Emerald Ridge High School 12405 184th St E Puyallup, WA 98374
{JagWire { A limited forum for student expression
Sex Trafficking: A Pierce County Reality FOCUS: pages 8-13
erhsjagwire.com |Twitter: @GetJagWired | Instagram: @erjagwire | JagWire Newspaper on Facebook | Volume XV | Issue V
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News: page 3 All new admin team to take over ERHS next year
Entertainment: page 16
Features: page 19
“Importance of Being Earnest� debuts
Teacher participates in cat 4-H group
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JagWire staff JagWire Emerald Ridge High School 12405 184th Street E, Puyallup, WA 98374
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Co-Editor-in-Chief/Online Editor............................Brynn Adams Co-Editor-in-Chief/Online Editor..........................Chase Charaba Features Editor/Photo Manager/Ed Board.......Mikayla Jennings News Editor/Ed Board..........................................Catherine Mann Entertainment Editor.........................................Jiannaka Limonta Perspectives Editor..............................................Bryanna Putman Sports Editor...............................................................Anna Palmer Reporters: ............................................................Karina Alejandre .........................................................................Sydney Blankenship .................................................................................Jordan Bowers .......................................................................................Lucas Cook ......................................................................................Alexis Frost .................................................................................Adaire Noonan ..................................................................................Kierah Tucker ....................................................................................Melina Stone Adviser........................................................................Kevin Smyth Affiliates: JEA, NSPA, WJEA, SNO
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 2002 First Place --- WJEA Best of Show 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 2003 Third Place --- CSPA Newsmagazine Overall Design 2004 Fifth Place --- NSPA Best of Show, San Diego 2004 First Place --- WJEA Best of Show 2004-2005 NSPA Newspaper Pacemaker Finalist 2005 Third Place --- NSPA Best of Show, Seattle 2005 Edward R. Murrow Symposium Award, WSU 2005 Second Place --- NSPA Best of Show, Chicago 2006 Third Place --- NSPA Best of Show, San Francisco 2006 NSPA National Newspaper Pacemaker Award, Nashville 2006 Seventh Place --- NSPA Best of Show, Nashville 2006 Best of the High School Press --- Cover Design --- NSPA 2006 First Place --- WJEA Best of Show 2008 First Place --- WJEA Best of Show 2011 Best of the High School Press--- NSPA Best Special Coverage 2015 Excellence in Writing --- SNO 2015 Tenth Place --- NSPA Best of Show, Denver
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:
Daffodil girls shine with service The 82nd Daffodil Festival welcomes 24 more women into it’s court, including Emerald Ridge senior Jaskirat Kaur
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needed.” The Queen’s Coronation took place March 28 in Tacoma at the Pantages Theater. Each selected princess had the chance to show, for the second time since being chosen to represent their schools, how they shine their lights with service, the theme for this year. Becker was chosen from among the 24 candidates for the honor of representing the entire county in the parade and festival. The remaining 23 By: Jiannaka Limonta girls, though not chosen for Queen, are still Entertainment Editor Daffodil Princesses and were bestowed with School, in white. the responsibility of Official Ambassadors The Daffodil Festival Grand Floral of the Festival and Pierce County. Parade began at 10 a.m., starting in “It’s been an absolute blessing,” Kaur Tacoma, then said. “As it traveled ambassadors IT’S BEEN AN ABSOLUTE BLESSING. of Pierce through Puyallup, AS AMBASSADORS OF PIERCE COUNTY County we Sumner and [go into] the WE [GO INTO] THE COMMUNITY AND community ended in Orting in the evening. and serve SERVE THROUGH LEADERSHIP. Emerald through - Senior Jaskirat Kaur leadership.” Ridge’s own Daffodil Kaur said Princess, senior Jaskirat Kaur, also that between all of their efforts, they make participated with her 23 newfound sisters over 250 appearances and served over in the annual festival. She has helped out 7000 hours. In years’ past, the princesses and attended parades since her elementary and queens have volunteered in places school years, but she said that this year’s such as the Boys and Girls Club, Relay for was especially significant because it’s her Life, World Vision, Point Defiance Zoo and senior year. many others. “The biggest thing which I’ve gained is “One which really has stuck with me was learning how to take the title of princess helping with an organization called Step By and using it to make a bigger impact on the Step, who help at-risk moms get back on lives of those who live in Pierce County,” the right path while making sure the child Kaur said. is safe as The Daffodil Kaur IT HAS, FOR NEARLY A CENTURY, well,” Parade is an said. BEEN A TIME WHERE CITIZENS annual event. Overall, It is perhaps Kaur OF PIERCE COUNTY CAN COME described her the most TOGETHER AND HONOR THEIR HOME experience celebrated part of the festival, the AND THE PROMISE OF SUNSHINE with along with Daffodil AND SUMMER THAT THE FAMOUS Festival as the Princess Promenade DAFFODILS CARRY WITH THEM everlasting. and Queen’s “This THROUGH THE TOWNS. Coronation. It year’s royalty has, for nearly is sure to a century, been a time where the citizens of continue the long tradition of service and Pierce County can come together and honor I’m proud to honor them on behalf of the their home and the promise of sunshine County Council,” Council chair and first and summer that the famous daffodils carry Council district representative, Dan with them through the towns. Roach, said in an interview with the “The festival has carried [out the theme] Suburban Times. through many things, but most importantly No doubt this year’s Daffodil royalty and through its actions,” Kaur said. “They teach all the Pierce County Ambassadors of years’ the girls to serve the community in any way past will continue to make a difference in the community.
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aturday, April 11, marked the 82nd time 23 young women dutifully laced up the corsets of their Daffodil gowns and marched out in an army of yellow taffeta, led by their 2015 Queen, senior Ashley Becker from Bonney Lake High
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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
Emerald Ridge High School 12405 184th St E Puyallup, WA 98374
{JagWire {
About the cover:
A limited forum for student expression
The cover depicts the silhouette of a female covered in a barcode. This represents the idea that females and males in the sex-trafficking industry are seen as property until they can escape. The cover was designed by Co-Editor-inChief Brynn Adams.
FOCUS: pages 8-13
erhsjagwire.com |Twitter: @GetJagWired | Instagram: @erjagwire | JagWire Newspaper on Facebook | Volume XV | Issue V
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News: page 3 All new admin team to take over ERHS next year
Entertainment: page 16
Features: page 19
“Importance of Being Ernest” debuts
Teacher participates in cat 4-H group
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{02 JagWire | Volume XV Issue V | May 08, 2015
Page designed by Catherine Mann
All new admin team inbound Emerald Ridge will have an entire new team of administrators for the first time ever starting July 1
Upcoming Events May 8 - AP United States History exam
May 12 - AP Government and Politics exam May 13 - AP Junior English exam (a.m.), AP Statistics exam (p.m.) Assistant principals Mark Harris (left), Char Krause (left center), principal Karey Howell (right center) and dean of students Lisa Kusche (right) are all leaving Emerald Ridge at the conclusion of the current school year.
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May 14 - AP World History exam
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May 11 - AP Biology exam (a.m.), AP Music Theory exam (p.m.)
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{Chase Charaba - JagWire}
hanges are coming to the Puyallup School was principal of Emerald Ridge, District in July. Many administrators will Mr. [Brian] Lowney was principal May 19 - Scholarship Tea be changing positions or moving between of Emerald Ridge and we’re very school districts, including here at ER. well aware of the traditions and the May 25 and 26 - No School Effective July 1 principal Karey Howell will history of Emerald Ridge, so we’re become the assistant principal at Stahl Junior very mindful of that.” May 30 - Senior Ball at High, taking the place of Conchita Oliver-Moore, At the school board meeting at Pacific Science Center in another former ER administrator. Also leaving Glacier View Junior High April Seattle ER is assistant principal Char Krause, who will 20, it was announced that more become the director of transportation for the administrative changes were to be June 3 - 5 - Late start, EOC school district, assistant principal Mark Harris, made, particularly at the district testing By: Chase Charaba who will become the assistant principal of Carson office level. Co-Editor-in-Chief Elementary and dean of students Lisa Kusche, who “There will be some additional June 8 - Senior Awards will become the assistant principal of Aylen Junior High. administrative changes made, mostly Night “We knew that Ms. Krause was leaving because she wanted a district because we have openings,” chief position, and that Mrs. Kusche was finishing her administrative academic officer for region one, Vince June 9 - Senior Assembly internship and was seeking to be an assistant principal, and we knew that Pecchia said. “So, we need to hire for would not be here, more those positions.” June 11 - Senior Sunset, than likely,” Howell said. The changes were made for a seniors last day “So, with that came the variety of reasons. New administration of ERHS discussion of having just “Every year there’s some level June 12 - Senior Sunrise; Kevin Hampton, principal; current new people come in and of administrative changes that are graduation practice principal of Edgemont Junior High. start fresh from that. Mr. made and so, this year, just like in at Washington State Kamrica Ary-Turner, assistant Hodge actually contacted previous years, there were some Fairgrounds principal; current associate administrator me and asked me, when moves that were made,” Pecchia said. at Graham-Kapowsin High School in his assistant principal “Those moves are kind of dependent June 13 - Graduation Graham. announced her retirement, on a couple of different factors. at Washington State Michelle Fox, assistant principal; current he called me that night and Sometimes it has to do with what the Fairgrounds - grandstands principal of Rocky Ridge Elementary said he would, if there were administrators themselves would like school in Graham. moves, he would like me to to do, as far as what their personal June 18 - Last day Richard Lasso, assistant principal; current come over and be a part of [or] professional goals are.” assistant principal of Federal Way High his school.” Sometimes, however, the changes are School. Kevin Hampton, the made based on the need of a particular building. This can be because a Scan the QR principal of Edgemont certain administrator has a particular skill-set. Junior High, will become “It was made in an effort to make sure that everybody was aware and code to view all ER’s new principal. Two in consultation with all of our leaders and our principals,” Yeomans said. of the Puyallup of ER’s new assistant “We always make changes during the year that best align with talent and School District principals, Kamrica Arythe skills of our administrators to the best location where they can be administrative Turner and Michelle Fox, most advantageous.” changes. are coming from the Bethel According to the Association of Washington School Principals School District and Richard website, there are dozens of job openings for administrators at all levels Lasso is coming from across the state. Unlike these other districts, the PSD was able to fill them Federal Way Public Schools. very early in the process and no Puyallup openings were available. “Ms. Fox, I’ve known her for several years; she’s a really strong leader,” “We also have a reality that if we don’t move very very quickly the Howell said. “She’s really smart, she’s got great instructional background people that you saw in audience out here have multiple opportunities to and leadership and so I’m super excited for her to be part of this.” work in many school districts,” Yeomans said. “Just look at the huge list This leaves Emerald Ridge with a of positions that’s posted in the state and completely new administrative staff, the first districts are posting them day after day. THE VERY FIRST THING THAT MR. time this has occurred since the school opened So, for us to be in this position really in 2000. speaks to the stewardship of our chief HAMPTON AND ALL OF THE TEAM With this new administrative team some academic officers of which Mr. Lowney MEMBERS ARE DOING IS THEY’RE students and staff are worried that ER is one, Mr. Pecchia, Mr. Parker and Mr. traditions, culture and overall way of life Cox who really led this process.” LISTENING. will be lost, but Puyallup School District Despite the well-beings of these - Superintendent Dr. Timothy Yeomans Superintendent Dr. Timothy Yeomans doesn’t changes, it can be hard on the think that is the case. administrators and the students. “The very first thing that Mr. Hampton and all of the team members “It’s tough because I’ve gotten close to staff and students, and its are doing is they’re listening,” Yeomans said. “The district actually always hard to leave a school,” Howell said. “High school is different. You provides time for them to go and sit down with every single staff member have different relationships with the kids. I’ve taught elementary, I love to listen to the traditions and those things that are there. There is also a kids in general, so when you teach elementary it’s good, but it’s not the very high level of awareness at the district office in that Mr. [Casey] Cox same.”
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May 08, 2015 | Volume XV Issue V | JagWire 03
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New state test causes problems
Smarter Balanced Assessment has thrown off the balance in Emerald Ridge student life
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he Smarter Balanced Assessment test booklets and archaic procedures, it is not the knight-in-shiningdebuted throughout participating armor for state testing. states this spring, resulting in slow SBA is an example of how education reforms have failed in the technology and distorted school schedules United States. that put everyone else at discomfort. For starters, the test takes too long. The fact that testing is .....SBA was created by the Smarter Balanced scheduled throughout the next month is ridiculous. No one should be Assessment Consortium to replace state subject to taking a test on and off for that long, all while using up all tests, including the High School Proficiency of the Puyallup School District’s wireless and wired internet access to Exams (HSPE) and the the point that no other class, including Measurements of can work during testing. JAG TIME HAS BEEN CANCELED JagWire, Student Progress JAG time has been canceled for FOR THE REST OF THE SCHOOL the rest of the school year, effectively (MSP). Whereas By: Chase Charaba Co-Editor-in-Chief Washington YEAR, EFFECTIVELY ENDING MOST ending most of ER’s rich and cultured previously created traditions such as Ultimate Jag Week OF ER’S RICH AND CULTURED and many during-school clubs and their own tests, SBA is managed by a private organization. TRADITIONS SUCH AS ULTIMATE activities, all because of testing. This Passing the exam is required for isn’t fair to all of the other students JAG WEEK graduation, just like any other state who are not taking the test. assessment. However, the SBA is computerized HSPE testing took only a few days and requires lots of preparation in both instructional material and to complete and then it was all over. Sounds easier, right? That’s how to use the test software. because it was. According to the SBA website, the test is even used for college Educators and politicians have been clamoring for education acceptance at many schools in California, Delaware, Hawaii, Oregon, reforms for decades and changes have come and gone, but this is not South Dakota and Washington. reform. This is the start of a downhill spiral that cannot continue. While the test may seem like a great replacement to the bulky state Going back to the HSPE is the only sensible option for state testing.
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Drinks: Tahitian…...........$3.00 Milkshake….......$2.50 Caramel Frap…..$2.50 Energy Drinks....$3.00 Gatorade….........$1.25 Soda….................$1.75 Canned Soda…..$1.75 Arizona…...........$1.50
Candy (all $1.00): M&Ms Twix Sour Patch Kids Junior Mints Skittles Reese’s Three Musketeers Kit Kat
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Teachers receive exclusive access to secret menu Privilege menu receives attention after students find out about desired items being sold at school
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n July 1, 2014 the law banning any food 850 calories and above to be served in schools was passed. The law, however, was not made applicable to teachers. Emerald Ridge’s student store has made that apparent. Teachers have access By: Bryanna Putman to a privileged menu, Perspectives Editor including everything that was available prior to the law being put in place. The menu was brought up two months ago by a student in Business and Marketing. Some may find this unfair, but there has to be a reasonable explanation for this, right? It also comes down to age. High schoolers are at the point in their lives known as the Influential Years of Teenage Angst. If teens begin eating unhealthy now, it could take upwards of half their lives to regain the motivation to change. It is important to instill
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healthy habits now. In case it has become unclear, teachers and students are not equal, nor are they meant to be. There are numerous things that adults get the privilege of doing, including drinking alcohol and smoking weed. Teens may do these things anyway, but that does not make it any more legal than it was five minutes ago. The “secret menu” is no more wrong than any law stating adults are allowed to consume things that teens are not. The only thing it does is make it a little more inconvenient to obtain. If someone really wanted unhealthy snacks, there are approximately five 7/11’s in Puyallup. It is no secret that students at ER sneak off during lunch to buy less healthy items. Teens find loopholes in everything to get what they want, as they have done with the less than appetizing school lunches. One could assume it would be just as easy to replace the lack of student store items in their diet with a stop at the convenience store. With that, there is no disputing the hypocrisy of this menu. The items are bought by teachers
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through email. Seems a bit “under-the-table”. No students were told about this, but why would they be? It doesn’t concern anyone but the teachers and would only get people riled up.
Battle of the bands
Auditions May 13 and 14 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Interested? Stop by room E-157 (Smyth’s room) ASAP! or email smythkg@puyallup.k12.wa.us
Page designed by Bryanna Putman
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{Courtesy of Griffin Meyers}
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shortstops in baseball. Shortstop is the baseball fielding position between second and third base. It is considered by many to be among the most demanding defensive positions. He watches what they do, watches how they do it, and tries to do reciprocate it in his playing. Being the only senior on the team, others look to him for leadership . As 1 of the 3 captains on the team, he and the other’s work to incorporate the entire team into the leadership aspects. He’s willing to do anything for the team to support and build them up. Junior Dominic Zombik, another team member, finds Meyers to be a strong leader to the team. “Griffin is very helpful,” Zombik said. “He’s a great team player and knows his way around baseball.” The team works on plays and are always out on the field, running sometimes, or using the weight room for the off season. Meyers is an excellent student. Although it is difficult for him to complete his school work between his intensive practices and games, he continually produces quality work on and off the field. “I’ve always been a hard worker, so if I have free time at home, I just want to sit down and watch T.V,” Meyers said. “But other times, I’m working out, staying fit most of the time.”
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enior Griffin Meyers began playing baseball at four years old. Shortly thereafter, his dad became involved in the sport too and became a mentor and coach like figure for him. He continued playing because of his By: Adaire Noonan passion for it. Reporter Meyers plans to make baseball a career outside of school. He plans to go to Edmond Community College next year to play. After that, he will transfer to wherever is the best choice. “It teaches you more than about sports.” Meyers said, “It’s a game of failures,so you kinda learn that once you do something bad in something, you need to bounce right back from it.” After school, from two and a half to about three hours, Meyers practices every day of the week unless they have a game. “For warmups we take a little jog,” Meyers said. ”Then we get in a circle in the middle of the field and stretch; then we do high knees and play catch.” Since Meyer’s position on his team is Meyers focuses much of his time on practicing after school shortstop, he admires the professional
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Brewer demonstrates leadership on soccer field
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enior Daniel Brewer is the team captain of the varsity boy’s soccer team and has been playing soccer for the last 14 years. He has played on six different teams, including Crossfire premier, Washington Premier, South Hill By: Alexis Frost Soccer Club and the Reporter Jags soccer team. He began playing soccer at the age of four and has been inspired over the years by his old high school coach, Phil Harris from his U10 soccer team at South Hill Revolution “He really just taught me to always work hard and strive and put in the work and the practice in order to play well in the game,” Brewer said. He has been playing club soccer longer than any other teams. Through out those years with his club team, his work ethic has been demonstrated on the field through his leadership and playing skills. His love for soccer has increased the quality of his work ethic. It has continued to develop and grow him as a
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player and leader. {Photo courtesy of Daniel Brewer} “I’m not very vocal, but I lead by action,” Brewer said. His sophomore year, on the varsity boys soccer team, the coach told him to take on the senior’s leadership role. After his positive experience with being a temporary captain, Brewer realized he wanted to be an official captain his senior year. “Soccer gives me an outlet to release all the tension and frustration,” Brewer said. Brewer plays a defensive position and when he plays with tension or anger built up his goal is to direct it at the opposing players by how he maneuvers the ball and Daniel Brewer (in white) takes a shot at the ball while members from the opposing team attempt to take the ball. Brewer aggression into games works with his teammates. when he plays. He has also experienced being on the sidelines on a particular team that he has got when he is competing against he played for. He sat out of fourteen games the other opponents. He loves the competitive during the season and at times would only be aspects during it, and views soccer as something playing for two minutes at a time. that calms him. When he is at the 90 minute soccer games he “You have to be mentally focused for 90 feels the tension being let out and all the anger minutes, so that’s why I like it,” Brewer said. Brewer plans to attend the University of Washington in Seattle after he graduates this June. He will not be playing soccer heading into college even though he has been recruited by three different schools due to the cost. Soccer, however will always remain a large part of his life. Though the season has been rough, there has been significant improvement from the start of the season among the team. Brewer says that this is largely due to the coaches and their positive reflection of what work ethic looks like on a team. The team’s primary focus is improving on the field as a group and playing together cohesively. They have played especially well against Curtis High School and Puyallup. “Over the course of the year, we definitely really improved on how we’ve been playing,” Brewer said.
May 08, 2015 | Volume XV Issue 5 | JagWire 05
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Senior plays lacrosse for entire decade {Couresy of Amelia Heckert}
Amelia Heckert passionately grows as an athlete in lacrosse
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hen senior Amelia Heckert began playing lacrosse in third grade, it didn’t come as much of a surprise. Her father had played in college and used to coach but now helps wherever he is needed By: Bryanna Putman Perspectives Editor with lacrosse teams around the area. Her two older brothers Ben, 23, and Jake, 20, also played lacrosse in school. Heckert said it was somewhat of an expectation that as soon as she was able to throw the ball she was going to play. Although she said she probably would have done it anyway because it’s a lot of fun. “As soon as I got to the age where I could play my dad was like, ‘Alright, we’re putting you in there’,” Heckert said. When you’re a girl in the third grade trying to play lacrosse it isn’t always easy. Puyallup Lacrosse Club didn’t have a girls team at the time, so in grades third through fifth Heckert played with the boys. “It was pretty intimidating at first but by the end I think they all got used to me being around,” Heckert said. Her father coached that team, but Heckert said instead of favoritism for her it was quite the opposite. “My dad and I butt heads a lot and we both kinda realized after a while it wasn’t a great idea for him to coach me,” Heckert said. Playing on the boys team didn’t seem to discourage Heckert though. She’s gradually worked her way up and it’s paid off. Heckert has been playing on varsity since ninth grade and was team voted co-captain of the Puyallup Panthers this year, assisting two other co-captains, seniors Brynn Adams and Sandy Roscelli. “She is an amazing teammate,” Roscelli said. “She has a huge presence on the field as an attack… she is always there to support everyone.” Roscelli and Heckert have been on the same team since kindergarten. Since they’ve been playing together so long, Heckert said she’s been lucky to have a team she’s comfortable with because they’re all on the
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Heckert was fully focused as she fired a shot for a point (top). Heckert takes a break in the early years of playing lacrosse (center). Heckert poses at practice with lacrosse equipment with teammates.
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same page. According to Heckert, lacrosse isn’t all fun and games though. “I try not to [get aggressive during games] but sometimes it’s hard,” Heckert said. Lacrosse can be a very aggressive sport; last year Heckert suffered a concussion from a girl pushing her to the ground. She was unable to play lacrosse for three weeks but didn’t sustain any permanent or serious injuries from it. Even though lacrosse can get rough, Heckert enjoys that it keeps her active and that it’s not a long season. “It’s nice that you only have to play for like two months and you’re pretty much done,” Heckert said. Although the average lacrosse season is about two months, Heckert spent the last five or six years chaotically with both volleyball and lacrosse at the same time. “I would have to go from one practice to the other, I’d have to miss part of a tournament to make it to a weekend game or I’d have to miss a game to make it to a tournament; so it was kinda hard to balance it but I really loved volleyball so I didn’t want to stop,” Heckert said. As much as Heckert loved volleyball, she made the decision to not continue this year and focus on lacrosse. Volleyball isn’t the only thing Heckert struggled with though. She was diagnosed with type one diabetes. Fortunately it hasn’t kept her from playing. She has been taken out of practice a few times due to low blood pressure but nothing has occurred. “Typically I take care of myself so that doesn’t have to happen,” Heckert said. Lacrosse has been a big part of Heckert’s life as well as her family’s, but she doesn’t plan to take it any further professionally. “If I do it past high school, it will be just for fun,” Heckert said. Although a couple colleges, including Benedictine University in Illinois, have looked at Heckert for scholarships based on her developed lacrosse skills, it is not effecting where she applies for college. She is interested in either becoming a nurse or a lawyer and plans on attending Boise State University this fall.
Administrators say, “Goodbye” Lisa Kusche, dean of students
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t has been my privilege to serve the Jaguar community for the past 15 years. From the opening day fly over (LG drops in!), Springfest with literally 10 tons of mud, an earthquake that got us all rolling on the top floor, summer school graduations, to the Class of 2015 sunset; my days at Emerald Ridge have been filled with joys and challenges that I have helped me grow as an educator. I am excited to continue to serve the Puyallup community.
Karey Howell, principal
here have been so many things that have made me laugh, made me cry, made me cringe, and made me reflect during my time at ER. During my years here I have met some of the most resilient and compassionate group of people I have ever known. You hang tough through the tough times and never hesitate to appreciate a good joke or funny moment. This school has endured a lot of pain over the last few years and yet, you still walk the halls and hear words of encouragement and support of one another. I am so honored to have been part of Jag Nation and know that I leave this building a better person because of this place and everyone here. I will certainly work to not trip over the blue painted squares on the floor. I will miss my STS meetings with Mrs. Haase. I will have to find other chairs that lower at the push of a lever. I will appreciate poopy diapers and tears – some that were even mine. I will hopefully find friends that will laugh at my crazy mom wrestling moments. I will appreciate Band-Aid colored walls. I will find more quotes to put around my office. Most of all I know that this was a great ride.
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Char Krause, assistant principal
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Mark Harris, assistant principal
don’t have a “favorite memory” when it comes to ER because I have many. For me, like many people, it’s about the relationships. Here at ER I have made new friends that I will carry in my heart forever. I have seen the very best come out in people under the most challenging circumstances. It takes a special person to be able to weather adversity and trials with grace and compassion. I know ERHS is a place where many people have shown tremendous character. I will always be thankful for those who have put others above themselves at Emerald Ridge. I have learned so much and am appreciative for the opportunity I was given to serve here, even if it was just for a short time. hree years ago, my boss asked me to “like a new job”, he was explaining I was being assigned to my role as an assistant principal here at ERHS. I had no idea at the time all of the different life points this journey would take me on. In my time here, I have made friendships with people that will last far beyond any of our time here. I convinced a wonderful woman to marry this highly flawed but grateful man. I renewed acquaintances with people that crossed my path too many years before. I met some exceptional young people that I know I was truly privileged to spend time with and hopefully helped along in their journeys. When asked to describe a favorite memory or funny story that I will carry with me, I could not. I seek to learn something new each day as a way to bring a sense of purpose and value to my work and efforts. Emerald Ridge will not be a chapter but instead a trilogy of memories that stretched out over three different years. I know my change in assignment for next year will mean more learning which I look forward to but my JAG education will leave a mark on this Mark. Like the tattoo I have, it will often be hidden to those around me but it will always be there to remind me of the things that I value and hold dear. This is an advertisement by the ERHS administration
{06 JagWire | Volume XV Issue V | May 8, 2015
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Sophomore develops love for horse
S
{
Drugge smiles atop her horse with whom she trains and rides every week
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them, get them ready for other people’s lessons and lunge them. Lunging is when a horse is attached to a long rope and they walk, trot and canter in a large circle. Cantering is a controlled run. However, Drugge is still practicing to get used to her riding horse and spending time with him to keep their bond. Currently, Drugge is trying to ride with her horse more often, but it’s hard since she can only see Emmet on Saturdays. While Tiana isn’t sure of what she’s going to do in shows, she’s practicing hard for the upcoming shows. Drugge is still trying to decide what style she wants to ride during shows. Currently, she’s leaning towards riding English. A part of this practice is to ride more often and to practice jumping when she gets good enough to do so. There are different styles of jumping, but the basics is to jump over an obstacle. Judges will usually score based upon the height of the jump, and the time it takes to complete the course. Drugge works with her horse in Cedar Hills in Yelm, an Arabian horse training center for four different kinds of horse discipline styles - Western, English, Huntseat
and Halter. Cedar Hills houses many different horses to help encourage youth and beginner equestrians to prepare them for English races. English racing includes jumping, hunting, mounting and is common in beginning riders. Since Cedar Hill Training is an hour away, Drugge can only visit her horse and prepare on Saturdays. She goes to the training facility at eight, and spends the rest of the day practicing with her horse and helping the trainers. None of Drugge’s friends or family ride horses. “[My favorite part about horse riding] is creating a bond with the horses.” Drugge said, “I like seeing the beginning to the end.” Drugge says that although she enjoys riding horses, there are several things that get on her nerves. “My least favorite thing about it is sometimes the horses have days where they don’t want to do anything,” Drugge said, “It’s frustrating because you need them to do something.” Her favorite moment with him is when she first bought him. “I was nervous and excited,” Drugge said.
Sports {
even years ago, sophomore Tiana Drugge became interested in the world of equestrians. Drugge plans By: Lucas Cook to take part Reporter in shows later on with her horse, Emmet, who she has had for two and a half years. “I just like horses,” Drugge said. Drugge’s horse, Emmet, is a chestnut gelding that is an 11-yearold. “He’s goofy because he licks peoples hands” Drugge said, “He thinks he’s a dog, and you can tell he has a personality.” Since Drugge’s horse is already pre-trained there isn’t much to teach the horse, but when Emmet needs training, a professional trainer does so. Tiana doesn’t work with the trainers, but sometimes she will help around the barn and complete various activities they need help with. Drugge helps brush them, exercise
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Sophomore Tiana Drugge shares her developed love and passion for horses at The Cedar Hill Training Center.
{Photo courtesy of Bob Frey}
Frey poses with a sophomore and a senior. Frey creates supporting relationships among his students and athletes.
Frey supports students in academics and sports
B
oth in and outside of the classroom, Brian Frey supports his students in track and girls basketball, and teaches History and English. “I coach the sprinters, hurdlers, and relays primarily,” Frey said. “I coach the girl’s basketball team as well, and teach US history and American Lit.” Frey was a teacher and coach for several years before coming here. While he has been at Emerald Ridge for four years, he was at Bethel for two years, and at Washington State University for three years. He was an athlete himself before that, and he ran with track in high school. “I’ve known for a long time that I wanted to coach track,” Frey said “I was lucky to have some great coaches in High School, and that kind of rubbed off on me.” Track competes at meets all around the South Puget Sound League (SPSL), and goes up against other high schools, including Puyallup, Curtis, Grand Kapowsin, and Spanaway Lake. At invitationals, which are like tournaments on the weekends, they can go up against twenty or thirty schools at a time. “We compete either once or twice a week. So we have dual meets almost every week, and that’s us versus one other school. Then every other Saturday or so we compete at invitationals,” Frey said. “My favorite place to coach is probably at the state meet, which they hold at Mount Tahoma every year.” An important aspect of track is that there is very little equipment. Not only does this bring down the cost of the sport, making it easier to participate, but it also simplifies the challenge itself a great deal. Track is human talent and ability, and a contest to see who has the most of it. “There’s not a lot of equipment involved, it’s very much you versus
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somebody else. I think that athletes enjoy that.” Another way that track differs from every other sport is that everybody gets to compete. In team sports, members of the group often end up watching the action from the sidelines, and don’t get nearly as much play time as they would like. In track, everyone runs, and everyone gets to see the result of their hard work and constant practice at each competition. Every track athlete gets their own score, instead of only helping to produce a group score. In track, except in the relays, it is less about working together in competitions. We really try to instill athletes to kind of take care of their job at a meet, and that’s what helps the team the most,” Frey said. “I think that athletes enjoy being able to see themselves getting better every day. In other sports, like soccer or basketball, you could be getting better all the time, but you don’t have the chance to show that either because you don’t play a lot or you might be helping the team in a way that doesn’t show up on the scoreboard.” Frey works with the track team every day after school, unless there is a competition on the weekend. In that case, they will work more towards their competition. There are dual meets almost every week, and invitationals every other week or so. At dual meets, it’s ER’s track team against one other school’s. In order to be a good athlete, Frey thinks that a willingness to work hard, talent, and commitment to improving are all extremely important. He enjoys all of his athletes a great deal, and can’t wait to see how they improve. “It’s fun to watch athletes get better and see the effect you have on them,” Frey said.
May 08, 2015 | Volume XV Issue 5 | JagWire 07
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About our theme:
W
e came up with the idea of covering sex-trafficking during the 2012-2013 school year, when the current Editorial Board were just sophomores and new to JagWire. Sex-trafficking is prominent in Pierce County and the United States and has affected a handful of students at Emerald Ridge. Barcodes are used throughout the FOCUS section of this issue to represent that exploited men and women are treated and sold like property in the sex-trade industry.
Definition of sex-trafficking:
Definition of Johns:
Definition of “the life:”
Activity in which humans are seen as possessions that are contr0lled and exploited, such as being forced into prostitution and/or sexual abuse.
The individuals who purchase sex from exploited women and children.
“The Life” is an unofficial but commonly used term that sex-trafficking victims use to call their time as a captive or while being exploited by their pimp.
Sex-trafficking a growing industry Types of sex-trafficking can include pornographic film studios, strip clubs and the selling of victims
{
By: Anna Palmer Sports Editor
{
W
hat if someone said there are more slaves now, kind and understanding. Over a short time period, we started in 2015, than there have ever been in the world’s a relationship and it was then that my whole life changed; he history? This is the reality of the world today. told me that he wanted me to “start charging for sex.” He said I Twenty-seven million slaves exist worldwide and was already doing it by taking all my clothes off and giving lap approximately 20 million of those are sex slaves. dances,” Anonymous said. “He gave me a choice, “f**k or die” They could be found in a pornographic film or in – these were my only options, so I chose the first one, because I pictures of nude girls who barely pass for 15 years old. had seen what he had done to others.” It is also found in strip clubs any day of the week. A large contribution to the sex-trafficking industry also comes Although the sex trade takes on many different forms, from an increasingly normalization of pornography, specifically it repeatedly results in the exploitation of young people with the young men of our culture. through manipulation, violence, coercion and force. Though pornography is treated as a sometimes humorous or In a 2011 documentary called “Nefarious: Merchant common essential for a young man to participate in or watch, of Souls,” activist Benji Nolot tackles the issue of sexthe reality of its roots, its impact on the minds of the individuals trafficking in the world today by traveling to six different watching it and its use are far deeper than a pasttime or release continents interviewing survivors, experts, organizations of sexual desires. and the Johns involved in this issue. The complexity of pornography within sex trafficking begins “In our modern day civilized society, slavery has once in its direct correlation with women often being drugged and again emerged with a brutality that once again rivals forced to perform scenes under the dictatorship and abuse of anything in history,” Nolot narrated their pimp. in the documentary. “We can An anonymous woman in a no longer continue to talk about IN OUR MODERN DAY CIVILIZED video by Fight the New Drug slavery as a relic of the past… It SOCIETY, SLAVERY HAS ONCE AGAIN spoke out about her experience in is time to recognize slavery as EMERGED WITH A BRUTALITY THAT the pornography industry. a major battlefront facing our “Many are coerced into ONCE AGAIN RIVALS ANYTHING IN agreeing generation.” with whatever our As the sexualization of pornographer says just to stay HISTORY . society continues to grow, - Activist Benji Nolot in “Nefarious: alive,” Anonymous said. “You the incorporation of strip Merchant of Souls” know I was drugged before each clubs as a “harmless,” filming. We do not have the words “fun” place to go on 18th birthdays or with a group to speak out, because our pain is too graphic, and it’s next to of friends on a Saturday night is becoming an impossible to explain what happened to us.” increasingly acceptable activity. With the increase in computer technology and the internet, However, the stripping industry has a much the trafficking industry has moved from the streets to websites darker side to it than presented in media and selling sex. among society; a sinister side that fuels the Backpage.com is a major site where much of the exploitation sex-trafficking industry and in itself of young women and girls is happening. Pornographic ads are may also be sex trafficking. posted of girls, many of them extremely young, in sexually In a page from compromising positions advertising their “services.” The thecoveringhouse.org majority of these girls are being controlled by a pimp and are who provides restoration forced to have sex with the people responding to these ads. and recovery for trafficked As pornography is becoming more commonplace, the individuals, they said, “Stripping message it is sending, specifically to the young men commonly serves as a training tool for pimps/ watching it is that these women are objects on a screen. They traffickers. Traffickers frequently force do not have feelings or emotions. They are committing these victims to participate in stripping and nude sexual acts on film because they enjoy sex and they choose to be dancing, be it as a gateway into prostitution and other there. This in turn, increases the demand for prostitution and to commercial sex acts, or as an additional service which they actually have that physical experience they are viewing on film. are required to provide.” “The problem underlying all of this is a demand for sex,” An extremely common pattern in the stories of survivors Nolot said in Nefarious. “The widespread proliferation and of sex trafficking, is a history of working in a strip club. It is normalization of pornography has given way to a generation often portrayed by them as a gateway in which they entered of men who are beginning to rise up and demand that their the sex trafficking industry. sexual fantasies be fulfilled and it’s coming at the cost of the Rachel Lloyd, founder of the GEMS ministry in New York enslavement of our women and children.” for sexually exploited women and author of “Girls Like Us” Stripping and pornography are both factors that influence the tells her story in detail throughout “Girls Like Us.” She exploitation of individuals, though they are not the only ones. began working in a club under the age of 18 and eventually There is an increasingly rising culture that endorses the met her pimp through the club and continued to work behavior of going to the strip club or watching pornography to there by force where all her money was given to her pimp. satisfy a sexual appetite. However, what the world is not being This is a stark reality for many of the women working educated on, is the pain and exploitation these women are in clubs. suffering at the cost of porn and stripping. An anonymous young girl tells her story in a short Sex-trafficking is not a black and white issue and it must article on prostitutionresearch.com where she begin to matter as an issue of importance in the world. similarly was groomed by her pimp in the strip club and led to believe that because she stripped, there was no difference in charging for sex. “I met him in a strip club. He seemed so
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68.4%
55%
13
is the average age a child is first exploited.
20%
10%
90%
of sextrafficking victims are male
of sextrafficking victims are female
of pornographic images are of a child.
$150,000 earned by pimps per exploited child per year.
of child pornography comes from the United States.
100,000 African children are exploited each year.
{Graphics by: Chase Charaba, Co-Editor-in-Chief}
of sex-trafficking victims are over 18 years old.
20-48
the average number of times a victim is forced to have sex each day
Stats are according to the Polaris Project, Shared Hope International and the U.S. Justice Department.
Sex-trafficking in Pierce County, Wash. Tacoma
3
Tacoma men were charged with sex-trafficking of underage women in April 2015, according to the Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
Sumner
Lakewood Puyallup South Hill
Bonney Lake Orting
*Towns shown are to clarify the boundaries of Pierce County, not to state any amount of sex-trafficking in the cities.*
I-5 corridor
Eatonville
is a primary route for transporting trafficked victims, according to the Chair of Public Safety and Human Services Committee for Pierce County.
3
Washington teenagers filed a personal injury lawsuit against Backpage.com in 2012, because the site led to their unwilling prostitution, according to ABC news. {Map by: Chase Charaba, Co-Editor-in-Chief}
Sex-trade present in Pierce County Tacoma area is considered a hotbed for sex-trafficking, with teenage girls at a much higher risk of exploitation
{
By: Jiannaka Limonta Entertainment Editor
{
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ex-trafficking, whether people know it or not, is quite a presence in Pierce County. This past January, while most teenagers were busy with schoolwork for the end of semester and recovering from a long 16 days of vacation, it was the very first official Human Trafficking Prevention month, voted on unanimously by the Pierce County Council. Pierce County includes Puyallup, Tacoma, Sumner, Steilacoom, Fife, Lakewood, Bonney Lake and over 15 other cities. According to Tacoma Public Schools, “Teenage girls in the Tacoma area experience a higher risk of being manipulated into prostitution by savvy sex traffickers than girls in other parts of the state.” The FBI reported that just a few years ago, in 2012, that Tacoma resident Alexander Walls was arrested and found guilty for a number of human trafficking violations including “transportation of a child for prostitution; witness tampering; conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud or
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coercion; and three counts of sex-trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion.” In 2012, it was determined for Washington state that trafficking victims that were forced into sexual trafficking, who are minors, are able to have their records cleared. “In 2012, the Polaris Project, a national organization dedicated to ending modern slavery, named Washington state the top of all 50 in enacting laws to combat human trafficking,” Darlene Graham from the Seattle Spectator said. Since Senate Bill 5563 was passed, teachers in Washington state are required to report suspected victims of sex trafficking, and also are now trained to recognize the signs. According to Bill 5488, the use of Internet advertisement on sites such as Craigslist or Backpage.com that leads to sexual abuse of a minor results in an additional fine of $5,000 above already existing violations. Despite this, the number of people being forced against their will into the world of sex-trafficking remains staggering.
FOCUS-09
2 3
By: Bryanna Putman Perspectives Editor
By: Anna Palmer Sports Editor
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t age 21, Robin Miller was starved. It was not material possessions Miller searched for, but love. She longed to experience a relationship with someone who cared for her and desired her for who she was. After a year of attending college that primarily consisted of drinking and smoking marijuana, Miller left home. “I was still young and living at my parents’ house,” Miller said. “I was just very irresponsible and just took off.” After staying with a family who introduced her to stripping, Miller met her pimp in 1993, with 15 shots of gin in her body and a 21-year-old heart yearning for love. “I was only dancing for two weeks before I met
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and disgusting so I just went back. I believed him,” Miller said. “I thought he’s going to stop doing drugs, he’s going to stop beating me, you know we’re going to get out of this, we’re going to have kids and be a family.” Today, Miller has a difficult time understanding how she ever believed him when he told her they would be a family and he would stop beating her. “I believed everything he told me that was going to happen and I think I was so starved for love and somebody to love me and want me that I fell for it,” Miller said. “The average age of entry into prostitution being 12 to 14 I just think how-- I mean if I fell for it at 21, how much easier it is for these young girls to fall for it and get caught up.” Though Miller tells her story 16 years later, her memory of this period of her life is still vivid. The
{
What you can do to help
do in recovery and gradually over about a year, I was like, ‘Ok, no, Lord, we don’t need to be a family.” Since the average life expectancy for a girl in the industry is six years, Miller has trouble making sense of how she’s still here and why she survived amongst the many girls who die in the industry. “I don’t know why I’m alive,” Miller said. “Through the six years I was on the street, I was raped; I was beaten; I had guns pulled on me, shoved in my face. I jumped out of two cars because I had no escape.” Miller, however, never fully dealt with these questions until three years ago and didn’t realize how many other survivors existed. “In 2010 I started researching about human trafficking and sex trafficking and about survivor’s stories, and slowly I networked and have grown
181 individuals
“Federal law enforcement charged
In 2010, there was the greatest number of US federal human trafficking prosecutions in a single year.
nowing exactly what to do to help a sex-trafficking victim can be difficult, whether it’s confidently identified or just intuition. An important step to helping is learning the red flags and being able to properly confront them about it. Some indicators could be poor living conditions, physical signs of abuse, answers that appear to be rehearsed or they might be submissive or fearful, even in common and civil situations. An important thing to be aware of is if they’re isolating themselves from friends and family or have a boyfriend noticeably older in age. There are specific ways to ask questions about their situation, being very straightforward could be considered insensitive and may cause victims to get defensive and uncomfortable. Instead of asking, “Are you being sex-trafficked?” maybe a better question would be, “Can you leave your job if you want to?” or “do you live with your employer?” It is important not to put this person in any more danger than they are already in, so try to ask questions carefully. Most probably won’t want to talk about it because they are afraid of abuse or because they may be too traumatized. Distributing material about sex-trafficking can cause awareness and assist in the fight to stop it. Informational brochures, flyers, etc. can be found at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services or the Department of Homeland Security offices and/or websites.
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{
A survivor of six years in the sex trafficking industry, Robin Miller shares her story of abuse and restoration
Robin Miller smiles for a recent Instagram post as a free woman with custody of her three children and a job working with homeless families and individuals, as well as a program that works specifically with trafficking victims and those in the sex industry. She is much happier with where she is in life and has gone through extensive recovery to become the fully functional, free woman she is today.
In a mugshot from 1993, Miller stands for her picture after being with her pimp for two weeks. When she returned home for a brief time after her arrest, she showed the picture to her family and she was unrecognizable to them. She shared that they couldn’t believe it was her because she had changed so dramatically in her time of being exploited.
Robin Miller poses against a tree for her senior year cheerleading picture. In high school, she had many friends and eventually worked her way up to captain of the cheerleading squad, however, her seemingly perfect high school experience was a facade for her incredibly low self esteem and struggle with boys calling her fat and teasing her. By age 14, she was an alcoholic and incredibly insecure with who she was, which was a foundation for her exploitation later in life.
1 2 3 A captive set free
1
{Photos courtesy of Robin Miller}
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him,” Miller said. “One night here comes this guy and horrible abuse that plagued her during those six he asks me, if he gave me $30, could he kiss my neck, years is what Miller returns to, yet she has the tools and I said yes.” today to recall but not become stuck in an unhealthy That night, while Miller was in a highly mental state. intoxicated state, her pimp took her to his car in “He broke a bottle of wine over my head, he threw my Portland, and the next morning they were in San face through a window, he broke my nose,” Miller said. Francisco. This abuse was a daily threat Miller feared, along From that moment on began with being trafficked day her next six years as a sexin and day out to men who trafficked woman in cities were fathers, men who were I think I was so widespread over the United teachers, lawyers, construction starved for love and States, such as Los Angeles, workers, church members and Honolulu, Tacoma, Seattle, a plethora of others. somebody to love me Portland and Las Vegas. “I think most of them and want me that I “When I got there I was know it’s wrong,” Miller said. told you’re going to have to “They’re not thinking about fell for it. go out there and make money that, they don’t care...they -Survivor, Robin Miller - do what you have to do,” think that women are out Miller said. “In that period there because they choose to also, I probably got pregnant the first two or three be out there and that’s really not the case.” days I was with him with my oldest daughter.” Miller said that today, her life during this period Miller’s children by her pimp soon increased to seems like a dream and yet she can still remember two daughters and a son over the six years she was each situation and the feelings she experienced. with him. “I can shut my eyes and remember each incident Unlike many trafficking victims, Miller had as if I was reliving it,” Miller said. “What’s most vivid supportive parents back home in Vancouver who to me are those scary times of being abused by him, took custody of both her son and oldest daughter being afraid, being alone, being at risk that someone early on in their lives. is going to kill me or hurt me.” Miller remains thankful that her daughter didn’t Living as a free woman today, Miller credits have to be in her life at the time. her rescue from this life to God. She has no other “I was a crack addict, a prostitute; I was just sick,” explanation as to how she finally broke from this Miller said. bondage of her pimp than through an act of God. Although Miller entered the sex trafficking Though Miller grew up in church, she says she industry at age 21, the grooming process and never had had a personal relationship with Jesus. foundation for her future in it began long before. “My mom taught me about God’s love and When Miller graduated from Vancouver High forgiveness,” Miller said. “My mother raised me so I School in 1990, she had been a popular blonde could turn to that when I really needed it. I know that cheerleader every year, eventually captain of the He had angels around me and kept me.” squad, and an alcoholic by the age of 14. It was a clear, crisp evening in 1999 with a sky “I went to school, I was friends with everybody, packed full of stars, when Miller cried out to the and I was popular,” Miller said. heavens to be rescued. What Miller remembers, however, is the bullying “I just remember looking up at the sky and all the she received from certain boys and the toll it took stars,” Miller said. “It was just bright stars and I just upon her self-esteem. prayed, God, please Lord, let me go home. Take “There were boys that would just call me fat all the me home.” time. I had no self esteem, absolutely zero,” Miller Shortly after this, Miller called her mother, said. “It happened all through high school, I was begging her to come pick her up. Her mother instead teased.” sent three women Miller had been associated with Miller recalls a particular party her sophomore 10 months prior at a rehabilitation center, despite year where she was physically abused and most likely Miller’s firm refusal. sexually assulted while drunk. That day, Miller broke the chains of abuse and “Those years were the foundation of what exploitation that had been holding her down for happened or what allowed me to be that vulnerable,” six years. Miller said. “[These women] came and got me, and I left, and I She recalls that her mother kept a journal during never went back,” Miller said. those six years of every time she came to pick her up. Though Miller attended a 58 day recovery program With Miller’s pregnancy, that was the first time she in Sumner prior to leaving The Life, her recovery fled from her pimp, because she didn’t want to have process has been far more extensive and continues to an abortion. Shortly after leaving, however, Miller be a process. was lured back in by his well-rehearsed fantasy of “When I left him, here I was about to have my being a family. third child by him, and I used to say, ‘God, just make “I had this shame, and I felt like no one else was him better. Help him, Lord. Let us be a family,” going to want me or love me. I already felt so dirty Miller said. “And I just started doing what they say to
{ {Graphics by Brynn Adams, Co-Editor-In-Chief}
{ Information gathered by Adaire Noonan
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Resources
my support network of survivors,” Miller said. “I always thought these women are probably just dying, and then I found all these other women who are survivors. It’s just amazing.” Along with discovering other survivors, Miller began shifting her mindset of how she viewed herself. “I always held myself completely accountable for everything,” Miller said. “It was my fault; I took responsibility until I finally saw myself as a victim where I was abused, where I was misled, where I was coerced, where I was manipulated That’s when I finally changed.” Miller now realises that she was saved for a purpose and feels it is her calling to find her place in the movement to abolish sex-trafficking. Though Miller suffered a horrific past and has undergone seemingly unbearable hardships, her story is one of hope and of a woman who rose from ashes to beauty. In 2012, Miller received her B.A. and currently is a single mom working at a non-profit organization for homeless families and individuals as a receptionist and Volunteer Coordinator. Her family recently celebrated her parent’s 50th anniversary together, and Miller has all three of her children in her life. Recently, she has started a new job as a Recovery Mentor and case manager working with women who have been trafficked or involved in the sex industry and court ordered to the program, who have been identified by the police as trafficking victims. “What I hope is that even if it’s one person, one girl, that this job that I get, what I would be doing is going alongside women who are just in or still doing it,” Miller said. “Just showing them and being an example of what you can be in your life.” Miller shares that she doesn’t have large amounts of money or live a wealthy lifestyle but she is so much happier. She has a place to call home, she is employed, she has food on the table, and the daily abuse and shame she suffered for so many years no longer exists. She is no longer in National Human Trafficking Resource captivity. Center free hotline: She is free. Call 1-888-373-7888 Text ‘Help’ to BEFREE (233733) Call from anywhere in the country 24 hours/day, 7 days/week More than 200 languages
141 convictions in 103
11.8
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Information taken from technologyandtrafficking.usc.edu
from
FOCUS-10/11
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hared Hope International is a non profit, non-governmental organization that was created to prevent sex-trafficking and to bring justice to women and children who have been victimized by the industry. It started off by targeting the international sex industry. Then, they focused on sex-trafficking in the United States. They believe that they can create a world where survivors are helped by an alert and knowledgeable community.
FOCUS-12
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founded in 2002
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ex trafficking is an industry that affects about 20.9 million people, according to the Polaris Project. Polaris is named after the North Star that guided African-American slaves to freedom in the 19th Century. The project was founded in 2002 with a comprehensive model that puts victims at the center of attention. They hope to prevent more sex-trafficking victims and gather data to pursue traffickers wherever they might be operating from.
Genesis Project, founded in 2011
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he Genesis Project is a Seattle-based anti-sex-trafficking organization made up of staff, volunteers, police officers, state legislators, churches and other groups. Together, they aim to rescue female victims and assist them. The girls come in through referrals from survivors or from partnerships with local police departments.
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Sex-trade around the world
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Brazil
is the estimated number of prostitutes in Sweden today, down from 2,500 in 1998
1 in 4 sex-workers in Brazil is a child, according to BBC News.
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Sex-trafficking in other countries Sex-trafficking is a world-wide industry, but the extent of it varies in each country and continent other countries that normally prohibit the selling of to testify against their traffickers. Many end up sex, placing prostitution and trafficking victims in walking out of the safe houses and disappear. jail or handing them fines. Sweden instead arrests ex-trafficking is a worldwide industry that or fines those who purchase sex, including those is felt in dozens of countries, not just in the involved in trafficking young men and women. Sex-trafficking in the Middle East and United States and undeveloped nations as According to CNN Sweden did this in correlation South America commonly believed. Many of the top sex-trafficking with their attempts at gender equality because “from areas are in developed countries with antia Swedish legal point of view, any woman selling sex Sex-trafficking isn’t just carried out by trafficking laws, such as European nations. has been forced to do so, either by circumstance or undercover pimps in “red light” districts in major Some governments have taken larger steps coercion.” cities either. Politicians and celebrities in other than others at eliminating sex-trafficking and The law hasn’t eliminated sex-trafficking in countries can be and are involved in the trade, prostitution, while other governments have been Sweden, however. as has occurred in the actively involved in supporting the sex-trade. As CNN reported Middle East. on their website, According to the WHILE IN MOST PLACES YOUNG Differences between anti-trafficking “one young woman Washington Post WOMEN ARE PRIME TARGETS FOR programs in Sweden and Denmark told CNN she was women in Iraq are promised a cleaning vulnerable to crimes SEX-TRAFFICKING, MEN ARE ALSO Despite their close proximity in Europe, the job in Sweden, such as kidnapping, FORCED INTO THE TRADE. nations of Sweden and Denmark have differing but within hours sexual assault and techniques of dealing with sex-trafficking. of arriving in the sex-trafficking, stating that Sweden started looking at ways to reduce the country she was locked in an apartment, raped and “one trafficking ring sold 128 Iraqi women to Saudi amount of sex-trafficking and prostitution in the beaten and had her passport taken away from her.” Arabia in 2008 and 2009. The ring was made up of country in the mid-1990s. The Danish government took the opposite Iraqi police officers, members of the Governorate’s As the Guardian reported on their website Dec. approach to stamp out sex-trafficking. It made Council and security officials.” 11, 2013, “Police say the number of prostitutes [in prostitution legal in 1999, but enacted more While in most places young women are prime Sweden] has dropped by two-thirds [since 1999].” penalties for pimps involved in sex-trafficking. As a targets for sex-trafficking, men are also forced into In an interview with the Guardian Kajsa Wahlberg, result the number of trafficking victims in Denmark the trade in eastern Europe, the Middle East and Sweden’s National Rapporteur on Human have grown over the years. South America. Trafficking, said that “A German police officer told Michelle Mildwater, an anti-trafficking activist, The U.S. Department of State reported that “In me, ‘You’re crazy sweetie, you can’t do that, you told CNN that she “has seen the number of Afghanistan and coastal Sri Lanka, boys are more cannot prohibit men prostitutes from Africa likely than girls to be subjected to prostitution.” from buying sex, it’s triple in just two years The Department also found that in Central totally impossible.’ [in Denmark].” America boys are exploited on their way to the THE DANISH GOVERNMENT TOOK But he said if you can When those who have United States. Brazilian men were also identified THE OPPOSITE APPROACH TO STAMP reduce the amount been illegally trafficked by the Department as being forced into prostitution of trafficking cases into Denmark are and labor in Spain. OUT SEX-TRAFFICKING. IT MADE with your legislation identified by police they Because many police officers are trained to only PROSTITUTION LEGAL IN 1999. I wish you good luck, are sent to safe houses look for trafficked women, men are often overlooked because in Germany for up to 100 days. and faced with illegal immigration penalties rather it’s grown out of proportion.” During those 100 days police try to find out who than the help given to women, including in the U.S. The estimated number of prostitutes in Sweden trafficked them in. If they don’t, they are deported has dropped from 2,500 in 1998 to just 1,000 today. from the country. In 1995 the Swedish government passed a law According to CNN most of the victims fail to prohibiting the purchase of sex. This differs from cooperate with police because they are too scared
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Ten theater kids thrive in spring play Despite an extremely small cast, the theater department is determined to end the year with a success {Jordan Bowers - JagWire}
Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest”
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The Importance of Being Earnest” is a witty and ridiculous romantic comedy set in the late 1800’s in England. It has a Victorian feel to it. In this society, it is all about image. Everything they say and do matters, so everyone has to act proper and manners are everything to the
(Left to right): Seniors Sandy Roscelli, Hailey Cloe, and Ethan Wiederspan rehearsing lines for the spring play.
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people. Throughout the play, you see the characters try to fill societies’ needs of being they way they want them to be, but the audience also get to see them act not so proper and not have as many manners, and it ends up being quite comical with the situations that they get themselves into.
Meet the cast!
he school year auditioning, Chavez was nervous to start has wound down, with, but as the scene went on, he . but the theatre “I felt a little bit better, but I was still department has not. The nervous because anything can happen at Senior Matthew Kusche.......Algernon Moncrief Emerald Ridge High this point,” Chavez said. Senior Ethan Wiederspan......Jack Worthing School spring play, “The Chavez had done a scene that nobody Senior Tia Petersen...............Gwendoline Fairfax Importance of Being else had gone up and done yet, and he Senior Sandy Roscelli............Cecily Cardow Earnest”, is on its way, wanted to make a good impression. Senior Hailey Cloe................Lady Bracknell with auditions held April “Since no one had read the scene that Senior Jessi Pitts....................Miss Prism 14 and 15. I had read, I got to be a little more creative Sophomore Eric Baril.............Rev. Dr. Canon Drama teacher with it,” Chavez said. Casuble By: Jordan Bowers Reporter Chris Tavern is the Senior Rhyan Cockrell was first Sophomore Brendan Pyper.....Gribsby drama teacher and has up to audition for “The Importance of Sophomore Jerred Shetter........Lane been with ER for five years. He has directed Earnest,” and she was quite nervous Senior Jacob Chavez.............Merriman productions including “1984”, “Guys and Dolls”, but excited at the same time. With so Senior Karly Absher.............Servant “Shrek” and “Romeo and Juliet,” with all of few casting spots, Cockrell considers Senior Rhyan Cockrell..........Servant them having quite big audiences. Tavern is also this more of an auditioning experience. in the middle of his second out of three years to “It felt more like a close knit circle more get a masters degree for theater in high school. than anything else,” she said. For senior Jessie Pitts, playing the “It is a masters degree program for high To prepare for the auditions, Cockrell didn’t part of Miss Prism, she thinks that a school theater do any research small cast to work with is amazing. teachers,” Tavern or reading, she “Having a small cast is a great experience,” said. “One of the prepared herself Pitts said. “The rehearsals have been going HAVING A SMALL CAST IS A GREAT mentally. She projects that I’m well, and because the cast is so small, required to do for was ready to go we’ve all had more time to bond. It’s more EXPERIENCE. this school year for and try to make intimate than it would be with a large cast.” - Senior Jessie Pitts my masters program it into the play, Pitts’ part of Miss Prism is the has a very specific and the way she scatter-brained caretaker for Cecily costume design prepared was hoping Cardew, played by senior Sandy Roscelli. assignment. We were given a list of plays to for the best, but expecting the worst. Cockrell’s Senior Matt Kusche, playing the part choose to complete the assignment with. Believe preparation helped her come to the auditions of Algernon Moncrieff, has mixed it or not, the 10 member cast was the biggest cast will more confidence, and her past experiences feelings about having such a small cast. they had. They had casts of three or four actors.” made it easier for her as well to audition. With “It would be kind of nice to have more The cast was chosen because of their ability 45 students attending the auditions, Tavern had people, so more people are involved,” to portray the character and a relationship a hard decision to make. He posted the cast April Kusche said. “But at the same time with certain characters. It is easier for 15 on the ERHS website, and on the auditorium having a smaller cast is kinda cool ‘cause Tavern because he had less characters to doors in the morning of April 16. With the we get to feed off of each other in a way worry about finding parts for, but he had begining of rehearsals going easy and the play that you can’t do with a larger cast.” many people as runners-up for the parts. being blocked out after six rehearsals, things With this being her first show here For last years’ spring play, Tavern had 60 have been going smoothly. With such a small at ER, senior Hailey Cloe, playing the students show up, but for this years’ auditions cast, it’s been easier to manage and work out. part of Lady Bracknell, is beyond excited. 45 showed up. With auditions being held in When Chavez found out that “I’ve done crew for past shows. I did hair the choir room for the first time, the students he got a part, he was thrilled. and makeup for Bye Bye Birdie and the One Acts had a smaller space to audition in, and the “I’m perfect to this year,” Cloe said. “I students that were waiting to be called up play Merriman,” have auditioned for sat in chairs that were place on the steps. said Chavez. all of the spring plays It was a bit cramped, but Tavern expected “Merriman is a THE CAST WAS CHOSEN BECAUSE because I was on the everything to be the same. He wanted people servant. He gives dance team, so those OF THEIR ABILITY TO PORTRAY THE were the only ones to audition as if they were in the auditorium introductions on stage. That included the way they moved and brings stuff I could audition for CHARACTER. and how loud they were. His concern was that to people who and be a part of.” if he couldn’t hear them from 20 feet away, need them. With auditions they wouldn’t be heard in the auditorium. He also loves being over, and the Senior Jacob Chavez has auditioned to gossip with cast full of wonderful for all the plays produced at Emerald Ridge the other servants.” students, and rehearsals coming to an end, except for one, which was last year’s One Acts. With such a small cast for “Earnest”, Chavez, performances will be Thursday, May 14 and Chavez was called up after a few people had who has worked with the people on the cast for Friday, May 15 at 7 p.m. Saturday will have two already auditioned, but he was prepared. When years, and it feels like a small family. showings, one at 2 p.m. and at 7 p.m.
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Drama prodigy shoots for the stars Sophomore JT Hamel pursues his passion for theatre, dreaming of seeing his name in lights
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ights, camera, action. Emerald Ridge’s Acting is a talent that also is a great experience. Hamel’s first play was sophomore Jedediah Thomas Hamel, also in seventh grade, and it was called ‘One Fine Day.’ known as JT, will be the new voice for many It was about an all girls school whose main benefactor just died, but assemblies, and has the potential to be a rising star he had married a gold digging younger girl who took his money when he of upcoming theatre productions. died and refused to give any more donations to the school,” Hamel said. Hamel was cast in the spring musical directed “I enjoyed the whole experience from the play and all the friends I had by drama teacher Chris Tavern and choir teacher made.” Kurt McKee, “Bye Bye Birdy,” as Harvey Johnson. Hamel hopes one day to be on the big screen, where he could be the Hamel was the nerd that everyone knows and next face to watch for. loves in the musical. “If everything goes according to plan, yes, I do hope to be in movies one “Every story from the ‘50s’ needs a token nerd, day,” Hamel said. By: Kierah Tucker Reporter with the taped-up glasses, and JT played Harvey, Tavern knew Hamel even before he came to ER through a student who was a nerdy character,” Tavern said. “JT did exchange for the acting department. Through seeing him perform he so much with it. It was practically made for started to develop a fascination for the actor. him.” “I was very excited after seeing his work to Hamel did a wonderful job, according to have him in school plays,” Tavern said. WE HAD BIG EXPECTATIONS FOR Tavern and his peers. He more than lived up There are more school plays coming up JT, HE FUFILLED THEM, MAYBE EVEN to the level hoped for him. directed by Tavern that Hamel might be “We had big expectations for JT when we casted in. SURPASSED THE EXPECTATIONS casted him. He fulfilled them, maybe even “I do see him in more of our school plays,” - Drama teacher Chris Tavern surpassed the expectations,” Tavern said. Tavern said Hamel wasn’t actually wanting to be in People have seen Hamel in action, and the acting department. When he first attended Ferrucci Junior High he were impressed with his performances. wanted to be an athlete, but because of his friends he ended up being “I’ve seen JT sing and act, and I think he’s pretty good.Five stars,” involved with junior Justin Wright said. acting instead. Hamel can be humble and is believed to be a ‘great guy to be around’. “I was going to do sports, but my friends suggested being in the school According to others, he rarely talks about himself. play,” Hamel said. “I told myself I would try out, and if I didn’t make it I “I think JT is a good guy, I can really see him on the big screen one day would do sports.” if he really wants to,” Wright said. Hamel is participating in his fourth year of acting. In those four years Hamel loves the whole world of acting: the cast, crew and all. he has made plenty of friends that have stuck by his side. “I hope anyone who wants to be in acting goes through with it, It’s a “In my first year of doing plays, it was me and a bunch of wonderful experience,” Hamel said. “They should follow their dreams.” upperclassmen,” Hamel said. “I made friends with them, and to this day I’m still friends with most of them, and they are still in the acting department.” On top of acting, Hamel is also in concert choir. He has been in choir since seventh grade. He believes that choir has greatly helped him grow. “Choir helps build up my confidence, especially with my singing,” Hamel said. “It helps me perform easily.”
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March 08, 2015 | Volume XV Issue V | JagWire 15
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Students attend conventions around state, country Journalism, video productions, DECA and music department attend nationals tours
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embers of the journalism department, While there, the groups will be performing at some different comprising of Kevin Smyth’s newspaper locations. The groups won’t be together the whole time, but will be going class, Jim Meyerhoff’s yearbook class, to a performance of The Music Man as a whole. and Gary Osborne’s video production class, “[The choir] gets to perform in a stone chapel and different churches attended the National High School Journalism at Gonzaga and Whitworth,” senior Abbie Jones, choir officer, said. “It Convention from April 16-19 in Denver, CO. really enhances the sound of the choir. It’s such a different experience to Smyth and Meyerhoff chaperoned the 13 students. perform somewhere with an echo. It really brings us closer together.” Over the three days the students attended While there, the group will stay in Leavenworth one night and a keynote and classes. The classes covered a Spokane for two. During downtime they’ll have the opportunity to variety of topics, including student press laws, explore. different types of writing, photography and video “I had a great time last year being able to explore in San Francisco,” By: Brynn Adams production. senior Marissa Fowles, choir officer, said. “I’m excited to do the same Co-Editor-in-Chief “The infographics class was my second class on on this trip with a great group of musicians.” the first day and it gave me great insight on infographics, because I’ve The trip costs $280 per student, but there are opportunities to get help never really used them,” said senior Chase Charaba, co-editor-in-chief of with that cost. JagWire. “McKee has set up a lot of different fundraisers. We did a movie night They also had the for elementary kids and laid bark at some different opportunity to participate houses,” senior Jason Kertson, choir officer, said. “We in write-off competitions. EVEN THOUGH MY SCORES WEREN’T had a very successful dinner and dessert auction a few Write-offs can be anything months ago that benefitted the whole program.” THAT GOOD, I LEARNED A LOT ABOUT The combination of the three music groups will from designing an impromptu newspaper or yearbook page, hopefully be a great combination that positively HOW TO IMPROVE. a photo competition, copy influences the department for the future. - Junior Robert Pichner editing and writing headlines From Apr. 24 - 29, seven ERHS DECA students went for provided articles or writing to the national SBE (School Based Enterprise) DECA an on-demand news, feature or opinion article. One student from each competition in Orlando. school can compete in each category. There were several different ways in which DECA students could attend. “I was really nervous to go in and do my first write-off, because I There were a variety of store manuals and roleplays that students could wasn’t sure what they would think of my work,” junior Robert Pichner participate in, and if they did well enough, they would qualify to go. from yearbook said. “But I ended up having a great time. Even though my “We certified our student store as Gold and had to talk about ten different scores weren’t that good, I learned a lot about how to improve. aspects of our store in a 50 page manual,” senior Jordan Koch said. Her From ERHS, seniors Brynn Adams, Charaba and Mikayla Jennings won partner for the project, senior Alec Meyers, added that they needed to write-off awards in their respective categories: Honorable Mentions write, practice, and perfect a ten minute presentation that accompanied in News Editing/Headline Writing and News Writing for Adams and the manual. Charaba, and an excellent in Sports Writing for Jennings. Two attendees, seniors Taylor Delullo and Taylor Yacobazzi, had to “I was really crunched for time and I didn’t think I did well, but they compete and qualify in the area and state competitions with their 11 page called my name for Excellent and I was so excited,” Jennings said. manual and a 15 minute presentation in order for them to compete in JagWire also won 10th place in the national NSPA Best of Show Orlando. Senior Mackenzie Sauressig and junior Becca Watsek attended competition in the Newspaper Tabloid (16 pages or fewer) category. This in roleplays, and senior Tenli Petty had a 30 page manual. was their first national award as a publication since the fall of 2006 when Once there, the group had different meetings and classes, including an they won in Nashville. eight-hour-long class, and tests that they were required to attend. While “I was speechless; I was surprised; but I felt that it really validated all they enjoyed the learning opportunities, everything didn’t always go the hard work that the staff did this year and could not be more pleased,” smoothly. Smyth said. “We got to the testing and they said to turn in our manuals,” Yacobazzi While in Denver, students had some time in which they could go said. “We didn’t know we were supposed to bring ours, so I had to sprint sightseeing. like a mile back to our hotel and get our board and manuals, and on the “I really enjoyed the punk scene,” senior Jada Calhoun from way back I lost my ID. I video broadcast said. “I was really vibin’.” couldn’t compete without Attending the convention, including hotels and airfare, costs my ID until Sabin came I REALLY ENJOYED THE PUNK and verified that it was roughly $600. The yearbook students were paid for from the yearbook’s profits, and the newspaper and video students did me.” SCENE. I WAS REALLY VIBIN’. a lot of fundraising. Students were responsible for paying for Besides DECA- Senior Jada Calhoun centered activities, they their own food while there. “I love helping with planning fundraisers,” junior Bryanna also had the opportunity Putman, from JagWire, said. “We did the Daddy/Daughter to go to Disney World, Dance in December and it turned out so well and I’m so excited Daytona Beach, to organize it again for next year.” Hollywood Studios, The students who had the opportunity to go had a great time and are and Universal Studios. Though it’s expensive, about $400 paid by each already using what they learned in their respective publications. student to attend, the Student Store helps out a lot with the cost. The annual Choir Tour that ERHS choir students have the “That’s why we work so hard in the store,” Koch said. “Because we opportunity to attend has expanded to include the entire music get the benefits from it. We really do work so hard.” department and is now titled as the Music Department Washington State The hard work paid off in Meyers and Koch placing in the Top 10 in their Tour. The tour will be going to eastern Washington May 21-23. competition. There will be choir, band and orchestra students attending. “We started going up to get our award and I was just screaming “In years past it’s been a bit of a rivalry between the music and booking it,” she said. “Alec was much more calm and I was just departments,” senior Ethan Wiederspan, one of six choir officers, said. screaming.” “This year, there are a lot of students in more than one of the groups, and The group had a great time on their trip and were all proud of how a lot of us have friends in other groups, and we don’t want to fight with they performed while there. them.”
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Brynn Adams - honorable mention in newswriting/headwriting write-off Chase Charaba - honorable mention newswriting Mikayla Jennings - excellent in sports writing NSPA Best of Show for tabloid newspaper - 10th place Jordan Koch and Alec Meyers- placed Top 10 in competition Page designed by Jiannaka Limonta
{ Advertisements { BECOME A HOST FAMILY FOR A FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENT Have you ever thought about hosting a foreign exchange student? Have you ever wanted to share your culture and language with another student? Have you ever wanted to learn more about another culture and language? Become the second family of a foreign high school exchange student! Open your home and heart to a student from Germany, Spain, Japan, Thailand, etc...and help their dream come true! Submerge your family with the influences of another culture! Gain experience learning a new language! Talk to your family today and request more information about becoming a HOST FAMILY!!!
-Carla Torres -Local Area Coordinator -(253)405-8144 -cjtflower@hotmail.comPage designed by Chase Charaba
May 08, 2015 | Volume XV Issue V | JagWire 17
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E H ARR fish
n the land of giants, it is hard not to feel small both literally and figuratively. For sophomore Gracie Harris, she’s in a literal land of giants, only because of a condition that makes her extremities much smaller than the
average person. Harris has achondroplasia, the most common form of genetic short-limb dwarfism in which the cartilage of the arms and legs doesn’t correctly turn into bone during early development. One in every 25,000 babies are born with it, according to Medindia.net. Her torso is average sized, but the problem is in her limbs. “It’s scary being in a hall with students much bigger than me,” Harris said. “It’s intimidating.” Harris has a few difficulties because of her size. She needs to be aware, because people tend to hit her with their backpacks. Her legs bow out, meaning that when she stand with her ankles together, her knees stay out because of her condition, so they hurt a lot. She has difficulties reaching things and seeing over people, but she easily adapts. “I adjust to what I have to do,” Harris said. “I just grab a stool or I have a grabber thing at home to reach the cupboards - or I ask my brother to grab it.” Harris is a normal teenage girl - the only difference is her size, which limits her. She doesn’t need any special clothing for her size. She can easily find shirts to wear, most likely at her favorite store Pink, and with pants the waist is fine - they just need to be altered. She’s never been bullied, but in elementary school people tended to
stare because, according to Harris, they didn’t know any better. They didn’t know how to come up and ask. Her parents are very supportive, and are there for her and supportive of all of her decisions. She likes One Direction. Harris likes to hang out with friends, swim, bowl, and golf. She and her best friend, sophomore Megan Carroll, go to movies together, and will attend a One Direction concert on July 15. Carroll and Harris met in eighth grade during science. They were partners in a project, and discovered they were a lot alike. “We have a lot in common,” Carroll said. “We get along so well, and I am really protective over her. Even when we fight, it is over in like a minute. I could never be mad at her for more than a day. We laugh at everything and anything.” There is one thing that Harris believes everyone should know. The word “midget” is considered synonymous with the terms dwarf or little person. However, it is extremely offensive. Harris likens it to using the n-word in describing an African-American, so much so that she even calls it the “m-word.” “If I’m having a great day, and I hear that word,” Harris said. “People in my advisory have said it, and it makes me super uncomfortable because people in your advisory family are supposed to be
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supportive and I don’t feel that.” Carroll, during the very beginning of their friendship, learned that Harris is very serious about the use of the m-word. During the summer of their ninth grade year, she accidentally said it. “I said it without knowing it. We were talking on the phone, and I said the m-word, and she hung up on me,” Carroll said. “She was screaming at me, and it was bad.” Carroll is more careful than ever and is sure to advocate for support of people with the same disability as Harris. “Don’t judge her because she is a little person,” Carroll said. “Don’t judge anyone because you don’t know their circumstances or what they are going through. Gracie is one of those people going through circumstances.” Despite being small, Harris is just a normal girl. Even normal girls have troubles; Harris’ is just that she’s a little person in a big world.
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{Courtesy of Mistie Hite}
Teacher doubles as cat fanatic in 4-H Paraeducator Mistie Hite volunteers with Pierce County group to educate and train kids about cats
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ver since Mistie Hite was eight-yearsold, 4-H began to shape her life and become an important By: Anna Palmer aspect of Sports Editor her growth. Now, working as a paraeducator at Emerald Ridge, Hite volunteers much of her time as the leader for a Cat 4-H club and is also apart of the 4-H leaders council. She hopes that the club will impact students and build their confidence in new ways. “4-H is all about making the kids more responsible, having them make commitments,” Hite said. “It allows them to be individuals and it provides them leadership skills.” Although 4-H has a plethora of different clubs from shooting to horses to photography,
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Mistie Hite and her 4-H group pose at Frontier Park in Graham. The cat club admits kids ages 8 to 19 years old and it is $15 a year to be a member.
Hite focuses mainly on the cat “It’s really difficult. It’s not easy have as many opportunities and department. to win,” Hite said. “You have to experiences as other’s, to find their 10 different kids around the practice. It’s a big commitment.” niche and feel welcomed. community meet together to Roughly 40 members from the The realization and satisfaction become further educated about 4-H program of Pierce County individuals receive when working their cats and prepare to compete make it as far as the Washington in the Cat club and 4-H as a whole with their cats at county and State Fair. is what Hite finds to be the most state fairs. Although engaging with, beautiful and rewarding aspect “The first 10 minutes we work learning about, and showing cats is working with on a record book which the program. is like a portfolio but for “I just love PRACTICE MAKES PURRR-FECT. I WRITE cats,” Hite said. “Then watching we go on to fitting and THAT EVERYWHERE. THE MORE PRACTICE, when they get showmanship with our it and they’re NO MATTER WHAT YOU DO, THE MORE cat. There is 11 steps, the like, ‘Oh, I kids have to do those and CONFIDENCE YOU WILL GAIN. get it,’ and answer five questions.” I just think Paraeducator and Cat 4-H leader Mistie Hite Although Hite that’s just a says many people are miracle when they finally notice unfamiliar with the concept of a large part of the club, Hite finds and understand,” Hite said. “That showing a cat, she explains it to be the club to carry further meaning is my favorite thing.” a rigorous, detailed process that and depth. Although the cat club meets only takes a large amount of Hite, although proud of 10 times a year, the members are preparation for everyone who makes it as far as the expected to practice outside of class the contestant. Washington State Fair, finds her with their cats. “You show the head joy in the kids understanding and This may consist of learning type, the body being able to finally grasp a concept further about their cat, spending type; some cats or complete a presentation. time with it, and grooming it or are elongated, “My biggest thrill is that the building its health. others are members I teach, not necessarily “ I say pick your cat up, pet your cobby,” win but you see it in their eyes, you cat...People have cats but they don’t Hite said. know when you’ve gotten through really know about them,” Hite said. “You to them and they’ve understood it “My cat give me kisses everyday, show the and they’re able to get a red, white sleeps on my head at night and I fur and or blue,” Hite said. think it’s cool.” then the tail, A major aspect of 4-H that Hite Hite suggests to those interested then you show views as one of the most important in joining the cat club to contact the mouth, the is the confidence it instills in its herself or Washington State nose the eyes and members and a place of belonging University, who is the primary the ears. Then you it provides for those who may not sponsor for 4-H. show the claws, all feel it elsewhere. “Practice make Purrr-fect. I four claws.” Because Hite works at ER in the write that everywhere,” Hite said. There are also other Excel Program as a paraeducator “The more you practice, no matter competitive categories for with the special needs program, what you do, the more confidence the cats such as type, which she has testified to the influence you will gain.” focuses on the cat’s cleanliness of something such as the Cat 4-H and health. club in the lives of the seven special When an individual receives needs kids in the program. at least one blue ribbon, he or “For them to get up there, even she is eligible to move onto if they don’t completely show a cat, the Washington State Fair just to be able to stand in front of in Puyallup, where the judge is a confidence builder,” 4-H members compete Hite said against others all around Hite views 4-H as a place the entire state. where these kids, who may not
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May 08, 2015 | Volume XV Issue V | JagWire 19
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Of the 65 community members involved in judging for Senior Boards, these were what some of them had to say:
“It was an honor and a privilege to participate! I spoke to a lot of great young students.”
“Students were well-mannered and respectful to each other.” “Students were prepared - dressed/appearance/ command of portfolio.”
“All the students were amazing, pleasure being part of the experience. Look forward to next year.”
“Students seemed to have direction and are prepared for life.”
“I got to see a few of the at risk kids give presentations and they were my favorites! It was great to see the teachers and the students they encouraged to this great end!”
In celebration of seniors...
“What great students! Thanks for letting me be a part of your school!”
24
430
64
41
32
Business and Marketing
Engineering and Technology
Health and Human Resources
219
Science and Natural Resources
Arts and Communications
Number of Seniors for Each Honors Pathway
430 out of 454 seniors who have to complete boards in order to graduate are done
28 Page designed by: Brynn Adams {Graphics by Brynn Adams, Co-Editor-In-Chief} {Portfolios courtesy (in no order) of Abigail Jones, Alec Meyers, Cheryl Decker, Taylor Yacobazzi, Sarah Richards, Rachele Berndt, Morgan Valiant, Megan Yerton, Daniel Brewer, McKinsey McMahon, Daniel Brewer, Lindsey Lynch, Lauren Sadorf, Katie Goodin, Dylan Behrent, Stefanie Choi, Jacey Ortega, Aspen Sellers, Jessica Fleetwood, Amelia Heckert, Riley Clarke, Jacob Chavez, Kathryn O’Bryant, Marissa Fowles, Jamilee Webber}