in flight
AU B U R N R I V E R S I D E S T U D E N T October 6, 2009 VOLUME 15
Ian Downey rocking the racket See Page 12
ISSUE #1
VOICE
IN SIDE
What’s the deal with the levy? See page 5
Homecoming help See page 7
OPINION 2
10/6/09
Ushers apathetic about drugs at concerts James Kozanitis Editor In Chief My first concert: Trapt, Papa Roach, Sixx Am, Buckcherry, and the ever so amazing headliner Motley Crue, drawing tons of people into the wonderful White River Amphitheatre. That’s not all. Awesome shirts for sale and people playing rock band accented the incredible music blasting from the stadium. What could be any sort of damper on this experience? Alcohol and Marijuana. If you’re wondering, yes. Marijuana is still illegal. So why were they allowed to continue with these actions? I wondered the same thing. Usually, I wouldn’t have gotten into it, but this time, among my friends were two girls with asthma. The marijuana smoke was causing them to have mild attacks, so I told an usher. “What do you want me to do about it?” was the response the bold-faced usher gave me. A job description of an usher is to ensure the safety of the customers (a job not done by allowing asthmatic patients to be around marijuana smoke), and to ensure that the laws and stadium policies are followed (a job not done by allowing marijuana to be smoked in the first place). He could have just been under the apathetic notion that that kind of thing is just going to happen at concerts. However, he missed the fact that it’s not the `60s. The days of Woodstock and the ignorance of the drugs consumed there are over. After the concert, I was all but certain that this was an
isolated incident. It seemed to me like common practice. This was confirmed when the lead singer of Blink 182 Tom DeLonge, after smelling marijuana smoke, openly encouraged those doing it to keep doing it. However, this was also at the White River Amphitheatre, so I started to think that maybe this problem was specific to the venue, itself. This turned out not to be the case as sophomore Landon Jones and his girlfriend attended a concert at the Comcast Arena in Everett where there were similar events in that concert. Jones saw several people
who he claims were drunk, high or both. “They were raising his arms in the air acting like someone was picking them up,” Jones said. “They were idiots.” Jones has also seen s i m i l a r b e h a v i o r, a n d smelled similar smells, at a Def Leopard concert, at a Rush concert and at an AC/DC concert. None of these experiences included people getting in trouble for these illegalities.
So with this kind of obviously inebriated behavior, how did they go unnoticed by the staff? And, for that matter, why are all of these cases allowed to happen? Jones seems to think that too many people do it at one concert, or that they just don’t catch them. “Why would people do that at a concert where there could be kids?” Jones brought up. This point is also very valid. At Cruefest, in the same row as the people smoking marijuana were a few kids who looked no more than 12. What kind of impression could this be making? To a 12-year-old interested in music, a concert is by far the coolest thing, and everyone there is also the coolest, by extension. Therefore, everything that they do is the coolest. A 12-year-old is still learning what’s cool and socially acceptable, and they shouldn’t be learning that drugs and alcohol are among those activities. However, concerts do promote the legal intake of alcohol in designated areas, so people should expect some drunken adults running around. But the fact of the matter is that this designated area drinking only works in policy. In practice, alcohol is being drunk and distributed all throughout the concert. When alcohol is available to anyone who can get his hands on it, the policy of encouraging legal, of age drinking is smashed to bits. Could someone underage get a hold of alcohol? Easily. Even if you take out all the illegal substances consumed at concerts, the alcohol still creates a problem not taken care of by the staff of these venues. If the burden was entirely on the people to do the right thing and obey the law, there wouldn’t be a need for ushers, or security for that matter. They are there to keep the peace and to make sure the rules and laws are followed. In regards to those duties, the venues have failed.
Be classy, not trashy: clean it up, show some dignity Kim German Editor In Chief
They’re everywhere. In the most popular TV shows, in the streets, even in the halls of Riverside. Walking garbage cans. Some people don’t take much notice, others are disgusted or offended. The garbage cans either don’t notice how they appear to others, or they just don’t care. They make their way from place to place, occasionally infecting a few others with their germs along the way. Who are these garbage bins, and how are they both similar and different from the rest of us? They are the trashy. Granted, trashy girls aren’t literally moving, plastic outlets that make some of us turn the other way in disgust, but they’re headed in that direction. They wear minimal
in flight
editors-in-chief Kim German James Kozanitis photographer Sydney Shuman business manager Brianne Kopp
adviser Patrick Swenson
staff reporters Tralayna Haslett Brianne Kopp Berlyn Lee Shayla McGinness Emily Morisawa Sydney Shuman
clothing, engage in scandalous behavior, make themselves look as fake as possible, think getting publicly wasted on beer is classy, and much more. We’re talking about the same generation that complains about nobody taking them seriously. If you want to be treated as a professional at work or at school, then you should act professionally out of the public eye. These young women take photographs of themselves making disgusting gestures and call each other sluts and whores, and then are surprised and hurt when men treat them like crap. Some ARHS students have a couple words of advice for girls to be a little more classy. “Don’t wear see-through clothes,” said senior Stefanie Range. “Also, don’t tan until you’re orange. Brown is nice.”
Other students suggested that the young women walking the halls of Riverside should try pulling their shirts up a bit and try to be more conscious of their breasts. While browsing message boards, the majority of the guys who responded to a question about attraction to trashy girls said they would prefer a girl who at least looks like they have some dignity and self-respect. “I think it is awkward and irritating,” one 17-year-old guy said. “The girls who do this should know that they are just making themselves look cheaper by dressing provocatively.” At the very least, save your trashiness for the weekends if you’re not willing to class it up. School is a place to learn, not a place to showcase your body and disrespect yourself and your peers.
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Who did Frankenstein take to Homecoming?
His ghoul-friend.
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10/6/09
OPINION
Unite; change comes from little things Brianne Kopp STAFF REPORTER Riverside: a building, a unification of people, a family. Cliques, groups, outcasts. What makes someone better than any other student? Who allowed a sport to determine the cool kids? Who said the musicians or actors or artists with amazing talents should be the odd ones out? We walk around and look down on people because of the groups they’re in, or worse, because of the clothes they wear or the kind of car they drive. Why has change become so far from our minds? Imagine, as Raven Crew adviser Julie Moberg said, “the whole football team sitting in their jerseys, front row of the school musical.” Half laugh and think “how dumb,” and half think “how powerful.” It wouldn’t just be change; a statement would be made. Acceptance. Equality. Support. It’s a matter of showing up and giving a moment of your time. Picture the impact and the effect that would have, branching out to reach everyone at school. Besides, doesn’t the saying go “If one
falls, the rest fall?” We have the potential to be the best at everything, to win ribbons, certificates and trophies. It’s about coming together, not thinking we’re better than everyone else. Why
The little things matter! Consider picking up a piece of trash. Move out of the middle of the hallway before you dish about your day to a friend. Smile instead of glare at people in the hallway. These are simple things, yet often they’re so far out of our heads.
PHOTO BY SYDNEY SHUMAN
be alone when thousands of us go through the same thing, finding ourselves? It just takes one to start the change. What else can we do to unify our school?
It takes just two seconds of your time to pick up a single piece of
trash, but it makes our school look a lot better, and it shows we care. Crowded hallways are a mess and not fun for any of us, but it’s a waste of time getting upset about. Getting to class would be much easier and we wouldn’t need to be all pushy. We all have ideas and suggestions. Taking them in and demonstrating them is all it takes, whether we’re athletes or musicians, whether we have fast cars or clunkers, whether we buy clothes at Abercrombie or Value Village. Turning a bad day into a good day, unifying a thousand plus people and doing the better thing. What’s the price? How much of an emphasis are we willing to put on this to make a difference? Raven Crew wears a shirt with be the change written across the front. They own up to that. Other clubs strive to make some kind of difference by helping at food banks, doing random acts of kindness and helping the elderly. We are not far off, but take that extra second to hold the door for someone, pick up trash, or smile. You are not alone here.
Learn to drive safe, follow rules Extreme Makeover: Perspective Edition Shayla McGinness STAFF REPORTER On an average day in the United States, about ten teens die in motor vehicle crashes. That’s 3,650 teens a year, which is more than the death rate of 9/11. Now, though, it appears that the death rate is on the decline. This is the result of more restrictions on teen drivers, which, in most cases, makes them wait until age 17 for full privileges. A study conducted by The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on teen driving reports that states that have strong graduated licensing laws have an 18 percent lower rate of fatal crashes involving 16-year-olds. That study showed that the more extensive the regulations, the more lives are saved. The strictest versions cut fatal crashes by 21 percent. One of the restrictions proven to be especially effective is raising the driving age above 16. Results from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety show that one year does, in fact, make a difference. Driving at age 16 is simply riskier than driving at ages 17, 18 or 19. In addition, restrictions on driving at night and the limit of passengers are stricter. A teen driver’s risk doubles with two or more passengers on board. These restrictions exist for a reason. For example, when teens get their license, they have to wait six months to drive with someone their age that is not family. I know a lot of students who break this law. Six months of waiting is really not a lot to ask of us, since we have the rest of our lives to drive. When we break the slow com-
ing freedom that the state gives us, it shows that we aren’t even capable of handling the responsibility of driving an almost 4000 pound vehicle that could kill someone. It should not just be the state’s restrictions that make us cautious drivers either. Yes, learning how to drive safely is very important, but actually following the rules and restrictions is important too. “We have a solid system, if teens learn responsibly then they do a good job,” said Cheryl Moyd. Teens need to put aside their excitement to drive for a minute, and think about the consequences. There are so many distractions when driving, passengers, the radio, cell phones…etc. The point is that if we let our selves get distracted particularly if you’re with your friends just driving and having fun, then we could potentially kill someone. “Teens are inexperienced. They take chances that older people don’t take, aren’t aware of possible hazards like someone with experience has, and are distracted easily especially with the phone,” Said Huylar. The rules we have aren’t just pointless and annoying suggestions that you should consider following. No, they are critical guidelines that need abided by in order to save lives. Is using your cell, talking to a passenger or throwing back a couple of drinks before you drive really worth taking the life of another human being? Not only do you affect yourself and your future, you affect the person that you injured or even killed, their loved ones and their future.
Sydney Shuman STAFF REPORTER Faces can tell stories. They can often uncover more about a person than their diary could. For instance, the wrinkles on that of an elder indicate wisdom and knowledge. Freckles suggest a person has spent quite some time under the sun. Dark circles often creep under the eyes of hard workers. Reddened cheeks signify discomfort or bashfulness. However, faces also serve as barriers to the battles that we all fight within ourselves. No pigment, feature or crease of the face can describe a person’s utmost troubles. As Ben Stein states in The Mask, “We all wear masks... metaphorically speaking.” Oddly enough, these words are extremely accurate. Everyday before school students slip on their happy faces, carrying their burdens in secret. It is due to these masks that we often forget our peers have delicate feelings. One unkind word, one sneer or the slightest disregard toward them could be the last straw. For this precise reason, feelings should be handled with care. “All of us have issues we are dealing with,” Meri Benedict, Associated Student Body adviser said. “We need to look under the surface and take care of each other.” This means erasing the critic within us. Judging one another is definitely not the answer to this problem. Instead, we must treat others with respect so that we can help them with their private battles. “Everyone has such different things go-
ing on in their lives that nobody understands but themselves,” senior Derek Townsend said. Although it will never be possible to feel exactly what someone else is, people need to try. Besides, the deepest need of the human heart is to be understood. In hopes of getting these messages across, the video Perspectables was viewed at the first assembly of the year. It told the story of a high school student and his cynical view of those around him. Luckily, his standpoint was altered after trying on a pair of glasses labeled “Perspectables.” Through the lenses he could see the struggles that each student around him was dealing with. Quickly, his demeanor transformed. In the end, instead of bringing others down, he tried to help them up. Since the presentation, many students have tried to follow the example of the main character. “I think that a lot less people are going to judge others just by looking,” senior Yva Wood-Talley said, “and instead take the time to get to know them.” Hopefully, this statement’s presumptions will prove correct. In the meantime, students should do three things. First of all, stop judging based upon appearances. Second, try to treat one another with high regard. Lastly, it is imperative that we look out for one another. After all, a smile does not mean that all is well. It’s just part of the mask.
NEWS
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10/6/09
ASB UPDATE Matt Hudgins PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
ing is this Saturday from 9 p.m. to midnight. The theme this year is “Grecian Gardens,” and will focus on Mediterranean tranquility and ancient Greek mythology. Tickets are $22 at the cashier’s office, and guest passes are available in the Main Office. It will be
Hey there, and welcome to Auburn Riverside! Whether you’re a freshman adjusting to high school or a senior preparing for the road ahead, this is a brand new year for us all. The same goes for your ASB officers. They have decided that ASB should be “more than assemblies” and have shifted their focus to more important things, like creating an atmosphere where students feel welcome and safe. Much of this philosophy was inspired by the curriculum of the Mt. Adams Leadership Camp. This leadership institute, sponsored by the Association of Washington School Principals, was attended by 16 of your ASB officers over the summer, providing much inspiraPHOTO COURTESY MERI BENEDICT tion and many new ideas to bring about ASB trained at Mt. Adams Leadership Camp over change. the summer But we can’t do it alone. In order to change the atmosphere of the school, we must first change ourselves. So as we a fun evening and everyone is encouraged head into the fall season, try to keep an to attend. Also, in the coming week, there is the open mind, compassionate heart and helpHomecoming varsity football game (vs. FWHS ful hand. Outside of this major endeavor, your at 7:00 p.m. on this Friday), the HomecomASB officers have been busy planning and ing assembly (Thursday) and spirit week. As preparing for many of the fall’s major events, a reminder, Wednesday is the day to dress including the Homecoming dance. Homecom- up as your favorite movie character (Harry
Potter, Jack Sparrow, etc.) and color war day is Thursday. Spirit week is a great way to show your Raven Pride and have a little fun the week before Homecoming, so I hope you’ve been participating! Your class councils have also been working hard, planning for their proms and organizing fundraisers. Freshmen officers were elected last week, and are getting busy fulfilling their responsibilities. The sophomore, junior and senior classes are choosing prom locations, organizing resources and looking for ways to fund their projects. As a whole, the student council is beginning to meet on a regular basis to decide spending, events and opportunities for this school year. Remember that you are the associated student body; we are just your officers, here to serve you. Should you ever have a problem or question regarding your time here at Auburn Riverside, please don’t hesitate to approach one of us. Your 2009-2010 ASB officers are: Katie Weiss (ASB President), Kellie Zulauf (ASB Vice President), Jane Han (Treasurer), Tessa Goodwin (Secretary), Matt Hudgins (Public Relations Officer), Jacque Guyette (Senior LASC), Lauren Mendez (Junior LASC) and Megan McCabe (RSVP). Have a fun and safe time this Homecoming weekend, and we look forward to serving you this year!
Professional learning communities help students and teachers Emily Morisawa STAFF REPORTER
need to remember they have lives, too.” Although the entire district is participating in the Professional Learning Communities, all the schools are allowed to move at their own pace and Riverside will incorporate the program into our school the “Raven Way.”
The Auburn School District has recently started a new program called Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) in order to help teachers with their teaching styles PLCs are designed for teachers of the same subject to collaborate and share ideas for teaching the curriculum and better help the students actually learn the material. An assessment will be given to see if the students are learning the curriculum. From that point, teachers will be able to help struggling students by intervening and teaching the material in a different way. Various kinds of interventions will be used, depending on the teacher. “It’s not a template,” Principal Bruce Phillips said. “The teacher of each subject gets to decide based on what they think is best for the PHOTO BY EMILY MORISAWA student.” English teachers Sue Neu and Geri Rohlff discuss new The help for the students could methods of teaching be anything from a one-on-one with the teacher to going back over the material with the whole class. “I think that it will help kids see that “A lot of the teacher’s time will be taken up,” senior Megan McCabe said. “We teachers care,” sophomore Korey Krotzer
said, “but I also think that the students won’t be as motivated to do a good job because they will be able to blame it on the teachers.” Teachers have high hopes for the changes. “I hope that this will better the teachers’ styles of teaching and create new ideas of teaching the curriculum,” teacher Sue Neu said. Students aren’t expected to see any changes soon; the hope is that the new policy will be shown in the grades. There are four simple steps taken by the teachers in the PLC program. First, the teachers have to decide what they want students to learn. This includes talking to the other teachers of the subject and deciding on the curriculum. Second, the teachers need to determine how they are going to assess what they taught. This could be anything from a test to a written paragraph. The third step is for the teachers to decide how they are going to help students who haven’t been successful in learning the material. The last step for the teachers to take is deciding what they are going to do when the students reach the goal of learning the material. While this may be teaching other students the same material again, other students may proceed on to learn new material or do a project with what they just learned.
A-Code changed this year Kim German Editor In Chief This year, the A-Code has changed slightly. Not only is it still against the contract (and the law) to participate in drinking or drugs at a party or elsewhere, it is now a violation to even attend such a party where illegal substances are present. Upon signing, students have always agreed to remain clean and sober while participating in any official ARHS group. Breaking the A-code has some serious consequences. This will, hopefully, prevent teenage students from engaging in illegal activity, and also help them represent our school in a positive manner. Riverside students usually wind up joining a sport or club at some point in their high school career. All of these students are required to sign the A-code, which is basically a contract with the school to enforce good behavior. This is vital to maintain proper conduct during the season, and has been slightly changed this year. Some students, however, aren’t thrilled about the change. “I think it’s kind of stupid,” senior Michelle Parks said. “You can make the choice to go to a party and have fun, and you can also make the choice to not drink at parties.” Regardless of students’ opinions, the new A-Code is now in effect.
SAT tips for Saturday Kim German Editor In Chief
-Get a good night’s sleep. Don’t stay up all night trying to cram as much information in your head as possible. If you don’t know how to write an essay by now, you probably have other things to worry about. -Make sure you have a calculator handy with fresh batteries! It would be a real bummer if your battery died in the middle of the math section. -Bring a snack to eat during breaks. You can’t actually eat while you’re testing, but break time is a great time to munch on something like almonds. They have brain boosting elements! -Be on the lookout for dangerous words in the reading section such as “always,” “never” and “only.” Noticing these words could potentially earn you a higher score.
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10/6/09
NEWS
New beneficial levy approaching Tralayna Haslett STAFF REPORTER Voting for the Capital Improvements Levy will be held on November 3, 2009. The Auburn School District is proposing a $46.4 million levy that will repair and improve 19 schools and six facilities in the district. The levy asks all homeowners to pay a local school tax rate of $4.93 per $1,000 assessed valuation in 2010. Though the rate is up $0.55 from last year, it has actually dropped over a dollar since 2002. Naturally, this is due to a struggling economy. Last school year, a similar levy was voted on but lacked sufficient voting to pass. “This may not be great timing either,” Principal Bruce Phillips said,
“but we’ve got to get these things done.” The school will undergo about 70 repairs and improvements if the levy passes, such as making the school more handicap accessible and environmentally friendly, as well as improving sports and music equipment. The district website provides a link that explains in detail all of the actions that will take place.
Just as a homeowner has a mortgage, the school has a mortgage and pays a monthly fee through the taxpayers’ money. This levy will collect funds for the next six years. For all those who are reluctant to vote “yes,” Phillips wants to stress the importance of “raising a generation of education.” Students are mostly left in the dark on this issue. “What is it?” junior Luke Green questioned. The levy is not widely acknowledged. “I know they are going to have one, but I don’t know much of the details,” said teacher Chad Guisinger. “Teachers don’t know more or less than the regular population.”
The levy would replace computer chairs, the goal post and the field. It will add secuirty cameras to reduce theft and vandalism and modify the music storage room. PHOTOS COURTESY Auburn School District website
Swine flu worries hog the fall season James Kozanitis Editor In Chief This year’s flu season is to be quite the virulent one, with the addition of the H1N1 (Swine Flu) Strain. AlthoughH1N1 was thought to cause no more damage than the normal flu, a recent White House press release predicted that it will kill almost 90,000 United States citizens, more than double the number of normal flu casualties. H1N1 is also predicted to infect anywhere from 91.5 million to 152.5 million people in the United States. The World Health Organization (WHO) also said that the virus could, at any time, mutate into something more virulent and deadly. H1N1 kills the old and the sick far more often than any other demographic. However, it infects the youth at a much higher rate. This means that crowded schools, like Auburn Riverside, are at risk of becoming a cesspool for the swine. A study at the University of Washington concluded that one student with flu symptoms who goes to school will infect two to three others. Though H1N1-related school closures seem to be a thing of the past, according to the Wall Street Journal, World Health Organization (WHO) officials advised that districts be open to them, if several infections occur, since they really don’t know what the virus is going to do. “This isn’t the flu that we’re used to,” said Kathleen Sebelius, U.S. Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, according to osmoothie.com. “The 2009 H1N1 virus will cause a more serious threat this fall.” On the issue of school closures, Principal Bruce Phillips said that they can never just say no, but the focus is going
to be getting students to do the right thing. “If you’re sick, stay home,” Phillips said. “The county will decide whether or not we close.” To prevent infection, and the resulting school closure, it seems that people should take every precaution they would with a normal flu. When the vaccine is released to the public (later this month, as predicted), that is the best option. Short of vaccination, keeping hands clean, eating a
healthy share of fresh fruits and vegetables, getting a sufficient amount of sleep and exercising regularly are all ways of maintaining a germ-free, healthy PHOTO COURTESY EARTHSFRIENDS. immune system, fit to COM, CREATIVE combat H1N1. COMMONS LICENSE Senior Natasha Radford’s younger brother Miles Radford had H1N1 recently. “It was terrible,” Radford said. “He missed a month of
school near the end of the year.” Radford’s brother received his first B ever (in P.E. class) because of the missed school time that he couldn’t make up. “We just kept him in his room,” Radford said. “I think he enjoyed it.” The question is then raised, when a student should be worried and not go to school. Symptoms of H1N1 are very similar to that of a normal flu, including fever, coughing, headaches, pain in the muscles or joints, sore throat, chills, fatigue, runny nose, diarrhea and vomiting. According to chron.com, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that people with several H1N1 symptoms should stay home for seven days, or until 24 hours after symptoms stop showing, which could be even longer, or dramatically shorter. Riverside students with younger (specifically elementary-level) siblings are at a higher risk of contracting the virus because of younger kids’ statistical reluctance to stay clean and sanitized. A student with flu symptoms should be more worried if their sibling attends a school with possible H1N1 cases. The flu vaccine should be available midway through the month. Also, the nation can now serve twice as many people as they had originally intended, since it was originally thought that two doses would be needed. Recent tests show that one dose will be sufficient enough to prevent the virus.
FEATURE
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10/6/09
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Have a house with a low roof? This one is perfect for you. Dress in any sort of scary costume; anything mildly frightening will work. However, something with wings, like a vampire or a gargoyle, would work the best. Make sure you can land the jump and land it softly. If your roof is over eight feet, we do not advise you to jump it. When the children come, jump carefully down in front or next to them, being certain not to smoosh the poor fellows, and snarl your scariest snarl.
dress that can at very least be passed off as Victorian. In the myth, Bloody Mary will show up at the mirror with a horribly slashed face and kill you. Of course, this is false, but the horribly slashed bit can easily be replicated. Take a Q-Tip and dab it with blood red make-up. Don’t be fooled by the idea that all blood is a darker red. This is true in large quantities, but blood in small amounts (like cuts on the face), will be a light cherry red. Pale your face beforehand with a white base, and darken the eyes. If you don’t care too much for the dress, try throwing some fake blood on it, as well as your arms and chest for added effect.
Ideas from Disney Family Fun recipes
The Attack of the Psycho-Killer:
Rotten Apple Punch: Ingredients: Apple cider (adjust the amount for the number of people you plan to serve, probably at least a gallon) Five ½ cup containers to drink from Red and green food coloring Gummy worms Giant punch bowl
Ingredients: Two 11 oz bags white chocolate chips 12 doughnut holes Semisweet chocolate chips Tube of red decorator frosting 1. To coat a dozen doughnut holes, melt the white chocolate chips over low heat (and keep the chocolate warm while you work). With a fork, spear each doughnut hole and dip it in the melted chocolate to coat it, and then gently tap off any extra. 2. Stick a semisweet chocolate chip with its point cut off onto each doughnut hole, cut end first. Place the forks (handle side down) in a mug and allow the chocolate coating to harden. 3. Use a tube of red decorator frosting to add squiggly veins radiating out from the pupils.
1. Pour apple cider into the drinking containers, stopping about 1/2 inch from the top. Add about two drops of red and one drop of green food coloring to each dish and stir until blended. 2. Hang two or three gummy worms on the glass edges and store them in a freezer. Try to keep the gummy worms to a minimum, as the apples won’t freeze as well if there is more than three. Freeze until the “rotten apples” are solid. 3. Just before serving your punch, slip the frozen wormy apples out of the dishes by setting them briefly in a few inches of warm water in your sink. 4. Float the rotten apples in a large punch bowl filled with un-tinted cider. For added creepiness, drape the gummy worms over the edges of your serving bowl.
Grab yourself a convincing scarecrow costume, or, if you’re feeling creative, make your own with a brown vest, a weird hat, a ski mask and some hay. The next part has choices. Though standing is more effective to pull off the decoration illusion, you may consider sitting on a bench or against a wall, so you’re not stilted all night. Look limp; you won’t convince them with a tense, fidgety Halloween decoration. If all has gone according to plan, then wait for the unsuspecting trick-or-treaters to come up to the door and go Jeepers Creepers on them.
The Swoop:
Bloody Mary: Going off of the legend of Queen Mary I, you’re going to need a
Forked Eyeballs:
How to scare trick-ortreaters
Monster Paws: Ingredients: Clear plastic gloves (available at beauty supply stores) Candy corn Popcorn Yarn 1.
Begin with washed gloves. Stick one candy corn at the tip of each finger, pointy side up, for fingernails.
2. Fill the glove with popcorn. 3. Use yarn to tie a bow at the wrist.
At least a mild ability to perform without giggling is required to pull off this theatrical prank, as well as two people (one to be the killer and one to be the victim) and a fake, non-dangerous knife. You’ll also need some kind of fake blood, whether it be corn syrup and food coloring or the actual fake blood from costume shops. Have the victim wear a shirt they don’t care for (particularly a white one), and tape a sandwich bag of fake blood under the shirt around the sternum area. Have the killer waiting with the fake (but hopefully convincing) knife to the side of the victim, and you’re ready to scare the kids. When they come to the door, you need to act nonchalant. Compliment them on their constumes, say “Happy Halloween.” Here’s the kicker: wait until after you say goodbye to spring the trap. Otherwise, they may feel like the situation is still unresolved and not be surprised when something jumps out. Have the killer “surprise” the victim and push them up against the door before using the fake knife to either puncture or burst the bag of fake blood. This will show through the shirt and scare the begeebers out of the kids. Reminder: We were all children once, who may not have liked being scared in these ways, so, if you haven’t sent the children running, give them an extra big handful of candy.
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10/6/09
FEATURE
Homecoming of our dreams Kim German Editor In Chief
Brianne Kopp STAFF REPORTER
Home•com•ing: noun. How Riverside
Note from Bri: — Ladies, tonight is your night to shine. Dedicate the day to pampering yourself; you deserve it. However, take into consideration your date’s feelings, too. — Gents, it’s your night to be a gentleman. Go the extra mile; hold the door, pull out your date’s chair and compliment her. Note from Kim: Try to remember to thank the cheerleaders for setting up the decorations and all the other Homecoming planning. They work long and hard, and they don’t usually get much credit for their efforts.
Do - Get pictures taken, even if you think it’s corny. - Wake up with a positive mindset. - Remember to acknowledge the football team in an appropriate manner. - Compliment your date, because they may be nervous!
celebrates the football team returning home after several away games. The lovely Ravens transform the gymnasium into a fabulous new wonderland, which is a perfect haven for those who love to dress up in formal clothes and express themselves through dancing with friends or dates. Some choose to dine out before the dance, some don’t. No matter what you do the day of, Homecoming is a night to remember!
Don’t - Complain about the decorations - Wear your everyday shoes - Stress about how you appear to your date - Make fun of other people’s outfits. They are probably feeling a little insecure. - Dance in a way you wouldn’t want your parents to see
What to do if... • You wake up with a zit: Get Clearasil Ultra Rapid Action Treatment Cream. It can help treat your pimples in four hours! Whatever you do, don’t freak out. Stress causes breakouts. • You spill on yourself: Use Tide-to-Go! • Your date bails on you at the last minute: Don’t stay at home bummed and thinking about the loser! Put on your formal outfit and tell yourself that you’re going to have a good time. With a positive mindset, you most likely will enjoy yourself!
Things to have with you the night of: - extra bobby pins - extra money - lip gloss - perfume/cologne - camera - breath mints - Tide-to-Go - a great attitude!
FEATURE
8
Four join Riverside’s finest
10/6/09
Shayla McGinness STAFF REPORTER
Joscelyn Barden
Jacky De Haven
Subject: English Teaching experience: New teacher
Subject: English Teaching experience: 10 years
This is Joscelyn Barden’s first full-time teaching job. She completed her student teaching last winter/spring at Curtis High School in University Place in Tacoma. She spent all of May and part of June substituting in the University Place School District. She is most looking forward to getting to know the Auburn Riverside community better. “It already seems like a great, warm environment to be a part of,” Barden said. “I am excited to become a larger part of it.”
Terry Johnson
Jacky De Haven has been teaching for 10 years. She last taught at Olympic Middle School in the 2007 to 2008 year. Last year, she worked part-time as an ELL instructional coach at the Department of Student Learning. She decided to teach here because of Riverside’s great staff and administration. Her sons graduated from here, and she already knows some students from when she had them in middle school. “I am looking forward to getting to know my students and encouraging them to read,” De Haven said.
Shawn Kilgallon
Subject: Social Studies Subject: English Teaching experience: Teaching experience: 7 years 14 years
Shawn Kilgalllon has been teaching for 14 years, he started his teaching career in 1987. His previous position was as a substitute teacher. He is currently teaching American Literature and Creative Writing.“I’m most looking forward to all the energy students bring with them to school.” Kilgallon is also the new Boys Basketball Coach. See more on page 11.
Terry Johnson has been teaching for seven years. He is a new history teacher at Riverside. Before he came here, he taught seven years at Lake Washington High School. He moved here to pursue more opportunities and to learn more about our awesome school. “I’m excited to enjoy my students, learn from them and have them learn from me,” Johnson said. Johnson also is the new Girls Basketball coach. See more on page 11.
Club Bulletin Board Clubs featured this month: Smudges Sandland. Adviser: Mrs. VisCom Club om room. sC Vi sdays in •Meets Thur engage in welcome to Anybody is as button ch vities, su several acti ent films ography, stud making, phot and more.
IBAAKO (I Believe and Appreciate Knowing Others) Adviser: Mrs. Swenddal-White •Starting back up in November, the club will continue celebrating and finding new ways to learn more about other cultures.
Adviser: Mr. Swenson
•Turn in short stories, poems,photography and art to room 402. Talk to adviser Pactrick Swenson, or Co-Editors: Brianne Kopp, Kim German or Berlyn Lee.
Dugeons & Dragons Adviser: Mr. Earl •Meet Wednesdays: 2:35-4:30 in portable 913. All levels, beginning and advanced, are welcome. No materials are needed, and it’s never too late to join.
Key Cl
u
Come by room 402 or 404 and ask for a copy of the freshman flier for a full list of every Riverside club.
Adviser b : •Get in Ms. Jensen volved ; this c works to lu munity serve our co b . Earn commu mservice n . 14th to Show up Oct ity . sign up .
9
10/6/09
FEATURE
5 Hour Energy rescues the nocturnal from dysfunction James Kozanitis Editor In Chief The day consists of 24 hours. People get about seven hours of sleep on average, leaving 17 hours of the day awake. Six and a half hours are spent at school, or seven hours, counting bus time. Eleven hours of time to do whatever. Imagine 16 hours. But how could this be possible? A little two ounce shot of fruity-flavored dietary supplement, otherwise known as 5-Hour Energy. There’s lots of buzz about this little product, causing lots of knock offs since its 2004 debut into the energy drink field. There are even rumors of it causing death circulating the internet, as well as several YouTube reviews. Like any product that can actually work, and take thunder away from more prominent energy drinks, 5-Hour Energy gets its fair share of eyebrow raises. The main question on everyone’s mind is of whether or not 5Hour Energy works. “It tastes gross,” senior Amanda Cleveland said. “But it can be very helpful when
your teacher gives you an unfair amount of work, when they know you have other stuff to do.” Though 5-Hour Energy hasn’t worked for Cleveland the last couple times she drank it, she does recall one extreme where she was sitting on her bed “not being able to stop moving.” But how could it work? Simply put: what’s in it. There is 8333 percent daily value of vitamin B12, 100 percent daily value of vitamin B9, 2000 percent daily value of vitamin B6 and 150 percent daily value of vitamin B3, as well as an energy blend, including caffeine and taurine (used in popular energy drinks, such as Monster).
Wait? Isn’t that unhealthy? Actually, no. For the majority of these vitamins, there isn’t a daily value. It’s nearly impossible, for instance, to have any sort of overdose on B12. This thing isn’t approved by the FDA? Well 5-Hour Energy can just have anything in it and call it healthy. Right? Actually, no. 5-Hour Energy qualifies as a dietary supplement. If a product doesn’t meet the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) regulations, then it PHOTO BY SYDNEY SHUMAN is sent to the FDA for approval. Since 5-Hour Energy does meet those regulations, it doesn’t need FDA approval. “The FDA does not test and approve dietary supplements, as they do with medicines, because their ingredients are already established as safe,” the 5-Hour Energy Website states. The only side-effect that is tested and proved is called niacin flare. It happens when an excess of vitamin B3 (niacin) causes blood to flow too close to the skin, causing
your skin to turn a light shade of red. This is completely benign and should resolve itself within a half an hour. Does 5-Hour Energy have the capacity to kill? Yes. Like any dietary supplement, too much can cause death. The bottle clearly states, however, not to exceed two bottles daily, consumed several hours apart. Has 5-Hour Energy ever actually caused death? No. There are several unsubstantiated claims that 5-Hour Energy has caused death. The most popular one is that a young man was devastated after his grandfather drank a 5-Hour Energy and died of a heart attack because of it. What would be a tearful story that would bring people away from the drink is put to fiction when reality is applied. An excess of vitamin B cannot cause heart attacks. Vitamin B affects the nervous system, not the circulatory system. So this story obviously can’t be true. So how does 5-Hour Energy compare to other energy drinks? Chemically, 5-Hour Energy is much healthier than other leading energy drinks, such as Monster and Rockstar. The differences include less caffeine, no sugar, no carbs, no herbal stimulants and only 4 calories (compared to the 280 calories of the full strength canned energy drink). Drinking canned energy drinks can also cause dehydration, because of the amount of liquid in each can. They also have an average of 31 grams of carbs. Summed up best, Cleveland says “[i]f you hate sleep, buy 5-Hour Energy.”
Small acts of kindness go a long way Berlyn Lee STAFF REPORTER Ever since kindergarten, children are taught that school is a safe place, but when something horrible happens do students understand why? Do the students understand that events occurred before the action? Or do they simply see the destruction? On April 20, 1999, the world was baffled when two students went into Columbine High School and killed twelve students and a teacher, then took their own lives. Students were left to wonder if school was as safe as they have been told their entire lives. “It was sad and scary,” senior Brittany Wold said. Did students notice that the two shooters might not have ever felt welcome at the school? Even though what they did was wrong, could it all have been avoided if they had felt people were outstretching a hand to them? Nevertheless, from the awful ashes grows new hope and a new fight for a better future. A couple years back, Craig Scott, a survivor of the Columbine shootings, came to our school and talked to the student body about how one random act can change everything. Scott’s sister, Rachel Joy Scott, was the first killed on that dreadful day. Scott came to our school to show how the tragedy of Rachel’s death has encouraged hundreds to lead better lives. Rachel lived by
the moral that one random act of kindness can lead to another. This way, kindness can spread instead of unhappiness. Scott proposed that every student try to do something out of kindness every day: like sitting with the student who sits alone at lunch, helping someone up after they’ve fallen or simply listening to someone when they are distraught. This way another event like Columbine can possibly be avoided. After the assembly, students signed a large banner, agreeing to follow Rachel’s moral. Later that year, a club was organized in memory of the assembly: RAKE. However, do students still live by the moral? Or has it been lost in the clouds of memory? Some students remember feeling really sad after the assembly, like Senior Jenny Mackenzie, or really moved, like Wold. Both of the seniors said that if the school is more accepting and welcoming, then another awful event like Columbine can be avoided. Junior Shantelle Astudillo, a student who didn’t get to see Craig Scott when he came to the school, believes that students just need to be aware, just care for one another and take care of each other. “All the small things count,” Astudillo said. “It makes people think twice.” This year reach out to the students around you; don’t leave someone to sit alone at lunch or pick themselves up from the floor. Extend a welcoming hand and make a new friend.
A&E 10
10/6/09
Auburn Good Ol’ Days no competition for Ravens Berlyn Lee STAFF REPORTER
petition was a work by Weaver of her ex boyfriend and his “baby bear.” Weaver wasn’t sure if her piece would win anything and is not sure if she will enter in next year’s competition. As for third place, White has made a beautiful black and white ink wash.
This summer three students were awarded with ribbons from the Auburn Good Ol’ Days for their brilliance in art. These students represent the talent that Auburn Riverside is known for. Senior Derek Clarke placed first, sophomore Amanda Weaver placed second, and sophomore Rachel White placed third. Upon the first day of school, students entered the school to see five pieces hanging in the 500 hall with different colored ribbons pinned on them. These pieces have remained in the hallway as a way to showcase these young artists. The piece with the blue ribbon is a work by Clarke of an “Old Family photo from the Mountains”. Clarke was surprised by the award. “I thought it was pretty good,” Clarke said. “But I PHOTOS BY JAMES KOZANITIS didn’t know it would win first place.” From left to right: First place entry by Derek Clarke; third place, by Rachel White; and The runner up in the com- second place entry by Amanda Weaver.
“It was of a picture I took of a scooter in Greece,” White said. “I just thought it was a cool picture.” White was surprised that she won third place and will enter the contest next year if she feels compelled to. “I’m always pleasantly surprised at who gets recognized,” said art instructor Kathy Lobdell. “The judges are always looking for different things.” Lobdell hopes that the winning students will continue on with art even after their time in high school, and will encourage them to put more of their pieces into competitions as the year goes on.
Auburn Good Ol’ Days also held an essay contest. Those eligible to compete were grades 912. Riverside took out the competition again, taking first place and the two runner-up positions. First Place: Ben Klontz, junior First Runner Up: Jeff Miles, junior Second Runner Up: Alice Cho, junior
Take a tour around Our Town Huson finds her niche in art Sydney Shuman STAFF REPORTER The red curtains will divide once more for the production Our Town this November. On September 14 and 15 auditions were held to fill the 32 open positions. By September 21, practices were well on their way, and the crew, working towards the show dates on November 12, 13, 14,18, 19 and 20. This play was selected by Karla Seman, the director. She enjoyed producing the play in the past due to its honest views of life.
moving and relatable. “The thing about plays is that they are different every night,” Seman said. “Something new is created between the actors and the audience.” Although the plot is spotted with humor, it is more of a drama. The characters and spectators in this play tend to have even more connections because of their similar struggles and delights. It is for this reason that Our Town is expected to reel in quite a crowd. After all, down-to-earth plays are tough to come by these days.
PHOTOS BY JAMES KOZANITIS
It includes the sorrows and joys, without the cheese. “It’s a sad story,” sophomore cast member Andrew Aguilar said. “But it makes for an amazing play.” Our Town is based in 1901 in a stereotypical town called Grover’s Corners. It focuses on two childhood sweethearts, George Gibbs and Emily Webb. The play is romantic,
At Left: Actor Evan Collier and actress Mariah Shinners rehearse for their scene together. Above: Karla Seman intently scrutinizes the rehearsal.
Kim German Editor In Chief
ARHS] for black and white, so I just sent it in because Lobdell expected me to.” Charcoal isn’t Huson’s only medium. Expression. Some students do it best She also really enjoys oil pastels, but will through words, others by actions, and some basically draw all the time with anything she even by fashion. For junior Rachael Huson, can get her hands on. Obvious experience it’s drawing. is displayed by her work. Huson has been One of her pieces can be spotted in the drawing her entire life, but started taking hall near the library. It’s the one composed classes in seventh grade. She doesn’t usually of a teddy bear and monkey, which Huson plan ahead of time what will come out of her created in her Drawing II class last year using utensils, even in art class. white and black char“You don’t coal. This particular really know the piece won first place theme of your at the Riverside art drawing until it’s festival last year and in your head,” earned an honorable Huson said. mention at this year’s Hopefully Auburn Good Ol’ Days Huson’s extraorfestival. Inspiration dinary talent will for the drawing be recognized came from Huson’s outside of Aufriends. burn in the near “A lot of my future. friends were having “I know it’s babies at the time, a stretch,” Huso at first I thought I son said, “but would draw it for one I’d love to go to of them,” Huson said. an art college in “But the monkey in Seattle and sell the corner was given Huson’s drawing hangs on the hall as a piece of my paintings to me by my brother, excellence and drawings at and he died a couple Pike Place Marof years back.” ket.” When asked whether or not she exHuson’s words of wisdom for aspiring pected her talent to be acknowledged, artists? “Whatever you see and want to draw, Huson simply answered, “I got first place [at you draw.”
11 SPORTS
10/6/09
Meet new coaches: Kilgallon, Johnson Sydney Shuman STAFF REPORTER
Shawn Kilgallon
Terry Johnson
Boys Basketball Coached for: 10 years
Girls Basketball Coached for: 13 years
InFlight: What’s your goal for this season?
InFlight: What’s your goal for this season?
“ ”
PHOTO BY SHAYLA MCGINNESS
To have fun... and never lose!
Shawn Kilgallon has been playing basketball since he was just nine years old. He looks forward to being a member of a group which strives to succeed. He is currently commuting from Maple Valley and teaches American Literature and Creative Writing second semester… see more on page 8.
“
For the team to reach their maximum potential
PHOTO BY SYDNEY SHUMAN
”
Although Terry Johnson has been playing since he was in the 3rd grade and coached for over a decade, this is his first time coaching girls. However, he is excited for the new challenge. Johnson lives nearby and teaches Social Studies… see more on page 8.
First year diver Lancaster already making waves Berlyn Lee STAFF REPORTER Feet together, arms to her sides, and eyes on the prize. One, two, three… Leap! Sophomore Jessica Lancaster is one of the newest additions to the swim and dive team. Lancaster placed second in the first meet of the diving season. According to Coach Crystal Jilbert, her high scores are splashing her into the higher region of the competition. It is, however, not only the fact that she has the ability to score high but also that she has never dived before. “I’ve been diving for about two weeks now,” Lancaster said, “I got in to it because I did gymnastics when I was eight.” Lancaster is a shining star at two weeks into her diving career. She has high hopes for the season, even though she is new to the team and diving. “I want to try to make it to State,” Lancaster said. Coach Jilbert agrees that Lancaster has the potential to make it to State. “There’s been two meets,” Jilbert said. “and she’s scored the most points of anyone for the past few years.” “She should make districts,” Jilbert said, “and will be working toward State.”
Though for Lancaster it doesn’t matter as much about the victories as it does just having fun. She loves the exhilaration that comes with diving. “It’s scary, but I’m not scared to do it,” Lancaster said. “It’s fun.”
PHOTO BY SYDNEY SHUMAN
There is no doubt that Lancaster will heighten the competition for all the district’s diving teams this season, but will she accomplish her goal of making it to state? Only time will tell.
SPORTS 12
10/6/09
Senior serves aces on and off the court Brianne Kopp STAFF REPORTER Both singles and doubles are no match against senior Ian Downey’s success. Beginning just six years ago, Downey worked diligently to make his fit as a tennis player. “When I first started playing, I took lessons and I rapidly got better,” said Downey. “This was essential to my tennis game to come.” Playing from the heart, Downey admits his favorite part of tennis has to be the doubles run-around. When conditioning with the team, Downey goes for the challenge. His favorite way to condition is running hills, simply because the level of difficulty is harder. While aggressively hitting the ball and one-upping his opponent, there is one thing going through his mind: do whatever it takes to win. Focusing on just tennis, Downey fills his other free time by hanging out with friends, flirting with girls and going to the
gym. While on off-season, staying in shape can be difficult. However, finding a hobby in working out and running makes Downey’s job a lot easier. “I go to the gym every day and run typically between three to four times a week,” said Downey. Beyond just staying in shape and showing up for
practice, there is one other thing keeping Downey motivated. His parents play an active role by showing up to the matches; they provide major support and suggestions for improvement. “The apple not falling far from the tree” might be true in this case, since initially he found his passion for the game because of his mom. “My mom was a good tennis player, and I thought I’d pick it up with ease,” said Downey. Along with getting him into tennis, Downey’s parents are also his role models. They give him great advice when it comes to tennis and life in general. Managing his time well, Downey currently upholds a 3.4 GPA, with high hopes for a good senior year. Downey plans on attending WSU. Finishing off his last season as a Raven player, Downey wants any future players to know to start as early as possible. PHOTO BY BRIANNE KOPP
In your face, Downey aced!