December 2011 Hillside Hotwire

For and by the students of Foothill High School since 1999

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the skinniest of them all? Page 2

December 2011 | Volume 13, Issue 3

The Pros and Cons of Dating at the Hill Page 5-6

Khill Radio hits the airwaves and performs at lunch. Page 8

He's making a list, Checking it twice...

Gonna' find out who's naughty or nice! see pages

8-9

Hillsidehotwire

Feature

www.foothillnv.org page 2

Dec. 2011

Lucia Cleveland dedicates her life to helping special needs kids

By Ashley Parriot Cub Reporter

L

ucia Cleveland wakes up every morning with a smile on her face, knowing she gets to help those in need. From the moment she sees those kids get off the bus she knows why she does this job.

“My counselor in college said it was a great field for me,” says Cleveland. “I love when the kids feel special about themselves. I want them to feel like they’re a part of the group.”

The Thanksgiving season often puts students in a giving mood, but Cleveland gives every day. She takes care of 54 special-ed kids in eight different Clark County schools, including two different home schooled kids, five days a

week, seven hours a day.

Cleveland is an occupational therapist who helps special-ed students get to and from classes, interprets what teachers are saying for them and helps teachers understand what the students are saying. They also help special-ed students deal with the noises, sights and other distractions inherent in a school full of students and staff.

Occupational therapists help students improve their ability to perform tasks in their environment. Students may have spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy.

There are also other ways the therapists help. “I once had a girl who couldn’t see well because her eye tissue didn’t form right,” said Foothill biology teacher Lonnie Nico-

sia. “Her therapist would help her understand what I was writing on the board and with labs and other class activities.” Ms. Nicosia said she was very happy to have aids in her classroom when it was necessary. “They definitely had a

the needed their aids to do well in the class.”

The therapists provide a sort of comfort to the students so that they get through the school day feeling safe. “I saw this one girl and her therapist

positive influence on both the special-ed kids and the other kids. Without them, I could teach the kid(s), but it would be hard. They were smart, but

once,” said sophomore Jessica Dryden. “The therapist was like a mom to the girl.

She couldn’t walk well, so she helped her walk from class to

“Going into the bathroom and throwing up my lunch was something I did between myself. If other people didn’t know about it, then it wasn’t real.”

September is when everything hit her.

“I cried every single day. The only person that I had told at the time just didn’t care. I felt more alone than ever,” said

Annabel.

It wasn’t until Annabel’s friend told a family friend about her struggle, that it received the attention it needed.

“When he sat me down to talk to me, it felt real for the first time,” said Annabel. “He suggested that I see a counselor, and I just couldn’t believe something like that could happen to me. The compassion he

class. She seemed truly caring.”

To become an occupational therapist a masters degree or higher in occupational therapy is a minimum requirement.

“My favorite part is when they get to feel like they’re a part of the group,” says Cleveland.

Without the therapists, school would be much harder for students with special needs. Occupational therapists dedicate their lives to helping those in need. They take care of their patients and make sure the patients come first.

Loving her job Lucia Clevand helps students in class read and understand what the teacher is saying. Photo by Ashley Parriot

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the skinniest girl of them all

By Skyler Halovich Staff Writer

A

ll she could do was hope. Hope that someone actually cared for her, hope that she was wrong, hope that her reality was just a dream. Annabel,* stared at the bathroom stall, hoping that someone would walk through those doors and hold her why she cried, but no one did.

“For the last two years, I’ve hidden. Behind the makeup, the hair, the clothes, the friends, the grades, but most importantly, I’ve hid from myself,” Annabel said, for she has spent the last two years battling her body, trying to starve it. “I’ve always had self confidence issues, but I never showed it. If anything, everyone else could only see someone with all the confidence in the world.”

Two years ago, Annabel’s friend had decided to show her a new eating trick. After dinner at her house, they went up stairs and she stuck her fingers down her throat.

“At first, I couldn’t believe that my best friend would ever do that, but I didn’t stop her,” said Annabel. “I decided to join her on the purging, but only did it when I ate too

much.”

She took it a step further and just refused to eat in private. Most days, she only ate dinner. This lasted the next four months but stopped once summer was over.

“My eating patterns since have never been the same. I never ate breakfast, and feeling starved almost became comforting,” said Annabel.

The last run of anorexia/ bulimia had by far been the longest and the most threatening. From February to September, Annabel could feel it falling apart, but she didn’t want to stop.

“I was an honors student, and I remember my grades just tanking,” said Annabel.

“When my teachers asked me why I didn’t do my homework, I just couldn’t explain to them that I was too tired to do it. I slept all the time.”

Annabel hadn’t revealed to many people what was happening.

“I could just feel it eating away inside me. I felt like a hypocrite pretending that I had it all together. I thought the friends that confided in me would be ashamed that I hid it for so long,” said Annabel.

showed for me made me want to get better.”

Annabel now eats three meals a day and exercises four times a week. She has shared her story to empower other girls to see themselves in a new light.

“It bothers me when people make fun of girls for wanting attention or wearing too much makeup. They only want the world to see them as beautiful and desperately need someone to care,” said Annabel. “I think we should learn to reach out to those kinds of girls, because all they feel is judgment. They can’t help it.”

Anorexia is hard to completely get rid of, but Annabel intends to have no relapses.

Annabel said, “It’s taken my entire life to see myself as beautiful and confident. I still wear makeup and take pride in my appearance, but I focus more on other things. I might have to deal with a low self esteem, but I’m not going to let it ruin my life.”

False Reality Sometimes reality is obscured as anorexics see what they believe instead of what is really there in the mirror.

Graphic by Zoe Moctezuma and Tyler Horne

POLICY EDITORS-IN-CHIEF: Kylie Braver & Haley Scott ASSISTANT EDITOR: Greta Chiocchetti & Rebecka Holmes ILLUSTRATION EDITOR: Ryanne Bailey & Tyler Horne COPY EDITOR: Chelsea Shehan SPORTS EDITOR: Thomas Jaramillo, Brian Marshall

PHOTOGRAPHER: LAYOUT EDITOR: Jake Jesperson STAFF WRITERS: Skyler Halovich, Kayleigh Swartzlander ADVISER: Bill Tobler PRINCIPAL: Jeanne Donadio

The opinions expressed in the Hillside Hotwire are the author’s and do not represent the opinions of the administration, faculty, staff or students of Foothill High School.

Letters to the editor should be signed and sent to: The Hillside Hotwire, 800 College Drive, Henderson, NV 89015 Letters may also be dropped off at the Hillside Hotwire office in room 741. Home Delivery of the Hillside Hotwire is available at a prepaid cost of $20 per year. Issues are mailed monthly upon publication.

The staff reserves the right to reject any advertisement deemed inappropriate. Letters to the editor may be edited for content and brevity.

Hillsidehotwire

www.foothillnv.org page 3

Dec. 2011

News/Feature

Navigating the hallways is like rush hour traffic on the freeway

By Kylie Braver Editor-in-Chief

N

avigating the hallways is like rush hour traffic on the freeway. You’re stopping and starting, and you feel like you’re always putting on your brakes.

The large crowds in the classroom are also a problem sometimes as teacher-student ratios have increased due to state budget cuts.

“They give us five minutes to get to and from classes but it takes me five minutes just get out of the hallways,” said a frustrated Kaelyn Reynolds.

Foothill has about 2,630 kids, but it is only designed for 2,000, which means we are over-populated by 630 students.

“I hate walking from class to class,” said Randy Plumlee. “I

feel like I am going to hit the person walking on both sides of me, and it takes forever just to get out of the hallway.”

“There really isn’t much that can be done to fix the traffic in the hallways,” said Principal Jeanne Donadio.

“The only thing that can really be done is to make each wing have an IN door and an OUT door, but that would make it feel too much like a prison, and I don’t want that.”

Not only does the overpopulation take a toll on getting out of the hallways faster, but students also think it is having a negative effect on the classroom learning environment.

“It feels to me that the class sizes are bigger than usual this

Graphic by Ryanne Bailey

year,” said Lexi Sobalvarro.

“Math is my worst subject, and that is my biggest class, which makes it harder for me to learn.

With more students, shouldn’t there be more teachers?”

Ms. Donadio understands the frustration as she has had to be creative to keep the elective programs alive while keeping core subjects staffed. “I don’t like the fact of having so many kids in one class,” said Donadio. “But the overpopulation of the school, I think, has only benefited us more than any-

thing; it allows us to have a bigger band, a bigger dance team, and more sports, which means more funding for all of those!”

Fifty percent of students agreed, and the others said that they think that having this many students is hurting their learning environment somewhat. They feel that the district is putting too many students in one classroom and that we don’t have enough teachers.

“It’s harder for me to learn with that many students in class,” said Jade Martin. “I

know there isn’t much the staff can do with this many students, so they do what they have to do, but I would much rather be in a classroom with 28 students rather than 35 or 38. I am in AP classes, and those usually don’t have as many students in them as honors or regular classes, but even the AP classes this year have many students in them.”

Ms. Donadio said that the district is planning on cutting more money from the school district budget, but she is trying her hardest not to let it affect the students and the class sizes. She is weighing all of her options of how to make it so class sizes won’t get bigger, but as far as traffic in the hallways, there isn’t much that can be done except to just be patient, smile, and get to know the people shuffling next to you.

NHS collects over 1,000 toys for kids at the Dream Center

By Amber Huppert Cub Reporter

T

he sounds of children laughing and playing and eating fill the air.

New toys and better clothes are passed all around. Joy is practically a flavor in the air. At least that’s what National Honor Society members hope to see when they help the Dream Center pass out toys and serve a turkey dinner to children on December 17th.

The toy drive, held on Nov. 28 to Dec. 2 will help get those kids new toys for Christmas.

“I want to see all the children happy for the holiday,” Megan Quarnberg said.

“Last year the Dream Center didn’t get that many toys,” Ms. Erin Wing said. “Tracey May, head of Dream Center, approached us and asked for our help this year.”

The toys the Dream Center

did receive didn’t cover all age groups so NHS set up different age groups for the different wings.

Faustos. Pizza. Donuts. The three prizes passed out to the fourth hour classes that brought in the most toys. The winners were: first place, Mr. Richard Vaughan, second place, Mrs. Gail Mayes, and third place, Mr. John Ringler.

The prizes were created by NHS officers Kelsie Thornton, Briana Pitkin and Ms. Moss.

They were paid for by a cookie dough fundraiser NHS did and by the NHS student’s dues.

In the beginning, they didn’t collect as many toys as they would have liked.

“I expected it to be slow in the beginning,” Ms. Wing said. “We were getting a lot in the eight to twelve year-old range, but not much in the newborn to six and fourteen to eighteen.”

“I hope to see that the kids

Number of toys collected from each hallway!

Office: 2 700’s: 395 400’s: 108 300’s: 240 200’s: 340 STACKING UP Donations starting pouring in as Falcons learned about the toy drive. Over 1,000 toys were collected. Photo by Rebecka Holmes

are happy, and that they see what positive role models the NHS kids are,” Ms. Moss said.

“I hope they’re happy and that we helped them have a

happier holiday,” said Trevor Rikalo.

“I loved helping the Dream Center,” said President Kelsie Thornton. “I’m just excited to see that the kids actually get presents. I love being involved.”

“I want to see their faces and hope that we made their holiday

NHS GIVES TO THE DREAM CENTER! Thanks to NHS, the kids at the Dream Center will now have toys under the Christmas tree! Graphic by Ryanne Bailey

season,” said Briana Pitkin.

NHS sends its thanks to all those teachers, students and staff who donated toys and helping them reach their goal.

Holiday cheer for those in need of a pint: seniors and juniors donate freely to blood drive

By Greta Chiochetti Assistant Editor On Friday, Nov. 18, students gathered in the auxiliary gym to donate blood.

Men and women dressed in white flitted from station to station, handing out stress balls and soothing their patients.

“Deep breath. Don’t watch me.

Look that way,” the nurse murmurs.

Before Rachel Rowe notices anything, there is a needle in her arm, and it’s all easy from there.

“I was pretty nervous,” said Rowe. “I always get a little dizzy in the beginning, but I turned out okay.”

Students gave blood for varied reasons.

“I gave blood because I’m A positive, and that’s the only ‘A+’ I can get,” Dante Herrick said with

a chuckle.

“I’m giving blood today because it’s a good cause, plus I can get out of first hour,” said Britton Long.

Students said they felt the warm fuzzies (or was that just lightheadedness?) after donating while they munched on sugary snacks and drank orange juice provided

by United Blood Services.

“I feel like I’m helping someone who needs this donation,” said Rowe. “Maybe it’ll save a life.”

For those who missed it, the next blood drive will be held in the spring, most likely in March.

Raising a pint Rachel Rowe relaxes during the blood drive as she gives the greatest gift this holiday season, the gift of life. Photo by Kylie Braver

Dating at

Alexis and Cole

Dat • • • •

Do’s

Do meet the parents Do open doors for her Do ask in person Do compliment her and mean it • Do be there to pick her up on time • Do use manners • Do thank him/her

Alexis MunizMy favorite thing about Cole is that he is funny, cute, sweet and such a gentlemen. He opens the car door for me.

Cole NannyMy favorite thing about Lexi is her smile. She’s really sweet and my little princess.

Pros:

By Cydney Fink Guest Writer

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hen

learn a lot about the person and may

people

realize you have a lot more in com-

think of

mon than you thought. Sometimes,

relation-

they know you better than anyone

ships,

else. Also, whenever you need some-

they think, “I don’t want to be tied

one to go to, they will always be there

down to someone.” As long as you’re

for you. No matter what the situation

with the right person, relationships

is, I know Caleb will always be there

can be exciting.

for me.

One reason being in a relationship

On top of all the more serious things,

can be fun is there’s always someone

there are also little things that make

to hang out with. I hang out with my

being in a good relationship great!

boyfriend, Caleb Luks, almost every

Holding hands, getting flowers on

weekend, and at least once during

Valentine’s Day, waking up to “good

the week, whether it’s just going to

morning” texts every day, writing

each other’s houses to hang out with

notes to each other, and so many

each other’s families or going to the

more simple things that make rela-

movies, bowling, etc. It’s not always

tionships good.

having to do something big or expen-

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30

you enjoy being around, you’ll always have a great time no matter what.

There are many reasons being in a relationship can be a great experience.

Personally, I like being in a relationship better than being single. Not only

Secondly, you have someone to relate

is Caleb my boyfriend, but also my

to. Throughout the relationship you

best friend.

t the Hill Jay SchiffMy favorite thing about Haley is how amazing she is and how truly beautiful she is.

Haley O’BrienMy favorite thing about Jay is that he has a good personality, and he is fun to be around.

ting • • • •

Don’ts

Don’t be late Don’t text Don’t be rude Don’t check out other girls/guys • Don’t act like you’re not enjoying yourself • Don’t ignore your date • Don’t chew with your mouth open

Haley and Jay

Daniel BradyMy favorite thing about Danica is her personality and that she is fun-sized.

Danica AlvaradoMy favorite thing about Daniel is that he always makes me happy and that he suprises me with gifts and has a lot of respect for me and my friends.

Cons:

D

Danica and Daniel

By Skyler Halovich/Ryanne Bailey Staff Writers

isney movies

with each other. No matter how they

just because they are in

did not prepare

act with each other, their relationship

a relationship, and this

us for the real

is annoying. They’re mocking us with

causes the other part-

world. Cinder-

their happiness.

ner to feel neglected.

ella got her

In high school, drama is something

All the cute things

prince charming, Ariel got to become

everyone has, especially if you are in

that go on in relation-

human and marry Eric, Snow White

a relationship. If you are involved in

ships like the good

was revived by a kiss, and Belle found

sports, and your boyfriend/girlfriend

morning texts and flow-

someone who loved her inner beauty.

isn’t, they sometimes will get mad

ers on Valentine’s day are

These princesses were around the

about you having practice all the time

overrated. You can get a good

same age as us, yet we want the same

and not having time to hang out with

morning text from anyone: your

relationships as they have. Maybe

them. Athletes often hear, “Just ditch

friend, your cousin, whoever. And

that’s what drives high schoolers to

practice,” or, “What’s more impor-

the love for that person will only last

relationships looking for “true love.”

tant, me or your sports?”

as long as the flowers they gave you a

You all know that couple, the ones

Grades also become a problem.

week ago.

who have been together since you’ve

With some people, their grades drop

“True love” is hard to find, especially

practically known them, who define

because they spend so much time

when everyone is still somewhat

“public display of affection,” can

with their boyfriend/girlfriend. With

immature. You will never find the

never get enough of each other, and

others, their grade is unaffected, but

“perfect guy/girl” because the movies

when they’re not “lovey dovey,” they

their relationship is affected. They

have raised your expectations, and in

are like angry water buffalos fighting

aren’t going to let their grades drop

reality, they will never be met.

Hillsidehotwire

Sports

www.foothillnv.org page 6

Dec. 2011

Girls’ basketball comes in with high hopes

Instilled with a new confidence, the team looks to go farther than ever By: Jake Jesperson Lay- Out editor

The girls’ basketball team started the season with a solid 60-51 win over Valley. “We can now say we are on track to hitting this year’s goal of qualifying for and winning the state championships,” said RaeAnn Brems.

“Our work has been cut out for us, but working hard doesn’t seem to faze us,” she added.

“We can’t lose one game this season,” said Tangi Ajetu. “Our schedule is too easy, and we are too good. Coming from a lot faster-paced competition in Washington, and falling just short of state last year, I have a chip on my shoulder and will stop at nothing to win, even if that means stomping on Liberty,” she said.

In fact, every member of the

team has one common goal: to defeat Liberty so that they can make it all the way.

Coach Collins said, “Liberty is the only school with open enrollment, so their line-up is awesome.

It is really hard to compete with a team who’s three of five starters are from different schools, but this team has everything it takes to be the end champions.”

One thing this team does not lack, is their ability to be intimidated. One of the most crucial factors that plays into the girls’ basketball team’s success is the fact that they can get on the court with anybody and know they have the chance to come out victorious. “We aren’t cocky, just confident, and every court is our court,” said Kalani Killabrew.

“Our entire team obviously

Small Jab Christina Nash’s continuous lay-ups is just one factor that will keep Foothill ahead. Photo by Robert Vendetolli.

Boys’ basketball looks to recover from slow start after an opening away loss to Eldorado

By Thomas Jaramillo

T

Sports editor

he varsity boys basketball team is off to a 1-1 start.

“This year, expectations are very high,” said Coach Kevin Soares. “We have a team that was one game away from the regional final, and now we expect to win regionals and go to state.”

At Eldorado, the Falcons lost in a close game 62-60, after leading through three quarters 48-45, but fell short of putting Eldorado away as Eldorado came from behind to win the game. This learning experience should spark the Falcon’s as Brennan Cresanto, Greg Cox and Darren Buckles had 10 points each for the team.

“Turnovers were a problem,” said Cresanto. “But an even bigger problem was the fact that we only shot forty percent from the foul line. If we were able to just make a few more free-throws we would be sitting at 2-0.”

In the team’s season opener, it was a different story, as the Falcons defeated Palo Verde 83-74.

Their leading scorer, Cresanto

finished with 18 points. Notable performances came from Buckles with 13 points, Cox with 12 and Austin Starr with 12. The team didn’t have any turnovers in the first half and was able to take advantage of 16 turnovers by Palo Verde. In the second half, the Falcons weren’t as careful with the ball, allowing 13 turnovers in the second half.

In the third quarter, they watched a 56-35 lead shrink to 62-53 after three quarters.

In the fourth, Palo Verde was able to get within six points, but that would be as close as it would get.

“In the first half, we had no turnovers, but then we started rushing the game instead of letting it come to us,” said Cresanto.

“In the second half, turnovers became a problem, and that is why we almost lost our lead.”

The team feels they have more experience than last year, and the experience will be able to help them accomplish their goals.

“Since last season, we as a group have become more experienced,

and have learned how to work together as one unit,” said Coach Soares. “We practiced and conditioned hard, and I feel we have the advantage on any team we face.”

The team doesn’t have a set starting five yet, but they feel they have a lot of contributors who can help the team.

“We have Elijah Smith, Buckles, Cox, Cresanto and Tyler Roberts, not to mention we also have guys coming off the bench who have the potential to make some plays for our team,” said Coach Soares.

“Tyler Morris and Taylor Montgomery are definitely two guys who could come off the bench and add some size to our line-up.”

Last season, the team’s leading scorer was Cox with 351 points on the year, which was an average of 14.6 per game.

Cresanto averaged 12.5 points per game and had 4.1 assists per game.

Elijah Smith is the teams’ best rebounder, remaining from last year’s team with an average of 3.0 rebounds per game as well as 3.5 assists per game.

doesn’t lack any confidence, just consistency,” said Christina Nash.

“I know we have the talent to go far, maybe even the farthest we have ever gone, but the team needs to be ready to come out, ready to play every night.”

While Nash feels that they only need consistency, Coach Collins thinks differently, saying, “Our team needs more ‘togetherness’ because we have all the skill that it takes.”

The team is ready, and they want it all. They have a lot of seniors returning, and the girl’s are ready to give it everything. With state in mind, they will continue to practice and play hard trying to prove to themselves and to the school that this is the best team Foothill has ever seen.

Wrestling kicks off season 1-2 beating Desert Oasis and placing fourth at BC

By Alec Fischmann Sports reporter

T

he varsity wrestlers had one win and two losses overall at their second tournament last Tuesday, beating Desert Oasis but falling slightly short of points against Palo Verde and El Dorado high schools.

Damien Ortega, 9, said “When you’re tired and out of breath, that’s when you need to work your hardest.”

They placed fourth in their first tournament at Boulder City. “I feel like I wrestled average, but I wish I had gotten up to my feet faster,” said Daniel Kielty, 11.

Head varsity coach Billy Love said, “Everybody fought hard for their first tournament. Right now we are a good team, but eventually we’ll become a great team.”

Varsity lost several beloved wrestlers to graduation such as Sean Miller, Brian Mathews, Joe Montero, Kyle Harris, Mason Qureshi and Kayton Gomez. They have a young and inexperienced team, but they can become a well-oiled wrestling machine.

The more experienced wrestlers are confident that they will make it to state this year and will do whatever it takes to do well.

“An accomplishment,” is how co-captain Tyler Holdren, 12, with six years wrestling experience, described wrestling. “To step onto the mat knowing you have trained hard and knowing you have put in the time and knowing you will wrestle hard gives off a great sense of pride.”

“To be a wrestler takes blood, sweat and tears, hard determination, and everything else that everyone else does not have,” said Jeremy Reavy, 11, with four years of experience. “I know I will go to state this year because I have been putting in lots of work over the summer, and I’ve been working really hard in the room. Over summer, I only lost two matches out of twenty-five.”

The team is looking forward to their next tournament to show off their hard work, new moves and to move up in the standings.

CLOSE UP Sophomore Steven Thomas gets close and personal with his competition. Photo by Alec Fischmann

Hillsidehotwire

Sports

www.foothillnv.org page 7

Dec. 2011

Region change affects Falcons for the better

With some schools being moved down to 3A, Foothill has less competition The NIAA has recently released a major change-up in the divisions, regions and classes of many schools in the valley. Although Foothill is not directly affected, the rearrangement of the teams does change the opponents in which Foothill must compete against for regional titles.

Athletics in the state of Nevada are broken into four different classes: 1a, 2a, 3a and 4a.

The smallest schools compete in 1a, bigger schools in 2a, even bigger schools in 3a, and the largest schools in the state competing in the 4a division. Foothill competes in the 4a division.

One problem with this classification is it only factors in a school’s

population, not their athletic aptitude.

Many schools in the valley who have trouble recruiting students for their athletic teams have not fielded a team, in any sport, that can legitimately compete for a regional championship.

Possibly the biggest surprise in this rearrangement is the dropping of SECTA into the smaller 4b subdivision with Chaparral, Desert Pines and Sunrise Mountain.

They will join with 3a teams Moapa Valley, Virgin Valley and Boulder City in a smaller 4b conference.

“I’m kind of upset about this change-up,” says varsity soccer player Eli Ward. “SECTA is one of the most competitive soccer programs in the city, and we were excited about competing with them next year. Our soc-

Girls’ soccer wins big tournament to start the season

The soccer story of the freshman team’s starting forward

By Alex Waters

By Skyler Kowalski

T

H

By Brian Marshall Assistant Sports editor

Sports Reporter

he girls’ soccer season is just starting up, and the team has started with a 3-1-1 record. The girls were also able to win an invitational tournament in Las Vegas defeating Liberty in the championship of this tournament 2-1 after a pass from Alyssa Gamboa to Drea Austin in the penalty box was able to set the girls up for victory.

“You can’t describe this feeling,” said coach Cynthia Guzman. “I knew minute by minute it was getting nervewracking. Liberty is a great team, but we wanted it more.”

With a new varsity coach this year in Guzman, changes are expected from the girls. They have new styles, conditioning and players. “It’s a lot harder, especially the training,” says Alyssa Gamboa.

“But we’re going to surprise a lot of people, and we will put Foothill soccer on the map this year.”

“This year is different from last because we have new and more players that have more experience with the game and have been together before,” says Aly Vanek. The majority of the team consists of returning players who were on JV last year. “Since most of us were on JV last year, we’ve all played together, so we all know each other, and that really helps.”

Some highly-skilled freshmen have earned the chance to be placed on the varsity team. “It’s good that they got to varsity,” said Aly Vanek. “Some deserved it, and some are border line, but it’s good because they are very skilled.”

Improvements are already being seen by students and players.

“We’re doing a lot better actually,” says Kailey Plumlee. “We have a lot more potential this year than last year. Our drills are much more complex, and our new coach, who stepped up from being the JV coach last year, has done an absolutely amazing job.”

SEE YA! These schools have been “booted” from our 4A region and will no longer be a threat in regionals. Art by Ryanne Bailey.

cer team is going to be fielding its best team in school history, and if we win regionals it won’t be as fulfilling knowing we didn’t have to knock off SECTA to do it.”

Also, the mix up would involve Green Valley and Silverado leaving our division, which would mean we don’t compete against them in regular season divisional games. “I think it’s a great idea,” says cross country runner Max Hoeft. “A lot of those teams never stand a chance to win against teams like Foothill, Coronado, and Green Valley, and hopefully those schools transferring into an easier conference will allow their teams to get a taste of victory.

Who knows, maybe it will even inspire the kids at the school to get more involved in sports, and they can move back up to 4a.”

Who is freshman Katelyn Shelly?

Sports Reporter

eart pounding with the anticipation of the upcoming game, KateLyn pulls back her hair and straightens her uniform. All that can be heard in the girl’s locker room that day is the clanking of cleats and the excited chatter of other nervous players. There’s only one thing on her mind right now: soccer.

“I started out when I was four, and I just got so happy and excited when I played that I’ve been playing since,” said KateLyn Shelly, their forward on freshman’s soccer team.

“I tried out for the team because I loved soccer. How-

ever, I didn’t think I even had any chance of making any of the three teams--but I did!”

Shelly had postponed her soccer life but decided to restart when she heard about the newly-created freshman team.

Although it’s been troubling, Shelly is sure it’s worth all the painstaking practices, torturous drills and endless miles.

“I had to give up hanging out with my friends, but I love soccer, so I don’t mind.”

Fellow teammate Jessica Peterson believes KateLyn is a great addition to the team.

“She is attentive at practice and is an amazing player,” said Peterson.

Shelly has enjoyed her time on

Personal Profile the team this year so far. “I like being able to participate in a position that people can depend on and running to get the ball away from other opponents.”

Her short time on the team has been eventful. With practices, coaches and friends, she’s been able to learn a little bit more about how to handle her life.

“Soccer helped me realize that I need to take one thing at a time and not to stress myself

out so much. I want to be able to play in all the games, so it has pushed me harder to attain excellent grades. I’m finally able to get my priorities straight.”

Outside of soccer, Shelly “tries her hardest at everything.”

“She’s a great friend who is always there for you and never gives up,” said Carly Gebhart, one of her closest friends since sixth grade.

“I can rely on her for anything.”

As she approaches the field with a new-found determination, KateLyn’s worry and stress fade to the far corner of her mind. “I just focus on the game and nothing else, and I seem to be able to play better.” The whistle blows, kickoff, and she’s ready.

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Hillsidehotwire

Feature

www.foothillnv.org page 8

Dec. 2011

Coneing’s rise in popularity prompts restaurant backlash

By Wyatt Morgan

Cub Reporter

A

group of teenagers packed into a car pull up in the drive thru at McDonalds. They order just a single ice cream cone.

“Not again,” mutters the drive thru worker under his breath.

The car of teenagers trying to hold in their laughter pulls up.

The drive thru worker tentatively holds out the cone, when SPLAT, the cone gets knocked back on to the worker’s chest. The car full of laughing teens speeds away.

There are hundreds of videos online of people doing variations of this same thing, and it is causing an epidemic of what has become known as “coneing.”

“There is like a billion different ways you can do it,” said avid coner Kason Dow. “You can knock the cone at them, smash the cone, or the traditional way of taking the ice cream, but leaving the cone.”

The traditional way is to grab the ice cream part of the ice cream cone in your hand, and drive away leaving the cone.

“It actually happens to us a

lot,” said Kade Larsen, a McDonald’s employee. “Up to ten times a night on weekends.”

With coneing having been going on for over a year, it doesn’t appear to be declining in popularity.

Many fast food managers and some employees are trying

to make coneing illegal.

“It’s destruction of property, and is just plain out wrong,” says a manager at McDonalds. “It should be illegal.”

Some consumers disagree with the manager.

“We pay for the cone, so we should be able to do what we want with it,” first-time coner Colby Dow said. “It really isn’t that big of a deal. It’s harm-

less fun. We don’t hurt anyone with the cone, so I don’t know why they freak out so much.”

Some employees think the “freak out” is for good reason.

“We get so mad about it because it is a waste of time for us to make it for them if they are going to ruin it,” said a McDonalds manager. “Then we have to spend our time cleaning up the mess they made.”

So what is it? A criminal act that deserves to be punished by law, or is it just harmless fun that people blow out of proportion?

Drivers frustrated with teens not paying attention when using crosswalks crossing guard, but the Clark County School District feels high school students are “mature” enough to cross on their own. Are they wrong?

“It’s a horrible thing, trying to drive to school,” Said Ashlin Watson. “Kids always randomly walk onto the cross walk so we have to slam on our brakes and wait for them to cross. The worst is when

By Samantha Ryan Cub Reporter

S

o. You’re running late again. You race to find your shoes, tie them quickly, sling your backpack over your shoulder and sprint out the door. You speed walk down the street. 6:50. You have ten minutes left. Reaching the cross walk, almost there. You step out into the traffic. Tires shriek, you see bright head lights. You stop.

Frozen and everything goes black.

According to nation traffic safety.com over 5,000 U.S citizens get hit by cars each year, mostly kids twelve to sixteen. Most causes are not due to werckless

kids don’t all go t the same time so we have to wait forever to be able to turn into the parking lot.”

In Kindergarten the teachers taught children about traffic safety. Did everybody just forget? “It needs to be reinforced more often, or one of these days, somebody could get seriously hurt.” said Kaite Neilson

Surviving in the Crosswalk drivers, but to kids not exercising traffic safety. “I see kids who just walk on out into the street like they rule the road.” A parent

of the student body said. “They need to realize that when it’s you verses the car, the car will win.”

Elementary age kids have a

• WAIT for an opening. Don’t just walk out and expect cars to stop • LOOK both ways first. Drivers can’t stop on a dime, and you’ll lose • CROSS AS a group whenever possible. You’ll be more visible, and this will give antsy drivers a chance to move.

Khil radio station lauches on the web and hosts first lunch time live show

By Alyssa McCarthur Cub Reporter

M

usic roaring, and kids shuffling. This was not just a normal Friday lunch hour for the students and staff.

Dr. Tom Whelan has created Foothill’s first radio station called KHill radio.

“It’s probably the coolest thing I’ve done in all my teaching years, and I’m having so much fun with it!” said Whelan.

KHill radio launched in November, and had their first lunch time KHill kickoff, Friday, December 2, during both lunches.

“I think the radio station has a lot

PARTY ROCK During lunch on Friday, December 2, KHIL radio hosted their first live show featuring DJ Matthew Parente, who played house and techno. During second lunch, he packed the impromptu dance floor with “Sexy and I Know It.” Falcons were even dancing on tables and chairs. Students can access the station at Khillradio.info.

of potential. I hope everyone enjoys it as much as I do,” Whelan added.

Auditions will be held for possible DJs to host the radio station during both lunches every Friday and for special events.

Senior, Gage Shaw said he is excited for the radio show and thinks it will be an awesome addition to Foothill.

“It’s awesome that Foothill has its own radio station! I mean, what other school has that?” Shaw stated. grade, Haley O’Brien, 10th shares the same excitement.

“KHill radio is an awesome idea. It will really bring a lot of school spirit.

I am so excited!” O’Brien exclaimed.

Matt Parente played the guest DJ at the KHill Kickoff.

“Playing DJ was so cool! It looked like everyone was having a blast, so it made my job so easy. The kickoff went way beyond my expectations.”

KHillradio is simply for educational purposes only. It does not make any income.

The station gives students and teachers a chance to express what they have an interest in through music. Students and staff are more than welcome to send in music they’d like to hear played on the station.

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