28 August 2014 |Cover |1
THE
ALTITUDE VOLUME 15, ISSUE 1
Hanford High School | Richland, Wash. 99354 | Aug.28.2014
the first word:
participate
In high school, what you put in determines what you get out. If you join lots of clubs, try out for different sports, or even just volunteer to answer questions in class, you will learn more, have more fun and appreciate your high school experience more. By participating in clubs and sports, you can find new friends that share similar interests. By joining Key Club, you will have the opportunity to meet new people who share your passion for volunteering. By joining French Club, you can learn more about French culture. You can try out for the girls bowling team or the track and field team if you enjoy or want to get better at playing sports. The decision to get involved doesn’t have to require your joining an activity, however. Participation could be as simple as getting decked out in purple and gold on Friday nights to cheer on the football team. If you decide, however, that you’d rather dedicate all of your time to school, that’s also participation. By committing to doing your homework every night, raising your hand in class, sharing your ideas and communicating effectively with your fellow students and teachers, you can enhance your academic experience as well. The bottom line is: get involved. Participate. Explore different activities until you find your niche here. High school is what you make of it. The staff editorial is the concensus of the Editorial Board.
inside 2
new teachers
3
how to be a fan
4
humans of hanford
6
club profiles
7
“the giver”
What teachers “new to the nest” have to say about the upcoming school year.
Tips and tricks on how to show school spirit at sports events are showcased.
Students at Falcon Prep Day were interviewed and their stories were compiled.
Select clubs are featured to introduce students to a small fraction of extracurricular activities.
The popular sci-fi movie, concerning a distopian society, is discussed.
2|News|28 August 2014
THE BUZ Z what have you heard in the news?
“
A lot of people are proud that they’re getting awareness out, and getting emotional.”
CARTER KOVACS - 9TH
To raise awareness for Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (A.L.S.), many have been taking the Ice Bucket challenge. Participants dump ice on their head or donate $100 and then nominate their friends. As of Aug. 25, the Ice Bucket Challenge raised over $79.7 million for research for A.L.S. The challenge has spread quickly on media, and has attracted celebrities like Michael Jordan and former president George W. Bush.
“
Many people have died of Ebola: around 90 percent? People need to take more drugs to get better.”
KEVIN WENG - 10TH
In West Africa, over 1,400 people have died of Ebola and over 2,600 have been infected. In the past, over 90 percent of those who contract the virus died, but the current strand has a higher survival rate, at 47 percent. There is no proven cure or vaccine for Ebola, but trials on a similar virus found in monkeys have been successful, with no side effects so far.
“
People are being racist in Ferguson.”
LAURA MENG - 11TH
On Aug. 9, Michael Brown, an unarmed black teenager, was shot to death by a Ferguson police officer. Since then, police have used tear gas on protesters, and the government set a curfew. After the funeral on Monday, students returned to school, previously delayed due to the unrest and turmoil in the streets. Brown’s death dominated social media and created a wider conversation about race and police use of force.
“
I heard that a reporter got beheaded. I don’t remember his name, but I think it had something to do with Israel.”
KELLY YOKUDA - 12TH
On Aug. 19, the terrorist group ISIS released a video online showing the decapitation of American journalist James Foley, who was originally abducted in 2012 and held for ransom. The executioner stated that the beheading was done in retaliation for U.S. airstrikes against the terrorist group in Iraq. Previously, Foley reported from war-torn Syria and had been abducted once before.
MEET THE TEACHERS JAMES JONES Choir
HEIDI SANT French
“[I’m excited about] the awesome talent that I heard about here at Hanford and getting to help that talent blossom to an amazing choir program.”
“I’m looking forward to teaching French because I love it. I took it when I was in high school. . . it was my escape during the day. I’m ready to share that excitement and fun with the students.”
EILEEN KENNEDY Physical/Earth Science Chemistry, Health
SAMUEL KOCH Chemistry AP Chemistry
“I’m excited to be a Falcon this year. I graduated from Hanford in 2003, and I’ve always thought once a Falcon, always a Falcon. I’m glad to be back in the nest.”
“This year, I am most excited about joining a school that has great kids and great staff; everyone works together.”
CHELSEA EVANS American Literature LA 10, 11, 12
KEVIN JOYCE Algebra 1 & 2 AP Calculus AB
“I think I am excited about being at this fabulous school and learning all the sports.”
“I’m excited to come back to Richland; I’m from here originally, and I’m excited to meet all the new kids. This is my first teaching job, which is kind of a cool thing for me.”
JULIANNE ATENCIO Freshmen Counselor
TERESA SHIVELY Marketing Consumer Economics
“I am excited to meet all the students and learn everything that there is to learn. I want to be able to help the students get on track for graduation and college or whatever they may want to do.”
“I am excited to be at Hanford High School. I love Hanford and the culture here: the students, the staff, the administration and just being with the students.”
Senior sunset hike Seniors gather to hike Badger Mountain, continuing a tradition Tuesday, Aug. 19, about 30 seniors met at Badger Mountain. They met there to fulfill the tradition created by past graduating classes. At the top, the class of 2015 victoriously took a group photo. Out of a class of about 350 students, about 30 showed up. However, the lack of participants did not represent the amount of fun. To most the experience was enjoyable. Carys Hunter went to catch up with friends. ”I want senior year to be the best year so far, and I wanted to see people I didn’t see over the summer and possibly meet and make new friends!” Many of the hikers went to make it a bonding activity that they could do with other classmates. The majority of the hike consisted of students having a conversation with others. Kaili Hoffman said, “It was good to talk to people I haven’t met before and with the people that I already knew.” The hike had a prize waiting for the 2015 seniors at the top. Not only did they get their senior power ramped up, but they also were able to enjoy a magnificent Tri-Cities sunset. courtesy of dalton brown
Reported by Raelynn Webb.
28 August 2014|Sports |3
bryce logan
THE
BRYCE IS RIGHT Johnny Benched
mickey shin|photographer
Senior captains Sage Holmes, Timmy Dinh, Jon Snell, Zach Dodson, Zach Willis, and Daron Neary share a moment of their friendship just before heading off to football practice. They look forward to the upcoming season and continue to work hard in hopes of leaving a strong legacy.
A BAND OF BROTHERS LEADS THE TEAM elliemendoza
sports editor With high hopes set for an upcoming season, the senior team captains of the 2014 football season are optimistic about the future of Hanford football. They’ve proved their leadership by motivating the varsity team through grueling workouts this summer, showing how hard they’re willing to work to make something great this year. But while having a great team is important to them, having a close relationship with their teammates is top priority. “We don’t want to play just as teammates, we want to form a brotherhood,” senior Zach Willis said. The boys value their close friendship more
than most and want to fight together towards their goal of a successful season and, with any luck, a title. Senior Jon Snell said his ultimate goal is to “leave a legacy.” Senior Daron Neary elaborated: “I just want every other class to just sit back and think that this was the best senior class that had the most leadership.” Working as a team is one of the biggest priorities this season. When asked about their relationship as captains, the seniors all chimed in with the exact same word — family. They act as though they’re brothers, coming and going from each other’s homes, eating each other’s food, and even having relationships with each other’s parents. “Timmy came over once and had dinner
with my family, and I wasn’t even home,” said Neary as the group cracked up over the event. One of the best parts about having best friends as teammates is the motivation to push for their best, not just for themselves, but for each other. “It makes it easier to play because you’re playing with people you love to play with, and you’re wanting to win because you know how badly they want to win,” Willis said. The seniors plan on having the best season yet, and though the road to football success at Hanford hasn’t always been smooth, these senior team captains are ready to fight. As senior Sage Holmes said, “The taste of defeat leaves you hungry to be successful.”
how to be a fan •Go crazy with purple and gold. (Face paint and gold capes are the best way to show school spirit!) •Attend a lot of different sporting events so you can support all of our Falcon athletes! •Be enthusiastic and cheer along with everyone. •Stand up in the student section at games. •Don’t leave halfway through events. •Invite friends to come with you. •Remember to be respectful. •And most importantly, have fun! mickey shin|photographer
SHOW YOUR SPIRIT
@
Junior Sajal Sanan and senior Hunter Hill show how to dress and act like a fan.
CROSS COUNTRY
FOOTBALL
GIRL’S SOCCER
GIRL’S SWIM & DIVE
VOLLEYBALL
9/5 @ Hanford 5:00 p.m.
9/5 @ Fran Rish 7:00 p.m.
9/11 @ Hanford 6:00 p.m.
9/12 @ George Prout 4:30 p.m.
9/9 @ Hanford 7:00 p.m.
If there were a competition during the N.F.L. preseason between Johnny Manziel and Brian Hoyer to see who was the more elite quarterback, they would both lose. While they both are below par, Money Manziel is a tad bit less depressing. In Johnny Football’s first two preseason games, he was 14 of 27 for 128 yards, while throwing one touchdown and zero interceptions. He also managed to rush for 26 yards. Manziel’s completion percentage was a whopping 51.9 percent. Not bad, but definitely not great considering that Geno Smith had a completion percentage of 55.8, the worst in the N.F.L. last season among qualified quarterbacks. During Hoyer’s first two preseason games, he was 8 of 20 for 108 yards. He threw an astounding zero touchdowns and zero interceptions while accumulating a total of zero rushing yards. His completion percentage was a complete joke at 40 percent, significantly lower than Mr. Money Manziel’s. Overall, Hoyer has sucked it up through his first two preseason games. He didn’t throw an interception or five, but he definitely didn’t impress anybody with zero touchdown passes. The main thing Manziel did well was that he was consistent. Consistently mediocre, yes, but nothing worse. Hoyer, on the other hand, was either okay or complete trash. In Johnny Football’s first preseason game, he completed 7 passes for 63 yards. Not a bad day at the office. In his second game, he completed another 7 passes for 65 yards. Not too shabby, and very consistent through two games. Hoyer’s two games didn’t go as well as Manziel’s. Hoyer had a solid first game, completing 6 passes for 92 yards. Then, the second game came along. Hoyer completed a whole 2 passes for an incredible 16 yards! Pretty terrible if you ask me, and definitely not the numbers of a starting quarterback. Hoyer ended up winning the starting job over Manziel after the preseason games. My guess is that the coach didn’t want to start Manziel because Manziel had flipped off the whole Redskins bench on live television — but that’s just me. Some people got a kick out of it, but apparently not the coach. I’m predicting that by midseason Money Manziel will be in his rightful place as starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns.
4|Photo Essay|28 August 2014
Animesh Pattanayak, senior “Coaching little boys soccer has taught me self-control because I can’t use profanity around them.”
leigh flaherty, junior “In the last week, I’ve gotten told three times that I looked like Anna from ‘Frozen.’”
abum okemgbo, sophomore
“I recently participated in a competition called dence to try new things.”
HUMA
Based on photographer Brandon Stant dents were interviewed and photograph Interviews and portraits compiled by M
kyle campbell, sophomore “I was supposed to move this year, but I’m glad I didn’t. I really love Hanford.”
emelia roohr, senior “I have a rock named Tino that I take everywhere. He gives me life.”
rishay sharma, junior “Everything you think or feel during your life is yours. What you decide to do with those things is your choice.”
hailey cleavenger, sophomo
“I really like running. Participating in cross cou in, then you get a result out.”
28 August 2014 |Photo Essay|5
kanako kawabe, freshman
d Future Cities that took place in Washington D.C. The experience gave me more confi-
“I love singing because it relieves stress.” “I’m looking forward to taking theater opportunities because you can be so many different personalities.”
ANS OF HANFORD
ton’s blog, “Humans of New York,” in which residents of New York share stories for the world to read, stuhed during Falcon Prep Day to showcase some of the unique individuals that attend Hanford High School. Mickey Shin. This compilation is a fraction of our Instagram project: @HanfordStudentMedia.
ore
untry has taught me that if you put the work
victor kuan, freshman “My biggest inspiration is Ryan Higa. I like making YouTube videos because I enjoy entertaining people and the revenue.”
justin cook and german antonio, freshmen “We’ve known each other since elementary school.” “He’s weird.” “He accepts me the way I am.”
lauren deichman, junior “I cut off all of my hair and it made me an entirely new person.”
2|News|28 August 2014
New age invades STUDENTS VACATION FOR FUN AND EXPERIENCE Freshmen are now born in the 2000s. In high schools all over, a new generation begins. shibani datta
staff writer A new millennium. A new era. In layman’s terms, a new group of freshmen. This class, however, is a little bit different from any group of students. The majority of the incoming freshmen are the first to be born in the 2000s. For a lot of students this may seem like a huge change and somewhat of a nightmare. No more “90s kids”? Is this the start of a new age? Some of the incoming freshmen aren’t too worried about this difference, however. “I honestly get what they’re feeling and stuff; I’m the same way with people younger than me. But really we’re not that different—it’s just a few years,” said madi lenzke freshman Madi Lenzke. Most of the class has a similar take on the issue. Freshman Mike Thompson said, “I don’t know, it’s like one year older. It’s not much of a difference. I’m just really excited to be done with middle school.” Freshmen are famous for getting made fun of, being blamed for everything and, well, just for being freshmen. However, all students have been at the bottom of the ladder, and it’s just something they must go through. The move to being an upperclassman is also a challenge
in high school. “I don’t think it will be too big of a change. Less people will try to tell me what to do, and I guess I will have more ‘authority,’” said junior Lexi Fredrickson, a new upperclassman. Regarding the incoming class being born in the 2000s, the upperclassmen are more than open. “Personally, I made friends with a ton of underclassmen as an upperclassman, so I’m super open to having freshman be the first class not born in the 90s. I’d consider it a neutral thing, considering they’ll still be able to relate to the true 90s kids,” said senior Danny Aimone. The incoming grade already has enough to worry about anyway — a new school, new teachers, and a whole new group of peers — so being born in the 2000s isn’t at the top of their list of concerns. There are mixed feelings toward the start of a new year. “I’m looking forward to learning new things, being in new classes and meeting new people,” said freshman Nathan Belkle. Others, like freshman Azana Njeri, professed their desire to be different. “I’m a little worried about fitting in, but I like to stand out so it shouldn’t matter too much,” Njeri said. Move over 90s kids; the 2000s have arrived.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
STUDENT
FEES : new to the school ASB yearbook PE uniform total
$30 $50 $15 $95
AP tester & club member ASB $30 yearbook $50 three AP tests $267 three clubs $20 total $367
The information was gathered by Lauren Townson and Diana Wang from students who participate in the activites mentioned below. This is not a representation of what every student’s fees will be like.
music enthusiast ASB yearbook marching band girls’ dress rental total
$30 $50 $336 $25 $441
three sport athlete $30 ASB $50 yearbook $165 sports $30 sports shirts $275 total
FRANCE Senior Felicia Rutkowsky, along with 35 students from Hanford, Richland and other high schools, spent 15 days in France this summer through a program called Language & Friendship, Inc. The purpose of the trip was a full immersion into a language and culture. Rutkowsky has already completed three years of French classes, and though conversational French is different from classroom French, her language skills improved dramatically over two weeks. Aside from seeing famous monuments and eating fresh chocolate croissants and baguettes every day, each student spent five days with a different French family. According to Rutkowsky, the experience was unforgettable. courtesy of felicia rutkowsky
BRAM BRATÁ This July, Bram Bratá , a steel drum band, went on a five-day tour in the Puget Sound area. Not only did the group get the opportunity to perform for a variety of audiences in cities like Seattle, Bellevue and Poulsbo, but they also spent some time bonding as a group. Overall, many of the Bram Bratá members spent 150-plus hours over this summer teaching classes, going to rehearsals, performing, and arranging music. “The fact that our time in Bram [Bratá ] is limited is what makes it valuable, and I wouldn’t have it any other way,” junior Seth King said. Bram Bratá is the Tri-Cities Steel Band Association’s senior steel drum band, led by music teacher Ben Leggett.
courtesy of coral caldwell
SOAP BOX DERBY Members of the Key Club helped run the Soap Box Derby on Lee Boulevard in June. Senior Jonathan Snell took four hours out of his summer vacation to help out, along with seniors Tiffany Liu, Marivel Venegas and Shanta Katipamula. Graduate Seth Cook contributed as well. For Snell, the derby consisted mostly of unloading little cars off Jeeps at the top of a hill, where participants could roll down the incline. Key Club members from Richland High School also showed up to help out. Together, Falcons and Bombers worked to bring about a successful derby. “Honestly, I thought it was a really great experience,” Snell said. “It was really cool.”
shanta katipamula|photographer
CHOIR Junior Devin Duggan traveled with Washington Ambassadors of Music, a summer program of 300 students who travel to Europe to perform music. Duggan performed in many places, including the Saint Mark’s Basilica in Venice. They sang Latin, hymns and even slave songs. The group had only three days to work before going to Europe, practicing 12 hours each day. Everyone had a professional attitude, so there was little difficulty in the schedule. Duggan’s favorite moment was at a small cathedral in France. While the women were singing a beautiful song about rain and famine, it began to rain outside. “I’m not sure what kind of wizard type magic that song has,” he said. Reporting by Zach Pawlowski and Olga Laskin
courtesy of devin duggan
Select Club Profiles: These clubs featured to the right are just a few of the many opportunities awaiting students. Joining clubs or taking up sports is a great way to get involved at Hanford. Senior counselor Debbie Bell encourages students to jump in. “Just statistically, involvement in high school extracurricular activities correlates with higher grades and personal self-fulfillment,” Bell said. “[Clubs] give students a connectedness to the school.” reporting by Sonali Matta
language clubs
key club
deca
“Language clubs are pretty much compiled of a bunch of people who have a passion for one certain language and really love it. It’s a lot of fun. We do Broomball and Language Olympics, and we all compete with each other in the Olympic Games. French Club is the club that got me to join every single other club I am in because it was so much fun for me even when I was a shy freshman. It’s my favorite club, and it always will be.”
“Key Club is a service club that provides volunteers for different projects around the community. Organizations come to us with projects, and members can sign up to volunteer. Not only do these community service hours look great on resumes, but you also have the chance to earn scholarships in your senior year. Joining Key Club is a chance to make new friends and get involved in the school by participating in events like Project Eliminate.”
“DECA is an international business and marketing club that participates in competitions all over the country. We perform real-world role plays that are judged by business professionals. We travel to places like Florida and Seattle, and we have Sports Days where we go to games to help promote sports marketing. DECA is a great way to meet new people and become a leader. Plus, the whole school knows us as the club that sells Krispy Kreme donuts!” Carly Rang, DECA Vice President
AnnMarie McCracken French Club Officer
Jacquie Deichman Key Club President
junior state of america “JSA has meetings every Monday after school. We talk about current events and debate on topics that we have chosen. Every debate has one person for pro, one person for con, and one moderator. Every year we go to conventions like Fall State and Winter Congress where we have the chance to participate in debates with other students.” Srinithi Suresh JSA.Secretary
28 August 2014|A&E|7
trending @HHS #PrepDayTrends
“
My pants have six pockets. They can hold so many things!
Teddy Lai freshman
“
I really like long dresses. Brighter colors work better on me.
‘The Giver’: Embrace the unexpected
michelle wang
A
lright, before I say anything about the movie, there are two things that I must confess. First, I have never actually read “The Giver.” And second, I read the book’s plot synopsis on Wikipedia right before the movie started to try and redeem myself. “The Giver” takes place in a world suffering from the sameness of color, music, fun, feelings. Anything that could make a person different has been removed from the society. Everyone follows the strict rules of the Chief Elder without question. Well, everyone except for two people — Jonas, the receiver of memories in training, and the previous receiver of memories, now dubbed “The Giver.” Only these two have memories of the past, memories they gain insight from and solve current dilemmas with. As Jonas’s
training progresses and he learns more and more, he begins to question whether their current way of living is the best way to live. The first part of the movie, before Jonas goes into training to become the “receiver of memories,” was confusing to me since I hadn’t read the book. The black and white images, the absence of background music, and the flat acting due to a lack of emotion seemed odd to me. It wasn’t until I pieced the entire movie together
It wasn’t until I pieced the entire movie together that I realized how genius the directors were. that I realized how genius the directors were. The subtle transitions throughout the movie — the first pops of color, the first tinkling notes of a piano, the first genuine smiles and laughter, with more colors appearing as Jonas was learning — made it seem as if the viewer was truly seeing things as Jonas saw them. Naturally, after watching this movie, I was curious about the original book. So I looked it up on SparkNotes and started noting
all the discrepancies between the book and the movie. Why did they make Jonas so old? And why did they have to add a romance between Jonas and Fiona in the movie? It turned poor Asher into the awkward third wheel who also kind of wants the girl but is overshadowed by the “chosen one.” And another thing was how quickly Jonas’s training seemed to go by. It seemed like he started his training and then 10 minutes later he was already several months into it. They could’ve made the movie a lot deeper and thoughtprovoking as I perceive the book to be. Maybe I’m just being too nitpicky and critical. Overall, I thought “The Giver” was a nice movie. In all honesty, “The Giver” exceeded my low expectations. I cried during the emotional parts and laughed at the occasional snarky comments. However, diehard fans of the book and anyone who has actually read it may not agree with me. If you’re in that boat, my advice would be to pass on this movie. But if you’re even remotely curious about this dystopian world and aren’t expecting much, this movie will meet and maybe even surpass your expectations.
music SWAP
Rae’ Lu McBride sophomore
TWO MUSIC LOVERS REACT WHEN THEY SWAP SONGS
“
I think it’s me. I’ve never seen anyone else wear it, and it makes me feel ahead of the crowd.
Stephanie Scott junior
“
I love superheroes, and the pants are a great conversation starter.
Elise Later senior
reporting by valarie milbrath
Kiera Lucas and Trityca Stubbs
mickey shin|photographer
Olivia Van De Mark and Katie Smith
“JUST A KISS” Junior Kiera Lucas pulled out her song, “Just a Kiss” by Lady Antebellum. “I haven’t listened to it in a long time, but I still think it’s really cute,” Lucas said. Junior Trityca Stubbs agreed. “I think it’s cute. I think it’s really cute,” she elaborated. “It’s just a duet, so it’s both of them and they’re like, we’re just gonna kiss tonight. And that’s it and it’s so cute. I like that. Because you don’t hear that a lot on the radio.” Stubbs admitted that she doesn’t like country a lot but felt that “Just A Kiss” had a pop-ish feel to it. She liked the song because it told a story: “Those are the best,” she said. One of the things she liked was the arrangement of the voices, including both solos and duets. She also appreciated the innocent lyrics, a far cry from most of today’s music, filled with sexual innuendos and glorified drug use. “It was like, goodnight, I’ll see you tomorrow,” Stubbs said.
“HAPPY LITTLE PILL” Junior Trityca Stubbs chose to share “Happy Little Pill” by Troye Sivan. Junior Kiera Lucas enjoyed the song. “This is the first time I’ve heard it but it sounds really nice.“ Specifically, she noted the pace of the song. “I like the rhythm. And I can’t really hear the lyrics because it’s hard to hear, but [the rhythm] is really nice.” Continuing, she said, “It’s not like pop where you can break out and dance to it, but it’s nice and slow.” She didn’t have a preference for tempo, though. “I like both,” Lucas said, referring to fast and slow songs. Lucas is open to new music. “If I listen to the radio, I hear new songs that I like,” Lucas said. She does have one minor complaint about the radio, though: “The only thing that irritates me about radio stuff is [that] the songs get overplayed. It just gets old.”
“LET IT GO” For this music swap, senior Olivia Van De Mark chose a catchy, popular song from Disney’s animated movie, “Frozen,” sung by American actress and singer-songwriter Idina Menzel. Senior Katie Smith hadn’t heard the full song. In addition, she had not seen the movie and doesn’t plan to either. “Probably not. Maybe,” Smith said. In explanation for her lack of knowledge about the song, Smith said that she doesn’t often listen to this kind of music. “[I listen to] rap,” she said, laughing. She then clarified. “I actually listen to all kinds of music.” Though many like hearing popular songs such as “Let it Go,” Smith had a different opinion. “I dislike [this song] because everyone at lunch always sings it,” Smith said.
“FIGHTING TEMPTATIONS” For the next song, senior Katie Smith played “Fighting Temptations.” Mainly sung by Beyoncé, this song also featured numerous popular artists. These artists included singers such as Missy Elliott, Free, and MC Lyte. Senior Olivia Van De Mark remarked that she had heard the song before. She did enjoy listening to the multiple singers and had even found some favorite parts. “I like how she says ‘Hey, Miss Carter!’” Van De Mark said. Although Van De Mark doesn’t listen to music too often, she does find music that she likes sometimes. One of Van De Mark’s choice sources for finding new kinds of music is the radio. Reported by Shelby Schumacher.
THE STRUGGLE FOR SCHOOL SUPPLIES
naveena bontha
Here’s the skinny: I’m walking down the aisles looking for that perfect three-ring, one-and-a-halfinch binder in that fabulous shade of passion fruit pink. Luckily, Target has a towering stack of binders that seems to grant all my wishes. Unfortunately, there’s only one pink binder left in the pile. From the corner of my eye, I see a frumpy middle-aged woman angling in at 78 degrees also trying to nab it. Instinctively, I act. Pushing her to the side, I run to the pile, and daringly try to draw out the binder like it’s the winning piece in a game of Jenga. But I’ve underestimated my opponent. She throws her basket at me, knock-
ing me onto one knee, and lunges for the binder. Quickly, I jump to my feet and push a shopping cart at her, which does the trick. Completely blindsided, she goes down like the Titanic. Victoriously, I run and grab my binder from the stack and shake it in her face like the hooligan I am. While looking over my loot, I suddenly realize that in my hand is a one-inch binder. This scenario happens for basically every school supply I need. Basically, I get more exercise shopping for school than I get all summer. If your parents are anything like my parents, they think that you have all your supplies at home. It ranges from “Why buy new crayons and colored pencils every year when you can just put the ones at home in a Ziploc bag?” to “Why buy a new pair of scissors — can’t you just tape two kitchen knives together?” and “New backpack? Just use the bag our potatoes from Costco came in!” Quick side note — as much as I love Costco, their backpack selection is depressing. I don’t want to have to choose between High Si-
erra purple and High Sierra plaid. Tip for the socially savvy: buy your backpack before they even come into Costco, otherwise your parents will not be able to resist the lure of cheap backpacks. Anyways, back to the topic on hand. Do the parental units really not understand that you need a brand new brick red in your crayon box to successfully start the school year? But as much as all of the above bothers me, the thing that really makes me want to lock myself in my room and cry for hours is the divide in school supplies for elementary and secondary students. As an elementary student, I’m allowed to walk into class with my 128 crazy Crayola crayons and my folders plastered with cute puppies, but walk into Chemistry with them, and I’ve earned myself an unflattering nickname for the rest of the year. So here’s to not buying embarrassing school supplies, finding that fabulous backpack, and snatching that one-and-a-half-inch passion fruit pink binder from the grasp of you-know-who.
the
8|The Back Page|28 August 2014
BANTER:
An introduction to Hanford pride
follow, such as our Flash Mob Fridays. Thanks to our P.E. teachers, who teach a curriculum based on different weekly dance routines, we are able to all participate in dancing the week’s routine during Friday lunches. These activities and traditions bring us closer as a Falcon family. One of my personal favorites is ellie mendoza our monthly Bring Your Pet to School Day. On the last WednesIncoming students, welcome day of every month, the adminto one of the greatest schools in istration allows a day when dogs the country. and ferrets alike are allowed to atAs a school ranked in the top tend classes by our sides. There’s 15 percent of the nation, we have no better chemistry lab partner high expectations here. Part of than your trusty combeing considered panion Fido! a true Falcon is We also take part living up to the One of my personal in events outside of many standards favorites is our the regular school day. we uphold. Be monthly Bring Your For example, during ready to carry Pet to School Day. home football games through your against our rival upcoming high Richland High, we like to paint school career with an abundance our spirit rock while dressed in of pep and spirit in all that you Bomber yellows and greens to do. make an ironic statement. Clad As a school, we have many unique traits. For example, our 48 in the color of our foes, we cheer in the Richland student section, credit graduation requirement. leaving our side empty, and the Sure, most schools only take four whole crowd confused. It really is years to complete all necessary a sight to see. requirements, but here we take You see, here at Hanford our pride in a six-year-long high pride and enthusiasm for our school experience. We especially traditions is what makes us who value students that take rigorous we are. I wish the best for all of 10-hour school schedules in the you freshmen, and I hope you’re summer in order to complete the as excited as I am for the next six usual six years of schooling in a years of your high school experimere four. ence. Along with our graduation Best of luck! requirement, we also have more Ellie fun activities that we religiously
THE
ALTITUDE 28 August 2014 issue 15.1
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF mickey shin
EDITORS
alisa chuang, copy shanta katipamula, copy elisa apra, design raelynn webb, news an wang, features zach pawlowski, a&e ellie mendoza, sports shibani datta, humor naveena bontha, humor
PHOTOGRAPHERS zach pawlowski mickey shin
STAFF
whitney kieffer, olga laskin, bryce logan, sonali matta, valarie milbrath, natalie schueddekopp, shelby schumacher, emily tan, lauren townson, diana wang, michelle wang
ADVISER
nancy e. smith
Editorial Policy: The Altitude is an open public forum for the student community at Hanford High School. The paper is published by Hanford Student Media, informing and entertaining its audience in a broad, fair, and accurate manner. The reporting and opinions published in the Altitude do not represent views of the Richland community, school board, administrators, faculty, or student body of Hanford High School. Advertising Policy: The Altitude accepts advertising for most products and services available to the public. Advertising which promotes illegal products under Washington law, opposes any religion, is written in bad taste, or which includes false statements will not be accepted. The Editorial Board has the right to refuse any such ad. Letters to the Editor: Signed letters to the editor will be accepted and published. The staff reserves the right to edit the letters for poor taste, space, libel, and grammar. Memberships: WJEA, JEA, SPLC Printing by the Daily Sun News, Sunnyside, Wash.
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