Observer Vol. 59 Issue 4

O

bserver

October 2017

Amityville: What Really Happened? Pg.1 Black Plague in Arizona Pg. 3 Various Ghost Stories Pg. 5 Top Bizzare Conspiracy Theories Pg. 7

The House No One Wants: Amityville

By Aneth Lopez

Do you think you know the whole story of the Amityville Horror House? The Amityville horror house is located in Long Island, New York the house is a Dutch Colonial house. It all started the night of November 13, 1974, with the DeFeo family.

The hauntings proceeded to follow after the murders, the Lutz family who moved in claimed they only lasted a few days in the house because of the effect the house had on them.

The murderer was Ronald DeFeo, he murdered both his parents, his two sisters and his three brothers.

After he had done all the murders he headed to a bar and screamed out that his family had been murdered.

He did not mention at all he had done the killings but once the police grew suspicious he was convicted of the murders. Still, the case was not very solid since he shot the family members with a .35 caliber Marlin rifle and no one not even the neighbors heard the gunshots. The gun had no silencer whatsoever so it was most likely someone should have heard it but no one did.

The Lutz family moved into the house two years later in 1976 after the DeFeo family murders. What they claimed was that George Lutz would wake up at 3 am wondering around the house and the boathouse where DeFeo carried out the murders of his 6 family members. He would do this every night at 3 is which was the same time DeFeo committed the murders. They had many experiences in the house that didn’t just involve the voices. They would experience cold spots in the house, loud banging noises, odd slime on the walls, and weird smells.

George also became a lot more violent and the family affirms that it was all due to the evil entity inside the house. They had lots of moving objects as well, many objects would be thrown across rooms. The Lutz family left the house after 28 days due to the fact they could no longer bear to be in the house. The Lutz’s story was made into a book and a film named “The Amityville Horror.” The motive for the killings is still unknown but many people and neighbors claimed that something in the house told him to do it.

He said something pushed him to commit the murders and when he pleaded in his court he said that he was not guilty because the voices in his head told him to do it. The Lutz family had similar claims that there was an entity in the house talking George Lutz just like they talked to DeFeo. A few years later the house was on the market as a 5 bedroom home with 3.5 bathrooms. Now in 2017, the house is set to be sold by February of 2017.

Above: The Horror House at night Right: Night vision capture of supposed ghost of John Matthew DeFeo

The Black Death Is Back By: Aneth Lopez

Fleas have tested positive for the bubonic plague in two of Arizona’s counties. This plague has cost millions of lives especially during the Middle Age where it’s mostly known as the Black Plague or the Great Mortality. It is a bacterial infection that is transmitted through fleas he bacteria is called Yersinia Pestis. History teacher Tiffanie Alberg said it’s not very uncommon when bacteria of the plague is found in fleas.

The Black Plague in the middle age was from the years 1347-1351 and was originally known as the Great Mortality. In the middle ages, it was known to be spread by the bite of either a flea or a rat that carried the bacteria. It was also said that people would be perfectly healthy at night and once they woke up they would already be dead from the infection of the disease. Society at the time was terrified of the effects and the unpleasant symptoms it had on the infected individuals. “flu-like symptoms, swelling of lymph nodes, smell bad, violent and bloody vomit and diarrhea.” where some of the symptoms said, Alberg.

It is also known that one of the main symptoms is the person infected would suffer from mental problems and in a sense go “crazy.” Alberg also mentioned that the bubos that appeared on people’s bodies would swell up and turn purple. The bubos would usually appear in armpits or in the groin of the person who had the disease.

The Black Plague is very contagious and can be transmitted through infected fleas and also transmitted from person to person. When someone has contracted the bacteria, you should avoid all contact with the person who has the infection especially having any contact with bodily fluids.

Ghost Stories: A History By: Deborah Hill

The air is crisp, the weather is gloomy, and the smell of pumpkin spice lattes are everywhere.

With Halloween around the corner and the changing color of the leaves in toll, it’s time to start talking about everything from scary stories to Friday night football. Whether you’re roasting marshmallows over a campfire or shining flashlights into the pitch black void: sit back, relax, and listen to the frightening tales that have been passed around for decades.

Ghost stories have been around since the first century A.D. after the great Roman author Pliny the Younger recorded a notable ghost experience in his letters. Pliny reported seeing an old man with a long white beard and rattling chains haunting his house in Athens. Centuries later, in 865 A.D., the first poltergeist- a spirit that causes physical disturbances- was reported at a farmhouse in Germany.

This first poltergeist was said to have thrown objects around and start fires, amongst other things.

Interestingly enough, the spirits of famous leaders and historical figures are seen more often than you’d think. Anne Boleyn, the mother of Queen Elizabeth I, was executed at the tower of London in May of 1536. Accused of witchcraft, treason, incest, and adultery, her husband, the King, ultimately made the final decision to have her executed. Since then, many have reported seeing the Queen wander around at that very tower.

Whether you’ve seen a ghost or experienced the actions of a poltergeist, the story behind the experience is always captivating to hear. People have told and passed on these encounters for years, and this year should be no exception. Gather your flashlights and be prepared to frighten your friends beyond belief.

Conspiracy Theories?

Plausible or Tomfoolery

By Kira Difranco Brown

The Top Conspiracy Theories are considered to be Chemtrail, Phenomena, and Treacherous.

Many people in the world tend to recall what they’ve used to see but it’s actually the opposite and it can blow their mind. These theories can sometimes often produce hypotheses that contradict normal societal norms or even basic trust in the Government. Whether it is controversial by nature or plain weird, here are some more popular conspiracy theories that continue to spark debate at most dinner tables.

1.) The “Illuminati,” supposedly is trying to control the entire world and is looking to create a one world government. Their endgoal is to create the New World Order, which will eventually dissolve national boundaries and people’s identities while allowing for total authoritarian control. The theory also sees other particular groups in a similar location. President Donald Trump himself also mentions “globalists and implores fighting against insidious “elites” as a battle cry for his own base.

2.) Barack Obama “The Secret Muslim” Conspiracy is an untrue lie which was favorably cham-

pioned by our current President Donald Trump. The theory was that Obama was actually born in Kenya and is not a born citizen, making him ineligible for the United States Presidency and was suppose to remove his status. Although Obama produced a birth certificate as verification to the doubters, which showed that he was born in Hawaii to a Kenyan father and an American mother, 72% of Republicans still find in disbelief and express their skepticism about the President’s true place of birth. Another feature of this conspiracy alleges that President Obama is actually a Muslim, even though he is a very well-documented Christian. The idea came from Obama living with a Muslim father as a baby and speaking to the anti-Muslim fears stoked by politicians and talk show hosts.

Digital Interactive Media Teacher Benjamin Barbosa does not believe in any conspiracy theories unless proven right. “There are videos and they look real, but I believe it would depend on the authorities and to see proof. I don't believe unless the government come forward and say it's true. I guess people are influenced by movies they see and figure they could be possible, but only because they associate fiction to reality and it confuses them.”

3.) The HAARP Conspiracy Theory is a “research” project trying to protect its potential which is worse could be worse than a nuclear bomb. They are considered the cause of hurricanes that have been happening more and more frequently around the world.

Disguised as a weather monitoring array, the hidden agenda that most theorists believe is that HAARP is a weather controlling tool for the Government. Many theorists believe that this tool has caused such natural disasters like Katrina, 2011 Japan Tsunami and many others.

It's believed that HAARP could pump almost two gigawatts of radiated power into the sky, with researchers are unsure if it could potentially damage the Earth's atmosphere or irreparably alter it.

Over the years internet conspiracists have blamed the mysterious project for causing natural disasters and intense thunderstorms in countries including Iran, Haiti, Turkey and the Philippines. Some have even claimed it was what powered Hurricane Harvey, which was responsible for flattening parts of Texas.

“Yes, I do, because some of them make sense and have proof. I heard of the iPhone theory, and the Government controlling the weather, and I believe that these conspiracies could be true.

Rational people buy into conspiracy theories because they’re open-minded at times," said Junior Leo Enciso.

What conspiracy theories do you believe? Maybe we should all have an open mind, keep an eye out for what happens in our big world.

Above: HARRP antena feild in Gakona Alaska Left: All seeing eye on the $1 Bill, said to be an Illuminati and Masonic Symbol Right: 2008 scare of President Obama’s nationality and loyalty

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

By Rene Marquez

Do you know what Breast Cancer really is and what the effects of it are? Breast cancer is a disease in which cancer cells form in the breast tissues of women and in some rare cases men as well. Cancer starts when a cell splits and the DNA doesn’t copy correctly and if the cell doesn’t die the cell can behave strangely and cause tumors. If the tumor grows and invades other tissues around it then the tumor becomes cancerous.

Now, cancer cells grow and spread throughout the area. If the cancer is untreated then, the cancer grows bigger and spreads into the surrounding breast tissues. If the cancer cells break away it will enter the blood or lymph vessels. When the cancer cells travel throughout the blood they settle in other areas and cause more tumors and making cancer more severe.

I wanted to see if people really knew what Breast Cancer Awareness was, “I don’t know a clue thing about what breast cancer is. Pretty much what I know is that breast cancer [awareness month] is for the strong woman who survives this disease and that we support those who have it,” said senior Jackie Rodriguez “I am not sure what it is exactly, all I know is that its lumps that grow on the breast that is cancerous, and that we have to support those who are in this situation that is faced with the reality that they don’t know when if they’ll perish,” said college freshman Crystal Zaragoza.

The first ever recorded case of breast cancer was in the Sixth Dynasty of Egypt which is 1600 BC. There was a study of a woman’s remains from the necropolis of Quebec el-Hawa that showed the damage from a cancerous tumor in her breast-chest area. Although breast cancer was a concern, it was a rare disease. It wasn’t until the 19th century that there were improvements in sanitation and medicine that extended the lifespan of the cancer patient.

In the mid-1950’s the New York Times refused to publish an advertisement for a breast cancer support group. After celebrities and even the first lady shared stories of their experience with breast cancer, the awareness skyrocketed.

Always remember to check regularly.

The Words That Give The Most Stregnth Kira Difranco Brown FIGHT...COURAGE and STRENGTH inspire women about the challenges they may go through with breast cancer!

Every year, it is estimated that over 246,660 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 will die. 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women.

According to the World Health Organization, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, claiming the lives of hundreds of thousands of women each year and affecting countries at all levels of modernization. In many recent years, the decline in prescriptive hormone replacement therapy after menopause allows us to seek a gradual reduction in the female breast cancer incidence rates among women aged 50 and older.

Death rates from breast cancer have been declining since the year of 1990, due to better screening and early detections being involved, increased awareness, and continually improving treatment options. Women with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop breast cancer. Some

risk factors (such as drinking alcohol) can be avoided. But most risk factors (such as having a family history of breast cancer) can’t be avoided. Having a risk factor does not mean that a woman will get breast cancer. Many women who have risk factors never develop breast cancer.

Attendance Clerk Christina Caban from Irvin High School, however, expresses the emotional matter and how difficult it was when she was given the news about her Aunt having breast cancer. “It was sad and shocking for us, but we did everything in our power to help her fight through it and she did. During that time, she had to get her one of her breast removed and it was painful for her,” says Christina Caban. Being given the news that you have breast cancer gives women the natural thought to wonder what may have caused the disease. But no one really knows the exact causes of breast cancer.

Many doctors know why one woman develops breast cancer and another doesn’t, and most women who have breast cancer will never be able to pinpoint an exact cause. But what we do know is that breast cancer is always caused by damage to a human’s DNA cells. Breast cancer rates are highest in non-Hispanic white women, followed by African American women and are lowest

among Asian or Pacific Islander women. In contrast, breast cancer death rates are highest for African American women, followed by non-Hispanic white women.

Senior Karla Morin from Irvin high school also discusses a tragic incident she had with her cousin when she first found out about having breast cancer. “She would tell me that she would always try to avoid the situation because she was scared. She received the news in early March and they let her know that it was Stage 2. She eventually reached Stage 4 and had to be hospitalized with chemoradiation. She did as best as she can to fight through it but the doctors told her that she wasn’t going to make it. She later passed away.”

Most breast cancers are invasive or infiltrating. These cancers have broken through the walls of the glands or ducts where they originated and grown into surrounding breast tissue.

The prognosis of invasive breast cancer is strongly influenced by the stage of the disease letting it be when it was first diagnosed.

Breast cancer typically produces no symptoms when the tumor is small and most easily treated. It is important for women to follow recommended screening guidelines for detecting breast cancer at an early stage.

How much do you know about the different political parties? Are you prepared to register to vote? This week, representatives from the Republican, Green, and Democratic Socialists party came to Irvin to speak to young teens about their associations and try to convince them that they’d be a good fit for an election year. Many student rockets went in and came out with more knowledge about politics than ever before. Some even gained so much knowledge that they registered to vote on the spot.

Although the three different representatives admitted to having drastic differences between the parties, they all seemed to agree on one thing; it’s important for young people to gain an understanding of the political world before registering to vote for the first time. Statistically, voting numbers in America have been falling in the 18-24 age range since 1972.

This is due in part to the chaotic way the nation runs elections, including the constant reports and rumors coming from the media.

Many new voters perceive the political world as too complicated to participate in, and instead to decide to avoid their civic duty.

Adolpho R. Telles, county chairman, and Republican representative believes that no matter what party young voters affiliate themselves with, they should always vote. “Voting is great, voting important,” he says. Telles was one of the many representatives that came to Irvin to talk to our stu-

V O T E

By Deborah Hill

dents. Along with much information about the party and what they fight for, he also brought along a copy of the Constitution of the United States, a list of the Republican officials that represent us, and a brochure highlighting the major differences between the republican and democratic party.

Jordan Rey, the green party representative and Alejandra Alcade, the democratic socialists representative also came prepared to present. Mr. Rey was helpful in answering questions about what the green party is, what it’s based around, and how it’s been involved in El Paso affairs. Ms. Alcade had many flyers and brochures demonstrating the different rights that her party fights for that the others don’t. Overall, all three parties were well represented and provided a lot of good information to the students listening. It was evident that our rockets were engaged and interested in the political world.

Although politics might be perceived as complicated, it, in fact, seems to be the opposite. The communication between political parties and young people might be broken now, but it’s a line that can be easily repaired and prove beneficial. Providing insight to the young voters of America will not only allow them the opportunity to truly learn and understand their government, but it’ll also give them the chance to choose the party that’s meant for them.

Junior Aisha Ramos, Alexis Resendiz and Anayancy Campos reciving voter information last week in E Building

If You Start It, They Will Come Boys Volleyball on the Rise

By Observer Staff Writer

Varsity Girls Head Coach Job Abner Gracia has a dream of bringing a new and exciting expansion towards the great sport of volleyball. His dream started since he was a child, to expand the sport of volleyball to include high school boys.

When he had moved to El Paso he realized that he needed to change people’s perspectives of the sport by expanding their views on what type of gender should be allowed to partake in volleyball. Following in his father’s footsteps of coaching boys and girls volleyball, Gracia is opening the opportunity for all students including males to participate and join in on his plan.

“My goal coming from this new volleyball program is to make a statement about our community and our youth. We can pioneer this field and excel in it. We can make this a real-life experience of Volleyball Rocket Science.”

Although Gracia is pushing forward with his new program he is concerned with not receiving enough support or participants “The cons I have about starting the program is that I won’t get enough support or credibility and that upper-level leaders will shut it down without even giving it a shot”.

So far, into the opening of the program, he is overwhelmingly surprised in how many participants he’s receiving “It’s going to be something interesting and entertaining to watch for myself and many others,” said ex Irvin Rocket Valerie Castillo.

For the moment, Gracia is striving to keep his new project up and running.

4 Year Old Boy Mauled by Dogs

By Kira Difranco Brown

On July 24, 2017, 4-year-old boy died after being mauled by a family pack of dogs in their backyard. Police began investigating when Jacob Brooks’ battered body was discovered in the backyard of the home located in El Paso Texas, around 8 p.m. According to the police, Jacob Brooks was left behind in an enclosed trampoline in the parent’s backyard at the time. He was attacked by a pack of dogs described as aggressive and hungry. They investigated and questioned the neighbor that lived by the parent’s home. Ramon Payan (the neighbor) said that he noticed that the pack of dogs nearly ate the little boy.

Broadcast teacher Ms. Torres gives her statement based on the issue. “Both of the parents should be punished. Honestly, this is my first time hearing about this and knowing that it happened nearby..in El Paso. This shocks me and makes me sad and I don’t understand how they can do that to their child, or even leave their child behind without even watching them.. keeping him/her by their side.

Now, his parents, Brittany Brooks, 27, and Ashley Brooks, 29, have just been taken into custody, the El Paso Times reports.The two women were charged with injury to a child by omission, a second-degree felony. In a statement to KVIA-TV, the boy’s aunt, Laura Torguson, said that the dogs hadn’t been aggressive prior to the attack. Six dogs were removed from the home because of the issue prior to the attack. Four were euthanized. KVIA also reports that during the attack, a nearby neighbor attempted to rescue the boy. Sebastian Hernandez said his brother scaled the fence to the yard in an effort to save Jacob.

Assistant Principal Djebrane from Irvin High School says, “I am enraged at the fact that they used this as a punishment towards their son. Why would you leave a defenseless little boy who cannot speak to only be involved in a situation like this? Little kids have a different demeanor compared to adults.”

He was able to remove a dog which then tried to bite him as well. When first responders got to the scene, Jacob was deceased. Animal Services documents indicate that the dogs were “starving and aggressive,” KVIA-TV reports. Both parents were booked into the El Paso County detention facility under $7,500 bonds each, according to jail records posted online. However, Brittany Brooks was able to get bail, while Ashley Brooks remains behind bars.

Senior Aneth Lopez from Irvin High school discusses her thoughts about the tragedy that had occurred where she lives.

“I think that they should not have left the kid alone at any time because it’s dangerous and things like this can happen more often, or get out of hand. I don’t think Brooks should have received bail because the little boy died innocently and it wasn’t his fault.”

Monster Jam 2018 The Dirt Flies in March

By Jessika Gomez

Dirt, adrenaline, and collisions these three words sum up the 2018 Monster Jam event, coming here to El Paso this upcoming March! Monster Jam is a live motorsport event tour and television show operated by Feld Entertainment that provides the feel of ultimate off-roading competitions.

Monster jam has been bringing spontaneous family entertainment for the past 25 years and is one of the only sports where both female and male world-class drivers are equally competing for the same championship on the same track. Typically Monster trucks cost $600.000 yearly to build, staff, compete, transport and maintain during the tour. They travel over 45,000 miles by land each year to attend these events with new tricks up their sleeves every time!

This new season will bring fans to the edge of their seats with adrenaline-charged, high-flying, fourwheel excitement that is good for the whole family. Pre-sale tickets are now available for selected cities across the U.S and Canada, as well as Pit Party Early Access passes which are also new to Monster Jam and ONLY for Stadium events! This upgraded pass provides early entry into the Pit Party from 1:30-2:30 pm or can serve as a regular pass from 2:30-5:30 pm with the general public. Pit Party Early Access passes also give you an opportunity to get up close and personal with the drivers and trucks!

However, driver’s will only be in the Pit Party till 5 pm signing autographs, even if you’re not much of a motorsport fan at least attend once for the sheer excitement it offers! Monster Jam will be coming to El Paso this 3rd and 4th of March, 2018 and is located at 2501 Sun Bowl Drive - UTEP Campus, 79902. Don’t miss out on all the family fun entertainment and stop by at this upcoming Monster Jam Event!

The Instigator

Respect in 2017 A New Normal?

By Orbit Staff Writer

This was an action taken upon some of the players of the National Football League to take a knee while the pledge of allegiance was going on.This has definitely stirred up a lot of controversy on whether it is disrespectful or not. The first player to do such thing was the San Francisco 49rs quarterback Colin Kaepernick who kneeled during the National Anthem his reason, to protest for police brutality against colored citizens. After sitting out during the National Anthem, Kaepernick said the following during a press conference, “ I am not going to stand up and show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people, and people of color”.

Now, players who are kneeling or sitting while the playing of the Star Spangled Banner is protesting to raise awareness of racial injustice in the United States. Despite president Donald Trump’s commotion, NFL commissioner Roger Goodwell decided that no player who either sits or kneels during the national anthem would be punished. According to Chris Chaves, Trump believes that the protests are disrespectful to the country, flag, and military. Of course, not everyone in the NFL feels as the president does since they are protesting.

Is Racism Back?

The DeAndre Harris Case

By Rene Marquez

20-year old DeAndre Harris was beaten by 6 “Neo-Nazis” with large yellow poles after an altercation and exchange of words leaving Harris with a spinal injury, a concussion, a head laceration that required the minimum of 10 staples, a broken wrist and also a chipped tooth.

The incident took place on August 12, 2017, in a parking garage during a “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. A local magistrate issued a warrant for the arrest of Harris for a felony charge of unlawful wounding after one of the alleged attackers complained that he had been hurt by Harris during the incident. The same charges have been filed against the attackers. Unlawful wounding is felony charge with up to 5 years of prison time and a fine of up to $2,500.

This incident is a prime example of how violence regarding race is having more of an effect in the media and causing awareness. A lot of racial violence “ has been covered up to the people” is what teacher and football coach Johnny Arnsworth stated. There have been so many examples that support the idea that racial violence has not changed it has either been covered up or more visual. A large group that has similar beliefs as the KKK is the hate group Neo-Nazis. The beliefs are that the white race is the predominant race and is inferior to everybody else.

Hatred goes back to the days of slavery and how they see African Americans as nothing more than slaves. An assumption has been made that the so-called hate group Neo-nazis aren’t a thing but many of the people who associate themselves with the group claim it and live the part.

“Heck yeah I think that Neo-nazis are a thing because they believe that white skin is the dominant race,” said JV Football Coach Byan Stewart.

There are so many areas in the United States that have problems with racial activity and incidents that show racism is still there. A place that racism isn’t really a problem in El Paso.

El Paso has a good blend of all races and is home to where a minority is a majority. Therefore, El Paso is not really affected by the racial acts around the country.

Harris on the ground as a group of Neo-Nazis beat him up. Courtesy of Fox News

A Call To Arms

a firearm at a young age to veer his curiosity and not to seek to handle to a gun on his own.”

EPISD Should Allow Armed Teachers

for some schools, but can the schools really afford this?

By Rene Marquez and Aneth Lopez

We interviewed one of the teachers at CCTE and their response to how they feel about guns and gun safety;

Would a gun in the school environment actually make school staff and students feel safer or could it be a problem? Teachers across the US want to be able to feel safer in school since the Sandy Hook shooting in 2012. Several teachers believe that being armed would help everyone feel safer in school but other teachers strongly disagree.

“Yes, they should carry guns because it’s a weapon that can save lives, but the training has to be instilled in them,” said retired police officer Garcia. The steps she recommended to be taken is to store the weapons in a box secured with a fingerprint.

“The right to bear arms on campus as a teacher would be a great solution to the mass shootings that have taken over our country. It will increase the ability for somebody to fight back against the shooter, and may curb them from acting out altogether,” said Sano about teachers being able to carry guns on campus.

What she recommended is to have safes built into the wall in a few classrooms and halls, they would be placed in the classrooms of the teachers that would want to bear arms on campus.

Many people believe it could be a problem because teachers are not usually trained to use a gun or have any proper training on how to use a gun. Other concerns are that younger students can get the wrong impression and that they might believe that violence is the answer. Teachers might also not be stable enough to handle having a gun at school and instead of safety, it can lead to violence.

The other half of people who believe teachers should be able to carry guns say that in our constitution we have the right to bear arms. They also argue that it can help many feels and be safe because they actually will be able to fight back if there is ever a shooter in the school. Increasing security in schools can also be the answer

“Hell Yea, but the teacher has to have enough training to know how to handle it,” said retired SWAT member Seelig. The steps recommended by him were that the teacher should carry the weapon on them and that the teacher should go through training on how to manner the classroom with the gun on their holster.

“The Second amendment affords us with the right to keep and bear arms, and I am a total proponent of this amendment,” said Irvin Forensics and Swimming Coach Priscilla Sano. She goes on to say how she is an owner of a 9mm and she has taken measures to ensure the safety of her loved ones. She believes that many home accidents with guns happen because parents do not educate their children about guns.

“I educated my son on how to use

“The firearm will always be locked away while on campus to ensure that nobody will be able to get their hands on it other than the owner. It should be unloaded, with a full magazine sitting right beside it.”

In the event that it must be used, the owner may quickly insert the magazine and load the gun.

What should be really considered is keeping the gun in a location only the teacher would have access to. All teachers should also be properly trained and have all the requirements to be able to carry and handle a gun.

Its Time To Speak Up About Bullying

Ths includes race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender, transgender, youth with disabilities, socially isolated youth, and so forth. It can also be an increase in the risk to MAKE A DIFFERENCE! You of being bullied because bullies

By Kira Difranco Brown definitely do! Even if this is contend to find something they want sidered something you experito torment. There are many ways a Don’t be a bully! Speak up! Speak enced before, make sure to be the bully can find a way to hurt anothout! Be Motivational! Dedication voice for those who cannot, or are er person which could be physical, to inspiring others and transform- afraid to speak. Adults can prepare verbal, and cyberbullying. ing the lives of youth through edu- children to become helpful bycation can help the prevention of standers by discussing with them Senior Abe Roman from Irvin bullying and many youth violence. the different ways bystanders can High School also argues his Each day, 160,000 students stay make a difference, and by letting statement about speaking up and home or skip school because they them know that adults will suphow we should prevent it from are afraid of being bullied. About port them, if and when they step happening.“I think the appropri43% kids have been bullied while forward. Adults can also provide ate consequences of engaging in online and 1 out of 5 kids admit examples of how helpful bystand- bullying behavior is to have the to being a bully or doing “some” ers have shown courage and made bully attend classes for children to bullying. Reports say that most a difference in real-life situations better control their emotions and children and teens never speak up and in their own experiences. actions. Also, lose school privilegabout their bullying situation bees such as sports and clubs.” cause they don’t want to be known Senior Nicole Gomez from Irvin or called a “snitch.’’

High School conveys her thoughts Assess school prevention and inand beliefs about the particular tervention efforts around student Some ways to discuss with kids issue with kids needing to fend behavior, including substance use that can help them improve the themselves because of issues that and violence. It allows you to be situation and make them feel bet- have occurred within being bulable to build upon the upon them ter is avoiding the bully and use lied. “Bullying has been a major or integrate bullying prevention the “buddy system.” They should problem and is unacceptable, it strategies. This is a helpful way hold their anger, act brave, and needs to be fixed but with the help to get the community to work walk away. Talking to an adult of others to speak up. One day together to send a unified mesabout a problem that they are hopefully there won’t be many sage against bullying. Launching having will him they feel much cases involving bullying.” She awareness campaign can help better and they can feel protected. strongly feels that we should do make the objectives known to the Speaking up takes courage and whatever it takes to prevent bulschool, parents, and community character, putting one’s self at risk lying from happening because it members. “Strong people stand up to challenge them and let them can destroy on an emotional level for themselves. But the strongest know that there truly is honor in as well. people stand up for others.” silence. The more of us who are willing to take a stand makes it No single factor puts any child at easier to become the next bystand- risk of being bullied or bullying er and help us find the courage we others. Bullying can occur anyneed to become an upstander. where and can depend on the environment. Bullying is an issue Believe that you have the power that cuts across all lines in society.