Auburn Riverside Student Voice MARCH 24, 2015 • VOLUME 20 • ISSUE #5
Opinion Reality TV distorts truth, dampens intellect 2
InFlight Mar 24, 2015
De’Ja Heard Staff Reporter Reality TV. The new way to get into celebrities’ lives seeing them laugh, cry, and sometimes even fight. Back in the early 2000s, reality TV was about family, seeing your favorite superstar eat a bowl of cereal, or getting an inside look on someone’s great, or average life. MTV was especially good at these types of reality TV shows, with shows like Pimp my Ride or Cribs. But the truth is, reality TV is not real. Seeing what makes your favorite people laugh or get angry, seeing people’s lives get changed, seeing the “inside scoop” on someone’s every day. It’s all not real. Today, reality TV is a part of our daily lives. Generally, reality TV is a group of women or men who don’t like each other, who talk behind each other’s backs, argue, fight, and somewhere in between, are considered “friends.” Many young kids these days find role models in people like Kim Kardashion or Nene Leaks instead of inspirational teenagers on Disney Channel such as Zendaya Coleman, or Demi Lovato. “They are making money for doing crazy stuff,” Junior Ethan Skoniakoff said.
Adversely, Junior Alinah-Rose Ibana thinks that, “[Reality TV stars] want that lifestyle, making fast money. [They] don’t want to work hard to be successful.” Reality TV is a waste of time. We should be watching current news in the world and around us. We should be seeing real talent from singers and athletes, or watching ground breaking stories. Instead, TV programmers want us to fantasize and see the personal world of the utmost rich and famous. Reality TV is taking away privacy, not only for the people on TV, but for us regular people. We want our lives to have the same importance and validity as Kylie Jenner. The main reason why we watch reality TV is because we want to see adults get angry, throw, and fight people over something not so relevant. “[People who watch reality TV] are bored with their own life,” junior June Lee said. “And it is also by nature for every human to be nosy in another human’s life.” My overall opinion of reality TV is that it’s a waste of talent and time, and we should want to watch—or even go outside—and see what else our planet offers.
PHOTOS COURTESY CREATIVE COMMONS LICENSE, WIKIMEDIA.ORG
Collective persuasion of social media inhibits masses Cameron Fairchild Staff Reporter Think back to the last major event in your life you didn’t share with your friends on the internet. Think of the last cool place you visited that you didn’t Snapchat about or take a selfie next to. Social apps, in all their multitudes, have given us a platform to record and respond to the events that populate both our lives and the lives of around us. Not only has social media become the newest major form of popular culture, they have reprogrammed the way human beings interact with the world.
InFlight
editor-in-chief Mackenzie Brown business manager Karlee Johnson photographer Dylan Johnston social media editor Jude Hanno cover photo courtesy Paul Dudley adviser Patrick Swenson
staff reporters Aaron Baker Jesse Eisenbacher Cameron Fairchild Alyssa Ferry Jude Hanno De’Ja Heard Karlee Johnson Dylan Johnston Sara Koenig Kinsey Miller Jessica Perez Sasha Terry
And it truly is the entire world, too. Anyone can be followed on Twitter, regardless of country. Skype or FaceTime can bring us face to face with someone thousands of miles away. Multiplying forms of communication have made our voices far louder than shouting ever will. The audiences we can reach become far grander. The passive art of communicating through messaging and picture-taking becomes addictive, and far more rewarding than verbal communication. Human beings are not only being impressed willingly into a collective state of behavior—something happens, it goes online—but also into the “world” that social media has created. We get our news from the internet, if at all, and the success of reactionary political comedians—your Jon
InFlight policies InFlight is compiled by the student newspaper staff at Auburn Riverside High School, 501 Oravetz Road, Auburn, WA 98092. The InFlight staff strives to maintain accurate and objective reporting for our stories. However, opinion stories are included. Any commentary which is signed by the author accounts for his or her opinion only, and not necessarily that of anyone else on staff. An unsigned editorial reflects the majority opinion of the InFlight staff. InFlight accepts student, faculty, and community members’ letters to the editor,
Stewarts and John Olivers—among young audiences is merely one indication of our ironic detachment from the world around us even as its entirety becomes available to us. Pop culture is no longer just the movie you watched or the book you read; it is how the world at large responds to and marginalizes the material into a set of jokes or memes or responses that can be filtered through one of 50 popular Twitter identities all posting the same material. “Twitter activism” is another major indicator of our detachment, and before you argue, tell me again how you changed the world by sharing your opinion in less than 140 characters? The most ineffective form of protest exists, and it is the internet’s invention.
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To say the vast majority of us have been brainwashed may be an extreme statement, but there is no doubt in my mind that smartphone culture and the social media revolution have created a more passive populous, content to listen to others and filter the world through a safe, bright screen. Social media is on a course to defeat individualism as it streamlines communication through the masses and rewards passive forms of communication through systems like “favoriting” on Twitter or the arbitrary points mechanism on Snapchat. Social media is rapidly overtaking the lives of youth, dooming the future to a life of vicarious existence.
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Opinion 3 Online dating proves risk not worth reward
Auburn Riverside High School
Sara Koenig Staff Reporter Everybody is always on the search for a boyfriend, a girlfriend, a friend with benefits, or just a companionship. It’s basically wired into our brains. As humans we yearn to have some kind of connection with other humans. The introverts of our race just don’t like having that companionship sprung on them; that’s okay, you do, you introverts. With technological advancements, however, humans have created a new kind of companionship, one over virtual spans, a connection through the internet. This kind of connecting brings about an entirely new type of relationship...but can a virtual relationship be a good relationship? Personally, I think that there are both good and bad things about online dating. You can connect with people who you wouldn’t otherwise meet, both nearby where you are or very far away. But there are a lot
of things to dislike about online dating as well. There is no defined “good” relationship, but there are defined bad ones. If your significant other abuses you, physically, verbally, or even virtually, then your relationship is categorized as a bad relationship. A virtual relationship can overcome insurmountable distance, but it also creates difficulty with time zones. What if you start to like someone from across the world? One of you is bound to lose sleep in order to hold a conversation. Another common peril of online dating is catfishing. Catfishing is when someone uses someone else’s photos and a fake profile to trick someone online into believing that they are something they’re not in the search for their end goal. There is even an entire show on Catfishing due to the astounding number of victims where two guys help “ordinary” people meet the people who are they’re dating online. In most instances, the mystery party
is a catfish. However, in my opinion, most of the poor suckers that are chosen to be filmed in each episode are completely and utterly stupid. That’s not to say that everyone who is catfished is stupid. I’m sure that most realistic situations where people are catfished just
involve one party being somewhat naive and the other party being manipulative. To all the catfish out there? Quit being jerks. Overall, putting ones trust into someone you’ve never met is always means for speculation.
ILLUSTRATION BY SARA KOENIG
In many cases, with a technique called catfishing, internet users will use a fake photo as an online profile picture.
Social media spawns predatory male behavior Jude Hanno Staff Reporter
Meeting potential love interests on the internet has become a new fad. From apps like “Hot or Not” to “Meet Me,” you hear many teenagers nowadays talking about falling in love via these popular social networking sites. There has been so much fuss about so many of these apps that I decided to check them out. The first one I created an account for was “Hot or Not,” and immediately saw multiple students from this school gracing the fabulous confines of this app. If you have an account on here, I’ve probably seen you. Basically, in order to use this app, you put three or more pictures of yourself, and people in your area have the option of rating you either hot or not, and if you rate each other hot, you make a connection and have the option of messaging and becoming more familiar with each other. This app grinds my gears for a number of reason, because it can either be the biggest confidence booster or the worst thing to ever happen to your self esteem. People are rating you based off of the way you look in a picture and then deciding whether or not they even want to connect with you at all. The other reason I wish I had never made an account for this app is for the hot list: a profile feature that shows the “hottest” people in your area, but it’s total bullshit because anyone can easily get on the “Hot” list just by using the app too much and being online constantly. Another popular app used to meet people online is “Meet Me.” The company describes itself as “the leading social network for meeting new people in the US,” but it’s actually just a site for thirsty boys
to get nudes. With a layout similar to Facebook, you can find potential interests and “talk to them.” While I have had a plethora of friends find success using this app, I haven’t had much luck at all in even having a decent conversation with anyone. Although I did not find this as successful as “Hot or Not,” the only thing upsetting is the type of people to use it and the environment as opposed to the app itself. Although I attempted all of this experimentally and not at all to find a potential love interest, it was still difficult to even pretend. Finding someone you click with online is just hard. You don’t get to meet the person face-to-face for a while and when people are behind a screen, they can be totally different than how they are in real life social interactions. Another app that doesn’t revolve around the idea of finding a significant other but just to meet new people and make new friends is Kik. Not only has it aided many people in creating life long internet friends, it’s also a fun app to use to find potential romantic partners. The idea of a “kik bae” has made a big mark on the network and although most of them might be just for fun flirtationships, others can aid you in meeting people you want to spend forever with. Meeting people online can be a lot of fun, but if you go into it attempting to find a potential love interest, you won’t have very much fun using them. I recommend kik above all other social networking sites for meeting new people, especially in just a friendly environment.
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Opinion
InFlight Mar 24, 2015
Turnip for what? Not school lunch are few good snacks in the vending machines anymore. In actuality, as much as I wish that the vending machines still had potato chips and As soon as Michelle Obama started candy bars, this food change is one of the few promoting healthier foods in schools, we that’s actually probably a good thing. Everyknew a change was coming. It started in the thing in those vending machines was very lunch line, spread to the student store, then unhealthy and students really don’t need to it was the vending machines, and now...now, be buying anything out of them when they everything is different. There are rarely oponly have to make it 3-4 hours to lunch tions other than the predetermined daily time. A small change like that can make a choices, such as chicken burgers, pizza, soup, big difference in the diets of students who salad, and potatoes, most of which, due to used to visit the machines every day. things that our school really can’t control, The one problem I do have with the suck. vending machines doesn’t come from the When you hear these options, you food, it comes from the drinks. Half of think that school lunches could actuthe vending machines in the school are ally be good, or at least tolerable. For sold out of water all the time. I’m not the price, school lunches really aren’t even entirely sure they refill them, beworth it. The chicken burgers are just cause going to them at 8 a.m. is not soon chicken slapped between whole wheat enough to find one that isn’t sold out of bread, the pizza is the same stuff you water. The one time I was able to successgot in middle school, and the salad bar fully find one that didn’t say “sold out” is an absolute zoo. when I clicked water dispensed me Diet They don’t even have fries anyCoke. It was 8 a.m… When you are really more, just potatoes. My freshman year, thirsty for water in the morning, one of they had the most heavenly tater tots the worst things imaginable is getting a you could imagine. Four years later, Diet Coke. Really Michelle Obama? Was I won’t even bother with the potato the intent of your healthy food initiative mash that replaced what were once reto give students Diet Coke instead of waally good fries. ter? Probably not. Many students are just completely Overall, Michelle Obama is trying opting out of lunch, or indulging in to do a good thing. It’s just an idea that foods like chips and beef jerky as subreally needs to be improved. There are stitutes. so many flaws, not only with what she According to Michelle Obama’s is promoting in schools, the idea that is website, letsmove.gov, the changes that driving students to consume lunches that have been made are to include “more are actually more unhealthy than she whole grains, fruits, and vegetables; planned, but also with our school. Until low-fat milk dairy products; and less we can figure out how and with what we sodium and fat.” This is true, and we’ve PHOTO BY MACKENZIE BROWN should fill our vending machines, they’re noticed. It’s gotten to the point where Some students, including senior Ben Seligman, choose to eat a lunch of beef jerky and cookies, instead of the probably a waste of time. school food is not even tolerable.
Mackenzie Brown Editor-in-Chief
Every so often, the school and its students are blessed with a “Hot-Spot” meal, in which the advanced culinary arts students prepare a plate that is actually quite good. In fact, the “Hot-Spot” meals are usually restaurant quality. Other than that, there is no situation in which a student can win unless they choose a lunch of salad and goldfish crackers, which actually isn’t that bad. I just highly doubt that Michelle Obama’s intentions were to scare kids out of eating. The student store, when compared to
how it used to be, is pretty bad. The worst part is, we know that the students and administrators who run it are doing all they can to provide food that’s good, but also meets the new health code standards. It’s hard, and they definitely don’t deserve harsh statements, because there’s really nothing that they can do about the changes that had to be made. The vending machines have also been affected in the worst way possible. Everything. Is. Spicy. Why? Is spicy healthy? I really do not know, but I do know that there
meals the lunch line provides.
Risque baristas face unjust judgement Karlee Johnson Staff Reporter Since the creation of the “bikini barista coffee house,” we all have had a similar thought: “Why are they even a thing?” It’s generally believed that these bikini barista locations are for guys only, which is why the girls aren’t fully clothed. For those who have never ventured to a bikini barista location, you’d be surprised to find that they actually do serve quality coffee. Those girls who work at the coffee shop are far different than how they probably appear. What they are doing is a job, and sure, the job requires some things that people may not agree with, but it’s in fact their decision and their way of getting paid. Most of the women who work at these kinds of coffee shops are just comfortable with their
bodies and don’t mind showing them off to get good tips in a place that isn’t a strip club. Just like normal coffee shops, the ladies who work at the stands are extremely kind and thoughtful, always asking about your day. Although they aren’t the typical person you would see yourself getting coffee from, they aren’t the worst people in the world. I used to be strongly opinionated when it came to going any place like this, until I really needed some coffee one day and the only stand near was a bikini barista location. I was scared at what my experience was going to be like. When I first went to the bikini barista shop, it was definitely a new experience. I’ve never been in such an awkward position like that before, but after I ordered my drink I became more comfortable because the woman behind the counter was just a friendly person. It’s not that
uncommon for her to see ladies come through, probably because she’s used to it. She is just a normal person like everyone else in the world. Getting coffee from someone with half their clothes off isn’t the worst thing. Although it may put you in an awkward position, I would really recommend going to any bikini barista coffee shop. They offer some really great coffee, and some outstanding service. Keep in mind that the girls that work there are there to work and make tips, so that they are able to pay bills. The coffee shop gives the girls an opportunity to work, even if it has to do with serving coffee half naked.
PHOTO COURTESY ABCNEWS.COM
While dressing according to the code assigned by their place of business, these young women face undue judgement.
News
Auburn Riverside High School
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ASB strives for change, involvement Sasha Terry Staff Reporter ASB is continually spreading kindness and leadership throughout the school. After their success of the Tolo dance, they are bringing up new ideas and fund-raisers this spring. They will be fund raising with a benefit volleyball tournament for the “We the Children” program for Haiti and to raise money for their health care. The volleyball tournament was held March 14 at 6 p.m. at Riverside. The All-State volleyball team was competing that night too. Senior Precious Atafua is excited to play with her teammates again. She is glad that ASB is fund-raising for Haiti and health care. “I think it’s great that they’re doing that,” Atafua said. Senior Jessica Fulford believes the tournament will help the community because the fund-raiser will make a huge difference by lending a helping hand to the people in Haiti. “The volleyball tournament is a fun way to bring everyone together. It will be focusing on benefitting the community of Haiti,” Fulford said. ASB organized a food drive that started on March 2 and ended on March 13. All second period classes com-
peted against each other to win a donut party for the most food donated. Our school also competed against the other Auburn schools to win bragging rights. The food drive is a good way to help those in the community that are in need outside of school. There was also a fund-raiser for Bob Jones, who has cancer and is a staff member in the Auburn school district. The elections for next year’s ASB class will be coming soon on April 3. ASB is devoting their time and generosity to help the community of Auburn Riverside and outside of the school. ASB will continue passing positivity throughout the school and they will prepare more ideas before summer.
PHOTO BY CAMERON FAIRCHILD
The students in ASB have been working around the clock to improve and strengthen Riverside.
SkillsUSA draped in gold Jessica Perez Staff Reporter The Puget Sound regional SkillsUSA competitions were held this past month and a murder of Ravens swooped down and devoured the competition. Riverside earned 23 medals out of the 10 competitions. In the State Pin Design, Adrian Tong took a gold medal and Travis Tran took a silver medal. In the Quiz Bowl, team two, which was made up of Travis Tran, Thomas Arline, Keegan Stanphill, Colin Overturf, and Colby Tong, worked hard and brought back a gold medal. Team one, made up of Allen Acosta, Kyle Porter, Kyle Wuerch, Adrian Tong, and Hanaa Hameed, did great as well and won a bronze medal. In the Related Technical Math category, Kyle Wuerch won a gold medal, Adrian Tong brought back a silver medal, and Harrison Tyrie received a bronze medal.
In Cabinet Making, Walter Harris won the bronze medal. In Basic Electronics, the gold medal was won by Karla Castro and Jonathan Sanchez received a silver medal. In Electronic Technology, Matthew Dickson received a gold medal. The silver medal went to Ryan Rogers. A bronze medal was won by Brandon Brisbane-Ressler. The gold medal for Job Skills Demo went to Keegan Stanphill. Thomas Arline won a silver medal, and the bronze medal went to Harrison Tyrie. Job Interview was divided up into three groups. Group A received a gold medal and a silver medal. Group B received a gold medal and a bronze medal. The last group, Group C, received a gold, silver and a bronze medal! The Honorable Mentions went to Colin Overturf for IT Maintenance Technician, Caitlyn McFarland for Photography, and to Boone Tate for Cabinet Making.
PHOTO COURTESY BILL SUMNER
The Skills USA team dominated the regional competition collecting a total of 23 medals among their 18 club participants.
Senior Portfolios Jesse Eisenbacher Staff Reporter Senior portfolios are due May 19, and the scramble to complete them is on. A completed portfolio is required to graduate. This year, the requirements have been shortened. Fewer papers need to be put into the portfolio, meaning less work for seniors. “I like the shortened portfolios, and how I don’t have to spend all of my time trying to get it completed, compared to students in previous years,” senior Evan Bailey said. Tools such as printouts and lists for what is required in the portfolio are available online on the school website for instant access for students. Though it may seem difficult, all information is under the “Resources” tab on the school website. It has many guidelines to help students complete their portfolios. Without resources like these, seniors would not be able to finish their portfolios without help from a teacher or administrator. “I didn’t know about the online tool,” sophomore Marcus Kingsburg said. “I wish teachers would let students know about these tools more.” This is appreciated by students because the time spent on portfolios is now shortened. Many seniors have not had to stay after school to complete it, and are more likely to turn their portfolios in on time. However, if you need help compiling your portfolio, there are meetings every Wednesday before and after school in the career center. In order to turn in any late, completed portfolios, students have to have an interview with a local business, get a signature of proof on the back of their business card, and it must be turned into not only your advisor, but also a member of the school district. Hopefully all seniors are turning in their completed portfolios, or at least beginning to create the binders that will give them a ticket to their graduation day.
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Feature
InFlight Mar 24, 2015
Fallen Raven’s spirit endures Aaron Baker Staff Reporter Our Raven family lost a member on Monday, February 23, 2015. Nick Konkler battled leukemia since he was just three years old. His battle was long and hard fought, and his determination and valor provides an example that we should all follow.
Konkler is remembered by his friends as a positive, happy person. An inspiration to all those around him, especially his close friends and family. “I was always looking up to him,” junior Stori Freelund said. “He always kept strong, he never stopped smiling, he taught me to continue living life the way I wanted to live it and not to listen to anyone else and whatever they had to say if I didn’t want to, and to just focus on my own goals and dreams. He was a really happy kid. Even though he had cancer, he didn’t like to focus on that. He liked to focus on the better
Above: Konkler poses for a photo with his mom. Right: A younger Konkler enjoys himself at “Camp Goodtimes,” an annual summer camp dedicated to youth cancer patients and survivors.
things in life, and I hope people realize that it didn’t bring him down. It only made him stronger.” The school has put forth efforts commemorating Konkler, including creating a paper-link chain across the hallways in colors that were important to Konkler and his cause. The first girls lacrosse game was also dedicated to his legacy. Nick had a warm smile and an open heart. He touched many peoples lives with who he was as a person and as a member of the community. “We were close up until the end of junior year, and then we sort of split apart,” junior Jesus Camarillo, a close friend of Konkler’s, said. “I didn’t really get to say my good-byes. We didn’t really have a strong connection at the end.” Nick Konkler was an important part of Riverside history. He is not only a part of important alumni, but also a beloved person. Nick’s passion for all aspects of cars and his fun-loving nature shall not be forgotten. “He’s an amazing human being,” Camarillo said. “His inspiration goes beyond that. Look at his accomplishments and all the goals that he made. His life was limited, you need to understand that he didn’t even get a chance to be an adult. I’d say he’s still a kid. He died young. So that should be a clearer way of saying that you still have a long road ahead of you.” Konkler was a beloved institution within the school. He will be sorely missed, but never forgotten.
PHOTO COURTESY PAUL DUDLEY
Lowered Drinking Age
73% Students share their opinion on current topics and pop culture
St. Patty’s Day
57%
Most of these votes probably came from students who have been pinched one too many times for not owning or wanting to wear anything green.
Pranks
67%
Pranks are always fun when you’re the one who gets to watch all the chaos. When you’re on the receiving end, however...
The thought of any person under the age of 21 being able to drink legally is a very scary thought.
Shortened Student Portfolio
77%
As seniors get ready to get as far away from school as they can, this shortened senior graduation requirement can really only be seen as a blessing.
Progress Reports
66%
It is very hard to be flunking your classes so early in the semester. Progress reports just show your parents that you’re doing great (for now).
Spring Break
89%
School sucks. Spring break doesn’t.
Feature
Auburn Riverside High School
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April Fool’s pranks taken to extreme measures Alyssa Ferry Staff Reporter April Fool’s Day is an annual holiday celebrated on April 1.It consists of jokes, pranks, and sweet revenge. These pranks date back centuries, and vary in severity. April 1 is also known as All Fool’s Day, due to those who transitioned to the Gregorian calendar making fun of those who chose not to. New year’s was once celebrated on April 1, but the Gregorian calendar shifted it to January 1. Faux celebrations were in place and plenty of teasing was beheld; the tradition never quite died out. “My brother peed in my bed while I was sleeping once,” freshman Madison Woods said. “It was horrible. I’ve also been hit by water balloons before school by my neighbors.” Even if one doesn’t participate, the clever jokes can’t help but be appreciated. From traditional to innovative. “I’ve seen too many people walk into cellophane that’s been stretched across a door, but it’s still funny,” senior Kevin Harris said.
Creative pranks can go from small to large scale. As simple as telling a friend that you’re moving to a foreign country, and as mentally complex as shifting everything in a person’s locker slightly every day. “My friend called me; she was in hysterics and told me that she was moving. It scared me so badly,” freshman Ashley Gain said. Many people let loose on the holiday, no restrictions, no limits, and no regrets attached to their pranking. After all, it is a holiday to make fun of those that are most gullible. Though ideas are always better than the realization that if you pulled it off, you may be caught in a few weeks of grounding. “I wanted to walk up to my mom, and all I was going to say was, ‘The condom broke,’” freshman Bryan Cubillos said. “I feel like her reaction would be priceless, but she would really be so mad if I told her it was just a joke.” Hopefully such extreme measures aren’t ever executed. Revenge is a dish best served cold, and it’s always more satisfying than previously thought. “To get back at my brother, I’m
going to fill his pillowcases with dirt, and I’m planning on getting my neighbors back with the water balloons,” Woods said. As April 1 rolls around, watch your
heads, feet, and doorways. And be careful with any pranks that may go awry.
PHOTO COURTESY CREATIVE COMMONS LICENSE, WIKIMEDIA.ORG
One type of prank commonly chosen by high school students is to Saran Wrap a friend’s car. It can be done by taking a couple rolls and running them around and under the car until it is wrapped entirely.
New teacher gets artsy Kinsey Miller Staff Reporter
for the rest of the year and years to come. “I want to continue to build a strong program and encourage students to take art classes,” Miller said. Aside from seeing Miller in the Art room, you can see him on the court coaching basketball. He has been the girls basketball JV coach for two years. He also started coaching the high jump, triple jump and long jump this year for track.
There is a new teacher in the building. I repeat. There is a new teacher in the building. Everyone go say hello to returning Raven Christian Miller, a longtime fan. “I love Riverside! I’ve always been a Raven and rooted for ARHS sports and programs even while working in other buildings,” Miller said. Miller, who graduated in 2005, is the new art teacher. After high school, Miller attended Central Washington University and majored in Social Sciences, specializing in Sociology. “I can read your mind,” Miller said. He graduated in 2009 from CWU and has been teaching for 5 years. He has also done numerous side jobs involving art. “I contracted works to design backdrops and program covers,” Miller said. Miller knows many teachers, even having some of them as teachers himself. “It was a little weird when I first came back to coach a couple of years ago. But, I had a great high school experience and built strong relationships with staff members. It’s a blessing to be back,” he said. “There is an incredPHOTO BY DYLAN JOHNSTON ible staff here!” Christian Miller, a graduate of Riverside, has returned to his Although he hasn’t been here alma mater as the new art teacher. the whole year, Miller has goals
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Feature
InFlight Mar 24, 2015
Auburn Riverside High School
Bob Jones celebrated with auction Cameron Fairchild Staff Reporter
Over 60 desserts and dozens of auction items were sold off. High sellers included a small boat and a walking tour through CenturyLink Field with Doug Baldwin. The event raised over $18,000 for Bob Jones.
On April 3, Bonney Lake High School sponsored an auction in honor of Bob Jones, who has been battling pancreatic cancer for almost two years. Jones, Auburn High School’s Athletics Director and servant of the Auburn School District for over 30 years, is one of Auburn’s most well-known and respected individuals. Sumner High School held its annual benefit night in honor of Jones. The event took place over MidWinter Break on the 17 and 18 of March. The event, a two-night talent show featuring Sumner students, raised over $11,000 for Jones. The benefit kicked off a veritable fund-raising season for the AHS veteran. Bonney Lake held the auction at 7:00 p.m. in their Commons. The two hour event featured a buffet dinner at $20 a plate, a photo booth, a silent auction, dessert auction, and a live auction. The huge event was masterminded by the ASBs of Auburn Riverside, Auburn High, Auburn Mountainview, Sumner, and Bonney PHOTO COURTESY MERI BENEDICT Lake High School. The five ASB advisers spearheaded the operation, which found the five schools staying af- Bob Jones, Auburn High School’s athletics advisor and long-time school district employee, has been fighting cancer for almost two years. ter school for several hours to put on the event.
Students face pressure on all sides
“It’s not fair that they expect so much from us,” sophomore Brooklyn Forte said. “They went to school and know how stressful it is, and now that they’re not in school they Students here, and students everywhere, experience a think it’s whatever, and they think we don’t get stressed.” lot of pressure from their parents and peers. With school, Parents need to try to understand students are doing the chores, and to some, work, students find themselves juggling best they can, and that they need support from them. They multiple things in one day. shouldn’t be the ones making the load heavier. “You can’t get everything done, especially if you’re in Parents aren’t the only ones putting pressure on stuAP classes,” sophomore Taylor Berkley said. With more and dents; bosses and even friends push the limits sometimes more pressures in students’ lives, they find themselves hav- too. For example, you have a big test in two days you have ing messy schedules. “I get like five hours of sleep and never to pass and your boss calls you and says you absolutely have have any time for myself,” Berkley said. to work the day before the big test, meaning you won’t have Not getting enough sleep is very bad, especially for time to study for it. Obviously you’re going to be stressed teens. According to the National Sleep Foundation, lack of out over the test. Let’s say on top of that you got into a fight sleep can limit your ability to learn, listen, concentrate and with your best friend the night before because you didn’t solve problems. You may even forget important information make time for her/him. This adds more and more stress to like names, numbers, or your homework. This may effect your overflowing bucket of stress. your performance at school Sometimes the people or work. With so much to in our lives don’t underdo, students find themselves stand that there are other blaming their parents for responsibilities that may putting so much pressure need to be put before them. on them. This pressure from parents, According to Combosses, and friends begins munity Center for Famto pile up and eventually ily Counseling, “Children students get tired of it. Acneed encouragement just as cording to National Dropplants need water. Parents out Prevention Center, the can encourage children by fifth most common reason focusing on their assets and students drop out of school strengths, thereby building is because they cannot keep their self-confidence and up with their school work. PHOTO BY SARA KOENIG self-esteem.” Parents should Students experience focus more on encouraging Parents put so much pressure on their children, even to the point many pressures throughout where they will watch them over their shoulder until they finish their their child, not forcing them homework. their lives, and when those to stay up all night and do pressures begin to pile up, extra work when they don’t students can’t always haneven have time for their regular homework. They should dle it. Instead of putting more and more expectations and also lift their child up and make them feel like they can do pressures on students, parents should focus on encouraging whatever they set their mind to, instead of yelling at them. them and making them feel confident in their work.
Jessica Perez Staff Reporter
Feature
9
Karlee’s Couple Corner: Do long term relationships work out? Depending on who the people are, and if they are both willing to put in the same amount of effort to make their relationship work. Some will say that being long distance has done nothing but help them last in the long run, while others might say that it just doesn’t work. You can’t just say that it won’t work until you have tried. Long distance is tricky, you have to have trust with one another. If you don’t have trust then there should be no relationship.
How do you talk to your “crush” and get them to ask you to Prom? Getting someone to notice you is actually really hard. Before you jump ahead and think that you need this someone to be your girlfriend/boyfriend, you have to create a friendship. If you don’t see this person as your friend, then they probably wouldn’t make the best relationship. Create a friendship if possible; that way you can see where things might go. This way it is easier for you both to talk. If you feel like the feelings are there, go for it and tell that person how you feel. You never know if they have the same exact feelings for you and they were just waiting until they knew that you had mutual feelings as well. As to the Prom question, it is not just the guy that can ask someone to Prom. Girls are perfectly capable too. Take a chance, he/she can only say one of two things and if it isn’t the answer you wanted it is not the end of the world.
Should you use “love” in a high school relationship? Love is a very strong word. I believe you can love someone at any point in life, but there are times when you should say it and other times where people misuse the word. When you love someone, you know, but you also need to use the word very cautiously. Having these feelings for someone and then not having them back can be devastating. To answer the question should the word be used in high school? If you really know that you love that special someone, then go for it, but if you are saying it with no meaning, then no, it shouldn’t be used so harshly. A lot of people love and marry their high school sweethearts, so yes, love does exist in high school.
Perfect date from a girl’s perspective. The perfect date isn’t about how much money goes into it. Good dates are the ones that are spontaneous. Everything should just go naturally. All a girl wants is to know that you are into them and that you wouldn’t want to be anywhere else at that time but only with her. You may think that girls have all these high expectations—and sometimes we do— but the only thing we would like is to be taken out so that we are reminded that we are special.
—Karlee Johnson
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Feature
InFlight Mar 24, 2015
Who’s behind locker #...
Freshman
Brennon Boger-Martinez 5072 InFlight: What is your favorite quote? BM: I can’t remember. Something about fear of self. InFlight: What is your favorite color? BM: Blue. InFlight: Who is your favorite band/artist? BM: Jason Derulo. InFlight: What would your future career choice be? BM: C.S.I. InFlight: How often do you use your locker? BM: Not much, but a little first period. InFlight: What is your favorite animal? BM: Koala. InFlight: What genre of music do you listen to? BM: Hip-Hop. InFlight: What do you think would be the hardest thing to give up? BM: My friends and family. InFlight: Do you love or hate roller coasters? BM: I love them. InFlight: What is your favorite movie? BM: Monster’s University. InFlight: What do you enjoy doing in your free time? BM: Football, hanging out with friends.
Sophomore
Karissa Miller 7322
InFlight: What is your favorite season? KM: Summer. InFlight: What are your pet peeves? KM: People who chew with their mouth open. InFlight: What is your astrological sign? KM: Gemini. InFlight: Do you rely on social media to go throughout the day? KM: No. InFlight: Who is your favorite superhero? KM: Spiderman. InFlight: What motivates you to work hard? KM: My brother and sister. InFlight: Hardest class you have taken at ARHS? KM: AP Euro. InFlight: What sports team do you root for? KM: Seahawks. InFlight: What is your favorite food? KM: Pasta. InFlight: Do you consider yourself outgoing or shy? Why? KM: Outgoing. It depends on the day. InFlight: What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? KM: Strawberry.
Senior
Junior
Jacob Diolata 8119
InFlight: What are you most passionate about? JD: Dance. InFlight: What is your favorite subject? JD: Japanese class. InFlight: If you could change one thing about the world what would it be? JD: Greed. InFlight: How would you describe school in three words? JD: Fun, Tiring, Boring. InFlight: What is your dream car? JD: Mitsubishi EVO. InFlight: Do you prefer iPhone or Android? JD: iPhone. InFlight: What is your favorite drink? JD: Vitamin Water. InFlight: Who is your favorite teacher? JD: Mrs. Newcomb. InFlight: What is your dream vacation spot? JD: Philippines. InFlight: Do you have a favorite book and or author? JD: No. InFlight: What are you looking forward to this summer? JD: Hanging out.
Mika Gil 7148
InFlight: What’s your favorite board game? MG: Cards Against Humanity. InFlight: If you could have a superpower, what would it be? MG: Time travel. InFlight: How long does it take for you to get ready in the morning? MG: 45 minutes. InFlight: How many pairs of shoes do you own? MG: 25. InFlight: Who is your role model? MG: My parents. InFlight: What are your plans after the school year? MG: Go to SPU. InFlight: What are your plans for spring break? MG: Hang out with my friends. InFlight: Netflix or Hulu Plus? MG: Netflix. InFlight: What is your spirit animal? MG: Koala. InFlight: What is your favorite thing about Riverside? MG: The pep asembles. InFlight: If you could be any celebrity, who would it be? MG: Beyonce.
Auburn Riverside High School
Arts and Entertainment
11
Smoke + Mirrors proves an illusion Aaron Baker Staff Reporter The golden age of Imagine Dragons has come to an abrupt end, following the release of their latest, and worst to date, album Smoke + Mirrors. It seems the band has forgotten that the purpose of modern music is to communicate thoughts and evoke emotion. The only emotion that I experienced listening to this album was disgust. With an atonal resonance and no definite end to a single song on the album, I nearly abandoned all hope after the first 10 minutes. Had the album ended after the first two tracks, I might have actually enjoyed it as a whole. Once the track “Smoke + Mirrors” (ironically the album’s namesake) came around, however, the album dissolved into, to put it generously, white noise. Naturally, it isn’t as if the entire album was a waste of time. The first track, “Shots,” was very nearly enjoyable. Perhaps its use of harmonic tones, or lack thereof, was hard to get used to, but otherwise it wasn’t too shabby. Similarly, the album’s 18th track, “Warriors,” was bearable, at best. It was certainly the only track that benefited from the boon of brevity. While there was no apparent meaning to the lyrics, it had a catchy melody at the very least. It’s the only track I was able to bring myself to listen to twice. I was once again pleasantly surprised by the 21st track,
“Who We Are.” I was certainly impressed that the band found the ability to convey meaningful lyrics in a song after writing 20 other pieces lacking any cohesive self. Unfortunately, it seems that every track on the album either had a worthwhile melody or bearable lyrics, but never both. If the band had simply strayed from attempting to use atonal harmonies, thus creating dissonance for no reason, and learned how to finish a song, the album may have been worthwhile. The track “Smoke + Mirrors,” specifically, was practically impossible to listen to due to these reasons. Despite a few memorable moments, there’s just no point in buying an entire album to listen to three songs. While I rarely consider anything a waste of time, as in every lesson, however tedious it may be, there is something to be learned, I cannot honestly say that this album was worth the money I spent on it. I would be hard pressed to say anything good about this album as a whole while retaining my ethical code. Thus, without a shred of doubt, this album was a waste of time and money.
Kimmy Schmidt shines Cameron Fairchild Staff Reporter Netflix has notched another quality program in its belt, proving once more that internet-made original content has a place in the TV landscape. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, the brainchild/spiritual successor of Tina Fey’s 30 Rock, is an upbeat but complex show that, like the best of Netflix’s shows, defies simple description. Schmidt focuses on the titular character, played by a revelatory Ellie Kemper (The Office), one of four women trapped in a bunker by charismatic doomsday preacher/DJ Reverend Wayne ( Jon Hamm). Discovered by a SWAT team, Schmidt desperately attempts to shirk her embarrassing past and create a new life for herself in New York City. The premise is perfect, brilliantly giving Kemper room to explore one of the most honest and complex female characters on TV. Fey’s writing talent extends all throughout her primarily female cast, and, in similar fashion to 30 Rock, has a way of instantly coloring in one-off characters as hilarious and complex in their own right. Strong character work is tempered by the occasional dearth of plot; some episodes tend to drag or contribute little to the narrow through-line. Like any show prepped for binge-watching, the episodes also have a tendency to bleed together, which isn’t the best model for a sitcom to take on. Kimmy
Imagine Dragons’ latest album disappoints in every regard. The popular rock band has lost the credibility that they built on their first album. Smoke + Mirrors is to be skipped at all costs.
Artist of the Issue: The Front Bottoms Alyssa Ferry Staff Reporter
Schmidt hasn’t entirely figured out whether it’s an ensemble piece or a very singular story, and still hasn’t committed to a formula. This is, at times, a daring and worthwhile risk; other times the show just feels like it’s floundering. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt is nevertheless a strong and hilarious comedy featuring excellent performances and a killer cliffhanger. Of Netflix’s Original Programs, it easily graces the top of the line.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CREATIVE COMMONS LICENSE, WIKIMEDIA.ORG
Brian Sella (left) and Matthew Uychich (right) have been a part of The Front Bottoms since the beginning.
5 songs you should know: 1. Twin Size Mattress 2. Peach 3. Lipstick Covered Magnet 4. Legit Tattoo Gun 5. Jim Bogart
The Front Bottoms is an all boy band consisting of a mere two members with a long history. They have released four albums, one self-released, and have continued a reputation of alternative/ indie rock music to please all. Many of their songs consist of loud drums and bass, and lyrics with extreme metaphors. Their songs relate mainly to women, and loss, but they have others that give one a sense of freedom and rebellion. The Front Bottoms began in New Jersey. They’re considered an American Indie band and just last year released a album, entitled Rose. Many of my favorite songs came from their album Talon of the Hawk, including “Peach” and “TwinSized Mattress.” High on my list of favorites is “Lipstick Covered Magnet,” from the album I Hate My Friends. Regardless of the unclear titles of songs and albums, the messages behind them are clarified once you actually listen to the lyrics. I personally enjoy this band because it’s music I can put on repeat and not tire of; each time I can relate different lyrics to different aspects of my life. This band will hopefully continue to put out music that is a breath of fresh air compared to what can normally be found today.
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Arts and Entertainment
InFlight Mar 24, 2015
Dairy Freeze inspires blast to past Karlee Johnson Staff Reporter
Left: A view into the restaurant shows that it can be a little crowded, but it just makes it all the more cozy. Top: The meals are goodsized portions for the price. Diners can also choose from a large variety of condiments.
The Dairy Freeze in Sumner is a an old fashioned burger joint, that is also considered a “retro spot for Classic American ice cream.” It’s very small, but still noticeable, located in a spot that you can’t miss because it’s right on Main Street. This small restaurant is the perfect place if you like to go out of your way and try new restaurants. It definitely isn’t your typical burger joint. When you walk in the restaurant, it gives you a really warm feeling of being in the ’50s. It is like you have completely taken a step back from your modern life and gone back in time. The few times that I’ve been there, very few people have come in. The service you receive and the way you are welcomed as you walk into the small ’50s joint is absolutely amazing. The workers always have a smile on their face, and they make sure that they move at reasonable pace so that you don’t waste your time and keep you waiting. I wouldn’t say that the Dairy Freeze is expensive at all; in fact, the prices are very reasonable. Depending on what
burger you want, the price starts at $7 for a regular cheeseburger combo. From there it depends on what your preference is and that means, of course, that the price will go up. Not only do I have to express how great the food and service is, but this is by far the best place I have ever had ice cream at. You can’t not have ice cream when you go into this place. It was basically the only reason I went until I found out that the restaurant had a lot more to offer. The food that the Dairy Freeze serves is amazing. You can watch them from the counter making all the food fresh and ready to go to fulfill your expectations. The ice cream is rich and delicious and one of their specialties is that they can turn any flavor of ice cream you want into a shake. Although The Dairy Freeze is fantastic, my only concern would be the amount of parking there. There are very few spots to park and it’s very hard to get out once you leave, considering how it’s located on a pretty busy street. Other than that, I have no other complaints. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone who has the taste buds for some good All-American food. The Dairy Freeze is a great place for family dinners, date nights and just your late night run for a burger and ice cream.
Chris Soules’ Bachelor has strong start, falls flat Kinsey Miller Staff Reporter Chris Soules is looking for his wife on reality television. The Bachelor follows Soules as he dates almost thirty women. Week by week he has been eliminating women that haven’t met his standards. He has to narrow contenders down to the final two women whom he feels the strongest connection with, then has to decide which one he wants to marry. The show is full of cat-fights and jealousy. Everyone has one goal and that is to get the man. It may sound like chaos, and it is at times, but it seems to work. Every week, Soules gets to pick women to accompany him to his two one-on-one dates and one group date. At the end of the week, after Soules gets through the dates, he then sends several women home that he didn’t feel a connection with. In the end, Soules, a farmer from Arlington, Iowa, narrowed the thirty women down to only two, Whitney Bischoff and Becca Tilley. Whitney, who is from Chicago, is twenty-six years old and is a fertility nurse. Becca is twenty-five years old. She is from San Diego, California and is a chiro-
practic assistant. The series finale is quite interesting, as Whitney confesses her love to Soules whenever she sees him, while Becca admits that she isn’t quite there but is indeed falling in love with him. After returning from Bali, the remaining two girls got to meet Soules’ family. While the family instantly liked Whitney, they were standoffish towards Becca. The end of the show headed exactly where viewers saw it going. Becca was not ready to get married, so Soules took the safe road. He picked the girl that was ready to give him everything he needed, while he threw away what he knew he wanted. This season was strong in the beginning, but slowly faded out towards the end. Hopefully, next season will be more interesting on The Bachelorette. Instead of just having one bachelorette, there will be two. That’s right folks. Two women trying to find the love of their lives after losing the man they were already falling in love with. Both women were heartbroken by Soules and one will be heartbroken again next season.
Left: Chris Soules, a farmer from Arlington, Iowa found love this season on The Bachelor in only three months, and is now engaged. Bottom: Whitney Bischoff, a fertility nurse from Chicago, won the love of Soules.
Auburn Riverside High School
Arts & Entertainment
13
Cinderella flounders under disappointing lead Jessica Perez Staff Reporter The movie Cinderella, 2015 edition, was the re-telling of the classic fairytale Cinderella. Cinderella is my favorite fairytale of all time, so I walked into the theater with the mentality that the movie was going to be an unforgettable experience. Nevertheless, I was disappointed. Lily James (Cinderella) failed at making Cinderella’s kindness realistic. The way it sounded when she spoke kind of made her sound fake and insincere. Her acting throughout most of the movie was pretty horrific. Honestly, the girl who played young Ella was a better actress. I also didn’t appreciate how the script made Cinderella sound like she was stupid and delusional. She is originally supposed to be full of life and wonder, and Lily James just acted really idiotic. Instead of displaying herself as sweet and caring to animals, she seemed like a crazy little girl who talked to animals and believed they understood her. She was clearly not a good choice to play Cinderella. Richard Madden (Prince Charming), on the other hand, was a delight. His acting was very pleasant. The way he talked about Cinderella to his guard made him sound like he actually loved her. He made cute remarks here and there about Cinderella that made him sound so sincere and, well—charming. When trying to convince his father to let him marry Cinderella, he told his father what she had told him when they first met in the forest, “Just because it’s what’s done, doesn’t mean it should be done,” because his
father wanted him to marry for advantage not love. What is written on the script and how the actor portrays the writing goes hand in hand, so while Madden tried hard to make it look like they had chemistry, Lily James failed at doing the same. Helena Bonham Carter (Fairy Godmother) was pretty good too, I just didn’t like how they made her seem way too clumsy and disorganized. They made her seem like she didn’t know what she was doing with her powerful magic when she almost squished Cinderella and herself with a giant pumpkin. Why would a clumsy person like that have a wand in the first place? She almost killed Cinderella and herself. That’s not acceptable. Other than that one flaw, I really enjoyed her character. She was really funny and played her part really well. The best actress in this film would definitely have to be Cate Blanchett, who played the evil step mother. She did an amazing job of displaying the step mother’s hate for Cinderella. The voice she said things in was great! It sounded so calm, yet so viciously evil at the same time. Although I didn’t really like that they displayed her as misunderstood and jealous of Cinderella’s mother and that’s why she was cruel to Ella. In the original Disney film, she doesn’t want Cinderella to outshine her daughters and that’s why she hates her. Overall, the film was all right, but the fact that Lily James’ acting was sub-par ruined most of the movie since she was the main character. Would they have cast someone else as Cinderella, maybe the movie wouldn’t be as dissatisfying.
Fun runs create means for exercise without dread Dylan Johnston Staff Reporter Summer is calling, and the time to work out and look good is right now. Every year, there are plenty of fun 5k runs to go on. Running is a great way to get in shape and to look good for the summer. 5k runs are extremely fun to go on, and there are plenty of local runs around the area. One of the most local runs is at our school. It’s the Beat the Raven 5k Run and it raises funds for the cross country team to go to invitationals. On April 10 there will be Java Jog to raise money for coffee women in Ethiopia. The event is $50 to participate in the 5k run, and $100 to run in the 10k. The run will take place at South Lake Union Park. The 10k starts at 7 a.m. and the 5k at 7:30 a.m. For those who can’t run, Crowd Rise will be taking donations as well. All of the proceeds will go to the small businesses run by the women in Ethiopia. On April 19 the Seahawks 12k run at The Landing will be available for all to participate in. The run will take place at 6:30 a.m. and end at 11:30 a.m. at The Landing in Renton. Runners will have the opportunity to run along the shore of Lake Washington and the Seahawks training facility (The Virginia Mason Athletic Center). General registration for the run is $45 March 1- April 16. Another really cool run is in Portland, Oregon, called the Blacklight Run. The run is supposed to highlight the UV neon glow rather than speed and stamina. Wear a white T-shirt (or the one that is handed to you at the event), and by the end of the race it will be covered in a rainbow collage of glow dust. At the end of the race there is an after party. Similar to the Blacklight Run, another run worth mentioning would be the Electric Run in Seatac. There are two ways to register, as a team of four or single registration. Tickets for a team of four cost $45, and single tickets cost
From Upper Left, Clockwise: The Bubble Run, The Blacklight Run, The Electric Run, and Run for Your Life Zombie 5k.
$50. During the run, runners will go through a total of six lit up and music-filled areas. Afterwards participants can enjoy an after party. All of these runs are a great time. Take it from someone who has participated in a few. With the events being so interesting, you can stay in shape without even realizing you are working out!
VISIT US ONLINE! WWW.ARHSINFLIGHT.COM
Arts and Entertainment Spelling Bee proves best production yet 14
InFlight Mar 24, 2015
Dylan Johnston Staff Reporter Amazing. Can you use it in a sentence please? This play was amazing. A-m-a-z-in-g, amazing. That is. . . Correct! The Broadway version of The 25th annual Putnam County Spelling Bee had nine roles. Katy Nuttman managed to fit 29 roles in the school version of the play. In the Broadway version the nine cast members played multiple roles, besides being one of the spellers.
Nuttman pulled off the job of adding 20 roles perfectly. While the sudden addition of 20 roles to any play seems a daunting task, the transition was absolutely seamless. In actuality, I believe that the extra roles aided the play greatly. I absolutely loved this play, the interaction between the Riverside Players and the audience was incredible. During the play Chip Tolentino (played by senior Corbin Smith) stormed off of the stage and sat down right next to me. Needless to say I had to clue how to react other than laugh uncontrollably. At the start of the play when Rona Lisa Peretti and Vice Principal Douglas Panch announced the spellers to come up to the stage, four random audience members were selected to join the cast up on the stage. The play became more interesting once the players had to improvise for what the audience members did. The casting for the play was near perfect. All of the players were fantastic acting out their roles. My favorite character was Leaf Coneybear (played by sophomore Garret Miller). I laughed the most when it came time for Leaf to spell. He did an amazing job at being the comedic relief. His tick of spelling the word out spontaneously midsentence was gut-busting to say the least. Not only was the acting great, but the singing great as well. Olive Ostrovsky (played by sophmore Jerena Layacan) really
Empire takes over PHOTOS COURTESY OF GABI WILSON
De’Ja Heard Staff Reporter
Empire is the most watched show on TV this year. The story outline is amazing and it makes it easy for people to see the greed, power and hidden secrets behind Lucious Lyon and his family and what will become of his beloved record company, Empire Records, after he dies from ALS. The battle is between his three sons: Andre, Jamal and Hakeem Lyon who have their own personal issues that might get in the way of owning Empire. But their mother, Cookie Lyon, who gets out of prison after 17 years, is “getting what’s hers.” This is a major complication in the show, as it makes it hard to see who is going to own Empire. The show has a lot of controversial topics that happen today, with bipolar disorder, family issues, lies, affairs, illnesses, and gay acceptance from parents. These are simply a few of the touchy topics that Empire covers, showing that these issues can happen to the elite, and they not only can’t be solved with money, but often, money is the source of the issue. Over all, the show is very complex. Jamal, played by Jussie Smollett, has the best
story plot with him being gay, living in the streets and trying to get his father’s acceptance by leaving his million dollar home and becoming independent starting from the ground up. I do believe that Hakeem, who is played by Bryshere Gray, has a story plot that should have been more detailed or maybe included more flashbacks, because his story really wasn’t so important I would say. Andre by far had the hardest role played on the show, seeing his double life at work with his father, and him being at home dealing with his dipolar disorder. Viewers got the chance to see the real disorder that is affecting millions of people. Cookie’s character, played by Taraji P. Henson, is outstanding. Her character depicts a strong woman who knows how to manage business. Cookie’s character makes the show. Lucious is the troublemaker of the show. Sometimes he is easy to like, but then he does something evil to his family, like lying and killing. As soon as the
truth comes out though, everyone leaves him. That’s what’s nice about Empire, it’s fair and just. Overall, Empire is an amazing show. The plot makes you watch it over and over again.
knocked it out of the park when she sung “The I Love You Song.” My favorite song overall would have to be “My Unfortunate Distraction,” sung by Chip Tolentino. It was so unexpected, he burst through the entrance of the ART throwing out snacks to random audiance members, whilst singing about his “distraction.” In the Broadway version of the play there was only one comfort counselor; however, in the school play there were nine. Having more comfort counselors made the play interesting. They harmonized quite well and it made for better musical numbers when they were involved. Without a doubt, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee was the best play production this year, beating out Arabian Nights by a landslide, aided with an added skill and talent for choreography that was, however unfortunately, lacking in the latter. The element of audience participation also made the play much more enjoyable. Some audience members even contributed to the humor of the play more so than some of the actors; a rare feat of any production. While there are no further scheduled productions for the play, I honestly wish that I could see it for another night. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee will, without a doubt, go down in the annals of school history.
Sports 15
Auburn Riverside High School
SPRING SPORTS The spring sports season has just begun. A significant addition to this year’s sports roster are the girls and boys lacrosse teams. The girls lacrosse team has already won its first two matches, introducing Riverside’s newest sports program as a strong contender. The boys lacrosse team awaits its first match to prove itself as well. Girls tennis is also just starting out, led by captains Lindsey Sanborn, Carson Heilborn, and Jessica Fulford. The fastpitch team won their first game, while baseball suffered a close loss in their first matchup of the season. Girls water polo also has yet to compete. Boys soccer kicked off its season with a 3-1 loss. Winter Sports coda: The girls gymnastics team took 6th in State, and many members of the boys swim team qualified for districts, with senior Tye Dutcher making it to State.
PHOTOS BY CAMERON FAIRCHILD
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Sports
InFlight Mar 24, 2015
Baseball player reaches new Hites Sasha Terry Staff Reporter Baseball has just begun and skilled junior Jarrett Hite is playing on varsity this spring. One of Hite’s goals that he would like to accomplish is “making the playoffs and communicating as a team.” Hite is a strong leader for the team and tries his best every day to contribute to their success, but more importantly, to contribute to their improvement. He wants to make it to the playoffs and have a good relationship with the team this year. “I try to be there every day and pull out a positive side, give pep talks,” Hite said. Hite has been playing baseball for at least 13 years as a pitcher, center fielder and first baseman. His brother influenced him to try out for baseball. “My older brother is my biggest role model. He has been playing baseball for so long,” Hite said. Hite has been looking up to his brother ever since he started playing baseball at the age of 5. “When I was little, I used to watch him love the game. I wanted to have the same feeling,” Hite said.
After high school, Hite hopes to go on to play college ball. “It has always been my dream,” Hite said. Due to his love for baseball, Hite also is a big fan of the Mariners. He plans to attend the opening game this season and many more after. Coach Jon Aarstad wants the team to make playoffs and hopes that they will do well. The team will also work together and communicate with each other to succeed. “I like this group of kids, they work hard and they are coachable,” Aarstad said. Aarstad has been coaching the team for four years and believes that Hite is a good leader. “He is a pitcher [and] will play infield and outfield. He likes to ask a lot of questions,” Aarstad said. The team is looking forward to playing multiple games this spring. They are confident that they will achieve many goals by through cooperation and a strong team chemistry. The team will be focusing on
improving throughout the season. Their next home game is on March 25 against Peninsula at 7 p.m.
PHOTO BY DYLAN JOHNSTON
Jarrett will mostly be seen pitching this season, including at practices, where he sports his signature mullet style hidden under a baseball cap.
PHOTO BY CAMERON FAIRCHILD