JagWire | Volume 13 | Issue 6 | March 29, 2013

J ag W i re { { A LIMITED FORUM FOR STUDENT EXPRESSION

Emerald Ridge High School

12405 184TH ST E PUYALLUP, WA 98374 MARCH 29, 2013 VOLUME XIII ISSUE VI

{

VOLUME XIII ISSUE VI MARCH 29, 2013 { Virginia Van Keuren - JagWire }

Students meet early in the morning to leave for music tour. They have a long bus ride before they reach their destination and the ensuing performances.

New academic club AVID club created to encourage community service

A

VID and math teacher Mary Lampert is introducing a new club here. AVID club, a community service club, is now open to join. AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination, a class that encouraged students to get on the fast track to college. In AVID club you can earn community service hours from meetings and other events towards graduation or lettering. The club is also focused on documenting your hours.

“AVID club is to fundraise for those less fortunate. It’s also for academic support for those not doing well in their classes,” said junior Genesis Piña. “It focuses on helping students with academics and it also helps out in the community, so it’s

not just community service.”

The club meets during JAG Time on Tuesdays, in Lampert’s room E224. You do not have to be in AVID to join.

“AVID club is not only for those in AVID. Anyone can join as long as they continue to come to the meetings,” said junior Amanda Rogers.

Lampert encourages you to come and join. You can talk to Lampert if you have any more questions.

“AVID club is like a big family because everybody is welcome. Don’t be afraid to join,” said Piña. { Sarah Allen - A&E Editor }

Some of the musical numbers that band, jazz band, choir, and orchestra will perform on the music tour to Vancouver on March 27 to 30.

Canada, eh?

Jags on music tour in Vancouver, B.C.

A

s March comes to an end, some band, choir and orchestra Jaguars are leaving the country for the Music Tour: an event that’s happening in Vancouver, Canada. These students will be performing in a cathedral/ concert hall with many other bands, choirs, and orchestras from other schools. The music tour will allow students to perform with other high schools and possibly college programs. Senior Katie Weisen hopes to benefit from going on music tour. “[I want to gain] new experiences and a better understanding of music as seen from a college level,” said Weisen.

There are about 185 people total going on the music tour and each group, band, choir, and orchestra, have a set list of songs they will be performing.

“We’ve gone on music tour several times in the past, but this is the first one that we’ve done as a music department in about four years I think,” said band teacher Scott Fry. Music tour isn’t a competition but something

that is being done for fun and for each individual to feel a change, such as junior orchestra student Mackenna Lees.

“It’s to bond and unite with each other on a trip that makes us work hard to prepare for, and [to] make us proud in the long run,” said Lees.

The event is from March 27 to the 30 and the students going will be going by plane as opposed to bus when they are going somewhere closer in and out of Washington.

“We’re trying to provide unique opportunities for our students to learn more about music: more about themselves, more about each other, and about just this whole art of music making, and how we can make it even more about apart of our lives,” said choir teacher Kurt McKee. The music tour is not only for the students to get out and perform in another country, but also about getting more opportunities for the students and for them to achieve more experience outside of the school. { Haven Thomas - Reporter }

Movem

ent for R osa Early Lig ht

On Gree n Dolph ins

Bein’ Gr een Boogie

{ Illustration by Brynn Adams }

Stop Sh uffle

Seaside

Rendezvo

Ave Ma ria Short P eople

us

Combin

ed

Sinfonietta

VOLUME XIII ISSUE VI MARCH 29, 2013

{

Photo Credit: Patricia McMullan

{Left to right} March Gladness participants help out at the ‘A Novel Idea’ event, which helped move books for the store to a new location. March Gladness participants help out at the ‘A Novel Idea’ event, which helped move books for the store to a new location.

Bringing gladness to community in March Eighth annual March Gladness comes to successful finish in effort to give back to community and lend helping hands in important organizations and projects

E

merald Ridge was the leading school for the number of projects contributed to March Gladness, the Puyallup School District community service event in which K-12 schools have the opportunity to help in our community.

The ER representatives for March Gladness were junior Melanie Douglas, junior Jordan Barnes, and junior Megan Horton.

“I have loved being a part of this group and enjoy serving the community with other students from the district,” Horton said. “It is a great way to give back to the community and make a difference for others.”

The theme for this year’s 8th annual March Gladness was titled “32 schools making one big difference,” because 32 schools in the Puyallup School District participated.

“It’s a lot of fun. I like participating with other schools and doing community service,” Douglas said.

This year March Gladness started in January and continued until March to be extended for more time. ER participated in a total of nine events.

The first event was the toiletry drive for the Helping Hands House, an organization that strives to end homelessness. Another event ER helped out three different times this year was Freezing Nights, which helps and houses shelterless individuals at the First Christian Church of Puyallup. Students helped purchase, cook, and serve food for the homeless, while bringing a smile to everyone’s face with positive attitudes and kind care.

“Everyone was so grateful for what we’ve done, and it’s really awesome to hear people have gotten housing from our efforts,” Barnes said.

ER carried out the coin drive “Pennies for Patients” to help the Lymphoma Society.

The grand total made was $760.82, and the winning advisory AP U.S. History and government teacher, Brad Mirk’s, who collected $110.

Students also hosted a fun-filled dessert bingo at the retirement home Merrill Gardens, and helped moved books for the bookstore “A Novel Idea”. And, for the

organization United Way, students made and constructed children’s literacy books for children’s museums.

The final event was a fundraiser for the Northwest Trek foundation to support extinct animals in the Northwest.

Held at Puyallup High School, National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore gave a presentation and talked about his work.

March Gladness is certainly an event to be grateful for: from 2007 to 2012, there have been over 58,000 student participants, 95,137 charity items donated, and $231,218 raised for various causes.

“This was the first year that I’ve done March Gladness, and it was one of the greatest experiences I’ve had,” participant junior Jacob Emerson said. “Whether you’re doing it for the community service hours or just to help out, you’ll have fun, learn new things, and make valuable connections. It comes with my highest recommendations.” { Grace Amsden - Student Life Editor }

In Brief BUDGET CUTS

Although the cuts this year are not as bad as previous years, the Puyallup School District budget cuts will impact everything, such as class size, academics and activities, because of the small enrollment decline and increase to teacher contract.

The PSD has made more than 32 million dollars in budget cuts since 2008. This year, we do not have to repeat some of the same hardships as before. Some of the budget reductions in previous years included transportation, custodial, maintenance services, communications, technology, and instructional materials.

Earlier this year the proposed bond to expand our school was rejected, due to the failure to get the super majority - which is 60 percent approval. It received only a 44.49 percent vote. This is the fourth consecutive bond to fail since early 2007.

On Aug. 12 will be the next public hearing to discuss the recommended budget. There, they will explain the budget, allow for questions that people may have, and give people the chance to talk and add their opinions in. These are open to students and parents, as well as anyone else who would like information on the matter. The superintendent will have the final proposed budget on Aug. 26. { Ellie Luzzi - Reporter }

{

VOLUME XIII ISSUE VI MARCH 29, 2013

NBA team’s possible trade under negotiation

F SEATTLE SUPERSONICS MAY RETURN

rom their inception into the NBA in 1967, to their championship win in 1979, the green and gold jerseys of the Seattle Sonics were a familiar sight to many of Washington’s basketball fans. With their sale and moving to Oklahoma City in 2008, Washington was without a team.

“I was a fan growing up; I went to see them a lot as a child, with my dad.

It felt like a part of me left [when the Sonics were traded],” junior Anders Tvedt said.

Now a group of investors, armed with city-sweeping votes in their favor and a plan for a new multi-purpose arena in Seattle’s SoDo district, are

pushing for the return of the Sonics by the sale of the Sacramento Kings.

The interest group that now owns 65 percent of the Kings’ controlling interest is headed by Chris Hanson, who has now put together a ticket waitlist for possible future games. This does not guarantee a ticket for those who sign up, or guarantee that the final sale of the Kings to Seattle will occur.

“I thinks more talk than anything right now,” junior Jordan Stoner said.

“It’d be cool to have a team around here and to go to games, but it’s only a slight possibility.”

Competition is stiff between the Seattle group and the current owners

and fans of the Kings.

“We are in the midst of working through the approval and relocation process with the NBA, and we expect a determination to be made in the Board of Governors meeting in midApril,” Hanson said in his statement on Tuesday, Mar. 12.

Neither group has the complete support in favor of their team at this time. Many are regarding Hanson as a hero for Seattle, while Kings fans are urging the brokers for this deal to keep the team in Sacramento. More will be known after the board meeting. { Doug Mayovsky - Copy Editor }

No C teams Option to have another level team not available { Photos by Cheyenne Reeves }

Good 12 years Former head fast pitch coach Lynn Wardle says good luck and goodbye

F

or the past twelve years Lynn Wardle was the head coach for girls’ fast pitch, guiding them to state consecutively for the past four years. The girls have a track record of 182 wins, 107 losses, and five trips to state, finishing in the top 10 three times.

Because of the time, effort, and love Wardle has brought to the team, his absence is going to be a drastic change. But with loss, comes gain.

This season the girls gave a warm welcome to the new coach Derick Nellons. Nellons has experience with the Lady Hawks, a team which is ranked 12th nationally, 4th college placement.

Sophomore Hailey Templeman, also being apart of the team last year, had nothing but good things to say about our new coach.

“I think we’ll improve a lot more, because he has the skills and the mindset of wanting to win,” Templeman said.

But with the arrival of the new coach, questions are rising. Why did Wardle decide to leave in the first place? The answer is that it all became too much. In addition to being a gym teacher, Wardle had to take care of both varsity and junior varsity teams.

“The reasons I resigned as the coach were the extra hours that was required of me to do administrative-type duties, like the paperwork.

Also all the extra time spent to try to raise

money so we could get the supplies needed for fastpitch,” Wardle said.

But because of how close Wardle has become with the girls, he only has one request.

“During my absence I simply expect the team to keep winning and be successful and represent ER just like they have the last 12 years. Nothing changes with that,” Wardle said.

A similar expectation was taken from the Athletic director, Dell Dittus, who has worked with Wardle since the year of 2000.

“Maintain the level of excellence that has been established,” Dittus said.

As the season progresses relationships will form, and friendships will grow.

Wardle’s parting words reflect how fortunate he has been the last 12 years, being a coach of the fast pitch team. The experience was great and took up a huge part of his life. ”I’ve had the opportunity to coach some great players that I will always remember.

Also all the coaches that I’ve met as I traveled around the league and state. There truly are some great people in this world and I’ve been able to get out and meet them. Not many guys out there have been as fortunate as I’ve been.

I’m a lucky man,” Wardle said. { Cheyenne Reeves - Reporter }

A

“C” team is a sports team that gathers the students onto a team who were not able to make it into a JV or varsity team. Unfortunately Emerald Ridge does not have C teams made available for students who were not able to get onto any team, because they did not live up to the skills and attitude the coaches are looking for.

“I have tried to get on wrestling team for two years, and failed both times. I talk to the coaches and they said my attitude was not good enough and I’m not in great physical shape,” sophomore Nikki Junge said.

After a student is cut from their team they might even start to believe that they t may be a long time themselves are not as great as the coaches says before we ever see an who “deserve” to be on the team. team but it is “When I was cut, I was severely disappointed far from impossible and discouraged. I started believing that I wasn’t good. It hurts when you’re cut because you have really high hopes,” junior Joel Gomez-Wilson said.

Junior Chandler Bules was cut from the ERHS baseball team. He is a dedicated player and a big fan of baseball.

Here are his thoughts on C teams and why we should have one.

“When I heard the news that I was cut, I was very disappointed and very mad, and I wish that I could be as good as the other players. I wish that we had a C team because it would help me excel in my most beloved sport baseball,” Bules said.

It may be a long time before we ever see a ERHS C team, but it is far from impossible.

“We don’t have C teams because we don’t have 9th graders. It would be possible, but it would take a lot for the district to notice it and make eligible for schools that are 10-12 grade. But it would be nice because it would give students a chance to improve in different sports,” athletic director Dell Dittus said.

“I

ERHS C

,

.”

{ Alex Salas - Reporter }

{ Illustration by Claire Benson }

VOLUME XIII ISSUE VI MARCH 29, 2013

{

{ Sarah Barker - JagWire }

Twins on the track Cintron brothers strive to become lifelong runners

S

enior twins Christian and Manuel Cintron have been in track since seventh grade and hope to become life-long runners. This year they will both be returning to the track team.

“I enjoy the competition and the participation of those around you,” Manuel said.

The twins have been on track teams in Missouri and here in Washington.

Christian joined track because everyone starts at one spot and they all end strong.

Christian said that he has kept joining track because he wants to stay in shape for cross country.

“Track teaches you a lot about facing your fears,” Christian said. “It [also] teaches you to have confidence in yourself.”

One might wonder, do they ever get mixed up during a track meet?

“Getting mixed up does happen in track but it is the best way to train. We both eat the same meals and work out the same. It is like a ‘ghost lap,’” Christian said.

What do the twins do when they are not running?

“I play the violin,” Manuel said.

Christian had a variety of other activities. He says he tried archery and

got fairly good at it.

“Besides running I like eating and trying new foods,” he said.

He also likes to travel and finds himself running while on vacation.

So what is in store for these two athletes in the future? Christian wants to become a lifelong runner and stay active.

Manuel wants to continue with track in the future.

“Either running for a college, participating in fun runs, or organizing races,” Manuel said. { Chase Charaba - Reporter }

The sport of Panthers Lacrosse from senior Ryan Tissue’s perspective

T

{ Photos by Austin Roberts }

his sport is not like the others; mixed with the coordination of a flamingo and the speed of a peregrine falcon, lacrosse fills one with an intense passion as the players work hard, focused as a surgeon trying to perform heart surgery.

The heart here is the ball. Captain Ryan Tissue leads the men’s varsity team of the Puyallup Panthers. Sometimes the sport is described as a mixture of football and soccer. Although lacrosse you don’t throw or kick the ball, you catch and pass with a stick. The players are required to be both smart and physically apt during the game.

“Not only do you have to master your own body mentally and physically, you also have to master a stick,” Tissue said.

Ryan, now a 2nd year varsity member of the Puyallup district’s lacrosse team, has been playing for the past six years.

He started in the 5th grade when varsity team members and coaches came to his elementary and let the students there play with the lacrosse equipment.

“This is the sport that I want to play,” Tissue said to his mother later that day.

Mens’ lacrosse is a little different from womens’ lacrosse. Tissue said girl’s lacrosse is like “freeze tag” with the amount of rules that the girls follow, and the amount they must stop and start repeatedly. Guy’s lacrosse on the other hand is a fast-paced game increased by physical “tackling,” like in football, but there are smaller pads and the ball is the size of a racket ball.

The amount of funds needed to play at the high school varsity level is around 700 to 800 dollars for helmet, pads, and basically just the price to play for the

season. This, however, does not stop Tissue from pursuing his sport.

“Although I’m losing valuable time away from friends and family, I work my way around that and its a love and passion of mine,” Tissue said.

Ryan Tissue’s future goals for this sport is to become a D3 in an NCAA (National Collegiate of Athletic Association) university school. For those who don’t know, the D in D-3 stands for division. Now D-3 is the largest out of the Division’s and most played at university and collage level.

D-2 has the smallest number of teams but a larger opening for positions with in those teams D-1 is the more elite team’s.

“To be in the D-1 you must be like the Tom Braidy of Lacrosse,” Tissue said. { Austin Roberts - Reporter }

{

volume xiII issue Vi March 29, 2013

Staff Editor-in-Chief/Focus Editor............................Virginia Van Keuren News Editor...............................................................Brynn Adams Athletics Editor/Ed Board..........................................Claire Benson Opinion Editor...............................................................Levi Dodd Features Editor/Ed Board.................................................Asha Taft Arts & Entertainment Editor...........................................Sarah Allen The Beat Editor........................................................Krista Riccardi Copy Editor............................................................Doug Mayovsky Photography & Graphics Editor....................................Sarah Barker Student Life Editor....................................................Grace Amsden Reporters................................................................Chase Charaba ..................................................................................Allison Hust ..................................................................................Arielle Luzzi ............................................................................Kaitlyn Moriarty ..................................................................................Anna Palmer ..............................................................................Austin Roberts ...............................................................................Haven Thomas ...............................................................................Brett Connelly ..............................................................................Erica Reynolds .............................................................................Alexander Salas ..............................................................................Savannah Todd ...........................................................................Cheyenne Reeves Adviser.......................................................................Kevin Smyth

The Very Fine Print Editorial Mission As a limited forum, JagWire exercises student expression rights under the jurisdiction of the Puyallup School District. We pursue an unbiased truth while maintaining the highest journalistic integrity. Our top priority is to enhance society by observing, collecting and distributing high-quality news, information and entertainment so we can serve as an outlet for student expression.

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 substaintially disrupt the school process. Letter to the editor may be submitted by mailing them to JagWire c/o Emerald Ridge High School or emailing them to jagwire

Weeding out reasons Choosing to live above the influence

I

was talking to a fellow math student during 5th period Calculus last year when a frank discussion of pot came up. Sure, his dad, who was a pastor by the way, was against it, but he still smoked that little green plant.

Someone else joined the conversation.

She smoked it, too, because it calmed her down, being stressed over the overwhelming combination of graduating, AP calc, and Running Start.

She recalled how enraged she was when her dad destroyed her pipe. In my mind, these kids seemed to be the furthest from my connotation of pot smokers. These high achieving students who were taking advanced math were smoking weed? My goodness.

So, is pot that popular among everyone? Oh yeah, enough to have it’s own holiday. But to me, this sounds like a stupid idea.

April 20- a day when students skip school to go up to Seattle for a pot convention, where a UC San Diego college student got accidentally locked up in a jail cell for four days, and an overall “celebration” and excuse to have a mass smoke and say, “Oh, you didn’t know?

It’s Weed Day.” Well, having a whole day to celebrate weed is pointless. There’s no Crack Day, or Tobacco Thursday. People are just asking for an escape, a reason to skip school.

Well, to those skipping school- joke’s on you. It’s

on a Saturday.

April 20- or more specifically at 4:20 p.m.- has become sort of a national holiday for stonerAmericans. These cheering Americans have gotten younger over the last couple of years, as the cannabis use by 15-year-old Americans is 20.2 percent, the highest number compared to any other country in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, according to WHO World Mental Health Surveys conducted in 2007.

The second highest was France, which was 15.3 percent. This survey also showed that regular cannabis users are the most likely to use heroin and cocaine, and the earlier you first tried it, the more likely you are to use other illicit drugs. So, in other words, if you enjoyed that first smoke in the parking lot with your high school buddies, you’re more likely to get into heroin.

If you’re going to smoke on April 20 for a promotional reason, and you’re under 18, you’re encouraging the use of cannabis among adolescents, which can lead to more serious and addictive issues that don’t need more feeding.

It’s easier to stop before you begin, like procrastination. And honestly, just sleep in and have fun at a frozen yogurt store with your friends. It’s a better use of time.

“This survey also showed that regular cannabis users are the most likely to use heroin and cocaine, and the earlier you first tried it, the more likely you are to use other illicit drugs.”

{ Virginia Van Keuren - Editor-in-Chief/Focus Editor}

Editorial Cartoon

Advertising Mission 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 atheletes by photo or text will not be accepted (WIAA 18.20.0 and 18.20.1). The staff will not accept advertising that is racist, sexist or illegal for high school students. Advertisements do not necessarily reflect the views, endorsements, and/or positions of the staff of JagWire, student body, faculty, administration, or school board.

Corrections JagWire staff values accuracy in every aspect of our publication. We wish to correct the errors that we do make and extend an apology for any inconvenience to our readership.

If you believe that we have made an error, please contact us at: erhs.jagwire@gmail.com.

{JagWire{ a limiTED Forum For STuDENT ExPrESSioN

Front Cover Photo Illustration The cover photograph was taken by senior Sarah Barker.

{ Doug Mayovsky - JagWire } Emerald Ridge High School

12405 184Th ST E PuYalluP, Wa 98374 marCh 29, 2013 VolumE xiii iSSuE Vi

volume xiII issue Vi March 29, 2013

Juniors, Here are some steps you can take to prepare for your senior year and college readiness: • Take the SAT May 4th or June 1. Or take the ACT on June 8th.

• Schedule your community service hours if you haven’t already completed them.

• Visit www.college.gov. and click on “how to pay” for ideas on financing your college education. Other great college and financial aid resources are available at www.studentaid. ed.gov.

• Arrange to visit some college campuses this spring and summer • Keep your grades up • Make sure you have signed up for senior year classes that will help prepare you for college.

• Visit www.erhs.org – Counseling – Post High School Planning for resources to help you plan your next steps.

{

Jaguars that are making us

proud...

Amisha Parikh

Communities in schools Student of the Year

Patti McMullan

Communities in schools Citizen of the Year

Deputy Jeff Papen Pierce County Sheriff Deputy of the Year

Chris Tavern

Puyallup School District Teacher of the Year

~ Way t o go !~

Show your ASB card or mention your school to enjoy a $5 brow or lip wax with any service

Have any stylist recommend products and receive 15% off

Waxing Wednesdays

Look fantastic all season!

Call to make an appointment 253-845-8100

4423 S Meridian Suite, Puyallup

Complete your look with a polished style, including Updo’s, Flat Irons, Curls, Feather and Tinsel extensions and more.

Show your ASB card or bring in this coupon and receive a 10% discount on any service

www.3dsalons.com

{

VOLUME XIII ISSUE VI MARCH 29, 2013

Out of 255 surveys at Emerald Ridge

{ thinks cheating is never ok.

has cheated.

AN ESSAY?

{ Survey by Anna Palmer - Reporter }

Cheater ethics

Yes

“It is cheating because plagiarizing is trying to pass off someone’s else’s work as your own,” said Senior English teacher Molly Susee.

YOU GOOGLE AN ANSWER FOR A

Students share why they think people cheat and the reasons behind it

Depends

M

WORKSHEET?

“If it’s being used for research it’s just a tool, but if its being used on an assessment and the answer should be from your head then that’s cheating,” said Senior Social Studies teacher Madeline Barry.

YOU COPY A FRIEND’S HOMEWORK?

Yes

“It’s cheating because its not your work and the intent is for you to do it and learn from it,” said Avid and Math teacher MiMi Lampert.

No

YOU USE NOTES OR A CALCULATOR DURING A TEST IF THE TEACHER DIDN’T MENTION IT BEING OKAY?

“If you are doing it out in the open and your teacher sees you and doesn’t say anything or try to stop you the it must be okay, But if not they will tell you otherwise,” said Lampert.

TO USE SPARKNOTES TO

Depends

HELP WITH READING A BOOK?

“If it’s being used as a tool to help understand the book after you have read the material then no it’s not cheating. But if it is used as a supplement for reading the book then yes, because then the student is taking someone else’s knowledge of the book and using it as their own,” said Susee. { Krista Riccardi - Beat Editor }

has let someone cheat off him or her. { Out of 255 surveys }

Is it cheating if...

YOU PLAGIARIZE ON

has never been caught cheating.

thinks cheating is prevalent in today’s society.

{ Virginia Van Keuren - JagWire }

Not sneaky but easy ways of cheating

W

hether you think you’re sneaking around sent it to me, I wrote down the answers on a paper, I or aren’t afraid to admit it, it’s still then missed the day of the test intending to retake it. I cheating. Probably just human nature. brought the answer sheet paper I made using the pic, Whatever way you’re cheating, there are multiple ways I put the paper under the test and would peek at my of it. There’s the simple looking over your classmates little cheat sheet, the supervisor [during] my retake shoulder to see was just of doing his own their answers, thing,” said an anonymous et a yellow pencil and write senior. but let’s take a look at what other with a fine tip sharpie the answers Today, with electronics “creative” ways brought into our society, many your peers have all around it and just twirl it new methods are available to come up with. the cheater. A cell phone offers around while taking the test “Get a yellow countless ways of cheating. pencil and write with a fine tip Sharpie the answers Take a picture of an answer sheet if and when you find all around it and just twirl it around while taking the it, text your friend for answers. You could have even test, write it on the inside of the paper on your water saved yourself a note in your phone and be secretly bottle, write it on your nails, on your arm if you’re looking at it. wearing a long sleeve shirt. It’s always best on your Most teachers and students are aware of cheating, left arm,“ said an anonymous senior. but maybe some just slack off and have that “I don’t Those are the clever ways available to cheat, but care,” mood, and sometimes even have those thoughts classmates agree that others, such as your peers and of “Well, I have to get this assignment done somehow even teachers, don’t make it that hard to cheat. even if I cheat.”

“The teacher left the answer sheet on her desk and Also during tests you know that moment when left the classroom. My friend took a picture of it and someone accidentally creates a distraction and the

“G

.”

whole class gets rowdy. It’s not that hard during those few moments to quickly ask your classmate or friend in that class what an answer is. It’s easy to just ask someone the answer without waiting for a distraction for the teacher.

“When it’s dead silent, people just shout it out what the answer is to the problem,” an anonymous senior said.

There’s also the term paper purchasing when a student offers to pay another student for doing an assignment for them. A lot of paper purchasing goes on at Emerald Ridge, even for the senior portfolio.

Most students don’t see it as risky, they just think “Well hey, I need the money and I’m not going to get caught so why not do it for them?”

Cheating has become easier with technology. It’s nobody’s own responsibility to blame of how it’s become easier and easier. The teacher, the cheater themselves and the student who helps that student cheat, are all responsible. { Erica Reynolds - Reporter }

Teens 17 or under are five times more likely than those over 50 to hold the cynical belief that lying and cheating are necessary to succeed.

- Josephson Institute of Ethics Releases, 2009 { Photos by Sarah Barker and Virginia Van Keuren }

any of us have faced that moment of temptation when the squeak of pencils is the only sound you can hear and your neighbor’s test is fully exposed. To cheat; or not to cheat. Have you wondered about the reasoning behind cheating?

Why does someone cheat when they don’t need to?

Cheaters, like any other kind of person, have a certain stereotype in people’s mind. Perhaps it’s that they’re lazy or don’t make an effort in class. Most people don’t suspect the smart, responsible, straightA students to be the ones to cheat. We have developed a picture of exactly what kind of person would cheat.

“It’s the people who just don’t study and concentrate during class [who cheat],” said junior Chance Gailey.

However, the truth is anyone could cheat. On June 13, Nayeem Nahsahn, walked into his Stuyvesant High School the morning of his physics regents exam. He proceeded to take pictures of all 15 pages of the test booklet with the answers and send it out to over 140 students. The very next day, he did the same with his History exam. Among his senders were honor roll students and highly respected debate team members.

Nayeem himself was an excellent student who didn’t need to cheat to pass.

Although this is a more extreme example of cheating, it breaks down the usual stereotype of cheaters and exemplifies the burden many people feel to pass a test and get the perfect grade.

“I think people cheat because they just feel too much pressure to get good grades,” said junior Emily Nesemeier.

Schools obviously view cheating as a big deal but what about the kids who don’t put any effort in? They may not view school as an important part of life. If cheating is an option, they’ll take it. “[Cheating] is not really looked at as a big deal.

Some people really just don’t care. I don’t really think it’s the worst thing, “ said junior Alexis Drugge.

Whether someone cheating being the worst thing

or not, the consequences after high school are severe.

At a college such as University of Washington, even if you are suspected of cheating, you must go through an academic hearing until it is resolved. Depending on the severity of the cheating, it can also result in expulsion.

“I remember at PLU we would automatically get a zero on the assignments [if we cheated]. It would really hurt out overall grade,” said PLU alumni, Christopher Tavern.

Cheating has been proven to hurt someone whether they are caught or not. We can never determine exactly why everybody cheats, but looking at what the results of what cheating can do to someone may begin to reveal why people cheat in the first place. “[Cheating] may help the person to get the grade,” said sophomore Kendra Morris. “ But it hurts you in the long run with finals and college.” { Anna Palmer - Reporter }

“Whether

someone

cheating

being the worst thing or not, the consequences after high school are severe.

At a college such as University of Washington, even if you are suspected of cheating, you must go through an academic hearing until it is resolved.

Depending

on the severity of

the cheating, it can also result in expulsion.”

{

VOLUME XIII ISSUE VI MARCH 29, 2013

Out of 255 surveys at Emerald Ridge

{ thinks cheating is never ok.

has cheated.

AN ESSAY?

{ Survey by Anna Palmer - Reporter }

Cheater ethics

Yes

“It is cheating because plagiarizing is trying to pass off someone’s else’s work as your own,” said Senior English teacher Molly Susee.

YOU GOOGLE AN ANSWER FOR A

Students share why they think people cheat and the reasons behind it

Depends

M

WORKSHEET?

“If it’s being used for research it’s just a tool, but if its being used on an assessment and the answer should be from your head then that’s cheating,” said Senior Social Studies teacher Madeline Barry.

YOU COPY A FRIEND’S HOMEWORK?

Yes

“It’s cheating because its not your work and the intent is for you to do it and learn from it,” said Avid and Math teacher MiMi Lampert.

No

YOU USE NOTES OR A CALCULATOR DURING A TEST IF THE TEACHER DIDN’T MENTION IT BEING OKAY?

“If you are doing it out in the open and your teacher sees you and doesn’t say anything or try to stop you the it must be okay, But if not they will tell you otherwise,” said Lampert.

TO USE SPARKNOTES TO

Depends

HELP WITH READING A BOOK?

“If it’s being used as a tool to help understand the book after you have read the material then no it’s not cheating. But if it is used as a supplement for reading the book then yes, because then the student is taking someone else’s knowledge of the book and using it as their own,” said Susee. { Krista Riccardi - Beat Editor }

has let someone cheat off him or her. { Out of 255 surveys }

Is it cheating if...

YOU PLAGIARIZE ON

has never been caught cheating.

thinks cheating is prevalent in today’s society.

{ Virginia Van Keuren - JagWire }

Not sneaky but easy ways of cheating

W

hether you think you’re sneaking around sent it to me, I wrote down the answers on a paper, I or aren’t afraid to admit it, it’s still then missed the day of the test intending to retake it. I cheating. Probably just human nature. brought the answer sheet paper I made using the pic, Whatever way you’re cheating, there are multiple ways I put the paper under the test and would peek at my of it. There’s the simple looking over your classmates little cheat sheet, the supervisor [during] my retake shoulder to see was just of doing his own their answers, thing,” said an anonymous et a yellow pencil and write senior. but let’s take a look at what other with a fine tip sharpie the answers Today, with electronics “creative” ways brought into our society, many your peers have all around it and just twirl it new methods are available to come up with. the cheater. A cell phone offers around while taking the test “Get a yellow countless ways of cheating. pencil and write with a fine tip Sharpie the answers Take a picture of an answer sheet if and when you find all around it and just twirl it around while taking the it, text your friend for answers. You could have even test, write it on the inside of the paper on your water saved yourself a note in your phone and be secretly bottle, write it on your nails, on your arm if you’re looking at it. wearing a long sleeve shirt. It’s always best on your Most teachers and students are aware of cheating, left arm,“ said an anonymous senior. but maybe some just slack off and have that “I don’t Those are the clever ways available to cheat, but care,” mood, and sometimes even have those thoughts classmates agree that others, such as your peers and of “Well, I have to get this assignment done somehow even teachers, don’t make it that hard to cheat. even if I cheat.”

“The teacher left the answer sheet on her desk and Also during tests you know that moment when left the classroom. My friend took a picture of it and someone accidentally creates a distraction and the

“G

.”

whole class gets rowdy. It’s not that hard during those few moments to quickly ask your classmate or friend in that class what an answer is. It’s easy to just ask someone the answer without waiting for a distraction for the teacher.

“When it’s dead silent, people just shout it out what the answer is to the problem,” an anonymous senior said.

There’s also the term paper purchasing when a student offers to pay another student for doing an assignment for them. A lot of paper purchasing goes on at Emerald Ridge, even for the senior portfolio.

Most students don’t see it as risky, they just think “Well hey, I need the money and I’m not going to get caught so why not do it for them?”

Cheating has become easier with technology. It’s nobody’s own responsibility to blame of how it’s become easier and easier. The teacher, the cheater themselves and the student who helps that student cheat, are all responsible. { Erica Reynolds - Reporter }

Teens 17 or under are five times more likely than those over 50 to hold the cynical belief that lying and cheating are necessary to succeed.

- Josephson Institute of Ethics Releases, 2009 { Photos by Sarah Barker and Virginia Van Keuren }

any of us have faced that moment of temptation when the squeak of pencils is the only sound you can hear and your neighbor’s test is fully exposed. To cheat; or not to cheat. Have you wondered about the reasoning behind cheating?

Why does someone cheat when they don’t need to?

Cheaters, like any other kind of person, have a certain stereotype in people’s mind. Perhaps it’s that they’re lazy or don’t make an effort in class. Most people don’t suspect the smart, responsible, straightA students to be the ones to cheat. We have developed a picture of exactly what kind of person would cheat.

“It’s the people who just don’t study and concentrate during class [who cheat],” said junior Chance Gailey.

However, the truth is anyone could cheat. On June 13, Nayeem Nahsahn, walked into his Stuyvesant High School the morning of his physics regents exam. He proceeded to take pictures of all 15 pages of the test booklet with the answers and send it out to over 140 students. The very next day, he did the same with his History exam. Among his senders were honor roll students and highly respected debate team members.

Nayeem himself was an excellent student who didn’t need to cheat to pass.

Although this is a more extreme example of cheating, it breaks down the usual stereotype of cheaters and exemplifies the burden many people feel to pass a test and get the perfect grade.

“I think people cheat because they just feel too much pressure to get good grades,” said junior Emily Nesemeier.

Schools obviously view cheating as a big deal but what about the kids who don’t put any effort in? They may not view school as an important part of life. If cheating is an option, they’ll take it. “[Cheating] is not really looked at as a big deal.

Some people really just don’t care. I don’t really think it’s the worst thing, “ said junior Alexis Drugge.

Whether someone cheating being the worst thing

or not, the consequences after high school are severe.

At a college such as University of Washington, even if you are suspected of cheating, you must go through an academic hearing until it is resolved. Depending on the severity of the cheating, it can also result in expulsion.

“I remember at PLU we would automatically get a zero on the assignments [if we cheated]. It would really hurt out overall grade,” said PLU alumni, Christopher Tavern.

Cheating has been proven to hurt someone whether they are caught or not. We can never determine exactly why everybody cheats, but looking at what the results of what cheating can do to someone may begin to reveal why people cheat in the first place. “[Cheating] may help the person to get the grade,” said sophomore Kendra Morris. “ But it hurts you in the long run with finals and college.” { Anna Palmer - Reporter }

“Whether

someone

cheating

being the worst thing or not, the consequences after high school are severe.

At a college such as University of Washington, even if you are suspected of cheating, you must go through an academic hearing until it is resolved.

Depending

on the severity of

the cheating, it can also result in expulsion.”

{

VOLUME XIII ISSUE VI MARCH 29, 2013

M

Students denied rights Native Americans told no by government for benefits { Photos by Brett Connelly and Kaitlyn Moriarty }

any people believe Christopher Columbus was the first person to discover America, but they would be mistaken. The first to step foot in America were travellers. These people are known today as Native Americans.

In the current day and age, the population of Native Americans and their land has shrunk and are being overrun by shopping malls, building complexes, and apartments. To some degree many of us are related to these indigenous people. There are lots of students at Emerald Ridge who are of Native American descent.

“The Natives are like a nation inside of a nation. The tribal system has its [own] government. Whether your tribe is recognized federally is based off population size,” senior Charles Crook said.

Crook used to be part of the shasta tribe which recently got denied recognition.

“I get free medical to some degree. I used to be able to go to Native camps and stuff like that,” Crook said.

“I probably won’t be able to get scholarships anymore because my tribe is not recognized.”

Senior Beau Murphy also got denied his benefits.

“After my grandma died, since we weren’t registered in our tribe, we were registered through her. After she passed, her tribal identification wasn’t passed down to her grandchildren, and we didn’t get benefits,” Murphy said.

It has taken an entire year for the case to be seen by Native court.

“It had to deal with her will, her birth certificate, my dad’s birth certificate and our birth certificates, plus proof of her death. We won’t have benefits until the end of this year,” Murphy said.

Junior Tyus McGee is a little under half Native American.

He thinks that there are some pretty neat benefits to being

a Native American.

“Nicknames I guess, [and] applying for scholarships.

Primarily a big part is having a community that backs you, but mostly nicknames,” McGee said.

There are also a few disadvantages to being a Native American, according to McGee. “Certain people are still racist. It’s not bad, people around here are welcoming,” McGee said.

The Native American culture means a lot more to McGee than just nicknames and college scholarships though.

“It’s not about going around showboating you are Native. It’s about keeping your culture alive. Doing the same dances our ancestors did thousands of years ago.

Just keeping your culture alive,” McGee said.

Senior Delilah Blacktongue is half Native American.

She receives many benefits from the state because of her Native roots.

“I get free medical, free dental, [and] I get a check every once in a while for school supplies. And, [I receive] a discount on gas,” Blacktongue said.

Blacktongue has experienced being looked down upon sometimes by others because of their misinformation about Native Americans.

“Sometimes people are very brutal because you are Native and they think everything is handed to you,” Blacktongue said.

If there really is safety in numbers, then the most safe you could be is with your tribe.

“It’s very prideful. Natives are proud of their culture.

They are very community based, so like if you need any help, your tribe will help you,” Blacktongue said. { Brett Connelly - Reporter }

Top left to right: senior Delilah Blacktongue, junior Tyus McGee. Bottom left to right: senior Charles Crook, senior Beau Murphy.

Options for healthy dieting Teachers share their personal stories about living the vegan/vegetarian lifestyle Rebecca Waller Seamus O’Reilly Rachel Parks

R

ebecca Waller found it hard to be a vegetarian at first because she wasn’t educated about it. Along with this dilemma, her parents didn’t support her vegetarian diet.

“It was hard to do when my parents ate meat all the time, so I wasn’t very healthy, I would eat chips, fruit, and nachos without meat.” Waller said.

After four years of trying to be a vegetarian in high school, Waller decided to try it again a year and a half ago.

“Two years ago, I started to become more healthconscious and started to eat more vegetarian meals.

When I read the book, “Eating Animals” by Jonathan Safran Foer, I got about 30 pages in when I decided that I wouldn’t eat meat anymore,” Waller said. { Photos compiled by Savannah Todd and Sarah Barker }

S

eamus O’Reilly doesn’t eat meat or any animal byproducts. Although he has the diet of a vegan, he does not like to be labeled as a vegan due to the term sometimes being associated with political activism. O’Reilly decided to have a vegan diet because he felt like a hypocrite for saying he loved animals and also eating them.

“Whenever they serve us food [at work], it always has dairy. I realized on our first staff meeting that I need to bring my own lunch,” O’Reilly said.

Having this diet helps him sleep at night.

“I’ve been a vegetarian for 13 years and a vegan for 3 years,” O’Reilly said.

His choice to have a vegan diet has helped his emotional health, but he has to seek out protein to remain healthy.

R

achel Parks has been a vegetarian since July, but she likes to consider herself more of a peskitarian; someone who eats no meat except for fish. Her favorite meal is vegetable stir fry and vegetable casseroles.

But it wasn’t a hard change for her.

“For five years I only ate meat about once a week so it was a gradual change, “ Parks said.

Parks decided to be a vegetarian because of the environmental impact eating meat has.

Being a vegetarian can be hard to commit to when others eat meat around you. When going to a friends house, she usually won’t say anything, she’ll just eat the side dishes.

“My family will usually cook an alternative meal for me,” Parks said. { Stories by Savannah Todd - Reporter }

volume xiII issue Vi MARCH 29, 2013

{

Raise your voice First known acapella group run solely by students makes its way into ERHS

F

rom barbershop quartets to the started talking about creating a group, he new movie Pitch Perfect, most brought the idea to his friend senior Maryof us have become familiar with Kate Collins.

“I basically said ‘What are we waiting acapella groups and its rising popularity. for?’” Gomez said.

We now have our own The group is acapella group starting capella is not as easy not like other up at Emerald Ridge. vocal groups here Acapella is just singing as it is made to look at Emerald Ridge without instrumental enior ustin omez or in the Puyallup accompaniment.

This area, and is far student-led group is just underway with only a few rehearsals under from a choir class. They solely use their voices to create music without the help of their belts.

According to Deke Sharon and Ken instruments or a conductor. “[My favorite part of being in the group] Purchase, writing for the Contemporary Acapella Society (CASA), there are many would be the small sense of unity and different forms of acapella groups from everyone working for a common goal on small ensembles to a full chorus. They are their own determination,” Gomez said.

They sing because they want to and not stylistically more diverse than instrumental combos, yet are also better able to combine because they have to, but this is not without styles to create a unique sound. complications. “[Acapella] is not as easy as it is made Not only is the group student-led, but it was formed by students. There are currently to look,” Gomez said. We are the only 13 members in the group, with 8 girls and student-led acapella group in Puyallup that 5 boys. When senior Austin Gomez first I know of.

“A -S

A

G

.”

Being student-led allows the members the opportunity to create their own music and make their own decisions without having an advisor or a single person running the show.

“Every single person lends a hand during the meetings,” Collins said.

The group is so young, and because of this the future of the group isn’t set in stone. They have, however, decided not to enter into acappella competitions. Though their goals aren’t to join competitions, they do have plans for their future.

“I am hoping for JAG Time concerts that people could come and watch,” Gomez said.

The first two rehearsals were chaotic, with members running around and without any real direction.

As rehearsals go on and they become more familiar with each other and the music, the group hopes to improve vocally and as a team. { Claire Benson - Sports Editor­}

{ Photo by Sarah Barker }

Student-led acapella group formed in a matter of a few weeks. With 13 members, mixed with both males and females, there has been lots of talk about JAG time concerts. Mary-Kate Collins (first row in the center) is one of the founders. { Illustrations by Asha Taft }

{

volume xiII issue VI march 29, 2013

{ Sarah Barker - JagWire }

Comic Con visits Emerald City Students boldly go to Seattle Convention Center to experience comic life

T

his year’s Emerald City Comic Con on Mar. 1-3 was bigger than ever with all of the cosplayers, comic book nerds, and video game fanatics shuffling around from booth to booth, looking for the newest comics and rare collector’s edition figurines.

There was an air of overwhelming joy as hundreds of people entered the doors of the Seattle Convention Center to meet their idols face to face. Wandering around, there were many booths specifically meant only for comic books, which held the men and women behind the capes and superpowers, as well as having an arcade party on the third floor and the celebrity guests on the sixth floor.

Most of the action, however, was focused heavily on the comic book artists, writers, and creators that can bring the comic world to life: One such artist being Charlie Adlard, who is the artist of the immensely popular comic book and hit T.V. show, The Walking Dead, and known for doing the artwork for

Judge Dredd and Batman: Gotham Knights. Other artists also included the creative minds behind the Adventure Time series, Kassandra Heller and Noelle Stevenson.

Another popular hit was webcomic creator Andrew Hussie, who writes and draws the Homestuck web comics. Some of his long-time fans, sophomores Rachele Berndt and Catharine O’Brien, was able to meet Hussie and get a photo and autograph from him. O’Brien says that it was amazing to meet him, and gave a good insight as to what her overall experience was at Comic Con. “It was a montage of a bunch of different culture and media,” said O’Brien.

Rachele and Catharine weren’t the only nerds that had the time of their lives. Junior Will Keller had gone to Comic Con only on Sunday and was able to see some of the artists for comic series Cyanide and Happiness, and Felicia Day who played Vi on the T.V. series Buffy the Vampire Slayer as well produce, write, and star in her web series, The Guild, which is a show that’s loosely based on her life as a gamer.

“I had a lot of fun, it was great,” said Keller.

With all of the celebrity guests, one of the more popular guests that were there was Michael Rooker, who is more known for his role as Merle Dixon in the show The Walking Dead.

Emerald Ridge’s own senior, Sierra Lanouette, was able to attend one of the panels that featured Rooker.

“He acts pretty much like his character in The Walking

Dead,” Lanouette said.

However, compared to other conventions that Lanouette has been to, this one seemed to be the most lax since the convention closes at ten at night.

“It was surprising that I actually got sleep,” said Lanouette.

Another one of the attendees was senior Claire Doran who also met more actors from her favorite shows. The first being Paul McGillion, one of the actors from the sci-fi TV show Stargate: Atlantis. The other actor that Doran met was Michael Shanks, who is from Stargate: SG-1. Doran was fortunate enough to express her fanatics to both actors, and was able to obtain autographs from two of her idols.

“They were wonderful, and Paul [McGillion] called me ‘sweet’,” Doran said.

As an overall experience that ran through every nerd’s veins and spirits, it was an experience that will forever be remembered by both the first-timers and Comic Con experts alike. From the moment people entered the doors to the fleeting glimpses over shoulders as the convention closed, no one will forget that for three days, their infinite knowledge of everything nerdy and strange will be accepted by others who have also felt they would always be alone. { Sarah Barker - Photo Editor }

Purple prom for LGBTQ students

T

he Purple Prom this year is being held Apr.13 at 7:30 p.m. at Puyallup High School: it is a school appropriate costume ball, and tickets are five dollars.

The dance is put on by the LesbianGay-Bisexual-Transgender-Questioning (LGBTQ) community.

Purple prom is for people that are gay, lesbian, transgender or bisexual. Those that are straight may also attend this dance, but only if they are members of a high school GSA club in Puyallup. This dance is mostly formal wear and is put on for couples like this to have a dance they can go to where they can be themselves; this dance has a no tolerance policy on bullying. They create a

safe environment for high school students in the Puyallup School District.

“Purple prom is a great idea, it’s to be able to have the chance to go to something like that and not have to hide who you really are,” senior Arista Noell said. “Hopefully the more people that know about it will accept it, and yes it is something I would love to go to if I had the chance.”

This dance was started five years ago by students at Emerald Ridge and Puyallup High School. This is a district dance, so student’s have to bring their student IDs, while students from outside the Puyallup School District that want to go have to be cleared through the PHS office.

This year, instead of black tie formal, the dance is costume themed. Students and members of LGBTQ and GSA are working harder than ever to put together and coordinate this dance. All the schools participate, but Puyallup has the main role in coordinating. ER usually provides all of the food, while PHS does all the decorating, planning and setting up.

Puyallup high school’s Advisor Gayle Franks and members of GSA are headlining most of this entire process. Math teacher Paul Hill is one of the advisors of the Emerald Ridge GSA. “I enjoy purple prom because it allows both gay and straight students a place to go

where they won’t be judged,” said Hill.

Franks voiced that students should be given an opportunity to feel comfortable in a school supported setting.

“I feel that the prom gives students from other schools an opportunity to meet others who are like themselves in a safe and welcoming environment,” said Franks. “Not every school is a welcoming school for all, and many students do not feel comfortable bringing a same sex date to a sponsored dance. This dance allows students of all sexualities the opportunity to do that.” { Allison Hust - Reporter }

volume xiII issue VI march 29, 2013

{

One-Acts take stage Senior directed plays perform on April 11, 12, and 13

T

he Secret Origin of Mojo Man is a comedic play with five cast members. The main character, Mojo Man, is with his best friend who struggles with asking a girl to a dance. The two supporting characters are doing scenes of flashbacks about the best friend’s experiences with girls. The final character is Bree, a girl who the best friend has had a crush on for quite awhile.

“It’s about these two guys; one guy wants to ask a girl

D

ouble Date is a play that is relatable for all audiences, filled with drama and real-life scenarios.

The protagonist, Nick, finds it difficult to move on with his life when he’s faced with reality.

“Nick’s stuck in his life with a girl [named Irene], who is very disapproving of his current career path. [The scene takes place] in a restaurant that he’s always gone with his ex, Penny,” director senior Jacob McCallister said. “Nick is a writer, [but] writing doesn’t pay the bills. Irene hasn’t held a job. [The] waitress started working her first day when Penny and Nick broke up.”

McCallister chose this play to show raw emotion.

W

ait Wait...I Can Explain is a play that is a guarantee laugh for anybody. This is the only play with just sophomores and juniors, and has 11 cast members, the largest out of all the one-acts.

“The oldest son [in the family], Jason, has a girlfriend, Sheila, and she has a very proper family. So he decides to introduce her to his family. [The son is] in a play, and what he does is hire his cast members to play his family while his real family is going to his uncles for dinner,” sophomore Kendra Morris said. “[However] the real family’s car

O

vertone’s is a play that covers a feeling that’s never shown. The main characters are Harriet and Margaret. The supporting characters are Hetty and Maggie, Harriet’s and Margaret’s conscience. It’s a drama with an all female cast. “[We can relate to each other more] being an all female cast because we’ve all been oppressed at one point. Men are much more, they show their real self. Women are forced to be respectful,” director senior Katie Baker said.

The basis of the play is two women are having tea and talking to each other while thinking something else. It shows a real side of every person, the screaming thoughts

to the dance,” senior Kaili Zelepuza said. “The best friend tells the other one that he has super powers to give him confidence and the ability to be irresistible to chicks.”

The director of this play is just as comedic as his play, revealing little not to spoil it.

“Mojo Man, ‘nough said,” director senior Isaac Lawrence said.

“[The audience] is going to get out of the show that sometimes life is built up of a collection of moments. Nick is in two moments in his life. And, I think the audience will look at it and think about their life and where they want to go next,” McCallister said.

Even in the dramatic parts, there’s still a type of hope for the main character. The idea of the story is letting go and finding something to hold on to.

“I guess it really shines a light on how people’s past relationships can shine a light on the present,” senior Mitch McLain said.

breaks down.”

The directors, senior Kristin Silver and drama teacher Christopher Tavern, both wanted their cast to over-act their parts to caricature the plot.

“All of the actors had to be able to be over the top with their characters because that’s the type of play it is. There’s not really a single lead, most of the parts are equal,” Tavern said. “[There’s] lots of mistaken identity, big characters, funny situations, and a really confused old guy.”

in the minds. “[From this play you’ll] connect with the fact that we all have two sides of ourselves. And, we’re always fighting to keep what we really want to say in check. There are always these moments,” Baker said.

The message in the play is direct, making you walk away thinking about your own actions. “[This play is] an outward depiction of an inner struggle,” lighting manager junior McKenzie Dent said.

The Secret Origin of Mojo Man

Double Date

Wait Wait...I can explain

Overtones

{ Asha Taft - Features Editor/Ed Board } { Photos taken by Sarah Barker, Virginia Van Keuren, and Asha Taft }

Bumpy road to junior prom J unior prom usually takes the form of the Winter Formal and takes place during February. This year, the students responsible for planning have encountered scheduling issues and have pushed the date back multiple times. Junior Andrew Suh, is part of planning for the dance.

“Meeting with juniors is hard. We’ve had some communication problems,” Suh said.

These problems with scheduling have also left some juniors, like Kelly Baker, unsure when and even if the school will have a junior prom.

“No [I don’t intend to go], I don’t know when the Junior Prom is,” Baker said.

The junior class also has to budget the money for the dance so they can make it enjoyable and still earn money for the

class budget. They have to pay for a Dj and decorations, yet still make the tickets affordable. Currently, the junior class budget is 526 dollars as of March 19. The senior class budget is 2520 dollars and the sophomore class budget is 250 dollars.

The junior prom is held every year to raise money for the class and ensures the class will have a better senior prom. The dance will

cost five dollars with ASB and seven dollars without, and will be held on Apr. 26 at Emerald Ridge.

Last year’s junior prom had a masquerade theme and this year’s class is currently aiming for a TV theme- however it is not yet decided. { Levi Dodd - Opinion Editor }

{

VOLUME XIII ISSUE VI MARCH 29, 2013

Stuck during spring break?

Sit. Relax. Watch a movie.

THEATERS Drive in (Auburn) Galaxy 8- a $2 theater (Federal Way) Reclining “couch” seats at the AMC theater (Lakewood) The Blue Mouse theater (Tacoma) Grand Cinema (Tacoma)

Things to do in Like this logo? Wear it on jewelry or put it on a bumper sticker at Northern Pacific Coffee Co, 401 Garfield St S, Tacoma, WA 98444.

{ Illustrations by Chase Charaba and Haven Thomas }

Jags love Epic Donuts...

Places to go

PUYALLUP • The new Red Robin • Black Bear Frozen Yogurt • Tiffany’s Skating Rink • Daffodil Bowling • Sprinker for ice skating • Gaming center in South Hill Mall TACOMA • Dorky’s Barcade • Ruston Way • LeMay Museum • Bandito Charters for scuba diving

MISC. • IFLY (Indoor sky diving) in Southcenter Mall • Sky High Sports (Trampoline Park) in Bellevue • Lazer Quest in Federal Way • Family Fun Center in Tukwila • Curiosity Shop in Seattle • Hiking on Mt. Si near North Bend

Got a minute? Try this HARDCORE MODE

...and Epic Donuts love Jags!

Buy one epic (fancy) donut, get one tasty (classic donut) free with Emerald Ridge student I.D.

*for the month of April

Sit down with your favorite game, set the difficulty to the highest it can go, and see if you can fire through it in only one sitting.

ELLEN DEGENERES’ DANCE DARE

Have a friend videotape you dancing discretely behind a stranger.

GO TO EMERALD RIDGE’S #SPRINGSCHOOLSWAGG DO THE HARLEM SHAKE { Compiled by Erica Reynolds, Chase Charaba, and Haven Thomas }

volume xiii issue vI March 29, 2013

Q: What are your plans for this Spring Break?

“I

really want to go

to

Portland, Oregon

to

take

lots

photography,

of

maybe

“Going to Walla Walla and Eastern University to visit my daughters, then going skiing in Idaho at Schweitzer Mountain.” Science Teacher Gary Hibbs

“I wanna go where the sun is shining.”

Student services secretary Sue Pernu

“I’m

“We

“Going to Spokane to visit friends.”

Sophomore Jago Buender

lots of art.”

Mallory

“Maybe going to Canada or Oregon.”

Sophomore Rebecca Dillon

{Spring Break photo by Virginia Van Keuren and pictures and quotes by Kaitlyn Moriarty}

“Inked, pierced, and ready to rave.”

Sophomore Ashton Cook

see my cousins and do

Junior Peterson

{

hoping to go

are going to go

with my honey and

swimming,

fly

the

barbequing,

and

spend

down

home

to

desert

every

mudding, and second

soak up some rain.”

together.”

Art teacher Jami Malyon

Seniors Cheyenne Balderston and Chris Becker

Quotes from the hallways

These are anonymous phrases from lunches, passing periods, and after school hangouts.

Why

does

“Stop touching my face like that.”

“I taunted a goose yesterday.”

“Do you think in Space, aliens speak other languages?”

our

classroom smell like fish food?”

“Just be a bulldozer and push through.”

“What’s Obama’s last name?”

“If you cheat on me, I’m gonna rip your hair clip off.”

“You’ve got Captain Crunch on your face.” {Quotes by Savannah Todd and designs by Grace Amsden}

The Beat - Mar./April

Giving you the lowdown on the South Sound

29 Fastpitch @ GrahamKapowsin

31 Easter Sunday

2

1

Boys JV Soccer vs.

Curtis Boys Soccer vs. Curtis

Spring Break Begins Varsity Baseball

7

8

Senior Practice speeches

9

Fastpitch vs.

Curtis

14

15 ASB Elections

21

22 Ultimate Jag Week Begins

3

16 Girls Tennis vs. Rogers Fastpitch vs.

Federal Way

23 Girls Tennis vs.

Spanaway Lake

10

Senior Practice Speeches Varsity Baseball @ Rogers

17 Varsity Baseball vs.

Federal Way

24 DECA National Competiton Track & Field vs. Spanaway Lake

Q: What inspires you to draw? Q:What do you enjoy drawing?

A: “The things around me because A: “I like to draw wolfs, deer, UFOs, and I like to put them into an abstract made up things.” view.”

Track and Field: Kent-Meridian Invitationnal

5

6

12

13

Evil Dead comes to theatres

Baseball vs. Curtis

11 Festival of One Acts Senior Practice Speeches

18 Girls Tennis @ GrahamKapowsin

Senior Speeches

25 Varsity Baseball vs.

Puyallup Fastpitch @ Curtis

ACT Test

Boys Soccer @ Puyallup

Track & Field: Invitationals

19

20

Boys Soccer vs. Rogers

Track & Field @ Rogers

{ Senior Brianna Gillott }

{ Photo by Krista Riccardi }

4

30

26 Sophomore Sponsored all School Dance

Track & Field: Bellevue Invitational