Granite Bay Gazette October 2015 entire edition

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The Granite Bay Gazette GRANITE BAY HIGH SCHOOL w 1 GRIZZLY WAY w GRANITE BAY, CA w 95746 w VOLUME 19 w ISSUE 2 w FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2015

COMMENTARY

The language of Islamophobia

troy pawlak

tpawlak.gazette@gmail.com

Too often, we don’t realize what we have

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t’s simple human nature to take for granted what we have and desire what we don’t.

If someone asked me to list all the things I have, I can guarantee you that I would leave out so many things simply because they’re so ingrained in my life that I didn’t even give them a second thought.

Things such as these are used every day without a second thought. We expect them to be there through thick and thin and never question what we would do without them.

I acknowledge this fact, yet I try to fight it. When I get something new, no matter the item or value, I try to think about its value every time I use it.

Inevitably, whether it takes a week or a year, I accept that I will take everything in turn for granted.

A perfect example of this lack of appreciation for the things I have and though I would never lose is the simple utility of my arms. A couple of weeks ago, I broke both of my wrists and now my arms are encased in plaster from palm to elbow, basically rendering me useless when it comes to doing things with my arms. Ever since, even the simplest of tasks has been difficult for me.

You never really think about it, but consider how hard it is to do simple tasks without the use of elbows. Eating has become a struggle of sizable proportions and, with my hand cast pointing to the heavens, writing is an issue as well.

And yet I remain fixated on what I don’t have, cursing my immobile arms while neglecting to praise the capabilities of the rest of my body.

My legs work fine, but I don’t even think about it as I glare at my arms with such a heated gaze I’m surprised the plaster hasn’t melted and dripped from my arms.

No matter how hard I try, I will never be able to remember everything I should be thankful for.

Despite what others will say, I am far from alone in this nature.

I have always found it funny how, immediately following Thanksgiving, the day reserved for listing what we have, we have Black Friday – a day of desperate shopping, warfare and murder in retail stores nationwide with the sole goal of getting cheap stuff.

What happened to the thankful, cheerful peace we just left? Why do we have no shame for how quickly we became full of greed?

Why must we strive for everything we don’t have?

This is just human nature – a lust for what we lack, a dismissal of what we have.

When meeting a new face, questions revolve around dreams and desires, not what we are proud of. Sure, we love to brag, but that focuses solely on a few things, not a compilation of everything we have.

Some of you may be cynical, arguing you are the exception, aware of and grateful for all your blessings, but I doubt it. *** Troy Pawlak, a senior, is a Gazette co-editor-in-chief.

Gazette photo illustration /TROY PAWLAK Model /RAWAN KHALILI

After the events of 9/11, Muslims have been targeted by people who associate terrorism with Islam.

Muslim students speak out about incidents of religious discrimination

BY CONNOR HINSON

chinson.gazette@gmail.com

“Islamic extremist” is often used as a synonym for the word terrorist. Since the Sept.

11 attacks, it has become a part of the political vernacular. However, people often have trouble separating the “Islamic” portion of the phrase from the “extremist,” leading to the now-common issue of Islamophobia.

The fear of Islam and its people might appear to be an issue of the past, simply irrational paranoia brought on by post-9/11 propaganda. Yet in America today, people of the Islamic faith are subjected to bigotry on a regular basis.

Recently, Ahmed Mohamed, a 14-yearold boy attending MacArthur High School

in Irving, Texas, was arrested for bringing a homemade clock to school because his teacher thought it was a bomb. Mohamed was consequently detained and questioned by several officers.

Despite several attempts by Mohamed to tell the officers that his creation was a clock, not a bomb, they still did not believe him.

“We attempted to question the juvenile about what it was and he would simply only tell us that it was a clock,” officer James McLellan told CNN. Although the officers had no reason to be suspicious of Mohamed, they chose to question him without his parents being present, and without any basis for their claims aside from the conjecture of a high school teacher.

While the outcry on social media sites such

In eighth grade, I dressed up like a motorcycle rider.

So many people told me, ‘Oh, he’s a suicide bomber.

Get off our campus.’

– Younes Mahmoudieh, GBHS junior

a supposed joke or prank was in poor taste toward Muslims on campus.

On the most recent anniversary of 9/11, See ISLAMOPHOBIA, page A7

Trans students disregarded

Givens wins state award

ucation code. It requires that “a pupil be Assistant principal permitted to participate in sex-segregated school programs and activities, including teams and competitions, and use brings struggles to light athletic facilities consistent with his or her gender

GBHS activities director honored

BY SAVITRI ASOKAN

sasokan.gazette@gmail.com

BY JORDAN HOLT

jholt.gazette@gmail.com

Ever wonder how the rallies go off without a hitch?

Why Homecoming night is so flawless? Or who puts all the signs up around campus? Or how Granite Bay High School holds at least six dances a year?

The answer is simple: Tamara Givens.

The GBHS activities director goes above and beyond year after year to make the high school experience of each student as memorable as possible.

Since 1999, Givens has been at the forefront of the GBHS student government class, directing every special occasion at the school from rallies, to Homecoming, to dances, to day-long celebrations, to spirit weeks and many more events that might even go unnoticed by the student body.

as Twitter, with the now-famous hashtag #IStandWithAhmed, shows a much more progressive America, the truth remains that a young Muslim boy from a small city in Texas was profiled based on his beliefs.

But is Islamophobia an issue on the Granite Bay High School campus?

Junior Younes Mahmoudieh believes so.

“In eighth grade, I dressed up like a motorcycle rider,” Mahmoudieh said. “So many people told me, ‘Oh, he’s a suicide bomber.

Get off of our campus.’”

Later, in ninth grade, he experienced another bout of discrimination.

“On the anniversary of 9/11, two people grabbed me from behind and made a show of patting me down,” Mahmoudieh said.

This incident is not the only time in which

Gazette photo /JORDAN HOLT

Activities director Tamara Givens was recognized by the National Association of Student Councils.

After so many years of promoting Grizzly pride, Givens was recognized for everything she does to make GBHS a better place.

She was recently awarded the Warren E. Schull Award given by the National Association of Student Councils.

This state-level award is presented to one activities director every year who embraces the qualities of outstanding character, leadership and commitment to young people striving to be leaders themselves.

As honorable as this award is, Givens was reluctant to share the news with her stu-

With the high-profile transition of Caitlyn Jenner and the surging popularity of “Orange is the New Black” star Laverne Cox, transgender rights are beginning to become more prominent in the national media and consciousness – and on the Granite Bay High School campus.

California Assembly Bill 1266, approved in 2013, modified Section 22.5 of the ed-

See TRANSGENDER, page A7

dent government class.

Sophomore Alyssa Sewell has been a part of student government for all three terms of her time at GBHS. “She didn’t even tell us herself,” Sewell said. “Mrs. (Jennifer) Leighton came into student government and announced the news that she had won the State Activities Director Award.”

The fact that Givens does not broadcast her achievements or actions tends to send her hard work under the radar during school events. She is usually

Are we losing connectivity?

See GIVENS, page A9

See CONNECTIVITY, page A10

Studies link tech with decreasing sociability

BY HANNAH HOLZER

hholzer.gazette@gmail.com

Because of the desire to increase efficiency and productivity, modern-day societies have become dependent upon technology and, in doing so, may have sacrificed basic human connections.

Renowned psychology professors Howard Gardner and Katie Davis have coined today’s youth the “app generation” – a name representing their apparent obsession with digital media. Granite Bay High

inside the Gazette news

voices

Appellate courts

New drug program

Students invited to observe judicial cases up close

School initiative aims to decrease narcotics use among students

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identity, irrespective of the gender listed on the pupil’s records,” according to the legislative counsel’s digest.

Assistant principal Sybil Healy, who has taken on the task of informing GBHS staff of transgender students’ rights, presented to the faculty on Sept. 15 regarding the law.

In her presentation, Healy said three students have identified themselves as trans-

School’s newest assistant principal, Jessup McGregor, said he sees the current high school-age generation as an “apt generation” – noting young people’s tendencies to grab information quickly, but having difficulty pausing and retaining information without utilizing the ease of technology.

According to research published by the Pew Research Center, 89 percent of cellphone users report using their phones

High school crushes expectations Life’s not a musical, and no one’s singing along

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A9

News

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Granite Bay Gazette

Friday w October 23, 2015

NAMES IN THE NEWS

surina khurana skhurana.gazette@gmail.com

Ursus triumphs and wins an AllAmerican rating

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ranite Bay High School’s yearbook, Ursus, earned an All-American rating with Five Marks of Distinction, the highest rating given by the National Scholastic Press Association. Way to go, yearbook staff!

*** The Emerald Brigade band took first place in almost every category and won marching and music sweepstakes at it’s first show. That is music to my ears. *** Senior Emily Demure committed to play volleyball at Pennsylvania State University, one of the highest ranked volleyball schools in the nation.

Bump, set, spike it, Emily! *** Juniors Amanda Betito and Matias Munoz were featured in an ABC10 article about the career expo at Cal Expo. They are basically famous now. *** College Preparatory Biology teacher Andrew Phillips recently got married. Huge congrats to the newlyweds! *** Sophomore Emily Talmi committed to play soccer at Cal Poly and senior Emma Darragh committed to play soccer at Illinois Wesleyan University. Go Mustangs and Titans!

Seniors see appeals cases Special to the Gazette /RON SEVERSON

 Associate Justices Elena J. Duarte and Andrea Lynn Hoch sitting at the Justices of the Court of Appeals table, answering questions from students after the cases.

BY CAROLINE PALMER and OLIVIA HEPPELL oheppell.gazette@gmail.com

Recently, seniors taking a government class received a firsthand look at the judicial process. On Sept. 30, students from government classes across the Roseville Joint Union High School District (RJUHSD) went to Roseville High School’s theater to witness appellate court cases.

Students came in two shifts – morning and afternoon – with each session viewing two different cases. RJUHSD was honored to have had the opportunity to experience live court cases, as the experience is rare.

The appellate court deals with cases that have already been to trial court.

“Trials don’t generally get appealed, in my experience.

It’s usually a bylaw motion,” said Danielle Guard, a private attorney who works with cases from medical malpractice.

Appellate court cases also differ from trial court cases in that instead of having a jury, three justices ask the lawyers pointed questions during the lawyer’s 15-minute oral argument. This is the only time they have to argue their points. “(The environments of trial and appellate courts) are very different,” Guard said. “I think that in the trial court, you have much more of a point where you’re arguing your case with the judge – you’re trying to persuade the judge. Whereas in the appellate court, you are trying to respond to the questions that are put forth by the justices. It’s less (about) arguing your point.”

Additionally, Guard said that in trial courts, lawyers are ence, and the judges had some great answers to our quesrarely peppered with questions, and that the evidence is tions and advice for people interested in law.” much more well-known in appellate courts. She said she RJUHSD superintendent Ron Severson said he thought the prefers trial courts. court cases were extremely educational.

Granite Bay High School senior Nicole Infantino watched “This was once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for most students the afternoon appellate court cases. to get up close and personal with the judicial system,” Se“I was excited (to go) because I’ve verson said. “I think the experience provided never been to a court case,” Infantino rich insights into how the whole legal system said. “I thought it’d be cool and a great works, as well as providing a humanizing of way to learn about the government.” the process. These cases are presented and deHowever, she said that she thought the cided by real people.” informational field trip would have been However, Severson said he was skeptical of more useful towards the end of the year, the opportunity at first, because of the requireafter students learn about the court sysments that come with field trips and allowing tems in their government classes. students to miss regular instruction, but beThe setting for the court cases was came less hesitant after learning the logistics unconventional – in lieu of a traditional of the event. courtroom setting, the judges and law“As we learned more and talked to folks who –RJUHSD yers had to work in a theater in front of have done this before, the value to our students superintendent Ron 500 students. outweighed any of the negatives,” Severson Severson Guard, however, said it didn’t affect said. her. Because her focus is so absorbed Students in morning classes saw the Caliinto her actions, it wouldn’t matter if fornia Clean Energy Commission v. Placer she were in front of 500 people or ten County and People of the State of California v. people she said.

Stacey Ann Perryman.

Despite some complaints, both teachers and students alike In the first case, the Clean Energy Commission (CEC) was enjoyed the experience. appealing the first decision made by the courts to let Home“It was a cool experience and I’m happy that we went to it wood Ski Resort in West Lake Tahoe, expand their resort. because what I expected it to be was slightly different than The proposed expansion would what it was,” Infantino said. “It was nice to see the differSee APPEALS page A7

This was a once-in-alifetime opportunity for most students.

Senate Bill 725 aims to

*** Juniors survived the first quarter of the supposedly most difficult year of high school.

Way to go, juniors! Only three more quarters to go.

abolish the exit exam Gov. Brown ditches CAHSEE

*** Senior swimmers Sydney Larson and Kassidy Henson committed to the University of Houston and San Diego State University, respectively.

Larson and Henson are related to fish. *** Seniors are beginning to develop senioritis. But that’s expected. *** Junior Chloe Miller recently watched 5 seasons of The Office. *** There are four more weeks until Thanksgiving break.

I’ve never been so excited to give thanks. *** Business teacher Bill Patterson was presented with the Teacher of the Week award at the Oct. 9 football game. *** Surina Khurina, a junior, is a Gazette news editor.

CORRECTIONS Accuracy is perhaps the most important fundamental of good journalism. It's the policy of the Gazette to correct all factual errors that are brought to our attention. Email us at: gbgazette@yahoo.com.

Identification Statement GRANITE BAY GAZETTE PUBLISHED EIGHT TIMES PER ACADEMIC YEAR c/o Granite Bay High School 1 Grizzly Way Granite Bay, CA 95746 Subscriptions: $25 per year/ $15 per half year

BY JILL KURPERSHOEK

jkurpershoek.gazette@gmail.com

MARCUS YAM/Los Angeles Times/TNS

Two people mourn together after a shooting in Roseburg, Oregon that injured twenty and killed thirteen.

School shootings rising

GBHS students react to year’s 294th mass killing

BY HANNAH HOLZER

hholzer.gazette@gmail.com

In 2015 alone, there have been 17 school shootings on college campuses, 45 shootings on school grounds and 294 mass shootings.

The events that occurred on Thursday, Oct. 1 on the Umpqua Community College campus in Roseburg, Oregon that injured twenty and killed thirteen are undoubtedly horrific, but certainly not an event which is unusual or isolated.

According to the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime, there are approximately 88.8 firearms per 100 people in the United States.

Since the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary school in December of 2014 in which 28 people died – including 20 students, 6 staff members, the shooter and his mother – there have been 95 school shootings.

President Barack Obama spoke on behalf of the mass shooting in Oregon in his 15th statement made concerning a mass shooting, saying an event such as this “has become routine” and that “we’ve become numb to this.”

Some students were deeply shaken by the event. Senior Erica Lucia watched Obama’s speech regarding the Oregon shooting.

“President Obama had to speak again about this and when I watched what he said, it was definitely different,” Lucia said. “He always carries the same themes that this shouldn’t be happening, but … he just seemed like he couldn’t even bear to be standing there, having

to deliver this type of message. He even said (he) had to deliver this message way too many times because this has happened way too many times.”

Numbness and desensitization following a school shooting has seemingly increased among the general American public. Since President Obama’s reelection in 2012, there have been nearly 1000 mass shootings, so it’s unsurprising to note that crimes of this kind are becoming less and less shocking.

“I know, myself, (that) I’m getting desensitized to it and that scares me,” Advanced Placement Government teacher Jarrod Westberg said. “I talk about this stuff for a living, and it gets to a point where (you think) ‘Oh, here’s another one,’ and that scares me. When it happens often I think it makes it difficult, if people aren’t shocked by it, to make it a top tier important issue (or) discussion.”

One interesting aspect of the Oregon shooting is the fact that in 2013 a letter was written to Vice President Joe Biden from Sheriff John Hanlin of Roseburg saying “gun control is NOT the answer to preventing heinous crimes like school shootings” and that he will not enforce any actions or federal regulations that infringe upon the rights guaranteed in the Second Amendment.

The gun violence problem in America is so extreme that according to The Guardian, if the Sandy Hook massacre had been the sole See SHOOTING, page A5

In California, all high school students, excluding some disabled students, must pass the California High School Exit Examination, also referred to as the CAHSEE, in order to receive a high school diploma.

The CAHSEE is often characterized as effortlessly easy because almost every student passes. As education in California has been experiencing major changes recently with the implementation of Common Core, Senate Bill 725 is following the trend of editing the education system by abolishing the requirement of the high school exit exam.

“I believe that the intent was to replace (the exam) with a current, standard aligned test,” Olympus Junior High School teacher Rebecca Parmesano said.

In agreement with Parmesano, the reason behind the cancellation of the exam has been said to be because the exam does not match the new education standards common core created.

However, many students and teachers are unsure of why the exam has been canceled without a replacement test in place.

A Granite Bay High School counselor who asked to remain anonymous said that it is too early to tell how abolishing the exam will affect past students who didn’t graduate, but that students in the past have failed to graduate because of this requirement. This bill may help students who wouldn’t have passed the exam get their diploma and therefore get into a four year college. “...it holds schools to a certain standard,” Mitch Montbriand, a GBHS senior, said, “if students can’t pass it then they shouldn’t get a diploma.”

The two-part test’s original intention was to test whether or not students met basic to proficient levels in math and english. The exam is scheduled to be suspended for several years, beginning with this year’s sophomores.

“It’s necessary because we have to have something to compare all of the

Colleges look at the SAT and ACT; this test just takes up extra time.

– Mia Demello, GBHS senior

schools to each other,” Montbriand said.

As the seniors got a new graduation requirement added to the list, the online personal finance class, they also got one lifted.

According to Senate Bill 725, Governor Jerry Brown signed an emergency measure allowing any student from the class of 2015 and below to graduate without taking the CAHSEE, as long as all other coursework and requirements are completed.

Most current seniors and juniors, however, have already taken the exam. “(The CAHSEE) motivates the system to educate all students to get basic skills before going into the workforce,” Parmesano said, “As a society, I think this is a necessity.”

Parmesano is an eighth grade core teacher, teaching most of the material that is covered by the exam.

“The feedback that we get from GBHS, former students and parents all indicate that they feel eighth grade at Olympus prepares for high school and beyond,” Parmesano said.

Although the CAHSEE covers basic material and is passed by the majority of high school students, the outdated content is what has caused California legislators to act. “...students won’t be prepared if it covers material from eighth grade,” Montbriand said, “it should be current.”

Montbriand said that instead of the See EXIT, page A8

Friday, October 23, 2015

w The Granite Bay Gazette

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Friday, October 23, 2015

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Recent enforcement of dress code policies causes unrest Students say the dress policy on campus is restrictive

BY MCKENNA ARAM

maram.gazette@gmail.com

Recently at Granite Bay High School, there has been much controversy and confusion involving the dress code policy.

Students say they should be allowed to express themselves as they please, while administrators say certain apparel is completely inappropriate for school.

“I’ve seen girls where their cheeks are really out of their shorts – that’s inappropriate,” assistant principal Sybil Healy said. “I’ve actually seen pubic hair. To me, that’s disgusting and totally inappropriate. I don’t care who you are or what you’re doing – it’s not OK.” In the dress code section of the GBHS student handbook, it is stated that shorts, skirts and dresses must be appropriate in length. One’s behind may not be exposed at any time.

While there have not been many major changes to the dress code in terms of written rules, students say the enforcement of it has increased abruptly.

“I think (the GBHS administration) has (made) an OK dress code, but I feel like if they’re going to make it more strict right in the middle of the year, they have to tell their students first,” sophomore Hannah Mortenson said.

Mortenson was recently dress coded because her bandeau, a strapless top typically worn under shirts for bra coverage, was visible.

“I think (getting dress coded) was unfair because I feel like a bandeau is supposed to cover up your bra,” Mortenson said. “I feel like I got in trouble for following the rules.”

In the handbook, it states that undergarments should not be visible. Although not directly stated, according to the administration, bralettes and bandeaus are still considered undergarments.

Once dress coded, students are told to change into appropriate clothing, typically Physical Education wear or apparel administered by the office.

“We mostly deal with our older girls … (and) the ninth grade girls coming in from … middle schools (who think), ‘Oh there’s no dress code,’” Healy said. “They’re coming from a very strict dress code to a lot more freedom. Our older girls, our seniors, are like, ‘I ain’t listening to anybody. I’m gonna wear what I want to wear.’”

Healy said the reasoning behind having a dress policy is clear. Some apparel is simply not appropriate for the learning environment.

“Extremes in clothing are regarded as disruptive and as a distraction from the learning process and are not permitted,” states the GBHS student handbook under dress code policy.

Across the nation, dress code has undoubtedly become a major topic of discussion for high school students. Protest can especially be seen all over social media.

At many high schools, standard dress policy prohibits the wear of current and common women’s apparel such as leggings and tank tops. They’re banned because they, also, are thought to detract from the learning atmosphere.

“I can tell you that our dress code is less stringent than (that at) Whitney High School, Rocklin, Del Oro (and) most likely Antelope,” Healy said.

“We … actually have the least restrictive dress code (out of most high schools in our area). Our girls get away with a lot more.”

Though the goal of dress code is clear, many students believe the enforcement of dress code has been taken to the next level.

“I heard girls were getting dress-coded for super irrelevant stuff,” sophomore Rian Lombardo said.

“I’m sure most of the time what (students) wear isn’t going to distract people in class.”

The violation of dress code is a Level 2 Infraction.

The first offense results in the student changing clothes, notifying their parents, and recording the violation in AERIES. A second violation of dress code entails the same consequences as a first infraction but with the addition of detention.

Some popular clothing choices, including certain shorts, are not allowed at GBHS. Many students say they understand the reason for the dress code, but some critics are upset because they believe enforcement has become more strict.

Gazette photo illustration/ KASSIDY HENSON

“I think the admin are just tired of students getting away with (wearing inappropriate clothing without consequences),” junior Haley Hart said.

Students said the enforcement of the dress policy has been inconsistent. “(The dress code) is kind of unfair,” Hart said, “because my freshman year we were allowed to wear stuff that we’re getting dress coded for now.”

Strapless dresses and tops are not permitted. In addition, clothes must be “neat, clean, and in good repair,” according to the handbook.

Some students feel that they should be allowed to

New program helps drug users

El Niño promises more rain and snow than past years

Students can now refer classmates to seek assistance in an 8-week program

Students look forward to the upcoming winter

BY ISABELLA TKACHUK itkachuk.gazette@gmail.com

BY MEAGAN TALLMAN

mtallman.gazette@gmail.com

During a senior meeting at the end of September, the Granite Bay High School administration touched upon a new program to help students who struggle with drug use.

The program, titled the Student Assistance Program (SAP), is being used district wide with the goal to assist students with drug – or alcohol – related issues.

Assistant principal Sybil Healy is head of the program at Granite Bay High School.

“It is a great program with very specific class sessions to attend, led by professionals in Placer County,” Healy said.

Healy said the goal is to offer support to students and help first time offenders.

Students can self report to the program, be referred by a friend or, if there is a school incident, the student can be assigned to it.

“If a student was assigned a five-day suspension for a drug related issue, they instead could have a three-day suspension and attend the SAP classes,” Healy said.

The classes are offered from 2:35 p.m. to 3:35 p.m. after school. There are eight sessions that last for a total of eight weeks. The program was created for the safety of the students regarding drug or alcohol use.

Healy says abuse of alcohol, ADHD medication and other pharmaceuticals are prevalent on campus. The support offered by the SAP program can help struggling students.

wear what is in fashion while others say that it is difficult to find clothes that meet the dress policy.

“I got dress-coded for wearing too short of shorts, but it’s kind of unfair because I’m tall,” Hart said.

Members of the administration say there is a time and place for certain clothes which doesn’t include school.

“I call (short shorts) ‘crotch shorts,’” Healy said.

“They are inappropriate and made for the beach.

We don’t need to look at your butt. We’re not swimming, we’re not going to Sunsplash. Wear clothes.”

Gazette photo illustration /SURINA KHURANA

The new Student Assistance Program offers classes for students using drugs.

Students on campus seem to have a generally positive outlook on this program, agreeing that offering help will be very beneficial to those who need it.

“I think the program could be beneficial (on) campus because it can really help those who need it by providing a group of people going through the same issues and letting them work together to overcome them,” senior Susanna Behnam said. “It allows people (to) overcome their inner struggles and allows them to be better (people).”

An anonymous senior agrees, but she is doubtful that students who actually struggle with these problems will volunteer themselves to the program, or that friends would want to refer them.

“I wish kids with drug problems would go (to the classes) because it would help them … by realizing they have a problem and (to) talk and get back on track,” the anonymous

senior said. “But it’s very unlikely that they would volunteer themselves to do so.”

The senior said the reasoning behind the program is there and has the potential to be very beneficial.

“I think the purpose of this program is (to address) if you are headed down the wrong path or need an eye opener of what could happen to you if you continue making the wrong decisions,” the senior said. “They would be getting an early realization (of) what they need to fix now, so that they don’t get deeper in their issue and have it be harder to get out of it.”

Students agree that the impact of the program can be incredibly influential and was needed at GBHS. “With help from the people in the class who have similar issues and can relate, and the counselor to assist you,” the senior said, “it could really help (students) change.”

NEWS BRIEFS

Senior Trey Armstrong receives great honor

Recently Trey Armstrong applied for the U.S. Army All-American Marching band.

He wasn’t expecting to be selected, so when he got called after his audition he was surprised.

Because the program selects musicians from all over the country, videos are sent in to replace an in-person audition.

“You have to send in videos of yourself marching and playing,” Armstrong said, “then (send) a solo video of you just playing your instrument and then a video about yourself and your qualities.”

Armstrong will fly to San Antonio, Texas in January to work perform at the half time show for the 2016 U.S. Army All-American bowl with the other 124 musicians selected from all over the country.

The event is put on by All-American ames and is a chance for the nation’s best football players and musicians to showcase their talents. It is a very prestigious honor to be selected.

Armstrong has been playing the trombone for 8 years and doesn’t intend to stop anytime soon.

“I plan to continue playing my instrument in college and for the rest of my life,” Armstrong said. “I really love it.”

Until the event, the musicians are expected to practice the halftime show on their own recognizance.

Gazette Photo/CAROLINE PALMER Broadcasted nationwide by NBC typically, the game usually brings around 40,000 people and will be held GBHS senior Trey Armstrong was selected out of thousands of applicants to be a part of at the Alamodome on January 3, 2015.

-Compiled by Caroline Palmer the U.S. Army All American Marching Band

California is in a drought. People have been afraid that there won’t be any water for the lakes or for their lawns. But the long wait for rain may soon be over.

El Niño is coming and has the potential to fix many problems involving the drought.

“El Niño is a series of storms caused by warm ocean currents coming north from the equator,” said Mike Valentine, Advanced Placement European history teacher.

The west coast has had a few El Niños before, which have brought over 20 inches of rain and snowfall.

Many people anticipate that this storm will bring a satisfactory amount of water, but there hasn’t been any confirmation on how big this storm will be.

“We hope this will bring a lot of water,” Valentine said. “But we just don’t know. It could go either way.”

Valentine also said that though this storm will bring much water, it has a high chance of bringing only warm showers.

“We don’t want the rain to be warm,” Valentine said. “We want it to snow in the mountains, but if (the water) is warm, it will melt the snow.”

Whether the rain will be warm or not isn’t the main topic of discussion, however.

Students at Granite Bay High School are more focused on the fact that if the storm really does bring a lot of snow, the skiing and snowboarding season will be one of the best seasons yet.

Junior Hayden Brake is looking forward to skiing in Squaw Valley, Lake Tahoe, this winter.

“I’m absolutely stoked about El Niño,” Brake said. “I’m going to have a hard time choosing to ski or surf when it comes time because both are going to be great if the storm comes.”

Brake believes that El Niño will provide a lot of snow, but he, too, is a little concerned about the temperature of the rain. “(The rain) would be great anyway because we need the water, but we also need snow for later next year in the summer when it melts down into the creeks and rivers,” Brake said.

“Just rain,” Brake said, “would make for another dismal ski season, which would be really disappointing.”

Another regular skier, junior Autumn Mannsfeld, said she, too, is waiting on heavy rain and snowfall, but she thinks it won’t be as big a storm as anticipated.

“It doesn’t seem like (El Niño) will be big because the last couple of years have been a let down,” Mannsfeld said.

“I was expecting more rain (last year), but there hasn’t been any.”

See WINTER STORM, page A8

ASB UPDATE ASB discusses the Ripple Effect week The Gazette talked to sophomore Taylor Stiern, assistant comissioner, about preparing for Ripple Effect week Gazette: How difficult was planning Ripple Effect week and all of the accompanying activities?

Stiern: We started (planning) pretty (early), but it was pretty difficult because we’re not supposed to do any of the activities from the past three years. It was hard finding new activities just (by) incorporating the theme.

Gazette: Did the event go as you had planned?

Stiern: For the most part it did, but we had trouble with videos.

Videos were hard to plan because people said no (to) things, so it was hard to get videos of people who wanted to share their story but also have a posi-

Q A &

tive impact on people.

Gazette: What were some reactions you heard from students and faculty members?

Stiern: We’ve heard that (students) liked not having all the (specific) days and how Gazette photo /Natalie Erickson it was just incorporating the Assistant comissioner Taylor theme. Kids that didn’t know Stiern reflects on Ripple Effect the theme as well got to understand what it was all about Stiern: We will be doing acand get to know people in their tivities here and there to get to classes instead of just their know your peers and videos are friends. happening trying to get the message across to students about our Gazette: How will the contheme and other random acts of cept of Ripple Effect conkindness. tinue to make appearances –Compiled by Savanna Thompson on campus?

Friday, October 23, 2015

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w The Granite Bay Gazette

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Fires cover California, endanger homes and families Faculty and students share the flames’ impact

BY MADELINE WILLIAMS

mwilliams.gazette@gmail.com

Imagine being forced to evacuate your house, let your animals loose and leave your home to be swallowed up by flames. That’s what many Northern Californians have recently experienced.

As the infamous northern California drought continues, wildfires have caused mass destruction to a vast area.

According to ca.gov, the Valley Fire destroyed 76,067 acres and threatened 2,953 residences in the area. Some of these people are the family of Granite Bay High School biology and physiology teacher Lisa Goldsmith.

“My mom and my stepdad had to evacuate their house for four days,” Goldsmith said.

FAST FACTS Three things you didn’t know about wildfires wWildfires are sometimes called “wildland fires” wThere is no official rule, but first responders usually name the fire after a meadow, city, etc. wMany wildfires can be ignited by lightning

Goldsmith said they had to move their horses to another pasture and take their cats and dogs with them when they heard about the fire.

Even though she wasn’t directly affected by the mandatory relocation of her parents, Goldsmith was impacted to some extent.

“I kept asking if they needed food because they couldn’t bring any,” Goldsmith said.

According to Goldsmith, the local grocery stores were running out of food. This resulted in much concern for relatives of people in the area such as Goldsmith.

She described the process of evacuation for people who reside in Sutter Creek like her parents.

“People would get warnings that they were going to evacuate and then they get a mandatory evacuation,” Goldsmith said.

After getting the mandatory evacuation, many owners of cattle and horses had to just let them loose.

Goldsmith was not the only Granite Bay High School staff member whose family was impacted by the fire.

Advance Placement United States history teacher, Brandon Dell’Orto was born and raised in Calaveras County, which is the site of about 95 percent of the Butte fire.

“Within hours, as I was sitting here at GBHS watching my son Jason play in a JV soccer game, the plume of smoke from it started rising as if it was coming from Aerojet off of highway 50,” Dell’Orto said.

Shortly after seeing the smoke, he realized where it was coming from and started contacting his family immediately. He frantically called his father, who has been a volunteer firefighter and chief of the Mokelumne Hill fire department for 50 years.

When Dell’Orto finally got ahold of his father, who was on a fire engine protecting a neighbor’s house, he was told that his childhood home and his mother were safe for the time being. However, the fire was moving in the direction of the house. “(My sister) Sloane and I both raced up and frantically began taking all photos, journals and irreplaceable memorabilia out of the house,” Dell’Orto said.

While he could not save the house itself, he

could at least take important items from it. After packing up a few last things, Dell’Orto noticed the smoke getting thicker.

“As I drove away, around 11 p.m., the hill behind our house was orange with the glow of a fire that was moving our way,” Dell’Orto said.

Having been raised in a small, intimate community, all of Dell’Orto’s family grew up within half a mile of his house, which is why the fire is such a tragic experience for him. While many houses of families that Dell’Orto knew growing up were destroyed, his uncle’s former house was luckily saved by volunteer firefighters.

“The fire came within about 100 yards from my childhood home and ultimately burned up and around the first car I owned that had been parked in a lot below our house,” Dell’Orto said.

GBHS senior Avni Suri describes her reaction to the tragic fire and its effect on the area.

“It strikes a chord in me because it’s just another reminder that we’re in such a horrible drought,” Suri said.

According to the California Academy of Sciences, when there is abnormal winter rainfall, forests and grasslands are more vulnerable to fire because they are dried out.

“One of my bosses at work lives really close (to the fire), and it was hard because she was constantly worried that something would happen while she’s here at work,” Suri said.

For Suri, it was scary not knowing what was going on and not knowing what was going to happen because of the fact that wildfires are random and unpredictable.

Because she is a teacher aide for Goldsmith, Suri heard all about what Goldsmith’s family was enduring.

“She was telling me how they have to wear breathing masks,” Suri said.

On top of the environmental concerns, the air quality became a health issue for many Northern Californians as well. Many people noticed the distinct smoky smell in the air and some even had trouble breathing.

“It even made my asthma flare up, and we’re miles away,” Suri said.

While the fire is now 100 percent contained according to ca.gov, its damage created a lasting effect.

http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/21/us/wildfires-fast-facts/ Gazette illustration/TROY PAWLAK

SHOOTING: Mass gun violence continues to occur with more and more frequency Continued from page A1

shooting of the day on its occurrence (December 12, 2014) the death toll on that day would have been lower than the average number of gun-related deaths for the days of that year. It is difficult to generalize why mass shootings occur, because causes are specific from case to case.

To look at the reasonings or answers that explain why mass shootings are so prevalent in American society, it is important to look at culture.

“I feel like we need to start taking a really close look at what is happening culturally (and) how the factors are coming together socially that (creates) this perfect storm, where we are beginning to see this (type of event) crop up over and over,” said AP Psychology and Peer Counseling teacher Natalie Elkin, who is also a licensed marriage and family therapist. “I feel like we really need to take a closer look at examining ourselves, examining our schools and what’s happening and be self-reflective instead of pointing the finger outward.”

Elkin also said that one recognized mental disorder in the Philippines and Malaysia which is not recognized in America includes some of the same trends and behaviors commonly seen in American male shooters. The disorder, called “Running Amok” or simply

“Amok,” describes a particular instance of mass violence or aggression against people or objects.

“To run amok in our everyday vernacular just means to sort of go wild and out of control,” Elkin said. “(But in those countries) it is a legitimate disorder. There are some theories about why that is, and they’re all culturally relevant, so all of a sudden it hit me: What is going on culturally that in the last decade … we are beginning to create in young men – because we haven’t seen a female (commit a mass shooting) yet – this particular violent outburst directed at educational institutions? We don’t yet have a name for it, but all of a sudden it sort of occurred to me (that) it’s sort of like this running amok.”

Because, as Elkin pointed out, mass shootings are occurring more and more on or around school grounds, educators and faculty members who work in schools have begun to take progressive steps in order to decrease the likelihood of a shooting.

Lucia said she doesn’t doubt the chance of a school shooting happening here. There are similar trends in aspects such as the socio-economic status of Columbine, Colorado, and Granite Bay, and it would be ignorant to believe it could never occur at or around GBHS, Lucia said.

At Granite Bay High School, precautions include two distinct factors of safety and emotional

well-being. Staff members are beginning to look more closely at safety plans, and there is an increased focus on psychological health of the student body.

“Safety of the campus (is) analyzing access and fence points that are secure,” assistant principal Jessup McGregor said. “We’re trying to make sure people aren’t on and off campus who shouldn’t be here.

There’s a lot of conversations going on regarding where we position adults on campus during certain times of the day (and) whether doors should be unlocked or locked in classrooms.

The second piece is the health side. We have a really great team of counselors, and we recently brought on board Holly Minor, who is our learning support specialist, and Melanie Anvari, who is our intervention counselor. A portion of it is academic, but a large part of it is emotional. We’re looking at identifying students who are going through external or internal problems and providing support for them to be able to help them manage those emotions, because I think if we can be proactive in seeking them out and giving them the support they need, then we can help avoid the potential for them to make a poor decision.”

In addition, students and staff at GBHS recently experienced a shelter in place, lockdown and fire drill, which Westberg said were smart steps to establish a clear and

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organized plan of action. In the 17 years he’s been here, Westberg said he’s only experienced a lockdown drill four or five times, and continuous instruction makes him feel more comfortable to handle a potential situation.

A second part in helping protect GBHS from a possible school shooting are programs such as Ripple Effect, which is organized by the Student Government Program and works at positively influencing school culture.

“Programs like Ripple Effect can make an impact in students’ lives,” said senior Aubrey Holt, who organized the Ripple Effect event this year as part of her duties as Associated Student Body president.

“Realistically, I believe a student who has gotten to the point, psychologically, of making … horrific decisions would be closed off to all outside influences.(But) I think

Ripple Effect and all other culture activities help students be more compassionate and understand that everyone goes through trials. I hope that these programs can reach out to those individuals in need.”

It is important early actions are taken to prevent the possibility of the unthinkable, but it is also important to note that students must be willing to take steps themselves and work together to address any issues.

“I feel like there’s something on the other side that always needs to be happening to balance this equation,” Lucia said. “There needs to be people on the other side that care enough about this message that people are delivering, and I think that starts with the administration to put that on the students to make them actually care about these programs. I think that these programs are meaningful, but for them to

achieve true success and leave a lasting impression, we need people on the other end who are ready to accept them, and I think we need to place importance on that.”

While it is near impossible for schools to eliminate the chance of a school shooting ever taking place, students and faculty believe that GBHS is working to implement efficient programs and resources, and maximize security.

“We’re talking about a whole perspective shift,” Elkin said. “I know that takes a lot of time, (but) I do feel very hopeful that particularly at Granite Bay … there is awareness (and) there is consciousness of making a genuine change to (achieve) that kind of perspective.

You hear about this horrible thing, and you bring it home to yourself and how (you) can make your life and the lives of those around you better.”

Friday, October 23, 2015

w The Granite Bay Gazette

Homecoming celebrations include several brand-new traditions Surprises will be revealed for annual week-long festivities

BY CLAIR KASEL

ckasel.gazette@gmail.com

Coming home for a football game after you leave for college has been a tradition for decades – hence the name “Homecoming.”

It then adapted to becoming a time for school spirit, royalty and football. And this year, there is even a parade for Granite Bay High School’s 20th anniversary.

The Homecoming events have been going on for weeks with each grade building and working on their class float – modeled from the theme of television shows from the past 20 years. The freshmen’s float theme is Magic School Bus, the sophomores’ is Looney Toons, the juniors’ is Scooby Doo and the seniors’ is Spongebob.

“Floats are going good,” said senior class president Brooke Gonzalez “We still have a lot of work to do, but it is definitely in the works and is getting there.”

If one observes around the campus during passing period, it is easy to spot the paint that hasn’t come off of the people who have been working on their floats.

Also, during the entire designated Homecoming week leading up to the game, there are spirit days set to excite people for the game and following dance.

“I have a couple different ideas (for the spirit days) up my sleeves,” Gonzalez said. “I’ll definitely be going all out because it’s senior year … and also it is so much fun to dress up.”

At the Bonfire Rally, which is the night before the Homecoming celebrations, clubs are able to sell a variety of goodies to generate revenue for their causes.

While the clubs sell, the school lights fire to Woodcreek High School’s Timberwolf mascot.

“Be sure to wear your USA gear to the bonfire,” Gonzalez said.

At the rally today, after fourth period, the freshman, sophomore and junior princes and princesses will be unveiled, along with a multitude of games and a few possible surprises from the rally commissioners, Cordon Wade and Matthew Smith.

“People should expect a fantastic rally with school spirit that is off the charts,” Smith said. “(They should also expect) the cheer and football player routine that is done every year.”

This rally will have some new special effects, which includes the reveal of the school song.

“It is going to be awesome, everyone should go,” Smith said.

On Homecoming night, the crowd will see the floats, the senior king and queen crowning, the Homecoming game against Woodcreek and the following dance.

One thing that GBHS does slightly different than other schools is that of having their dance directly following the game and having it be informal. Most schools in the area do a formal dance on the Saturday after, but, in an effort to make the students feel included and not to have the pressure of a couple dance so

close to the beginning of the school year, GBHS decided to nix that norm.

“The dance is going to be black light, and we have light-up boxes to dance on,” Gonzalez said.

The tickets for the dance are only $3 with activities and $5 without. For the convenience of students, tickets can be purchased at the game right before it is time for the dance or at the door for ten dollars.

“Most people think that the dance is not fun, so they do not go,” Gonzalez said.

“But it is actually one of the best (dances of the year).”

Something new that is going to be done this year is the parade on Friday afternoon on Wellington Way right outside the school for the entire community to participate in.

The parade will be similar to the halftime show, with the cheer, band, extreme dance team and the floats, but additionally, the varsity football team will be walking in the celebration.

Because the parade gives the crowd a more interactive view of the players and the students involved in the other activities, it will be a new experience up close.

The idea for a parade originated from other schools. Because this is a new event, those involved hope everything runs smoothly and people enjoy.

“Hopefully it will become a tradition if enough of the community comes out to watch it and it goes successfully,” said the head parade commissioner, senior Camilla Griggs.

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One of the biggest attractions for homecoming is the crowning of the king and queen. This year, the queen court is made up of Chisay Arai, Camilla Griggs, Aubrey Holt, Erica Lucia and Elizabeth Sciascia. The king court is made up of Liam Bell, Michael Birch, Daniel Smith, Riley Sullivan and Mark Zagaynov.

As per Homecoming tradition, Kat McGrail, will be able to make it back with last year’s Homecoming king, Maadhav Shah, to help with crowning.

Both the king and queen said they felt a great responsibility when they found out that they won because of the large group of people who were looking up to them.

“Winning was super cool,”said 2015 graduate McGrail. “For me, it meant people looked up to me enough to vote for me to be a representation of Granite Bay as a whole, so that’s cool.”

While becoming part of the school royalty court does not hold many obligations, both Shah and McGrail said the honor made them want to be a better role model for the younger students.

The process also allowed for bonding between the courts.

“All of the queen candidate senior girls last year went to get their nails done together and bonded the night before homecoming,” McGrail said.

Shah and McGrail said supporting each

A6

2015 senior Queen and King were graduates Kat McGrail and Maadhav Shah.

Both will return to Granite Bay High School to assist in the crowning ceremony for the 2014 senior King and Queen, named at halftime.

Gazette file photo 2014 / LAUREN JACK-

other is extremely important because they are the new leaders of the school and still classmates.

“When I was entered, I thought it was a joke by my friends,” Shah said. “I never thought I would even make it to the top five, … (but) when I won, it made me appreciate (of) all the social connections I had made in school.”

Homecoming is a great time for classes to bond over the labor of building floats, voting for the royalty and then enjoying the fun at the game.

“I started high school on the float so it is really cool to end it on the float too,” Gonzalez said. “It is definitely one of the best events.”

Friday, October 23, 2015

News

w The Granite Bay Gazette

A7

APPEALS: Students saw two cases in the morning, others saw two in the afternoon

Continued from page A2

include condos, a new day lodge, overnight housing, an outdoor swimming pool, new ski lifts and more.

According to a booklet handed out to students: “The West Shore of Lake Tahoe is classified by Cal Fire as a Very High fire-risk area.

Access to the resort is via State Route 89.”

Jean S. Wilson was the lawyer for the CEC, and his main argument was centered around the lack of evacuation plans in the documents for Homewood. The CEC fears this plan will increase the population, the fire risk and the death toll if there is a large forest fire. “(The resort plan) increases evacuation issues. If people need to get off Exit 89, it increases difficulty for first responders to get onto the route,” Wilson said in his oral argument.

The CEC noted that an evacuation plan hasn’t been created yet for the public to look at, regarding this resort.

“Evacuation plans are an educational tool to the public, that’s all the document says,” Wilson said.

Lawyer Karen Swabb for Placer County said the evacuation plan isn’t finished but that it doesn’t have to be, yet.

“Make no mistake, the county takes this very seriously,” Swabb said in her oral argument. “Address

doesn’t mean you have to map the evacuation routes.”

She also argued that this Homewood expansion will also make fire prevention better.

In the second case, Perryman’s lawyer attempted to obtain a lessor arson charge.

Hilda Scheib, Perryman’s lawyer, argued that in an arson and murder case (murder being committed by Perryman’s accomplice) the charge should be Penal Code 455, instead of what Perryman was charged with – Penal Code 451.

Leg.ingo.ca.gov states that Penal Code 451 “(details) a person (who) is guilty of arson when he or she willfully and maliciously set fire to or burn or cause to be burned or who aids, counsels, or procures the burning of, any structure, forest land or property.”

The charge of 451 constitutes seven to nine years in jail, compared to the charge of 455 that constitutes 16 months to three years in prison.

455 is lesser, because it suggests an attempt that didn’t cause much damage and that the damage was to personal property and not a whole structure.

Scheib argued that there was insufficient evidence; however, one the justices stated it looked successful to her, from the pictures.

The deputy attorney general denied Scheib’s claims, referencing parts of the apartment that were destroyed.

“The photographs leave little

doubt...the vertical blinds melted,” the deputy attorney general said in his oral argument. “Even assuming that language mirrors and is a lessor case, the evidence still doesn’t support that.”

The question of the case was whether the arson qualified as damage to the structure.

“If vertical blinds are affixed to the structure, that would be a fixture, but the blinds could’ve been Scotch-taped there or just hanging there. Maybe they aren’t permanent,” Scheib said in her oral argument.

Following the morning court cases, students taking government classes during third and fourth period traveled to Roseville High School to experience a side of the law unseen by many.

Students witnessed two cases in the afternoon – the first concerning a Miranda rights violation, and the following on medical malpractice.

In the first case, a gang member was convicted of two counts of attempted murder, and was sentenced to 50 years to life plus 24 years and eight months. His attorney, provided by the state, claimed that his Miranda rights were violated when his interview with police was continued after the defendant expressed his desire to go home, or to call his parents.

Almost exclusively, the judges, appellant and respondent discussed whether or not his desire to go home was an invocation of his

rights.

The justices began questioning the appellant immediately, stating that the defendant never said he wanted to remain silent, and that he only said he wanted to go home.

It was uncertain whether “I want to go home,” should be considered his expressing his right to remain silent.

“He never even used the word ‘talk’,” Justice Duarte said.

This idea remained ever present throughout the appellant’s oral argument – what about “I want to go home,” is a way of saying I want to go home?

The appellant responded by illuminating the fact that the cop said he understood that the defendant wanted to go home, and continued questioning him anyway.

This verbal acknowledgement that the cop knew the defendant wanted to end the interview was proof that the cop violated the defendant’s Miranda Rights by continuing to question him, argued the appellant.

When the appellant’s time was up, the justices abruptly changed their point of view to question the respondent in a more aggressive and probing manner than the justices had questioned the appellant.

While the respondent claimed that in invocation of one’s Miranda Rights must be very clear, Justice Hoch questioned that view.

“There are no magic words,” Hoch said.

While the respondent initially agreed with Hoch, she contradicted herself later on in her argument by stating that it must be explicit, which Hoch pointed out.

The respondent’s inconsistencies in oral argument detracted from her overall appearance of togetherness and possibility of success.

Justice Hoch continued her assault on the respondent’s argument by discussing the possible violation from the appellant’s point of view.

“What else can ‘take me home,’ multiple times, mean?” Hoch said.

Justice Duarte continued Justice Hoch’s point by asking the respondent why “I don’t want to talk, I want to go home,” isn’t considered cutting off an interview.

However, the respondent claimed that even without the interview that may or may not have violated Miranda Rights, the evidence against the defendant clearly showed guilt.

As quickly as the case began, it ended, giving the audience a twominute break before the next case.

Because the second case was about a medical malpractice case, it differed significantly.

First, the lawyers were from private firms, and the difference in the quality of the lawyers was obvious from the first case. They were able to articulate ideas clearly and used formal vocabulary, which was not present in the first case.

Furthermore, the medical vocabulary used made comprehending the cases more difficult.

In the case, there was a pregnancy with twins that shared a placenta.

This led to Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS), where the blood is shunted to only one twin and not the other.

One of the twins died after a Cesarean section when the mother was 28 weeks pregnant, and the surviving twin suffered from brain injuries, heart problems and motor disabilities.

The appellant, who was the prosecutor for the surviving twin, argued that if the doctors had paid closer attention to risk of the pregnancy developing TTTS, they would have seen the symptoms sooner, leading to an earlier delivery which would have lessened the injuries to the twins.

The respondent, representing the doctors, argued that the doctors had been vigilant by seeing the patient five times in a single month.

“The child was likely to have the injuries no matter what was done,” said the respondent.

She continued to say that the expert’s opinion from the appellant was based purely on speculation and that there were no facts to back up his statements, unlike the opinions her experts provided.

During the appellant’s and respondent’s oral arguments, the justices asked fewer questions than they had for the previous case.

While some were asked, the majority of the time the oral arguments went on uninterrupted.

ISLAMOPHOBIA: TRANSGENDER: Facilities are uncomfortable for some Religious hate Continued from page A1

Continued from page A1

On the most recent anniversary of 9/11, a Snapchat taken by a student made its way around social media. The picture was of a flyer for the GBHS Muslim Student Association; it had been overlaid with Snapchat’s 9/11 geotag (an illustration filter.)

“On Sept. 11, we grieve too,” Mahmoudieh said.

Junior Zainab Chaudhry has also experienced this type of bullying, but never in the Granite Bay community. “(Throughout) first through sixth grade, I was bullied,” Chaudhry said. “I was forced to take (my scarf) off. People physically came and tried to take it off, which hurt me, too.”

After moving from Arizona to California, she expected change. Unfortunately, she met similar circumstances.

“When I came to California (about two) years ago, bullying hit me again,” she said. “It was brand new and no one was accepting. No one would let me sit with them during lunch.”

Chaudhry attended Robert C. Cooley Middle School, where she faced discrimination from both teachers and students.

“None of the teachers actually helped me out,” Chaudhry said. “One of the teachers told me, ‘Yeah, I hate Muslims.’ She never apologized for it.”

Fortunately, things changed after she left junior high.

“When I came here I was accepted,” she said, “and it was wonderful.”

Ostensibly, only a small minority of GBHS students portray Muslims negatively, according to senior Rawan Khalili. Unsurprisingly, some media outlets continue to act similarly to that minority.

Khalili noted her faith’s misrepresentation in the news.

“There’s a lot of people who manipulate the religion and unfortunately, those are the ones who are in the media most often,” Khalili said.

“Isis, Boko Haram – that’s not Islam. That’s not what the scriptures teach us. That’s not what God wants us to do.”

And the more this misrepresentation is presented as fact, the more colloquial it will become.

gender to the administration. She noted that there are more, but they do not want to be identified for personal reasons. Because of this, raising awareness of transgender rights is particularly important.

“Educators, students and parents on campus need to be aware of what the laws say in terms of behaviors, practices and rights that (transgender students) have,” Healy said. “It’s essentially what we do in the classroom to pay attention, just like with racism. If students are openly attacked in class based on sexual identity, that’s against the law, and we need to speak about that and have proper discussions occur.”

Healy pointed to the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) and the San Francisco Unified School District as models for being “more aware and more competent than we are now” regarding transgender laws. She said the school “needs to be more on top of it” in terms of teacher training and parent awareness.

An LAUSD policy bulletin, which provides guidelines for transgender students, states that “each student has a unique process for transitioning” and that schools should “customize support to optimize each student’s integration.”

AB1266 is primarily beginning to impact the GBHS campus through bathrooms and locker rooms, which transgender students should be able to access according to whichever gender

they identify with.

A senior boy, who wished to remain anonymous and identifies as transgender, said he “completely does not feel comfortable” using the bathrooms on campus.

“I feel unsafe in the men’s room, and highly uncomfortable and out of place in the women’s room,” the boy said.

“As a result, I often don’t even use the bathroom at school – which can be uncomfortable and sometimes unhealthy.”

According to the senior boy, discomfort stems from lack of student awareness about transgender identity.

“There should be more awareness about the bathroom policy and other rights, as far as the general student body is concerned,” the boy said. “I’d just like to use the bathroom without feeling uncomfortable.”

Physical education classes are another issue. Students are sometimes separated by gender in class, and transgender students might find locker room accommodation difficult as well.

“The locker room was extremely uncomfortable,” the boy said. “They’d divide us (by gender) in the gym while we did exercises across the floor. Separating us by male and female made no apparent difference in the quality of our exercise; it just made the atmosphere more awkward. It felt like neither side would fully accept me.”

In the classroom, teachers are expected to respect transgender students’ identities and issues, Healy said. But students do not necessarily feel com-

fortable coming out to teachers.

“I don’t normally tell teachers, as I’m nervous about the reaction of the class and I don’t know who’ll make a big deal out of it,” the senior boy said.

“But those who do know have treated me with nothing but awareness and respect.”

While gender segregation is not as much of an issue in an academic setting, all teachers must be informed.

“It starts with education,” said Andrew Phillips, the Gender-Sexuality Alliance (GSA) club adviser and physics teacher. “We had 15 to 20 minutes at our staff meeting about trans students on campus and how to address those situations. At that meeting, it became very apparent that some people are not very well-informed. The GSA, (Social Psychology teacher Jillyan) McKinney, (drama teacher Kyle) Holmes and I talked about how that’s not enough, but that’s a step in the right direction.”

According to Healy, when situations involving discrimination do arise, the school should immediately address them. Unfortunately, this is not always the case.

The senior boy said he has encountered discrimination before, being called “faggot,” “tranny” and incorrect pronouns on purpose.

“I’ve seen people invalidating the identities of transgender people, deliberately calling them by the wrong name or pronouns, or asserting that they’re just ‘confused,’” senior Elise Ramos said. “I’ve experienced it too, so it’s

unfortunate that even in higher-level classes, there is still no respect.”

Phillips said the GSA collected data anonymously last year on bullying and anti-Lesbian-Gay-Bisexual-Transgender (LGBT) sentiments, which supported the boy’s and Ramos’ experiences of discrimination.

“We have a great school, and an overall very positive community, but homophobia, transphobia and gender stereotyping are still here in a large way,” Phillips said.

Ramos said she is making pamphlets on transgender rights for the GSA to distribute.

“I’m glad that people are stepping up, especially administration, to make a safer campus,” Ramos said. “But I think more could be done – educating people on gender identity, and helping them understand how transgender people feel. As a genderfluid/non-binary person, I think that having my voice on there, as well as the voices of transgender students in the GSA, will help make it more real and show that issues really exist on campus.”

Healy looks forward to doing what it takes to make GBHS a more accepting community.

“There is no debate,” Phillips said.

“It’s not a conversation. It’s state law that’s been handed down to us, saying that these people have specific civil rights. Not only are we legally required to do that, but hopefully, we can see that morally and ethically that people have these rights.”

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Friday, October 23, 2015

A8 News

WINTER STORM: Weather during cold months expected to help resolve drought damage Continued from page A4

Even though she doesn’t anticipate a huge storm, Mannsfeld does believe that there will be more snow in the mountains than last year.

Sophomore RJ Dumke thinks El Niño isn’t going to be so big after all. “(I think) it’s just a big hype for a terrible storm,” Dumke said.

Dumke, however, still hopes for a lot of snow to satisfy his skiing and snowboard-

ing desires.

There is no doubt, it seems, that El Niño will come.

However, most people are curious as to whether or not it will provide enough rain and snow to fill our empty lakes, rivers and create the perfect slopes for skiing.

“There’s no doubt it will be big,” Brake said, “but I really hope it hits us because (if not), that would make for another bone-dry year which would be devastating.”

w The Granite Bay Gazette

EXIT: Governor cancels CAHSEE CAHSEE, there should be a statewide test at the end of high school that covers a wider range of subjects from current classes, including math, science and English, instead of the material covered on the former high school exit exam.

Senior Mia DeMello said that the exam should be abolished.

“Colleges look at the SAT and ACT, this test just takes up extra time,” DeMello said.

Recently reported by the Los Angeles times, abolishing the CAHSEE requirement has had quite the impact on this year’s graduating class.

According to the School Services of California, a statement was issued in

concern for the 5,000 plus students not able to graduate because of a failing to pass the CAHSEE. The students were unable to retake the exam, although there was planning for a retake.

Without the high school exit exam, students who otherwise wouldn’t have been able to graduate, will now, although that was not the intention of the bill.

In regards to the future of public education, prospects for a replacement exam are still uncertain.

“With politics, education is the reflection of society’s beliefs and perceived needs at that time,” Parmesano said, “I make every effort to have the standards drive the curriculum which,

if done statewide, would ensure students are getting the same skills.”

Without the high school exit exam, students who otherwise wouldn’t have been able to graduate, will now, although that was not the intention of the bill.

Friday, October 23, 2015

News

w The Granite Bay Gazette

A9

GIVENS: Award given for character and leadership Continued from page A1

behind the scenes, managing the whole operation that the rest of the student body gets to enjoy.

“Everyone was really happy (to hear Mrs. Givens received the award),” Sewell said. “Personally, I was very proud because she is a great leader and teacher.”

For Givens, winning the award is motivation to continue to do what she loves, having taught at GBHS for 17 years.

“I love teaching leadership,” Givens said. “Put me in any job with teens and I’ll probably be happy. (However), it’s a bit of a scary job because I’m the only one on my staff and there isn’t a department to back me up. But I have a lot of supporters who back ... the student government program.”

Her love for working with teachers initially led her to become an English teacher. Givens was constantly helping out with the student government class from the time the school opened, when GBHS faculty member

Linda Dickson was in charge of it.

Dickson asked her to take it over, and Givens never looked back.

After years of working to improve campus culture and student life, Givens has earned more than just this recent award.

“In 2009, I was presented the Bob Burton Spirit Award,” Givens said.

The Bob Burton Award is given to one person who embraces positivity and acceptance.

Despite the honors she has been awarded, Givens never lets up on her efforts to exceed activities director expectations.

“When I look back on my high school career, I don’t remember my classes,” Givens said. “That doesn’t mean they weren’t important, but I clearly remember my prom and football games and all the things I did that made high school memorable.”

The events students get involved in are what they will look back on because that participation is what creates everlasting memories. According to Givens, producing a more welcoming campus encourages students to

SMART IS THE NEW

step outside their boxes and open up to their four-year home.

After six terms of student government, senior Brooke Gonzalez is well aware of the stress, time and effort Givens puts into making GBHS a better place every year.

“She’s such a humble and selfless leader,” Gonzalez said. “The amount of time she spends to make our experience as best as possible is incredible.”

The long days at work, the building stress as big occasions draw closer and the complex thought process behind each and every action student government takes is attributed to Givens’ compassion and hope to inspire others.

With her devoted spirit and determined attitude, Givens will surely continue to create a more accepting and supportive atmosphere at GBHS. “I have at least another 12 to 15 years to teach,” Givens said. “But right now, I see that there is so much more to do and I feel responsible for helping our school develop.”

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A10 News

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CONNECTIVITY: Phone use may degrade relationships Continued from page A1 during a recent social interaction. Cellphones “are always present and rarely turned off,” according to the Center, which claims that they are directly responsible for new social and communication difficulties.

“I walked up to a group of kids (at GBHS) … and there were three girls sitting there and they were (all) on their phones,” McGregor said. “Totally zoned into their phones. It’s almost sad to see that in the time they’re spending together, they’re really not together at all. They’re each doing their own thing … It makes me sad to think about how much less human connection people have.”

Senior Ethan Guttman said it annoys him when people can’t make it through social events such as concerts without taking a video and posting it on their Snapchat story. If you pay to go to a concert, you should enjoy it without using your phone, Guttman said.

These instances of phone reliance during social events bring to light a conversation about the American population, specifically younger generations, and the influence technology has had on their abilities to communicate with each other.

Phones and mobile devices can be seen as something of a double-edged sword.

Technology might be making online communication easier, but making face-to-face socializing more difficult.

“You (can be) texting somebody and you see them in person and you don’t say anything – that happens a lot to me,” junior Katie Carson said. “Sometimes it’s easier to talk over text becaue you can think about it and word it right. In real life, you’re just in the moment, and (have to deal with) whatever comes out of your mouth.”

Mobile devices enable students to decide their level of interaction with the outside world. There is a certain comfort in the usage of a phone when alone, like listening to

music while walking to class.

“Think about people who walk around with their earbuds in – it’s like they don’t want to be alone, but they don’t want to engage,” intervention counselor Melanie Anvari said. “You put that on because you want to close off. Same with being on their phone (when alone) – they don’t want to be alone, but they don’t want to necessarily talk to other people.”

Senior Cameron Erickson said he listens to music when he walks to class on occasion because there’s too much music and too little time in the day to get through it all. On a few of these occasions, he’s had incidents where he accidentally ignores someone or doesn’t notice a hello because he’s “virtually deaf.” Still, he said Anvari’s statement regarding those who listen to music on the way to class is too far-reaching.

More than the number of those who listen to music on the way to class, is the number of those who use their phones when alone before or after class, before or after school or during lunch or passing period on campus.

“There are folks who will get involved in their phones, even just scrolling through Facebook, just so that they have something to do so they don’t appear to be not talking to somebody,” McGregor said. “That’s detrimental to a person’s emotional health.

It’s OK to be alone. It’s OK to not be talking to somebody.”

Furthermore, the presence of phones in classrooms is disputed and debated, and a teacher’s willingness to allow usage differs from class to class. Whether a teacher allows for it or not still might not necessarily prevent students from using them in class – much to the chagrin of many teachers.

“What I care about is when the students are so used to just grabbing (their phone) and using it at any time, that they don’t even realize it’s an inappropriate time,” said Advanced Placement Government

teacher Jarrod Westberg, who has had 70 studies from 1979 to 2009 to conclude problems with students in his class using the shocking decrease in empathy. In an inphones at inappropriate times. “This last terview via email, Konrath proposed techtwo (or) three years, that’s what I’ve seen nology’s plausible influence. and that scares me … If you’re at home, “I think that there are logical reasons why and you’re eating dinner and everyone’s it is possible that new technology can make on their phones – that’s what you think is it harder to read emotional cues,” Konrath normal. But socially that is not the norm.” said. “Emotional cues cannot be easily and Mass production and prevalence of tech- accurately transmitted by text.” nology has certainly influenced how and Any loss of empathy is significant, as the when it is being ability to empathize used. However, the is a basic trait of soinstantaneous speed cial creatures. Addimight also have an tionally, technology affect on the pamight be influenc“Emotional cues tience of its users. ing other personality cannot easily and “We all lose focus characteristics. very easily, natu“When people have accurately be rally,” Anvari said. difficulty empathiztransmitted via text.” “(But) the phone has ing, this affects all made us really imaspects of our repatient. I’ve noticed lationships,” Kon– Sara Konrath, that people expect rath said. “Not only psychologist things to happen as would this affect our quickly as it does on closest relationships their phone.” with our families A new phenomeand romantic partnon describes the instance of using a phone ners, but it would also affect how we treat to snub someone else – appropriately strangers and people who are different dubbed “phubbing.” Researchers at Bay- from us. Being socially connected is critilor University have found that increased cal for humans’ well-being and health, so levels of unhappiness occur as an effect of if people become more disconnected, this phubbing. could affect their own mental and physical Carson said she can think of multiple health.” circumstances, such as hanging out with Speculation about whether or not the friends or meeting someone, where the emoji (a digital emoticon) is an adequate person chooses to check his or her phone, replacement has been met with differing distressing her. The action appears to be opinions. the choice of a phone over a verbal converOnline communication doesn’t involve sation, Carson said. emotion, so emojis aren’t replacing anyTechnology could be the culprit of an thing, according to Guttman. He pointed even bigger emotional revolution, which out that advancements in technology make has caused a 40 percent decrease in empa- face-to-face exchanges possible from anythy amongst college students. where in the world, thanks to programs Psychologist Sara Konrath collaborated like Skype and FaceTime. with a University of Michigan research Carson said a possible reason for the team to combine the findings of more than popularity of emojis originates from the

detached nature of texting, which can often make it difficult for the receiver to detect tone. Emojis may add emotion into the text. However, she also said there are unwritten rules which define the situations where emojis are appropriate.

“When someone puts a period at the end of their text, I think they’re mad at me,” Carson said. “(Which is why) I use smiley faces – I think that helps (with the tone of the text). If I was sad, I wouldn’t want a sad emoji face, because I would feel like you didn’t actually care.”

If emojis can be seen as substitutes for emotions, is it feasible to conclude that technology fosters superficial relationships – or relationships that would not be so, if not for the help of social media?

Some agree. “(Through your phone), you increase your chances to meet people on a superficial level,” McGregor said. “If you’re a Facebook friend, we all know that can mean nothing or it can mean something, but I think it certainly decreases your chance to make a deep friendship with somebody.”

Guttman and Carson both agree that technology promotes artificial relationships.

Anvari also agreed, saying she thinks social media “creates this false sense of social networks.”

Technology has affected the way human beings communicate. If allowed, it can influence emotional connections and relationships with others, but the answer to ensuring one stays in control of his or her own emotions could be finding a balance.

“I’m hoping that when students use the technology, they see what to use for work and what to use for socializing,” Anvari said. “The biggest thing that students struggle with is balance. It’s (drawing the line between) how to use technology with your friends, and how to use technology to help you succeed in life.”

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Granite Bay Gazette

A11

Friday w October 23, 2015

GAZETTE Personal interests should not be ridiculed The Granite Bay

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

Enjoying recent trends does not indicate one is ‘mainstream’ or ‘basic’ COMMENTARY

Editors-in-Chief: Savitri Asokan Hannah Holzer Troy Pawlak

common and trendy in the moment, people feel the need to label them as “basic” and call people who associate with these popularities simpleminded because they are

News Editors: Surina Khurana Caroline Palmer Voices Editors: Amanda Nist Anjali Shrivastava Lifestyle Editors: Carissa Lewis Garbhita Shah Hannah Xu Green Screen Editors: Olivia Heppell Blake Panter Amanda Prather Epsa Sharma Sports Editors: Maggie Bell Jordan Holt Cole Kahmann Matthew Ontiveros Jacqueline Romero Online Editors: Natasha Chanda Clair Kasel Jill Kurpershoek Ali Lemos Isabella Tkachuk Illustrators: Natasha Chanda Olivia Heppell Troy Pawlak Photo Editor: Madeline Williams Staff Writers/ Photographers: Paige Erickson Sonia Garcha Kassidy Henson Connor Hinson Kayomi Kayoshi Sabina Mahavni Parker Matheson Frances Strnad Meagan Tallman Jenny Tarbell Savanna Thompson 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 caseby-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

maddie williams

I

mwilliams.gazette@gmail.com

’ve been subjected to many stereotypes – from basic to white girl to Tumblr girl. However, I don’t have a Tumblr so to be labeled this way would be false. Why do people feel the need to give everything and everyone a stereotype?

Oh the irony, a white girl writing about the “white girl” stereotype.

Yes, I like pumpkin spice lattes and own Uggs. I use social media, watch Netflix and tweet pictures of the sunset. Am I ashamed?

Not even a little.

For example, I like Starbucks but so does 99.9 percent of the population.

Do you know why? Not because 99.9 percent of the population are white girls but simply because it’s popular, just like all of the things I previously mentioned.

Plus, Starbucks just tastes really good.

According to Business Insider, Starbucks generates 16.4 billion in revenue last year. Just because these things are

conventional.

Oh no! You drink the same coffee and you read Nicholas Sparks too?

How unoriginal, how… mainstream. So many people nowadays strive to be different. It has become almost

Gazette illustration /TROY PAWLAK

frowned upon to be “mainstream.”

There is nothing wrong with agreeing with popular interest. I don’t believe it inhibits one’s sense of individual identity to like the same things as many other people.

Pointing out what people similarly enjoy is not the only way to define a person. Therefore, we shouldn’t define all people with “mainstream,” common interests as “white girls.”

I wonder how many people are going to think they’re hilarious and dress up as a “white girl” for Halloween this year. How funny and clever! Mocking a stereotype by dressing up as it is illogi-

I don’t believe it inhibits one’s sense of individual identity to like the same things as many other people. cal to me.

It’s ironic people will bash “white girls” for all looking the same and then go ahead and imitate them. They ridicule people for dressing a certain way and then dress that same way to further ridicule that person. I don’t understand this logic.

Now, if anyone was planning on attempting to create this “comedic” Halloween costume, I’m not discouraging you from doing so. Just keep in mind you are contradicting your own beliefs about originality.

I wouldn’t be surprised if in the future the “white girl” stereotype becomes capitalized in the form of a derogatory Halloween costume.

Human connection has become much less genuine and intimate over the years. People tend to make judgments rapidly, which is why it is so easy for people to gravitate toward stereotypes – the judgments based on what is physically seen on a person – like the Starbucks cup, the Uggs and the Lululemon leggings. *** Maddie Williams, a senior, is a Gazette Photo editor.

Tragedies do not always induce the change needed Mass shootings have increased significantly, yet nothing is different

I

used to believe that tragedy would effect change. I used to believe that some changes could only come once people realize the consequences of their behaviors and they see them right before their eyes. It was comforting to think that we always learn from the worst experiences and change what we do in the future because of them.

I still think the death of an individual because of a drunk driving accident will always have more weight than anything else. And I still think that people start taking better care of themselves the moment one of their loved ones have a heart attack.

Until the repercussion of a given behavior actually happens, we tend to deny the possibility of it happening – or at least the possibility of it happening to us.

I used to think that once these ramifications occur, change always takes place because at that point you can no longer be in denial.

COMMENTARY

surina khurana skhurana.gazette@gmail.com

Lately, however, I’m beginning to realize that even when tragedies take place, change does not always follow. Even bad outcomes of enormous magnitude might not result in any discernible change.

Less than one month ago, there was a shooting at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Oregon. Nine were killed by the gunman, a student enrolled in the school. The event was terribly tragic, as were the several mass shootings in the past few years.

The reaction to the terrible tragedies is disappointing because the reaction never includes changing the status quo.

From Newtown, Connecticut to Isla Vista to Charleston, South Carolina and now Roseburg, cities across the nation have seen their fair share of mass shootings. The country collectively has seen these fatal tragedies for years.

But no change has occurred.

This is what draws a cloud over my belief that something good can always come out of an awful situation.

These mass shootings have occurred, time and time again, but no significant change to prevent one from happening yet another time has followed.

The same reaction is repeated, the same nonexistent course of action, the same speeches about prayers going out to the families of victims.

The reaction to the terrible tragedies is disappointing

because the reaction never includes changing the status quo.

Insanity is defined as doing the same thing repeatedly and yet expecting different results.

By this definition, we the American people are insane.

It is undeniable that something must be done. Why people continue to deny change in the face of such tragedies is incomprehensible.

Some believe that there should be more laws regarding gun control and more thorough background checks. Others say that we need to invest more interest in mental illnesses and properly treating them.

It is in the hands of both the voting people and the government of the United States to change the current policies so that these tragedies are less likely to occur in the future.

That change can only come by the people’s urging and the government’s acting.

It’s understandable that it might take some time for the change to be implemented on a national level.

However, much time has passed since 26 people — 20 of whom were schoolchildren — were killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012 or since 32 individuals at Virginia Tech were shot and killed in 2007.

How long will it take for change to occur? How many more fatalities will occur during that time? If the 294 mass shootings that have already occurred this year aren’t enough, then how many is enough?

Tragedies don’t always cause change. I wish they did, but the frequent fatalities of innocent people, without implementation of any new policies, leads me to believe something new.

Perhaps black clouds don’t always have silver linings. *** Surina Khurana, a junior, is a Gazette News editor.

Restrictive bathroom access caused by ignorance

F

or most of us, going to a public restroom is nothing but an inconvenience. But for gender minorities, such a simple task can be extremely stressful.

According to a study conducted by the Williams’ Institute, 68 percent of transgender respondents experienced verbal harassment in bathrooms, 9 percent were physically assaulted in bathrooms and 18 percent were not even permitted to go inside the bathroom which matched their identity.

It’s one of the most prevalent forms of transphobia.

As schools and cities are enacting more inclusive bathroom policies, some are panicking that transgender people are “violating their privacy.”

Many feel uncomfortable about the issue because they fear they will be subjected to sexual advances. They are

EDITORIAL The voice of the Granite Bay Gazette

concerned that any person can fake their gender identity and enter the opposite gender’s bathroom.

However, very few individuals would be willing to crossdress and pretend to be the opposite gender for the opportunity of sneaking into the other restroom.

It’s not impossible, but the likelihood of it happening is the same as it would be with the current bathroom laws.

It’s also important to note that establishing more accessible bathrooms would not make sexual assault legal.

Allowing people to enter the bathroom

with which they identify with does not increase the threat of violence.

We don’t see why any cisgendered person would go through the trouble of dressing up and applying makeup when it would be easier, and just as illegal, to enter the bathroom. If one is worried about rape, the assailant’s getup is not going to somehow let them get away with it.

There are laws against voyeurism, harassment and rape, and those laws do not concern how the perpetrator is dressed or how they identify.

Serious crimes are still illegal and they always will be, regardless of who is allowed to enter a public restroom.

Going to the bathroom should not be something people have to worry about, and right now, genderqueer individuals across the nation do not feel safe entering these places which are rife with

discrimination.

Reinforcing these strict barriers causes unnecessary anxiety for anybody who has a non-conforming gender identity.

This apparent segregation of gender implies that male and female are the only two categories you can pigeonhole people into, when on the contrary, gender is a spectrum, not binary.

Some have proposed providing a third restroom, labelled something along the lines of “other,” but this only ostracizes them more.

Creating a separate bathroom for nonbinary people creates an “us and them” mentality reminiscent of the separate but equal justification for racial segregation.

Anyone who would deny somebody the most basic of rights based on their gender expression is unambiguously and morally in the wrong.

Friday, October 23, 2015

w

The Granite Bay Gazette

HEARD on the BAY

How has technology affected people’s communication skills?

“It takes away communication skills because people are so focused on what they’re doing on their phone rather than what they’re saying in person.”

freshman

Ellie Wilson

Voices A12

9/11 callously ignored as time since event passes

Tragic event deserves moments of silence and learning

F

ourteen years ago a tragedy hit our country as two planes flew into the twin towers. But the ripples that it made went far beyond New York City.

As a senior, I am one of the oldest students on campus, and I have faint memories of 9/11. I think us, the younger generations, are the ones who need to be taught what happened – so that we are able to learn and know the truth about our history.

“Never forget” is a major slogan for the event, but are we actually honoring that? On 9/11 we come to school, and the only interaction we have with the date is when we write it in the upper right hand corners of our papers below our names.

It is a day that for me personally is very difficult to go about normally. I come from a military family – my dad was in the navy for 26 years and my brother is currently an officer.

Not that they were involved, but I still feel the pain in my heart for those families, and I think it would only grow if I knew they were taken too soon and it didn’t have a lasting effect.

I think that the least we could do is take a mo-

COMMENTARY

ment to understand what happened and why they can’t be here with us now.

But not one teacher addressed it in any of my classes.

In a way, we would be lucky to learn about the day from the people who are able to remember the exact place they were standing c.kasel.gazette@gmail.com when it happened.

The realization that more than 2,000 lives were lost deeply touches me, but it’s important to commemorate the many who survived.

When it does get talked about, we don’t have to focus on all the tragedy; there are many incredible stories.

The news and media nowadays tends to focus on the negativity for their ratings, but as the people who make the ratings, we can take a stand to remember the good.

There are amazing stories from the survivors that can be uplifting and give hope.

I have heard multiple stories of people who

clair kasel

were supposed to be on the planes that crashed but something happened that stopped them from going to work that day.

It shows that they had another day to live, and now they are able to appreciate it.

But the problem with not talking about it is that it diminishes the impact 9/11 had on America. The nation united together and we created new philosophies of security.

Also, it is part of the history of America. Our children will learn about this event, so why can’t we even mention it without people looking at you like you said a bad word?

It is a tragedy and it is hard to talk about, but we need to honor those who not only were citizens, but firefighters and also those who went and fought to keep our country safe.

We are losing the ability to tell stories that can pass through generations.

People now are more focused on what directly affects them. Reaching out is becoming a rare talent for people.

If the impact of tragedy can spread across the country, the hand of a person can extend to hold another in pain. *** Clair Kasel, a senior, is a Gazette online editor.

Entertainment falsifies high school culture

“I feel like people have less social skills now because they are more used to talking to people over text.”

Childhood movies provide exaggerated images

F

sophomore

irst things first, your future. No one COMMENTARY with the work ethic of Troy Bolton is not the realest; Troy Bolton would ever high school students get into a school like do not only take one Cal. Not once did we class with Mrs. Darbis see him open a book and we do not break or even do homework. out into thematic songs Wouldn’t it be nice to whenever we are feego through high school lin’ it. like that, and be able Growing up with to get into Cal? Yeah, High School Musical same. basically being a reliI would also love to gion, I had some false dance and sing on the assumptions about high roof in the rain instead aprather.gazette@gmail.com school. of going to class. But Obviously I knew we no, these things are not weren’t all going to break out into allowed in high school. song about how much we love high Apparently at East High, there school or sing about how to “work were no rules. Kids could go anythis out” when a problem arose, where, leave when they wanted and but disappointed would be a word wear what they wanted.

I would associate with the notions This is not reality. I attend a high made in this film. school where we cannot leave as High school is not exactly the we please and we can’t show our place that we all look forward to shoulders because our administration spending our day every day. Exbelieve people will not be able to tremely challenging classes, cliques, focus during the school day. frustrating teachers and homework I, being an avid High School Musiwhich consumes your entire day and cal enthusiast, am not here to derail into the night is not exactly a teenthe film or say that it should not ager’s, or anyone’s, idea of a good have been made, because this movie time. makes my day 100 times happier How could Troy Bolton, known every time I watch it. However, the as lunkhead basketball boy, get acunrealistic qualities of the films are cepted into the University of Caliironic and set themselves up to be fornia at Berkeley? Grades in high ridiculed. school are the bread and butter of Mean Girls is also a classic ex-

amanda prather

Negin Fatemi “It has a positive effect.

There’s ways you talk while texting that you could use person-to-person. It’s just more casual.”

junior

Kevin Yang “People are less personal with each other.”

ample of a popular and unrealistic representation of high school.

At Granite Bay High School, we do not have any “plastics,” and I can’t imagine people similar to the popular girls portrayed in the movie actually exist in the real world, outside of the media.

Yes, there are cliques and exclusive groups and disrespectful people in high schools, but this movie takes it to another level.

Movie directors and scriptwriters over-embellish these films with extreme versions of what ACTUALLY occurs in a high school.

High School Musical is on one side of the spectrum, optimistic and positive, whereas Mean Girls jumps to the other end, conveying the exaggerated version of the horrors of high school.

Reality is somewhere smack dab in the center of these representations.

Yes, we like to say that we hate school and that we would rather be doing anything else, but in reality, is high school really the worst place we could be? *** Amanda Prather, a junior, is a Gazette Green Screen editor.

Hopefully my grades will ‘Bop to the Top’ Gazette illustration /TROY PAWLAK

Students belittle peers’ hard work and studying Jealousy of others’ scores on tests is insensible and unfounded

COMMENTARY

be more than the amount of work others put in.

I understand the grading system is not fair to people who study hard and do poorly. But there is no need t is no secret that high school is a competitive deserve their grade? How to take it out on others. environment – the amount of stress students can you think it’s not I hear people asking others what undergo each day can sometimes be unbearfair if you didn’t work as grades they got. But for some reaable. What I don’t understand, hard as they son, they end up getting angry about though, is why people are condid? the given responses, though they stantly looking for ways to put Hating How can you someone asked in the first place. others down because of their wellThere’s a simple way to avoid acadeserved grades. for the sole think it’s not fair demic jealousy – focus on yourself Many students discuss grades purpose of if they clearly increasing and your own grades. with their friends. No matter what The only way to improve is to not project or test, students are always deserve their your own itkachuk.gazette@gmail.com hold your own abilities to other peocomparing their grades with each grade? How can self-esteem ple’s standards but to work hard in other. is absurd. you think it’s not Half the people that say such areas that you struggle with. Comparing yourself The phrase “I hate you” after to others is not a good way to motivate yourself. hearing of a better test score seems ridiculous comments are really just fair if you didn’t I know that might seem proverbial, but it is to be commonplace here at Granite insecure about their own grade. work as hard as They realize they didn’t work hard really that simple. If you genuinely care about Bay High School. them?

I don’t personally feel that hating so they shame others instead of blam- someone’s scores, then ask them, but if you are just asking to compare to what you got, I see no somebody for doing better than you ing themselves. point. is justified.

I have many intelligent friends How we choose to make others feel about This is what I call “academic who receive amazing scores on their their achievements and accomplishments is what jealousy.” Being jealous of somebody’s score, school work. Why should somebody hate them for determines our character, not the scores that we because they studied for the test, reflects poorly doing better than others? on your part. If you want the score, you have to They shouldn’t. Instead of offending them, they receive. *** work for it. should congratulate them for their hard work.

Isabella Tkachuk, a junior, is a Gazette online What we really mean when we say “I hate you” It’s not necessarily that certain people’s inteleditor. is “that’s not fair” or “how?” ligence levels are higher than others. It’s just the How can you think it’s not fair if they clearly amount of work they put into earning A’s might

I senior

isabella tkachuk

Daeja Black “I think it’s degraded them significantly.”

staff

Read.

Scott Becker Compiled by Sabina Mahavni

The.

Gazette.

Friday, October 23, 2015

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Voices A13

Politicians should not conceal beliefs to please people COMMENTARY

It’s never as simple as conservative or liberal

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ith the 2016 elections approaching, voters are becoming increasingly more informed about the individual candidates.

Most voters identify as either Republicans or Democrats and already know, more than a year in advance, which party they will support. Few have broadened their perspectives and opened up to both parties.

Year after year, Americans repeatedly select a candidate from the same political party. It is not because their viewpoints consistently match up with those of a

carissa lewis clewis.gazette@gmail.com

particular party but because they have developed “party loyalty.”

Rather than viewing the candidates as individuals with their own unique set of beliefs, Americans often fail to separate the candidates from the traditional con-

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Our future is not defined by our parents’ wishes

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t some point in our life, we must decide what our purpose is. It is not defined solely by materialistic achievements earned, like grades or trophies, but also the type of person you become. Many people tend to believe high school is what defines us as human beings and determines what kind of role we will have in the world, but this is false.

I’ve always wished that I had the type of parents who told me that I could walk on the moon or become President as long as I believed in myself. However, my parents believe in a “blunt reality” which means as long as the job is respectable and comes with a good paycheck (which will pay for their retirement cruise), that’s the best life has to offer.

We never talked about how my career choice should be enjoyable, as it is something I’ll be doing for the rest of my life. It was always about the money or the bragging rights towards relatives when comparing children. Because of this, I convinced myself that I will only be as good as what my parents believe. I forced myself to consider medical school despite my uneasiness about blood, and law school knowing it can be extremely stressful.

However, I’ve now allowed myself to believe those careers are not right for me and I need to find something that will allow myself to be content.

The constant pestering about where I want to go to college, where I’ve already applied and whether or not I believe community college is the right choice for me have brought me closer and closer to my mental breakdown.

I think it’s important to understand that although at this moment, you might be indecisive about your future, it’s much better to choose something enjoyable and interesting rather than picking something that gets your parents off your back.

There are also many people who choose not to continue with school and start their lives much quicker than others. This is just as acceptable as school, which is something not everyone can handle for long periods of time.

Everyone has a different path in the long run, so high school should not hold you back from starting your desired path.

Do something that makes you happy. Although it might sound a bit selfish, sometimes you have to put your happiness at a higher priority.

There are a million choices out there, and even if it hasn’t been discovered yet, you have a purpose in life. Don’t let anybody’s words get in the way of you finding that purpose.

Everyone has a different definition of “successful.” It might be money, fame, power or glamour, but you must remember that your definition of “successful” should also take your contentment into consideration.

I’m now in my senior year and still have no idea what I want to do in the future, and I know that I’m not the only one. Instead, we should look at this as an opportunity to find our purpose in life.

Even if the dream is far-fetched, do whatever you can to turn it into a reality with your commitment and passion.

We went to elementary school to prepare for junior high to prepare for high school and now, the possibilities are endless and a bit overwhelming.

Do what feels right. You’ve been waiting for this moment for so long and now, it’s here.

Whether you do or don’t continue your education, your purpose in life is out there, waiting for you to find it. The world would be different without you in it, so take this opportunity to show why you’re here.

Don’t let high school define your future. Instead, use it as a stepping stone on your path to success – your definition of success. *** Sonia Garcha, a senior, is a Gazette staff writer.

breeds rather than just one?

The primary elections are always the worst. The candidates are tasked with making themselves stand out amongst the others.

With so many running this year for the presidency, gaining recognition is especially important for the Republican candidates.

Current frontrunner Donald Trump dominates the news and media with his headstrong claims. Why? Because Americans are amused by his blunt, forceful opinions and therefore encourage such entertainment.

Strongly adhering to particular parties early on in the competition not only sets a strict division between Democrats and Republicans, but it presents a false image of each candidate’s beliefs.

Candidates who appear intensely opinionated in one aspect often lose their as-

sertion once the primaries pass. Now that they have achieved recognition, there is no longer a need to seem so forceful.

Instead, the goal becomes to “compromise” their old beliefs with much milder ones so voters don’t become offended or alarmed by outlandish ideas.

Americans grumble time and time again about corruption within politics, but they never stop to think about how they contributed. The elephants and donkeys dance for their observers simply to be noticed, and when Americans are thoroughly entertained, there is a misleading round of applause.

Voters have built a wall between Democrats and Republicans without even turning back to observe who the builders were. *** Carissa Lewis, a junior, is a Gazette Lifestyle editor.

Senior year is about memories created

Childhood movies do not give an accurate representation of what really happens during the final year of high school

S sonia garcha

servative or liberal ideas belonging to the selected party.

However, the voters are not the only ones affected by this bias. The candidates are swayed by their predetermination as well.

Because Americans only look at the party they registered under, the potential presidents have no choice but to appeal to the voters with a strong emphasis on the liberal or conservative beliefs they have been assigned.

In my mind this makes elections into zoos. The candidates are trapped among a certain species, with Americans peering in at two separate habitats to determine which elephant they like best, or which of the donkeys they prefer.

Why must voters confine themselves to observing only one habitat? Wouldn’t it be better to have an overview of the entire zoo, to choose from a variety of

enior year of high school has constantly been glorified as a year of lust, luxury and leisure.

Growing up, I think we all had the overall impression that high school was destined to be superb. And senior year, the most superb of them all.

I was particularly fascinated by the supposed quintessential glitz and glam of senior year.

Every Disney Channel movie that showcased senior year has conditioned my brain to envision this year as the utmost perfect year, when so far it’s not all it’s hyped up to be.

Yes, High School Musical – I’m talking about you. Now don’t get me wrong; I love being a big, bad upperclassman and showcasing my yellow bandana – but this year feels like every other year.

For some crazy reason I pictured senior year as the time that everything would fall into place. But right now, the only thing falling is my motivation to finish college apps.

I have walked through the quad of Granite Bay High School for three years now, similar to all the seniors before me and alongside me.

But I can’t help but feel that senior year isn’t as sensational as I believed.

Of course there are certain senior perks – we get to stand in the

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first rows in the tribe, attend senior events, vote for Homecoming king and queen and of course beat every class during rallies and gain more spirit points.

But perks are just perks. They won’t necessarily change the overall feel of senior year. They are just senior year traditions.

But because of those preconceived stereotypes, I always envisioned that traditional senior events would be the golden ticket to the ultimate senior year.

After attending events geared toward seniors, I realized these events only give you an excuse to post an Instagram photo. But the enjoyment of these events is what makes memories.

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The genuine memories can happen at dances and football games, because you’ll always remember the snarky comments you share with your friends during games, and the ridiculous songs they play at dances.

But more importantly, these memories remind us of the bonds we create with new and old friends during senior year. Movies never seem to focus on how the friendships we make change our outlook on our final year of high school.

Our final year, before we dive into adulthood, is molded by the friends and attitudes we uphold this year.

The magic of senior year is not in the events themselves, but how we carry ourselves as seniors and how we’ve grown in maturity through each high school year experience.

Also, movies never seem to touch on the remarkable bonds we create with our teachers. We’re in high school for four years – we are bound to come across a teacher we can talk to on a regular and personal level. And these teachers provide a guidance to steer us toward a better future.

The exaggerated standards that movies set for senior year makes normal high schoolers question the quality of their final year.

When in fact your senior year should not be validated by attend-

ing a certain senior event, but should relate to the special bonds you create throughout your last year of high school.

Nevertheless, high school has been quite the endeavor; the class of 2016 has had plenty of bumps in the road, and we’ve all grown from them. But even if senior year isn’t as fabulous as Sharpay Evans said it was going to be, so what?

I’m still going to love it no matter what. The reason for that is simple – I’ve grown from all the laughs, love, cries and stress I’ve shared along the way.

It’s the 30 minutes for lunch we spent discussing new food places; it’s the teachers we no longer refer to as Mr. and Mrs.; it’s the people who might not always be our friends but will always live on in our memories of high school.

All these memories come into play during senior year, because you realize how much you’ve grown in a short amount of time. We’ve all grown as individuals through the internal and even external factors of high school.

The magic of senior year is how we came to the finale of high school, not the finale itself. *** Epsa Sharma, a senior, is a Gazette Green Screen editor.

A14 Second Look

Second look

Gazette photo /CARISSA LEWIS

Fall Flourish Friday, October 23, 2015

w The Granite Bay Gazette

Gazette photo /JENNIFER TARBELL

 A poster, top, encourages students and staff who donated blood in the annual Fall Blood Drive. Senior Justin Baer and other members of the Tribe, above, show their spirit in the football game against Folsom.

Drama students prepare the lighting, right, for the fall play. Cheerleaders, far right, wore pink bows in support of Breast Cancer Awareness month at the football game against Folsom.

Gazette photo /JENNIFER TARBELL

Gazette photo /KASSIDY HENSON

Students enjoy hotter-than-normal start of autumn Photography by the Gazette photo staff Gazette photo /CARISSA LEWIS

 Megan Berg, above, and Kayomi Kayoshi, right, were among the dozens of students and staff who donated a pint of blood in early October.

Gazette photo /CARISSA LEWIS

Lifestyle

Granite Bay Gazette

Friday w

COMMENTARY

B Section

October 23, 2015

hannah xu hxu.gazette@gmail.com

Beauty is not a defining factor

I

am not beautiful.

Saying that I am not beautiful is not a statement made in a vain attempt to receive compliments. Nor is it an uncharacteristic declaration of modesty.

I see the statement “I am not beautiful” as merely fact. Nothing more, and nothing less.

To some, hearing someone “so utterly oblivious to their own beauty” is absolutely heartbreaking. However, it is not a lack of self-confidence nor a lack of self-appreciation that pushes me to have the conception that I am not a beautiful person.

By American standards, being beautiful means being tall and slim. It means have a “cute-as-abutton” nose and large, wide eyes.

It means having luscious lips and perfect pearly whites.

I, by no means, meet this standard.

And, alas, it is not just the American standard that I find myself being compared to. As a person frequently exposed to various Asian cultures, I also witness the Asian standard for beauty – pale skin, a “double eyelid,” which is a term that refers to having two eyelid creases that is often uncharacteristic in Asian faces, and having a lithe physique.

Again, I do not meet such standards.

Put simply, regardless of which country or culture I research beauty norms, I do not fit them.

But this isn’t necessarily something I feel insecure about, nor am I compelled to change the way I see myself in order to feel pretty.

As the daughter of an Asian family, I am not complimented a lot by my parents, especially about my looks, due to the culture of a Chinese household. This is how it has been since I was born.

As a child I was not told by family friends or relatives that I was a beautiful kid, a medley of all my parents’ best qualities. My sister, in truth, was the one person that has ever told me sincerely that I am beautiful.

As a result, I do not identify with beauty. While one might not identify with being smart or being artistic, I do not identify with having physical traits that are desirable.

However, what is different between not thinking you are smart and not thinking you are beautiful is that there is such a stigma with the concept of beauty that saying “I am not beautiful” is an insult of catastrophic shame.

In fact, not identifying with being beautiful is so outrageous that we say that everyone is beautiful in their own way. “She has great hair; she has a great smile; he has pretty eyes.” – society needs to find at least one unique feature that makes us pretty people.

But when I look at myself in the mirror I don’t see a defining factor that makes me a gorgeous person.

I have stretch marks that run for miles, a nose too large for my face, and really small eyes. None of these qualities can be contested as “good qualities.” But, nonetheless, the traits are simply there.

Just as someone might say “I am fat,” “I am not beautiful” is not meant to be an insult of any kind.

It’s meant to be another characteristic. I am funny, I am smart, I am creative. Those are an inherent parts of me just like how I am not good at chemistry and I can not catch a ball to save my life. And not being beautiful – that is simply another reality.

***

Hannah Xu, a junior, is a Lifestyle editor

Belief battles the bewitched Religion clashes with holiday celebration

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Gazette photo /CARISSA LEWIS

BY CARISSA LEWIS

clewis.gazette@gmail.com

hen the sun goes down, darkness fills the sky. But on this day, parents don’t send their children off to bed. It is the one day of the year where the streets are busier at dusk and where glowing houses and jack o’lanterns help the stars brighten the night.

With the abundance of costumes filling the streets, it can be easy to forget Halloween is not celebrated by everyone. But while vampires feast on their assortment of candy and heroes fly from house to house, others wait quietly for the night to be over.

As a Jehovah’s Witness, sophomore Ricky Frank has grown up in a family that doesn’t celebrate any holidays, including Halloween.

“Usually on Halloween what we do is we shut off all our lights and make sure there’s no TV on,” Frank said. “(We) have all the lights off so no one thinks we’re home.”

Although describing his religion used to be awkward, Frank said he no longer minds explaining why he doesn’t partake in Halloween. However, not everyone is willing to listen.

A few years ago, a group of teenagers walked up to Frank’s house to ask for candy. Because they weren’t celebrating,

Frank’s family didn’t have any Halloween candy available.

“We said no, so they came back later that night and egged our house,” Frank said.

Even though the egg disaster was a hassle to clean up, Frank said he doesn’t mind not celebrating Halloween.

“I don’t know what I’m really missing,” he said.

In fact, knowing the dates for any holiday has never been important to Frank.

Frank said the only holiday he remembers is New Year’s Day, because it is easy to identify the first day of the year.

Granite Bay High School student Juan Flores, who identifies himself as a Roman Catholic, is not particularly excited for Halloween. But rather than overlooking all holidays, he celebrates All Hallows’ Eve, which also falls on October 31.

“While All Hallows’ Eve is a day to … commemorate the saints of the Holy Catholic Church,” Flores said. “Halloween

is a pagan holiday which celebrates dead spirits.”

Flores said that when Halloween enthusiasts come knocking on the door in hopes receiving candy, his family won’t open the door.

Although Flores doesn’t celebrate with traditional Halloween customs, he did take a small part in what many Americans are familiar with seeing on October 31.

“I did (participate) once by dressing up as a saint,” Flores said, “but in the name of All Hallows’ Eve, not Halloween.”

But more often, Flores and his family have very different traditions from the ceremonies commonly held on this date.

“We do something fun together related to the saints,” Flores said. “Or (we) go to the mass for All Hallows’ Day or All Saints’ Day, which is November 1.”

As the end of October approaches, Halloween decorations continually pop up in stores and in classrooms. To those who don’t celebrate Halloween, these adornments can appear inconsiderate and distasteful.

“I feel offended (when) teachers, or whoever, decorate for Halloween or celebrates Halloween,” Flores said, “but they don’t do anything for All Hallows’ Eve.” The origins of Halloween began with Samhain, an ancient Celtic festival. The festival took place on the day before the Celtic new year, November 1st, when the Celts dressed up in costumes to help their priests predict aspects of the future.

The day of the festival, October 31, later developed into Halloween and All Hallows’ Eve. November 1st became All

Saints’ Day. Although many people are accustomed to Halloween ritual, they are not familiar with the history behind Halloween.

“It’s really saddening (when) there’s somebody who celebrates something,” Flores said. “They don’t know why they’re celebrating it.”

But it is more than just being unaware of history that bothers Flores. It is the holiday in and of itself that Flores doesn’t approve of.

“All non-Catholic, non-Christian religions are really worship(ing) false Gods and they can … be demons,” Flores said.

“So I could say Halloween is a satanic holiday with that logic.”

While some despise the recognition of Halloween, others look forward to celebrating it, perceiving Halloween as a holiday set apart from religious or secular beliefs.

Vincent Cheung, who recently moved from China, is excited to experience new American festivities.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing … what is the difference between China and ... America,” Cheung said. “So if there is really kind of a festival activity, definitely I will enjoy (it).”

Cheung said although there are festivals in China, holidays such as Christmas and Halloween are not as widely celebrated as they are in the United States. Since his arrival, Cheung has been learning about different Halloween customs.

“I know it’s pretty popular, here in America,” Cheung said.

The growth of irreligion spreads through Granite Bay Religious skeptics rise in numbers

BY ANJALI SHRIVASTAVA

ashrivastava.gazette@gmail.com

A survey conducted by the Pew Research Center in 2014 revealed 22.8 percent of American respondents considered themselves “religiously unaffiliated.” The results show a 6.7 percent increase in non-believers from a previous survey conducted in 2007. Irreligion was one of the only faiths to grow, and had the largest change in number.

But is this growth mirrored in Placer County? Could such a progressive stance gain steam in one of California’s most conservative counties?

are not devoutly religious, he attended St. John Notre Dame School, a Catholic school, last year. And despite being surrounded by a religious environment almost every day, he

Oftentimes, children inherit their beliefs from their parents.

And though this is the case for many, some come to differing conclusions regarding their faith, despite having a religious upbringing, or lack thereof.

Kate Booth, a junior at Granite Bay High School, was one of these cases. She was raised in a Christian household but now considers herself to be “nonreligious.”

“I went to church but I knew I was just … going through the motions,” Booth said. “It wasn’t Gazette illustration /TROY PAWLAK something that I believed.” The symbol for atheism has The same situation could be become increasingly popular as argued for Nathan Menan, a fresh- atheism grows at GBHS. man. Though Menan’s parents

also prefers the term “non-religious.”

So if not imposed by mentors, what is influencing GBHS students to a more skeptical view?

There can be many factors.

But the sheer amount of distinct religions seems to be a prominent influence among non-believers.

Lison Lemoine, a senior, was not raised in a religious household and considers herself an agnostic, or someone who is unsure of God’s existence. As a child, Lemoine read many stories about the Gods of Ancient Greece, Rome and Egypt and because of this early found knowledge she could not bring herself to believe in one version of God. She would rather appreciate the many interpretations than select one.

Booth has a similar outlook.

Like Lemoine, she is well-versed in many religions and is unable to label herself with one.

“I don’t consider myself religious because I feel like I don’t know enough about all of them to decide on one,” Booth said. “I (don’t) want to put myself in a box and say I am this religion.”

Still others simply do not believe what certain religions espouse. Whereas Booth, Menan and Lemoine are agnostic, one junior girl who wishes to remain anonymous identifies as an atheist.

As an atheist, she does not believe in any form of higher powers.

“As a kid, (what was said in church) never made any sense to See IRRELIGION, page B4

inside lifestyle Top ten B2 SAT tips

B3

How to B4 Random club

B5

TCID:BW

Acquiring Fluency Learning a new language proves hard to continue after high school

B2

Blood Drive Explore different views on the requirements for Blood Drive eligibility

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Ride Along Discover more about the monitors of the school

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Friday, October 23, 2015

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Do language classes spark fluency?

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Acquiring foreign dialect proves difficult after limited instruction

Trick-or-treats

BY HANNAH XU

Play Dough

Candy Corn

Cereal

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ntering high school, students are told that they must complete at least one year of taking a world language in order to graduate. For some, this is seen as a burden, while others perceive it as an opportunity to acquire another language.

However, what many find true is this “new opportunity” they had found so promising their freshman year leads them nowhere.

For junior Alyssa Quinonez, going up to Spanish 2 was satisfactory. She did not feel the need to continue taking Spanish.

“Learning a new language really stressed me out,” Quinonez said.

“Also, it wasn’t necessary for what I want to do in the future.”

Additionally, Quinonez said the different tenses, conjugations, and grammatical structure was a lot to take in and not very easy to adapt to.

This is in part due to the way the

Because of the inability of a mature mind to adapt to a new language, many students and teachers see a need to require taking a foreign language at a younger age instead of starting in brain matures. The optimal years high school. to learn more than one language is “Other people in the world start when the brain is most susceptible to learning another language at a younger information as complex as language. age than we do and they take it for This is typically the younger years of many more years than we do,” said adolescence.

French teacher Lynne Guerne. “I think High school minds we are very behind on are simply too inflexthat.” ible to encompass The difficulty of To really the entirety of a new acquiring a new dialect language. know (any) also makes students Despite this, many frustrated and discourlanguage, it’s students still see world from pursuing the language classes as really important aged language. a chance to explore Additionally, proto know the boundaries and parnunciation and syntax take in new expericulture. play a role in whether ences.

– Naoko Montague, or not it is advisable “I am definitely Japanese teacher to continue taking a going to take (more) certain language. foreign languages in For both Quinonez college,” said senior and Infantino, stopping Nicole Infantino, who short before going on took French up to Honors French 4. to Advanced Placement courses for the “(French has) given me a strong base for learning other languages because it language was the preferred option because of their inability to fully adjust is (latin-based).”

to their respective languages.

However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that taking lower level language classes is completely useless. “(Taking lower level classes) gives you a different perspective ,” Guerne said. “It helps you to understand how difficult language acquisition can be.

It opens up the door to understanding and cultural awareness.”

One struggle that many experience after high school, even if AP language classes are taken, is forgetting the language after years of not practicing.

But, despite all the roadblocks, it’s not impossible to continue developing foreign dialect or to become fully fluent.

“For my students, I always encourage watching shows, (going on) the internet, and listening to music,” said Japanese teacher Naoko Montague.

“Really get exposed.”

Montague said that travelling or going into an exchange program is one of the best and most important ways to become fluent in any language.

“To really know (any) language, it’s really important to know the culture,” Montague said. “Just keep studying cultural elements.”

Fruit Snacks

Crackers

Pretzels Gazette illustration/ TROY PAWLAK

Granite Bay High School students decide whether or not to pursue foreign languages after taking world language courses in high school. Learners struggle to accumulate fluency after only a few years of class teaching and don’t feel entirely comfortable with the dialect.

Caramel Apples

’15-16 senior quotes omitted

GBHS neglects an end-of-the-year tradition

BY KASSIDY HENSON

Kettlecorn

Chewing Gum

Chocolate

- Compiled by Garbhita Shah

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t’s the most anticipated year of a senior’s high school career, and with good reason. Seniors readily await their parking spots as excitement builds for new experiences at Senior Ball and Sober Grad Night.

However, there is one senior experience that Granite Bay High School students have missed out on time and time again: the opportunity to express themselves in a quote that they will remember for a lifetime.

High school seniors across Sacramento and Placer County are given the opportunity to feature their senior quotes in their yearbooks. Schools such as Jesuit, St. Francis and Rio Americano include quotes as part of the senior experience.

“All of the guys definitely look forward to it. I have over 20 pages of quotes and senior portraits just waiting to be put in the yearbook,” Erik Echona, editorin-chief of the Jesuit yearbook said. “Pretty much every student submits a quote.”

GBHS senior Melissa Cook said featuring senior quotes in this edition of the yearbook would incorporate the school–wide theme.

“Senior quotes would really let people walk a mile in somebody else’s shoes,” Cook said, “by getting to know them through that quote.”

By representing their character now, students will

This would only add to their workload.

“I think with anything, giving that sort of freedom to students can sometimes result in trouble.” Lucia be able to reflect on their high school selves in years said. “But most of us will almost be adults by that to come. time, so I think we generally know what is appropri“It ends the year with a bang,” senior Joey Scotti ate and what is not.” said. “There is something to look Scotti said as long as the submisback on other than just a picture.” sions are monitored for content, there This perk would in turn give undershouldn’t be any problems with putting You would be quotes in the yearbook. classmen yet another thing to look forward to. Freshmen, sophomores, “I don’t see any reason why (the looking for and juniors would have the chance to school) shouldn’t do senior quotes, experiences that as long as they’re filtering them for consider what their senior quote will be in the years to come. could be put profanity,” Scotti said.

“Underclassmen would spend a While senior quotes may add to the beside your couple of years thinking, ‘What’s a workload of the yearbook and office picture, leaving staff, there is a sensible compromise. good quote I can use?’” Scotti said.

These quotes would not only excite Many schools who don’t allow senior something future seniors, but they would also quotes, such as Rocklin and Woodmeaningful inspire them as they approach graducreek, allow senior signatures. Students ation. are able to put their own mark in the behind.

“In high school you have four years yearbook by signing their name.

– Erica Lucia, to explore who you are and what “That’d be kind of cool because a lot GBHS senior you’re interested in,” GBHS senior of these people (may be) famous one Erica Lucia said. “You would be day,” Cook said. looking for experiences that could Many seniors are unsure about what be put beside your picture, leaving they would say in their final words as something meaningful behind.” a GBHS student.

As the possibility of this new freedom is discussed, Joey Scotti has already confirmed that he would school officials question the responsibility of stuquote Ferris Bueller as his final words: dents. The office and yearbook staff may have to “Life moves pretty fast; if you don’t stop and look filter the quotes. around every once in awhile, you could miss it.”

GBHS considers eliminating class rank from transcripts Students prepare for a potential change in the grading system

BY MEAGAN TALLMAN

mtallman.gazette@gmail.com

W

ith college admission competition at an all time high, students are doing whatever they can to set themselves apart from the crowd.

Having above average grades, test scores and class rank are achievements that can assure oneself a spot at the university of their dreams.

However, achieving those stellar standards is not an easy task, and students who have exquisite grades are finding themselves at a disadvantage.

Class rank is a tool admission counselors at universities use to see how students fare in com-

parison to their classmates. At most high schools, grades and class rank percentile match up fairly evenly. At high performing schools like Granite Bay High School, that is not the case.

The class of 2015 graduated over 50 students with a grade point average higher than a 4.0, and a person with a 4.0 flat gpa could have been ranked at about 120th. In a class of about 500, this does not land the 4.0 students in the top 10, 15, or even 20 percent of their class.

At many other high schools, a 4.0 gpa would almost guarantee one a spot in the top 10 percent- a quality some colleges base admission and academic scholarship decisions on.

Though this frustrated many

from the class of 2015, it was “I asked our counselors, career valedictorian Annina Hanlon, who center folks and administrators to took action and proposed a change weigh in,” said Severson. “We to the RJUHSD certainly do not school board. want to make any “She presented changes that would the idea at a board a student’s We certainly do harm meeting,” said suopportunities movnot want to make ing forward.” perintendent Ron Severson, “(and) any changes that If this change I actually agreed goes into effect, would harm a with Annina.” it will take some The idea student’s oppor- time. Severson presented was the class tunities moving estimates to remove class of 2018 could be forward. rank from the the first with the transcripts of all new policy, but – Ron Severson, students in the disthe elimination of superintendent trict. Severson said class rank could be he understands postponed as far as the outstanding 2020. performances There are that occur throughout the district some students, however, that are and is currently researching if the displeased with the prospect of removal of class rank would be a having class rank removed from beneficial change. their transcripts.

Junior Kevin Yang strives for top placement in his class, and was disheartened to hear about the new proposal.

“I think it’s a bad thing,” said Yang. “Some kids work really hard and are really aiming for first place, and getting rid of it kinda takes away from them.”

He said that top rank achievement is like a personal prize and confidence booster.

“I’m going for number one because I want colleges to know how hard I have worked,” Yang said.

While striving for the top motivates high-achieving students to pursue their studies, there is concern for students who receive average grades.

“Personally I would love to have it removed from the transcript,” counselor Tiffani Gieck said.

“We have such a high percentage of high performing students and

although their gpa may be really high their class (rank) may not show the same.”

Similar to the situation with last year’s class, about 1/4th of the current senior class has a 4.0 or above. So history repeats itself in that students with a 3.9 will not be ranked in the top percentiles of their class.

Geick does offer some insight on what colleges think when they see GBHS on a transcript.

“Colleges do know Granite Bay is a high performing school, and recognize that students here are high achieving and well prepared,” Geick said. “They are taking that into consideration when they see their class rank.”

Though there is disagreement on whether or not the removal of class rank is a worthwhile change, its goal is to give students the best possible chance of college admission.

Friday, October 23, 2015

w The Granite Bay Gazette

When a small drop can make a great difference Students take part in blood drive

Lifestyle B3

BY KAYOMI KAYOSHI

kkayoshi.gazette@gmail.com

A

lthough being in a room surrounded by needles may appear intimidating to some, the process of donating blood is concise and, ultimately, serves a good cause.

Twice a year, Granite Bay High School hosts a blood drive, one in the fall and one in the spring.

Students who are 16 years of age and older are able to participate.

Since donating blood can be a matter of life and death, the qualifications of who can and can’t donate are extremely strict.

Before donating, one has to fill out a very detailed and personal questionnaire which has questions regarding one’s sexual orientation, overall health, where one has travelled, and whether or not they’ve gotten any recent tattoos or piercings.

The process is so weary of who donates that even some homosexuals have been denied the ability to donate, even though they had gotten negative results when tested for HIV. Some people think that these regulations are too restricting.

Senior Tanvi Mehta attempted to donate blood, but was turned away when her temperature was measured to be 99.4 degrees Fahrenheit.

It’s important to donate (blood) because you are saving (the lives of people) by taking a small portion of your day to provide them with something they desperately need.

– Skylar Beasly, GBHS Senior

“I was excited to donate since I knew it was for a good cause, but I was devastated when I couldn’t donate,” Mehta said.

Mehta thinks that the blood donation eligibility requirements are too strict.

“I’ve always been on the warmer side when it comes to temperature,” Mehta said. “I understand that they have to be as safe as possible,but I still think the restrictions are too tight on their donating policies.”

On the other hand, Senior Skylar Beasly has an acquaintance who is currently battling leukemia. She states that the blood donation policies in place are necessary as they serve as important precautionary

Gazette photo /CARISSA LEWIS

Students above sit to donate blood during the biannual GBHS blood drive. measures for the safety of the recipient.

“If someone sick were to donate blood and my friend received it, instead of aiding her health it would place her in a life threatening situation,” Beasly said.

However, Beasly encourages that everyone who is eligible to donate blood should participate in the cause as it can make a difference in just one person’s life. She said that her decision was definitely influenced by her friend’s

Victory announced to be a defeat Local news channel reports false information after game

E

BY SABINA MAHAVNI

smahavni.gazette@gmail.com

ven though local newscasters provide relatively accurate information, mishaps are bound to happen when so much information is released every day.

On August 28, 2015, Granite Bay High School hosted a varsity football game against the Jesuit Marauders, in which the Granite Bay Grizzlies won 21-7.

The local news station, Fox 40 News, was broadcasting this game and accidentally switched the final scores, reporting the false victory of Jesuit.

This mistake was corrected shortly after on the Fox 40 News website, and apologies were sent out to the coaches.

“When I found out (Fox 40 News switched the winning scores) I was kind of mad,” said Carlie Mallo, a GBHS freshman. “I got over it because I also learned they switched it back...it’s a forgivable mistake,” GBHS varsity football player Kyle Kraft saw the error but took no offense.

“For the most part, everything, even our other games, have been accurate,” Kraft said. “(Fox 40 News) is supportive and they kind of make the team and the players feel good, like we are noticed.”

Many people found out about this mistake on Twit-

The un-

practice

Official SAT tip

This Issue’s Expert:

Sleep well: Get a good night’s sleep the night before the SAT.

Eat well: Eat snacks before and during the SAT. This will help you focus.

Lauren Helfer is a senior at Granite Bay High School.

Practice well: Get an SAT prep book. Doing practice problems will get you prepared for the real test

- Compiled by Frances Strnad

value the blood drive even more.

“I think it’s important to donate because you are saving (the lives of people) by taking a small portion out of your day to provide them with something that they desperately need,” Beasly said.

If you really knew me,

ter. Students and other football spectators retweeted the video clip with the switches score; some were enraged and others thought it comic relief.

“I thought it was funny because we all knew we won,” Kraft said. “Everyone who went to the game knew we won.”

GBHS varsity football coach Jeff Evans also finds the score switch-up funny and easily forgivable.

“All the news places do such a great job, and they try to cover so many games that sometimes they make mistakes,” Evans said. “We make mistakes too.

We are not going to blame them.”

Although this particular mistake was obviously unintentional, Fox News has a reputation of slanting the truth to fit their personal bias. “(Fox News) has to slant (the truth) to make money.

You don’t know what to believe sometimes,” Evans said.

Sometimes, the local weather forecast will leave citizens questioning the accuracy of televised news.

“The accuracy of local news is pretty good, but the weather part is always terrible,” Mallo said.

The accuracy of local news stations can be questionable, but the anger towards mistakes such as a score switch is overshadowed with GBHS football team’s gratefulness for even being shown on live television.

“We just like the fact that they’re out here covering us because it’s exciting for our guys to see their highlights on TV,” Evans said. “We’re appreciative of them doing it and they can make mistakes.”

CollegeBoard SAT

illness.

“I donate because of my very close family friend who is currently fighting leukemia (and is) only ten years old,” Beasly said.

She said that her own life experience makes her appreciate and

you would know...

Evan Sarmiento

If you really knew me you would know that I dislike talking in front of big groups of people.

Megan Pizzo

If you really knew me you would know I am going to Germany for my first year of college.

Chris Harris

If you really knew me you would know that I lost my father when I was in third grade.

- Compiled by Cole Kahman

Campaigning through social media Students share views about online political profiles

BY PAIGE ERICKSON

I

perickson.gazette@gmail.com

n today's society, the use of social media has become an outlet used by many Americans to share their political views.

According to the Pew Research Center and American Life Project's survey, sixty-six percent of social media users have done at least one of the eight political activities with social media.

With the use of social media on the rise and the upcoming presidential election approaching, many candidates such as Donald Trump and Ben Carson are using sites like Twitter and Instagram as a medium of communication with voters.

“I think candidates having Twitter accounts is really smart on their part,” said Senior Emily Gallegos.

“Because we spend so much time on social media, candidates and their strategists are able to target and reach an audience they couldn’t before.”

Just like these public figures, millions of individuals are active participants in the online world. With multiple social media sites, people can become more involved in the election, especially with the easy access to accounts where people can share political views and contribute their opinions.

“I think people have become more involved and aware of the election because of social media,” said Junior Ben Gould. “It allows candidates to reach a broad array of voters and has made younger voters more interested in the election.”

With the access to multiple apps, voters are able to stay updated with ongoing debates and information from candidates.

“Having new apps and Twitter helps me know what

is going on all the time,” Gallegos said. “It keeps me in the loop.”

Being public figures, candidates have a huge impact on the audience they are trying to reach.

“When candidates are disrespectful to other candidates or issues, it makes me not want to vote for them,” Gallegos said. “How can you vote for someone who is disrespectful.”

With the evolvement of networking sites, the ability to make up different stories about people on the internet becomes extremely easy.

“Information on the internet is not always true,” Gallegos said. “It can easily be taken out of context and manipulated.”

With several ideas and opinions expressed online, which contribute to thoughts on the election, voters are able to expand on their views of different topics.

“Social media has the ability to influence a voter’s opinion,” Gould said. “It also allows for the quick spread of news about candidates.”

With the expansion of ideas, comes the possibility of negative or positive reactions from people who may or may not agree with the views expressed by others.

“Twitter can be positive when it works,” Gallegos said. “But I also think that people can make it a place of mockery and cruelty in order to bash others.”

With so much time spent on social media, voters gain a lot of information. Making decisions on who to elect as president is mostly influenced by the candidates themselves. The way they use their resources can determine whether or not they gain votes.

“If candidates can use social media truthfully and constructively,” Gallegos said. “I think it could win them the election.”

Lifestyle B4

Friday, October 23, 2015

w The Granite Bay Gazette

Peer Helping and Peer Counseling share differences Similar names generate confusion

BY EPSA SHARMA

esharma.gazette@gmail.com

G

ranite Bay High School offers a plethora of elective courses ranging from Ceramics to Weight Training. This year, GBHS has implemented a brand new elective course into the curriculum – Peer Counseling. However, this new class is not to be confused with the other elective course – Peer Helping.

Both classes serve a special purpose in promoting GBHS culture – but they do so in different ways.

Peer Helping is led by Liz McCuen, teacher of World Studies, and this class is open to all grade levels. The goal of Peer Helping revolves around community service, philanthropy and outreach.

“The mission of the Peer Helping program is to help young people develop into positive healthy adults by training and empowering them as leaders who serve others,” McCuen said, “ (thus) helping to create a positive change school wide and in the community.”

Peer Helping is geared towards providing social and educational support for

students at-risk, new and English-learning students and the overarching Granite Bay High School community.

Senior Ashley Waid signed up for Peer Helping because she was familiar with the events Peer Helpers put on.

“As Peer Helpers we put on a lot of events to fundraise and promote positivity,” Waid said. “We put on tutoring events, mentor (Kindergarten through 8th grade) students off campus, lunch buddies with marginalized, at risk kids, Ripple Effect training (and a lot more).”

The new course, Peer Counseling is directed by Natalie Elkin, Advanced Placement Psychology teacher at GBHS. This class is different from Peer Helping, because Elkin’s class focuses on emotional well-being and personal enrichment of students.

To be a member of Peer Counseling it is required to fill out an application and be interviewed by Elkin in order to be selected. Student counselors are trained to provide emotional and psychological counseling, support, education and resources.

“Addressing emotional support by providing one-on-one counseling for very specific issues that a student needs help

with is a huge part of our program,” Elkin said.

Elkin has gotten the ball rolling with Peer Counseling by creating a website, promoting Wellness Workshops and working on a freshman outreach program to create a lasting bond between a Peer Counselor and a freshman at GBHS. “I want to provide a forum for kids to talk about shared experiences in a support group way because I think at this age you think you’re the only one going through things,” Elkin said. “So being able to sit down across from someone and having them say ‘oh gosh I know exactly what you mean,’ there’s nothing like that sort of validation.”

The main focus for the Peer Counselors is geared towards individual counseling, conflict mediation and resolution, safe space support groups and freshman outreach to help them Special to Gazette /JENNY PADGETT Those participating in Peer Counseling pose with enthusiasm feel accustomed to the campus. about the new program. The program strives to bring help to students in need of support.

“As a Peer Counselor I’m aware of the impact that both of these classes in positively impacting the wellbeing of campus, and Peer Counseling counsels have on the lives of GBHS student,” soph- students on campus or in the community. students to get comfortable with who they omore Olivia Epperson said. “It’s assuring The names are similar, but the activities are at their inner core. to know that there are people on campus they do are on the opposite spectrum of Regardless, classes and workshops such who are skilled in many areas to help the activity chart. as these help offer students the emotional understand certain issues people face.”

It’s as simple as this: Peer Helping and educational support needed by many Both classes take different approaches helps students get comfortable with the on campus.

HOW TO: CARVE A PUMPKIN Step 1: Scoop out the insides.

Step 3: Carve out the design.

Step 2: Trace a design onto the face of the

-Compiled by Jill Kurpershoek

The PSAT proves effective for some Students contemplate use of test

BY SABINA MAHAVNI

smahavni.gazette@gmail.com

H

ere it comes. The PSAT. Sophomores and juniors shiver with anticipation. Should students practice for the practice test or save the grueling studying for the real thing?

The Preliminary SAT (PSAT), otherwise known as the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT), is launched by the College Board with the hopes of preparing underclassmen for the SAT they will start taking junior year. It does not count towards the final SAT score so many ask, why study?

The value of the PSAT as a preparatory tool for the SAT varies from student to student. “(The PSAT) is a little different because it’s half of the SAT, but it’s still practice,” said Kevin Yang, a Granite Bay High School junior.

Along with being able to take a mock SAT test, scoring well on the PSAT has the ability to put students in the running for a National Merits Scholarship. Even just recognition as a qualifier for this prestigious scholarship program provides a monetary award along with other potential scholar-

ships.

The only way to qualify for the National Merits Scholarship Program is to score well as a junior. However, only the top three percent of students nationally will qualify.

This option is not available to sophomores, thusly discouraging many from trying on the PSAT. Some juniors are not motivated to study for the PSAT because they are unaware of the National Merit Scholarship benefits.

“I know nothing about (the scholarship),” said Daphne Peter, a junior at Granite Bay High School.

Some students feel no need to study for the PSAT if their dream college doesn’t even accept SAT scores.

Adrienne Russell, a sophomore at Granite Bay High School, plans on attending Brigham Young University, like the rest of her family has. She said she has already figured out what she needs to get into BYU, and taking the SAT is not on her list. BYU only accepts ACT scores.

“The college I want to go to doesn’t look at the PSAT or SAT so I’m not studying,” Russell said.

The juniors who had a chance to take the PSAT last year have an inside knowledge on the questions.

Peter used the PSAT merely as a refer-

ence point to see her strengths and weaknesses and not so much as something that needs extreme studying to achieve a high score.

“I … just wanted to see how I would do, just with my knowledge and see where I need to improve for the actual SAT,” Peter said. “It doesn’t really go to colleges … so, I wasn’t too concerned about my score.”

Reflecting back on her score sophomore year, Peter plans on taking the PSAT again this year, aiming for qualification for the National Merits Scholarship.

“Advice that I would give people is (to) take (the PSAT) seriously,” Peter said.

She recommends studying for the PSAT sophomore year because a high score on the PSAT may indicate a high score on the actual SAT. Yang, also planning on taking the PSAT this year before the SAT, has different views on the test preparation.

“If (sophomores) really study they can get a good score which can get them the scholarship but other than that it’s really not that important towards your college resumes,” said Yang.

Like Peter, Yang is planning on taking the PSAT again this year. Unlike Peter, Yang is planning on not studying again this year.

“To each their own. You can study if you want to but I don’t really regret not studying,” Yang said.

Retired teacher helps CASA

Cunningham starts volunteering with children

BY FRANCES STRNAD fstrnad.gazette@gmail.com

R

etirement, to many, means sitting on the couch flicking through tv shows, or traveling the world in the hopes of spending the remaining balance in their Roth IRA. However, to Granite Bay High School staff retiree James Cunningham, retirement means having more time to serve our community.

Cunningham recently joined a program called CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) that helps foster children who are in the court process of being returned to their families.

Children who are placed in foster care after having been abused or neglected by their families are often left without an adult that is fully committed to them.

CASA provides these children with a caring and devoted volunteer. This volunteering program also helps children advocate their needs when no one else can.

Cunningham first learned about the program two years ago from Assistant Superintendent Steve Williams.

After counselor Tiffani Gieck awarded French teacher Lynne Guerne for her work caring for a foster child in her own home,

Cunningham felt he could make a difference as well.

“Often we hear of teachers inspiring students. I feel I have a case of teachers inspiring other teachers,” Cunningham said.

After retiring from teaching, Cunningham decided it was time to pursue this interest.

“With the help of Ms. Gieck, Mrs. Orchard and Mr. Mattix, I have passed a rigorous screening and interview process and I am on my way to becoming a CASA volunteer,” Cunningham said.

Cunningham has attended an orientation course, and is now in five weeks of training.

At the end of the five weeks,

CASA volunteers are invited to the Courthouse where they are sworn in as Officers of the Court.

Through this training, Cunningham has learned about the sensitivity of families going through the court trial process.

“As we go through training, the vulnerability of children within families is highlighted,” Cunningham said. “Some of these children cannot be moved to live with relatives as the relatives have excluded themselves due to events in their lives.”

Cunningham reminds us that we can all make a difference on campus.

“A greater appreciation of the … support services at Granite Bay High School (is needed),” Cunningham said.

Student

Spotlight

Student shares passion through volunteering

Gazette photo /HANNAH XU

Lauren McCormick Gazette: Where do you volunteer?

McCormick: I volunteer at Sutter Roseville Hospital in the pediatrics/ postpartum department.

Gazette: What is your position at Sutter?

McCormick: I am a junior auxiliary volunteer.

Gazette: What are your responsibilities at Sutter?

McCormick: I am basically a nurse’s assistant, so I help them with patient care and I do a lot of little things to make their jobs easier.

Gazette: What do you enjoy most about this opportunity?

McCormick: I really enjoy getting to experience what it’s like to be a nurse because it’s assured me that it’s the right career path for me.

Gazette: What have you learned thus far from your volunteer experi-

ence?

McCormick: Because I am in the pediatrics/postpartum, I’ve been

able to see babies getting bathed for the first time, and a lot of other really cool things. Working at Sutter has also made me more confident with the fact that I want to be a nurse.

-Compiled by Paige Erickson

IRRELIGION: Popularity of non-religion grows when that of other beliefs does not Continued from page B1

me,” she said. “I probably started realizing I wasn’t a Christian around middle school.”

Though her parents are “not very religious,” they do believe in God. The disparity between their two beliefs sometimes causes frustration on both parts.

“They don’t agree with (my beliefs),” she said. “Everytime I say that I’m an atheist they’ll just tell me that I’m too young to know what I believe … (It) makes me angry … that they won’t accept that I’m different from them.”

This kind of animosity is not unique to her.

The stigma attached to non-believers is that they are confused, narrow-minded towards other religions or even intolerant.

“There (are) some (who) will treat you differently because a lot of people equate being religious with having morals,” Booth said.

“If you say you are not with the majority … then people tend to look at you differently.

You’re kind of a black sheep.”

It may be this perception that discourages skeptics from announcing their beliefs or branding themselves with the label “athe-

ist,” instead choosing the more moderate “non-religious.”

“It’s not that they feel ashamed of (their beliefs),” Lemoine said. “It’s more likely they’re scared of people judging them.”

However, most are public with their beliefs. Booth, Menan and Lemoine would not avoid answering if asked what their beliefs were.

The reason for this unabashed expressiveness could be Granite Bay’s attitude towards unorthodox opinions.

Lemoine said though Granite Bay is a conservative community, the people are

tolerant of different understandings.

Menan agrees with Lemoine’s claim. He said he has never been subjected to any prejudice.

Menan also said people have never openly said anything negative to him, and in the grand scheme of things, his and others’ opinions aren’t always relevant.

“You can have friends that are Catholic (and) you can have friends that don’t believe in God,” Menan said. “It doesn’t really matter.”

In fact, the anonymous junior does have a Catholic friend who is aware of her stance

on God. “(It’s) never been a problem for us,” she said. “I’ve found that teenagers are way more accepting of atheism, even if they are religious, than adults are.”

Ultimately, absolute certainty in a higher power’s existence is impossible.

“I (wonder) why all my friends were raised to believe there is one God, and … (the ancient cultures of ) Egypt, Greece and Rome (believed) there (were) many gods, and I am right here believing there is no God,” Lemoine said. “Many, none or one?

Who knows?”

Friday, October 23, 2015

Loss of pets leads to ‘ruff’ experiences

Students remember their furry friends

with anymore,” Richmond said, “so she just didn’t have much to do,” fstrnad.gazette@gmail.com Just as tragic is the death of a pet during a holiday or special event. It can overs any pet owner can confirm, the shadow the joy of the occasion and cast a experience of having a pet is like dismal feeling over the celebration. no other. Whether it’s the warm For senior Lauren Helfer, Christmas greetings they give or the feeling of snugbreak of her junior year was not such a gling together on the couch, the bond that merry season. is formed is certainly a strong one.

“My dog, Sophie, broke her back right For this reason, the death of a pet is before my sister and I left for Disneyland, devastating for pet owners. It feels almost but my parents assured us that everything as if a family member was lost. would be fine by the time we got back.”

It can be even more distressing to lose a Helfer said. “When we got back, we had pet without being able to say goodbye. to put her down because she would have “When I was younger, I came home been in a lot of pain for the rest of her from school one day and asked my mom, life.”

‘Hey, where’s Chilli?’” sophomore Though Helfer now has Maryne Mathews said. a new dog, the bond is not “Apparently, while he quite the same. was getting surgery that a new dog makes day they found out he We took her to me“Having miss my old dog more,” had cancer, so they had the vet, and a Helfer said. “The vibes are to put him down. It was the one day when I was blood test told different, and I definitely felt more connected with the rushing out the door us that she had other dog.” and didn’t get to say goodbye.” eaten something Senior Demorie Galarza’s dog became sick the night Mathews’s dog had poisonous. before her mom’s birthday been in her family since – Demorie Galarza, and had to be put down that before she was born. It GBHS senior same evening. was hard transitioning “We got home from dinner into a life without her that night, and my dog was dog, after he had been just laying on the lawn and a lifelong companion not moving,” Galarza said. “We took her to her. to the vet, and a blood test told us that Sophomore Reese Richmond was on vacation at “The Happiest Place on Earth” she had eaten something poisonous. Her when her trip suddenly took an unpleasant chances of survival were really low, so she had to be put down,” turn.

Though many pet deaths are due to “I was on my way to Disneyland with unfortunate medical causes, some are my best friend, when I got a call from more accidental. As a child, junior Isaac my parents that my dog, Bosco, had to be Noschka lost his pet hamster in a tragic put down,” Richmond said. “ Because I mishap. was out of town, only my parents and my “I was 5 or 6 years old, and I decided brother were there, and I didn’t get to be my hamster needed a bath, so I put him in there to say goodbye.” the dishwasher. I was really sad for a long Richmond was most distraught when time after that happened,” Noschka said. her other dog, Lola, became noticeably “But now I have a dog and a new hamster, depressed after Bosco’s death. and everything’s going well.”

“She didn’t really have anyone to play

BY FRANCES STRNAD

A

Senioritis infects students early on

Desire to leave high school has already begun The GBHS Student Handbook for the 2015-2016 school year states that failure to maintain acceptable standards during hough the year has only just begun, one’s senior year may result in the inthe class of 2016 is already being ability to participate in various activities, affected by senioritis. including dances, senior picnic, senior Senioritis is known nationwide as the ball, and other events. inability to do most kinds of work during Failure to maintain acceptable standards one’s final year of high school and is includes receiving excessive tardies and prevalent at Granite Bay High School. absences, getting F’s in any class and “(Senioritis) just makes me not want to contradicting any of the requirements of do homework or come to school in genschool discipline. eral,” senior Elizabeth Sciascia said. “It’s As college acceptances come in, more (as if) school’s a burden.” and more seniors feel less and less of the Seniors slack off more as college accep- need to complete their work to the best of tances come in because they are able to their abilities or to complete their work feel confident that they at all. have a future home.

Senior Ethan Quinn Though many have continues to complete his not been accepted to Senioritis (exists) homework every night but colleges yet, senioritis notices the effects senioritis when a senior has on him. is still finding its way to them. in high school is “Senioritis has affected “I feel every day just really ready my study skills (and) my the participation level homework-doing skills,” to move on to Quinn said. “Sometimes I isn’t there,” senior Melissa Cook said. the next stage in don’t do (homework) to the “A lot of people (are) full extent of my ability.” their life. getting lazy, not doing As the year progresses, a – Melissa Cook, their homework, not handful of seniors become GBHS senior studying for tests, not increasingly exhausted with listening to their teachschool. ers, just being on their “Senioritis (exists) when phones the whole class a senior in high school is period.” just really ready to move on to the next Senioritis has yet to claim Cook like stage in their life,” Cook said. “They can’t it did the others. Cook says she is still quite do that because they’re still stuck in focused on her academics because she is school until they graduate.” applying to colleges and trying to figure Many seniors took on an easier class out what she may do in the future. Like load than their previous schedules in many seniors, she wants to continue to hopes of savoring their last bit of high do her best in her academics until she is school and enjoying what is left of it. certain of her future plans. “(Senior year) is a time to look back on “I have a feeling that once I get accepted all three years of high school and look and decide what college I’m going to, I’ll back at what you’ve done and accomreally want to start going there and I’ll plished,” Quinn said. “It’s a really neat probably get senioritis then,” Cook said. experience.”

In order to create accountability for the McNulty says that the number of people senior class, students can be put on Senior on Senior Conduct from year to year Conduct. The Senior Conduct limits their doesn’t differ very much. ability to participate in senior activities.

“It seems as though every class sees “(Senior Conduct) is a reminder of what their senior year coming to an end,” Mcyou’re trying to do,” assistant principal Nulty said. “They realize that this is gonna Brian McNulty said. “And (a reminder to) be (their) last high school athletic contest, be patient and continue to work towards or last high school dance or last hurrah your goals because we are truly a team.” with all (their) friends.”

BY SURINA KHURANA

T

Lifestyle

w The Granite Bay Gazette

skhurana.gazette@gmail.com

Random...

Club

B5

College

University of Washington

Club Name: Servicemen Support Club Presidents: Tim Tsverov and Parker Wilkin

What is the purpose of your club?

The purpose of the Servicemen Support club is to construct care packages and send them to veterans and active service men and women locally, abroad, and everywhere in between.

How can students get involved?

Students can get involved by joining the club and/or volunteering at fundraisers and/or donating care package items.

When does the club meet?

The club typically meets on the first and third Mondays of each month in Mr. Mortensen’s room at 7:00 p.m.

Founded: 1861

How does the club affect students?

The Serviceman support club is focused on benefiting veterans and active duty military personnel. For the students involved in the club, it can promote patriotism, a sense of purpose and moral character.

School colors: Purple and gold

Students: 45,213 Mascot: Harry the Husky Location: Seattle, Washington Tuition: $49,338 per year Motto: Lux Lit (“Let there be light”) Campus size: 703 acres

Application deadline: December 1 Percentage accepted: 55 percent - Compiled by Natasha Chanda

- Compiled by Matt Ontiveros

Facts

1. University of Missouri was credited by the NCAA for holding the first official homecoming in 1911.

Student

Sammi Tafoya

2. The origins of homecoming bonfires comes from freshman at Baylor University maintaining overnight fires to safeguard the campus from their rivals at TCU.

What is your favorite place that you’ve been on vacation? I loved Jamaica when I went in junior high school.

What is your favorite thing about GBHS? Collaboration days on Wednesdays because they get me through the week.

3. Ohio State voted a cow named Maudine Ormsby their homecoming queen in 1926.

What is your ideal career? I want to work in the Silicon Valley and work for a computer programing company.

4. Scotland holds an annual Homecoming festival that involves no American football whatsoever.

What is your favorite type of music? My favorite is either country or alternative rock.

5. The only time University of Illinois missed a homecoming game was in 1918 due to the influenza outbreak.

- Compiled by Parker Matheson

What is your favorite thing to do in your free time? I usually like to just sleep or play volleyball.

Gazette photo /JACQUELINE ROMERO

- Compiled by Jacqueline Romero

Debaters take part in World Schools National Tournament

Students rank fourth in debate

and defend their ideas.

Competitive Forensics is held in the fall and prepares students to channel their he Granite Bay High School Speech competitive energy into positive communiand Debate class provides students cation strategies. with the opportunity to develop their “Competitive Forensics is the (class) analytical skills while becoming more efwhich allows you to compete at tournafective speakers. ments,” Bavirisetty said. “You learn the The Program offers three courses: Public most in this class as it is truly when you Speaking (beginning speech), Philosophy start (to) practice debating and creating in Practice (competitive debate), and Com- speeches.” petitive Forensics (advanced speech).

Besides engaging in class debates and Each course consists of different forms activities, Speech and Debate students parof speech and debate in which students are ticipate in multiple tournaments throughout able to participate in. the year.

The Public Speaking class is held in the “On average, a student participates in spring and is offered for students who want about 15 tournaments every year,” said to participate in an introductory course.

Rishi Somanchi, a member of Speech and “You have to take public speaking in Debate. “In total there (are) 17 tournaments order to get on the team,” said Rahul Ba(and) most students who are dedicated to virisetty, a member of Speech and Debate. the team attend almost every single one.”

“You (will) learn the basics of speech and The tournaments include individual dedebate in this (class).” bate, partner debate, student congress, and Philosophy in Practice is another course parliamentary debate. that is dedicated to help students prepare “Tournaments are a really fun experience for competition. It’s offered in the fall and but they can also be really physically and gives students the opportunity to express emotionally draining,” said Arthi Bobbala, a member of Speech and Debate.

Before tournaments, students spend extra time preparing for their upcoming competition.

“Preparing for tournaments can consist of debating, discussing the Special to Gazette /NATIONAL SPEECH AND DEBATE ASSOCIATION ins and outs Students participate in World Schools National Tournament. of the topBY PAIGE ERICKSON

T

perickson.gazette@gmail.com

Spread the word.

ics, and helping the novice improve their cases,” Bobbala said. “There are a variety of events and which one you (participate in) really depends on the style of debate that you do.”

Students Arthi Bobbala, Madeline Pautsch, Matthew Zheng, and Surina Khurana ranked fourth in the recent World Schools National Tournament.

“World Schools was an amazing experience,” Bobbala said. “Placing fourth was honestly the highlight of my debate career thus far.”

With months of time and dedication invested, the National Tournament competitors watched their hard work come into play.

“After putting in so much work into casework and debating,” Bobbala said, “it’s a lot of fun to watch your hard work pay off.”

The success of the group began without the expectation of getting such a high rank. The foursome spent hours together in preparation for their arguments, allowing them to build as a unit.

“I was lucky to have such an amazing team,” Pautsch said. “I’m so proud of everyone and wouldn’t have wanted to share this experience with anyone else,” Although the GBHS Speech and Debate team members were excited to gain a victory, they were most grateful for the help of their teacher, Robert Prichard.

“Thanks to our coach, Mr. Prichard,” Pautsch said, “who worked very hard to get us entered into the tournament.”

With tournaments, group competitions and personal achievements, this class not only helps students improve as speakers, but also shows them how much they are capable of.

“Not only do you learn how to express your ideas effectively,” Bobbala said, “but you also learn a lot about yourself in the process.”

Read the Gazette.

Friday, October 23, 2015

B6 Lifestyle

w The Granite Bay Gazette

Driving through GBHS ... steering the campus

Above, Jason Ott and Anna Hagen prepare for a typical day of inspection on GBHS campus. They are often seen during the school day, driving in their golf cart.

Gazette spent a day exploring the lives of GBHS monitors Anna Hagen and Jason Ott

R

ecent administrative changes have lead to student inquiries regarding the responsibilities of Granite Bay High School faculty.

Between the recently enforced dress code policy, tardy sweeps, and closed campus restrictions, administration clearly has their hands full. Which has led to even more responsibilities for campus monitors.

Intrigued by their stealthy golf cart and administration-issued walkietalkies, I requested to take a ride along with Jason to experience our high school from his perspective.

The student body has come to know our campus monitors quite well.

Whether it be from rides around campus, lunchtime chats, or an administrative situation, Jason and Anna have worked to make GBHS a safe place for all students.

“I have a pretty good relationship with most of the kids.” said Jason Ott, one of the campus monitors.

Coming up on his fifth year of working at Granite Bay high school, Ott has seen it all. But besides the bomb threats of 2015, life in the bay hasn’t very eventful.

“Working here is kind of boring. We drive around and check restrooms,” Ott said. “The biggest problem we have here is dress code.”

His co-worker Anna Hagen is also a campus monitor.

She originally was working in the

COMMENTARY

kassidy henson

from staff members as well as students.

“I think that it’s because we have more female administrators,” Ott said.

Prior to the 2013-2014 school year, Granite Bay high school had a male predominant administrative staff. With the addition of Sybil Healey and now Jennifer Leighton, many staff members have become more familiar and comfortable with the dress code.

One of the duties of our campus monitors, is to enforce the dress code.

A job which Ott usually leaves up to Hagen.

“For me, (enforcing the dress code)

is awkward, which is why the girls get more upset with Anna,” Ott said.

Ott, along with many other male staff members feel the discomfort surrounding the topic of “dress code”. However, significant improvements have been made in the enforcement of our dress code since our campus monitors have been looking out for it.

After completing my ride-along, I realized how much more efficient it is to drive around campus rather than walk. Up until three years ago, Jason was covering all 40 acres of the Granite Bay campus on foot. Bryan McNulty as

Gazette photo /MADELINE WILLIAMS

well as Mike McGuire believed investing in a campus cart was in the best interest for the safety of students, in the case of emergency or injury.

It is apparent that our campus monitors do a lot more than we give them credit for.

Every day they continue to make Granite Bay a safe learning environment for as many students as possible.

They are knowledgeable, personable people who command respect.

It was truly refreshing to walk - or ride rather - a mile in someone else’s shoes.

khenson.gazette@gmail.com

kitchen, but seized the opportunity to be more resourceful on campus.

Unfortunately, many students have misconstrued Ott and Hagen’s priorities of keeping our campus safe. Dress code and tardy sweeps are duties that have been given to our campus monitors to aid in the smooth functioning of GBHS. “Their job description is to aid in whatever we need.” Assistant Principal Brian McNulty said.

Many students, particularly the female student body, has been intent on expressing their opinion on dress code enforcement. The current senior class had a particularly relaxing freshman year in regards to the dress code. An all male administrative staff eluded to dress code violations being delivered only in extreme cases.

This gradual incline in policy application has evoked many responses,

Above Kassidy Henson makes observations during her “ride-along” with one of the two GBHS monitors, Jason. Ott.

Gazette photo /MADELINE WILLIAMS

Gazette photo /MADELINE WILLIAMS

(Right) Jason Ott passes a message through his walkie-talkie.

(Left) Anna Hagen and Assistant Principal Bryan McNulty engage in a conversation with each other.

Sports

Granite Bay Gazette

Sports C1

Friday w October 23, 2015

COMMENTARY

jordan holt jholt.gazette@gmail.com

The myth behind the perfect athlete is deceiving The world has come to know the athlete to appear a certain way. This idea that athletes require a certain look is misleading when weighing in the physical demands of a wide range of sports.

Competitive sports all call for fitness, but there are various amounts and methods of achieving it.

When comparing the training regimen of a football player to a swimmer or a tennis player, the demands look completely unalike.

However, the dissimilar practice schedules do not mean that one athlete is in better shape than another.

When people imagine the perfect athlete, they likely picture defined limbs, minimal body fat and probably abs.

Clearly understandable, but not always the best description for our world’s top athletes.

The idea of “the perfect athletic body” is a myth. Comparing the male 2012 Summer Olympic athletes, the smallest height recorded was 4’7”- the tallest was 7’3”.

The height, weight, race and overall build of the most athletic human beings is totally diverse. But they all have one thing in common- they are in the best shape for their specific sport.

If we asked the Olympic athletes to compete in different sports they haven’t trained for, it would be disastrous. The idea of the best hurdler taking on a U.S.A. basketball player on the court is more of a joke than an interesting matchup between two athletes.

The fact of the matter is that there are too many types of athletes to determine which is the best kind.

Each and every sport requires a different kind of fitness in which certain athletic qualities are imperative to the success of an individual.

To judge an athlete’s ability based on their height, weight, speed, or general abilities is a mistake. Not all athletes appear to be what we see on the front page of sports magazines or in athletic wear commercials on tv.

We have twenty-three varsity sports teams here at Granite Bay High School.

No two teams follow the same training schedule or do the exact same conditioning to get into shape.

That’s the beauty of having so many different sports to choose from- an individual’s physique is not based on whether they are an athlete or not, but what type of athlete they are.

One may argue that an individual is born with athletic talent, which is partially true. Some people are naturally bigger, faster, or more flexible than others.

But the ability to hone in on and develop that special quality along with others that need improvement is where the real athlete is created.

Motivation to strive for success is not part of the genetic code. It’s a characteristic anyone can have and use to their personal benefit as an athlete, student and person.

No matter what the physical traits are of an athlete, this motivation is the key to success. The countless types of athletes who find this key look to excel in their performance.

There is no such thing as a perfect athlete-everyone has flaws. The question is, who are the athletes willing to to focus on those flaws to become the best they can be? *** Jordan Holt, a senior, is a Gazette sports editor.

Fan of the month

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Grizz Quiz

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For the record

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GBHS Media /ZACHARY WEIDKAMP

Raising Awareness

Tribe leader Charlie Tooley and the rest of the Tribe cheer on the varsity football team during the ‘Pink Out’ game against Oakridge High School

Student body generates big donations in October to give to Breast Cancer Awareness

BY AMANDA PRATHER

Y

aprather.gazette@gmail.com

ou breast believe that Granite Bay High School knows how to support Breast Cancer.

With October underway, pink is definitely the color of the month. Thanks to Tackle for the Cure put on by the GBHS football team, and Dig Pink put on the GBHS girls volleyball team, Granite Bay certainly is aware of Breast Cancer.

Breast Cancer Endowment .

Football’s Tackle for the Cure happened on October 9th.

Varsity captain of the GBHS football team, Ryan MacIntosh said that the event was particularly beneficial to raising awareness this year.

For every pink clothing item that a player wore, $2 were donated to the Placer

“Every game I wear a pink band under my sock, even when it’s not October,” MacIntosh said.

The Tribe also helps support the cause at Tackle for the Cure. Everyone in the Tribe wore pink to support and raise awareness for Breast Cancer as well.

Also on campus, Breast Cancer awareness bracelets were sold throughout the week before the Tackle for a Cure game,

GBHS studentathletes suffer concussions

Dealing with the long and shortterm effects

BY COLE KAHMANN

ckahmann.gazette@gmail.com

There are a lot of questions surrounding concussions as they become more prevalent in sports today.

Many athletes and parents are unsure of the severity of the injury and the short and long term effects they can cause.

Junior Gemma Rizzuto, who has been on the girls’ varsity soccer team for the past two years, has gotten three concussions with her most recent being about four months ago.

She has visited a neurologist, sports medicine doctor, physical therapist that specializes in concussions and another doctor

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“Dig Pink is a very big event for the team, we raise lots of money for the Placer Breast Cancer Endowment and it generates even more awareness,” Plummer said.

Plummer said that during the event there are lots of fun raffles and games going on for the fans, as well as free food along with the snack bar.

“Our amazing boosters program takes on the role of organizing the event and it always turns out great,” Plummer said.

Last year, the GBHS volleyball program generated over $14000 in donations and fundraised money for the Placer Breast Cancer Endowment.

“The girls all wear their Dig Pink shirts and socks and it is makes the night really fun,” Plummer said.

Both programs have raised a significant amount of money for the same cause, the Placer Breast Cancer Endowment.

This non-profit foundation helps fund an endowed chair for the UC Davis Comprehensive cancer center.

This foundation has raised over $1.5 million since their opening in July, 2005.

Drug issues in high school sports Recent incident at Union Mine serves as a tragic reminder that drug use can be life-threatening said.

Due to this lipid increase steroids cause pmatheson.gazette@gmail.com cardiac problems among athletes.

At Granite Bay High students are Even in Granite Bay the issue of drugs held to a high standard of staying clean in sports can hit close to home.

Since the 1990’s steroid era in baseball, because of moral values held by their school, families, community and themcrack down on this matter has reached an selves as individuals. all time high.

Senior football player Cases at the professional Ryan MacIntosh is aware level have even faced of the consequences of docriminal prosecution. ing drugs while on a high In light of the recent inCoaches school athletics team. cident of adderall abuse at influence us for “Coaches influence us for Union Mine High, certain sure remind us to stay programs in the area have sure and remind cleanand and be fair,” MacInbeen under pressure to us to stay clean tosh said. maintain player safety.

There also appears to be Since 2002, the United and be fair. a large amount of accountStates Supreme Court gave We’re a family ability between teammates. high schools the ability to “We’re a family and we drug test students involved and we look out look out for each other,” in competitive extracurfor each other.

MacIntosh said. ricular activities.

MacIntosh also believes Dr. Richard Marder is an orthopedic surgeon and – Ryan MacIntosh steroids are fundamentally unfair. sports medicine specialist However programs that with the UC Davis Medihave experienced less succal Group. According to cess than GBHS tend to have a reputable Marder performance enhancing drugs aura around them. have devastating effects on the body.

Some programs have even been accused Steroids do cause muscle hypertrophy of using stimulants prior to games. which is what many users go for. But the Senior Jagger Medeiros knows this is negatives outweigh any benefits. becoming more common in high school “Steroids cause lipids levels to increase, sports, especially football. potential liver failure, and acne,” Marder See DRUGS, page C3

BY PARKER MATHESON

Special to The Gazette/Ed Vasconcellos

who tests Junior Gemma Rizzuto sends a ball up the concussions. field to her teammate heading towards goal.

When Rizagain and another two said zuto got her first concusthat I could play soccer but sion, she continued playing if I get another concussion soccer for a few weeks within six months then I without realizing the extent could be brain dead,” Rizof her injury. She only zuto said. learned of this first concusAs of right now, she has sion during a scrimmage some brain damage to her when she walked off the right eye and balance so field and sat down without her physical therapist is her knowledge. working on those areas to According to the Centers help her recover. She also of Disease Control and believes the brain damPrevention, 47% of athage has caused substantial letes do not report feeling obstacles academically. symptoms after a concus“My doctors wanted me sive blow. to have academic accomShe has now suffered modations,” said Rizzuto, two more concussions. with her physical therapist “A couple of (the docrecommending listening to tors) when I first got the the teaching in class, but third concussion told me not taking notes or overI would never play soccer stimulating herself in order See CONCUSSIONS , page C4

Sophomore Commits Underclassmen declaring where they will be going for college

which resulted in a multitude of students sporting this accessory at the game.

At the varsity football game against Oakridge, the Tribe leaders presented a check worth $1200 to the same organization from the GBHS student body.

The girls Volleyball team also has an event for arise some support for the Placer Breast Cancer Endowment.

During Dig Pink, the team has many raffle prizes, as well as free food and barbeque.

GBHS Senior and varsity volleyball captain, Emily Demure, said that the event is a great way to help raise awareness for Breast Cancer.

“It reiterates into people’s minds that breast cancer isn’t just something you occasionally hear about, but something that affects many people and the people around them,” Demure said.

The Volleyball team also wears their “Dig Pink” T-shirts throughout the entire month of October to raise awareness.

Varsity Volleyball coach Tricia Plummer also said that Dig Pink is a very efficient way to raise awareness for breast cancer.

Fall Post Season GBHS fall athletic teams round up the regular season and determine the post season seeds

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Senior Injuries GBHS seniors suffering injuries that ended their high school sports careers

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Sports C2

Sophomore year becomes a big time for future college athletes

Friday, October 23, 2015

w The Granite Bay Gazette

Many players here at GBHS have committed to various colleges during their second year of high school Cameron Douglas Cameron Douglas, a sophomore at Granite Bay High School, has committed to the University of California Los Angeles

BY MATT ONTIVEROS

montiveros.gazette@gmail.com

A few Granite Bay High School sophomores have recently been making decisions on where they will be the four years of their lives following high school.

As these athletes commit to various colleges for sports, mainly soccer, they are making a decision that will change their lives.

The process of being scouted by colleges for athletics is now beginning when some students are only freshman.

“Beginning of freshman year I started getting contacted by a few colleges (for soccer),” sophomore Emily Talmi said.

Talmi has recently committed to Cal Poly.

“I think I’ve been getting scouted by different colleges for maybe a year – my visits started at the end of last year,” sophomore Nicolette Lewis said.

The idea of college decisions this early has put pressure on the student athletes.

“It is intimidating because it’s a huge milestone in your life and to think that I’ll be making my first huge decision when I’m 15 years old is a little scary,” Lewis said.

While Lewis has received multiple offers she has not decided where she wants to go yet.

Several considerations go into the process of choosing which college the student

athletes want to attend.

“I was (also) considering either UC Irvine, Pepperdine, and Colorado college,” Talmi said. “I had to just kind of think of what school I would want to go to if I wasn’t able to play soccer.”

Another sophomore, Cameron Douglas, has also made a commitment to play soccer at a university.

“I have committed to UCLA (...) because they are one of the best schools in the nation in both academics and in soccer,” Cameron Douglas said.

Besides academics there are other factors that go into the decision making process.

“I knew I wanted to stay in California, and play division one soccer,” Talmi said.

As these student athletes will be expected to perform at their college, the coaching staff also plays an important role in their decision.

“The coaches are amazing, which is

another big part of why I chose Cal Poly,” Talmi said.

Ultimately these students look to loved ones to help them make the big decision. “(My family) is really supportive and my dad was a really big help in my decision making,” Talmi said. “They totally helped me make an educated decision.”

“I had been talking about (the decision) with my parents months prior to committing and they agreed with all I had to say and they were just as happy as I was when I committed,” Douglas said. “At first, there was some pressure choosing which school to attend but once I knew UCLA was for me, it actually took Special to the Gazette/EMILY TALMI Sophomore Emily Talmi dribbles the ball in a recent game with her club, a lot of stress off my shoulPlacer United. ders.” my future least consider.

The idea of the presas much,” “I do plan on graduating early but sure to make stressful Douglas probably mid senior year so I don’t have college decisions is a It is intimidating because said. to miss all the fun stuff we do,” Douglas reality many seniors are it’s a huge milestone in Sevsaid. currently facing or will your life and to think that eral athletes “I realize that I don’t know if I would be facing in the near every year want to kinda miss out on the rest of my future.

I’ll be making my first huge graduate senior year,” Talmi said.

“Having my college decision when I’m only 15 early to start Talmi ultimately thinks she will stay the plans already decided practicing full four years at GBHS. has taken a lot of presyears old is a little scary on their However, for these sophomores, gradusure off my shoulders as college ation is still far away. Many achievements well,” Douglas said.

– Nicolette Lewis, sophomore soccer team – early are still to come in their high school “It gives me more time graduation careers. to work hard at school player is an option “This season I’m looking forward to and on the soccer field most athplaying with the upperclassmen and hopebecause I don’t have to letes must at fully winning a lot of games.” Lewis said. worry about what’s in

Fantasy football fever is back and taking over the campus Teachers and students express a similar passion for the game

BY ALI LEMOS

alemos.gazette@gmail.com

There’s thirty seconds left and your team is on the 15 yard line, down by 6. Can they get a touchdown and win the game?

This thrill is what football lovers live for, but with fantasy football, the team aspect can be put in jeopardy as people root for the individual’s statistics.

Fantasy football is a game where participants pick players from any Nation Football League team and each player gets scored on a point system.

A “team” is put together before the season starts, but participants can trade their players throughout the season if they chose to.

Those who participate in fantasy football watch not only their favorite team but also the games with their key players.

Kyle Holmes, The Theatre Arts Director at Granite Bay High School, said, “I watch every team and can tell you a pretty embarrassing amount (of facts) for every

single team.”

But Holmes uses his talents and writes about his passion professionally.

“I freelance for USA today and I do fantasy football content,” Holmes said. “I cover individual defensive players and daily fantasy sports.”

Holmes’ dedication to fantasy football stems from his love of football itself.

“I’ve probably consistently watched every single game for 10 years or so,” Holmes said.

Scott Becker, an Advanced Placement Calculus and International Baccalaureate Mathematics teacher, used to have a similar outlook on football, but that changed.

“I watched more NFL before I had kids,” Becker said.

However this hasn’t stopped Becker from having three different fantasy football leagues.

In one league Becker recently made a trade with another member of the league which turned out very poorly for Becker.

“I completed a big trade for Jamaal Charles and then he tore his

ACL (that) Sunday and he’s out for the year. It was a disaster.” Becker said.

In fantasy football, points are given based off the statistics of a player, not how the team works as a whole. But for Becker it’s really important to look at the team to

I freelance for USA today and I do fantasy football content – Kyle Holmes, drama teacher

evaluate how a player will do.

“It’s not always the player but the players around them that impact the performance,” Becker said.

While the scoring is solely based off of the stats of the individual player, those stats typically result from how well a team is playing.

But this year both of these fan-

tasy football veterans, who have been playing since fantasy football first moved from newspaper to internet, have teams that don’t have a single win after 5 weeks of playing.

Bradley Jones, a junior at GBHS, has a team that has won four times in the past five weeks.

Jones didn’t need to research for his draft because he already watches so much football.

“I love football and watch it whenever it’s on.” Jones said.

He also relies on Sports Center to keep him updated.

When each one was questioned about their favorite team in the NFL, their response was quick.

The three fantasy players all said the Oakland Raiders, without a pause.

For Holmes, Becker, and Jones Fantasy Football is about taking their passion for football and expressing it through fantasy football.

“It’s a fun and exciting way to watch football.” Holmes said. Fantasy football has become a widespread trend all over campus, drawing a diverse fan base no matter the expertise.

SPORTS BRIEFS Fan of the Month Wrestling season is coming and everyone is invited to join

Gazette photo/ALI LEMOS

A dedicated student shows her support for the GBHS band

BY SABINA MAHAVNI

smahavni.gazette@gmail.com

Even though sophomore Elida Pentrack is not an official member of the Granite Bay High School Band, that does not stop her from giving the band her full support.

“I’ve supported the band by going to their concerts and watching them perform at football games,” Pentrack said. “I’ve attended their winter concert last year along with football games they have performed at and I’m planning on going to their winter and spring concerts this year.”

Football games are huge social events.

Many spirited students show their support for the football team by cheering wildly in the Tribe.

While a lot of fans are concerned with the touchdowns and points scored, Pentrack cheers for musical accompaniment.

“I like to hear the band play at the football games more than watch the actual football,” Pentrack said.

If she loves and respects the band so much, why doesn’t she just make it official and become a real member?

“I have wanted to be a member of the band,” Pentrack said. “However, band has a very time consuming schedule and it would take up a lot of my time for school work and extra curricular activities.”

“If I joined band, I would either play the trumpet or join the pit,” Pentrack said.

This band fandom (bandom) dates back

to the freshman Grizzly Retreat.

“I became a fan of the band because many of the friends that I met at the Grizzly Retreat were from band,” Pentrack said.

Pentrack also has deep respect for the award-winning band director, Kelly Lewis.

“The band could not be achieved without the amazing help of Mrs. Lewis,” Pentrack said. “(Lewis) puts in a lot of her time, work and effort into the band. That is why the band is as amazing as it is.”

It is fans like this that make GBHS full of spirit and support.

“I love the band, and I will continue to support them throughout high school,” Pentrack said. Sophomore Elida Pentrack enjoys cheering on the band by going to their concerts as well as going to hear them play at football games.

Gazette photo/SABINA MAHAVNI

The winter season of sports is approaching and the wrestling team is looking for more student athletes to join.

“This is a no cut sport and is for all levels,” said Lianne Getz, the wrestling team’s booster treasurer, in a news release. “Our team has a supportive environment and team members support and help each other improve their skills.

Because this is an individual sport, students are encouraged to achieve their personal best. And with a coaching ration

of 5:1, students are able to get the personal attention necessary for improvement.”

For information on the upcoming season there will be a meeting on November 4th going from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. in the Granite Bay High School library.

-compiled by Cole Kahmann

Your names.

Your faces.

The Gazette.

Friday, October 23, 2015

Grizz Quiz Compiled by Ali Lemos

What is your favorite pre-game snack?

w The Granite Bay Gazette

Sara Fassler Volleyball

Sports C3

Hunter Loomis Football

Apples-they have more energy than coffee does

Bananas

What is your favorite pre-game song?

A Little Party Never Killed Nobody by Fergie

Pharoh Cooper by

How do you mentally prepare for a game?

I watch old videos of me playing

Tim Buds The team goes into the gym with the lights off and goes

Liam Bell Water Polo

Joey Scotti

A power bar and Gatorade

Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches

All the lights by

Where It’s at by Dustin Lynch

Kanye I go over the plays in my head

Soccer

Relax and take a power nap

through the plays Have you ever forgotten a jersey or uniform?

How do you celebrate a win?

I forgot my mouth guard

No

I run up to my parents and give them a hug

Going home then sleeping until noon the next day

No

I left it at the field and had to drive two hours to get it

The team eats food

Going out with the team

Jordan Poczubutt Cross Country

Bananas

Any song that gets in my head before a race

My team writes down our personal and overall goals

No

A pint of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream

Sophomore builds momentum for season

BY PARKER MATHESON pmatheson.gazette@gmail.

Teague Dillbeck Dillbeck looks to have a positive mindset going into this year’s wrestling season.

As an underclassmen he had exposure to drugs.

“Two varsity teams experienced drug problems four years straight,” Continued from page C1 the source said. “Coaches never test teams be“They’ll do anything cause they are scared to win,” said Meof losing players. deiros.

It has become According to Mesomewhat of a joke deiros he has never among athletes, using been a part of or recreational and perheard of a drug team formance enhancing that has been tested. without worry.

Although students According to the may not hear or see anonymous source, using, there is no teams in place at doubt it’s present.

GBHS at the moment An anonymous would be very difsource at GBHS isn’t ferent if teams drug as clean he publicly tested regularly. appears.

Peer pressure among

DRUGS:

How involved are drugs in the lives of students at Granite Bay High School today?

Wrestling runs in the family with the Dillbecks.

The son of a wrestling coach, Teague Dillbeck has been wrestling since he was five years old.

“My dads been a coach since he was in high school,” Dillbeck said.

Dillbeck saw a tremendous amount of success last year as a freshman.

“I was one of three freshman in the sac-Joaquin section to place in the section tournament (last year),” Dillbeck said.

While wrestling is traditionally an individual sport, it is nearly impossible for someone to succeed without the help of one’s teammates.

Ethan Table, Zach Renkert, Michael Verras, and Connor Getz have all added positive influences to his wrestling career.

Team captains Mitch Morse and Aaron Wiese led the teams leadership last year. Dillbeck has not only wrestled however.

“I’ve played soccer, baseball, and football and I run cross country right now,” Dillbeck said.

He believes all of these sports have added to or positively affected the way he wrestles.

Whether it be the pure conditioning they offer or mental part of the game they have benefited his competitive edge. The long distance running has helped build his enduarnce and the physical contact of the other sports have helped build his overall strength as an athlete.

Dillbeck has high hopes for this season as he heads into his main sport. “(I aspire to) place 5th or higher in sections and qualify for state,” Dillbeck said.

Wrestlers must do well enough at the league tournament to qualify for the division tournament in which the best from there go on to the section tournament.

Last year, the top seven in the section got to go on to state; Teague missed the opportunity by reaching 8th.

popular athletes often forces them to abuse recreational or performance enhancing drugs.

One of Marder’s colleagues advises high school athletes to avoid drugs and to stay clean throughout their high school careers.

“I never used drugs because I wanted to know if it was me or the drug performing,” Marder’s colleague said.

According to Medeiros a victory is always satisfactory in a game, but whether it’s you winning or the drug winning is up to you.

These individual decisions are either the building blocks or the trap doors as students prepare to take on the world beyond the front gates of GBHS.

Nonetheless it is extremely rare for a freshman to make it as far as Dilbeck did.

It will be necessary to place the top six in the section in order to move on to the state tournament this season however.

As the Sac-Joaquin lost one of its state qualifying spots, it will be slightly harder for GBHS wrestlers to reach the State tournament.

The wrestling team will be featuring some new members this year along with some skilled returning wrestlers, including Teague Dillbeck.

Last year the new schools added in the Sierra Foothill League increased competition greatly for the end of the year league tournament and dual meets during the regular season.

Dillbeck is aware of the hard work he will have to put in to overcome the obstacles in the future, but he’s prepared to take on any challenges that head his way. As he didn’t back down to the challenge as a freshman, he certainly won’t back down this year.

Gazette file photo /KAT MCGRAIL

Performance enhancing drugs and supplement use endanger eligibility and health of high school student athletes

Cheer for the winning team.

Cheer for The

Gazette.

Sports C4

Friday, October 23, 2015

w The Granite Bay Gazette

U.S. Youth soccer receives structure changes Age differences lead to separation of players

BY SAVANNA THOMPSON sthompson.gazette@gmail.com

A recent change in the organization of youth soccer has impacted several aspects of the sport for players and coaches alike.

To compensate for a decrease of more than 600,000 six-yearold soccer players between 2008 and 2013, US Youth Soccer has regrouped teams based on birth year to encourage continued youth participation in the sport.

Youth soccer teams will be based on the calendar year rather than school year. One age group will consist of players born between January 1 and December 31 of the same year instead of August 31 of one year to July 31st of the next year.

When Emma Darragh, a GBHS senior, first started playing soccer recreationally, she played up an age group so that she could compete with her classmates.

Her transition to competitive soccer marked the switch from playing with older girls in her grade, to playing with girls her age, in a grade below her.

As Darragh matured, the age and school year discrepancy became more apparent.

“When I got older and college recruiting started happening, I felt an immense disadvantage,” Darragh said. “The age group above me would get many coaches scouting out the players, but because we had the label that we were younger, significantly fewer coaches would come to our games.”

Coaches who were busy recruiting for the 2016 graduating class would not attend Darragh’s games because her team consists of mainly 2017 graduates.

“By the time the older team had been recruited, all of the schools I was interested in going to had filled their rosters for my graduation year,” Darragh said.

Even though Darragh’s recruiting process was more difficult than most, she recently committed to Illinois Wesleyan University to continue her career at the collegiate level.

This age group change also seeks to resolve the selection bias previously evident as kids who were more physically mature received favorable treatment or opportunities.

Now, U.S. soccer can find the best players without the age bias and will match Gazette photo /ISABELLA TKACHUK international standards of GBHS soccer player Jack McGrail (left) takes the ball up field while teammate Brennan Holt (middle) covers him to maintain possession. all other youth national sions. most pre-existing teams. In many games.

Holt’s son also played baseball teams except Canada.

Her eldest daughter, Jordan, was cases, the oldest players will move The first age group able to play growing up.

While these changes must be born in January, making her one of on, and the younger players who 11v11 will be players in the U13 “It was a real advantage to implemented by 2017 as a part of the older players in her age group need to replace them are not as age group, and all younger players have the younger birthday in the U.S. Soccer Coaching Initiawhile her youngest daughter, Sum- strong. will transition from 4v4 to 7v7 to little league because you got to tive, many club teams are making mer, was born days away from the While Holt does not disagree 9v9 as they age. play an extra year in minors even the changes now. cut off to play in the age group with the new mandate entirely, she “Getting more touches on the though some of your classmates “About one-fourth of my team, below. believes that US Soccer should ball is a good thing,” senior Mitch had moved,” Holt said. “You including myself, will have to “Summer had to go from being have grand fathered in teams from Montbriand said. “They should really saw those boys at the top, tryout for the older age group the most petite player and not as U14 and above because these keep it the way it is because I and I thought it was great for their and will not be able to stay with strong as some of the older girls players are in critical recruiting think it will be hard to transition development.” the rest of our teammates,” Izzy on her team in order to compete,” years. from 9v9 to 11v11 because the While her son benefitted from an Cusano said. Cusano is a GBHS Holt said. “So I feel like Jordan “I feel like it’s really disruptive spacing is so much different.” extra year in the minors, Holt still freshman who plays for the San was at an advantage (being as tall to the development of a team,” US Soccer hopes that the smaller believes that it is best for youth Juan Soccer Club. as she was).”

Holt said. “I’m not mad at US sided games will expose players to sports to be split by school year.

Although Cusano can not notice As much as the previous age Soccer, but I feel like they really all the positions on the field while When the kids are younger, a difference between the oldest groups affected her children’s aren’t considering the impact it keeping them more engaged and development is based more heavand youngest players on her team development, the new age groups has on the kids, the teams, the more fit, as there will be fewer ily upon how interested the kid is in terms of talent, she looks forwill be just as disruptive. coaches and the clubs.” players on the field. or how long they can pay attenward to the competition in the age “For (my son) Brennan, he will Youth coaches will be forced to Contrary to the US Soccer shift tion, but as they get older, the group above her, as she will have lose at least a third of his team, undergo more extensive training to age groups being based on birth school year division will make the to keep up with stronger players. and his best friend will no longer in order to be qualified to coach year, Little League baseball has recruiting process easier.

Deidre Holt, parent of three be playing on the same team,” soccer, and the youth players will moved its age groups to contain These changes are attempting to youth soccer players, noticed that Holt said. compete in small sided games classmates of those all in the same make baseball more available to her children were significantly These changes will break up rather than the standard 11v11 grade, starting this past spring. all ages. affected by the previous age divi-

CONCUSSIONS: Some

Get Buckets.

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symptoms still haunt players Continued from page C1

for her brain to heal faster. Her physical therapist cleared her two weeks ago and now she can go back to playing.

According to Rizzuto, her concussions have played a huge role in the way she can learn material and process it.

“Its really hard, especially in the beginning to remember things,” said Rizzuto. “I learn lessons at school and go home and can’t remember what I learned earlier in the day, so I have to reteach it to myself.”

To truly retain and learn the material, she has to change how much and the way she studies.

“I probably have to read something … five different days, five different periods of time, to actually learn it,” Rizzuto said.

At home, she also needs to include “brain breaks,” where every fifteen minutes she sits and processes the information covered.

“After my first (concussion) I remember trying to memorize and remember things and it was hard but it didn’t last as long as it has now,” Rizzuto said. “I’m still having trouble remembering things and it’s been almost three months whereas previously (memory problems) lasted probably two weeks.”

Aside from the academic aspects, she has also experienced emotional effects from the damage to her brain.

“My irritability right now is the same as a newborn baby,” Rizzuto said. “Randomly I’ll start crying or get really angry and I don’t know why.”

Senior lacrosse player John Sabin has also suffered three concussions, two from his sport.

When he was about 11 years old playing lacrosse, Sabin got cross checked in the face causing his head to hit the ground and he blacked out.

His next concussion happened during his freshmen year in high school, Sabin again was cross checked to the face, except this time he retained

consciousness. Directly after this second concussion he felt dizzy and nauseous.

After this second concussion, he thought the injury was minor and that the effects would wear off.

However, Sabin now believes that the concussions progressively intensified after each one he suffered.

“It really messes up your brain in that you start having to relearn how it works,” Sabin said. “Based on statistics, after I got my concussion freshmen year, my grades dropped.

Watching that was kinda scary in that I knew I couldn’t really recover because my mind wasn’t working well. So I had to work (to improve my grades).”

After his first and second concussions, he was advised by doctors to stay away from school for the first couple days following his concussions.

Similar to Rizzuto, Sabin’s doctors were worried about over-stimulating his brain following the hits.

While junior basketball player Dylan Cole has only been diagnosed with one concussion, which occurred one month ago, his symptoms were immediately apparent.

During basketball practice Cole attempted a rebound and a teammate’s nose hit his temple.

When it happened Cole said he felt like there were “explosions going off” in his head, but even then he couldn’t tell the seriousness of the injury until his teammates told him he needed to sit down during practice because he wasn’t looking well. “(The symptoms) were pretty bad for 5-6 days, now I just get a headache every now and then,” Cole said.

It is important to undergo the proper procedures advised by your doctor and take the time off they recommend to prevent further injury and have an effective recovery.

Granite Bay High School’s nurse Jenny Serrano said that athletes don’t need to worry as

much about long-term effects after just one concussion, but three or four concussions can certainly cause problems.

If you have some of the main symptoms of having a ‘headache, disruption of sleep patterns, memory loss, or balance issues’ then Serrano recommends you see a doctor.

Even if the doctor just wants

If they know that they get injured during a practice (...) they need to tell someone right away – Jenny Serrano, GBHS Nurse

to monitor symptoms, like she said is usually the case, there is no reason to mess with an injury to the head.

“If they know that they get injured during a practice or a game they need to tell someone right away, and not try to play through it.” Serrano said.

“What I hope that students get is if they tell someone right away and it gets checked out and evaluated and they get treated or rest they can usually return to play pretty quickly whereas if they wait and symptoms get worse then it usually is a longer time being out.”

“Unfortunately with students lots of times they might get injured especially during practice and not tell anyone until later that evening or the next day.” Serrano said.“It’s really important that kids tell coaches or parents right away when something happens so they can go get checked out by a doctor.”

Friday, October 23, 2015

The Granite Bay Gazette

w

Sports C5

Student athletes robbed of their senior season

GBHS seniors forced to stop sports due to injuries

BY JENNY TARBELL

jtarbell.gazette@gmail.com

Senior year is the last time for everything. Your last winterball, your last high school rally, your last time on a high school sports team.

For most athletes, senior year is a time to look forward to. Your at the top of the school and in the final year of high school sports. Whether it be because of increased playing time or the simple pleasure of enjoying the last time competing with friends, it’s a year that is valuable to everyone.

Unfortunately, some seniors are forced to forgo that time due to injury.

“It really sucks because you work so hard from a young age with one end goal being varsity,” senior football athlete, Reed Homen said. “It’s hard to watch everyone else doing what you want to do.”

Imagine working hours on end and not getting a paycheck. Or writing an entire book that never gets published. The moment when hard work finally pays off never comes.

Homen said that that is what it’s like to be a senior that doesn’t get to play their last year.

Homen tore his meniscus in August and had to get a meniscus repair, leaving him in a brace and off the field for five to six

months. Just enough time to miss the football season.

Athletes work from a young age with an end goal of playing on the varsity team or

I wouldn’t be able to participate in my last year and the most important year in a basketball player’s career.

I literally felt everything crash down. I couldn’t explain it.

– Daeja Black, varsity basketball player

playing their senior year.

“Basketball has been in my life for eleven years,” senior basketball player, Daeja Black said. “I had developed a passion for the game.”

Players grow up practicing and making connections with peers who share the same love for the game, both in and out of high school.

Black, for example, is involved in a team

outside of school where she competed for the majority of her adolescence with the exception of this last year.

“I wouldn’t be able to participate in my last year and the most important year of a basketball player’s career.” said Black.

“I literally felt everything crash down. I couldn’t explain it.”

Black tore her ACL and partially tore her meniscus.

Her ACL is now healed but the surrounding muscles are not strong enough to handle strenuous activity.

Special to the Gazette /REED HOMEN Black may be playing her last Senior Reed Homen takes the field for a football game before contracting “ his injury year on the high school team, but missed her last year on the “I play doubles with one of my best line Romero, senior tennis player. “But I outside team which, according to Black, friends so I was really excited for our still like it because it’s fun cheering on my was much more heart breaking. senior year,” said Romero. “Now we don’t teammates.”

Years of training and hours of time and Romero contracted tendinitis in her achil- get to, so that’s definitely the hardest effort devoted to a sport just to be forced to les from overuse so she walked around in thing.” sit on the sideline.

Despite their setbacks, these studentsa boot and is waiting for it to completely Instead of being involved in the game, in- heal to prevent a recurrence. athletes have made the most of their time Romero, like most of the other seniors in on the GBHS campus and athletic teams. jured seniors have to observe what they’d They continue to support their teams as similar situations, was looking forward rather be doing. they make individual journeys on the road to playing with her friends and enjoying it “I feel like I’m kind of worthless, I’m to recovery. one last time. just sitting there watching,” said Jacque-

Fall sports teams strive to make post-season playoffs GBHS sports teams continue to work toward their goal of continuing their season

BY MCKENNA ARAM maram.gazette@gmail.com

As always, the majority of Granite Bay High School athletics have flourished this fall.

Varsity girls’ volleyball has dominated throughout their current season. They have a 19 to four overall standing in games and tournaments, and remain four to two in the league.

“I hope that we win against teams that we should beat, and try our hardest against teams that challenge us,” varsity volleyball player, Julia Reese said. “I think that our strength is that we’re all individually good players but we work together and make each other stronger.”

The JV volleyball girls have also displayed a plethora of triumph this season. They remain seven to three in overall standings and are one to zero in league game standings.

Varsity football has a current three to three standing in their overall games.

“We’ve faced a lot of hard competition in the middle of this season, but from now on we’re playing SFL teams. I think we’re prepared for them, but I think we just need to get better as a team overall,” varsity football player, Christian Fisher said. “As of right now, we’re just taking it game by game and seeing where we can go from there.”

The junior varsity football team has also prevailed this season with five wins and one tie game.

Over in Varsity boys’ soccer, the team has won three of their games, lost five, and tied four.

“We got off to kind of a slow start, but we won our

first league game recently and I think we’re going to get a couple more wins in our league.” varsity soccer player, Brennan Holt said.

The JV boys soccer team has won seven of their ten games, lost one, and tied three.

I hope that we win against teams that we should beat and try our hardest against teams that challenge us. I think our strength is that we’re all individually good players but we work well together and make each other stronger.

– Julia Reese, varisty volleyball player

Meanwhile in girls’ varsity water polo, the team has won just more than half of their games, with a

six to five overall standing and a two to zero standing in the league.

The JV water polo team is also renowned for their success, being undefeated in the league for three consecutive years. Evidence to that title, they currently remain undefeated in the league.

“Some strengths we have is our knowledge of the game because most of us played with each other during the summer, unlike other teams,” JV girls water polo player, Maya Jones said. “I think we will be undefeated league champs for the third year in a row.”

The varsity boys water polo team currently has a seven to six overall standing and remain three to zero in their league games.

“We are doing really well. We’re undefeated in league and are a few games away from heading into the section tournament as one of the top four teams (out of 112).” varsity boys water polo player, Blake D’souza said. “We really want to win the section title, that’s been our goal from the start of this season and we think we can win it.”

In girls’ tennis, the team continues to dominate overall and has won seven out of their eleven games so far. Yena Jang competes a golf match against The fall sports teams continue to work hard to Nevada Union High School finish our their seasons in order to be successful in playoffs.

Cameron Douglas finds success in soccer

Gazette Photo / FRANCES STRNAD

Cameron Douglas

Big hits.

His passion for the sport helped him pave his future

BY MCKENNA ARAM maram.gazette@gmail.com

Big News.

Sophomore Cameron Douglas recently became verbally committed to play soccer for the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

As a high school athlete, it’s pretty infrequent to hear about occurrences such as these happening at such a young age.

“We prefer athletes in their freshman or sophomore years of high school or no later than in their junior season of high school to apply via the biography form,” states UCLA’s recruiting website. “ Unless you are a late rising junior it is probably too late to apply for an athletic scholarship in your senior year in virtually all of our 25 sports.”

UCLA prefers to recruit athletes at a younger age, and Douglas happened to be one of those lucky athletes.

Douglas currently plays for the Sacramento Republic FC Academy program.

His team was invited to a soccer function hosted in Los Angeles, California where he was seen for the first time displaying his skill on the field.

“It brought all of the best academy teams and soccer players from across the nation down to this one group down in LA.” Douglas said.

As a goalie, he is allowed to contact certain officials.

He contacted one of UCLA’s soccer officials who promptly responded, inviting him down to the campus.

The first time Douglas was seen in action by UCLA scouts was during a game against a German team.

“The next week, I went down and visited (UCLA),” Douglas said. “That day the staff said they wanted me to be on the team and I said of course, I love you, and I love UCLA. It’s so awesome.”

He has been playing soccer for almost nine years now, starting at just age five as a goalie.

“I wasn’t always a soccer player. I was kind of lazy as

After starting to play soccer, Douglas quickly developed a passion and talent for the game.

a kid” Douglas said. “I liked playing goalie because it required zero movement, but I just started liking soccer a lot, and fell in love with it.”

He was on Granite Bay High School’s varsity soccer team as a freshman to play goalie position. This year however, he is not allowed to play on Granite Bay’s soccer team due to Academy’s regulations.

“Academy doesn’t let you play high school because it takes up too much time.” Douglas said.

The league is composed of seven different divisions that make up three conferences across the nation for the age groups of 15/16 and 17/18.

The Academy completely funds each player once they become apart of the team. That includes travel accommodations, food, fees, and even international trips.

Douglas will continue to play on Sacramento Republic FC until he proceeds to UCLA.

The Gazette. Good journalism any way you read it.

The Gazette. Good journalism any way you read it.

The Gazette.

C6

Friday, October 23, 2015

w The Granite Bay Gazette

SECOND LOOK

For the Record -As of October 23, 2015

Cross Country: 09/02: @ Del Oro Invite 09/12: @ Lowell Invite 09/16: SFL #1 GBHS @ Willow Hills 09/26: Stanford Invite 09/30: SFL #2 GBHS @ Nevada Union 10/10: Clovis Invite 10/30 SFL Championships 11/7 Sac-Joaquin Subsections Boys Soccer 08/28: vs Rio Americano (1-1) 09/01: GBHS @ El Camino (0-2) 09/03: GBHS @ Whitney (1-2) 09/09: vs Davis (2-1) 09/11: GBHS @ Rocklin (1-2) 09/16: GBHS @ Del Oro (3-3) 09/18: vs Folsom (1-1) 09/25: GBHS @ Oakridge (0-2) 09/30: GBHS @ Nevada Union (1-1) 10/02: vs Woodcreek (2-1) 10/07: vs Rocklin (2-3) 10/09: vs Del Oro (2-1) 10/13: GBHS @ Folsom (1-3) 10/21 vs. Oak Ridge 10/27 @ Woodcreek 11/3 Section Playoffs 11/5 Section Quarterfinals 11/11 Section Semifinal Boys Water Polo 09/15: GBHS @ Oakridge (15-3) 09/22: vs Nevada Union (18-7) 09/29: vs Woodcreek (12-6) 10/06: GBHS @ Del Oro (13-6) 10/13: vs Rocklin (16-9) 10/23 Delong Tournament 10/27 SFL Tournament 10/29 SFL Tournament Finals 11/3 Playoffs 11/5 Playoffs 11/10 Playoffs Girls Volleyball 09/02: GBHS @ Lincoln of Stockton (3-0) 09/04: vs Whitney (3-0) 09/08: GBHS @ Vista Del Lago (3-2) 09/10: vs St. Francis (3-1) 09/15: vs Christian Brothers (3-0) 09/17: GBHS @ Nevada Union (3-2) 09/22: vs Woodcreek (3-0) 09/24:GBHS @ Rocklin (2-3) 09/29: GBHS @ Del Oro (3-0) 10/01: vs Folsom (3-0) 10/08: GBHS @ Oakridge (0-3) 10/13: vs Nevada Union (3-0) 10/15: GBHS @ Woodcreek (3-0) 10/27 @ Folsom 10/31 Super 8 Tourney 11/2 vs Oak Ridge Football 08/28: vs Jesuit (21-7 GBHS) 09/04: @ Consumnes Oaks (1411) 09/18: @ Vacaville (42-7) 09/25: vs Folsom (27-14) 10/02: vs De La Salle ( 37-0) 10/09: vs Oak Ridge (36-28) 10/16: @ Nevada Union 10/23 vs. Woodcreek 10/30 @ Rocklin 11/6 @ Del Oro 11/13 First Round Playoffs Girls Tennis 09/09: vs Woodcreek (8-1) 09/11: @ Rocklin (3-6) 09/16: @ Del Oro (4-5) 09/25: vs Oakridge (5-4) 09/30: @ Nevada Union (9-0) 10/01: @ Woodcreek (9-0) 10/06: vs Rocklin (3-6) 10/08: vs Del Oro 10/13: @ Folsom Girls Golf 09/01: @ Del Oro 09/03: vs Folsom 09/10: @ Oak Ridge 09/15: @ Nevada Union 09/17: vs Woodcreek 09/22: @ Rocklin 09/24: vs Del Oro 09/29: @ Folsom 10/06: vs Oak Ridge 10/26 Gold Divisionals 11/2 Section Tournament 11/9 Nor Cal Tourney 11/17 Golf State Girls Water Polo 09/15: @ Oak Ridge (11-3) 09/22: vs Nevada Union 09/30: vs Woodcreek (6-5) 10/06: @ Del Oro (4-8) 10/13: vs Rocklin 10/23 Julian Schmidt Tourney 10/27 League Tournament Round 3 10/29 League Finals

Gazette photo /FRANCES STRNAD

Gazette photo /JENNY TARBELL

Gazette photo /MADELINE WILLIAMS

Gazette photo /FRANCES STRNAD

Gazette photo /JENNY TARBELL

Gazette photo /JENNY TARBELL

Gazette photo /MADELINE WILLIAMS

Gazette photo /JENNY TARBELL

wSenior Abby Rowe (top left) prepares for a serve during practice. Chisay Arai (top right) watches her chip on the fairway. The Tribe (big middle) gets ready to take on the nationally ranked De La Salle. Vanessa Richani (middle left) takes a shot down the green. Senior varsity tennis player Abby Rowe (middle right) works to perfect her serve. Senior Joey Scotti (second up from bottom left) dribbles the ball into the other teams territory in their game against Whitney High School. Freshmen Sage Smith (bottom left) serves against a teammate during practice. Varsity cheerleader Kylie Shimada (bottom right) pumps up the crowd and team.

GS The Gazette’s arts and entertainment guide.

October 2015

GREEN SCREEN New editing app VSCO Cam improves photo creativity

PAGES

8&9

Special to the Gazette/ ELISE NICOLE

Page 2

October 2015

sneak peek.

Special to the Gazette / WHITNEY KNORP

wSee page 5 for Apple Hill’s best features

Gazette photo / AMANDA PRATHER

wSee page 8&9 for a look at the new VSCO cam trend

Gazette photo /HANNAH HOLZER

wSee page 16 for the Gazette editors’ bake-off.

Halloween is the bane of our existence

Upcoming Childhood regrets lead to current hatred of this ghostly holiday GBHS am by no means the Hallo-king of Halloween. In fact, I pretty I am sure I will be the adult that leaves a bowl full of candy Events for much hate everything about Halloween, so let me just elabonext to a sign that says “take one” on my front doorstep, with all rate why it completely sucks. of my lights off. No candy left? Tough cookies. Don’t ring my Costumes. Costumes are by far the worst thing about Hallowdoorbell.

October een.

Pumpkins. Give me some pumpkin seeds or pumpkin bread to I must have been emotionally traumatized as a child, because I eat and we’re chillin’. and have a very vivid memory of my dad cakBut don’t expect me to throw away those ing costume makeup on my very reluctant moldy pumpkins that are collapsing in on COMMENTARY november face. themselves from their own rot.

I

Halloween night. I was a vampire, and Pumpkin carving can be a fun thing, but I my father insisted that he paint my entire will, at all costs, avoid carving anything that face white. takes more than 20 minutes.

In every picture from that night, I looked The guts always get everywhere, and like I wanted to actually be dead. leaves a strange residue on my forearms I felt so obligated and pressured when I even after I have washed them. was a child to wear a costume to elementaI do just love seeing those carved pumpry school and participate in the petty events kins squashed in the middle of the street on of Halloween, and now I regret every moNov. 1. You rotten kids! ment of it.

Scary movies. What have scary movies The face paint crusted on my face, my even become anymore? “Oh I am possessed torn pants that my mom made me (thanks by a demon! Sh*t, now I’m dead!” “Oh bpanter.gazette@gmail.com mom, for always slaving away at making no, there’s an ax-wielding murderer in my those homemade costumes, even though I kitchen! I’ll just grab a bat and go investiloathed wearing them) and the anxiety on my face from trick or gate. I’ll be fine!” treating are just a few reasons why I hate this holiday.

Got a ghost living in your house? I advise you set up cameras Trick-or-Treating. I know it’s what everyone says, but candy so you can see what they do at night. Come on people, get real. really is on sale the day after Halloween.

There is an important distinction that needs to be made here: Candy is good, because who doesn’t love candy (except for Halloween is not synonymous with fall. candy corns), but just wait for Nov. 1 to buy it the diabetes can I am all about fall but not in the slightest about Halloween. wait.

I love a good caramel apple anytime, the cool weather, the As soon as the sun sets, those nasty crusty as children emerge, changing colors of the leaves and some apple pie, but I avoid asgroveling at your feet on your doorstep. sociating these things with Halloween at all costs.

No, kid, I am not going to compliment you and applaud you for So, for this Oct. 31, I recommend you trick or treat yo’ self by wearing an ill fitting costume your mom bought at Target. avoiding every Halloween activity. I know I will.

blake panter

Guide to Green Screen

Page 3 Music reviews

Page 6/7 Food Reviews

Page 4 Follow Friday

Page 8/9 VSCO cam trend

Page 5 Apple Hill

Page 10 Halloween guides

Page 11 Halloween and partying Page 12 Who’s hiring Page 13 Fall play preveiw

October 23

Homecoming tonight

October 28 Sophomore PSAT day November 11 No school

Page 14/15 Movie reviews Page 16 Pie bake-off between two Gazette editors.

October 2015

Page 3

tune in.

Lana Del Rey Honeymoon

BY JENNY TARBELL

L

jtarbell.gazette@gmail.com

anding her first album on the Billboard 200 with Ultraviolence, singer and songwriter Lana Del Rey had a lot to live up to, and she did not disappoint.

Released on Sept. 18, Del Rey’s album Honeymoon proves that she is a force to reckon with.

Songs such as “High by the Beach,” and “ “Honeymoon,”dominated the Billboard charts in less than a week.

The album is retro with a touch of grunge.

It also explores a very jazzy rhythmic feel, including orchestrative instruments like the flute in “Music to Watch Boys To.” However, this album is not for everyone. Del Rey takes a hazy, almost sleepy approach to her music that tends to only lure in a certain

audience.This album is not for uplifted and happy moods but rather melancholy and nostalgic days.

Although Del Rey is very talented, her voice tends to stay in one range throughout the entire album, which makes her music much less exciting than other top hits.

Del Rey explores various emotion in her music such as sadness, violence and nostalgia.

These are especially relevant in the song, “The Blackest Day,” where she conveys sadness in that she is in “all the wrong places,” and “can’t feel anything.”

However, in the track, “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood,” she retaliates the public opinion of her having “sad” music. The lyrics she sings, “it seems is all I have is worry and you’re bound to hear my other side,” conveys hat there is more to her music than what is heard at surface level.

She expresses that she does have joy and happiness just like everyone else, but she chooses to display hardship.

Although her music appears melancholy, she explores ideas of femininity and American values throughout her entire album.

Del Rey’s influences ranges from the state of California to Mark Ryden, Fellini, Picasso and Giorgio Moroder, the father of disco.

Her exploration of surrealism is expressed in Polydor Ltd. (UK) the track “Burnt Norton Interlude,” which is  Honeymoon set up in a speaking manner. was released on In that song, Del Rey conveys abstract ideas Sept.18, 2015. about time which can be rather confusing without close interpretation.

Listening to the album, it is obvious she has poured all her emotion into her work.

Skip to: Del Rey’s album is much different from other current artists; she utilizes music as self- “Music to Watch expression rather than as a beat to dance to.

Boys to ”

B+

Azizi Gibson preHISTORIC Hunter Hayes Storyline Till Death PARKER MATHESON

pmatheson.gazette@gmail.com

Y

36 brickhouse

preHISTORIC till death came out Oct. 5, 2015.

B+

Skip to : “Stay”

es, the self-proclaimed “Grim Reaper” has produced something ironically pleasant.

Azizi Gibson, although fairly unknown and still independent, shows promise in this album.

Gibson’s new album, preHISTORIC, could possibly vault him into the ranks of the best rappers out there.

With beats that borderline dubstep and bounce back to modern hip hop this album is anything but prehistoric.

If anything, its complexity helps him extend his reaches to fans outside of the rap genre.

Gibson seems to employs several actions to keep listeners’ interests.

Whether it be interactions with Siri or skits at the beginning of songs - he never fails to entertain.

Although most intros to albums are rarely the length of a full, Gibson’s first track “Intro”, on the album is longer than three minutes.

Starting slow, the track escalates into a heavy baseline that appeals to even the most basic rap fans, while still maintaining a respectable meaning in his lyrics.

A common theme in the album appears to be Gibson’s apparent struggle with the female sex.

In the tracks “King Cupid,” “Enemies,” “Stay,” Gibson appears to contemplate either his or his significant others decisions in their relationships.

However the album still has some lighthearted moments.

In both “Slave Ship” featuring Waka Flocka Flame and “A**” he addresses the stereotypical yet catchy part of rap that may have caused his widespread popularity.

Although Gibson’s vocabulary complexity

isn’t as great as Kendrick Lamar’s, he still manages to connect with his listeners on real issues.

Throughout “Explosive” he iterates on the constant struggle people face throughout life.

Depicting the need for evolution, he illustrates how despite having a constant acquisition of traits it is never enough to be satisfied with.

Gibson isn’t afraid to describe conflicts in his love life with “Stay”.

Despite his total admiration for a girl, he’s afraid of losing contact with his other friends.

Additionally he fears he’ll forget to put his own goals first.

Gibson shows promise throughout the album, something many new artists fail to do.

He’s able to switch his pace without making his rapping seem blocky or out of control.

If Gibson continues on his current path he’ll receive the credits that may keep him relevant until he becomes prehistoric.

Drake & Future What a Time to be Alive

BY KASSIDY HENSON

khenson.gazette@gmail.com

W

hat A Time To Be Alive was released on Sept.20, 2015. With Drake and Future’s collaborative efforts, it really is a time to be alive.

Tag-team rap albums are either one of three things: an unrealistic fan-based dream, an excessive display of wealth and success or the perfect storm.

Both Drake and Future are at the peaks of their career, making this album more like a victory lap of sorts.

With Drake basking in the success of If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late and Future celebrating the triumph of DS2, it seems both artists are at similar points in their professional lives.

Their songs both on and off the album highlight the common themes of money, parties and women.

For Drake, those themes are goals that he is continuously chasing. But in Future’s perspective, those goals represent a trap in

which he is constantly stuck.

With differing perspectives on overlapping themes, this album had the potential to be a great failure or a great success.

It seems that opposites do attract in the case of What A Time To Be Alive.

This album is filled with monologues of exuberant success and self-loathing.

Audiences are used to this style of expression from Drake, as he is a firm believer in emotion as artistic expression.

However, Future’s therapeutic use of confession through song was tasteful and surprising.

The album was produced by Future’s associate Metro Boomin, and often feels like Drake is featured on Future’s album, rather than a collaboration effort.

The album intertwines hip-hop and trap music, taking advantage of the sound Future has been creating for the past year.

Drake refreshes the listener with his popular rhythmic style, breaking the audience from Future’s ambient spell.

Every song on the album is labeled explicit with the clean option available for purchase.

I believe that the language in this album has more to do with the culture of this style of rap than artistic expression through the use of unconventional language.

Many words, though clearly well thought out, seem to be used in excess to appeal to their audience.

In accordance with ratings and number of purchases, “Jumpman” is the most successful and popular song off of the album, followed by Cash Money Records “Big Rings” and “Diamonds Dancing”. What a Time to be “Jumpman” reached the Billboard Top 20; Alive one of many for Drake and a first for Future. was released on Sept.

The song is named after Michael Jordan’s 20, 2015. clothing brand logo, which is his silhouette.

This song is both catchy and clever, and it ultimately sets the tone for the album.

What A Time To Be Alive is an excellent match of two of the most high-profile rappers Skip to: in the industry.

“Jumpman” They are stylistically very different, complimenting each other in many of their songs.

If you enjoy catchy beats and the decoding of rhythmic emotional riddles, this album is for you.

A-

Page 4

October 2015

current.

Mixtape - falling into fall

Artist of the Month Cierra Brown 1. What art class are you currently enrolled in?

Art 3 with Mr. Stevens.

2. Have you always been interested in pursuing art related activities?

Yes, it has always been an interest of mine ever since I was little. When I was younger I would doodle on things to entertain myself.

SONIA GARCHA

sgarcha.gazette@gmail.com

1. Prisoner – The Weeknd ft. Lana Del Rey

Anything by the Weeknd makes you believe that you now fully understand the meaning of life, and his voice sounds like heaven’s finest angel.

This song has a super chill vibe and makes you just want to throw on a pair of headphones and forget about your worries.

3. Why did you sign up for the art program at GBHS? I signed up because art is an outlet to express yourself, and I value that.

2. Coming Down – Halsey

I chose this song because it’s so smooth and makes you have one of those “stare out the window dramatically and reflect on life” moments, and you can never have too many of those.

4. What’s the most rewarding thing about being a part of the art program?

Seeing your paintings and viewing what you’ve accomplished.

3. Photograph – Ed Sheeran

This song proves to be a tear jerker, and if this song doesn’t make you tear up, then you have no real emotions.

5. What’s the most difficult thing about the art program?

It’s hard having a vision of what you want to accomplish and not having it come out the way you envisioned it in your head. It’s important to keep a positive mind and not to critique yourself too hard.

4. Night Like This – Hilary Duff ft. Kendall Schmidt

The former Lizzie McGuire star and former Big Time Rush member both have amazing voices, but their duet together is simply indescribable. It brings you this warm, bubbly feeling inside like when you see your waiter approach your table with your food.

Follow @jacob.aaron.calton for a culturally awakening adventure.

Follow Friday

Instagram

Compiled by Amanda Prather

6. What is your favorite portrait and how long did it take you to finish?

My self portrait and it took a few weeks.

Compiled by Epsa Sharma

FRESHMAN 2019 201 vs VS. SENIOR 6 .

What are you going to be for Halloween this year?

Stephanie: “The No Ragrets kid from ‘We’re the Millers.’”

Abe: “A trash can.”

What is your favorite coffee shop?

Stephanie: “Bloom would have to be my favorite.”

Abe: “I hate coffee.”

Stephanie Samson is a freshman at GBHS.

Abe Denton is a senior at GBHS. Compiled by Connor Hinson

October 2015

Page 5

apple hill and chill?

Special to the Gazette /ALISON BISHOP

Special to the Gazette/ AVA TKACHUK

Above junior Alison Bishop and family enjoy pumpkin picking.

Below sophomore Hannah Mortenson plays in the fall leaves.

Above juniors Isabella Tkachuck and Sydnee Greer enjoy Apple Hill Donuts. Below Camilla, Danielle, and Nolan Griggs, Jack Lugo and Keaton Doughrety bite into some fresh carmel apples.

Special to the Gazette /ROSA GRIGGS

Special to the Gazette /GUY SCANGARELLO Gazette illustration /AMANDA PRATHER

(Fall)ow the trend to Apple Hill GBHS students adventure to foothills for fall treats

BYJACQUELINE ROMERO jromero.gazette@gmail.com

E

xpanding from 16 to more than 55 ranchers over the course of the past 40 years, Apple Hill has become one of the most popular destinations during the fall season.

While it is also open during other parts of the year for Christmas tree farms, weddings and other events, the fall months are the most popular.

Junior Melissa Khurani said that she goes with her family to Apple Hill every year and while they haven’t had a chance to go yet this year, they are planning on going soon.

“We always start at Rainbow Orchard and get our apple donuts, then we go to Larsen’s to get apples and apple dumplings,” Khurani said. “We then eat lunch at the little field across the street and stop at Kids Inc. on the way home to get apple pies.”

One of the most popular aspects of Apple Hill are the apple related foods that are sold by the different ranchers.

Senior Tanvi Mehta already went to Apple Hill this season and said that her and her friends explored about 10 of the farms.

“Boa Vista, Abels and High Hill are the farms that

stood out,” Mehta said. “I remember going to Boa Vista because I always get apple pie, apple butter, apple jams and other apple products there.”

Khurani agreed that the apple related foods are a huge draw to Apple Hill.

“We always get apples, apple dumplings and an apple pie,” Khurani said. “My favorite are the apple dumplings.”

Junior Iris Chan agreed that one of the main reasons why so many people go to Apple Hill is for the delicious apple treats.

“My personal favorites are their cinnamon sugar donuts and apple cider,” Chan said.

According to the Apple Hill website, the number one most popular farm is High Hill Ranch.

At this farm alone they sell over 20 different types of apples plus apple products including desserts and drinks.

While food is one of the most popular reasons to go to Apple Hill, there are also many other attractions that people can take advantage of.

“My favorite thing to do at Apple Hill is to look at the craft booths,” Chan said. “They all have really unique and handmade items.”

In addition to crafts, the different ranches also have activities such as hay rides, fishing, face paint, apple picking and much more.

“We went through a couple of little kid corn mazes,” Mehta said. “And we saw some little animals, which was fun.”

Because many of the activities are catered toward younger kids, freshman Matthew Handy said he remembers going on trains and riding horses when he went to Apple Hill as a child.

Since the ranches open toward the beginning of fall, Chan said she thinks that a lot of people go to embrace the time of year.

“I think so many people like going to Apple Hill because the food is amazing and it is a great way to get into the autumn spirit,” Chan said. “They really know their way around an apple.”

Many local families have made it their tradition to go to Apple Hill at least once a year.

“It is an annual thing (my family) does every year,” Handy said. “We always do it right before we set up our Halloween stuff so it gets us in the mood.”

Khurani agreed that Apple Hill is a great place for people to spend time with family and friends and enjoy the season.

“I like Apple Hill because it’s like our little family tradition every year,” Khurani said. “It’s a fun way to make memories.”

Page 6

October 2015

juicy.

Squeeze the day...

The Gazette staff is on the hunt for the best creative juices in Roseville and Granite Bay.

Pressed Juicery

BY JENNY TARBELL

jtarbell.gazette@gmail.com

The Pressed Juicery is a quaint store that packs a big punch. Located across from the Galleria Mall, in the Fountains, Pressed Juicery has the solution to your fresh juice cravings.

With flavors ranging from citrus, to chocolate, to fresh greens, this place has something to satisfy anyone’s taste buds.

Not to mention, great customer service. Employees happily poured me samples of a variety of juices, even after my fifth request. From the moment I stepped in the store an associate welcomed me and informed me that they would be more than happy to assist me in any samples I desired.

The one I purchased was called “chocolate almond,” a blend of cacao, almond and sea salt. This was one of their specialty blends and was incredibly good. I’ve also had a range of their citrus flavors which are equally satisfying.

You can also choose to do a “juice cleanse” where you purchase a package of juices and follow the required instruction. They are designed to reboot your system and lose weight.

I personally have never tried a cleanse but have heard great things about it from people who have.

They’re healthy and taste great, so you get the benefits of eating clean and the satisfaction of indulgence all in one.

Pricing is a little on the more expensive side for a drink. They range from about five to nine dollars per juice.

Nubbin’s Drive In

Cleanses go from $72 to $325 depending on length.

In my opinion, the juices are worth the price and I will definitely be returning to purchase more in the future.

As far as appearance, the store is very small and simple, in fact it is simply a large fridge filled with juices, accompanied by a couple registers. However, there’s really not much more that needs to be in there; it is simple with purpose and very classy.

The only complaint I have would be the struggle to find parking. This has to do with it’s location and not the store itself, but on the weekends in particular, it is virtually impossible to find parking.

Spots directly in front of the store are minimal, so you have to walk to the lot behind all of the stores, which is not a significant hike but still inconvenient.

Even so, that lot is often full or there are only spots in the very back.

If I had to give one critique of Pressed Juicery it would be the parking where it is located, but overall it was very good.

Pressed Juicery, located in The Fountains, has a wide range of flavors with a small and simple atmosphere.

Gazette photo /JENNY TARBELL

BY KAYOMI KAYOSHI

kkayoshi.gazette@gmail.com

Although summer is going away and fall is approaching, the hot weather isn’t going anywhere. This weather is still acceptable for milkshakes, which is why I recommend Nubbin’s Drive In. While their location is in Downtown Roseville is easily missed, their handmade milkshakes are definitely worth it.

When I arrived, the first thing I noticed was the ridiculous amount of flies that were hovering around the establishment and harassing the customers.

This part of my visit was very annoying and was a major turn off, but the milkshake was worth it.

Their menu had a wide variety of flavors for milkshakes. They had peanut butter, cookie and the typical vanilla and chocolate. What I was impressed with was the fact that they also had a fresh banana milkshake. Out of curiosity I ordered the banana milkshake, and paid around $3 for it.

The milkshake itself took awhile to make, but I assume it’s because of the fact that they make their milkshakes by hand.

When I finally got the chance to try the milkshake, I was pleasantly surprised. The overall consistency of the milkshake was very good; it was thick, but not to the point where I had to put extra effort into trying to get it through

the straw, so that was partially what factored into my decision.. The banana flavor was very bold, and I can only relate the taste to a banana Laffy Taffy.

The only critique I have about the actual milkshake is that there were small chunks of banana in it. While I can see how some people would find this appetizing, I did not. There was a conflict in textures, which made it not as enjoyable as it would’ve been without the random chunks of banana.

Overall, Nubbin’s Drive In had very well made, flavorful milkshakes, and I highly recommend it. Nubbin’s Drive In has burgers, as well milkshakes for a reasonable price.

Gazette photo /KAYOMI KAYOSHI

Healthy Habit

BY SAVANNA THOMPSON sthompson.gazette@gmail.com

If you are on a diet, the Healthy Habit is the perfect spot for you.

This organic eatery offers healthy twists on popular cuisines at meager portion sizes while burning a massive hole in your pocket.

Located just off the main stretch of Downtown Auburn, the Healthy Habit embodies the surrounding area with its hole-in-the-wall charm.

Outside the eatery rest a few tables and chairs covered by green umbrellas that match the exterior. The petite patio provides a pleasant outdoor atmosphere to consume foods that comes straight from the Earth that is without preservatives or artificial flavorings.

The interior is equally as visually appealing as the menu covers blackboards all over the eatery, a quaint attribute found only in smaller dining locations.

The seating is minimal, so if there is a large crowd, you would likely have to stand or take your drink to go.

Additionally, I worry that with a large crowd, the

procedure for ordering beverages or food items would malfunction or be inefficient.

An employee writes down the order and attempts to type the prices into a calculator a system that glitched twice when I ordered causing a delay for all other consumers who wish to order and postponing how quickly the drinks can be made.

Regardless of the charismatic yet unproductive nature of the eatery’s design, the drink selection is simply intriguing.

The Healthy Habit offers a variety of drink blends from its juice bar. Options range from classic juices like the “healthy colada” to a strawberry banana smoothie to creating your own combination of the two.

Unlike many other beverage spots, this eatery offers exotic fruits to be blended into their drinks like dragon fruit, coconut and mango.

I recommend the pitaya smoothie as it encompassed the Caribbean. It was sweet but not overdone. The dragon fruit created a bright magenta color, and the flavor of the smoothie spoke for itself, heavenly and delectable.

However the 16 oz. drink was not worth the $7 price tag, almost double that of Jamba Juice. If the price was

cut in half, I would be more willing to purchase the smoothie again, but until then, I will keep my money and be more willing to spend it on a cheaper smoothie elsewhere or make one at home.

I had high expectations for the Healthy Habit because I love eating well, but I must admit I was disappointed in the food itself in comparison to the quality of the drinks.

I applaud this small business’ effort to provide the community with organic and healthy foods, but if they want to be profitable, I suggest a significant price reduction on all products sold. I understand that organic foods are more expensive, but these prices have reached an extreme. Healthy Habit has a juice bar offering a variety of drink blends.

Gazette photo /SAVANNA THOMPSON

October 2015

Page 7

juicy.

Fluffy Sno

BY OLIVIA HEPPELL

oheppell.gazette@gmail.com

As a boba enthusiast, I was more than excited to try out a Vietnamese cafe in Folsom that features specialty drinks.

Although I enjoy boba, I had never ventured into the realm of boba beyond Lollicup and Tapioca Express, simply because the Roseville and Granite Bay area is lacking in the number of places that sell boba.

With the recent closure of Tapioca Express, I knew I needed to find a new boba place.

Fluffy Sno is actually located in Folsom, and the long drive to reach the cafe was an unexpected negative.

The long distance from my house to Fluffy Sno alone is enough to discourage me from ever returning to the small shop.

While the shop is small, the ambience and decor is charming and works in accordance to the Fluffy Sno’s petite size.

The cafe has a lot of wood in it, giving it a homey and comfortable atmosphere.

Its menu featured shaved snow – which it is most

famous for – as well as various drinks, smoothies and sandwiches.

I opted for milk tea with boba, as did my friend who came along to try out the boba with me.

The variety of flavors at Fluffy Sno was seriously lacking – there were only 12 total. While this may seem like a lot in comparison to places like Lollicup and Tapioca Express, there was hardly any variety.

None of the flavors called to me, so I decided to play it safe with their black milk tea while my friend chose the coconut flavor.

When our drinks came out a minute or two later, the first thing I noticed was the lack of ice.

Ice is a key element in every beverage, and Fluffy Sno featured a pebble-like type of ice.

Although their selected shape of ice wasn’t problematic, there simply wasn’t enough ice to satisfy the drink.

Because smaller pieces of ice melt faster, one must be sure to include more ice than normal – which Fluffy Sno failed to do.

The milk tea and boba, however, was delightful.

The tea-to-boba ratio was spot on. I never found myself wishing for more or less boba which is, unfortu-

Liquidology

BY MEAGAN TALLMAN

mtallman.gazette@gmail.com

These days, cold-pressed juices are all the rage. Hailed for their health benefits and trendy packaging, many companies have begun production and sales of these juices. Interested to see for myself what all the hype was about, I journeyed to Sacramento to try Liquidology.

Although it was a bit of a trek to the location, I was not disappointed at my arrival. The venue is relatively new and has a very attractive and upscale curb appeal that is very inviting for juicelovers.

Being new to the pressed juice trend, I was very unsure when it came to what juice was the right selection for me. However my inexperience did not hinder me, for the staff at Liquidology were extremely helpful. I was able to sample a variety of their juices before ultimately making my decision on the beverage titled “Over the Rainbow,” which contained strawberry, orange, pear and lemon.

The bottle I chose was 8.75 oz and was $5, but there was also a 17.5 oz bottle for $8.75. Although a little pricey, when you consider the quality of ingredients needed to make the pressed juice, it is actually quite a fair price.

The juice came in a nice glass bottle with a crisp black label. Although glass is a bit harder to manage than a plastic bottle, Liquidology is a company that values health and environmental respect so the glass bottle coincides well with that theme.

nately, a legitimate issue.

Flavorful and refreshing, the milk tea satisfied my boba cravings.

I tried my friend’s coconut milk tea, and while it was too sweet for my taste, it was also delicious.

Overall, while the tea and boba was tasty, the long journey it takes to reach Fluffy Sno and the ice problem makes it very unlikely I will ever return to the cafe.

Fluffy Sno offers the popular Taiwanese drink boba.

Gazette photo /OLIVIA HEPPELL

Taylor’s Liquidology also offers entrees from their partnered restaurant, however, I chose to pass on food due to my lack of an appetite.

I sat down with my juice at an adorable wood table with fresh flowers. My juice left me feeling full, satisfied and with a great dose of healthy energy.

I can officially say I understand the pressed juice craze, for Liquidology provided a delicious and healthy beverage wrapped in a beautiful package.

I highly recommend all juice lovers venture to Liquidology for a great treat and experience at this lovely venue.

Gazette photo /MEGAN TALLMAN

Liquidology is a shop that offers juices and juice cleanses.

BY KASSIDY HENSON

khenson.gazette@gmail.com

As red, green and blue provide the fundamental basis for vision in the human eye, strawberry, vanilla and chocolate provide the fundamental basis for milkshakes.

When given the option between milkshakes and ice cream, I rarely choose the former. However, upon seeking a milkshake, I must report that they rarely disappoint.

It was a warm Sunday when I ventured over to Taylor’s Milkshakes in Loomis.

Word had been spreading rapidly around campus regarding their list of new and innovative shakes, so naturally I decided to see what all the hullabaloo was about.

Upon entering the restaurant, it was as though I had stumbled upon the Narnia of frozen, blended beverages. The wall was filled to the brim with a list of over three hundred different milkshakes.

From Almond Joy to Twinkie, Taylor’s is surely able to satisfy any craving that you may have.

Overwhelmed by the wide array of choices, I decided to order the oreo milkshake: a classic combination of chocolate and vanilla.

The delivery of the shake was speedy and all of the employees were friendly.

They were comfortable and knowledgeable when asked questions regarding contents of the shakes.

When I received my milkshake, I proceeded to the outdoor tables to drink it.

Used to initial thickness of most milkshakes, mine was surprisingly thin.

This is not a consistency that I particularly enjoy when drinking a milk-

shake. However, its wholeness of flavor made up for its lack of thickness. There weren’t too many chunks of oreo in my shake, but there were just enough to make it more than just vanilla.

The restaurant itself puts a modern spin on the classic “burger shop.” The interior is all red and white design with little decoration. The simplicity of the decor harmonizes with the simplicity of their American cuisine.

Though the flavor did make up for the consistency, I must report that it was not the best milkshake I have ever had. Truly it was the runniness of my milkshake that drew Taylor’s out of the running for “best milkshake in town.”

One sub-par milkshake out of three hundred does not determine the value of this restaurant’s milkshakes. I believe they have built a steady reputation with their plethora of milkshakes. My suggestion to Taylor’s is to care not about the list of shakes, but the quality of them.

Taylor’s is a fun place to go with friends or family if you are looking for a safe and relaxed environment to enjoy diner-style food. However, for those seeking the best milkshake in town, check Taylor’s off your list.

Gazette photo /KASSIDY HENSON

Taylor’s Milkshakes serves a unique combination of milkshakes, and is famed for its enormous menu.

Page 8 & 9

camera shy.

October 2015

Vibrant

artiStic Creative phOtos The photo app VSCO Cam is new outlet for creatively editing everyday photos.

Gazette photo /EPSA SHARMA

Bottom left senior Carlin Isaacson showcases her artistic side by editing her creative silouete and state fair photos with VSCO cam filters.

sthompson.gazette@gmail.

photography phenomenon hit the West Coast this past year, thriving under the hot summer sun and equipping artists with innovative tools and access to resources previously unavailable in the realm of photo sharing.

The Visual Studio CO, commonly referred to as VSCO, allows photo gurus and iphone and Android users alike to capture, edit, upload and search for photos. This revolutionary photo sharing application was founded in 2011 but has surged in popularity the past few months.

Some Granite Bay High School students were influenced from friends in other states while others simply heard rumors about the photo blogging application.

Quincy Smith, a GBHS senior, moved from North Carolina at the end of July just when VSCO was gaining popularity in that area.

Similarly, senior Carlin Isaacson found inspiration for downloading the app at lacrosse camps over the summer where many of her teammates boasted about a relatively new form of social media.

In comparison to Instagram, photos are more consistent with pictures of nature and food than family and friends.

“VSCO is a cool way to post pictures you wouldn’t normally post on Instagram,” Smith said.“ There is a difference between what is “socially acceptable to post” on the two photo sharing accounts because on VSCO people don’t usually post pictures of themselves; there are more artsy pics than selfies.”

The VSCO application features an explore page called the Grid, a library for photos you wish to edit before sharing them to your page, a journal where you can write about anything and a page where you can see the photos you have posted.

“I like looking at other peoples’ pictures because it gives me ideas for other things, not just taking pictures,” Isaacson said.. “I’m doing a ceramics project of a mermaid whose tail is a wave, and I saw a really cool picture on the explore page that inspired me.”

VSCO can also expose students to new, creative angles with which to take pictures or to activities that they can do with friends.

Much like Tumblr, people who use VSCO can not see who views their pictures unless you add the blogger’s picture to a collection of your own page.

Senior, Mark Zagaynov originally downloaded VSCO as a way to edit his pictures.

“I really like that you can’t see how many followers you have, so it’s more about the pictures you post than how many likes you get or how many followers you have,”Mark Zagaynov said.

There is no way to comment or like other people’s pictures, so an individual’s satisfaction or pleasure of viewing his own photos is reason enough to share pictures.

VSCO also has a $1 million grant called the Artist Initiative that awards certain photographers with the money and resources they need to pursue their own creative vision.

Participants live across the globe and collaborate with the VSCO through their document creation process and photos they post.

In addition to the camera feature, VSCO sells film packages to improve the quality of videos and make the editing and uploading processes easier.

VSCO cam is a new way to unearth your creativity for your own pleasure or for others to view.

Gazette photo /EPSA SHARMA

A

BY SAVANNA THOMPSON

Bottom right senior Mark Zagaynov and Quincy Smith focus their VSCO feed on nature pictures and vibrant photos of animals.

Special to the Gazette /SYDNEY LADRECH

Page 10

horrorific.

October 2015

Bat your eyes at these flicks GBHS students explore the best Halloween movies The murder scenes are actually considered somewhat comical (or is that just me?).

4. Hocus Pocus I bet you were wondering how long it was going to take before this classic film appeared on the list. The iconic Sanderson Sisters were not going to escape that easily.

This cult classic has everything you could ask for in a Halloween movie (spookiness with a hint of sarcasm).

Skip the visit to Salem, Massachusetts and stay in to watch those old broads that we all love to hate.

5. Harry Potter (The Series) Ok, so maybe these movies are appropriate year-round, but the whole wizard ensemble makes the story come to life during Halloween. The characters are quite magical (hehe) in their own right and they all bring something big to the plot line. Hogwarts may be tough to get into, but I prefer their tuition price over any other colleges in the Muggle world.

6. Child’s Play This movie is loved and hated by many. But, when you actually face the fears of watching the movie, it’s not too bad. The movie was made in 1988 so it’s there’s no realistic special effects. Chucky the Doll isn’t considered a Toy Story character by any means, but he definitely has a lot of character in his small, plastic body.

7. The Nightmare Before Christmas Don’t be fooled by the title, this is a film that is appreciated through the entire holiday season. The Pumpkin King’s journey to learn about Christmas allows him to appreciate his holiday and celebrate it with a different perspective.

Tim Burton is much loved in the realm of children’s movies, but teens and adults can’t help falling in love with his magical storytelling and astonishing animation.

8. Edward Scissorhands Finally, a movie for the hopeless romantics. We all can’t help but fall in love with Johnny Depp as Edward, an unfinished creation with scissors for hands (did the title give it away?).

His love for Kim was misguided by his non-existent sense of reality and common sense, but he eventually finds his way to love. Johnny and Winona may have ended, but Edward and Kim will always remain in our hearts.

9. Halloween I can’t even think of a more appropriate movie to add to this list. The classic slasher movie shows Michael Myers and his escape from prison for murdering his sister on Halloween, fifteen years prior.

Jamie Lee Curtis plays Laurie Strode, a high school student who is stalked by Myers. She does a much better job playing a high school student (this movie is from the 70s) than starring in those lame Activia commercials.

10. The Addams Family I’d like to imagine that with all the black clothing I own, I could really be a part of this family. This is such a classic comedy that shows the dysfunctional side of every family, despite the odds.

Every character is unique in their own right, but as a family, they bring much more to the story. Wednesday’s reserved and timid personality reflects many of ours and that’s only one reason out of a million to watch this film.

Once you have the invite, the only thing left is the costume. nchanda.gazette@gmail.com So what to do teenagers dress up as any ways? alloween is quickly approaching, but as teenagThere are always the usual ghosts, cats and devil-angel ers age, the amusing tradition of trick-or-treating combos; but a costume that stands out can make the holiseems to become less and less common. But who day all the more fun for you and for your friends. says you have to go trick-or-treating to dress up as your “The costumes are really cool to look at every year,” favorite character...or thing? junior Kevin Yang said. “It’s one of my favorite parts Teenagers still seem to find a way to dress up as some- about Halloween.” thing and show it off at one party or the other, or maybe If someone is invited to party, there’s always the preseven just sit at home and pass out candy with a couple sure of finding a good Halloween costume, so sometimes friends. people default to the generic costumes seen every year.

With Halloween falling on a Saturday, many teenagers If you’re looking for a more creative outfit to stand at GBHS are sure to be presented with the opportunity to out, try finding a costume that relates to the current pop take part in some sort of Halloween plans. culture trends, which can help make it more relatable and humorous for yourself and others.

For example, many popular Netflix shows have been weaving their ways into Halloween costumes. Using TV shows can make it easier to create partner costumes.

“People really like television, so it’s an easy option,” junior Nikki Zavesky said.

Kevin Yang agrees that TV related costumes are quite popular these days.

“TV characters are just like role models,” making it more fun to recreate their looks and signature Gazette illustrations /AMANDA PRATHER quirks.

The duo of Nathan Scott and Haley James is a popular couple costume from the enticing One Tree Hill. As one of the most iconic duos on television in the 2000s, the costume would surely be recognized and appreciated by many.

If not Nathan and Haley, other options could be Lilo and Stitch or even a simple army costume. Remember, you can always dress up in couple costumes with just a friend.

If you’re deciding to fly solo, you could still use popular trends to find a costume. There are always significant characters online or in movies that would make great costumes.

“Sometimes I don’t like matching with someone … I like being my own thing,” junior Diana Garcia said.

For those who want to stay at home and more on the comfortable side, dressing up might not be their first choice.

Instead, watching Halloween movies and passing out candy with their friends and family might be a perfectly viable way to spend a good Halloween weekend.

“My favorite part about Halloween is that you can watch scary movies with your family and friends,” Yang said.

Scary movies, candy, and costumes are a few of the signature parts of Halloween enjoyed by many students around campus.

“Halloween is your opportunity to dress up as anything for one night in a year,” Garcia said. “It’s fun to be able to show your creative side.”

BY SONIA GARCHA

sgarcha.gazette@gmail.com

1. Halloweentown (The Series) This series is the one of the best that Disney has ever presented. No doubt that everyone who watched this movie wished that they could live in Halloweentown with Marnie Cromwell and her infamous family. There was no way that I could just pick one out of the four Halloweentown movies, so you’ll just have to spare a day for yourself and splurge on the entire series. These should definitely be the first movies that should be on your movie marathon list. I mean, the holiday is in the title.

2. Twitches & Twitches Too Oh, how I wish I could trade in my lame older brother for a twin sister who I can share magical powers with.

Tia and Tamera Mowry bring the drama (and occasional comedy) with their completely opposite personalities but similar genetics.

This proved to be one of Disney’s highest-rated movies and there’s no doubt that the sisters celebrated with a little twin magic.

3. American Psycho We’re gonna take a break from the G-Rated movies and go straight to one of the best thriller movies to date.

Christian Bale (aka Batman) does an extraordinary job in his role as a serial killer with his nonchalant attitude and (messed up) humor. This is a good movie for people who don’t like, but want to watch more horror movies.

Get on your broom and find a costume Students discuss costume ideas for teenagers

BY NATASHA CHANDA

H

October 2015

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trick-or-drink.

S pirits and Booze

GBHS students find new ways to celebrate Halloween as they get older

BY JORDAN HOLT

jholt.gazette@gmail.com

As yet another Halloween sneaks up on us, Granite Bay High School students plan to celebrate the familiar holiday in different ways.

The meaning behind Halloween has changed over the 2,000 years it has been around. It was once used as a night to scare off ghosts, but since then, the eve of October 31 has evolved.

Our generation grew up walking through neighborhoods from door to door excitedly reciting “Trick-or-Treat” in our high-pitched voices while holding out our pillow cases to fill with candy.

But here we are as high schoolers and the question is no longer about what you are going to be, but what you are going to be doing on that night.

For GBHS senior Brooke Gonzalez, she sees how the holiday has taken a new form as she has gotten older.

“For student government, we have a costume contest so I always dress up,” said Gonzalez. “(On Halloween) I usually hang out with my

friends and we can go buy candy on our own.”

The idea of maintaining the innocence of Halloween at school is a nice thought, but cannot block out the truth of the atmosphere adapting to age and maturity of our generation as time goes by.

“It’s different now that we all have cars because we have more independence,” Gonzalez said.

Wandering the streets as children has given way to hangouts and parties, but not sixth grade class parties celebrated with arts and crafts and apple bobbing.

Halloween has changed for our entire generation dramatically with so many fewer teenage trick-ortreaters. So where are they going?

Rather than trick-or-treating, some GBHS students are looking more towards the party atmosphere.

Senior Kennedy Christie has watched this new way of celebrating unfold since she has been in high school.

“I went trick-or-treating in the rain freshman year and went to a Halloween party sophomore year,” Christie said. “I don’t party so I don’t know how extreme it gets.”

The thought of teens drinking on Halloween is common knowledge rather than a crazy idea. It may be illegal but there is no way to completely avoid this fact.

“When kids are younger it’s all about the candy,” Christie said. “Now every holiday is a chance for people to party and drink.”

For GBHS assistant principal Sybil Healy, the holiday continues to take on a different meaning as an adult.

Gazette illustration/BLAKE PANTER

“In the past my family would carve pumpkins, go to Apple Hill and find really nice neighborhoods to trick-or-treat in,” Healy said. “Now my kids are between twenty and fifteen so they do their own thing.”

Healy has seen the change through her own life, through her children’s and through the students at GBHS. She is fully aware that the excitement is not necessarily over sweets anymore.

“Drinking and parties have always been around,” Healy said. “But it’s definitely revved up.”

According to Healy, high school students take advantage of “dressing up” on Halloween and use costumes as a disguise so people don’t recognize them drinking.

“It’s easier to drink when they’re in costume because it’s not really them,” Healy said.

Despite GBHS students separating themselves from the typical Halloween celebration of trick-ortreating, the surrounding community has also driven a wedge between older and younger kids.

Senior Joey Scotti trick-or-treated until he was turned away because of his age.

“Sophomore year, I went with some friends and we knocked on a couple doors,” Scotti said. “They all said we were too old and needed to go somewhere else.”

This gives rise to an interesting issue: teenage students are too old to trick-or-treat but too young to drink legally.

This awkward in between period leaves students to make decisions. The need for teens to use this independence wisely and safely is all one can hope for.

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October 2015

current.

Top Tweets Spirited tweets by Granite Bay High School students

BY HANNAH HOLZER. hholzer.gazette@gmail.com

Gazette illustration/AMANDA PRATHER

Twitter

Who’s Hiring

BY MEAGAN TALLMAN

mtallman.gazette@gmail.com

I plan to make Kanye fall in love with me, then marry him, then divorce him, and take him for all his worth! @kanyewest

Keato

@keatovapesnaker

3988 Douglas Blvd, #140 Roseville 95661 Restaurant Team Member - Crew Chipotle is looking for positive employees with great customer service who are willing to work as a team. Must be at least 16 years of age.

@arthibobbala

@KaseyYeet

8621 Auburn-Folsom Road, Granite Bay, CA 95746 Dominick’s looks for self-starters who learn quickly and do not require micro management. Candidate should be available for at least 25 hours per week, and be at least 16 years of age.

Rocky Ridge Town Center, 2030 Douglas Blvd, Roseville, CA 95661 Petroglyph wants fun and creative individuals who can handle a fast paced work environment. Applicants should be able to commit to part-time hours and be at least 16 years of age.

Recipe of the Month: Ingredients:

1. Ingredients: 2. 1/2 cup peanut butter 3. 1/2 cup chocolate chips or discs 4. 6 cups chex cereal (or the like) 5. 3/4 cup powdered sugar

Directions:

1. Measure out the peanut butter and chocolate into a mixing medium-sized mixing bowl.

Microwave for 30 seconds, then stir the mixture. Repeat until the mixture is smooth.

2. Start adding the cereal into the chocolate-peanut butter mixture in half to one cup increments. Try to evenly coat all of the cereal. If the cereal is still dripping with the chocolatepeanut butter, add more cereal.

3. Place the powdered sugar in the bottom of a gallon-sized Ziploc bag. Pour the peanut butter and chocolate coated chex mixture into the bag. Seal and shake until the powdered sugar is evenly coats the cereal.

4. Spread the mixture onto a wax paper lined cookie sheet. Let sit.

33 Favorites

0 Retweets

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spider on the shower wall aka seeing your life flash before your eyes

Naseeha

@naseehaislam

Petroglyph

12 Retweets

every time i have to sneeze i tell my little brother that i have to tell him something and then just sneeze in his ear. he has trust issues.

kasey

Dominick’s Italian Market &Deli

8 Favorites

STANDARDIZED TESTING, COLLEGE APPS, SCHOOL WORK, MIDTERMS, EXTRA CURRICULARS ...ITS FINE IM FINE

arthi bobbala

Chipotle

3 Retweets

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the fact that trump is an actual possible choice for president sounds like a plot point of some sub par alternate universe fanfiction

Emalyn

@EmalynAtkins

5 Retweets

21 Favorites

Muddy Buddies

BY SURINA KHURANA

skhurana.gazette@gmail.com

Gazette photo/ SURINA KHURANA

lights, camera, action

October 2015

Page 13

A twist on a classic stage GBHS drama department takes a new outdoor approach to performing ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’

BY OLIVIA HEPPELL

A

oheppell.gazette@gmail.com

s the drama department gears up for the upcoming fall play, the preparations are drastically different from years past.

Director and drama teacher Kyle Holmes proposed the idea of performing “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” outside on the steps leading up to the theater.

Multiple members of the cast have said they were excited about the idea of an outdoor play.

“I absolutely love that the play is outside since it correlates so well with the story line,” senior Kendall Lilley said.

Lilley will be playing the part of Helena, one of the lovers, and has been in “Shrek the Musical” and “Guys and Dolls”.

Holmes said the conditions were just right to move the stage outdoors.

“Shakespeare was originally performed outside, so it’s always something I’ve wanted to do. I just felt like the timing was right for us this year to make it happen – both in terms of our season of shows and the students we have,” Holmes said. “Our staging will be much more minimal as a result, but that’s ok – it just highlights the story being told.”

A lack of props is a side effect of the creative staging.

Because the play is outside, all of the setting has to be durable and sturdy, or easy to move, which severely limits options.

Furthermore, all of the lighting has to be set

up and taken down after performance.

Having “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” outdoors brings up other concerns for Holmes.

“Most of (our concerns) are things that we won’t be able to predict,” Holmes said. “We’ve reserved a lot of the facilities surrounding the quads to try and minimize on-campus activities taking place during the event, we’ve made much of the set minimal so it can be set up the day of.”

While there is the possibility of disasters natural or otherwise, the cast is excited for the change of pace.

“I love (the play) being outside,” senior Nick Martinez said. “It’s new, we’re used to doing it inside, so I think it will definitely bring a lot more people into it and I think I’ll perform better just because I’m going to be a lot more pumped for it. I think it’s going to be a really cool experience,” He is playing the role of Demetrius, another lover.

Another problem the outside play possesses is sound.

Without the ability to microphone every cast member, talking loudly will be paramount.

“Everybody in the cast will have to project and talk a lot louder so that the audience members can hear them,” junior Evan McGuire said, who is playing the role of Lysander.

The stage’s outdoors location will also affect the audience’s seating.

They will need to bring their own seating

arrangements, whether that be a blanket to lay on or lawn chairs.

McGuire said he is excited for how the dynamic for the audience has changed.

“I think the play being outside will enhance the experience for the audience because they’ll realize theatre’s not just something that’s in a theater. Theatre can be built anywhere,” McGuire said.

Not only is “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” outside this year, but it will be set in the 1960’s.

“The play is filled with celebrations, misunderstandings and art which are all themes we see historically as we look at that particular era,” Holmes said.

Although the play is set in modern times, the Shakespearean language still proves difficult for cast members.

“The worst part about it is the language – it’s impossible to know what they’re saying unless you translate it,” Martinez said.

While meaning may be difficult to interpret, Martinez and Lilley agree that certain aspects of the language makes it easier to memorize.

“Lines are normally easy to memorize since there are so many rhymes,” Lilley said.

Martinez also shared this opinion.

“A lot of the lines rhyme, so if you know one line, you know the other line,” Martinez said.

By offering a new perspective on theater as whole by staging “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” outside, both audience and cast will experience a new take on Shakespeare.

Gazette photo /EPSA SHARMA

I

October 2015

film.

UNIVERSAL PICTURES

A

TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX

Rated: R

Rated: PG-13

By: McKenna Aram maram.gazette@gmail.com

By: Amanda Nist anist.gazette@gmail.com

the martian: A-

t first, I was hesitant to see The Martian.

Don’t get me wrong – I love Matt Damon, space and science fiction, but I thought it was going to be nearly identical to the movie Interstellar, which came out in 2014.

Two of the main actors in The Martian, Matt Damon and Jessica Chastain, are also important play characters in Interstellar. Damon actually plays nearly the same role – a man trapped alone on an uncharted planet.

But these movies are completely different.

While Interstellar relied on a lot of unsubstantiated and unexplained facts which left audiences confused, The Martian thoroughly attempted to explain all of the science behind Damon’s character Mark Watney’s solitary survival on Mars.

While evacuating the planet in a serious storm, Watney was hit by an object which knocked him out and left him unable to leave Mars with his team members. For over 400 sols, or Martian days, Watney is stranded alone on Mars.

To survive, he has to figure out a way to grow and ration food on a planet where he and his team have failed to be able to. Of course, he finds a way to do it through his own feces and grows hundreds of potatoes.

Obstacle after obstacle, and with the help of NASA, who discovers he’s still alive on the planet, Watney overcomes almost all difficulties with science and calculations.

I liked that instead of making all of his triumphs about luck, like with Sandra Bullock in Gravity, director Ridley Scott showed Watney and NASA’s processes of calculating all problems and figuring out specific deadlines of when things needed to be complete in order for Watney to survive.

While this would seemingly give the film a serious and intense tone, the sardonic yet light-hearted humor Watney displayed despite his circumstances kept the movie from becoming dark. Honestly, I think his humor was one of the main reasons for his perseverance because it was the one thing that allowed him to feel sane and not completely alone.

I wasn’t too sure about the comedy at first, because it reminded me of the movie White House Down where characters cracked inappropriate and random jokes in serious situations. However, the comedic aspect was a motif throughout The Martian and I think it was done well.

The humor kept it from going too dark and the portrayal of science kept it from becoming confusing and inaccurate. This movie is an entertaining and thrilling science fiction story, and Damon’s acting was great, as always.

the green inferno: B-

f you don’t have a gut for gore, I’d strongly advise you to sidestep this movie.

Also, if you actually enjoy some substance and storyline in the movies you watch, I’d also recommend you to keep astray from The Green Inferno.

However, if you’re one of those warped moviegoers that enjoys gory movies like the Saw series, I encourage you to indulge yourself in Eli Roth’s new horror film.

It starts off with a comedy-like aura involving a group of college students who endeavor to save the Amazon rainforest.

The film’s horror is quickly ignited once their plane crashes in the Peruvian jungle on their way to the Amazon rainforest.

The jungle that they land in happens to be inhabited by insane, native cannibals.

The cannibals on the island are ruthlessly vengeant and have quite a frightening appearance.

The struggle for survival is pretty much the entirety of the plot, and with cannibalistic characters, you can predict a lot of the plot line.

The gore is a bit overdone, but I think one of Roth’s goals was to make the audience cringe, which he successfully does.

The cinematography of the film is impressive and high quality, which makes up for some of the disappointment within the movie.

Yet there is no real plot within the film.

It’s basically a 90-minute long struggle of the activists attempting to avoid being eaten alive.

There are some twists and surprises which keep the viewer entertained at times, but for the most part, the predictability is a large part of the film being disappointing.

You would think there would be at least a few subplots or underlying messages like most movies, but that is not the case in The Green Inferno.

The ending of the film, a cliffhanger, hints at a sequel, which is currently in the making. However, it wasn’t a mouth-dropping, “Must see the next movie!” kind of ending as some great cliffhangers cause the viewer to feel.

The film is basically a burrito of gore, terror and suspense mixed in with chunks of disappointment.

I recommend seeing the movie if you’re all about the gore, but, if you actually enjoy some plot and substance with your blood and guts, just don’t watch it.

No matter what, I guarantee you’re going to find at least some disappointment after watching this film.

A

THE WEINSTEIN COMPANY

ction/Thriller: acting in movies that gives the audience high levels of anticipation, uncertainty and surprise. This is everything the movie seemed to have, minus the acting.

In the movie No Escape, directed by John Erick Dowdle, well-known actor Owen Wilson plays an American man named Jack Dwyer who moves his family to Southeast Asia in hopes of finding a better life. When Wilson finds himself in the middle of a political uprising, he does whatever he can to save his family.

Before going to see this movie, I had high expectations from the trailer. It led me to believe that the preview was a perfect replication of everything I had anticipated.

Shortly into the movie I realized that the acting in the film was nonexistent.

Usually, whenever devastating scenes occur, the audience looks for sadness or worry from the actors.

In this movie, however, the actors expressed lack of concern, as if something terrible didn’t just happen.

This was very confusing and the one downfall of the movie.

Although the beginning of No Escape was, to some extent, a disappointment, about midway through, the movie surprised me and the acting started to improve.

The addition of the new character, Hammond, was just what the movie needed. Pierce Brosnan comes into play as an undercover man responsible for the arrival of American corporations. Brosnan’s role gives the word “action” a new and vibrant meaning.

His character is one that left the biggest impression on the audience.

Towards the beginning of the movie, when the uprising begins, danger begins to lurk upon the Dwyers. Hammond actively uses physical force and his knowledge to protect them from the rebels.

Time after time, Hammond saves the day by assisting the Dwyers escape; at one point, he even risks his own life.

No Escape, despite a few scenes, was exceptional.

The unpredictable nature of the story made me feel uncertain of what was going to happen next and at every moment the audience was sitting on the edge of their seats.

By the end of No Escape, all I wanted to do was watch it again. It’s one of those films you could watch over and over and never get bored of.

I definitely recommend it for people who love action and don’t mind having two hours of anxiety.

Rated: R By: Paige Erickson perickson.gazette@gmail.com

no escape: A-

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October 2015

D

Page 15

film.

LIONSGATE

B

PIERROT

A

TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX

Rated: R

Rated: PG-13

Rated: PG-13

By: Connor Hinson chinson.gazette@gmail.com

By: Kayomi Kayoshi kkayoshi.gazette@gmail.com

By: Jill Kurpershoek jkurpershoek.gazette@gmail.com

the scorch trials: C

ddition number two of the five-book Maze Runner series, The Scorch Trials was certainly not a good sequel and felt like a rip off of World War Z. Set in a futuristic dystopia, as if we haven’t already seen that before, the world has been overcome with a disease that turns the infected into zombies.

There is a severe drought that leaves civilization in ruin. A government organization called the World Catastrophe Killzone Department, or WKCD, has decided to take those who are immune to the disease and place them in a facility where they administer a series of medical evaluations to harvest the enzyme that produces their immunity.

Among those who are immune is Thomas, played

by Dylan O’Brien, who is one of the survivors of the maze from the first movie.

Thomas and his friends are lead to believe that WCKD, who was responsible for erasing their memories and placing them in the maze in Maze Runner, has been disbanded and that they are now on the path to safer and happier lives.

However, upon arrival to the medical facility for those who participated in the mazes, Thomas notices something isn’t quite right and soon realizes that he and his friends are up against the corrupt ways of WCKD once again.

Since I absolutely enjoyed the unique plot of the first movie, I expected to be just as impressed by the plot of The Scorch Trials, but the only aspects that stood out were a subpar plot line and how similar it was to other zombie movies.

The most obvious plot failure was the fact that as the protagonists continued to fight WCKD and prevent them from killing off an entire generation to find a cure for the worldwide pandemic, there was never a solution presented in regards to curing the disease.

It appeared that the only possible way to cure the disease would be to kill the small population of “immunes” and convert their immunity enzyme into a vaccine.

Although the majority of the movie was relatively unappealing, the visual aspects and cinematography helped to distract from an uneventful plot.

Don’t get me wrong, I love watching people run from oddly fast zombies as much as the next person, but this movie was neither intellectually provocative nor unique from any of the societally dystopian movies that have already been produced.

boruto: naruto the movie: B-

oruto: Naruto the Movie is the final installment of the Naruto series. Although the movie has already been released in Japan, this iconic movie finally made its debut in the United States on October 10, 2015.

For people who are oblivious to what the movie is about, it follows the story of Naruto Uzumaki’s son, Boruto, and his yearning to surpass his father. While the idea of this movie may sound complicated to some people, the movie is appropriate for everyone, regardless if they’ve followed the story or not.

The story of Boruto involves the next generation of shinobi, or ninjas, but is mainly focused on Boruto Uzumaki and Sarada Uchiha. Naruto Uzumaki is now the Seventh Hokage, which leaves him a very limited amount of time to spend with his family.

Boruto despises this about his father and, like Sasuke did in the beginning of the original story, used his hatred to fuel him to make himself become more powerful.

Sasuke then becomes Boruto’s mentor and teaches him just like Jiraiya had taught Naruto. This was a nice addition to the plot because we finally get to see Sasuke being civil and helpful. This aspect shows immense growth in Sasuke, since Sasuke has been somewhat of an antagonist throughout the whole storyline.

The main writer for Boruto: Naruto the Movie is Masashi Kishimoto, who focuses the plot around the new generation of ninjas with appearances from Sasuke Uchiha, Naruto Uzumaki and even slight cameos of their wives.

Although some of the characters were ones that have been in the story since its origin, the new characters were spunky, and it was exciting to see an introduction of new main characters. Boruto, had extremely obvious attributes that were just like Naruto when he was a kid.

While this is an action movie, there is also added humor and angst in this movie. If you’re a die-hard Naruto fan like I am, you might even get teary-eyed during the film because of the parallel episodes that take place in the movie but typically go unnoticed.

The end of the movie ends on a very positive, humorous note. All of the parents of the kids are known, but there is one mysterious character. Mitsuki is a character who’s very pale and has snake-like qualities. The identity of his parents are revealed at the end of the movie, and it was the funniest part of the film.

The plot of the story was very well done, and this was a great way for Kishimoto to end the decade long manga Naruto.

sicario: A

enis Villeneuve’s third American feature proves to be equally dark (both in tone and lighting) as his previous two. Sicario also maintains Villeneuve’s now trademark cynical view of human nature through to its deplorable ending.

The film follows an FBI official (Emily Blunt) who is brought onto an assault team to find the leader of a very large drug cartel responsible for the death of thousands of Mexicans and Americans.

She, along with co-stars Benicio del Toro and Josh Brolin, are forced to witness the horrors and tragedies of the war on drugs.

To say Sicario is difficult to watch is an understatement. It made me physically ill in some moments and unquestionably horrified in others.

However, the film’s drama commands your attention and doesn’t let go until its final shot.

This is due also to its pacing. Sicario is a slow burn with remarkably little action. This gives what action there is meaning though, and allows for the tension to never truly dissipate.

Villeneuve’s direction has matured since his 2013 film Prisoners. He employs more visual storytelling, leaving the viewers to figure out some subtle plot points for themselves.

Like Prisoners before, this film is lensed by legendary cinematographer Roger Deakins. This might sound cliche, but nearly every frame in the movie could be viewed on its own as art.

Deakins excels in his night scenes. Particularly, there is a beautiful scene in which the team is performing a job right as the sun is setting on a deserted expanse in Mexico.

Not much later the team is forced to put on night vision goggles. We view the following scenes through the green tint of the night vision as well as a sort of thermal vision used by select members of the team. This is by far the best use of night vision in a movie since Silence of the Lambs.

Also like Prisoners, Jóhann Jóhannsson’s score elevates the experience. It is appropriately somber and intense, highlighting whatever is being presented visually.

Another highlight is Benicio del Toro’s performance as the shady Spanish speaking officer. He feels like a real person who is simply a product of his environment, and therefore you don’t blame him for his actions, no matter how despicable.

Simply put, Sicario, no matter how grotesque and sickening it can be at times, is the best film to come out this year.

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October 2015

the nobel pies

Sur-pies! The Gazette has baking talent

BY BLAKE PANTER

bpanter.gazette@gmail.com

Newspaper editors participate in a bake-off

At last, the pie baking competition of the century approaches. In one corner, weighing in with zero pies experience, is me. In the other corner, weighing in with countless years of expertise and a couple of handy tricks up her sleeve, is Hannah. The mission was simple: bake a pie using the same recipe and win over the judges' hearts. The actual execution, however, was far from easy as pie.

If I were forced to describe this competition in one word, it would be "sabotage." Hannah, sweet and unsuspecting as she may seem, makes a fierce and unforgiving pie baking competitor. She caught me right in my naïveté and exploited my weaknesses.

If you read Hannah's article, I'm sure she won't mention any evidence that proves my cons-pie-racy theory: Exhibit A: Incomplete recipe.

Hannah approaches me, wide-eyed and happy as ever with a bag of ingredients and a so-called complete recipe on how to bake the pie. I feel thankful, content and rather ready to bake. I get home, lay out the ingredients and begin to bake. About halfway through making the filling, I notice something strange. The recipe cut off mid sentence: "Bring the mixture to a boil for..." Then nothing.

Flabbergasted, I immediately text Hannah in urgency asking what the recipe said to do next. At this point, I still think it was just an accident.

"Hey Hannah, what do I do now cuz I think the recipe cuts off."

Silence. Not even a murmur. With my adversary for time encroaching like death, I am forced to improvise. Of course, Hannah replies about 15 minutes later with a well thought out excuse, and by that time, my filling was just about an enormous disaster. Coincidence?

I think not.

Exhibit B: Lemon Juice.

So we are taste testing our pies, and Hannah, wincing as she tries my filling, asks me if I added lemon juice to the filling. Rather confused, I ask what she’s talking about. She just assumed that I would know that lemon juice would magically make the filling not taste like complete crap. Again, she plead innocence, but I think otherwise.

Now, as flawless as my baking may Blake Panter have seemed, I did make few mistakes. Apparently, I forgot to use an egg (I still don’t know where that thing was supposed to end up). I also baked the pie for way too long, and, all in all, the judges’ plates revealed a unanimous decision. My pie was hardly touched, while Hannah’s was gobbled up with ferocity. None except Caro said she liked mine, mostly because she just likes any pie she can get her hands on.

Hannah may have been number one in the pie baking competition, but I was number one in everyone’s hearts. The underdog always wins.

Hannah and I plan on doing this same thing again with a different dessert, so until next time, when I will win.

Gazette photos /OLIVIA HEPPELL

Gazette illustrations/OLIVIA HEPPELL

BY HANNAH HOLZER

hholzer.gazette@gmail.com

Our first issue of The Gazette comes out, and Blake and I began to brainstorm new story ideas when we find ourselves laughing and then seriously considering the idea of a bake-off. This bake-off manifested into a real story, and this is the story of how it almost ruined our friendship.

Pie is definitely my least favorite dessert. However, I do bake around three to four pies a year – two or three for Thanksgiving and one on my own time.

I learned to bake pie in culinary class freshman year. Since then, I have picked up tips from many cooking shows, mostly from the British Baking Show (my favorite of all baking shows), but also from the pros (aka bakers from my Temple).

Through these efforts, I have decided that the key aspect to baking a good pie is baking a good crust. And not one of those Pinterest-y two-ingredient ones (and don’t even mention frozen or pre baked crust), but a real, butter, water, flour and salt crust.

To make a good crust, the word that will determine failure or success is: cold. If your water isn’t ice cold and if your butter hasn’t just been taken out of the fridge, you will fail.

After you sculpt your crust, throw it back in the fridge for a while and then bake with pie weights (or dry beans or rice). Once it’s done baking, don’t let it sit too long, like Blake, the runner-up.

Blake’s pie looked beautiful. His professionally intertwined lattice topping looked even better than mine, but his ultimate failure became evident after we retraced his baking steps.

I knew his future was doomed when his knife struggled to cut into his rock-like crust, and this is how he failed: after Blake (a inexperienced pie baker) created a beautiful crust, he removed it from the oven and let it sit while he made his filling, then he poured his filling back into the crust and re-baked it, creating a biscotti-like crunch.

I achieved success because I knew well that to succeed in the kitchen, one must be a multitasker. Blake sealed his fate before he even thought about what he was doing.

From the beginning I knew I had to win this competition. For one horrifying moment during the bake, I burned my cherry filling while focusing on the Hannah crust, but I managed to redeem Holzer the taste by adding extra almond extract and lemon juice to cancel out any hint of burnt flavor.

I’ll admit, when Blake revealed his pie I felt tinges of anger and jealousy – Blake may be an academic wizard, but I’m the wizard in the kitchen.

I felt relief when we couldn’t cut through his pie, but I feel I won because I proved my abilities.

The moral of the story is: your crust should be cold pre-rolled and warm in the pan. If your crust feels cold in the tin/pan before you’ve placed your filling in, you may as well start over. If you can’t seem to make your pie crust-oven relationship work, you may try no-bake pies – but that’s a whole different ex-pie-rience.