GOSNEY JOINS A NEW TEAM see page 2
Altitude VOLUME 16.1 • 09.09.2015
Hanford High School • Richland, Wash. 99354
inside 2 FROSH DAY
Mentors show freshmen the ropes.
3
FOOTBALL
4
BIG
6
BRAM BRATA
7
GRILLS
Football coach Brett Jay and players reveal culture changes at practice.
Statistics and consequences of the largest student body ever
Steel drum band tours California.
Chipotle and Qdoba reviewed and contrasted.
up & coming Sept. 9 Open House
Sept. 10
BIG
Picture makeup day
Sept. 11 Two hundred extra bodies are swarming the hallways and crowding the classrooms. Students have long been used to full hallways between periods, but the addition to the environment has pushed the school past its carrying capacity. Getting from one side of the school to the other used to be annoying but doable. With a brisk pace and a focused mind, you could make it to class with time to spare. The situation now has changed completely. The extra time it takes to get from classrroom to classroom is too close for comfort, and getting for line in lunch isn’t worth it anymore. Will the school adapt itself to the increased headcount, or will the students be able to find their own solutions? see page 4 & 5
Tailgate party @ 4 p.m. Home game at Fran Rish
Sept. 12 ACT testing
Sept. 25 Homecoming game vs. Richland
Sept. 26 Homecoming
2
THE BUZZ
News
09.09.2015
what have you heard in the news?
“
I heard that the wildfires have been really devastating, and two firefighters died.
GARRETT ANDERSON (09)
The largest wildfire in Washington state history has been blazing through north-central Washington since mid-August. Out of 1200 firefighters working to control the fires, three have died and four have been seriously injured. The fires in Washington and around the country have burned over 8 million acres, destroying hundreds of dwellings and displacing famlies all over the state. In Washington, property losses have been estimated at over $10 million.
“
I heard that a woman in Kentucky was refusing to let gay couples marry and going against the Supreme Court ruling.
Kim Davis, a clerk in Rowan County, Kentucky, refused to issue a marriage license to a same-sex couple despite the recent Supreme Court ruling. Davis, and others who support her, argue that government officials are not required to recognize same-sex marriage if they have religious objections. Groups such as Liberty Counsel, a nonprofit organization against same-sex marriage, support Davis, who is being held in contempt of court.
NAVNOOR KHURANA (10)
“
I heard that on August 27 at 12:30 a.m. you would be able to see Mars next to the Moon. This won’t happen again until 2287. On the night of August 27, Mars was easier to spot than usual, being the brightest object in the night sky other than the Moon. A common misconception is that Mars would appear to be the same size as the Moon, but in reality, a binocular would probably be needed to find the planet.
JEWELIANA SENTER (11)
“
I heard that the Pasco School District teachers are on strike. Pasco Association of Education teachers went on strike September 1 against the Pasco School District in response to failed contract negotiations, canceling all 21 schools in the district, including Delta High School. The teachers’ union and district officials are at odds over a list of issues, including teacher salaries and curriculum funding.
ZACH HARPER (12) reporting by sonali matta
calvin carr
More than 500 freshman pair up to get to know each other on Freshman Day on Aug. 31. This year’s freshmen class is the biggest class in the school’s history.
FRESHMAN DAY A SUCCESS JADON FICKLE staff writer
On Monday, Aug. 31, over 500 freshmen poured through a tunnel made out of juniors and seniors onto the Falcon Gym floor and sat down, waiting for instructions. The freshmen split up into over 50 groups and Link Crew mentors led icebreakers, offered advice and provided tours of the high school. The freshmen had a good time at orientation day. After doing a large group activity in the Falcon Gym, the freshman were split into groups of at least 10. In the smaller groups, the freshman did more fun activities, in which mentors made sure to elaborate on important topics, like the importance of making mistakes and finding a path. One of the most helpful points for one of the freshmen was the tour. “It helped show me where everything was and just how the school works,” said freshman Jayden Hinkley. The members of Link Crew trained Aug. 19 and 20, going through their own orientation in preparation for the last day in August, making new friends in the process.
“Automatically having things in common with the other mentors is great. The training days were also really fun,” said senior Arina Clements. Link Crew has been going on for years, and many juniors and seniors join because of fond memories of their Link Crew mentors. Clements, one of the mentors that led a group of freshmen throughout the school on orientation day, was inspired to join by her mentor. “I had one really great mentor who would say hi to me in the halls and just go out of his way to make high school less daunting,” Clements said. Overall the orientation went very well. The students were introduced to the school, and some of the faculty were introduced to the students through their association with Link Crew. Jeff Gilbert, a Link Crew advisors, was impressed by the incoming freshmen at orientation day. “I think this year went really well. We have the biggest freshmen class we have ever had this year, and I can tell they’re going to do well for sure,” he said.
Leaving with ‘Goodwill’ Parle vous Francais? Principal Ken Gosney takes new post as executive director EMILY TAN AND CAROLINE WARING editors-in-chief
Ken Gosney, school principal, recently accepted a job as the executive director of Goodwill Industries of the Columbia. The transition will occur by Sept. 30 at the latest. Gosney will no longer be a constant presence at sports events, musicals and the school hallways. Gosney decided to take the new position in large part due to the benefit for his family. “Once I get my feet under me, it’s a job that will allow me to be home more on the nights and weekends with my family, and that played the biggest part in my decision to apply for the position,” he said. Moreover, Goodwill’s ideals and mission in the community closely align with Gosney’s own beliefs. “I really love Goodwill’s mission of empowering people through work,” he said. “The last 12 years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with students with disabilities, and I look forward to expanding that work to adults.” Meanwhile, the school staff responded both with surprise and sadness. Math teacher Vickie Kelly has worked with every principal at Hanford. “I’m so sad. I was shocked. He promised us he’d be here when we retire, and now he’s not,” she said. “Sometimes you have principals that just sit in their offices and they don’t really get to know people, but I think he was out a lot and really got to know everyone,” Kelly continued. When asked about his favorite memory as principal, Gosney, while reluctant to choose, remembered one person whose struggle had deeply affected him.
“I think the event that probably changed me as a person was Liz Evett’s battle with cancer a few years ago,” he said. “She was always positive and was more concerned about others as the end drew near. She fought until the end with dignity and grace.” “I’ll never forget her graduation ceremony in November. The auditorium was packed, teachers were in their graduation gowns, and Liz was totally moved by the support.” According to Kelly, Gosney thoroughly impacted the school with his dedication to students’ interests and positivity. “I just think he cares a lot about students, and I hope he’ll miss that. I think he will. You know, once you leave education, it’s hard to not miss it,” Kelly said. Gosney knows he’ll miss what he’s leaving. “I will miss the relationships with students, staff and parents,” Gosney said. “They’ve always been really good to me.” Regarding the uncertainty of the process and timeline of hiring a new principal, Kelly is not worried. “We have a great administration team, and really as a staff I think we’ll all just have to put on our big boy pants, or big girl pants, and just carry on. I mean, it’s a weird way to start the school year, but you never can plan on timing, so I think we’ll be fine.” And as for final words of wisdom, Gosney said this: “Work hard, be positive, [and] keep your sense of humor.”
katie peurrung
Maryse Couture is substituting in for the Edin Havelaar, who is on maternity leave. Couture has had previous experience with teaching French at Richland High and various elementary schools. KETSIA KAHAMBWE staff writer
Because of the influx of students and the retiring of teachers last year, fifteen new hires have joined the staff. The French department, especially, is experiencing some changes, with the addition of two new teachers – one a substitute, one full-time, both with experience in Quebec. The brand-new full-time teacher, Enid Havelaar, just received a new addition to her family and is currently on maternity leave. However, she is still excited to get back to teaching. “I’ve taught ESL and a little bit of French, but I was pretty excited when I got this job. It’s pretty much the dream,” Havelaar said. The full-time teaching job is something she’s never had before. “I’m thrilled because this is such a wonder-
ful high school, and I’m excited to have my very own classroom. I’ve never had my very own classroom that I’ve hadn’t had to share with anyone before.” During her maternity leave, for the months leading up to Thanksgiving, Maryse Couture will be the instructor. She’s originally from Quebec, and French is her first language, so she’ll bring the Canadian French to the curriculum, and a subtle accent, as well. “I’m excited to teach French. I haven’t taught in a classroom for many years, especially to teenagers, so that will be a new experience,” Couture said. They both will be working together to ensure that all goes smoothly throughout the transition. “I’m not worried in the least,” Havelaar said. “The students will be in good hands.”
Sports
09.09.2015
3
CAPTAINS CORNER
reporting by michelle wang
FOOTBALL
katie peurrung
Seniors Isaiah Zavala, Kedrick Skinner, Elwood Davis, Austin Dreyer
RUNNERS MAKE A RETREAT SHIBANI DATTA sports editor
Runners may compete individually, but they’re also racing for the team. This year 27 students, ranging from freshmen to seniors, attended a team-building retreat on June 29 and 30, in a Walla Walla cabin owned by the Klicker family, friends of Sean Mars, the girls cross country coach. Junior Hailey Cleavenger attended the retreat for the third time. As an upperclassman, Cleavenger found her experiences to be different. She knows her way around the program and her team. “During my first retreat, I didn’t know very many people, and I looked to the upperclassmen when I wasn’t sure what we were doing,” Cleavenger said. “This
year, I knew almost everyone on the team, which made it really fun, and I enjoyed introducing the traditions to the younger athletes.” The team participates in a number of activities together. They hiked up a mountain on the second day. The hike is one of the many activities designed to produce a cohesive team and allowed the runners to get to know each other. “There aren’t any paths, and the mountain is really steep, so it’s always a bit of an adventure,” Cleavenger said. As a tradition, the incoming seniors hide a message for next year’s seniors. Last year’s seniors hid their message in a container under the rocks near the top of the mountain. They left a legacy of advice and funny things that people
jim peterson
do at practice that they shouldn’t. At the end of the list, the seniors left the note: “Have fun finding out which of this is real advice.” The retreat leaves the athletes excited and motivated for the upcoming season as well as with a sense of family. “This retreat helps me to know that I can count on my teammates and that there is so much more to cross country than just competitions,” Cleavenger said. Coach Mars is looking forward to the season and what the team has to offer. “It’s going to be exciting to see where all of our people can end up: faster people and where they may compare against some of the best in the state. Some are brand new and it’s exciting to see how they’re going to take big steps forward.”
“This year we have a passion to dominate the field in how we act and how we play. Every teammate pushes themselves at practice not only to make themselves better, but to make the team better and the player across from them as well. Our goals this year are to grow as a brotherhood through good times and bad and to compete to be the best in the region.” Austin Dreyer
VOLLEYBALL
katie peurrung
Mikal Sanchez (12) and Kaitlyn Thompson (09) “I’m excited to get out there and play some other teams. The team had really jelled together, and I can’t wait to play alongside them. Being a freshman captain is really exciting, and I’m really grateful for the opportunity.” Kaitlyn Thompson
CROSS COUNTRY
Team warms to new atmosphere katie peurrung
Porter McMichael (12), Rachel Schmidt (11), Brendan Mitchell (12), Dina Gebretatios (12), Nic Fraga (12), Hailey Cleavenger (11), Seth King (12) “The team aspect of Hanford cross country is what transforms the activity of running into a sport. Some days I get more of an ab workout from laughing than I do from our sets of push-ups and sit-ups. We push each other by keeping up a steady pace, we encourage each other with positive words, and we congratulate each other with sweaty high-fives.” Rachel Schmidt
GIRLS SOCCER
katie peurrung shelby schumacher
Elwood Davis (12), Jamil Woodhouse (12) and Josiah Richardson (10) enjoy brunch provided by football parents on Saturday morning. The new brunch is a part of the changes made by headcoach Brett Jay. SHELBY SCHUMACHER yearbook co-editor-in-cheif
It’s 8:30 a.m. on a Saturday morning and most teenagers are still in bed, enjoying one of the last weekends before school starts. The football team, however, is already running drills under the morning sun. The music booms from across the parking lot, a deep contrast to previous years. After last season and no wins, Brett Jay, the new head coach, is changing up the program. “Guys that haven’t played in the past came out to play this year because of Coach Jay,” senior Kevon Skinner said. “Coach Jay is one of the best coaches I’ve ever had.” Change started this summer. “Practice is energetic and fun,” senior Elwood Davis III said. “We have music going at practice, it’s loud and there’s energy. Little kids are having fun, older dudes are having fun, and practice just flies by. The new vibe on the field pushes each player to compete harder. “If one player is not getting [the job] done, the next man is up,” Skinner said. “He demands all we’ve got every snap. Mediocrity is not an option.” This culture change has the team gearing up for the first game of the season on Sept. 4 in Hermiston. “We just want to show people that we can play,” Davis III said. “We were the worst team
in the league [last year], and we’re rebuilding and we’re good right now. We’re a good team. Once we get our first win, it will just get the ball rolling.” With this new push comes support from athletics director Eric Davis, who is beginning his third year at the school. Increasing community support and involvement for all of the sports programs, not just football, are goals for the department this year. “We decided to put together a tailgate [party] for our first home football game,” Davis said. “It’s going to be on Friday, Sept. 11 at 4:00 p.m., and it’s going to be at our main football field.” Hot dogs, hamburgers, and drinks will be available to anyone that shows up. At 5:00 p.m., the team will do part of its pregame warm up and then head over to Fran Rish Stadium for the big game. “We’re hoping that everybody that’s hanging out at the tailgate, parents, students, fans, whatever,w will create a large caravan to the Fran Rish at approximately 5:45 p.m.,” Davis said. The boys on the team are gearing up for this new season with a new sense of confidence. With last season’s 0-10 record, the past is fueling their energy. “We’re ready to win, we’re ready to hit, we’re ready to do whhatever can to see that dream come true,” Elwood Davis III said.
Hannah Thompson (12), Kelsee Winston (11) and Sadie Newsom (11) “This year is different from last year because we are so much closer as a team. We hold each other accountable and work together as a family. Our goals for this season are no matter if we win or lose, we walk off the field knowing we gave it everything we had.” Hannah Thompson
GIRLS SWIM
katie peurrung
Seniors Shelby Schumacher and Amanda Andersen “[Our plans are] to get as many girls to post-season as possible. We graduated quite a few seniors last year, but this year we had the biggest turnout in Hanford history, almost 15 freshman turned out. Shelby and I are two of the four seniors this season. This year we decided to not only get in the pool but do dry-land conditioning as well.” Amanda Andersen
4
In-Depth
09.09.2015
450 431 475 SENIORS
SOPHOMORES
JUNIORS
BIGGEST EVER. total number of enrolled students:
1881 as of Sept. 2, 2015
14% INCREASE IN FRESHMEN
1
In-Depth
09.09.2015
5
TEACHERS CARRY EXTRA LOAD ROOM FOR GROWTH EMILY TAN editor-in-chief
Change is coming. With the opening of the gym doors at 7:55 a.m. Monday morning, a sea of 523 freshmen flooded into the school, filling empty hallways and classrooms until the long forgotten building once again bustled with activity. If one person has the ability to change the world, then 523 of them can change a school. This year’s freshmen class is the largest class in school history. Ever. The arrival of the class of 2019 may evoke apprehension from some, but a succinct, enthusiastic “Excited!” from assistant principal Tory Christensen. He feels toward the growth of the school’s student body. “We have a great school here at Hanford. We want to grow and want them to be successful and they can be successful here at Hanford High School,” Christensen said. “You know when they said the first class of over 500 kids is coming in, I thought ‘great!’ That’s great! I mean I’d really like to be as big as we can possibly can.” However, the rapid expansion is also accompanied by growing concerns about how to accommodate the numbers. “There’s going to be cap somewhere where we’re gonna run out of room,” Christensen said. “We need to figure out where that cap is.” As of Freshmen Day, the ninth grade enrollment brings the total number of students up to 1881 to start the 2015-16 school year. With all these people, including staff and ad-
ministration, the school is nearing its carrying capacity. “My main concern is that when we start getting too full, we’re going to have to start turning kids away, and I don’t want to turn away kids that want to be here,” Christensen said. “We’re going to have to start figuring that out as we start getting close to that. Kids out of district, if we get too full, we’ll have to start turning them back.” More students doesn’t just equal tighter hallways and bigger classes. To Christensen, more means different, and he believes the size of this freshmen class will create an effective melting pot culture where everyone is exposed to new perspectives. “I think that diversity’s always good. I think if we bring in a lot of different kids, from different backgrounds and a lot of different knowledge bases,” Christensen said, “we can grow as a school and learn from each other.” But for now, Christensen hopes to revel in the influx of new faces and new ideas for as long as the building will hold them. He doesn’t want to see the school change yet. “Hopefully, we can expand or build on to the facility somewhere so we can take all the people in that we can, but until we hit that point we’re just going to keep bringing them in.”
CAROLINE WARING editor-in-chief
Almost ten years ago, students navigated the hallways in passing periods with relative ease and walked by empty classrooms. Now, if the enormous class size trend continues, we might see portables in the parking lot. As math teacher Lesley Guereca said, “We are packed to the gills.” With the large influx of freshmen this year, the administration has assigned a total of thirteen teachers to a “sixth-period contract.” This means teachers lose their prep time – normally a full period when they do not have to teach a class and can instead grade papers or plan new assignments – and instead teach every period, every day. Guereca and math teacher Joe Covington are among these teachers who pick up an extra class and additional pay. Whereas Covington has experience in this arena, this will be Guereca’s first time not having a prep period. “I just am excited to help out because I don’t think we’re in the position to hire someone new, only because we don’t have classroom space,” she said. “A new teacher would require a position called ‘tennis shoe’ teaching where you go from classroom to classroom and teach in someone else’s class during their prep period.
That’s extremely difficult because you don’t have a home.” Covington deals with the lack of prep time by simply waking early. “I’m used to knowing what it entails, so I just get to school earlier than I usually do. I just need to adjust myself to that way.” One of his ninthgrade classes contains 39 students, while the other has 37. While both teachers agree the large class sizes won’t affect their lecturing styles, the large number of students will mean more time spent at school. “When it comes to grading tests and quizzes and trying to get them back the next day like I do, it takes a lot more time,” Covington said. Guereca is excited about the growing size, though. “I think it’s cool to see us growing, and kids are excited about being here. I think extra people obviously bring good things to sports and assemblies, and extra people isn’t necessarily a bad thing.” Ultimately, large class sizes mean growth and diversity – and some changes. “It’s different, it’ll be different for sure, but I think it’ll be awesome,” Guereca said.
525 FRESHMEN
% 31 210 1671 AVG # FRESHMEN IN TOTAL INCREASE OF AN L.A. CLASS STUDENTS OVER LAST YEAR
PREVIOUS LARGEST STUDENT BODY SIZE (2013)
Features
6
09.09.2015
courtesy of quin hanrahan
Senior Quin Hanrahan (second from the right) poses with friends on the Fordham University campus. “I gained so many great skills as a leader and as an actor,” Hanrahan said.
MEANT TO BE IN NYC
courtesy of kyle reisenauer
Junior Kyle Reisenauer and freshman Joe Marsh go spar pole climbing at the Philmont Boy Scouts camp. “The tree was really high, and you could see a long ways once you were to the top,” Marsh said.
Boy Scouts scale new heights in the Rockies Adventure and adversity marks summer trip NAVEENA BONTHA KYLE REISENAUER staff writers
On Aug. 8, 20 members of Boy Scout Troop 249 went to the Philmont camp in New Mexico, a first for this local troop. Philmont is known as the largest Boy Scout camp in the world, stretching across 140,177 acres of wilderness in the Rocky Mountains. The troop had never been to Philmont before, and was excited to try it. Freshman Joe Marsh and Junior Andrew Blacketer were two of the attendees. Marsh really enjoyed all of the activities, but his favorite one was Spar Pole. “[In Spar Pole] there’s like this really tall tree, and you have these shin boot things, and they have spikes on them. You dig the spikes into the tree and you use this rope that’s wrapped around you and the tree. You use these to get to the top of the tree, and it’s awesome,” Marsh said. Along with scaling a tree, Marsh learned how to ride a
horse and went rock climbing with real rocks. “[Rock Climbing] was just really hard, but it was awesome and fun once you got to the top,” Marsh said. For Blacketer, the highlight of the trip was all the climbing – from Mount Baldy to the rocks. He was surprised that he didn’t see any bears, though. “I really wanted to see bears, but that didn’t happen,” Blacketer said. However, the troop did get to see a lot of antelope. They also got to visit French Henry, where the scouts could try blacksmithing, gold panning and exploring the inside of a mine, a pit that ran on for about seven miles. “It was really cold and dark in the mine, which I didn’t expect. You couldn’t see anything, but it was so fun,” Marsh said. However, the camp wasn’t all fun and games. The weather took a turn for the worse, bombarding the campers with rain. “It drizzled for the first
couple days for like only 20 minutes, but on the last day when we hiked out, it was just a hurricane. It rained a lot worse. There was lightning about a half-second away from us and hail that hurt when it hit us,” explained Marsh. “I was terrified. It was a really bad storm.” Blacketer enjoyed the storm, but got tired easily. “I thought the storm was kind of fun. I mean, once you got soaked, there was no going back. So we just had fun with it,” he said. The experience was fulfilling, but Marsh was also excited to leave. “I was just miserable a lot of the time. Everything was wet. I couldn’t hike another day in those boots. And even my waterproof rain jacket didn’t help at all!” Even with all of the setbacks, Marsh and Blacketer said that they would definitely recommend Philmont to other troops. “It was dope,” said Blacketer.
LOOKING FORWARD What are you looking forward to this year?
“
“ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ Psychology.
Meeting new people!
Being a role model to the younger kids.
Cross country.
Graduatinggg!
Having fun with my friends.
Being in ASB and clubs.
Football games!
Track season!
Comments collected on Falcon Prep Day, Aug. 17.
SONALI MATTA staff writer
Not every high school actor gets to rub shoulders with famous performers. But being one of the lucky few, senior Quin Hanrahan was nominated to go to a National Student Leadership Conference for Theatre in the heart of New York City. From June 23 to July 2, Hanrahan stayed at Fordham University in Lincoln Center where she got the chance to watch three Broadway shows, including “On the Town.” She also met famous Broadway actors, directors, producers and designers who talked to students about how they got into show business. “The conference was such a great experience because I got to learn more about two things I am very passionate about: leadership and theater,” Hanrahan said. Each day, she attended workshops and seminars taught by actors and team advisors, where she learned about overcoming challenges as a team and how to improve her leadership skills. Throughout the conference, Hanrahan and her group worked together to create a show of
their choosing. Each group performed at the “Tonie Awards” in front of their peers, and her group won Best Sound Design and Best Overall Performance. “I met some of my best friends there that I still talk to on a daily basis. The city, people and experience were life changing,” Hanrahan said. Apart from activities at the conference, she loved seeing the city with friends. One of her favorite memories is from a particularly rainy day in Manhattan. “It was so memorable because we had stuck together through a tough time and came through it all closer than ever. We were so miserably wet and cold; we just had to laugh it off. Walking in the pouring rain with your best friends – there’s nothing like it,” Hanrahan said. Overall, she says she had the time of her life and came home with valuable new skills and outlooks from the conference. “There are so many incredible opportunities out there, and if I don’t go for them now, I never will,” Hanrahan said. “I now feel more prepared than I was before to put myself out there and reach for the things I want.”
courtesy of kyle caldwell
Bram Brata performs at the Disney California Adventures stage. “I couldn’t stop smiling because everyone around me was having so much fun and it made the entire gig the most memorable,” senior Annika Lawrence said.
Final days on the road
DIANA WANG staff writer
Disneyland is popularly referred to as “one of the happiest places on Earth,” and for the 30 young musicians in Bram Brata, happiness was exactly what their gigs in Disneyland and other locations in Southern California brought them. From July 21 to 25, members of Bram Brata packed every pan and player onto the plane, embarking on a tour that took them from Anaheim to Santa Monica. Bram Brata, part of the Tri-Cities Steel Band Association (TCSBA), is an organization comprised of high school aged steel drummers, many of whom are students at Hanford. “Steel drums have tuned notes in the metal pan and you play melodies,” sophomore Jacob Von Bargen said. “The Bram steel drum band plays a large number of styles including pop, rock, soca, ska, but mainly reggae and Trinidadian tunes.” Every summer, director
Ben Leggett and the TCSBA plan a different tour. “My freshman year, we drove a bus all the way to Canada. Two years ago we went to Seattle, and this last year we flew down to Southern California,” said senior band member Trityca Stubbs. To prepare for this massive tour, Bram Brata had to have a strict schedule. “The weeks before tour, we really buckled down and spent hours and hours – three or even more days a week – to perfect the music,” senior Annika Lawrence said. “Most of us also came in on our own time to work on parts we didn’t know as well.” The first stop on the tour took place at a community center in the heart of Anaheim. “It was an outside venue, and there were mostly old folks there to watch,” Stubbs said. Next on the agenda was a scheduled gig at the Santa Monica pier. For senior Laura Meng, the pier stood out as one to remember. “The pier had so much
foot traffic so throughout the two hours we played, we got huge waves of crowds that were able to enjoy our music – the atmosphere was really laid back and fun,” Meng said. After that, the group spent two days at Disneyland where they performed at the California Adventures Stage, and as a final performance, Bram laid it out at a vegan fair right outside of the Disneyland resort. For many musicians in the band, this year will be their last. “To me, Bram is very different from any club I’ve been a part of in or out of school,” Stubbs said. “I’ve gained an increasing amount of friendship and love for my peers, and I hope that this year, I can give all I can to the band.” No matter where the group plans on touring next year, the distinct sound of the group and the amiable atmosphere created by the students are not ones that can be matched. “Moments during practice and gigs where we just make each other smile are moments I’m going to miss,” Meng said.
A&E
09.09.2015
7
SIDE-BY-SIDE: MEXICAN GRILLS
volume 16.1
EDITORS-IN-CHIEF emily tan caroline waring
I consider myself a connoisseur of Mexican fast food, so this summer felt like somewhat of an extravaganza in the Tri-Cities. We gained a Qdoba Mexican Grill and a (drumroll, please) Chipotle Mexican Grill. A lot of people may think that these Mexican grills are the same, and although they have the same basic principles, they could not be more different.
shabani datta
A LT I T U D E
6 Sept. 2015
EDITORS
naveena bontha, news shibani datta, sports sonali matta, features
PHOTOGRAPHERS
calvin carr, katie peurrung
STAFF
amanda anderson, isabel bartholomew, jadon fickle, ketsia kahambwe, kyle reisenauer, shelby schumacher, diana wang, michelle wang, ryan wang
ADVISER
nancy e. smith
[ NEXT UP ]
Once, for many TriCitians, getting Chipotle was one of the exclusive bonuses of going on a trip to Spokane, Portland or Seattle. Now with one in Kennewick on Columbia Center Boulevard, the world seems like a better place. Opened in late July, the new (terribly placed) location almost always has a line. However, I find the wait is worth it. The simplicity of the Chipotle menu is what makes it stand out amongst fast-food chains. Bowl, burrito, taco and salad are the primary options. Known for the freshness of its ingredients, non-GMO choices and its “food with integrity,” Chipotle never disappoints the stomach. Something about the combination of black beans, salsa, steak, guac (I know
it’s extra), and cilantro lime white rice is just out of this world. The beans were as good as beans can be, the tomatillo red chili salsa was the perfect level of spiciness and the sour cream did its job in taking over if it ever did get too spicy. I got steak this time, but honestly all the meat (and now tofu?) options are juicy, but don’t ooze. Last – the guac. The consistency. The creaminess. Need I say more? For me, nothing can top Chipotle. Maybe I have a preconceived notion on this topic based on years of putting it on a pedestal. Qdoba is a worthy opponent, and maybe someday it will become the more powerful grill. For the time being, however, Chipotle takes the throne.
SEPTEMBER
VS.
OCTOBER
18 “the scorch trials” 9 22 “fifa 16”
Qdoba opened in early June at the Queensgate location. I will applaud them for their choice of location – across from Five Guys Burgers and Fries and two short minutes away from Costa Vida – very bold. Qdoba is known for its variety of options: burritos, bowls, tacos, nachos, Mexican gumbo and custom options. Their multitude of choices is probably their strong point, featuring different types of quesos and a well-known taco menu. Personally, I found the food good, but not great. The queso is too overpowering for my taste and maybe it was just the type I got, but the fiery habanero salsa was way too much. My mouth felt like it was on fire, and not in the good way. My burrito came out
“revival” selena gomez
20 “just dance 2016”
soggy and the tortilla didn’t do too much to help. I will say that the free guac was a welcome surprise, but the flavor wasn’t anything to brag about. Don’t get me wrong, Qdoba has a great vibe. As I said before, the food is good, but I would probably have to think twice about going there versus Five Guys. If you do go there I would recommend burritos, and if you’re feeling adventurous the Mexican gumbo. The rice is bland and doesn’t do much to enhance the flavor of the meal. The quality of each ingredient is sub-par compared to its opponent for not much of a lower price.
NOVEMBER 6
“the peanuts movie”
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20 “mockingjay part 2”
25 “hotel transylvania 2” 27 “halo 5: guardians” 27 “the good dinosaur”
A summer in movie reviews
shelby shumacher
Say ‘U.N.C.L.E.’ “Man from U.N.C.L.E.” is an action-packed spy flick adapted from an old television show provides insight into relations between the Soviet Union and the United States at the height of the Cold War. Napoleon Solo (Henry Cavill) is forced to partner up with his Russian spy counterpart, Illyia Kuryakin (Armie Hammer), in order to prevent dangerous nuclear technology from getting
into the hands of a mystery criminal organization located in Italy. Solo and Kuryakin provide a humorous relief to the strenuous tensions between their two respective countries, while trying to show each other up with inhuman skills. Overall, this movie was enjoyable and had me laughing from beginning to end. The storyline was entertaining, with twists and turns that keep the watchers on their toes. The obvious stereotypical Cold War jabs added just the right amount color. However, this movie is suggested for more mature audiences as they will better be able to understand the history and underlying tensions between the characters. This movie is honestly one of the most entertaining movies I’ve seen.
A ‘World’ of fun The much-anticipated sequel to the Jurassic Park series finally arrived this summer and did not disappoint. This revisit to a beloved storyline where scientists are able to recreate dinosaurs from blood found in amber-encrusted mosquitos captures the essence of the old series while still guiding new watchers. “Jurassic World” starts off with a recreation of the previous prehistoric park to a multi-billion dollar franchise that must push bigger and better attractions in order to sustain consumer interest. This demand causes the park scientists to genetically modify a super-intelligent dinosaur that never existed in history. The genetic experiment has obvious consequences
as humans and dinosaurs alike are outsmarted and overpowered by this manmade beast. If you loved the old movies, this new edition has small references that will make any long-time lover happy.
amanda andersen
Getting ‘Inside’ your emotions Narrated almost entirely from the emotions of
Riley, a young girl forced to uproot her hockey-centered life in the Midwest and move to fast-paced San Francisco, the movie gives us a hint at the inner workings of a teenage brain. Upon arrival at her small, dingy house, Riley encounters a series of unfortunate events that force her emotions, Joy, Sadness, Fear, and Anger to adapt to a new school, house, and hockey team up in Headquarters, otherwise known as her brain. When everything goes up in smoke and Joy and Sadness must leave Headquarters to embark on a dangerous journey into the depths of Riley’s brain to try and save some of Riley’s most important memories. This film is definitely a “fits all” movie. As a teenager, I thoroughly enjoyed it, sharing laughter and tears with both children and
adults in the theater. Although the movie is directed at children, teens and adults can appreciate some of the more mature aspects of growing up and believing in others when no one else does. “Inside Out” is most successful in its attempt to understand human behavior from a simplistic, childish point of view. The movie gives us a cute, perceptive glance at the workings of the enigmatic teenage brain. In doing so, it teaches parents and teenagers alike to understsand and empathize with one another. Pulling in almost $350 million, “Inside Out” was one of the most popular movies of the summer. Out of 5, I would definitely give this movie 4.5 stars. Prepare to laugh, cry, and reminisce about your own childhood memories.
8
Humor
That time when summer brain hits
naveena bontha
Here’s the skinny: It’s Tuesday morning, and I’m sauntering into class with my brand new two-inch binder, 128 crayons that come in the colors of my dreams, and a 47-pound backpack that carries all my worldly possessions. I slide into the seat and immediately address the kid next to me. “Hey, Kyle! How was your summer?” I say, fully expecting to be regaled with tales of
manliness and magnificence. chair and points to the front Kyle turns his head, eyes of the class, where another me weirdly, and says four blond-haired, blue-eyed kid words that cut me deep: “My sits. name’s not Kyle.” Ohh. Ohhh. OHHH. The I quickly respond with, realization hits me hard. I just “I’m preetttyy sure you’re tried to make conversation Kyle. I mean we had chem, with a total stranger. I just misand math and took some guy for language arts one of my truest Don’t pretend you’ve together. You’re homies. never done this, dear obviously Kyle!” Summer, man. reader. We’ve all been Kyle looks How is it through the stages of me in the eye and that not seeing calling someone the shakes his head. someone for three wrong name. “I’m NOT months makes you Kyle,” he says, mistake them for a enunciating each word carefultotal stranger? ly, growling menacingly. Don’t pretend you’ve never I feel a poke in my back. done this, dear reader. We’ve I turn to look at my faithful all been through the stages of amiga who’s giving me the calling someone the wrong patented “SHUT UP ASAP” name. look. Honestly, I’ve done it so She leans in and whisper often that I should probably yells, “THAT’S NOT KYLE.” join a support group called She then swivels in her “People-Who-Call-People-
by-the-Wrong-Name Anonymous.” Or PWCPBTWNA. Because you know what they say, the first step to recovery is admitting that you have a problem. I’m sad to see summer go. Scratch that, I’m incredibly sad to see summer go, to leave the security of my room and to venture out into the real world again. I’m sad that I won’t get to eat lunch at 10 a.m. and dinner at midnight. But, the end of summer brings an exciting new challenge. It brings the challenge of remembering the 4,000 old names and learning 10,000 new names. I mean the only thing harder than remembering names? Finding a homecoming date (wink wink, nudge nudge). Maybe there’s hope for me yet.
7
09.09.2015
things to help you survive high school 1
Bring snacks in an accessible bag that you can hide under your desk.
2 Make sure you sit in front of someone who will kick you to stay awake.
3 Get Mrs. Maldonado squirrels and whales. She will love you forever.
4 Stay on the right side of the hall and don’t loiter or you’ll get pushed.
5 Sing the Canadian National Anthem every time you see Mr. Koch to make him cry of happiness.
6 Bring blankets to survive the ice boxes, a.k.a. the Language Arts Hallway.
7 Don’t bring drinks or text in the social studies hallway unless you want to get yelled at by all the teachers.
Unsung hero: an appreciation of the wall
ryan wang
caroline waring
Stadiums have them, offices have them, schools, churches, casinos and homes of all types have them. They’re infinitely useful, yet always under appreciated. They exist throughout all cultures in various varieties, varying in variable vicinities: clay, glass, steel, marble, plaster, wood and anything else capable of being shaped into a right triangular prism. You probably encounter at least 20 of these everyday but take them for granted like the over-privileged sack of shi – can’t include that in a Christian newspaper – shiitake mushrooms you undoubtedly are. The WALL is the unsung hero of our everyday lives. He lives humbly, a fashion of your environment, much like the dirt beneath your feet or the sky above your heads. However! the wall was made by people! An invention like any other, not a given reality, but a concrete (sometimes literally) corollary to
our natural landscape, created through the blood, sweat and tears of our ancestors. Delving into the historical, sociological, psychological, chemical, geographical, artistic and political aspects of WALLs would be too much to contain in a single article, so a simple outline of the basic functions that the WALL plays in our everyday lives will have to suffice. Commencing our investigation from the obvious and the fundamental, WALLs are the infrastructure upon which our ROOFs are placed, and without ROOFs our clothes would be soaked by the rain and blanketed by the snow. The ROOF protects the clothes and the body, allowing people greater freedom to act in the realm of FASHION, the art we wear on our bodies, an irreplaceable mode of self expression. ROOFs, FASHION, and PROTECTION (from the elements) are all provided to us on the basis of our sturdy WALLs. The next time you see a WALL, I want you to kiss him, hug him, caress him as you would your own child. Give your friendly neighborhood WALL the warmth and affection he deserves.