No v Vo emb l. 1 e 9 I r 20 ss ue 17 1
Homecoming The Big Game/Bash
Drug Testing Will you be affected?
#VegasStrong The resiliency of a city
officer vanyo Keeping campus safe
Flour babies arrive! ...page 24
800 College Drive Henderson, NV (89002) (702) 799-3500
CO-EDITORS Elly Davis, Kaylee Schwurack WEB MASTER Bailey Trodahl
Meet the
Staff Kaylee Schwurack, Co-Editor
STAFF WRITERS Angelina Jasso, Karlee Johns, Jennifer Kelley, Alyssa Napolitano, Emily Nelson, Alexia Stein, Ayla Thompson CUB REPORTERS Skyy Carter, Anthony Clark, Rehya Corral, Mylee Dockter, Delaney Fallico, Kaitlyn Jackson, Zack Jackson, Cristine Lexamana, Cole Trickle, Miguel Navarro, Ellie Russell, Angelina Sanz-Boulder, Sydney Shackelford, Jaden Spears, Alana Stoneman, Lauryn Tillery, Cristina Troyano, Brianna Ventre, Ellie Welch ADVISER Bill Tobler PRINCIPAL Lisa Burkhead
Disclaimer: 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. Student-written articles are the individual, private speech of the student and are not endorsed or sponsored by Foothill High School or the Clark County School District. The staff reserves the right to reject any advertisement deemed inappropriate. Letters to the editor may be edited for content, clarity and brevity.
Elly Davis, Co-Editor
Karlee Johns, Staff Writer
Jenn Kelley, Staff Writer
Alexia Stein, Staff Writer
Emily Nelson, Staff Writer
Delaney Fallico, Staff Writer
Bailey Trodahl, Web Master
Angelina Jasso, Staff Writer
Ayla Thompson, Staff Writer
Alyssa Napolitano, Staff Writer
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CAMPUS
you can sit with us Link Crew members help integrate the new freshmen
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he gym was full of upperclassmen wearing gold and navy t-shirts as freshmen from the graduating class of 2021 entered to cheers. The new Link Crew provides peer support for incoming freshmen so they feel included in the FHS community. “When we looked at the data, we really focused on the freshmen to see how they were progressing, and we saw that, by first
By Elly Davis • Co-Editor
semester, freshmen were already behind in credits,” said Principal Lisa Burkhead. “We all know what impact that can have on your high school experience, so we wanted to make sure that everybody walked across that stage to get their diploma.” Link Crew mentors trained three days in August, learning how to connect with the new students. “We learned how to run team building and get-
(Clockwise from top) The Link Crew leadership, ready to greet the incoming freshmen class. Link Crew members branch out to welcome the freshman class. Counselor Donovan Stewart gives instructions for a get-to-knowyou game. Courtesy photos
to-know-you games so that the freshmen could feel included in the school,” said Jeremy Duck. Some freshmen immediately felt the benefits of Link Crew. “Being able to see the campus and get a feel for what high school was really going to be like helped because I used to go to private school, and this is a big change,” said Lars Vaughn. Throughout the year, Link Crew leaders will arrange activities and stay in contact with their groups. Some have already attended movies together and tailgated before games. All of the Link Crew leaders are trying to build camaraderie with their crew in hopes that this bond will last, not only for this year, but inspire freshmen to stay all four years and graduate on time. “We have received tre-
mendous feedback from not only the students, but Link Crew leaders and parents as well,” said Burkhead. “It is going to happen every year. There will be an application process for upperclassmen to apply. Link Crew leaders now are very excited and so proud to wear their Link Crew shirts, and I think they feel really great. I think that once we start to get Link Crew to be part of the culture here, our school spirit will increase.” Tanya Abel (instructional coach), Mark Romonosky (dean of students), Jessica Thoms, Darrin Dwyer (counselor), Donovan Stewart and Adam Canfield were trainers for the Link Crew. Each instructor trained for 36 hours to learn the different skills needed to lead the freshmen and volunteer upperclassmen.
Vega By Emily Nelson • Staff Writer
Photos by Leigh Quarles
as strong How the Las Vegas community came together in the wake of a tragedy
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n October 1, tragedy struck Las Vegas as 59 lives were taken from around the world and over 500 were injured after a gunman open fired from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay hotel onto thousands of guests at a country music concert. Many students from Foothill were affected. “This tragedy impacted me because I lost someone who was an older brother figure to me,” said Aubrey Stahl. “He was a major role
By Emily Nelson • Staff Writer
in my life, and it’s just shocking that he is gone. I’m glad the community stepped up and united, but it’s sad an event like this had to be the thing that brought us together.” One Foothill student who was there was Kaitlynn Todd. “This impacted me a lot. I couldn’t go to school for four days. I was scared to leave my mom, and we have to go to therapy, but it also impacted me positively to see how great our community worked with each other in such a tragedy.” Foothill alumni Rylie Golgart was shot in the lower back and is currently
on the road to recovery. Her friends and family raised $82,174 to help her, and FHS students also held a miracle minute and donated money on her behalf The Las Vegas victim’s fund, a GoFund me page started by Commission Chair Steve Sisolak started has raised $11,308,695 with a goal of $15 million. Quinton Robbins 20, was killed at the Route 91 Harvest Festival. Quinton graduated from basic in 2015. Friends and family honored him by painting a Q on the mountain by the Basic B.
A survivor’s story: a first-person account by KaitlynN Todd Jason Aldean was playing his third song, and I was with my mom and my boyfriend when we heard this noise that sounded like a firecracker, so that’s what we thought it was, but then it happened again, and everyone thought it was a problem with the speakers because then the stage went black. My mom started to get suspicious, so she grabbed my hand and told me to grab my boyfriend’s hand, and then we heard it again, and everyone knew it was gunshots. My mom immediately grabbed me, and I grabbed my boyfriend. We ran to the back right side of the venue where the meet and greets with the performers were happening and hopped a gate out the venue behind the tent. My boyfriend helped throw my mom over, and I went over by myself and so did he, but his leg got caught on
the fence because his jeans were ripped. We kept running, and there were people dropping. We could do nothing but keep going. We hopped about seven fences, all of them my boyfriend throwing my mom over, and then he would help me over till finally, after going into casinos and running around parking lots, we finally made a plan. My boyfriend would stand in the middle of the street till a car came, and we would come out of hiding and get in the car. About two minutes later, a baby blue Jeep came around the corner. When we got in the car, there were already four or five other people in the car, but I can remember most of the people in the Jeep had already got separated from someone they were with or they were crying. Me my mom and boyfriend were the only ones not crying. We honestly thought we were going to die that night. November 2017 | Hillside Hotwire | 5
FEATURE
Living up to the hype? An update on the lives of the “Most Likely to Succeeds” A
s the years pass, every graduate finds him or herself looking at the legendary high school yearbook and inevitably checking who won best smile, cutest couple, and most likely to succeed. We checked in with a few of our grads to see if they lived up to their senior class expectations. Allie Beal (2014), who was voted Most Likely to Succeed, is a senior at the University of Nevada, Reno, graduating this year with a personal wellness degree and will go to graduate school in the fall. “In Reno, I work at the Davidson Academy, a school on the UNR campus for profoundly gifted 6th-12th graders from across the country.” Holly Nielsen (2013) was voted Most Likely to Become Your Boss. “I am currently attending BYU, ma-
By Elly Davis • Co-Editor
joring in Public Health. I am a junior because I took off two years of school to go live in Mexico. While there, I learned Spanish fluently, lived and served with Mexican families and enjoyed delicious tacos,” said Nielson. She also spent a semester in Europe studying public health-related behaviors and how to implement them in the United States.
1. On the last day of Holly Nielson’s year and a half of living in Mexico, she stands with a dear friend named Jesselle from Honduras. 2. Holly Nielson is at “Ale’s Stones” during a study abroad trip to Sweden. Ale’s Stone is the Stone Henge of Sweden. 3. Holly Nielson and friend Nicole sit on the beach in Annecy France. 4. Sorority sisters and Allie Beal sit at a Wolfpack football game cheering from the student section. 5. Allie Beal, Juli, Collin, Meghan, and Tigger at a party for the college program that was a Disney bonding theme (you dress like the character) 6. Allie Beal stands in front of her work station in Disneyland. 7. Allie Beal with roommates Meghan and Juli before the park opened at five a.m. for a cast member only “yoga by the castle.”
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Beal achieved her childhood dream of becoming a Disney star. “Last semester, I actually moved to Anaheim and completed an internship at Disneyland with the Disney College Program,” said Beal. “I worked in attractions at Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters. I could tell you a million stories about that,” said Beal. Jobs are a necessary part of life after graduation, and for some, it has been more fun than others. “I worked part time at a hot dog stand in Provo called J Dawgs,” said Nielsen. “That job took me back to the lowest person on
the totem pole but taught me so much,” said Nielson. “I grilled hot dogs, mopped floors, and scrubbed toilets, but with time, I got to know my manager and the owner of the company who both connected me to big companies and other people who have provided many learning experiences and opportunities.” She found that the roles of her past could be helpful when applying for a new job. “My jobs have been mostly part-time student jobs so I could focus on my classes,” said Neilson. I worked at BYUSA, and that office was amazing. It was the student leadership office on campus, and they planned all events for the student body. I always loved working behind the scenes at events, and my BYUSA job was exactly that.” Everything you’ve learned can help in the future. Neilson said, “Seize the time
of life you are in and learn from it. The small things I did in high school helped me to develop skills I would later develop even more. Some kids try to rush through high school and just be done, but I promise you, you will be just fine taking life one step at a time.” Beal added,“I would definitely recommend getting involved in extracurricular activities! The Disney internship was extremely competitive (40,000 apply, 400 get in), and I would have never been chosen if it hadn’t been for all my extracurriculars in high school. I would also
say to make sure you still enjoy your time in high school. It’s easy to get caught up in everything, but life will never be as carefree as it is in those four years, so enjoy it while it lasts!”
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CAMPUS
Campus drug testing policy approved by school board will start for winter season sports By Miguel Navarro • Cub Reporter
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oothill High School has adopted a new drug testing policy that will not only test athletes, but as well as clubs that travel out of state. Administration started to grow concerned when they noticed an increase in positive drug test. In result, a drug test policy was proposed and approved at the end of September. The policy is being put in place to increase student safety and to help students avoid peer pressure. Drug testing will be paid for through student fees. Students will be selected at random by student numbers. In total, 15 kids will be tested each month. Since the test is random, it is possible to be drug tested twice, or not at all. First offenders receive a six-week suspension. Four weeks can be waived if the required intervention program is completed. A second violation is a 90-day suspension froom all sports/activities. A third will not allow students to compete for the rest of their high school career. If students deny a test when asked, they shall get marked for a positive test and be required to take a course on drug and alcohol use. Recovery Village reports that alcohol is the most abused substance, more than any other illicit drug. Alcohol abuse amongst teens has caused nearly 200,000 ER visits and 4,300 deaths amongst kids under 21. Alcohol abuse can have the same impact as other drugs, leading to memory problems and other life long brain issues.
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Ivan Webb
jordan Laws
“I don’t like drugs and alcohol. We need kids to be safer,” said Webb, who believes the testing is necessary.
Offensive guard Jordan Laws approves of the testing. “We need our sports safer.”
As the new drug testing policy begins, students, who are randomly drawn, may encounter a moment much like this one. “I’m comfortable with the testing. We need to help kids to avoid peer pressure,” said Mark Benitez, who said he is looking forward to a clean school. Photo by Miguel Navarro
Alcohol abuse can have the same impact as other drugs, leading to memory problems and other life long brain issues. Drinking before the age of 15 greatly increases the chances of developing alcoholism by 6x. The most abused illicit drug amongst teens is Marijuana. As of 2015, high school seniors are about as likely to smoke as they are to drink. Roughly 13% of people who start to smoke pot as teens become dependent on it. An IQ drop of 8 points can occurs from regular use of marijuana. “I’m cool with being drug tested,” said band percussionist Ivan Webb. “If sports and clubs are doing it, then we need to crack down on it. It’s important for everyone to learn so they don’t make any bad decisions.” Varsity football player Jordan Laws is happy with the drug testing. “It makes the sport more fair,” said Laws. “Just don’t do drugs. I’m comfortable with being drug tested, i’m clean.” “I approve of it,” said Shelly Bishop, mother of Varsity football player Adam Bishop. “This is a good way for kids to avoid peer pressure and, help kids find an out from doing drugs. As you become an adult, this is something you have to get used to.” Drug testing will begin once permission slips are distributed. Substances that will be tested for: Alcohol, Amphetaminess, Methamphetamine, Barbiturates, Bensodiazepinse (Valium), Cocaine, Ecstacy, Marijuana, Methaone, Opiates (Oxycontin, Vicodin), Phenchyclidine, and Propoxyphene (Darvon).
Last year vs. first How do freshmen and seniors view their years? By Karlee Johns • Staff Writer
Seniors
Going into senior year can be scary and exciting at the same time. Seniors have to worry about adulthood, college and moving out the next year. Their lives will completely change in the course of a few months as they finish up their last credits and receive their diplomas. Q: What were you scared about going into this year? A: “I was scared just that this is my last year of high school, and next year is going to be a huge step in life.” Dylan Verrastro Q: What were you most excited about going into this year? A: “I am most excited about graduating this year and moving on with my life, even though I will miss it here.” Claudia Thompson Q: What are your goals for this year? A: “My goals are to graduate high school with a 4.0 GPA and getting accepted into a good college.” Nathan Hayes Q: Do you wish you had participated in any activities during high school? A: I wish I had participated in dances earlier in high school. I only went to Sadies my sophomore year, and last year was my first Homecoming.” Christian Teasley Q: How do you feel about football games?” A: “I enjoy going to football games to support our team and see friends I don’t always see at school.” Nathan Glassburn
Freshmen Starting high school can be scary, especially for freshmen. However, having a new start can be very exciting as well, and many see this as a great chance to reinvent themselves. Entering a new environment, making new friends, and seeing where high school takes you is the scariest but also the best part. Q: What were you scared about going into this year? A: “I was scared about the size of the school. I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to find my way around and would have to ask an upperclassman” Kaitlin Easterling Q: What were you most excited about going into this year? A: “I was most excited about making new friends and having a fresh start for the new school year. I love meeting new people so high school was a good start for me.” Sharidan Davis Q: What were your goals for this year? A: “My goal is to be a successful student and accomplished athlete throughout this year. I am excited to see where high school leads me.” Travis Weber Q: How do you feel about high school football games?
shelly bishop Business owner Shelly Bishop is happy about the testing. “We need to help prepare our kids to become adults.”
A: “I’ve been going to football games since I was in middle school and now that I am in high school, I feel like I fit in more. Football games are so fun if you show your school spirit.” Laurel Dietrich
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FEATURE
Welcome Back The start to a new school year By Alexia Stein • Staff Writer
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rowds of people fill up the bleachers while the band blasts their tunes and cheerleaders do backflips down the length of the gym, chanting the fight song at the top of their lungs. Then, student body president Macy Hendrix gets on the microphone, kicking off the Welcome Back to School assembly. During the road trip themed assembly there were many interactive games played, one of which included all the new teachers. “In the game, the teachers had to grab pennies out of a kiddie pool filled with shredded paper,” said Kate Allen. Teachers waded right in, getting covered with the paper. The spirit days also changed a bit. “We wanted to create more school spirit this year, so we made these
cards and passed them out to students. Every day students dressed up, they could get a stamp on their card,” said Joey Pagan. “Then, at the assembly those who dressed up four out of the five days were entered in a drawing to win a $75 gift card.” This helped increase the school spirit and brought out Falcon Pride said Pagan. The highlight of the assembly came when Principal Lisa Burkhead was drenched as two tennis players dumped buckets of water over her head. “I loved when Mrs. Burkhead got dunked in water,” said Josh Mattson. “I think she has a really nice character for going out there and letting the tennis captains dunk her.”
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1. JV cheerleader Marissa Hunter during the national anthem, sung by the choir. Photo by Bill Tobler 2. Student Body President Macy Hendrix talks to the crowd at the Welcome Back Assembly. Photo by Gisselle Bernal 3. Lexi Zolina scouts out her next Tourist Day destination. Photo by Alexia Stein 4. Principal Lisa Burkhead gets doused with water by tennis captains Andrew Hauck and Brandon Maroushek. Photo by Bill Tobler 5. During the blindfold game, participants race through obstacles that were removed once they were blindfolded. Photo by Gisselle Bernal 6. Varsity cheer chants the fight song at the assembly. Photo by Kynlee Zeller 7. During an assembly game, Whitley Brow and Andrew Hauck battle to push each other out of the circle. Photo by Bill Tobler
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CAMPUS
Out with the old in with the blue Foothill finally gets rid of their rusty red-orange color By Bailey Trodahl • Web Master
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arissa Wirig, a freshman at Foothill High School walks through the vibrant, navy doors at the front of the school and feels a proud Falcon spirit vibe as she walks through while band members play. “I think it turned out really great,” said Principal Lisa Burkhead. “We’ve received a lot of positive comments from our parents, community members, students, and teachers.” Burkhead’s face lit up with a huge smile as she talked about the painted school. She worked tirelessly to convince the City of Henderson to award a grant of over $100,000 to cover up the rusty red-orange color with our school colors. “I think it really has made a difference with school spirit and just the overall feel of how students feel about Foothill now,”added Burkhead.
(Above) A painter rolls the top border of the school Columbia Blue in August, just before school started.
(Above) The pillars located in front of the office and the library are no longer a dull gray, but a bold, navy blue.
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Freshmen never got to experience the rusty red-orange paint at all. “I love how the colors really pop, and that you can tell it’s Foothill High School when you walk in,” said Wirig. “We are so lucky that we got the school colors that we got. The blues look really nice together, and some schools are not as fortunate with their colors. We need to show our colors off to all the other schools!” Burkhead is also still working to get a student union area built in front of the library where the lockers once were. It will feature the four A’s: Academics, Athletics, Arts and Activities in trophy cases to represent FHS success. It will have couches, tables, and such so students can hang out there before and after school. “You can’t help but have pride when you walk onto our campus,” said Burkhead.
(Above) The courtyard gates sport the colors of Falcon pride. (Bottom Middle) Another painter paints the columns in front of the cafeteria. (Bottom Right) The lunch courtyard gets redone our school colors also.
CAMPUS
Courage To Take The Lead Principal Burkhead opens up about what led her back to the Hill By Cole Trickle • Cub Reporter
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Lisa Burkhead, pictured above, became Foothill’s principal in 2016. She has focused her time at the top on a transformational culture change on campus. “My hope is that every student knows how much I really do care,” said Burkhead.
“I hope that students walk away knowing that they can accomplish anything they set their minds to.” - Lisa Burkhead
ven as she spent her 9th grade year teaching two Ecuadorians English and took a part-time job in college teaching Spanish to preschoolers, Lisa Burkhead wasn’t sure if she wanted to be a teacher. “I always thought I was going to be an attorney,” Burkhead explained. The inspiration for her interest in law came from her older brother, a lawyer. But as she continued her education in search of her life’s work--graduating from the University of Redlands, where she double-majored in English literature and Spanish--she returned home to Las Vegas uncertain about where to go next. “I thought, ‘Wow, I have two degrees, and I still really don’t know what my course is,’” Burkhead said. “And then something just kind of told me, ‘You know, I think I want to be a teacher.’” Burkhead returned to the University of Redlands for a fifth year to earn her teaching credentials, and the rest, as they say, is history. “I just started on that path, and I haven’t looked back,” Burkhead said. “It was definitely my calling.” She spent nine years as a classroom teacher--including four years as a Spanish teacher here at Foothill--before serving as dean and then as an assistant principal at Eldorado. Later, she became the Principal of Fertitta Middle School, where she led an innovative transformation of the school’s culture and brought Fertitta to five-star status. In 2016, Burkhead accepted the position as principal of Foothill. “In my heart, I always felt like I wanted to come home,” said Burkhead. Burkhead has dedicated her time at the top to pushing a transformational culture change as she looks for ways to push students to their greatest potential. In the face of resistance, she remains grounded by her intentions. “My hope is that every student knows how much I really do care,” said Burkhead. “I hope that students walk away knowing that they can accomplish anything they set their minds to.” Her vision is exemplified by this year’s motto: “Courage to Take the Lead.” Burkhead says she wants everyone on campus to be able to make the oftentimes difficult decisions that have to be made to leave the world better than they found it. “As we start moving our school in the direction that we are, we have to have courage,” Burkhead said. “You have to find that courage to take the lead. This is my legacy.”
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CAMPUS NEWS
campus dining
Foothill’s food choices By Anthony Clark • Cub Reporter
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hake, shake, shake. Another bag of chips is stuck in the vending machine, another dollar lost for Alec Maynard. Paying for food without getting the food can be frustrating, and hungry students are just one bag of Hot Cheetos away from losing it and trying to break into the machine. Not only is it the chips, but also the drink machines. Many students don’t bring enough money for a complete lunch, so they go to the vending machines for a lunchtime snack, but those don’t work half the time, so they’re stuck with nothing to eat. “This morning, I got a soda from the vending machine, and it wasn’t even cold, and it cost two dollars!” said Alec Maynard. “I don’t think I’m going to use the vending machines anymore.” A vending machine stocker said that he had no control over the vending machine repairs, that students
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would need to file a complaint to the head of his department to receive feedback or a refund. Maynard sometimes purchases food in the lunchroom, but it isn’t always a positive experience either. “I got a sandwich one day, and it was soggy and prepared poorly,” said Maynard. He resorted to the vending machine, but that’s when his chips got stuck, and not even administration could help him get his money back. The issue with food at school, students say, is their limited budgets compared to what, they say, are high prices (typically $3.25) for food they don’t find that appetizing. While the hot meals are appreciated, say students, they’re not really enjoyed from a taste bud point of view. One day, Maynard couldn’t take it anymore. He was starving, so he ate school lunch. When he got home, his stomach was upset because of what he ate. He said he will never buy from one of those machines again or eat
Senior’s Carter Manning and Alec Maynard are enjoying their meals that they purchased from the lunch room. They always buy food and never seem dissatisfied with the choices presented. “I buy two pieces of pizza on a daily basis and never have a problem with it,” said Manning.
food from the lunch room. “Even if push comes to shove, I’ll wait till I get home,” he said. However, Carter Manning actually likes the food sold at the Student Store. He eats it every day and doesn’t regret it. “I pay five dollars every day for two slices of pizza, an Arizona tea, and a brownie,” said Manning. “I’ve never had a problem with the food or the vending machines, and I use them occasionally.” In an informal survey, students said the vending machines worked most of the time, but occasionally, lighter items, like bags of chips and Takis, got stuck. Students with complaints can call All Star Vending at 702-2209501 and report the vending machine number that took their money.
Just My Job Chad Vanyo talks about his life as a cop By Christina Troyano • Staff Writer Photo by Sterling Vivier
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fficer Chad Vanyo traded in his patrol car for a bicycle as the newest campus police officer at the Hill. Vanyo was a Nevada Highway Patrol officer in the Baker, California area prior to this position. “Officers all have the same policing powers, just different jurisdictions,” said Vanyo. One of his favorite things about this job is the opportunity to communicate with and help students. “Everyone should be focused on getting their education and thinking about what they are going to do for a living,” he said. He was born in Las Vegas and grew up in North Las Vegas and Summerlin. As a youngster, Vanyo didn’t know what he wanted to do as a career. “I just wanted to be happy,” he said. “For a while, I thought about joining the Army.” However, as he got older, he was influenced by his grandfather, who was a lieutenant in the Ohio police department. “To be a police officer, you have to have moral fiber,” Vanyo said, a value that attracted him to the profession as well as the desire to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps. His high school experience was “just like most students’ high school experience.” He played football, and
his team won state, and he also did At home Vanyo is married and has track and won state at Palo Verde a six-month-old daughter. His wife High School. works as a registered heart nurse. After high school he ended up “I’m looking forward to serving going to UNLV and got a bachelor’s here this year,” said Vanyo, who degree in criminal justice. After was transferred to the Hill after being in Vegas for so long, he said serving last year at Basic High he wanted to move somewhere that School. was greener than Vegas. November 2017 | Hillside Hotwire | 15
CAMPUS
Homecoming 2017 Varsity brings back the bell after taking down Silverado 40-18
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riday the 13th started off with an after-school Homecoming Parade, the first parade in ten years. The route down Heather to Fay Galloway Elementary, and all the little ones came out to watch. Later that day, Varsity won 40-18 against Silverado. Quarterback Koy Riggin said, “Knowing it was the Homecoming game made the whole team pumped up.” Riggin threw for
By Angelina Jasso • Staff Writer
around 200 yards, hooking up Brayden Wilson, Jordan Blakely and Jordan Wilson. Brayden Wilson had two touchdowns while Jordan Wilson had one along with Marchaun Norris. Isaac Oliva ran the ball in for two touchdowns. The inflatable Falcon made its first appearance, both at the Homecoming assembly and at the game, where the team entered the field by running
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under it’s Colossus-like legs. The team made playoffs and beat Las Vegas, and at press time, was slated to play Liberty. Riggin said, “We have a chance to end the season with some great accomplishments.” The Homecoming Bash followed the game with about 120 students attending. “I had a blast, and all my friends said they’ll come again next year, for sure,” said Ava Getz.
(Clockwise from left) 1. Varsity runs through the new Falcon tunnel. Photo by Bill Tobler 2. Jacob Wolf kicks an extra point. Photo by Bill Tobler 3. Student Council members sit atop of The Hill is Beautiful float during the Homecoming parade. “The parade is something new this year,” said Principal Lisa Burkhead. “We were really excited for it, and it went really well, and it’s something we want to do for years to come. Photo by Emily Nelson
FEATURE
The hill is
Beautiful Story by Kaylee Schwurack • Co-Editor Layout by Elly Davis • Co-Editor
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heers filled the packed bleachers at the Homecoming football game on October 13. The Varsity football team was leading the Silverado Skyhawks, and tonight the bleachers were filled with students, parents and alumni alike, all there to celebrate not only the football team but Foothill High School as a whole for Homecoming. The week of October 9th was Homecoming week at the Hill. It was kicked off by a spirit week starting on Monday to increase school spirit and build excitement for Friday’s assembly, parade, game and dance. “Homecoming is such a big part of any year at any high school,” said Principal Lisa Burkhead. “It really does set the mood for the rest of the year, and I think it’s something everyone in the community can get involved in, especially when it comes to the parade and the game.” Friday was full of excitement as students flooded the gym for the assembly. It was full of friendly competition, and the winning Homecoming court was announced. The varsity soccer teams also had a dance battle, and students saw performances from cheer, dance and show choir. Additionally, Foothill had a parade this year with sports teams, clubs, and other school organizations on floats and/or marching
along the parade route that passed by Fay Galloway and the Henderson community. This is the first time Foothill has had a Homecoming parade in ten years. Homecoming king and queen would not be announced until Friday night’s bash. Seniors Jacob Buckley and Lauren Leake took the crowns this year, and Buckley says that being chosen as Homecoming king is one of the most memorable experiences he’s gotten from high school. “My friends will actually talk to me now,” joked Buckley. “Being Homecoming king was a great way to start my senior year. I was really excited when I was chosen, and it’s something I’ll remember for a really long time.” Wrapping up Homecoming week was, of course, the bash. This rendition of a traditional, formal Homecoming dance was
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a casual, party-like event that happened in the gym right after the football game, and student body President Macy Hendrix believes that the more laid-back alternative goes better with the overall mood of the week. “The bash is a lot easier for many students to attend since they can go directly after the football game and don’t have to dress up,” explained Hendrix. “It was a really good time this year, and it has been for the past few years at Foothill. I really enjoy Homecoming week because everyone has such prominent school spirit. It’s something everyone in the community can take part in and enjoy, and it’s so much more than just a dance.”
HOMECOMING
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8 1. Running back Isaac Oliva blasts down the field. He scored two touchdowns during the game. Photo by Bill Tobler 2. Recent alumni Chad Anderegg, Michael Hanach and Preston Gilbert returned to play in the drumline for Homecoming. Photo by Bill Tobler 3. At the Homecoming Bash, Falcons dance to the latest songs. “We decided to have a bash instead of an actual dance because it’s more laid back and people can just come in straight from the football game,” said Student Body president Macy Hendrix. “Usually, people will do activities the day after the actual dance, which is when they get fancy.” Photo by Bill Tobler 4. JV Cheer performs a stunt at the Homecoming game. Photo by Bill Tobler 5. Micah Johnson and Isaac Oliva tackle a Silverado runner for a loss. Photo by Bill Tobler 7. Varsity cheer walks in the Homecoming parade. Photo by Emily Nelson 8. Staff Homecoming king and queen Lewis Miranda and Tammy Muniz ride in a car during halftime at the Homecoming game. Students voted for the faculty by raising money for their charity. Photo by Bill Tobler
November 2017 | Hillside Hotwire | 19
From Italy to the States What it’s like to live in a new country for a year By Mylee Dockter • Cub Reporter
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eing a foreign exchange student sounds like an adventure many students would love to take. For Carlotta Pecchiari, this call for adventure became a reality. “I’ve always loved traveling, and I thought this was the best occasion to explore a new place and learn a new culture,” Pecchiari said. “Moreover, I wanted to learn English and challenge myself!” Pecchiari is from Verona, Italy, and has always wanted to live in the U.S.—but adapting to a new life isn’t always easy. “I was new and I didn’t know anyone. I was used to being surrounded by a plenty of people in Italy, but here I felt a little alone without all my friends!” Luckily for Pecchiari, the schoolwork never was a problem. Even if it may seem overwhelming to most of us, school here is very relaxed compared to what it is in Italy. “Everything is easy and teachers are so nice! I see they try to help students as
much as they can, and I like that.” Another major difference Pecchiari noticed is how important sports and activities are, while in Italy, studying is most important. “The thing that I love the most is the fact that there are many activities and events organized by the school. School is fun because there are assemblies,
football games, sport teams, parties, spirit weeks!” So far Pecchiari is enjoying her time here, and is glad she made the decision to come to the United States. “Even if being away from my friends, my family (and my food!) is not that easy, I’m really enjoying this experience, and I’m learning how to deal with this new culture and how
The Day In the Life of an Italian High School Student -Wake up at 7 a.m. -Take the bus to school -Go to the classroom and study with classmates for verbal tests -School begins at 8 a.m. -Study and wait for teachers to come in after every class period -Break at 11:45–snacks from home, grab a coffee or choc-
olate at the coffee machine or a papino or pizza at the shop. -School releases 1-2 p.m. -Go to a restaurant in the city with friends/classmates and eat together -Take the bus home -Study at least 3-4+ hours
20 | Hillside Hotwire | November 2017
In Italy, you can’t drive until you’re 18, so everyone uses the bus to go around the city. “We have a million of them, and they take you everywhere. We don’t really need parents to take us anywhere; we are very independent.”
to love it. I know that June will arrive so fast, and that I have to enjoy every single moment of this year, because I’m gonna miss it so much and wish that I had more time to spend here!”
In Italy, students don’t go around the school changing classes, the teachers do it! Students remain with the same classmates for 5 years of high school and have very strong relationships with each other!
Left: The view of Verona, Italy, where Carlotta lives. Top right: Carlotta and her classmates in their yearbook photo. Bottom right: Carlotta and her friends hanging out together after school.
FEATURE
To the Land of fast food and freedom
Recent transplants share stories of their newfound home
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lending in with the hordes of Native Nevadans, FHS senior Cristine Laxamana walks leisurely to her first class of the day. Her black hair is tied back in a loose ponytail, and she’s shivering in the unfamiliar cold of the early morning. Laxamana was born and raised in the Philippines and recently moved to America with her family in July. While she says most of the changes that occurred from her move are positive, it was hard for her to transition to life in the United States. “Most of the time, I don’t understand what people are saying because their accents are different, and they talk fast. I’m always saying ‘What’ ‘Sorry’ and ‘Pardon me,’” she adds. “Sometimes I don’t want to talk to people because [of it].” When it seems like no one can understand her, Laxamana finds comfort at home where she can speak Kapampangan, her ethnic language, and eat the traditional Filipino food her mom cooks. Junior Harpartap Singh Cheema, who moved from France two months ago, especially misses the cuisine of his birth home and the two-hour break he had for lunch. “We [went] home [to eat]. We had a cafete-
By Jade Eary • Cub Reporter
ria also, but eating [in France] doesn’t take 15 minutes. We have McDonald’s and all that, but it only works for people who are tourists,” he said with a laugh. However, he doesn’t miss the fact that he could not wear his turban, a sign of his Sikhism faith, to school in France. He admits that the freedom he is allowed in America makes up for the lack of fine dining. Laxamana and Cheema agree that they like the abundance of freedom and opportunities America has. “In my country, even if you have a job, you can still not survive. Living there is hard. There’s a lot more poverty there,” Laxamana said. “Still, I miss it.” Vietnamese born-and-raised junior Nguyen Thi Quynh Anh (who goes by Kylie) lives with her house parents in Henderson. She says she misses her family back in Vietnam, and she’ll only get to see them June of next year. “I miss the food the most though,” Nguyen admits. “The food here is very different. It’s not really bad, [there’s] just too many fast-food restaurants.” All three foreign students are happy to be here at Foothill and look forward to the upcoming years, and are ready for any other challenges America might throw at them.
Foreign students Harpatap Singh, Kylie Nguyen, and Cristine Laxamana share stories about their experiences in America. “I’m having a hard time speaking in English all the time,” Laxamana said. All three students moved from overseas within the last three months. Photo by Jade Eary
what they Miss the most Laxamana: an aunt’s specialty dish of Sinigang and a friend named June Angh: two best friends named Trang and An Cheema: freshly made croissants and baguettes
November 2017 | Hillside Hotwire | 21
I'm With the banD Marching Band scores big at BOA By Kaylee Schwurack • Co-Editor
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hristian Teasley steps onto the podium at MBOS Championships. Band is about to perform at their last competition of the year, and nerves are high as the pressure rises for band to keep their expected first place ranking. Teasley waits for the band directors to give him the signal to start conducting the marching band along with four other drum majors, and then he begins their show, “Beautiful”. “Our show this year is really interesting,” said Teasley. “We are trying a lot of new things when it comes to movement and props. Our sound is different than past years as well, so we’re definitely having a lot of fun with it. Our first few competitions have been nerve-racking but it’s super fun, as usual. I think we’re doing really well and this season has just been going amazing.” Foothill’s band has been a model marching band to schools around the district and around the country since Foothill opened in 1999. Over the years, they’ve won endless awards that fill an entire wall in the band classroom, and have been invited to perform in world-renowned parades such as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade three years ago and the Tournament of Roses Parade last year.
This year, their show encompasses the beauty of humanity through a visual and auditory performance. “Being in band has been so amazing,” said junior Alexandria Gonzales. “We grew so much this season and we have such a close bond. It really feels like my second family. We put so much time into band with rehearsals every week, and we literally have competitions every weekend. I’m happy about how well we did this season, because we worked so hard to make this season a great one.” Their show, Beautiful, uses props and voice-overs to create a show full of color and ear-catching music. This season, band had at least one three hour rehearsal every week, and day long competitions every Saturday. Their constant success has always been a result of their hard work and commitment, according to band director Travis Pardee. As band finishes up this year, they’ve shown consistent growth and improvement. They received a 75.95 at their first competition of the year, and have taken first place at all county-wide competitions since. They also took third at Bands of America, scoring 86.075 against dozens of marching bands from Nevada and other West Coast states.
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1. Dominique Tungpalan waves her flag as she runs, performing in the band’s show, Beautiful. “Color guard has a cool effect on the show this year,” said Tungpalan. “We use the flags and props a lot, so it plays into the amount of visuals in the show. Our flags also add color and contribute to the theme really well, and I think it keeps your eyes moving.” 2. Jahrel Santiago plays the clarinet as band performs during a football game. 3. Anjelica Handley plays a bass clarinet and leads the section during the show at a football game. 4. Jasmine Gutierrez plays the flute in front of the saxophone section during the halftime show. Photos by Jade Eary
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FEATURE
g n r e o g r t st n e s o W ut r t o r a t r l u p s a o p t s iniswinhg becomes f Ro itor
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-Ed • Co
he water splashes behind the 60-foot long fiberglass boat as the oars slash through the water. Eight novice rowers power the lightning fast boat with a coxswain at the helm. There is no experience needed, a fact second year rower, Isabella [Izi] Fimbres can attest to. “I watched rowing during the 2016 Olympics, and I could see myself doing it,” said
Fimbres, who has since received a scholarship to the University of Texas for rowing. Rowing scholarships are second only to football. Crew consists of eight members in a boat rowing simultaneously. A coxswain steers the boat. All of the rowers face the opposite direction so they totally have to trust the coxswain. Rowing is a full body workout that uses the legs and the core. Teams back east have rowed for almost their entire lives, so in order to
be competitive, the team practices every day for two and a half hours. “Rowing has made me accountable for my work ethic and has taught me the true meaning of working together as a team on many levels,”said Fimbres. “It’s given me hope to reach my dreams of rowing [at a] division one college, and who knows, Worlds or the Olympics.” Gabe Kristoff started this season, and has learned to love it. “One of my close friends suggested it to me, and I decided I’d try it, and I ended up falling in love
with the sport,” he said. “Crew is the ultimate team sport. It has helped me develop a team-oriented mentality. The boat will only be as fast as its slowest member, so it’s one of the few sports where one person can’t carry the team. You really learn to see the boat as one cohesive unit rather than a bunch of individuals,” said Kristoff, who is “currently working on earning a scholarship to either a PAC 12 or Ivy League school.” In April there will be a state championship race for Nevada teens at Lake Las Vegas.
(Top) Two all-eight boats race on Lake Las Vegas. Tyler Schmidt--coxswain. Reece Murray--stroke, Nathan McDonald, Gabriel Kristof, Jack Printup, Gabriel Robinson, Bar Nourit, Alex Fata, Ian Irons--Bow seat, race the “B” boat. (Bottom right) Isabella Fimbres rows in a single sculling boat ahead of the two eights. Photos by Elly Davis
November 2017 | Hillside Hotwire | 23
1. Before class begins, Delaney Fallico spends some quality time with her infant. Photo by Bill Tobler 2. Cradling her baby in the crook of her arm, Kay Walker multitasks, taking care of her child while doing her Julius Caesar assignment. “It takes a lot of effort to care for a child,” said Walker. “Plus, it made my arm tired.” Photo by Bill Tobler 3. Trayce Wolf and Isabel Burkett attach the infant’s limbs after school during the baby workshop. Photo by Jadyn Howard 4. Ryan McEntee,Tianna Medeiros and Hector Lopez Beltran show their flour infants.
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fLour
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Psych students try parenting for a week
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By Kaylee Schwurack • Co-Editor
ay Walker wraps a sack of flour into a onesie. She’s just made a flour baby in her AP Psychology class, and, as her final step, is clothing her newborn baby. The AP Psychology students made flour babies earlier this month in order to learn about the development of children and how to care for them. Students were expected to have the baby with them at all times, and the Hill took in 80 new preemie students. “The purpose of having the flour babies was to learn about what parents go through and how they care for their children,” said Clark. “It’s taught the students responsibility and how to live for others, not just
themselves.” Students found that caring for the flour babies was hard work. Walker said she learned a lot, but was also fairly stressed. “It was hard work,”said Walker. “I learned to care for babies, but I had to hold it all the time and it made my arm tired. “We learned how hard it is to care for babies and about their development.” In addition to constantly watching the flour babies, students kept a baby log about daily activities, along with a babysitter log. Students also made an expense chart, and even a birth certificate so they would always remember their babies. 5
6 5. Babies of Delaney Fallico (Edward), Sydney Shackelford (February) and Alexia Stein (Ivy). “I learned that having a baby can cause a lot of stress on parents,” said Fallico, “and I also learned a lot the needs of the infants.” Photo by Bill Tobler 6. Fernando Melendez creates his flour child after school in Mrs. Clark’s room. Photo by Jadyn Howard
November 2017 | Hillside Hotwire | 25
THEATRE
silence on the set! By Jayce Spears • Cub Reporter
Theatre performs Noises Off!
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nder the leadership of director Mr. Gregory Gaskill, the Unpaid Professional Theatre presented Noises Off! October 19-21 to near soldout audiences. They had been building the set, designing costumes, and rehearsing since the beginning of the year. The play is about “A traveling play company who has little time to rehearse, which makes it funny,” said Caitlyn Wrobel. Some of the characters had quirks, which led to frivolity. For example, one had a drinking problem, and anytime there was a bottle of alcohol visible, he tried to grab it. This running gag always brought uproarious laughter from the audience. “Fancy modern day England,” was how actor Chris Love described the play’s costumes. Love also designed the play’s advertising posters with nothing but the Photoshop on his phone. The play was unusual in that, much of the time, the actors were viewed as if backstage while the play was in full swing. Tension was created as they comically yelled at each other in silence, since they couldn’t make noise while the actual play was being performed. “My character (Gary) was funny but crazy, and was a nervous wreck for most of the show,” said Mason Fink, who said he was both nervous and excited to perform.
1. Jaedon Davis and Emi Franco silently argue during scene two about the craziness that’s happening on stage. Photo by Jayce Spears 2. Tim Jones tells Jakob Kenzevich where to stash the bottle of alcohol that he purchased for one of his lady friends in the cast. Photo by Jayce Spears 3. During Act 3, the cast yells at Tim Jones to try to get them out of a bad situation. From left, Emi Franco, Mason Fink, Tim Jones, Macey Shackelford and Jakob Kenzevich. Photo by Jayce Spears
26 | Hillside Hotwire |November 2017
Fancy footwork Varsity Dance team beats out all the competition at dance camp By Emily Neilson •Staff Writer
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he Varsity dance team won first for their “home” performance, which is the routine they perform at their home games. “The same team has won the competition for the past six years, so it was exciting to get first,” said Paris Andrews. The dance team practiced over the summer before dance camp to perfect their routine. The camp is a big bonding experience for the team as well as an instructional trip. “The trip to camp is always fun because it’s the first time the team really gets to know each other’s personalities,” said dance coach Lana Carey. At National’s last year, the team won third, their highest place ever, and are hoping to improve from last year at this year’s Nationals. “The National’s trip is my favorite,” said Madison Dion. “It’s fun to go to Orlando and compete and then go to Disney World.” It takes the dance team about one to two days to learn a routine. So what happens when you mess up or something happens? “When you mess up, you put an even bigger smile on your face and keep going like nothing happened, and if the music goes off, we all start counting and keep going,” said Andrews. The dance team, although very strong, still sees ways they can improve. “We could improve on incorporating different more unique tricks into our dances and incorporating more style,” said Carey. Now that football season has ended, the team has begun working on their basketball halftime performance and learning routines they will use in the upcoming competition season.
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4 1. Sophie Shipp performs with her team on the football field during the Homecoming game. 2. Jackie Smith strikes a pose during the Homecoming half time show. 3. Sydney Matthews performs with a combined Varisty and JV team during the Homecoming halftime. 4. Madison Dion and the Varsity dance team perform in their Vegas Strong shirts as part of the Homecoming celebration. Photos by Bill Tobler
November 2017 | Hillside Hotwire | 27
OPINION
Cheer Uniforms: Appropriate or Not?
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Foothill spirit and traditions affected by Clark County School District dress code policy
n nearly every TV show or movie, cheerleaders walk around campus in their cheer uniforms which, while they are out of dress code, help The tops of the create school spirit. Starting this cheer uniforms are not quite year, both JV and Varsity cheerthree fingers in leaders are no longer able to wear width, which makes the tops their uniforms during the school out of dress code. day because of complaints about dress code from other students who felt the skirts were too short. Many of the cheerleaders are upset and asked why the school-chosen uniforms are banned. The cheer team and coaches understand that the uniforms are slightly out of dress The uniforms code, but the uniforms are chosen are in school by the school. “If the school gives colors to support school us our uniforms, we should be pride. able to wear them like any other team at the Hill,” said one Foothill cheerleader. At issue is the short skirt, which could be between one and four inches too short depending on the girl wearing it. Some felt that cheerleaders were being allowed a special privilege to sport the too-short skirts. However, the skirts, if worn correctly, are actually in dress code, but some girls, in past years, rolled up the waste bands or ordered uniforms that were too small or modified the
uniforms so that they were out of dress code. The top, or shell, is only out of dress code by 1/4 inch and received no complaints from students. On game and assembly days, most sports teams wear their uniforms, and the student body wears Falcon attire to show spirit. The Foothill logo is on the front Cheer feels singled out by fellow for everyone to see. students and would love to show their Falcon Pride on game days by wearing their uniforms. “I understand why the uniforms are banned,” said one girl. “The whole [uniform] is short and tight, and that could distract some kids The skirts from their education. It is just of the cheer disappointing for the girls who uniforms are above finger worked hard to get on the team.” tip length, which makes A compromise could be alit out of dress code. lowing cheer to wear the shell top with a pair of jeans, or to wear leggings or tights under the skirts. “If they are out of dress code, the school should buy uniforms that are in dress code [in the future],” said a freshman student. A Google search for “modest cheerleader uniforms” found a few sites that sold uniforms with longer skirts, but shell tops were the same size except for long sleeve winter uniforms.
Make the holidays just that much sweeter by giving Nothing Bundt Cakes to friends and family. Order yours today! 702-314-0520 9711 S. Eastern Avenue #H10 Las Vegas, NV 89183 eastern@nothingbundtcakes.com 28 | Hillside Hotwire | November 2017
Monday-Saturday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed Sundays