Hanford 15 5

5 June 2015|Cover |1

THE

ALTITUDE VOLUME 15, ISSUE 5

Hanford High School | Richland, Wash. 99354 | June.5.2015

farewell seniors recollect the ups and downs of high school

MEET JOEY

inside coach 5 new Football coach Brett Jay discusses his life and

“Just going to school just because you have to, just going home, I would say, is not the right way to look at things, and especially at Hanford, you should take advantage of those moments where you get to meet other people.”

10

where they’re headed

continued on page 8

12

mexican food

17

lit mag

reporting by elisa apra, alisa chuang, shanta katipamula, mickey shin, caroline waring graphics by elisa apra, mickey shin photography by mickey shin

goals for the upcoming season.

Senior destination map outlines what plans are in store for the future.

Students reveal their favorite Mexican restaurants.

Student art is showcased in writing, visual art and audio.

2|News|5 June 2015

THE BUZ Z what have you heard in the news?

“

I heard a few weeks ago that an Amtrak train went off the rails in Philadelphia.

On Tuesday night, May 12, an Amtrak train travelling from Washington D.C. to New York derailed and rolled on to its side in Philadelphia. At least eight of the 243 people aboard were killed.

ESTEBAN BANUELOS (09)

“

There’s this message that shuts down your phone if someone sends it to you.

A certain string of characters sent by text message will crash and reboot an iPhone due to the phone’s inability to compute the particular arrangement. Experts believe that it is just a odd code that the software has a hard time processing. Apple is working on fixing the glitch for future use.

mickey shin|photographer

Senior Hinako Kawabe practices her valedictorian speech in the auditorium. For Kawabe, the most exciting part of graduation is throwing the caps in the air. “In my mind, it’s the official signal that says you’ve graduated,” Kawabe said.

HAZEL WILBURN (10)

“

The riots going on in Baltimore. It’s kind of crazy.

Freddie Gray’s death on April 12 while in police custody sparked an outcry in Baltimore over the topic of police brutality. Protestors, including students, filled the streets a few hours after Gray was buried. The National Guard was later called in to tame the violent protests and a curfew was enforced. The tension has died down.

RYAN PRAETORIUS (11)

“

I heard that there was a lot of flooding in Houston.

A storm system that swept over northern Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, and other parts of the South during the week of May 25 caused severe flooding in the affected areas. At least 37 people are confirmed to be dead and searches continue as the floodwaters secede. The flooding continues.

KELLY YOKUDA (12)

reporting by shelby schumacher

THE END OF THE JOURNEY shibanidatta

a&e editor

Imagine hundreds of purple caps being thrown into the air, the applause of family and friends filling the crowded Toyota Center on Friday, June 5.

This is graduation.

For seniors, it’s been the light at the end of the tunnel, the final destination of this four-year journey.

There are always mixed emotions about the event – on one hand, this is the last time that seniors will be all together as the Class of 2015.

On the other hand, life after graduation is full of exciting and unexpected experiences, and freedom.

The teacher speaking this year is Kim Maldonado.

“I taught four classes of sophomores who are graduating seniors, and I was really close to them. We had a lot of inside jokes and had a lot fun,” Maldonado said.

“The most important part to me is when the kids’ line up – teachers go out first and we line up, and they walk through this line we made for them and we applaud them. That is my favorite part of graduation, because they deserve it,” Maldonado explained.

She made sure that if she was going to give the speech that she would still be able to participate in this gesture.

The event itself is less than three hours long. It consists of nine valedictorian speeches, two salutatorian speeches and a selected teacher speech.

Hinako Kawabe is one of the nine valedictorians.

Regarding her speech, Kawabe wants to try to stay away from being generic and leave the audience with something that will stick with them for a while.

While she is definitely excited, there are some other feelings mixed in.

“I guess it’s like 60 percent excitement, 20 percent anxious, 10 percent anxiety, and 10 percent sentimental,” Kawabe said. “But for me, excitement is the most prominent.”

For current juniors, the thought of graduation is daunting, but they await it eagerly.

“It’s a little nerve-racking, but honestly it’s amostly an exciting feeling. I’d say I’m pretty stoked to be a senior next year,” said junior Isabel Bartholomew.

A dance, a night and a storm to remember

katie peurrung|photographer

The jazz band plays as junior Jackson Smith takes his dance partner for a spin around the dance floor.

There were about 300 people present at the swing dance. The weather started off pleasant, but soon the

maelandsman

staff writer

Upbeat music filled the room as gentlemen asked ladies to dance with them.

Horns of every shape and size sung their brassy songs in harmony with a large contrabass and a tinkling piano.

On Friday, May 22, people of all ages gathered in the Commons for the annual swing dance. Live music – courtesy of the school’s jazz bands – brought together dancers of all levels of expertise, and laughs were shared as the dancers formed several rows to performed The Hustle.

“I think my favorite part from this [year’s

swing dance] was when we played ‘The Hustle’ and everyone was dancing together,” senior Sarah Anne Harrington said.

The swing dance is the perfect dance for the end of the school year because it is classy yet laid-back, which helps relieve the stress of finals, allowing people to just have a good time.

“I always like the swing dance. I think it’s a lot of fun. It’s not like the formal stuff like Homecoming or Prom – it’s laid-back, it’s the end of the year, it’s jazz music – not the bump-and-grind,” senior Rain Hawkes said.

“It was grind-free, by what I saw,” junior Jackson Smith said. “That tends to happen

storm clouds rolled in. There was rain, thunder and lightening for over an hour, lighting up the Commons. at other dances, but at this dance, it didn’t really happen. People were classy. People were polite, there was fantastic music, lots of class. It was fun.”

As the night progressed, the sky filled with storm clouds, which only improved the bands’ performances and the ambience of the scene. “[The storm] started after we got offstage,” Hawkes said. ““I saw flashes [in the window] and I wasn’t sure if it was camera reflections or if it was lightning, but then I realized it was lightning.”

Throughout the night, attendees to the dance sought refuge from the hot dance floor by standing out in the rain and watch-

ing the lightning.

“It was kind of a relief that it was raining,” freshman Fiona Kirkham said. “It was better than how hot and stuffy it was inside.

[My friends and I] went in the middle of the field and just sat and watched the lightning.

I don’t know why or how, but in a sense [the storm] made things better.”

By the end of the night, the overall satisfaction could be felt radiating from the dancers and band members alike. As the floor was cleared and instruments were put back, a positive consensus was reached by both dancers and performers.

The dance was a success.

5 June 2015|News|3

NHS STUDENTS CELEBRATE WITH TEACHERS srinithi suresh

srinithi suresh|photographer

Junior Kaarin Von Bargen reveals to Laurie Price that she is her secret pal at the National Honor Society (NHS) barbecue, after nine weeks of gift-giving. The NHS does the anonymous Secret Pal project annually.

career editor The sun shined down on the cheerful and anticipating faces of teachers and students as they headed out to the festivities.

The staff and students gathered to celebrate the yearly Secret Pal barbecue just outside the doors opposite the Falcon Gym. The barbecue took place on May 22, during both lunches and fourth hour.

The Secret Pal project is done annually to show appreciation for teachers. Every week for nine weeks, National Honor Society members anonymously gave their assigned teachers small gifts.

Prior to the project, teachers submitted forms with information about their hobbies, likes and dislikes. The students base their gifts off of these forms.

The secret pals are finally revealed at the barbecue, where teachers usually gift something back to the students.

This was junior Kiera Lucas’s first year participating in this project. She chose to be science teacher Evan

Woodward’s secret pal.

“It was really good!” Lucas said. “I made [the gifts] super artsy because I know he loves motivational quotes. I would give him a drawing of a falcon, or WSU stuff – so I drew him a WSU logo. He also likes Gatorade and trail mix, so I got him those every week.”

Students seemed to enjoy the project because they got to show their gratitude to their teachers.

Lucas echoed this sentiment.

“Teachers don’t get appreciated as much as they should. Like, they’re here all the time, and they do so much for us, so it’s nice giving back to them,” she said.

Senior Jacob M. Anderson was the chair for this year’s barbeque.

“I had to organize signups and get people to show up for their shifts.

I had to make sure that everything ran smoothly,” Anderson said.

“I think it was comparable to [last year’s barbecue]. I was trying to make the same result happen again.

[I thought that] if we repeat what we did – and last year was great – then it should turn out great, and I think it did,” he said.

Musician comes to teach more than music danasmall

staff writer On May 29 and May 30, the school hosted the last guest artist of the year, tuba player, Deanna Swoboda.

Swoboda has worked as an international performer and musical clinician and has served as President of the International Tuba Euphonium Association, an organization for performers, teachers and friends of the tuba and euphonium.

She has spent the last 12 years working to help encourage students to join band through band recruitment programs that show the joys of music.

She feels that music is a way to build a stronger mind, one more adept at problem solving, among other skills. “[Music] teaches us patience and organization at an extremely

high level,” she said while discussing the influence of music on people. “It challenges us to solve problems holistically and to perfect what we do.”

Swoboda believes that no matter what career a person chooses, music can help to positively influence leadership skills. Musicians must work together as a group to be able to create a larger message for the audience.

This ability to work with others can be applied to many parts of daily life.

“These are high level skills and qualities of leadership that any executive of a high level company would be interested in having as part of their team.”

Swoboda has also been a role model for young female brass players.

Over the years, certain instruments have been deemed “more

masculine” or “more feminine” due to aspects of the instruments, including size, shape and sound.

She has worked to change these stereotypes by becoming a firstrate female tuba player.

“That statistic is changing due to more tuba-playing female role models for students at a young age,” Swoboda said. “I am honored to serve as a role model.”

Swoboda urges people to live in an age of design and creativity. “As a musician, a business woman, and entrepreneur, I intend to convey a message to the students about creating success in life and living a fulfilling life, no matter what your chosen career,” she said.

“Musicians and artists are creative people, who when given the opportunity, can be change makers in their community and in the world at large.”

katie peurrung|photographer

Guest artist Deanna Swoboda practices with the Wind Ensemble. They performed both Friday and Saturday nights with various other groups.

Exploring the body bencasas

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staff writer On May 18, students in Dave Neumayer’s Human Anatomy and Physiology class went to Washington State University (WSU) to explore the cadaver lab.

The trip was a whole new experience.

“The cadaver lab was awesome. It’s one thing to be in a classroom and learn the different body parts, but to be able to touch them with my own hands is new – and in my opinion a better – way to learn,” junior Elwood Davis said.

As actual human body parts were passed around, students were able to feel them.

“The most interesting thing about the lab was that I got to touch and hold different parts of the body that were ‘normal’ and others that were not,” Davis said.

Relating to Davis, junior Kevon Skinner said, “I got to see most of the insides of the human body. I got to see how big an average liver was – and it was quite large. Holding the heart and the lungs were pretty cool.

The heart had a springy feeling to it when I slightly squeezed it.”

The students were able to touch a heart, liver, brain, and different types of bones.

They were also able to touch other miscellaneous organs.

However, for some the lab was a bit of a letdown.

Senior Tanner Heiman expected “a huge lab with dead bodies dissected and organs laid out, so that the students could feel them.”

He then explained. “The actual lab was very small, and we only got to see two bodies.

I liked the brain and all the other organs we got to feel, though.”

The students also got to spend time exploring WSU. Students also got to take a campus tour.

“WSU has a lovely campus, and I enjoyed going to the football stadium,” Skinner said.

According to many, the field trip went well. “It was a success because we learned not only about our cadavers and what we have been studying, but a little about college life and what it takes to make it through college life,” Davis said.

The trip lived up to expectations and surpassed some.

“The field trip was not as gross as I thought it would be. The bodies didn’t smell like I thought they would but the smell did linger around a bit after we left. It kind of killed my appetite,” Skinner said. “It was a lot more fun than I expected to have.”

4|Sports|5 June 2015

ellie mendoza |photographer

Seniors Kayla Lasater and Brady Heid pose for a picture after winning Athlete of the Year at the annual Sports Banquet. The winner of the award is chosen by all of the coaching staff at Hanford, as are the nominees. There were three female athlete nominees for the award as well as four male athlete nominees.

ATHLETES OF THE YEAR NAMED AT BANQUET Kayla Lasater and Brady Heid win coveted athletic honor elliemendoza

sports editor On June 2, the annual sports banquet was held to honor both former and current athletes. Athletes who had found success in high school athletics were placed in the Hall of Fame, Knirck scholarships were given and the athletes of the year were announced.

The Athlete of the Year is an honor bestowed on a senior girl and a senior boy at the end of their athletic career. The winners for the 2014-2015 school year are seniors Brady Heid and Kayla Lasater. Heid played both basketball and baseball, making all conference teams for both sports and acting as a team captain for both as well. Lasater participated in gymnastics and dive, placing in state for both.

The moments before the announcement of the winners were filled with anticipation. “I got really hot. Like, I didn’t

care who got the boy award because everyone was deserving of it,” Heid said.

On winning the award, Heid thought the experience was pretty special. “There’re a lot of athletes in this school, and knowing that you’re at the top of the list is a fun feeling.

You know all of the hard work has paid off.”

Lasater felt similarly: “It makes me feel like I worked even harder than I think I did, and knowing that I didn’t do mainstream sports, I felt like I had less of a chance of getting it because most of my coaches don’t teach or go to Hanford. It makes me feel accomplished.”

While both athletes are accomplished in their own respective sports, getting to this position was far from easy.

“My hardest thing was facing injuries and never giving up. Like, you always have to want to succeed and keep on going whether you fall or not,” Lasater said.

Heid agreed. “Nothing is easy,” he said.

Through both of their hardships and losses, both athletes expressed the overwhelming sense of community that they’ve felt over their time here no matter how they performed.

“Being an athlete at Hanford has definitely taught me that we’re all one family, and I know that we all care about each other. Even if we do lose, we’re all still with each other and supporting everyone,” Lasater said.

For both Heid and Lasater, receiving the title of Athlete of the Year has been a fantastic ending to their last year.

“It’s a good award to cherish for a while and understand,” Heid said. “Kayla and I, we went to grade school together and have been together until now, and it’s kind of fun seeing how we both were able to succeed. It’s a humbling experience.”

Finishing high school strong emily tan

features editor

987-1697

Nothing says going out in style more than finishing a high school sports career on its biggest stage: state. For seniors Lacy Skwarek, Austin Davis and Darko Stankovic, this past weekend was their last walk on that stage, in golf, track and tennis respectively.

“The whole weekend I was just thinking to myself, ‘You are at state; enjoy the time while you can,’ and before competition I would say to myself as long as I run a clean race, that’s the best I can do,” Davis said.

“I was pretty nervous because I knew the competition would be tough.”

High school sports careers often go through a curve, starting as an incoming freshman and ending as the senior who’s stepped up and adopted a leadership role.

It’s that taking of the torch which signifies an athlete’s twilight season.

“Once I became an upperclassman, I was the only golfer left, and so I took some leadership and helped all the new girls that came in this year,” Skwarek said. “I like to think they looked up to me and thought of me as a big sister.”

Sports teams matter to those involved not only because of the physical exercise they may bring, but also because of the life lessons and connections they help build.

Looking retrospectively, these seniors are

grateful for all the other benefits their sport has brought them. In a sense, their teammates have become their family.

“I’m glad I decided to play tennis because I made a ton of friendships that will last a lifetime,” Stankovich said. “I enjoyed the success I had in the sport and how awesome everyone I met through the sport is.”

As the seniors look back on the years and share their favorite moments, they realize that their best memories are often times those fleeting, shining moments of success. “My best memories were of course winning state my freshman and sophomore year. We had a team like no other,” Skwarek said.

To Davis, a moment he’ll cherish forever happened at his final meet. “My favorite memory was definitely going up state this year and competing. All the athletes and parents there watching and standing on the podium is something I’ll never forget.”

But, as the jaded saying goes, everything good comes to an end. And goodbyes are always the hardest.

“Senior track experience is different from any other year because it is your last year to accomplish your goals. It really pushes and motivates you more because after your last race, you are done for good – you don’t have next season,” Davis said.

“My senior advice would be just have fun and enjoy your time. It goes by so fast.”

5 June 2015|Sports|5

Q&A

AN INTRODUCTION TO THE NEW FOOTBALL COACH, BRETT JAY

bryce logan

THE

BRYCE IS RIGHT

Q: What do you hope to accomplish for the 2015 football season?

A: Championships! We are going to build a championship program where players win on and off the field.

Q: What do you think is the most important characteristic a team can have?

A: There are two elements that will drive our program: 1) We will be a family. We must establish brotherhood immediately because when we start playing for the man next to us, everything is possible.

2) We will be the hardest working football team in the country.

Nobody will outwork us. We will have that peace of mind knowing that every time we step on the field, we know we have outworked our opponent. Now we just play!

Q: Do you have any expectations for the student section?

A: Absolutely! Let’s pack it! I went to the Hanford vs Richland basketball game at home this year, and our student section was unreal! Let’s bring that to the table every Friday night, and good things will happen!

Q: What do you like to do in your free time?

A: Hang out with my family: Hayley (wife), Brady (7 year old son), Sophie (3 year old daughter). We do everything together and that is important to me: yard work, vacations, athletic events.

Q: Who’s your biggest inspiration?

A: Family is #1! My wife, son and daughter inspire me every single day. They motivate me to be at my best.

Q: What’s your favorite concession snack?

A: I have a weakness for the nachos, no matter how old the cheese is.

The NBA Finals

Q: What advice would you give to an aspiring football player?

A: This is a great question! Write down exactly what you want to do in the sport, in the classroom, and in life. We all MUST understand the only thing between us and our goals is ourselves.

As long as we work as hard as we can every single day and are doing it the “Falcon Way” (the right way), we will accomplish our goals. Learn from every failure and every success and just DO NOT STOP until you get where you want to be.

Q: What drove you to interview for the position as head coach for Hanford?

A: I always thought Hanford would be a fantastic place to teach and coach. Not to mention, it has the perfect communities and school systems to raise a family. The other aspect that made this opportunity a no-brainer is the fact that our administration is hungry for success in the classroom and in athletics, and that is very very important to me!

Q: Anything else you want us to know?

A: I am very thankful for the opportunity to represent our school and community as your head football coach. I want to do everything in my power to contribute to an already fantastic high school and make it in to the best in the country. We are excited to move in to the district and be a part of the community and completely invest in Hanford.

katie peurrung|photographer

An incoming freshman practices as quarterback with new coach Brett Jay. The players split up into position-specific groups during practice to better their individual skills.

katie peurrung|photographer

Football players gather together to begin a new drill.

katie peurrung|photographer

Sophomore Desmond Samples listens in as coaches assist him during practice.

W

hy will this NBA Finals be so entertaining to watch? There are two reasons: LeBron James and Steph Curry. LeBron is pretty much regarded as the best basketball player on planet Earth, while Steph is known for breaking ankles and shooting 3s.

LeBron James is the only reason that the Cavs are even in the Finals this year. His team is beat up, so he has taken it upon himself to lead the team.

In every way possible.

He is averaging a near tripledouble with 30.3 points, 11 rebounds and 9.3 assists – an almost unheard of stat line. This is one of the many reasons he is being compared to Jordan as the greatest of all time, and rightfully so. Even if you don’t like or know anything about basketball, you’ll want to watch because it is almost guaranteed that he will put on an incredible show for the fans. He’ll likely bring down the house with his thunderous dunks, and might even show us one of his chase down blocks – a classic for LeBron.

On the other side of the court is up-and-coming star Steph Curry. He won his first MVP award by leading the Warriors to the NBA’s best record.

There’s also not much you can’t like about Steph Curry.

The dude can dribble around anyone and has quite possibly the cutest kid of all time.

The now-famous two-yearold Riley Curry has taken social media by storm with a countless memes and Vines of her singing Drake at press conferences and telling her dad to be quiet.

Steph’s mom has also received her fair share of public interest because she is a very attractive 48 years old. Sure, Steph gets annoyed with the amount of comments about his mom, but it obviously hasn’t affected his game in any way.

His wife has a very popular blog and Mr. and Mrs. Curry are often referred to as “relationship goals” as they met at the young age of 14. Pretty cute if you ask me. Steph’s dad also played in the NBA, so he just has a pretty famous family all around.

So even if you’re not a basketball fan, you should watch the NBA Finals, or at least the post-game press conference. You’ll see LeBron carry his team, and you might even get to see Steph literally break someone’s ankles, and if you’re lucky, his mom will show up and get a little face time. Even if you miss the game, watch the press conference to see what kind of shenanigans the adorable Riley Curry has up her sleeve.

6|Features|5 June 2015

courtesy of jagan bontha

Observers freshman Anneka Walton and sophomore Alexander Fang, along with sophomore Naveena Bontha and two other competitors from the Mid-Columbia region pose for a group picture. They were chosen from among sixth to twelfth grade students from the Tri-Cities and surrounding areas to attend the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. Bontha placed second at the fair.

LAB-ORING AWAY ryanwang

opinion editor

courtesy of columbians drum corps

The front ensemble and horn line of the Columbians Drum Corps rehearse the music for their show, “1942,” in the gym over Memorial Day weekend. They gathered for practice at least one weekend every month during the school year.

To the beat of the drum jadon fickle

staff writer

The Columbians Drum Corps is a marching-band-style group that goes on tour for one full week in the month of July, visiting many states and performing at even more competitions.

Life in the Columbians Drum Corps can be grueling, both physically and socially. They begin with practices that happen one weekend a month, except for June.

“The entire month of June, Columbians is six days a week for 12 hours,” sophomore Aaron Rausch said. During this month, members meet every day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., with the exception of Sundays.

“Columbians takes quite a lot of dedication. You have to put aside a lot of your life for it,” Rausch said.

He plays marimba in the Columbians’

front ensemble and has been a member of the group for two years.

But the Columbians don’t take up a huge chunk of time for nothing.

The program proves to be a valuable experience in teaching its members about work ethic and commitment.

Being a part of the corps teaches the members a lot, including life skills they will need later in life.

“Columbians has taught me a lot about hard work and dedication and what all of that hard work and dedication can accomplish,” sophomore Edie Engelmann said. Like Rausch, she has worked with the Columbians for two years, but as a trumpet player.

A big part of the Columbians is reflection. It’s that feeling of putting in everything for an extended period of time and finally seeing a product.

After their months of practice and their weeklong tour, the members can see the result of their hard work and

struggle.

“The best part of the Columbians for me is when you look back and see all that you’ve accomplished. It makes me very proud,” Rausch said.

Englemann shares a similar thought. “My favorite thing is being able to see all the hard work you put in become something really cool and unique,” Englemann said.

The experience of being a part of something that lets you go places with people from every walk of life is rewarding for many members of the Columbians. The program has provided its members with not only a place to practice their instruments, but also plenty of connections and friendships.

“The best part is gaining a second family,” Engelmann said. “It is really cool to meet so many people from so many different areas that you wouldn’t meet otherwise.”

During fourth week of May, Alex Fang went to Pittsburg in order to attend the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) as an observer.

“International” is an apt description. Individuals from all over the globe gathered at the event. “There were people from all sorts of countries that showed up.

People from France, people from Australia, people from Japan, people from the Czech Republic,” Fang said.

Fang understands that the heart of science lies not merely in the data, but in the exchange of information among people of solidary inspiration, getting to know others and in establishing connections to further bolster their academic passion.

This social aspect was well understood by the organizers of ISEF, who incorporated it into the basic structure of the conference through the implementation of a pin-trading bazaar.

“My favorite part was the pin exchange and the mixers where you got to just talk with other kids all around and it was a great time,” Fang said.

“There was one main spot where you do the pin exchange where everyone was literally just in this giant lobby and you just

SUMMER GOALS

KAITLYN BROWN

WILLIAM CHIANG

SHANE EATON

“I’m volunteering at the hospital this summer.”

“Sleep at least 12 hours a night and eat four meals per day of top ramen.”

“Planning on doing camping trips, enjoying myself, and relaxing.”

Freshman

Sophomore

Junior

find a person and be like ‘Where are you from? Give me your pin,’ and they’d be all ‘Where are you from? Give me your pin.’”

One might expect that going to the ISEF would help to guide one’s decision for one’s future career, but for Fang it had the opposite effect.

“All it did was just make it more confusing, looking at all sorts of projects around, and I’m like, oh, my god, all these are so cool, I just can’t pick now, so I’ll just have to see where I get around in my life,” Fang said.

In an experience abounding with experiments, it’s no wonder that such exposure would overwhelm someone. “I have a bigger outlook on technology and science and how much we can advance it,” Fang said.

Sophomore Naveena Bontha was one of the competitors in the national fair and placed second in her category of Engineering Mechanics. As an award, she will have an asteroid named after her

by NASA. “I’m excited to have placed second in my category,” she said.

“It’s a huge honor to make it to ISEF, and I’m glad I made my team proud.”

It’s one thing to win cash and a ribbon, but it’s definitely amazing to have some inter-galactic rock with your name on it.”

REPORTED BY ALEX WASHBURN

VICTORIA BENDER Senior

“My goals for the summer are to work and raise money to go to college.”

5 June 2015|Features|7

Q&A

EXCHANGING PLANS

with next year’s ASB president

international students share their next steps

What goals do you have for your term as president?

Honestly, I just want to do what the students want to do. I want to take in what they want to see happen and make that happen. I just don’t want to do what ASB usually does; I want to actually incorporate the students’ opinions. That’s my number one thing.

And how do you plan to do that?

Luckily, just being able to be in leadership, we’re allowed to do our own projects, and we get to pretty much do anything we can get approved from the admins, so as long as someone comes up to me and says, “Hey, I want to see this happen.” As long as I can get that approved by the admins, then we can do it.

Okay, and what kinds of challenges do you expect to face?

I feel like the biggest challenge is just going to be overall criticism.

There’re always going to be times

BJOERK NIELSEN DENMARK

katie peurrung|photographer

when you have to make a tough decision that you know people are not going to be okay with. So you know, it’s something you just kind of have to understand and be like, “You can’t please everyone. You just have to try to do your best.”

How do you plan to overcome criticism?

I think what’s going to help a lot in facing that is the fact that the council we have elected for next year is really good. It’s nice to have such a supportive group of people who I know will help get the job done, and they’re going to be facing the same thing too.

And what are you looking for-

ward to for next year?

I am just looking forward to making next year awesome and just trying to show Hanford that we’re a pretty awesome school! And I’m looking forward to doing a lot of things because I’ve seen what people do, and I’ve seen what I want to change about it, and I think that’s the best and most exciting part — that I can do that next year, and I can make those changes happen. Hopefully we’ll have a good year! interview conducted by valarie milbrath photo by katie peurrung.

up, up and away to adventure

Plans for the future: “First going to Copenhagen (home), then I’ll go to Paris to have a week with my family because I haven’t seen them in a year. I will absolutely come back to Hanford for visits, but college is too expensive in the U.S.A., and it’s free in Europe.”

Most memorable experience: “‘Thoroughly Modern Millie,’ the cast, rehearsals, performances — just being part of it is amazing.”

KIM MARTEN GERMANY Plans for the future: “I am going to finish school and hopefully come back soon. I am going to California for two weeks before I go home. I am going to get a job and buy a nice car.”

Most memorable experience: “Richland sunsets and nights with friends.”

sonali matta

staff writer Rather than sitting on the couch in front of the air conditioning for the whole summer, some students are traveling to all ends of the globe. From cross-country to overseas, sophomore Mariah Johnson, senior Michael Latka and junior Max Weil will explore, learn and serve others during their summer vacations.

Staying within the country, Johnson will be attending the National Student Leadership Conference for law and advocacy at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. While she’s there, Johnson will learn about the legal process, how trials are conducted in court and the different careers in law. She’ll get to work with real lawyers who will help students conduct a mock trial of their own.

“I’m excited to meet new people who enjoy something that I’ve always wanted to do and to further understand how law works,” Johnson said.

After his senior year ends, Latka will travel with 19 other people from his church to Uspantán, Guatemala for two weeks to lead a mission for the Vacation Bible School. “I’m looking forward to telling people about Jesus and just seeing something new. We’re going to pass out Bibles to hopefully every home in that city,” he said.

Latka is both excited and unsure for some the trip.“It’s going to be in the rainy months, so it may rain the whole time I’m there. It’s also nine total hours of flying from here,” Latka said.

Like Latka, Weil will explore new continents this summer. Weil and his dad will head to the Hluhluwe Game Reserve in South Africa for five days to go on a tour. They plan on taking pictures, one of Weil’s favorite things to do.

On his vacation, Weil might visit the Victorian Falls, but most of the time will be spent touring the park with a camera around his neck.

“The plane ride will probably be the biggest downside of the whole trip,” Weil said, “but I’m looking forward to getting the chance to get some cool photos of wildlife.”

MIRIYA HANADA JAPAN Plans for the future: “I will be going back to Japan on June 14. It’s coming up pretty soon, so I’m not here during summer vacation. I’ll just go back to my ‘normal’ life and ‘normal school’ life in Japan.”

Most memorable experience: “I really liked International Club activities. We have had a Thanksgiving party, a Winter Celebration party, and a last dinner event.”

ANTONELLA DI LEO ITALY

katie peurrung|photographer

Senior Michael Latka holds up a picture of the flag of Guatemala, where he will be spending two weeks of his summer vacation. Latka plans to visit the nation on a Vacation Bible School mission with members of his church.

Plans for the future: “I’m going back home to Italy. The plan is going to Venice because I have never been there, and I really want to go.

Next year I’m going to turn 18, so I’m going to get my driving license, and I hope to meet my foreign friends.”

Most memorable experience: “I really enjoyed being part of ‘Gaslight Girl’ because I had the opportunity to try something different.”

REPORTED BY KYLE CAMPBELL

8|Seniors|5 June 2015

when i was a freshman, i wish i...

ZACH WILLIS

CALEB GREER-SHORT

When I was a freshman, I wish I was skinny.

I wish I had been more involved because there are a lot of things I’ve been interested in. I didn’t get involved because I was comfortable where I was, but I wasn’t going anywhere.

PETER LI I wish I’d bought Taylor Swift tickets because they were probably cheaper.

MARIVEL VENEGAS I wish I had better grades. I wish I’d paid attention more. Grades are important whether or not you’re planning on going to college or not.

ANIMESH PATTANAYAK JULIA WALKER I wish I had talked to people more, maybe joined some more clubs.

I wish I would’ve planned for the fact that life wouldn’t turn out the way I wanted it to turn out to. I tore my hamstring and couldn’t play soccer.

I spent a fair amount of time mourning after lost plans. I should’ve realized I could’ve just done something else, like tennis.

TREVOR SHIBLEY I wish I knew how much I would change over the next few years. Who I imagined I would be as a senior is definitely not who I am, but embracing that change has made me a better person.

KAILI HOFFMAN I realized how fast [high school] would go by and how much it would change my life.

JOHN HOWARD I wish I would’ve gone to Hanford.

JACOB ANDERSON SARAH ROSS I wish I had invested more time into the things I actually liked. Don’t waste time with things you’re not happy with.

I wish that I had talked to more people. I was very shy as a freshman.

The more friends you have, the better support system you have. Friends can help you through anything.

HANNAH CLAUSS I wish I wouldn’t have thought high school would last so long. I don’t want to take time for granted.

5 June 2015|Seniors|9

Senior Devin Sprenkle has overcome idiopathic intracranial hypertension. This experience has inspired her to study genetics to further understand her condition.

Overcoming obstacles Senior Nick McKinney experienced the loss of his father during his freshman year. After a period of struggle, McKinney turned his life around and will be the first in his family to attend college.

First in the family For some students, going to college is expected, simply the next accepted step on the path to adulthood. However, not everybody grows up in an environment where attending college is considered the norm. Not everyone has had a smooth path laid out for him. Many students graduating this year will be the first members of their family to ever attend college. Nick McKinney is one such student.

“When no one else in my family ever went, you know, I never had anyone to talk to about it for a long time, about going to college,” McKinney said, adding, “It just felt kind of like if no one else went to college, maybe why should I?” Despite not being particularly enthusiastic about starting high school, he still did fairly well his first year. “I had a 3.5, I was doing pretty well. I had hopes of going to college, but I didn’t really know where I wanted to go to,” he said.

“And then my father passed away, and I got really depressed, so you know, after that, I got kind of off the path, I didn’t really focus a lot on school a lot and stuff.” His grades dropped, going from a 3.5 to a 2.5 average in his sophomore and junior years of high school.

Towards the end of his junior year, however, things started to turn around. “I met my girlfriend,

and she really encouraged me to try hard and go to college, ‘cause I thought, you know, maybe I wouldn’t be able to go to college or anything,” McKinney said. He worked hard and maintained straight As his senior year.

“Ninth, tenth, eleventh grade, I struggled with math so hard, because I thought, I’m stupid at math, or something, but when I actually took the time to really try it and practice, I actually ended up doing really well in pre-calculus,” he said.

“Don’t limit yourself. Never feel like you’re not good enough for something because you always can be,” he said. “I just think there’s no such thing as not being cut out for something, I think you can do whatever you want to as long as you try hard enough and want it hard enough.”

Now, he’s headed to Washington State University in Pullman this fall. “I’m really thankful that I’m going there because they seem like they really care about me,” he said. He plans on using his freshman year to explore different possibilities and seek out what he’s passionate about.

“If I can’t really find anything right away, I’m going to try to pursue a major in accounting, and go in to get my MBA, and I believe that will really help give me all the skills I need to start my own record label, which is my true dream.”

Devin Sprenkle didn’t have a clichéd high school existence full of carefree afternoons in the summer sun. In fact, high school was when she discovered she suffered from idiopathic intracranial hypertension, a neurological disorder characterized by painful symptoms — headaches and nausea among them.

“My freshman year I got these really bad headaches, and I didn’t know what was going on. My vision started going away too,” Sprenkle said. She didn’t get to finish fourth quarter freshman year, but was able to make up all the credits she lost and graduate on time.

She traveled to Seattle for the summer where the doctors endlessly tested her with spinal taps — a test “where they stick a needle in your spine and test your cerebral spinal fluid,” she explained.

She then underwent brain surgery. “They put a tube in my brain because my brain makes too much spinal fluid. That’s what was causing the headaches.”

This procedure left her lasting effects. “I’m completely colorblind, and I don’t have peripheral vision at all. I’ve been legally blind before. I used to be legally blind so it’s kind of like I’ve had a visual journey and a headache journey,” Sprenkle said. “I still get headaches sometimes, but they’re not as bad. The medicine that I’m on makes me very sleepy so I sleep a lot.”

However, not all the effects were physical. “I’m more understanding of people and I’m more empathetic. I can understand when people are going through a tough time. I understand and it’s what people need. It’s quote unquote my superpower,” she said.

“It felt like some people thought, ‘oh, she’s getting brain surgery so she’s probably defective.’ I don’t know - it kind of sucked a lot, but I was like if they feel that way then they’re probably not real friends. But then I also gained true friends and I’m still friends with them today so it’s really nice.”

As for post-graduation, Sprenkle plans to study genetics at WSU, to “learn how the brain works and how people work.”

How and why she started to suffer from idiopathic intracranical hypertension is still an enigma, and she plans on remedying that — and for other students, she gives this advice: “It’ll get better. Keep your family and friends close to you and if you have a dog, hug them.”

Branching out Senior Joey Mack has had a colorful high school career – from German field trips to football – and what he advises most is this: “Always join any clubs. If you feel like the club is going to be interesting, don’t think twice. Just join it. Might as well go with it, you know.”

He explained his reasoning: “Just going to school just because you have to, just going home, I would say, is not the right way to look at things, and especially at Hanford, you should take advantage of those moments where you get to meet other people,” he said.

“It’s always those little things in life, where those unexpected things are, I would say, the high

points. Reaching out to others - and when it seems awkward, break out of your comfort zone.”

For Mack, breaking out meant talking to people, learning more about them and figuring how he could help them.

The main thing he regrets is not joining more clubs. “Sharing yourself with other people is what’s necessary to have happiness in high school,” he said.

“Take as many opportunities as you can, get to know as many friends as possible, be outgoing, even though it may seem intimidating - just do it anyways. It’ll be worth it in the end.”

Senior Joey Mack is passionate about clubs. He realizes that his happiness comes from breaking out of his comfort zone.

Student finds the determination to carry on

Senior James Mabry’s experience in high school has been harder than most. Just a little over a week ago, his best friend died.

“My best friend was like a brother to me.

The other day, he got killed, on the other side. He got shot six times, yeah. And he died, so that just killed me,” Mabry said.

“The other side” refers to Stanwood High – a high school he went to his freshman year. The number of high schools Mabry has attended is quite lengthy.

“Well, I went to Richland for two years and I transferred to Rivers Edge to pick up my credits for a half of a semester and then my freshman year I went to Stanwood High – that’s from the other side of the mountain. Yeah. And then I went to Walla Walla after winter break. So, yeah, it was

pretty crazy. Pretty sure I went to like, five different schools.”

His last year has been spent at Hanford, where he’s found both good and bad.

“High school is pretty fun. It had its ups and downs, but I still gotta get through it,” Mabry said. “I got to meet like, so many different people from many different backgrounds. And that’s a really interesting thing. Or like, playing sports for different high schools, and see how they are. That’s really interesting to me. And meeting all these different people I didn’t even know, that I didn’t even think I’d be friends with.”

That encouragement is a part of what pushed Mabry forward this last year of high school. “I wish I could go back to freshman year and just – not slack off.

And bring up all my grades. And just play sports. And call it good. Besides, think about your friends and all that. It isn’t worth it. I’m just glad I’m not a dropout like lots of people are nowadays. Because my brother dropped out, and now he’s just working. He hasn’t got his GED yet. I don’t want to be that kind of person. Just drop out for no reason.”

His advice to students who are struggling: “Just keep going. Don’t slack off. If you’re going through a bad time, I understand. But just keep motivated and get your stuff done. If you have bad grades, bring them up. ‘Cause in the long run, you still have so long to go.”

Senior James Mabry has experienced many social troubles. From moving schools to the death of a friend, Mabry has found solace in the future.

8|Seniors|4 June 2015

future

class of 2015 destinations

W HE R E T H E Y’ R E H E AD E D 4 June 2015|Seniors|9

10|Seniors |5 June 2015

Cornell University

Giovana Pinheiro St. John’s University

Shane Douglas

OHIO

Yale University

Aydin Akyol

Hawaii Pacific University

Maegan Dallas

Mackenzie Hammersmith University of Hawaii

James Bennett

Boise State University

Amy Aiello Brigham Young University Idaho

Kiel Ashbaker

Bradley Nelson Brigham Young University Provo

Samuel Hart Lewis-Clark State College

Kaili Hoffman

Kendall Watson Northwest Nazarene University

Maggie Jackson University of Idaho

Arielle Eaton

Joshua Fox

Mercedez Long

Animesh Pattanayak

Zoe Soran

IDAHO

Blue Mountain Community College

Tanner Heiman Eastern Oregon University

Bryce Logan

McKaden Manderbach

Ellie Mendoza Portland Community College

Serenna McMurphy Portland State University

Christopher Aquilera

Kelly Yokuda Reed College

Joel Staudinger

OREGON

Oklahoma Baptist University

Michael Latka

OKLAHOMA

Case Western Reserve University

Grace Dai

NEW YORK

CONNECTICUT

HAWAII

Princeton University

Hinako Kawabe

NEW JERSEY

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Srinithi Suresh

NORTH CAROLINA

Montana State University

Whitney Kieffer

MONTANA

Normandale Community College

Ryan Clark St. Olaf University

Sean Thompson

Colorado Mesa University

Nicholas Danna Colorado School of Mines

Kristen Baker

COLORADO

Cuesta Community College

Hunter Hill Stanford University

Shanta Katipamula University of California Los Angeles

Alisa Chuang

Steven Quadrel University of Southern California

Elisa Apra

Patrick O’Toole

CALIFORNIA

Boston College

Tiffany Liu University of Massachusetts Boston

Mmeziemechi Okemgbo

Arizona State University

Marissa Savitch Paradise Valley Community College

Ryan Woodall University of Arizona

Caleb Greer-Short

MINNESOTA

MASSACHUSETTS

ARIZONA

Cascadia College

Andrew Roderick Columbia Basin Community College

Adriana Aguilar

Dylan Aimone

Jamie Ausere

Courtney Ballard

Autumn Bock

Kieran Brill

Shelbie Christenson

Caleb Eckroth

Hannah Edison

Sean Eller

Abbygail Eskeli

Kaelin Eskeli

Brandyn Farrell-Parker

Meghan Ferrell

Theara Gruver

Juan Gutierrez

Sarah Harrington

Macrina Hernandez

Andrew Hoffman

Kyle Howell

Carys Hunter

Fadumo Ibrahim

Rebecca Johnston

Madison Jones

Zachary Kowles

Kayla Lasater

Chloe Layne

Katelyn Lingle

Blare Llarenas

Cidney Longanecker

Trevor Mendenhall

Anthony Moreno

Darlene Munguia

WASHINGTON

Utah State University

Elisa Later Utah Valley University

Ashley Johnson

UTAH

Coastal Carolina University

Lacy Skwarek

SOUTH CAROLINA

Point Park University

Kami McCracken

PENNSYLVANIA

University of Oregon

Hannah Clauss University of Portland

Natasa Kvesic

Raelynn Webb

Jacob Page

Ashton Peterson

Samantha Peterson

Devin Ramsay

Carly Rang

Cathrine Robertshaw

Abigayle Smith

Joshua Teixeira

Jessenia Tello

Matthew True

Julia Walker

Devon Weixel

William Whealan

Abigail Young Central Washington University

Jonathon Black

Parker Rollison

Chelsea Stevens

Olivia Van De Mark Digipen Institute of Technology

Thomas Lofton Eastern Washington University

Garrett Bates

Trysten Buckley

Darian Busselman

Erin Cherwien

Taylor Dickerson

Timmy Dinh

Zachary Dodson

Bailee Drussel

Jenna Fry

Haley Golden

Sage Holmes

John Howard

Taylor Johnson

Michael Manning

Daron Neary

Emelia Roohr

Kaley Stoker

Tyler Wiegand

Eva Wilson Gonzaga University

Rhys McKinstry

Lindsey Oldfield Northwest College of Art & Design

Yebel Mosqueda Pacific Lutheran University

Zachary Willis Seattle Pacific University

Olivia Coppock University of Washington

Jacob Freeman

David Juergens

Olga Laskin

Peter Li

Nathan Mars

Zachary Pawlowski

Liliana Rasmussen

Jillian Roller

Trevor Shibley

Rolando Tobon

Walla Walla University

Lucas Berry Wenatchee Valley Community College

Alexis Alaniz Western Washington University

Reilee Williams Whitman College

Mickey Shin Whitworth University

Rebecca Arneson

Kayla Burnight

Lane King

Lauren Townson Washington State University

Madeleine Bingham

Ryan Blanchard

Michael Campbell

Eva Crysel

Austin Davis

Jacquelyn Deichman

Alison Dobken

Alyson Durflinger

Mariel Irvan

Joel Johnson

Joseph Karlsen

AnnMarie McCracken

Nicholas McKinney

Ann Marie McKnight

Trevor Romero

Kaitlin Smith

Devin Sprenkle

Darko Stankovic

Marivel Venegas

Bryson Weddle

Carson Wenner Washington State University Tri-Cities

Zachary Brown

Mariah Brush

Jasmin Cardenas

Jesus Castro

Saron Gebretatios

Derik Hamilton

Sarah Hilliard

Linda Le

Bianca Morales

Sarah Ross

Ngan Tran Yakima Valley Community College

Sawyer Henry Estefanita Perez

Danny Aimone Eliza Anderson Savannah Hansen Nadine Mason Marie Megaughey

Jacob M. Anderson Lindsey McLerran Nikayla Stubbs Austin Zirker

Victoria Bender Jason Hiner James Mabry Andrew Ware Christian Wilke

Air Force

Nicholas Frison

Daymien Marks

Austin Steinmeyer Army

Bryan Mulderig Marine Corps

Kliment Petty

Morgen Schumacher

Daniel Tupper Navy

Tanner Gustin

MILITARY

WORKFORCE

Massage Therapy

Robyn Ruddell

TRADE SCHOOL

MISSION

GAP YEAR

Independent Electric Contractors

Trey Tanninen

APPRENTICESHIP

AMERICORPS VOLUNTEER

Ice Hockey

Dalton Brown University of British Columbia

Andrew Cearlock

CANADA

5 June 2015|Seniors|11

12|A&E|5 June 2015

MEXICAN FOOD Costa Vida Isla Bonita Inca Chapala Express El Rancho Alegre

38% 24% 16% 12% 10%

El Rancho Alegre “They’re nice and their food is good. I like how they actually have some Mexican recipes – not like most of the other Mexican restaurants.”

Maria Barajas (09) Costa Vida “They have really good salad. Also, their service is good, but they charge you extra for guacamole.”

Hazel Wilburn (10) Inca “Their food tastes great, their seats are cofortable and their service is nice.”

Keith Holcroft (10) Chapala Express “Their food is good. When I’ve gone in the service is nice. I get a different thing every time, but my favorite is enchiladas.”

Edwin Duncan (11) reported by natalie schueddekopp

katie peurrung|photographer

kylereisenauer

staff writer On May 15, freshman Carver Lenz and sophomore Donald Alexander took part in a musical experiment.

They were asked to choose a song to share with the other.

Alexander shared his choice first, a Swedish song called “Boten Anna,”

by Basshunter.

Lenz seemed to be skeptical about this song, but listened to it nonetheless. As he listened, he said, “He

could be singing about Teletubbies. I have just no idea.”

Lenz described the song as “very Swedish.” He also noted that the tune was not something one would expect to hear in America.

Lenz then shared his song of choice with Alexander. The song he chose was a throwback from one of the greatest rock bands ever: Queen.

Alexander’s first guess was The Beatles, but he soon figured out that it was Queen, the band who

performed “We Are the Champions.”

“I love Queen. It’s unique,” Lenz said.

Alexander was also able to guess the song, “Play the Game.”

“If this kind of song came up on Pandora, I wouldn’t skip it,” Alexander said.

Both parties seemed to like the songs that they listened to, saying that they would listen to them again.

Both participants walked away happy, having been exposed to new musical genres.

‘mad max’ doesn’t disappoint

‘the princess bride’

MINIMAL CGI, BUT MIND-BLOWING VISUALS

TRUE LOVE, ACTION AND ADVENTURE

CAROLINE WARING

It’s hard for a movie to live up to a 98 percent rating on RottenTomatoes, or an 8.8 on IMDb. “Mad Max: Fury Road” may disappoint in the wake of its unreachable expectations, but it still manages to make for an enjoyable ride.

First off, before I talk about the actual content of the movie itself, I’ve seen a lot of stuff about the movie being revolutionary feminist, or pseudo-feminist. I won’t really get into it here, but I think the movie does a fine job of treating its female characters – it’s not really exceptional, except perhaps within the low bar that Hollywood tends to set with regards to objectification of women’s bodies, and it’s not bad either. The women at least have personalities, and are perfectly competent, even if some scenes linger a while on their scarce clothing.

The main drive for the movie is its visuals – using relatively minimal

CGI, “Mad Max” manages to present a rare dynamism, intercut with stunning color schemes, and long, dramatic shots, covering the wide, beautiful and intricate landscapes that make up the movie.

There’s a lot of car chasing scenes – it’s pretty much the plot – but the vast intricacies, attention to detail and complex world-building the film employs make each one unique and attention grabbing – and the same goes for all the explosions that inevitably follow action-movie car chases.

the complete sacrifice of plot and narrative for the sake of aesthetic and action is oddly daring and well-spent.

I wouldn’t say the plot is impressively complex or the dialogue philosophical in its implications, but the movie’s focus on the incredible visuals and complexities of its world make up for that. The complete sacrifice of plot and narrative for the sake of aesthetic and action is oddly daring and well-spent.

Besides, when I say that there exists very little plot, I just mean it’s not very intricate; it’s still relatively enthralling, though, and there’s plenty character motivation. The character arcs still manage to be unique and

engrossing; there appears a stark development for almost every major player in the movie, or at least development among the relationships of the characters.

The movie isn’t afraid to kill off characters. Just a warning. Whether this is good or bad is up to you.

Moreover, I hadn’t seen any of the previous movies in the franchise, and I think not knowing actually bettered my experience rather than hindered it. Sure, I didn’t really get what Max’s deal was throughout the movie, but I had fun figuring out the random details and specific cultural rituals of each of the characters in a world that I had been sucked into.

It’s weirdly confusing at first, maybe, and you’re kind of left with a sense of absurdity, but I was just impressed that there existed an intricate world already in place, that small things that didn’t really matter to the whole piece would still litter the movie.

So, even if you’re afraid of your high expectations and lack of background knowledge regarding the movie, watch it. It’s worth it to see the incredible visuals and impressive tricks the movies employs – with barely any CGI. Seriously, I suspect that about a third of the rave reviews are derived from the fact that it was almost entirely real.

JOURDAN PLANTE

We’re going back to the 1980s, arguably the period of the most classic movies of all time. “The Princess Bride” is no exception. The movie is based off of the acclaimed novel by William Goldman.

Taking place in the country of Florin, the story begins with Buttercup (Robin Wright), who lives on a small farm where she meets and falls in love with the farm boy Wesley (Cary Elwes). But when Wesley leaves and never returns, Buttercup becomes depressed and locks herself away.

Then Prince Humperdinck (Chris Sarandon), who is the main antagonist in the film, chooses his bride (who just so happens to be Buttercup), not because he loves her but because he just wants to be king.

When Wesley makes his reappearance, he emerges as the Dread Pirate Roberts. He finds Buttercup, and their true love is still as strong as

before.

I have always loved this movie for its balanced contents of action, true love and daring endeavors. Along with the sword fights, the torture and triumph over an evil plot really make the film a true classic. The film leaves almost nothing for the bears.

The fight scenes were well choreographed and the acting couldn’t have been better. “The Princess Bride” introduces great secondary characters. Vizzini (Wallace Shawn), Inigo Montoya (Mandy Patinkin) and Fezzik (Andre the Giant) are a trio who kidnap Buttercup, sparking the epic chase for Buttercup. Vizzini plays the controlling Sicilian that brought the famous “inconceivable” phrase to light. Inigo and Fezzik give the film a sense of friendship and strife.

Director Rob Reiner made the movie exciting to watch even when you didn’t want it to be. The way the movie plays out made it exciting.

Throughout the whole film, you get the feeling that someone who cares about good movies made it and tried his hardest to make the best movie ever.

Yes, there is some stuff missing.

But the best parts of the book were the ones that shone through.

No matter how many times you watch “Princess Bride,” it will always be as good as the first time.

5 June 2015|A&E|13

BATTLE OF THE BANDS MUX hosts competition for locals seaneller & shibanidatta

courtesy of mux

This was the promotional poster for the Battle of the Bands event.

staff writer & a&e editor The local music scene in the Tri-Cities is starting to grow, thanks to a new concert venue at the Uptown Theater in Richland.

MUX is an all-ages concert venue that is dedicated to helping the growth of the local music scene by allowing bands, artists and out-of-town acts to perform.

On May 23, the Battle of the Bands event took place, drawing in an audience of over 350 people from around the Tri-Cities.

The event was a way for students or local bands to have the chance to play in front of a full crowd, with judges taking score as they played.

Chuck Smith is the lead singer for one of the bands that played at Battle of the Bands. Thanks to MUX, his band was able to perform in front of people who like their music and cheer them on.

Smith first started the band as an inexperienced freshman; the band consisted of himself and a few of his friends from high school. From there he has been working

to get better, and is currently in Columbia Basin College’s choir.

“It was a hard choice, and even harder choices were to come, but I’m glad I took the position because I wouldn’t have the band I have today,” Smith said. His band was one of eight that performed at the Battle of the Bands.

The grand prize for Battle of the Bands was $800, and the bands were judged on criteria of Composition and Arrangement, Creativity and Originality, Technical Ability and Audience Satisfaction according to the MUX website.

The overall winner was the band Marceline. There was also an award for Fan Favorite, which was won by Traveler Of Home.

Students that have attended previous MUX concerts say that it’s a great environment and just a really good time. Senior Carly Rang said, “It’s very eclectic. All ages are welcome to come, so it isn’t solely young people. The lighting during the shows is very modern and cool. There are usually three bands a night and it’s always a good show!”

COMING UP

JUNE 5 “Insidious: Chapter 3”

JUNE 16 “The Original High” Adam Lambert

JULY 14 “Godzilla”

JUNE 12 “Jurassic World”

JUNE 9 “Beneath the Skin” Of Monsters and Men

JUNE 19 “Inside Out”

JULY 10 “Minions”

JULY 14 “Go Set a Watchman” Harper Lee

JUNE 23 “Batman: Arkham Knight”

JULY 31 “Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation”

JULY 17 “Antman”

AT.LONG.LAST.A$AP A$AP ROCKY DELIVERS ON SECOND ALBUM

BEN CASAS

Rakim Mayers has emerged into the rap game as a highly potent rapper in today’s generation. Better known as A$AP Rocky, A$AP released his second studio album “At.Long.Last.

A$AP.” He dropped it two years after his lyrically acclaimed “Long.Live.A$AP.” The release date was being pushed back, but A$AP was forced to release it after an album leak.

Often compared to Meek Mill, Drake and other rappers ruling the industry, A$AP managed to stay unique and different on this album, which I enjoyed. Heavy bass and slow beats made this album.

“LSD” is a prime example of the A$AP’s new style. It relates to Kid Cudi’s album series “Man on the Moon: The End of Day.” With

features from Kanye West, Lil Wayne, ScHoolboy Q, M.I.A. and Mos Def, star power wasn’t lacking on this album.

However, A$AP didn’t drift too far away from his old self and “Long.Live.A$AP.” He disrespected Rita Ora, whom he had a fling with, on the track “Better Things.”

The beat bumps on tracks like “Lord Pretty Flacko Jodye 2” (my personal favorite on the album) while A$AP punishes his lyrics on “Electric Body” featuring ScHoolboy Q. The beat, lyric and voice combination on this album is fire.

This album was dedicated to fellow A$AP mob member A$AP Yams. Yams died earlier this year and his death didn’t hit anyone harder than A$AP. Rating this album on a 1 to 10 scale, I would give it a solid 9. I don’t believe he will win any awards for it, as he is competing with albums from Kendrick Lamar and Wale (as well as albums that haven’t come out yet).

A$AP didn’t face any sophomore slump with this album like several artists do. (Big Sean, Mac Miller, etc.). If you are a rap connoisseur, you should have already listened and enjoyed this album.

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14|School&Career|5 June 2015

TESTING OPINIONS JENNIFER LENTZ (09) “I thought the EOC was really easy. I was really surprised; I thought it was going to be a lot harder. I think taking the EOC is a good idea, but at the same time, if you have good grades, I don’t see why you should have to take a huge test. I think it’s good for some people.”

DAISA DAMEROW (10) courtesy of mackenzie michael

Juniors Cole Lobdell and Sarah Schroeder pose with their team of Fame campers. Students entering seventh to ninth grade attend the summer camp to learn about all aspects of theater.

GO TO CAMP, GET FAMOUS valariemilbrath

features editor For two weeks in July, drama students will return to school to work for the annual Fame Camp, a program for middle school students interested in drama.

As counselors, assistants and directors, high school students will lead and mentor the younger actors and actresses in singing, dancing, acting and technical theater.

By working for the camp, students gain plenty of benefits. “First, you get the experience,” senior Zach Pawlowski said, “but you also get a couple hundred dollars.”

For students continuing at Hanford next year, that money goes into their drama funds and can be used for field trips and T-shirts. Those who have already graduated receive a check.

However, as Pawlowski explained, experience comes first. “I think being a leader, especially for middle-school-age people – that’s good experience,” he said.

Sophomore Shane Morrow shares the sentiment, listing off other benefits as well, such as staying involved in theater over the summer, keeping in touch with teachers and building relationships with the campers.

“I always have a lot of fun meeting incoming freshmen,” Morrow said, “because the eighth graders

get to do [Fame Camp] that summer, and then two months after, they become freshmen.”

The same is true for sophomore Natalie Mote, who hopes to gain some friends coming in as freshmen.

“I’m going to be an upperclassman,” she said, “and I think it’s good for freshmen to have friends who are upperclassmen so they don’t feel awkward in drama.”

She wants to maintain those new friendships so that when her campers come to the school as freshmen, she can be there for them at their auditions.

For Pawlowski, it’s watching the campers grow as actors that has him most excited.

“I look forward to watching the kids start really bad,” Pawlowski said, “because they always do. But by the end of the two weeks, they actually get really good, and I’m really proud of them.”

Morrow and Pawlowski have both worked for Fame Camp before, but there are always new faces.

Having been inspired by her time as a camper, Mote will be working at the camp for her first time this summer.

“It was literally the best two weeks of my drama career until I actually started getting into shows,” Mote said. “I just loved it so much, and I can’t wait to experience it again as a counselor.”

“To be honest, I thought the SBAC was really stupid. They made it seem like it was harder than it actually was. I don’t like standardized testing because it makes everyone conform to certain standards that not everyone can meet.”

SALEM GRAY (10) “The SBAC wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be – it was easy. It really wasn’t that bad. I don’t think we should have to do the test because it just puts a lot of stress on kids.”

SEBASTIAN SMITH (09) “I think that the biology EOC was very short, but on some things I didn’t feel very confident on. I don’t think that it should be required, because it would be easier for students to pass stuff if there were less EOCs, because some EOCs can be really hard.” reporting by natalie schueddekopp

rolling in the dough Studious in the summer sun jessicaolson

staff writer Sweet doughnuts, customers’ smiles and little kids were all part of senior Cidney Longanecker’s first day of work at Krispy Kreme.

Before the shop opened, Longanecker had never had a Krispy Kreme doughnut. Despite being unfamiliar with the popular franchise, she had wanted to get the job.

“I needed a job, and we’ve never had a Krispy Kreme before,” she said. “I wanted to be part of the team that is finally bringing it to us.”

After securing the job, Longanecker had to be ready for the opening. “I have been training all week, three hours a day,” she said, explaining the process she had to go through before she started working.

Opening day for Krispy Kreme, May 18, was hectic. Longanecker had to stay longer than she expected on opening day. “I ended up staying an extra two and a half hours because it was so busy. It was pretty crazy.”

The opening day hasn’t been the only time that the shop has been busy. Since it opened, the line consistently goes to the end of the shop.

“I’m sure once it calms down, it will be fun, but it was really stressful because my managers are all stressed out too,” Longanecker said.

With every job comes both

Students work hard during their vacation ashtonjohnson

cidney longanecker

positive and negative experiences. Longanecker has seen the latter already.

“It is a lot of new stuff to learn in a short amount of time. So it was really hard once customers started coming in, and if you don’t get something right, they’ll come and complain about it,” she said.

“That was the hardest part, trying to not take things personally if I messed up, because everybody makes mistakes.”

However, she has seen the positive aspects as well.

“I am starting to get to know my co-workers a little bit more, and they are really nice people.

It’s really interesting to work with people that are not my same age,” she said.

She even tried the famous doughnuts for her first time.

“It was really, really, really good. They were really sweet, and I have eaten so many doughnuts that I like, can’t eat anymore,” she said.

“They were good. They were a little too good.”

staff writer School is a mandatory 180 days out of our 365-day year. Some students have decided to do a little extra and have continued hitting the books even when school is no longer in session.

Summer school is a popular option for students who need to get their credits done and out of the way. There is a variety of classes, including online classes through Brigham Young University and the Richland School District. In order to receive graduation credits, students may also go through Tri-Tech.

For students with overwhelming schedules, summer school is often helpful.

Freshman Kristin Pilgrim decided to participate in

online summer school classes through the Richland School District. “I am taking too many classes,” Pilgrim said.

To others, like freshman Jackson Creer, summer school does not seem to be beneficial. Rather, it takes away time from the idea of summer – freedom.

“I want free time. I want to be able to play basketball,” Creer said. “Summer and school are two words that should never go together.”

Time proves to be on many of the students’ minds when considering summer school. Online classes require students to attend school, take tests and do certain assignments during specific time periods.

“I wish they would put it all online so we don’t have to come to school so often,” Pilgrim said.

Time to shine: Class of ‘16 michellewang

staff writer For the majority of people, the senior year of high school comes only once: the opportunity to take senior pictures is also a once-in-alifetime deal.

Although this school year is coming to a close, many of the current juniors are already thinking ahead to next year and planning for their senior pictures.

Senior representative programs are becoming increasingly popular among photography businesses.

These programs allow photographers to promote their businesses while reps receive discounts and the opportunity to participate in photo shoots.

Current juniors Kate Juergens, Dina Gebretatios and Kaitlyn Joyner are all participants in a senior rep program – for Brittney Kluse Photography, Marquel Dodson Photography and Riant Photography, respectively.

it was super cool and fun and an amazing opportunity to do. dina gebretatios

Joyner decided to get involved after thinking about how exciting it would be. “I wanted to do it because it seemed fun and it was a great opportunity,” Joyner said.

Gebretatios spoke highly of the experience.

“It was super cool and fun and an amazing opportunity to do,” Gebretatios said. “The first picture that we did was in a box and it was interesting because I have really long legs and it was entertaining to me and to the other girls to see myself trying to fit inside the box.”

Because of the program, Juergens was able to meet lots of new people.

“All the girls are so much fun, and Britney has got to be the most energetic and loving person I have ever met,” Juergens said. “My favorite part was just being around everyone and having a good time.”

5 June 2015|Opinion|15

The freedom to find your reality Graduation is a time of divergence. It’s the age-old beginning-of-the-end.

You’re no longer legally required to go anywhere or do anything — except pay taxes and show up for jury duty.

It’s just you, your thoughts, and societal expectations acting as guides, and that’s precisely why parents have stacks of dusted and crinkled Polaroids of family members adorned in graduation caps, smiling with their mouths open, arms linked with identical classmates.

It’s the apex of thirteen years spent in crowded hallways under the ever-watching guise of fluorescent lights, drowning in the seas of eraser shavings. Simply put, it marks a new degree of unequivocal freedom.

What you do with this freedom is up to

you — which is to say, how you achieve happiness is up to you.

And happiness isn’t reliant on whether you’re going to the local community college or entering the ivory gates of Harvard.

In fact, it’s not hard to see that the very structures the university system rests upon are littered with flaws, supported by a corroding base — one favoring certain socioeconomic standings, one relying on the existence of family legacies, one built by the privileged, for the privileged.

So why do we place so much importance on the name of our alma mater — if we even have one.

College doesn’t determine you as a person, doesn’t measure your individual worth — it’s a means to an end, and it’s up to you what this end is.

College can’t measure the value of the grins we flash at our friends, the quiet ambiance of rain in the night, the shadows the trees give off as you walk down the street, the times you feel at peace with yourself, sequestered in your dimly lit rooms, cradling a worn book.

At life’s finish, existence boils down to the meaning you give it — you could be rolling a rock up a hill for an eternity, stranded in the underworld, and still find happiness in the absurdity of your tasks, in the significance of your personal goals, in your very reality.

We must imagine ourselves happy.

The staff editorial is the concensus of the Editorial Board.

THE

ALTITUDE 5 June 2015 issue 15.5

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF mickey shin

EDITORS

alisa chuang, copy ryan wang, business manager elisa apra, design naveena bontha, news ellie mendoza, sports srinithi suresh, career emily tan, features valarie milbrath, features shibani datta, a&e caroline waring, opinion tiffany liu, literary magazine

PHOTOGRAPHERS

calvin carr, sawyer henry, katie peurrung, maxwell weil

STAFF

A YEAR BY THE NUMBERS ELISA APRÀ

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ODE TO JOURNALISM SRINITHI SURESH

I pick up my senior year agenda, I think, “I need to try something new.”

“You should take journalism!” my friends say, And change my schedule I do.

The first few days are exciting, But editors say, “Keep this in mind: It’s the best of times AND the worst of times” I still had no idea what I’d find.

Articles to write, pages to edit, Knockouts to complete on time, Suddenly immersed in so much work, It becomes a continuous climb.

Time becomes a huge swirl, Days, weeks, months fly by, One after another deadlines come and go, Before I can even sigh.

But I can’t help but stay, Deal with the added stress in school, For when I look at the finished products, “I did that!” I remember. “I’m so cool!”

At the end of it all, I regret nothing, For the experiences, I feel blessed, And to all doubtful Hanford kids, Join journalism, it’s the best.

aydin akyol, wyatt beck, kyle campbell, ben casas, sean eller, jadon fickle, ashton johnson, shanta katipamula, tanna king, mae landsman, tiffany liu, bryce logan, sonali matta, delaja pena, jourdan plante, jessica olson, kyle reisenauer, danica richards, jordan rodgers, natalie schueddekopp, shelby schumacher, dana small, diana wang, michelle wang, alex washburn, raelynn webb, kayla wilke, jenna wilson

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, Washington.

Yearbook editors reflect on friendship

lauren townson and tiffany liu

Tiffany Liu: Describe the first time you think we clicked together as a yearbook duo.

Lauren Townson: I don’t really think there was a defining moment where I was like, oh, we just clicked.

It’s more of a looking back that I then realized how in sync we had become.

The biggest contributing event to that was probably the golf page our sophomore year. That thing was a beast! I think essentially crying from frustration together really helped us bond. That was also the rise of us as a power duo.

T: What is your most cherished memory of us?

L: I have to pick ONE?! Umm...

okay.

I know this isn’t journalism related, but it has stuck with me. There was one day after school where I found out about some absolutely terrible accusations, and I was a mess. I stood there while you were hugging me, and you rubbed my back and let me cry all over you. I then sat with you and Mrs. Smith, and you two allowed me to just talk. It wasn’t pretty.

You were there for me and supported me, which is exactly what I needed at that point in time. I felt so betrayed and vulnerable, and it was a relief that I had you. I still look back on that moment when I think about how good of a friend you’ve been to me.

T: How do you feel about being 2,262.62 miles away from each other?

L: It’ll be weird. I know we’re both planning on being involved in journalism in one way or the other, and it’ll be hard not to have you constantly by my side to give me your opinion when I’m stuck. I also don’t want to become this close with another person. The only way I can think about it is like a

person’s first love, even though that’s really weird. Everyone after them are fantastic people, and it’s nothing against them, but they can’t compare to that first person.

T: And, the most important question: What do the words “chocolate milk” mean to you?

L: Oh, gosh. The whole school is going to think I’m crazy now.

Background information for those who don’t know: I more or less have a chocolate milk addiction. I’ve been drinking it since I was really little, and it’s my drink of choice. I’ll be that 80-year-old lady at Red Robin still ordering the ginormous chocolate milkshakes. Chocolate milk is kind of my life.

L: What is it like to spend every morning starting from 6:55 with me?

A joy, I’m sure.

T: It is a joy! We do our separate things though, so it’s not really spending every minute together, unless I sit on the table thing by your computer because I’m totally not avoiding people or anything. But when it’s crunch time, I think we rely on each

other more than usual, which I think is real cute. We’re not perfect, by all means, but we know when to set small differences aside for the staff and the book and, more importantly, our relationship.

L: What is your most cherished memory of us?

T: There are so many! I love us.

But if I had to choose, I’d say the Monday after my 18th birthday and you brought lunch for both us. And then we got a table cloth and got a fire stoking in the background; it was so beautiful. And SO YUMMY. The lunch epitomizes that, even after two years of being so close, we can still find ways to surprise each other. We are such an old married couple, it’s adorable.

L: How will you overcome the 2,262.62 mile distance between us?

T: I really won’t. But we’ll text and Skype each other when we need to talk or just say hello. And I think our friendship is strong enough to withstand a few thousand miles.

We can transcend all sorts of mediums together, and we’re able to con-

quer so much, not only by ourselves but together. When we do see each other, we’ll grab coffee or ice cream or a movie and it’ll be like 2,262.62 miles were never between us.

L: Okay. So would you rather spend the rest of your life wearing only jeans or the rest of your life never being able to eat pasta? And by wearing only jeans, I mean jean pants, shirts, shoes, socks, everything.

T: Okay, this is such a rude question. You’re making me choose between no pants and pasta. Only you would realize the extent of what you’re asking me.

But if it were life or death and I had to choose, I’d choose to only wear jeans for the rest of my life because I really cannot give up comfort my food. When I have a rough day, I’d want to eat a huge bowl of pasta. The thought of not having pasta makes me cry a lot more than the thought of wearing pants forever.

That reminds me, will you make pasta for me again? I’ll supervise. :)

16|Opinion|5 June 2015

The moral of high school

ellie mendoza

High school. What a trip.

I arrived at Hanford a lonely and friendless freshman, coming from the jungles of a 2,000 student Pasco middle school – the school where I said my first cuss word, learned of the reality of adolescent racism, and was introduced to switchblades, shanks and underage drinking.

Freshman year was filled with many lonely nights, awkward beginnings and an excessive amount of unsuccessful attempts at finding myself.

Fortunately, I met a girl who taught me about kindness, maturity, and thinking before I speak.

I like to think I made her a bit less weird, and maybe opened her eyes a bit to a world her Catholic school background had hindered her from understanding.

Unfortunately, I experienced a relationship with an upperclassmen boy who cheated on me five times, and dealt with the loss of friends who just forget about you, even though the only thing sepa-

rating us was the Columbia River.

Sophomore year was a cat-shirt filled blur, as I was deep in my hipster phase, high school band and figuring out how to pull off a beanie. I tried to change my name to “Elle” and fed a cat outside my house so she’d return, claiming ownership of her and naming her “Olive,” only to have my mother tell me that the cat was not mine and that I had to return it to its owner. Ugh. Junior year was beautiful, confusing, and about as magical as a year in high school could be. I felt like I belonged for once, which is easily one of the best feelings you can have at 17. I fell pathetically in love with the sweetest boy I’ve ever met and gained a new best friend who appreciates newts and Montana more than most people.

This is also the year I faced the harsh reality that I’m not that intellectually gifted, accepting that my D in AP Bio wasn’t only because I was terrified of my teacher, and beginning my journey of accepting that I’m not the genius my parents had always told me I was.

This was surprisingly not difficult.

I think we all like to see ourselves as special in one way or another, and this is the point in my life where I decided I was just average. Average intelligence, average looks, average personality,

just average. Because of this I tried less in school, in work, and in life in general. I wore my crown as the Queen of Mediocre with pride and that was that.

Now, I hope no one reading this thinks that was okay. This acceptance of mediocre seeped into my senior year, and I’ve plateaued. I haven’t grown or made new friends or really tried at all; I didn’t push myself or make any crazy memories. I’ve just existed.

It’s now while writing this with my cap and gown hanging from my door, taunting me, that I realize that I threw this past year away. I wish I would’ve tried and put myself out there and challenged myself. I wish I would’ve smiled at more people and worked harder on my essays and left a legacy other than my streak of not turning in one homework assignment all second semester in AP Stats (sorry, Mrs. Leggett).

So here’s the moral of the story: don’t quit now. Senioritis isn’t real. You can still make something of yourself whether you have just one or three years left of high school. It’s not satisfying to know you didn’t try as you get ready to take the stage and receive the diploma that ends your high school career. If you still have the time left, take advantage of it.

The only person stopping you from making the most of high school is you.

TEN THINGS YOU LEARN AT HANFORD Shanta Katipamula

1. School is optional.

2. If the fire alarm goes off, it was either burned popcorn or a science classroom.

3. All boys are bad except for Jesus and Dad. 4. There is no such thing as physics but we do offer Faixics.

5. If you’re hungry, the journalism room always has food.

6. Online physical education is harder than it sounds.

7. Social studies teachers are the PDA and cell phone police.

8. No cell phones in class (unless the teacher likes you or you’re an upperclassman).

9. The nurses are never there when you need them.

10. Mr. Christensen gives out the best free high fives and handshakes before school.

from fear to family

natasa kvesic

mickey shin

As I checked the box for Yearbook on my schedule signup sheet at the end of my freshman year, I didn’t know what was in store.

When I first walked into Mrs. Smith’s room at the beginning of my sophomore year, I had a little problem with shyness. I saw these older kids talking to each other, waiting for the new initiates to introduce themselves.

So naturally, I used my remarkable comedic gifts. I remember it clearly.

I stood up and looked around the room. Then I opened my mouth and started spitting straight comedy.

Did I embellish a bit? Yes. Did I stay true nonetheless?

Of course. I keep it real.

I told the classic story of my grandpa telling me that he was pregnant when I was six.

I’d been very shallow as a six year old – I had no common sense whatsoever. So, I’d genuinely believed that my grandpa was pregnant. He really had had an incredibly round belly.

I waited for nine months and was incredibly disappointed when nothing happened.

Had I truly waited nine months? No. I’d ended up coming to my senses. Babies came by storks. Men can’t fly.

I ended up making everyone laugh with that story. That’s when I felt like I belonged. Ever

since, I’ve used my humor to approach anybody and everybody.

If you ask my staff or any of my friends about me, I guarantee they’ll tell you I’m pretty much the funniest person they know.

I’ve met so many people in my school and around the country through journalism. Between current and past staffs, I have a second family.

I ate my first taco my sophomore year during a late newspaper editing night. I went on a Taco Bell run with Quentin, Hadyn and Mickey in Quentin’s rager van.

That’s when I was first introduced to dubstep Taylor Swift songs and Quentin’s dance moves. Both of which I wish I could block out of my memory.

I got to go to San Fran, San Diego and Denver with my best friends. We rode tandem bikes on Huntington Beach, went to Ghirardelli Square in Fisherman’s Wharf and ate clam chowder with a sunset view of Alcatraz.

I learned more than I could ever imagine from national competitions and summer camps. I got to write in a local newspaper, and I was recognized last year for my writing at the state competition.

I became more confident. I am not afraid to be myself. Also, dare I say, I’ve become even more hilarious.

Journalism has gifted me with so much love and so many memories that I can’t even fathom how much they truly mean to me. I love my family now and I love my past families. I get to make a new one in college next year, but I will never forget my family here.

Most importantly, thank you Mrs. Smith. You are absolutely everything to us. We love you!

P.S. Join journalism. I wrote all of this as incentive on accident.

THE LITERARY MAGAZINE

5 June 2015|Lit Mag|17

Each year, we accept submissions for the last pages of the newspaper that showcase the works of students. This is our form of a literary magazine, which consists of photography, poetry, paintings and sketches. Sounds are also art, and so we have included QR codes that, when you take a scan with your smartphone, will take you to the artist’s music page. Sit back, enjoy the music, appreciate the art.

MOURNING FOG

photography

katie peurrung

DEAR RIVER

SPRING IN SPACE

acrylic oil on canvas

isabel lin

aydin akyol

18|Lit Mag|5 June 2015

HIJABI MELTING

digital art

caroline waring

TRI-CYCLE DREAMCATCHER

ceramic & glass

ann mccracken

I CAN’T MAKE YOU LOVE ME

eliza anderson

graphite on paper

katharine moon

5 June 2015|Lit Mag|19

LAKE GEORGE STAR TRAILS

time-lapse photography

calvin carr

A PART OF NATURE BLOOD RED ROSE Concrete steps lead to stadium stands Hard rain echoes Sounds of only moments ago Dull drone of the crowd Wet, black asphalt Empty sky A stark red rose A slight red nose You are fundraising I buy one As you hand it to me you ask who it is for I say the prettiest girl in the world I give it back to you The thunder of the crowd Green field dotted white They won I won

ink on paper

haley golden

shane morrow

20 |Lit Mag|5 June 2015

WISHES IN THE WIND

acrylic on cardboard

alisa chuang

ON NIGHTS WHEN THE SKY IS FALLING There’s something charming

In the way rain comes, Perpetually.

joel staudinger

OBSESS

As the pulse of drops on roof Drums a troubled mind to sleep And sheets of falling sky obscure The sight of stars and city lights,

There’s no alone to feel— The blank expanses, sky and space Are muddled warmth by atmosphere.

Dreams of rebirth take their shape— The sound of nature breathing Water out, then water in

Resurrection musical, Earth born again by drowning.

Then, echoes of that ancient force fade, Nature’s vocal symphony recedes And dormant human clattering Returns, to reassert its Dominance.

lane king