May 2014 combined all sections by Karl Grubaugh

Athletes and coach of the year

A year in review

Live from Coachella G8-9

Two weekends of music, art, and fashion icons

Differing opinions on the 2013-2014 schoolyear

The Gazette picks this year’s finest

The Granite Bay Gazette GRANITE BAY HIGH SCHOOL w 1 GRIZZLY WAY w GRANITE BAY, CA w 95746 w VOLUME 18 wISSUE 8 w FRIDAY, MAY 23, 2014

Commentary

Nearing the end . . .

caitlyn hurley

churley.gazette@gmail.com

Freshman Mathew Massoth slides toward the end of the slip-nslide ride during Day at the Bay last Friday. The annual event, which features inflatables, music, opengym activities and lots of free food, was a hit for many Granite Bay High students. It was the last Day at the Bay for seniors, who will participate in grad week activities next week leading up to graduation on May 31.

We’ve had our share of grief, Class of 2014

o let me get this straight – we lost Sports-A-Rama, the government shut down, we lost Powderpuff AND we had detention all this year? WTH? Senior year is supposed to be the best year of high school. We are supposed to be making our last moments matter with the people who matter the most, but I have spent this year waiting for it all to come to an end. It all started with the dress code in August. Girls across the campus were outraged with the sexist and unreasonable dress requirements the administration seemed to suddenly require for our campus. But this insanity was just the tip of the iceberg. In September, senior conduct and detention began making an obnoxious appearance on campus. These unwelcome policies outraged seI feel like niors across our campus, but all everyanger was put thing that on hold when could go our federal wrong government decided to take this year a quick break. Chaos spread did go through our wrong. Advanced But in Placement the end, Government classes as we it doesn’t were convinced matter. ... by teacher JarThe class rod Westberg that the world of 2014 is was going to end on Oct. 16, a family. 2013 – the day We have the government had many was supposedly lows, but going out of business. our high Although we moments lived through outrank that quick national scare, them all. our immediate safety was jeopardized when our school experienced not one, but two bomb threats. Unfortunately, these bomb threats didn’t get us out of school, but it did get us out of class for a little bit. Our school did make a tremendous effort to flaunt our wealth this year by adding our incredibly necessary $55,000 marquee. And don’t forget about our state-of-theart parking lot cameras that are used to monitor people’s ability to park inside the lines. I feel like everything that could go wrong this year did go wrong. But in the end, it doesn’t matter. As much as this year has continuously stunk, my class continuously rocked. The class of 2014 is a family. We have had many lows, but our high moments outrank them all. Travis Bauer was crowned Homecoming King, three senior directors overcame insane protesters to put on The Laramie Project and we were the first and last class to have to take STAR tests every year, K-11. We’ve seen it all in these past four years, everything from feminists to rednecks to neocons. But none of that changes the journey we all traveled together to get to this ending moment. Peace out GBHS, kiss our class.

*** Caitlyn Hurley, a senior, is a Gazette co-editor-in-chief.

Gazette photo/ CAITLYN HURLEY

Close-of-the-year activities excite many seniors as graduation looms BY MAKENZIE BRITO

some members of the faculty at a Rocklin park, was the chance for the seniors to enjoy a meal on a nice day with their fellow classmates, and of course miss a day of school. Tonight’s Senior Sunset, the representative closing of senior year, provides a perfect conclusion to Senior Sunrise, which took place on the first day of school in August. Traditionally the seniors gather in the quad, hang out, attach their high school regrets on the string of a yellow balloon and release it into the sky as the sun sets. “I’m so excited for Senior Sunset because you get to hang out with friends and write your regret in a balloon and send it off,” senior Ali McCormick said. Although it’s a fun and uplifting event, as one of the final celebrations of senior year, some find Senior Sunset a sentimental conclusion for the Class of 2014. “Obviously it’ll be great, but at the same time it’ll be a bittersweet event because it’s

mbrito.gazette@gmail.com

With the school year soon coming to a close, many year-ending senior events and activities are just around the corner. These events include Senior Picnic, Senior Sunset, Senior Breakfast, graduation and Sober Grad Night. The first of these long-anticipated events was Senior Ball, which featured the theme “Carry On” – the night of May 3 was well spent by the senior class. “It was amazing being able to share such a wonderful and elegant night with my entire class,” senior Destiny Butcher said. “Having fun with everyone and just being together was such a great feeling.” Numerous seniors, including Alex Rocca, agreed that night was one to remember. Next among the events was this week’s Senior Picnic and tonight’s Senior Sunset. Senior Picnic, a gathering for seniors and

one of the final stepping stones of senior year and high school,” senior Kerri O’Brien said. Sober Grad Night, on May 31 after graduation, will take place at Sunsplash water park and includes a late night filled with water slides, goodies and arcade games. “I’m most looking forward to Sober Grad Night because I’ve heard how great it is from my older siblings,” Rocca said. “All the other events will be sentimental and fun, but I think it will be great to have that final hurrah with our class somewhere off campus. The fact that it’s overnight and at Sunsplash just makes it even cooler.” Another perk to Sober Grad Night is the raffle prizes and the return of the hypnotist from Senior Fifth Quarter. “I’m definitely planning on staying the whole time so I can see if I won any of the prizes,” McCormick said.

Senior Events w7 p.m. tonight – Senior Sunset, GBHS Quad w1:30 p.m. Thursday – Senior Goodbye Rally, Large Gym w7:30 a.m., May 30 – Senior Breakfast, Cafeteria w8:30 a.m., May 30 – Graduation practice, Cafeteria and Football Field w9 a.m., May 31 – Graduation, Football Field w10 p.m.-6 a.m., May 31-June 1 – Sober Grad Night, Roseville Sun Splash

See SENIORS, page A5

Source/Gazette research and Granitebayhigh.org

Some students choose alternatives

Girls grab top spots for Class of 2014

Not all post-high school options for GBHS seniors fit into typical pattern

Pair recognized for academic excellence throughout their high school careers

BY MAGGIE BELL

mbell.gazette@gmail.com

BY SYDNEY KAHMANN skahmann.gazette@gmail.com Gazette photo /CAITLYN HURLEY

The valedictorian and salutatorian for Granite Bay High School’s class of 2014 have been announced – Anna von Wendorff will be valedictorian and Anvita Mishra will be salutatorian. Both are International Baccalaureate Diploma candidates, and Von Wendorff has a total grade-point average of 4.61 while Mishra has a total GPA of 4.58. Both have taken additional courses outside of the school’s IB program. Von Wendorff has taken courses at Sierra College, online IB courses,

FAST FACTS

Anna von Wendorff and Anvita Mishra have been named as valedictorian and salutatorian for the graduating class of 2014 Regional Occupational Program courses and Advanced Placement courses. Mishra took ROP and AP courses as well. Next fall, von Wendorff will be attending Stanford University with plans to double major. She has not declared her major yet – Stanford does not require students to declare a major until their junior year – but plans on majoring in computer science as well as a humanities major, possibly in jour-

inside the Gazette news

Interview with educational leader Michelle Rhee answers questions from one of The Gazette’s own

nalism or political science. Von Wendorff’s passion is volunteering, and after earning a master’s degree in business administration, she would like to enter the nonprofit field. “I work with nonprofits here in the community and the fact that a business can do so much for just regular people is really inspiring to me,” von Wendorff said. See GIRLS, page A6

After college everyone takes a different path and more often than not, you won’t see the majority of them ever again. At a highly competitive academic school such as Granite Bay High, it is somewhat assumed, if not expected, for students to go on to a higher education of learning. The GBHS graduating class of 2013 had a 95 percent rate of students going on to college – and these numbers have been consistent year to year for the school. A common topic of conversation among seniors is the classic, “Do you know where you are going yet?” with the subject of college implied. When students and parents think college, they think of the tradition-

voices

All about Boys Team Charity

New chapter provides charity option for high school boys

al four-year university with dorms and a Greek life – however for the remaining 5 percent of seniors in the “other” category, venturing into life after GBHS offers a lesstraveled path Senior Kris Anderson planning to fulfill a lifelong dream of entering the military. “I’ve wanted to be in the military since I was a little kid,” Anderson said. Although he knows he wants to enter straight into the military from high school, he is still not sure if he wants to make a career out of it. Anderson is also not abandoning his studies while in the service. “I still am going to be taking online classes while I am in the military to rank up to officer,” AnderSee CHOICES, page A6

The ‘Gay Best Friend’ obsession

Dehumanizing trend marginalizes young gay males and treats them like a fashion accessory

A10

News

Granite Bay Gazette

Friday w May 23, 2014

NAMES IN THE NEWS

kristine khieu kkhieu.gazette@gmail.com

Students address disability issues

Speaking with Michelle Rhee

Local education reformer addresses long-term goals

ranite Bay High School Youth FORCE club, with president Anna von Wendorff, hosted a night of disability awareness on April 7. The goal was to encourage attendees to understand the challenges that people with disabilities have to face every day. Speakers with disabilities came and spoke about what it means to have a disability and how it’s affected their lives. A Touch of Understanding, a local non-profit organization, provided hands-on activities to help people learn what it’s like to live with a disability like autism or dyslexia. Thank you to everyone who came out to participate! *** Congratulations to the Buljan family for their new baby, Dominik Miller Buljan! He was born on March 18, 2014, and shares the same birthday as Queen Latifah and U.S. President Grover Cleveland. *** Attention all GBHS students! AP Euro teacher Mike Valentine made a Snapchat. He’s still figuring out how to take a selfie. *** GBHS’s annual Powderpuff spirit week happened at the beginning of April. Students and teachers showed off their outfits all week to support juniors or seniors. Special recognition to Kritika Amanjee for coming up with one of the best outfits on cops and robbers day. She showed up in a striped shirt with a piece of paper that said “the American college system.” *** Congratulations to Gabby Romero, 2013 GBHS graduate, on becoming a San Francisco 49ers Gold Rush cheerleader! She fought tooth and manicured nail for her coveted spot. *** The attendance of seniors at GBHS has reached an all-time low. It seems that many of them have caught the crippling disease known as “senioritis.” Eight more days until graduation! *** Freshmen, sophomores and juniors had to endure two weeks of Common Core testing a few weeks ago. Seniors got to sleep in gloriously until 9:10. It was wonderful. *** Kristine Khieu, a senior, is a Gazette news editor.

BY JENNA MCCARTHY

jmccarthy.gazette@gmail.com

___

Michelle Rhee served as a teacher in Baltimore for several years. From 2007-2009, she served as the Chancellor of Washington, D.C. public schools. Now, Rhee is the founder and chief executive officer of StudentsFirst, an organization based in Sacramento that strives to improve America’s public schools. *** Gazette: How has your background as a teacher and a chancellor shaped your views on education? Rhee: The time I spent in the classroom as a teacher at an inner-city school – and later running an urban school district – taught me the most important lesson that guides everything I do. That is: every student has the ability to achieve in school, regardless of their background or skin color or the ZIP code where they live or how wealthy their parents are. I’ve seen kids who came to school hungry, who were abused at home and whose parents never even finished high school outperform their peers. So, I know the power that a great teacher and a great school can have. Gazette: What do you feel were your greatest accomplishments as the chancellor

of Washington, D.C., public schools? Rhee: I was only Chancellor for three years, and a lot of changes to schools take many years to bear fruit. But when I took over the school system there in 2007, it was the worst urban school district in the nation. Last year – just six years later – D.C. students showed bigger gains on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) tests than any other big-city district in the country. I also have to say that, while I was in D.C., I’m very proud that I was able to make sure that every student, at every school, had access to art, music and physical education programs, as well as putting a librarian, a nurse and a counselor in every school. That was not nearly the case before. Gazette: Would you ever consider repeating that position in another region? Rhee: The reason I left teaching in a classroom in the first place was because I wanted to have a positive impact on as many children as possible – not just in one classroom but in as many classrooms as I could. With StudentsFirst, we’re able to make a difference for tens of millions of students across the country. I’d like to continue working to make that kind of broad-scale change. Gazette: What are your views on standardized testing? Rhee: I think it’s important to have some kind of objective measure of student academic

knowledge and progress. Just like a ruler is objective when it measures how tall we are and the bathroom scale is objective when it measures how much we weigh. In order to provide high-quality instruction, we need a picture of what kids know and what they are able to do. How else will schools know how and where to improve? That said, standardized testing is just one of many, many ways to assess how schools are performing. We ought to use every type of measurement available to us and not rely on standardized tests alone. Gazette: How do you feel about the implementation Common Core? Does it align with your fundamental beliefs about education and reform? Rhee: Absolutely. I agree with the 45 states that are voluntarily adopting Common Core and the 75 percent of teachers (according to a recent survey) who say Common Core standards will improve students’ critical thinking and reasoning skills. Here’s why: I think every student in this country deserves a great education. But that’s not the case today. From state to state, children are measured by different bars of excellence. A kid in Massachusetts might be held to a higher academic standard than a kid from Wyoming.

See RHEE, page A4

Job opportunities interest students for the summer

Teens join the workforce to gain outside experience BY MEREDITH DECHERT mdechert.gazette@gmail.com

With summer vacation approaching, some students are planning to opt out of typical couch potato activities and get a job or internship. “I wanted to get a job because I had a lot of extra time over the summer,” said Granite Bay High School senior Preet Cheema. “I’m going to community college, so it’s something I can continue doing for the next two years as well.” Cheema currently works at NuYo, the Granite Bay frozen yogurt shop popular with GBHS students. Working at NuYo is Cheema’s first job, and she is working to save money and to get some resume-boosting experience. “For a lot of other places I wanted to work (at) … they wanted previous work, so it was easy to get NuYo because they didn’t need experience,” Cheema said. “I’m kind of using it as a step to get to a new, better job.” Cheema recommends that GBHS students and graduates forego jobs at the Galleria Mall in Roseville or other shopping centers in favor of something close to home, if they can. The NuYo job application was on Craigslist when Cheema found it. The ad didn’t even say Nuyo. It had a more title like “a Granite Bay frozen yogurt shop.” “I called tons of places (looking for a job) and they were like, ‘Oh, we just hired,’” she said. “So it’s easy to go on Craigslist and know for sure they’re hiring, since it updates about every

single day, and there are a lot of options close to summer.” Senior Alex Rocca is also looking to get his first job. He hopes to hear back soon from H&M, a clothing retail store, or the Apple Retail Store, both of which are located in the Roseville Galleria Mall. “I think that for me personally it would be more interesting to work in retail than something like food service,” he said, “because I like clothes, and I like computers and I like Apple products, and I think it’s a lot more enjoyable to help people find something they get excited about.” Cheema, on the other hand, said she’s happy to work at Nuyo. Even though there might be periods of monotonous inactivity, she’s always busy and she thinks that it’ll be fun to see her friends come in during the summer. Rocca also hopes to fill up his summer by working at his first job. “It’s mostly for money,” he said, “and I kind of just want to have work experience that I can have on my resume and appreciation for the dollar. I kind of want to feel more independent rather than having to ask my parents (for money).” The stores Rocca applied to required resumes, he said, and several asked for a cover letter. “Since I don’t have any work experience,” he said, “I had to include a lot of extracurricular activities and any leadership positions that I have through those activities and some academic information.” Rocca said he hopes to get an internship in the future that is more related to his career interests. But since those internships tend to be unpaid, he’s happy sticking with a paid job for now. Senior Anna Lim is taking another route – instead focusing on internships where she can learn more about her major in

college, architecture. She currently has two internships, one through the Architecture and Engineering ROP program at GBHS and another at Borges Architectural Group in Roseville. In her ROP, she shadows the maintenance workers for the school district and learns about construction, while at Borges she helps create the final product in the architectural rendering process through photo-editing software. Both internships are unpaid, but Lim said she is getting realworld experience. She was also offered a paid internship for the summer, though she won’t be able to take it. Lim recommends being assertive and persistent in applying for internships at professional offices. “To get the internship at Borges … I basically just bothered their manager for a really long time,” she said. “One time I walked into the office, because he told me to come by, but he wasn’t there, so I wrote him a note on a Post-it and stuck it on his computer so he would call me.” To her, a put-together resume is equally important. Although she didn’t have much work experience before applying for the internship, she made sure her references were in order. If students or grads want to get real-life experience in their area of career interest, Lim says to go for it, if they can show enthusiasm. “It’s also important to let them know why you want the internship,” Lim said. “Not just like, ‘Oh I want a job over the summer,’ but, ‘I want to become this when I go to college.’ … you need to have a very obvious passion for the thing you are applying for because the people who are considering you will like you more, and even if they don’t need an intern, they might be like, ‘I want to give it to this person’.”

Seniors face conduct appeal process as school year ends Spikes in tardies and absences result in an increase in detentions

CORRECTIONS

BY CAROLINE PALMER

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

__As the school year comes to an end, more and more Granite Bay High School seniors have found themselves on senior conduct. For some, the issue was quickly fixed, but for others, the problem took a bit more effort. Seniors are placed on senior conduct for a number of reasons, but the most common is attendance. “I got on senior conduct because I was tardy to first period … 16 times and had too many truancies,” said GBHS senior Jenn Treleaven. “It hasn’t really affected me so far because administration really didn’t enforce it very well and they still allowed me to participate in everything.”

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

STUDENTSFIRST

That’s like placing a basketball hoop 10 feet from the ground in one state but only eight feet in a different one. While playing on the lower hoop might make you feel good, you’re going to be in trouble when the rest of the country – and the world – plays on the higher one. Common Core helps ensure that all students, regardless of where they live, are actually being taught what they need to know to be successful. Gazette: Many of your reforms took place in low-income, low education-level areas, such as Washington, D.C., and Baltimore. Our high school, Granite Bay High School, is located in a very high-income, high education-level area. How do your beliefs and ideals align with our demographics? Rhee: For me, it’s not about income or family background. All students deserve a great education, all parents deserve information that allows them to make the best choices about their kids’ schools, and all teachers deserve to be treated as professionals. Even in communities that are not lowincome, we still see a huge gap between how black and Latino students are doing in school compared to their classmates. We call that the “achievement gap.” It exists

cpalmer.gazette@gmail.com

The goal of senior conduct is to restrict seniors from going to certain senior year events in order to promote a better-behaved class, as fewer seniors are showing up to school. Sybil Healy, GBHS assistant principal, estimates that at the start of year one in five students were on senior conduct. “Say (someone) had an issue earlier in the fall (but) they had good behavior (later on). Then, it would be easier to get off senior conduct.” Healy said. “I would say 90 percent of seniors get off senior conduct, so it’s not hard to, it sounds scary (but if you) don’t do stupid stuff, then you’re not in trouble.” After allegedly breaking the mic at the Mr. Grizzly show, GBHS senior Blaise Nasri had an interesting situa-

tion in which he was told he was on senior conduct but never showed up on the list. “The only effect was a slight financial setback for the cost of the mic,” Nasri said, “ A lot of the class is technically on the list but may not even be aware of it due to the lack of communication that the admin conveys.” To the benefit of many seniors, the appeal process is undergoing some changes. “We’ve had to keep changing it,” Healy said, “Hopefully that will be set up soon, but I don’t see a lot of students having to go, certain students already know they have to appeal and they’ve been talked to already” Unlike Treleaven and Nasri, Destiny Butcher had a slightly more enforced

experience of senior conduct and appealing it. “I had a lot of tardies and then I got really sick and couldn’t come to school and they put me on senior conduct for attendance,” Butcher said. “I had to bring two weeks worth of doctors notes just to get me off since my parents’ excuse that I was sick wasn’t enough.” When on senior conduct. Butcher said she wasn’t impacted significantly either, besides making her parents upset and not being able to miss school when she needs to. Butcher didn’t miss out on any senior activities either. Siera Panter was also put on senior conduct after going on vacation for a week. She was on the list but never had to appeal. “I didn’t appeal it or anything, I just somehow magically was able to go

to Senior Ball when the time came,” Panter said. “It did keep me from missing any more school though, which I definitely did not like.” Students like Panter question why just seniors are punished. “I feel like senior conduct was handled interestingly this year, Nasri said. “I say this because senior conduct was advertised as a result of poor attendance rather than behavior and naturally (I) questioned whether it is for the benefit of the student body or rather an attempt to heighten attendance, and in return funding.” The only event remaining that seniors can be restricted from is participating in Senior Picnic and at graduation. It’s possible not many students will even need to appeal. “Seniors have improved a great deal,” Healy said. “I took probably 50 students off the list yesterday.”

Friday, May 23, 2014

News

w The Granite Bay Gazette

Volunteer organization starts chapter GBHS boys do charity for community BY TAMREN JOHNK

tjohnk.gazette@gmail.com ___Students at Granite Bay High School have al-

ways been involved in a variety of volunteer organizations, and over the past year, a group of GBHS boys have devoted their time to a new one that has sprouted up here in the community. They have been seen wearing their distinctive blue shirts at volunteer activities for myriad organizations, ranging from autism support group A Touch of Understanding to the Placer County SPCA and the American River Parkway Foundation. This new organization, Boys Team Charity, has been introduced to Granite Bay thanks to its local chapter founder Heidi Davis-Spargo. The Granite Bay League of btc is made up of seventh through 12th grade boys along with their parents who live in or attend schools in the Eureka Union School District or Granite Bay High School attendance areas. “(It is) a volunteer service organization dedicated to developing an altruistic spirit in young men through active participation of parents and sons in philanthropic projects in their communities,” Davis-Spargo said in an email. For many years, Davis-Spargo volunteered with a similar organization for mothers and daughters called National Charity League. After working alongside her daughters and seeing all the great work they accomplished, Davis-Spargo wanted her current eighth grade son at Cavitt Junior High to have the same opportunity to acquire those comparable experiences. “I was prepared to launch a similar non-profit from scratch, but was fortunate to find an existing organization based in Arizona (boys team charity, Inc.) which was structured in a way that met my criteria and encompassed a set of core values I could get behind,” Davis-Spargo said. “The final piece fell into place when many of my friends who are talented and dedicated individuals with already full plates agreed to step up to serve in board and other leadership positions to help me launch the organization.” Now the organization is up and running and has just completed its first year, with 155 student members and 427 members (including parents). In the first year, 84 of the members were GBHS students – and now that btc is in its second year, that number has grown to 120. As long as boys meet the grade and attendance criteria, they can participate in btc, although class sizes are limited. “(It’s) a membership open to all interested boys ... on a first come/first serve basis as long as there is space in their grade level with 26 members on average per class,” Davis-Spargo said. “If more interest than space exists, a random ‘draw’ for membership is conducted to determine membership, and the remaining boys are placed on a waitlist.” Members, both students and parents, must commit time to philanthropy and league events, logging at least 16-21 hours of service per year, de-

pending on their class level in school. In the first year, however, most members volunteered more hours than the minimum requirement because of the number and diversity of volunteer opportunities available. Currently, btc has philanthropy partnerships with 16 different non-profits in the Sacramento area, including Special Olympics, Susan G. Komen, Ronald McDonald House, Cycles4Hope, Alzheimer’s, Loaves and Fishes and the Folsom Zoo. The vice president of philanthropy, Kellie Criscione, has criteria these organizations. “On the business end, organizations must be a 501c3 non-profit organization, and must carry liability insurance,” Criscione said in an email. “From a ‘fit’ with btc standpoint, we look at having a balance of partner organizations across areas of interest like children and youth, health, elderly, homeless, arts, education, environment, animals, veterans and families.” Criscione searches for volunteer organizations that enable sons and parents to work together and provide a hands-on and meaningful involvement for the members to impact the community. “Students certainly have favorite organizations, and they are as individual as the students,” Criscione said. “Some love the peer-to-peer interactions with A Touch of Understandings children, others really enjoy the Special Olympics events cheering on the athletes and giving out the medals. We have some students that focus on the ongoing support at SPCA of working with the animals too.” GBHS junior Greg Fina joined btc because he believed it would be a fun way to give back to the community. Fina always looks forward to new btc events and volunteer opportunities that make a difference in other people’s lives. “I’ve volunteered with the Special Olympics for bowling which was really cool because the kids were so ecstatic to be there and throughout the whole event, they were all laughing and just having a great time,” Fina said. “Just seeing their smiles was uplifting and was something special that made my day.” While helping the community was the driving factor, GBHS junior Will Stabbert has found that his time in btc has allowed him to grow as a person and try new things as well. “I’ve served at Loaves and Fishes, which is a soup kitchen in Sacramento, and at Cycles4Hope, which allowed us to give bikes to the homeless in Sacramento,” Stabbert said. “I really liked serving at Loaves and Fishes because it was really cool to meet the people there and get to know them a bit more.” The btc members have to be ready to tackle a wide variety of activities when they do choose to volunteer. “(Boys help in) everything from homework tutoring at-risk youth, to preparing and serving food at homeless or women’s shelters, to doing yard work and maintenance tasks at transitional housing and other facilities, to helping with set up/administration/clean-up at fund-raisers,” Davis-Spargo said. “The boys have to be prepared to work hard, get

dirty at times and most of all remain flexible so that they are ready and willing to do whatever is needed on the spot.” In addition to their volunteer activities, members also meet approximately six times a year; there are three “General Meetings” and three “Class Meetings” that often feature educational or motivational speakers. During these, boys and parents alike have the chance to interact with each other, work on group philanthropy projects and make new friends and alliances with other local and GBHS students. “We all just get a lot closer when we do the group activities. Our last (class meeting) was for the new and upcoming freshmen and we all played dodgeball,” Fina said. “It’s cool because we get to mentor them when they are freshmen; that way when they come into high school, they don’t have a hard time.” While btc might seem like a lot to juggle for current high schoolers with plates already filled with classes, sports, school activities and jobs, the amount of time volunteered, above the requirement, has an enormous payback. “Things like messing around with your friends is something that you have to put aside, but you can make it a big thing or not because you can volunteer as many hours as you want,” Fina said. “(Btc) has helped me as a person and has shaped my personality. It has made me much happier, and it just feels really good to give back.” This sense of accomplishment is something experienced by all involved in btc, whether as a student or parent volunteer. “The business side has been personally rewarding; I have had the pleasure of interacting with a great Board of Directors to start up this local League and all the wonderful philanthropy organizations to set up as partners for our launch,” Criscione said. “Then to see how the members embraced what btc has to offer and supported over 3,700 hours of volunteering with 155 young men as members was, and is, so inspiring and the biggest reward by far.” Davis-Spargo was also amazed by the outpouring interest and support in btc from all the families that were motivated to join from the start. “I have such profound admiration for all of these boys and their parents and their generosity of spirit,” she said. “It is incredibly inspiring to watch the boys at event after event lose themselves in the work. The gratitude and overwhelmingly positive feedback we’ve received about our ‘boys in the blue shirts’ from our philanthropy partners thus far has been wonderful. “We’re off to a great start.”

Special to the Gazette/ BOYS TEAM CHARITY GRANITE BAY LEAGUE

 Officer Martinez puts drunk goggles on a sophomore in btc to demonstrate the effects of intoxication on coordination, above. Below, btc members pose at their Christmas toy drive.

WASC test results advise adjustment to Common Core standards Accreditation status granted, adjustments advised BY ALEXA ZOGOPOULOS

azogopoulos.gazette@gmail.com

___Since its inception in 1996, Granite Bay

High School has been visited and thoroughly studied every six years by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), who grants varying spans in years of accreditation after each school visit. Under the direction of Tino Guzman, GBHS faculty, students and parents collectively conducted a self-study of the high school last spring, which included detailed explanations of school programs, perceived strengths and weaknesses, an action plan on how to fix any weaknesses and a range of statistics relating standardized test scores to socioeconomic status. When members of WASC visited the campus early January, class observations and random-student Q-and-As were designed to validate the self-study and to determine what strengths and areas needing improvement were as a whole. The results, which were viewed as generally positive among faculty and administration, included a list of 10 critical areas for follow-up which the school was supposed to

clearly improve on before the next two-day visit (as opposed to one-day visits in the past) within six years. “WASC gave us a list of 10 topics that they want us to improve on, which I believe is one more than last time they visited six years ago,” principal Mike McGuire said. “But none of them were in any way, shape or form sort of ‘gotcha’ statements ... they’re generally focused on how we need to better adjust for Common Core, which is obvious for all schools, I believe.” McGuire said he did not perceive the daylonger visit to be any red flag to the administration and faculty that they’re doing anything dramatically wrong. “I’m not gonna assume anything of what WASC thought,” McGuire said. Linda Dickson, physical education and advanced placement psychology teacher, as the leader of the WASC self-study said that she if there was any problem WASC could have seen beyond what they listed in the 10 critical areas, it could’ve been an engagement gap. “My personal assumption is that the visitors saw a gap between how well-prepared

and engaged our AP/IB kids are as compared to our CP students,” Dickson said. “We’re such a greatly performing school, but I think that’s our obvious problem and it’s very possible that WASC saw that when they visited.” GBHS senior Emma Moresi, who was on the self-study student committee and helped formulate the school’s self-analysis, agreed with Dickson. “I was in the Instruction group,” Moresi said, “So we talked a lot about the differences between the AP classes versus the CP classes and how maybe the CP students need more instruction, because the classes are very different.” Both Dickson and Moresi said they hope that along with adapting to Common Core and the other areas of improvement WASC wanted to see in six years, GBHS will work on minimizing this gap between the rigor of AP and CP classes to a level that will better prepare students in CP classes for their posthigh school lives. Contrarily, McGuire said that whether or not this is an issue that the school truly does need to work on, WASC did not mention it at all in its report, therefore the committee did

The Gazette talked to junior Kristen Hilburn, ASB’s next president starting this fall. Gazette: What made you want to run for ASB president? Hilburn: I wanted to run for ASB president because while working with CJ (Stone, outgoing ASB president) I really got to understand what the position entailed and I fell in love with it! Gazette: What are you most excited about to be ASB president? Hilburn: Leading our meetings in Student Government and getting a chance to work on Ripple Effect Week! Gazette: How did you feel when you got elected?

Q A

Library breaks record with 600-plus students in a day

___The Learning Center underwent a burst of activity

Hilburn: I was so excited when I first heard! It was more of a nervous excitement though because it’s a big job! Gazette: What events are you looking forward to? Gazette photo /MARY-FRANCES HANSEN

Hilburn: I am really looking forward to planning Ripple Effect Week and being able to put my own little touch on it. Gazette: Are you planning on creating any changes for next year? If so, what are you thinking about altering and how are you going to accomplish that?

said that there was nothing anyone in his group mentioned that could have sounded worrisome. “We all mainly talked about how great the teachers are,” Ross-Flannagan said, “I did mention how we bought an expensive marquee yet my (AP Goverment) class didn’t have enough textbooks for a full class set ... so maybe they saw a misallocation of funds, but otherwise everyone was really positive.” For the future, Dickson hopes that the school follows WASC’s instruction of better adapting to Common Core and making all classes in every subject more writing-inclusive, but she also hopes that for their return in six years they will see students who are more engaged. “I think because they’re going to come back for a longer time, we’re really going to make sure we do follow through with our action plan and also help service our CP students instead of focusing on AP and IB,” Dickson said.“ I think that’s something you can’t just read on paper. WASC may need a few days to really talk to students and observe to see if we really are doing the best we can to prepare all students for the future.”

NEWS briefs

ASB UPDATE Next ASB president prepares to take office

not see it as a problem. “We have the 10 areas of improvement (that they gave us), and if WASC had stated that we needed to work more on helping the students ‘in the middle,’ then we’d know that was a concern of theirs,” McGuire said. “If it’s not in the 10 critical areas for follow-up, then there’s no need for conjecture, because it’s not what they thought.” Even with the unexpected two-day followup, the general consensus among GBHS administration and faculty is that the WASC results were very positive and there is no need to worry about the future visit. “Faculty is hardly worried,” Dickson said, “Yes, we got a two-day visit instead of one, and I thought that was a little strange and I was honestly shocked ... but we know this is a greatly performing school, so we don’t truly feel we have to worry about anything.” During the WASC visit, dozens of students were chosen at random to be a part of a Qand-A group where the visitors asked about teacher quality and how accepting students thought the school was as a whole and tried to match what they heard with the results of the self-study. Senior Bryce Ross-Flannagan was chosen to be in one of these discussion groups, and

ASB member Kristen Hilburn is already planning the next Ripple Effect Week for in the fall.

Hilburn: I haven’t thought of any huge changes or additions I would like to see for next year, but I am open to all ideas and am excited to put a lot of work into the job! –Compiled by Mary-Frances Hansen

last month, and it had nothing to do with students cramming for midterms. After the addition of 40 new Chromebook laptops to the library’s existing 50 desktop computers, the library can now accommodate two classes working on computers at once, each period. The laptops can also be checked out by teachers, a direct result of the schoolwide improvements in Wi-Fi spearheaded by GBiT, Granite Bay High School’s information technology program, Although they come with a learning curve, the Chromebooks have offered applications to facilitate teaching and real-time collaboration in and out of the classroom. They mark a significant departure from the days when the learning center had only 14 computers. With two busy lunches, zero period and a busy afterschool peer-tutoring program and fewer computers, the previous record was 554 students in one day. It’s reasonable to expect that this record will be surpassed soon as the school adjusts to having a higher capacity “future library,” as teacher librarian Julianna Hedstrom calls it. “We are still such a busy epicenter: the biggest place on campus for learning and instruction both for teachers and for students on their own,” Hedstrom said. –Compiled by Grace Moore

Gazette photo /GRACE MOORE

 Health and safety teacher Kathie Sinor displays a Chromebook that she has been using to aid her freshmen with research.

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Friday, May 23, 2014

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Students steal concessions from ticket window Thieves caught after second attempt BY HALEY BYAM

hbyam.gazette@gmail.com

The day after Shrek the Musical’s opening night, several Granite Bay High School students opened the window to the box office and stole an assortment of cookies and candy from the cast’s stock, leaving behind a “humorous” note in an apparent attempt to wave their successful heist in the face of the drama department. “I was very frustrated and angered by the situation, so after the show, (princi-

pal) Mr. (Mike) McGuire came by and I showed the note to him,” said Kyle Holmes, musical theatre teacher and director of the musical. “Then the next day, I borrowed a camera from (media teacher) Mr. (Zachary) Weidkamp, and we set it up in the booth and left the windows unlocked.” Just as they had the day before, the team of burglars approached the box office window, openly discussing what they had stolen the day before. “When you turned up the audio on the video, you could hear things like ‘This is (the) response to us taking everything yesterday? Putting more stuff out and leaving the windows unlocked?’” Holmes said. “And one kid said, ‘Where’s the

note we left?’ So they really just admitted to everything.” After their accidental confession, the students opened the box office window and looked over the candy selection. “(The students) picked stuff up but were like, ‘We don’t even like M&Ms,’ and closed the window,” Holmes said. “Then after all of this, one of the kids said, ‘Guys, don’t take anything, it’s probably a trap,’ but it was too late for them at that point.” Holmes exported the video and took it to GBHS administration, who recognized the students who were involved and began the disciplinary process. “I feel like it’s extremely disappointing,” said Robert DeLeon, GBHS senior

and Shrek The Musical light technician. “Kids who have no idea (of) the amount of time and effort that we put into what we do in the theater believed it was a good idea to violate what we have worked for, even if it was something as minute as stealing our concessions.” The administration treated the situation seriously, matching the handwriting on the note to the handwriting on the homework of one of the students involved. The GBHS student handbook policy states that students responsible for theft will be subject to disciplinary action, restitution and possible referral to the police. “To my knowledge, there were suspensions,” Holmes said. Although the situation was a disappoint-

ing start to Shrek The Musical, the drama department and cast are viewing the thefts as a careless act by immature underclassmen and hope that the rest of the student body has more respect for their program. “Those kids have no sense of dignity or integrity,” DeLeon said, “and I really hope that they grow up at some point, because behavior like that is not tolerated.” Other responses from cast members weren’t as severe. “I think they were just immature children who don’t know how to be funny yet,” said Kyle Girard, GBHS junior and Shrek The Musical cast member. “And they did it twice in a row, as if nobody noticed the first time. So that was pretty funny to watch on camera.”

RHEE: Local education reformer discusses future plans for public schools Continued from page A2

all across the country and it’s something I’m incredibly focused on. Additionally, students in this country continue to perform in the middle of the pack when compared to other countries. All of our schools, even in high-income communities, can – and need to – improve. Gazette: Today, the United States is not considered the “smartest” or best-educated country. How do you feel we can become more competitive, hard-working and educated? Rhee: You’re right, we’re not competing on the global stage anywhere near where we’re capable. Last year the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) placed the United States 26th in math, 21st in science and 17th in reading (out of 36 developed countries). I think everyone should be outraged about that.

Imagine if we came in 26th in the Olympics! People would be upset at that, so why aren’t we more upset when it comes to something as important as our public education system? Putting Common Core standards in place is a good start. We also need to elevate the teaching profession by rewarding our great teachers and giving help to those who could up their game, because the most powerful thing for a young person’s education is having an excellent teacher at the front of every single classroom. Gazette: Do you feel like our high schools are preparing students for higher education? How do you feel they can improve? Rhee: That’s a huge question, and a lot of schools are doing a great job, but let me tell you what I see: I see companies like Apple and Google and Facebook with really high-paying jobs looking to places like India and China to hire engineers and software developers because American universities aren’t graduating enough

of them. That means, in part, that our high schools are not sending students off with the knowledge they need to be successful in those careers. There are a lot of ideas for improvements, but putting Common Core standards in place will both raise the bar for all students and give us a benchmark to show us exactly where schools can improve. Gazette: What are your current views on teacher tenure? Rhee: The bottom line is that I think every classroom should have an excellent teacher in it. In most school districts, tenure is given automatically when a teacher has been in the classroom for only a few years, even if they aren’t effective. That doesn’t make sense – in no other profession out there do people have jobs for life if they’re not performing. Instead, tenure should be earned by a long track record of consistently great performance in the classroom.

Your names. Your sports. Your newspaper.

Gazette: What are your current projects and goals with your organization, Students First? Rhee: StudentsFirst’s focus is to help change laws at the state level to improve schools. We are currently active in 18 states, including California, pushing to changes to laws and policies and helping people get elected to office who think all education policy decisions should be made based on what is best for students. The laws we focus on fall into three areas: elevating the teaching profession, giving parents information and choice and making sure schools are spending their money responsibly. Gazette: Do you have any advice for Granite Bay High School students? Rhee: Always keep striving to be better. No matter what it is you’re doing or how good you think you already are, you can always be better. Always be looking to take things to that next level. Also, don’t be afraid to fight for what you believe in.

Friday, May 23, 2014

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SENIORS: Events will help wrap up students’ year Continued from page A1 These final senior events have and will be providing a picture-perfect ending to the seniors’ last stretch of high school, which for many have been a great and positive year. “Senior year has absolutely lived up to my expectations,” Rocca said, “ It gave me the opportunity to try new things, make a ton of new friends, grow up as a person and find my independence.” Butcher agrees that senior year has been the best year of high school yet. “Being a senior just feels great. Being able to take it easy and just relax toward the end is awesome,” Butcher said. “I’ve really been able to enjoy myself.” With the year coming to a close, the realization that college is just around the corner has left the senior class with mixed feelings. “I’m excited to be attending college soon but at the same time it’s sad that this chapter of our lives is ending and we’re moving on to another one,” O’Brien said. Some seniors feel sentimental about graduation while others are purely excited and optimistic about the future. “I cannot wait to graduate and move forward with my future,” Butcher said. “It’s exciting that we’re all going on to the next steps of our lives.”

Read the Gazette, the award-winning student newspaper of Granite Bay High

Gazette photos /CAITLYN HURLEY

Students and teachers splished and splashed at Day at the Bay last week, including volleyball players reaching high during an intense encounter on the quad grass, far left; juniors Tamren Johnk and Kat McGrail ride down the slip-’n’-slide, top; teacher Dale Mortensen takes on all comers in the dunk tank, left; seniors Alexandra Karalash, standing, and Emily Andress enjoy the slip-’n’-slide, bottom left; and senior Jennifer Oliver, bottom right, steps away from the inflatable.

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Friday, May 23, 2014

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GIRLS: They are bound for Stanford, Cal Tech Continued from page A1

On campus, von Wendorff worked with A Touch of Understanding, hosted Disability Awareness workshops and was very involved in Key Club. She also volunteered abroad in both Nicaragua and Germany. With Amigos de las Americas, von Wendorff worked in Nicaragua building a sports court by a school, a project chosen by the local people. “You don’t come in there with a bunch of money, build the project and leave, you work with the community so that they’re working with you to build the project,” von Wendorff said. In Germany, von Wendorff volunteered as part of

a work camp in Berlin. Volunteers from all over the world came to Berlin to help rebuild a historic monastery. During her time at the monastery, von Wendorff made a brick wall and had to “chip off parts” of the wall after building it to make it look older and more historical, von Wendorff said. The class of 2014’s salutatorian, Mishra will attend the California Institute of Technology as a bioengineering major in the fall. Mishra is currently debating between a career in bioengineering and becoming a neurologist. “My main activities at school were being the captain of the Science Bowl Team and the president of the

Square Rooters Math Club,” Mishra said in an email interview. “Outside of school, I am a tutor at Johnson Ranch, an extern at Aviva Medical Group and a volunteer at Mercy Hospital Neurology in Folsom.” Mishra has many accomplishments, among them earning ninth-place in the Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee in 2010 and placing second in the National Brain Bee in 2013. Von Wendorff and Mishra were chosen to represent the class of 2014 by a committee of teachers led by assistant principal Brent Mattix. The committee chose the candidates off of academic performance and decided to only have one valedictorian and one salutatorian instead of having multiple

CHOICES: Some look for other options Continued from page A1

son said. He is looking to either stay in the military or use his experience and class work to go into the paramedic/EMT field. “Even if I just stay in (the military] for four years, the benefits of a career (are) amazing in the long run,” Anderson said. Cindy Underwood, who works in the GBHS college and career center, is experienced in the area of college and post-high school decisions among students. “There are many options other than the four-year college route people take after high school,” Un-

derwood said. Other options among students like Anderson and a handful of others include entering into the military, deferring, entering into the workforce and various other alternatives. “These experiences that students get when taking a different path are broadening their horizons and getting life experience which is good.” Underwood said. Experiences vary from student to student; not every person fits the typical stereotype of going to college. Underwood has tremendous insight on post-high school decision making. “However for students that

Jumping into the future.

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choose to go straight into the working world with no post-high school education,” Underwood said, “they are going to find themselves stopped at a certain point and not able to move up past a certain point in the world.” In this day and age, it is unrealistic to not go onto any education after high school and make a living, however some people’s experiences may be very different than the “traditional” schooling and may still help them achieve success in life. For GBHS student Hadley Rood, this path is not skipping college altogether, but taking time before to travel abroad and embrace a for-

eign culture. “I have decided to take a gap year mostly because I hadn’t decided what to major in,” Rood said. Rood is currently accepted to University of California, Davis, but she has requested a deferment in order to sort out her future. “I don’t want to waste a year of college by changing my mind on what I want to do, and I feel like a gap year could help me do that,” Rood said. “I really like music and am hoping to pursue it as a possible career and during my time off as well – I’m hoping to take a guitar over to London and just focus on the arts rather than the academics in life.”

students per position. The committee looks for natural “gaps” in GPA among those with high class standing in their deliberation, Mattix said. The difference between the GPAs of the valedictorian and salutatorian was .04, and the difference between the GPA of the salutatorian and the thirdhighest- ranked student in the class was close to a tenth. The rest of the top students were separated by hundredths. “We look through the different (academic) lenses,” Mattix said, “and see what the best selection is for the valedictorians and salutatorians.”

There is a common misconception that students taking the lesstraditional route are doing so because they have no other option, however, that is not always the case as Rood demonstrates. Whatever their reasonings are from straying from the average student, students of the other 5 percent are still looking toward a potentially bright future just as a student taking the traditional college route would. “Instead of going to college and starting with something, and then change my mind, I’m just going to go when I’m sure of what I want to do,” Rood said.

... for students ... with no posthigh school education, they are goinng to find themselves stopped ... and not able to move up past a certain point in the world. – Cindy Underwood, College and Career Center director

Friday, May 23, 2014

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GAZETTE Are gay best friends in style this season? The Granite Bay

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

Editors-in-Chief: Caitlyn Hurley Sydney Kahmann Kiana Okhovat Alexa Zogopoulos News Editors: Kristine Khieu Grace Moore Voices Editors: Haley Byam Nicolas Ontiveros Lifestyle Editors: Meredith Dechert Akash Khosla Willow Wood Green Screen Editors: Austin Alcaine Tamren Johnk Colleen Vivaldi Brian Zhuang Sports Editors: Parker Burman Kevin Burns Zack Zolmer Social Media Editor: Kiana Okhovat Online Editors: Makenzie Brito Caitlyn Hurley Thomas Taylor Illustrators: Austin Alcaine Thomas Taylor Brian Zhuang

Human being or purse chihuahua?

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

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alexa zogopoulos azogopoulos.gazette@gmail.com

Wanting a sassy gay best friend is just as shallow and offensive as wanting a smart Asian friend or a cool black friend. A person’s sexual orientation does not make them better at anything, just as someone’s race doesn’t. If we minimize the personality of young gay males to being nothing more than a girl’s best friend, we are only adding to the stigmatization and alienation of homosexuals that still does exist in today’s culture, just in a slightly different realm. That is why when I see a headline reading “Is a GBF the New Must Have Accessory For Teen Girls?” on the cover of Teen Vogue (which actually happened), I find it to be a tad bit unsettling. There should not be any

GAY

BESTIES

The plague of the ‘beach body’

Photo Editors: Luke Chirbas Grace Moore Staff Writers/ Photographers: Maggie Bell Steven Gerisch Brendan Gonzalez Jacqueline Gordon Mary-Frances Hansen Treasa Mairead Hayes Jenna McCarthy Katherine McGrail Caroline Palmer Emily Wagner Dante Weeks

COMMENTARY

y the time someone is a teenager, most no longer believe in mythical creatures such as unicorns, goblins and mermaids, and most teen girls know a perfect, Cinderellastyle Prince Charming is unrealistic. But there are some fairy tale dreams that continue through high school, particularly now in the 21st century – one being, the Perfect Gay Best Friend. I hate to break it to some of you, but that urban legend of a quirky teenage girl and her dream GBF she can take shopping and talk about boys with is, frankly, just as shallow-minded as the love story of a Disney princess. Yes, the popularized desire to have a GBF at least shows more social acceptance of gays – but not in a flattering way. Because all it does is perpetuate the classic gay male stereotype of being “that sassy boy” who will let you know when your hair looks bad. Sure, every stereotype has its source, but just because that one gay guy in your class dresses well, that doesn’t mean he wants to go shopping with you and talk about feelings. Because there is more to him than just generic feminine characteristics. What bothers me when I see tweets from classmates saying, “I just want a gay best friend who can paint my nails and talk about boys with me *rainbow emoji*” is that it waters down gay males into nothing more than a fun toy to tote around like a purse chihuahua, as if they are not, well, people.

sort of “market” with “highdemand” for any group of human beings, as magazines and MTV are saying exists for GBFs. But this “high demand” for gay best friends who are “just like girls, but not” begs the question, why GBFs? Why are so many girls actively seeking out fun, gay best friends to go shopping with, instead of doing these activities with other girls? This all comes down to the fantasy part. The reason so many girls want gay, male best friends is because there is a myth that all men are less dramatic and manipulative than girls. Teenage girls want GBFs because they’ve seen how stressful and overly dramatic their past friendships with girls have been, so they develop a false hope that somehow having a best friend who has the same interests and hobbies as them, minus the loads of estrogen, will change the problem. I’m sorry, but that last part is, unfortunately, a myth. Gay males can be just as “dramatic” as straight teen girls. Because they’re human. And humans are not perfect, eternally happy characters from MTV’s Awkward who will allow you to manipulate and use them for your own selfish desires. If you want less dramatic friends, choose people based less on how unique you think their lifestyle is and more on their actual character. *** Alexa Zogopoulos, a senior, is a Gazette co-editor-in-chief.

Expectations for women rise during summer months

s summer COMMENTARY approaches, all the front covers of women’s magazines and online articles give instruction on how to get fit for that perfect bikini body, that ideal Victoria’s Secret model figure that everyone envies in a swimsuit. However, I believe differently. I believe thayes.gazette@gmail.com that if you truly care about your fitness and exterior appeal, your should be working out and toning yourself year-round. That’s not to say that you should feel obliged to work out, because you certainly shouldn’t. Society has placed these weight restrictions on us that illustrate certain body types as the only individuals that can own a “beach body.” Why is it that toward the end of the school year, I see a number of girls trying their hardest to improve their figure and suddenly feeling self-conscious about themselves just because media is portraying an optimal beach body as the ultimate goal? It’s definitely not easy, especially for me, to feel confident about myself. But girls, please don’t listen to those ads that instruct you to follow a specific dietary plan solely for the summer months just so you can be accepted wearing a bathing suit. Why is an individual different wearing a bathing suit rather than the rest of their wardrobe? Why are we, as a society, allowed to judge others for their appearance in swimwear just because they don’t fit in the minute percentile? Feeling confident shouldn’t depend on the opinions of others or the close-minded advertisements of the media. Whether you’re working toward a healthier lifestyle or

treasa hayes

not, you have to be content with where you are. Warmer because they have different body types or degrees of weather does not automatically give society the right athleticism and make different health decisions. to categorize your body and trick you into thinking that I believe the image of health is one that really doesn’t you should work toward a body type that genetically have anything to do with health at all. Thigh gaps and does not belong to you and can never be attained. flat stomachs aren’t the ideal for every single individual, Although summer is a season in which apparel can and magazines shouldn’t emphasize these qualities with be more revealing, that doesn’t mean that you should the intent that every reader can obtain “the look.” struggle in the months before to obtain a body that is Seventeen recently magazine decided not to Photowidely accepted. shop its models, a definite step toward improvement. If you are one who values fitness and However, they partnered with The Bigoutward appearance, a “bikini body” gest Loser and encouraged a television should not be an uphill struggle that show facilitating abusive behavior and I believe there is a you are required to focus on just as the causing mental disorders, despite the deproblem with season approaches. cision to support the Body Peace Treaty. I’m not saying there’s anything wrong media depicting Although Seventeen editors publicly with wanting a healthy body that you supported this treaty, they simply used summer as a time in feel comfortable in, but I believe there is it as a defense against any reader who which insecurities are found their content problematic. a problem with media depicting summagnified and mer as a time in which insecurities are While the Body Peace Treaty preached magnified and rightfully prioritized in a rightfully prioritized in self-respect and appreciation, it was woman’s mind. just a marketing ploy to attract more a woman’s mind. When I hear girls comment on so-called attention to the magazine, made obvi“off-limits food” simply because swimous through their consistent bikini body suit season is approaching, I just tune it ads and hypocritical articles and photo out and remind myself that I am not obligated to think spreads. like them. It’s so difficult for me as summer approaches to listen It is obviously your personal decision whether or to those around me limit certain foods or induce guilt not you choose to eat different foods, but your reasonupon themselves solely because they feel like it’s a ing shouldn’t include the fact that swimsuit season is prerequisite to be attractive in a swimsuit in the coming drawing near. You can choose to pursue a physically fit months. lifestyle all year, and it shouldn’t matter how you look Mentioning your guilt or even your weight-loss goals in a bikini if you are focusing on your own confidence can be triggering for those with eating disorders or and health. negative self-image, and we as a community need to be Getting “beach ready” doesn’t have anything to do more aware. with seeking a healthy or strong body for yourself – it However, you are not required to be confident just beis merely how you aesthetically appear to those around cause those surrounding you are flaunting their bodies; you. you are allowed to think of yourself what you will. But But that’s definitely not how it should be. I’m not you are also definitely not required to lose any weight or preaching in favor of self-love or positive body image eat healthier just because summer is around the corner. *** here, but I’m saying that girls should not feel subjugated Treasa Hayes, a junior, is a Gazette staff writer. by those portrayed in the media or simply their peers

GBHS must focus on math, science A t Granite Bay High, students have a lot of opportunities to pursue a number of advanced classes. Both the IB and AP curriculums have several courses in almost every subject area. Graduates of GBHS are very wellrounded people. Many are able to speak a foreign language fluently, solve complex calculus problems and recount famous events in history. However, GBHS should seek to offer more advanced mathematics and science courses for its students. This would allow the gifted in mathematics and the sciences to be more prepared for college and competitive in the college admissions process. For example, at many of the elite high schools in the United States, students can take differential equa-

EDITORIAL The voice of the Granite Bay Gazette

tions or multivariable calculus after AP Calculus BC. There are a lot of GBHS juniors who finish AP Calculus BC before their senior year and who score a five on the AP exam. These students would not only be interested and willing to take these advanced mathematics courses, but also be exposed to course material they would retake again in college. Most universities do not offer credit for high school multivariable calculus or differential equations courses.

Nonetheless, working all the problems once would make working all the problems a second time much easier. Furthermore, the College Board is expanding its physics curriculum next year. AP Physics B, a course not offered at GBHS, will be replaced with AP Physics 1 and AP Physics 2. All of the courses are introductory, algebrabased physics courses. Splitting the AP Physics B curriculum allows schools with the 4x4 block system to be able to offer one half of the curriculum if needed. If 4x4 block schools want to offer both physics classes, they are able to do so without having to do the entire curriculum in one semester, as many 4x4 schools have to do with the cur-

rent AP Physics B curriculum. GBHS should try to offer these courses because they are essential for students who want to pursue engineering in college. Going in depth for a course is much more preferable than rushing through a curriculum, a frequent problem of the 4x4 block system Also, the SAT Subject Test in Physics, a standardized test many students have to take to apply to engineering programs, is based on a full-year physics curriculum. Thus, GBHS students taking a full year of physics would be able to score well on this exam. Ultimately, the GBHS curriculum is flooded with breadth. Beginning to focus on depth is necessary to keep GBHS competitive in the near future.

Friday, May 29, 2014

The Granite Bay Gazette

Voices A9

Rape culture is oppressing women HEARD Why the community needs to rethink its perspective on sexual assault on the BAY R COMMENTARY

What are you most excited about for this summer?

freshman “To go boating in Folsom Lake.”

Chase Putman “Going to the Philippines to volunteer and visit family and going to Japan right after.”

ape culture, the phenomnot over sexualize female body ena whereby people blame parts. women for getting raped, is Another example of rape culture permitted and encouraged too ofis the friend zone: a boy is friends ten in society. with a girl and wishes to have a The most blatant example is the sexual or romantic relationship but dress code. At Granite Bay High, the girl is not interested. the dress code is sexist, over the The friend zone suggests if you top and conditioned to make girls are nice enough to a girl then she feel shameful for showing their must have to like you. It creates a bodies. mindset where males believe they According to the infamous dress have more power over females, code, girls are not allowed to wear which perpetuates rape culture. strapless shirts, shorts or skirts that Every time I hear people complain cpalmer.gazette@gmail.com aren’t “fingertip” length or “low” about the friend zone, I scream intops. Why? Because it’s distractternally. As if the only reason for ing. being a good friend or nice person We should be looking at what’s wrong with our boys is to exert power over someone else. if a girl’s shoulders or shorts shorter than “fingertip Just because a guy is “nice” to a girl doesn’t mean he length” distract them from learning. The dress code is should expect something out of the relationship. designed to make girls to feel shameful about their bodEven the type of language we use can encourage rape ies. culture. The way people use the word rape sometimes Instead of shaming girls for what they feel confident should be rethought. in wearing, the GBHS administration should learn to No you didn’t just “rape” that test, and no you aren’t

caroline palmer

going to go “rape” the sports team you are playing next week. Using the word rape in a light–hearted way gives the word “rape” a new connotation. Generally, people associate the word “rape” with a negative connotation – rape is an extremely traumatizing experience. However, using the word “rape” readily and in situations that do not involve sexual assault gives rape a positive connotation because it makes people feel empowered. “Raping” the other sports team is acceptable because one team is winning. Changing the connotation of “rape” harms women who have been sexually assaulted because society does not perceive rape from the perspective of the victim. “Raping” the other sports teams gives the winning team the glory. Thus, society no longer cares about the feelings and emotions of victims. Rape is a very serious crime that society, especially the Granite Bay community, needs not brush over. Our actions can perpetuate rape culture without people realizing it. *** Caroline Palmer, a sophomore, is a staff writer.

COMIC RELIEF: SENIOR WORRYING ABOUT SENIOR BALL

sophomore

Alee Yap “No homework and hanging out with my Mexico team.”

junior

Maddy Harlow “To go outdoor climbing.”

senior

The education system condemns failure Gazette illustration/THOMAS TAYLOR

Tanner Hulsebus Gazette photos/TREASA HAYES

“Spending more time with my wife and kids.”

staff

Shane Dixon Compiled by Treasa Hayes

Students should not be focused on standardized tests

our times a year, an all-too-familiar sense of dread falls over me and many others at the school. As though the usual level of stress is not high enough, final testing adds yet another layer of heightened fear. We scribble sentences we hope sound coherent. We extrapolate lengthy equations and pray that we haven’t failed because of some obscure calculation error. And all the while, horses and rabbits bear down upon us from their motivational posters, mocking us with phrases such as “Shoot for the moon! If you miss, you’ll land among the stars!” Students are told to try new things, be adventurous and be unafraid of risk. Failure, when harnessed, can make us better people, after all. However, the disparity between these ideals and what school actually teaches is so wide that it is impossible to ignore. The way public schools are run today breeds the crippling fear of failure like no other force in students’ lives. I confess to being a poor artist, but I have always enjoyed drawing. Yet, I don’t take art classes because I fear that my poor abilities will cause me to re-

COMMENTARY

jacqueline gordon jgordon.gazette@gmail.com

ceive low marks, meaning my overall GPA will drop, I won’t get into any college anywhere, I will wind up with no life and then become a failure at everything. This kind of paranoia sounds ridiculous because it is ridiculous – yet this thinking is so prevalent among high school students, particularly at prestigious Granite Bay High. School is meant to raise children into free-thinking, skillful and informed adults, but to most students school is

little more than a hub of stress and constant fear of the next test they might fail. Either you get an A or you fail. Tests simply foster the paranoia. I understand there must be some way to assess students and track their progress. I recognize that a hard-working A student should not be lumped together with a person who does not do the work they’re assigned. But tests have become so integrated into the system that they are no longer about learning concepts to become a better person. They are about memorizing definitions the night before so you don’t fail. Teachers often preach that “it’s not about the grade.” In a perfect utopia, the grade is merely a formality – a progress assessment, not a judge’s mallet. When a child has been told all throughout school that college is the ultimate goal, and grades are the means to get there, how could it be about anything other than the grade? Even the very nature of the term “final exams” seeds fear. They are final – after them, there is no going back. If you fail in any way, you are doomed. We avoid failure at every turn be-

cause we have been taught that success is where true value is. An A is to be glorified, while a B or a C or an F is deserving of shame. We miss out on opportunities to learn because when failure does come our way, we don’t know what to do. We simply become paralyzed. I appreciate teachers that give opportunities to retake tests or do make – up assignments since they encourage students to learn the material even if they did not learn it the first time. They give us the opportunity to learn from mistakes. In the long run, failing a single test or getting a B in a class won’t be the determining factor of whether or not I am a success or a failure in life. But in the world of weighted GPAs and final exams, students aren’t given the grace to “try, try again.” So they have, regretfully, decided that it’s simply better to never try at all.

*** Jacqueline Gordon, a junior, is a staff writer.

A10 Second Look

Second look

Friday, May 23, 2014

w The Granite Bay Gazette

Bay fever strikes Students go wild for Day at the Bay

Gazette photos by Grace Moore and Caitlyn Hurley  Freshman Chad Hansen jumps down from a slide before his friend, top left. Drama teacher Kyle Holmes, right top, sings a mash-up of Miley Cyrus’s Wrecking Ball, Taylor Swift’s Love Story and Katy Perry’s Firework together with physics teacher Andrew Phillips during Band Bash, above. Sophomore Sara Fassler grins from a 10’ Zorb ball, right top. Senior Spencer Palmer jumps while his friends concentrate on leaping while playing Quarantine, bottom right.Senior Brooke De Los Santos slips down the water ride with a grin, bottom left.

Lifestyle

Granite Bay Gazette

Friday w

B Section

May 23, 2014

Commentary

willow wood

YEAR IN REVIEW

wwood.gazette@gmail.com

Nothing to do with music

or the past four years I have been involved in the Granite Bay Emerald Brigade. This program gets a lot of flack from students in and outside of the program, and while I am not known as the worlds biggest fan of every person in the band, I’m sick of people bashing this program. I’m leaving for college soon and the only place in high school that I was taught what life would actually be like was in band. Every year Mrs. Lewis utters her famous words, “you’ll learn things in band that have nothing to do with music,” and the great thing is, she’s absolutely right. People criticize the schedule and our staff the most, and while you’re out in the cold at 6:30 a.m. on a Friday morning after 15 hours of rehearsal already, no one can be positive. But looking back, the staff and the schedule are the two things that taught me the most. This program has made me realize that people who have nothing in common can actual create something amazing together. Take, for example, my section in band, the front ensemble – there are some of the shyest and most quiet kids to the most boisterous and spirited, and there are arguments almost every day we’re together. But when it came to it, we were able to focus, shut up and make music that not only won awards but made us proud to perform. I’ve been taught that focus is the most crucial asset because if it can turn our rag tag section into a group of performing superstars, now I think that focus can make anything happen, as cheesy as may sound. While being carefree allows us to have the more fun memories, focus is what sets goals and is the driving force behind achieving them. The carefree experiences in life are what makes it enjoyable and I do not mean to down play that, I just have learned that when focus is applied, the pay off is so much greater. As a band we are expected to focus day in and day out while we rehearse, some do so more than others, but after an amazing performance, whether it’s a show or a concert, that exhaustive focus pays off. Seniors know what I’m talking about, when you got accepted to college you probably felt like yelling and jumping. And the reason is that all the focus you had been slaving away with had worked, and that success is far sweeter knowing how hard you worked for something. It’s not an easy thing getting your ass kicked, sometimes daily, but life outside high school isn’t easy either and while I learned a lot about music from my many instructors I mostly learned that sometimes things are crappy, but with the right attitude you can learn from it, not just grovel. So yes, I haven’t gotten a healthy amount of sleep in 4 years and yes, I have been worked to the point of tears on multiple occasions, I was in band, and from where I’m standing, it was all worth it. *** Willow Wood, a senior, is a Lifestyle co-editor.

Gazette photo /Grace Moore

Gazette photo /luke chirbas

Two different voices of the Gazette take a look back at the year

Gazette photo /caitlyn hurley

BY CAITLYN HURLEY and KIANA OKHOVAT churley.gazette@gmail.com kokhovat.gazette@gmail.com

Gazette photo /kiana okhovat

iana: I’m so happy that school year is over! Four years of confusing mesh and disorganization done and over with. Now on to the next act. But yet, I also feel a bit sad. Right when we were really getting to know everyone in our class, we have to part our ways. Kate: I’m just happy that I barely passed all my classes. I can’t wait to get out of here.

Special to the Gazette/

Gazette photo /luke chirbas

Kiana: That’s the spirit. Kate: Speaking of negative spirits or whatever, what was that whole Illuminati thing in the beginning of the year? That was so weird. Kiana: It wasn’t the best of experiences. I felt the attempted evacuation planning actually quite unsafe. Kate: Whatever. My evacuation plan was to leave school but we weren’t allowed to! Wouldn’t starbucks be better than sitting in the bleachers during a fake bomb threat? Kiana: I suppose. I was just annoyed by that sun and wind. On a happier note, at least we had beautiful events put on by student government this year, as usual. They make the school go round.

Gazette photo /LAUREL TEAGUE

Kate: Like Senior ball. Senior Ball was dope. Kiana: They took a cue from last year and didn’t give us shot glasses again, oh the irony. Kate: I mean, personally I enjoyed the “dessert cups”. See YEAR, page B5

Gazette photo /KRISTINE KHIEU

Gazette photo /CAITLYN HURLEY

SAT Guide

How to

Random student

TCID:BW

Gazette photo /LAUREL TEAGUE

Special to the Gazette /AnISSA CARTER

Gazette photo /LUKE CHIRBAS

This past school years’ events, from Carnegie Hall to varsity volleyball winning state championships to the newly enforced dress code, as well as many others

Vietnam vet shares war experiences

Doria tells his stories of aerial warfare JACQUELINE GORDON jgordon.gazette@gmail.com

The Gazette’s staff writer Jacqueline Gordon sat down with Robin Doria, Vietnam War veteran and former Air Force pilot. Gazette: Why did you join the Air Force? Doria: First of all, my father was Air Force, so I knew the Air Force … I liked (the Air Force), and was good at it, (so) I stayed for a longer period of time … the great thing about the Air Force is, every day you get up feeling like your job is important. Not only are you flying jets, you’re defending the country … So not only do you have responsibility, but if you do a good job, their lives are better. They say that the military is a calling. People are called to do it, because it is a very fulfilling job. Gazette: How long did you serve?

Doria: 22 years (total in the Air Force). They give me credit for two tours (in Vietnam). One was a 12-month tour and the second was for 180 days. Gazette: What did you do during the war? Doria: I sat in the back (of the plane). (Then) I was sent … to George Air Force Base in Victorville, California … I was there for six months. I learned my duties in back of the F-4, and (then) I was sent to … Thailand … I flew in a squadron called the Triple Nickel ... We were the Air to Air squadron. The Air to Air squadron’s mission is to clear the air of opponent aircraft so that our bombers can get in and drop bombs without being attacked. Now, we had days when we went to North Vietnam and did bombings and other days when we didn’t. So the days we were not in North Vietnam we did normal bombing missions … In those days, the war was supported by the Khmer Rouge, … and they were trying

to invade South Vietnam … When you’re in combat, there are no vacations and no weekends. Seven days a week, sometimes flying three times a day … Go up, try to find bad guys … attack the bad guys … You would go and do your mission and then instead of going back to the base, you would go to the tankard and get a load of gas, turn around and go back to do another mission, then turn around and go back to the tankard … basically every day, you’re flying in a war … I came home to Florida for six months, then was turned around and went back (to Thailand) for another six months … I then spent a whole lifetime in the Air Force. After the F-4, I flew the F-15 … At any given time, there were only 1200 F-15 pilots, so that was a very elite group. And that was fun. That was very special to me and my family … Eventually (I) decided I had had enough of the Air Force … (because) my children were growing up and getting ready to go to college, and in the Air Force, you move very frequently and … your children don’t really have a home. So we decided to come back to Sacra-

Eco Car Engineering club takes home $2,000 from win in Houston

Annina Hanlon Cancer survivor impacts lives of others affected

Gazette: What was your training like? Doria: The military knows how to train people very, very well, and they also know what it takes to get through a particular course. They establish that, so that the people who are working at it and doing well are gonna get through … and the people who are not adaptable … probably are not gonna make it. So I went to navigator training, made it through there, and then I went to the war ... In pilot training, it’s very, very intense, and it lasts a year … (It’s) much harder than college … It’s something you have to be committed to, it’s something you have to want very badly, and you have to work at it very hard … You’re in there every See VETERAN, page B5

BrickDreams Student starts charity to refurbish Legos

Robin Doria Vietnam veteran who served for 2 tours – a total of 22 years

mento … and we’ve been here since 1989.

inside lifestyle Top Ten

Gazette photo /Luke chirbas

Friday, May 23, 2014

B2 Lifestyle

w The Granite Bay Gazette

TOP 10

Grossing iPhone Apps As of May 2014

Big Fish Casino

Pet Rescue Saga

Gazette courtesy photo /RICHARD GORDON

The final project stands still on the track in Houston, Texas ready for the competition. Although the car faced challenges, it took home the gold.

Boom Beach

Pandora Radio

Students win first at Shell Eco-marathon Granite Bay High School Design and Engineering Club returns victorious from car competition BY JACQUELINE GORDON jgordon.gazette@gmail.com

Hay Day

Crime City

Farm Heroes Saga

he Granite Bay High School Design and Engineering Club returned victorious from the Shell Eco-marathon Americas, an international competition that requires high schools and colleges to design and build a car focused on maximizing fuel-efficiency. During the competition, teams from several schools race six miles on a track in Houston, Texas on less than a pint of fuel and are judged not on speed, but on the amount of fuel left in their gas tank. The project at GBHS has taken eight months from design to fabrication, and the team worked right up to their final race in Houston to ensure their success. But the project did not come without challenges. “That whole week (leading up to the Houston competition) we just had all kinds of issues,” said Steve Dolan, GBHS engineering teacher and adviser of the Design and Engineering Club. “It final-

ized with a major electrical issue the Friday before spring break ... three days before (the car) was to be put on a trailer and taken to Houston.” The team was unable to resolve the issue before they left for the competition. “We loaded the car onto a trailer non-functioning,” Dolan said. The issue centered around the Electronic Control Unit, an essential device available only by mail order, which meant the team had to have the part shipped to the hotel in which they were staying. But the part did arrive at the hotel safely and the team was able to resolve the issue within their first day in Houston. “The challenges were not limited to mechanics,” said Sami Zantout, a team member in the GBHS Design and Engineering Club. “Team dynamics often arose as an issue throughout the competition. The team got so frustrated with the car at one point ... that they just had to go up into the camping area for awhile and cool off to start working again.” Some of the student leaders were unable to rise to the occasion under pressure.

Special to the Gazette /RICHARD GORDON

Nicho Steiner leans against the awardwinning, energy-efficient automobile. “Being a leader is persevering through all kinds of issues ... and being positive in the face of adversity,” Dolan said, “and my student leaders didn’t do that.” Dolan said that, even when there was a lack of leadership, other students rose up to commit and persevere. “We had Matt Moeller and Sean Nogrady … (who) just really stuck with it,” Dolan said. “Sean Nogrady worked … way late into Thursday night. In fact, some of them were working in the convention center until after midnight.” See ECO-CAR, page B4

Guest bids at Senior Ball meets with issues Attendants had troubles with administrative policies

Game of War - Fire Age

Candy Crush Saga

Clash of Clans –Compiled by Akash Khosla

College of the Month: Vanderbilt University Compiled by Mary-Frances Hansen

BY TREASA MAIREAD HAYES thayes.gazette@gmail.com

Granite Bay High School senior Brock Saqui was planning to ask his junior friend who attends El Camino High School to Senior Ball. But was told by the office that the guest bid form was due a day later than it actually was. Having attained the form on the day it was due after being told the actual deadline, Saqui attempted to obtain all the signatures necessary from his date and parent, and the task became impossible when a signature was required from an administrator of his date’s high school. However, student services administrator Bonnie Boone thinks that guest bid policies are clearly enforced for

students. “It’s pretty straightforward, and the kids here seem to know,” Boone said. “They actually do read the paperwork and they follow the rules. Except when they’re there, I don’t know what happens.” Even though the administration believes their policies are fairly easy to follow, several students did not have the same opinion after the dance. As the form was due at 3:30 p.m. of that day and Saqui had to leave for work during fourth period, he was forced to return the guest bid form and tell his date that he couldn’t take her. “On the form, it was a different (deadline) than it actually was,” GBHS junior Chanel Savant said, “so they should clarify when it’s due and

Who: 12,745 students Where: Nashville, Tennessee Tuition: $42, 978 Acceptance Rate: 14.2% U.S. News Ranking: #17 School Colors: Black & Gold Mascot: Commodore Fun Facts: • Two vice presidents of the United States and 25 Rhodes Scholars have attended or have been affiliated with the university. • Cornelius Vanderbilt, one of the wealthiest Americans in history, provided the initial funding for the college. • Although Vanderbilt is located in the heart of Nashville, the campus is considered to be an arboretum. Sports: • The sports teams compete in the Southeastern Conference of the NCAA. • There is no designated athletic department since athletes are integrated with the rest of the student body. • The title of the Vanderbilt fight song is “Dynamite.” Academics: • The Blair School of Music is regarded as one of the top music schools in the nation. • U.S. News and World Report ranks the Peabody School as one of the top graduate schools in the nation for Education. • 63.1% of classes have fewer than 20 students.

–Compiled by Nicolas Ontiveros

Gazette illustration/AKASH KHOSLA

be really specific. As much as it sucks, I’m kind of glad it happened, but it shouldn’t have gone down like that.” Now that the annual event of Senior Ball has passed, a number of seniors are frustrated at situations involving guest bids and their implications. Savant, who ended up attending Senior Ball with Saqui, agrees that the policies concerning guest bids are unnecessary and require too much from students. “I think it’s only important what the parents think,” Savant said. “High school administrators have nothing to do with the process. They don’t contribute anything, and it doesn’t really Special to the Gazette /BECCA ROWLAND Kristine Khieu, right, with her concern the school if it’s a different date Nate Montoya, left. They enschool’s event.” See DANCE, page B4 joyed Senior Ball without issues.

Seniors cut class Unofficial ditch day tradition continues BY CAROLINE PALMER cpalmer.gazette@gmail.com

With the end of the school year approaching, students are getting more and more anxious for summer. It’s no surprise most seniors are anxiously anticipating graduation, but before they graduate, there’s no doubt people won’t follow the annual tradition: ditching. Although it’s a tradition and something most people have heard of, talk of senior skip day this year hasn’t been as much as it had been in the past years. “I haven’t heard much about it this year,” said Rachel King, a senior at Granite Bay High School. “I know people want (to ditch), but I think the planning is done in secrecy.” It is uncertain who decides what day the senior students ditch. Groups of friends often ditch at different times. GBHS senior Zach Boyle says he will be going to the lake, but that he doesn’t know the exact date yet. Senior Rachel King and her group of friends hope to go to Six Flags. However both parties made it clear that their plans are done at the last minute. “I feel like it’s always last minute spontaneous so it’s not talked about for long,” Jenn Oliver, a senior at GBHS, said. “As of now we still aren’t sure what we are doing we are going to play it by ear and have a fun surprising day.” Many seniors are excited at the idea of skip-

ping school for the day with people in their class. Teachers however feel a little differently. “I think it’s an admonition against God, the ten commandments, the Geneva convention and the United Nations and I think no senior should ever do it if they care about any other person or the district budget,” said Brandon Dell’Orto, Advanced Placement United States History teacher. If all of, or even half the seniors skip school on any given day, GBHS loses money — as they do even when a single student misses school. The school would lose money because each and every district gets money based on average attendance in California. “Teachers only care if people leave on testing days,” Oliver said. “I feel like it’s not a big deal. Most of the teachers probably did it when they were in high school. They probably care (since the teachers) are losing money, but we’re seniors — it’s a right of passage.” According to the student handbook, if a student misses school, and it’s unexcused a teacher will have to decide if they can make up the work. However, some students think that their parents will be on board for the day. “For the most part parents are signing for the seniors to go,” Boyle said. It is expected that most seniors parents will try to call them out for the day if not seniors might have to take matters into their own hands. “I’m participating (whenever the seniors are ditching) to carry on the tradition and because it means I get to miss a day of school,” King said. “I’m planning on making my mom call me out unless she won’t allow it, then I’ll just ditch.” See DITCHING, page B4

Friday, May 23, 2014

w The Granite Bay Gazette

Lifestyle B3

Special to the Gazette /ANNINA HANLON

Annina Hanlon was diagnosed with cancer at age 12 but is now in remission and succeeding at GBHS

Junior Annina Hanlon thrives despite setbacks GBHS bone cancer survivor shares her stories of treatment and transition back to cancer-free life BY EMILY WAGNER ewagner.gazette@gmail.com

n June 30, 2009, Annina Hanlon, 12 years old at the time, had her world turned upside down and inside out. Hanlon, now a 17-year-old junior at Granite Bay High School, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer most common in teenagers. “I was very young and very ignorant,” Hanlon said. “I really had no clue what I was in for and how horrible it would be.” According to Hanlon, it was a long process getting diagnosed. She said childhood cancer sometimes takes time to diagnose because it appears to be another more common childhood disease. However, according to the National Cancer Institute, childhood cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in children under the age of fifteen. Sarcoma cancers, which are cancers of the connective tissues such as the bones, muscles and nerves,

represent about 21% of childhood cancers. Hanlon went through eight months of treatment, including surgery and chemotherapy, in effort to rid herself of cancer. After an initial bone biopsy to confirm the diagnosis, Hanlon also needed a lung biopsy to determine if the cancer had spread. Fortunately, the surgery confirmed that the cancer had not metastasized. She also had a later surgery that replaced bone in her leg with a titanium rod. Her first chemotherapy treatment was in July of 2009. By the end of her treatment, she had a total of 18 rounds of chemo, each with one to two different chemotherapy drugs. Hanlon said the chemo, which was some of the harshest in existence, was very hard on her. “It’s interesting because you just forget what it’s like to not feel nauseous. You’re nauseous all the time and you feel sick all the time,” Hanlon said. For each round of chemotherapy, she was hospital-

ized for a minimum of three days, often longer. During times she was supposed to be home, she would usually get a fever and have to be readmitted for several more days. According to Hanlon, this treatment gave her a different perspective on what’s truly important in life. She considers her newfound perspective to be one of the few benefits that came from having cancer. “It’s so easy to get caught up in the little details and the small stuff – the things that don’t matter,” Hanlon said. “Whenever I find myself caught up in things that are fundamentally unimportant to the grand scheme of life, I try to stop and remember what matters.” Hanlon’s cancer did not affect solely her – it had a huge impact on her family as well. When Hanlon’s mom, Roma Hanlon, learned that her daughter had cancer, she said she felt numb. “I felt like I was looking at death in the face,” she said. Although her family did reach a “new normal” during treatment, they said it was a very difficult experience for everyone. “Eventually I was able to smile again,” Roma Hanlon said. “It was still very sad for me to think about

See HANLON, page B5

Is Powderpuff rigged? thayes.gazette@gmail.com

Powderpuff 2014 was historical, as it was only the third time in 16 years that the junior class took the trophy. However, several juniors and seniors are changing their minds about the annual event after multiple injuries on the field and opinions of both sexism and the rigging of the game. Before the night of this year’s game, the belief that the game was rigged for the seniors to win was widespread, but that belief is now changing. After his experience refereeing for the past 17 years, junior class coach and geometry teacher Thomas Farmer guarantees that Powderpuff refereeing is “top-notch” and “not shaded one way or the other.” After last year’s game when the seniors took the win in a “legitimate” trick play against the juniors, Farmer believes that the 2013 event proves that the game is not specifically geared towards either class. “I would normally say … that the game is rigged in seniors’ favor,” senior flyback Emily Andress said, “but this year really made me believe differently because of the awesome win by the juniors.” Farmer, however, said he does not believe that each class has equal opportunity to win every year due to certain factors including seniors’ experience, strength and age. “It’d be the same as if the varsity team played the JV in a regular football game,” Farmer said, “not quite to that extreme because I think boys (exercising) in the weight room (makes) a greater difference between the varsity and the JV but for the most part,

it’s a slight advantage for the seniors.” Along with the belief that the game is biased comes the opinion of some students that Powderpuff is a sexist event and minimizes the abilities of the female race. “I do encourage friendly competition (and) good sportsmanship,” junior Natalie Hahn said, “but I think it should be something like a unisex sport – something that they don’t have to change so much to make it ‘girlfriendly.’” Hahn chose not to participate this year because she didn’t want to be “looked upon in a vulnerable way by the male community.” Although Granite Bay High School doesn’t offer a womens’ team for football, girls can choose to participate on the boys’ team and aren’t considered to be less athletic or capable. “It looks like womens’ football is kind of a joke,” Hahn said, “it’s not even a recognized sport at our school, (or) at a lot of schools for that matter. It also portrays us as weak or fragile because we can’t play tackle … I feel like some of the male audience comes to watch for provocative reasons or (because) they think it’s funny to watch girls play football.” However, the national Lingerie League, has focuses more on predetermined gender roles. The league stems from the satiric Lingerie Bowl put on as an alternative Super Bowl halftime show. With nothing else but shoulder pads and helmets, the players only wear lingerie, creating a game that is both “very revealing and R-rated,” according to Farmer. “If you want to have some sort of barometer to gauge Powderpuff,” Farmer said, “take a look at that and see what you think and then look at Powderpuff again.” The event is meant to encourage friendly competition between junior and senior girls

The un-

Organization reaches out BY MEREDITH DECHERT mdechert.gazette@gmail.com

and to provide a different experience for both genders in the student body. “As far as girls playing flag football,” Farmer said, “it’s not sexist at all because girls can play (football) … just as well as they can play ... anything else. As far as the boys dressing up as cheerleaders and being on the sidelines, I see how that could be interpreted as sexist.” Although Powderpuff switches the roles of male and female, gender-stereotyping is not the mindset of the individuals behind it. “I disagree with anyone who says that it is a sexist event,” Andress said. “It’s giving an opportunity to switch gender roles for a night and … walk in someone else’s shoes. In no way do I think people should diss the event.” Just as there are students who dismiss Powderpuff and refuse to attend or participate, there are those who accept the event and view it in a positive light. “I think Powderpuff is extremely accepted at our school,” senior right tackle Sarah Lujan said, “considering we have a rally for it (and) many people show up to the game. The amount of girls that sign up is (also) significant.” Although controversy remains, the event holds its popularity and witnesses a majority of the student body at the game every year. “Can girls play football with proper equipment? Absolutely they can,” Farmer said.. “Can they play it to the same level that men can against men? No, because their bodies are different, they weigh different weights, (and) their muscles are different. Women just aren’t built for that. But against themselves, absolutely.”

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This Issue’s Expert:

Key Club reflects

Natalie Hahn Junior feels that Powder Puff portrays women in a vulnerable way.

Girl’s football event sparks controversy BY TREASA MAIREAD HAYES

what she was going through – what no child or teen should ever have to go through.” In March 2010, Hanlon officially finished treatment. She was able to return to school for the last few weeks of seventh grade. Hanlon said she had no problem adjusting to school. This year she had six Advanced Placement classes and has one of the top grade point averages in the junior class at GBHS. “I think what makes her different than almost any student I’ve ever had is that she’s extremely selfmotivated,” said Jennifer Hill, Hanlon’s AP Spanish teacher. “She doesn’t care what her parents think or what other people think of her as far as her goals for life. It’s just totally internal motivation.” However, despite being comfortable with the schoolwork portion of school, Hanlon felt like she couldn’t fully return to being “normal”. “There was no way I could escape being ‘The Kid Who Had Cancer’,” Hanlon said. “It’s not like anyone ever called me that, but I had sort of pegged myself as that and it’s unfortunate.” Even after the transition back to reality, there were lingering effects. Hanlon was still bald, still limped

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Key Club – the largest international community service organization in the world for high school students – focuses on fostering leadership skills. “(It) provides students with the opportunity to learn key leadership qualities, organize a wide range of events for all sorts of purposes, and learn how to better communicate and collaborate with others,” according to the Key Club International website. According to the 2012-2013 Granite Bay High School Key Club President Anna von Wendorff, Key Club International donates its funds primarily to charities that work to eradicate maternal and neonatal tetanus, a disease that leads to the death of newborn babies. Von Wendorff, a Stanford-bound senior and 2014 valedictorian, was elected Lieutenant Governor of Key Club Division 44, which includes the clubs of Bear River, Britney College Preparatory, Del Oro, Ghidotti Early College, Lincoln, Nevada Union, Oakmont, Placer, Roseville, Rocklin, Whitney, and Woodcreek high schools. “(Key Club International) was

started … at Sacramento High School and spread all over the world,” von Wendorff said. “Everything you do and every impact you (make) is … collected by Key Club International, and I really like that, because it’s a lot bigger than other people realize.” Von Wendorff said that every key club is sponsored by Kiwanis International, a volunteer organization of adults. “The Kiwanis Club provides an advisor to the Key Club so that the officers can start learning how to create events and apply for grants,” she said. Key Club president for the 2013-2014 school year, UC Berkeley-bound senior Stephanie Chu, said she had an overwhelmingly positive experience during her four years as a member of Key Club. “I think joining Key Club was totally my best decision in my life,” Chu said. “I just really like how you can make friends and interact with intellectually stimulating people while actually doing something significant.” According to von Wendorff, Key Club has 12 main communitybuilding projects per year, including events like a children’s Easter Egg Hunt. With the help of their advisor, the club must submit detailed applications for monetary grants to the

See CLUB, page B4

If you really knew me, you would know...

I use the Barron’s book for SAT. I like how they have example essays. It’s nice to have something to compete to, and it splits it into a math section and an English section, which is nice because I need to really work on the English and not the math.

Studying advice: I recommend working more on the English. It’s the most difficult of the sections because they use words that we don’t normally use.

What not to do: Kristen Goldman, junior

Don’t stress about getting the answer to every single question because you can still get a pretty solid score leaving some blank.

- Compiled by Jacqueline Gordon

Charlie Tooley

I like to catch big fish, I have five dogs and I like stuffed animals.

Luke Bussey

Kiley Gray

You would know that I carry multiple chapsticks with me and apply often.

You would know that Justin Bieber and I are soon to be married and I am deeply in love with him. - Compiled by Tamren Johnk

Lifestyle B4

Friday, May 23, 2014

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Random ... facts

world’s largest snakes, gives birth to its young instead of laying eggs.

It takes 3,000 cows to supply the Spider monkeys like banana daiquiris. NFL with enough leather for a year’s supply of footballs. An adult lion’s roar can be heard up to five miles away, Pound for pound, hamand warns off intruders or burgers cost more reunites scattered memthan new cars. bers of the pride. Average life span of a Women blink nearly twice major league baseball: as much as men. 7 pitches. A polar bear’s skin is black. Its fur is not white, but actually clear.

100 americans choke to death on ballpoint pens per year.

Source: allrandomfacts.com

The anaconda, one of the

club

Club Name: Harry Potter Club

What inspired you to create this club? I heard that one had existed before and I was like “Hey that’s a cool idea. I like Harry Potter.” So I made it.

I have a lot of pet peeves but my biggest is probably the sound of people whispering or the sound of people sniffling when they need to blow their nose. What song do you find yourself often singing?

What’s the best prank someone has ever pulled on you?

One time someone gave me an elephant Pillow Pet for Christmas. That was pretty cool. What is your favorite quote?

Does your club host any activities?

Every other Friday.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

What was the best gift you ever received?

How can students get involved in your club? Show up, and if you bring food, everyone will love you forever.

When do you meet?

I would meet Audrey Hepburn because I think she’s inspiring and she sounds like she would’ve been a sweet person.

People don’t usually find the need to prank me because I embarrass myself pretty well on my own.

President: Bre Bolton

It’s where people who really like Harry Potter can meet up and talk about the books and movies.

If you could go back and meet someone in history, who would it be?

Any One Direction song.

- Compiled by Sydney Khamman

What is the purpose of your club?

student

We do trivia parties where there’s usually food involved and we divide into teams and then answer trivia questions about Harry Potter. The winning team gets bragging rights, and the losing team doesn’t lose anything.

- Compiled by Emily Wagner

“As soon as you stop wanting something, you get it.” by Andy Warhol. I just think it applies to life really well. Have you ever met anyone famous? I’ve met the actor that plays Lucius Malfoy in Harry Potter and I’ve met the creator of the Disney Channel Show Phineas and Ferb.

Gazette photo /JENNA MCCARTHY

AURIANNA NADERI, junior

- Compiled by Jenna McCarthy

CLUB: GBHS Key Club DANCE: Senior Ball process causes frustration celebrates a successful year Continued from page B2

Continued from page B3 Kiwanis in order to receive the funds necessary for holding events. This year, the GBHS club had two main fundraisers, a car wash and a movie night. In between major events, the club has weekly meetings for planning and organizational purposes and offerstheir services at elderly shelters and other community organizations. “My favorite event will always be the Christmas Baskets that we do each year,” Chu said. “Key Club members help Granite Bay Kiwanis sort food and toys into packages for local families in need, and the next morning, they are all delivered. We collected over 500 cans in two weeks back in November.” Besides community service, a fundamental part of Key Club is building the leadership and communication skills of members, say von Wendorff and Chu.

Both former presidents, who plan to pursue leadership in the future, say they have learned valuable skills through Key Club. “I’ve learned that some people are harder to work with,” Chu said, “but you just smile and be patient and learn about their tendencies so that you can find the best way to collaborate with them, be productive and have fun.” Chu said she is excited to pass the torch to the next president of Key Club, her brother, junior Jonathon Chu, who she ensures was not elected through nepotism. “We’re always looking to increase membership and event attendance and working with places around thecommunity to organize additional events,” she said. “I think that this year especially, we’ve proved that we can increase the amount of service opportunities we offer our members.”

DITCHING: Seniors fail to attend their classes Continued from page B2 Some students wonder if teachers are purposely planning to administer tests on the destined day for skipping class. Because of this, the date is usually supposed to be decided fairly close to the date. “I have never heard that (teachers set the test date on common days to ditch), but I’m sure some do because ... some teachers are just mean, and hate all kids, so any chance they get to hammer kids they’ll try it,” Dell’Orto said. Students know and are aware of this attempt by teachers to counter the ditch day, and that some teach-

ers will do what they can to try to defuse the day. “I think most teachers hate it,” King said, “which is why they try to schedule tests or (give) a lot of points on ditch day if they hear about it. But there are some (teachers) who understand that it’s just for fun and don’t really care.” Seniors have other events to look forward to, such as Senior Ball and Senior Picnic, but Senior Ditch Day continued to be an unofficial, yet trending tradition. “There is no other way to put it,” Boyle said, “except that it has happened in years past and it just keeps on seeming to come back every single year.”

Be a leader. The Gazette.

Although Saqui enjoyed the event with Savant, the guest bid process was one that he completely disagreed with, especially with the fault of administration in telling him that the forms were due on the wrong day. Even if he had been given the right deadline, the signatures required wouldn’t have been easily obtained, for Saqui would have had to drive to Sacramento to acquire consent from an administrator of his date’s high school and her parents. “I waited too long,” Saqui said, “but the office did not help me at all which I think is what could (have been) better. They (should) make the process simple and have

the office fax the guest bid to the other school so that I could have gotten the signatures I needed.” Just as the amount of signatures on the guest bid form was unpopular with students, the age limit for dates placed at 20 was disagreeable in some students’ opinions. “I don’t know many people that would invite an over 20 -yearold anyway,” Savant said, “but it’s unfortunate if you’re dating someone that’s like 21 because it’s a year off the mark. I think they should make an exception in that case.” However, the ability to purchase alcohol for minors is the single most important factor in this age restriction, according to Boone.

“We’re not in the students’ hotel rooms,” Boone said, “but it is a problem because obviously you can’t drink and the 21-year-old can actually be arrested for giving alcohol to a minor.” Even though the administration has enforced this age restriction for years, seniors have managed to bring their 20-and-over dates to the event. American River College student Jon Robinson attended Senior Ball with his girlfriend, a senior at GBHS. However, his age of 21 originally disqualified him, the factors being his ability to purchase alcohol for the event and the general safety of his date. Although his guest bid classified him as under 20, Robinson successfully cleared the system

and believes the rule is “pointless” and “easy to get around.” “It was pretty easy to avoid the rule because you don’t even have to bring a license,” Robinson said, “you just have to bring any form of ID so we brought my school ID (that) doesn’t have my age on it.” Both the required signatures on the guest bids and the age restriction are policies that several GBHS students disagree with, and as the dance has passed, hope to be changed in the future. “My situation could have been prevented,” Saqui said, “if the office helped by giving me more time to get the signature and making it more clear (as to) what students need to have for someone from a different school to go to the dance.”

ECO-CAR: Engineering club succeeds in Houston Continued from page B2

Mentors also played an integral role in the car’s success. On the final day of the competition, the car experienced a major breakdown in which the welds that supported the axles failed. But with the help of the experienced mentors and the resources available at the convention center, the team managed to fix the problem in time to race. Amanda Gordon drove the car on the last day and into victory. But driving the car presented issues of its own. “Since we finished the car right before Houston, I had to learn how to drive it in Houston, which was difficult,” Gordon

said. Gordon said that Shell also has an entire rulebook that the drivers must study and know. On Sunday, during their second to last attempt, the car ran out of fuel just 100 yards from the finish line. “By midday, we knew we had basically one chance left,” Dolan said. “We had our new driver (Gordon), and she was doing excellent - maintaining that positive attitude (under) pressure.” The team made a few slight modifications before sending the car off to race one last time. Gordon was able to roll the car across by shutting off the engine momentarily, awarding the team first place

in their category. “I was so happy seeing the car coming around that corner,” Zantout said. “We were so worried because at one point (Gordon) got stuck … so I wasn’t thinking we were going to make it, but I was really excited when we did.” Later, the team discovered how close their victory was. “The entire glass fuel tank was empty,” Dolan said. “We had run out of every bit of fuel except for 11 milliliters.” Even in spite of the many challenges, Gordon and Zantout will both plan to join the team next year. “Yes, we had our downs,” Zantout said, “but seeing our car go around and around the track ... was an amazing experience.”

HOW TO... Tie Dye 1. Take a plain white T-shirt and tie multiple rubber bands around parts of the shirt. 2. Prepare dye. Use packaged dye from Target or Walmart. Use rubber gloves to protect hands from stains. 3. Put T-shirt into dye for at least 15 minutes. The longer the shirt remains in the dye, the darker the colors will come out. 4. Remove from dye and rinse with cold water until excess dye washes out. 5. Wait until the shirt dries then remove the rubber bands. -Compiled by Kat McGrail Gazette illustration/THOMAS TAYLOR

Friday, May 23, 2014

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Lifestyle

VETERAN: Robin Doria shares his war training and combat experiences in Vietnam Continued from page B1

day (at) 4:00 or 5:00 a.m., go home at 6:00 at night, study all night long, get up, do it again … It teaches you teamwork – it teaches you to help your buddy who’s struggling with a particular test or a particular system … It’s both a very difficult time and a very rewarding time. Gazette: What is it like training and serving with others alongside you? Doria: Lots of camaraderie. That’s the good part about it. The people you meet are very much like you … you are (all) challenged to achieve things, you work together. And that working together creates a bond (that) is transferred to the unit. … That’s what you’re gonna remember … it’s a very bonding experience. Gazette: What are some of your specific experiences during the war? Doria: It’s very scary … I’ve been shot at … my airplane has been hit, and I (was) able to get the airplane home and land each time. But it’s scary … I was one of the lucky ones. It wasn’t because I was better or worse, it was because I was lucky. We were flying in the F-4 and there was a target between two ridgelines. In Vietnam they’re called karsts, which are big

cliffs … that are covered with jungle … The target had dropped between these two ridgelines, and they wanted us to destroy (it) because it was an American drone and they didn’t want the enemy to get the drone … So our job was to go in there and bomb it … The Viet Cong weren’t novices. They knew how to defend, so they put a gun on one ridge and a gun on the other ridge. In addition, there was a cloud deck. What the cloud deck does is if you’re below (it) they know your altitude. If you’re above the cloud deck, they can’t see you. Thirdly, … at the end of the valley that we were bombing, the karst rose up … into the clouds, so we couldn’t see the ground (while flying in the clouds). We were (flying) … between the ridgelines and bombing this, and we could see the guns on each side … trying to hit us. And then we would pull off into the clouds, hoping that we didn’t hit the (ground). Now it was more than hoping -- we know how to fly, so we’re not gonna hit the ground if we’re aware of it … Then we’d fly around and we’d make another pass … Well, the guns had us pretty well nailed. They knew what altitude we were flying at, they knew the heading we were going in, they knew where the target was. They pretty much had us. And so … on our third pass, my

pilot and I got hit. We had one bullet … about the size of your thumb hit in the (nose cone) of the F-4 and another one hit the tail … The nose cone is made of fiberglass, and we’re flying at 500 knots (about 575 mph), so the fiberglass is peeling back and going in the engines. In addition, the aerodynamic shape of the fiberglass is breaking down because it’s all stripping away. So we drop the rest of our bombs and we head home, and the engines are running a little rough because they’re ingesting all this fiberglass, but we land the airplane … We later figured out that they had us so accurately that the two bullets that hit us were right behind each other in the barrel of the gun. But we’re doing 500 knots, and you know when you shoot ducks you have to lead them. Well this guy had us so good that one bullet hit the (nose cone) and very next bullet hit the tail. But it didn’t hit the engines and it didn’t hit any … flight controls, so we were able to get home. Talk about luck. Gazette: Vietnam soldiers were often met with hostility. Did you personally encounter any problems with that? Doria: The issue is when you came home … My own sister was against the war, and she had friends who were

HANLON: Cancer survivor tells of recovery and her efforts today Continued from page B3 because she had to constantly be wary of germs and disease because her immune system was weakened by the chemo, she said she developed germaphobic tendencies. Also, because of her terrible experiences with chemotherapy in the hospital, she said there are certain smells in the hospital that make her feel nauseous. “I think that’s something that people don’t always think about – that cancer obviously affects you physically but also psychologically in a lot of ways,” Hanlon said. However, despite all the pain and challenges, a benefit of having cancer was the new friends she was able to make, especially those through a camp called Camp Okizu. Okizu is a camp for kids who currently have or previously had cancer and their families. Hanlon said it was through Okizu that she met some of her closest friends. “It’s really nice to go there because everyone just has this instant bond. It’s unspoken, but it’s there. Everyone understands what we’ve been through because it’s a very alienating having cancer as a kid,” Hanlon said. The camp also provided her with a way to give back. She was a camper for four years and plans to be a junior counselor this year. She also volunteers to wash dishes for the camp for a week during the summer. She also volunteers at Wellness Within in Roseville, a mind-body wellness center for cancer patients and their families. In addition, Hanlon started a nonprofit organization after she finished chemotherapy. Hanlon said she struggled for months with nausea and pain, and during that time she promised herself that she would do something to make a difference. “I decided when I was in treatment that I couldn’t be

enduring hell without a purpose,” Hanlon said. Hanlon and her mother created the Cure Me Too Childhood Cancer Foundation. Through fundraisers and donations they have raised about $10,000, which they plan to donate to childhood cancer research. Furthermore, Hanlon created a short video that won $25,000 for Camp Okizu, and also designed an app called Zarno to raise more money for her nonprofit. Hanlon also started the Gold Ribbon Childhood Cancer Club at GBHS so she could continue raising money and awareness for childhood cancer. The club hosted the St. Baldrick’s event at GBHS as well as some small fundraisers for Cure Me Too. Hanlon said she is very hopeful for the future of the club, and is in the process in planning events for the upcoming school year. Although Hanlon has remained cancer-free, the disease has not left her life. Every three months since March 2010 she has had follow-up visits, including blood work and x-rays or scans. “It’s funny, you think it ends – and it does … but it’s never really gone,” Hanlon said. Hanlon said it’s more than just her personal experience with cancer that influences her – it’s the friendships she’s made and the people she’s met – both living and passed away – that continue to inspire her. In a personal reflection, Hanlon wrote, “My passion to raise much needed funds for childhood cancer is not just inspired by my story. It is inspired by the stories of the remarkable friends I have made who are fighting this horrible disease. It is inspired by those who are now angels and those who are scarred survivors … No matter how hard I try, I will never be able to pretend that I didn’t have cancer. Cancer has shaped who I am today and I no longer regret that. I focus on the people that I have met and the difference I am making and will continue to make in the future. My aspirations of impactful and influential action from my days of fighting have become my reality.”

against the war, and people knew that I was still serving … And so things would be said, but … I thought that they had a right to their point of view … It wasn’t something that I found to be a huge burden. I knew what I believed, I knew what I was about, I knew that the missions that I flew were important to my squadron (and) the Air Force … Whether or not the president was right in sending us over there? Once you’re in the service, it doesn’t matter whether he’s right or wrong, you’re gonna go do the job. Let the historians decide whether it was a good idea or a bad idea. Gazette: What does the country do for veterans? Doria: Quite a bit, actually. I got my masters (degree) on the G.I. Bill. The Air Force paid for a good portion of it. Of course, I did it at night school, I didn’t stop the Air Force to go full time. In addition, when you’re in the service, all of your family’s needs are taken care of … and the government never misses a paycheck. If you serve honorably for 20 years, when you retire, you get a nice pension. And when I say “a nice pension,” I don’t mean that it’s enough to live on. It’s enough to get by, but most people who try to live on a pension, their spouse has to work … But I still get medical, I still get benefits … and I still receive a pension to this day because it’s for the rest of your life … Your spouse doesn’t get anything, but

for the privilege of flying jets and then leaving after 20 years, and then receiving a pay for the rest of your life, it’s really a pretty good deal. Gazette: Do you have any advice for students considering joining the military? Doria: My advice is that if you’re considering it or sure you’re going to do it, … do it, don’t change your mind. The country needs people to serve in the military. It’s a wonderful experience for a young person, particularly one who doesn’t know what their future holds. Well the military will give you a lot of training on how things work … (and) how to be a team player and use your team to accomplish big goals, bigger than you. That’s the real value of it. In addition, you’ll learn a trade of some kind. Whether you’re an officer or enlisted, you will come out of there with skills you didn’t have going in. Thirdly, it isn’t forever. If you don’t like it, fine. After your commitment is up, you can get out and you have those skills, and you have the benefits of the G.I. Bill to go and get a degree or other vocational work. Now, for the people who are dead set against it, don’t do it. Because you gotta work. The military wants you to perform and they’re gonna train you, but you have to go in … (with) a good attitude. And standing up to your responsibilities and earning people’s respect is a very important part of life, and you find that in the military.

YEAR: Two different voices of the Gazette reflect on school year Continued from page B1 There’s a very high possibility that I have about eight of them in my room. Kiana: Winter Ball was also amazing, I really felt as if I was at Gatsby’s party. Kate: Well, my bus was kind of like a Gatsby party. Kiana: Dear God. You know what I just realized? I’m really going to miss the Tribe in college. They did such a great job supporting our sports teams throughout high school. Kate: Yeah, except for Girls’ volleyball. Our ‘Tribe leaders’ couldn’t make it down, even though they were able to make it down for the football game last year. Kiana: Well you guys still won the State championship, that’s all the matters. What an accomplishment. You know what else is an accomplishment? The skyrocketing improvement our Media and Drama departments have had this year. Kate: Shout-out to the Laramie Project. That show was so amazing, it was cool to see our school have each others backs.

Kiana: I’m so happy our school took a stand and united for a common cause, supporting the freedom of love. Kate: Too bad there’s no freedom of college acceptances. I feel like more people got waitlisted to schools than people got in! Kiana: Yes, talk about those painful college rejections, UCs are really ramping it up this year. Kate: sucks for all the underclassmen, good luck with that! Kiana: Especially with the change in the SAT, I guess collegeboard finally got some sense knocked into their heads. Kate: Our class got really screwed over -- except for the new Common Core testing. Those two weeks of sleeping in were amazing, if every day was like that I wouldn’t skip so much school! Kiana: Well, putting aside the joyous topic of standardized testing, I’m just so happy that regardless of where we all go next year, we’ll have an incredible yearbook to refer to. I was very pleased with the yearbook this year, it captured the spirit of GBHS perfectly.

Kate: except for that 7% feeling of acceptance on campus. Kiana: That was very shocking, yes. Hopefully with the continuous efforts of student government, especially with Ripple Effect, that can ameliorate. Kate: Ripple effect was amazing. I love how it started our freshman year and we were able to watch the program grow and develop during our high school careers. And Grizzly Pride Week! It was cool that student government gave huge shoutouts to each element of our school, I love being able to see all the achievements our different programs and clubs have. Kiana: Grizzly Pride Week was my favorite spirit week! Such a great idea, I hope they do it again next year. Kate: I guess Granite Bay High School isn’t that bad. I am thankful that I got to spend the past four years here, with these people. It really has been an amazing experience. Kiana: I agree. I cant wait to see how all of our peers grow and develop these next couple years--its really going to be a journey. Kate: It’s crazy that that journey is about to begin.

Your names. Your faces. The Gazette.

Friday, May 23, 2014

w The Granite Bay Gazette

Lifestyle B6

GBHS student’s charity donates Legos to kids in need BY KRISTINE KHIEU kkhieu.gazette@gmail.com

or this generation, Legos are considered synonymous with childhood. Whether memories of building little houses or painfully stepping on bricks arise, Legos play a large part in the lives of children. In fact, according to a 2008 Time Magazine Article, approximately 400 billion Lego elements have been produced, enough for 62 Legos for every kid on Earth. To many, this might seem to be an impressive statistic. But to Bailey Snow, Granite Bay High School junior and founder of the club BrickDreams, this wasn’t enough. As a kid, Snow had much more than 62 Legos. Realizing that other kids weren’t as fortunate, he decided to find a solution. That solution was BrickDreams. Founded during Snow’s freshman year, this club’s mission is to take Legos that aren’t being played with and to clean them up to repackage and give them out to children in need, typically those affected by domestic abuse. “People usually come to us and ask to donate Legos,” Snow said. “I usually just meet with (parents) and get a donation and then clean them up, package them and send them off.”

Ben Wefers, GBHS freshman and active BrickDreams volunteer, has seen this first hand as more and more people are wanting to donate Legos that are otherwise collecting dust in their garages. Wefers was first introduced to Snow’s club on Club Rush Day at GBHS. About once a month, he helps Snow out with other volunteers. “I help organize and package Legos into tennis ball containers,” Wefers said. “We sort through all the Legos by taking out toy weapons because lots of our charities are working with domestic violence.” Currently, BrickDreams reaches kids in the greater Sacramento area, usually through charities that help children in need or police departments when they go on domestic violence calls. These groups include WEAVE, Stand Up Placer, St John’s, and even police departments when they go on domestic violence calls. “I’ve been able to help so many kids,” Snow said. “We just donated enough Legos for 1,000 kids. I know that I’ve affected at least a few kids and that feels great.” Snow has worked especially close to WEAVE, a non-profit based in Sacramento, dedicated to building a community that no longer tolerates domestic violence and sexual assault. They provide 24 hour crisis intervention, safe

shelters and therapeutic counseling for victims, helping approximately 13,000 victims every year. According to Julie Bornhoeft, WEAVE’s Director of Development and Community Relations, BrickDream’s contributions have given much more than just toys. “At all our safe houses we have counseling programs where children are helped,” Bornhoeft said. “Kids want to do something with their hands when they’re in counseling because it helps relieve stress and anxiety, and the Legos can do that.” On top of helping kids process through trauma, the Legos are also given to kids who leave the safe houses with no personal possessions of their own. Many of them have to start all over at new apartments so the Legos give them something to play with. What started as a small club from Snow’s freshman year has grown into an incredibly influential organization that just recently got nationally recognized. BrickDreams was one out of ten groups chosen from across the country for USA Today’s Make a Difference Day just last month. This day promotes community service and non-profit organizations as well as providing a luncheon for the recognized groups in Washington DC.

At the luncheon, each of the organizations were awarded $10,000 to give to a charity of their choice. Snow picked WEAVE. “When he told us that he selected us to receive the gift, it was the same week that we found out that we needed more funding,” Bornhoeft said. “(This gift) is going to help sustain really important children’s programs. That’s the best way to honor everything that Bailey’s done for WEAVE.” On top of overseeing the entire BrickDreams organization, Snow is taking multiple AP classes at GBHS and extra classes at Sierra College. In the midst of it all, he still finds time to work at Starbucks and participate on the GBHS Trap Team. Even though BrickDreams is subject to change when Snow leaves for college, he hopes to continue it for as long as possible. WEAVE and other groups currently working with BrickDreams hope to continue the partnership for as long as Snow runs the organization. “Bailey gave the kids a lot more than the Legos,” Bornhoeft said. “He’s really given them away to process trauma (that) allows them to step back and talk about what they’ve experienced. Bailey and BrickDreams have brought something really special to the community.”

Snow was featured on USA Today Weekend Make a Difference Day, winning the award for his charity efforts.

BRICKDREAMS

Gazette illustration/AKASH KHOSLA

Sports

Granite Bay Gazette

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Commentary

kevin burns kburns.gazette@gmail.com

Everyone needs to calm down, it’s just a game

inning is always great, especially in high school sports. Everyone is happy, it’s easy to brag and the relief of conquering your goals is just as refreshing as the ice bath waiting in the locker room. But it isn’t everything. And losing isn’t the end of the world. Motivational posters saying “Winning isn’t everything but losing is nothing” are great ways to intensify a workout, but are definitely not philosophies to live life by nor are they acceptable causes to start petty Twitter arguments over. At the end of the day, losing a game is high school is just that – a loss. Not a reason to try to build yourself up through attacking others. Not a sign that you won’t get into the college of your dreams. Even for athletes a loss does not mean that college scouts will turn their back or that a professional career is definitely not feasible. Every great athlete has had their fair share of losses, and you don’t see them acting like their careers are over, so why don’t students at Granite Bay High School? They don’t make excuses for every loss or mistake, and it’s their job, yet it seems like every time the “wrong” high school wins, dozens of people whine on social media like they have been wrongly accused of murder. It’s great to have school pride in high school, don’t get me wrong, but after the game is over and the scoreboard favors the other team, there is no point in bitterly insulting the other team or its fans like a child throwing a temper tantrum. People seem to forget that it’s just a game – and a high school game at that. In college, feel free to trash-talk the opponents and their fans; college is your home and you should be proud of it. College is something to be proud of, not your high school that everyone has to go to. The worst part of it all, though, is that the athletes themselves are always humble. It’s not the ones who give it their all out on the field that take the match to social media, it’s the pseudofans who act like they were personally attacked who take to the internet, like the only way to reverse the loss is to win the fight on Twitter. For example, after the boys’ soccer team lost to Jesuit High School this year, students at GBHS voiced their opinions, saying how the refs treated the Grizzlies unfairly and how obnoxious the Jesuit student section was after a close win. Yet after Granite Bay won later in the year, the same students who complained before were the first to switch roles, claiming that the so-called “Jesbians” were sore losers. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment in either a win or a loss, but fans at GBHS have to remember that the thing causing all of their anxiety and pain is simply a high school game, which in the grand scheme of things, is just a game. *** Kevin Burns, a senior, is a Sports editor

The Best of the Best

Gazette photo /Luke Chirbas

Zach Boyle (left), Tricia Plummer (middle), and Taylor Nelson (left) all helped lead their teams to success for the 2013-14 athletic seasons

Zach Boyle’s leadership and determination led to success

Male Athlete of the Year

his teammates, senior basketball player Mitch Riffice said, and they could not have gone as far Great athletes can run faster as they did without his help, than everyone. They can jump both on and off the court. “(Boyle) was always the higher and farther. They can middle man,” Riffice said. “If last longer and be stronger. But the best athletes are lead- we had one of our rare problems within the team, he would sort ers who do whatever it takes everything out so we could to help their team win. continue improving.” Granite Bay High School As evidenced by their success Male Athlete of the Year, at the end of the year, Boyle reZachary Boyle, stood up to ally brought the team closer and the challenge of a tough new led them to the playoffs as a felyear in athletics and became a vocal and exemplary leader, low teammate and as a friend to fronting the charge for both of many of the basketball players. “We respect him so much both his teams on their runs to the on and off the court,” Riffice playoffs. said. “He’s fun and easy-going As a senior leader on the varsity boys’ basketball team, when we are just hanging out, Boyle led his squad to a win- but when we are playing we ning season despite adversity can rely on him to get serious and come through in the clutch throughout the year. After when the team and the fans a tough start to league play, need him to.” the Grizzlies won four out of Boyle came through time and their last five league games time again for the Grizzlies, but to reach the Sac-Joaquin not just on the basketball court. section playoffs. There, the As a captain of the varsity boys’ Grizzlies pulled off an upset soccer team, Boyle acted as a over the eighth-seeded River City Raiders to advance to the team leader while on the path to the section championship game next round where they were knocked out by the eventual- and eventually the ring ceremochampion Jesuit Marauders. Boyle was a real leader for See BOYLE, page C5 BY KEVIN BURNS

kburns.gazette@gmail.com

Taylor Nelson’s play led to Gatorade Player of the Year title

Female Athlete of the Year

year, Nelson and her teammates maintained an undefeated 45-0 kmcgrail.gazette@gmail.com streak and went on to win the Taylor Nelson, a senior early graduate, has been CIF Division One State Champlaying volleyball since she was ten years old and is pionship for girls’ volleyball. constantly surrounded by the sport – she plays every As a starter and team leader, day, she is going to college on a volleyball scholarNelson was important to the ship and her mother acts as a coach at home and team’s success, but her achievements in volleyball when she is playing. are not limited to her high school team. “My parents taught me what hard work and dedica“My last club (team) qualified for the Open tion can do ... and that I have to keep working hard to Division of Junior Nationals and finished fifth in achieve my goals,” Nelson said. the nation,” Nelson said. “I’ve been lucky to play Nelson’s past few years of volleyball have been with some amazing players these last few years. extremely successful. Since freshman year, she has They have helped me become a better player.” played on the varsity level at Granite Bay High School with her coach Tricia Plummer. This past See NELSON, page C5 BY KAT MCGRAIL

Tricia Plummer’s unity with players helped achieve undefeated year BY STEVEN GERISCH sgerisch.gazette@gmail.com

With all of the success enjoyed by numerous GBHS teams, finding a coach who went above and beyond to help push their team to new heights was exceptionally tough. However, with the level of dominance the girls’ volleyball team played with, it was impossible to deny the GBHS Coach of the Year award to head coach Tricia Plummer. Plummer led her team to an undefeated record of 45-0, culminating in a dramatic state championship title win. “It was an amazing experience being able to coach this team,” Plummer said. Plummer had the support and respect from her players throughout the year and pushed them when they needed a challenge.

Coach of the Year

“She really motivated and encouraged us to work hard and achieve all of our team’s goals that we made at the beginning of the year,” said senior Libby Deters. Plummer’s impact on the team was not only apparent on the court during games, but also during practice. “She knows when to just let us play and when to step in and get involved,” junior Brooke Hershberger added. Plummer said she could not believe that the team did so well this year, especially the fact that they never even lost a game on the road to the state championship. “It’s never been done before in the state of California and we are very proud to have accomplished that,” Plummer said.

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Girls’ soccer team finishes off its historic season

Sports C3

Talented Grizzlies fall short in section semifinals to St. Francis

Bell tied teammate Dobson for the SFL lead in goals with 12. Wagner finished 4th in the league with 7. To The Granite Bay High School girls’ go along with this potent offensive soccer team had one of its best seaattack, the defense played its part as sons in team history this season. well. Opponents only scored 6 goals Led by senior captains Makenzie total in the entire 20-game season. Brito, Sara Wagner and Chloe Dob“It’s hard sometimes when you have son, the Grizzlies finished the season players of all different ages that come at 14-2-3, 6-1-3 in league. from all different club teams trying “Before the season started, we to play together,” head coach Mark knew we were going to have a pretty Broers said. “But this team is special. solid team, but I don’t think anyone They seem to work hard for each expected to do as well as we did,” other and understand how to play as Brito said. a team.” Brito, who will be playing at UC This team chemistry San Diego next is one of the main reaseason, is one of sons for the unmatched five players who success this season. will be playing “From the beginThis team is at the collegiate ning of the season, we level. Along with realized how amazing special. They Brito, senior Sara the team was,” Wagner seem to Wagner (Chapsaid. “But a huge factor work hard man University), has been how well we senior Destiny get along as a team.” for each Butcher (Sac“This chemistry is other and ramento State), something that we sophomore understand haven’t had much of Maggie Bell (UC in the past so this year how to Berkeley), and it definitely made a play as a sophomore Jordan difference,” Brito said. Holt (University “We all trust each other team of Kentucky) will on the field and come – Mark Broers, also be playtogether really well as a Girl’s varsity soccer ing at the next group.” level. Many of the In the midst of the younger players incredibly successful will also likely be season, the team was making commitranked first in the state ments to play in college in the near and as high as 13th in the nation by future. MaxPreps. This core of talented players led the The Grizzlies clinched the league Grizzlies to their first Sierra Foothill title in the final game of the season, League title in six years. which led to being the 1st-seed in “We don’t have one or two indithe Division I Sac-Joaquin Section vidual players who are the ‘stars’ of playoffs. our team,” Bell said. “We are solid “We did everything we needed to at every position and our offense and do in league,” Broers said. “The girls defense work well as a unit.” found a way to win, even with some BY BRENDAN GONZALEZ bgonzalez.gazette@gmail.com

Gazette photo /Grace moore

Sophomore mid fielder Sydney Ladrech dribbles around the Rocklin High School girls’ soccer team defense late in the season. She was pulled up to varsity for this year’s playoffs and will look to contribute next year.

key injuries down the stretch.” Unfortunately, the Grizzlies were knocked out of the playoffs in the section semifinal game. “We ran into some tough opponents in playoffs and we just were not able to convert when we had some chances in our final game,” Broers said.

Even with the tough loss, the team’s winning ways were not only a highlight for GBHS sports this year, but a preview of future success for the girls’ soccer program. “We are losing five seniors so that will be tough,” Broers said. “But I look for next year’s team to pick up right where this year’s team left off.

Senior supports his fellow athletes Lacrosse player Austin Allegra makes time to encourage and assist other sports at Granite Bay High School BY LUKE CHIRBAS lchirbas.gazette@gmail.com

Ever since Austin Allegra was little he knew that he would be one of the biggest and loyal fans in existence. At a young age Allegra would always attend his friends’ cross country, basketball, or soccer games. “I just wanted to support my friends in anyway possible,” Allegra said.

It is safe to say that Allegra is one of a kind. Long before high school he was a fan of sports. “A lot of people become fans when they go to High School, and follow the crowd. I was a fan long before I was in High School, a true testament to my fan hood,” Allegra said. In high school, Allegra continues to continue to fan excellence, by joining the well-known Tribe.

Allegra is not considered one of the leaders of The Tribe, but instead is devoted fan. “I try and make it out to a lot of the athletic games. I love watching the games to see the passion that the athletes have,” Allegra said. Among being apart of the Tribe Allegra is also a member of the Varsity Lacrosse team. “We work out a lot, like everyday

from 7 to 9, but I still try and find time to attend events,” Allegra said. A true fan does not make excuses not to attend events, but excuses to attend. Even with a busy schedule like Allegra’s

It’s going to be a very comparable team and we just have to see if we can get similar results.” However, this year’s team will not be an easy one to top. “This year’s team was definitely special,” Brito said. “We grew close as a team and I will definitely miss playing with all these girls.”

he manages to come out and support his fellow grizzlies. “ I know how it feels to have people come out and support me at my games. It gives the players more motivation and an edge over their opponents,” Allegra said. Allegra also views the Tribe as a new way to interact with people that you normally don’t have the chance to. “I met numerous amount of new friends that I wouldn’t otherwise. Cheering is just a great experience all around.” Next time you are at a Granite Bay sports event most likely you will be able to spot Austin Allegra there as well, and cheering on his fellow classmates.

Grizz Quiz Compiled by Brendan Gonzalez

What is your dream job?

What is your favorite childhood TV show?

What is your favorite season?

What is your pet peeve?

What is your favorite vacation spot?

Austin Allegra Boys’ Lacrosse

Sara Wagner Girls’ Soccer

Mitch Hart Baseball

Lauren Brackett

Zack Kwan

Swimming

Boys’ Golf

Musician/ Actor

Manager for a celebrity

MLB pitcher

Livestock Veterinarian

Pro Golfer

Barney

Full House

Spongebob Squarepants

Lizzie McGuire

Family Guy

Summer

When people smack their lips while chewing

When people use my stuff and don’t put it back

People who walk slowly

High-pitched sneezes

Getting woken up during a nap

Cabo

Hawaii

Cabo

Anywhere in Florida

Cancun

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GBHS students looking forward to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil

Casual, hard-core fans alike build anticipation with world tournament drawing closer BY BRIAN ZHUANG bzhuang.gazette@gmail.com

As the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil comes closer than ever, many students around Granite Bay High School have been talking nonstop about the excitement that this tournament will bring. This will be the 20th FIFA World Cup and it will begin June 12 and end July 13. Soccer has been on a recent growth in popularity and with many die-hard fans in GBHS, who knows what kind of reactions will be expressed during these intense games. This will be the second straight year that the FIFA World Cup will not be hosted by a European country, as the 2010 FIFA World Cup was hosted by South Africa A total of 64 matches will be played in 12 cities across Brazil in either new or redeveloped

stadiums. In addition, the matches will use goal-line technology, which provides clearer information on if the ball crosses a line, whether it is the goal line or the out of bounds line. There are 32 teams from five different confederations that will be put into eight groups of four teams. Teams will advance after winning and will play other teams from other groups. Most importantly, many students say that this tournament is so highly anticipated because of the amount of talent that gets displayed throughout the games. “The World Cup is the most viewed event whenever it occurs,” said varsity soccer player Jad Shami. “We don’t always get to witness the best countries in the world go headto-head, making it more exciting and entertaining.” Because of the wait of four years between each FIFA World

Cup event, the anxiety that soccer fans have is inevitable with the constant longing for soccer action. “Soccer is the most popular sport on the planet and the World Cup is the biggest stage in soccer,” Shami said. “Who wouldn’t be excited for this event?” Varsity soccer player Erik Manzo has been playing soccer his whole life and whenever the World Cup occurs, he is always willing to watch. “I will be staying up late and waking up at 4 a.m. to watch the World Cup games,” Manzo said. “I love watching soccer and of course I will be supporting the number one team which is Mexico.” The World Cup is a universal sport, relatively less embodied in America compared to other countries where soccer is a lifestyle and a part of their culture.

“Soccer connects so many countries worldwide; it’s like common language,” said girls’ varsity soccer player Jordan Holt. “(Having) so many people with such passion for the game creates an unbelievable atmosphere which is only seen in the World Cup.” These high intensity fans from all over the globe come together and unite as a whole to experience this profound event. Although there may be some hectic activity present after major matches, it is always for the passion of the sport and the love of one’s team. GBHS students have definitely showed their excitement for the 2014 FIFA World Cup as many continually debate on which team will make it to the top. “At this level, it’s more than a game.” Holt said. “It’s representing your country and knowing there are millions of people watching every move.”

Gazette illustration /PARKER BURMAN

Junior athlete Annie Wright excels against competition Dual-sport standout dominates her opponents both on the basketball court and on the track BY KAT MCGRAIL kmcgrail.gazette@gmail.com

Gazette photo /KAT Mcgrail

Junior Annie Wright finishes strong at one of her track meets. Despite competing in two different sports, Wright is always mentally prepared against her competitors.

Though the spring sports season is wrapping up, junior Annie Wright never slows down. Annie Wright is a talented basketball player and track sprinter. Since freshman year, Wright has been a varsity athlete, both on the basketball team and the track team at Granite Bay High School. She is currently focusing her energy on the final weeks of her track season, where she has high hopes of making it on to Master’s in the 400 meter race. Wright has worked hard all year to get faster times. Since the beginning of the season, Wright has improved her time in the 400 meter, and even broke her personal record time in a close race against Del Oro’s track team. “I run a lot. I eat really healthy and I drink a ton of water constantly to help keep myself healthy during the season,” Wright said. The 400 meter sprint is not her only successful race. This year, she has competed in the 100 meter, 200 meter, and also runs on two relay teams. She is an important member of the team.

“I am a captain for basketball, but not for track. My goal is to become a captain on the track team my senior year,” Wright said. She competes in a lot of cross training club sports outside of school, and is always working in the off season. “I train six days a week, sometimes twice a day,” Wright said, “I rarely take days off. Over the summer I train with my coach at least five days a week for three hours.” Because she is continuously working year round, she stays in shape as she transitions from season to season. She says the shift between the sports is easy because she enjoys both equally. “I don’t like any of my sports more than another. I love working hard to succeed in all of them,” she said. Annie is a very successful, motivated athlete. Her successes are abundant, and she continues to improve throughout her career. “I plan on receiving a scholarship in either track or basketball, and competing in one of those sports in college,” Wright said. “I’m looking forward to continuing after high school.”

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BOYLE: Dual-sport athlete inspires teammates’ praise

Continued from page C1

NELSON: Senior volleyball star important to team wins Continued from page C1

friends in a win in the last minutes against our rival in itself was incredible, but actually contributing to the win by scoring… I feel blessed,” Boyle said. “Winning that game was the best way to finish my GBHS soccer career.” But the end of his high school career does not mean the end of his athletic career. “I live in the competitive environment that sports give me, and I intend to play them for the rest of my life,” Boyle said. “They help me stay in shape both mentally and physically.” Despite how far Boyle can take his talents and leadership, he said his time as a leader for two different teams this year made him give it all he had, and he has no regrets. As far as his standing as the GBHS Male Athlete of the Year, Riffice and Anderson both agreed that there is no one else who is more deserving of the honor because of Boyle’s hard work as an athlete and a leader in both sports. Humbled and honored for the title, Boyle has left his mark on GBHS athletics, serving as both an example and inspiration to future athletes. “I have enjoyed my high school career playing basketball and soccer at GBHS,” Boyle said, “and I am honored to have had the pleasure of playing alongside some great athletes and friends.”

ceremony after the win. After a disappointing loss to Jesuit High School at the beginning of the season, the boys’ varsity soccer team was feeling the effects of a close, tough loss. Feeling down, the Grizzlies needed someone to step up and lead the way for them – a position that Boyle confidently took. As a fellow returning member of the varsity squad, senior Armin Anderson was impressed by Boyle’s poise as the team’s captain. “He was definitely a leader for the soccer team this year,” Anderson said. “Even after we had our struggles, he was there to pick us up.” Anderson was not only impressed by how Boyle handled being a leader, but he was also impressed by the amount of work Boyle put in to help the team, both as an athlete and as a motivator. “He’s a great athlete – he can literally run up and down the field all game,” Anderson said. “But in addition to his physical skill, he is always positive – he never got mad at anyone unless he needed to.” As a key presence both on the field and in the locker room, Boyle had a great impact on the team when they needed him to step up. “I’d definitely say without him our team would not have been the same and would not have done as well as we did,” Anderson said. Boyle was instrumental in not only getting GBHS to the section championship game, but also helping them win it with a goal that helped the Grizzlies beat the Jesuit Marauders 2-1 in a close game, Boyle’s favorite moment of his athletic career. Gazette photo /luke chirbas “It was truly a surreal moment scoring in the section championship game Senior Zach Boyle played on both the against Jesuit. Being alongside my best varsity basketball and soccer teams.

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Teammate Amanda Prather, who made the varsity team as a freshman, described Nelson as encouraging and welcoming, despite only knowing her for a little while. “I have known Taylor since seventh grade because her mom was my coach, but I have only played with her for one year,” Prather said. Even though their relationship was short-lived, Prather praised Nelson for her supportive attitude and friendly demeanor. “Taylor was so welcoming when I came to Granite Bay,” Prather said, “I look up to her so much because we both play setter.” Teammates Ari Simpson and Brooke Hershberger, both juniors, describe Nelson as by far the most talented player

“I love that in volleyball, there are always things to improve on and things you can work at on your own, too,” Nelson said. Nelson’s hard work and dedication to the game of volleyball puts her on top as far as her competition. Teammates concur that Nelson is a superstar on the court, but Nelson believes it is her team who really encourage her. Nelson says that it is the successes of her team as a whole that has allowed her to be given some amazing opportunities in her volleyball career. She loves the team aspect of her sport and the bonds that the team makes throughout the season. Nelson’s successes will continue from high school, on into college, and maybe beyond. But she will certainly thrive and improve as she works hard with her teammates. “(My teammates) have helped push me to become a better player,” Nelson said, “they motivate me to be the best I can be.”

they know. “Taylor has influenced me to want to be a better player,” Hershberger said, “I hope one day to have half as much talent that Taylor has.” Simpson agrees, saying that Nelson has inspired her to focus on getting a scholarship and playing volleyball in college. Though both Hershberger and Simpson have both only known Nelson from high school volleyball, both say she is one of the funniest people on and off the court, and that she is such a supportive player all around. “She is hilarious,” Simpson said, “she lightens the mood and releases the stress of tough games.” Nelson received a scholarship for volleyball and currently attends Cal Poly, where she trains with her team at least five times a week, even though her sport is not in season.

PLUMMER: Head coach rallies team to 45-0 season Deters also agreed that team chemistry plays a huge role in success and said that Plummer being both a coach and A fact to help understand the magnitude friend played a big factor to bonding as of how dominant the Grizzlies were this a whole. year: the Grizzlies only lost a total of Deters and the rest of the team stood five sets out of 124 total sets, a 96% win out from all of the others that Plummer rate. That number coached over the years. was unmatched across “They never gave up,” the country by any Plummer said. “This other high school in team had an exceptional We all America. group of athletes who That high level of bonded greatly were dedicated and knew play comes from skill, it took to win.” because we were what but also team chemisAlthough the record try. When asked how all just crazy may say otherwise, the much coach Plummer Grizzlies had to persearound each helped the team bond, vere through some tough junior Natalie Barron other! We were a points during matches. had much to say. Hershberger said that family. “She helped mocoach Plummer was tivate us so we all serious when she had to worked together to – Ariana Simpson, be but also knew how to reach our goal of getcalm the team down as a varsity volleyball player ting to state,” Barron whole during the rough said. patches. “She’s a great and “She definitely played fun person in general,” that role of positive junior Ariana Simpson encouragement but she said. “We all bonded greatly because we would also refocus us if we were strugwere all just crazy around each other! We gling,” Simpson added. were a family.” Plummer had a special connection Continued from page C1

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• • • • • • •

with all of her players that allowed her to Mitch Markin the struggles. Barron said that she was able to keep them level headed throughout all of their games and didn’t let them get ahead of themselves throughout the season. Barron continued on and said that she always stressed approaching the season one game at a time, never letting them fall victim to trap games, one of the main reasons they were able to complete the unbelievable feat of completing a perfect season. Head volleyball coach Tricia Plummer was the obvious choice for Coach of the Year. Despite all of the other great records and accomplishments from various other GBHS coaches, coach Plummer not only brought home a state championship, but also the number three rank in the nation, despite a controversial number two rank in the state of California. “It is a great honor to be selected as GBHS Coach of the Year,” Plummer said when told of her award. “We couldn’t have had the success we did without all of the coaches in the volleyball program,” Plummer added, “as well as the help from the parents and of course the athletes for their hard work and dedication.”

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The 2013-2014 All-Grizzly Team Selecting Granite Bay High School’s finest athletes

First Team

Maggie Bell wSoccerw Sophomore

Matt Berry wWrestlingw Arizona State

Daeja Black wBasketballw Sophomore

Zach Boyle wBasketball/Soccerw Senior

Chloe Dobson wSoccerw Senior

Maddy Deters wVolleyballw

In her second year on varsity, Bell tied for the league lead with 12 goals, while also chipping in 11 assists. After being named to the All-SFL second team last season, she will likely be named to the All-SFL first team this season. Bell is committed to play soccer at UC Berkeley.

Despite having to undergo knee surgery mid-way through the wrestling season, Berry bounced back in a big way. After placing first in league, second in subsections and third in masters, he was named the 13th best high school wrestler in the state of California.

Coming off a season in which she was named to the All-SFL first team, Black averaged 17.9 points, 8.7 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 3.7 steals per game. Black was then named to her second All-SFL first team in two years.

As captain of the boys’ soccer team, Boyle led the team to the D1 Sac-Joaquin Section championship game in which he scored the game-tying goal with minutes left, which would eventually lead to a 2-1 victory. He also was a leader on the Grizzlies’ basketball team.

After leading the team in goals and being named to the All-SFL first team two years running, Dobson tied for the league lead in goals with 12, while also adding four assists this season.

Alongside fellow senior Taylor Nelson, Deters helped to lead the Granite Bay’s girls’ volleyball team to a Division I State Championship following an undefeated season. Named to the All-SFL first team, Deters will be attending Concordia University in the fall.

Dylan Keeney wFootballw

Nina Murphy-Cook wSoftballw

University of Colorado

Worcester Polytechnic

Taylor Nelson wVolleyballw Cal Poly SLO

Grace Reego wWater Polow UCLA

Keeney led the Grizzly football team in touchdowns with 13, averaging 19.8 yards per reception. In a game against Del Oro, Keeney hauled in six catches for 138 yards and two touchdowns, earning him Varsity Football Overall Player of the Game. Keeney will be playing football at the University of Colorado-Boulder in the fall.

A member of the varsity team in her sophomore, junior and senior years, Murphy-Cook was an offensive marvel her senior year with a batting average of .411 and on-base percentage at .462. Murphy-Cook also led the team in hits with 30 and runs scored with 20.

Nelson was named the 20132014 Gatorade California Volleyball Player of the Year after leading the GBHS volleyball team to an undefeated season and a Division I State Championship. Nelson graduated early and is currently playing volleyball at Cal Poly SLO.

Reego, who played varsity polo for four years, scored more than 300 goals in her GBHS career, while also earning varsity letters in swimming. She was named to the all-league team in three out of four varsity seasons at GBHS. Reego will be playing water polo at UCLA in the fall.

Concordia University

Cameron Smith wFootballw Junior

Kevin Wylder wSwimmingw UC San Diego

Smith led the Grizzly football team with 126 total tackles, including five tackles for a loss. He also added three interceptions, 1.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries, and one fumble forced. Smith has received 13 Division I scholarship offers so far.

Wylder became an All-American in the 50-yard freestyle and the 100 butterfly. At the league championships, he set the school record in the 50 with a time of 20.75 seconds. He went 20.14 to break the section record in the 50 last week and sub-49 in the fly.

Second Team Luke Bussey wFootballw San Diego State University

Makenzie Brito wSoccerw UC San Diego

During the 2013-14 season in which he was named All-SFL team, Bussey served as an anchor on the Grizzlies’ defense at cornerback with 46 tackles, six interceptions (two returned for a touchdown) for 151 yards and one fumble recovery. Bussey will be playing football at San Diego State University next year.

In her fourth year of varsity and second year as captain, Brito tallied four goals and four assists as she led the team to its first SFL title in six years. Brito will be playing at UC San Diego in the fall.

Marc Ellis wFootballw American River College A wide receiver, Ellis led the football team in both total receiving yards and yards per game. Ellis, who finished the season with 10 touchdowns, was awarded Varsity Football Offensive Player of the Game for his performance against the Pittsburg Pirates, catching 14 passes for 214 yards and two touchdowns.

Jeff Gaebler wSoccerw Senior

Maricela Garza wSoftballw University of Redlands

Zach Hall wBaseballw Westmont College

During the 2013-14 campaign, Gaebler helped lead the GBHS soccer team to a section championship with a teamleading 20 goals and five assists. For his performance on Oct. 1 in a game against Nevada Union, Gaebler was awarded Player of the Game.

A four-year varsity starter, as a senior Garza led the Grizzly softball team in RBIs and extra-base hits and had a .968 fielding percentage. In the fall, Garza will be playing softball collegiately for the University of Redlands Bulldogs.

As of last week, Hall was leading the boys’ varsity baseball team in hits, doubles and batting average for anyone with at least 50 at-bats. To go along with his .372 average, Hall also sports a .510 on base percentage to go along with 14 RBIs.

Aidan Naughton wBasketballw Senior

Will Stabbert wLacrossew Junior

Emily Torris wLacrossew George Washington

In his third year on varsity and second as a captain, Naughton averaged 14 points and four rebounds a game. He was a leader on a Grizzly team that finished third in league and advanced to the seconds round of playoffs. Naughton was also named to the All-SFL first team.

A standout defender for Granite Bay’s lacrosse team, Stabbert doesn’t pad the stat sheet with goals and assists. What he does do is lead the team in ground balls and takeaways, serving as an anchor in a stout backfield.

Torris has been a starter on varsity for three years. She was named All-SFL first team in her sophomore season. She is committed to play lacrosse at George Washington University.

Honorable Mentions Jordan Andersonn wSwimmingw Junior

Tyler Brendel wTrack & Fieldw Junior

Alex Cooney wWrestlingw Senior

Jack Dockham wFootball/Basketballw Senior

Deedra Dollesin wSwimmingw Junior

Vinny Esposito wBaseballw Sacramento State

Mitch Hart wBaseballw USC

Brian Graber wTrack & Fieldw Junior

Zachary Kwan wGolfw Senior

Devin Lehman wBaseballw Sacramento State

Jennifer Manduca wBasketballw Senior

Katie Mersereau wTrack & Field/XCw Senior

Darren Nelson wBasketballw Freshman

Grant Powers wFootball/Baseballw Senior

Sara Wagner wSoccerw Chapman University

Paul Zeiss wTrack & Field/XCw Junior

green screen. May 2014

The Gazetteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s arts and entertainment guide

Get the inside scoop from the Coachella music festival Pages 8 and 9 Gazette photo /Caitlyn Hurley

Page 2

May 2014

sneak peek.

Gazette photo /GRACE MOORE

SPECIAL TO THE GAZETTE/ DANIELA BRIOULO

Gazette photo /CAITLYN HURLEY

wSee page 5 for an indepth preview on the seventh annual Guitar Show.

wSee pages 8 & 9 for a grand recap on Coachella.

wSee page 11 for the scoop on this year’s Senior Europe trip.

Youth needs knowledge.

Our generation lacks the urge to know what is happening around the world. In modern society with instant technology and social media, The perception that news is trite enacts an oblivious attitude teenagers and young adults should be in tune with global news toward engaging in reading or listening to it, which to me, is a right? complete excuse for being lackadaisical when it comes to our On average, most teens do not even know what is going on country’s endeavors. with the United States government or tragic events that affect the To me, if you are a citizen in the U.S., whether young or old, future of our nation. watching or listening to the news and inquirSeeing how this generation will be the ing about current dealings should be somenew face of this country, it is frightening thing everyone involves themselves in. to know that ignorance is common when it Say it came time for a brand-new 18-yearcomes to serious issues. old to vote in a presidential election and if With constant use of domains like Twitter, that person has no clue about the policies or Instagram, Facebook and Tumblr, society even what political party the nominee is ashas transformed into a “me” culture with the sociated with, how can that person make an desire for constant and rapid satisfaction. knowledgeable vote? I believe, because of this wave of instant, Statistics and studies prove that less than self-gratification, the majority of young 30% of average young teens and young people have taken a blatant disregard for adults watch, listen or read the news. important factors in the U.S. as well as the Concerns like these in particular, raise rest of the globe, that are having an effect on prominent questions for what the future of their lives. this country will be like and as someone If I were to walk up to 10 teenagers in who will be attending college soon, I want to cvivaldi.gazette@gmail.com public and request their familiarity on what be confident in who is in charge of running Obamacare entails, a miniscule amount would have the knowluniversities, the government and corporations for my own future, edge to respond. Plain and simple. as well as my peers. Decisions and actions by our government, for example, could In knowing what is occurring now, experiences and wrongpotentially create positive or negative futures for the youth of doings that are presented by the press will aid in preventing them today. in the future because history is in fact bound to repeat itself if Everyone should be tuned in at least partially to understand mistakes are not understood. what exactly is occurring in our nation and by doing that, I Since social media and technology is rapidly protruding as time firmly contest that lessons and awareness will be gained. Which goes on, compromise between honing in on that and becoming henceforth, will draw attention to the realities of what is currently aware of the news could be getting news updates via immediate going on. social media. As one of the few that is up-to-date on current events and news, I would feel great pride in my peers gradually gravitating I see the handfuls of young individuals that have absolutely no toward understanding current society while supporting and taking clue about simple controversies that happen day to day in the U.S. part in news because ignorance in social communities is not a and I wonder what the next 10 to 15 years will be like. direction that this nation should be headed.

Commentary

Colleen Vivaldi

Guide to Green Screen

Page 3

Page 6/7

Page 4 Summer Music Page 5

Page 8/9

Music Reviews

Guitar Preview

Food Reviews Coachella

Page 10

LLS Man of the Year

Upcoming GBHS Events for March May 23 Guitar Show & Senior Sunset May 29 School’s Out June 13 Senior Europe Trip

Page 11

Page 14/15

Page 12 Recipe of the Month

Page 16

Senior Europe Trip

Movie Reviews

Goodbye Green Screen

May 2014

Page 3

tune in.

Ought More Than Any Other Day BY MEREDITH DECHERT mdechert.gazette@gmail.com

ught’s first album, More Than Any Other Day, is a fascinating capsule of contemporary youthful frustration. The band, from Montreal, Quebec, wrote the album’s music and lyrics during the 2012 Quebec student protests, which accounts for the confusion expressed in the yelling vocals of this former garage band. The first track, “Pleasant Heart,” sets the tone of the album with its style of subdued forcefulness through the clanging of drums and maintenance of a clear baseline. “Today More Than Any Other Day,” the song that the album is named for, continues the trend in a nondescript few minutes. Abrupt syncopated grunts in the next track, “Habit,” immediately reminded me of the currently popular American band Haim, and, sure enough, a quick perusal of Ought’s group Tumblr blog revealed they are big fans of the alternative band. With lyrics that allude to and express support for social justice movements, Ought seem really to be a modern phenomenon. More likely, though, it’s an existential brooding thing, as expressed

through the endearing line, “It’s all the f------ same.” “The Weather Song” picks up the beat and mimics the assertive and sharp vocal style of older punk in between breaks of soft, gentle lyrics, eventually exploding in energy and noise in a climax that sounds completely different than the rest of the album – almost like a phone recording of a live concert. “Forgiveness” shows a softer and slower side of Ought that emulates a bit of Nick Cave. The contrast of the neat and disorganized seems deliberate, as if Ought is showing self-awareness of their place in society as middle-class white Canadians who are expressing angst. I think this is what music aficionados call post-punk – not exclusively post-angst. “Around Again” picks up again with a poppy baseline and quick beat – again, quite like Haim. But it slows down here and there with the lyrics, “Go slow,” the drums dropping away. Then, again, the clash of drums and layered guitars is catchy. For their first album, Ought layered many different comparative and contrasting tempos, lyrics and beats that gave an overall some-what enjoyable listening experience.

Constellation

More Than Any Other Day was released on April 29, 2014.

Skip to: The Weather Song

Hunter Hayes Storyline BY MAGGIE BELL

Atlantic Records

Storyline debuted on May 6, 2014.

Skip to: If It’s Just Me

mbell.gazette@gmail.com

unter Hayes is now one of the biggest names in country music and has just released his second album. His new album, Storyline, with his classic country style, avoids the repetitive “twang”sound and also has a hint of rock. Country is often overlooked as “being all the same,” and to be fair, a lot of the time, can be repetitive. However Hayes does a nice job of keeping his music fresh with different beats and tempos in his songs. On his new album his has fast paced songs such as “Wild Card,” that contrast slower ballads such as “Still Fallin.” Throughout the whole album,love is a dominant theme however the ideas vary between losing a girl, to chasing a girl, to being deeply in love with a girl as in “Still Fallin.” One of the most unique songs of Hayes’ career is the song “Invisible.” The lyrics are very personal talking about the struggle of being an outcast and “feeling invisible,” hence the title. His song “Flashlight” is the perfect song for driving on a summer

day, with an upbeat tempo and light hearted feel to it. My personal favorite, “If Its Just Me,” is about a faded love where he feels like he is the only one that’s trying in the relationship anymore. He’s telling the girl if he’s the only one that cares anymore he’ll give up and move on. The song “Storyline,” which is also the headline of the album, has more of a rock essence blended with his country style that he is famous for. It is about love and freedom for the couple to “right their own storyline” and be whoever they want to be. It is a perfect song to be performed at a concert with a lot of strong guitar solos. Throughout the entire album Hayes does a nice job of keeping it clean without swearing and avoiding the theme of drugs or drinking despite country being notoriously known for having beer as a dominant theme. It is going to be an instant country hit that is definitely going to be playing all summer long on my summer playlist as well as many others, I’m sure.

Atmosphere Southsiders BY CAITLYN HURLEY churley.gazette@gmail.com

n May 5th, Atmosphere released their sixth album, Southsiders. This legendary Minneapolis, hip-hop duo has been making music since 1989, and in my opinion, Southsiders is a solid album. Unlike many of today’s rappers, Atmosphere’s lyrics tell stories that rapper Slug (Sean Daley) and DJ Anthony Davis. Throughout the entire album Slug used symbolism, metaphors and many references to nature and relationships. One of the best tracks in my opinion is “Flicker” which is a tribute to a fellow artist and a close friend of Slug’s, Eyedea. This track is full of raw emotion and brutal honesty. Some of the most real lyrics on the entire album are on this track, such as, “You know me; you know I’m a control freak, who told you, you could die before me? Gone, another dog lost to the wild, I feel like a snot-nosed child. And when I hear your smile, is outlined in sadness. You poked holes in the magic. You taught jokes to the clowns that never learned how to appreciate the lights before the bulbs burned out flicker.” Not only does Slug refer to fellow artists that have passed away, but current rappers in the game today. In Kanye West’s case, Slug names an entire song about him. This curiously titled track sparked my interest when the album was

released. When listening to this song, you hear typical party lyrics about “putting your hands in the air.” However, in the music video, you see an odd couple robbing numerous liquor stores and gas stations in the beginning, and watch as the couple evolves into a sort of mobster duo. Slug is also featured in the video as a victim of one of the robberies. The meaning behind this strange contrast of partying and the gangster lifestyle has yet to be revealed by Slug, but needless to say I became incredibly intrigued. This album introduces a new side of Slug’s musical talents while still connecting back to his older albums, such as The Family Sign and When Life Gives You Lemons You Paint That S--- Gold. His album touches on the pain and struggle that he has gone through during his career as an artist, but while listening to it, it felt a little passive. A lot of the songs are softer, deeper and not very in your face. The lyrics display Slug’s confidence in his life journey, and he seems confident in telling his story, but the album as a whole doesn’t. In my opinion, this is the first time in a long time that Slug has released an album and not for himself or for his fans, but just to release an album because it’s what is expected out of him. Don’t get me wrong, it’s an amazing album, but when you listen to the tracks, I don’t get the feeling that my whole heart is in it.

Rhymesayers Ent., Lic.

Southsiders came out on May 5, 2014.

A Skip to: Flicker

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May 2014

current.

Summer time music

Artist of the Month: Megan Dunlop Senior BY EMILY WAGNER ewagner.gazette@gmail.com

BY BRIAN ZHUANG bzhuang.gazette@gmail.com

1. Summertime by DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince This ultimate summer jam has every essential within its lyrics from shooting hoops to having barbeques.

1. What do you enjoy most about painting? You think you can’t do something and Gazette photo /EMILY WAGNER then Mr. Stevens will pretty much teach you whatever you need to know. It makes you feel good about yourself.

2. Surfin’ USA by the Beach Boys The Beach Boys is the epitome of summer-time fun. C’mon now, they even have “beach” in their name.

2. What are you working on right now? I just finished a split panel painting. One side has piano keys and the other side has a girl with a burning house in the background.

3. Party in the USA by Miley Cyrus I’m noddin’ my head like yeah movin’ my hips like YEAAAAAAH.

3. Are you planning on pursuing art in the future? Maybe, if I can in college. But I think it’ll just be a hobby.

4. Feeling Alright by Rebelution You can’t go wrong with some chill reggae on the beach with friends.

4. What style of painting do you use the most? I like to paint nature scenes, like landscapes.

5. Get Lucky by Daft Punk feat. Pharrell Williams This pop tune going classic is still going to be a top summer tune.

5. What impact do you feel art has had on your life? I can express myself using art,which I think is really cool, and I just really enjoy painting.

Top Netflix Picks BY DANTE WEEKS

1. Dexter (2006-2013)

dweeks2.gazette@gmail.com

This dark tv series stars a blood splatter analyst, Dexter, who is a vigilantic killer and takes the law into his own hands. The series follows Dexter’s life as he tries to manage his family, job and secret life of murder. 2. A Haunted House (2013) A hilarious spoof of Paranormal Activity follows a man and his haunted girlfriend as they move in together and start experiencing some paranormal occurrences. 3. IronClad (2011) ABC Studios

An action-packed movie set during the Roman empire that follows a group of templars as they protect Rochester castle from the cruel King John. 4. Lilo and Stitch (2002) This nostalgic film of a young girl who adopts what she thinks is a puppy but soon finds out this puppy is no ordinary dog is a childhood classic. The story follows her and her family as they try to deal with the consequences of fostering their alien companion.

to the beat.

May 2014

Page 5

Guitar show to showcase GBHS musicians BY PARKER BURMAN pburman.gazette@gmail.com

Students get a chance to show off their talent on the big stage

For the past six years, Granite Bay High School advanced guitar students have put on a concert to show what they’ve learned over the course of the year. This year will be no different. In the seventh annual GBHS guitar show the musicians will perform for their fellow students and families on May 23. “All advanced students are required to play in the show, so once we get done learning chords and song writing we prepare ourselves to do the actual concert,” said guitar teacher Terry Stafford. But this year is not like the previous years in that the program’s equipment to improved compared to the past. “We started with nothing,” Stafford said, “we used whatever the kids brought to class.” Now with more advanced equipment the concert has evolved and gotten much more professional. “We now have pretty much everything we need for a full concert,” Stafford added. Every guitar show is different, with this year’s concert featuring songs decade by decade, with students choosing the songs that are played from each. Seniors Vinny Esposito and Tanner Hulsebus will both be performing in this year’s show. Esposito has participated in the show in the past and will be singing for three songs, spanning multiple decades of musical history. Meanwhile, Hulsebus will be playing and singing “In Your Atmosphere” by John Mayer with fellow senior Sam Denton to represent the modern era of music. Although a veteran of the show, Esposito is still a bit nervous for his performance. “It’s pretty scary,” Esposito said, “I went from one song last time to three this year so it’s scary right now.” He’s still confident in his memory though. “I’m not expecting to forget any lyrics,” Esposito joked. However, Hulsebus will be performing live for the first time in his life.

“I have never performed in front of a crowd this big before,” Hulsebus said, “I have performed for a few people before but never with a microphone, so it will be nerve wracking.” Thanks to his preparation however, he will be ready. “I prepare by just practicing a lot and slowly playing and singing in situations where I normally wouldn’t be comfortable,” Hulsebus added. “It helps me break out of my comfort zone.” Even Stafford will get in on the action, performing the first song of the show. “I always open the show and thank people for coming, and that’s always fun.” Stafford said. All three are confident in the show and look forward to a good night of music. “I think the show will go great. It’s really coming together,” Stafford said, “We have about 24 songs that I’m sure we will be able to play and play well.” Esposito agrees with his teacher. “(People) are going to come and have a good time, enjoy (themselves) and listen to good music.” Esposito added. They all showed nothing but confidence in the concert’s success. “I expect the show to go well,” Hulsebus said. “We have put in countless hours of practice and there are many talented people who are performing.” Likely being some students’ first and last large performance of their musical career, the guitar show will be an important and well played event. “It’s a good opportunity to see all the talent that we have in this school, and I think you will recognize a lot of the songs we play.” Stafford agrees that it will be a good time. “Its great sound, its great music and it only happens once a year,” Stafford said. “If you like music at all you need to come.”

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Page 6

May 2014

sizzle.

Steaken by surprise

The Gazette staff is on the hunt for the best Steak Houses in town.

Sutter Street Steak House Cattlemen’s BY AUSTIN ALCAINE aalcaine.gazette@gmail.com

Steakhouses are an American trademark in the dining world, and for most people nothing can beat a well cooked steak. Sutter Street Steak house located on the bustling Downtown Folsom Sutter Street is an exceptional steak house that exceeds all expectations of what a steak house should be. To get to the steak house you walk into a large old industrial building that houses a few other small businesses, with the steak house being the main attraction in the building. When you walk into the Sutter Street Steak house the first thing you will notice is their wine cellar right in the center of the restaurant dividing it into two sections, the more diner orientated section with booths set up beside the kitchen on the right of the restaurant. On the left side, there was a traditional dining set up with tables and a small bar tucked away in the top left corner. The steak house gives off a noir type vibe with long red drapes hanging from the ceiling and a low lighting environment, to make the dining experience seem very personal. After being seated my parents and I were immediately greeted by our waitress who explained to us their specials for the night and brought our drinks out instantly. The service at Sutter Street Steak

house makes you feel as if you were invited into someone’s home for dinner, I never had an empty glass of water for longer than 30 seconds. The most notable part of their service however, was that I went to the steak house to celebrate my father’s birthday, and the whole staff at the steak house signed a birthday card for him, again adding to the very personal feel of the dining experience. When it comes to the food, I ordered a 10-ounce skirt steak with garlic mashed potatoes grilled prawns, and a soy wasabi sauce. The food was phenomenal easily the best steak I have ever had. The prawns crispiness contrasted perfectly with the skirt steak which basically melted in my mouth. To finish off my dining experience I ordered the banana cheesecake which was covered a in chocolate sauce, which brought out the rich flavors of the cheesecake perfectly. Overall my experience at Sutter Street Steak house was fantastic and I would definitely want to go again. However, being an upscale steak house the cost of dining can quickly get expensive. Sutter Street Steak house would be an ideal restaurant to go to celebrate graduation with your parents, just make sure you bring your parents or you may see yourself going bankrupt after one steak.

BY BRENDAN GONZALEZ bgonzalez.gazette@gmail.com

Cattlemen’s Restaurant is a western-themed steak house; something evident from the moment one pulls into the parking lot. The décor of the restaurant is old-west style, inside and out. Cattlemen’s is a small chain with eight restaurants throughout California. They are all very casual compared to most other restaurants that are considered steak houses. This particular restaurant offers numerous specials and deals depending on the day of the week Shortly after being seated, every table is brought fresh bread, which is probably the best part of the meal. An assortment of drinks is offered for every age group, but a more extensive drink menu is available for those over 21. The restaurant also offers many soups and salad, but as the steaks are somewhat pricey, I did not order either. For the main course, I had the New York Steak. It was a little undercooked but it was also very juicy and flavorful. All of the steaks are quite large, so you will definitely leave very full. Another option for the non-steakeaters is the variety of ribs. My dining companion had the Baby Back Pork Ribs. The ribs were cooked perfectly and the sweet BBQ sauce added the perfect flavor. The service was very respectable, as

the waiters were friendly and constantly checking up on our table. Cattlemen’s is a great place to go with groups, as the venue is lively and spacious. When the restaurant does get crowded, you can receive full service in the bar area. The bar does have TVs, but they are rather small, so do not head to Cattlemen’s to catch the game. For a place like Cattlemen’s, which has a more casual feel than other steak houses, the prices for steaks were surprisingly expensive. While the meals were adequate, there are many better steak houses that you can enjoy for a similar price, such as Ruth’s Chris Steak house. But if you are looking for a casual place to grab a steak, Cattlemen’s could be the place. With all the daily specials, an affordable meal could easily be put together.

Gazette photo /BRENDAN GONZALEZ

Ruth Chris Steak House BY STEVEN GERISCH sgerisch.gazette@gmail.com

After starting out as a single restaurant, the Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse chain has expanded across the globe and features more than 150 restaurants in total. Known for their ambiance and tender 100% USDA prime beef, Ruth’s Chris isn’t your average steakhouse. Their menu ranges from tantalizing appetizers to delicate desserts that will please just about everyone’s taste buds. Once seated, the ambiance is in full effect: the lighting, the soft mumble of delight conversation around the room, the sizzle of steaks fresh off of the grill, and the soft flicker of table side candles all add to the dining experience. You are kindly greeted by an attractive waiter who takes your drink orders and fills water glasses while you wait for your server. However, the wait is not long until the server comes over and brings Ruth’s Chris’ warm, delightful rolls and butter to snack on until the appetizers arrive. With so many delicious offerings, it’s very possible to find your entrée on the appetizer menu. Ruth’s Chris giant portions help make

that possible. I got the calamari, which was made slightly different than many other restaurants. Theirs is deep fried, like most, but then covered in a slightly spicy sauce that is quite unique. It brings an Asian flair to calamari unlike any other that I have tasted. While I could have easily had another serving, that would be a travesty considering Ruth’s Chris is known for their mouthwatering, tender steaks. With multiple cuts and sizes to choose from it’s easy to get lost in the menu. I opted for the 11-ounce filet, a popular choice. The steak came out perfectly medium and was dusted slightly with pepper to enhance the flavor. When the steak is brought out the server kindly reminds you that it is served on cool 500-degree plate, and it would be wise not to touch it, unless, of course, you are looking to burn your hand. Upon first bite, it is a euphoric sensation unlike any other. The steak melts in your mouth and you get a hint of butter that only adds to the steaks already perfect flavor. Bite after bite, the steak holds its flavor and

temperature nicely. However, it would be wrong to not order a steak without one of their famous sides. Upon the multitude of options, my family and I decided on the potatoes au-gratin for ours. We were all able to share one order as all of Ruth’s Chris’ sides are served family style. Upon completion of the meal, your stomach is in utter disarray. You think there is absolutely no chance there is any room left in your stomach. Yet, that is until your server offers up one last tasty portion of their menu, desserts. With the array of options at hand, your mind may begin to start thinking of which delightful concoction should be next. With help from our server, we decided on the banana cream pie. Even though I have never personally been a fan of it, this was far and away one of the best I have ever had. All in all, Ruth’s Chris is the standard for which all steak houses are judged, and lived up fully to the hype that it has received over the years thanks to a kind and highly skilled wait staff, along with a top notch menu that competes with any place in the area.

Gazette photo /STEVEN GERISCH

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May 2014

sizzling.

McCormick & Schmick’s BY LUKE CHIRBAS lchirbas.gazette@gmail.com

When we decided that for this issue we would be reviewing steak houses, I was beyond excited. Steak is one of those foods where you can’t just get enough. Every bite is as good as the last. So naturally I found myself at the doorstep of McCormick & Schmick’s to fulfill my craving for steak. Known for their high levels in price and costly food, it is well worth the money if you can oblige. Steak is such fine meat that the extra money is a must for a nice and slow cook. I ordered the 6 oz. filet mignon cooked medium rare which showed the perfect amount of red meat and juice. At first I had a hard time comprehending the portion sizes. For the most part I am used to big old plates with a large amount of food. Not a plate with no sides and a small piece of meat.

However I realized that the art of steak is not about the quantity, but the quality, and that the mignon is worthwhile. The filet mignon at Mccormick & Schmick’s is definitely the best steak I have ever had. The meat is out of this world. The first bite just melts in your mouth. The meat was the perfect blend of juicy and tender. The beginning of the steak is just the tip of the iceberg for what my taste buds considered. The middle of the steak was by far the “cherry on the top”. It was perfectly cooked to perfection with just the right amount of pink showing. It was simply mouth watering and I could not get enough of it. The steak was also perfectly complemented by the staff. They were always accommodating and friendly. My experience that I had at Mccormick & Schmick’s was amazing. The food was great and was complemented by the traditional steak house ambience and

Outback Steakhouse BY ZACK ZOLMER

zzolmer.gazette@gmail.com

“No rules, just right.” The famed Outback Steakhouse slogan first debuted during the restaurant’s advertising campaign in the early 1990s, and it still lives true today. While a bit overpriced, Outback’s food is tasty, filling and ultimately what you would come to expect. Nothing crazy, nothing spectacular, just what you would come to expect. Outback Steakhouse is like a cross between a high-end steakhouse and an Applebee’s. While the food is good and competitively priced, the atmosphere resembles more of what you would experience at TGI Friday’s or Chili’s. It’s not necessarily a knock on the overall experience, it’s just to say that you won’t be in the middle of a fancy, classy steakhouse. When I walked into Outback late on Thursday around 9:30 p.m., I was probably one of five people in the building alongside the chef and a few other staff members. The restaurant was quiet and dimly lit. I was seated, promptly gave the waiter my order, and waited in my booth. The first item to arrive was the chicken caesar salad, which was fresh and well-made. The lettuce was crisp, the chicken had been cooked perfectly and the caesar dressing tasted just as caesar dressing should. I was very satisfied with the salad.

Some ten minutes or so later, my steak arrived. Ordered medium-rare, the steak was cooked just as I had asked, juicy and not too tough. It certainly wasn’t the best steak I’d ever eaten, but still it was far from the worst. Nothing crazy, nothing special, just right. My biggest complaint would be that the menu is too expensive. Priced like a higher-end steakhouse, the quality of food doesn’t quite measure up to the quantity of price. Overall, “just right” perfectly characterizes my meal at Outback Steakhouse. The caesar salad was good, the steak was good, the experience was good--everything was just good.

extraordinarily nice staff. Sure it is on the slightly more expensive side, but it is definitely worth the money.

Gazette photo/LUKE CHIRBAS

McCormick & Schmick’s is a great steakhouse that is located on the

This Month’s Picks The Gazette food reviewers sample steaks from local restaurants and rank them.

#5 Cattlemen’s- Mediocre dishes with affordable prices, there are better steak options in the area.

#4 Outback Steakhouse- Expected yet satisfying dishes create a “just right” dinner.

#3 McCormick & Schmick’sIncredible steak with friendly service provides for a good meal.

#2 Sutter Street- Good food and

Gazette photo /ZACK ZOLMER

Outback Steakhouse is located on North Sunrise Ave. near Fry’s Electronics.

reasonable prices are coupled with a lively atmosphere

#1 Ruth’s Chris- Classy dining with

high quality steak definitely gives an extraordinary experience.

Pages 8 and 9

May 2014

paradise.

oachella

... . . . .

rom the moment I arrived at the campgrounds on Thursday, April 10, I knew it was going to be the weekend of a lifetime. Everyone was running around with red solo cups treating strangers like best friends and screaming “Happy Coachella!” at the top of their lungs. I spent the entire day wandering around the campsite just observing my fellow festival-goers. Everyone was so carefree and full of pure enjoyment. I woke up the next morning to sun directly in my face and was overjoyed knowing that in a few short hours I'd be entering Coachella, a moment I'd imagined since I bought my ticket almost a year before. My friends and I all got up, got ready for the day, and anxiously waited for 11 a.m. Once we walked in, I could tell the weekend would exceed all my expectations. The atmosphere of the festival

Compiled by: Makenzie Brito // mbrito.gazette@gmail.com

was an incredible experience within itself. Thousands of people gathered on a polo field in the hot desert sun, all there for the common interest of music and art. Everyone was simply wondering about either rushing to another stage to catch a show or just walking around and taking it all in. It’s truly indescribable. Coachella’s stigma as a festival for white girls in high-wasted shorts that call themselves hipsters was absolutely contradicted by the variety and diversity of people there – all of who seem to be completely carefree, wearing whatever they felt and absolutely rocking whatever style they chose to go for. No one else cared what you looked like or what you were wearing. If you felt like wearing something, you just wear it without a single judgmental look from anyone else attending. Regardless of the direction I turned there was a cool outfit, a breathtaking work of art, a famous person or someone half naked man clearly on some kind of substance From 11 a.m. all the way until 2 a.m. there were five different stages all hosting a band, dj or solo act –

which forced me to run around from stage to stage trying to see all the acts I wanted to, a side effect of a lineup with almost 200 artists. The first day was filled with performances by A$AP Ferg, Grouplove, Bastille, Martin Garrix, Glitch Mob, Flume and Outkast, to name a few. While the second day featured Chvrches, Kid Cudi, MGMT, Lorde, Empire of the Sun and Skrillex; the third and final day displayed Chance the Rapper, Adventure Club, Calvin Harris, Lana Del Rey, Jhene Aiko, and Disclosure. The variety of music the festival had to offer was unreal. I went in with about 30 artists I wanted to see and left seeing those 30 along with discovering just as many new bands. The good music was accompanied by bright lights, huge stages and insane crowds. I was amazed with the grandeur of the stages. The two main stages still had great lights and effects for being outdoors while the three indoor tent stages had overwhelming, epilepsy triggering special effects, with state of the art technology and light shows. No matter what act I was

watching, I was surrounded by thousands of people. With 90,000 people attending, it was impossible to avoid constant bumps and accidental nudges from fellow festival goers. The festival also offered a plethora of gorgeous art and sculptures. From giant, moving astronauts, to a large robot sculpture, to buildings made of solely plants, to floating light up balloons in the sky, they were all so breathtaking. Every aspect of the experience was absolutely perfect. The bright lights, the numerous varieties of great music, the flawless venue, the gorgeous art were all insatiable. If you have even a slight interest in music or art, I strongly recommend attending the festival eventually in your lifetime.

Gazette photos /Caitlyn Hurley and Makenzie Brito

Page 10

research.

May 2014

Alex Stamas: Man of the Year Compiled by: Colleen Vivaldi // cvivaldi.gazette@gmail.com

or the last 18 years, the National Leukemia and Lymphoma Society has built and fostered a program titled Man, Woman and Student of the Year. Man, Woman and Student of the Year cultivates philanthropic individuals in the community to raise money to fund research for the fight of blood cancers. One of Granite Bay High School’s own, junior Alex Stamas, decided to partake in this prestigious program to help make a difference. Stamas gathered a team of trusted friends and family members comprised of juniors Sydney Talmi, Sabrina Keester, Kaitlyn Prather, Corban Anderson, Matthew Giles, mother Debbie Stamas and father Paul Stamas to fund-raise for the cause. “I, not finding a partner who was a dedicated as I was, decided to run in the man of the year category. After the 10 weeks, I ended up raising $125,000, averaging $13,000 a week,” Stamas said. “The way that I accomplished such a fund-raising feet, was through community involvement, wondrous help from my buddies and friends as well as some sponsors from some pretty big donors.” Through his ten week journey, Stamas and his team worked tediously hard on putting together fund-raisers, talking with sponsors and gathering community support to help fund the research of blood cancers. “Some of the fund-raisers we did included a boot drive and helping at a Greek drive as well as a comedy show. For the boot drive we had 15-20 volunteers with collection boots and posters on the corner of Sierra College and Douglas,” Prather said. From those fund-raisers and all the work that went into gathering all their support, Stamas and his team raised almost one fourth of the Sacramento chapter’s total for the year ($491,000) with his recordbreaking $125,000. “I am the man of the year; I am a record breaker in two senses: I broke the fundraising record for the Sacramento area – no one has ever raised that much – and

I am also the youngest person to do so in Sacramento history,” Stamas said. Motivation for Stamas to make a difference stemmed from supporting someone who previously ran in the same competition as him as well as having leukemia herself. “One of my favorite people in the world, Gloria Torres, who was also my campaign manager and had leukemia, ran last year for woman of the year and won by raising $64,000 while having leukemia; so she was a real motivation of mine,” Stamas said. Since Stamas won the Man of the Year competition, a grant will be made in Torres’ honor to commemorate the dedication and toils that blood cancers entail. “I was his logistics officer throughout the whole process,” Talmi said. “I believe it was a combination of wanting to support Alex as well as for the cause.” LLS held a gala on May 10, 2014 at the Hyatt Regency hotel in downtown Sacramento where Stamas as well as the other men, women and students of the year candidates brought their teams and closest friends to the black tie event for a live auction, music, dinner and the presentation of awards. Prather as well as Talmi, Keester and the rest of Stamas’ team attended the gala including close friends and supporters. “When Alex first told me about the campaign, I really had no clue how big of an undertaking it would be. I have many family members that have had cancer and when Alex showed me the LLS video, I couldn’t say no,” Prather said. At the end of the night, Stamas was awarded the Man of the Year award and gave a speech thanking all of the supporters who backed him. “I would say (my favorite part was) the end because it was really fun with the suspense and just the accomplishment and the knowledge that you can save thousands of lives,” Stamas said. “I do not plan on running for man of the year in the future, although some have asked. I plan on being a mentor for future candidates of future generations.”

LLS

Gazette photos /Colleen Vivaldi

Matthew Giles, Sabrina Keester, Alex Stamas, Kaitlyn Prather and Sydney Talmi are congratulated on Stamas’ LLS Man of the Year award. Above right, Stamas poses with mother Debbie and father Paul. Above left, Stamas holds Leukemia survivor, Emily. Top middle right, Stamas is awarded Man of the Year on stage.

May 2014

Page 11

traveling.

Seniors head to Europe BY AUSTIN ALCAINE aalcaine.gazette@gmail.com

GBHS graduates cross the Atlantic to have the trip of a lifetime

The school year is winding down and Granite Bay High School seniors are waiting in anticipation for the moment they get their diploma and can finally say goodbye to the shackles of high school and begin their lives. However, for a select group of 42 seniors the best part of year is yet to come, the mystical Europe trip. Over the course of the trip seniors will fly into London and travel to France, and from there move there way down the French coast and into Madrid, Spain. Students are already waiting in anticipation for the trip which will be chaperoned by Brandon Dell’ Orto and Mike Valentine, who are AP history teachers at GBHS. “I am so excited to finally be able to see all the history I learned about in Dell’ Orto’s and Valentine’s classes in person,” said, senior at GBHS Aidan Naughton. Although students were taught about the significance of major European landmarks in a classroom, they finally get a chance to live through some of the history by being there. Most seniors are finished with the high school journey after May 31st, but for these seniors the adventure is just beginning on June 13th the day they leave for Europe. “We will be going to London, see Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, from there we will go on the underwater tunnel high speed train to Paris to see the louvre and the Eiffel Tower,” chaperone of the trip, Brandon Dell’ Orto said. Dell’ Orto described the trips itinerary in detail marking every landmark place the tour would stop

at. “From Paris, we will head to the coast of France to see where the wine is made, obviously the students will not be drinking because that is illegal,” Dell’ Orto joked. Even though, while in Europe some activities are legal that are not in the United States, Educational Tours, the company that puts on the trip, has regulations on behavior acceptable for the trip. If students are to break laws while in one of the countries or be severely disruptive they will be sent home. Countries where consumption of alcohol is legal for those 18 and over, are permitted to have a drink with dinner. While there have been issues in past years, Dell’ Orto emphasized that in recent trips they have all gone smoothly, and that he believes this year will be one of the best trips yet. While Dell ‘Orto is looking forward to a successful trip, students are excited to learn about the cultures that they studied in school. “I’ve always learned about European history so it will be great to visit some of the places,” said Joey Puhala senior at GBHS. Leaving the county can also be very educationally beneficial for the students, as America can be kind of bubble and block people who live in it from experiencing other cultures. “I always think it’s nice when students get a chance to break free of the bubble of America, and see that one some other societies function,” Dell’ Orto said. America can seem isolated from the rest of the world, and it can be difficult to imagine the way other cultures work so getting a first hand look at it can be eye opening. “Regardless of what happens on the trip I know it will be a great time and I will learn so much about all the other cultures that coexist with ours,” said Puhala.

The Arc de Triomphe and Big Ben are world renowned European landmarks. Big Ben is a popular attraction in London, England and the Arc de Triomphe is found in Paris, France. Special to the Gazette BRANDON DELL’ ORTO

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May 2014

current.

Top Tweets

Spirited tweets by Granite Bay High School students BY MAGGIE BELL mbell.gazette@gmail.com

Who’s Hiring

Macy’s

Retail Support Associate - behind the scenes work including dealing with shipments and maintaining store cleanliness 1197 Galleria Blvd, Roseville, CA 95678 (916) 771-3333

BY MAKENZIE BRITO mbrito.gazette@gmail.com

Panera Bread Cafe Associate - provide quality customer service and products to customers Pleasant Grove Boulevard, Roseville, CA 95678 (916) 771-3131 Romano’s Macaroni Grill Servers and Hosts - assist customers and provide outstanding service 2010 Douglas Blvd, Roseville, CA 95661 (916) 773-6399 HomeGoods Sales/Merchandise Associate - assist in daily operations of the store 8676 Sierra College Blvd, Roseville, CA 95661 (916) 772-8910

Recipe of the month: BY MARY FRANCES HANSEN mhansen.gazette@gmail.com

Ingredients: 1 1/3 cups sugar 1/3 cup all purpose flour 4 cups fresh tart cherries, pitted or 2 cans (16 ounces) pitted red tart cherries drained 1/4 tsp. almond extract 2 Tbl. butter or margarine 1 pie crust

Directions:

Cherry Pie

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Mix sugar and flour until well blended. Stir in cherries. Pour into pastry-lined pie plate. Sprinkle cherry mix with almond extract and dot with butter. Cover with top crust, cut slits in top crust, and seal edges. 2. For a lattice top cherry pie, place 5 to 7 strips of pastry on top of the cherry filling. Then weave or lay a second layer of pastry strips diagonally across the first strips to create the lattice crust. 3. Cover pie edge with 2 to 3 inch strip of aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning. Remove foil during the last 15 minutes of baking. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes until crust is brown and juice begins to bubble through slits in crust.

Gazette photo /MARY FRANCES HANSEN

blockbuster.

May 2014

Page 13

SUMMER BLOCKBUSTERS Studio credit /LEGENDARY PICTURES & WARNER BROS. PICTURES

BY DANTE WEEKS

dweeks.gazette@gmail.com

Studio credit /SONY PICTURES

Studio credit / Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation

This summer’s movie lineup has GBHS students excited to see sequels and remakes

This summer couldn’t come faster and the upcoming movie selection couldn’t be better. From brand new movies to remakes and sequels, this summer has a lot in store. The giant reptile that destroyed multiple cities in the past is back and better than ever; with yet another remake of the box office hit, Godzilla, Gareth Edwards has made this movie one of the most anticipated summer blockbusters of 2014 for GBHS students. With an incredible cast of stars from other hit tv shows and movies such as Bryan Cranston, who played Walt in Breaking Bad, and Ken Watanabe, who is notorious for his action movies; this movie has attracted more attention around the world than most other movies coming out,especially on the GBHS campus. “I am so excited to see Godzilla,” senior Eddie Leskauskas said. “It was one of my favorite movies growing up, so I’d like to see how this one turns out and if it can ever be as good as the classics.” Also the dynamic duo of Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum is back with the sequel to their smash hit, 21 Jump Street, and fans couldn’t be more excited. Whether watching it for Jonah’s comedic character or for the lady killer, Channing Tatum, this movie is expected to put a smile on any viewer’s face. 22 Jump Street is up there with Godzilla when it comes to being one of the most anticipated movies of 2014 for students. “I personally loved the first movie and I cannot wait for this one to come out. I watched the first one probably 20 times and expect to do the same with

this one,” senior Grant Teunissen said. On another action note, the successful series of X-Men is also coming back this summer with X-Men: Days of Future Past, and it has all the die-hard fans drooling at the mouth waiting for this movie to come out. The X-Men series is one of the most consistent superhero franchises of this century and almost every one of the original cast is back in this movie. “I’m a big fan of the X-Men series and once I heard another movie was coming out and the original cast is reuniting, I almost died of excitement,” senior Jared Liang said. This summer must have a knack for bringing back actors and actresses as many movies have returned the original cast members. In fact, in the remake of Sleeping Beauty, this time told from the villainesses perspective, Angelina Jolie makes a comeback in Maleficent. “I was a big fan of sleeping beauty as a kid so I’m excited to see how this one plays out,” senior Sarah Dillabaugh said. Most know and love the classic series, Transformers, and it is back with yet another movie that is guaranteed to bring in packed audiences. Sadly, Shia LeBeouf has been replaced with Mark Wahlberg, who will hopefully ease the pain of not seeing the beloved Shia. Transformers: Age of Extinction reignites the anticipation and excitement for another action-packed hit that has critics saying it has the potential to be the best one yet. It’s safe to say it’s going to be a great summer for the cinemas.

walking with the enemy: B +

By: Caroline Palmer cpalmer.gazette@gmail.com

entertainment

hen I saw A Haunted House 2 was coming out I just had to see it. I was such a big fan of the first one and I also had very high hopes and expectations going into it. The sequel to the box-office hit, A Haunted House, stars Marlon Wayans as Malcolm, as he tries to start fresh in his dream home with a new girlfriend and her two kids. After witnessing the paranormal events in his old house with his ex, as paranormal things start to occur, Malcolm quickly notices. Malcolm’s best friend is his dog, Shilo, and when Shilo “passes away,” Malcolm holds a funeral for him. I personally liked this scene because he treats the dogs funeral like a humans and weeps as if his brother had just died. I can relate because I am obsessed with my dog so if you are a dog lover, this is a touchy scene. While moving into his new home Malcolm finds an old doll the previous owners had left. After having “relations” with the doll he comes to realize this is no ordinary doll. It turns out the doll is haunted with the spirit of a crazy, girl that won’t let Malcolm leave. Here is where the movie gets a bit graphic and inappropriate for certain ages, but it’s a great scene. Malcolm’s girlfriend’s kids are very interesting too. With a teenage girl going through typical hormonal stages and a young disturbed boy, Malcolm’s already crazy life gets a little bit more insane. The kids have limited roles in the movie and when they are in the spotlight they don’t have many lines, especially the little boy who has little to no lines at all. Marlon Wayans does a great job with his character, I couldn’t see any other actor doing as good of a job as he did. Throughout the movie, Malcolm finds ways to decrease the paranormal activities. By now Malcolm is pretty much open to any new ideas after what he has been through. This results in a 5-10 minute brawl between Malcolm and a chicken. Some people may think this scene is dragged on and unnecessary, but I personally thought it was hilarious. Overall it was a great movie and I highly recommend it to anyone who is trying to see a comedy.

Rated: PG-13 By: Dante Weeks dweeks.gazette@gmail.com

haunted house 2: A

Liberty studios

alking with the Enemy is set during WW2 in the final months of the war in Hungary. It is based on the true story of Pinchas Rosenbaum, a Jew who rescued many other Jewish citizens from the Holocaust, while disguised as a Nazi officer. Jonas Armstrong plays Elek Cohen who is the main character. The movie starts with a nothing-less-than-ghastly speech from Hitler and then cuts to Elek (Cohen, the main character) and his friends getting kicked out of a nightclub in a display of anti-Semitism. A few days later, the Nazis come and round up all the young strong men, including Elek, in the town to go do “hard labor” at a concentration camp. While overall I liked the movie, the camp didn’t seem realistic. If I had to pick one complaint about the movie it would be how it skimmed over scenes without going into much depth. Once Elek returns to his home he realizes that all of the Jews have been executed. It is here when the movie starts to take more shape and come alive. Its at this point when Elek first starts putting on the Nazi uniform and saving Jews. In my opinion this is where the movie starts to get interesting. Every time Elek put the uniform on to go save more people I could feel my heart pumping in anticipation. Another thing the film is good at is portraying the fight between Hungary and Germany and the bickering between the Arrow Cross and Nazis. There is also a lot of women in this movie who take charge and make things happen. This is a nice change from some movies who depict all women not being able to help or defend themselves in a crisis. Overall the film has some big Nazi cliches and brushed over the surface on some things, however, I thought the film did a wonderful job of telling a story I have never heard before and leaving me disturbed at some parts, yet nonetheless very inspired.

Rated: PG-13

May 2014

film.

columbia pictures

he Amazing Spider-Man 2, another movie in the Marvel franchise, is packed with action, special effects and a whole army of villains. With a script too dark for children and too corny for most adults, director Marc Webb of 500 Days of Summer didn’t manage to make much of a film. The film opens with an omniscient flashback of Peter Parker’s parents being killed in a mysterious plane crash. Apparently, however, this scene serves little purpose, as the parents’ story isn’t further developed. It then presents Parker (Andrew Garfield) and his valedictorian girlfriend Gwen (Emma Stone) graduating from high school. While Gwen makes her college plans, Parker is worried that she may be targeted by super villains due to their involvement. Garfield, 30, and Stone, 25, are too old to be playing recently graduated high school seniors. But as a real-life couple, they have natural chemistry, and their scenes together are the better parts of the movie. The latest enemies of Spider-Man include childhood friend Harry, played by the convincingly arrogant Dane DeHaan, who is taking over as CEO of Oscorp Co. after his dying father. Then comes Max Dillon (Jamie Foxx), a bumbling tech nerd who suffers an accident at Oscorp that transforms his body into a glowing mass of electricity to become the villain Electro, whose annoying buzzing noises hurt the audience’s ears. There are a lot of coincidences in this movie: apparently the spider that bit Parker was tied to the studies of Parker’s father, who worked with Dr. Connors of Oscorp. The villains, though numerous, are corny caricatures. In one scene, Foxx, who is unhealthily obsessed with Spider-Man, adjusts the pens in his pocket protector while holding fantasized conversations with Garfield. The dialogue in action scenes is slightly more developed than “Pow!” and “Bam!, though the writers added some entertaining snark to Spidey’s personality. The reported $250 million budget allows the movie state-of-the-art effects, I’m sure, but it’s wasted without a clear directorial vision. The soundtrack is upbeat and peppy but gives a sense of fake uplift. Did I mention it’s two-and-ahalf hours long? I don’t think The Amazing Spider-Man 2 was ever interested in creating a movie with a new, creative take on Spider-Man. It seems it had a more transparent goal: to further develop a big-money franchise. Rated: PG-13

By: Meredith Dechert mdechert.gazette@gmail.com

spiderman 2: D

Page 14

rio 2: B +

legendary pictures

here is just something about giant monster movies that gets your blood pumping and your heart racing. No matter how unrealistic or ridiculous the back story, these movies never fail to provide thrills. Godzilla was no exception. In Godzilla, giant ancient creatures have risen from their slumber and threaten to force mankind back into the stone age with their destructive force. Throughout, the story follows a soldier named Ford (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) whose father (Bryan Cranston) predicted this catastrophe. Along the way he fights these monsters, hoping to make it back to his wife and kid. Although a touching story, the deep back story and inclusion of Ford’s family in this movie was pretty unnecessary. For a thrilling monster movie, Godzilla simply had too much plot and not enough fighting, which is what most people really want to see in a Godzilla movie. That said, I will admit that the plot, albeit a little predictable, is pretty decent. While quite the cookie cutter Godzilla movie, Godzilla’s advanced special effects and animation made it one of the most realistic monster movies I’ve seen. The explosions and fights were great and an altogether thrilling combination. There were many different backdrops for the monsters to annihilate, and they obliged, leaving a path of ruin in their wake. As far as a comparison to past Godzilla movies, Godzilla’s modern animation really sets it apart from past movies despite its similar plot. My complaint about the action, however, is that there wasn’t enough. The movie started out slow and Godzilla was just swimming around for what seemed like the majority of the movie. And worse, in an attempt to build anticipation, the monsters aren’t seen fighting on screen until near the end of the film. Altogether, the movie is a great addition to the series, and old-school Godzilla fans will probably enjoy it. While predictable and seemingly unoriginal, Godzilla provides breathtaking action scenes and an above average plot line that helps move the movie along. Godzilla has great action, and if you can last through the back story and introductions, the destructive battles are a great payoff. Rated: PG-13

By: Parker Burman pburman.gazette@gmail.com

godzilla: B

blue sky studios

delightful film – that was my thought when exiting the movie theatre. I saw a matinee screening of Rio 2 on a calm Sunday morning, only to find a packed, overflowing theater filled with little children and toddlers. Looking back, though, the sound of little children experiencing the cinema for the first time (and what a great film to begin their movie experience) in such awe and genuinely loving every minute of this animated film, it only added to the character of the movie, as they were a fantastic audience. There’s nothing like the sound of ecstatic giggles, laughs and squeals. It made me miss my own childhood, actually. You could say I got sentimental. Although the film isn’t as intriguing as its precedent, Rio, which debuted in 2011, Rio 2 had enough jokes and laughs to keep me on my toes and not make me regret spending money on my ticket. Far from that, in fact. In Rio 2, the protagonist, Blu (Jesse Eisenberg) is now happily married with his sweetheart, Jewel (Anne Hathaway), and has an exuberant family. A series of events causes the family to fly out to the wild Amazon, where they are united with Jewel’s family, and Blu meets his father-in-law. That relationship itself was very humorous. To top that, the antagonist, Nigel, triumphantly returns, following his near-ruin in Rio. And so begins the adventurous plot that makes up Rio 2. Unfortunately, I was a bit disappointed upon finishing the film. And I think the reason is that I had loved 2011’s Rio so much, I expected a near equal follow-up. Rio 2’s plot isn’t as impressive as Rio, but the colorful animation (I suggest viewing the film in 3D) and cute subplots that were fun to follow compensated for the overall sluggishness that sometimes kicked in. Bruno Mars also made his first film appearance (well, his voice did, at least), since 1992’s Honeymoon in Vegas (where he played a young Elvis Presley) as Roberto, Jewel’s old flame. Oh, how painful contrasts can be, poor Blu. It was very comedic. All in all, this is a happy film that can be enjoyed by all ages. If you’re feeling down, this film is sure to cheer you up, it’s guaranteed to keep you laughing for an hour and 40 minutes. Rated: PG By: Kiana Okhovat kokhovat.gazette@gmail.com

Page 15

film.

point grey pictures

ith an all-star cast featuring Seth Rogen, Dave Franco and Zac Efron, Neighbors was heralded as a must see. With Franco and Efron playing roles as fraternity leaders who move their house into a suburban neighborhood, countless antics could be expected. Adding Seth Rogen into the mix creates a perfect storm for a mix of laughter and vulgarity all mixed into one. Heading into the movie I had high expectations, as any movie with Seth Rogen is typically funny. As the movie began it portrayed a nice, wholesome, typical suburban family with a newborn baby. The only problem with this scenario is that Seth Rogen, playing the father, and his wife love to party. As you can see, this would be a big problem with a newborn. As the film progresses, the house next to them sells and is promptly invaded with its new residents, a fraternity. Rogen and his wife immediately become concerned as they feel the excess noise would be a problem with the baby in the house. Fast-forwarding ahead, the first complaint by Mac and Kelley (the parents), arises. Unexpectedly, the fraternity leaders invite them in for a rambunctious night of shenanigans. Literally the night after, Mac and Kelley call the police on the fraternity. At this point, all hell officially breaks loose between the couple and the fraternity. Teddy and Pete declare an all out war on their neighbors and vow to not rest until Mac and Kelley rue the day that they called the police. Parties every night, and vandalism run rampant for weeks. The fraternity even goes as far as stealing airbags out cars and strategically placing them around the house and office. In pure retaliation, the neighbors use their wit to compose a fake letter from the university, which “lifts” their probation, tricking the fraternity to throw their biggest party of the year. However, once the party gets started, Pete realizes the letter was a forgery and the mad dash to get everyone out before the police arrive begins. All in all, the true meaning of Neighbors isn’t just about how crazy life could be if a fraternity moved in next door, but it preaches the brotherhood that a fraternity creates. While Neighbors wasn’t as funny as originally advertised by some, it still has a few great scenes and is a quality film overall.

Rated: PG-13 By: Steven Gerisch sgerisch.gazette@gmail.com

neighbors: A -

May 2014

hang loose.

Page 16

May 2014

Surfâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s up Green Screen

T A M R E N

A U S T I N

C O L L E E N

B R I A N

H A N O

SEe you next year and Have a great summer MY

Gazette photos /KAT MCGRAIL and MARY-FRANCES HANSEN

with love, the Green Screen Editors Gazette illustrations/ BRIAN ZHUANG

SENIOR EDITION 2014

2 SENIOR EDITION

Dear Class of 2014, It has been an absolute joy watching your transformation from uncertain, anxious but eager freshmen to confident, difference-making seniors. I suspect there will be many photos of you displayed around your house at your post-graduation gatherings. It is always amazing to see the startling physical changes you undergo in these four short years. What the photos can never portray is how you have grown in confidence, character and leadership. The great thing about working at a high school like Granite Bay, with all of the opportunities it provides students, is we get to see the tremendous growth that occurs inside as well as outside. If ever there was a class that has the potential to make this planet a safer, healthier, kinder place, it is this one. If ever there was a class that has demonstrated the passion to make its community and world a better place for others, it is this one. But as you have learned over the past four years, aptitude is only 50 percent of the “make-a-difference” equation. Your attitude is the other 50 percent. In fact, as author and motivational speaker Zig Ziglar taught his audiences many years ago, “Attitude, not aptitude, determines your altitude.” From my perspective and experience with this class, your aptitude is stratospheric and your attitude is spectacular (you knew I was going to use that word sometime in this letter!) It is absolutely your attitude that dictates your actions, not your aptitude. Aptitude will create intent. Attitude will motivate action. Intent and action will change the world. This is the class that can make it happen. So, what advice can I possibly offer that you have not already heard or does not sound like a cliché? In fact, none. All of the really great advice, in my opinion, has been recycled so many times that it gets labeled a cliché. You know what? So what. Just because it is old, does that make it irrelevant? (At this stage in my life, I sure hope not!) Is there anything more timely and relevant than: “Actions speak louder than words,” “Better safe than sorry,” “First things first,” “Home is where the heart is,” “It’s better to give than to receive,” “Where there’s a will there’s a way,” and “Laughter is the best medicine?” So, the best advice I can offer a class that has the aptitude and attitude to change the world is don’t ignore the classics. “New” is not a synonym for “better;” “old” is not a synonym for “irrelevant.” If you strike a balance between aptitude and attitude you should achieve discernment. And if you consistently apply discernment to all of those momentous decisions you will be required to make in your life, you will most certainly be at peace knowing that you have made your own decisions based on what you know, think, and feel and not what others have told you what to know, think, and feel. Many will try to dictate your decisions and actions based on your gender, gender identity, race, religion, political affiliation, zip code and/or income. Here’s the deal: they didn’t graduate from Granite Bay High School. You did! You have learned to think and question. In life there will always be “prophets” standing on a box on a corner somewhere yelling at the world to follow them, and not all of these gloom-and-doom peddlers walk around in their pajamas. Some of them wear suits and ties and even get elected to office. Never forget that “all that glitters is not gold.” Except for you guys. You may very well be the gold standard for hope. I hope so. The ball is in your court.

SENIOR EDITION 3

Decisions, Decisions Whether seniors are entering college as declared or undeclared, they have a lot to think about in these upcoming months after their graduation BY WILLOW WOOD wwood.gazette@gmail.com

Special to the Gazette /Brendan Angelo

Special to the Gazette /Lucas Mackey

Special to the Gazette /anna lim

Special to the Gazette /Brendan Angelo

Special to the Gazette /lucas mackey

Special to the Gazette /Brendan Angelo

The anxiety is over for Granite Bay High School’s senior class. Their biggest stressor is over, most of them know where they are going to be next year. While seniors might still daydream of college life away from home, one indisputable part of college is the academics, and finding your major is the most important piece because it’s the first step towards the rest of our lives. While some students may have just written in something so their applications would be complete senior Anna Lim, who will be attending University of Southern California, has known since childhood what she’s wanted to do. “I wanted to be an architect since I was a kid,” Lim said. “It involves everything that I loved and still do; art, math, physics, technological innovations, and contributing to communities in significant ways.” Lim said that she chose USC specifically because of the architecture program there. USC ranks No. 7 in DesignIntelligences’ Top Undergraduate Architecture Program in the nation. It’s ranked as the most well-balanced architecture education program in terms of design, cross disciplinary teamwork, sustainable design, construction methods and materials, communication, and analysis and planning. Senior Haley Marr, who will be going to Sierra College in the fall, also knows what she wants to do in her future – pediatric nursing. “I chose Sierra because the have the highest transfer rate, and I need my four year degree for what I want (to do),” Marr said. Marr has known since the seventh grade that pediatric nursing was her calling. “I’ve always had a knack for caring for children being the oldest on my family,” Marr said. “The thought of being able to help the children in a way that repays itself was what really drew me to that field.” Unlike Lim and Marr, there are also students who are entering college with undeclared majors. Some schools, typically private universities, don’t even allow students to declare a major until junior year.

Clockwise: Lucas Mackey holds his college pendant, Anna Lim proudly wears her college shirt, Brendan Angelo walks by the pool at Loyola Marymount University, and enjoying time with friends, and Lucas Mackey stands with friends at the Senior Academic Merit Awards.

Students like GBHS graduate Brendan Angelo, who is now at Loyola Marymount University, entered undeclared but ended up specifying by the end of their freshmen year. “I didn’t research what they had to offer well enough so I decided I should figure it out when I got there,” Angelo said. “And (also) because I didn’t really know what I wanted to do with my (life) yet.” Angelo entered in to LMU as “undeclared science” major. He did not take classes that were specific to any major, but his academics were very centered around the sciences, and he was still on track for a 4 year graduation. “My family didn’t have too many worries as they knew it would be fine in the end,” Angelo said. “But I was slightly worried because I knew a lot of people that were going in with a major so I felt behind compared to everyone else.” Angelo has now decided on biochemistry and prehealth, and is leaning towards becoming a doctor. Lucas Mackey, GBHS senior, is a true jet setter, he will be attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University this fall and his end goal is to start his own airline. “They offer the best program for my major in the entire world,” said Mackey. “It is the only aviation oriented university in the country.” While Mackey knows where he’s going this fall, he believes that knowing what he’s wanted from a young age is both a blessing and a curse. “It has also given me more aggravation and anxiety when things don’t go as planned because I feel I’m taking steps backward from my goal or I’m taking a longer path to get there,” Mackey said. Mackey moved from Texas to California two years ago and this was a small set back for him. Mackey had taken specific classes in Texas and moving to California the courses were different and some credits didn’t transfer. But like Lim, he has his eye on the prize. “I feel lucky,” Lim said. “That I’ve known what I want to be “when I grow up” for such a long time, because it lets me focus on exactly what I know will be beneficial to me in the long run.”

4 SENIOR EDITION Black FLAG

ALEXA ZOGOPOULOS

I never anticipated how hard high school could get until these past few months when I was reflecting on my years here at Granite Bay High School It’s funny, usually, when you’re ‘in the moment,’ you’re on autopilot and just go, go, go – not really soaking up the moment. Only afterwards upon reflection do you realize the adrenaline rush. At least that’s how it has been for me, for the most part. And I’m so happy that I was able to spend my four years at Granite Bay High School. Honestly, I couldn’t think of a better place. The level of quality in the teachers, administration and programs is unparalleled to any other high school I’ve seen. I’m going to miss the friendships and relationships I’ve built here. Often, I feel as if senior year was the year I really got to know my class. And just when we became close, it’s time to say good-bye. I’m going to always remember the memories I made here, whether it was fun, crazy deadlines for The Gazette, the cliched high school drama, cheering on with the Tribe at sports games (everyone has to do that at least once), the magic of Winter Ball, fun get-togethers with friends and that much

GoodBye from

As I’m sitting here in the journalism room in the four-corner pod of desks where I sit with my fellow co-eds, I’m looking around the room at the various Gazette frontpages since 1999, and thinking, “am I really about to leave all this behind?” I’ve never been sentimental about leaving high school. In fact, I’ve been waiting for the day of graduation since about the first month of my freshman year. But the Gazette is something different. The Gazette is not just an extracurricular that I started participating in my junior year so I could add something impressive to my college applications. To me, the Gazette is three things: a home, an outlet for expression and a motivator. I always feel a sense of relief and comfort when I walk into this room, even on our stressful death deadlines, where I very nearly end the night with ripping my own hair

out from stress and lack of sleep. But no matter what is going on, and no matter what day it is, I know I can feel a sense of belonging right as a sit down in my seat and listen to Sydney and Kate badger while Kiana plays her strange French music and Grubaugh tells the sports editors to stop watching YouTube videos. This place, as crazy as it is, has stayed consistent throughout my wishy-washy senior year, and I’m forever grateful for that. Perhaps what I’ll miss the most about journalism as a whole is my ability to express myself and have people actually read what I have to say. All those who know me are well-aware of how opinionated and, well, loud I can be; so you can imagine how greatly I’ve enjoyed writing commentary and Voices pieces where I get to fully-develop my opinions without being told I’m being hypersensitive three syllables in. The most rewarding aspect of this is when my peers approach

KIANA OKHOVAT adored AP test stress. The amount of memories I’ve made here are so infinite, I wish I could list them all. I’m going to really miss it, and anticipate those high school reunions with much enthusiasm. You want to know why they always tell you ‘get involved?’ It’s because if you get involved, you can begin to network. Human life is all about connection, networking naturally makes us feel better, in the simplest of terms. My best memories in high school were when I got involved in something spontaneous, and often surprised myself. To all my fellow students, even those I haven’t yet met, I bid you farewell, and wish you a prosperous future. Just live in the moment, read good books, go the movies, appreciate every moment and be great. Just be great.

me and tell me that they read an opinion piece that I wrote, originally disagreed with me, but better understood my perspective by the end. That, to me, is the best part of journalism. Before I started journalism my junior year, the anxiety that came from the thought of having to talk to and interview people I didn’t know was enough to put me into full panic mode. But now, even if I do get a little bit nervous, I know how to speak to people without looking like a wreck. Actually, I can appear pretty confident, which is a skill that I know I’ll value forever. So, this is it. This is the last piece of writing I will ever do for The Granite Bay Gazette, and now all I have to say is that I hope all future journo kids will continue to go out there and do good journalism – no matter how much you think the administration won’t like you for it.

SENIOR EDITION 5

Your Co-Editors-in-chief Oh, room 514, you have done me dirty. From those late nights to those early mornings, the journalism lab and I have been through a lot together. Yes, I have used you for your microwave to heat up leftovers, and yes I have printed one too many French assignments on your printer, but you, good old room 514, will always have a special place in my heart. And so will everyone who I have worked with in it. I never thought that I would become as close to the kids on The Gazette staff as I have these past four years. This strange group of people is like our own semi functioning family. We fight, we bicker, we scream and we yell. A lot. I’ve gotten close to knocking one or two people across the face with my keyboard, but fortunately we all love

each other enough to avoid a lot of physical violence. But unfortunately, it’s time for me to leave the nest and depart from my strange and abnormal family in room 514. So all my little journo freaks, I love you all. Thank you all for putting up with my meltdowns and my excessive cursing. Thank you for not getting offended when I tell you that your writing is terrible or when I tell you that you’re stupid. Because I never meant it – it takes a special person to be a journalist, someone who is slightly deranged and a little mischievous, but patient and kind enough to power through the hard work and stress. Each of you are incredibly special in your own way, and I wouldn’t be the person I am today without each and everyone one of you. Your support and assistance has made my love for journalism grow and helped me realize that this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. So a big thanks to my journo family.

But what would a semi functioning family be without a fully functioning leader? Good old Grubs, what would I do without that crazy man. Grubaugh, thank you for everything you have ever done for me. You have always supported me and believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. I wouldn’t be the writer that I am today if it wasn’t for you. I also probably would have been sued a couple times if it wasn’t for you, but thankfully you’ve always got my back. I’m sorry I curse so much, I’m sorry I have corrupted your newspaper with half naked girls and drugs and I’m sorry for falling asleep in Econ. You’ve been like a dad to me, and I thank you for being patient with me. And to the future co-editors-inchief – please make bad choices. Please continue to cause problems and say things that people don’t want you to say. Write about sex and drugs and bombs and whatever else you want because this is YOUR paper. Kiana, Sydney, Alexa and I have had our year of fun with this paper, but now it is yours. We leave this publication in your hands, now go out and do good journalism.

CAITLYN HURLEY

SYDNEY KAHMANN “I am Abraham Lincoln’s first cousin, six generations removed,” said Mr. Karl Grubaugh, our journalism adviser, to a room full of teenagers loosely grouped as journalists. From the crazy liberals to the hyper-conservatives, Mr. Grubaugh immediately captured the attention of every Gazette staffer – new and old – with his exuberance and dramatic flair. At that first moment, I was hooked on the Granite Bay Gazette – and I have been ever since. Throughout high school, my best moments were with the people of room 514 – the journalism lab. With them I have gorged on Little Caesar’s cardboard (or is it pizza?) to the swing music and big bands of the 1930s, I have written and rewritten headlines so they perfectly align while blinking my

bleary eyes at those picky grid boxes we journalism nerds call picas, I have raced to finish naming the most popular boy names of the 1900s on our favorite trivia website, Sporcle. But underneath the shenanigans is a family. My Gazette family gives me a sense of belonging. By giving me a home on campus, my experiences on The Gazette staff have transformed me. I learned to be proud of my individuality, and that is what I think The Gazette is about. We’re a group of individuals that are so different, and that is what sets us apart. Very few of us have aspirations of becoming reporters or majoring in communications (myself, included), and we certainly don’t take the class as an easy elective (since its not). We sweat into our high school newspaper since once we join, we can’t quit. Working on The Gazette staff has taught me more than any class. While it didn’t teach me to integrate and derive, create and implement a lab, or write a rhetorical analysis essay, the advanced journalism class taught me the difference between screwing up and failing, the value of learning the hard way, and the necessity of perseverance. And so, staff writer became news editor and news editor became co-editor-in-chief. And I can proudly say, I don’t regret one moment working on the Granite Bay Gazette. For it is here, in the journalism lab, that I have met some incredible people and worked with a great mentor and role model. Alexa, Kate and Kiana: We did it, we published eight full

issues of The Gazette and made minimal enemies! We have grown so close over this adventure of a year, and I am so thankful for you three. Thank you for the encouraging candy grams, for bringing me Starbucks, for being my Valentines and for keeping me on my toes by drawing obscenities on my standardized testing pencils when I lent them to you. Mr. Grubaugh: You will forever be my favorite teacher. Thank you for caring and for constantly taking your work home with you. You always supported us, and kindly redirected us when necessary. You let us learn things for ourselves but made it known that you were always there. Because of you and the dependability of The Gazette, I branched out and grew confident in myself and in my abilities. Thank you for helping us whenever we asked you to, and for intuitively helping us whenever we needed you to. The people are more important than the process, after all. Future co-editors-in-chief and future staffers: Put your own flavor on The Gazette. You are in charge now, so you make the rules. Push yourself as you push the newspaper forward, and always be the responsible reporters I know you are. Set new precedents and break the old rules. My experiences on The Gazette will follow me for the rest of my life, as will my friendships. Every moment on staff has altered or defined me, and high school journalism will always be a part of me. Now let’s get out there and continue to do good journalism.

6 SENIOR EDITION

SENIORS CHOOSE THEIR BY KIANA OKHOVAT

kokhovat.gazette@gmail.com

Justine McDanniel chose Mr. Stephens Who is your most inspiring teacher? Mr. Stephens How has this teacher made an impact on you? He really treats us like adults, not like he’s “in charge” of us (well I guess he is, but it doesn’t feel like it, haha). He’s taught me so much about art! What’s your favorite memory of this teacher? He’s so funny! It’s hard to choose a favorite memory in his class. I guess the time I brought a “wreck this journal” into class (is my favorite). I spent 10 minutes throwing a paint covered paper towel ball at the target printed on one of the pages. I was 3 feet away while he held the page open and I ... almost (hit) someone in the face.

 Myron Stephens assists one of his art students in her painting, and watches a chess game. Stephens hosts the chess club every day during lunch in his classroom.

If you could tell Mr. Stephens one last thing, what would it be? Thanks for everything Mr. Stephens! I had a great time in your classes and I feel like I learned a lot!

Victoria De Cesaris chose Ms. Elkin Who is your most inspiring teacher? Ms. Elkin has been the most inspiring teacher for me. She takes the position of not only a teacher, but also a mentor of whom students feel as though they can trust and connect with. How has this teacher made an impact on you? Being in Ms. Elkin’s class changed my life. Ms. Elkin taught us not only about the subject, but about life as a whole. One of the most important lessons that I learned from her was that life is truly about the way an individual views the situations of which they are presented with, because one’s cognition influences everything.

 Natalie Elkin helps out her students with their Advanced Placement Psychology studies. Elkin is one of the most successful AP teachers on campus.

What’s your favorite memory of this teacher? One of my favorite memories from the class was the day we meditated. It was a very interesting experience that not only helped me better understand the chapter of which we were studying, but also the nature of meditation in itself.

Gazette photos /kiana okhovat

If you could tell Ms. Elkin one last thing, what would it be? If I could tell Ms. Elkin one last thing, it would be that I sincerely hope she knows what a wonderful person she is and how much her students all appreciate everything she does. She is a true role model for all of us.

SENIOR EDITION 7

MOST INSPIRING TEACHERS CJ Stone chose Mrs. Givens

Who is your most inspiring teacher? Mrs. Givens. Because of how hard she works for all the little credit she receives and how much of a servant leader she is. How has this teacher made an impact on you? She has helped mold me into the leader I am today. She has helped me with my organization skills and in my personal confidence.

Tamara Givens directs her students during a day that tested their planning to its limits, Day at the Bay, followed by the Quad Dance in the evening. Thanks to her timeless leadership combined with the hard work of her students, the day was an evident success.

Karl Grubaugh explains the final project to his Advanced Placement Micro/Macro Economics and United States Government and Politics block class. Many students in the block class took all three AP examinations, which spanned throughout the two-week AP testing period.

What’s your favorite memory of this teacher? Well. On a student government retreat she got pied in the face by Justin Ostrom which was flippin’ hilarious, and she ran around laughing with pie all over her. If you could tell Mrs. Givens one last thing, what would it be? That she is an amazing teacher and I’m sorry you had to deal with my shinanigans for four years but without a little crazy life would be boring. So thank you for all you have done for me and remember to tell kids to always have fun and be crazy with what they are doing.

Connor Ryan chose Mr. Grubaugh Who is your most inspiring teacher? Mr. Grubaugh has been a great teacher, and I have always enjoyed micro/macro (economics) because of him.

Mr. Grubaugh has been a great teacher, and I have always enjoyed micro/macro (economics) because of him –

How has this teacher made an impact on you? Mr. Grubaugh has made an impact Senior Connor on me through AP micro/macro Ryan. econ. I have learned quite a bit of real world information in that class. I found the stock project and learning about stocks particularly interesting and impactful. I am probably going to invest in the stock market in the future, so learning more about it is useful. What’s your favorite memory of this teacher? I don’t have one clear favorite memory, but I always enjoyed his humor/jokes throughout the year. If you could tell Mr. Grubaugh one last thing, what would it be? Thank you for a great year, you are a fantastic teacher.

CJ Stone

“

Suck up to your teachers. That’s the only way to get ahead.

Everybody pushes for you to take AP Euro but honestly it’s not that big of a deal if you take it.

”

Kennedy Mac Millan

Garrison Schlauch

“

Go to all the events, (or else) you’ll miss out on really good opportunities to make memories with your friends.

Hadley Rood

“

Don’t be afraid to raise your hand and ask questions in class.

”

” Audrey Tate

“

Enjoy your freshman year, it’s probably the most relaxing one you’re going to get.

”

Colin Fitzgerald

Take advantage of all of the cool things Granite Bay (High) has to offer, get involved with anything you can as fast as you can.

”

Jake Mackall

“

Don’t sweat the small stuff because in the long run it will be very insignificant. One little slip up won’t end your life.

”

“

Do what you want. Dress how you want. Don’t worry about everybody else.

”

senior

Alec Ladrech

Soon-to-be graduates give

8 SENIOR EDITION

Compiled by Thomas Taylor

SENIOR EDITION 9

tips to younger students

Mitch Riffice

Karen Kurpershoek

“

Try and enjoy yourself while you’re young but make sure you don’t slack off in school, because, trust me, every year counts when you get to colleges.

“

Don’t be afraid to try new things and get out of your comfort zone.

”

Eddie Leskauskas

Alyx Verras

advice

“

Don’t try and be like the upperclassmen, you’ll get there eventually you don’t need to rush it.

”

Actually do things, I’ve been to one dance over these four years, and I realized I should have done this more.

”

Luke Bussey

Remy Smith

“

Try not to procrastinate. Get your work done, get enough sleep, and then you can get to the fun stuff.

”

Laurel Teague

Find an elective or a sport or something and stick with it throughout these four years.

”

Hope Larson

“

Try not to care too much about other people, have the confidence to do your own thing.

”

“

Take advantage of every single opportunity here. Don’t miss one.

”

10 SENIOR EDITION

SENIOR EDITION 11

Seniors going Greek Graduating students have option to rush and join Greek system in college

BY STEVEN GERISCH sgerisch.gazette@gmail.com

As seniors go to college and continue their lives off in a new surrounding, this could create a stressful situation for those not ready to move on from the comfortable allure of home. Once on campus, students are faced with a plethora of decisions, one of which is whether to rush or not. The allure of parties may lure some in, yet the pressure of hazing and underage drinking may push others away. While there is no clear-cut choice on whether to rush or not, there are an infinite amount of opinions on the subject. Senior Alec Ladrech, who will be attending a community college then transferring to USC, says that he plans to rush because it’s a social outlet to meet new people. Senior Ashley Atkins, who’s attending SDSU this fall, says that she plans on joining a sorority while at college. “I’m joining to make friends and do re-

ally fun activities” says Atkins. “I want to make lasting friendships.” However not all people share Ladrech’s and Atkins’ ideology of what joining a fraternity or sorority can add to your college experience. Senior Michelle Ciccarelli, who’s going to the University of Nevada at Reno, says that she most likely won’t go Greek in college. “(Not rushing) is less of a distraction,” Ciccarelli said. But, those that do not become Greek may face exile from social events that the fraternities and sororities put on. “There are obviously parties (in the Greek system), but there’s also the lifelong friendships and charity work,” Atkins said. However, Greek parties aren’t only known for their drinking. “A disadvantage may be the drug scene involved,” Ladrech said. “(There is also) the potential to become too enthralled in the party scene which could take away from college studies.”

Atkins said that Greek life also takes a lot of time and dedication. She also says that the hazing in some sororities and fraternities would be a negative. Ciccarelli states that by not going Greek she’d have more time and freedom to meet people in different social groups, although she said she may miss out on networking and meeting people interested in “similar things.” Also, practically all fraternities or sororities have yearly dues to cover the costs of parties, the house, philanthropic events, and many other amenities. Going Greek can save money for students because Greek housing and Greek meal plans can be cheaper than the room and board plans offered by colleges. Greek networking opportunities can also pay off by helping Greek alumni get jobs post college graduation. “I think the friendships (made) are really genuine,” Atkins said, “(and) a lot of people have more lasting friendships and memories in them.”

Gazette illustration/AKASH KHOSLA

12 SENIOR EDITION

SENIOR EDITION 13

SENIOR SUPERLATIVES Best male eyes: The REAL Tribe leader:

ALEX COONEY

Best male hair:

MARC ELLIS

Most likely to be the next U.S. President:

CJ STONE

Best male smile:

ALEX ROCCA

Best female eyes:

SARA WAGNER

Best female smile:

KELLY FOX

MICHAEL GERAGHTY

Female partners in crime:

KATIE THOMAS & CLAIRE ELLINWOOD

Best female hair:

RILEY CARROLL

Male partners in crime:

JACKSON RODRIGUEZ & MYLES SLATTERY

14 SENIOR EDITION

Most likely to win the Nobel Peace Prize:

AMIR KARAMLOU

Most likely to throw a chair at Michele Bachmann:

ALEXA ZOGOPOULOS

Most likely to attend Hogwarts:

BRE BOLTON

The next Carlos Danger:

COREY HANDA

Most likely to throw a chair at Hillary Clinton:

LAUREN BRACKETT

The next Steven Spielberg:

MATT IWAHIRO

15 SENIOR EDITION

Most likely to write the next great novel:

CAITLYN HURLEY

High school sweethearts:

AARON SAMPSON & KRISTY LUONG

Everybody’s female crush:

KERRI O’ BRIEN

Everybody’s male crush:

VINNY ESPOSITO

16 SENIOR EDITION

Most likely to be Twitter famous:

The next Miley Cyrus:

JEFF HOWARD

JULIA BROADLAND

Most likely to create the next iPhone:

Most likely to crack the next Watergate scandal:

KEVIN KHIEU

The next Jimmy Fallon:

OWEN MCNIFF

KIANA OKHOVAT

The next Banksy:

DAYTON ALLEGRA

17 SENIOR EDITION

Most likely to set the curve:

Most likely to survive the zombie apocalypse:

ANNA VON WENDORFF

CHANDLER DALE

Most likely to be the next Ellen DeGeneres:

Most likely to be get lost in a round-about:

THOMAS TAYLOR

LINDSEY RIBOTA

GRADUATION PARTIES

18 SENIOR EDITION

20 14

Seniors plan events to celebrate end of high school career BY CAITLYN HURLEY churley.gazette@gmail.com

Graduation season is full of excitement and stress – students desperately trying to save their grades, parents trying to cope with their babies leaving – but after graduation, students are able to relax and socialize at graduation parties. Danielle Scribner, a senior, is attending the University of Arizona this fall and is having her entire graduation party themed to her school. “I’m so excited for my friends and family to see how cool my school’s pride is,” Scribner said. “The amount of gear that U of A has is insane.” University of Arizona’s colors are red and blue with white accents, so Scribner and her family have purchased all sorts of corresponding decor. “So far we have red and white roses as table centers with little blue ribbons,” Scribner said. “There’s going to be blue and white balloons and red candy on various tables.” Graduation parties usually have food catered for lunch or dinner, depending on the time of the day. Scribner is having Dos Coyotes cater to her friends and families because it’s her favorite restaurant. Contrary to Scribner, senior Alexandra Karalash is having a GBHSthemed party. Karalash is going to University of

Colorado at Boulder this fall, but decided she would rather dedicate her party to her high school rather than her future college. “I want this to be a celebration of my high school experience, hence the GBHS colors,” Karalash said. “When I graduate from college, I’ll do Boulder colors for my party to celebrate my college experience. It just makes more sense to me.” Karalash and her family are expecting to have over 100 guests at their grad party and began to prepare months ago. “My mom has had me crafting for weeks,” Karalash said. “I’ve been gluing green, black and white ribbons to candles and DIYing the various things she finds on Pinterest.” Karalash will have a green, black and white candy bar for her guests and friends and is having the local taqueria cook Mexican food on her outside grill. While Karalash and Scribner are doing their parties individually, senior

Ashley Gunn is having his graduation party with his four best friends. Even though Gunn is going to University of Nevada in Reno, he and his friends decided to not theme the party. Instead they are having a barbeque for their guests and a dance party for their friends. “We wanted to do it together because we’ve all been best friends for a very long time,” Gunn said. “We want to celebrate our achievements by having a party together.”

SENIOR EDITION 19

Dorm Decor

Students coordinate with future roommates on decorations BY MARY-FRANCES HANSEN mfhansen.gazette@gmail.com

Special to the Gazette /MADDY WOLF

Gazette photos /THOMAS TAYLOR

Students decorate their dorm rooms to reflect their interests and hobbies, sometimes collaborating with their future roommates.

Many students at Granite Bay High School are looking forward to graduating and starting college. As students are getting accepted into schools, they start thinking about plans for their future endeavors. One thing students begin planning is how to decorate their dorm room. Students often draw inspiration from many of their hobbies and interests to decorate their room. “I’m going to be putting maps of different cities around the world up on my dorm room walls because I love traveling and I’m intrigued by transportation, cities, cultures, languages and lifestyles,” said Alex Rocca, a senior at GBHS. “I’m going for a ‘wanderlust’ theme, and I think it will inspire me a lot.” Not only are students inspired by their skills, but other seniors, such as Maddy Wolf, are influenced by the help of their roommates. “(My future roommate and I) toured a sorority house that was all turquoise, black and white and we loved it,” Wolf said. “So we decided that would be good colors.” Like Wolf, Marisa Thias, a senior, has also coordinated decorations with her roommate so their whole room would match. “We figured it would look nice if we did black and white as far as bedding goes and then added accents of colors like teal or purple throughout the room,” Thias said. “We wanted to keep it simple but cute.” However, CJ Stone, senior, does not feel the need to coordinate his room with his roommate. “I have to have my Lord of the Rings side, my Star Wars side, and then my 49ers side,” Stone said. “I’m going to have my Pokémon down blanket on top of my bed and my sister (also) bought me a mini

fridge that has a huge Pokéball on it.” Some of the dorm rooms the students will be staying in are small, but they are willing to make adjustments to be comfortable in their new surroundings. “I want my dorm room to feel bigger than it is, and I think having a worldwide theme will allow me to capture that idea,” Rocca said. “I’ve started collecting city maps and subway maps of places I’ve visited this year, but I also plan on purchasing maps on eBay and Amazon of cities and countries I have not yet visited.” Rocca is excited to move away from Granite Bay, go to college and be independent. “The centerpiece of my wall will be a world map, and I’ll mark all the places I’ve traveled on it,” Rocca said. “Next to that I will have a Union Jack flag from the UK, because I eventually want to live in London.” These students have begun shopping at places like Target and Hobby Lobby to find essentials such as beddings, lamps, rugs and other decorations. “I’m really excited actually because my roommate will be coming to Roseville to stay with me for a week over summer so we can start shopping for everything for our dorm room,” Thias said. “I’m glad we have similar tastes and ideas of what we want because it will make designing our new room much more easy and fun.” While many students are buying most of their necessities, other students are making decorations such as picture collages and personal items to hang up in their room. “We are making monogrammed headboards and a doormat that says ‘If you ain’t George Strait or Jesus, take your boots off’,” Wolf said. “We decided to do a lot of stuff with her home state of Texas and with my state of California, too.”

20 SENIOR EDITION

Picking a laptop for college? Students offer criteria for ideal laptop BY AKASH KHOSLA akhosla.gazette@gmail.com

It’s the time right after college acceptances and right before graduation for high school seniors. For many of those students, preparing for college means preparing to live independently and far away from their homes — but it also means getting a laptop to take along the academic voyage. “Right now I own a Fujitsu Lifebook,” said Amir Karamlou, a senior at Granite Bay High School, “but I'm planning to buy a new (laptop) for college.” Most students who have laptops beforehand end up taking their laptop to college or changing models to a better laptop. But with so many options choose from, what is most important when buying a laptop? A lot of factors go into consideration when shopping, such as price, brand, overall performance and portability. Students who have more than $1000 to spend often opt for the premium laptops, such as Apple MacBook Airs and MacBook Pros. Consisting of an aluminum chassis coupled with premium graphics, audio, computing performance and solid reliability from battery life and build quality, MacBooks are considered solid machines and often meet the needs of most college students. But most of the time, MacBooks are overkill for students in terms of capability and on their wallets. “Many buy Macs due to their ease of use and great battery lives,” said Bradley Chee, a junior at GBHS. “But there are Windows laptops that can match the same speed and battery life as Macs so when deciding between the two, it really depends what you’re used to.” Several competitors such as Asus, Dell and Sony have brought their laptops to the same standards at a lower price point which makes their laptops popular choices for consumers as well. Currently, the main competitor to Apple’s MacBooks are Intel Ultrabooks, which are new types of laptops made by multiple manufacturers that use Intel hardware designed for a balance of portability, performance and battery life. Ultrabooks are similar to MacBooks, often having aluminum or carbon fiber casing, and similar appearance to MacBooks. While they’re not designed to be the very best laptops, they’re an evolution of the link between tablets and laptops. Microsoft’s Surface Pro was the first device to initiate the link

between tablets and PCs by putting desktop and laptop capabilities all into a 10 inch tablet. “The new and emerging tablet market is changing laptops as we know it,” Chee said. “Touchscreens are becoming more prevalent and devices such as the Surface Pro 2 should definitely be considered when buying a laptop for college.” While the Surface Pro is extremely versatile, it does have a few caveats. Several reviewers often dislike having to bear with the small screen and miniature keyboard when using the device as a portable workstation. Several other PC manufacturers like Dell, Asus and HP have tried to come up with similar devices that are hybrid laptops. Hybrid laptops are intended to be serious competitors in both the tablet and laptop markets, but consistency with battery life and performance is often a challenge with these types of machines. “If you’re going to buy a laptop (or tablet), it depends on what you need to use a computer for,” said David Zech, a senior. “If you only do word processing and internet research, a lighter and cheaper laptop like an ultrabook or perhaps even a chromebook will probably be perfect. If you're going to do 3D modeling, Photoshop, or CAD work, you'll likely need a higher performance computer, but these are heavier, have worse battery life, and are more expensive.” Simply having a laptop can’t just meet everyone’s needs. Sometimes, only a desktop is capable of producing the experiences a laptop can’t provide with higher reliability and performance. Brian Wei, a student who graduated from GBHS, is currently a student at Stanford with a laptop and a desktop in his dorm. “I game and do some resource intensive things, and prefer having a more ergonomic computing experience if i'm going to be at my desk for a while,” Wei said. “If you’re looking for something to take to college, get a laptop at least. Tablets probably won’t cut it.” With all the options on the market, most students will find the laptop that meets their requirements of their field of study in an optimal manner. With laptops focusing more on portability and versatility, performance and battery life are becoming less of a worry for consumers. “The most important thing about a laptop for college is its portability,” Karamlou said.“Something light that you can easily carry around such as an Ultrabook will give most students what they need.”

Gazette illustration/ AKASH KHOSLA

SENIOR EDITION 21

The college waitlist Advice to get admitted after May 1

BY NICOLAS ONTIVEROS nontiveros.gazette@gmail.com

Gazette illustration/ THOMAS TAYLOR

The National Decision Day for United States universities is May 1. By this date, most colleges require prospective students to submit their Statements of Intent to Register (SIRs), which indicate what university a student will attend in the fall. However, some colleges will not have all their available spots filled after May 1. Admissions officers will read through the applicants placed on the waitlists and admit those students deemed the best from that pool of applicants. Cassidy Chiu, a Granite Bay High School senior, has been wait-listed at several University of California schools. “I was wait-listed at (UC) Irvine, Santa Barbara, and San Diego,” Chiu said. “I accepted the waitlist offers for San Diego and Santa Barbara, and I chose to (submit my) SIR at San Diego State.” Waitlisted students are forced to submit their SIR for colleges they will most likely not attend if they are accepted off of the wait-list. Chiu had her ambitions set on a UC school, but she must hope the UC admissions committees will take her. The number of matriculating students to a university changes frequently from year to year, which means there is no definite number of students who can be accepted off of any given waitlist. A college may accept no students off of the waitlist, but in the following year, that same college can accept 200 students. In 2010, the UC system accepted 17 percent of students on the waitlist. This may seem like a relatively optimistic statistic for waitlist systems. Yet, the only UC schools that accepted students from the waitlist were Santa Barbara and Davis. Thus, anyone put on the waitlist at any other campus had no chance of being accepted. Students put on the waitlist also need to be unique relative to the other students on the waitlist in order to be one of the few who are accepted. Extra essays help schools find the most serious students. “UCSD required a 200 word statement of why you think UCSD is the best fit for you,” Chiu said. “UCSB just required

you to click ‘yes’ or ‘no’ on the waitlist form.” Cindi Underwood of the GBHS College and Career Center believes getting off the waitlist for a private school is relatively easier than getting off the waitlist for a public school. “There isn’t a whole lot students can do for UC’s or big state schools,” Underwood said. “(I recommend students on the waitlist) keep in contact with the state schools. … You must show a real interest for the school.” Some GBHS students decide to not even accept their waitlist offers. A GBHS senior, Stephanie Chu was offered a waitlist spot at UCLA, but she declined her waitlist position and submitted her SIR for UC Berkeley. “UCLA was totally my dream school, so I was really tempted to join the waitlist,” Chu said. “If I joined the waitlist, I would have just thought about UCLA nonstop without really considering much of the schools who offered me admission.” Furthermore, Chu was also worried about housing if she had been accepted to UCLA. “Even if I did submit the essays and go through that process, I wouldn’t have heard back until everyone else had submitted their SIRs,” Chu said. “I figured by then all of the decent dorms would have been taken.” The waitlist option is still an opportunity for GBHS students to get into some of the top universities in the U.S. “This year could be a lot different because of the California budget,” Underwood said. “We are hoping there will be more open spots for (GBHS) students.” Luckily, not many GBHS senior have been put on the waitlist compared to previous years. “This year, I have not heard of a lot of students being waitlisted,” Underwood said. “I used to hear of a lot of kids being wait-listed.” Ultimately, students need to be optimistic of the process to give them the best chance of being accepted. “Try not to take it as a failure but more as a second chance to prove yourself to the colleges,” Cassidy Chiu said. “It’s obviously not as great as getting accepted right off the bat but it’s definitely better than getting flat out rejected.”

22 SENIOR EDITION

CALIFORNIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS Cal Poly - San Luis Obispo Julie Bauer Parker Burman Wyatt Coplen Chase Cooper Kenny Doran Megan Dunlop Cassandra Fong Michael Geraghty Ben Gorsen Ciara Helland Kevin Khieu Kristin Lundeen Tyler Mastromattei Jared Mayer Kerri Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Brien Nick Palmer Maddie Pritchard Aymen Razouane Emily Scates Justin Smith Alyssa Whitney CSU- Chico Dayton Allegra Sarah Dillabaugh Shayna Hansen Danny Kashtiban Eddie Leskauskas Logan Markle Brittany Sanders Ryan Schoenborn Kelsey Short Alex Van Walleghem Felipe Zegarra CSU- Fullerton Riley Carroll CSU- Long Beach Sierra Putman CSU- Monterey Bay Sarah Lujan CSU- Northridge Nicolette Pinkney CSU - Sacramento Zach Boyle Dustin Brafford Destiny Butcher Courtney Cannon Vinny Esposito Taylor Guzman Josh Hubbard Anzhelika Kostyuk Devin Lehman Jared Liang Mackenzie Mueller CSU - San Marcos Taylor Beck Julia Broadland San Diego State University Ashley Atkins Julia Bermudez Cassidy Chiu Alec Daley Chloe Dobson Vessi Doncheva Brandon Freitas Ali McCormick Andy Moudakis Leah Musker Jeff Ritter

Where are

San Francisco State University Kennedy Bell James Booth Nikki Chang Brooke De Los Santos Dominic Denning Mary Jo Lonsdale Rachel Will San Jose State University Brandon Schnuelle Sonoma State University Kayley Dannelley Devin Fox Corey Handa Megan Kolster Macy McIntosh UC Berkeley Stephanie Chu Meredith Dechert David Jin Aidan Naughton Seena Razavi UC Davis Lauren Brackett Diego Docto Samantha Jin Kyle Malixi Kiana Okhovat Hadley Rood Parmeet Sahota Chinar Sheth Nicole Sullivan UC Irvine Charlotte Densham Zach Low Allan Zheng UCLA Sydney Kahmann Samantha Kwan Esha Lal Stacy Miller Austin Pink Grace Reego Connor Ryan UC Riverside Sam Kim UC San Diego Makenzie Brito Kelsey Haag Kristine Khieu Arushi Krishnan Ben Lewis Alex Meza Grace Moore Kevin Wylder UC Santa Barbara Lauren Bonham Anissa Carter Jack Dockham Brendan Gonzalez Katie Kindelt Karen Kurpershoek Jake Mackall Garrison Schlauch Myles Slattery Audrey Tate Calvin Van Hoozen UC Santa Cruz Armin Anderson Bre Bolton

Juliette Burke Cade Christensen Blaise Nasri Morgan Paris Thomas Taylor Laurel Teague Julia Unger Matt Van CALIFORNIA PRIVATE SCHOOLS Azusa Pacific University Brittany Armstrong Sam Denton Jane Lockhart

University of Southern California

California Tech Anvita Mishra

Mitch Hart Anna Lim

Chapman University Kylee Floodman Alex Rocca Sara Wagner

Westmont College Zachary Hall

Concordia University Irvine Maddy Deters Lyndi Rosdail Dominican University of California Victoria De Cesaris Chase Goulart Loyola Marymount University Connor Briare Hailey Lederer CJ Stone Occidental College Christina Sabin Tina Zolfaghari Pepperdine University Brandt Misik Saint Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s College of California Xavier Hunter Brittany Jensen Santa Clara University Daisy Koch Robert Petterson University of the Pacific Julia Beck University of Redlands Maricela Graza University of San Diego Karinn Uppal University of San Francisco Brittany Luu

COMMUNITY COLLEGES American River College Haley Byam Marc ElLis Lorena Garcia Luke Rogers Mariah Tyler Cabrillo College Madison Derendinger Folsom Lake College Nick Herrick Jen Larkin Feather River College Mikayla Graham Long Beach City College Frankie Cervantes Sacramento City College Zac Pickett Kaylee Ries Santa Barbara City College Andrew Kreeger Lauren Molina Nico Saviotti Megan Taylor Katie Thomas Sierra College Sierra Alejandrez Effie Alexandrakis Maddy Alpha Abby Anderson Angelica Andres Brynn Appelman Brooke Barquero Trevor Black Anthony Berry

Eleni Booros Summer Brewer Cj Brown Shelby Bullard Shelby Carion Preet Cheema Alex Cooney Izabella Czaja Michael Dastas Deedra Dollesin Connor Ferguson Justin Filimon Tyler Gimblin Briana Gomes Caiti Hinkley Allie Johnson Lindsey Johnston Erika Kartz Tayler Keeney Ali Knorp Tisa Lee Jessica Lenck Michael Lobrovich Kristy Luong Nina Madden Nasear Mohandessi Yasha Mousavi Frank Niebauer Jenna Olberding Kyli Olesen Sarah Palmer Danelle Pfennig Julius Ramos Deanna Ritter Kayla Roberts Bryce Ross-Flannagan Kat Rowe Savannah Self Braeden Spencer Morgan Sullivan Nicole Thornton Tyler Vane Alicia Wilkinson Cammy Young Anthony Zurita

SENIOR EDITION 23

they going? OUT-OFSTATE PUBLIC SCHOOLS Arizona State University Matt Berry Michael Gezi Mitch Khan Alec Sneesby Alyx Verras Boise State University Emily Andress Jamie Higgins Remy Smith Colorado State University Will Greenwood Idaho State University Dillon Kanada Indiana University Kristin Howard Kansas State University Maddy Wolf Kennesaw State University Toby Hayes Ohio University Karrisa Conner Oregon State University Logan Baker Jessica Scotten University of Alabama Ally Hughes Mitch Riffice University of Arizona Tony Ellison Jeff Gaebler Jeff Howard Faiz Khan Tyler Johnson Courtney Nash Danielle Scribner University of Colorado at Boulder Abby Dentino Alexandra Karalash Dylan Keeney University of Kansas Austin Alcaine Kaycee Davis University of Missouri, Kansas City School of Medicine Ayesha Godil Adithi Reddy University of Nevada, Reno Matt Alvi Austin Cavanaugh Michelle Ciccarelli David Dodd Chris Gallegos Jesse Gavia

Ash Gunn Conor Ingersoll Megan Klingler Jessica Maynard Tristan Palme Spencer Palmer Ana Pellegrino Daniel Stuziak Jennifer Treleaven Brooke Williams Omid Zabetian

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Kevin Burns University of Oregon Corey Consunji Caitlyn Hurley Brittany Owen Zack Zolmer University of Texas at Austin Sydney Holmes-Nguyen University of Utah Kyle Chickering Justine Mccdaniel Utah State University Weston Holt

OUT-OF-STATE PRIVATE SCHOOLS Baylor University Hope Larson Brigham Young UniversityIdaho C.C. Dickson Spencer Ferguson Jacob Smith Alexandra Weston Victoria Weston

Seattle Pacific University Lauren Crandall Brigham Young University-Utah Calla Chamberlain Matthew Clement Cornell College Lindsey Ribota Cornell University Austin Lee Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Lucas Mackey George Washington University Melissa Vajanaphanich Alexa Zogopoulos Harvard College Nicolas Ontiveros Hillsdale College Katie Mersereau Lewis & Clark College Willow Wood Marymount Manhattan College Kelly Tarbell

Southern Virginia University Rylee McKeon

Citrus Heights Beauty College

Texas Christian University Brice Absalon Kelly Fox Mitch Markin Siera Panter Ryan Wheelan

The Culinary Institute Danika Cisneros

Union College Kritika Amanjee University of Notre Dame Jonah Poczobutt University of Portland Owen McNiff United States Naval Academy Ben Snedecor Worcester Polytechnic University Nina Murphy-Cook Vanderbilt University Joey Puhala

New York University Kelsey Sweeting

OTHER

Northwestern University John Hayes Reed Klaeser

American University of Richmond in London Missy Mosto

Pacific Lutheran University Katie Davidson

The Art Institute Lexi Haddad Jennifer Oliver

Sydne Schneider

Minneapolis Community and Tech College

Tarah Golson Universal Technical Institute

Trevor Befort Austin Williams United States Marine Corps Spencer McCallister Chris Miller-peake University of Rome Giacomo Giorgi

SO LONG SENIORS