Maja Peirce Portfolio by Lori Hart

Maja Bella 2018 Portfolio

Reflection 1

I learned a great deal this year regarding the journalistic style of writing. I learned how an article is structured, the shortening of paragraphs, how to be concise, factual, and interesting. I also learned a lot about how to interview people, show up professional yet friendly, and get things done at a quick pace. Additionally, I learned some design skills that I hope to continue learning next year. All these skills can help me in the future. I struggled a lot before this class with writing concisely and I didn’t know how to be versatile with my writing. I was a creative writer and loved to write in a flowery style. However, after this class, I have learned to write in many different styles and switch between them when the time calls for it. This year I had to learn the tough rule of deadlines. This skill has probably been the most useful skill outside of the newspaper room so far. I have succeeded in school a great deal easier now that I turn assignments in on time. I feel it is almost as though a portion of the integrity in journalism is devoted to being timely and accurate with when and how articles get written. I definitely had my moments of stories being late, which I hope to change next year, however, I always managed to get them done by production day if it was possible. I’d like to be better at getting articles done sooner because it gives more time for me to get edits and improve as a writer. Teamwork is a quality that a newsroom cannot go without. There’s no one person who can create an entire newspaper in one day. I learned a lot about how to work with others because people depend on you to get your articles done. Helping others when they need it can also build stronger relationships with people and overall create a stronger team in the newsroom. The ethics of journalism is something I have really taken in this year. Learning what it truly meant to go get your information from first hand sources and deliver the absolute truth to the public was huge for me. It opened up a whole new passion that I was unaware of. I’m now more excited than ever about my future and my career as a writer. This year I tried really hard to help out anyone I could. If someone needed an article done that they couldn’t do, I took care of it. I also tried my best to have the articles assigned to me done and communicate with my editors if something was going to be late. I’m also a full supporter of the publications so I try to be as spirited as possible to help foster positive vibes among the staff. A hardship I faced this year was the journalistic style of writing. Coming from a creative writing background, it was a little difficult for me to transition. What was even more difficult was when I was assigned an article I had no interest in or seemed like a dry topic. I’m used to embellishing things with adjectives and an odd use of verbiage as well as always writing about something currently interesting to me. However, I slowly realized over the year that the coverage of a seemingly dry story can lead a lot of new discovery and that it’s the exploration of those corners in the world that go untouched that digs up golden stories. That being said, there are still stories I’m assigned where I have a difficult time conjuring up my interest and I think I could do better at finding an angle in the story that’s interesting to me and the readers.

Reflection 2 I believe my best piece this year was my article on Matt Blackert. This piece required a lot of effort. I had to drive all the way to Phoenix in five oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;clock traffic to meet Blackert and his skater friend and I drive stick so it was particularly frustrating. When I got to the destination, he called and switched the destination on me. However, when I finally got there, I knew right away that this was going to be an amazing story. I found it fascinating how he did his work and how he had to have a combined efficient knowledge of skating and filming in order to produce the film he was working on. I took some pictures and told Matt I would wait to ask him my questions at school. I later interviewed the skater he was working with and another previous client of his. While writing this article, I realized you can learn so much from asking other people about someone. When I interviewed Blackert, he remained fairly humble but when I interviewed about him with others, I learned that he was not only skilled at his craft but was also great at creating relationships with the people he worked with. People loved how comfortable they felt around him and admired his work. I realized while writing this piece how cool it could be to cover different communities than my own. The extent of my knowledge of skating comes from riding a longboard down my neighborhood sidewalk every couple months. However, writing this article gave me the opportunity to learn more about the skating community and the people within it. Taking the photos for it was also a new experience for me. They were photos of moving people and I hadnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t taken any sports shots yet at this point in the semester because I avoided sports articles like the plague. However, I found out I really loved getting action shots and they ended up being really self rewarding photos. Although this article didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t affect any change, I found that the arts were really exciting and fun to cover.

ATT Blackert, a visual artist and senior, began shooting skating videos at a young age, and has cultivated his craft of filming music videos. Although he has been filming since age 9, he began skating years before 5. “I started skateboarding at the age of 5 because my sister had mentioned that she thought skating was the coolest thing ever and I just really wanted her to think I was cool,” said Blackert.

Collabs and Connections

Through growing up skating and networking within the community, Blackert has developed a web of connections to showcase his work with. “He hit me up through Instagram and told me that he was working on a pretty big project that he wanted me to be a part of, and he gave me some names of the other people in it, and I’m homies with most of the people on the project, and they're all really dope skaters so I was down,” said Dre Young, a skater currently working with Blackert. As of late, Blackert has been adding more variety to the types of films he is creating. He started shooting music videos with some local rappers to the Phoenix area such as Terner. “I love collaborating with skaters mostly because I can often times suggest tricks that I will never be capable of doing, that they never thought of actually being able to land. But I prefer collaborating with musicians most, because we can just spitball ideas back and forth that will lead us to visions we may never have had if it weren’t for collaborating. I also just love seeing the vision come alive,” said Blackert.

4 MAJA PEIRCE

spotlight

Branching Out

Since skate videos are typically centered around the tricks and less on the edits and cuts made in the footage, Blackert enjoyed the idea of shooting music videos. It was a more creative way for him to develop his style in the editing room. “Matt is the most understanding person ever. I could tell him a general idea of what I want and he would nail it better than I envisioned. The vision for the Revenge video, which is the project we most recently worked on, was all about trippy visuals. I knew his editing skills were top notch so I wanted to use that to my advantage for the project,” said Aaron Barlow, also known as Terner, a local rapper to the Phoenix area.

Building a Career

With over 100 videos on his YouTube channel, and various connections with skaters and musical artists, Blackert has built a budding film career. He plans on following in the footsteps of Hunter and Buster, O’Shea, Jackson Casey, Eric Danescu, Brian Masterson, Cole Bennet, and Nicholas Jandora. “I mostly want to direct my focus onto doing something fresh and new that impacts another filmer to potentially incorporate into their style,” said Blackert. The desire to contribute to as many genres and styles of film drives Blackert’s aspirations and moves him to nurture long lasting relationships with clients and friends. “I chose Matt for several reasons, mainly because he’s a good friend before anything and I trust him completely so that helped a lot with the decision making. He’s also a very nice guy, very down to earth, loves doing what he does and you can just vibe off his energy on set. He brings a very creative mindset to the table and I find it extremely unique,” said Barlow. Blackert has fabricated a network and business of producing and directing skate films and now, music videos. These elements add up to create a successful visual artistry in his performance.

Kickflips and cameras Maja Peirce discusses Matt Blackert’s passion for film and skating, as well as his tie between the two.

WITH CAMERA IN HAND, Matt Blackert has made a reputation for himself as a film maker.

4MAJA PEIRCE

ACADEMY AWARDS On March 4, Jimmy Kimmel will host the 90th annual Academy Awards, or Oscars. The nominees were announced on Jan. 3.

Starting off with best picture, nominees include Call Me By Your Name, The Darkest Hour, Dunkirk, Get Out, Lady Bird, Phantom Thread, The Post, The Shape Of Water, and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. Of these nominees, I would select Get Out as my choice winner solely because of its uniqueness and dif-

Bird), Meryl Streep, (The Post). I want Robbie to win this title because I feel like her portrayal of Tonya Harding was so immersive and real I cannot see any of the nominees coming close. For best supporting actor, the nominees are Willem Dafoe, (The Florida Project), Woody Harrelson, (Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri), Richard Jenkins, (The Shape of Water), Christopher Plummer, (All the Money in the World), Sam Rockwell,

Christopher Nolan (Dunkirk), Jordan Peele (Get Out), Greta Gerwig (Lady Bird), Paul Thomas Anderson (Phantom Thread), and Guillermo del Toro (The Shape of Water). Of these, I hope to see Peele win for Get Out, because of how surprising the movie was and I loved his view. One more category includes best visual effects, a personal favorite, which includes (Blade Runner 2049) John Nelson, Paul

I was really excted about writing this piece because it’s exactly the type of article I want to write for a living. I want to make a difference by investigating crimes. Our judicial system isn’t perfect and a lot of people are imprisoned who shouldn’t be and a lot of people who are not imprisoned who should be. It takes investigative journalists looking into cold cases to help be a balance for the errors of the system.

SCHOOL BATHROOMS NOT UP TO PAR A distant football game rings through the air, with spectators buzzing with excitement. Athletes run on new turf after a trip from the recently added field house. Across the campus, a student holds a bathroom door closed with their foot; the lock on the door is long gone. They leave the bathroom and go to wash their hands, finding that the water flows in a weak stream, if any. Hand dryers lay mounted to the wall with a defeated whir of slight air flow. The need is clear: basic necessities are not being met in school bathrooms, from consistent running water to the security of locks on stall doors. School budgets are complicated, this much is true. However, what’s not complicated is a schools responsibility to care for students. For the most part, students here are lucky. However, the lack of functioning bathrooms is especially

frustrating when one considers where money has been spent in the past. From the construction of the field house to the renovation of the cafeteria a few years ago, it is clear that the basic security of having a locking bathroom door has either gone unnoticed or has been completely disregarded. In rooms such as the gym locker room, a stall door

eral. These new renovations are welcome and appreciated changes, and this above anything else should be clear. Students are not ungrateful for the improvements that have been made. However, priorities must be adjusted. The athletes that benefit from new turf are the same students that are holding doors closed with their feet or carrying hand sanitizer because water pumps at school are unreliable. While functioning bathrooms may not be a very spectacular or dazzling renovation to the school’s to-do list, it should be a much bigger priority than it has been in previous years. Students are not asking for anything spectacular. They are not asking for golden toilet seats or fancy hand-driers. They are asking for the security of a bathroom lock, or the ability to wash their hands. This, above any other renovations, needs to be a priority.

I got a lot of good feedback about this article. I enjoyed writing this opinion piece because prom is such a big part of highschool and I feel very storngly that everyone should go to the editorial prom at least once. I was excited to have the as we see it

opputunity to have my Upgrading opinion heard about it. cafeterias and stadiums is has been completely missing for years.

the flashy, attention grabbing upgrade, but it is not the upgrade students need. Students need stall doors that lock and water that runs; they do not need a field house or even new parking before they get a door with a lock. This is not an attack on sports, or even developments in school in gen-

The EDITORIAL represents the consensus view of the members of the Editorial Board. The Editorial Board members are Kiera Riley, Katelyn Reinhart, Lauren Haggar, Annalee Barnett, Maddie Howard, Mia Gilling, Sara Windom, Emma Russello, Grace Haycraft-McKee, Faith Hasher, Olivia Stickel, Zoie Lambesis and Sean Gannon.

PRICE AND PROMISE OPINION

MAJA PEIRCE The ongoing tradition of Prom is the high point of their high school experience to some, or something to avoid at all costs to others. Since the late 19th century, getting dolled up and bringing your hot date to the school dance has been a rite of passage. Despite mixed feelings, Prom is an event that should not be missed. While it is true that, at the end of the night, you have spent up to $600 on a prom dress or a tux, at least $100 on a meal, and $60 on the ticket, some things are just worth the effort. There are few times in your life when it is suitable to dress so lavishly. Plenty of us would prefer to spend the night in some sweats, shoving pizza in our faces, and watching the latest episode of our favorite Marvel TV show rather than partake in the sweaty dancing, dressing up, or romance of prom. But come on, Prom only happens once so get out of those sweats and hit the dance floor. Who cares if you are not

much of a dancer? If you are going to choose to let “getting your boogie on” scare you out of letting loose and rocking out to poorly made pop music, it is going to be a long hard road, my friend. Even if you do not have a date, I can promise you right now, in 20 years, it will not matter who, if anyone, you went with. What will matter is whether or not you laughed at your best friends dorky dance moves and whether you took the leap and asked that cute boy to show you his moves. At the end of the night, it will not have been like anything you could have expected but that is the beauty in it. Prom is not one uniform experience, it is what you make of it. Your night could be slow dancing in an overpriced dress with your significant other or it could be kicking your shoes off mid-Soulja Boy. Regardless of how you envision your perfect Prom, the experience is valuable for anyone and everyone.

“There are few times in your life when it is suitable to dress so lavishly.”

THE

PRESS

THE HIG

Editor in Chief Opinion Editor Features Editor News Editor Sports Editor Tech Editor Photo Editor

CSPress Staff

Brook BOWMAN, Make Griffin GOLDSTEIN, Av Aidia NIELSON, Maja P REIMER, Tyler SHEA, A Kassidy WHEELER

EDITORIAL POLICY: The by the Journalism class of School. The newspaper se staff of Cactus Shadows connection to the surroun The objective of the CS factual, informative and per, and to provide a forum diverse viewpoints. The opinions and views essarily represent the vie tion, the adviser, or all CSP The CSPress is also pu tusshadowscspress.com. The editors reserve th material that is libelous, immediate and material di tional environment. WE VALUE YOUR OP LETTER TO CSPRESS.OPIN The CSPress values opi If you have something to s had read, please write a l send it to cspress.opinio must be typed, less than and signed. The editorial s to edit for length. The CSP ters that are obscene, libe individual. Advertisements that a ing, or illegal to minors w CSPress reserves the righ tisement. To place an ad, the Advertising Manager a The CSPress is a mem Scholastic Press Assoc Scholastic Press Associ Education Association, Interscholastic Press Asso

The CSPress Cactus Shadows High S P.O. Box 426 Cave Creek, Arizona 853 (480) 575-2400

\KIERA RILEY

APRIL 13, 2018, Volum School enrollment: 182 Number of copies print

which ones they would like. Or, customers can use the drivethru which is open 24 hours. A donut at Hurts starts at $2. These donuts are topped with all kinds of treats like fruity pebbles, oreos, M&Ms, and andes mints. The donut that is pictured above is a cake base donut, with white icing and fruity pebbles. With the donut being a little larger and a cake donut, the treat is extremely filling. Plus, with all the sweet candies added to the top, the toppings can be over powering. Overall, the donut itself was flavorful, but the donut got lost in all the toppings. And, with the size of the donut being enormous, it was almost impossible to finish the whole the thing. 2161 E University Dr, Tempe, AZ 85281

braspberry, salted caramel, s’mores, and more. The donut pictured above is a cake braspberry donut, that is topped with a fresh raspberry. Speciality treats are priced at $1.79. One thing that separated Local Donuts from the other places, was that the donuts were not as massive. Therefore, the donuts did not make me feel extremely stuffed after eating them. Customers still get that fun flavored donut, but without being over stuffed or overwhelmed.

3213 North Hayden Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85251

4ZOIE LAMBESIS

4JIM ROBEST intrigue APRIL 2018

710 E Union Hills Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85024

4ZOIE LAMBESIS

The Roastery of Cave Creek has expanded to become one of the main roasters of coffee in Arizona.

Creeker coffee creators

only open 5am-10pm. Also, some locations offer a drive-thru option. Bosa has typical old fashion donuts along with their fancy combinations. Pricing for their fancy donuts are $1.39. The old fashion cake donut itself was delicious. But, when it comes to loaded donuts, Bosa did not have anything that was unique. For example, some of their combinations included, bear claw, cinn-roll, apple fritter, and more. Since, the options are more basic, Bosa was my least favorite when it came to the variety of toppings.

In Cave Creek you can find Dave Anderson’s roasts at The Village Coffee Shop and Creperie, and The Grotto Cafe as well as buy them at the Creek’s local Walmart. Additionally, they sell to Wholefoods and restaurants such as Pizzeria Bianco. “I really like our coffee because it’s a lot stronger than the coffee of other shops around town,” said Maya Hemingway, an employee of The Grotto Cafe and a junior at Cactus Shadows. Originally opening Cave Creek Coffee Company, also known as C4, in 1997, Anderson sold his original business and opened Firecreek Coffee with a business partner. He than left Firecreek to open Roastery of Cave Creek where he has been roasting his own beans and selling them state-

“I really like our coffee because it’s a lot stronger than the coffee of other shops around town,”

This article meant a lot to me. I grew up with the owner of the Cave Creek Coffee Roastery. When I heard we were doing an article on his new business, I immediatly wanted to write it. I had an extremly hard time getting an interview with Anderson becuase he was traveling to the Galapagos Islands. However, I finally got up and went to the roastery to politeltly demand an interview. He was an amazing person to interview and he ended up giving me free coffee. Learning about him as a business man was also really interesting as well as learning about the process of how coffee is made.

Tear Sheets

FEBRUARY

to meet with local influencers.

style

SHOPPING PERSONALIZED COLLECTIONS, Hannah Bryant

and Anikka Fremel, juniors,browse curated collections from fashion influencers at the Goodwill Reclaimed Fashion event. “I thought the event was a really good idea and I was surprised about the amount of clothes that were really unique and cool,” said Fremel. The event allowed fans to meet with local influencers.

4MAJA PEIRCE

goodwill goes fashion forward spotlight

seen on as you w

4MAJA PEIRCE

goodwill goes fashion forward

Vans O Titled t shoe of Magazi Sneake with a s can be On January 25, Goodwill teamed up with Instagram of diffe stylists to create the first ever Reclaimed Fashion event. colors a campus Eight different Instagram stylists took a look in their neighborCave C $60 sho hood Goodwill to find pieces they found appealing. After shopping, feet of they put together a rack of their personal selections. At Reclaimed Due to Fashion, people were able to shop the racks and pick their favorite Vans ha limited items. Brook Bowman There used to be two designe “It was a unique experience. It was surprisingly simple to find highlights the most world: spring/summe Old Sko

cool kicks

CLOTH WITH

Revealing th behind fast f

items that I like within a few minutes, which usually takes an hour or popular trends in now, there are over 5 so. It was convenient and easy to sort through, not to mention that I mens footwear at year; fast fashion bran found some good finds,” said Hannah Bryant, a junior. school. new The narrowing down of the Goodwill clothing made it a faster and and H&M release Vans Ch accessible shopping experience for many. in an effort to increas Ons: In classic w “I found a ton of awesome pieces. Lots of items were brand new HuffPost. took a t with tags including an amazing Theory mini skirt, and a handful of The majoraproble checke fabulous true vintage pieces. Gucci Slides: Taking on I found several Vince, J. Crew and Loft thethe shoe the labor behind theirand own spintooffind a typical items, I tried both casual and dressy/more professional became stated in her book, th to-wear sandal, Gucci, one of for everyone,” said Jessica Greenberg, items so there is something everyon mates that around 20 a Italy’s stylist. most prestigious Noticea fashion Cateringhouses, was alsohas provided at this event with cider and sweet ment production se 90’sisSou created Gucci Slides. fashion treats along with a photo setup that gave Instagram followers themal workers, and acc Nordstrom described Vans’ po opportunity to take pictures with the stylists. Reclaimed Fashion was workers as young the shoe as, “A boldly withas me1 a patterned chance for people to find affordable clothes that are in style and strap adds average of 14 hours a find them fast. signature refinement making less than thre twoslide slips sandal and a purse. The final price was almost $15 and to“Iafound classic Not only are thes itgrounded was worth every penny. I would most definitely go to this event by a wellcushioned, logo-patterned again. It was fun, simple and a unique experience,” said Bryant. by underpaid, Adidas underaN sole.” a whopping $210, Coming With At a packed store and local news coverage, Gene Watson, the designed by compan black an it’s surprising manyand many of the people involved plan original creator ofthat this event thus forcing custome released to pay the onare thewilling event returning and expanding from the single Tempe shop titled NM new clothes and thro price. But, they can be to several around the valley. “Design seen one many men’s feet causes a massive amo running “I’m almost positive that this will happen again,” said Josie as you walk the hallway. men’s sn in landfills, which take Jackson, a stylist. modern biodegrade. Accordin Reclaimed Fashion connected thrifters with style influencers that innovati inspire them on social media. tons of clothingstreets,” are s

Kickflips and cameras

Vans Old Skool Sneakers: Titled the most important Branching Out senior, began shooting skating videos shoe of the year by Vice Since skate videos are typically centered around at a young age, and has cultivated his Magazine, Vans’ Old Skool the tricks and less on the edits and cuts made in the craft of filming music videos. Sneaker, a skater shoe footage, Blackert enjoyed the idea of shooting music Although he has been filming since age 9, he with a simple canvas, videos. a more creative way for him began skating years before 5. can be seen in a rainbow On January 25,It was Goodwill teamed upto develop with Instagram his style in the editing room. “I started skateboarding at the age of 5 because of different types of stylists to create the first ever Reclaimed Fashion event. “Matt is the most understanding person ever. I my sister had mentioned that she thought skating colors and designs across could tell him a general idea of what I want and he was the coolest thing ever and I just really wanted her campus. Not only taking Eight different took a look in their wouldInstagram nail it better stylists than I envisioned. The vision for neighborto think I was cool,” said Blackert. Cave Creek by storm, the Revenge video, which the project we most After shopping, theto $60 shoe is seen on the hood Goodwill find pieces theyisfound appealing. feet of many celebrities. Collabs and Connections recently worked on, was all about trippy visuals. I they put together a rack of their personal selections. At Reclaimed Due to the popularity, Through growing up skating and networking within knew his editing skills were top notch so I wanted to were able to shopforthe andsaid pick their favorite Vans has created custom, the community, Blackert has developed a web Fashion, of con- people use that to my advantage theracks project,” Aaron limitedMatt edition shoes items. nections to showcase his work with. Barlow, also known as Terner, a local rapper to the Maja Peirce discusses Blackert’s passion for designed from the original “He hit me up through Instagram and told me that Phoenix experience. area. “It was a unique It was surprisingly simple to find Old Skool. film and skating, as well as his tie between the two. he was working on a pretty big

ATT Blackert, a visual artist and

intrigue FEBRUARY 2018

items that I like within a few minutes, which usually takes an hour or

4 MAJA PEIRCE

Building a Career project that he wanted me to be so. It was convenient and toonsort through, not to mention that I With over 100easy videos his YouTube channel, a part of, and he gave me some found some good finds,” said Hannah Bryant, junior. and various connections with skaters and a musical names of the other people in it, artists,down Blackert a budding film career. He it a faster and and I’m homies with most of theThe narrowing ofhas thebuilt Goodwill clothing made Vans Checkerboard Slipplans on following in thefor footsteps people on the project, and they're accessible shopping experience many.of Hunter and Ons: In 2017, the Van’s Buster, O’Shea, Jackson Casey, Eric Danescu, Brian all really dope skaters so I was classic white slip-ons “I found aMasterson, ton of awesome pieces. Lots of items were brand new Cole Bennet, and Nicholas Jandora. down,” said Dre Young, a skater took a twist by adding with tags including an amazing Theory minionto skirt, and a handful of “I mostly want to direct my focus doing currently working with Blackert. a checkerboard print to and Inew that several impacts another As of late, Blackert has been fabulous truesomething vintage fresh pieces. found Vince, filmer J. Crew and Loft the shoe. The $50 shoe to potentially incorporate into their style,” said adding more variety to the types items, and I tried to find both casual and dressy/more professional became the latest easyBlackert. of films he is creating. He started to-wear, go-to shoe in items so there is something for everyone,” said Jessica Greenberg, The desire to contribute to as many genres and shooting music videos with some everyone’s closet this year. stylist. styles of film drives Blackert’s aspirations and moves local rappers to the Phoenixaarea Noticeably, the classic him to nurture long lasting relationships withcider clientsand sweet such as Terner. Catering was also provided at this event with 90’s Southern California and friends. “I love collaborating withtreats skat- along with fashion has skyrocketed a photo setup that gave Instagram followers the “I chose Matt for several reasons, mainly because ers mostly because I can often Vans’ popularity this year opportunity to take pictures with the stylists. Reclaimed Fashion was he’s a good friend before anything and I trust him times suggest tricks that I will with men’s shoes. a chance for people to find affordable clothes that are in style and completely so that helped a lot with the decision never be capable of doing, that find them fast. making. He’s also a very nice guy, very down to earth, they never thought of actually lovesslips doing what does The and you canprice just vibe his being able to land. But I prefer “I found two and a he purse. final wasoffalmost $15 and energy on set. He brings a very creative mindset to collaborating with musicians most, it was worth every penny. I would most definitely go to this event the table and I find it extremely unique,” said Barlow. because we can just spitball ideas simple a unique experience,” said Adidas NMD_XR1: Blackert hasand fabricated a network and business of Bryant. back and forth that will leadagain. us to It was fun, Coming in the colors of store and local skate newsfilms coverage, producing and directing and now, Gene music Watson, the visions we may never have had With if it a packed black and grey, Adidas videos. These elements up toofcreate a successful weren’t for collaborating. I also just creator original of this event andadd many the people involved plan released a new sneaker artistry in his performance. love seeing the vision come alive,” WITH CAMERA IN HAND, Matt Blackert has on the eventvisual returning and expanding from the single Tempe shop titledasNMD_XR1. made a reputation for himself a film maker. said Blackert. to several around the valley.

4MAJA PEIRCE

“Designed after authentic

the shoe

every year. be seen Maja Peirce staff writer “I used toto-day f get clo or walki Forever 21, but they for a product just for wash. The buttons on and the threads woul Aless Zamora, a senio The best way to its negative effects on ronment is to buy sec retail. Instead of racin the newest sale, try s and searching throug clothes. Choosing thr reduces carbon footp ion profit. “I know certain s demand, but they com it’s easier to buy som options. I usually buy recycle their clothes, there isn’t any limit to Rawlings, a junior. Another way to k fills is to donate unwa loop recycling progra clothes back into usab

kicks on campus

Blake Dorame captures the m popular shoes around school

creeker

FOCUSED , Grossi teaches one of his pupils how to play the guitar. He wants other people to learn and appreciate the art of music as a whole.

rank Grossi, born and raised in Colorado, learned to play guitar as a teen after tradgedy struck, and he was no longer able to play sports. “...Children, they need an identity in life and it’s [music] not for everyone, but most people need something to identify with,” said Grossi. Although music is his passion currently, this was not always the case. “I used to be a football player when I was a kid. I played a lot of sports… football, baseball, basketball, all sorts of sports. At age 12 I broke my hip playing football, and people don’t realize those sorts of things happen to people, and they lose their identity. So I asked my parents if I could take guitar lessons because I couldn’t play sports anymore, and I needed something,” said Grossi. Grossi played in a band in high school and continued doing so until his mid-twenties. It was then that he made the decision he was not going to be famous, and decided to keep guitar in his life as a recreational activity. He worked several jobs, including some in the Frank Grossi, who was construction field, until a injured at age 12 friend offered him a guitar teaching job. When Grossi took it, he was surprised to learn how much he enjoyed teaching. “Music has a big part in a lot of peoples lives that isn’t fame. It’s for the expression,” said

“So I asked my parents if I could take guitar lessons because I couldn’t play sports anymore, and I needed something.”

Grossi. Students of Grossi have gone on to become professional guitarists and use his teachings to build their career. Spending several years teaching in Colorado Springs, Grossi and his wife moved to Arizona in 1998 and he started working a full time job while teaching guitar part time. Big Rock Music officially started in 2004 and became Grossi’s full time job. He added two piano instructors for two years but in 2011, after his wife passed away, he returned to teaching solely guitar. “My mother knew Frank somehow, that’s why I took guitar and piano from his wife. He was my first teacher,” said Ryder Jones, a junior. Big Rock Music Guitar Lessons moved into the Spanish Villa and is now additionally selling guitars and making small repairs. He now sells acoustic, electric, and bass as well as banjos, mandolins, and ukuleles. With 15 years of teaching experience, Grossi helps students from all different backgrounds ages 5 and up. “I started taking lessons with him at the age of 4, and I did so because when I was little I always wanted to play the guitar, and for my birthday my dad bought me an electric Fender and signed me up for lessons with him. Frank was my first teacher, and I still go to lessons with him here and there when I can,” said Annikka Fremel, a junior. Grossi believes that music is therapeutic for people, and that art as a whole is necessary in our schools and society. Along with wanting to contribute to keeping art in people's lives, he also hopes to aid in prolonging the guitar as an iconic instrument.

Maja Peirce staff writer

intrigue FEBRUARY 2018

4MAJA PEIRCE

Getting in tune with Frank Grossi

PATIENCE, Grossi is teaching his pupil the ways of the guitar, including the different notes, frets, and which strings are which. Tuning is one of the first steps to learning the instrument.

4MAJA PEIRCE

MARCH

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

SPORTS

Raising the bar

Pole vaulting is making a home at Cactus Shadows with a new coach and new vaulters By MAJA PIERCE g staff writer

The Cactus Shadows pole vaulting team is returning this year with a new coach and several new vaulters. Pole vaulting is an event in track and field in which a runner flips over a bar using a pole. They attempt to break their record height each time.

STARTING OUT

INSTRUCTING NEW POLE VAULTERS,

new head coach, Kaylee Eckland, watches as the students conduct vaulting exercises. 4MAJA PIERCE

MARCH 9, 2018 ■ 13

“I started pole vaulting because I had done gymnastics as a little kid. Most elite vaulters have a very strong gymnastics background and a family friend of my parents had a kid who knew an Olympic gold medalists who coaches here in the valley. After looking into it, my dad saw how few girls do it, and how it might be easy to get a scholarship for college since I was a good track runner to begin with. I went to the facility and instantly loved it,” said Lily Standley, a pole vaulter and senior at Pinnacle High School. Last year, Cactus Shadows took a breather from having a pole vaulting team, but this year, they hired a new vaulting coach. “Most of the vaulters this year are going to be brand new because there wasn't a full time coach last year. So, there's two girls returning that have jumped before and than I have about six or so that want to jump. I’m hoping to qualify at least four to go. Three would be great, but three to four. I probably won’t have

them start competing until later because I don’t have them for a lot of time. So, we have to get through some drills and such before I throw them into a meet,” said Kaylee Eckland, the new pole vaulting coach. This year’s team will consist of girls, due to the pole sizes that the school has. The girls are currently working on getting over the fear of jumping off the ground and putting their weight on the pole. “I’ve been pole vaulting since my sophomore year. I thought it was really interesting and my jumps coach also coached pole vault that year and it was the first year we did it at Cactus Shadows. The new coach is really awesome. It’s sad to see the other coach go, but she’s a good replacement,” said Lauren Heath, a senior.

A NEW COACH Eckland started vaulting in college and won a D1 scholarship for pole vaulting. She was also a long jumper and sprinter in college. “When I learned, I was old enough to learn it and understand it. So I really want to teach them so they could learn it and understand it, not just tell them what to do and have them do it like robots. I want them to understand,” said Eckland. The pole vaulting team is currently drilling and learning the basics of pole vaulting.

OPINION SCHOOL BATHROOMS NOT UP TO PAR

6 ■ APRIL 13, 2018

THE CACTUS SHA

THE

Papetti shows AmeriCorps values

A distant football game rings frustrating when one considers where eral. These new renovations are welthrough the air, with spectators buzzmoney has been spent in the past. From come and appreciated changes, and this THE NEWSPAPER O PRESS HIGH SCHOOL IN CA Jackie a graduate of of Cactus taken of, and Ianything would evenelse get paid more before their term is finished. ing with excitement. Athletes run Papetti, on the construction the field was house tocareabove should be clear. Shadows, AmeriCorps little while them. It are seemed the from in Chief Kiera RI new turf after a trip from the recently joined the renovation of athe cafeteria a serving few with Students notlike ungrateful for“We thehave done all types of serviceEditor under a year ago and has been totalsecupackage so I applied and here painting homes for low-income families to Opinion Editor Faith HA added field house. Across the campus, years ago, it is clearworkthat the basic improvements thatI am have been made. ing around country. now,”door said Jackie However, Papetti. priorities must be adjusted. clearing out an abandoned cemetery to work- Editor Olivia S Features a student holds a bathroom door closed the rity of having a locking bathroom ing in a shelter after Hurricane Irma. We’ve News Editor Lauren with their foot; the lock on the door is has either gone unnoticed or has been The athletes that benefit from new turf “I was so so proud of her fordisregarded. choosing Partsuch of theareteam stayed in South Beach Miami, Florida in Sports Editor Annalee long gone. completely In rooms the same students that are holding In AmeriCorps, people are with placedtheir into feet or carrying a path to help in need,” Ginaroom, a stall hotels and cramped in cots in a small house Tech Editor Sean GA They leave the bathroom and go others as the gym said locker door doors closed teams. In Papetti’s case, she wasbecause introduced Papetti, in Columbia, South Carolina,” said Jackie Photo Editor Mia GIL to wash their hands, finding that Jackie the Papetti’s mother. hand sanitizer water pumps at fromare all over the nation AmeriCorps Papetti. water flows in a weak stream, if any. is a voluntary civil society as we see it to 12 other people school unreliable. ranging from 18-24While years old. program sponsored by the government that CSPress Staff Hand dryers lay mounted to the wall functioning bathrooms may Day by day “I met one ofnot her be teammates, Jared, in helps Brook BOWMAN, Makenna FRE with a defeated whir of slight airothers flow. in need. a very spectacular or dazzling Jackie person and I’verenovation met most of to herthe other team to-do list, Griffin GOLDSTEIN, Avianna HO The need is clear: basic necessities are has been completely missing for years. school’s it Papetti’s daily life in AmeriCorps Motives and musings varies depending on the project she’sNIELSON, working Maja PEIRCE, M mates onisFaceTime. Jared my vision of priority Aidia not being met in school bathrooms, Upgrading cafeterias and stadiums should be met a much bigger than “I decided to apply to AmeriCorps NCCC on. Currently residing in Macon, Mississippi, what someone in AmeriCorps would be like. REIMER, Tyler SHEA, Annie SO from consistent running water to the the flashy, attention grabbing upgrade, it has been in previous years. Students when I was applying Jackie students she works from 9-5 on weekdays. When WHEELER she He was kind, thoughtful, considerate, and Kassidy security of locks on stall doors. butto it colleges,” is not thesaid upgrade need. are not asking for anything spectacuPapetti. “I knew college was important and was stationed in Key West, Florida directly humble. Her other team mates fit that mold School budgets are complicated, this Students need stall doors that lock and lar. They are not asking for golden toithat I wanted to go, but I kept thinking there after Hurricane Irma hit, Jackie Papetti and in my opinion as well,” said Rachel Papetti, much is true. However, what’s not comwater that runs; they do not need a field let seats or fancy hand-driers. They are had to be something more I could do before her team worked longer hours and weekends. Papetti’s sister. EDITORIAL POLICY: The CSPres plicated is a schools responsibility to house or even new parking before they asking for the security of a bathroom I went back to school for another four years. “After my term with AmeriCorps I plan on Throughout the months spent together, by the Journalism class of Cactus care for students. For the most part, stuget a door with a lock. lock, or the ability to wash their hands. I needed something that was productive but attending a university in Washington, along Jackie Papetti’s team created strong bonds School. The newspaper serves the dents here are lucky. However, the lack This is not an attack on sports, or This, above any other renovations, enjoyable, so I did some research and found with someone I met on my team. NCCC proand friendships after living in close quarters staff of Cactus Shadows High Sc of functioning bathrooms is especially even developments in school in genneeds to be a priority. AmeriCorps.” vides you with a $5,920 education award at and working together to accomplish goals. connection to the surrounding com Once she learned about all of the benefits the end of your service, so I’ll use that to go “We did a whole month of prep before The objective of the CSPress i The EDITORIAL represents the consensus view of the members of the Editorial Board. of the program, Jackie Papetti was unable to to school next fall,” said Jackie Papetti. we were sent into the field. Now, my team, factual, informative and entertai The Editorial Board membersresist are Kiera Riley, Katelyn Reinhart, Lauren Haggar, Annalee Barnett, Maddie Howard, Mia Gilling, and sent her application in. Jakcie Papetti is happy with her choice to Delta 4, has been to eight states,” said Jackie per, and to provide a forum for the Sara Windom, Emma Russello, Grace Haycraft-McKee, Faith Hasher, Olivia Stickel, Zoie Lambesis and Sean Gannon. “I knew I wanted to join when I read that take a gap year. Papetti. diverse viewpoints. Maja Peirce you would travel for free, a new place to be So far they have served with five differThe opinions staff writer and views express every one to two months. Room and board ent non-profits, and plan on working with two

the editorial

PRICE AND PROMISE OPINION

“There are few times in your life when it is suitable to dress so lavishly.”

essarily represent the views of th tion, the adviser, or all CSPress sta The CSPress is also published tusshadowscspress.com. The editors reserve the right material that is libelous, obscene immediate and material disruption tional environment. WE VALUE YOUR OPINION. LETTER TO CSPRESS.OPINION@g The CSPress values opinions fro If you have something to say abou had read, please write a letter to send it to cspress.opinion@gmai must be typed, less than 100 wo and signed. The editorial staff rese to edit for length. The CSPress wil ters that are obscene, libelous or individual. Advertisements that are obsc ing, or illegal to minors will not b CSPress reserves the right to reje tisement. To place an ad, contact the Advertising Manager at (480) 5 The CSPress is a member of Scholastic Press Association, Scholastic Press Association, th Education Association, and Interscholastic Press Association.

The CSPress Cactus Shadows High School P.O. Box 426 Cave Creek, Arizona 85327 (480) 575-2400

\KIERA RILEY

APRIL 13, 2018, Volume 11: Iss School enrollment: 1822 Number of copies printed: 110

also k aid

e is she

d of d a

Zoie Lambesis travels around Phoenix to pick out the best loaded donuts in the desert. These donuts are not the average type of donut. For instance, these treats are topped with cotton candy, gummy worms, bacon, and more.

BEEP BEEP 1 Grady Demmitt, a junior

3 Ryder Jones, a junior

2 Colin Saliba, a junior

1979 Mercedes 300D

HURTS DONUT

LOCAL DONUT

Located in Tempe,paint Hurts Donut From jobsshop is a must. Hurts is open 24 hours days a week.aCustomers walk up to the to 7stickers, case filled with cartheiscrazy an donuts, and pick out individually which ones they would like. customers can use the driveextension ofOr, self. match thru which isCan openyou 24 hours. A donut at Hurts starts at $2. these students These donuts are topped with all kinds of treats like fruity to their pebbles, oreos, M&Ms,cars and ? andes mints. The donut that is pictured above is a cake base donut, with white icing and fruity pebbles. With the donut being a little larger and a cake donut, the treat is extremely filling. Plus, with all the sweet candies added to the top, the toppings can be over powering. Overall, the donut itself was flavorful, but the donut got lost in all the toppings. And, with the size of the donut being enormous, it was almost impossible to finish the whole the Answers: thing. 2161 E University Dr, Tempe, AZ 85281

Local Donut is located in Scottsdale, and is open B 1970 Datsun SPL Roadster Tuesday-Sunday from 5am-2pm. They have every type of donut from traditional to fancy. Fancy donuts include a braspberry, salted caramel, s’mores, and more. The donut pictured above is a cake braspberry donut, that is topped with a fresh raspberry. Speciality treats are priced at $1.79. One thing that separated Local Donuts from the other places, was that the donuts were not as massive. Therefore, the donuts did not make me feel extremely stuffed after eating them. Customers still get that fun flavored donut, but without being over stuffed or overwhelmed.

C A B

ram s ck. e do ram ck he hat

A P R I L

Donut Smackdown

1 2 3

ell as

food stuff

1979 Chevrolet Camaro Z28

3213 North Hayden Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 4

4ZOIE LAMBESIS

READY PLAYER ONE

With multiple locations around Phoenix, Bosa Donut has to be simplest out of the three places. Their locations vary in hours, some are open 24 hours 7 days a week, and others are only open 5am-10pm. Also, some locations offer a drive-thru option. Bosa has typical old fashion donuts along with their fancy combinations. Pricing for their fancy donuts are $1.39. The old fashion cake donut itself was delicious. But, when it comes to loaded donuts, Bosa did not have anything that was unique. For example, some of their combinations included, bear claw, cinn-roll, apple fritter, and more. Since, the options are more basic, Bosa was my least favorite when it came to the variety of toppings.

710 E Union Hills Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85024

4ZOIE LAMBESIS

wide. new crop or coffee that they want “He left yesterday for Ecuador, The me to sample, I use this little machine Galapagos Islands, and that’s basically a minPeru to go look at the iature coffee roaster. crops. He’ll go look at Then we’ll roast maybe the new crops because three or four ounces at In Cave Creek you can find Dave with drought, and rain, a time and then we’ll Anderson’s roasts at The Village the crops will change roast at different temCoffee Shop andmay Creperie, Thetoo futuristic so he gets the chance peratures to find out without it, the film haveand been Grotto any Cafecharm. as well as buy them at the to check them out. He where that sweet spot yet lacking Creek’s local Walmart. Additionally, also goes to make sure is for that particular When it comes to the negatives, I have one they sell to Wholefoods and restauthe workers are in safe coffee,” said David Maya Hemingway, and one remember first seeing the conditions,” said Hollis an employee of The rantsalone. such asI Pizzeria Bianco. Anderson, the owner Grotto Cafe original “Itrailer andour loving however I quicklyJohnson, Anderson's really like coffeeit,because of Roastery of Cave it’s aout lot stronger than the coffee of Creek. pointed the film’s demise, including any step daughter and shops around town,” saidthere. Maya Directors, senior. The roastery does distribute outvirtualother reality game/movie out Hemingway, an employee of The Coffee starts out as a berry from side of Arizona, however, they try to video game creators, and anyone working with Grotto Cafe and a junior at Cactus the coffee plant and gets picked, than get it to their customers in a timely virtualShadows. reality always forget one key point-- left to dry on a large asphalt road. fashion in order to assure the freshobjects Originally exist in the real Cave world: you cannot After it’s dried, it’s green and has a opening Creek ness of the coffee. After the coffee C4, in as Earth earthy, nutty smell. It’s than put into is officially roasted and packaged, have Coffee virtualCompany, reality onalso theknown sameasplane 1997, Anderson sold his busiroasters at a very high temperature. it should be prepared and drinked because people would runoriginal into buildings, into ness and opened Firecreek Coffee The beans are then put into a cooling within a week in order to insure a traffic, anything. Also, if it is an alternate dimenwith a business partner. He than left bin and then through a destoner to prime cup of joe. sion to earth, to then it Roastery would have to be scaledget rid of any excess rocks or debris. Firecreek open of Cave Maja Peirce the same, is never the case. Creekwhich where he has been roasting “The coffee comes shipped in 150 staff writer 3 his own beans and selling them stateburlap bags and anytime there is a Ready Player One is definitely a good time,

The Roastery of Cave Creek has expanded to become one of the main roasters of coffee in Arizona.

This takes extreme practice and lots of retakes to get everything to look just right-ar3D motion capture is meant to look like reality. Because of this, the movie is meant to be seen in 3D, or even better IMAX 3D. pse, I have been fortunate enough to see the movie twice, once in IMAX 3D and once in reguishlar digital. In IMAX 3D, you see the film as it was intended, and it feels like the audience is truly in ul on the Oasis. There are things I notice in 3D that I the could not in regular-- the amount of detail they eer put into this film is astonishing. Something else I thoroughly enjoyed in this me movie was how nostalgic it was. No, I was not ROBEST from 4JIM born in the ‘80s, but I love the pop culture from intrigue APRIL 2018 ach that decade, and the entire movie is practically

MAJA PEIRCE

BOSA DONUT

Creeker coffee creators

“I really like our coffee because it’s a lot stronger than the coffee of other shops around town,”

style

ding

style to evel with shoes.

on from the ‘90s tform sandals parel.

? Try a pair of yle shoes like age Delia’s to your look.

er comes new or a fun Spice b some platform his pair from

essential mer. Try the h sneakers like ilar styles from

Mia Gilling

style and photo editor

4SARA WINDOM

GIRL BOSSES

Discover females who are taking the initiative to start their own businesses.

The majority of brands in the fashion industry are run by men, however, lately there has been an uprising of females owning and running both the business and design sides of brands. “The fashion industry produces what they know their consumers want, so if consumers make that statement, that they want females in charge, the companies will provide that,” said Sara Windom, a senior and seller on Depop. Female-run brands can be seen throughout Arizona, such as Solstice Intimates, which is located in Tempe. Ran completely by women, Solstice Intimates speciallizes in handmade, vintage-inspired apparel. Luca Magazine is another female-ran company in Arizona. Founded by Jennifer O'Bannon, Editor in Chief, Luca shares fashion, beauty, and lifestyle inspiration for teens. In addition to their female Editor in Chief, their beauty director, production director, and director of web development are all women. Despite these, and several other women that have taken a step forward in equalizing the fashion industries gender imbalances, there is still a large portion business being managed by men. They are stereotyped as being better at manifesting what companies are working towards in the fashion world. “I think there's definitely prejudice against women in the industry. Powerful women are often portrayed

to be cold or rude when they are in charge, but when men are giving out orders and running the show, no one bats an eye. I definitely think the industry is getting better, but there is still a long way to go,” said Windom. Lily Elison, a junior, runs her own business on Etsy selling homemade soap, and she feels she has experienced predjudice against her and her business due to her gender. “There are certain people who will try to tell you how to run your business; how to do this or how to do that. I sent out this charcoal soap once and someone tried to tell me it had gone ‘bad,’ but soap doesn’t go bad. I do think people try to push you around and tell you what to do, for sure,” said Elison. Elison collaborates with other women such as her essential oils provider. These women create a welcoming and empowering community of business owners. In order to build the strength of women in the fashion industry, it is imperative that they build one another up. The industry is competitive, and everyone must fight for themselves but women must additionally motivate one another to help each other prosper in an industry where they are marginalized. Consumerism plays a big role in it as well.

Maja Peirce staff writer

\SARA WINDOM

BEAUTY WITHOUT THE BEAST

Cosmetic brands have been using animal testing for decades, but these brands are saying no to animal cruelty. Although labels such as “cruelty free” can be placed on cosmetics, the definition of cruelty can be taken rather lightly in the beauty world. At first sight, the cruelty free label may seem like a legitimate statement, but lawfully, this can be put on products and used as a vague notion. A consumer reads this and thinks they are buying a product that was not tested on animals, this is not always the case. “We’ve developed so many other ways to test things as far as cosmetics go. So why would we ever do that on animals when they’re capable of suffering just like us?” said Carmen Lopez, a junior. No government agency sets standards for what this label means, therefore, the companies are left to their own ideas of what this message means. It is common for cosmetic companies to not test the product out themselves but have their manufacturer conduct the work instead. Other times, ingredients from products will be tested on animals but not the product itself. The reason companies are so insistent on testing on animals to begin with is because the alternatives can cost a lot, and have only just been created.

One such alternative is “The human organon-chips,” a creation of Wyass Institute at Harvard. Human bodies are mimicked on a microchip and used for animal testing. Alternatively, when shopping, the “Leaping Bunny” logo is used in the cosmetic industry to signify that the strictest of standards have been applied regarding animal testing. The “cruelty free” symbol is a rather vague statement that products use to essentially trick consumers into thinking their product is superior because they aren’t being cruel to animals. “The thing you have to look out for is parent companies because for example L’Oréal says they’re “cruelty free” and that they don’t test on animals but their plants in China do just that. So sites like leaping bunny and cruelty free kitty are good as well as PETA,” said Lori Larkin, an English teacher. Although brands like Glossier are persistent in the pursuit to not harm animals, many brands are deceptive when they claim to be cruelty free. “I use a lot of cruelty free face products like Glossier. I have the face wash, and the toner, and the little oil I put on my face. I feels so nice and is so refreshing,” said Aless

Zamora, a senior. L’Oréal, a cosmetic brand, came out with the statement, “When a supplier proposes us an ingredient, we ask to examine its safety dossier. If the dossier contains data generated by means of animal testing before March 2013, L’Oréal can retain the ingredient. If the data was generated after March 2013 and was for a cosmetics application, L’Oréal cannot retain the ingredient. If the data was generated after March 2013 but was for a usage other than cosmetics, then L’Oréal can retain the ingredient.” In other words, if an ingredient L’Oréal uses was tested on animals before March 2013, they will use it. Any ingredients tested after this date will not be used, unless it was tested for a reason other than cosmetics. When shopping for mixes and potions in the beauty department, look out for labels, to begin with, and the right logos in order to assure that purchase is not harming any furry friends. When shopping for new makeup, always be sure to do research before purchasing. If animals can be saved with the simple decision to choose one brand over the other, it’s a decision shoppers should start to make more frequently.

Maja Peirce staff writer

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

FEATURE

APRIL 13, 2017 ■ 11

Maja Peirce and Morgan Reimer take a look at what can be done to keep the mentally troubled from causing harm to themselves and others.

BROKEN MINDS SHATTERED LIVES \ SARA WINDOM

ENTAL Illness has

become one of the leading factors citizens blame gun violence on within the nation. “It’s hard to be a student in high school these days because you’re constantly looking over your shoulder. You never know what to expect when you go to school that day,” said Anya Holding, a junior. Despite the fear that has come with recent events involving violence in schools, it is not the largest issue that the nation is combating regarding gun violence. Every year, less than one percent of the gun related homicides are due to mental illness. Meanwhile, suicide deaths with the help of firearms are the main cause of gun related deaths. “I think a big issue is that two thirds of gun deaths in the United States are suicides which means that there's a bigger issue with people killing themselves then there is people killing other people. That’s a big example of problems with mental health and depression. So I do think that we should focus more on mental health personally,” said Colin Saliba, a junior. Under Federal law, anybody of 18 years or older can purchase a gun, if they have not been pronounced mentally defective or committed to a mental institution and passed their background check. In the years between 1998 and 2014, the FBI declined 16,669 possible gun buyers because a adjudication concerning their mental health in their background check.

Only about 1.4% of approximately 1.2 million background checks ended in refutation. Mental illness, however, does not only appear in adults but also children and teenagers. Those who are younger in age still need to be given attention and help, which can be difficult because they spend a majority of time at school and the parents may not know the half of what is happening in the adolescent’s head. “We train teachers to pay attention to your staff, to your students. I personally believe that if a teacher takes the time to get to know their students, they can look you in the face and know when things are off today. Maybe it’s not mental illness, but they’re just going through a hard time, so we can help them,” said Dr. Bebee, the school principal. According to Giffords Law Center, Arizona does not require a background check prior to the exchange and/or purchase of a firearm, or require the firearm dealers to own a state license. Along the lines of this and many other alarming laws, Arizona is ranked as one of the worst gun control states in the country. Many solutions have been suggested to resolve this conflict but the population has yet to agree on a resolution. “I think everyone should work on their mental health because it can easily slip,” said Chase Kirby, a junior. With careful consideration, the nation could help improve overall mental health and decrease some of the violence that has been rising within our society.

“Suicide deaths with the help of firearms are the main cause of gun related deaths.”

MAY

8 ■ MAY 18, 2018

OPINION THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

TWO PERSPECTIVES Following a recent hike in suspensions, students discuss the issue of...

School Discipline

OPINION

MAJA PEIRCE

OPINION

KATELYN REINHART

NE of the biggest problems facing any high school in America is how to deal with discipline issues. Cactus Shadows is no different and, starting next year, the school will try out a new program called Pride Academy. This plan focuses more on education and prevention than the traditional suspension or expulsion curriculum currently in place. Instead of being sent off-campus, students who incur a 3-5 day suspension will instead attend a separate class on campus. This all day “class” will include education about the harmful effects of the offenses they committed, and also provide time for students to catch up on school work. Behind this program is the belief that the current plan of suspending kids off campus often results in students hanging out, watching television or playing video games all day, and not, in fact, leading to any change in behavior. There is plenty of research to support the fact that punishment should relate to the crime. With this new program, the school is hoping to provide more information for students, and, ultimately, lead students to make more educated decisions. Students who attend Pride Academy will spend one third of the day learning about the effects of whatever offense they committed – bullying, vaping and other drugs, vandalism. Another third of the day will be dedicated to working on self restoration and building character, and the last third on completing school work. To help support the program, the school is hiring a brand new staff member who will be strict enough to keep students focused, but simultaneously passionate about making a difference in their lives. The chances for the program to succeed depend largely upon having a person teaching it is that students can connect to but also respect. Opponents argue that the job of disciplining students belongs with the parents, and not the school. But this argument does not hold water, because schools ARE currently disciplining students - it just is not working. Given the increased violence in schools across the country, it is critical that they take every action possible to find discipline methods that result in less violent acts on campus. “Getting students to behave in a way that is conducive to learning is a perennial challenge for teachers,” said Jennifer Gonzalez, a National Board Certified teacher who works with schools around the country. “Restorative justice really stands on its own, because it focuses on building relationships and repairing harm, rather than simply punishing students for misbehavior.” Schools in Nashville, Oakland and Miami are using restorative justice programs with positive results. According to an article on expedia.com, these schools report that the programs have helped strengthen their communities, prevent bullying, and reduce conflicts between students. These schools have seen drastic reductions in suspensions and expulsions, and students say they are happier and feel safer. The Pride Academy is being pioneered by admin based on what our student body struggles with the most. Let’s hope that we see the same results as other schools who have had success with similar programs.

ITH the arrival of another year, students can expect

“Pride Academy is set up with good intentions but a lackluster execution.”

“The school is hoping to provide more information for students.”

\SARA WINDOM

the buzz of new students, adjustments to a new schedule, and a new disciplinary program titled Pride Academy. Aiming to be an alternative to in-school suspensions, Pride Academy is set up with good intentions but a lackluster execution. For as long as teenagers have existed, schools have taken preventive measures to ensure students make the right decisions for themselves. This includes seminars ranging from bland to passionate, educational videos, and pleas from schools themselves. However, despite the whir of “do not,” messages, teenagers often take the action they know best: they do. In this new program, students who would have gotten a suspension and missed school are instead placed into instructional time in which they are shown informative videos and given to get caught up on class work. Instead of missing school days entirely, students are participating in the Pride Academy program at school when they would have been at home. The days are split into three sections, with the first being social and self improvement skills, the second focusing on the offense itself, and the third is time for students to finish coursework from classes they miss. However, many students who are in the Pride Academy program for non-drug issues are spending a third of their day listening to lectures that do not apply to their offense. Along with that, previous school efforts of discussing social issues have fallen extremely flat, leading to another wasted section of the day. While it is currently undecided on exactly what offenses would warrant involvement of Pride Academy, tardies and absences make up a great deal of disciplinary action. People who are made to participate for these reasons are spending a great deal of their day listening to lectures that have no relevance instead of participating in class discussion, leaving them no better off than they would be with a regular suspension or Saturday school. By instituting these in-school suspensions, decisions on disciplinary actions are also taken away from the parents. When it comes to raising children, parents should have the ultimate say. By getting rid of regular suspensions, power is taken from the parents and given to the school. With a generalized program suited to fit everyone, Pride Academy struggles where parents do not: personalization. In a school where hundreds of kids are getting in trouble for hundreds of different reasons, administrators have no chance of disciplining students in a way that will leave an impact on individual people. Not every student will need a lecture on being kind and respectful, not every student will need a lecture on the harms of cocaine. Schools may not know who needs what, but par parents know exactly what will apply to their children. Pride Academy will struggle because it swaps specificity with generalization in discipline, and students who partici participate will do the same things they’ve done in previous programs: daydream.

D=6%

THE REPORT CARD

D=17%

students on May 8:

D=1%

B=4%

A=17% C=20%

What grade would you give ... Based on a poll of 100

C=0% A=15%

C=15%

SUMMER

PROM THEME

LIP DUB B=52%

B=59% A=95%