team strives for the same (goals) and relies on each other to get the job done,” Awalt said.

With such a powerful bond, the girls were able to battle through thick and thin.

“This type of selflessness is rare to find in great players...that’s what made us excel,” Zabrowski said.

However, the team also shared their fair share of struggles. Red cards on more than once account and disciplinary incidents stifled the team all throughout the season.

The team’s first goal was to win the Sierra Foothills League, which they did. The next goal in line was to reach the section finals, which all the girls knew would be a difficult task.

“All of my teammates and I knew that that would be hard to do,” Zabrowski said, “but we played every game with the intentions of making it to (University of California) Davis.”

After losing the section final, the team morale was low and the girls never expected to make it to the Northern California Championships.

“We kept playing hard and it all paid off when we made it to that championship,” Zabrowski said.

While Ingram coached in a very stern style, she was glad the girls were still willing to stay committed.

“I am very fortunate to have had 14

girls that gave up a lot of free time and worked hard to have a very successful season,” Ingram said.

Despite their tough loss in their rematch against St. Francis, the team still held their heads high and was proud of their season accomplishments.

“We were more than a team,” Hurley said. “We were a family.”

Boys’ Soccer The Granite Bay High School varsity boy’s soccer team was quite successful this year, finishing the season with a 20-4-1 record. The team ended the season as the fifth ranked team in the state, and 52 in the country.

The Grizzlies’ season ended with a loss to Jesuit in the Sac-Joaquin Section Division 1 Championship by a score of 5-0, a disappointing end to an otherwise successful season.

“We just didn’t play that well to begin with, they got an early goal, and from there we just couldn’t catch up,” senior Mat Fisher said.

Girls’ Golf The GBHS golf team had a great season with powerhouse senior Paige Lee concluding her last season.

The team finished second place in league, and made it to the Masters tournament.

(Paige Lee) usually shot under par.

She was a beast (this season),” senior Chiyoh Arai said.

Cross country Cross country had a terrific season full of team and individual accomplishments this year. The girl’s team qualified for state at the Sac- Joaquin Section Championships and the boys just missed qualifying for state by just one spot.

Senior Trent Brendel capped off an outstanding career at GBHS winning league finals for the second year in a row. He also won subsections for the

second year in a row and finally after coming up short the past two seasons he won the Section Championship.

“I had a fantastic final season of cross country at Granite Bay with lots of firsts for the team and myself,” Brendel said.

Girls’ Tennis The tennis team won the section championship to cap off an undefeated season.

The section title win marks another consecutive section title win for the girls’ in their career history.

“We had a really deep team and our doubles were (much) better than the other teams (in the league),” senior Ashlyn Howes said.

Boys’ water polo The Granite Bay Grizzlies varsity boy’s water polo team had a very successful season. They finished 21-4 overall and 12-0 in league to win the Sierra Foothill League regular season championship.

They came close to winning the SacJoaquin Section championship but fell short to Davis High School in the championship game.

“Davis High School was just a better team than us,” senior Nathan Pinkney said.

Girls’ water polo The water polo team had a solid season and one to be proud about. They ended up with a 16-7 record which was good enough to qualify the team for the section playoff.

Unfortunately they lost in a heart breaker in the first round by 1 goal in overtime to Lodi High School to officially end their season. *** Granite Bay sports journalism staffers Blake Allen and Cevin Meador contributed to this report

Gazette photo /LUKE CHIRBAS

Boys’ soccer finished second in the Sac-Joaquin Section, along with many other teams that either made it to playoffs or were league and section champions.

SPORTS BRIEFS Boys’ basketball The boys’ basketball season is underway with preseason games in full swing The team has successfully managed to maintain a positive win/loss ratio in their first seven preseason games against a wide variety of high schools Girls’ basketball Freshman Daeja Black cur-

rently leads the team with most points, scoring a total of 90 points in their first five preseason games The team hopes to gain experience from their preseason games which will translate over to regular league games Football Senior Johnny Cooley scored a career-high four touchdowns in the CIF

Division 1 NorCal championship game to lead the Grizzlies to their 45-17 victory over St. Ignatius Preparatory As the football season concludes tonight, the Grizzlies have scored an average of 36 points per game and a total of 273 rushing yards per gam-Compiled by Austin Downs

Your names.

Your faces.

The Gazette.

Granitebaytoday.org

Friday, December 14, 2012

w The Granite Bay Gazette

Sports C4

Winter sports have high hopes for seasons Players put confidence in their teams to build for success

BY MYLES SLATTERY

“I think this team could go far into the playoffs,” Naughton said, With football coming to an “if we play to our potential we end, Granite Bay High School have a serious chance to do big looks forward to its winter sports things.” program.

The varsity team features reBoys’ and girls’ basketball and turning senior, Jacob King, who boys’ wrestling are what GBHS intends to have a lot more success students can anticipate for the next on the court then the team did last few months. year.

All three teams are excited to “We are much more developed start and have and disciplined high expectacompared to last tions because of year,” King said. the confidence at The varsity As for the basketball team This is definitely varsity boys is not only the going to be one basketball team, one expecting of the most exalready with an accomplished preseason win season, but also citing seasons under their belt, at junior varsity for me [and the plan to keep and freshman team], their momentum levels. rolling as the With freshman season proand junior varsity – Senior Sean Brown gresses. teams also open“This season ing their season should be really with wins against good, we got Kennedy High a lot of good players and great School, both teams see themselves talent on the team, as well as great achieving great things this year. coaching,” junior Aidan Naughton While confidence on the court said. is apparent, it is also found in the The Grizzlies plan on making a stands, amongst The Tribe. run this year, ultimately hoping to “This season is going to be play at Sleep Train Arena. sick,” Junior Jackson Rodriguez mslattery.gazette@gmail.com

Gazette photo /KRISTIN TAYLOR

Above, senior Anthony Pedersen takes a shot in one of their first games of the season. Below, girls’ baskteball player Brenna Myers gets ready to work on her dribbling skills during a practice. Both teams are expecting overall exciting seasons this winter season. said, “The Tribe will be stronger than ever.”

As for the girl’s basketball teams, a similar state of excitement is present.

Freshman Nina Johnson was skeptical at first, but has eventually realized her team’s talent.

“Our first tournament as a team was horrible, but now that we have practiced together we have really improved,” Johnson said.

In addition, the wrestling team has high hopes for their season even without several key players.

“Even though like fifteen of our guys aren’t going to be able to practice until the football season is over, I think this will be one of the better seasons GBHS has had in a while,” Junior Alex Cooney said.

The GBHS wrestling team features senior Sean Brown who is expected to place within the top twelve in the state.

“This is definitely going to be one of the most exciting seasons for me [and the team],” Brown said.

Although wrestling isn’t the

ROCKY WIDNER nba/e/getty images and THE SACRAMENTO KINGS

most viewed sport among the GBHS students, The Tribe plans to be present during big matches this year.

“I am definitely going to the match against Del Oro, and I am pretty sure the whole Tribe will be there also,” Rodriguez said.

The fall sports season has been wrapping up with an abundant amount of success from several teams.

Overall, sports fans and athletes alike are looking forward to another season of success.

Friday, December 14, 2012

w The Granite Bay Gazette

Sports C5

COLLEGE: Graduates participate in sports at college level

across the country, building off of the GBHS experience decided to focus more on the individual tournaments that college personal experience, Vogt has dis- coaches follow.” Vogt said. “The covered the positive camaraderie four years when I was in high of a team environment. school were the times I trained lo“The atmocally with many sphere is great; of my friends it is a place I who were doing know I want the same thing.”

Everything hapto be in, and Tennis is a solieveryone worktary sport at the pens in the blink ing extremely junior level, but of an eye and if Vogt has found hard and this helps motivate that playing as a you aren’t preme to achieve Bulldog has propared, it’s going vided him with a my goals,” Vogt said. to blindside you. new family.

Even though “As a team we Vogt attended are very close– Matt Kasner, Stanford knit and supGBHS, he prepared for football player port each other college athletics through a variety on his own, after of things.” Vogt playing only one said. “The team year on the high is on the fence school team. constantly cheering you on during “Unfortunately, tennis does every match. I am much more not recruit from high school so I motivated now to perform to the

Continued from page C1

best of my abilities as a result of the great atmosphere I am in.”

Matt Kasner, a GBHS alumnus who graduated in 2011, plays tight end for the Stanford University football team and has had an enjoyable experience thus far.

“From the first day I stepped on campus, I felt like I was a part of the team,” Kasner said.

While he has found a great sense of community to be a collegiate athlete in, Kasner has discovered the commitment of being a football player at a highly ranked school.

“Playing itself can become tiring; the practices can become taxing on the mind and body, as well as the commitment to meeting times and lifting,” Kasner said.

He also has found that the game itself is much different than it was for high school.

“The pace [of the game] is exponentially faster,” Kasner said. “Everything happens in the blink of an eye and if you aren’t prepared, it’s

going to blindside you.”

Despite the rigor of practice and play, Kasner feels he was best prepared for a place like Stanford because academic and athletic expectations were also high in high school.

Ultimately, he believes this environment in high school is what helped create an easy transition into college. While Kasner undoubtedly values his time in high school, there’s one thing that stands out at the college level.

“Being part of a college team is like being part of a business team trying to address a problem,” Kasner said, “it happens so fast and everyone must be firing on all cylinders in order to be a success.”

Karli Pedone, a junior at Seattle University and plays girls’ volleyball, shares a similar view on the intensity of the collegiate level.

“My team and I are here for the same reasons and want the same thing, which makes the chemistry on the court amazing.” Pedone

said. “I grew up playing on sports teams with my friends but that doesn’t even begin to compare to playing in college.”

Pedone was unsure if she was ready to play at the Division I level and has found her angst was not in vain.

“I knew it was going to be tough but I wasn’t necessarily expecting a full time job.” Pedone said. “The gym is my second home. Actually, I am at the gym more than my home.”

Similarly to Kasner, Pedone has found reassurance through her high school training that has aided her on and off the court.

“High school definitely prepared me. There is much more of a work load in college but I learned how to be efficient, stay organized and manage my time in high school,” Pedone said.

Another athlete of Stanford University, GBHS graduate Tyler Thompson, realizes how big of a gap there can be between high

school and college.

Luckily for him, his club soccer team comprised of many college players, Ty Thompson which he GBHS graduate says prepared him currently plays well for boys’ soccer college at Stanford soccer.

University.

“I expected college to be a very physical game, and it has been. The players use their bodies more, shielding the ball better than I would have expected. Every team gets a ton of pressure on the ball, making it difficult to play,” Thompson said.

Jennifer Manduca shines at girls’ basketball Junior has been on varsity team since sophomore year

BY KRISTIN KURPERSHOEK kkurpershoek.gazette@gmail.com

Granite Bay High School junior Jennifer Manduca has excelled on the school basketball team ever since she arrived as a freshman.

According to the GBHS girls’ varsity basketball coach Angel Delgadillo, Manduca had the ability to play on the varsity team as a freshman, but was instead put on the junior varsity team due to the lack of players who tried out for the younger teams. Manduca proved her skills and knowledge of the game as starting point guard for the JV team and her sophomore year she moved up to varsity.

BELL: Runner has a very strong future ahead Continued from page C1

in the 26- year history of the race, and GBHS’ second female state winner besides Caitlin Chock in 2002. Bell also won all league this season, an outstanding milestone. “(The awards) are a huge honor. I never thought that I could do so well, but I’m happy I did.”

Bell’s milestone season accomplishments act as an indicator that her dominance is only the beginning.

Bell hopes to continue with this momentum into next season and throughout her high school career. She is a very promising star and only has a bright future ahead of her.

When asked if she had the Olympics in mind for her encouoraging career, she blushed and with a humble smile said, “Maybe someday.”

Manduca has played basketball for ten years and has yet to grow tired of it.

“What motivates me to play is my love of the game. I love practicing and working out because it makes me better and it’s something I enjoy,” Manduca said.

Manduca’s life has always centered around basketball, and she hopes to continue playing in college at Gonzaga University.

Delgadillo knows her capabilities and has faith that she will be hearing offers in the near future. “(Manduca’s) hard work, attitude and passion for the game give her a chance to play at the next level,” Delgadillo said. “It will not be easy, but if she continues to play like the past several years, recruiters will take notice.”

Despite mediocre win-loss records for the GBHS team in the past, Manduca has always managed to stand out. According to Delgadillo, Jen has earned numerous MVP and All-Tournament awards her first two seasons, and was even an honorable mention in the SFL as a sophomore playing up on varsity.

This is a tough feat, as the honorable mention award is voted on by all of the varsity coaches in the SFL, an extremely competitive league.

But for now Manduca is focusing on the impending basketball season.

She has high hopes for this season and believes that the team will be more successful than last year.

“We’ve all been working really hard and we now have Athletic P.E. (to give us more practice time),” she said.

Manduca’s passion and love of the game is a key component of her success, and these qualities are evident when she talks about basketball.

Gazette photo /LUKE CHIRBAS “(Basketball) is more than just a game to Jennifer Manduca, above, demonstrates her dribbling skills during a me,” she said, “it’s my life.” girls’ varsity basketball practice.

SNOW: Hockey, skiing are among the popular wintertime activities

Continued from page C1

Competitive ice skating, although stereotyped as a winter sport, is all year, with different competitions for levels and sections such as footwork, artistic and comedy.

Junior Sabrina Sabbaghian, who skated competitively until she was twelve, can relate with Halwachs after also dealing with the pressure of competitive skating at a young age.

“I still miss it,” Sabbaghian said, “but it was a lot of work and takes a lot of energy and time.”

Despite the amount of commitment to their sport, the two agree it is well worth the hard work and effort.

“Ice skating was the best part of my childhood,” Halwachs said, and plans on continuing skating for the rest of her high school years.

Along with figure skating, hockey and skiing are winter sports that go to competitive extremes.

GBHS graduate Devin Davis skied competitively throughout his high

school career, involving consistent visiting of our nearby Lake Tahoe slopes, and racing on courses that daunt even experienced skiers.

In spite of the distance Davis had to travel in order to ski competitively, the pleasure and sense of fulfillment received by skiing outweighed the commitment required.

“It made high school more exhilarating, competitive skiing is really fun,” Davis said, “There’s nothing more exciting than laying it all out on the line and winning or failing.”

In addition to these wintertime sports, the most inconspicuous and least referenced to on the west coast is hockey.

Sophomore Parker Bishop, who has been competing since the sixth grade, currently plays for Capital Thunder Youth Hockey Club, a traveling competitive hockey team that is ranked third in the state and takes on other hockey teams across the nations.

As starting defender, this sophomore

Granitebaytoday.org

physically rivals seniors in build and athleticism, which is convenient for a sport that is “fast paced (and) aggressive,” and permits slamming people into walls.

Over winter break Bishop and his team will be traveling to Vancouver for a significant game in the season to keep their standings in top three teams of California.

With the amount of traveling for his club team, Bishop displays great commitment to this major wintertime sport, but says it is definitely worth all of the traveling.

“It gives me a break from school and takes my mind off things,” Bishop said, “I get to escape on the ice.”

These wintertime sport stars take hard work and commitment further than most, enduring the cold and pain that the snow and ice bring in the winter competitive sport world.

“I got into it from a friend,” Bishop said, “but stayed because I like working hard and being with the team.”

Read the Gazette: The GBHS source for news

C6 Sports

Friday December, 14 2012

w The Granite Bay Gazette

AT A GLANCE

Stats at a Glance

Gazette photo /kristin taylor

Football Upcoming Games: wToday – 8 p.m., Division I State Championship, TBD Home Depot Center, Carson

Boys’ Basketball Upcoming Games: w1/2 vs. Fairfield w1/4 vs. Jesuit w1/8 @ Oakmont w1/10 vs. Roseville

Girls’ Basketball Upcoming Games: w1/3 @ Oakmont w1/8 @ River Valley w1/11 vs. Roseville w1/16 vs. Del Oro

Wrestling Upcoming Matches: w11/20 @ Mesa Verde w1/9 vs. Nevada Union w1/16 @ Rocklin Gazette photo /kristin taylor

Gazette photo /kristin taylor

Gazette photo /kristin taylor

 Above, senior Johnny Cooley finds his way through the St. Ignatius defense and tumbles into the endzone in the NorCal championship game Friday, Dec. 7. Left, head coach Ernie Cooper celebrates alongside his players after winning the Section title Friday, Nov. 30. Below left, junior Connor Ferguson and freshman Parker Mortensen struggle for the best position while wresting during a practice on Wednesday, Dec. 5.

Below right, senior Vince Milo tackles his Oakridge opponent to the ground in the Section Championship game. Senior Daniel Romero shoots a basket, far below left, on Tuesday, Dec. 4 in the game against Kennedy. Far below middle, the cheer team performs a stunt, and juniors Emily Andress and Courtney Nash catch senior Julia Periolat in a free fall. Junior Julia Bermudez pivots while trying to find a teammate during a practice on Wednesday, Dec. 5.

Gazette photo /kristin taylor

Gazette photo /kristin taylor

Gazette photo /Luke Chirbas

green screen.

The Gazette’s arts and entertainment guide December 2012

Winter Travel Guide page 10-11

Winter Fashion Page 12 Call of Duty vs. Halo 4 Page 9

Holiday Gift Guide Page 16 Gazette photo /GRACE MOORE

Page 2

December 2012

calendar.

In this Issue

SUNDAY

MONDAY

Music reviews

11

Page 5

Santa’’s Helpers

Popular social networking sites Food reviews: Sushi

Page 9

Page 10&11

Page 14 Things to see and do over break

Page 15

Christmas trees

Page 16 Gift guide

Page 17 Holiday movie hall of fame

Page 18&19

Movie reviews

Page 20 Sports-a-rama

Every 15 Minutes

Every 15 Minutes

Winter Concert

Winter Concert

14

SATURDAY

8 Winter Ball

FINALS FINALS 3,4 1,2

Progressive taxes

Gazette illustrations/ALEXA ZOGOPOULOS and HAYLEY MCAVOY

Winter travel guide

Pre/post Winterball plans

FRIDAY

Winter Break

Call of Duty vs. Halo

Page 13

THURSDAY

13

19

17

Page 6&7

Winter fashion

WEDNESDAY

december

Page 3

Page 12

TUESDAY

I

The voter hypocrisy of greed and misplaced blame

n recent light of the election, one aspect of the Californian mindset stands out through the new progressive taxes.

With the passing of Proposition 30 (increased income taxes for people who make 250,000 or more) and the defeat of Proposition 38 (increased progressive taxes for all incomes), California voters have solidified their support of higher taxes – that is, as long as they don’t have to pay them.

As many of future college students rejoice in the security of a cheaper University of California education, severe affluent households in the community most likely received one cut from the double-edged sword that is Prop 30.

If either parent makes over $250,000, a family will actually lose money on Prop 30, even if they children who currently attend or plan on attending a UC school.

Disregarding the increased sales tax that also comes with Proposition 30, my frustration comes from the morality of increasing income taxes on the top 3 to 5% of California taxpayers.

The California university-level financial system has taken the brunt of the recent recession, and governor Jerry Brown realizes that something has to be done.

He proposed a number of progressive bills that eventually ended up becoming Proposition 30. The basic idea is that education costs are rising, and someone has to pay.

That someone, however, provides the source of my discontent.

Logically, it makes sense that those who actually use the UC education system should bear this financial burden.

I get it; no one wants to struggle with these rising costs, but, all things concerned, it is only fair that those actually involved in the UC system should pay.

Commentary I don’t believe it’s fair to decide for the rich that they must pay for my education simply because it seems as though they can

joey puhala

jpuhala.gazette@gmail.com

Instead, voters have chosen to target the wealthy minority, reflecting a one-sided, selfish mindset.

It’s easy to point fingers at the rich and greedy. But if education costs are rising, those people who still want access to it should have to pay for it.

It’s easy to tell ourselves that millionaires don’t need another Lamborghini or Hawaiian vacation home. Maybe that is true. But I don’t believe it’s fair to decide for the rich that they must pay for my education simply because it seems as though they can.

At this point, one might reason that if education is so important, any proposition increasing its funding would have already passed.

To them, I recollect Proposition 38.

Proposition 38 also increased funding for education (albeit at the elementary level), and failed with a miserable 73 percent rejection.

Why, one might ask? Simply because it increased income taxes for everybody, and people do not want to pay higher taxes.

They just want them to pay higher taxes.

What Prop 38 tells me is that California voters seem to be voting for one

reason, and that is to save money for themselves as individuals.

They are not thinking about their mothers, fathers, neighbors or friends. They are not questioning values/morals or deciding on what is right for the good of their state.

Herein resides, in my opinion, the flaw with American politics.

It seems to boil down to what will save them money, even if it means screwing other people; in this case (and in most cases), the wealthy.

Progressive taxes stem from the mindset that the rich have more money and should therefore pay more. But that already happens in a flat tax, when a percentage of income is taken from all citizens. My opinion stands that all taxes should be flat and that progressive taxes are in fact, unfair.

The rich should pay more money, but not more of a percentage of their income than anyone else.

With progressive taxing, you’re taking a larger percent of an already higher income, so it’s somewhat of a double whammy.

I urge you to look at the idea of progressive taxes as one of the past, born out of ignorance and an unwillingness to increase one’s own taxes.

December 2012

Page 3

music.

Soundgarden King Animal

S

BYJONAH POCZOBUTT

jpoczobutt.gazette@gmail.com

oundgarden is one of the many Seattle grunge bands who skyrocketed into the popular music scene in the early 1990s. 2012 marked 24 years since the band’s first album was released.

Soundgarden’s peak of popularity came in 1994 with the release of the album Superunknown, which featured songs such as “Black Hole Sun” and “Spoonman.”

The album was one of the top selling albums in America that year.

King Animal does not deliver a classic Soundgarden hit, but it does hearken back to the style of Superunknown, something the band’s two previous releases were unable to accomplish.

The album begins with “Been Away too Long,” a hard-rocking song that sounds like an imitation of AC/DC. After the first few tracks, the mood of the album takes a step away from the metallike sound that Soundgarden has put out in the last decade to the band’s grunge roots.

The song “By Crooked Steps” serves to remind listeners that they are in fact listening to Soundgarden, and sets the tone for the rest of the album.

The song showcases the distinct vocals of lead singer Chris Cornell as well as a traditional Soundgarden guitar riff.

“A Thousand Days Before” sounds as though it could have come directly from the 1994 album. Its distinct guitar intro and chorus follow the same formula as many of Soundgarden’s biggest hits.

The song “Taree” shows the strong influence of Cornell’s experience of touring with the band Audioslave.

Both the guitar riff and main verse mirror Audioslave’s style, while the chorus and brief guitar solo are unmistakably Soundgarden.

King Animal is definitely an attempt by Soundgarden to get back to their roots and try to recapture their ‘90s success.

While Soundgarden will likely never recapture their popularity after the release of Superunknown, this album is the best they have put out in almost 20 years, and that deserves some credit.

There seems to be no end in sight for Soundgarden, and if this album sells well, it is unlikely that the band will split up again.

SEVEN FOUR/ REPUBLIC

King Animal by Soundgarden was released on Nov.12.

B

Skip to: Taree

Wiz Khalifa O.N.I.F.C.

T

EPIC RECORDS

O.N.I.F.C. by Wiz Khalifa was released on Dec.4.

Skip to: Medicated

B

BY MYLES SLATTERY

mslattery.gazette@gmail.com

hough Wiz Khalifa’s second album, O.N.I.F.C isn’t exactly a lyrical master, it is entertaining.

Catchy choruses and stimulating beats makes O.N.I.F.C a hit amongst most high school hip-hop listeners.

The whole album features neat hooks and psychedelic melodies.

While listening to O.N.I.F.C, you have to keep an open mind. If you’re expecting deep lyrics and inspirational dialogue, I suggest you avoid this album, because Wiz Khalifa will simply disappoint.

Although I wouldn’t go as far as saying that Khalifa’s album is mindless enjoyment, you definitely don’t have to use

your brain to enjoy his songs.

With featured artists such as 2 Chainz, Juicy J, Pharrell and Akon, O.N.I.F.C definitely flaunts some star power.

The first song on the album, “Paperbond,” is a fan favorite along with “Inititiation (feat. Lola Monroe)” and “Medicated (feat. Chevy Woods and Juicy J).”

Most of the beats have a somewhat airy feel to them, with synthesizers and edited vocals.

Unfortunately, for those of you who love dancing music, this album is not right for you.

It mostly consists of slow-paced tracks meant for relaxing and chilling with your friends.

As a fan of his older music, I think there

really aren’t any old-school styled songs on the album besides maybe the most popular song, “Work Hard Play Hard.”

It’s an overall solid album, yet it does feature a few horrible songs.

“Fall Asleep” is an example of this dreadfulness. The song is best described as simply weird.

With a flat-out weak baseline and creepy hook, let’s just say that you will not catch me listening to this song for a second time.

Although the album gets a little slow towards the middle, it progressively gets better by the end.

Khalifa saves the best for last with the song “Medicated (feat. Chevy Woods and Juicy J)”, which has a tranquil hook, a catchy chorus and intricate lyrics that make a great end to a decent album.

Metric Synthetica

I

BY ALEXA ZOGOPOULOS

azogopoulos.gazette@gmail.com

t’s not often that I’ll find myself listening to what may be considered an “indie” album. Usually I can’t handle the soft voices and melodies that make up current hipster soundtracks—but surprisingly, I’m a fan of Metric’s Synthetica.

Metric’s lyrics and celestial tunes make the album pleasing to the ears, and also refreshing since the tracks don’t all have the same beat as every other modern song of this genre.

While listening to the first track, “Artificial Nocturne,” I was feeling pretty skeptical about the album. Though not a bad song, “Artificial Nocturne” is too repetitive. It also has way too many of the “ooohhh”s and “ahhhh”s that make me want to rip my hair out when I hear other indie rock songs that primarily consist of these annoying harmonizations.

But I was able to stand it, and I’m glad I decided to soldier through the rest of the album. The following tracks had much better beats and somehow managed to be soothing,

yet with powerful lyrics at the same time.

The second track, “Youth Without Youth,” is the most popular single on the album, and with good reason.

The song is about kids who never actually get the chance to experience youth to the fullest extent, having lost their innocence far too early.

“Youth Without Youth” is made up of wellthought out lyrics and a great tempo, but what makes it so unique is the ‘60s organ played by using a homemade pedal found on Craigslist that almost gives off the sound of a synthesized drum.

The organ is heard throughout the rest of the album, and definitely adds intensity to the light voice of lead singer Emily Haines.

Tracks three and four, “Speed the Collapse” and “Breathing Underwater,” both have slower rhythms than the previous track, but are still high-energy with the blaring background instruments that create a powerful beat.

Track five, “Dreams So Real,” is where the album begins to form its celestial vibe.

Floating through space seems like a real

possibility with this song blasting through your headphones.

Unfortunately, the following track, “Lord Kitten,” is not up to par with the previous songs on the album.

Maybe it only seems this way because it’s such a dramatic change from the intensity of “Dreams So Real,” but “Lord Kitten” lacks intensity and the momentum prevalent in the other tracks.

“The Void” wasn’t exactly satisfying either.

Again, I was unimpressed by the lukewarm lyrics and absence of passion in the song— but, I still kept my faith in the last four tracks.

“Synthetica” reminded me why I was enjoying the album baring its title so much in the first place.

Heavy guitar riffs mixed with light piano playing somehow created a wonderful blend of serenity and heaviness that forms the album’s theme.

Though the final three tracks felt weak, the album as a whole is a pleasurable listen and continues to show that the sound of Metric is easily distinguishable, in what is usually a genre with very few sounds to it.

GIANT STUDIOS

Synthetica by Metric was released on Nov. 20.

B+

Skip to:

Youth Without Youth

current.

December 2012

Youtube Video and of the Month

BY KEVIN BURNS

kburns.gazette@gmail.com

T

echno Jeep is a video where Youtube star Smith and his fellow musicians create a whole song only using different sounds from his Jeep.The channel, JulianSmith87, creates all sorts of comic videos, However it takes a more serious approach to this video, creating a masterpiece with just a Jeep.

The video starts with Julian testing some sounds with a JULIANSMITH87/YouTube Jeep. After that, all the other Julian Smith and his band use his jeep participants assume their to make a techno song positions all over the car.

The “song” starts with simple during the door solo, is an incredible sounds which create a cool beat, but display of creativity. The viewing once they start the car, the song gets public agrees, judging by the fact that more upbeat and intense. the video has almost 150,000 likes and The idea for the video is very creative has been seen almost 10,500,000 times, and is like nothing most people have with numerous cooments about the seen before. The video, especially quality of the video.

Your Names, Your Faces, Your

Trend of the month COMPILED BY NIKI RICHARDS nrichards.gazette@gmail.com

Winter months mean more and more layers, and sometimes that can stifle a girl’s sense of style—but not this year.

The ultimate fashion trend for December is jean vests, an edgy but practical look for the cold season.

These cozy and casual wardrobe items are perfect for making that simple long sleeve or sweatshirt look like the ultimate fashion statement.

“I like them because it creates a cuter outfit,” senior Carly Flajole said.” They look good over sweatshirts so you can be stylish and (still) comfy.”

This trend mixes things up from the usual jacket, hoodie or sweatshirt pattern some people cling to during the winter season.

Stores are pushing even more edgy looks such as jean vests with studs, distressed fabric, crystal buttons or fur lining.

“I like when they are distressed, and I love studs,” Flajole said. “I’m all for the edgy look this season.”

Jean vests can also be a thrifty style choice as well.

It is cheap and easy to go into your mom’s closet and dig out a dated-looking denim shirt she’s been holding onto, and turn it into a trendy jacket.

If denim still doesn’t appeal to you, Glamour Magazine’s fashion “Do’s” say that faux fur is fabulous, too.

Fur vests are the ultimate look for those fearless few, and an easy way to stay cozy during the cold months.

Paired with slim cut bell bottoms and some suede booties, this look will make the winter months a little less drab and a little more fab.

“I personally wouldn’t wear them,” Flajole said, “but they look good on some people.”

Page 4

iPhone App of the Month

B

ike Race is an exhilarating racing game by Top Free Games.

Bike Race has gone viral at Granite Bay High because it allows users to race against their friends on a variety of courses.

Bike Race allows you to play 72 solo courses, and adds eight new courses once they are built. The player must get at least two out of three “stars” on each level to get to the next eight levels.

The beginning eight levels are simple and most achieve three stars on each level, but the last eight are almost impossible to master quickly.

In the multiplayer mode, players can race against their friends on random levels. This mode is what attracts most of the people to play the app.

The multiplayer mode creates a great way to race against your friends and is by far the best thing about the application. The app shows your winloss record against your competitors and can also record your best time for each course.

TOP FREE GAMES

As the player beats solo levels and gets wins in multiplayer, they can unlock more bikes which have different abilities. For example, the last bike to be unlocked, the ghost bike, allows the player to go through the course without failing unless they fall off of the map.

Not only is the app very popular at GBHS, but it is very popular around the world and has 4.5 out of 5 stars in the app store.

Jessie Myers Artist of the Month

BY TAMREN JOHNK

tjohnk.gazette@gmail.com

How long have you been painting?

Since I was a freshman. I took basic art my freshman year and then I have been taking Advanced Art ever since.

Which artists inspire you the most to paint?

Some contemporary artists and definitely Mr. Stephens because he’s our teacher and he shows us new techniques on how to paint What style of painting do you use the most?

I do a lot of graffiti art so that’s more of my style.

Gazette photo/KAYLYN O’DONNELL

Artist of the Month Jessie Myers stands with her newest painting

What do you enjoy most about painting?

I just like being able to express myself by painting whatever I’m feeling at any time.

Are you planning on pursuing art in the future?

Maybe. I will definitely try but I think it will be more of a hobby in the future.

Newspaper, The Gazette Granitebaytoday.org

December 2012

Page 5

the web

The Sites to See

Favorite websites of GBHS students

Hype Machine Almost all Granite Bay High students are familiar with Twitter and Facebook and frequent these social media websites.

But what do GBHS students do when these two main websites are not enough to satisfy their social media cravings? Where do they go?

This desire for a change of pace has driven many students to delve into new regions of the web in search of a site that suits their specific needs. Junior Jacob Smith found his fix with the comprehensive music blog, Hype Machine.

“Hype Machine is a blog of blogs” Smith said “It combines all the trending music blogs into one website.” Smith said.

The website tracks many trending music blogs and determines which selections of music are gaining popularity particularly fast, and promotes them. Hype Machine makes it easy for users to find trending music in their favorite genre, or explore the new music scene in general.

The focus of Hype Machine is to track and promote trending music, thus giving the site its very appropriate name.

“It also leads people to new blogs,” Smith said.

Hype Machine is a great tool for finding new music and is a great jumping pad for exploring other music blogs.

Reddit

Reddit is another eccentric social media site that has reached a small, but devoted crowd of students.

Junior Armin Anderson is a long time “Redditor” and selfproclaimed seasoned veteran of the site, having garnered more “total karma” than all of his other Redditor friends combined.

Reddit users can make “posts” to smaller Reddit communities, known as subreddits, for the judgment of their peers. If other Reddit users decide to “upvote” the content, the initial post may make it to the front page of Reddit, a proud accomplishment.

Furthermore, each Reddit user may pick and choose which “subreddits” they would like to appear on their front page, making Reddit fully customizable.

“It is good that you can change the classifications of what you want to see,” Anderson said. “There are subreddits like ‘ask reddit’, ‘ask me anything’, ‘today I learned’ and ‘face palm’. My personal favorite is the ‘best of reddit’ subreddit.”

These features make Reddit ideal for users who would like to condense their web experience into one, comprehensive “front page of the internet.”

Tumblr

Tumblr is also a popular social media site amongst the hip crowd at GBHS. Junior Christi Trovato is an avid Tumblr user, despite the website’s refusal to include the letter “e” in its logo.

Trovato was first introduced to the site by her friends and has since become enthralled by the variety of material the website offers.

“You can pretty much find whatever you want on Tumblr,” Trovato said.

Tumbling, as it is commonly known, is a great way to stay entertained at boring times during the day.

“I sometimes go on Tumblr in class when I am bored,” Trovato said.

While Tumblr may come with the stigma of being a website for hipsters, it can be personalized to suit the specific tastes of any user.

Page 6

December 2012

food.

They See Me Rollin’

The Gazette staff samples sushi restaurants

Akebono

BY AUSTIN ALCAINE

aalcaine.gazette@gmail.com

Akebono Japanese restaurant is a very plain restaurant. The boring layout of the restaurant matched very well with the food they served, simple and boring.

The biggest downside to Akebono is the ambience. It feels like you are eating in a boring cafeteria with white walls and no lively surroundings.

The tables were also sticky, which I found slightly disturbing. It made me think that a messy toddler ate there before me and they did not feel the need to clean the table up afterwards.

One of the best parts of eating there however that was the service was incredibly fast. The waiter was also very friendly and made me feel right at home when I walked

in the door of the restaurant.

The food however, was just okay. First, I ordered the tempura which came with two pieces of deep fried shrimp and assorted veggies. It was all good the shrimp was cooked perfectly it was just very plain.

For my main roll I ordered an Awesome Roll, which turned out to be not so awesome. The roll wasn’t bad it was just lacking that factor that makes you say wow.

The Awesome roll was shrimp tempura, spicy tuna, seared salmon, and fried onions on top.

The second roll I ordered was the Akebono roll.

The roll was a refreshing change of pace from the Awesome; it had seared tuna, avocado, white fish, and a questionable shiso (minty herb).

The shiso was a little overwhelming and took away from the flavor of the other ingredients in the roll.

Akebono was an overall good restaurant with friendly

Sumo Sushi My experience at Sumo Sushi was forgettable and left me wanting much more than it offered, despite the high prices on almost everything.

When I arrived to the crowded Safeway parking lot, it took me about five minutes just to find a parking spot.

When I walked into the restaurant, I noticed that there were no customers and I found out I was the only one who would be there for the entire 45 minutes I was there.

In the restaurant they were playing some weird music that was very loud and distracting. The only entertainment available was some humorous pictures and paintings of sumo wrestlers on the wall.

For my first roll, I got the simple California roll. A California roll is a roll filled with crab, avocado and cucumber and has a seaweed and sticky rice cover. It is one of the more popular sushi rolls in the United States, and can be found in almost every sushi menu.

The roll was mediocre at best, and the only redeeming quality was the soy sauce which masked much of the taste of the dry crab and overpowering avocado.

For my second roll, I got the King Roll, which is made of fried shrimp, cucumber, avocado and crab meat, with an outer layer of rice and seaweed.

The roll was a little bit better than the California Roll. Despite the improvement, the roll was average and did not warrant another order.

Finally, for the last order, I bought an order of mochi, a traditional Japanese dessert.

Mochi is a rice cake made of glutinous rice pounded to form the outer cover of an ice cream ball.

This was by far the best item, but when I got

Reviewer’s Grade: C

Mikuni Kaizen

BY KEVIN BURNS

kburns.gazette@gmail.com

staff and decent food. The most disappointing part of Akebono was the lack of ambience and the cafeteria type feeling, yet the outstanding service and good food makes up for the boring ambience.

The only negative point of the restaurant is the boring ambience, which in my opinion should not be a selling point in deciding whether or not to go Akebono.

The food at Akebono was all good it was just lacking something to take it from good to amazing. The food was just rather boring.

I would not necessarily recommend going to Akebono, but my overall experience was not bad.

BY AMBER LES

it, the waitress told us we had to eat it quickly because it would melt soon. They said that it was made when the sushi rolls were made and then sat out 30 minutes while I ate my meal.

Finally, when I asked for a drink, they charged me five dollars extra. When I asked them why, it took them five minutes to figure it out and charge me the right price.

Overall, my experience at Sumo Sushi involved mediocre food, bad service despite no other guests and an overall underwhelming job by the restaurant.

Reviewer’s Grade: C-

Gazette photo /KEVIN BURNS

Sumo Sushi is located off of Douglas Blvd. next to Chipotle

ales.gazette@gmail.com

As a sushi advocate, Mikuni Kaizen caught my attention with its well-known name.

The original Mikuni, founded in 1985, has been one of my favorite restaurants since I was very little, so it made me wonder what ‘Kaizen’ was all about.

Walking in, the atmosphere is in complete contrast to the busy and bustling environment of a normal Mikuni.

Mikuni Kaizen gives off a more relaxed atmosphere, with dim lighting and a more open dining space.

The front dining area is vast, and offers a more private meal experience paired with high ceilings and a back room separated by a row of beads.

Until 4 p.m. each day, a lunch menu provides cheaper combinations of rolls and tempura that go well with the three whole pages of specialty tapas that Kaizen has.

As opposed to the original Mikuni, Mikuni Kaizen has a wide variety of appetizers that provide an option for any palette.

My waiter informed me that the barbecue albacore (with red or white sauce) was the customer favorite.

I ended up ordering the Albacore (with the red sauce) and the crispy Gyoza as my appetizers.

Gazette photo /Luke B.F. Chirbas

Mikuni Kaizen is located in the fountains next to Boudin The crispy Gyoza (very similar to a fried potsticker) was fantastic, but the portion size was disappointing. Given just three small pieces at about seven dollars, the potstickers weren’t worth it.

For my entrée, I decided to get one of Kaizen’s specialty rolls, called a Train Wreck roll.

The Train Wreck roll came out beautifully plated and prepared.

The eel, tuna and avocado provided a great accent to the tangy sauce that covered the roll.

It was definitely my favorite dish of the whole meal.

For dessert, I had chocolate mochi. It put the finishing touch on a great lunch.

Overall, Mikuni Kaizen proved to be a great alternative to the original Mikuni restaurant.

However, it is just as expensive and unfortunately, not as good as the original.

Reviewer’s Grade: B

December 2012

Mikuni

BY THOMAS TAYLOR

ttaylor.gazette@gmail.com

Page 7

eat.

This Month’s Picks Train wreck roll. The chefs managed to take individual things that alone sound repulsive, such as chopped eel, and put them together to make the best roll outside of Japan.

The roll is sweet at first taste but then the eel and the seared tuna give it a more complex taste, reminiscent of steak. Finally, you reach the center of the giant roll, a crunchy tempura shell that surrounds the sweat shrimp on the inside.

The roll varies from sweet to gamey and complex. The Train Wreck roll is a fantastic dish that everyone should have the pleasure of enjoying.

Enjoying the Train Wreck roll might be out of the question for some frugally minded patrons because the roll costs a whopping $16.

This is unfortunate, but it is worth it.

Mikuni deserves a lot of credit for providing a superior quality product as opposed to many other sushi spots in the Granite Bay area. Therefore, I think Mikuni is allowed to charge the rates they do for the vast majority of their food offerings.

Mikuni is a delightful restaurant that serves delicious, high end, sushi that is perfect when you are not the one paying the bill.

Mikuni’s sushi chefs are masters of their craft. They use traditional Japanese methods with an American twist to create the best sushi I have ever had.

Mikuni is a sprawling establishment with plenty of seating at tables or at one of its two sushi bars.

The décor is a mix of traditional Japanese paintings and modern table tops and granite sushi bars. Together, they give the restaurant a very vibrant and modern feel.

The atmosphere is a very important facet of the restaurant experience. However, the most important part is the food.

The Vegi-Ten roll was crisp and delicious. When I took my first bite, my mouth was filled by the various tastes that burst upon my tongue.

The smoothness of the fresh avocado, the spice of the onions, and the beautifully crafted special sauce put this vegetarian roll in my top ten favorite sushi rolls ever.

Mikuni chefs managed to make a delicious vegetarian option for those who choose to avoid eating meat. This variation is very impressive.

Next out of the kitchen was the incredible roll. This toasted Tuna roll, which was Reviewer’s Grade: A served hot like the Vegi-Ten roll, included avocado, but that is where the similarities stop.

This roll focuses on indulging the fish lover. Spicy tuna, shrimp, white tuna and masago (fish eggs) make up this incredible combination of delicious foods.

The roll had a smoky taste to it, because  Mikuni is located next to Century 14 of the toasted tuna on top. The roll was movie theater in Roseville delicious, but of the three I ordered, I did not think it was worth the steep price of $14.

The next roll is my all time favorite, the

The Gazette Ranking Panel samples dishes from each of the five restaurants this month and ranks them accordingly.

#5 Sumo Sushi- Sumo sushi is too expensive for the quality of sushi that they offer.

#4 Akebono- Akebono is lacking in

atmosphere and is very inconsistent with the quality of their food.

#3 Mikuni Kaizen- Mikuni Kaizen carries a Mikuni price tag without offering the same experience, putting it in third this cycle.

#2 Mikuni-

While Mikuni offers arguably the best tasting sushi around, it is incredibly expensive for high school students. Go with your parents to avoid the hefty price tag.

#1 Blue Nami- Blue Nami also has

great tasting sushi but at a much more reasonable price. In fact two filling rolls can cost as little as $10, making Blue Nami the supreme sushi restaurant.

Blue Nami

BY MYLES SLATTERY

mslattery.gazette@gmail.com

Blue Nami is an affordable, yet tasty sushi restaurant, which offers not only raw fish, but also a good time.

Located off of Eureka Rd. by Costa Vida, Blue Nami is a small restaurant full of flat screen TVs and Japanese decor.

Everyday, one can expect to get “50% off” of their rolls. The “50% off” menu offers a large variety of sushi and is arguably one of the most popular spots among the Granite Bay High student body.

One downside for Blue Nami is its small portions.

Each roll has about 8-12 bites of sushi that won’t even hold over an adolescent boy for one hour.

The sushi roll of choice for me is the Jack #2.

This roll has shrimp, crab, avocado and tobiko, and is a fan favorite among GBHS students.

Unfortunately, the menu does not offer highly exotic rolls.

Gazette photo /Myles Slattery

Blue Nami is located off Eureka Rd. next to Costa Vida

For those who don’t exactly like raw fish, there are a few alternatives. Blue Nami offers variations of teriyaki, from your average chicken teriyaki to salmon or beef teriyaki.

There is also a tasty vegetarian option, the vegetable tempura.

One of the main reasons this restaurant is so popular is its long hours.

Thursday through Saturday you can see Blue Nami’s lights on from 11:00 am all the way until 1:00 am. Even Sunday through Wednesday, you can dine at Blue Nami from 11:00 am to 12:00 am.

Blue Nami is a highly accessible restaurant for high school students because of its tasty sushi, cheap prices and long hours.

The greatest reason for this restaurant’s success is the incredibly cheap prices. As a frugal student, I take great appreciation in low prices, and Blue Nami offers these small costs. Blue Nami is a great restaurant because it is affordable yet still tasty.

Overall, my experience at Blue Nami was superb, and I recommend you to enjoy this cuisine for yourself if you haven’t already.

Reviewer’s Grade: A

December 2012

gazette.

Your names.

Your faces.

The Gazette.

Page 8

December 2012

game.

Page 9

BY MYLES SLATTERY mslattery.gazette@gmail.com

In the gamer world, two first person shooter franchises rise above all others, Call of Duty and Halo.

Published and owned by Activision, the Call of Duty series has sold over 100 million hard copies world wide.

The Halo franchise, which is published by Microsoft and primarily developed by Bungie, is a multi-billion dollar science fiction video game.

These games can be played on the Playstation 3, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, and the Playstation Vita.

The most prominent factor in these two games’ success is the online multiplayer option.

More than 20 million people utilize this multiplayer option every day between the Xbox and Playstation 3 consoles alone.

With Call of Duty Black Ops II and Halo 4 releasing within the same month, Granite Bay High students have argued on which game is better.

“CoD is so much better, it is way more fun,” Junior

FIRST LASTactivision

Austin Allegra said. “Halo is too slow and doesn’t take any skill.”

Even though there are Halo skeptics, some still enjoy the science fiction shooter more than CoD. “Halo is better because it is more technical and not as easy to play,” junior Parker Burman said.

Where multiplayer is one of the most played aspects, campaign (the non-multiplayer part of the game involving a storyline), also plays a large role in the overall success of a first person shooter game.

“Generally, Halo has a far better storyline then CoD, but Halo 4’s campaign wasn’t that good,” Burman said.

Within one day of release, Call of Duty Black Ops II sold $500 million worth of games, merchandise, and online game benefits.

To put these sales into perspective, the highest grossing movie this year, Marvel’s the Avengers brought in about 600 million dollars after two weeks.

Although Halo 4 didn’t make half of the amount

Black Ops II did, with a mere 200 million dollars, up until the release of Black Ops II, Halo 4 held the top spot for the biggest U.S. entertainment launch of the year.

Halo 4 sales put the franchise over $3.38 billion worth of lifetime sales.

“The only thing I hate about Call of Duty is how addictive it is, I will want to play a couple games and the next thing you know you are playing for hours,” Allegra said.

Over 1.6 billion hours of online game play have been logged in Modern Warfare 3 since its 2011 release.

That is about 182,527 years of pure playing time for just one of the franchise’s games.

“Call of Duty is so fun because you can play with your friends and talk to them online,” Allegra said.

Financially speaking, CoD is the more successful franchise as a whole, however both industries have made their mark on the industry.

Gazette photo /FIRST LAST343 studios

Pages 10 and 11

December 2012

explore.

Northstar at Tahoe Mendocino Drive Time: 4 hours Why you should go: Mendocino, a picturesque town on the northern coast of California, is a great place for outdoorsy families to visit year round.

There are plenty of hiking opportunities as well as challenging sea caves and rivers nearby for experienced kayakers and ambitious photographers.

Going through the wilderness surrounding Mendocino might be just the cure for anyone who feels they have seen it all.

Winter Travel Guide

BY GRACE MOORE

gmoore.gazette@gmail.com

Looking for a place to go during winter break? The Gazette has you covered with some of California’s quintessential winter escapes.

Drive Time: 2 hours Why you should go: Northstar is a popular ski resort located nearby Lake Tahoe, and a day trip spent skiing or snowboarding there with friends is sure to be a blast.

GBHS junior Laurel Teague points out, however, that the slopes are not particularly challenging for advanced skiers.

In addition to its beautiful white slopes, the resort features a mountain-top restaurant and plenty of other opportunities for shopping, dining and spending time with friends by a warm fire.

“Out in the middle of nowhere, there’s this caboose. (People) can cook tea ... or hot chocolate (for themselves). It was snowing outside, and there was a little fire ... it was just so adorable,” Teague said.

Apple Hill Drive Time: 1 hour San Francisco

Santa Cruz

Why you should go:

Drive Time: 2 hours

Drive Time: 3 hours

Why you should go:

Why you should go:

Anyone who hasn’t gone before really should.

A visit to Apple Hill is a long-standing local tradition and a refreshing diversion from our snow-free town.

“Make sure to try the caramel apples,” said GBHS junior Suneet Narwan. The destination is famous for the varieties of pies and dessert apples made on-site.

San Francisco has something for everyone, and the short drive makes it an easy but awesome day trip.

It’s a good idea to plan a trip to San Francisco in time to enjoy some of the city’s exciting winter festivals and parades.

“I loved seeing the parade at night,” said GBHS junior Christi Trovato. “My family (also enjoys) all the … buildings decorated and all the fun stuff to do.”

These fun things include taking pictures in front of the countless gigantic Christmas trees, ice skating with friends and enjoying a warm cup of coffee amidst the city atmosphere.

Santa Cruz is the perfect getaway for people looking to escape the monotony of winter in Granite Bay. Aside from touring the host of colleges in the area, the beaches of Santa Cruz offer some refreshing escapes for those willing to venture out into the cold.

Despite the chilly weather, Santa Cruz has some excellent spots for surfing, even for beginners. The boardwalk, lighthouse, nearby missions, quirky museums and seaside restaurants located in the town all provide both adventure and relaxation for those who wish to get out of the wind.

NORTHSTAR AT TAHOE

A snowboarder launces off of a ramp at Northtar Ski Resort at Tahoe.

Gazette photo /GRACE MOORE

The charming characteristics of San Francisco are apparent on the city’s streets.

GOOGLE MAPS

Page 12

November 2012

fashionista.

ď ˇScarfs, rings, headbands, open backs and boots can be both cute and functional for the cold winter season.

Winter Fashion Insight into staying warm while still being in style for the cold weather

W

BY MADDY HARRIS

mharris.gazette@gmail.com

inter is upon us, the time where girls at Granite Bay High School get to dress in warm scarves and comfy sweaters.

This winter fashion season, knitted infinity scarves seem to be quite popular.

Infinity scarves are both cute and comfy.

They can keep you warm at some of those cold Friday night football games.

As far as keeping you toasty on rainy school days, handmade thick headbands are always a good go-to for keeping your ears warm.

Along with headbands, another accessory that seems to be in fashion every year is colored or silver rings.

Girls can wear rings all year round but lately it appears as if people have been

wearing them more often than not.

Open-back sweaters are also a current fad.

These types of sweaters may not keep your back warm, but are very modern and trendy for girls at Granite Bay High School.

Aside from actual clothing, combat and knee-high boots are the latest footwear for the winter fashion season.

Neutral-colored boots such as black, cream, grey and brown are particularly popular, mostly because they are easy to match with jeans and other types of clothing.

Furthermore, colored knee-high boots are not hard to find.

Some girls, such as senior Elise Leben, choose to go on the wild side and purchase purple-patterned boots from TJ Maxx.

Any type of color or boot is accepted this holiday season.

Gazette photos /maddy harris Gazette model /Elise Leben

December 2012

planning.

Page 13

Winter Ball

What to do about

BY KRISTIN KUPERSHOEK kkupershoek.gazette@gmail.com

I

t’s that time of year again.­ In fact, some may even call it the most wonderful time of the year.

Winter is the season for Granite Bay High School’s annual formal dance, Winter Ball.

The idea of a traditional date dance has faded away. The concept where a boy picks up his date in his car, takes her to eat at a nice restaurant and then stays all night at the school dance is long gone.

Instead, many GBHS students find themselves more focused on their group’s plans before and after the dance, in hopes of making a night to remember.

Most people try to make the most of one night and pack in as many activities as they can. Typical plans for a fun-filled night include dinner, friends and many opportunities for pictures.

Last year, GBHS senior Shannon Menard got ready with her friends, then the whole group met up to take pictures. After enjoying dinner at the Cheesecake Factory, they went to the dance. Then, they topped off the night with bowling until one in the morning at Rocklin AMF Lanes.

Most people do the typically get ready together, take pictures with their dates and go to dinner, but plans often vary from there.

Senior Natalie Gonzales began her night just like Menard, but after the dance, she and her friends hopped back on their limo and went to look at Christmas lights in Dovewood Court and other neighborhoods that their driver personally knew of.

Gonzales also has a unique tradition where she invites all of her friends back to her house where they eat an early-morning breakfast together.

Other students know that going to breakfast after the dance is a popular choice after dancing off the calories from dinner.

Mel’s is a popular restaurant for post-GBHS activities any time of the year and is especially busy on Winter Ball night, according to junior Nicolette Pinkney who went to Mel’s after the dance last year.

Deciding on plans for Winter Ball revolves around one key aspect – the group. It can be difficult to find a cohesive group of people who will all get along and allow for a drama-free night.

Trying to incorporate both your date’s friends and your own can also be tricky if you come from different circles of friends.

“I think I would rather go with a smaller group that I am close to, just because I would know everyone,” Gonzales said.

Gonzales also thinks it is important to know the people

you are with, because you know their boundaries and how responsible they are. She believes it is easier to get caught up in the whirlwind and become involved in a bad situation if you are with a big group of people that you are not familiar with.

However, Pinkney offers a different perspective.

“I think (I would rather go with) a big group of people, because then you can meet new people and there are so many people to talk to, so it’s interesting the whole time,” she said.

Party buses and limos are popular means of transportation for GBHS students, and many Winter Ball plans consist of riding around in them for hours after a quick pit stop at the dance.

Oftentimes party buses have a more negative perception than limos as a hotbed for underage drinking and crazy partying.

“I know I’m not allowed on a party bus, so that has affected past Winter Balls,” Gonzales said. “I just think it’s a bad idea, because I already know what’s going to happen and I think my mom does too, so that’s why she doesn’t allow it.”

Other people do not see much of a difference between party buses and limos and think that the people you surround yourself with will have the biggest impact on your Winter Ball experience.

“I don’t really have an opinion on party buses,” Menard said. “Either that or a limo – they are both fun.”

Although all of these grandiose plans can add up in terms of expenses, you will be left with lasting memories.

“You get to meet new people and have fun with your friends,” Pinkney said, “and we all deserve a night out.”

Page 14

December 2012

nothing to do.

Winter things...

Activites special to the cold season.

BY NIKKI RICHARDS

nrichards.gazette@gmail.com

Disney Street

“Disney Street,” a popular attraction to both local residents and visitors, is a collaboration of homes down a long, stretching street that all display Disneythemed cutouts and decorations, such as Mickey Mouse and friends, The Little Mermaid, A Nightmare Before Christmas and many more.

These are presented on the locals’ front lawns and houses for the entertainment of people driving past and have become so popular that the street is only used for the procession of onlookers during this time of year.

So if one night before Christmas you feel a little bored and a little in the spirit of things, then pile some friends into a car, turn on the holiday tunes and drive down Disney Street for a creative Christmas time experience. Disney Street is located off of Cirby.

Bayside Church Looking for some festive entertainment?

Bayside Church off of Sierra College Blvd. is holding their annual “Christmas at Bayside” show.

This year’s event will involve appearances from America’s Got Talent Lincoln Brewster, The Silhouettes and Le Petit Cirque, followed by a Christmas service afterwards.

Local resident Mary Webb has attended the shows every year and expressed awe for their wonderful performances.

“It’s great entertainment for the children. The Silhouettes performance was amazing; they made incredible shapes and forms and danced throughout,” Webb said.

Dates and ticket information can be found on the Bayside Church website.

Hidden Lake Estates Similarly, Granite Bay’s own Hidden Lakes Estates, a neighborhood tucked at the end of Douglas Blvd., makes a magical experience of luminaries on Christmas Eve that has become a tradition for families in the area to participate in and enjoy.

Senior Jake Peterson is one of the participants in this tradition and has insight to the process.

“A truck dumps a pile of sand at the (hidden) lake in my neighborhood, and everyone picks some up, orders bags and candles,” Peterson said. “And make the luminaries, filling the bags and spacing them perfectly for the ultimate lighting effect.

The displays of luminaries and lights winds all the way through the entire area, alongside the roads, and has become such a beloved annual feature to the region that residents attempt to never disappoint.

“We (Hidden Lakes) have done it very year (…) rain or shine,” Peterson said.

The attraction is a perfect “after Christmas dinner” treat, that young children adore and adults appreciate.

“The real troopers walk in the cold,” Peterson said, “because it looks way better than from a car window.”

So if you feel a little full of chocolate after Christmas dinner, bundle up, go down to Hidden Lakes and walk off the meal while watching a beautiful display of holiday cheer.

Starbucks

Local Starbucks cafés also provide seasonally appropriate drinks such as peppermint mochas and pumpkin spice lattes to keep you warm and festive during these select months.

“I love the peppermint mochas,” says senior Blake Lewis, “they are like Christmas in a cup and taste amazing while keeping me warm.”

in Granite Bay.

November 2012

Page 15

in granite bay.

Christmas Tree Guide A look at some of the best places to get the perfect holiday centerpiece

BY SUMMER HAENNY

shaenny.gazette@gmail.com

A

s the holiday season draws close, many people are trying to find a quality Christmas tree without all the drama of driving all over Northern California to find the tallest, largest and cheapest Christmas tree available.

Koyama Tree Farm 9027 Barton Road Granite Bay CA 1.9 miles from Granite Bay High School.

This is the closest farm to GBHS. They open during the first two weeks of December, so it’s perfect for all the early birds.

Any tree that come from the Koyama Tree Farm are certified organic.

Trees from the Koyama Tree Farm are perfect for any families that want to get their trees early and also want to be organic as possible during the holiday season.

Crystal Creek Tree Farms

Gazette illustration/HAYLEY MCAVOY

2019 Cable Road Camino, CA 39.0 miles from GBHS. Since Granite Bay is a highly populated area not a lot of tree farms are

located close by. So to find the perfect tree, it may take all day.

Crystal Creek Tree Farms are located 39 miles from GBHS. The drive should take around an hour.

Located in El Dorado County off of Highway 50, the Crystal Creek Tree Farms offer many different types of trees and wrapping on-site.

The farm will be open every day until Christmas.

Hootster Farms 7120 Sierra View Place, Loomis, CA 95650 6.3 miles from GBHS. Located in Loomis just off of Cavitt Stallman Hootster Farms, it is on 15 acres of family owned land. Hootster Farms has over 1000 trees to choose from, ranging from three to 10 feet tall.

Hootster Farms offers five different species of trees to choose from, including Douglas Firs, Sierra Redwoods and Monterey Pines.

Hootster Farms are open Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 am to dusk and on Fridays by appointment.

Snowy Peaks 30100 Foresthill Road, Foresthill 95631 For busy families that want to buy local food while they are shopping for the best tree, Snowy Peaks may be the best option.

Located in Foresthill, Snowy Peaks offers a variety of Christmas trees as well as

local produce, including blueberries, herbs, peppers, seasonal vegetables and tomatoes.

Snowy Peaks is open Friday through Sunday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. They offer on-site sales and tours around their property. From GBHS, the drive should take about 14 minutes.

Snowy Peaks is a good option for people who want local, but still quality, Christmas trees.

Artificial Trees Artificial trees are the best alternative to real trees if you, or any family members, are allergic to pine. If you just don’t want the hassle of going out and getting a Christmas tree, then an artificial tree my be the best option.

Many department stores like Target and Wal-Mart sell cheap artificial trees that can be easily stored for future use.

Artificial trees are also good if you don’t have a green thumb and are not able to keep a tree alive until Christmas or if you don’t want to be constantly cleaning all of the pine needles off of your floor.

If you don’t want the hassle of a real tree, an artificial tree is the best alternative.

Page 16

lo i H

culture.

y a d

BY TAMREN JOHNK

tjohnk.gazette@gmail.com

iPhone 5

December 2012

Gift Guide

As technology evolves, most Granite Bay High School students are dying to get their hands on the latest and greatest.

Because of its new and improved features, the new iPhone 5 is becoming increasingly popular among GBHS students.

The iPhone 5, being the newest iPhone out, lures teenagers to want the latest technology. Even though it is closely similar to the regular iPhone 4, more and more GBHS students desire to have it, and it has become the most popular item around school.

Gift Cards

Every year it seems that an increasing amount of people just prefer money or gift cards over more traditional Christmas presents.

Sophomore Kat McGrail prefers gift cards and money over anything else because they allow her to go on a winter shopping spree.

Car

“Some people get unwanted presents from their family members that you know you will never wear or use ever again,” McGrail said. “It’s nice because with a gift card, you get to use it and go pick out whatever you actually want.”

Other GBHS students have put a new car on their Christmas wish list.

Ever since junior Julia Beck got her license, she has wanted a car of her own. She believes having her own car will give her much more independence.

“I really want a Range Rover,” Beck said. “A new car would give me a lot more freedom.”

Video games

Call of Duty Black Ops II, FIFA 13, Halo 4 and Assassin’s Creed 3 are just a few of the most popular video games that have recently been released.

“FIFA 13 sounds like a pretty good soccer game,” junior Jeff Gaebler said. “It’s fun to hang out with your friends and compete with them whenever you play a video game.”

Because of their action-packed features, these newly released video games have attracted many GBHS students to play them with others.

Concert tickets

Other GBHS students are hoping to receive concert tickets under the Christmas tree.

With the many upcoming concerts in 2013, sophomore Crystal Yabes has high hopes to get concert tickets to her favorite boy band at the Oracle Arena in Oakland on July 31.

“I’m obsessed with One Direction,” Yabes said. “I’ve always wanted to see them live.”

Other popular concerts in 2013 include Carrie Underwood, Maroon 5 and the Zac Brown Band.

Gazette illustration/LENA EYEN

December 2012

Page 17

culture.

WARNER BROS.

UNIVERSAL

WARNER BROS.

RANKIN/BASS

Christmas movie

Hall of Fame

Classic movies that are sure to bring out your holiday spirit

T

he animated classic, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, tells a story of how an angry hermit comes to terms with his hatred of the holidays.

As an angry, disgruntled creature, the Grinch dwells alone (with the exception of his dog Max) in a cave above Whoville, a merry, spirited town that gets especially joyous around the holidays.

After trying to “steal” Christmas from Whoville, the Grinch realizes that, even though he successfully robs the town of presents, the Whoville Christmas spirit continues to thrive stronger than ever.

As one of Dr. Seuss’s most famous works, this movie was originally made in 1966 and has since been re-done in 2005.

Although the earlier version is far more popular than its remake, the 2005 live action adaptation still retains the notable stylization of the animated film.

With a heartening plot line, How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a feelgood movie perfect for the Christmas season.

grade: B+

A

BY JOEY PUHALA

s part of the National Lampoon series, Christmas Vacation follows the Griswold family on a comical journey through the holiday season.

The movie pokes fun at typical holiday ventures and exaggerates the stereotypical family tendencies of yuletide gatherings.

The Griswold family lives in Chicago, and Clark, the family’s father (played by Chevy Chase) loses his Christmas bonus due to a greedy boss.

Determined to still have a merry Christmas, Clark goes to great lengths to please his family.

Standout scenes include when Clark takes his family into the forest to obtain the perfect Christmas tree and when he elaborately decorates his house with excessive Christmas lighting.

Whether one is a Christmas enthusiast or a comedy aficionado, a Christmas Vacation is a must-see on both accounts.

grade: A

A

jpuhala.gazette@gmail.com

Charlie Brown Christmas is arguably one of the most popular and moving Christmas movies of all time.

This film, which was the debut of Peanuts-inspired TV specials, does a great job of incorporating the values and morals of Christmas with classic Charlie Brown comedy and charm.

Going through the trials of finding out the true meaning of Christmas, Charlie Brown gets depressed after hearing that Christmas is about nothing more than gifts and commercialized tales of Santa Claus.

After confiding in his friend Linus, Charlie finally discovers the true meaning of Christmas.

For many fans, it also stands as a nostalgic reminder of the earliest of the Peanuts-inspired TV specials. After its success, the series went on to produce a Halloween, Thanksgiving, Easter, New Years and even two other Christmas specials.

A Charlie Brown Christmas is a holiday classic that’s fueled by good morals and inspiring tales.

grade: A-

R

udolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is a stop motion film depicting the heartwarming tale of Rudolph, the famous red-nosed reindeer.

Everybody knows the legend of Rudolph. Born in the North Pole with a strange red nose, he must overcome the adversity of being different.

Isolated by his abnormally red nose, Rudolph ends up using it as an advantage by lighting Santa’s sleigh ride on a foggy Christmas night.

Immortalized through song, this narrative is renowned by children and adults alike.

The film itself was originally a television special that aired in 1964.

It is done in claymation, which is a stop motion style of animation involving clay figures. This gives the piece a very timeless and nostalgic feel.

Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer is truly one of those animated works that evokes emotion in a way that no live-action film can. It’s definitely a Christmas classic and a must-watch for anyone who’s yet to see it.

grade: A

N

December 2012

film.

Open road films

R

dreamworks studios

By: Mary Haney mhaney.gazette@gmail.com

By: Thomas Taylor ttaylor.gazette@gmail.com

Rated: PG

the rise of the guardians: B

ise of the Guardians is a completely new and interesting take on familiar stories from our childhood. It is a reimagining of classic characters done correctly.

Rise of the Guardians, most importantly, is a fun and interesting animated movie.

Rise of the Guardians is aimed at pre-teens and does a lot to appeal to this demographic incorporating fun slapstick humor and entertaining visual gags. However some of the themes of the movie, like being forgotten and overcoming loneliness, also apply to adolescents and even some adults–thus widening the acceptable audience for this movie to all ages.

The story revolves around young Jack Frost, a character you may have heard of already. Frost is the minor divine being who is responsible for those enchanting winter days when children frolic outside in the snow.

Alas ,Frost has been forgotten by the children of the world. Therefore, when he is invited to join the likes of Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny (do not mistake him for a kangaroo!), The Tooth Fairy and the Sandman to be a “Guardian” of the believers, he is a little skeptical.

Fortunately, this odd assortment of heroes rallies together to fight the Boogeyman, also known as Pitch Black.

This quest serves as vehicle to allow Frost to develop into a kind and caring adolescent who learns to cooperate with others, becoming more relatable to teenagers.

The most impressive piece of the entire movie, however, was the animations and voice acting. Voice acting helped to deliver this more edgy Santa (words I never thought I’d type) and lent an interesting twist to the Easter Bunny as an Australian.

The animations were spectacular for Jack Frost and his friends, but the enemy horsestype characters were not very intimidating, again weakening the battle scenes.

This re-imagining of classic children stories is still an amusing and interesting child’s and adolescent movie. Unfortunately its potential is stunted a small amount by weak battle scenes. Rise of the Guardians did make me believe, just for a second, that Jack Frost was real.

red dawn: C-

ew movie Red Dawn is a remake of the hit 80s film in which a small town in Washington is invaded by North Korea and it becomes up to the town to start a revolution.

The film starts out centered around a broken family residing in the relatively small town of Spokane, Washington. The two siblings of the family, interestingly enough, had two brothers whose actors were Chris Hemsworth (Jed Eckert) and Josh Peck(Matt Eckert).

Now, don’t get me wrong, Josh Peck made for a fantastic sensitive older brother to portray himself in Nick’s Drake and Josh, but watching him try to be a serious war leader was painful to say the least.

The movie begins with older brother, Jed, returning home from time served as a marine.

We later find out that it was due to their mother’s death, that Jed left to become a marine to find himself instead of helping his father and younger brother sort through their emotions during the difficult time.

Just a few days after his return, their small town is bombed and raided by North Korea who immediately begins to turn their community into a series of camps.

Only a few children made it out, the Eckert brothers, and a few other locals that were able to hop into the bed of their truck.

Unsure of where to go from there, they decide that the only reasonable thing left to do would be to would be to form a group to fight back to avenge their deceased mother and recent father as of the war.

They encounter many obstacles and turn their main goal into killing their community’s new North Korean leader. Ridden with clichés, the journey leads brothers to mend the bonds that broke all while fighting for their parents and homes.

While the film definitely had potential sprinkled throughout it, it’s apparent need for clever catchphrases and overused ideas was very much a let down.

Red Dawn would probably make for a good movie for younger video game obsessed boys and girls to gawk over, with mild violence and references to the video game Modern Warfare.

Overall, while I wouldn’t consider it worth the $10.50 it costs to sit through a movie, it may be worth a $6 Tuesday or a Redbox rental.

Rated: R

B

20th Century Fox Distribution

reaking Dawn Part 2, the last movie of the Twilight Sage, did not disappoint.

Being a Twilight fan like myself, I found the movie to be witty and possibly the best out of all four of the preceding movies.

The most recent Twilight movie, Breaking Dawn part 1, did seem to interest me quite as much as this one did.

If you did not read the book, there are many surprises to come while watching this film.

Breaking Dawn is full of action, romance and fantasy.

Contrary to popular belief, this movie is not just for girls. While seeing the movie, I saw just as many guys as girls.

Without giving anything away, this movie begins with Bella’s start in her new life as a vampire.

Along with this transition, comes her and Edward’s responsibility of having a child, Renesmee.

This child is no normal human, in the eyes of the Volturi, she is a threat to society and appears as an abomination.

Bella and the Cullen’s prove their protection for their family by rounding up vampires for a battle against the Volturi.

One of my favorite parts about this movie was how Bella and the rest of the Cullen clan showed their will power and strong belief in each other.

Even if you’re not a vampire fan, this movie has a spin of wolves with it.

Especially if you are a fan of Taylor Lautner with his chiseled body and masculine figure, then it seems worth paying $5 on Tuesday movie nights.

Telling much of anything else, to me, seems like it would ruin the thrill and excitement of the movie.

Much to my surprise, this saga ended with a bang. After seeing the credits once it was over, I felt a sense of sadness that this series is now over.

The everlasting romance story between forbidden love and the twisted secrets are now over.

If you are a fan of action/adventure and romance, then I would highly recommend seeing The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2.

Rated: PG-13 By: Maddy Harris mharris.gazette@gmail.com

breaking dawn part 2: A

Page 18

touchstone pictures

Rated: PG-13 By: Austin Alcaine aalcaine.gazette@gmail.com

lincoln: A

teven Spielberg is already one of the most talented directors in history, and with his most recent release Lincoln he has really outdone himself.

Lincoln follows the last months of The Civil War as our 16th president Abraham Lincoln tries to pass the 13th amendment to abolish slavery.

Actor Daniel Day Lewis does a phenomenal job playing the soft spoken Lincoln. As the film follows Lincoln through his political life, it was incredibly interesting to see the parallels between 19th century politicians and the modern day politicians.

Lincoln also employs of his fellow republican politicians to convince the democrats of dire need to pass the amendment. Thaddeus Stevens (Tommy Lee Jones) throughout the whole movie is in support of Lincoln and his desire to pass the 13th amendment.

Thaddeus delivers a speech to Congress that moves a lot of them and opens their eyes on the subject.

The film also goes in depth into Lincoln’s personal life, showing him as Lincoln the husband and father not the president. The movie shows Lincoln with his children trying to balance his personal life with his life as commander-in-chief.

If you are interested in watching Lincoln because you think it will be full of action, you will be sadly mistaken; however Lincoln has some of the most phenomenal acting I have ever seen. Daniel Day Lewis hits a home run with his role as Lincoln and sells everything about it. When watching the movie, I thought I was seeing the Lincoln, not an actor.

I would recommend Lincoln to anyone because of its brilliant acting and an incredible plot. I have never seen a better historical film that shows an accurate depiction of what happened without putting me to sleep.

Lincoln is an excellent film, and if anyone is contemplating seeing it, stop thinking and just go– you won’t be disappointed.

mangolia pictures

S

ilver Linings Playbook – a quirky, comical tale about the trials of living with a mental illness – follows a bipolar 34-year-old man’s struggle to re-integrate into society following a eight-month stay at a sanatorium.

The protagonist (named Pat Solitano in the film and Pat Peoples in the novel) eventually finds his “silver lining” in life through the curative, unifying spirit of football, reconciliation with his friends and – most importantly – a second chance at love.

With a cast packed full of big-name actors and actresses – namely Bradley Cooper (who plays Pat), Jennifer Lawrence and Robert De Niro – the film allows for an interesting blending of acting repertoires and character interpretations.

David O. Russell, the film’s director, was especially liberal when it came to adapting the 2008 novel (by Matthew Quick) into a screenplay – understandably so, as first-person narratives often leave much to reader interpretation.

That being said – the choices of the director end up altering the narrative into an entirely different story.

What was once a diary-like account of events – driven by daily happenings and observations – became an archetypal romantic comedy, with a small twist, that follows an overly rigid plot progression.

The pivotal, most disappointing difference between the novel and the movie is this: the major incident responsible for Pat’s bipolar episodes is revealed within the first 15 minutes of the film, whereas it’s not revealed until at least two-thirds of the way through the novel.

This dramatic tension – the way in which the protagonist’s psyche was gradually unraveled – was the only device that encouraged me to trudge past the novel’s painfully simplistic prose.

Without it, the film is sadly relegated to being a half-hearted, almost-too-cliché romantic comedy.

While the novel did indeed have its funny, romantic moments, the film relies on them to drive its plot – forcefully adding comedic relief and a sense of catharsis while the focus on the characters’ struggles is pushed to the side and eventually neglected.

The Silver Linings Playbook certainly doesn’t provide any profound insights into mental illness, nor does it succeed in being a memorable romantic comedy.

Where it does succeed – or where its “silver linings” lie, if you will – is in merely being a feelgood movie, one that elicits thoughts about family, love and positivity.

At the very least, it is a slightly stirring, if not moving, film.

Rated: R By: Chris Pei cpei.gazette@gmail.com

silver linings playbook: C+

S

Page 19

film.

film district

P

laying for Keeps was a good, bad movie.

As confusing as that may sound, that is the only way I can think of to describe it.

Now, please don’t get the wrong idea. A good bad movie doesn’t mean that the movie was bad, because it wasn’t. However, it wasn’t an Oscarworthy masterpiece.

It was simply an okay-film that served its purpose: numb entertainment.

Now, I must admit, I was disappointed. I was hoping for a qualitative family-friendly film.

I expected the film to at least be good. After all, it had a great cast, including Gerald Butler and Jessica Biel. And, the trailer seemed intriguing.

Unfortunately As the film progressed, the impression of it began to gradually degrade. And that was mainly because of how the producers decided to conclude the films. What upset me about this film was how cliché and predictable it became.

I had hoped that the film would be original.

In truth, this film was like a better version of Life as we know it.

The plot of Playing for Keeps was fairly simple.

A retired soccer star George (Gerald Butler) is trying to adjust to his new life, starting with trying to win back his wife, Stacy (Jessica Biel) and his son.

What made the film fall into the ‘good’ category of bad films was its numerous, very humorous sub-plots.

That’s what essentially made the film durable and enjoyable.

There were many endearing scenes and lots of comedy as well.

My critiques mainly evolved around the predictable plot line, and a lack of clarity in the dialogue between the actors.

The camera action was also shaky in the first third of the films, causing a feeling of tension and stress in the viewer.

My final critique regarding the film was Gerald Butler’s driving.

I’m not sure if his character was supposed to be like that, but I identified his driving as reckless, another contributing factor towards my stress in the beginning of the film, you felt he was going to crash at any moment.

However, the film did please, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a light movie.

Rated: PG-13 By: Kiana Okhvat kokhvat.gazette@gmail.com

playing for keeps: C+

December 2012

Page 20

December 2012

decades.

Sports-a-rama

1st- seniors 3rd- juniors 2nd- sophomores 4th- freshmen

Senior captain Joey Long celebrates the senior victory, seniors Dennis Mathew and Jake Weatherholt embody their characters from Mean Girls, senior Naveen Chawi dominates in musical chairs over freshman Maggie Bell, junior Owen McNiff gets into character as Willy Wonka, sophomore Kristen Hilburn dresses as Sharpay from High School Musical accompanied by her ‘brother’ Ryan, sophomore Nick Dumke.

Gazette photo /Kristin TAylor

Red Dawn

C-

The Rise of the Guardians

B

Breaking A Dawn: part 2 SeeDark pages 18-19 for reviews Shadows

In Theat ers

A

Lincoln

C+

Silver Linings Playbook

C+

Playing for Keeps