Annalee Barnett 2015-2016 Newspaper
Resume
Annalee Barnett Journalism Scottsdale, Arizona
Summary:
To become the Sports editor for the Cactus Shadows newspaper, I will apply my knowledge and comprehension of basic journalism ethics, InDesign skills, and understanding of the sports world to the Cactus Shadows newspaper to further my education and experience in journalism so that I might one day earn a real journalistic job.
Work Experience:
- One school year on the Cactus Shadows newspaper as the Foodie Editor (was features editor for two months) -
One school year (freshmen year) in Digital Journalism
Education: - Cactus Shadows High School Additional Information: - Knowledge of how to use InDesign - Knowledge of how to write Sports stories
Annalee Barnett 5802 E Dove Valley Rd, Cave Creek, AZ 85331 May 13th, 2016 Mrs. Hart and Mr. Adamson Newspaper Journalism 5802 E Dove Valley Rd, Cave Creek, AZ 85331 Dear Mrs. Hart and Mr. Adamson, I have very much enjoyed this year’s newspaper experience and I am looking forward to next years as well. When school returns next fall the returning students will be taking over absent editor positions previously filled by seniors. I feel that I would enjoy and fit well in the position of sports editor. Throughout this year I have found myself writing for the sports page nearly every month and I feel that because of this I understand what a sports article needs to be like and what it takes to write a decent sports article. The two sections of the newspaper that many staff writers do not enjoy writing for is News and Sports and the editors in charge of those sections are set with the difficult task of dealing with unwilling writers. Being the editor of sports is a challenge and that is why I think I would enjoy the position. This year on the newspaper has been a challenge in itself. I have had to learn how to write, edit, design, and lead; all of which I had never thoroughly acted on before. Since, in the future, I want to be a journalist, I feel that I need to challenge myself a little more every year that I am on the newspaper staff. Being the Sports editor is a step up from being the Foodie editor so if I am given the sports position next year I will indeed be challenged. This year on the staff I have watched the current Sports editor struggle with unwilling staff writers in the process of getting the articles finished and the photos taken. The sports editor this year did an amazing job pulling everything together and I can only hope that if I end up in the same position that I can do the same.
Self Analysis
This year on the 2015-2016 Newspaper staff has changed the way I see journalism. Before I ever joined the class I saw journalists and the news as something that was just there. I never thought about how it got there or how much work and effort people put in to get it there. It was just an every day expected thing for me. We generally see the news as an every day luxury, but really it is a privilege. We take it for granted without ever realizing how amazing it is to have an outlet updating us on world events. If there was no news then there we as a people would be lost. I realized all of this as soon as I started working on the newspaper staff. I was shocked at how organized and efficient nearly every aspect of the system was. There was a place for everything. I went into newspaper as an uncertain sophomore but this year at the end I have never felt more confident. The newspaper class is the only class that I have had that I feel relaxed. Usually I feel like I am constantly being watched and judged by people but as soon as I enter the newspaper classroom that feeling goes away. I find this slightly ironic because I was scared going into this class that I would have a hard time agreeing with anybody because I knew my beliefs and morals were drastically different than most peoples in the class. However I have found most everyone to be totally accepting of everyone’s beliefs. I have written Pro’s and Con’s with other staffers about seriously controversial topics and yet I have not gotten into one negative confrontation with the person. I really appreciate everyone in the newspaper class and their non judgmental attitudes. Freshmen year I took the Digital Journalism class. I learned there how to work with Photoshop and other design tools and I feel that has led me to be prepared for being an editor this year. In the beginning of this year, I was made an editor and I really sucked. I had no idea what I was doing and I constantly questioned myself. I did not communicate well with my writers and I had little knowledge on how to make a page look good.
Best Work This semester in Newspaper I feel that my best piece of work was the Day Trips article for the Travel page in the month of March. The article was about spots and locations to visit in under 24 hours throughout the state of Arizona. I feel that this article was my best piece of work because I researched nearly every especially of it. The article required a lot of research because I gave directions, distances, and activities to do there. I feel like I was very thorough with my facts as well. Because there was so much research required, it took me the longest out of all of my articles that month to write. I had to find every fact and then make sure that it was not fake, I had to verify it. The interview I took were also very relevant. The adult I interview, Mr. Angeli, has taken many day trips, and what is extra interesting is that he takes them on his motorcycle. I feel like extra facts like that make an article a little more interesting. From my first draft to my final draft there was not many changes. However there were some grammatical errors due to the fact that I was up late typing it, but besides that I felt that that article needed the least editing. I was also proud of my lead. It was the required who, what, where, and when, but it was stated in a unique way that I liked. Writing this article I not only learned of many new places and things to do in Arizona, I plan to take one in the near future.
Worst Work This semester, the article that could still use work is my CTE Move article in the February issue for the Spotlight page. Not only did I turn it in late, I did very little research and got last minute articles. The article was about the possible move for CTE classes to a new campus. This article was so bad that I still don’t know where the CTE was supposed to move. None of the facts that I found out every really stuck in my brain and most of the words in my article were taken up by useless commentary and unneeded quotes. There was much work to do from the first draft to the last draft and that was due to little effort when writing it. I wrote it past the due date and it was also sloppily written. It did not follow the ethics of journalism and it did not give the reader any information that was completely new or exclusive. A better interview would have been Doctor Beebe instead of a random CTE teacher. My overall feeling about this article in the newspaper his semester is embarrassed. The reader can immediately tell when they read it that it was written at the last minute and that it was sloppily
Best Picture This semester on Newspaper I took photos of the Boys Tennis team for the sports page in the month of May. Most of the photos I took were very bad and this is one of the only photos I took that turned out alright. I like this photo because it is a clear shot of an action. The player is not in the middle of the photo, instead he is off on the right side which follows the rule of thirds. What attracts me to the picture is so the correlation between his ball and his shoes. They are the same color and they are both very clear in the photo. The player’s face is also very concentrated and unaware that a photo is being taken of him which is a candid photo.
Contribution Compared to last semester of the Cactus Shadows newspaper, I feel that this Spring semester I have contributed much more. I have only missed one production day which compared to the fall, where I missed much more, is much better. I also feel like I have a better understanding of how to write a good article and how to work InDesign better. In the first semester I was heavily dependent on Mr. Adamson and older editors to help my place and design my pages. Now, I have been designing my own page and I have been asking for less help each month. Also, during brainstorming sessions, I feel like I give many ideas that are used in the paper compared to last semester where I struggled to think up anything. That is because I have a better understanding of what a potentially good news article can be like.
Hardships This year in the newspaper class I have experience many hardships, but they have all benefited me. Going into the class I did not understand how much work it really was and how dedicated you had to become to be a good member of the staff. People count on each other and teamwork is key. I did not understand that this year and I finally do. I also experienced differences in opinion in several instances however that never led to bed confrontations. In the beginning of the year, Sonny told the class that we needed to grow a tough skin and that scared the crap out of me. I knew that I was a pretty soft skinned person so becoming tough skinned was a challenge for me but it has benefited me in the fact that I can take criticism well now. Being tough skinned is not only useful in the Cactus Shadows Newspaper classroom, I can use it in a real job when my boss needs to ridicule me or when I need to take constructive criticism. I feel like this semester I have adapted a lot to my situation and this class has made me a more outright person.
Weaknesses I feel like my greatest weakness is how quiet I am. People often mistake my quietness for shyness but I am not shy. I feel the need to talk only when I feel it necessary and that is a weakness in journalism because journalists are generally pretty social people. I have had some trouble making a casual conversation with the people I am interviewing and that is a major weakness because the best interviews come when the person being interviewed is relaxed, and the person being interviewed is relaxed only if the interviewer is relaxed. And I am most definitely not relaxed. I need to work on that next year.
February
News Page 6 February 2016 Spotlight Page 20 February 2016
March
Travel Page 18 March 2016
Style Page 22 March 2016
Sports Page 26 March 2016
FOODIE
KEEP YOUR BELIEFS OFF MY MEAT What often goes wrong with veganism, and what gives vegan and vegetarianism a bad name, are those who constantly brag about their fresh, green body.
April
In recent years, veganism and vegetarianism seem to be becoming more and more totalitarian. There are many different variations of vegetarianism, a diet in which one does not eat meat. Veganism is OPINION a diet in which one LINDSEY MURPHY does not consume animal products at all. There is nothing wrong with choosing to eat a vegan diet. Many people do so for personal reasons or because it makes them feel healthier. What often goes wrong with veganism, and what gives vegan and vegetarianism a bad name, are those who constantly brag about their fresh, green body. A.K.A., the vegan nazi. Some people take veganism to the extreme, feeling the need to inform every person on the planet about their style of eating. I am not sure why some people do this. It
may be to get their message of eating no animal products across to everybody that they know. It may be to raise awareness about the vegan lifestyle. What people need to realize is that they will never change someone’s minds about something as personal as diet by talking about it day in and day out. Quite frankly, I do not need to know if you ate a vegan dish for lunch and that you are on a vegan “food journey.” It is wonderful for those that choose that lifestyle if it makes them feel better, but there is no need to shove it in everybody’s face. Veganism is simply a way of eating, and does not need to be trumpeted to everybody. I could share with everyone that I am on a food journey in which I eat unhealthy food more often than I should (which I do), but I choose not to, because nobody wants to know that information. Another issue may be those who talk about
their vegan diet as if it is above everyone else’s. Yes, it is impressive that somebody could cut all of that out of their diet, because most people have no self control and would never be able to stick to eating that way. However, there is no need to talk as if veganism is above or healthier than other ways of eating. People can choose to put into their bodies the food that they wish, and speaking down to someone about eating meat or dairy sure is not going to stop them. The real reason that many people go vegan or vegetarian is because they want to become healthier, and that is completely fine and understandable. It is ok to eat as healthily or unhealthily as you want, and there is no need to shame or talk down to someone because they eat differently than you.
BOWLING FOR SMOOTHIES
KIERA RILEY shows the health benefits that smoothie bowls provide
IN THE WORLD OF HEALTH, smoothie bowls have recently been on the rise. The different aspects of the dish opens up a world of creativity for foodies. Smoothies and smoothie bowls seem similar enough, but when comparing the two, there are different elements in each. A smoothie bowl becomes a more filling options for those who need a quick boost. The customization options can increase nutritional values and add an extra energy boost. “That’s the great thing about smoothie
bowls. They are so customizable so whatever is at your grocery store or at your local farmer’s market...works perfect! The fresher the better,” said Lauren Finley, a sophomore.
With the openness of a bowl, adding toppings becomes easier. Anything can add extra nutrients to any smoothie. Options for toppings include almond slices, granola and chia seeds. Fruits, like strawberries and bananas can also be great additions to the smoothie bowl. When it comes to smoothie bowls, there is no such thing as the wrong ingredients. Certain combinations of fruits and vegetables may come
as a surprise when it comes to their quality. "You can't mess it up so have fun with it. Try new things every time you make a new smoothie and add different fruits and veggies," said Zoie Lambesis, a sophomore. Fresh vegetables blend naturally but frozen fruit often adds to the texture and consistency of the smoothie. The smoothie bowl can be prepared using fresh fruit. When using the fresh fruit option, ice cubes would have to be added to substitute. Adding liquid, followed by softer ingredients, and then the ice and frozen fruit makes for a desired consistency. After blending, add the smoothie into a bowl and then add desired toppings.
When low on time, juice bars such as Nëktar also offer a variety of smoothie bowls. The different Acai bowls come in flavors ranging from PB to Pitaya. Located at the Scottsdale quarter, Nëktar offers healthy smoothie bowl options.
“That’s the great thing about smoothie bowls. They are so customizable so whatever is at your grocery store or at your local farmer’s market... works perfect! The fresher the better.” Lauren Finley, a sophomore
Shake Shack shakes up Scottsdale The New York chain has brought its tasty burgers to Fashion Square Mall. Erika Richwagen takes a bite.
SHAKE SHACK, FOUNDED in New York City in 2004, is making its way to the valley to serve up burgers, fries, hot dogs, and many more treats. Currently, Shake Shack has a location at E. Camelback Rd. by Fashion Square Mall and another at Phoenix’s Uptown Plaza has recently opened. Shake Shack, similar to In-nOut, is a dominant fast food chain on the east coast. Due to their high success rate and sales, Shake Shack has decided to expand to the rest of the U.S. as a major chain. “I would go to Shake Shack just to experience something new,” said Ben Schabel, a freshman. Schabel is a fan of In N Out and feels that Shake Shack would be a decent match to the west coast chain. The restaurant has reached the west coast, and will continue to expand with additional locations being added nationwide. “I didn’t really think Shake Shack was anything special to be honest,” said Chloe Hislop, a junior. “But I haven’t ordered a burger because I don’t eat meat. But, I might go back because they do have a portobello mushroom burger which would be cool to try.” Despite the relatively recent creation and expansion of Shake Shack, its influence has reached from coast to coast and its customer base has expanded greatly. Shake Shack originated as a food cart in Madison Square Garden in New York City, then expanded to a food stall, and now is recognized as a popular chain nationwide. The factor that sets Shake Shack apart from other fast food chains is that it offers several different types of meals and beverages, versus having a limited menu like most speciality chains do. The next Shake Shack valley location is projected to open late 2016.
4NICOLE NERI THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS
APRIL 15, 2016 ■ 11
OPINION
FOODIE
DONALD TRUMP
We’re on a (sushi) roll Opinion Page 10 April 2016
Q By REES BIXLER
AVOCADO ROLL prepared at Ra in the Kierland Commons, is drizzled with a spicy mustard and served with wasabi and ginger. 4REES BIXLER
§ spotlight editor
UALITY sushi is prepared on the spot at a restaurant. The rice used on the outside of the seaweed is washed three times to stay moist and stick to the seaweed. The size and shape of the roll are consistent, being made by chefs who has been working in the sushi-making art for many years. Many have tried sushi and say they do not like it, but one must try professionally made sushi in order to finally decide if they are in favor of it. It can be disheartening for a beginner trying sushi for the first time, choosing a cheaper solution, to find the roll is mushy, chewy, or the rice is hard.
“Fast food” sushi may seem good at first, but once one tries sushi at a restaurant, they won’t go back. The difference between how fresh the roll is, and the quality of meat, rice, or vegetable in the sushi is substantial. When one has tried well prepared and ill prepared sushi, they than can tell when they eat bad sushi. Some popular places that quality sushi may be found are Sushi Station located at Desert Ridge, and Ra located at Kierland Commons. A common roll to start off your sushi career is a caterpillar roll, dragon roll, or shrimp tempura. All of these contain no raw fish and are packed full of taste. Sushi is a filling food and on average will only take
one and a half to two rolls to become full. Sashimi is the sibling of sushi. It is sliced raw fish such as tuna, squid, salmon, and other salt water creatures. The biggest difference between the two is sushi includes upwards of four ingredients and sashimi includes one to two ingredients, which are the raw fish by itself or sashimi paired with some rice. Don't be concerned once you randomly start craving sushi. This is normal and there is no need for concern. The prime time to get sushi is 3 to 6 during happy hour. It is not the cheapest food choice, but happy hours’ prices can cut your bill in half.
A perfect restaurant for a perfect prom night PROM IS THE ONE NIGHT OF THE year where everything has to be perfect, so to have a flawless night, the ideal restaurant has to be found. There are many options such as Oreganos, OPINION BJ’s Restaurant KEIRA RILEY and Brewhouse, Yardhouse, the Keg, White Chocolate Grill, and many others For a nice time, finding a sit down restaurant would be ideal so that time can be taken to really relish the night and have a good time. The number of people in the party is something to take into account. A larger party will require reservations while a couple would not necessarily need one. But if the restaurant is more popular, making reservations is the way 12 ■ APRIL 15, 2016
to go. However depending on the restaurant, reservation options may not be available. It also helps to know the amount of people going because payment needs to be organized ahead of time. There can be a limit on the amount of checks so when going with a group, it would be easier to split the bill. Figuring out payment beforehand will prevent any mishaps at dinner. It is also important to think about the type of food at the restaurant. If prior to dinner, it took a few hours to get ready, it probably is not the best idea to eat anything messy. Steering clear of barbeque or anything excessively sloppy will help to avoid stains or messes that could potentially make your might take a turn for the worse. Timing also helps in choosing a restaurant. Knowing when prom starts and how long it
will take to eat and get to the venue will help in making reservations at the restaurant. This also helps in knowing when to start getting ready as well as when to leave for dinner. It is important to be excessively diligent in planning ahead. There is a wide array of restaurants in the Scottsdale area that offer both reasonably priced food and a trendy atmosphere. Depending on the venue, any of these could make for a successful prom night dinner with either a group or just a date. BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse at Desert Ridge offers a large array of options. With pizza, hand-crafted burgers, salads, and pizookies, there is an option for everyone. The pricing is moderate. Grimaldi’s at DC Ranch offers Italian cuisine with pizzas and salads big enough to share.
With large groups, dining would be quick and easy. The atmosphere is that of an authentic Italian restaurant and the pricing is decent. The Keg Steakhouse and Grill is located at the Desert Ridge Marketplace and is a classier option. Although it is slightly more expensive, the restaurant has a wide array of food for nearly any craving.
There is a wide array of restaurants in the Scottsdale area that offer both reasonably priced food and a trendy atmosphere. THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS
Make America great again. This slogan is the core of Republican candidate, Donald Trump's, presidential campaign. Trump is an American businessman, politician, and television personality. He has successfully managed and strengthened the power of his many businesses. He runs real estate, restaurants, hotels, and golf courses. Now, in 2016, Trump is running for president of the United States. As a man who has flourished in the business world and effectively managed multiple areas of commerce, he is an obvious option for president. Many skeptics believe that his brash mouth and spontaneous personality could be catastrophic for the country. However, a Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey showed that 79 percent of American adults think that political correctness is a problem in America. Donald Trump is anything but politically correct, and that is exactly what America needs. As a result of extremely politically correct politicians, distrust has risen in the government. Although there are times when Donald Trump may be too freely spoken, his candor is refreshing. America is approximately 16.3 trillion dollars in debt. Donald Trump is roughly 20 million dollars under his presidential campaign budget whereas other candidates are over. Trump knows how to manage money which is why he is the best man to bring the United States out of debt. Trump has many ingenious policies such as 2nd Amendment Rights, Immigration reform, Veterans Administration reforms, and more. Trump is pushing for the protection of the second amendment, which is the right to keep and bear arms. As the only country in the world to have this right, it is a testament of America’s freedom. In order to protect the 2nd amendment right of American citizens, Trump has proposed the restoration of Project Exile. This program said that if a violent felon used a gun to commit a crime, they would be prosecuted in the federal court and sent to prison for five years. Project Exile was put into place in Richmond, Virginia. Within the first two years of the program, 350 armed felons were taken off the street and the crime level decreased 60 percent. Trump also plans on giving more attention to the mental health system. Many mass shootings have been caused by people with mental health problems, so by paying more attention to these people, many tragedies can be avoided. Trump’s Immigration reform has three principles: a nation without a border is not a nation, a nation without laws is not a nation, and a nation that does not serve its own citizens is not a nation. Trump is correct in the fact that the United States needs to build a wall along the Southern border. With 11.4 million illegal aliens in the United States, jobs for legal Americans are decreasing. Although some people may see Donald Trump’s wall as racism, it is not in any way a form of prejudice against the Mexican people. It is a testament against men and women who are illegally crossing the border into the United States. The construction of a wall would keep more Americans and legal immigrants along the Southern border safe. America needs a president who is not afraid to say what needs to be said, can handle money, and will do what it takes to make America great again.
“ ...79 percent of American adults think that political correctness is a problem in America. Donald Trump is anything but politically correct and that is exactly what America needs.”
10 ■ APRIL 15, 2016
ANNALEE BARNETT and LINDSEY MURPHY discuss Donald Trump and his widely controversial policies
SEE IT MY WAY
4NICOLE NERI
HADOWS PRESS
4 With the short end, create a bow.
Style Page 23 April 2016
5 Pull the long end over the short end.
6 Holding the first bow in place, fold the long end to form another bow. 7 Take the loop formed by the long end and push it behind the short end, creating a knot. 8 Enjoy your newly tied tie.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF BOW TIES Classy, preppy, casual, formal. Bow ties can be worn for any occasion. The first bow tie was worn in the 17th century by Croatians, however their intent was immensely different than today's common bow tie. Back in the 17th century, bow ties were worn by Croatian mercenaries to hold back the collars of their shirts. They were similar to scarves and were called Cravats at the time. They were quickly adopted by the French upper class and became an almost instant fashion statement. Over time, the Cravats developed into the 19th century as a formal dress attire and took the well known name of a bow tie. Bow ties are worn majorly by men but recently women have been getting in on the bow tie trend. There are several types of bow ties including the self tied, the pre tied, and the clip on. The self tied takes the most work while the clip on takes the least amount of effort to secure. Tying a self tied bow tie leaves room for more expression and creativity. Free tied styles include the Butterfly, the Big Butterfly, the Batwing, the Diamond Point, and the Club Round. Each of these bow ties can be used to dress up or down. They can be worn to many different occasions such as a friend hang out, a church service, or a sophisticated party. `
UANNALEE BARNETT
mornings, but also keep them comfortable in the warmer afternoons. While this may seem like a frivolous task, constantly removing and putting on a jacket throughout the day is tiring to many. Because winter is a time of dark colors, the transition between winter weather and Forthe some Cactus students spring andShadows sumthere no excitement merismonths is a greatbetter than powering over the ... time to one’s slowlybike bring back brighter hues to an outfit. Adding a pop of color not only brings energy, but it sets the mood for summer. “I wear bright colors pretty much all year long, but I try to bring more colorful accessoSydney Scudder, a sophomore. ries in when it’s spring. They’re just a fun way to brighten an outfit, and it puts people in the mood for spring. Summer is a bit more mellow, ” said Lynne Hoban, a Scottsdale resident. Another key to transitioning through the seasons is to take it slow. It can be alarming to go from gloves and hats to shorts and flip flops. An absolute rule while transitioning from winter to spring is to avoid wearing high boots and shorts. While it may be tempting, and boots have been the norm for an entire season, wearing shorts with them can look disheveled and out of place. “Summer is way easier to dress for than spring. You don’t have to worry about finding a jacket, or planning for rain. You can just wear shorts and a t-shirt and be fine,” said Sydney Scudder, a sophomore. While clothes are a large part of switching WESLEY TANK, A seasons, nails can also come into play. The SENIOR soars through the air as use of nails in seasonal style makes transihe practices riding his dirtbike. Tank practices at Canyon Motocross twice tioning a painless change. a week. “What i like most about dirt “I spend morebiking timeison nails during the the my competitive atmosphere and theand rushyou of racing” Tank said. spring time. It’s easy can change 4CHASE CRITCHER them up in a whole bunch of different ways,” said Sara Bachelor, a sophomore.
“Summer is way easier to dress for than spring. You don’t have to worry about finding a jacket, or planning for rain. You can just wear shorts and a t-shirt and be fine,”
DIRT Sports Page 25 April 2016
APRIL 15, 2016 ■ 23
SPORTS By ANNALEE BARNETT
§ foodie editor
aredevils can find a rush in the high-speed world of dirt biking which takes place all around the country. The sport, also known as motocross, is an off road motorcycle race held in an enclosed circuit. Obstacles are disseminated all throughout the course. “It’s different every race, but usually you have rocks, up hills, and sandy washes,” said Nicole Vian, a sophomore. There are many other types of obstacles on the course such as rhythm sections, Woops, and Big doubles. These deterrents vary but all include a series of strategic jumps and bumps. Although dirt biking seems like a cool sport to do as a side hobby, many hours of practice and hard work go into being a successful rider. “Everyone thinks it's really easy, but it is not. It’s a little more complicated than everyone thinks,” said Vian. Just last year, dirt biking was rated the number one most physically demanding sport. Bikers maneuver a 200 plus pound of machinery for 3 to four hours, depending on the distance of the courses, which can range from 50 miles up. Nicole Vian rides with the (AMRA) Arizona Motorcycle Riders Association. AMRA is a non-profit organization that is working with eight other local off-road motorcycle clubs. Their goal is to promote off-road motor cycling in the state of Arizona. Not only is dirt biking physically demanding, it is also very dangerous. “I’ve had my bike cut out on me during a jump and once it cuts out you don't have any speed and it hit handlebars first and i went over the handlebars and the bike landed on me, so that was the most dangerous for me,” said Ryan Atkinson, a sophomore. Atkinson used to ride at tracks such as Speed world, which was shut down due to land rights, Canyon Motorsports, and more. Staying safe is important in motor cross, if even one piece of equipment is missing, there is a high chance that things could go wrong. “I’ve been pretty lucky, I haven't been hurt too much, said Vian. Although there are many risks to motocross, there are also many perks. “What I like most about dirt biking is the competitive atmosphere and the rush of racing,” said Wesley Tank, a senior. The average distance for a race is 50 to 75 miles and can take three or four hours to complete. Depending on different types of bikes, there are different races because speed, power, and precision varies from bike to bike. “By the dirt bike you ride, I would just be with 150’s, it wouldn't put me up against 450’s because they’re probably better racers and faster bikes,” said Atkinson. Motocross is a sport that relies on many things such as circumstances, the weather, and time. Since Arizona has such radical temperature swings, finding a good time to ride is tricky. “The best time to go is early in the morning, or at night, because those are the coolest parts of the day,” said Tank.
FOODIE
May
s summer approaches cool summer treats are a necessary, especially in Arizona where beating the heat is sometimes hard to do. Popsicles are an easy way to create a delicious treat without spending lots of money. Despite prepackaged kinds at the store, many popsicle treats can be made at home. All that is needed as a base to make this frozen treat is a popsicle mold of your choice. Many are made in different shapes, sizes, and colors. These molds can range from the classic popsicle shape to push pops. They can be purchased at almost any grocer such as Target or Walmart. Even without the molds, homemade popsicles can also be made using dixie cups and popsicle sticks. As far as ingredients go, there are many options when it comes to popsicles. Beverages such as juices or lemonades can be frozen using the method of choice to create an easy summertime snack. Yogurt, fresh fruit, pudding, and ice cream can also be incorporated into any popsicle. Preparation time depends on the type of popsicle desired. Making a simple lemonade pop will require pouring the juice into the molds and placing them in the freezer. Adding fruit may add a minute or two to this process. Making yogurt or pudding pops is not much different from a juice pop. The preparation is the same as the desired ingredient needs to be put in the mold and then placed in the freezer. Freezing the popsicle usually takes a few hours. For the best results, freeze the molds overnight to guarantee that the treat is frozen all the way through. Websites such as Pinterest or Allrecipes feature a variety of different options when it comes to popsicles. Examples of some recipe ideas include root beer float, nutella, frozen strawberry, and sprite pops. All require around the same preparation time and will serve as a nice cooling snack for the summer time.
UKIERA RILEY AND LAUREN HAGGAR
Frosty treats for the summer heat
4KIERA RILEY AND LAUREN HAGGAR
University meals or no meals deals
W
Elaina Rovenstine compares meal plans from Arizona State University, the University of Arizona, and Northern Arizona University
ITH the senior class looking at which in-state college to spend the next four years of their life at, one of the factors is the food or meal plans that each school offers. Some schools have better offers than others. At the beginning of the semester each college student living on campus has to choose a meal plan. Every school offers different combinations, the number of meals, and what are called “dining dollars” per semester. Each plan is different and the cost of plans varies with every university. Every plan has a set of meals per week as well as dining dollars or at Arizona State University, they are called M&G dollars. Dining dolTHE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS
lars are extra money for things that are not considered a meal at other places to eat around college campuses. For example, getting a Starbucks coffee would use dining dollars and not a meal. The amount of dining dollars changes with each meal plan. ASU is currently offering five meal plans. They have an unlimited meal plan which consists of unlimited meals but only 250 dining dollars per semester. The unlimited plan cost 2,460 dollars a semester. It is their most expensive meal plan but there is no hassle because there is no need to remember how many meals a student has left on their plan. “I heard all the food at ASU was really bad. I’m not going to have a meal plan. My parents are just
going to give me a certain amount of money for food each month,” said Taylor Brown, a future ASU student. North Arizona University also has an unlimited meal plan that only has dining dollars compared to ASU’s unlimited plan with 250 dollars, but it only cost 2,272 dollars, which is 188 dollars cheaper. The next plan ASU offers is what they call Sparky’s Favorite. This is the default plan for all incoming freshmen. The plan has 14 meals per week and 375 dining dollars for $2,307.50 per semester. Next, NAU has different weekly plans depending on how much the student eats normally. The school recommends that freshmen use their 14 meals per week plan with 100 dining dollars each semester for 2,082 dollars a semester. They also
have a 10 meals per week plan and 300 dining dollar plan for students who eat less for 1,874 dollars per semester. “I chose the 14 meal plan because that’s the number of meals I eat now and the 10 meal plan and the 19 plan where either too small or too big,” said Lauren Manuszak, a future NAU student. U of A does their meal plans differently. Instead of charging per semester, they charge for the whole school year. There are three meal plans that U of A offers, Wildcat Gold at 4,950 dollars, Silver at 3,550 dollars, and Copper at 2,150 dollars. The Wildcat Gold plan has three meals per day and a snack, the silver two meals and a snack, and the copper one meal and a snack. “I have not decided what meal
plan I want yet,” said Madeline Jones, a future student at U of A. “I think I’m going to buy my own food or get a small meal plan.” Out of all three schools NAU has the best prices on food. NAU’s unlimited plan is cheaper than ASU and so are all their other options. However, NAU’s meal plans gives less dining dollars than ASU. Students who like spending more dining dollars might find that ASU’s prices, although a little more expensive than NAU, is worth the dining dollars. The most expensive school to eat at is U of A. The basic meal plan U of A offers is there gold plan which is more expensive than ASU’s unlimited meal plan. Not only that but, U Of A’s meal plans have a snack listed in the plan instead of dining dollars. MAY 13, 2016 ■ 10
SUMMER COOKOUT HEADLINE
WHAT HOME COOKED MEAL WILL YOU MISS?
“I will miss the homemade tacos.”
EVAN MILLER a senior
“The thing I will miss is my dad’s barbecue.”
SARAH MAHINAY a senior
FOODIE
GRILLIN’ AND COOKIN’ A cookout can be a party to remember
Cookouts are one of the most significant events during the summer and it is essential to know what to do to make it one to remember. There are many different types of meals that can be served at a cookout. Typically there are hamburgers and hotdogs for the main course. To not cause a panic on the day of the event, always make sure that there is enough food for everyone. Just to be safe, getting more than needed will help out a ton. “You want to have the traditional cookout food, such as hotdogs and hamburgers,” said Cheryl Howard, one student’s mother. “There should also be a variety of chips, fruit, and drinks.” If there are some people who are vegetarian, vegan, or have food allergies, make sure to plan a different meal for them so they have a good time as well. Items that shouldn’t be at a cookout would include food that you have to cook inside. A major point of a cookout is to enjoy the summer weather, and that cannot be done if someone is inside cooking on a stove or in an oven. “I don’t want to see anything that you would have to bake in the oven,” said Howard. Also, there should be enough food for someone who may not be interested in something that is being served there. There should also be some sort of food substitutions for people who do not enjoy certain foods. “Salad. I’m not a big fan of salad. I rather have some sort of fruit or chips,” said Alaina Woolf, a sophomore. The environment at a cookout is one of the most crit-
ical factors to consider. It should be a fun, lively time without any sort of issues or conflict. “You want it to be as welcoming as possible and always check on everyone to make sure they are having a good time,” said Howard. “Make sure there is good company.” Also, the cookout should be taken place in some sort of good weather, a sunny day would work the best. “I want the weather to be hot enough so I would be able to go swimming,” said Ashlyn Gommels, a freshman. Some must have essentials for a cookout consist of enough food to go around, durable plastic wear, and a good grill to cook the food. “Make sure you have plenty of seating, plastic forks, knives, and spoons,” said Howard. “Also, be sure to have designated trash and recycle areas so that it makes clean up a lot easier.” Having fun games and jamming music is another point that will make the cookout one to remember. Games such as horseshoe and volleyball are easy to set up and clean up. Also, they will, most likely be the hits of the cookout. Music should always keep everyone energized at the cookout. Ask around to see what kind of music people like and then create a summer cookout playlist, but remember to keep things fun and happy. “You don’t want to play anything that will kill the mood,” said Howard.U “Keep things fun and lively with the MADDIE HOWARD music that is chosen.”
LAUREN MANUSZAK a senior
By KATELYN REINHART
§ staff writer
IN THEIR NEW SETTING, COLLEGE
“I will miss chicken salad with broccoli.”
ROBBIE DECKER a senior
“I will miss breakfast or chicken cutlets that my dad makes.”
CHRIS DIMARCO a senior
4DESTINY SERVISS THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS
freshmen have to worry about classes, newfound independence, and increasing numbers on a weight scale. The idea that all freshmen in college will gain 15 pounds by their first year has been a topic for discussion, and the term “freshman fifteen” has followed wide-eyed students around for decades. With the students worrying about their jobs and studies, there is little time to consider food intake. This is the fundamental culJames Frantz, a college graduprit of the freshate man 15.
“I remember the first time I actually went grocery shopping by myself. The junk food was cheaper than anything else there, so I got the junk. I ate nothing but pretzels and milk for the rest of the week.”
Being a college freshman is a learning experience, and one of the key lessons students learn is how to eat. While it is easy to pick up the Cheetos bag at the grocery store, that may not always be the best option. “I remember the first time I actually went grocery shopping by myself. The junk food was cheaper than anything else there, so I got the junk. I ate nothing but pretzels and milk for the rest of the week,” said James Frantz, a college graduate. Despite the recurring discussions of college weight gain, it does not affect everyone. “I know some people who went through it and some who didn’t. I think it might just depend on how active you are or your metabolism,” said Jessica Leigh, a freshman at high school. The diets of college students have become more ridiculous as time goes on, and cup ramen has been portrayed as the savior of students for years. “Sometimes you have nothing to eat at midnight while you’re studying for an exam, so you find yourself on the floor with Cheerios
§ foodie editor
cians at Cactus Shadows invest their spare time in bands that perform at churches, pubs, and other establishments all around Cave Creek and Phoenix. Two student formed bands include Sunlaand and Grand Entrance. Both bands consists of at least one Cactus Shadows student. The band Sunlaand, which was created almost a year ago, plays Skate Punk music and is comprised of three students; two of which are Cactus Shadows students. Michael Chmura, bass player and vocalist has been playing bass for six years.
FEAR THE 15
18 ■ MAY 13, 2016
and tomato sauce a few minutes later. Like, it’s obviously disgusting, but the food combinations you figure out in college are probably the most thought you’ll put into the entire process,” said Brian Benchoof, a current student at Northern Arizona University. While some students try to combat the freshmen 15, the price of foods does not assist the situation. “Everyone is going to get the bag of chips instead of the kale salad because the chips are always going to be less expensive. It pretty much sets you up for failure,” said Frantz. While the freshmen 15 may bruise an ego, it can be easily prevented. By engaging in physical activities and being more conscious of their diet, college freshmen can avoid the weight gain altogether. “It’s not permanent, and 15 pounds is easy to lose. Everyone in college is just learning how to be an adult, pretty much. You usually learn and you start eating like an actual human by the end of the year,” said Benchoof. MAY 13, 2016 ■ 11
plays. Erika Richwagen reviews student plays during the 24 hours of drama. BRIDGET POWERS, The
angry girl of the island, nears stabbing Grady Demmitt, the king “looking for babes,” on the island. 4 NICOLE NERI
Students and teachers at Cactus Shadows are in bands that play all kinds of music ranging from jazz and rock and roll to gospel music.
STUDENT AND TEACHER MUSI-
As seniors prepare for college many begin to
Benjamin Button. Another was about two boys on an island searching for women, only to find it inhabited by lesbians. Others focused on darker topics, like schizophrenia and possession. One story even poked fun at modern day politics. Ted Cruz, Hillary Clinton, and Bernie Sanders all plotted to go back in time to stop Trump from running for president, using Cruz’s time machine. A few slip-ups led to the demise of Sanders and Clinton at the hands of the Zodiac Killer. “I have been up for 36 hours straight. Now my eye is twitching, and I’m somewhat concerned,” said Alexa Dragone, a junior who wrote a play about an exorcism. While the process is long and laborious, the final result of 24 hour theatre is an array of acts guaranteed to entertain every audience member.
STUDENT AND TEACHER BANDS AT CACTUS SHADOWS MAKE A GRAND ENTRANCE By ANNALEE BARNETT
UMADDIE HOWARD
FEAR THE 15
“Stroganoff is what I will miss.”
Once the plays were written, the directors took over, casting roles and running rehearsals until breakfast at 7:00 a.m. Then, actors had until 2:00 to memorize their lines. Tech week followed, with the crew planning every lighting cue and stage direction. Ashley Shirley, a freshman, played a cop determined to bring down a criminal and her illegal affairs. “We ran through the shows until 5:00 p.m., which was fun because you finally got to see what everyone had been doing,” said Shirley. The dress rehearsal was an opportunity to practice the play full-out. “The most fun is the 3:30 p.m. final dress rehearsal,” said Andrew Cupo, drama teacher and director. ”It’s everyone hardest hour and usually the silliest. It’s just before dinner and everyone is running on fumes and the adrenaline of the audience hasn’t kicked in yet. Everyone is completely delirious.” After making final changes to scripts and finishing several rehearsals, actors finally took the stage for their
“I started mainly because my brother was playing bass at the time, so I was just like I’ll start with him,” said Chmura. Sunlaand plays at many venues such as coffee shops and record stores and has an audience ranging from ten to 100 people. Another student band at Cactus Shadows named Grand Entrance consists of four members. “We named it Grand Entrance
because we really felt that it was like an opening to a new music era,” said Sophie Louis, a freshman. Louis plays lead guitar, rhythm guitar, and is also a vocalist. Grand Entrance plays Hard Rock music that can be compared to artists such as Led
Zeppelin or Green Day. They have played at venues like Big Earl's and Hard Rock Cafe. “I see it as being my future job, it’s one of my dreams to be in a band,” said Louis. Grand Entrance practices once a week at Highlands Church with a mentor from Stages Music, which is a school for aspiring musicians. Jacob Bombaci, a history teacher, plays the bass guitar and sings vocals as well. He has been playing the bass for 15 years.
“I started playing because my dad is a professional guitar player, he played on a lot of gospel records, so I got inspired to play music when I was really little from him,” said Bombaci.
Spotlight Page 18 May 2016
He is a contracted musician who is hired by different people who have bands or need another player. However most of his musical work is done through Community Church of the Valley or CCV. Bombaci is currently writing songs for the children and youth department of CCV and has even put out his own record. Being in a band takes much time and effort put forth but band mates tend to form close bonds with one another due to the fact that they are spending large amounts of time practicing with one another. “We’re really close. We’re like a second family pretty much,” said Louis. THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS
CREEKER
Hiking with no boundaries
CREPERIE IN THE CREEK
By Annalee Barnet
§ foodie editor
RIZONA’S hiking trails are known to be majestic and top notch, however when native hikers have trekked the same trail a million times, diversity is often sought for. Popular hikes like Camelback Mountain, Pinnacle Peak, Squaw Peak, and Tom’s Thumb are without a doubt highly favored and ranked among the public, however when they have been hiked one too many times hidden hiking trails are the way to go. “There are a lot of places to go on the sides of Black Mountain and then by the Boulders. I’ll just go trailblazing,” said Jacob Hancock, a senior. Hancock will hike several times a week in the Cave Creek and Scottsdale area and each hike he scales takes a couple hours. However depending on the intensity of the climb, the amount of time will vary. Another area for unmapped hiking is Tom’s Thumb. Although there is a main trail running up the mountain, which is 12 miles long, there are many chances to deviate from the path. Near the top of Tom’s Thumb lies a cave called Ogre’s Den, it is hard to find and strays from the main trail. “We didn’t really know how to find it, so we just went off on our own and
“There are a lot of places to go on the sides of Black Mountain and then by the Boulders. I’ll just go trailblazing,” Jacob Hancock, a senior who hikes several times a week
MADDIE HOWARD TAKES a hike through
an unnamed trail just off of Legend trail road.
4MADDIE HOWARD THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS
Creeker Page 23 May 2016
Given the ball, some to play fo players if football e
The Village Coffee Shop offers some delightfully tasty snacks By Sierra Galindo
we eventually got there,” says Taylor Waters, a sophomore. The Ogre’s Den is filled with small knick knacks and relics. Some have been there a long time and others are left by the newest person to find the cave. It is important to remember that safety comes first while hunting for hidden hikes. Water is an essential need in order to stay hydrated as well as a phone to keep in contact with others. Long, thick pants are recommended so that Cacti and thorns will be slightly more deterred from attaching itself to legs. While hiking extreme verticals and heights, ropes and climbing pads better ensure the safety of the hiker. Not only are there natural dangers in the desert, but wildlife are a huge factor. Rattlesnakes are at an abundance during the summer and in the desert, so steering clear from sticking your hand into the middle of a bush would be wise. It is important to stay in groups when farther up in the mountains because there are larger animals such as mountain lions and deer. “We’re pretty lucky to have so many diverse places to go. They offer different things for everyone, said Geoff Johnson, a history teacher. Arizona is filled to the brink with hikes. There are many hikes for beginners and experts alike, as well as new trails being found every day, and many more to explore.
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§ editor in chief
Off of Cave Creek Road in Stagecoach Village stands a small coffee shop that also sell all kinds of crepes. Many students work at The Village Coffee Shop and they say it is a great gig for High School students. The restaurant has a chill vibe and is rarely busy but makes it so it is nice place to get homework done in peace. “I started working here because I needed a job and it’s nice after school since I am a senior,” said Kevin Lambesis, a senior who works there. Crepes range from nine dollars to thirteen dollars. There are sweet crepes and regular crepes. Sweet crepes have fruit, whip cream, Nutella, or chocolate. The other crepes can have tomatoes, broccoli, cheese, and even more. “I started working here because I thought it would be fun to make crepes and make some extra money,” said Robbie Decker, a senior and an employee. The Village Coffee Shop used to be so small that the restaurant was the size of the kitchen they have now. The owner finally expanded it when the flow of business increased. Busy hours range from when they open, 7:30 a.m, until noon then customers trickle in looking for something sweet to extinguish their craving. They also sell small desserts like bread pudding with mango and pineapple with caramel drizzled over it. The coffee is made from an espresso machine and decorated with foam art. Even though the shop is called The Village Coffee Shop it is really known for the delicious crepes rather than the coffee. When sitting and waiting for crepes to be made, customers can watch the whole process through the glass that separates the kitchen from the dining area.
The restaurant has a chill vibe and is rarely busy but makes it so it is nice place to get homework done in peace.
MAY 13, 2016 ■ 23
Sport Page 25 May 2016
MATT SILL,
HARRY CARROZZA, A FRESHMAN lunges to hit
4ANNALEE BARNETT
the tennis ball in a practice. Harry Carrozza is on the varsity team, and plays doubles with junior Dimitry Cheznov. Carrozza and Cheznov played doubles in the state tournament.
“Yes I w because passion than sch like if yo kid to pl have a p know it
PAYTON
TENNIS TEAMS BRINGS IT ALL HOME BY ANNLEE BARNETT
§ foodie edotor
This spring season, the Cactus Shadows boys tennis team finished strong due to many hours of hard work and dedication put in over the last couple of months. The team has won a total of nine games while they have only lost four. “Competitively, we have a pretty deep team. I think we did really well. I’m pretty proud of how we did,” said Luke Scott, coach of the boys tennis team. Scott has been coaching tennis at Cactus Shadows for four years and coached elsewhere for 15 years. “Tennis is not an easy sport to pick up if you’re not athletic. For students that are interested in playing, practice over the off season and learn a little bit, maybe play on the wii or something,” said Scott. The state tournament took place at Indian School Park and three Cactus Shadows boys participated. Dimitriy Chesnov and Harry Carrozza played doubles, while Tyler Bergman played singles. Cactus Shadows lost in the first round of state. “As a whole we were right in there, we had a couple of close matches and if we could have pulled that out things could have turned around,” said Bergman, a junior varsity player. THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS
John Taylor, a junior, has been playing since freshman year and is now on varsity. “I actually just went out on a whim one day and freshman year I just went to the tennis courts and said that I wanted to play tennis and I like it a lot now. I love it,” said Taylor. There are only four tennis courts on campus and both the boys and girls team share them. The boys take the first half of practice from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. while the girls take the next two hours. Next year, renovations will have been made to the tennis courts along with many other sports facilities. “The courts this year are really....there’s only four, and they’re not in the best condition, so I’m super excited for the new courts,” said Taylor. The boys tennis team is the only other sport at Cactus Shadows, besides golf, to be in division one. Last year the team was in division two and has since then moved up. The current rival for the team is Boulder Creek High School. “We call it battle of the creeks,” said Scott. For the first time this year, home matches have taken place on Cactus Shadows courts while in previous years they had taken place at a nearby areas such as Terravita and Winfield.
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ANTONIO