AN OPEN FORUM FOR STUDENT EXPRESSION
EMERALD RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL.12405 184TH ST E SOUTH HILL, WA 98374
volumeEIGHT.issueSEVEN.may2008
INSiDE
June 2008
12
09 >> JagWire Goodbyes
Senior Map
18 >>
Curious as to where the senior class of 2008 will be heading when the school year comes to a close? Find out what colleges classmates have chosen and who’s entering the working world or serving our country by joining the armed forces.
Star athletes
Senior Samantha Fikilini shares her original story about being born in Zimbabwe and moving to the United States at age four. Discover the triumphs and hardships she has endured and read about her life on page 15.
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Tardy Sweeps
15
Another world
17
Adminstration cracks down on the abundance of tardies at Emerald Ridge by enforcing a new restrictive policy with more severe punishments such as Tuesday schools and suspensions. Find out why and how it’s improved attendance inside.
News >>03
Op/Ed >>07
A day of medals
Features >>15
Sports >>17
With a record number of qualifiers, Emerald Ridge athletes competed in the state track meet in Pasco, with top eight finishers in six separate events. Read about the competitors, events, and the girl who became state champion in 300-meter hurdles inside.
A&E >>21
NEWS
Students get acquainted with new tardy policies by
KRISTEN STEENBEEKE
EDITORIAL BOARD
On May 8, Principal Brian Lowney made an announcement to inform the student body about the new administration’s guidlines. Though he mentioned the administration would be enforcing dress code and class attendance more strictly, the most drastic change announced was the plan for a tardy sweep policy. With this new rule, students must be in their designated classes by the tardy bell or the door will be locked. If a student is locked out, they are required to obtain a pass in the Commons and bring it back to their class. One slip serves as a warning while two slips require the student to attend a Tuesday school. Receiving three slips constitutes a suspension from school.
“In the short term, it’ll get kids to class on time,” Lowney said. In the long term it will hopefully stress what’s important for kids.” Students have different opinions. “They’re trying to help us make high school decisions but they’re giving us junior high punishments,” senior Corey Holt said. “We’re getting ready to go to college and they choose now to treat us like little kids. I don’t appreciate it.” It is also questionable whether the tardy sweeps successfully regulate students’ ability to be on time. “I’ve been tardy to six classes since tardy sweeps started and I haven’t been locked out once,” senior Kyler Koppelman said. “But I really should start getting there on time.” Some students think it will benefit the school’s well-being and organization. “At times it can be lame,” sophomore Emily
Salisbury said. “There is often a good reason for being late. But I do think it helps the kids that skip class realize the consequences.” The majority of staff strongly agree. “You know, even though kids don’t think about it very much, this really is a place of work,” chemistry teacher Kenn Fidler said. “You have to be responsible for doing your job. The intention is to just to wake kids up, say ‘Hey, be where you’re supposed to be at the right time and not to get away from what you’re held responsible for.’” Lowney is also confident in his colleagues’ effort and support. “Teachers support it in general,” he said. “In fact, they’d love to see us do it every period. We’re targeting only first and second period just because I’m not a big fan of overpromising and under-delivering.” Many of the seniors have complained about the concept of tardy sweeps being installed so late in their senior year instead of the beginning of the 2008-2009 year. However, Lowney begs to differ. “From my perspective it’s just one big cycle,” Lowney said. “ I would tell you that we implemented it early for next year, not late for this year.” For students who formerly arrived on time regularly, the issue is the slight increase in traffic in the morning as well as traffic violations on the hill. Though many people follow the rules, there are also those who
engage in “rude” traffic behavior. On May 12, a four-car accident occurred on the hill due to the students scrambling to arrive at school on time. “People aren’t leaving on time and then they try to rush to school, so it’s making the traffic really bad,” senior Katie Bryant said. “I was in the four-car accident on the first day of tardy sweeps. A car swerved into me trying to get in the left lane because of all the insane traffic. It wasn’t that big of a deal before, I always run a little late, but now I have to leave really early because traffic is so backed up.” Solutions could be made, but at the moment it does not seem possible. “A way to solve it would be to increase the number of entrances and exits in our school,” Lowney said. “We could just punch some roads through, but it doesn’t look like that’s going to happen in the near future.” The security guards support and welcome the change. “It’s actually eliminated some of my work,” security guard Rick Burnley said. “Tardy sweeps, along with the teacher’s participation, has helped tremendously because we literally don’t see the kids in the halls after the last tardy bell has rung.” Despite the various complaints, tardy sweeps have significantly decreased the amount of tardies from an average of 70 to 25 per school day.
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NEWS
Two security officers parting The last day of the 2007-2008 school year will be the final day of employment for two campus security officers by
DALLAS M. WELKER
EDITORIAL BOARD
Campus security officers Rick Burnley and Cathy Wicker will not be employed at Emerald Ridge in the fall of 2008. Both Burnley and Wicker have sought employment in security at different schools within the Puyallup School District. Burnley has been a security officer at the school since its opening eight years ago and has worked in the district for the past nine years. He will continue his work for the district next fall by taking the position as a campus security officer at Puyallup High School. “It will give me the opportunity to be in all three high schools in the district since I graduated from Rogers and worked at Emerald Ridge,” Burnley said. This move will enable him to expand associations as well. “’ll be able to develop new relationships,” Burnley said, “And continue relationships I’ve already established.”
Burnley, who is the head boys track coach, has not decided if he will continue coaching at the school next year. He will be making that decision in August or September. Wicker, an employee for three years, will be the only campus security officer at Glacier View Junior High upon its opening during the upcoming school year. Wicker believes the change will be a positive one and will allow her to make a difference in a younger demographic. “It’s an opportunity I couldn’t pass,” Wicker said. “Opening a new school with a great staff and trying to make a difference early on and to provide character I see lacking in high school students.” Wicker, who was the first girls wrestling coach this past season, intends to continue coaching the team next year. Neither Burnley nor Wicker’s position has been filled yet. Internal applicants have been posted on the district Web site. Burnley and Wicker will not be involved in the selection of next year’s security officers as done in previous years. That decision will be left up to administrators Brian Lowney and Troy Hodge. About 10 applications have been submitted and administration hopes to have its replacement security selected before the end of the school year.
Rick Burnley and Cathy Wicker working in the office they share located in the career center.
Final preparations made for Glacier View opening Glacier View Junior High is making its finishing touches in order to prepare for the Puyallup School District’s first day of school on Sept. 3 by
AMANDA WYMA
REPORTER
With only three months left until Glacier View opens its doors to 800 new students, staff and administrators anxiously await the completion of construction and plans for a new route to be implemented to help decrease traffic between ER and Glacier View students. The main concern for Emerald Ridge students is how the increased traffic due to the new school will be controlled. There is a road being developed that will not be fully completed by the commencement of the next school year. This road will loop around Glacier View to the yellow gate on the hill to improve the major traffic congestion. The road development project is completely run by the developer of the land behind Glacier View; this road is not scheduled to be completed by next year. “The paving of the new road isn’t up to the district,” math teacher at Stahl Junior High and upcoming staff
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member Jennifer Fox of Glacier View said. “The developer is currently working on a plan to form the road in the near future.” There is, however, a plan to decrease the major traffic on 184th Street. As students have witnessed, even with only ER students coming and leaving campus at the beginning and end of the day, the traffic is dangerous and can take up to a good 40 minutes to get off the school premises. The plan for next year is to turn the current left turn lane into a second right turn lane so that there can be twice as many students leaving in the same direction. There will also be a temporary stoplight at the intersection of 122nd and 184th as of the beginning of the 2008-2009 school year. The hiring of teachers is nearly complete with only three positions left to fill; the coordinating team is hoping to have all the staff by early June. “We’ve got almost all of the positions filled,” said Brian Fosnick, future English and Athletic Coordinator. “We’re looking forward to having our first all-staff day in June.” As soon as second semester started, Glacier View started to build the master schedule. Individual schedules won’t be determined until late summer, and adjusted in early fall. Students and staff seem to be excited about the opening of the school. With the fall rapidly approaching, the staff
has hosted multiple gatherings for new students to meet their future classmates and teachers. “The rally was the most successful in my opinion because it gave students an opportunity to see their future classmates,” Mark Vetter, Glacier View principal, said. “They were introduced to the school mascot and most of the staff.” The construction of Glacier View is scheduled for completion by the beginning to middle of June, and from there the administration will move in. By mid-August, the library will have books delivered, and the teachers will be moving into their classrooms. Tentatively, the student orientation will take place on August 29, but is subject to change according to when the construction and teacher in-service days are. “Glacier View won’t cause any major differences for the students at ER,” Vetter said. “There are only changes for positive implementations, such as a future collaborative science lab for ER students, and even closer proximity for Teaching Academy students to work with.” Other than the freshman coming for first period world language, the students at ER will hardly even notice a change around campus. The traffic problem is being solved, and Glacier View will only provide a brighter future for talented and aspiring future Jags.
Photo courtesy of Lauren Smith
NEWS
Staff and students help out with Special Olympics Special Olympics gives students a way to break the barrier between peers and make new friendships by
ALANNA NUGENT
REPORTER
It has been 19 years since the Puyallup School District first put on the Special Olympics for the Excel students ages 5-21. Similar to years past, this track meet took place in the spring and was a big event that the students look forward to every year. It was an opportunity for them to participate in athletic events. The meet was held on May 30 at Sparks Stadium. The 287 students were picked up from their schools around 10 a.m. and returned to school after their events. They participated in all of the events; 50-meter dash, “modified” 100-meter dash, and the softball throw. Because of the age differences and the different abilities, the athletes were placed into separate divisions. There were separate divisions for different ages, one for electric wheel chairs, pushed wheel chairs, one for those who can walk with assistance, and one for those who can physically run on their own. Every participant received a ribbon at the end of their events. There were no timers or distance markers, first place went to whoever threw the farthest or crossed the finish line first. Many junior high and high school students helped out to hand out the ribbons at the end of each event. “The students don’t care about being first or last, most of them are just happy to get across the finish line,” special services teacher Karrie Osborne said. This year Hudson Whalen, an eight-yearold boy from Brouillet Elementary, walked for the first time on his own. He had progressed from being in a wheel chair to a walker and now will be walking on his own.
Photo by Mimi Cagaitan
A little over a year ago, Whalen was not able to walk. With physical therapy and leg braces, he was able to stand with the assistance of a walker. “He has come a long way this year and we are really proud of him.” Brouillet Elementary Excel teacher Don Jackson said. Whalen is now able to walk the halls of his school on a regular basis and was glad to be able to walk the 50 and 100-meter dashes. They expected a large audience this year and everyone is proud of his success. “This is such a moving event for those who come and help out or just watch. It really makes you take a step back and think.” Osborne said. For the students who volunteered, the friendships they created will last for years. With these new friendships, they feel as though they are breaking down the barrier between Excel students and their peers.
New AP classes 2009 Of the three AP classes offered, only two were selected for the upcoming school year by
ASHLEY O’BRIEN
REPORTER
Students help Jason Farris run a 100-meter race.
New Advanced Placement classes were offered to students for the 20082009 school year. Each class requires a normal class size of 20 to 30 students, and if not enough students sign up for the class a teacher will not be hired. “The way the school determines if they will have one of these new classes is if a lot of students sign up for it,” data processor in the career and counseling center Robin Buffelin said. The new classes offered this year were AP World History, AP Music Theory and AP Environmental Science. “Because only a few students signed up for AP Environmental Science, this will not be a class for the coming school year,” Buffelin said.
Next years classes are:
AP Music Theory- This class is open to sophomores, juniors and seniors, and it counts as a fine arts elective. Music Theory will learn music theory and the history of music performances. Students study major and minor keys, intervals and triads, beginning part writing, ear training and dictation. The students are introduced to the eight periods of music history with representative composers and works. Music Theory will also be introduced to the “Finale” computer publishing program. AP World History- This class is offered to sophomores, juniors, and seniors and counts as a social studies credit. World History teaches students the evolution of global processes, contacts, and human societies.
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NEWS
News Briefs
Students show talent at gallery by
ASHLEY O’ BRIEN
REPORTER
The annual art competition is held every year at the Puyallup Fair Grounds with awards to be given. The Puyallup Fair Grounds has a competition for senior art students in the Puyallup School District. Three students from each high school enter with their art projects. The first place winners receive a $2,000 scholarship. Courtney Havranek and Geffrey Gross, two seniors from Emerald Ridge, won the scholarships this school year. This is not the only competition Havranek has won; she also won a drawing contest and now has her art on the front of a Meridian Bus Stop Shelter. Havranek plans to go to Pierce College until she gets her associate degree. Havranek received a $2,000 scholarship. She used paint to
win her 1st place prize, which took her about a week to finish. After winning her award, her painting was put up for sale. “Most of my projects take two days to finish, but I really took my time and worked hard on this painting,” Havranek said. After college she plans to do something with her artistic abilities, such as helping design video games or television commercials. Gross won his $2,000 scholarship award by drawing a picture. His drawing took him about four hours to draw at home. With his scholarship money he plans to go to Seattle Art Institute. “I plan to get my bachelors degree in design; afterwards I want a job in industrial design,” Gross said. Emerald Ridge also held an art show in the library from June 4 through today, June 6. Every art student will participate in the art show as a requirement for the class.
Relay fundraising progressing by
ALIESHA DRIVAS
EDITORIAL BOARD
On June 20 Emerald Ridge will be hosting Relay for Life, a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society to help fund medical research. In the upcoming month two ER teams, D-Crew and Teamo-Supremo, a side-project of Students for Global Wellness, will be raising money for the event. “Our goal was $500 initially, but we’ve raised $800 so far,” said junior and D-Crew captain Lauren Webber. “Since the relay is almost here fundraising has slowed down, but we may get more.” The relay will be attended by teams sponsored by local businesses, schools, churches and medical centers.
“I just asked my work (KFC/Taco Bell) for money and they cut a check for $500,” said Webber. “We immediately met our goal.” Relay participants also have been attending monthly meetings. “The meetings are just for teaching us fundraising techniques and hearing sad stories about people with cancer for inspiration,” junior and Teamo-Supremo co-captain Shelby Wickett said. “I’ve met a lot of cool people with and without cancer.” The event will last approximately 24 hours, with at least one teammate walking at all times. “You get to camp out and everything,” Wickett said. “It’s my first year and I’m really excited.”
Top Left: Pottery project by Wes Breedlove & Vanessa Wiliams’ painting displayed in frame. Bottom Left: Senior Courtney Havranek’s selection of paintings. Right: Collection of artwork from various students on the library walls during art show.
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OP/ED
AP testing protocol sub-par Tests are a means of assessing skills, aptitude, abilities and performance. During such assessments, it is of prime importance to have a silent, well-lit and overall peaceful atmosphere. The WASL is a prime example of these superior test taking necessities. The AP exam, however, falls short of the standard. Despite Emerald Ridge’s fervent attempts at creating opportunity for rigorous courses, more sensitivity could be applied to the AP test-takers. For two weeks of WASL taking, classrooms are painstakingly inspected to make sure that they display a favorable WASL environment. Posters are torn down. No. 2 pencils are sharpened. The school shuts down for the few hours it takes to finish the exam. There are no bells. There is no Pledge of Allegiance. A schedule is specially prepared, and no disturbances are tolerated. Students are provided with as much time as they need to achieve their standardized prospects. AP students are shoved into the auditorium, and expected to complete the timed exam in less-than-friendly testing conditions. It is dimly lit; the extended armrests shifted into desks are awkward and not suitable for the continuous writing required by the exam. The bells squeal, the Pledge is chanted, interruptions occur left and right. The regular schedule is in progress, so the high achieving students are missing their other, but no less important, classes. The pounding of feet, the loud voices, the lunches, the announcements, everything commences as planned, despite the students wringing their brains out on paper. The WASL is a helpful tool used by the state to confirm the effectiveness of education. Passing it is a requirement to graduate - an imminently important milestone in one’s life. It is recognizably worthy of the special attention paid to it, but should the AP exam be viewed as less significant? An AP exam can help
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
lower the cost of college, accumulate college credits for the AP student, and helps prepare students for the realities of a college level work load. With opportunities like these, is it too much to ask for some peace and quiet? The WASL is paid for by the state of Washington, yet the cost for an AP test comes out of the student’s pocket, on average $84 per test. If students are expected to overachieve and take more than one Advanced Placement class, they are expected to pay twice as much, even three to four times this amount. With the extent of money spent, AP students have not only earned, but also paid for the right to a less stressful test experience. Students are trained from the elementary school level on the strategies and test taking methods of the WASL. The standardized assessment is given to students at the fourth grade level – ages nine to 10- to the high school sophomore level – ages 15 to 16. This is approximately five years of preparation and practicing on standardized knowledge; as opposed to the majority of a school year AP students have to prepare for their exam. As rigorous course schedules are encouraged by the administration and staff alike, how is it possible that such inferior circumstances are accepted? The purpose of the AP exam is to show that students can handle a challenging workload; to prove this, they should not be subject to challenging conditions as well. For students who have prepared, practiced and paid the price, only to see if they meet the College Board’s high expectations, it would be appreciated if there were testing conditions provided that were conducive to passing marks.
STAFF
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 . ....................................................................................................KATE KAYE . ....................................................................................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
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
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 jdnusser@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.
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OP/ED
“
“
the voice of the people: Do you feel tardy sweeps are an effective method to increase student promptness?
Yes, I think since they implemented the tardy sweeps hardly anyone is late anymore.
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Depends on the student and the staff’s ability to enforce it. Some will respond to it well, while some will just continue to skip regardless.
“
11
“
No, because people are still going to be tardy whether enforced or not.
The only reason they do it is because they see things like that on the news.
10 STAFF
” ” ” ” Tardy sweeping away untimeliness and attitudes Teens universally claim the desire to be treated as adults. They abhor condescending authority figures, scoff at the immature and loathe disciplinary actions. When teens acquire that faint inkling of adult temperament, they believe, “Yes! I have finally arrived!” Only to find that they are still juvenile and callow, trapped in a school where there are only rules, rules, rules. Well, rub some dirt in that open sore and call it a day champ. Preceding the initiation of tardy sweeps, students would wander in halfheartedly with a Starbucks in hand. As the weeks have passed since the new disciplinary action, the coffee is as sparse as
-Katy Basham
-Alex Perry
the tardies and seats are filled by the toll of the dreaded bell. During the introduction of the tardy sweeps policy, students often complained about the hectic and often hazardous early morning traffic jam. This was most likely due to the amount of students who were consistently delayed and had to make haste to avoid a latched door. It is clear that now most students have acquired a new, and more prompt, routine. As a result, less time is wasted during class, there are fewer interruptions and students now have the advantage of a full school day. Why is it necessary to wander the halls during Jag time, when you can make up for a weekend
-Ryan Donovan
-Mr. Paterno
of procrastination? Why should it be acceptable to amble in two minutes late when you can be punctual? We implore you fellow deadpan, ask yourself these questions, and behold a once ridiculously idle person. If students truly yearn for the opportunity to be considered an adult by their supervising peers, they should first learn that even adults suffer through discipline and have monitors on their behavior. Either embrace the inevitable, or be content to have the Peter Pan syndrome for life. Editorials are composed by, and are the opinion of, the JagWire Editorial Board.
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Senior Farewells e stay or should w d l u o we go? 2008 Sh
Lauren Smith Nuss yelled at the class one day because there was a cup of spilled glue on the office counter. He hoped for some young, irresponsible reporter to come forth and take the blame. Matt Click, a senior editorial board member, feebly raised his hand to admit to the crime. To this day, a business card brushed with that very glue sticks to the bottom of an office cabinet. It doesn’t make sense; it’s not supposed to. The memories are what matter. That’s my advice to future JagWire staffs: make memories in this room. I sure did. And, before I go, I just want to say, “Thanks Jeff.”
Morgan Gard We are all high schoolers, none of us perfect, and more importantly, none of us true journalists. Right now we are pretenders to a mantle we would one day like to assume; youngsters, on the path to righteousness but yet to reach the end – if we ever will. We make a paper, and the enormity of that fact can be disputed year round. I don’t think I truly took anything away from this class but then again I don’t think I had to. The fact that I did it at all is what’s most important.
JagW i
Gerry LeConte JagWire, we need to talk. It’s been long, it’s been hard, but sadly it’s come to an end. First off, it’s not you; it’s me. I must go, but you must stay. We have simply grown apart. Of course, you will always have a special place in my heart, and I will always love you, but you have to face the facts. We just don’t have room for each other. I understand that other men will come along, but no man will ever rock you how I’ve rocked you.
Heather Gorman Staying at school until midnight crying in front of a computer, singing as a group to Bon Jovi at the top of our lungs at a Rock Band and newspaper party, making waffles and popping balloons during class … these are just a few of the memories I will take away from room E157 along with spending so much time with the staff – they are more like family then friends. So now I must say goodbye to the memories and love of this publication, and to all the time I spent trying to make the best Beat ever (whomp, whomp, whomp). Peace out, JagWire.
an hemi o B “ re-Commoner face-off •
Andy Dickerson Jagwire was a word that meant nothing to me. It was not the paper that established value in my life, the supposed late nights, or the incredibly undue amount of ethical pressure. Rather it was the people in this class and the way they acted outside of their personalities that made this class incredibly enjoyable and a notable event. Jagwire is nothing without us, without you. Be careful, ethical, diligent, and under slept, and remember – we are the freaking Jagwire. Goodbye Jagwire.
Ashley Vincent Goodbye JagWire staff, I love you all and I will miss you. I will never forget hot, stuffy deadlines, nine-square, flying chairs, editorial board retreats, and “inspiring” post-deadline speeches. JagWire is not a class, it is a lifestyle. I am so thankful for the opportunity to have lived it these past three years. Oh, and just so we are clear, you are all crazy, every single one of you. Learn to love it, embrace it, and then be yourself in the best way you can. JagWire has helped me do exactly that, it turned me into the person I am.
Rhapsody” by Queen • W-A • British p
Mimi Sison JagWire, continue to be the best. You’ve given me the opportunity to develop my voice as a student journalist and the privilege to represent a portion of the student body. Within your humble and often messy abode, I have eaten three years’ worth of yummy cafeteria lunches, edited hundreds of stories, and been challenged over and again in a battlefield of budding (and lethal) journalistic minds. Also, thanks to everyone who shared their stories with my now-deceased tape-recorder and for allowing me to invade their private lives. Your triumphs linger in my memory long after my tapes have been erased.
rinters who have a
oke C t e i fetish for D
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hould I Stay or Should I Go” by T S “ • h e Cl a N •ESP sh • Ali
Katie Kremple It has been interesting this year being on the JagWire staff. I am very thankful to have received the opportunity to be involved with such an awesome newspaper team. I truly wish I had been involved in earlier years. You guys all rock. I will definitely miss all the chaos that I witnessed every day in the JagWire room. Best of luck to all of next years staff, you will all do great. You kind of have to because you’ll apparently piss off graduated JagWire members if you don’t. Bye.
Kelsey Howland Deadline has started, so I suppose it is time for me to open up a blank Word document as all articles before have started. No one can understand what goes through a journalists mind these last three years on a staff, unless they have been here. The interviews, the stress, the craziness. Whether it was The Commoner, or JagWire, being a part of a publication was an experience I will keep with me forever.
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party e c n a td ens • Parking lo
Josh Joyce Later dudes, it was fun and I couldn’t imagine high school without the paper. If only we were as cool as the show. But seriously, JagWire really is rather a mental scar that will always be apart of the people that helped create its legacy. A scar you would show off on the second date. There are a lot of people that I will always remember from this staff, too many to list. It was an experience. Good luck next year Ed. Board.
Lindsay Nolan I honestly never thought I would take a class in high school that could teach me so much about myself as a person, rather than “things we need to know in life.” JagWire has been one of the most amazing classes I have taken. My junior year I didn’t want to take it, but I was pretty much forced to by Nuss, and I will forever thank him for making me join staff. I will never forget the friends or the memories made.
st of Show in wrong category •
g up a n i n c l ea
t nationals • Anaheim
at 10 pm •
Rock Band Pa rty
Stasie Henson JagWire has never been a class. It has been a glimpse at the real world, inside a high school, where our clique personalities fell and we all became family. Some of my strongest friendships and memories came from E157. Walking into class my first day, I thought I would be learning about how to create a great publication, and I did, but I learned more about myself and real world concepts than I ever thought would be possible. So, for next year's staff: Remember, it’s not just a class; it will consume your life. Please keep JagWire beautiful. Good Luck.
Julia Serva-DelMonte My first days of JagWire were fast-paced, loud, and way over my head. A man with a soul patch, and gauged ears stood in the front of the class yelling, laughing, and teaching us how to be the crazy journalist that was dormant in all of us. Crazy conversations, controversies, pranks, drama, and ideas float around E157. It’s one of the only places where talent is learned and taught by the same people, where you find yourself crying and smiling in the same day, and where you can be yourself and loved more because of it. I’ll miss you guys. Ciao.
• “Tha nks Jef f” •
eX Deep freeze, hit th
• Si
lver M u
LACE • Fami NOW IN P ly d R O T A L inn I R B I llet Bullet • DEFR er • “
Danny Canham JagWire is like an addiction, it takes over your life whether you like it or not. It consumes you with deadlines and late nights, headlines and stories and photography and design. Once you think you’re done, you’re not. You start on the next issue. Even with as much stress as there always was in that cave of a room, I wouldn’t give up the experience for the world. Good luck next year, if you need help, I’ll be on the other side of the country, but I’ll do what I can. These past three years have made you worth it.
ba go n a r D I hate this family” • Horcruxes •
Ashlee Pitigliano There is something to be said about a class that opens your eyes to a brighter future. JagWire has accomplished this not only for me, but many other prospective journalists in years past. I’m not going to say goodbye, because thanks to JagWire, this is just the beginning of my days as a writer. So instead, I want to say thank you. To my fellow staff members, Kevin Smyth, and The Nussers: Thank you for everything you have taught me and the friendships I’ve made with you all.
by!
Lexi Brockamp JagWire isn’t a class, it’s a lifestyle. I’m going to miss living in E157 with Earl and the family, sleeping in the back office, taking breaks in the middle of deadlines for family dinners, and all the inside jokes. JagWire has been the most stressful thing in my life for two years, as well as the biggest learning experience, and it’s the reason I want to continue with journalism for the rest of my life. Thank you to everyone who spent the last two years in this room with me for the irreplaceable memories and inspiration. It’s been unforgettable. Goodbye, JagWire. Don’t forget about us next year.
Kristin Anderson This is a bittersweet ending, and yet, a new beginning. JagWire has inspired me to do so many things I would never imagine doing my senior year. I love everyone on staff, and wish luck to all those continuing their journey as reporters, designers, photographers and ad sellers with one of the best publications I know. It has been unforgettable. I am going to miss all those deadline nights when no one had their story finalized, and all of us designers had nothing to do. We made the best of it, though. Thank you all for encouraging and inspiring me in so many aspects other than just journalism.
Zac Tran Later guys. It was real, it was fun, but it wasn’t real fun. JagWire was fun, and I’m going to miss making that money. It’s time to hand the reins over to someone else and let them massacre the ad department of JagWire. Making sales has let me see from more of a business perspective, and it was cool creating a clientele relationship and actually going to businesses in person. Getting Fat killed my wallet, but it was all worth it for some tasty food and a kick-butt review. I’m done.
Devin Floyd I’m going to miss frantically chasing down people for interviews, just to find out they don’t know what I need to know. JagWire taught me that this happens far too often. I’ve also learned that Adam Fangman will always be better at bear crawling than me, and that Zac Tran can make it rain money. I’m not sure where I fit in; perhaps I’m the one that is really good at annoying people until they give me interviews. It’s a tough job, but somebody has to do it. Unfortunately, that usually isn’t me. Well, I feel like ending with a few words on life from my friend Demetri Martin, “The worst time to have a heart attack is during a game of charades.”
ars eat apples • “You • Jagu r ph oto h a
” sion n e s dro r dim pped i e h t o n a n to
Adam Fangman It’s the boss. Few of you probably knew this, sorry, but I’ve been running JagWire for the entire year. Though my name isn’t on every story or picture, not a single page of the paper has been published without my call. For the entire year, you, the reader, have been gullible enough to eat up all the lies I have published, all the names I have invented, all the “quotes” that came from interviewees that never existed. And, I sit on top of my media empire sipping lightly from a wine glass filled with money, power, and women. Some may recall that a few senior members have left JagWire earlier this year. They knew too much. Now you know too much.
ignin • Des
g the entire paper on Wedn esday
11
Education around the U
12
THESE 2008
Cannon Beach, Ore.
Ecola Bible College Derek Goetz Katie Krempl Chris Parsons
Moscow, Idaho
Portland, Ore.
University of Idaho Logan Bushnell
University of Portland
Nampa, Idaho Northwest Nazerene Julia Subbotin
Heidi Osborne
Gresham, Ore. Mt. Hood Community College
Rexburg, Idaho Brigham Young University - Idaho Jordan Johnson Nicole Pollard Symone Stout David Wicklund
Jaymes Junio Jonathan Faber Kevin Espino
Montpelier, Vt.
New England Culinary Ins
Oregon City, Ore.
Zac Tran
Clackamas Community College Alex Sears
Corvallis, Ore. Oregon State University
Dayton, Ohio
Brady Tripp
University of Dayton
Eugene, Ore.
Janel Brown
University of Oregon
Cheyenne, Wyo.
Colby Sokol
Klamath Falls, Ore. Oregon Institute of Technology Tiara Gero
Sacramento, Calif.
Universal Technical Institute Troy Folk Jason Iliff Michael Sleighter
Laramie County Community College Laura Offe
Orem, Utah
Utah Valley University
Sioux City, Iowa
Cameron Burdette
Briar Cliff University Erik Halsey
San Francisco, Calif. Academy of Art University T.J. Hart
Provo, Utah Brigham Young University Katie Mitchell Michael O’Bryant
Art Institute of San Francisco Michelle Lombard
USAFA, Colo.
San Fransisco State University
United States Air Force Academy Aaron Kovaleskie
Shay Wilhelm
Thousand Oaks, Calif.
Ephraim, Utah
California Lutheran University
Snow College
Lindsay Nolan
Joey Williamson
Los Angeles, Calif. Art Institute of Los Angeles Scott Mulligan
University of California - Los Angeles Raquel Peralta
Santa Monica, Calif.
Vidal Sassoon Cosmotology School Dana Fontanez
Claremont, Calif.
Claremont McKenna College Courtney Covington
La Mirada, Calif. Biola Whitney Hobbs
Fullerton, Calif.
Orange, Calif. Chapman University Colin Sprague
San Diego, Calif. San Diego University Frankie Dodge
Tucson, Ariz.
University of Arizona
Daytona B
Anna Anderson Kelsea Dunlap Todd French Kyler Koppleman Marisa Larangiera J.T. Tungsvik
Bethune Coo Louis Dearbone
California State University - Fullerton Alyssa Talerico
Honolulu, Hawaii Hawaii Pacific University Mikaela Bates Jessica Thompson
What are you most excited for as you head off to college this fall?
really excited to “I’m see a new state in a
excited about getting “I’m out of Washington and living
different perspective and I’m also excited to rush in a sorority.
on my own. Getting away from my parents and having the chance to start new in a place where nobody knows me will be great.
Anna Anderson
Colin Sprague
University of Arizona
”
Chapman University
”
United States
13
8 GRADS ARE PLANNING TO CONTINUE THEIR EDUCATIONS NATION-WIDE
Homeward Bound Joining the Workforce
STUDENTS ON EXCHANGE PROGRAMS HEAD BACK TO THEIR COUNTRIES
Boston, Mass.
STUDENTS CHOOSING TO GO STRAIGHT INTO A CAREER
Emerson College Danny Canham
Warwick, R.I. Community College of Rhode Island Sierra Schafer
West Point, N.Y. West Point - United States Military Academy David Weaver
New York City, N.Y.
Body Modification Institute Kerri Campbell
New York Film Academy Scott Woodruff
Moatez Albermany Derrick Ballou Landon Cross Jordan Daulbaugh Justin Deal Chad Disel Shane Gibson Joshua Haller Tyler Homeyer Dev Hopkins Brian Mathews Anthony Minga Nikki Morrison
Bethlehem, Pa. Ana Diego
Bennett College for Women Gabrielle Moulden
Beach, Fla.
okman
Broadening Horizons
STUDENTS PLANNING TO TRAVEL OR STUDY ABROAD
Luca Maranetto
Kristina Svibova
North Hampton Community College
Greensboro, N.C.
Italy
Slovakia
Heather Munson Vitaliy Nozdrin Ashley Prince-Sanchez Megan Puntenney Eduardo Quintana Veronica Raymond-Crest Andrew Reilly Ben Sabey Timothy Schindele Brian Stark Michael Stevens Jerrod Taylor Emelio Valenzuela
Unknown Students
stitute
Crystal Andrzejoweic Joshua Boykin Wesley Douglas Jesse Edgecombe Yulia Garkavenko Rebecca Ingram Joran Laville Ryan McKinney Chantell Munoz Adrianna Obregon Brittni Roberts Daniel Staton Christina Steele
Serving Our Country
STUDENTS JOINING THE MILITARY SERVICES
Germany
France
Stefania Velasquez
University of Maryland Andrew Lane
Air Force
Kevin McDonald Melinda Reaves Nick Lunde Robert Jette Ryan Alexander Curtis Sanders Sarah Marshall Eric Gregory
Brazil
Robert Velasquez
Army
Jessica Castanon Jordan Small
training (the basic training) when I first get to West Point. Also, the whole atmosphere…the military atmosphere is just really different from high school. West Point Military Academy
Kyle Smith
Marines
Alexander Hamilton Bradley Jay Dominique Gonzalez Kyler Lara
Navy
AIan Beckwith Ionut Fairbacks James Peacock
excited to be living in “ I’m Hollywood and doing what
surprisingly excited “I’m for the first six weeks of
David Weaver
Coast Guard
”
I love and have prepared to do all my life, which is singing, acting and dancing. And they’re going to prepare me for Broadway, television and film.
”
Scott Mulligan
Art Institute of Los Angeles
looking forward “I’m to actually learning something that matters in life.
”
Courtney Covington Claremont McKenna College
A future in the northwest
14
THESE 2008 GRADS ARE PLANNING TO STAY IN-STATE NEXT YEAR FOR SCHOOL
What is the important thing you’ve learned from high school?
Lynnwood
Edmonds Community College
Seattle Art Institute of Seattle Ashmead College Cornish College of the Arts Seattle Central University Seattle University South Seattle University Seattle Pacific University University of Washington
Bellingham
Western Washington Unversity Whatcom Community College
Spokane
Eastern Washington University Gonzaga University Whitworth Unversity
Kirkland Northwest Unversity
Bellevue Bellevue Community College
Des Moines
Highline Community College
Ellensburg Central Washington Unversity
Auburn
Green River Community College
Puyallup Lakewood Clover Park Technical College
Accelerated Program at ERHS Emerald Ridge High School Internship at Puyallup Foursquare Church Pierce College
Pullman Washington State University
Tacoma Bates Technical College Kaplan College Pacific Lutheran University Tacoma Community College University of Puget Sound UW - Tacoma Wisdom For Life Leadership College
Advanced Program at ERHS José Darras
Kendra Tovey Zach Turner Julia Wenzen
Art Institute of Seattle
Clover Park Technical College
Kevin Borja Paris Durga Christopher Forte Mitch French Geffrey Gross Jessica Hunter Michael Kee Andrea Moody Emilio Reynoso Jessica Togstad Craig Tuschoff
Sara Bracken Rashelle Broadwell Crystal Campbell Nikita Cleek Caylee Franklin Megan Hoffman Kris Humlick Tina Iszler Tristan Ludlow Amy McCartney Eric Miller Erik Padilla Anita Pederson James Piedalue Joshua Rodarte Leah Welch Oliver White
Ashmead College Jessikah Wilson
Bates Technical College Corey Holt Larissa Langevin Taylor Nolte Antonio Rodriguez Justin Rodriguez Jesse Troit Stephan Wooley
Cornish College of the Arts Yuki Keller
Columbia Basin College Ronnie Ovechka
Bellevue Community College Eastern Washington Claudia Perez University Central Washington University Zach Britton Samantha Caldwell Brittney Davis Kate Gibson Nick Griswold Taylor Head Whitney Higgins Krista Kelley Andrew Lockey Stephanie Parks Kaytlyn Schultz
Brian Bennison Melissa Pruitt Melissa Zaragoza
Edmonds Community College Andrew Avila
Gonzaga University Rabia Iqbal
Green River Community College Sophia Avila
Olympia South Puget Sound Community College
Pasco
Columbia Basin
High school really showed me what I enjoyed and taught me what I aspired to do after I graduated. It offered such a variety of classes and activities that I was able to take advantage of many of them; which gave me a vision of the profession I want to pursue in the years to come.
”
-Justin Chavez, UW Katherine Basham Devon Borgen Jasmine Bowers Caitlin Corbett Lauren Gonick Nathan Guillot Daniel Hanson Katharyn Hobson Bryce Kitchens Tony Rowley Emmett Salisbury Paul Trufasu Rachael Vaughan Brandon Veliz Philip Westfall Elizabeth Wilkins
Highline Community College Nicholas Evans-Tennison Livia Mahaffie John Martinez Kevin Mooney Kameron Munroe Ryan Sallis J.P. Strozewski Gabe Weber
Internship at Foursquare Church Brooklyn Dailey Nate Dumlao Courtney Gehri Natalie Hoagland
Kaplan College Dustin Duncan
Northwest University Kirsten Babauta Samantha Reighard Victoria Trofimovich
Pierce College Phillip Alessandra David Anderson Jane Anderson Stephanie Anderson
Kelsea Andrews Catrina Arellanez Kellen Bachmeier Kayla Bangs Alexis Bartlow Michael Bean Brittane Blystone Brad Bonell Rhianna Bonnell Kayla Bonnette Jaclyn Brennan Kody Bringman Robert Brook Katie Bryant Zach Burnley Samantha Campbell Sara Carrillo Tai Cartwright Robert Cierley Daniel Clark Carlo Creek Steven Cruz Sean Cullum Evan Daffer Whitney Davis Jacki Donaldson Robert Drake Michael Elliott Deanna Fain Megan Fitzpatrick David Fraiser Angel Garcia Shannon Garrity Erika Gettis Danika Gisvold Jessica Hahn Kiah Harris Theo Hase Courtney Havranek Jeff Heaps Jason Henry Kaitlynn Hernan Cameron Hornsby Kelsey Howland Cara Hudson Rhiannon Hughes Kristin Hugo Melissa Humiston Madeline Hyatt Bevon Ingraham Alicia Ingram
Daniel Kashporenko Kristina Keehnel Tamara Kent Matt Keogh Travis Kienholz Elizabeth Kolts Megan Lawless Gerry LeConte Tarjei Ledvina Casey Lockhart Jose Lopez Kayla Lowe Kelsie Lucas Chad Luddington Roberto Mahoney Michael Malanowich Sara Mann Casie Marengo Stephanie Marlowe Jacob Massey Heather McKenzie Kristin Memovich Wesley Mitchell Brayan Morales James Murphy Jessica Nieblas Alexandria Nikolao Cameron Norris Brooke Oliver Max Ollivant Tyler Olson Jeff Paine Rebecca Perry Joshua Rabold Shasta Reindl Ryan Renggli Kimber Rhodes Zachary Rhone Vanessa Rodriguiz Yunise Rodriguiz Kristyona Rosin Benjamin Samaduroff Christopher Scholl Nikki Seader Erin Shivner Ian Smith Kyle Snyder Shannon Stark Luke Steiner Stephanie Steuby Alexander Tappan
Abbey Tecca Nicole Tietje Leasha Tolson Lynsey Urquhart Jacob Van Stone Kenny Velasco Benjamin Ward Eric Wellentin Kaitlin West Michael Whelan Elizabeth White Drake Wilkins Scott Williams
Pacific Lutheran University Michael Gray Kelsey Hamilton Mandi Nyland Kendall Pepple Nicole Phillips Ashlee Pitigliano Erina Riley
Seattle Central Community College Adrian Cooper Joey Creek Stasie Henson Colleen Nguyen Keri Turner Caitlyn York
Seattle University Samantha Fikilini Ansley Tworek
South Puget Sound Community College Kristin Anderson
South Seattle Community College Bailey Washburn
Seattle Pacific University Karissa Myking
Tacoma Community College Kaitlyn Davis Katelyn Fitzpatrick Alisha Jacobs James McMullan Layci Moore Naomi Varieur
University of Puget Sound Alyssa Christensen
University of Washington Jacob Baudin Alicia Brannon Jessica Byrd Judy Carlson Justin Chavez Kelsey Craft Dawn Cunanan Andy Dickerson Aaron Emery Whitney Emery Matthew Erickson Adam Fangman Alisha Fugate Morgan Gard Whitney Henderson Don Lee Sarah Niles Kristin Noh Alicia Raymond Jon Rollins Mimi Sison Caitlin Smith Brittney Stout Hai-Quan Truong Christina Viniarski Jane Yi Brent Young
Kaity Rawson Niko Reyna Stephen Washburn
Western Washington University Erin Craven Shawn Dyjak Daniel Fehrenbach Craig Gorder Heather Gorman Chol Kim James Knight Andrew Martonik Kaitlyn Stoltenberg Brian Svoboda Veronica Tornquist Ashley Vincent Austen Wiederspan
Whatcom Community College Haleigh Fowler Kevin Welde
Whitworth University Tae-Hun Lee Dominique Waters
Wisdom For Life Leadership College Nick Iza Caleb Triplett
Washington State University
Braeden Binkiewicz Jodi Farr Kristen Lukenbill David Lutz Samantha Moss Nick Nylin Sarah Rasmussen Steven Ross University of Washington, Tacoma Angela Pashon Serena Savage Kirsten Allen Julia Serva-Delmonte Dannielle Brock Lauren Smith Lexi Brockamp Jessica Triech Devin Floyd Nate Wetterauer Josh Joyce Jiwoong Yeon Matt Puntel
“ I’ve
learned how to take one thing at a time when I have a million things going on. It just teaches me how to prioritize, which is such an important lesson in my life.
”
-Erina Riley, PLU
“ Don’t be
late, or you’re gonna get swept.
”
-Tony Rowley, Green River
FEATURE
Out of Africa, into Our lives Not only does Samantha Fikilini call the United States her home - one day she is also hoping to move back and help the people of Zimbabwe, her native country which is located in South Africa
heart,” she said. “There’s a lot of starvation going on right now and it’s really hard because all my family’s there and we worry. We send money back all the time. I think if we went back we’d be able to help a lot with our American currency.” One day, she hopes to return to her homeland and live in peace by KRISTEN STEENBEEKE again. REPORTER “My dad and my mom Senior Samantha Fikilini wears a necklace adorned with put the house in me and a wooden heart each day - an obvious symbol of her huge my sibling’s names,” she heart and heightened sense of caring for her people. said. “We rent it out to Fikilini was only four years old when her family took people and I think we’re everything they had and moved across the Atlantic Ocean going to kick them out from her homeland, Zimbabwe, to the United States. because they’re not taking Seeking political asylum, her father, a wealthy business great care of the house on owner, decided it would be best if their family left their the inside. Then we’re going native land to come to a safer place. Before the move, Ben to try to move in.” Fikilini was incarcerated with other business owners for the She also has a home among the Ndeinfluence they had over the country. After his release, Ben bele tribe. After her father married her mother and moved to Bellevue, Wash. to seek a free life. Fikilini, her moved from Malawi to Zimbabwe, he became a part two brothers, her sister and her mother went to meet him of the Ndebele. Fikilini and her siblings are also a soon after. part of the tribe. “My dad can’t go back to Zimbabwe until Robert Mugabe “Most people speak English because it’s the official is not in power anymore, but the rest of my family can,” language that everyone learns,” Fikilini said. “Most Fikilini said. “My mom went back a couple years ago. We try people learn their own dialect, though. My mom to take turns, but it’s so much money to go. My mom took speaks Ndebele and my dad speaks Chichewa. Shona four suitcases to take clothes to people there, so we had to is probably the biggest dialect there.” spend a lot of extra money on luggage.” After her move, adjusting to American language Ben Fikilini was also put in a stock camp of the Shona was a difficulty. Though she knew a little English, tribe, where the prisoners are put in less-thanliving around her parents’ accents made her satisfactory conditions and are not allowed voice inflections very different. These issues lawyers or visitors. caused her a little trouble in school for the “It’s pretty bad and you could probfirst few years she lived in America. Zimbabwe ably die there,” Fikilini said. “My dad “I just adopted what my parents said so I’d went to one and he left somehow. They go around saying things like ‘sangwich’ and not put him in maximum security, though, talking the right way for a while,” she said. “They with other political leaders which is stupid tried to put me in English as a second language because it’s just rich business people and he had for two years and I was like ‘I do not have a speech nothing to do with politics. He’s just someone from impediment. I’m totally normal.’” another tribe they didn’t like.” People also had various misconceptions about life in Despite the legal troubles of her family, Fikilini looks Africa. Though Fikilini generally grew up in the American back on Zimbabwe fondly. Smiling genially, she jumps at culture, her peers did not understand this concept. the chance to talk about her country. “It was really ugly at school sometimes. When people find “It’s a nice country if you break it down and look at its out they’re like ‘Oh, do you hang out with lions?’” she said.
Photo by Ashley Vincent
“I don’t feel like I have to educate people, but for me it’s not a big safari where we all go hang out with elephants down the street. It’s very modernized. Sometimes things are slow to come in - we might get like Britney Spears two years later or something - but it’s pretty much the same.” Though the modernity of the country is relatively the same as America, there is a large difference between the two countries. Zimbabwe is currently enduring massive human rights issues and economic struggles. This last February, inflation hit 165,000 percent, a staggering hindrance to the economy. “There’s definitely hyper-inflation right now,” Fikilini said. “President Mugabe has been blamed for a lot of it, but it’s not all him. He has had some human rights issues, though, like kicking the white farmers off their land to give it to the black people.” Though she misses Zimbabwe, Fikilini has adapted successfully to the ways of America. Her friends would describe her as genuine and hilarious; it seems that those surrounding her are constantly laughing and having fun. After high school, Fikilini plans to go to Seattle University to major in biomedicine and double minor in international relations and photojournalism. She hopes to be a photojournalist for CNN, as well as joining the organization “Doctors Without Borders,” where she we will be able to be a doctor for people in countries such as Zimbabwe, Yugoslavia or Romania. “My country needs help,” she said with concern in her voice. “At first I didn’t want to admit it, but you know what? We have our faults. We’re weak. It’s my job to help.”
volumeEIGHT.issueEIGHT
15
FEATURE
For English teacher Brandi Groce, happiness comes in the form of traveling, parenting, and teaching by
MEGAN ALBERT
EDITORIAL BOARd
“Having choices isn’t something that every single person on the planet is aware of,” American Studies and AP Literature teacher Brandi Groce said. Somewhat proverbial, this statement is one that Groce has used to help shape herself into an incredible mother, wife, daughter and teacher. Coming from a family of teachers, Groce initially disregarded the idea of becoming one herself. “I don’t know why,” Groce said. “A desire to be different or to not follow, I just didn’t ever think about it for myself.” It took Groce’s father, a man she greatly looks up to, to convince her that teaching was a suitable career choice. “My dad pulled me aside, and I hadn’t really thought about teaching or even discussed it with my parents,” Groce said. “And he told me, ‘Brandi, it’s OK to be a teacher.’ Kind of like he understood that I was feeling conflicted about too easily doing the same thing that my family had done. He said that to me and I remember this sort of lightening, and here I am.” Groce naturally fell into the subject of English, as it was her favorite subject during her time in school. An English teacher in high school subtly impacted Groce as well, with her handwritten study guides for the literature and poetry they read in class. Groce, normally not a packrat, saved these study guides. “For some reason I saved them which I
think is kind of serendipitous,” Groce said. “I have those packets still and I use them to help me prepare to teach the novels in the curriculum because a lot of them are the same as the ones I read in high school. I think it was kind of fated, that I became an English teacher, if you will.” The impact Groce’s parents have had on her doesn’t stop at their encouragement of her career choice. As many of her students know due to her frequent updates, Groce’s parents are currently sailing around the world on their sailboat. “This has been their sort of single-minded goal for retirement for as long as I can remember,” Groce said. “When I was a little girl the library in our house was full of books about sailing and boats and I don’t know how often people have a goal like that which they actually stick to. They’re not rich, they worked really hard to do what they’re doing and they’re doing it. “ Her family’s passion for travel definitely rubbed off on Groce. She spent two years living overseas in Sicily and one year living and teaching in New York City. Teaching at an inner-city school provided Groce with an extremely different perspective to life. “A lot of my students were homeless and had really difficult lives,” Groce said. “It made me realize how many needs we have in our own nation, especially for kids.” Groce endorses traveling as a meaningful and important experience. The passion that her parents passed on to her is one that her husband was not accustomed to; however,
Groce’s philosophies have influenced him. According to Groce, the best kind of gift you can receive is “the value of experiences that give you no sort of material gain in the end, only experience.” Although Groce shows no signs of her youthful timidity, throughout her childhood and into early adulthood, she was incredibly shy. “It was really difficult when I first met my husband,” Groce said. “He has the philosophy that nobody is a stranger and he just loves
people and I was still very introverted. So, it was interesting when we first met.” Groce’s most recent endeavor has been becoming a mother. Mia, her daughter, provided a new perspective that Groce has applied to her career. “I think about my hope and what I want for my daughter and it’s good for me to know that all of you were babies once,” Groce said. “I try to see (teaching) more from a parents eyes now, which has given me a lot more compassion for my students.”
Brandi Groce and her husband, Todd, pose for a quick family picture with their 1-year-old daughter, Mia.
Are you looking for adventure... friendship, new skills, leadership opportunities, lifelong Sports, and just plain fun? Come sailing with us on the 1938, 90” yawl, The Odyssey, every Thursday night on Commencement Bay. Check out this co-ed program at www.sssodyssey.org and be prepared to make some new friends!
16 volumeEIGHT.issueEIGHT
Photo courtesy of Brandi Groce
SPORTS
Medals galore at state track In addition to a state champion, the girls and boys track seasons were brought to a successful close at state
Sophomore Kayla Stueckle progressed through districts and onto state in the 300- and 100-meter hurdles, as well as the long jump. Stueckle is the second athlete in Emerald Ridge history to be a state champion, the by AMANDA WYMA first being junior Brianna Howe who was this REPORTER year’s state champion in gymnastics. “Making it onto state was so different GIRLS than Jr. High,” Stueckle said. “Competing With a record number of state qualifiers against the top seven runners in the state and a state champion, the girls track team was a lot of pressure.” finished out the season proudly. The team In state finals, Stueckle placed first in the held a seasonal record of 4-3, which made 300-meter hurdles with a personal record of this the fifth consecutive winning season 43.48 seconds, making her state champion. for the girls. In the long jump Stueckle placed fifth, with As districts began, the girls team started a length of 17 feet 10 inches, another perout strong in postseason. Six girls advanced sonal record. Stueckle also ran the 100-meter on to districts, and only three of these girls hurdles, and placed fourth with a time of didn’t qualify for state. Usually the girls send 15.32 seconds. Stueckle qualified at state in one or two athletes on to state but with six four events, which is also a school first. competing this year at districts, coaches “Once you get past leagues and districts were ecstatic. you can’t afford to run a bad race,” senior “Between boys and girls this is our largAlicia Brannan said. “Our relay team has been est team to go to state,” girls coach Gary strong, but making it to state with a strong Osborne said, “and everyone we thought time and not being on the fence was really would place at state did.” good for us.” The 1,600-meter relay team took seventh overall with their best time of the season, 3:59.51 minutes. The relay team has broken the school record three times this season, and finally broke four minutes, which was the ultimate goal. “It was a close race,” Brannan said. “We all passed the line within a tenth of a second of each other, but just breaking four minutes was the best feeling.” Stueckle, and seniors Brannan, Livia Mahaffie, and Whitney Henderson make up the relay team, and have all improved individually as well as on the team. “The 1,600-meter relay team is the most improved,” Osborne said. “They finally broke four minutes, and it was at Sophomore Kayla Stueckle takes off on her seasonal best long jump at state
Photos by Megan Albert
Sophomore Cory Okazaki placed sixth in the 110-meter hurdles after barely qualifying for the state meet
state, which is the place you want to break previous records.” At state, Mahaffie ran the 300-meter hurdles, and finished 10th overall with a personal record of 45.74 seconds. Though Henderson didn’t make it to state in her individual race, the 400-meter open, she qualified for districts and helped the 1600-meter relay team qualify for state. “As far as next season, we’ll lose a few seniors but the hopes are high for returning state competitors,” Osborne said. “The girls had a great postseason.”
BOYS
With a record of 5-2, the boys improved throughout the season, and into postseason, with state qualifiers in multiple areas. This is also the fifth winning season for the boys. “It was really neat to see an ER athlete in every running event at leagues,” Coach Rick Burnley said. “Making it even to just the preliminary round at state means they’re one of the top sixteen athletes in Washington.” The boys hurdlers did exceptionally well at state. Senior Alex Sears broke his seasonal record in the 300-meter hurdles with a time of 38.34 seconds in the preliminary races. In the finals, Sears placed fourth, with a time of 39.73. Sophomore hurdler Cory Okazaki improved immensely at the commencement of postseason, and eventually he advanced onto state where he placed in the top eight. Okazaki started off postseason with a personal record in the 110-hurdles of 15.14 in the prelimi-
nary round at state. At state, Okazaki placed sixth overall with a time of 15.04. This is a major improvement for Okazaki, because throughout the season he only placed first once in the Bethel meet. “State was really overwhelming,” Okazaki said. “I kind of came from behind so making it past districts was totally unexpected.” In relays, the 400-meter team, which has improved their times throughout the season, placed 13th with a time of 43.73 seconds. The team, (Seniors Sears and Caleb Triplett, sophomores Cory Okazaki and Erik Pollard) were only .04 seconds away from breaking their seasonal record, which they made at the West Central Districts meet. Seniors Brent Young and J.P. Strosewski, junior Kyle Vuksich, and Pollard make up the 1,600-meter relay team which also made it to state. The team placed high at state, ranking 14th overall with a time of 3:31.27. “I think the people who worked the hardest were the ones who qualified for state,” Pollard said. “The best part of state was just competing against the best and seeing how we ranked.” This is the first year the boys have sent a relay team to state. The 1,600-meter relay team has improved their time by 18 seconds throughout the season, with a personal team record of 3:25.92. They have also broken the school record multiple times throughout the season. The original school record for the 1,600-meter relay was 4:26.06, and they’ve beaten it by a full minute.
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17
18 JagWire recognizes five of the best athletes that Emerald Ridge has to offer. These athletes have excelled in their respective sports as well as representing the school with good sportsmanship and leadership. JORDAN
LOGAN
GABE
MIRK
BUSHNELL
ERIN
WEBER
OF 07-08
KAYLA
CRAVEN
5 THE FAB
STUECKLE
LOGAN BUSHNELL, senior Career highlights: Outstanding Athlete Award, Silver Athlete Award, playing for the all-state baseball team 3. All-around benefit to Emerald Ridge athletics Bushnell was awarded the school’s most prestigious athletic honor on the evening of May 29: the Outstanding Athlete Award. This award, among others, are due to the work, sweat, and tears that Bushnell dedicates to athletics – primarily baseball and football. “It’s a lot of time,” Bushnell said. “Some days I’ve had to go from football practice to a baseball game – or vice versa. Other times sports have conflicted, so I’ve had to pick between them.” 2. The go-to guy on the diamond Title-holder of “Most Homeruns in a Season” and “Highest Batting Average,” Bushnell is a respected and idolized player on the baseball field. He is viewed as a leader, and doesn’t take the responsibility lightly. “When you do the work that’s needed to be done in practice, other people will
work harder and play harder, and in the end perform better,” Bushnell said. 1. Led the football program to long-awaited success In 2006, much to the dismay of the student body, the football team finished the season with a record of 0-9. This season, the team turned the tables and won its first four consecutive games before finishing the season 5-5 overall. Bushnell was the quarterback both years. So what changed between the two seasons? Of the matter, Bushnell had this to say: “My junior year we were looking for senior leadership and didn’t really have it. This year, a couple of us vowed we’d be the leaders that the team needed. Being the quarterback, it’s important to be able to lead because you’re a big part of the offense, but I think making that decision to have a lot of leadership is what really made the difference.”
ERIN CRAVEN, senior Career highlights: Holds school record for digs with 1,025, Outstanding Athlete Award, USMC Distinguished Athlete Award
3. A one-sport athlete, but the best at it Though Craven dabbled in other athletic areas, she found that volleyball was her main interest in 9th grade when she first started playing club for the South Hill Slammers. “It was weird because I didn’t know what to expect, because I hadn’t done it before” she said. “But, it turned out to be a lot of fun, and that’s when it hit me that I loved volleyball more than any other sports I’d played in the past. Not to say I didn’t enjoy those sports, but I wanted to focus my attention on volleyball.”
2. Was a member of the varsity team when the Jags took down Bellarmine in 2005 for third place in state Craven was promoted to varsity halfway through her sophomore season. She quickly proved her worth to the squad, and became a go-to player on defense – she holds the school record for career digs with 1,025. When the Jags came back from a nine-point
deficit in the final game of the match against Bellarmine at the 2005 state tournament, Craven was amidst the celebration. “After the last point, we were all screaming and gathered to the middle of the court together,” she said, “but the ref blew the whistle, and apparently we hit the net, so we had to replay the point. They could have come back, but after the feeling we got from supposed win, we weren’t going to give that up, and we didn’t.”
1. Leader in the classroom as well as on the court While excelling on the court, Craven also holds a high standard in the classroom. She has challenged herself by taking numerous advanced classes over the course of her high school career, while maintaining a 3.99 GPA, respectively. “I’ve definitely had my fair share of stress, and it would be easier if everything I’m involved in didn’t overlap, but it doesn’t matter because I’m passionate about volleyball, and acting, and my success,” Craven said.
JORDAN MIRK, junior
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Career highlights: Placing 12th in the 800-meter open at the state track tournament, running a one minute, 57 second mile
3. Competitive athlete on the course and the track Though he barely missed a state berth in cross country this year, Mirk aspires to finish top 20 in state this coming season. “It sounds crazy because I didn’t qualify this year, but I’ve stepped up my training a lot,” Mirk said. “I’m hoping for it to be a turning point season for me, kind of like track was this year.” This passed track season served as a milestone for Mirk – as he placed 12th at the state tournament in the 800-meter open – however, next season, he plans to turn his focus to a different area. “I’m going to switch gears,” he said. “I went to state in the 800 this year, but next year I’m trying to qualify in the mile and two-mile.”
2. Overcomes his reputation as the “underdog” on a daily basis Mirk is not as tall as the average runner. In the past, he has been grilled about his size, but doesn’t let it affect his game. “There have been times when people have thought I was a
freshman, when I’m actually a junior,” he said, “but I do think my height and the way I’m built can come to an advantage.” As most avid runners do, Mirk has a slender physique. “You can actually count all of my ribs if I’m sitting there without a shirt,” he said. “And, that’s a good thing because you don’t want to be that big when you’re running. The only thing I do wish is that I had longer legs so I could take bigger strides.”
1. The forward progress never stops It’s 2:30 p.m. in late May. The state track competition ended last weekend, but Mirk is making his way up to the track in his running shoes. Passersby ask what he’s doing. “It’s time to get ready for cross country,” he says. As a member of both the cross country and track teams, as well as the winter running club, Mirk rarely takes a rest from his training, even between seasons. “Running in the offseason is for building our base mileage,” he said. “The earlier we start, the more miles we’ll have on our legs.”
KAYLA STUECKLE, sophomore Career highlights: Winning the state title for the 300-meter hurdles, placing in four events at the state track tournament
3. Athleticism runs in the family Stueckle is a starting member of the varsity soccer team, in addition to being a star on the track. Her father, Dan (who played soccer himself at the Master’s College in California), is and has been the coach for many years, but Stueckle claims her father’s presence on the field doesn’t advance or diminish her performance. “I’m really self-motivated,” she said. “Both of my parents expect a lot out of me, but I think that my self-motivation is really what pushes me to do well.”
2. A four-event state placer as a sophomore In a league track meet, a runner is only allotted four events – the same goes for the state meet. Stueckle qualified for state her four allotted events – which included the 100and 300-meter hurdles, the long jump, and anchoring the 1,600-meter relay. Her success suggests that she could very well have qualified in other events, had she been given the opportunity. However, qualifying in those events was not
the end of the road for Stueckle, as she placed in each of the four events. She placed 1st in the 300-meter hurdles, 4th in the 100-meter hurdles, 5th in the long jump, and 7th as the anchor of the 1,600-meter relay.
1. Emerald Ridge’s second ever state champion; first on the track Stueckle is a sophomore, meaning that she has not competed at a high school level before this year. She won a state title – an accomplishment most athletes only set their sights on their senior year. “It was cool winning sophomore year, especially running against juniors and seniors from across the state and being able to beat them,” Stueckle said. “I was actually picked to win the race, so there was a lot of pressure, and to actually accomplish that and win was great.” As the new reigning champion of the 300-meter hurdles, Stueckle looks to repeat as the state champion her junior and senior year.
GABE WEBER, senior Career highlights: Winning his first state match as a senior, placing 7th at 140 pounds in the state tournament
3. State wrestler, three years running Two consecutive seasons of failing to place at the state wrestling tournament were not enough to keep Weber from his goal: coming home with a medal. Because of missing the podium his sophomore and junior years, Weber made consistent efforts in the offseason to ensure success his final season. This year, Weber placed 7th at the 140 pounds at the 20th annual Mat Classic; frustration from previous years undoubtedly his driving force. “State is harder than a lot of people think it is, because you face people you have never seen or heard about before,” Weber said. “You just have to be patient, because it might not start out that well, but how you do in the end is all that matters.”
2. A leadership presence on the field and the mat Weber was deemed a captain of both the football and wrestling teams this year due to his performance in the years prior. He was a role model for younger athletes in
each sport, so often found himself working harder to shed a positive influence. “If people see you slacking off, they’re not going to do what they’re supposed to do,” Weber said. “So what you have to do is give 100 percent all of the time and make sure that everyone else is working hard and conditioning to get into better shape.”
1. No. 1 overall record holder in wrestling Weber currently holds more records in the Varsity Top 10 than any other past or present wrestler that has come through Emerald Ridge – including season records for number of wins, winning percentage, and takedowns. He has been one of the team’s assets for three years, which he credits to his long history and dedication to the sport. “I got into wrestling on my own back in 7th grade,” Weber said. “I wasn’t actually good until I got into high school, which is when I stopped playing baseball, because I wanted to keep my main focus on wrestling.”
SPORTS
Spring sports seasons come to close for athletes Boys and Girls Tennis
Three tennis players made it to districts this year from Emerald Ridge, senior Alexa Belvill, and a doubles team made up of senior Tony Rowley and sophomore Craig Medlock. Rowley and Medlock made it to round two of conciliation. This match determined if a team went to state. The boys needed the win to make it to state. The boys lost 2-6, 5-7. “We got our break serves, but couldn’t get our hold serves,” Rowley said. “And by the time we could have, it was too late to come back.” According to Rowley, the boys did better in the fall than they did at districts. Belvill successfully made it to the fourth round in sub districts. “My last match was hard, but a good one.” Belvill said. -Heather Gorman
Baseball
One unanswered run in the final inning of the May 10 game against Tahoma ended the season for Jag baseball. With the winner advancing to the state tournament, the Jags were not able to answer Tahoma in the bottom of the 7th – a losing effort that kept the team from the tournament for the second consecutive year. Tahoma drew first blood in the top of the 1st, scoring two. The Jags countered this in the bottom of the 2nd with Peterson and freshman pitcher and infielder Brian Burgher each picking up an RBI. And, despite a near-flawless pitching performance by freshman Cameron Steffey, the Jags came up short
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offensively in the bottom of the 7th. -Lauren Smith
Boys Soccer
The boys soccer team ended a successful season, coming out fourth in the division. Losing to Beamer in the District tournament, the Jags could not compete at state. In the SPSL playoffs on May 7, the Jags faced Kentlake at Tahoma High School, and won 1-0. During the game, ER and Kentlake were tied 0-0, causing them to go into double overtime, and then into a shootout. Senior goalkeeper Kevin Weeks blocked four of five shots from Kentlake. Weeks also scored a goal himself, along with junior Teddy Ciocca. “I have never witnessed a goalie block four shots in a row in one game,” coach David Rosdahl said. “It was unbelievable.” Winning this game enabled the Jags to continue on and play against Bellarmine in districts. The Jags struggled against Bellarmine, ultimately ending their season. After the last game, Rosdahl resigned his position as a coach for personal reasons. “I’ve enjoyed coaching; these last three years have been successful seasons. I loved it all,” Rosdahl said. “But coaching requires a lot of time and I want to be home more with my family.” -Lindsay Nolan
Girls Golf
Senior Whitney Hobbs, the only golfer from Emerald Ridge, attended the girl’s state golf tournament May 20 through the 21 which was held at Sudden Valley Golf and
Country Club in Bellingham. “The tournament brings the top 80 golfers in Washington to compete,” Hobbs said. “You have to be invited and qualify to go.” Hobbs prepared for state by going to lessons every Thursday night and practiced three to four hours a day, six days per week. “I wouldn’t leave the golf course until 9 p.m. most nights,” Hobbs said. To prepare for state, Hobbs focused on her skills and didn’t pay attention to any of the other players. “I just knew I needed to be relaxed and focus on my mental part of the game,” Hobbs said. The first day of the tournament, Hobbs tied for 17th place after the first round. “I was determined and refused to go home after the first night,” Hobbs said. The second day, Hobbs had only 24 putts throughout the 18 holes, which averages to less than one putt a hole. “Whenever I got within 100 yards of the hole my game grew strong,” Hobbs said. Hobbs placed 27th in state out of the 80 golfers participating. -Lauren Barron
Fastpitch
Emerald Ridge’s fastpitch team ended their season with a 19-7 record. Though the team had a strong start in postseason, they did not advance to state. The Jags beat Tahoma in the league tournament with a 6-5 lead with junior Alisha McKnight pitching. ER and Curtis went into overtime where the Jags had a 1-0 victory in the 9th inning. Junior Alexa Derrick pitched 17 strikeouts to the girls’ advantage. “I wasn’t expecting to pitch 17 strikeouts. It’s a personal record for me,” Derrick said. With Derrick pitching for a second time, the girls went to the semi-finals, defeating Kentlake 5-4. The team was doing well until the game against Rogers, when they lost 10-0. Coach Lynn Wardle was not surprised, but still disappointed. “I think we lost because the games against Curtis and Kentlake were so emotionally and physically draining,” Wardle said. “We just couldn’t get the enthusiasm.” At West Central Districts, the Jags played Bellarmine and walked away with a 7-1 win. McKnight was the winning pitcher.
Central Kitsap beat ER 1-0, but they won against Olympia 5-3. Again, the Jags lost to Rogers 2-0, both runs unearned. This loss stopped the girls from going to state. “They’ve improved a lot, but it just goes to show how far we could’ve gone,” McKnight said. -Alanna Nugent
Statistics Boys and Girls Tennis: • Three players made it to state: seniors Alexa Belvill and Tony Rowley and sophomore Craig Medlock • Belvill made it to the fourth round at sub districs • Rowley and Medlock made it to the second round of conciliation Baseball: • Advanced to the state tournament • Great performance by freshman pitcher Cameron Steffey Boys Soccer: • Fourth in the division • Defeated Kentlake 1-0 • Amazing blocking by goalie Kevin Weeks Girls Golf: • Senior Whitney Hobbs attended the girl’s state golfing tournament • Hobbs placed 27th out of 80 golfers participating Fastpitch: • 19-7 record • Derrick pitched 17 strikeouts during Curtis game
A&E
Plastic girlfriend, real heart MOVIE REVIEW
one star - poor | two stars - average | three stars - good | four stars - great
by
ALIESHA DRIVAS
EDITORIAL BOARD
Imagine, you are a 30-ish male who has never had a romantic relationship and you live in your brother’s fourcar garage. Bianca, a Brazilian-Danish paraplegic bombshell you’ve met over the internet, comes to live with you. She was raised by nuns and wears fishnets. The only problem: you are having a delusion, your dream girl is actually an anatomically correct doll you’ve customized and bought over the internet and your whole family fears you’re insane. For “Lars and the Real Girl,” this is the premise for heartwarming comedy, endearing characters, and ultimately, a lesson in love. Ryan Gosling (“The Notebook”) is outstanding as introverted and socially challenged Lars Lindstrom. His average Joe brother, Gus, (Paul Schneider) asks Lars to move in as a favor to his pregnant wife, Karin, (Emily Mortimer) who is concerned about his hermit-like state. Adamantly denying he has a problem, Lars continues his life as usual. He is able to hold down a job, despite his social limitations, at a generic office where he fails to notice his co-worker, Margo, (Kelli Garner) is interested in him romantically. Listening to another colleague, Lars orders a life-sized love doll, who he christens Bianca. Gentlemanly, Lars treats Bianca as his true life, flesh-andblood girlfriend. The introduction between Bianca and Lars’ family is appropriately awkward and uproariously uncomfortable. Karin and Gus try to be understanding as Lars has one-sided conversations with his new love interest. They then become
concerned by Bianca’s apparent “low blood pressure” and hitherto con Lars into psychiatric therapy with Dr. Dagmar (Patricia Clarkson). As it becomes apparent Bianca is in town for a reason, Dagmar orders the entire town to welcome her. The townspeople strive to find a balance between supporting Lars’ decisions and trying to find him a more suitable companion. The phrase, “It takes a village to raise a child,” should be rephrased to, “It takes a small, mid-western town to find a troubled man a soulmate.” Slowly he is drawn to social events and becomes more accustomed to close contact with his peers. Written by “Six Feet Under” writer Nancy Oliver, the surreal comedy takes off with simplistic and quirky humor. There are often completely silent moments where you are left viewing Bianca’s blank plastic stare, you can’t help but giggle. Although the script is well-written, the words would be unaffecting left on paper; the acting is what shone through the bleak atmosphere. Gosling was incredible as he emanated emotion through an often silent figure. He was conscious of lonely Lars – he was Lars, and it showed in the way he blinked, his posture and his gestures. The effect was a precious and heart-felt performancebravo to Monsieur Gosling! Bianca’s acting was also fabulous. There was nothing that could be attributed to phoniness and her
wardrobe always fit well on her plastic figure. For Craig Gillespie, the unfortunate director of “Mr. Woodcock,” this is a redeemable sophomore attempt. In fact he not only attempted, he succeeded. His more indie and sensitive approach to the topic of unconventional love worked. He succeeds in never condescending to his audience or his communication-defective hero, and the effect is sweet and hopeful. The chief purpose of “Lars and the Real Girl” is to spread tolerance of people who are different and seek the love needed to get through the lonely days. Go support Lars, buy a ticket!
CITY SUN SPECIALS
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Photo courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes
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Coffee $2.00 for any size
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A&E
“The Notebook” sequel flawed by
KAITLIN CLARK
REPORTER
To fans of “The Notebook,” here’s the sequel. Author Nicholas Sparks has done it again with his novel “The Wedding.” This book branches off from the classic tale of Noah and Allie and is about their daughter and son-in-law. Jane and Wilson have been married quite some time, and it seems that Jane no longer feels the connection she desires with Wilson. Their marriage has grown apart over time and the couple is not nearly as close as they used to be. In attempt to rekindle and repair their marriage, Wilson plans to take a week off from work in order to spend extra time with his wife. As the mending begins, Jane and Wilson’s daughter Kate announces she is getting married. The catch is, she is to be married that Saturday. This is happening so abrupt-
ly because Kate and her fiancé planned to elope that day, but Jane and Wilson insist on a more traditional wedding, so they must compromise. Now instead of healing his own marriage Wilson has to help put together a wedding for his daughter - in one week. For lovers of “The Notebook,” this is a must-read. Although the two books are completely different, Nicholas Sparks never fails with his amazing love stories. “The Wedding” is more of a mature story where as “The Notebook” is more carefree and optimistic. For a romance novel, Sparks writes with a style that is not too emotional and hopeless. He writes in a way that is practical, and more as fiction that has a realistic feel. A positive aspect of the book is that it is told from Wilson’s point of view. This makes the story different from other novels in this genre because generally they are not told from a male’s viewpoint. This quality makes
FAT getting
It is the greatest of my regrets to Gerry LeConte inform you, the editorial board reader, that I will no longer be doing Food - 4 Getting Fat. It has Service - 5 been my pleasure Environment - 3 to spend my money finding the best and Overall - 4 worst restaurants from our area and tell you what I think of them. If my efforts were used as intended, some of you have heeded my advice and either steered clear of a restaurant or dove in head first. In any case, I just hope some of you enjoyed my rants and my raves. Now down to business. This month, we traveled to downtown Puyallup and hit up a café that specialized in cupcakes. Yes, cupcakes. You may be thinking, “Gerry, what are you thinking?
22 volumeEIGHT.issueEIGHT
the story more adaptable to not only girls, but boys too. Although a great book, “The Wedding” lacks in the thrill department. It’s a little bland and there are many random parts throughout which tell stories of Wilson and Jane’s past. These parts are incoherent with the rest of the novel. There is a surprise at the end, but it doesn’t make up for the unnecessary length of the book. Sparks drags things out and at times it seems to move slow and turtle-like. Despite a few disappointments, this book is a wonderful example of love in a marriage and how it can change over time. This novel is surprisingly not too feminine, due to the fact that it is being told from Wilson’s point-ofview. Sparks gives readers ideas and ways to apply his stories to their own lives. “The Wedding” is a fine example of Nicholas Spark’s unfailing talent that continues to entertain romance novel lovers everywhere.
Indulge Cupcakes (253) 904-8234 207 N. Meridian, Puyallup, WA
You’re supposed to give my critics on legitimate restaurant? Don’t you think this is a little stupid?” The answer to that last question is yes, I do. But in my defense, that was the most delicious cupcake I’ve ever eaten. It was called “Orange Dreamsicle”, and the title fit the product. The over abundance of frosting coupled perfectly with the flavored cake creating the distinct dreamlike sense of euphoria. The lady that took our order adored us before getting to know us and acted like we were preferred customer, which always earns bonus points in my book. As for the environment, the girls with me repeatedly described it as “cute”. Need I say more? I enjoyed my quick visit and loved the cupcake. I’ll definitely take another trip down there to try other flavors. Women, this place is perfect for you and your friends. Men, the cupcakes are worth it.
Megan Albert
It s e e ms l i ke a t y p ical downtown reporter Puyallup shop from its Meridan storefront; but Food - 4.5 upon entering Indulge Cupcakes, you’ll Service - 5 realize it is Environment - 4 quickly anything but ordinary. Overall - 4.5 An irresistible smell creeping through the back door and into the parking lot lured me in, and the baristas treatment of our group
Kristen Steenbeeke reporter
Food - 4.5 Service - 5 Environment - 4 Overall - 4.5
created the most comfortable setting to “indulge” ourselves. With an interior decorated like a cupcake itself, the entirety of Indulge Cupcakes is charming. But, it was the cupcake itself that hooked me for good. Never before in my life have I seen such a beautiful cupcake, or tasted something quite as delicious. Upon the barista’s recommendation, I tried the Mint Chocolate cupcake, and boy was I glad I did. Yum! Much to Gerry’s dismay, there are only two words to describe Indulge Cupcakes: delicious and cute.
At Indulge Cupcakes in downtown Puyallup, the frosting is laid on thick, just like the sweetness of the café’s atmosphere. The sweetness wafts from the doors when you walk in. The sweetness adorns the walls. The sweetness oozes from the various delectable cupcakes and
typical espresso and tea drinks. The sweetness drips from the baristas. The sweetness plays from the speakers on the wall. I think you catch my drift. Indulge Cupcakes is pretty sweet, if I do say so myself. (And I’m not just saying that because I plan to apply there after deadline.)
‘08
The Soundoff Lauren
Relient K The Vinyl Countdown
Ashley – This music is so much better blaring with the windows down in the car, maybe that is because I have never really listened.
Morgan – Relient K is a silly band that people take too seriously, if the title pun is any different. I liked them, at one point…five or six years ago. Almost all of their songs sound the same, and that one song is okay as far as novice punk-pop goes. But these guys are, like, almost 10 years old by now.
Gerry
Gerry – This band is excruciatingly cliché and their songs were written with cookie cutters. I can’t watch MTV for 20 minutes without hearing five bands that sound just like Relient K.
................. Gerry
Lupe Fiasco The Coolest Lupe Fiasco is slowing pulling hip hop back on track with complex lyrics full of metaphor, simile and allusion. He is the future of hip hop. If you don’t know him, educate yourself.
Lauren
Four senior JagWire editors, four cds – see what happens when they come to the round table.
......................
The reasons this CD is flawless are two-fold. One, it was done by Relient K. Two, it’s a shout-out to the most fantastic ska band in the history of music: Five Iron Frenzy.
Morgan
Ashley – I have no idea what’s going on. My head is bobbing and I like the rhythm and the beat, but seriously what is this, do I like it, what is the meaning of Lauren– “Hip hop just life? It is of a different breed than most of the hip hop saved me?” More like out there and so yeah I do like it, I have to think hard to hip hop just killed me. I get it, but I like it. And obviously, as Mrs. Susee taught can’t understand a word us, life has no meaning - at least this music does. he is saying, how could Morgan – I can’t think of anything bad to say about Lupe, which is weird because normally I say bad stuff about everything and everyone for no reason. He’s probably the second coming of Tupac, but, y’know…better. He writes real lyrics and poetry. Hip hop saved Lupe, and Lupe’s returning the favor.
I possibly figure out what it means? Here’s a thought: Have Mrs. Susee annotate the lyrics for me, and then maybe I’ll give it a chance.
......................... I like Anathallo because they know how to construct a song. Nearly every one is fully orchestrated, with a slow crescendo in the middle leading up to an explosion at the end. But every song still sounds different. It’s not just their heavy Japanese-folk influence that sets them apart; it’s the fact that they’re good musicians.
Morgan
Anathallo Floating World
Gerry –The first thing that caught my attention was their exceptional instrumentals. Unfortunately, their lack of consistency soon ruined that interest. However, the instrumentals are truly notable.
Ashley – This music is something between an interpretive dance soundtrack, the observations of a man very close to nature, and a little hint of Japanese culture influenced Americans with bad accents
Lauren– In the duration of one song, the music changed from a Sunday school sing-along, to African tribal dancing, to Death Cab for Cutie, to a 5th grade choral concert, to the depressing music ABC plays at the end of every “Grey’s Anatomy” episode, to the theme from “Titanic.” So, pardon my internet lingo here, but, seriously Morgan, WT…..Fluff?
Ashley Ashley
Matt Costa Songs We Sing There is only one word to say: Sunshine. Lauren–This is roll-down-thewindows-and-enjoy-the-summer kind of music. Keep it up, Matt, you make me happy.
Gerry – In high school, girls would weep and melt at the sound of this man’s voice. They would like nothing more than to be the focus of the emotion he was trying to convey. Little did they know, Matt Costa has no soul.
Morgan – I’d call his style acoustic emo, but that would require more emotion in the songs than he puts out. Oh sure, they’re good enough, but simple songs like this require an emotive voice, or simple voices like his require more complex songs, but simple plus simple equals boring.
Events
Sports
Meeker Days June 20-22 Downtown P-Town
Tacoma Rainiers vs. Portland Beavers June 21 Cheney Stadium $6 General Admission
Seattle Pridefest June 29 Seattle Center ER Graduation Ceremony June 14 Puyallup Fairgrounds
ou y g n Givi
n on the South Sound w o d w the lo
Seattle Mariners vs. Florida Marlins June 16-18 Safeco Field Box starting at $60
Theater All’s Well That Ends Well Open now Center House Theatre $24 student
Movies Son of Rambow PG-13 Out now Get Smart PG-13 June 20 Wall-E G June 27 The Love Guru PG-13 June 20
The Rocky Horror Show Live June 19-21 Harlequin Productions $34-38
Broadway’s Fabulous Fifties June 6-29 Tacoma Little Theatre $20 Student
Concerts Theory of a Deadman June 17 Showbox SoDo $15 She Wants Revenge June 18 Showbox @ the Market $23 DOS Snoop Dogg, Warren G June 18 Showbox SoDo $40 DOS