JagWire | Volume 8 | Issue 7 | May 2008

AN OPEN FORUM FOR STUDENT EXPRESSION

EMERALD RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL.12405 184TH ST E SOUTH HILL, WA 98374

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Answers

What We Don’t Know...

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From the hidden fourth floor to the secrets of the pool, Emerald Ridge has quite a few secrets up its sleeve that it’s about time the student body found out. It can’t hurt, right?

Most modern psychics claim to be able to foresee things weeks or months before. But millennia before all of them, the Mayans predicted that the current age of the world would end on Dec. 21, 2012, and modern science has actually begun to back that date up.

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Silent Protest

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Certain Death?

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Day of Silence is held every year, and often has as much controversy as solemnity. But this year’s Day of Silence passed by under the radar due to the Ultimate Jaguar advisory competition.

ER’s day for those who can’t speak for themselves has come into its own.

News >>03

Op/Ed >>08

Run to “Escape” Features >>09

Sports >>20

“Harold and Kumar Escape From Guantanamo Bay” is one of the most crass, vulgar, over-the-top, insane and absolutely juvenile movies of the past decade, but it’s also one of the funniest of the year. That is, if you can stomach the filth it sends flying.

A&E >>24

NEWS

AP students required to test Advanced Placement testing makes changes to better accommodate the large number of test takers by

KATIE KREMPL

REPORTER

Due to the large amount of students who take the AP exam each year, ER staff has continued to push for the overall improvement of the Advanced Placement program.

Over the years several changes have been applied to the program in order to advance the success of our students as well as making it more available to students with varying academic histories.

This year the AP exam has taken on a few new changes. Students taking the exam in prior years were not required to take it un-

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before the end of the year. Some students are finding this to be an inconvenience.

“I have friends who weren’t planning on taking the test for calc. but now they’re having to pay a couple hundred dollars to take it,” senior Austin Wiederspan said.

Otherwise teachers and staff seem confident that the exams are necessary for students who expect to do well in college level classes “The students who commit themselves to taking AP level courses are fully aware that they will be expected to participate in the AP exam,” counselor Annie Boulet said.

Another change concerning the AP exams was how the prices for each test, though still seen as very expensive, are lower than the previous year. For each AP course exam students are paying $84, which is signifi-

I HAVE FRIENDS WHO WEREN’T PLANNING ON TAKING THE TEST FOR CALC. BUT NOW THEY’RE HAVING TO PAY A COUPLE HUNDRED DOLLARS TO TAKE IT. — Austin Wiederspan, senior

less teachers individually made it a requirement.

Decisions were made to change the process in which students signed up for the tests. Due to lack of consistency with the payment and ordering for tests, all students registered for AP level classes were signed up in advance to take the exams. That way all students can take the test and make the payment at anytime

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cantly lower then last year when students had to pay a total of $91. The prices to take the exams were dropped as a result of a tax withdrawn by College Board that was

charged in previous years.

Boulet is the head of the AP program here at ER and is very supportive of the school’s attempts to not limit any student from achieving a higher standard of education.

“What I think is unique about ER is that we encourage all our students to challenge themselves,” Boulet said.

One of the many attributes that continues to contribute to ER success is its Advanced Placement Program. In a letter written to students and staff Boulet wrote, “As a staff, we have been very intentional about researching the impact of taking Advanced Placement courses, developing our courses, working with the teachers and advisors, encouraging students to take these challenging courses, and supporting these students as they embark on the challenges of taking advanced offerings.”

There is evidence that the students at ER are given a wide range of opportunities to be involved in college level education.

Yet are all students who take advantage of these opportunities prepared to succeed in the exams taken in May every year? According to last years results, 40 percent of the students who took the exams scored a three or higher, which is considered as passing.

Looking at the different dynamics of the test makes it hard to determine whether or not this number is a success or failure.

Teachers and staff are always looking to improve and raise the number of students who pass the exam. The bottom line seems

AP Exam changes for spring 2008 -All AP students must take exam -Prices lowered to be that students who take AP courses are better prepared for the classes they will be taking in college.

“I don’t have trouble with the test itself,” Wiederspan said. “It’s just sitting for five hours in the auditorium that I have trouble with.”

The number of students who take AP classes and participate in the exam show that ER has taken a new spin on qualifications for AP placement. Back in 2004 only 119 students took the exam. More recently 507 tests were distributed last year while a total of 538 students are currently signed up to take the exam this year. These numbers alone are impressive yet even more so when a little over 200 students at Puyallup High School have taken the same opportunity.

ER was also recognized for its unique AP program in Newsweek.

Student teacher faces consequences after texting Student teacher is no longer teaching at Emerald Ridge after sending text messages deemed inappropriate according to district policy by

RACHEL WEBEBR

REPORTER

Alicia Howard, a student teacher who is no longer at Emerald Ridge, was found texting inappropriate messages to students.

Senior Logan Bushnell was one student who received texts from Howard, but claimed the ones she sent to him were not inappropriate.

According to Puyallup School District Policy No. 5641, which regulates student teacher behavior, “the supervising teacher and principal (are) responsible for the conduct of the student teacher.”

Principal Brian Lowney and Howard’s supervisor, social studies teacher Ben Muehlenbruch, would not comment on this issue specifically.

Margie Jensen, Director of Human Resources for the Puyallup School District said that student-teacher boundaries are typically reviewed at staff meetings and staff orientations.

“There must be boundaries,” Lowney said. “It doesn’t matter whether it is texting, notes, or e-mail. The technology doesn’t matter. There need to be boundaries between students and teachers.”

Jensen agrees with Lowney.

“Phone, text, or notes to students from educational staff and vice versa should only relate to school business – homework assignments, school related activities, etc.,” Jensen said. “The only exception to this might be in the death or severe illness of a relative and the desire to show sympathy or compassion for the situation that the student

is facing.”

Jensen feels that if text messaging between students and faculty continues, a policy, which would regulate text messaging between teachers and students, might be needed.

“For now, (in any case) if there is an employee misconduct situation, then it needs to be brought to the attention of the principal,” Jensen said. “The situation would be investigated and if true, the teacher could face disciplinary action up to the level of termination.”

Jensen considers some situations to be acceptable for students and faculty to text one another, however there are certain lines that a teacher can’t cross. “(Whether a text message is appropriate or inappropriate) depends on the content of the communication,” Jensen said. “Texting in today’s world is much like a phone call. If a message is for anything outside school related business, then I would say it is inappropriate, just as a phone call of the same nature would be considered inappropriate.”

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03

NEWS

Revised constitution to be sent through advisories by

KELSEY HOWLAND

REPORTER

A meeting was held on April 10 by the ASB officers to discuss changes to Emerald Ridge’s constitution. The ER constitution has a requirement that it shall be updated every three years by the ASB officers and approved by Student Council. Oct. of 2003 is the last recorded update of the constitution.

“Previous officers were focused on other areas causing a delay in the reviewing and revision of the constitution,” ASB President Kristin Anderson said.

Last year’s ASB officers looked at the constitution but did not complete any amendments or finish reviewing it.

“The updates should make the constitution relevant and legitimate to represent the present-day Emerald Ridge,” Anderson said.

On April 11 the revised but unapproved constitution was looked at but, because only a small number of student council members were present at the meeting, the amendments proposal procedure was brief.

There are currently seven positions available within the ASB officers. Next year only five positions will be filled at election time.

One change they will be pushing for is fixed positions.

The positions of President, Vice President, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, and the Parliamentarians will be known prior to entering office, rather than deciding once getting

voted into ASB office.

“I believe that we need a change for more than just one reason, and hopefully this updated constitution will provide that,” Anderson said.

Many technicalities will be voted on by the students of ER. The date of voting will be decided on May 2 at the next student council meeting.

“Seventy-five percent of ER must vote,” Rob Dennis, the activities coordinator at ER said, “and a two-thirds majority must agree in order for a change and for it to count.”

Faculty members as well as student club members have to abide by these set rules of the ER Constitution. The effects of these changes will lead to how ER is run and how money is handled in the future years.

Changes to English curriculum Danger at Bradley by

ALIESHA DRIVAS

REPORTER

On April 10, a decision was made by a board of English teachers within the Puyallup School District to change the current high school English curriculum to a more consistent one.

In keeping this agenda, McDougalLittel, a publishing company of a new English curriculum series, was chosen by the board.

McDougal-Littel will be recommended by the teachers, and a presentation will be made to the Puyallup District School Board.

American Studies teacher Laurie Brandon and Junior English teacher Rebecca Waller were the representatives for ER. “Really we needed to replace all

the books that were outdated and falling apart,” Brandon said. Other teachers agree that the decision to change the current program was an appropriate one.

“If you go into any English classroom in the district, or even this school, you will notice there is no uniformity,” Waller said. “We just needed to be more in sync with each other and have similar standards.”

Prior to the McDougal-Littel decision, two other choices, produced

by Glencoe and Perfection Learning, were proposed to the teachers.

“McDougal-Littel and Glencoe were more traditional anthologies,” Brandon said. “Perfection Learning was a smaller collection of essays and short stories. All three covered relatively the same topics.”

April 22, Brandon attended a bias screening of the American literature series by McDougal-Littel.

“You go through the book and make sure there is nothing insensitive, or racist, or sexist; make sure the pictures incorporate everyone. In my opinion, without a small level of bias it’s difficult to teach what being unbiased means,” Brandon said.

There were some disagreements among the board of which choice was the best for high school students across the district.

“I didn’t realize how much compromise it would take,” Brandon said.

“I will push for the perfection option when it comes to choosing a series for Social Studies classes. I think that option really represents what ER stands for.”

by

JOSH JOYCE

REPORTER

The 3-year-old black bear that was sighted at Bradley Lake Park was caught by State Fish and Wildlife agents on April 17.

The bear was first spotted at the park on April 1. A second spotting of the bear prompted the 59-acre park to close down. Agents were called in to set traps in the park and neighborhoods surrounding the park. They were unsuccessful in their endeavors and the park was re-opened.

Two Thursdays ago, according to State Wildlife Enforcement Sgt. Ted Jackson, the bear was chased up a tree about a mile and a half away from the park in a local neighborhood.

State Fish and Wildlife Agent Justin Maschhoff tranquilized the black bear and was then transported to the Olympic Peninsula where it was set free.

Sgt. Jackson said the bear probably strayed from the foot hills of Orting.

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NEWS

New tools bring mixed emotions New technology helps teachers in their everyday classroom teaching by: kaitlin clark

REPORTER

“They are fearfully and wonderfully made.

However the actual product deviates from the ideal, in that, the teacher must be willing to put forth the effort and participate,” senior Max Ollivant said about the newest technology at Emerald Ridge. Classroom responders are a new way for teachers to communicate with students. In using these devices, each student in the class gets a responder and the teacher can use them in several different ways.

In one of these ways, the teacher can ask a verbal question, such as multiple choice, true or false, etc. Then the students are able to submit an answer into their responder, and the answers go straight to the teacher’s computer. This lets the instructor see how many answers were correct and gives each student an opportunity to anonymously

provide an answer for questions.

Another way they can be used is for tests, quizzes, and various assignments. Students can be given their assignment, and instead of writing their answers down on paper, they can submit them through their responders.

When they are finished, the scores are sent to the teacher’s computer.

Teacher Joel Ramsey, is part of a district committee which is currently looking at three different types of classroom responders. The committee consists of three high school teachers, one junior high teacher, and two elementary school teachers. Once the committee tests the different responders, they will then meet and discuss the pros and cons of each type and make a decision on which one is superior. They will make a recommendation of that brand of responder for the district so it will be available for other teachers to use.

“Students are more engaged in the class,” Ramsey said. “They have increased participation, and everyone has a chance to answer.”

Like a lot of new technology, these devices have pros and cons.

“My students and I have found things we like about them, and some things we haven’t,” Ramsey said.

Physics students have adjusted well to this new method and things seem to beworking out.

Senior Ian Smith is in Ramsey’s first period physics class and has used the responders.

“I suppose they’re useful for the teacher to check student’s understanding, but it could cause more distancing from the teacher to the student,” Smith said.

Some may feel like this way of communicating may be too impersonal.

Classroom responders are a form of new technology that can help teachers as well as students, and increases participation.

“It was definitely a smart way to spend money, and the improvement I’ve seen in student participation alone justifies the cost,” Ramsey said.

Students experiences new technology first hand.

Come check out the new flavors of Vitamin Water!

Emerald Ridge High School’s Student Store Photo by Stacie Henson

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05

NEWS

GSA’s Day of Silence is successful by

DANNY CANHAM

REPORTER

Begun in 1996 as a way to end bullying and harassment, this year’s Day of Silence was held in memory of Lawrence King of Oxnard, CA on April 25.

“Lawrence King was a 15 year-old in California who was shot in the head by a fellow student because of his sexual orientation and gender expression,” Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) president senior Katie Smith said. “He was targeted because he asked the shooter to be his valentine.

“We were disappointed that people didn’t care about Lawrence King. It was advertised a lot, but people didn’t really pay attention.”

Originally, the GSA had planned to make the Day of Silence the culmination of a full week of events and discussion, but due to time constraints and the coincidence of the day with Ultimate Jaguar Advisory week, that did not happen.

“Our meetings landed on very odd days, like WASL week and spring break, so we kind of ran out of time to plan before the day got here,” senior club member Kerri Campbell said.

Senior Leasha Tolson agreed.

“We hadn’t intended on the Day of Silence being this week,” Tolson said. “We thought there was going to be an assembly, but

Jake Van Stone signing an ally promise slip at the GSA’s booth during lunch.

there wasn’t and a lot of advisories played tug of war and missed our announcement about Lawrence King.”

Still, the club remained constant to the goals of the Day of Silence.

“It’s not about being gay,” Campbell said. “It’s about antiharassment and respect.”

According to the first of dayofsilence.org’s four truths, the goal of the day is to “make schools safer for all students, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity/expression.”

“We’re focusing more on the harassment aspect this year because people tend to think it’s just a celebration of being gay,” Smith said.

As there has been every year, there were some concerns over how to make the event run smoothly.

“We had a few people yell obscene things at the people sitting at our booth,” junior GSA member Mariah Holmquist said.

“Compared to the last few years it seemed there were a lot more absences. Just by looking, you could tell there were a lot less people.

“You can’t help but think that if leadership was leading (Day of Silence) we would have a lot more involvement compared to GSA leading it.”

Part of that advertising included the posting of 40 flyers throughout the school the Monday prior to the event, but by Friday, only three or four remained on the walls.

“It’s really hard to advertise something and tell people when they ask you about posters and all the ones you put up have been taken down,” Tolson said. “No matter how much information we put out to try and teach people this isn’t just ‘Gay Day’ there will always be students too ignorant to pay attention.”

While there were few vocal protests at ER, local news stations have reported that Mount Si High School witnessed protests and counterdemonstrations by both local religious groups led by Reverend Kenneth Hutcherson and gay rights activists, causing approximately 500 students to stay home.

“Nothing unusual happened (at ER),” assistant principal Cari Ake said. ”But it depends on your perspective. From an office standpoint it went really smoothly.”

GSA agreed.

“We thought it went well,” Smith said.

2008 ASB Officers Why did you want to be an ASB officer?

“I’ve always wanted to be a part of ASB.” Celeste Domingo, 11

“I want to continue the excellences of last year’s ASB officers.”

Craig Dammeier, 11

“That is kind of a personal question and I don’t think that is any of your business.”

Zach Holm, 11

“It looks good on a transcript, and ASB gets their own page in the yearbook.”

Jay Girard, 11

“I want to help lead ASB in the right direction.”

Chris Wassman, 10

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NEWS

Ultimate Jaguar Week incorporates the masses New perspective on Ultimate Jaguar leaves a good impression and starts a new tradition by

DALLAS M. WELKER

EDITORIAL BOARD

Ultimate Jaguar week has changed to Ultimate Jaguar Advisory. Last spring the week was an individual spirit competition.

This year the competition has been changed to an advisory contest in hopes of involving more students.

Ultimate Jaguar, started in 2007, was a competition aimed at finding one person who embodied Jaguar spirit. The week involved dress-up days, a trivia game of the school’s history, lunchtime activities, and encouraging others to participate in dress up days.

This year the leadership class decided to change the week upon noticing a decline in school spirit.

“We were trying to include more of the school,” junior co-chair of the spirit week Craig Dammeier said. “Our goals were to increase participation and start a tradition.”

While not all advisories actively participated in the week as much as others, leader-

ship adviser Sarah Cypher views the switch as an improvement.

“If only five advisories participated that would be 100 kids, rather than just five,” Cypher said.

New additions to the week include a popular bracketed advisory tug-of-war tournament, won by Jennifer Senior’s senior advisory, and a door decorating competition which had four categories that correlated with the week’s dress up days. This year’s week involved some of the same activities as last year, such as lunchtime activities, dress up days, and school trivia.

The winning advisory was selected based on points that were accumulated by members of each advisory throughout the week and announced on April, 25. The award was an off-campus lunch. The winning advisory was Rebecca Waller’s senior advisory who earned 561 points.

“We’ve got a good advisory and we all get along really well,” Waller said. “Everyone was pumped up and basically we just decided that that would be a really good way for them to end their senior year if we won and then all got to go out to lunch together.”

Leadership intends to continue the Ultimate Jaguar Advisory week next spring.

National Events by

JOSH JOYCE

REPORTER

This spring, many students at Emerald Ridge made it to national conventions and competitions in the far corners of the country.

Concert, Chamber and Varsity Women’s choirs were all successful in Orlando. Concert choir took a Superior rating and Best in Class for mixed choir.

They also took silver overall. Chamber choir had a Superior rating and took bronze overall. And finally Varsity Women’s choir had an Excellent rating.

JagWire, JagTV News and FACETS were unsuccessful as a whole in their

trip to Anaheim, though had several individual awards. Honorable Mention award winners were FACETS students Shelby Wickett and Heidi Osborne for Yearbook Copy and Caption, JagWire’s Lauren Smith for Newsmagazine Layout and JagTV student Kristyona Rosin for her Video News Story. The Excellent award winners were Craig Tuschhoff and Nick Griswold from JagTV for their Broadcast Package and Ashlee Pitigliano from JagWire for Feature Writing. Finally, the Superior award winners were Dallas Welker in News Writing and Megan Albert in Sports Writing from JagWire, and Rebecca Perry from JagTV for her Video Commercial/PSA.

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07

OP/ED

Take ASB elections seriously STAFF F or the past few years ASB elections have been widely considered by the student body to be nothing more than popularity contests, another means for the well-known and well-liked students to greater their name recognition and notoriety. Yet the golden rule that legitimized the process was that it always be taken seriously by those involved, sometimes to an admirable extent.

That is, until recently. When the five officers-elect ran in mid-April, best estimates state that only two of them took their speeches seriously enough to give the impression of elections being a worthwhile use of their – or anyone else’s – time.

So what wound up was that a mockery was made of our ASB and its officers, to all the student body. The circumstances might have been approaching ridiculous – five students running for seven allotted positions – but that does not justify apathy on the part of the candidates. Nothing, we are pressed to say, does.

Interest in ASB has been waning for some time – how else to rationalize the turnout for the elections? There are a few possible reasons for this: One, students don’t see the

the fine print Emerald Ridge High School 12405 184th St. E. South Hill, WA 98374 253-435-6300

Editorial Mission

As an open forum, JagWire exercises student free expression rights to their fullest extent. We pursue an unbiased truth while maintaining the highest journalistic integrity. Our top priority is to raise awareness while covering a wide variety of issues that impact our readership. By exploring different angles to make sure

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use in running, or don’t want any of the responsibility; two, they don’t care; three, they dislike the officers and don’t want to be associated with them. All of these can be easily remedied by one simple action, and that is for the ASB officers to take pride in their organization.

No one likes doing things they don’t have to, but it is simple to tell the character of anyone by seeing how they act when they don’t have to act nice, or interested. Three of the five candidates failed this test in front of their constituency, and ASB is the worse for it.

Even though it might not have been the most prideful time in ASB history, the candidates who ran needed to act like it was like any other elections. They owe the student body that much. None of them can claim to represent the students well until they first represent themselves, and their organization, with dignity.

Editorials are composed by, and are the opinion of, the JagWire Editorial Board.

our coverage is fair, balanced and accurate, we seek to continue the publication’s tradition of excellence through self-reflection and improvement.

Letters Policy JagWire will accept unsolicited copy from students, staff and community members. Only signed and dated letters with address and phone number from community members, or grade level from students, will be accepted.

Letters should be limited to 300 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 material that may substantially

EDITORIAL BOARD..........................................MORGAN T. GARD . ....................................................................................... GERRY LECONTE . ...........................................................................................LAUREN SMITH . ...................................................................................... ASHLEY VINCENT . ...................................................................................DALLAS M. WELKER COPY EDITOR....................................................................MIMI SISON DESIGN MANAGER ...................................... HEATHER GORMAN BUSINESS MANAGER.................................... ANDY DICKERSON CIRCULATION MANAGER............................... STASIE HENSON REPORTERS................................................................ MEGAN ALBERT . ............................................................................... KRISTEN ANDERSON . ......................................................................................LAUREN BARRON . ........................................................................................ LEXI BROCKAMP . .....................................................................................DANNY CANHAM . ..........................................................................................KAITLIN CLARK . .........................................................................................ALIESHA DRIVAS . ...................................................................................... ADAM FANGMAN . ..............................................................................................DEVIN FLOYD . .................................................................................. KELSEY HOWLAND ....................................................................................................JOSH JOYCE . ....................................................................................KATELYN KREMPLE . .......................................................................................LINDSAY NOLAN . ....................................................................................ALANNA NUGENT . ........................................................................................ ASHLEY O’BRIEN . ................................................................................. ASHLEE PITIGLIANO . ..................................................................................................BRI ROGERS .......................................................................... JULIA SERVA-DELMONTE ............................................................................................... NIKKI SEADER ................................................................................KRISTEN STEENBEEKE ...................................................................................................... ZAC TRAN .......................................................................................... RACHEL WEBBER ..........................................................................................AMANDA WYMA ADVISER............................................................................KEVIN SMYTH AFFILIATES

JEA, NSPA, SPJ, WJEA, WSJA

disrupt the school process.

Letters to the editor may be submitted by mailing them to JagWire c/o Emerald Ridge High School, or by e-mailing them to ksmyth@puyallup.k12.wa.us.

Advertising Mission The JagWire publication staff accepts 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 in light of normal public standards.

Ads identifying students as athletes by photo or text (WIAA 18.20.0 and 18.20.1) also will not be accepted.

The staff will not accept advertising that is racist, sexist or illegal for high school students.

FEATURE

Finding

PASSION

in her career

Laurie Brandon has assisted CELEBRITIES and PRODUCED television; however, her TEACHING career has provided her with opportunities to CHANGE LIVES by

NIKKI SEADER

REPORTER

BLOOMS

BUDS AND

Laurie Brandon is one of the newer additions to the ER staff; she is also a celebrity baby-sitter, television producer, ski instructor, daughter and wife.

Brandon started student teaching at Emerald Ridge a few years ago and is now a certified teacher, instructing Honors American Studies, American studies, and a collection of evidence class for WASL testing.

However, her career pathway wasn’t always focused on teaching.

Brandon was a stage manager for several years for different television stations. During her time working with the television stations she had the opportunity to work with many celebrities.

“I call it babysitting celebrities,” Brandon said.

She has “babysat” many big names in show business.

“I have worked with Brad Pitt, Lindsey Lohan, and I don’t know how many others,” Brandon said.

Her television experience included working with the late Peter Jennings.

“I was fortunate to work with him, I learned a great deal from him,” Brandon said. “When he died it was really hard for me.”

This American studies teacher went to the University of Washington where she majored in Broadcast Journalism.

Because she was putting herself through college she got a job at KOMO television in accounting. Soon after being hired

as an accountant she was promoted to production.

The lady in charge of graphics had become violently ill during work and KOMO was scrambling to find someone to cover her shift, Brandon, who had access to a computer, volunteered for the job.

“So within five minutes of training I moved from accounting to production,” Brandon said.

After September 11, 2001 Brandon decided it was time for a career shift.

“Just producing sports news wasn’t all that satisfying,” Brandon said.

After a lot of consideration Brandon decided teaching would be a satisfying career to pursue.

She had teaching abilities from instructing ski lessons and during Brandon’s time working in productions part of her job was hiring entry level employees which mostly included young adults.

“I loved working with kids, especially teenagers,” Brandon said.

She also felt it would please her mom to make the transition to teaching.

“After having me she went back to high school and graduated with a 4.0 grade average. Even though my parents were proud of me working in television, I think my mom felt I could do more,” Brandon said.

Although Brandon still maintains a love for television

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work, her newfound passion lies in teaching.

“I found in a lot of ways (television production) was more of a teaching job than a television production job,” Brandon said.

Aside from teaching American studies Brandon does free lance work as well.

“Last year I did a number of NHL games in Canada,” Brandon said. “I still keep my hands in it.”

Brandon has been married happily for almost 20 years to her high school sweetheart.

“We started dating the middle of his senior year, my junior year,” Brandon said.

Brandon and her husband never had children.

“My kids are now my students,” Brandon said.

Teaching, for Brandon, has been a challenge, but she feels strongly about it and hopes to make a difference in several lives.

“I am someone who is always looking for a challenge,” Brandon said. “I just decided if I can reach one student at a time then that is reward enough.

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09

FEATURE

The end of the world by

ASHLEE PITIGLIANO

years, predicting various historic events.

Are you ready for the end of the world?

The Maya believe that According to some, you may have only 4 the world goes through years left to prepare. 2012, or Dec. 21, cycles, and that currently 2012, is the object of many “end of the we are living in the fourth world” conspiracy theories; however some of cycle. Each time a cycle ends, these theories can be backed up by physical it causes periodic, massive cataevidence and fact. The origin of the theories clysms. The last cycle ended on a Tzolkin surrounding 2012 range from a solar phenom- date of 13.0.0.0.0. Another 13.0.0.0.0 will enon to a cultural transformation, yet all the occur on December 21, 2012. Their calendar, signs suggest that it will be a day and year established in approximately 3114 BC, also of global change. ends on this date. The significance of the This is an event that has been coming end of their calendar is believed to be the to resonance very slowly over thousands end of the current fourth cycle, which will and thousands of years. The most common trigger world-wide catastrophe and the fifth theory about 2012 stems from the Mayan and final world will be created, signaling the Tzolkin calendar, which ends on that date, end of mankind. and is believed to signify the end of the Other less likely theories include the world. The Maya were commonly known for possibility of the Christian rapture, major their vast intelligence and accuracy with changes in human DNA, and according to cerworldly predictions. 20 cycles of 13 days tain algorithms of the Bible code, a meteor, each equals 260 days of the Tzolkin, which asteroid or comet collision with the Earth. repeats through eternity. This calendar has If the cultural evidence doesn’t sway you, proven to be extremely accurate over the take into consideration the astronomical events predicted to occur. Every 11 years the sun shifts its polarity. Shifting polarity means that the north and south poles change sides. The last shift was in • The end of money and all currency 2001, and the next is due in 2012.

• Hyperdimensional shifts in outer space While normally a polar shift is subtle enough to not be noticed by man• The cosmic alignment of our solar system kind, this particular shift may have with the plane of our galaxy, the Milky Way a greater affect on the Earth.

• An enormous leap in human consciousness When it changes polarity there • Earthquakes or volcanic activity from many are an increased number of sunsunspots and unique planetary alignments spots. The number of sunspots in • The complete or total stopping of time 2012 is supposed to be 50 percent • Enormous human genetic mutations greater than what it was last time.

• An evolutionary human pinnacle This is supposed to cause Earthquakes and floods on Earth, which lead some to • A huge technology surge believe that mankind will not survive.

REPORTER

Other 2012 Myths

10 volumeEIGHT.issueSEVEN

may not be as far away as you think

Along with a polar shift on the sun, scientists predict a polar shift on Earth within the next four years. The Earth’s poles have flipped several times in the past, and while not in our generation, the evidence presents itself on the ocean floor and in many deserts. It has been roughly 780,000 years since the last polar shift, and scientists believe we are overdue for another.

Over the last 2,000 years, the Earth’s magnetic poles have been weakening. As the magnetic strength of the poles weakens, the Earth’s properties change. We have now reached a point where the ice caps are melting and running off into our oceans, interfering with our global currents. Most refer to this as global warming. We can already see the effects of this with the erratic weather lately.

This kind of change can only happen for a certain amount of time until the balance of Earth’s axis is disrupted. When enough weight passes the pivot point, it is inevitable the Earth’s poles will shift to compensate for the weight difference.

When this shift happens, the Earth’s climate will undergo great change. As existing islands and coastlines deplete, new landmasses will emerge from the oceans. Birds will no longer fly south, weather will suffer drastically, and Earth’s properties may display

unimaginable change.

Many authors and movie writers have picked up on the 2012 conspiracy as well. The book “2012: The Return of Quetzalcoatl” by Daniel Pinchbeck discusses theories of a possible global awakening to psychic connection by the year 2012. Other prophecies and apocalyptic writings and hypotheses for this year include Terence McKenna’s numerological novelty theory, and the 2007 box office hit “I Am Legend” directed by Francis Lawrence.

McKenna’s theory suggests a point of singularity in which humankind will go through a great shift in consciousness, while I Am Legend’s plot revolves around the end of the world, years after a plague kills most of humanity and transforms the rest into monsters. The sole survivor in New York City, played by Will Smith, struggles valiantly to find a cure.

However you choose to spin it, all the signs say something will happen in the year 2012. What cataclysmic disasters these events will behold is still unknown, but researchers say not to sell the farm just yet.

The most probable change we will see is in the way our society functions.

FEATURE

Behind the door of E132 e h t g l n i a r i e c v e Disco s of the sp re u s a s e s tr a l c ion t a c u ed

by

MIMI SISON

REPORTER

Not all under representation occurs due to one’s gender or race. At Emerald Ridge, the most underrepresented group of individuals is, arguably, students in the special education program, some of whom literally don’t have a voice with which to present themselves and interact with the rest of the student body.

“In our school 12 percent of our population has some form of a disability,” special education teacher Luke Zilly said.

Zilly, who has been teaching in special education for 14 years, works with students with orthopedic disabilities from all over the district, helping them with their physical needs, academics, and life skills.

With seven students this year, the most difficult aspect of his job includes coordinating the many adults needed to make his program work.

“It can be difficult to get all the adults kind of going in the same direction,” Zilly said. “For instance I have three paraeducators in my room; I have a nurse in my room; I have a physical therapist who comes in, an occupational therapist (and) a speech therapist.”

That’s not even counting the visions specialist and the orientation and mobility specialist who make appearances in room E132. Needless to say, the program receives decent funding from the government, but only rightly so for a program faced with the monumental task of building an individualized education program for students whose transition to the real world will be rougher than those of others.

Zilly’s continued service to this particular population stems from a desire to make them heard. This is the first year he has had students who are unable to communicate.

“I try and give that group a voice and I advocate for them,” Zilly said. “I advocate for what I think they need.”

And, sometimes, what they need is a whole lot of fun.

Photo by Mimi Sison

“Lots of dancing happens in my classroom,” Zilly said.

“My whole goal is to make sure that my students have a lot of fun because, you know, they have a difficult life. They’re going to be in a wheelchair their entire life and won’t experience some of the same things that those of us that are able-bodied will experience.”

Though he never thought he’d be doing the sprinkler or playing air guitar in his classroom, Zilly, can be seen hopping around his class in order to amuse his students.

Despite all the fun, Zilly is overtaken by a visible sadness when talking about some of his students.

“Doing this for eight years, you learn a lot especially from the ones who can communicate (and who) know what they’re really missing out on,” Zilly said.

Due to the nature of his job, Zilly has the privilege of working one-on-one with students bearing some of the most

“

I try and give that group a voice and I advocate for them. I advocate for what I think they need. — Luke Zilly, special education teacher

”

inspirational stories of their kind. He recalls Kyle, an alumnus with severe disabilities, with great fondness and details how this particular former student helped him put in effect some disability awareness lessons. “(Kyle) was in my advisory,” Zilly said. “The (other) kids in my advisory were complaining about typing their job shadow letter and saying ‘I don’t wanna do it. It takes too long.’ So I brought them to my classroom and said, ‘Kyle has his done’ and I said, ‘Look, this is how he has to type his in.’”

Zilly then proceeded to tell his advisory that in order

to type his letter, Kyle had to use a head switch to scan through all the letters in the alphabet, choose a certain letter and hit it.

“So that’s one letter that probably takes him 20 seconds to get,” Zilly said. “It probably took him an hour and a half to type this letter, whereas you and I could sit down for five minutes and get it done. They were like, ‘Wow, OK, I guess I could do this.’”

Another, more exciting event that provides students in this program the opportunity to wow others is the annual District Special Olympics Track meet.

“Students that I serve (are) not typically able to play in the football team or basketball team,” Zilly said. “But Special Olympics give the opportunity to get involved and do athletic things.”

Students from the elementary to high school grade levels participate in three major events, at the culmination of which everyone who takes part receives three ribbons regardless of their performance.

The students receive ample support from adults but Zilly encourages all of the student body to interact with them.

“There’s people who are kind of afraid to talk to them, don’t know how to talk to them,” Zilly said, “and don’t know really how easy it is to talk to someone who is nonverbal.

My message to everybody is talk to students that I have just like you talk to everybody else. They have the same interests; they like to have fun just like everybody else; and sometimes they have a difficult home life just like everybody else.”

As their advocate, Zilly’s last request to the student body is to give his students the right of way through the halls and Commons.

“People kind of jump and cut in front of people. Maybe (they ought) to give more of a right of way to somebody using a wheelchair because it’s not the easiest thing to (do).”

volumeEIGHT.issueSEVEN

11

FEATURE

everyone has a story

They share something beyond mere blood Adopted when she was two years old, junior Lauren Armstrong is an avid artist who is inspired by her family and pursues her work with a passion for her own haphazard style unseen among many her age by

ASHLEY O’BRIEN

REPORTER

cessories off the internet.

“My style is pretty random at times, I wear what ever looks cool to me,” Armstrong said.

Aside from having an interesting family, Lauren has considerable artistic ability. She enjoys painting, and drawing science fiction pictures. Some of her art has gone to galleries and has gone to regional which have gotten certificates.

“I really like her art work, she can throw paint on a canvas and it will still look really cool,” Teresa Gonsalves, a classmate from Lauren’s studio art class, said.

Lauren has a big imagination that reflects on her art work. Every piece is random and creative.

“My brother Mickey really influenced me with art, he was a doodler. So I got into it and now I want to do it for a living,” Armstrong said.

Lauren has dedicated half of her academic schedule to these art classes. She is enrolled in three art classes: Drawing, Studio Art, and Digital Photography.

Living in one house there is a mother, a grandmother, five brothers, two sisters, a cat named Cheese and one artist.

Lauren Armstrong, a junior, is one of eight adopted children living under Sue Armstrong’s roof.

“Its fun having so many people in the house, something is always going on, and I always have something to do.”

Armstrong said.

At age two, Lauren was adopted and started with only two siblings, but now it has grown to be seven. Mickey, Paul, Andrew, Joey, Mackenzie, Sunny, and Kenny are now all her brother and sisters. Her house has ten rooms, and five bathrooms.

“I don’t share a room, everyone has their own room, but I have to share a bathroom is all,” Armstrong said, “but it is okay because Andrew is cleaner than I am anyway.”

Around the house, Lauren has the same privileges as every other teenager and the same chores as well.

She has to do the dishes and keep the house clean, she will get a car and she has a cell phone.

Over the next 15 years, Lauren developed her downto-earth personality, and style.

“I have know her since I was born, and she is probably the funniest person I know,” Maggie Murray, a student and friend, said.

Growing up around her brothers and sisters has made Armstrong who she is today. Having many different personalities in one house helped her settle into her own. From her art work to what she wears everyday to school.

Lauren mostly shops from Zumiez and Pacific Sun Wear, and buys her ac- Lauren Armstrong is artistic rivals with her friend Courteny Havranek.

12 volumeEIGHT.issueSEVEN

“Lauren and I are rivals with our art and creativity,” Courteny Havranek, a classmate of Lauren’s in their studio art class, said.

Lauren plans to go Cornish College of the Arts when she gets out of high school. She wants to continue going to art classes and soon sell her art to galleries.

“I am just like every other teenager; I just have seven brothers and sister,” Armstrong said. “That makes me no different to anyone at this school.”

Armstrong’s family was featured in the Oct. 2006 issue of Puyallup School District Connections.

Photo by Julia Serva-Delmonte and group shot courtesy of PSD Connections

U

O

BOUND

OF

Photo by Lauren Smith

SPORTS ATHLETE OF THE MONTH, SENIOR COLBY SOKOL, IS A PROMINENT JAG OUTFIELDER ON HIS WAY TO EXHIBIT HIS SKILLS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF OREGON NEXT YEAR How long have you been playing baseball, and how did you get started?

I’ve been playing since, like, T-ball when I was little. It all started when my mom, dad and I went to spring training for the Mariners and I watched Ken Griffey Jr. He was, like, my hero.

You used to be a prominent pitcher, but now play primarily outfield. What ended your pitching career?

I got hurt the first time and had surgery, then I recovered from it and was doing great. Then, I was playing against Puyallup and I popped my elbow. So, I had to go to physical therapy and they told me I’d have to have surgery again. I told them I didn’t want to and they said well then you can’t pitch and I said that’s fine. That’s when I turned into an outfielder.

What rehabilitation steps did you go through to make it back on the diamond?

I had to do a lot of arm building stuff on the smaller muscles, because I was only working the big ones. And, three or four times a week I would go and they would tape me up and shock my arm. Then they would put me on this huge machine where it would build up all of my little muscles, and another machine that would do compressions on it.

I’m probably a little bit better. I don’t make too many errors, and when I do it’s usually a mental one not a physical one.

Do you play outside of school?

I did the Area Code this summer, which is a team that is the best in our area code. Then I did the Mariner Cup, which is for potential Mariner players. And I play summer ball for the Timberjacks.

How were you recruited to play for the University of Oregon?

I was at the Area Codes and there were close to 500 scouts there from colleges.

They just started a baseball program up and they talked to me, and said I was a potential athlete for playing at a Division 1 level. So, I took a visit and talked to them, and they offered me a scholarship for early signing, and I took it.

What did the signing process with the University of Oregon entail?

I talked to them and did the in-person stuff.

But, when I actually signed, they were over in Hawaii scouting someone else. They called me on the phone and said, “You know we haven’t found an outfielder yet, and we want you because you’re the best we’ve seen so far.” So I agreed, and I was, like, the fifth kid to sign with them.

How will this experience differ from other Division 1 baseball programs?

They had a team 27 years ago. I’ll be on the first team of the new one that they haven’t had in 27 years, so that’s pretty cool.

Are you still able to play at the capacity you did before you were injured?

In a different way; I’m not the pitcher I used to be. I don’t think I could step up on a mound and throw as hard as I used to and hit my spots, but in a way I’ve gotten better. I’ve gotten attention for playing center field and I got a scholarship, so it’s all worked out.

Do you think you have a good chance at a starting position?

I have no idea. There will probably be a good chance with me being on the first team. They only have about 15 recruits so far and six outfielders, so there’s probably a good chance that I will be playing soon.

How have all of your injuries impacted your baseball career?

To be honest, at ER, I played my freshman year on varsity, and I played my senior year on varsity. I skipped the last two years.

Do you plan on continuing your baseball career after your time at Oregon?

Hopefully; there will be a lot of pro guys out at the games talking to me and wanting figures, so that’s exciting.

Would you say you have more talent in the offensive or defensive aspect of the game?

I’m doing good both. I have my bad days and I have my good days, but I think defensively

Where would you ideally want to play if you were to play professionally?

If I had to choose anywhere, I’d say Boston because I hate the Yankees.

volumeEIGHT.issueSEVEN

13

n w o n

k n u

?

S R E W S N A E H T O D F E O R S E E I R WH E T S Y M E E I H L T E O G T D I R D L A R EME 1. How many floors does the school building have?

“

i like the way the clock tower looks at night, because it makes ER stand out. It’s the focal point of our school.

-Nick Bleich, junior

14

Three

47% 5

THE NUTS by

MEGAN ALBERT and KRISTEN STEENBE

REPORTERS

Throughout the entirety of Emerald Rid there are secrets to unveil and rumors to Not many know that ER is in fact a four-s The first floor includes the gym and lock second floor consists of the Commons an classrooms; the third floor is made up classrooms; and the fourth floor is main and storage.

“The fourth floor is where the guts of are,” executive director of secondary scho Casey Cox said.

Along with all of the machines and servi ER work, the fourth floor also provides roof and the clock tower. The fourth floor from the elevators with a key to which on members have access.

The inside of the clock tower is a series ladders, leading to the bottom, where a d to the front of the school by the band ro Rumors have circulated concerning the including one that stated it was built with meant for a swimming pool. However, P Lowney debunked this rumor.

“In fact the bond to build the schoo before it passed,” Lowney said. “Each time they cut things out of the next building that the first time the bond went up, the included in the building. Then the voters said ‘no,’ so they cut the pool.”

53% Four

2. Is the clock tower the reason Emerald Ridge lacks a pool?

Yes

41%

No

59%

3. Does the classroom numbering system have a purpose?

No

48% 52% Yes

know how to get on the roof?

15

51% 49% Yes

*100 students surveyed.

ANSWERS: 1. Emerald Ridge has four floors: the gym floor, the 100 floor, the 200 floor and the fourth floor – mainly used for storage. 2. The swimming pool was removed from the original bond in order to make building the school less expensive. 3. The room numbers are in clusters, so the building can be closed off by dividing doors in the event of an emergency. 4. The main way to access the roof is via a narrow passage way on the fourth floor.

n

E, G D I R RALD E M E F , THE O S S N T O U I ND O UEST A Q S D AT N E I H K E S W H A F T O NTLY ATES ION E T G OL I U A O T R Q S H E O E C R L S V F P IGH N EX S TO RE IN H I R A L E W D A G W N N A S J AN ITIO OR A G D M N A I U R R D T I THE PROV D THE M N I O R H F E B T TRUTH R STAND OU 4. Do E S you No MAKE

AND BOLTS OF THE EMERALD RIDGE BUILDING

EEKE

idge’s campus, o suppress. story building. ker rooms; the nd downstairs of the upper nly equipment

f the building ool leadership

ices that make access to the r is accessible nly a few staff

of descending door leads out oom. e clock tower, h the finances Principal Brian

ol failed twice e that it failed, g. So, I think ere was a pool of the district

The tower was intended to serve as a visual separator numbers at ER. In case of an emergency, such as a for the building to give it a more modern and architec- lockdown or fire, the fire department at the time of turally appealing look.

ER’s construction requested that it be numbered in sec“The clock has become an icon for the front of ER and tions A, B, C, D, and E. Each letter zone is numbered is one thing identified with the exterior of the school separately. as being unique,” Cox said.

“If you were to look at a plan for the school you In addition, the clock tower was built with a capabil- would see it is divided by safety zones that can be locked ity of providing microwave communications out from one another,” Cox said, “The numbers to the building if need be. These mirepresent the rooms within these areas in crowaves aid in television and radio a clockwise fashion.”

The clock reception.

The process of changing the numApart from ER’s concealed bering system has been discussed; has become an floor and distinctive clock however, the administration and icon for the front of ER and tower, the school also has fire department have come to several other quirky characthe conclusion that it would is one thing identified with teristics. become more complicated for the exterior of the school as Here’s a scenario: It’s the the fire department with new first day of your sophomore numbers or a dual number being unique. year, and you’re trying to system. get to your first period class, Another safety concern the Casey Cox, executive director of Aviation. You wander aimlessly district assessed when building ER secondary school leadership through the hallways until the was the exclusion of lockers from tardy bell rings, and a Jag Crew the floor plan. Not only do lockers member comes up to help you. You’re take up a lot of floor space and lend perplexed when you realize that C109, to excessively crowded hallways, they also your class, is hidden in a larger cluster of cause a safety issue. rooms labeled E105. Who knew high school could be “Concealment of weapons, distribution of drugs, so complex? theft, vandalism and harassment are all problems as“I definitely got lost my first day,” sophomore Jeanna sociated with lockers,” Cox said.

Keating said. “I didn’t understand the 200s versus the Many junior high schools in the district have either 100s. It was confusing.” taken out or never had lockers, such as Ferrucci and In fact, there is a method to the madness of room Ballou. Glacier View is currently being constructed

“

without lockers.

“It’s pretty cool, because you don’t have to go to your lockers and run all the way back to class,” junior Derek Gowrylow said.

The final mystery of ER’s construction is the peculiar black buttons that are randomly placed throughout the hallway. There are many speculations as to what their purpose is among students.

“The black buttons were originally for the cameras,” junior Michael Valley said. “You press them and it zooms on that area and the administration sees you.”

There are also even more outlandish responses.

“The buttons are alien transmission devices,” Keating said.

Even Lowney, along with many staff members, were unsure of the black buttons’ true purpose.

In reality, the black buttons are not as thrilling or secretive as many students deem them to be. The buttons are manufactured by Alerton (as it reads on the bottom of the panel) and are used as a sensor that detects when the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) dysfunctions. The red light, placed above each black button, theoretically lights up when there is a problem with the HVAC, so that a staff member can fix the problem by pressing the black button.

“We never really use them,” custodian Al Corbi said.

From the generally unknown fourth-floor to the black buttons and the legends of a pool, ER has its fair share of mysteries, rumors and secrets involving its structure and features. Though previously unidentified, these attributes are a few of the things that make ER unique.

y r o s i v d A it y h w nd

Why by

a t i e v we ha

ASHLEY VINCENT

EDITORIAL BOARD

Advisory, also known to some as study hall, free period, hang-out time, lunch time, nap time and a waste of time.

“I hate advisory,” sophomore Ashley Bushnell said. “We sit there and do nothing for a half hour every day.”

Though the advisory system is intended to serve the purpose of forging bonds between teachers and their pupils, there is concern among students and staff that the system is simply not doing much of anything.

“Advisory should be a partnership with teachers and students and they need to work on their portfolios as well instead of expecting the teacher to The big picture hand them everything,” is that maybe some English teacher Molly students would have Susee said. gotten along fine without For some teachers advisory, but in a school like the partnership and relationship imporours in other places tant to achieving a lot of kids really the goal of advisory lack a connection to does exist, others are an adult. not so fortunate.

“I’m not close at all Brian Lowney, Principal to my advisor, I don’t think I’d talk to him about stuff with like my parents,” sophomore Ashley Bushnell said.

For many students, advisory is just another part of their day; it is not anything that stands out from the rest.

“Advisories can be one of two ways: Either you are together as a group or completely separated,” senior Kaitlynn Hernan said. “They try to get you to do things like world week and all that stuff, but it really comes down to your advisory and how willing everyone is to participate.”

Despite criticisms from parents, stu-

e

v i t c e e eff

b t s u j ight

m

dents and staff, the coordinators of the advisory system still believe it is worthwhile.

“I feel that it is an effective system,” sophomore advisory team leader Patti McMullan said. “I think advisory is very important. Of course there are positives and negatives in everything so you listen to the negatives and make adjustments each year.”

Supporters view advisory as being a place in which every student in the school has an advisor and group of people that they can go to as a positive support system.

“One of the four primary pieces of our vision is that every kid will be known personally by at least one adult,” Principal Brian Lowney said. “In a high school of 1,500 kids it is easy for that not to happen. We have a different schedule every other day, so teachers do not see kids every day, and then schedules change every semester and year and with that reshuffle only advisory allows for a longstanding relationship over three years. It is a vehicle to meet our vision.”

Another purpose of advisory is to allow time for things like registration, honor cord applications, student learning plans, the prepare fair, and assemblies without taking away from class time.

The advisory system has always been an integral part of Emerald Ridge. Since before the school’s opening in 2000 advisory has been promoted as a positive method of making every student at Emerald Ridge feel included in school activities, and keeping tabs on each student in a manageable way.

“When the school was being built, a lot of decisions were made about what the school would look like programwise,” office manager Barb Andresen said. “Advisory was one of the first things we researched. It is a way to personalize high school for kids and the lead team designed the program.”

Andresen was the first employee of Emerald Ridge. She was hired two years before the school opened, followed one year later by Principal Linda Quinn and Vice Principal Casey Cox. The three created a team including

themselves and nine other prospective staff members from different prospective curriculum areas. The twelve members of the Lead Team discussed the advisory system and then presented it to the community in a series of student and parent forums.

The Lead Team made their decision to include an advisory program in the school’s curriculum based on copious amounts of research conducted by the Education Alliance and Brown University. This research states that small learning environments correlate with higher academic achievements, attendance rates, and satisfaction with school and self-esteem. Small learning environments have also been related to a lower need for disciplinary action and less alcohol and drug use. Because ER has always been such a large school, averaging 1,500 students per year, the staff and administration as a whole still support the ideas behind advisory because it allows for a small and consistent environment for students.

“The big picture is that maybe some students would have gotten along fine without advisory,” Lowney said.

“But in schools like ours in other places, a lot of kids really lack a connection to an adult. Advisory is a way to stay involved with students.”

Though it is evident that advisory is not going anywhere anytime soon, the system itself is consistently being evaluated. At least twice a month team leaders from each grade get together with counselors and administrators to format lesson plans for the other advisors in their grade, and the entire staff has a monthly meeting dedicated to advisory, concerns with it, and possible solutions. Each year the administration dedicates time over the summer to adapt and refocus advisory, they are considering including students in this discussion this year.

For some, advisory will never be something that matters, for others it makes all the difference.

“I think it is worthwhile,” senior Jose Lopez said. “Even if I am not working, I have an adult that I know is there for me. Advisory is my home away from home where I have my advisory brothers and sisters.”

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that er class sg r la a s creating pen, le n open, dents in an o ason is a c s ll a the w hold more stu t. Another re e, part of w can o n onmen part tim e ir r o k v a h r n t o w e a w s h r d t he ux s de ers member re veteran teac rs now. crow e some teach r Cami Devere e a s a he staff th e u t y c y li a f a l it p c o e s a e n t r b rd ve f mu Spanish illage o a Leona ble com ing at ER for se of an unlucky s v a in a t t is r r h o h a t c p M u s these teacher oused in en teach he hand d math re now h ut wonder how into have be m? Was it at t n a a say in o h w e ? e b s n ortable. id have some utsid p o t a teacher one can’t help e the ones put t- So why th self-motivatio n g e w in d t moved s b y chers s, ou teacher e going to be . at the e g h portable ere selected to the portables al lotto, or b e for which tea in T k o r o we not . L have a D chers w year or ast year lled with sever er they he choic letely random a Y y L T h e O ll is t t .

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by DE T E R not com outside, man cience classes into the porta lab were th graders. Wit volved little these cla s n e i a a c R n w e is O r ie P e e e c s g s w ar six tration RE e. S a c he r s erald Rid assive traf- side of the pe Elementary ilt, the portable adminis rian ses that for being ther ly a short walk e s m T ly E la “ e c t s a w o im u B e kn of Po lls, m chool b ow been filled logical reason outside are on ience to sci, but ult s,” Principal Everyon Overflowing ha crowded that classes entary s process n d n e e e m s t e ic v s a v le o n c . a le e h o in o d h c c s lo g t e w u d l. the ne ’s t. They , creatin ich is a cated o er made the . that are overcrow ter school - it ut of the schoo lab, wh VID team is lo ft vacan tudents instead lls. Several f nt e le f o a e o h said c t e t d s r s e e e m m li h h A w a fro Lowney ool s fic ja ER’s use t he h n pus h the h . t a e g c s c s r e u e e b in o h b r h e c h ig s m v t a ha oniu table with h ence te Looking classes pandem the por

DECIDES O ws o H H W

e

mb e m f taf

TRAFFIC ALIESHA DRIVAS

“I was driving back (from a convention in Anaheim) for track practice,” Video Productions teacher Gary Osborne said, “and Everyone understands the basic concept as I was heading towards the school the of driving: operating a hunk of metal to girl’s car almost hit me head on. It was get from one location to another. What more because of students not obeying the students don’t seem to realize is the need rules of the road than the actual traffic for courtesy while driving. system.”

“I don’t cut people off because I’d be “You’re going to get where afraid of everyone hating me,” you need to go,” Burnley junior Blair Knick said. “I said. “Be courteous know I hate people that People are and obey the laws. do that to me.”

They are there for goingtotobe be going The most prevalent a reason.” driving issues, acskipping sixth period just A significant cording to security c o nc e r n fo r to beat the rush. I mean how guard Rick Burnthe next year ley, are speeding, much earlier is everyone going has been our not paying enough new neighbor to have to wake up to get to attention to the Glacier View traffic signs, or to school on time?

Junior High, basic laws of traffic and its affect in general. on the already Sarah Boyce, junior “And it’s really not erratic traffic situjust students,” Burnley ation on 184th St. E. said. “I see parents do it all The road often is not spathe time.” cious enough for Emerald Ridge, Monday April 21 a major car accident let alone a brand new school with the same occurred involving two student drivers. schedule requiring extra buses and cars.

A car going over 40mph down the 184th “People are going to be skipping sixth turn lane was hit by another car turning period just to beat the rush,” junior Sarah onto the same lane. The first car was then Boyce said. “I mean how much earlier is knocked onto its two driver’s side wheels, everyone going to have to wake up to get while the second car spun around in 360s.

There were no injuries, however, both drivers received tickets. by

REPORTER

“

k c o l B e l u d sche

ISSUE TO DECREASE WITH ADDITION OF NEW ROAD

to school on time?”

According to Mark Vetter, planning principal of Glacier View, a new traffic light with a right hand turn lane at 184th and 122nd will be installed. Also, Investco, the company that owns Sunrise, should be adding a new road: 180th. This road will loop around the two schools and should be expected in the upcoming year. ER will also share buses with Glacier View, approximately 15 in all.

“That should really help traffic exit the

two schools much quicker,” Vetter said.

Several different groups are involved in the planning of transportation. Pierce County oversees permits and planning. The fire marshal ensures safety and resolves environmental issues such as water runoff and pollution. The Puyallup School District routes buses and Investco builds the required roads that follow the routes to each school.

“Everyone works together to try and resolve issues,” Vetter said.

Student Recognition: HOw the top 20 are selected by

DEVIN FLOYD

REPORTER

The “Outstanding 20” is a group of seniors selected every year at Emerald Ridge. Twenty students that teachREPORTER ers and administrators feel represent ER are given the Block schedule. Three classes per day, 90 minutes each. honor of being part of this prestigious group.

But why?

The students chosen aren’t based solely off of “Emerald Ridge uses this program to better educate the academics, but it also doesn’t seem to be based students and give teachers more time to do so,” Executive Dioff of teacher’s favorites. There is a perfect balance rector of Secondary School Leadership Casey Cox said “The block with each student selected. Nobody knows exactly schedule better prepares students for college classes and a college how they are picked. Here is an inside look on what atmosphere. It has put Emerald Ridge in the top-ranking schools ER does to pick these students. for test scores and scholars.”

The process begins with an e-mail sent out to the This schedule is a research-based theory that has been diswhole staff by counselor Annie Boulet. The e-mail cussed and researched since the 1980s. The block schedule asks all staff members to submit students’ names that allows students and teachers to be prepared for the intense they feel stand out and represent ER as a whole. length of time the WASL offers and manage that time “With so many outstanding students here at ER, sewell. The classes are structured in a way that devellecting 20 representatives is a huge undertaking,” Boulet ops work skills and the ability to concentrate said in the beginning of her e-mail to the staff. on one project for a lengthy time.

What happens next is curriculum leaders go around to teachers in their academic field, asking for recommendations on who they think stands out in the subject they teach. This is because a student may excel in one by

ALANNA NUGENT

subject, going above and beyond, but struggle in other classes. The purpose of the “Outstanding 20” is to find students that represent ER from all academic areas, not just one specific field.

Advisors, club leaders and coaches are also asked to submit names of students they feel bring their involvement to the next level. This helps cover all areas in which students can stand out. The point of The 20 is not to point out which students have the highest GPA, but to honor those students that shine in different areas and are highly involved at ER. There is an Academic Top 10 to recognize the 10 students with the highest GPA; however, the 20 students that are picked for The 20 are to represent the ER student body as a whole.

After all of the names have been e-mailed back to Boulet, they are compounded into a spreadsheet where they are looked at in more detail. Students who are nominated more than once have a higher probability of being selected for The 20. After the final students are selected by administration, the students are notified of their placement on The 20. This year the ceremony will be held at Ballou Jr. High, May 27 at 6:30.

THE ORIGINS OF ER TRADITIONS Flags in the gym

Anyone who has ever been in the gym on the junior and sophomore side, you would notice the six flags hanging above the opposite side. These flags represent the first exchange students to ever walk the halls of Emerald Ridge as a Jaguar. The exchange students blended in so well they wanted their countries to be represented in our school as “Jags around the world.” The flags are those of Brazil, Germany, Japan, France, Mexico and Spain. Each flag was a donation by the students and if any other students want their country’s flag in the gym, they can donate a flag to the school.

School song

“Hail to the victors valiant...”

Emerald Ridge’s own victory song, which is to be sung at the end of every sporting event ER wins, is not as original as we may think.

It is actually a very generic song with certain words changed to fit our school. Originating from the University of Michi-

E R E WH

gan, this song was just one of three songs the students could choose for our victory song. The committee of students who were incoming seniors, juniors and sophomores along with the staff voted on the song they liked the best. With a unanimous vote, the victory song of the University of Michigan won. The committee of students re-worded the song to fit Emerald Ridge.

Traditions

The traditions of Emerald Ridge were decided upon so the school would be unique.

The Jag Jacket cheer, spring fest, the MLK assembly and the Hypokritz are just a few of the many school traditions we have.

Spring Fest, formally known as Mud Fest, is a day in the spring where students can have some fun. There are blow-up toys, obstacle courses, and various other activities for the students. It is not mud-fest anymore because

R U O S DOE

when it first began, the staff set up the far parking lot to have big sections of mud mats for mud wrestling. The mud wrestling got a little out of hand and “Mud Fest” was forgotten about until a few years later when the school decided to have Spring Fest.

The famous Jag Jacket cheer was Mr. Bates’ way to bring the students together and have pride in their school. Given to one student to wear at every assembly and King of the Hill football game, the jacket is a symbol of pride and tradition. The cheer is used to pump up the crowd and even intimidate the rivaling schools. Each student to wear the jacket signs it in memory of their time here at Emerald Ridge.

The MLK assembly here at the school is unique only for the reason

unding o r r u s 0 The 1 y only a p s t c i distr

$2.95

es lunch of thos d e d i v o pr school

y a d y r eve

The average teriyaki chicken with rice contains 489 calories, 7.6 grams of fat and 102 milligrams of cholesterol.

According to the district Food and Nutrition Services Web site, the popular teriyaki dippers with rice have 422 calories, 16.8 g of fat and 72 mg cholesterol. A three ounce serving of the school’s freedom fries on the other hand differ drastically from the McDonald’s staple, having nearly half the nutritional value in all categories except having 100 more mg of sodium following ideal preparation methods.

In a district that serves an average of nearly 20,000 students, and where about half of those eat school provided lunches daily, there are many demands placed on Food and Nutrition Services.

“The district menu is based off of United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) standards,” Food and Nutrition Services Secondary Coordinator Robin Osborn said. “Basi-

?

M O R F E M

for sc yallup u P n i s t studen

0 0 0 , 0 Nearly1 tudents eat

re P O R T E R

that students put on the entire performance.

The first year ER was open, two teachers wanted the students to be more involved and show their interpretation of the civil rights movement. The students wrote and performed in the play, while the teachers directed them. Since then, the assembly has grown into what it is today.

Hypokritz, ER’s very own comedy troupe, was a senior project for some drama students in the beginning years of ER. They wanted to make a comedy show to demonstrate their interpretation of the things they have learned in school or what they heard in the news.

$2ho.o3l l3unch, whilepay

20,000

DANNY CANHAM

ALANNA NUGENT

REPORTER

O C H LUNC

istrict D l o o h dents llup Sc u a t y s u P e Th serves

by

by

cally, we supply one-third of the necessary nutrients for your average student.”

In addition, the School Board requires that Food Services be self-sustaining. The only money they receive comes from the state Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, USDA and from lunch sales.

“The district doesn’t fund Food Services at all,” Osborn said. “The School Board requires that the Nutrition services be self-sustaining.”

The majority of food distributed during school lunches is prepared at the Food Services building near Costco and distributed to the schools during the day. Many schools, especially those at the secondary level, have a little more discretion with what they serve because they have the facilities to prepare their own supplements to the menu.

This is especially true of many of the A La Carte items.

“All of the hot food we cook ourselves,” ER kitchen staff manager Denise Warner said. “Even some of the food we get from the central kitchen we have to reheat ourselves.”

At the same time, with the exception of catered events like certain staff and administrative meetings, all commodities must be USDA approved to ensure that they meet standards.

“There are certain things the USDA does not allow us to sell to the student population,” Osborn said. “These are called ‘competitive foods’ (because they compete with the approved lunch program). Examples of these are pop, candy and other foods that have low nutritional values.

It’s why we use low-fat cheese and add whole wheat to the crust in pizzas.”

As for prices, the average price of secondary school lunch for the 10 major school districts around the Puyallup School District is $2.33. Students in Puyallup pay $2.95.

“Few districts around us are expected to break even (like we are),” Osborn said. “You may have noticed our prices are a little bit higher than some districts around us, that’s because we have a lower population receiving free and reduced lunch and also because we are expected to cover all of our costs.

“Because of that, we don’t receive as much money from government as districts with higher free/reduced lunch populations, so a part of making up for that are prices.”

Staff stories

Emerald Ridge is filled with staff members who go un-noticed by the student body but are vital to the running of our school. Each of them contributes to keeping our Emerald Ridge in shape and each of them has a story that they live out when the leave the walls of the school building.

by

LEXI BROCKAMP

REPORTER

LISA JENSEMA

Para Educator

Frances lucksinger

Paraeducator Lisa Jensema has been working in the resource department of Emerald Ridge for four years after switching from Walker high school. “I needed a change,” Jensema said of her move. “I worked at Walker for 12 years. It’s nice to be working at a school with athletics.”

Jensema expects surprise when she reveals her hobbies. “I sing,” she said simply. “Most people don’t know that.”

When she’s not singing with her church choir she enjoys gardening and spending time with her grandchildren as well as cheering on her favorite teams, the Seahawks and the Mariners.

Swing shift custodian

Frances Lucksinger is a swing-shift custodian who keeps the school in good repair after students have left. She has been with Emerald Ridge for four years, working her dream job.

“I really do like my job,” Lucksinger said. “I’ve always wanted to be a custodian. I did it part time my freshman year and I really liked it. So I did get my dream job.”

Doug bragg on-site school technician

Lucksinger enjoys flying kites at the ocean, rollerblading and good movies, but family comes first “My grandkids mean the world to me.” Lucksinger said. “I’d do anything for them.”

Outside of school Night custodian Al Corbi has worked at Emerald Ridge since its opening year in 2000, when he switched over from Rogers. His son followed him, graduating with the class of 2003 – the first graduating class to come through all three years at ER. His son, daughter and wife mean everything to him and are in fact the reason he dropped his job and moved to Wash. “I left my job in Philadelphia to move up here to get married,” he said. “My family is my life.”

Corbi has a past of varied jobs before his move to Wash. and shortly after.

On-site school technician (OST) Doug Bragg calls the time leading up to his job at Emerald Ridge a “journey.” After spending four years in the air force a year out of high school, he enrolled in classes at Pierce College and took on a series of jobs varying from construction to Key Bank.

“I didn’t actually pursue college until about 1999” Bragg said.

A newspaper article describing Emerald Ridge as a school that would be “rich in technology” and boasting pictures of the interior made Bragg decide that he had to work here one day. He has worked here since January of

2001 and plans to continue next year even with the addition of the new Glacier View school to his schedule.

“I like how everybody works together,” he said. “It’s like one great big family as far as the staff is concerned.”

His busy schedule is due to the fact that he is not only the OST for Emerald Ridge, but also Stahl, Brouillet and Carson within the district.

In addition to these jobs, he has also been running two internet businesses that sell LED lighting for trucks, trailers, busses, RVs and utility trailers for the last six years, both of which were featured in Trailer Life and MotorHome

Al corbi custodian

Before taking on custodial jobs in the Puyallup School district he served in Vietnam, volunteered at the Philadelphia Crisis Center for ten years and was on the board of directors there for seven.

Following that, he worked as a psychiatric aide at the Philadelphia State Hospital for eight years and was a journeyman at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard.

Despite his varied past, Corbi insists that he is average. “I’m nothing special,” he said when describing his volunteer work.

In his free time, he plays online action games and collects mugs from different places.

“I think I have about half the states,” Corbi said, “and some from different countries.”

Magazine.

“It’s gotten pretty busy after the free advertising,” Bragg said.

Bragg rides dual sports bikes – street legal dirt bikes that he takes up to eastern Washington during the year and for an annual trip with his co-workers Gary Osborne and Mark Miller.

“All four of us have the same kind of bike,” Bragg said. “A Suzuki DRZ400.”

He also takes his Jeep off-roading and has spent much of his time working on it.

SPORTS

Baseball seeded in the playoffs by

LAUREN SMITH

EDITORIAL BOARD

Though young and fairly inexperienced – as far as high school ball is concerned – the Jag pitching staff has earned baseball a seeding in the district tournament, as well as a 10-4 league record (13-6 overall).

“To be quite honest, our freshmen have made the difference,” coach Tim Spears said. “Without those freshman pitchers we would not be in this position.”

These freshman – including Bryan Burgher, Zack Cloe and Cameron Steffey – have a combined record of 9-2 on the season. Burgher leads the three with a perfect record of 5-0.

“Before the season we didn’t know what was going on with pitching and thought that wasn’t going to be one of our strong points,” senior left fielder Logan Bushnell said.

“Then, come to find out, that’s what’s been keeping us in a lot of the games and helping us to win the big games.”

According to Spears, the addition of these younger players is in an effort to build the best pitching staff and team overall, and sometimes, these additions come at the expense of more experienced players.

“Whenever younger players are equal to or better than the more senior players, we stick with the younger player,” Spears said. “That has been our philosophy always, and we need to stay loyal to the program rather than loyal to individuals. Every spring is a new year and we have to evaluate what we see over what we have seen.”

Though young talent has proved the foundation for the team this season, experienced players have been an asset.

Junior pitcher Tim Peterson has a current record of 3-1 with 34 strikeouts on the season – 11 of which came in the 9-8 win over Graham-Kapowsin on April 25.

Peterson is slotted to pitch against Jefferson tonight in a preliminary district round to determine the Jags’ seeding in the tournament – fifth in the event of a win.

“Tim’s our ace, big time pitcher,” senior catcher James McMullan said. “He came through against Puyallup who is ranked No. 5 in state, and shut them down for six innings.

The Jags were unable to regroup after Puyallup took a 5-0 lead in the top of the first inning on April 28. The Vikings went on to win 13-5.

He’s strong and can lead us to victory against Jefferson.”

In addition to pitching, defense has been keeping the Jags in games – the team has only 26 errors on the season, averaging 1.3 per game.

The senior outfield combination of Bushnell, Colby Sokol (center field) and Ronnie Ovechka (right field) have been a key component in the Jags’ near-flawless defense.

“Our outfield is the best it’s ever been,” Spears said. “They are bringing out the best in each other and challenging each other to play at a higher level. They all have rocket-laser arms and great quickness.”

Heading into the postseason, the Jags look to pitching and defense for a berth in the state playoffs. The only other time such a height has been reached was in the 2006 season,

in which they lost to Woodinville 10-2 in the first round.

“We basically have to win two in a row at districts to qualify for state,” McMullan said. “To do that, we need to have good at bats, flawless defense and our pitchers need to come out on top of their game.”

Though the district and state playoffs involve some of the most intense competitors Washington has to offer – including league rival Puyallup – the Jags are confident they can overcome these teams, despite six losses on the season.

“We don’t panic because we know we’re a solid team,” Spears said. “We take comfort in the fact that we haven’t lost two in a row all year. That shows that we are resilient, and that we have been able to flush those rough outings and bounce back.”

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Photo by Lauren Smith

SPORTS

Track focuses on individual and postseason goals by

AMANDA WYMA

REPORTER

Boys “The things you do in the beginning to get the team in shape are over,” head coach Rick Burnley said. “The last stretch of practices is to add more feet for people in the field, and cut times.”

On March 27, the boys took on Beamer and were disappointed by scoring a tough loss of 50-84.

“I’ve seen a lot of individual progress,” junior Derek Gowrylow said. “I think there’s a lot of people looking good for postseason.”

Junior Jordan Mirk had a strong season in distance running, placing 1st in the 800-meter and 3rd in the 1,600-meter relays at the Beamer meet. In the 800-meter relay he scored a time of 2:01.3 minutes. Mirk placed 4th in the 800-meter relay at the GK meet, with a time of 2:02.72 minutes, which makes this the first time all season Mirk hasn’t broken a personal record in this event.

“Usually in track you have a few good individuals or a really good team,” Mirk said. “This year we have had many individuals step up in order to make our team better as a whole.”

Mirk’s best time all season is 4:28.72, which he scored in the Shelton Invitational.

The Puyallup meet on April 10 did not prove promising for the boys. They scored a loss of 74-53.

“I’ve seen the most improvement in hurdles,” junior 1,600-meter relay runner Kyle Vuksich said. “But I’m impressed with the improvement of the team as well.”

In the 200-meter relays, Eric Pollard placed 2nd, with a time of 23.24 seconds, breaking his personal record by forty seconds.

“We have always had strong distance runners and hurdlers but the relay teams have always lacked,” Burnley said. “This year is different because we finally have

Girls The girls track team currently holds a record of 3-3, and heading into postseason, coaches and athletes share enthusiasm about successful events.

“A formula to winning track meets is to have one good athlete,” coach Gary Osborne said. “Having one outstanding individual can win the most points for the team.”

With six meets and three invitationals down there is one meet left to determine which athletes will advance to postseason.

“The goal is to get as many girls who are on the borderline of qualifying for state to PR, so we can have more at post-season,” Osborne said.

This season the 1,600-meter relay team has done exceptionally well, improving with times each meet. The girls haven’t given up 1st place in a meet yet this season, and have improved their time by 18 seconds.

Photo by Lauren Smith

somebody who could easily qualify for sub-districts in 100-meter relays.”

In the 110-meter high hurdles, senior Alex Sears placed first with a time of 39.5 seconds at the Beamer meet.

This time was a personal record for Sears, breaking his previous meets score of 15.34 by fifty seconds.

In the 300-meter relays, Sears finished with a time of 40.69 seconds, which is less than a second away from beating the state record-holder of the season, senior J. Hopkins of Everett High School.

Sears placed 1st in the 300-meter hurdles at the Shelton Invitational, with a time of 39.72. This is the first time this season he placed less than first with second place in the 110-meter hurdles, and a time of 15.34.

The boys took on Graham-Kapowsin High School on Thursday April 17, and were successful with a winning score of 80-56.

“I’ve seen a lot of individual progress,” junior Derek Gowrylow said. “I think there’s a lot of people looking good for post-season.”

At the South Kitsap invitational, the boys turned out with thirteen athletes placing under tenth place.

“At least two of our guys make it to finals on the field every meet,” sophomore discus participant Malcolm Stout said. “I think in discus we will have a few make it on to leagues.”

At the Shelton Invitational April 26, the boys took second overall as a team.

Wilkins placed 4th in the 100-meter opens, with a time of 11.46, and fifth in the 200-meter open with a time of 22.88. The 400-meter relay team also placed second with a time of 44.19. The 400-meter relay team is comprised of seniors Caleb Triplet, Wilkins, Sears, and sophomore Pollard.

“The Shelton Invitational was by far the best one for the boys,” Burnley said. “They’ve really improved all season and did well considering the range of competition.”

The 1,600-meter relay team is comprised of seniors Alicia Brannan, Whitney Henderson, Livia Mahaffie, and sophomore Kayla Stueckle continued their success at the Puyallup meet placing 1st with a time of 4.18 minutes.

“The 1,600-meter relay girls are number one in the SPSL,” Osborne said. “If they keep up their success they’ll have a chance at winning state in post-season.”

At the Shelton Invitational on April 26, the girls broke the school’s 1,600-meter relay time with a time of 4:04, and currently rank 3rd in state. The girls placed first, and the team as a whole placed 7th overall.

“Our biggest improvement this year was in hurdles,” junior Shannon Byrne said. “I think the reason for this was because we gained so many new hurdlers this season.”

Stueckle alone has also already qualified for districts at least, and hopefully state.

Her times in both the 100- and 300-meter

Senior Braedan Binkiewicz throws the shot put at the meet against Puyallup.

hurdles rank fourth and 5th in the state.

“It is all postseason from here,” Stueckle said. “I’m really proud of the girls team. Even though we haven’t always won our meets, our times are consistently improving.”

On the field, junior Megan Albert took first in the high jump with a height of 5 feet, and 3rd in the triple jump with a distance of 29-11 1/2 in the Beamer meet, making this her record height of the season.

Though the field event participants broke personal records in the Beamer meet, the girls lost with a score of 42-99.

“We already know of a few girls who are qualified for postseason,” sophomore Katrina Matos said. “The goal is to not only beat the other team, but push yourself to beat personal records.”

On April 17 the girls took on GrahamKapowsin and won with a score of 75-57, showing major improvement in distance and

on the field, especially for underclassmen.

Sophomore distance runner Shelby Leimbach placed 1st in the 1,600-meter open, with a time of 6:00, just nine seconds shy of her record breaking time of 5:51 at the Tacoma Invitational. On the field sophomore Hollie Stager placed 1st in the shot put and discus. In shot put, she broke another personal record with a distance of 29-3 1/4.

The girls had another accomplished meet against Bethel, 80-59. This meet proved which girls could move on to postseason with a number of records broken once again.

“Four or five of our hurdlers have good potential,” Osborne said. “Mahaffie is back from her injury and was feeling confident at the Bethel meet, so if she can PR, postseason is definitely possible for her.”

Coaches and athletes are excited for the individuals competing through postseason.

volumeEIGHT.issueSEVEN

21

SPORTS

Fastpitch anticipates a top seed into state tournament by

BRI ROGERS

REPORTER

The Jag fastpitch team continues its positive stride with a 13-2 record. Last year, for the first time in school history, the Jags advanced to state and placed 9th. This time around, they anticipate a higher standing.

Judging by their performance this season, the team is well on their way to entering the SPSL and WCD tournaments as top seed.

“We had a better start than we did last year,” junior Kerrianne Davidson said. “We want to finish strong and make it further at state.”

After a loss to Todd Beamer on April 16, the Jags redeemed themselves by defeating

Rogers 2-0 two days later. With pitching by junior Alexa Derrick, defense did the work.

“It was a really good game for us,” sophomore Kelsey Burgi said. “We were coming off a low point in the season, so it felt great to have that win.”

The Jags shut down Spanaway Lake on April 22, 14-0. They were led defensively

by Derrick, with six strikeouts. Leading offensively was junior Alisha McKnight, who batted 3-4 with three runs, a triple and three RBIs. Sammie Sowards went 2-2 with two RBIs. On April 24, the team defeated Bethel 3-0. McKnight led defensively with eight strikeouts. Offensively, she was 2-4 with a triple, a single and an RBI. Burgi was 2-3

with an RBI and a run scored.

The Jags played Graham-Kapowsin on April 29, and walked away with an 8-2 win.

Derrick struck out 11, remaining a key asset to the defensive end. She went 2-4 with two RBIs. Davidson hit a homerun into center field and went 2-4, also with two RBIs. McKnight had two runs.

The Jags have been successful based on talent and their ability to connect so well.

As a result of their tight bond, they decided that having captains would be unnecessary this season, so that no one would be superior to anyone else on the team.

Coach Lynn Wardle believes this decision isn’t the best for the team, but isn’t opposed to the idea.

“They’re not stepping up like I hoped, but they’re still being leaders,” Wardle said.

“We really need that athlete leadership on the field.”

This season was successful without captains and the majority of the players liked it, but Wardle plans to return to having captains next year.

“Honestly, it wasn’t the best choice,” Davidson said. “Without captains, there’s more bossing around and personalities clashing because no one is in charge.”

Some players, like Burgi, on the other hand, support the idea of the team’s lack of captains.

“I like it,” she said. “It gives everyone a chance to step up at any point.”

Frustrating season for polo by

ASHLEY VINCENT

EDITORIAL BOARD

Team unity and focus is dwindling for girls water polo with a record of 5-8 this season.

The team has had a challenging year facing the obstacles of a new coach, few returning varsity players, and a series of unfortunate injuries and absences.

A season that began with exciting new strategies and coaches also came with new players and problems that ultimately led to the team’s unsuccessful record.

“A lot of it is just learning the basics of the game,” coach Dave McMullan said. “Until they have the fundamentals down there is no point in trying more complex stuff like plays and strategy.”

The focus on fundamentals this year was adopted for two reasons: coaching differences between this year and previous

Nyland prepares to throw ball at Sumner match.

22 volumeEIGHT.issueSEVEN

seasons, and the overall lack of experience in the team.

“I think the team got along really well this year and that showed in the water but not on the scoreboard,” junior Callie Hymen said. “What showed on the scoreboard was how young the team is.”

Because the team’s young talent is so underdeveloped, they have not found much success in the pool this season. They are 5-8 with a win against Auburn Mountainview, and two against Sumner and Auburn.

“It comes and goes,” senior Kate Gibson said. “Sometimes we play great as a team and it just feels good in the water. The game feels right and we know we can rely on each other to be open.”

Unfortunately, the team has not had a consistent successful season. This can be partially attributed to the inconsistency of its players. The team has struggled with missing one or two players at almost every game this season, and because the team is so small those missing players can make all the difference.

“We talk about mind over matter a lot,” Gibson said. “If teammates are missing, the team feels like we can not do it without them and we almost give up before the game starts.”

Problems with missing players included senior Haleigh Fowler who sat out games after breaking her nose in a game against Bonney Lake on March 25.

Other random illnesses or commitments

have kept important players such as seniors Mandi Nyland, Lauren Gonick, Judy Carlson, and junior Hymen from the game.

Another challenge this season has been working with the ideas of a new coach versus the habits originally taught by an old one.

“It is really hard to do new plays because when you’re in the water you revert back to what you know and where you started,” Hymen said. “Because there are two ideas you can end up going with the old one. This one is better but sometimes habit takes over in the water. I think it will be really good for the sophomores and freshman this year because it will be a fresh team.”

The team has also faced the challenge of taking on larger teams and not having as deep of a bench to rely on. Most varsity players play the whole game, something that has been causing them trouble in the second half of most games.

“It’s frustrating because there is no

bench,” Gonick said. “All of the starters are the seniors except Callie and there is no bench to rely on so we have to play most of the game. We are such a small team and some of the other teams are big that it is really challenging to face them.”

The senior starters include Gibson, Gonick, Fowler, Nyland, Carlson, Jordan Johnson and goal-keeper Missy Pruit. The graduation of these seniors will not have as much of an impact on the team next year as losing seniors had on this season. Junior Callie Hymen, and sophomores Brittney Gorman, Megan Turner, and Heather Billings have all had a consistent role in varsity games, giving them a basis on which to build next year’s team.

“Next year should be better,” McMullan said. “We spent this season building up the fundamentals. It’s disappointing for the seniors this year, but the outlook is good for next season.”

Photo by Lauren Smith

SPORTS

Boys soccer achieves stability Though issues with individual players have arisen, boys soccer has had a successful season as a whole by

LINDSAY NOLAN

REPORTER

The boys soccer team currently sits fourth in SPSL with a record of 8-4-1. Despite several fights in games and the loss of a key player, the team still aspires to improve their ranking.

“It’s definitely been an interesting season this year,” senior Kevin Weeks said.

Junior Johnny Dew quit the team after the game against Rogers on April 11 for personal reasons.

To compensate for this loss, coach David Rosdahl brought up freshman Corey McLellan from junior varsity. Out of the four games he has played so far, the forward has contributed seven goals and helped win all four games.

“I planned on only putting him in a few games at first,” Rosdahl said. “But he has really been a great addition so I kept him up on varsity.”

Senior Zach Britton was kicked out of the game

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against Bethel on April 8. After being elbowed by a Bethel offender, he retaliated with profanity and was no longer eligible to continue playing in the game.

Following this, junior Justin Pense got in a fight with a Rogers defender at the game on April 11.

“It was frustrating because (Pense) is an important part of the team and I was really disappointed by this,” Rosdahl said.

Despite the several losses, the team has been able to fix mistakes in order to prevent any problems from happening again. They proved this at the game against Rogers, winning 1-0. Although McLellan was the only one who scored a goal, goalkeeper Kevin Weeks also had an outstanding game with eight saves. This was his fourth shut out of the season.

The Jags achieved another victory against Curtis on April 29. Pense scored the winning goal of the game in the first half. Weeks had over eight saves, and by the end of the game the Jags won 1-0. This game was the fifth shut out game of the season.

“Right now I think we are sitting good,” Rosdahl said. “We have a good chance at taking second overall. It is a great group of guys, but sometimes the guys aren’t focused and as competitive as they should be. We have been working on that, though.”

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A violent encounter occurred between Justin Pense and Rogers defender Sean Tollan.

Rough season for tennis by

HEATHER GORMAN

reporter

The girls tennis team is struggling through a rough season this year with a record of 0-13.

“I think this has been a tough season because we lost a couple experienced players to transfer and players not coming back out for the team,” coach Theresa Gotter said. “I also think we just did not have enough experienced players on the court this year.”

However, the team is still hoping to have a good postseason this year and a better season next year.

“I hope we keep improving, keep working on skills for a better season next year,” Gotter said, “and keep improving for a successful postseason for varsity players.”

The girls have been busy with matches one after the other almost every day with only a couple of days off in between. Having matches every day has really put a strain on the team, but they are positive some girls will make it to postseason.

“I think senior Alexa Belvill should do well in postseason and I think Kim Auton could surprise some people,” Gotter said.

As the season comes to a close and the girls play their last match against Rogers on Wednesday, April 30, they say goodbye to their four seniors and hope to welcome many more players next year.

“I think the loss of our best player, Alexa Belvill, will hurt next year,” Gotter said. “It is always tough to lose your best player to face the other team’s best player at No.1 singles. Someone else on our team will have to step up and play a lot off season to take her place next year. Lexi Brockamp and Shay Wilhelm provided experience and leadership on the JV team; we will miss that also next year. Kristin Anderson, although her first year on the team, provided a positive, mature attitude also for the JV team.”

The team is already thinking about next year and things they need to do to help fill the seniors’ spots.

“I think that some juniors and sophomores will need to get lots of experience playing this summer in order to step it up so we can be competitive next year,” Gotter said. “The group of 12 juniors are aware it is their responsibility to help make next year more successful.”

volumeEIGHT.issueSEVEN

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A&E

top

10 9 8 7 6

10 ten

must-see classic movies

The Philadelphia Story (1940) – Romantic comedy where, right as a young couple is about to tie the knot, the bride’s ex-husband steps in and secretly tries to win her back. This movie is a romantic display of one man’s undying love for his wife. Stars James Stewart, Katherine Hepburn, and Cary Grant.

All About Eve (1950) – In this dramatic and enthralling film an overconfident, aging star meets one of her adoring fans. The fan begins copying her every move and, much to the chagrin of the star, manages to steal the limelight away from her. This is an amazing performance by Bette Davis showing off her timeless talent. All About Eve won six Oscars and stars Bette Davis and Anne Baxter.

The Ten Commandments (1956) – This biblical tale follows the life of Moses through slavery, leading the Jews out of Egypt, and more. An adventurous film which won an Oscar and had several other nominations. Stars Charlton Heston, Yul Bynner, Anne Baxter.

Strangers on a Train (1951) – A thrilling suspense where two men meet on a train and one tries to convince the other they should “exchange murders.”

While the one opposes it seems there is nothing stopping the other. With its famous “merry-go-round scene,” where the two men go head to head as a merry -go-round, spins out of control. This movie is a thriller you’ll want to see. Stars Farley Granger, Ruth Roman, Robert Walker.

How to Marry a Millionaire (1956) – Three single women doing whatever it takes to find rich men to marry, even though they’re already being pursued by middle-class men. This flick has a spunky vibe and is peppy and fun. It’s a sure-to-please romantic comedy and stars Marilyn Monroe, Betty Grable, and Lauren Bacall.

KAITLYN CLARK REPORTER

5 4 3 2 1

Sunset Blvd. (1950) – A Drama and film-noir movie where a washed up silent film actress is stuck in the past but cons a new-aged screenwriter into being her boyfriend. He tries to escape from her, but she has other plans in store for him which may cost him his life. This is an extremely dramatic and interesting movie and Stars Gloria Swanson, and William Holden.

North by Northwest (1959) – An innocent man is mistaken for a mysterious government agent named George Kaplan. Both spies and the police chase him across the country. It’s an amazing movie with a complex plot and a shocker of an ending. This is an all-in-one adventure, mystery, and thriller. Stars Cary Grant, Eva Marie Saint, James Mason.

Rear Window (1954) – A photographer breaks his leg and is confined to a wheelchair. He begins watching his neighbors and suspects a possible murder. This movie contains crime, as well as romance and mystery and is the basis for the movie “Disturbia” with Shia LaBeouf. It will keep you curious until the end. Stars James Stewart, Grace Kelly.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961) – A free-spirited single woman falls for a practical man who moves into her apartment building. Her lifestyle is confusing to this man but once they get to know each other the sparks begin to fly. It’s a cute girly movie with a happy ending. Stars Audrey Hepburn, and George Peppard.

Gone With the Wind (1939) – A movie following the life of young Scarlett O’Hara during the Civil war era. Scarlett O’Hara is a Southern girl, who is preoccupied with trying to find the love of her life while living through the war. This movie is an emotional epic tale and is an American classic and the acting of Vivian Leigh and Clark Gable is tremendous. The Winner of 10 Academy Awards. Stars Vivian Leigh, Clark Gable, Leslie Howard.

‘Please Stop Laughing at Me’ provokes thought by

LAUREN BARRON

REPORTER

BOOK REVIEW

her so poorly. She was an extremely gifted student, which her peers saw as an avenue to get her down.

“While other kids were daydreaming Throughout the book she explains about dances, first kisses, and college, how she always helped others and Jodee Blanco was just trying to figure out spent a lot of her time helping with how to get from homeroom to the study one star - poor | two stars - average | three stars - good | four stars - great the special education programs at her hall without being taunted or spit upon school. Unfortunately, while Blanco as she walked through the halls.” always stood up for others she was never stood up for in return.

If you think you have it hard or that your life cannot pos- Even her parents had their own daughter all wrong. They begin sibly go on, this book will change your mind instantly. “Please taking her to see a psychiatrist to find out what is wrong with her, Stop Laughing at Me” by Jodee Blanco is a true story that when ultimately, nothing is wrong with her. The whole time she is takes you back in time to the author’s childhood where she the one being punished for something she never did. faced rejection, humiliation, and was an outcast from everyone Blanco goes on to explain traumatizing experiences that have surrounding her. stayed in her soul, which has made her who she is today. One that The book starts off with Blanco facing her childhood fears hit me the most was when her high school football team whiteand memories that are swimming back in her mind just as she washed her in the winter, shoving snow down her throat. She arrives at her high school reunion. Even though Blanco is a almost drowned from the flurry build up. This is just one of very successful woman, who now works with Academy Award the attacks she has been through, and the rest will hit you and Emmy winners, the fear of facing the people who made even harder. her life a living nightmare all through her school years starts Blanco’s narrative writing style immediately immerses readto pull away her confidence. ers into the select heart-wrenching anecdotes. All through the Blanco begins to express all the pain and agony she endured book you feel as if you are the one walking in her footsteps. as a child and teenager. She concedes that she never did anything She brings you into her life and childhood, and, whether you wrong to hurt anybody, but maybe that’s why students treated



24 volumeEIGHT.issueSEVEN

like it or not it, her experiences will get to you.

It’s a tear-jerking, page-turning novel that makes you want to make a difference in your community. “Please Stop Laughing at Me” is a paperback that should be read by everyone.

And I mean everyone.

It relates to each person in its own particular way. Whether you bully, have been bullied or have witnessed bullying, this book will ultimately inspire you to stop it at once.

All aspiring parents, teachers and caregivers could learn a lot from this ambitious read.

I would recommend this book to anyone; it offers an unusual point of view for such a sensitive subject.

This is the best book I have ever read, and it will be hard to find another one to top it. I’m not much for the autobiography type of books; however, “Please Stop Laughing at Me” really moved me and stimulated me to be a better person. Reading this book could change one’s view of the human race.

There really isn’t a way to tiptoe around it, but you will feel much better about yourself and your life after reading this novel.

“You don’t get to pick who you are in this life, but you can decide what you become,” Blanco writes in her book. After reading “Please Stop Laughing at Me,” we can all make a difference and stay away from such a tragic craze.

A&E

Harold and Kumar are back by

MORGAN T. GARD

MOVIE REVIEW

EDITORIAL BOARD

There is a whole lot wrong with “Harold and Kumar Escape From Guantanamo Bay.” A character smokes a bong in an airplane bathroom; there is a bottomless (as opposed to topless) party featuring beard-like male pubic hair; the Klu Klux Klan makes awesome s’mores; a Department of Homeland Security investigator, in one scene, wipes his butt with the American Constitution and tries to convince two Jews to give him information by dropping coins in front of them in a quantity that “sounds like seven dollars.”

But it’s all done just so right.

The movie was written by Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg, who wrote both this one and the prequel (“Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle”), and share the directing credit for “Escape.” They somehow managed to create an immature stoner comedy that can be taken seriously as a real movie. If you’re wondering what I mean, all that really needs to be said is “successful satire.”

It’s a distinguishing mark of the “Harold and Kumar” series that every ounce of sarcasm and satire hits exactly like it should.

The racist gags in the first one, which cemented its status as above average, are the terrorist paranoia gags in “Escape,” done with the same intensity and with the same purpose. None of the jokes fall flat or go too



one star - poor | two stars - average | three stars - good | four stars - great

far over the “Oh, no way” threshold.

Thank Rob Corddry, who plays the aforementioned DHS agent Ron Fox, for that one. No one else could’ve played the utter insanity of the character while keeping him grounded in the satirical nature of the film.

Kudos, good sir.

But, wa-hey!, let’s not forget about the other people in “Escape,” because there’s not really a weakness in the bunch. John Cho and Kal Penn have both managed to come into their own as actors in the four years since the previous installment, taking on roles that range from “more serious” (the upcoming “Star Trek” for Cho, and “24” and “House, M.D.” for Penn) to “oh God no” (Really, Kal Penn? “Epic Movie”?). The script for “Escape” gives us a little bit more into their characters, and both actors step up wonderfully to fill the bigger shoes they were given.

For example, it’s Kumar that gets the romantic subplot this time around, spending nearly the entirety of the film chasing after his two-year’s-since ex-girlfriend Vanessa

Harold played by Cho (left) and Kumar played by Penn (right) plan their escape from Guantanamo Bay.

(Danneel Harris from the television show “One Tree Hill”). The flashbacks offer us great looks into who Kumar was before even trying weed, and Penn nails every one of his character’s intricacies.

The way the Vanessa-Kumar relationship is woven into the larger plot, not getting sent back to Guantanamo Bay, is the number one example of just how well “Escape” is written. A seemingly chance happening in the beginning leads into character back story, which leads into a destination for the characters, which leads into a plot turn and

finally into an epic climax. It’s all smooth, none of it forced, and all too funny.

“Harold and Kumar Escape From Guantanamo Bay” is a great stoner comedy, and a well-made movie period. It’s not perfect, as immature and downright messed up as certain parts are. For instance, Neil Patrick Harris does return, with a vengeance and also shrooms. But it does what it does well, and if you can stomach the filth it tosses with full force then there’s not really a better way to spend a night with a group of weird friends.

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volumeEIGHT.issueSEVEN

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A&E

FAT getting

Samurai’s Japanese Steakhouse (253) 864 - 5557 19321 Mtn. Hwy. Spanaway, WA

over the decoration and explore Samurai’s ability editorial board to prepare good food.

Through flips of Food - 2.5 utensils, throwing of Service - 3.5 eggs, giant flames, Environment - 4 a n d o t h e r d r y attempts by the chef Overall - 3 to be entertaining, I received run-of-themill fried rice that I had to pay three extra dollars to get upgraded from white rice, bland vegetables, decent shrimp, and I have repeatedly heard the name over-cooked, flavorless calamari. Except “Samurai’s” come up when discussing for the rice, everything had the same restaurants and fun places to eat, so I charred boring taste.

What confused me the most is the decided to check it out. I was a little sketchy about it at first considering it is order in which he cooked the food. He located in Spanaway, but you know what cooked the least ordered, fastest cooking they say; you can’t judge a book by its food first, and the most ordered, longest to cook food, last. That didn’t make any bookcase.

Samurai’s claim to fame is their sense to me, and it left me in a position teppanyaki grills. The layout of the where I was the only one eating while restaurant is designed around them and everyone else waited.

I left Samurai’s full, unsatisfied, and it’s done quite nicely. The waterfalls and vegetation and katana handle bars create $30, yes $30, dollars lighter. My advice for an interesting atmosphere that is quick to Samurai’s is to spend less time practicing reel in the everyday restaurant diner. But cracking eggs with knives, and more time being the eater I am, I was quick to get practicing how to cook calamari.

Gerry LeConte

Aliesh Drivas Food - 3 reporter Service - 2.5

Upon entering Samurai’s Japanese Steakhouse via katana (samurai swords), make-shifted into some pretty nifty doorknobs, I was transferred to another dining experience altogether. I entered a dimly lit room full of the sound of gurgling water.

Looking around, my eyes slowly focusing, I noticed a stream, complete with a miniature waterfall and wooden bridge. The steam given off of the water gave the whole lounge a humid and tropical feel.

The atmosphere, on the whole, was the best feature of the Samurai’s experience.

It may be difficult for someone not accustomed to Asian cuisine to order at a Japanese steakhouse. The menu only specifies the type of meat or fish you order, not necessarily the sauces or the manner in which it will be prepared. The Sukiyaki Steak, my order, was thinly sliced beef cooked with soy sauce and condensed beef broth.

All of the dinner choices come with an order of rice (fried rice is extra), miso soup, vegetables and bean sprouts, two prawns, and

for me.

I chose the Suki Yaki steak. The Amanda Wyma chefPersonally stands before a giant stove top, where reporter he cooks everyone’s food right before their eyes.

Food - 4 The best part of the meal was the meat.

Service - 4 It wasn’t undercooked and had the perfect Environment - 5 mixture of flavor and texture to satisfy my pallet.

Overall - 4.5 The savory meat, combined with the selection of sauces they provide was the perfect product of a fancy Japanese steak-house.

The vegetables that come along with every meal When you walk through the brass doors were average, mostly because they lacked in flavor, of Samurai’s, your senses are immediately filled with but if you added the sauce, meat, and rice together, the sweet aromas of Japanese food. With décor it proved to be delectable.

With constant entertainment provided by the chef that reminds you of Disney’s “Mulan,” you leave the average paper fan-decorated Teriyaki restaurant before you, there is never a dull moment or awkward silence around the table. Samurai’s is most definitely at home.

Inside is a lily pond with live Koi, and a large a place I would visit again with either family or pagoda that serves as a bar. Samurai’s superb friends. Though a little pricey, the food, chefs and customer service, combined with talented chefs atmosphere definitely are worth it, and better than and tasteful atmosphere, created the ideal meal just your average Japanese steak house.

26 volumeEIGHT.issueSEVEN

Environment - 5 Overall - 3 sherbet. The food was satisfying, yet maybe not as authentic as advertised. The steak is obviously not Kobe, beef for which Japan is renowned, but everyone loves a good American steak posing as a foreign one.

Traditionally, Japanese steakhouses host chefs that also serve the food they cook. Seated around a grill, Samurai’s customers can expect a performance of sorts as the chefs skillfully cut and grill food while flipping, frying, and firing at will. Don’t be surprised if the room suddenly glows orange and a sudden heat wave rolls over you – it’s most likely the chef behind you entertaining other diners with his famous onion volcano.

Overall, the food was savory, the atmosphere exotic, and the service cheaply entertaining. The cost was a bit pricy, but with excellent company and a good “fattitude,” it will be money well spent.

Of all the places there are to eat in the Puyallup/Tacoma area, I have never been somewhere quite like this. It was the first time ever watching the chef cook right in front of me and I must say it was interesting, but not as impressive as I’d hoped. If the chef would have Alanna Nugent enjoyed cooking a little more, and reporter maybe cracked a few jokes it would have been more interesting.

Food - 4 Nevertheless, the food was delicious; I Service - 3.5 had a traditional chicken dinner that came Environment - 5 with rice, stir fried vegetables, soup and the chicken of course. Everything except the rice Overall - 4 and soup was fried in soy sauce and a special sauce the chef used.

The atmosphere of the restaurant was incredible; it felt like a traditional Japanese restaurant in Japan. When I first walked in, I was not expecting the place to be so large and spacious. The waiters were all wearing traditional outfits and there was even a waterfall by the door. The service was OK. They didn’t explain what each dish was and didn’t give much time for choosing our meal. At least the waiters cleared the tables well and kept everything nice and neat.

All in all, it was a nice place to eat with your family or friends.

The Soundoff Four people, four cds – see what happens when they come to the round table

Kala

Dallas- Oh my Sri Lankan funk queen, my heart pitter patters in time with your synthesized didgeridoo. She’s so cool she spits ice, not fire.

It a clash of hip-hop, disco, and funk sewn together like grandma’s comfiest quilt.

Smyth - With lyrics dripping pain straight off CNN, Britney kind of lost me at “It’s Britney b----!’ Dance music just isn’t my thing (never was, even before I entered my dotage). And I can’t say she does anything to change that. Always seemed like a way to obscure bad lyrics with a big beat.

Ashlee - This is what you listen to when you just need to chill out. The lyrics may be repetitive, but the beat drowns it all out. I had never heard of M.I.A. before, but thank you Dallas for introducing this amazing band into my musical life.

Dallas

Ashlee - No matter how unconventional for our generation, Bruce Springsteen will never go out of style. His calm and cool music makes you wanna pull up a chair and eat some chips while looking at Picasso.

Blackout

Ashlee - Oops, she did it again. Britney will never die, and I will stand by her until the end! Her songs are fun and upbeat, and you just can’t resist dancing when you hear them. Maybe she has a few R-rated lyrics, but hey, she’s an adult now. Her lyrics are allowed to grow up too.

Magic

Smyth - While I don’t love everything Springsteen has ever done, when the Boss is on there is nobody better. “Magic” ranges from guitar-heavy rock of “Radio Nowhere,” to acoustic, lyrics-driven observations of today’s political scene. This album is right there with classics “Born to Run” and “Born in the USA.” From joyfully rocking to deeply observant and introspective, when Springsteen is on he helps me remember why rock is so much fun.

Heather - You can never go wrong with some good old Bruce Springsteen.

He’s not hip-hop or some upbeat teen band, but everyone knows who he is and that he has good music. Listening to this CD made me think of when I was younger and my dad would blast Springsteen throughout the house.

Ashlee - Regina Spektor confuses me with her pitch changes. I just can’t get the beat to her songs. She is a good singer, however not exactly what I would listen to when I need some tunes. It breaks my heart.

Dallas - A train wreck never sounded this good. It’s very club-y, very pop-yourboot-y, and very girls-nightout-y. It’s Britne-y!

Britney Spears

Bruce Springsteen

Smyth

Heather - I’ve never heard of M.I.A. before, but it turned out to be really cool. I really enjoyed it, the beats and they way it is all put together and everything is so fun. It wasn’t anything I expected and then I heard it and just wanted to get up and dance around the room. Some of the lyrics were different, but it’s still good music.

Smyth - This is big fun. Driving beats surrounded by fun electro-instrumental keeps this Sri-Lankan singer’s songs light and catchy.

Her heavily accented English does make songs a tad difficult to understand, but the strength in the music wasn’t the lyrics anyway.

Ashlee

M.I.A.

Dallas - Smyth, you’re so not allowed to pick the music we listen to on deadline.

I’ve never been much of a Springsteen fan. I just don’t get what’s appealing about the mellow, tambourine, rock thing he does in every song.

Heather - Yeah it’s Britney Spears, and we realize she wants more of something, but you’ve got to give it to her, the beat to her songs is really cool. I just want to get up and dance! I don’t really like the lyrics, but whatever. The beat is so tight!

Heather Dallas - On a sunny day, lay in the grass, close your eyes, and giggle and cry at the same time. That is what listening to Regina Spektor makes you feel. She breaks down human emotion into its simplest, raw form. It’s undeniably powerful.

Smyth - Spare, breathy vocals matched against simple instrumentals make this Russian-born singer quite appealing. The starkness of the arrangements contributes to a real sense of poignancy – though song lyrics are often long on rhyme, and short on meaning.

Regina Spektor Begin to Hope

Heather - Regina Spektor is just so chill and calming and enjoyable. She is an artist that makes you sit and just listen and relax. You can’t tell me that sitting in a big comfy chair, drinking coco and listening to Regina after a stressful day of school and a thousand other activities isn’t a great way to end the day.

Over the River and Through the Woods Starting May 17 Taproot Theatre $28-33

High School Musical Starting May 20 Paramount Theatre $20-57

Is There a Comic in the House?

May 15, 16, 17 ERHS Auditorium $6-8

Pacific Northwest Ballet Presents All Robbins Starting May 29 McCaw Hall $20-148

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian Not Yet Rated May 16

Made of Honor PG-13 May 2

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull Not Yet Rated May 22

Speed Racer Not Yet Rated May 9

Iron Man PG-13 May 2

Seattle Mariners vs.

Boston Red Sox May 26 Safeco Field Starting at $28

Alan Jackson May 9 Tacoma Dome $35-65

Seattle Mariners vs.

Texas Rangers May 7 Safeco Field Starting at $28 Seattle Sounders vs.

Portland Timbers May 10 Qwest Field $13

Kate Nash May 9 Showbox at the Market $17.50 Battle of the Bands May 2 ERHS Auditorium $5

The B-52’s May 6 Showbox at the Market $50