InFlight Issue #3, December 2016

InFlight I N SI D E : Christmasy things to do.

See Page 6.

Auburn Riverside Student Voice Dec 20, 2016 • VOLUME 22 • ISSUE #3

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News

InFlight December 20, 2016

New innovations help develop prosthetics 3-D Printing:

Within the next 10 to 20 years we will be encountering a new kind of medicine through the innovation of 3-dimensional printing. We've already discovered the capability of creating cheaper, lighter, and more flexible prosthesis with the creation of 3-D printing. Organovo is leading the path towards printing organic materials. Rapidly this ability will become a new way to transplant organs, a direct path towards saving hundreds of lives for less money and without the dead middle man. This could evolve into guns that shoot organic material along the stitches of wounds, hastening thin the nexttime.

10 toIt20 years will bebig issue recovery could also society become the next with abusing ability tothrough have a new organ untering a people new kind of the medicine the printed.

Printing:

ation of 3-dimensional printing. Already vered is the capability of creating cheaper, r, and more flexible prosthesis with the Youngren ion of 3-D printing. Organovo isBailee leading Staff Reporterthe towards printing organic materials.

ASB isRapidly at it again planning fundraiser activities such as Winter Wishes and senior elves. They’ve had a lot of meetthis month to figure out how things are going to work. bility will become a new way toings transplant “Upcoming events [are] Winter Wishes happening in December,” Solsaving Han said. This happened last Friday. “We’re s and become a direct path towards kinda busy right now.”

Winter Wishes is meant to help less fortunate kids this reds of lives for less money. This could evolve holiday season. ASB has been doing this fundraiser for several years and the outcome is something that ASB greatly uns that shoot organic material along the enjoys.

“I think it’s a great idea,” junior Jalen Terry said. The es of wounds, hastening recovery time.wsasItheldcould winter assembly Dec. 16, and there was also a spirit week that continued into this week. ecome the next big issue with people Accordingabusing to Han, Winter Wishes is mainly meant to bring kids here at Riverside the chance to make their dreams come true. bility to have a new organ printed.

Sara Koenig Staff Reporter

December: ASB creates money miracle necessities for students who need them and other gifts for students as well.

ASB has yet to plan out the rest of the year, but they say they are doing all they can to keep the student body updated.

“People would complain about ASB not doing enough, and I was one of them, so I joined to keep involved,” Han said.

ASB wants more people participation from the students and staff. Freshman Rayna Ojas brought up the idea of using candy to reward those participating in the spirit days. “Last year [at Mt. Baker] we could hand out candy throughout the classrooms.”

Spirit week started on Monday Dec. 12 and ended today.The spirit days were pajama day, white out, put on layers, dress your best or wrap yourself as a gift, color wars, ugly sweaters or outfit, then ugly summer outfit.

PHOTO BY PJ SILLS

Seniors Nicole Matiatos (left), Catie Sergis (middle), and Abby Amis (right) participated in senior elves this year, which ASB hosted.

Greetings from Newspaper

Senior elves was also hosted by ASB this year on Dec. 9. They raised over $700. This money will help ASB buy

editor-in-chief Jessica Perez business manager Sara Koenig photographer PJ Sills social media editor Sasha Terry cover photo Jessica Perez

All PJ wants for Christmas this year is Adam Levine’s soft, warm, tender, love and affection.

adviser Patrick Swenson

staff reporters ZaReah Barren Bella Coronado Alexus Jacobs Chloe Knox Sara Koenig Maya Martin Jessica Perez PJ Sills Sasha Terry Bailee Youngren

InFlight

InFlight Policies InFlight is compiled by the student newspaper staff at Auburn Riverside High School, 501 Oravetz Road, Auburn, WA 98092.

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News

Auburn Riverside High School

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JROTC class motivates young citizens Tashana Williams Guest Reporter Shared amongst Riverside, Auburn High, and Mountainview, JROTC ( Junior Reserved Officer Training Corps) is available to students who are interested.

The class is located at Mountainview, and students from the other schools have bus transportation to get there and back.

This class is available either first period or sixth period. Those who have first period miss 15 minutes of second period.

JROTC is taught by two veterans, Staff Sergeant Derrick Lewis and Lieutenant Colonel Jason Shrader. The program started back in the 2013-2014 school year and continues to grow and encourage students to join.

There are other branches of the military JROTCs too, such as: Air Force, Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard, but the one available is Army JROTC. In the program, students are able to participate competitively in a few of the activities provided such as Drill Team, Color Guard and Strength Team.

The class counts as a cross credit for P.E, Civics, or any CTE class. Students are issued uniforms such as ASUs (Army Service Uniform) and ACUs (Army Combat Uniform).

“The curriculum is really diverse,” junior

Byron Kidder said. “Students learn everything from first aid to advanced psychologically. You also get to work out, play sports, wear an awesome uniform, and get to know people from other schools. No other class offered in the school district offers that.”

Kidder, a third year cadet, believes that JROTC has impacted him strongly in the past three years.

“This class has helped me set and maintain a certain level of conduct, whether that be behavioral, physically, mentally, or otherwise. It has also given me an outlet to grow my leadership skills and given me an idea about what I want to do for my career and future.”

Not all students in JROTC have to enlist in the military. Sophomore Angelina Pogosian, a second year cadet, plans on attending an Emergency Medical Training (EMT) school and Fire Training Academy after high school.

The JROTC mission statement is to motivate young people to become better citizens.

“JROTC has made me a better citizen because it taught me life lessons, leadership skills, self-discipline, self-motivation, confidence and accountability,” Pogosian said.

PHOTO BY TASHANA WILLIAMS

JROTC is a class at Auburn Mountainview that’s taught by veterans. All Auburn school district students can participate and learn about and prepare for the military.

Senior elves raise money for less fortunate PJ Sills Staff Reporter

PHOTO BY PJ SILLS

Kerry Dolan gathers bids from second lunch students during the senior elf auction for the services of Faith Turner and Grace Dorn.

The seniors and ASB left nothing under the tree this year with their annual senior elves fundraiser for Winter Wishes.

Any senior who wanted to be an elf had the opportunity to put themselves up for auction for the students and staff.

The auctions occurred during both first and second lunch.

The elves had certain tasks planned ahead of time, and serviced whoever bought them with their gift or service.

In the past, services offered were baked goods and coffee brought to the bidder. There have also been movie dates, and homemade blankets offered to their buyer.

A few years ago, an elf even followed their bidder around for a whole week while playing saxophone.

“It’s really cool to see the creative tasks people come up with,” senior elf

and ASB president Keegan Dolan said. “It’s really neat that we’re the only school I know of that does this.”

The bidding wars for these elves in the past have reached hundreds of dollars worth towards a single person. Three years ago, former senior Drew Wallen was bought by Principal Halford for $200.

Something this inconceivable has only happened a handful of times, but it is possible, and helps the fundraiser immensely.

This year, however, the highest bidder only gave $80.

“All the money for the fundraiser goes to students who wouldn’t be able to have a Christmas otherwise,” senior Mackenzie Deshler said. “Being able to wrap all the presents and see their reactions gets better every year.”

ASB’s goal was to make this year’s auction a big success so that as many presents, food, clothes and more could be purchased for students in need.

“I’m priceless baby,” senior Garrett Miller said. “Everything we do for this fundraiser pays off with great dividends.”

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Opinion

InFlight December 20, 2016

Last minute Christmas shopping causes stress Sasha Terry Staff Reporter The night before Christmas can be a chaotic time with people who are panicking to find gifts. People should not wait until the last minute to shop because they may not find the perfect gift that someone would like, and many stores are closed the night before Christmas.

To start, last minute Christmas shopping is a form of procrastination, delaying or putting something off. Many people do this occasionally, but it is more noticeable during the holidays. People will complete other tasks during the holiday season and then panic for gifts a couple days before Christmas. This holiday shopping rush is also stressful for retailers, trying to stock and prepare for shoppers similarly to Black Friday.

According to an article by the Washington Post explaining procrastination, people try to relieve stress by purposefully procrastinating.

“It usually happens when people fear or dread, or have anxiety about, the important task awaiting them,” Ana Swanson said.

“To get rid of this negative feeling, people

procrastinate—they open up a video game or Pinterest instead. That makes them feel better temporarily, but unfortunately, reality comes back to bite them in the end.”

Some people will buy something online a couple days before Christmas with a rushed shipment or delivery, hoping the gift will arrive in time for Christmas. Crossing fingers and hoping for a gift to come on time, is a game of chance that people are willing to take. A late delivery could really disappoint a child, if their gift isn’t under the tree on Christmas morning. This disappointment could also change the child’s belief in Santa Claus, if he is real or not.

According an article on late shipments by the Wall Street Journal, “[This winter] a small percentage of packages have experienced some delay related to weather, wildfires or some operational challenges,” UPS spokeswoman Susan Rosenberg said.

But sometimes, we get so wound up in our everyday lives that there is barely a chance to shop for Christmas. Some people don't have time to shop, so they wait till the last minute because it fits their schedule.

Last minute Christmas shopping does have its perks since there are often bargains at stores. Some stores will purposefully low-

PHOTO COURTESY CREATIVE COMMONS LICENSE, FLICKR.COM

Last minute Christmas shopping stresses out shoppers looking for discounts and gifts that are worth giving.

er prices on products to show sympathy for last minute shoppers. Others will raise prices, which makes it even harder for shoppers to look for last minute items that are worth giving to friends and family members.

However, shoppers should remember that the true meaning of Christmas is not about shopping or presents. It's about being

thankful for everything and everyone who is a part of one’s life.

People should not wait till the last minute to buy gifts; they should buy gifts early, before Christmas. Although waiting to go Christmas shopping last minute has its ups and downs, Christmas Day is a wonderful holiday filled with cheers and happiness.

Chrismas Lights

92% Students share their opinion on current topics and pop culture

Trump is President

86%

Donald Trump won the election this year, and has become the new president of the United States.

Since Washington always pops up as democratic state during the polls, it’s no surprise most of the school is upset.

Hallmark Christmas Specials

53%

December is here, and that marks the return of the Hallmark channel’s annual Countdown to Christmas specials. They’re holiday flicks made for families to enjoy, and it appears a majority of Riverside students agree.

Who has Christmas without Christmas lights? This holiday tradition has been around for almost twohundred years, and almost every student continues decorating their houses with lights, or simply enjoys looking at them.

Star Wars: Rogue One

65%

The newest Star Wars movie just arrived in theatres, and it is supposed to be a big hit. Surprisingly, a huge amount of students confessed they weren’t interested, and many others admitted they had no clue about the movie at all.

Parents Claim Santa is Real

54%

A major part of the Christmas holiday for little children is learning that “Santa Claus is coming to town.” However, many students oppose the idea of convincing kids that a jolly old man with a snowy white beard slides down their chimney on Christmas Eve. They would rather be told the truth.

Opinion

Auburn Riverside High School

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Decorative holiday lights become more work ZaReah Barren Staff Reporter Every year many Americans participate in the annual experiences of decorating their property for the holidays. Even though this tradition of showcasing spirit has been around for ages, sometimes people don’t realize when enough is enough.

Over-decorating houses doesn’t just temporarily blind the occasional passerby, it has a very expensive upkeep. “Americans will spend six billion dollars on Christmas decorations, the highest amount ever recorded,” according to the National Retail Federation.

The only way you should be going out of your way to decorate your house is if you are the President of the United States or a former President of the United States. I’m not saying other celebrities don’t decorate, because they do. I’m saying they doing it in the comfort of their own home, not putting up lights on the outside of a million square foot property.

The National Retail Federation also found that holiday decoration sales will jump 8.1 percent, and “68 percent of consumers will participate in holiday festivities, the highest level seen in the past three years.”

So people keep spending and spending on these uncessary items. There are even

pawn shops out there that will give you loans for holiday decorations. If you have to get a loan to have a cluttered, over-decorated lawn, then maybe you should skip the flashing lights this year.

These celebrities also have a reputation to keep up, and profit off of publicity. Us common people have all of five people who look at our houses on a daily basis, so congratulations! Now you can’t buy Christmas dinner or presents because you’re broke from the electricity bill, all because you wanted to be the center of attention for five minutes.

People are crazy for staying outside in the cold to decorate their roofs, windows, doors, bushes, trees, and don’t forget the blow-up Santas, nativity scenes, and reindeer. I find it absurd that all that work, which is easily a four-hour job, is done at the pleasure of the one decorating. I hope these people realize they have to take it all down too, and pack it away for a year. Do they not realize their house looks like someone threw up Christmas all over it? Here’s an idea to solve this problem: throw up some lights in the window sill INSIDE your house. Now you look festive enough without freezing or going overboard.

Some houses actually look really nice from an outsider’s point of view. I believe these houses are decorated by the people who have just a little bit of self-control. I

PHOTO COURESTY CREATIVE COMMONS LICENSE, WIKIMEDIA.COM

The Chirstmas season is characterized by having lots of spirit, but some people take that saying too far.

This yard is an example of having too many things going on at once.

commend everyone for spending the time to show off their skills, but there’s a difference between having spirit and decorating just because you can.

I mean if decorating is your passion, then do it. But keep in mind that the nice neighbors to your left and right and across the street would like some peace and dark at

some point during this season too.

A few lights here and there or a nice blow up Santa would be just fine. It looks nice and you can actually walk on your yard.

Just remember that the bill you get every month is still going to come this month, even though you show a great amount of “Christmas Spirit.”

drama and focused more on the plot lines.

All they need to do is hire more experienced actors, raise the budgets just a smidge to have somehwhat realistic props, and cut the

romance. But that doesn’t look very likely, so the world may have to continue suffering the wrath of cheesy Christmas specials.

Countdown towards Christmas ruined by Hallmark Maya Martin Staff Reporter December has finally arrived, and it isn’t out of the ordinary to suddenly find oneself swarmed with Christmas carols and countless red and green lights. Some families have traditions to snuggle up and binge watch the Hallmark channel’s famous “Countdown to Christmas” specials while sipping cups of steamy hot cocoa.

These holiday-inspired movies, usually played back-to-back, possess the purpose of bringing family closer together. Personally, I feel they’re too clouded with unrealistic plots and sappy mistletoe scenes. Although they’re mostly meant to be watched for fun, the amount of fake in the specials is too much for me to handle.

To begin with, in the Hallmark classic A Royal Christmas, a girl falls in love with

a boy who just happens to be the prince of a foreign, far-away country. And in Snow, two ordinary people somehow manage to find reindeer, train them to fly Santa’s sleigh, and save Christmas just within three days.

Already, only by reading these two sentences, one can realize just how unrealistic and over-the-top-dramatic they all are.

According to complex.com, “No matter which channel these movies debut on, you can mostly count on three things: lousy acting, an incomprehensible plot, and a shoestring budget.”

These specials don’t try to be even one percent realistic which, for some reason, greatly disturbs me. I can’t take them seriously and it’s to the point where I have to leave the room because they’re just too dramatic and fake.

Overall, Hallmark’s specials would be so much better if they just dialed down the

A Royal Christmas is one of the Hallmark channel’s cheesiest, sappiest, and over-dramatic movies. All of their specials have the potential to be “fine,” but it’s the romance that really holds them back from high ratings and the ultimate family enjoyment.

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Feature

InFlight December 20, 2016

Christmasy things to do in Washington State Jessica Perez Editor-in-Chief Puyallup: The South Hill Mall in Puyallup puts up their giant Christmas tree every year in the center of the mall. The tree has giant ornaments and lights all over it and shoppers love taking pictures next to it. Along with this, the mall also hosts pictures with Santa in another area of the mall.

Throughout the holiday season the stores in the mall will have several sales going on, some stores having up to 50 percent off everything.

Seattle: Seattle hosts its annual Christmas tree lighting in Westlake Center. This year the hosts wanted it to be more of a community gathering than a big production. The lighting happened on Nov. 25, but every night until Christmas there will be events around the shopping center, such as the city holiday party. For more information on events go to redtri.com.

Auburn: Auburn is hosting many Christmas events this year. They hosted the Santa Parade and the annual tree lighting on Dec. 3, and they are holding other events as Christmas approaches. Taking a stroll through Auburn, one is likely to see lights on the trees in the downtown area as well.

Leavenworth: Leavenworth has its Christmas lights event every night from Dec. 3 to Dec. 31. At this event they light up the large trees they have in the square as well as the entire town. They also have Christmas caroling events and contests that are fun to watch. If it snows, one can find kids sliding down the hill by the “Welcome to Leavenworth� sign.

Federal Way:

Wild Waves has their Holiday with Lights event starting Dec. 3 and going until Dec. 31. They have plenty of lights to look at, their non-water rides are open, and they have pictures with Santa available.

Discounted tickets start at $9.99.

Bellevue: Snowflake Lane takes place at the Bellevue Collection and goes until Dec. 24. They have lots of performances involving drummers and dancers, and Miss Snowflake, Frosty, and Santa make an appearance. They also hosts pictures with Santa Claus there.

Feature

Auburn Riverside High School

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Truth behind Santa leaves children curious Chloe Knox Staff Reporter

hind the big white beard and red hat. Some like Halford are “appalled” while others are not “He sees you when you’re sleepsurprised. ing. He knows when you’re awake.

There is much controHe knows if you’ve been bad or good, versy about whether or not to so be good for goodness sake.” This tell one’s children about Santa. famous line from “Santa Claus is On one side are those who arComing to Town” is a reminder of gue that lying to their children the upcoming holiday season. Some creates problems in the future. find this thrilling while others find it “I wouldn’t want to lose [my outright creepy. children’s trust],” Sergis said.

The legend of Santa Claus has However, on the other been implanted into many children’s side are those who think the minds, and supported by many paridea of Santa does little to no ents and guardians around the globe. harm, and gives them someParents who tell their children about thing to find joy in. “[I plan Santa try to keep the presents they to tell my children Santa is buy a secret, so the kids can wake up real because] it’s the spirit of on Christmas morning anxious and the holidays,” Hindman said. excited.

People like Sergis adverSome parents tell their children, tise a point in saying “[after PHOTO COURTESY CREATIVE COMMONS LICENSE, PIXBAY.COM while some children find out for one’s children] find out, it’s themselves through their friends, or Before finding out the truth about Santa, many children visit him in a store, or at a mall, and tell him their wishes for Christmas. like ‘what’s the point?’” Many their own observations. But how do believe children are gullible as Sergis showed. Or, one can find out the from her parents that Santa wasn’t real. She kids really feel when they find out and become very upset when way junior James Halford did. “[I was just] said that her parents decided she should they find out they were lied to.

Santa isn’t real?

“I didn’t know and I wanted an answer,” with my friends when they were talking know before she started middle school. At As Christmas nears, Santa is said to be freshman Noah Sergis said. He said he fig- about how Santa couldn’t be real.” first she was really upset that her parents busy in the North Pole. The magic and the Most kids don’t seem too phased when didn’t tell her sooner. “[Over time] I real- mystery behind the man in the red suit keeps ured it out by looking it up online. “I cried they find out that this legend isn’t actually ized that they did it for my own good,” she children on their toes. Despite the fact that myself to sleep.”

Now that kids have easy access to al- true. Some are upset for a while, but most said.

Santa isn’t real, that doesn’t mean one can’t most any information they want via inter- get over it, given a little time.

There is also a very large range of emotions enjoy themselves and have a great Christmas.

Sophomore Kennedy Inkster found out a child may feel when discovering the truth benet, finding out about Santa isn’t that hard,

New Years resolutions prove very difficult Bailee Youngren Staff Reporter

PHOTO BY JESSICA PEREZ

It’s common for people to make resolutions when the new year comes around the bend, but few actually follow through with their lists.

The common saying, “New Year, New Me” is just around the corner. All over America people are getting ready to become a new person. However, making and keeping New Year’s resolutions is a challenge that most of Americans do not stick to.

“People never [follow them] because they are too lazy,” freshman Jaime Serrano said.

One of the most common resolutions that seems to be neglected is the goal to lose weight and eat better. Most Americans set a workout schedule, but are usually too “busy” to fit in going to the gym. According to Lifehack.org, “the trick [for weight loss] is to find a decent weight loss plan that will give decent results.” “[New Year’s resolutions] are easier said than done,” freshman Tyler Berry said.

Often times weight loss gets pushed to the side because of all the effort that needs to be put into it.

On the other hand, resolutions become more of a checklist to get done in the new

year. This happens to people such as senior Mackenzie Olson. “I am looking forward to going to the Blake Shelton concert on Feb. 25, 2017.”

“I am going to try to improve my work ethic this upcoming year,” Berry said.

Most expectations are to improve on something. A popular resolution of high school students is getting grades up and keeping them up.

“I am just working on getting all A’s this upcoming year,” sophomore Tommy Nelson said.

Making a New Year’s resolution is a tradition that has been going on for quite some time. Unfortunately, according to StatisticBrain.com, only eight percent of people succeed in accomplishing their goal for the new year.

However, there are ways to help increase one’s chances of accomplishing their goals. This includes making a plan, writing it down, and limiting the number of resolutions. For those students who plan on keeping their resolutions, they can find methods that help on familyshare.com.

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Feature

InFlight December 20, 2016

Who’s behind locker #...

Caden Morgan

Jamie Jaeckel

Drake Pearisaeff

Lexie Payne

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7248

7402

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InFlight: What’s at the top of your Christmas list?

CM: A gold chain.

InFlight: What three things would you bring on an island?

CM: A PS4, a TV, and my girlfriend.

InFlight: Candy canes or ginerbread?

CM: Candy canes.

InFlight: Winter or summer?

CM: Summer all the way.

InFlight: When did you find out Santa wasn’t real?

CM: Third or fourth grade.

InFlight: Harry Potter or Twilight?

CM: Harry Potter.

InFlight: What superpower do you wish you had?

CM: Mind reading.

InFlight: Last movie you watched?

CM: A Christmas Carol.

InFlight: What’s your favorite candy?

JJ: Skittles.

InFlight: Cozy time in or night out?

JJ: Cozy time in.

InFlight: Cats or dogs?

JJ: Dogs for sure. I hate cats.

InFlight: Biggest fear?

JJ: Death.

InFlight: Nike or Adidas?

JJ: Nike.

InFlight: Hot or iced coffee?

JJ: Iced!

InFlight: Change your last name to Hitler or never eat chocolate again?

JJ: Never eat chocolate again.

InFlight: Quote me the last text you sent.

JJ: “f u.”

InFlight: What’s your biggest talent?

JJ: I’m very flexible.

InFlight: Are you a flirt?

JJ: It’s debatable.

InFlight: Crunchy or creamy peanut butter?

DP: Crunchy.

InFlight: Favorite Christmas movie?

DP: A Christmas Story.

InFlight: What’s your favorite music artist right now?

DP: Slayer.

InFlight: What’s your favorite breakfast food?

DP: Bacon and eggs.

InFlight: Favorite school subject?

DP: English.

InFlight: Cheetos or Doritos?

DP: Doritos.

InFlight: Save the life of someone you’ve never met, or have an actual working lightsaber?

DP: Lightsaber, duh.

InFlight: Do you believe in ghosts?

DP: Sure, why not?

InFlight: Go to karaoke song?

DP: The Pokémon theme song.

InFlight: What store would you spend $5,000 in?

LP: Sephora.

InFlight: Beach or forest?

LP: Forest.

InFlight: Who’s your celebrity crush?

LP: Jensen Ackles is cute.

InFlight: Favorite ice cream flavor?

LP: Cherry Garcia.

InFlight: On a scale from 1-10, how stubborn are you?

LP: 11.

InFlight: Dream profession?

LP: A forensic scientist specializing in blood spatter.

InFlight: Have your grandfather’s first name or his haircut?

LP: First name. I could rock the name George.

InFlight: Childhood cartoon?

LP: Scooby Doo.

Auburn Riverside High School

Arts & Entertainment

9

Memorable moments from 2016

Captain America: Civil War grossed $1,153,300,000 worldwide over the course of its box office runtime, making it the highest grossing movie of 2016, and the 12th highest grossing movie of all time. It was released on May 6, and released on DVD and Blu-ray on Sept. 13.

The movie stars were Chris Evans as Captain America, Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man, and Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow. The movie is about a rift between the Avengers due to political involvement in all their plans to save the world.

The 2016 Summer Olympics were held in Rio, Brazil this year. They ran from Aug 5-21. Team USA came home with a total of 121 medals—46 gold, 36 silver, and 38 bronze. This placed team USA first in the overall Rio standings with Team China in second and Team Great Britain in third. The 2016 Paralympics Team USA placed fourth overall, bringing with them 115 medals—40 gold, 44 silver, 31 bronze. Tye Dutcher, who is an alumni of Auburn Riverside, was in the Paralympics and participated in the Men’s 50M Freestyle S10 Heat.

This year many artists had their breakthrough moments.

Desiigner released the song “Panda,” hitting No. 1 on the Billboard’s Hot 100 chart in April. Zayn also debuted as a solo artist in 2016 with the song “PILLOWTALK.” This song peaked at No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100 in February. “Juju on That Beat” by Zay Hilfigerrr and Zayion McCall peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard in October. Also, the song “I Hate You, I Love You,” by Gnash featuring Olivia O’Brien peaked at No. 10 in October.

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Arts & Entertainment

InFlight December 20, 2016

Best tech for Christmas Bella Coronado Staff Reporter

With the Christmas season coming up, many of us are scrambling to make a list of our desired gifts. This season new products have made a breakthrough. From new phones, to gaming systems, the 2016 holiday season is filled with exciting new electronics.

Major electronic companies have released products that are sure to be on many Christmas lists. Sony has been working hard to provide a reasonable virtual reality experience for consumers. The PlayStation VR is going to be released just before the Holidays. Retailing at $399, this gift is perfect if you already own a PlayStation 4.

The sleek design of the headset itself is very eye catching. Complete with a supporting head bar, the virtual reality headset is said to be so comfortable, you can’t even feel it on your face.

Sony’s goal to bring a user friendly and inexpensive virtual reality experience is reflected in the product. It differs from more expensive PC systems. The PSVR gives the virtual reality action with a number of PlayStation games. Although it is supposed to work with the PS4, and the purchase of the

PlayStation 4 Pro is highly encouraged for maximum quality. The PSVR can be purchased at Target and Best Buy. Without a doubt, the IPhone 7 is almost guaranteed to be found under trees this Christmas. The water-proof, dual-camera phone has been hyped up for the past few months, making breakthroughs just before the holidays.

Apple has been pushing commercials, exhibiting the many different qualities featured in the new phone. The advertisements are increasing as we get closer to Christmas.

Despite the missing headphone jack, Apple has not failed in making another beautiful phone. If you don’t enjoy using the adapter to use your headphones, then it’s a good idea to invest in a pair of Bluetooth headphones.

Many other electronics are making first appearances during the holidays. The Fujifilm Instax Share is a mobile photo printer, retailing for $199. Also, Nintendo has released a retro rendition of a gaming console with their NES Classic, including 30 of the most loved video games of the 80s.

While Christmas is coming close, the digital age is changing the wants and needs of our holiday season, bringing new products to our generation.

Artist of the Issue: Skillet Jessica Perez Editor-in-Chief

PHOTO COURTESY CREATIVE COMMONS LICENSE, WIKIMEDIA.COM

Skillet’s new album Unleashed was released on August 5, 2016. Currently, Skillet is touring this album in Europe.

5 songs you should know: 1. Awake and Alive 2. Monster 3. Sick of it 4. I Want to Live 5. Resistance

Skillet is an American Christian rock band formed in 1996. Up to now they have released five albums, two of which have received Grammy nominations.

Their most recent album Unleashed was released on August 5, and it includes 12 tracks. Out of all their albums I would definitely say this one is the most hardcore.

It includes a variety of beats and vocals that make you wanna head bang for Jesus until your head falls off.

My favorite song in Unleashed would have to be “I Want to Live.” The song is so hopeful and the lyrics are so creative I don’t even know how to describe how great this song is.

My favorite song out of all their albums would be “Sick of It,” from their Rise album.

The beat is so intense it makes me want to air drum so hard.

Skillet is just a fantastic band, and if you are looking for a good rock band to listen to, I definitely recommend them.

Auburn Riverside High School

GIRLS BASKETBALL The varsity girls basketball team just started their season this winter and the girls hope to have good standings in the 4A league. The girls are 4-2 (as of press time).

Sophomore Brooke Dye plays as a shooting guard and she contributes to the team by playing quick on defense. “I’m looking forward to playing with the seniors for their last season,” Dye said.

The girls hope to become league champions and play at the Tacoma Dome for State this winter.

Senior Olivia Denton is looking forward to having fun with her teammates during the team’s bonding, and she is co-captains with senior Mckenzi Williams.

“I contribute with focusing on playing hard to the best ability and have teammates follow,” Denton said. I’m looking forward to building stronger relationships with teammates.”

Senior Faith Turner plays the post position and she would like students to watch their games, especially at home. “I’m looking forward to playing in games, being with my teammates, and having fun,” Turner said.

The next game will be home against Todd Beamer at 7 pm on Tuesday, December 20.

Sports

11

BOYS SWIM & DIVE The boys swim team has started its winter season with a record of 1-0. On Dec. 1, they beat Federal Way 114-55. On Dec. 8 they swam against Todd Beamer and won 110-71.

This year’s team has shown improvement. They have varsity players who are great leaders and can have a good time.

After being on the boys swim and dive team since freshman year, junior Ryan Hess has decided to return to the sport once more. “[Swim and dive is] a great way to stay in shape,” Hess said. “It’s a great team and it’s a great community.

There’s always something to look forward to in a sports season. Sophomore Oscar Safsten believes the team will do well. “We have some fast guys,” Safsten said.

Hess had similar thoughts to how the season was going to go. “I think we’re going to be a strong team and have the potential to do great,” Hess said. “We have a good strong base and have a lot of new recruits who are ready to do their part.”

BOYS BASKETBALL The boys basketball team has been tracking through this season, so far with a record of 3-3 overall, and 1-2 in league (as of press time). Their next game is on Dec. 20 against Todd Beamer. The game starts at 7:30 and it will be a home game.

Most of the boys on the team have been playing basketball for years, and have goals to play on this team their whole high school career.

“I’ve been on the team since freshman year, and I have been playing since I was seven,” junior Isaiah Prescott said.

The team works together so they can do their best at games and even at practices.

“I’m going to go hard at practice and keep my teammates working hard,” sophomore Justus Legg said.

They strive to work together to create a bond that will help them play better on the court.

“I just [want to] win every game,” Prescott said. “I hate losing.”

Only one freshman is on the team this year, and he also plans on working hard to make this season successful. “I want us to work hard as a team and encourage one another,” freshman Javon Forward said.

The boys have different things they would like their team to work on, but they all have the same end goal.

“I want [the team] to be closer on and off the court,” Prescott said.

12

Sports

GYMNASTICS Girls gymnastics started mid-November with coach Cathy Robinson. So far, the girls have had two meets, taking second place at the first one, scoring 157.95 points on Dec. 7, at Mt. Rainier High School. With an amazing start to the season, the girls are very excited going into their next meets. “[This season has gone] really well, and a lot of people have improved since the first day they came,” sophomore Makenna Price said.

The next home gymnastics meet is Wednesday, January 4, where they’ll be accompanied by Auburn, Kent Meridian, and Federal Way. “The season is young,” coach Robinson said. “There are many opportunities for other gymnast[s] on the team to be counters in upcoming meets.” This means other girls can make it into the top five, and score points for the team.

Their regular season continues into late January and the post season starts in February, if the girls qualify. They are hoping to make it as a team to state, but if they can’t, their next goal would be to send the top five gymnasts as individuals. “[This team is] really strong compared to other years,” Price said.

InFlight December 20, 2016

WRESTLING The season of boys and girls wrestling has just begun, and the wrestlers and their coaches are jumping into their sport again. The boys team just achieved third place out of eight teams at their first meet, and the girls made 10th place out of 20 competing schools.

So far, the boys team are 1-0 and the girls team are 0-0 (as of press time).

“I’m excited for improving in wrestling, competing in matches, and hopefully placing in State,” freshman wrestler Lily Scheschy said.

Freshman wrestler Aaron Baldridge is also excited for State.

“The team is working hard,” boys wrestling coach Kyle Jones said.

They still have lots of meets to prepare for, but the most important one looming in the distance is the all-mighty state championship.

“They can make it to State,” girls wrestling coach Steve Mead said about his team.

“Lily Scheschy and Kaitlyn Packer did well. I think we can make it. They’re all hard workers.”

Luckily for Jones, he believes his boy team also “has a good chance.”