A limited forum for student expression
Emerald Ridge High School 12405 184th St E Puyallup, WA 98374
{JagWire {
Special edition: are our veterans being forgotten?
See pages 06-10
erhsjagwire.com |Twitter: @GetJagWired | Instagram: @erjagwire | JagWire Newspaper on Facebook | Volume XV | Issue II
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News: page 03 Daffodil princess selected
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Features: page 12 Hailey Dunn: teen mom breaking the stereotype
Sports: pages 15 & 16
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Six ERHS sports win SPSL South titles
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JagWire staff
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Thrift shop to open at ER {Mikayla Jennings - Features Editor}
Co-Editor-in-Chief/Online/ Focus Editor................Brynn Adams Co-Editor-in-Chief/Online/ Focus Editor..............Chase Charaba Features Editor/Photo Manager/Ed Board.......Mikayla Jennings News/Copy Editor/Ed Board................................Catherine Mann Entertainment Editor.........................................Jiannaka Limonta Perspectives Editor.............................................Bryanna Putman Sports page designed by.................................... Mikayla Jennings Reporters: ............................................................Karina Alejandre .........................................................................Sydney Blankenship .................................................................................Jordan Bowers .......................................................................................Lucas Cook ......................................................................................Alexis Frost .................................................................................Adaire Noonan ..................................................................................Kierah Tucker ....................................................................................Melina Stone Adviser........................................................................Kevin Smyth Affiliates: JEA, NSPA, WJEA
Awards and Honors:
2002 CSPA Gold Medalist Award, New York 2002 Tenth place --- NSPA Best of Show, Dallas 2002 NSPA National Online Pacemaker Award, Phoenix 2002 Second Place --- NSPA Best of Show, Phoenix 2002 Sixth Place --- NSPA Best of Show: Special Issue, Phoenix 2002 First Place --- SPJ Western Washington Excellence in Journalism 2003 Sixth Place --- NSPA Best of Show: Special Issue, Portland 2003 Sixth Place --- NSPA Best of Show, Portland 2003 CSPA Silver Crown Award, New York 2004 Fifth Place --- NSPA Best of Show, San Diego 2004 First Place --- WJEA Best of Show 2005 Third Place --- NSPA Best of Show, Seattle 2005 Edward R. Murrow Symposium Award, WSU 2006 Third Place --- NSPA Best of Show, San Francisco 2006 NSPA National Newspaper Pacemaker Award, San Francisco 2008 First Place --- WJEA Best of Show
Editorial Mission:
As a limited forum for student expression, JagWire operates under the jurisdiction of the Puyallup School District and is subject to prior review under Puyallup School District regulation 3220. We pursue an unbiased truth in all aspects of the newsmagazine, while maintaining the highest tier of journalistic integrity. Our top priority is to raise awareness on a wide variety of issues that impact our readers and community, while providing entertainment, a glimpse into Emerald Ridge student life, and high quality information through multiple perspectives. We will ensure that out coverage is fair, accurate and written by the students, for the students of ER. JagWire shall serve as a communication link between the JagWire staff, Emerald Ridge High School, the Puyallup School District, and the surrounding community and region.
Letters to the editors policy:
JagWire will accept unsolicited copy from students, staff, parents, and community members. Only signed and dated letters with an address and phone number from community members, or grade level and adviser from students, will be accepted. Letters should be limited to no more than 400 words and will be published as space is available. All letters are the sole opinion of the writers, and the staff reserves the right to edit any letter for space and/or clarity. We will not publish submitted material that may substantially disrupt the school process or potentially harm individuals. By mail: Letters to the editors may be submitted by mailing them to JagWire c/o Emerald Ridge High School: 12405 184th St E Puyallup, WA 98374. By email: Letters to the editors may be submitted by emailing them to brackets.jagwire@gmail.com
Advertising Policy:
The JagWire staff will accept advertisements for most products and services available to the public. However, the staff reserves the right to reject, edit, or cancel any advertisement that the staff deems offensive or inappropriate. Ads identifying students as athletes by photo or text will not be accepted (in accordance with WIAA 18.20.0 and 18.20.1). The staff will not accept advertisements that are racist, sexist, or illegal for high school students. Advertisements do not necessarily reflect the views, endorsements, and/or positions of the JagWire staff, Emerald Ridge High School student body, faculty, or the Puyallup School District school board.
Corrections:
The JagWire staff values accuracy in every aspect of our publication. We wish to correct the errors that we do make and extend an apology for any inconvenience to our readers. If you believe that we have made an error, please contact us at brackets.jagwire@gmail.com
About the cover:
The cover photograph was taken and designed by CoEditor-in-Chief Chase Charaba. Two ERHS military veterans, counselor Ted Fellin (left) and counselor Mariano LeonGuerrero (right), posed for Charaba Nov. 4 by saluting the U.S. flag at ER. The photo honors two living veterans and all of those who have served under the stars and stripes.
{Mikayla Jennings - Features Editor}
From left to right: junior Alex Wicks, senior Jaskirat Kaur, Career Specialist Patti McMullan, and seniors Chloe Ghent and Matthew Kusche
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he Key and District counselors and students. Each Interact month they will set a small goal, like Club is managing everything or reaching out to scheduled to schools, students, counselors and social open a thrift shop media. The big goal they have is to expand Nov. 24. It will be and be able to be open more often than located in Portable once a week. 20 and will be “Everything is so exciting right now, open only on and of course it’s stressful, but like Mondays before everyone else we need to take the punches and after school. of opening a new store,” McMullan said. By: Melina Stone .....The thrift shop Key Club is trying to keep it to only Reporter plans to sell a people who need the help; they don’t variety of items, but by donation only. really want any “bargain shoppers” to There are already a lot of sponsors and stop by. Students can access the shop people in the community who want to in multiple ways. They can talk to their donate to the store. Key Club is running counselors and ask them to purchase the the thrift shop and will sell clothes, things things for them. They can also just walk for the home like room decor and really in on their own and get what they need, anything a student might need. if they feel comfortable. For others in the The club believes that there will always PSD there will be “personal shoppers” for be things them, so they in the store just have and they THE COMMUNITY LIT UP WHEN WE to contact will never McMullan TOLD THEM THE IDEA OF HAVING and she will run out of donations, OUR OWN THRIFT SHOP TO HELP get someone but, if they to go buy OTHERS, WHICH IS REALLY THE MAIN for students ever did, they have two who need the MOTTO OF EMERALD RIDGE. resources: help at other - Career Specialist Patti McMullan South Hill schools. Rotary and Some Kiwanis to believe a make sure they will have items available. thrift shop is not necessary at Emerald If there is ever a case where multiple Ridge, that given the affluence of our students want one thing, they will give neighborhood there is no need. However, one student the item they have and buy many of our students do need assistance the others the item and then give it and the thrift shop can help answer that. to them. “I think that, yes, it may look like we “The community lit up when we told don’t need a thrift shop, but look outside them the idea of having our own thrift of the neighborhood next to us,[Sunrise] shop to help out others, which is really and it’s mostly just for kids who really the main motto of Emerald Ridge,” Career need it,” said junior Sydney Hutmacher. Specialist Patti McMullan said. Kaur thinks this will help show how Key Club officers senior Matt Kusche helpful and how caring ER is. ER will also and senior Jaskirat Kaur with the support get an even better image because now the of McMullan hope they can have a grand school is trying to find even more ways to opening but weren’t certain at the time help out in the community. they were interviewed. Their hope is “There is no fear when you are to have the whole school there to see it doing something for the community,” open for the first time. They want to be a McMullan said. reliable resource for all Puyallup School
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Mice infestation at ER
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merald Ridge’s pet mice are scampering around in the walls all around you, but don’t panic just yet. Just two months into the school year ER staff and students have spotted mice roaming the halls and lurking in the corners.
{02 JagWire | Volume XV Issue II | November 07, 2014
To read more about the mice problem, scan the QR code at left or visit our website at erhs.jagwire.com
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he Emerald Ridge The student brought treats to school the next you can feel like you can come to school and not community was day in what seemed to be a kind gesture. Tucker have to deal with this stuff.” shaken June 17 said that they hadn’t smelled or tasted the way ER can connect students who admit to when a sophomore they should have. struggling with substance abuse to a drug and female handed out Paramedics were alcohol counselor brownies, cookies, called in, as well that will grant cupcakes and lemon as Pierce County anonymity to WHEN YOU’RE LOOKING OUT bars laced with hash law enforcement. them. Disciplinary FOR SOMEBODY ELSE’S HEALTH oil, sickening multiple Deputy Jeff Papen actions won’t be students and sending was summoned taken against them AND WELL-BEING, AND THAT’S one to the hospital. and asked to bring unless the abuse THE INTENTION BEHIND YOUR By: Mikayla Jennings .....Hash oil, also known in a drug detection took place on school Features/Photo Editor as THC, is a form of dog named Charlie. DISCLOSING SOMETHING, YOU’RE campus or violated cannabis. It is produced by using solvents to “Charlie is school policy. NOT BEING A SNITCH; YOU’RE BEING separate resin from the cannabis plant. It can trained to hit on Students should be A GOOD CITIZEN. have hallucinogenic effects, it’ll cause the heart five major drugs: honest and report rate and blood pressure to raise dramatically. methamphetamine, - Assistant Principal Char Krause unsafe situations The girl lived with her father, who Komo heroin, cocaine, or classmate News reported possessed 125 marijuana plants. marijuana and ecstasy,” Papen said. “He can misbehavior. Information provided by other He gave his daughter the THC oil, knowing that even hit on infused baked goods.” students is vital for the proper handling of the she was making treats with it to hand out. Charlie detected the drugs in the baked goods situation by administration. Four students were treated for drug-related almost immediately. For the past four years, “When you’re looking out for somebody symptoms, one of drug sweeps have been else’s health and well-being and thats the whom was junior common practice at ER. intention behind your disclosing of something Kierah Tucker. Tucker They will continue to be you’re not being a snitch, you’re being a good WE DO [DRUG SWEEPS] NOT befriended the girl implemented. citizen,” Assistant Principal Char Krause said. BECAUSE THERE IS A GREATER towards the end of the “We do that not “I wouldn’t want it on my shoulders that I knew PROBLEM, BUT TO KEEP IT FROM school year, despite because there is a greater something and because I was afraid to say knowing that the girl problem, but to keep it something, someone got hurt, or worse.” BEING A PROBLEM. was a drug user. from being a problem,” Administration makes it their central - Deputy Jeff Papen “She told me Papen said. “We do that goal to make school a safe place for learning. that she was going to to establish a culture Forgiveness is given to all who make a mistake. bring treats to school and that they would be where we are saying you guys are so important delicious,” Tucker said. “I thought ‘oh that’s to us that we are going to do the extra work to nice of you.’” provide a safe and secure environment where
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Hash oil desserts injure students
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{Chase Charaba - JagWire}
At left: Daffodil escort Ethan Stutz, candidate Brynn Adams and Daffodil Princess Jaskirat Kaur wave to the audience at the Fall Sports Assembly on Oct. 31. At right: Daffodil candidates (from left to right) Alicia Decker, Jaskirat Kaur, McKinsey McMahon, Jessica Fleetwood, Brynn Adams and Abby Mirk react to the announcement of the 2014-2015 princess on their selection night (pictured here with their respective escorts).
ERHS Daffodil Princess crowned
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enior Jaskirat Kaur was crowned as Emerald on stage.” Ridge’s Daffodil Princess Friday, Oct. 24 The candidates were scored on their speeches and impromptu question during Daffodil Princess Selection. answers, as well as their one-on-one individual interviews with the judges The Daffodil Festival and Parade have been prior to Selection. much-celebrated traditions in Pierce County “We are so very proud of each and every one of you,” Krause said. since 1926, and one of its biggest attractions is “Each of you has a beautiful inner light.” the Daffodil Royal Court, which includes the When Krause called Kaur’s name, Kaur said the first thing on her mind Daffodil Princesses, the escorts, and the Daffodil was: How did that happen? In her speech, Kaur spoke of the time she Queen. This year, seniors Brynn Adams, Jessica helped feed a seven year-old girl. Fleetwood, McKinsey McMahon, Abby Mirk, Alicia “It taught me how to love unconditionally,” Kaur said. By: Jiannaka Limonta Decker, and Jaskirat Kaur Kaur was asked - as her impromptu question - to Entertainment Editor decided to run for the choose the ultimate community service project she IT TAUGHT ME HOW TO would organize, and why. She said a book drive, chance to represent ER as Princess. “All of them learned that by having a serving because seeing a smile on a kid’s face for something LOVE UNCONDITIONALLY. heart, and having the same goal as far as doing she could so simply give would be priceless. - Jaskirat Kaur well on stage, [it can have] a huge impact,” Career “Wow, I’m so blessed!” Kaur said during the Specialist Patti McMullan, lovingly called McMommy by the Princess reception. “I’m really excited for the opportunities I’m going to get with candidates, said. “I mean, they have learned to come together as one unit, the Daffodil Festival.” supporting each other.” McMahon was motivated partly because it’s helped her in making her Assistant principal Char Krause was the Master of Ceremonies for the dream of becoming a child psychologist happen, and also because of her evening, and the event was organized by McMullan. The President of the daffodil family legacy that goes all the way back to her great-grandmother. Daffodil Festival, Debbie Barbara, was present, along with some other The best part, Decker said, was, “To be able to be a part of a court of Daffodillians, plus former and current Daffodil Princesses and potential girls that I can call my friends.” Princesses from other schools in the district. McMullan also said that the girls have learned how to better express To give time to the judges to tally up the scores and decide, the escorts themselves, and how to showcase that in their speeches. put on a prepared dancing skit, and former ERHS Daffodil Princess Kiasa “It’s hard doing that, getting up there and doing your speech. Just Sims and current Daffodil Queen Marissa Modestowitz gave farewell watching that support system has been a beautiful thing,” McMullan said. speeches, in which they told stories of their adventures as part of the “We’ve had a lot of time together. I think they’re ready. They may not feel Daffodil Festival, gave thanks and acknowledgement to the people who they’re ready, but they’re ready.” helped them get so far, and advice to the candidates. Mirk said it is not about winning. “No matter what happens tonight,” Modestowitz said. “You all shined “It’s about being a better version of yourself,” Mirk said.
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November 07, 2014 | Volume XV Issue II | JagWire 03
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Pro: new products improve student eating habits
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merald Ridge’s student store, the Jungle, 33 percent) are obese right now. We don’t need more junk food in our has changed a lot since the Smart Snacks schools to make those numbers higher. While the school has no right to In School regulations were passed into tell you what to eat at home or at school, they have every right to decide law by the USDA. Whole wheat, fruits and what role they play in the fight against obesity and premature death. veggies are a must, while sugars, fats, calories “The long term health effects of obesity in children include Type II and sodium are under several limitations. Many Diabetes, heart disease, cancer, osteoarthritis, and an increase for cancer students protested the changes, but others still including cervical, kidney, pancreas, colon, breast, gall bladder and think things might not be as bad as they seem. prostate cancer,” Ismael Cabrera, MD said on his official website. .....“It definitely presented us with the Prices have stayed the same with the smoothie window, even while the opportunity to research new products and find a content of the smoothies has gone up in quality. The other healthy choices way to still meet the needs of students and what in the store are priced similarly. Many choices in the store, such as their By: Sydney Blankenship they want for lunch and things like that, but in a new oatmeal Pop Tarts, are well portioned, healthy choices for breakfasts Reporter healthy way,” senior Jordan Koch, a member of or snacks. Better yet, the prices are low. Compared to last year’s calorie the Jungle team, said. “For example, we sold filled, over-priced, unhealthy items, this is a great change. Instead of bagels last year. We still sell bagels this year, they’re just different types.” going to Starbucks for a four dollar or more smoothie, you can go to the Even with the regulations, the student student store (which is also closer) and get store is going strong. The team has kept a a smoothie that has twice the taste for half COMPARED TO LAST YEAR’S the price. positive attitude, and done their best with the situation. New foods and drinks have been While the store no longer stocks the CALORIE FILLED, OVER-PRICED, brought to the store, and the entire stock has sweet treats many know and love, the UNHEALTHY ITEMS, THIS IS A GREAT healthier choices are a step in the right been almost completely redone. A change this extreme has caused some concern for the direction. By keeping junk out of our snack CHANGE. business, but senior Alec Meyers and another lines and student stores, the school is member of the team, said that is simply not taking active precautions against obesity, the case. and promoting healthy lifestyles. With the rapid sale of apparel during the “Having a set of healthier options has brought in another set of target homecoming game victory, the impact on sales has been minimal and the markers and another set of [demographics] into the store.” Meyers said. changes have provided a learning opportunity for the student store. According to the CDC, about 17 percent of students were obese during the “We’re kind of like this new store,” Meyers said. “Jungle 2.0.” 2011-2012 school year. In 2013, that number almost doubled. According to the Michigan Department of Education, a third of students (about
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New U.S.D.A. laws change food choices at student store Con: alternatives may not be as healthy as one thinks
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he student store is a place that ER students used to be able to buy drinks, snacks, and whatever general foodstuffs they desired. Now, because of the Smart Snacks In School Standards, all food and drink must have a calorie limit By: Catherine Mann of between 250 and News/Copy Editor 350, be limited in fat, sodium and sugar, and have specific rules that must be followed. No more Cup O’ Noodles. No more caramel frappes. No more muffins. Just “healthy” snack foods - and more than one unhappy student. According to the regulations, any food sold must be a whole grain product, have a fruit/ vegetable protein/dairy product as the first ingredient, and/or contain 10 percent of the daily value of one of the nutrients of public health concern (potassium, dietary fiber, calcium and vitamin D); preferably all of the above. This is all fine and dandy, until you realize that the foods that are sold are bad. The school lunches that a majority of students really dislike have gotten at least a little better, the snack lines sell healthier - but not necessarily better for you - alternatives, and the student store has a new line of products. Most of the products in the store match the regulations, many of the products are still processed foods. EatRight.org classifes
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processed foods in five categories: minimally processed foods pre-prepped for convenience (bagged spinach, cut vegetables, and roasted nuts), foods processed at their peak to lock in nutritional quality and freshness (canned beans, tomatoes, frozen fruits and vegetables and canned tuna), foods with ingredients (sweetners, spices, oils, dyes, etc.) added for flavor or texture (like jarred pasta sauce, salad
foods like fruits and vegetables, the bagels and smoothies actually taste better and more natural than last year, and the store now caters to a new and broader demographic of students. But really, these new regulations are terrible. Viking Vanguard, the Puyallup High School newspaper, wrote; “Our Student Store profits are way down. We are averaging maybe 5 to 20 dollars per lunch.” This is bad. Prices are down, which means income is down, and these NO MORE CUP O’ NOODLES. NO regulations may only make students bring their own unhealthy food from home. We MORE CARAMEL FRAPPES. NO MORE can’t control what they bring to school; MUFFINS. JUST ‘HEALTHY’ SNACK how can we control what they eat at school without causing an uproar? FOODS - AND MORE THAN ONE Now to focus on a single group athletes. Teenage competitive swimmers UNHAPPY STUDENT. sometimes burn up to 5000 calories in dressings, yougurt and cake mixes), heavily one practice session. The calorie limit (250 for processed ready-to-eat foods (crackers, granola snacks, 350 for entrees) is not nearly enough and deli meat), and the foods most heavily for a swimmer or other athletes. Those students processed are frozen/pre-made meals. would need to ingest approximately 14 of our There are definitely some positives to eating current school lunches, or student store snacks. processed foods - quick and dirty, ready to eat School lunches are approximately three dollars ASAP - but the negatives are more alarming. and sixty cents each. To spend that much on There is a loss of nutrients, absorption of added enough food for an athlete’s practice can be vitamins and minerals is more difficult, there is upwards to fifty dollars and forty cents. often added salt, there are often added saturated The store is an asset to the student body; ran fats and the quality is lower than natural foods. by students, for students. It should cater to their In essence, though the calories may be less whims within some frame of rules. But Smart and the packaging claims the food is high in Snacks In School has gained so much hate from nutrients those nutrients are more than likely so many students, changing these few things is synthetic and difficult for a body to absorb. more hurtful than helpful. The store is working on moving to natural
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Have an opinion on what’s in this issue?
{04 JagWire | Volume XV Issue II | November 07, 2014
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Write a letter to the editor: email to brackets.jagwire@gmail.com or drop one by room E157 Page designed by Bryanna Putman
The ERHS Facets yearbook is going fast!
for only a limited time, until Winter Break, Dec. 22.
Congrats to the following ERHS fall sports teams for winning their respective SPSL South league titles, the most in ERHS school history! - Varsity boys golf - Varsity girls golf - Varsity football - Varsity volleyball - Varsity boys cross country - Varsity girls cross country
Grad Ads are still available for purchase
Attention Jags!
Advertisements {
$50.00
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Yearbooks will be
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Here are some upcoming events: ERHS events:
The second IPR of the year will be sent out Nov. 18
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The senior class picture will be taken on Nov. 18
The FFA Holiday Bazaar will be held Nov. 22 in the ERHS commons There will be an early dismissal on Nov. 26
College on the Hill:
Nov. 14 - Grand Canyon University
Nov. 18 - Academy of Interactive Entertainment Nov. 21 - Oregon State University
Nov. 25 - Grand Canyon University
Armed Forces:
Nov. 19 - Army, Navy in commons
There will be no school on Nov. 11, Nov. 27, Dec. 03 - Marines, Navy in commons Nov. 28, or during Winter Break from Dec. 22 - Jan. 3 Dec. 10 - Army in commons
Page designed by Chase Charaba
Dec. 17 - Army in commons
November 07, 2014 | Volume XV Issue II | JagWire 05
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{ About our theme: As Veterans Day approaches, JagWire takes an inside look at America’s veterans and their treatment. Mistreatment of veterans is a prevalent part of our society, despite claims of being the “home of the brave”. In this issue, topics include veteran suicide, the 2014 VA scandal, the honoring of veterans in other countries and a showcase of ER’s own Vietnam vet, counselor Mariano Leon-Guerrero.
{06 JagWire | Volume XV Issue II | November 07, 2014
Page designed and photo taken by Brynn Adams
Jungle man LG served and led in Vietnam
Counselor Mariano Leon-Guerrero holds a position in the Army Rangers Hall of Fame, an honor awarded only to America’s most extraordinary U.S. Army Rangers
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any them, but life is short,” he said. “How could students I really support them if I don’t really know have had them? Know what their challenges are, the opportunity what their weaknesses are.” to interact with In 1976, he wanted to get out and go to counselor Mariano college, but as someone very talented at Leon-Guerrero what he did, he had a hard time. (usually called LG). “Everybody up the chain of command Most ERHS students didn’t want to see me leave, because I had don’t, however, know so much to give. They wanted me to be an the Jungle Man’s officer,” LG said. “But then, the attrition By: Brynn Adams story. upped the tempo and the war started to Co-Editor-in-Chief Originally from end and the forces started to go down and Guam, LG grew up with a lot of loyalty to with me just having a high school diploma, America, who he and many in his country I wasn’t gonna go too far as an officer, as saw as his island’s liberators. I’d be competing with college students and “Patriotism, for us, has a different flavor West Pointers and I said I was out.” on the island. My generation, we grew up He wanted to increase his hearing stories about how our island was professionalism and be the very best, liberated in World War though, so he decided to II from the Japanese,” he be a U.S. Army Airborne “EVERYBODY UP THE said. “The atrocities, the Ranger - the epitome of CHAIN OF COMMAND harsh treatment of our an infantryman. people, even just for not WANTED ME TO BE “To make a long story bowing and curtsying in AN OFFICER.” short, I was an Airborne respect when they walked Ranger for the rest of my by, and being beaten, up to- Mariano Leon-Guerrero military career,” he said. digging their own graves He served as a Ranger and being beheaded.” for 23 years. After different He was just 18 when he enlisted in the points, he and his select special operations U.S. Army, following the proud example of unit trained with the SEALS, Special his father, grandfather, uncle, and brother. Forces, Air Force, Marines, and Delta “So my brother got drafted and I didn’t Force. After he retired in 1993, he was wait to get drafted. There was the attitude inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame. He that you’re young and strong and you had risen up to be the regimental sergeant feel invincible, and I felt, hey, I could major, which is the most senior enlisted contribute,” LG said. non-commission officer in the 75th He served in Vietnam for two years, but Ranger Regiment. when he originally got there at 19, he was While serving as a ranger and thrown right in. afterwards, LG ended up getting his B.A., “I was baptized under fire. I was a leader. his teaching certificate, and two M.Ed.s I did everything in training, so I was a team in education. After retiring, he went on to leader when I got there,” he said. “What teach social studies at Rogers High School, that means is that, as an 18 year old, I was then switched to ERHS to be a counselor. responsible for four other people.” Though he misses the classroom, he loves LG lost people more than once while the work he does. in combat, and despite being told that “It was an honor to serve. Quiet eventually he would get used to it, it hurt professionalism,” he said. him every time. “My culture, I just get close to my people. And they say not to get close to
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“I see more veterans on
the streets than anyone else. When they spent their life serving, that’s not fair..”
- SyAnna Esparza
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“No,
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- Harper Bradley
Senior “No,
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the least paid workers in the country.”
- Cora Noell
Staff
Sophomore
Do you think veterans are being treated fairly?
Junior
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THE WIRE
“Sometimes
they are, sometimes not - the amount of sacrifice they make isn’t equal to the respect they deserve.” - Choir teacher Kurt McKee
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November 07, 2014 | Volume XV Issue II | JagWire 07
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15.9 percent of ER students plan to join the military {Out of 598 responses}
Thousands
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77.5 percent of ER students have a veteran in their extended family {Out of 631 responses} 94.3 percent of students know at least one veteran {Out of 597 responses} 35.3 percent of ERHS students have a veteran in their immediate family {Out of 621 responses}
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97.8 percent of ERHS students believe that it is important to celebrate Veterans’ Day {Out of 603 responses} 92.6 percent of ER students believe that veterans should have free access to counseling after deployment {Out of 597 responses} 52.3 percent of ERHS students do not believe that veterans are receiving the care they need {Out of 595 responses}
22 $16 293
veterans commit suicide every day billion given to Veterans Affairs Health Care system in August veterans died while waiting for an appointment at VA hospitals during the VA scandal
Presence of veteran suicides growing Investigating the impacts and psychology behind veteran suicides, local and afar.
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n July 28, 2011 at Joint memories, avoidance, negative changes in thinking and Base Lewis-McChord, mood, or changes in emotional reactions.” Over time these Army Specialist Jonathon symptoms can become very intense. People can have more Gilbert killed himself at the PTSD symptoms if they are stressed or if they come across age of 21. He was 19 when he something that reminds them of the event. For example, enlisted in the army. He put a a soldier can hear the sound of a gunshot on a television pistol to his head and pulled show, and relive their own combat experience. the trigger after struggling with The right time to go and see a doctor for PTSD is if another soldier that tried to the person is having disturbing feelings or thoughts stop him. Veterans and other about the event for a month or longer, the person feels military men and women are that they don’t have control over their life, or if the By: Jordan Bowers committing suicide, but why? thoughts and feelings about the event are severe or if Reporter .....The U.S. Department of the person is having suicidal thoughts. If the person Veterans Affairs stated that there is an estimated 22 has symptoms of PTSD, they should go see a doctor, veteran suicides per day in the U.S. That means that a mental health provider or other health care professional. veteran kills him or herself .....The Millennium Cohort every 65 minutes and there Study in 2001 looked at may be more than that. In a selected samples THAT MEANS THAT A VETERAN randomly sample of 100,000 people, 30 of the military population, KILLS HIM OR HERSELF EVERY 65 and they discovered veterans committed suicide, with an additional 14 civilians. being deployed for MINUTES, AND THERE MAY BE MORE that 69 percent of the veterans longer than a year was THAN THAT. that commit suicide are at actually associated with least 50 years old. And for the a lower risk of suicide. veterans that don’t commit suicide, .....In November 2013 at least 30 percent of them think of committing suicide. the CNN website reported that “from 2001 to 2008, out .....Some believe that veterans commit suicide over of 150,000 military population, there were 646 deaths guilt, but in reality the suicides may not be combatand 83 were suicides, which is less than 13 percent.” related. In the past, the percentage of military suicides .....The Millennium Cohort Study has caused some people were less than the percentage of civilian suicides. to believe that the military needs to change the way they The reason for these suicides may be due to underlying deal with soldiers with mental illnesses. In the study, mental health issues, such as depression, manic they found that the mental illnesses that were found in depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and alcohol. the random military population sample, were the same These can be fundamentally treatable at some level. mental illnesses found in civilian population as well. .....The Mayo Clinic website defined PTSD as a mental At Joint Base Lewis-McChord, active-duty army health condition that is triggered by a traumatic event. suicides increased from 80 in 2003 to 164 in 2011, The traumatic event could be something that the person but has decreased since then. According to a Tacoma has witnessed or experienced. Symptoms of PTSD include News Tribune article last year, Spc. Derrick Kirkland flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety and uncontrollable killed himself at Lewis-McChord in March 2010, even thoughts about the event. Usually with good care and though his colleagues in Iraq took pains to send him some time, these symptoms can go away, but PTSD can home because of his suicide attempts while deployed. stay with someone for years before it goes away, if it He appeared stable when he spoke to a psychiatrist at goes away at all. Symptoms for PTSD can occur within Madigan Army Medical Center. just three months after the event and account for many Veterans commit suicide each and every day, and a veteran suicides. lot of them are right here in Washington. If a veteran is The Mayo Clinic website also reported that “PTSD thinking of committing suicide, step up and help out. symptoms are generally grouped into four types: intrusive
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{08 JagWire | Volume XV Issue II | November 07, 2014
medic only p accep vetera care if the ve Week has be By: Chase Charaba who c Co-Editor-in-Chief of trea became much too real last yea Veteran mistreatment in th Care System broke national m when it was revealed that pro were preventing veterans from has led to a series of changes veteran mistreatment and ne In 2012 Dr. Katherine Mitc physician, reportedly told the Phoenix VA Health Care Syst ER was overwhelmed. This le being filed to the VA Office In complaint ended up going ba Mitchell on administrative le According to an article on was published May 22, while being filed, the Government A the Veterans Health Adminis outpatient medical-appointm The VA reported that it reduc Dr. Samuel Foote alleged “pu wait times stem from manipu [were] dying while awaiting a Foote revealed his allegations Republic in December 2013. Previously in 2013, Repub
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Resources
Washington veterans hom Washington Soldiers Home: 1301 Orting-Kapowsin Hwy Orting, WA 98360 Main phone: (360) 893-4515
Washington Veterans Home: 1141 Beach Dr. PO Box 698 Retsil, WA 98378 Main phone: (360) 895-4700 Spokane Veterans Home: 222 East 5th Ave Spokane, WA 99202 Main phone: (509) 344-5770
Veteran help services
VA suicide prevention hotlin Phone: 1-800-273-8255 National Center for PTSD: Website: ncptsd.va.gov
Treatment of PTSD: Website: www.PSD.va.gov/publ pages/treatment-ptsd.asp
Washington state Departmen of Veterans Affairs: Website: www.dva.wa.gov
National homeless veteran ca center: Phone: 1-877-424-3838
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blicans in Congress opposed the
2013 Veterans Backlog Reduction Act, which would have Act of 2014, May 21. A similar bill was passed by the Senate helped veterans receive faster and more efficient health and then approved by both houses of Congress Aug. 7. care at VA hospitals and clinics. This came after years of The new bill, Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability campaigning by Senator Patty Murray from Washington Act of 2014, was signed into law by Obama a week later. state to seek more money for veterans during the George W. The law not only allows the Secretary of Veterans Affairs Bush Administration. to remove individuals from the Senior Executive Service of In May CNN the VA, but allows veterans to receive reported that “at healthcare from non-VA facilities under THE NEW BILL, VETERANS ACCESS least 1,700 military certain circumstances, while receiving veterans waiting to the same benefits. The law also allocated CHOICE AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT see a doctor were $16 billion to the VA Healthcare System never scheduled for an OF 2014, WAS SIGNED INTO LAW BY to assist with reducing wait times, appointment and were improving VA technology and facilities, OBAMA A WEEK LATER. never placed on a wait and other resources. list at the Veterans As the effects of the scandal continue Affairs medical center in Phoenix.” to move into the fall season, Richard J. Griffin, Acting Following various calls for his resignation, Eric K. Inspector General of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Shinseki resigned as Secretary of Veterans’ Affairs May 30. sent his final report to the U.S. House of Representatives President Barack Obama accepted the resignation soon hearing Sept. 17. He wrote that “our recent report cannot after. The Washington Post wrote that Shinseki’s resignation capture the personal disappointment, frustration and loss of “was triggered by a confluence of problems including poor faith of individual veterans and their family members with leadership at VA hospitals, woefully dated technology and a a health care system that often could not respond to their health-care system that couldn’t handle the strain caused by physical and mental needs in a timely manner.” almost 13 years of war and Vietnam veterans who were using The report detailed many of the findings of the scandal the system in greater numbers.” after months of examining and investigating the agency In June the Huffington Post reported that more veterans and the Phoenix hospital. The report finalized that they were going without medical care than previously thought, “examined the medical records and other information for writing “tens of thousands more veterans than previously 3,409 veteran patients, which included the 293 deceased reported are forced to wait at least a month for medical patients, and identified 28 instances of clinically significant appointments at Veterans Affairs hospitals and clinics, delays in care associated with access or scheduling.” according to an updated audit of 731 VA medical facilities.” The review continued by saying that “as our work In an effort to fix the problems plaguing the VA progressed, we identified over 3,500 additional veterans, Healthcare System, lawmakers in Congress began to work many of whom were on what we determined to be unofficial on bipartisan bills and resolutions to provide more funding wait lists, waiting to be scheduled for appointments but not and support for veterans nationwide. Both Democrats on PVAHCS’ official electronic wait list.” and Republicans agreed that fixing the VA problems was a It remains to be seen if the wait times at VA hospitals will national priority. be effectively reduced as a result of this scandal. The House of Representatives voted to approve the Department of Veterans Affairs Management Accountability
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veteran of the U.S. armed forces enters a Veterans Affairs hospital to receive cal treatment because it is the place his or her benefits will be pted. National law wouldn’t let ans go anywhere else for their f they needed VA assistance, so eteran makes an appointment. ks go by, and no appointment een scheduled for the veteran, continues to suffer from the lack atment. This potential scenario ar, resulting in the VA scandal. he Veterans’ Affairs Health media headlines earlier this year oblems at some VA hospitals m receiving health care. This at the national level to reduce eglect. chell, a Veterans Affairs e incoming director of the tem, Sharon Helman, that the ed to a confidential complaint nspector General. Mitchell’s ack to the VA in 2013, placing eave. USA Today’s website which Mitchell’s complaint was Accountability Office told stration that “its reporting of ment wait times is ‘unreliable.’” ced wait times for veterans, but urported successes in reducing ulation of data, and that vets appointments for medical care.” s towards the VA to the Arizona
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A columbarium of cremated veterans at the Tahoma National Cemetary in Kent, Wash.
Chase Charaba
November 07, 2014 | Volume XV Issue II | JagWire 09
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Honoring Veterans Day in the U.S. Going the extra mile to honor a veteran on Veterans Day.
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eterans Day is coming soon, and America’s pride in the armed forces is evident from military discounts at stores such as Les Schwab, scholarships for veterans such as the Heubner scholarship for $10 thousand and the holidays that honor veterans. Even though schools and government buildings are closed to honor veterans, how many students go a step further by sharing a veterans appreciation post on By: Lucas Cook Facebook or saying thanks to a veteran? Reporter “My brother Graham is a veteran, and to thank him I usually make him dinner and spend family time with him,” junior Moe Braun said. Whether they are currently in the military or inactive, it’s important to honor veterans because every little bit of their contributions helps us defend our rights. “My son-in-law and husband were in the military,” assistant librarian Sylvia Snow said. “When my son-in-law returned from Iraq, we gave him a barbecue and the whole neighborhood put up signs for him.” Options are available to send deployed veteran a letter or email, if they have internet access. It’s also important to recognize the National Guard, officers, paramedics and firemen, not just veterans who have served in wars. There are other ways to thank veterans: there are a lot of organizations available, such as Operation Gratitude, where a care package full of snacks, stuffed animals, or arts and crafts can be sent. There are sites such as Onbehalf.org where people can donate money, start a fundraiser or help volunteer for sites that support veterans. It’s helpful to do small things, such as learning about the war they fought in, participating in Veterans Day events, or even saying thanks to veteran in the community.
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Top: a bundle of flowers left atop a headstone of a veteran at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, Wash. Bottom: flowers are left by the headstones of veterans at Tahoma National Cemetery.
Celebrating armed forces around the globe Taking a look into the diversity and culture of celebrating and honoring veterans in other countries around the world.
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eterans Day is a national holiday compensation for their efforts. Unlike the U.S., Russia has no in the United States that was government programs that assist veterans. created to honor war veterans. Despite what people living in the U.S. may think, there are It was set in place by former President some things the Home of the Brave lacks in giving to veterans. Woodrow Wilson Nov. 11, 1919 and There are currently between 130-200 thousand homeless originally called Armistice Day to veterans in the U.S., and a study completed in early 2013 remember World War I veterans. states that an average of 22 veterans commit suicide every day. .....Honoring veterans in the U.S. is To gain benefits from the government as a veteran, you had commonly done by hosting ceremonies, to have been deployed to a foreign country or fight in a war; flag planting at cemeteries, parades, simply being in the military doesn’t count, memorials in Washington, D.C. and “We [as a country] don’t give veterans the recognition they songs dedicated to our veterans, but deserve. We take them for granted - especially the younger By: Bryanna Putman that isn’t always the case in many other generations,” three time former VFW (Veterans of Foreign Perspectives Editor countries around the world. Wars) President and current Veteran and Family Support Most countries have a day like Veterans Day where they Chairman, Dolores Lopez said. honor and remember those who have served and fallen in The VFW is a well-known organization that assists in war or at least something to show appreciation. The United different programs to benefit veterans. Lopez said that they Kingdom has the King’s National Roll Scheme, which is an try to get involved in schools as much as possible so they can employment program for disabled teach the younger generations veterans of World War I. They about how important veterans THE UNITED KINGDOM HAS THE are to our country. All donations also celebrate Remembrance Day, where they remember the fallen. KING’S NATIONAL ROLL SCHEME, they receive will go to care The Democratic Republic of the packages for veterans and their WHICH IS AN EMPLOYMENT families as well as helping with Congo, formerly known as the Belgian Congo, has veterans from PROGRAM FOR DISABLED VETERANS schools and domestic violence World War II living in specialized care. OF WORLD WAR I. communities, and they received Although most countries a pension up until the rule of honor their veterans, they don’t Dictator Mobutu Sese Seko was overthrown. Germany has honor all of them. For example, in many countries, if it’s a war a National Mourning Day where they mourn the dead from the country lost, they will ignore the veterans or even go as far World War II, and the country’s officials have been mulling as to harass them. Harassing is seen often in workplaces where over creating a national Veterans Day, but politicians are they are discriminated against and either don’t receive the skeptical about it due to Germany’s bloody past where the job or are unable to get promoted. Some employers refuse to military is concerned. In France, veterans wounded in war hire veterans due to possible disabilities and the fear of them are given first claim on any seat in public transportation. In missing work. Russia, veterans have proven to be very unhappy, with little to no wages and no housing from the government. A number of protests created by veterans have been occurring, arguing about how they are treated and that they should receive
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Sophomore jams n alternat ve band Avery Johnston balances school, family and music to live out dream of being in a band. {Mikayla Jennings - JagWire}
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Johnston performs live at the Auburn Theatre with Insuburban Avenue.
Johnston dresses up in Halloween costumes as a nerd with his band mates.
Sophomore Avery Johnston participates in a small band put together to perform the 1987 song “Welcome to the Jungle,” by the band Guns N Roses. Johnston is the lead guitarist.
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he walls vibrate with the amplified music coursing through them, moving the fans to crowd along the front of the stage. Facing away from the crowd stands a well-respected man. With a guitar in hand and the amps set on high, sophomore Avery Johnston plays his way to the top, his fingers shredding away to the fast beat. Johnston has been playing guitar since he was four. He plays a Fender Stratocaster 2006 Mexican stat. He isn’t the only one in his family to play guitar. His father also plays, along with By: Adaire Noonan his older sister, Adisen. His mother can play Reporter about two songs. His dad would play songs when they went camping as they sat around the campfire. He learned how to play from his dad for a couple of years and took lessons for a while, but stopped. Now he is back to learning from a different instructor and he has been for about six years. IT CAME NATURAL THAT “It came natural that I would PLAY AN INSTRUMENT. play an instrument,” Johnston said. - Sophomore Avery Johnston The first song Johnston learned was “Louie Louie” by Richard Berry. He said the best time to learn guitar is at a young age, and that learners should never give up. Johnston is in a band called Insuburban Avenue. The band’s music is classified in the alternative rock genre. The vocalist is Brianna Leaitu, TJ Wheeler plays drums, Jon Howard is the bassist and Brandon Boucher is on guitar. They have an album coming out in mid-December. “I knew I couldn’t sing, so I couldn’t be a singer or songwriter,” Johnston said. The band first appeared together at Johnston’s sister’s 16th birthday, when she put them together and asked them to play some music. After that, the group thought they’d form a band and play music for anyone who wanted to listen. They were officially formed Dec. 12th, 2012, at the Hampton Inn Hotel in Seattle. They try to have practice at least two times a week. Wheeler and Boucher met Johnston through his YouTube channel. At first glance, Wheeler thought Johnston was full of himself because he was so good at the guitar, but once he met him, he was really nice. Howard met him at Sparks Firehouse Deli. They were having an open mic night at
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the time. “I wasn’t sure I wanted to play guitar anymore, so I picked up a bass,” Howard said. Leaitu was the last to meet Johnston. She met him at the Imperial Dragon, a Chinese restaurant in Tacoma, while the band was doing one of their shows there. People would rent out the place for parties or private events. Having shown up early for one of the private events, she overheard Johnston playing “Waiting for the World to Change,” by John Mayer. Besides Leaitu being the same age as Johnston, at 16, the rest of the members in the band are 19 years old. Having Johnston and Leaitu in the band helps them to not be too serious. “We’re silly people,” Wheeler said. Even as Johnston makes time for band practice, WOULD school gets its much- needed attention. He tries not to let the band get in the way of school work, but when it does, Johnston takes great care in dealing with his school work first. His family are very supportive of him. They have helped him stay on track with his academics. Though his parents help with transport and everything else, they still find time to spend together. ..... From band members to school friends, Johnston has a tight knit family that he’s built here at Emerald Ridge. Besides being in a band outside of school, he’s also in the ER band. John Frey is the band director. Since he doesn’t have the instruments at home to practice, he takes notes to help him. He has been taking band since the second week of school this year. In his spare time, Johnston likes to listen to music. He likes listening to all kinds of music, except country. He doesn’t have a favorite band, but he does have a favorite song: “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin. Johnston plans on attending a four year college when he graduates in two years. He plans to study criminology, and he is hoping to be a crime scene investigator. Johnston has a lot going for him. Even if one door closes, he’ll just open another.
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{ New mother, junior Hailey Dunn, shows her affection for her three month old daughter Emma Jaylie Dunn. The mother-daughter bond is unique and unbreakable.
Hailey Dunn: breaking the stereotype Junior Dunn and her daughter Emma prove that she is not the typical American teen mother.
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ife hasn’t been the Many teen mothers drop out of high school were crying. We were happy and scared; she same for junior after having a baby, however Dunn chose to came really early, which freaked us out too.” Hailey Dunn since break the stereotype by staying in school. Emma now is three months old, born in late November of last She takes Pre-AP Algebra II at ER and is in full- August of this year. Being a mom at age 17 is year when she found out time Running Start. not an easy task, but Hailey has handled herself she was pregnant. “I only really have time for Emma and gracefully and proved to everyone that she is Dunn was only school,” Dunn said. not the average teen mom. six weeks along People did not think it was an appropriate when she found out. time to be pregnant, however she has grown Jake Castenada, her independent and learned how to take care of a boyfriend, was there child at this age. By: Alexis Frost with her when she took An adoption was not an option. Reporter an ric get the pregnancy tests and “I could never imagine giving my baby girl e they both cried. She took three pregnancy tests to strangers, and never knowing how they were Am s will nt a l just to make sure it wasn’t a false positive. treating her,” Dunn said. “Jake and I would gir regn ast “I never was worried or sad,” Dunn said. never have considered it.” p t le fore She decided to tell her parents about her The baby changed her life forever, and Dunn a be 0 e pregnancy a couple days before Christmas. said she is more stressed than ever. Though she nc ge 2 o Some parents do not support their teenagers does not have time for fun, she is happier with a when they find out they are pregnant, but her the way things are. parents did. Dunn is still in a relationship with her baby’s Her mother Kelley’s reaction was to cry, father. Castenada has been living with his and Dunn had her mother tell her father Zac friends to help take care of Emma and Hailey. because she was too scared. They stayed by her Dunn dealt with haters in many ways. She side, as well as Castenada. actually did not face a lot of hate because most m ro f “They never once were mad at me,” Dunn of the people she dealt with were her family e said. “Only nice and loving.” and friends who loved her and never judged her at u The father’s choices. When people ad l r g mom was just were negative with r hoo e as supportive. v sc [JAKE’S GRANDPARENTS] WEREN’T her though, she en rs ne igh However, his didn’t listen. e t h VERY HAPPY AND TOLD ME I SHOULD Dunn had many grandparents of othe did not feel the people taking GET A DNA TEST. m same way as care of her and - Junior Hailey Dunn she did. backing her “[Castenada’s up wherever grandparents] weren’t very happy and told me I she was. She has friends who stayed should get a DNA test,” Dunn said. by her side the whole time, from Castenada’s family has helped in many ways finding out about her pregnancy to In the U.S. by buying diapers and clothing for Emma. Jake when the baby was born. about spends a lot of his time with Dunn and Emma. Some friends, like junior “He was very supportive and knew from the Michaelanne King, have helped in beginning that he wanted to be in our lives,” any way they could. Dunn said. “I and Emma have an amazing “I was a support system,” King bond.” said. The new mother has been busy dealing with Friends have helped in many many different challenges every single day since different ways. They always supported Emma was born, from going to family events, her and bought gifts for baby Emma. to and from school and home. Finding time for Dunn said it helped having her friends by her to get ready, eat and take a shower is almost her side because they backed her up through impossible with having a baby, but Dunn always everything. gets it done. Before baby Emma was born, all of Hailey’s “I have a good reputation and I take good friends came to the hospital. care of myself,” Dunn said. She talks about how Childbirth was a completely different {Sources: dosomething.org almost everyone in the school backed her up experience for Dunn. and teenhelp.com} about her pregnancy. “I almost died,” Dunn said. “Jake and I both
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{ Left right: aspiring comic book writer and creator Morgan Pipkin draws sketches in her notebook. One of Pipkin’s original characters from her comic, IZombie. Pipkin shows off some of her favorite comic drawings.
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Junior aspiring to become next Stan Lee Morgan Pipkin has been making her own original comics since age 10, and aspires to become a famous comic creator.
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hen it comes to drawing or anything artistic and colorful, junior Morgan Pipkin is the girl to go to. She’s the girl who can make anything vibrant and amazing. She is an aspiring comic book writer, with her own comic books out online, and has contributed to many websites. She has her own killer style when it comes to drawing. For Pipkin, comic book writing started early, at the age of ten. Drawing and writing had always been fun for her to do. Her father had played a big By: Kierah Tucker part in this. Movies, actors, and books did as well. Reporter “I remember my dad used to read comic books to me when I was little, and I always would draw fan art,” Pipkin said. “Then I started adding words and making them into a comic of my own, but that didn’t start until I was ten years old.” Pipkin described herself as creative and unique. She was inspired to write her first comic after she saw the first Batman movie with actor Michael Keaton as Batman, directed by Tim Burton. What set her idea, though, was the comic book Spider Man. “It started out with Batman, and then everything,” Pipkin said. “But I remember Spider Man comics had given me some great ideas, before Batman.” It was really hard for her to pick her favorite comics, but she said it was a three way tie between Deadpool, Avengers, and the X-Men. “DeadPool, Avengers, and X-Men are my favorite comics because my husbands are in it,” Pipkin said. “And I grew up on them.” Pipkin considers comic book writing her future job career, and hopes one day she’ll be big and famous like Stan Lee, a famous comic book writer who created the whole Marvel universe. She wants to get her original comics published in the next five years or so. “I really plan on doing this when I’m 20. I don’t really like a lot of attention in high school,” Pipkin said. This isn’t just a hobby for Pipkin, but it’s also an escape. High school can be stressful. Some people use yoga, exercise, or eating as a stress reliever, but Pipkin uses her own method: drawing and comic book writing.
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“Art to me is something emotional, whetehr it’s a picture or words or a drawing,” Pipkin said. “There’s always meaning to someone’s art.”` Art to her is something else. It’s different. It’s deep. It could be an escape, a hobby. It is what makes her happy. “My art means to me everything in the world,” Pipkin said. “It’s my happy place.” Pipkin has written her first comic book, titled ‘IZombie’. That would is her personal favorite of her comics. “IZombie is about a bunch of different characters that are demons, spirits and, of course the main character, which is a zombie named ‘Zombie’,” Pipkin said. “They are basically trying to live normal adolescent lives, being as normal as they can without eating someone’s brains.” Pipkin was not able to come up with a name for her main character, so she ended up calling him Zombie, and then decided to call her whole comic book ‘IZombie’ . Pipkin has her favorite comic book strips in her comic book ‘IZombie’. “My favorite comic book strip from ‘IZombie’ would have to the one where Zombie gets his first pet, named Greg, and is happy because he doesn’t eat him,” Pipkin said. Pipkin has favorite characters of course, which include Zombie and the Queen of the Dead. These characters are her favorites because she created them herself. She loves them the way they are. Pipkin’s other favorite thing to do is draw fanart and write fanfictions. “I love [the TV show] ‘Once Upon A Time’, and the Avengers, so I draw and write fanfictions for it,” Pipkin said. “When I have inspiration, I just do it.” Inspiration plays a big role in Pipkin’s artistic lifestyle. “I get inspiration from just reading, watching TV, watching a good movie and my favorite TV show, and sometimes other people, and famous people,” Pipkin said. Pipkin even had a message for those wishing to follow their dreams. “Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do what you want,” Pipkin said. “In this day and age, it’s hard for even one person to be able to follow their dreams, so be that one person and do what you want. Never stop achieving your goal.”
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Fall play: Romeo & Juliet Hearts and fists collide in a modernized production of the Shakespeare classic
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Romeo & Juliet cast rehearsing scenes for the play.
rom Nov. 6 to 8, at 7 p.m. at Emerald Ridge, sance feeling to it. Tavern has a tradition of spreading out when he does the school is premiering Romeo & Juliet as plays by the Bard. the fall play. “It was time to do a Shakespeare play, after three years,” Tavern said. .....Romeo & Juliet is premiering in a modernized “During the auditions about 45 students came, and they were all very setting, but the actors and actresses will be speakcompetitive.” ing renaissance English. The ER play is not going While auditioning for the show, the students who came to audition to be how anyone imagines. were twice the number of roles there was open. .....“Something the “There were more girls that came than boys,” audience will see Tavern said. “I had to switch some male roles to is sex, sex jokes, female roles.” During the auditions, about 45 romance and a Senior Matthew Kusche, who auditioned and By: Karina Alejandre students came, and they were all very tragedy. It’s going got the part as Romeo Montague, knew that Reporter to be good,”said ju- competitive. the role given to him was right for him because nior Hailey Hoff who plays Juliet Capulet. Tavern was directing it. - Drama teacher and play director The cast is not be using period clothing, or “You audition, and you know there’s a lot of elaborate hairstyles. The Romeo & Juliet chances to get a lead role,” said Kusche. “I would Christopher Tavern cast will be wearing regular 21st century accept any role that I got. I knew with Tavern clothing, not renaissance time period clothing like the play was written that I would get a good role.” for. Not only would it be a bit difficult to look for but it would also be diffiSince most of those who auditioned were girls, some roles had to cult for the cast members to perform in. change from male to female, and every student put their trust in Tavern, “They are completely uncomfortable and itchy,” Mercutio actress seknowing that he would pick the right role for them. nior Rhyan Cockrell said. “I wasn’t going for a specific part, I just wanted to Since the performance will be different than the script, one modificabe involved in the play,” sophomore Alivia Schwartz, tion being made is that Mercutio will be played by a girl. who plays a citizen, said.“Either in the play directly, “Mercutio is a very vulgar character and its going to be interesting to or helping create the setting.” have a girl play like his characteristics,” said Christopher Tavern, drama Romeo & Juliet references have been used in teacher and play director. love songs, cartoons, and real-life problems; there’s Not only has Mercutio changed gender roles, but Tavern also has taken always a message sent to the audience watching. the liberty of changing some parts of the play. “The audience should understand that you can’t “Since the play will be modernized, Mercutio, Romeo and Tybalt will please everyone- it’ll end tragically,” Hoff said. not be sword fighting,” Tavern said. “They will be fighting hand-to-hand The tickets are $8 without ASB and $6 with ASB. combat.” Tickets are available to students at the bookkeeper’s When he taught at Kalles Junior High, Tavern directed Romeo & Juliet. window or available at www.brownpaperticket.com. He hopes to make this play more contemporary, but still have that renais-
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Romeo & Juliet cast rehearsing scenes of the play.
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Tavern talking to Romeo & Juliet cast.
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irls cross country joined the parade of Emerald Ridge fall sports teams winning their SPSL title. Though previous teams have always shown success on the course, a combination of teamwork and new additions combined to make this year something special Senior Madison Colley suggested the addition of senior athletes Riley Clarke and Hope Jones. This added some depth to a team that was already strong. “I convinced them it would be fun, and we had a blast,” Colley said. Coach Gary Osborne agreed that adding Clarke was a good idea, focusing on her toughness. “She doesn’t like to lose,” Osborne said. However, it was the addition of freshman runners Emma Bates, Breanna Burge and Emma Colley, together with talented junior Sunni Berbert, that carried the team to the league title. “Younger runners on the team all stepped up and ran well the entire season,” Osborne said. Colley claims the team really gelled at the home meet against Rogers High School and Puyallup High School. “We were nervous and freaking out,” Colley said. “But then we broke into a cheer ‘toughest course in the state!’” It really helped them bond as a team and set the tone for the rest of the year. Though the team will lose Colley, Clarke and Jones, Osborne is confident. Girls cross country is set for future success. “We’re going to lose [them], but all the others are coming back.” Osborne said.
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oys cross country are the SPSL (South League) champions. The key turning point for the team was during mid-season, they realized just how good they and they pushed themselves to do better. “The little rivalry within the team to get the best spots also helps the boys push each other,” coach Gary Osborne said. As a team they pushed each other every week to improve. The team demonstrated great dedication. Training in the off-season and By: Melina Stone bringing it to the regular season played a big part Reporter in the team’s success. Everyone was on the same page, which allowed the team to be closer. Osborne got everyone on the same page competing for roster spots. He knew the team would be good because of the nine or ten boys he had competing for those spots. “We are a strong team,” senior Connor Bates said. “We have been since the beginning.” Bates pushed everyone on the team, even though he is the front runner. Also the five through seven varsity guys in the back of each race helped push the team a lot, because they were fighting amongst each other to get the varsity spots. “We couldn’t have achieved our goals without every one of our guys stepping up this year.” Bates said.
{Jordan Bowers - JagWire}
Emerald Ridge prepares for the first play against Graham-Kapowsin High School in the last game of the regular season. The girls won 3-0.
Volleyball scored a record season T
he Emerald Ridge varsity volleyball team is undefeated with 14-0 and getting ready to go to state. They are also hoping to do just as well in districts. What made this season different than previous seasons was that the team had a balanced offensive attack and the team is more experienced as a whole this year. The girls work very hard on a daily basis to achieve all of their goals they have set. Winning the SPSL South league title for the third year in a row with an undefeated record has made By: Jordan Bowers this season start special. Reporter One of the volleyball coaches, Jill FoxMullen, believes that the team walked away with a lot of “big” wins so far this season because the team approached each match as if it were a championship match. “We have posted the beast school record at this point in our season,” Fox-Mullen said. “Our current record is 12-0 in league play and our overall record is 32-0-1. We have no losses.” The girls have been undefeated this season, and just like Fox-Mullen, the players also had their favorite wins.
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“My favorite win was against Rogers,” senior varsity setter Isabella Zubrod said. “It wasn’t a close game, but it wasn’t a total wipe out either.” Senior outside hitter Jenna Mullen gave some insight on what it was like to have a mother as her coach. “One of the coaches is my mom, so it’s really easy to work with her,” Mullen said. The girls get along really well with each other, to where it is like a family. They say it is really easy to work well with each other, and everything goes nice and smoothly for the games. “It’s great working with the other girls,” right side Jessica Davis said. “We have really great chemistry.” Everyone is hoping to go out and win the state competition. Right now, the Lady Jags are number one in Washington State, and ranked 21st nationally, according to MaxPreps.com. “My hope for the team is that we go on to win state,” Zubrod said. The district matches start Nov. 7 and 8 at Kentwood High School, and everyone is hoping to be as successful in districts as they were the entire regular season. “I know we want to finish undefeated in league, and finish with district champs, and hopefully state champs,” Mullen said.
November 07, 2014 | Volume XV Issue II | JagWire 15
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{ Emerald Ridge set for one of the last plays of the King of the Hill football game against Rogers High School. The Jags defeated the Rams for the first time in seven years.
Varsity Football demolishes league T
he ER “It was probably the best feeling I’ve {Mikayla Jennings - JagWire} varsity had in a long time,” senior quarterback football Griffin Meyers said. team rose as A necessary characteristic for a underdogs this football team to thrive is respect and year to their trust of the quarterback. most successful “He’s a great quarterback,” Clarke season in history, said. finishing the Meyers has led the team to many regular season victories this season, but he knows that with overall stats none of it would be possible without his By: Mikayla Jennings of 6-2. reliable teammates. Features/Photo Editor However, those “It’s just nice knowing that whatever losses came against Prosser High School happens, I know that they have my back and Kentwood High School, two schools and I have theirs also,” Meyers said. outside of the SPSL South league. The team is very close. They face all Within their conference, the Jags went challenges head-on together. undefeated in the regular season, “All the guys are playing for each sending them to the postseason for the other,” Rankin said. first time. Last week, the team won their first “We bounced back from the first postseason game against Spanaway couple games,” senior wide receiver Lake High School 35-15. They face East Wainwright Clarke said. “We got more Lake High School tonight. experience as the games went on. We “We’ve done this good this far and I do our jobs, and we do those jobs to think it’s just going to carry on and we’re perfection.” going to keep rolling,” Meyers said. The team faced Graham-Kapowsin The fans’ spirit and support has been High School after the first two losses in unwavering the entire season, with the season, a team ranked third in the record turnouts for games. They may state at the time. not know it, but the fans play a vital part “Everyone completely in every game. underestimated us. They were like ‘oh “When you look up and see a huge it’s a blowout, it’ll just be a blowout,’” student section, it gives you more senior receiver Brett Rankin said. “We motivation to want to do good,” Meyers were complete underdogs.” said. Sophomore Andrew Boston catches a pass thrown by Griffin Meyers. The seniors on the team take pride The student body takes pride in the in the fact that during their last year as effort and dedication the Jags have {Mikayla Jennings - JagWire} Jags, they were the first team to win the exhibited both in practice and games. King of the Hill game against Rogers “As a die-hard Jaguar fan, I am very High School in seven years. Rumors proud of how the boys have put their went around after the game that ER only hard work in practice to work on the beat Rogers because the Rams did not field,” senior Austin Fisher said. “They have a good team this year. The Jags have just destroyed every team that immediately shut down this claim. they’ve come in contact with.” “They could have won that game if This year’s group of young men will they came to play, but they didn’t. We undoubtedly be remembered in school came to play,” Clarke said. history for years to come, and they will ER triumphed undoubtedly over both Rogers remember and Puyallup WE’VE CREATED A LOT OF this season High School, even when HISTORY THIS YEAR. designating them they are old as the prestigious and gray. - Senior Brett Rankin city champions. “I’m “We’ve created not going a lot of history this year,” Rankin said. to remember ‘oh I threw for this Two weeks ago, the Jags defeated many yards in this game,’” Meyers Curtis High School to be the official said. “But I’ll remember winning the SPSL South league champions, the league championship, winning the city first time achieving this title in school championship, and beating Rogers.” Senior kicker Jason Schmidt attempts a field goal after a Jaguar touchdown. history.
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{16 JagWire | Volume XV Issue II | November 07, 2014
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