BROOK BOWMAN
REFLECTION #1 I sit here, on the night before my last day of highschool, and I’m not even sure where to start. As I finish my fourth year in this class, it’s hard to grasp that this is the end. This semester consisted of so much that it flew by in the blink of an eye. I feel like we were working on the February issue only a few weeks ago. Now, I pass on my position to next year’s Editors-in-Chiefs. It feels weird to plan out a year that I won’t be apart of. However, I’m excited for the future and I’m proud of what we accomplished this year. As my last semester of Editor-in-Chief, I found it to be very different from the first. While we faced more difficulties first semester, I think this semester paid off more. Moreover, everyone understood what is expected of them and things went a lot easier. For example, editors didn’t need as much help from Kass and I. Instead, we could focus on more important things rather than trying to manage everyone. In addition, Kass and I didn’t have to do everything so last minute. Last semester, I really struggled trying to fix my frustration with everything not being done and having to take on so much. Instead, I took it out on the staff, my friends, Kass, etc. Unfortunately, I think this created the impression that I was intimidating and unapproachable. This semester I really tried to get past myself and create a better environment. Personally, this was one of my biggest
successes this semester. I developed myself more as a leader and learned a lot along the way. Additionally, I created more closer relationships with those around me. As a team, I think we reached each of our goals. In the summer, each editor put the importance on making the class not feel so cliquey like last year. I think we did a great job at that. I made some of my closest and most personal relationships with some of the staff this year. Plus, we entered this year with little to none skills with design. Now, I successfully designed the whole litmag. If you would of told me a year ago that I would do that, I would of doubted you. Overall, I think we did a great job this year and I’m really proud of how everything turned out. And, I’m excited to continue my career with journalism as I move onto the next path in my life.
REFLEC Last semester, I struggled a lot with taking on too many things but also having to make time to fix everything that wasn’t done. So, this semester I tried to priortize preparing for what wasn’t going to get done. Therefore, I wrote a lot of last minute stories, finalized designs, or took photos that weren’t good or weren’t taken. In February, I took this photo of Kayla while she practiced for the Spring Musicial. These photos were already taken but none were usable. So, I had to quickly run out and take some while they rehearsed.
February was significant for no one having any photos. In that month, I think I drove all around the city trying to get something for each page to have. This photo was for Creeker since it had nothing. Last minute, I made plans with friends, paid for their meal, and got great photos of Blaine sipping tea for the English Tea Room article. In the end, everything turned out great.
CTION #3 In March, I was left nothing to use on my page. No one had written their articles and I had no photos to work with. By luck, it snowed in Cave Creek and everyone couldn’t stop talking about it. At production day, I quickly wrote and story for it and was able to get photos of my friends playing in the snow. It was exciting to see everything work on in the end even if I was very stressed in the moment.
REFLECTION #2 As Editor-in-Chief, there was a lot of things I think we did great but we did make our mistakes. With that being said, I think the Krysten Sinema edition was by far our best issue for many reason. Firstly, it was the first issue everyone got it if you know what I mean. Additonally, it the first time I was really proud of myself and our hardwork was finally paying off. Within this semester, I think the best one was the April issue. Everything was really put together and it was the first time I could sit back and relax. Each editor I felt like I could rely on to hold their own. Overall, I think we did a great job. Although there were many great moments and successes, I did feel like we kept facing the same problems with the staff every issue. Each time, everything is always turned in late or not at all. With each attempt to fix it, nothing ever seemed to work. Sometimes the newspaper would see these faults. For the last issue, I hated that it came to getting rid of a sports page, a news page, and all of creeker because so much stuff wasn’t done, yet. It sucked to do since it was the last time myself and most of the editors would be designing their pages. I think that was one of our biggest faults this semester. My advice for next years editors is learn and train the new people earlier and more often. I know it’s a hard thing to do since we are all so busy. I found
myself struggling to find the time as well. But, it does make all the difference and make your life a lot easier in the end. We had so many problems the first semester because no one knew what we were doing, myself included. Once everyone figured it out, everything was so much easier to do
FEBRUARY
Walled in
THE
Border wall causes longest government shutdown to date.
T
By Avianna Hoppes
PRESS
sports editor
The newspaper of Cactus Shadows High School in Cave Creek, Arizona February 8, 2019 vol. 10, no.5
INSIDE
WELCOMING A NEW TEACHER
Cactus Shadows welcomes Nicolas Stowers, the newest addition to the Math Department. Grant Richardson sits down with Stowers as he starts his first semester on campus. See story on page 4
TEA BREAK Emma Bauer explores the English Tea Room, a popular tourist spot in Carefree. See story on page 16
GIRLS SOCCER HEADS TO REGIONALS
The girls Varsity soccer team heads to regionals in hopes of winning big. Frida Alvarado reports on how they prepare for the big game. See story on page 22
REACHING OUT FOR
HELP, Donald Trump, the President of the United States, shut down the government for 35 days, breaking the record for the longest shutfown to date in hopes of finding a way to fund the border wall. In the QR code below, Max Soleto and Miah Thirion, both video editors, investigate the issue.
4 BROOK BOWMAN
he government shutdown came to a halt on January 25, marking an end to the longest shutdown in U.S. history at 35 days. However, the reopening of the government will not last, as President Trump has signed a bill consisting of a three-week temporary reopening of the government. The shutdown was fueled by disagreements over funding for a border wall and illegal immigration and remained shut down due to the two sides being unable to come to an agreement. Many Democrats oppose the plan for the wall, as Democratic Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi called the wall “immoral.”. “[The shutdown] is an ineffective way to get what’s desired. The bigger problem is how the two sides define border security. It’s frustrating because both sides have set themselves and neither one is budging,” said Geoff Johnson, a history teacher. The shutdown began on December 22 when Democrats refused to support a continuing resolution that included money for the border wall, and continued not to support it when they took control of Congress on January 3. Building a wall at the Mexico-US border was one of the main campaign promises for Trump’s election in 2016, as many Americans think that illegal immigration is a problem. The idea is that building a wall at the border will stop both illegal immigrants and drugs from entering the United States. “Our country is a melting pot. To ignore the history is just wrong, so of course I think there are better solutions than a wall,” said Halle Ata-Abadi, a senior. Many Democrats do not think that building a wall will help. According to US Border Patrol, over half of illegal immigrants come here through tunnels or by overstaying their visa, and the majority of drugs come through legal ports of entry, including marijuana, heroin, and cocaine. “I think the wall would help with drugs and human trafficking because that’s definitely a huge problem right now,” says Derek Pederson, a junior. The Mexico-US border is 1,993 long, stretching from San Diego to south Texas. Out of the 1,993 miles, 700 of those have fencing. There are some stretches of land that do not have a fence or any border control agents. Democrats have suggested that the money used to fund the wall should go to hiring more border patrols or technology that would also deter illegal immigration. President Trump is trying to avoid the next government shutdown on February 15, saying that he will secure the border “with or without Congress.” However, with less than two years
left in office (barring re-election), he faces a big challenge in getting the wall done, especially since not much progress has been made so far, and the House is now controlled by Democrats. “Assuming he doesn’t get re-elected, I don’t realistically think the wall will get done,” said Pederson. The President is not alone in hoping to avoid another shutdown, as the effects of the last one were felt throughout the country. Roughly 800,000 government employed workers did not get paid during the shutdown, including park rangers, mail services, and TSA officers. U.S. customs and border patrol agents also did not receive pay. 102 Congress members also rejected pay during the partial shutdown, with even more donating their check’s to charity. Due to the length of this shutdown, it cost the government 11 billion dollars, which is more than Trump wanted for the wall and it may be more expensive to repay all of the Federal employees then it would have to keep the government open. “I think the wall should be built, but at the same time I feel bad for the people who aren’t getting paid,” said Pederson. These unresolved arguments are what led to the disagreement between Republicans and Democrats in Congress, creating the government shutdown in the first place. “Mr. Trump feels that he would lose respect if he backed down from the wall and the Democrats don’t feel that a wall would be effective. I feel that there is a better way to negotiate this,” said Johnson. Many Americans were surprised to see President Trump temporarily back down from his hard-fought stance on the wall, but the growing disruption and mounting pressure left him with few options. According to recent polls, 58 percent of Americans blame the President for the shutdown. 30 percent of Republicans also blame Trump, in addition to 73 percent of his party claiming that he is partly responsible. This reflects on the President’s approval rating, which currently stands at just 34 percent, according to some polls. That is down eight points from before the shutdown, when the approval rating was at 42 percent. To put this in perspective, President Obama’s approval rating never dipped below 40 percent.
Drama Club
THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS
prepares for the spring
PREPARING FOR THE
BIG NIGHT, Kayla Dobbs, a senior, takes the part of Fantine in the production of Les Misérables. “The best part is singing I Dreamed a Dream... I remember singing that when I was younger and it’s surreal that I get to sing it onstage for people now,” said Dobbs. 4
MUSICAL
T Frida Alvarado staff writer
he Shadowbox Players will perform the Les Miserables award-winning musical Les Miserables will open at the on March 7th, 8th, 9th, fourteenth, fiffine arts center teenth and7sixteenth, at the Fine Arts on March Center. During the aftermath of the French Revolution, the story begins in 19th-century France. Jean Valjean is released from nineteen years of unjust imprisonment and spends the rest of his life trying to redeem himself. Javert, a police inspector, refuses to believe that Valjean can change his ways, and pursues him relentlessly. Finally, during the Paris student uprising of 1832, Javert must confront his ideals after Valjean spares his life and saves that of the student revolutionary who has captured the heart of Valjean's adopted daughter. His world view shattered, Javert commits suicide, and Valjean finally attains the peace that he has sought for so long.
BROOK BOWMAN
Les les ab e Miser en at ther cent will op arts fine arch 7 on M
Inspiration becomes reality
“I chose this show because it provides many opportunities for new actors, as well as a strong challenge for performers who have been in shows before,” said Andrew Cupo, Drama Department chair and acting teacher. “Plus, it has a wonderful message of redemption and doing the right thing and second chances.” The cast playing the main characters are John Bush, a senior, as Jean Valjean, Benji Gerst, a senior, playing Javert, Kayla Dobbs, a senior, as Fantine, Chloe Otstot, a junior, playing Cosette, Drew Johnston, a senior, playing Eponine, Flinn Smith, a senior, as Thenardier, Brittany Whalen, a junior, as Madame Thenardier, Adam Schwartz, a freshman, as Marius Pontmercy, Dallas Overfield, a senior, as Enjolras, and Gabe Ozaki, a senior, as Gavroche. “When I first found out we were doing Les Miserables, I was super excited,” said Dobbs, who plays the female lead. “I was nervous since it’s such a big production but everyone is working really hard and it is really starting to come together.”
Behind the scenes
THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS THE NEWS
February 8, 2019 ● 3
Maricopa County community colleges eliminate football
the News
2 ● February 8, 2019
GIVING A HELPING HAND,
Hannah Weber a senior, laughs as her classmates shows their best pose. “Taking Adaptive PE for the past three years has been the best choice I have ever made. I have met so many friends through the class,” said Weber.
Choreography, makeup, costumes and vocal practice have been time consuming due to the large cast. Cheyenne Yerkes, a sophomore, is one of the costume assistants. While the Drama Club performs a musical every spring, this year’s production of Les Miserables is particulary challenging, according to Yerkes. “The most difficult thing, really, is costuming,” said Yerkes. “The[re are] big scenes where almost everyone is on stage at the same time and finding costumes from that time period and fit people in the cast [is a big challenge]. I have faith in the cast and crew that the show will be amazing because they are amazing, and it’s all gonna depend on how hard people work.” The choreographer for the show is Madeline McDonald, a senior and member of the Falcon Dance Company. “The most challenging thing is getting the music rhythms down. This show has a lot of time changes and it can be challenging at first when looking at all the sheet music. Everything is sung through so even
when someone isn’t necessarily ‘singing’ there is a still a specific rhythm the actor has to follow,” said Dobbs. Rehearsals are every day after school at 2:30 to 5:30. Each rehearsal is different and depends on where the cast is at. Currently, the cast is a month into their regular schedule. According to Harrison Newton, senior and Assistant Director and Stage Manager, the cast still needs to perfect their choreography, blocking, building their sets, and lock in the pitch of groups and solo numbers.
The anticipation begins
“I think it's going great. You really can’t compare productions especially when the artistic process is different every time. But, the cast is very focused during rehearsals and they all know how difficult this show is to pull off so you’ll not want to miss this. Amazing actors, set, costumes, and music,” said Newton. The show will run for six days in March. More information can be found on the Drama Club website.
TAKING IN THE MOMENT, John Bush, a senior, plays the role Jean Valjean. “I really enjoyed the whole process and it’s going to be a great feeling when we can perform and show everyone how great our show is,” said Bush. 4 BROOK
BOWMAN
4 EMMA BAUER
A By Max Sotelo
“It’s hard for the students that want to use that as their way in. Maybe academically, they weren’t fter the state made on track to go to a four year instithe decision to cut tution. So, they’re using those two funding from comyears playing for community college munity colleges, to get their credits back where they both Pima and need to be so they can then transMaricopa County fer,” said Tandehl Collentine, the Community College District boards Athletic Director. ruled to eliminate the football proThe students who filed the law gram from all community colleges in suit believe eliminating the football the counties. As a result, a group of program is in violation of the Civil students has filed a lawsuit, alleging Rights Act because that removing football African-American is in violation of the players make up 62% Civil Rights Act. of players on the foot“I don’t like that ball team. [the programs] are “I don’t believe that being cut because if it’s racist, but it is a you can’t afford anyvery touchy subject,” thing and you want to said Lucas Seaton, play football, in-state a senior and varsity football is a good football player. option,” said Mason After Eastern Draper, a senior and Arizona College and varsity football player. Arizona Western With over 400 stuCollege joined in dents being affected Maricopa and Pima’s by the decision, studecision to cut the dents who plan to football program, move from a junior there is not one junior college to a university college football proon a football scholargram that remains ship will now miss out in Arizona, addon millions of dolMason Draper ing to an increasing lars in scholarships. Varsity football amount of schools in MCCCD will be honplayer the National Junior oring football scholCollege Athletic arships through the Association that do Spring 2019 semesnot sponsor football ter. However, the programs. fight does not end here to try and revive the football program. video editor
4 ● February 8, 2019
“
I don’t like that [the programs] are being cut because if you can’t afford anything and you want to play football, in-state football is a good option.
NEWS BRIEFS Dean of Students leaves for position at Horseshoe Trails Elementary School
Aaron Pettinato, the Dean of Students, left Cactus Shadows as of Februray 8th. District Superintendent Debbi Burdick announced that Pettinato would be the interim principal for Horseshoe Trails Elementary School for the remainder of the 2018-19 school year. Pettinato has been a CCUSD employee since 2006, and became the Dean of Students at Cactus Shadows in 2016.
Reinforcing the late policy
This semester, the Cactus Shadows administration announced that they will start to enforce late policies. This new policy will result in tardies to school only being excused with a valid note from a medical professional or if your legal guardian physically comes in to excuse it. The school claims the reason for this change is to decrease the number of absences from last semester.
Cheer wins state championship for the eleventh time
The Cheer team is now eleven time AIA State Champions. The state competition was held at Estrella Foothills High School. Pom also won on Saturday, marking their 3rd state victory.
THE NEWS THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS
Cactus Shadows’ newest addition
AS A NEW WAY TO PROMOTE ART AT SCHOOL, BLT
provides David Simmons, the founder of the UBU Project, a chance to entertain students with music. 4 LOGAN
Grant Richardson staff writer
Cactus Shadows awarded National Unified Champion School for adaptive programs Offering adapted classes and programs like physical education, cheer, dance, golf, and dance, Cactus Shadows allows students to connect and build a unified school through leadership. By Karli Kinsey staff writer
As Cactus Shadows continues to grow into a more unified school, classes like Adapted PE, dance, and plenty of other sports have become a part of the curriculum. These classes work with those who stuggle with gross motor skills, giving them the ability to excel like others. “We have both adapted PE and dance at our school, but we also work with Special Olympics. So, we do cheer, golf, and I’m pretty sure we have had a student do cross country in the past. It’s really cool how much we have to offer and I only think it’s going to grow,” said Elizabeth Erb, a senior who is an aid. These classes bring out the unity of society. Each individual, despite disabilities, is allowed the same opportunities, and these classes show it. “You have to have a certain communication with each kid. So, you have to learn their strengths and weaknesses and how to work with them. At first it is challenging, but we get the hang of it fairly quickly,” said Cole Hrapczak, a junior who is also an aid. Each day of class specializes in the same type of stretching and warm-ups any other PE class would have, but they normal go more into detail when it comes to the activities. Each student is worked with individually to ensure maximum progress. “Each week has a different theme where these students will either work individually or together. We follow the regular physical education standards, so they
are getting in the right amount of physical activity each day,” said Janelle Perrin, an adapted PE teacher. Although they work hard each day, the students varying skill level can be a challenge, due to these students’ abilities. With the work they put in, their progression shows as it continues to grow. Between the teachers and students, there is a lot of dedication in accomplishing the class. Cactus Shadows even took things to the next level and won an award. “We are now a Unified Champion school honored by Special Olympics International because we support inclusion in the classroom, in sports, and promote a culture of acceptance,” said Perrin. Students are able to remain in these classes up until they are 22, which gives them the time to improve. The club, on the other hand, allows people of all ages to participate. “One of the biggest challenges in this class is the variety of ability levels we have in here. We make sure everybody is included because I believe that all students can do something, but it’s finding what they can do so that everyone can participate,” said Perrin. As more people become aware of the program, more people are participating, helping, and learning about it. Since Cactus Shadows already offers adapted PE, cheer, dance, golf, and many other sports both on campus and as a club, there is plenty of room to learn and live in unity as adapted sports progresses into the future.
Nicolas Stowers, the newest addition to the Math Department, started teaching geometry at the beginning of the second semester, bringing relief to an understaffed department. A Cactus Shadows alum, Stowers graduated with the class of 2014. He then went to college at ASU to start his teaching career. After college, Stowers decided he wanted to 4 LOGAN MCDADE come back to his hometown high school and see how things changed. “I went onto college and realized I wanted to become a teacher. Then, I was like, ‘Why don’t I just go where I feel at home to teach,” said Stowers.
MCDADE
As schools find a new way to decrease student’s stress, art therapy becomes increasingly popular around the world.
Record shortage of teachers A report issued by the Arizona School Personnel Administrators Association found that the 178 school districts and charter schools who responded to a survey reported they needed to fill 6,227 slots this school year alone. Cactus Shadows is no stranger to this problem, especially with the Math Department. After losing a teacher in the early weeks of the school year, many Math teachers gave up their prep period and taught a full day of six classes. With Stowers coming to the rescue, it relieves some of the district’s stress. “He is very nice and makes the class really easy to understand,” said Taylor Fitzmaurice, a freshman and student of Stowers.
New to the job Since it is his first teaching job, Stowers is slowly easing into things. He wants to see his students improve constantly. “It is nice connecting to the students and seeing students who have passion for the same subject I do,” said Stowers. Stowers enjoys playing the piano and guitar during his free time. He also enjoys spending time with his wife. While teaching everything that needs to be taught, he hopes to make the class as fun as he can. Engaging with his students is something that is big for him because, when he was a student, he liked when the teachers helped him. “He is really nice and makes the class fun,” said Carson Woods, a sophomore and a student of Stowers. He wants to start off his teaching career in a good way and being here at his old school will help him.
Breakaway Leadership Team helps integrate art into school to create positive atmosphere By Hope Black
B staff writer
REAKAWAY Leadership Team (BLT) is a school-based club comprised of students who work together to build leadership skills to strengthen the sense of community on campus. At the beginning of each year, the club picks a main goal to accomplish by the end of the year. Their goal this year is to spread positivity around the campus. During meetings, club members come up with ways to do so. “The purpose of BLT is to have different students on your campus that are leaders that will help change the climate on your campus to a positive climate. Our particular BLT has chosen the message of kindness,” said Corrie Klinefelter, the advisor of BLT and a school counselor.
Understanding the UBU Project Recently, David Simmons, a musician and founder of the UBU Project, worked with BLT on ways to achieve their goal. Simmons has been on campus during lunch this year, and wants to recruit stu-
dents for the UBU Project. “I think the main reason why BLT has him at our school is because of the type of person he is. The message he wants to send is valuable to the age group here,” said Molly Scaccia, a sophomore and member of BLT.
Art healing student’s stress The UBU Project is an organization that provides arts integration for schools with students K-12 that allows them to create music, dance pieces, or theatre pieces to increases their metacognition, which is the ability to understand one’s own thought process. The project holds prevention workshops after school at the Fine Arts Center. During the workshops, students are able to find their voices in hands-on ways such as writing songs. “I have been teaching arts integration most of my career. I am a survivor of my own suicide attempt and a recovering alcoholic. That came into play a little bit, but then about a year ago I heard the statistic that the leading cause of death in children 10 to 14 in Arizona is suicide.
That cemented my drive to create the UBU Project,” said Simmons. As part of their work with the UBU Project, BLT members went on a field trip to a leadership conference at Grand Canyon University. During the conference, members of BLT listened to speakers talk, and they discussed how to deal with negative forces and how to talk to someone who might be in danger. “We went because we knew that mental health in our generation is a rising issue in our world and we wanted to be a part of the solution that could help save the lives of our peers,” said Riley Hearn, a sophomore and member of BLT.
Future projects in the works Currently, BLT is not working on any specific projects, but plans are in the work for future activities. “We take field trips to better our community, like Feed My Starving Children,” said Hearn, a sophomore. The club is run by Klinefelter and meetings are held every other Thursday in room 104.
MARCH THE
PRESS
The newspaper of Cactus Shadows High School in Cave Creek, Arizona March 8, 2019 vol. 10, no.6
INSIDE
SNOW IN CAVE CREEK
A rare occurrence of winter happened around town. Students took to the streets to experience something different than rain and hot weather. Brook Bowman discusses the details of the day it happened. See story on page 2
EVIT VERSUS ELECTIVE Recently, the East Valley Institute of Technology was passed and implemented into public schools. Max Sotelo compares the positives with the negatives and the programs effect on students. See story on page 7
REAL LIFE BLACK MIRROR
China has created a system very similar to a Black Mirror episode. Karli Kinsey reports on a dystopian future, with strict government involvement and surveillance.
Show me the water
A new deal among several western states hopes to ease short water supplies. Many questions remain. 2 ● March 8, 2019
By Logan McDade staff writer
rizona has been in a long-term drought for 21 years. On February first, Governor Doug Ducey signed a Drought Contingency Plan, which is supposed to allocate funds and resources from California, Nevada, and Arizona toward building wells and conserving water from the Colorado River. Proponents of the bill say it is necessary for the future of water resources in the West, but some believe Arizona is getting the short end of the deal in the long run. Arizona is not the only place battling with a long term drought. The Colorado River, which supplies Arizona with 40 percent of its water, has been experiencing a drought since the early 2000s. The Colorado River supports over 40 million people and millions of acres. The Central Arizona Project recognizes the severity of the situation, and they plan to discuss the reliability of the Colorado River System and assess the risks to the state of Arizona in a public briefing on June 28. “I’ve been down to the Colorado River many times, and when I would go when I was little it was significantly bigger than it was when I went last year,” said Luke MacGowan, a senior. To prevent this drought from getting worse, the Drought Contingency Plan will be put into place within this year. All states involved agreed to take
less water from the Colorado River. This plan will make sure that the reservoirs, Lake Mead and Lake Powell are not used to exhaustion. AZCentral published an article stating that Lake Powell is 43 percent full and Lake Mead is 38 percent full. If its water levels go below 1,075 feet, according to Colorado Public Radio a public radio state network based in Denver, an emergency drought plan will be put into effect immediately in order to make sure that people are not affected further by the ongoing drought. Plans to discuss the topic further will take place between the states over the summer. “The deal would reduce the amount of water taken out of the reservoir in an attempt to avert continued declines and a spiral toward the worst-case scenario of “dead pool” — at which point water would no longer flow past Hoover Dam.”said Ian James an environmental reporter for AZCentral. With Lake Mead being a such big provider of water for the West Coast, it is important for states to share the water, but AZCentral depicts that Arizona will end up leaving much more water in the lake as levels drop, compared to California and Nevada. Some critics of the bill see this as unfair, but others see it as necessary even though it will hit lower-priority users from Arizona quicker than the other states.
see WATER on page 4
See story on page 15
DRY DESERT The Cross
Cut Canal in Scottsdale gives a view of of what future of Arizona might be if a solution to water supply needs in the southwest cannot be solved. Scan the QR code below for a video on the water shortage.
4ADAM FRANKLIN
CSHS students’ first
the News
THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS
SNOW DAY
U Brook Bowman editor in chief
nloading feet of snow, Flagstaff welcomed blizzard conditions which shut-down travel through the mountains of Arizona, New Mexico, and southwestern Colorado. Traveling became too dangerous and slick as a result. Cities like Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Scottsdale, and even Cave Creek woke up to the a snow covered Black
Mountain. “We found this isolated spot, kind of in the middle of nowhere. It was something so different then I’ve ever seen before. Even our friends car got stuck in the snow,” said Olivia Cordes, a junior. City officials from Flagstaff measured 40.3 inches of snow, which is almost half of the average annual snowfall in Arizona and an all-time daily record of snowfall. The previous record was set over a 100 years ago on December 30th, 1915 with only 31 inches of snow. Additionally, Tucson received about 2 inches of snow which is the most recorded in the desert since 2013. Meanwhile, Phoenix was drenched in rain causing floods around the area. Experts credit the rare weather pattern to the El Niño year which has been giving a lot of moisture from the Southwest. “these areas could not make it to school because of the unsafe driving conditions. “We went up to Desert Mountain and like Bartlett Lake area, and just found a place to park, and then we found a bunch of snow and it was pretty fun,” said Billy Mullenmeister, a junior. Here in Cave Creek, snow reached 1.5 inches businesses and homes near Desert Mountain, Carefree, and Rio Verde were affected the most by the big storm. Glendale, Tempe, and Scottsdale saw about three quarters of an inch while Phoenix saw 0.4 of an inch. However, Sky Harbor International Airport recorded almost half an inch. Many businesses like the Troon North Golf Course and Spur Cross Stables were forced to close for the day due to snow-covered courses and low temperatures. Moreover, students located in these areas could not make it to school because of the unsafe driving conditions. “It was definitely different, because I’ve never been in like, real snow before. We had snowball fights and stuff. It was really fun. Later on, we stopped by a neighborhood to take pictures and it’s a great afternoon I won’t forget,” said Anna Murphy, a senior. However, many found the snow to be a unique experience and used the four day weekend to their advantage by heading up North near the Snowbowl or by making a quick a trip to Black Mountain.
SNOWED IN Veronica Boyle, a junior, and
Lauren Jankowski, a junior, enjoy the record-setting weather with friends near the Tonto National Forest. “This was the first time I had ever seen so much snow in Cave Creek and possibly the last time. So, we wanted to capture the moment,” said Boyle. 4 ANNA MURPHY
Cactus Shadows welcomes Thomson as new Dean of Students By Devin Dorough staff writer
\BROOK BOWMAN
THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS THE NEWS
March 8, 2019 ● 3
EVIT offers a different opportunity Jo Breese staff writer
East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) is a Career and Technical Education District (CTED) that gives tuition free education to students in CCUSD starting next year. “EVIT is a centralized high school campus. They have 11 school districts that are now members, and they take programs that other high schools maybe would not be able to implement the program into their high school,” said Louise Rochford, the Career and Education director. EVIT is meant to help students who want to learn practical job skills before they enter a field. For example, you can take courses like nursing or repairing cars. In addition, they offer many different courses from aviation to veterinary assistant. Next year, sophomores and juniors can take advantage of this program by signing up for EVIT in the front office. “[EVIT] has really good teachers. I went to the open house, and they seem pretty cool,” said Romi Takamura, a junior who plans to take 3D Animation at EVIT next year. EVIT boasts a 98% high school graduation rate and 92% of their students placed in jobs, college, or the military by the time they graduate. According to the East Valley Tribune, it has been voted “Best Public School” by readers four different times in 2013, 2015, 2016,
and 2017. Doug Ducey, the Governor of Arizona, is one of the many to praise the program. “A model example of what a career and Technical Education should be,” said Ducey. Jacqueline Kennedy, a junior, plans on taking the Medical Assistant program at EVIT next year. “I wanted to do Lit Mag because I’ve been in it for three years. But, it’s sort of a compromise because I can’t come after school, so I might figure that out,” said Kennedy. There is one issue that is discussed often when EVIT is mentioned, and that is the schedule. EVIT requires you to leave Cactus Shadows at third period and they will bus you back to Cactus Shadows at around 3pm, which makes it extremely difficult for students who take EVIT to participate in afterschool clubs or sports. Adding to that, students would be required to take English during zero hour, a period that starts before school hours. ”Zero hour is probably the worst part. But, I like getting out early and we get to leave, which is nice,” said Kennedy. EVIT is planning on providing free transportation for students to and from Cactus Shadows. Although, many upperclassmen would prefer to drive themselves to and from the EVIT campus and the Cactus Shadows campus.
Arizona teacher shortage leaving schools with out full staffs seen up to three teachers this year in their Geometry classes. “We work with our teachers to see Arizona continues to face a teacher what ideas they may have through the shortage unlike ever before. Nearly a Interest Based Negotiations process. I quarter of teaching positions in Arizona also think we need to always build relaright now are empty, with some distionships, listen to each other and treat tricts facing incredibly high vacancy each other with professional respect,” rates and soon to face even higher. In said Dr. Debbi Burdick, District two years, about 25 percent of current Superintendent. teachers will be able to retire, leaving Additionally, the Special Education the unfilled positions at closer to 40 side of schools was hit very hard by the percent. The shortage also emphasizes shortage. In the Tucson Unified district the lack of special education teachers in alone, 27 percent of the job postings the state, with about half of the vacant were for special education positions. positions being for special education. While Cactus Shadows has not been hit Kathy Hoffman, the Superintendent as hard in the Special Education departof Public Instruction, has made note of ment, other departments have been hit the shortage in numerous interviews with the loss of multiple teachers over since 2017. Her point of view focuses the course of the semester or some in a mainly on how the teachers who are few weeks of each other. leaving feel about their job situations. “Schools only function with the hard “If there was a way for us to work work of our teachers. But year after together to find a way to have improved year, we have seen a devastating numhealth care benefits, perhaps then ber of teachers leave the profession schools would have many left over to and move out of state,” said Hoffman give teachers raises,” said Hoffman. during her first State of Education Some teachers are retiring or leavaddress at the Arizona legislature. ing their jobs because of the low pay According to a survey posted and a chance at better benefits somethree months ago of 211 districts where else. Governor Doug Ducey proby the Arizona School Personnel posed a new budget with substantial Administrators funding increases for Association, 913 teachK-12 schools. The intent ers abruptly quit or of this is to eventuresigned within the ally have an increase first four months of the in teacher pay as a school year. method of incentivizing “I would say to them to stay on board increase wages, but with with their districts. current funding I know “Obviously, pay as that just isn’t possible,” a teacher is not that said Callahan Schwartz, a good. You just have all freshman. the kids there which Districts statewide is what most are really have been hiring unqualistaying for. But, I think fied teachers to fill the they have a point,” said vacancies in classrooms Grayson Pysczynski, a Callahan Schwartz until they can find somesophomore. a freshman one with a degree in Cactus Shadows was teaching. This has some affected by the shortparents concerned about age throughout the the quality of the educastate as well. In the tion their child receives 2018-19 school year, each day. the school saw multiple new teachers, especially through the mathematics department. Some students have
Although, Thompson's main focus is getting through the rest of this year. With still a lot of vandalism in the school and bathrooms, Thompson focuses on those things as of now. “I will definitely be working on things to make our school better, safer for the 2019-2020 school year,” said Thompson. Yet, since becoming the Dean of Discipline, he has not received a break. Whether it’s talking to students who visit his office or doing different tasks, he stays busy. “It’s been very enjoyable. Definitely, a change of pace. But, I love working with a different group of individuals on a daily basis,” said Thompson. Though Thompson has followed most of the guidelines Pettinato
4 ● March 8, 2019
enforced, he is excited to try new things next year. “I want to look at some of the protocols we have in place over the summer and see if there’s any changes we can make that affect the kids in a positive manner,” said Thompson. Although he only has the position for the rest of the school year, Thompson plans on doing this position as long as Cactus Shadows lets him. “I’m happy he’s not just filling in for Mr. Pettinato because, being a former student of his, I know he’s gonna do a great job and make Cactus Shadows a lot better and safer for all of us,” said Joseph Edwards, a junior.
THE NEWS THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS
Dolphinaris closes its doors STAND UP FOR JUSTICE Students Blaine Ashby, Anna Murphy, and Karli Miller show their support for the safety of the remaining dolphins. After the fourth death of a dolphin, many people started to use their voice to take a stand against the abuse. “Since the dolphins aren’t healthy, it’s not humane to keep them in Arizona for our own entertainment,” said Ashby. 4 MAJA PEIRCE
“
I would just say to increase wages, but with current funding I know that just isn’t possible.
CSHS DECA wins big at State
from Cactus Shadows visited the EVIT campus in October and watched students study their practice. Starting next year, Cactus Shadows’ students will have the opportunity to join the program. 4 LOGAN MCDADE
in administration. This job was the right place, right time kind of thing because I’m currently finishing up my masters degree program in educational leadership. So, with this position open, I took the opportunity to get as much experience as I can,” said Thompson. A lot of different responsibilities come with the position. For instance, the Dean of Discipline is responsible for maintaining and understanding the student body. The job enforces structure and management throughout the school year. “Mr. Thompson is great for the job, because when I was in the class he was a teacher who knew how to have fun. But, never lost control over his class,” said Hayden Craft, a junior.
staff writer
NEWS BRIEFS STAY FOCUSED Students
4 BLAKE DORAME
By Ryan Bartholomew
With many teachers and staff leaving this year, Cactus Shadows saw many new teachers and new positions open up. The Dean of Discipline was an important one of the many. Previously, Aaron Pettinato was the latest Dean of Discipline. However, he recently took on the principal position at Horseshoe Trails Elementary School. Now, John Thompson, a Finance teacher, takes on the challenging position. Since taking on the job, he stopped teaching Finance and John Naylor, a long-term substitute, will finish out the year in replacement. “I did like teaching classes a lot. But, I also knew I wanted to move up the ladder and get a job
Cactus Shadows DECA members competed in State on the first of March through the third. Members received both the Elite and Affiliated State DECA Chapter Awards. In April, six members will be attending the International DECA Conference in April.
Protestors rally for first amendment rights at a Gilbert high school
At Perry High School, one student was suspended for bringing “Make America Great Again” gear to campus. Students say administration demanded that several students remove their gear in support of President Trump. However, faculty says that they only asked a student to put away a large banner. Students describe having their photos taken without their permission and being disrespected by other students.
Hope Black
S staff writer
INCE the opening in 2016, four
out of the eight dolphins under the care of Dolphinaris Arizona died in the OdySea Aquarium. The 4th dolphin, Kai, died on January 31st. This prompted hundreds of people to protest Dolphinaris. On Wednesday, February 20th, Dolphinaris closed and officials stated that they will reopen the facility as a new concept not involving dolphins. The remaining dolphins were shipped to a sanctuary in the U.S Virgin Islands. “I think that it is very cruel and it should not be allowed. Especially in this heat, it is not the right environment for the dolphins,” said Lola Draper, a junior.
RELOCATING THE DOLPHINS
According to a statement from the Coral World Ocean Park, the four dolphins will spend time in a specialty area in the sanctuary while they adjust to their new home. Now, they will then spend months building relationships with the other dolphins before they are reintroduced to the public. “They are kind of being treated as an object that we can view, or, like treating them as a museum when they are like mammals. They are living and breathing and they need to be in their own environment rather than for our amusement,” said Lauren Sinani, a senior.
In October of 2017, a seven-year-old bottlenose named Bodie was the first dolphin to die under the care of Dolphinaris. He passed from of a rare muscle disease. Only seven months later, the 2nd dolphin named Alia died from a bacterial infection when she was only 10 years old. Then, 11-yearold Khloe died in December of 2018 after a six year struggle with a chronic illness.
UNDERSTANDING THE DEATH
Kai, the fourth dolphin, passed once his condition started to worsen. He was not eating, swimming, or breathing properly for two weeks. “Our team made every effort to save his life, including blood-work testing, ultrasounds, x-rays, and engaging external specialists and submitting diagnostic samples to outside veterinary laboratories,” said Christian Schaeffer, the general manager at Dolphinaris. After news spread about Kai dying, more than 200 people gathered saturday morning to push for a change. For two hours, protestors lined the intersection at East Via de Ventura and North Pima Road in Scottsdale with signs and chanting for the remaining dolphins to be released. Some people felt that dolphins do not belong in the desert because desert environments carry dust and fungal spores that make people sick. Yet, Stafford said it is unclear what the cause of the deaths were. “I have mixed feelings about keep-
Water
continued from Water Reservation on page 1
Sinc the ope e of the aqu ning protestors arium, for the dolpfought rights withhin’s tions and petiacti protests. ve
Due to the intense media pressure after the death of four dolphins, Dolphinaris Arizona at the OdySea Aquarium decided to close their doors and relocate the surviving dolphins.
ing intelligent mammals in captivity for amusement or entertainment purposes. On the pro-side, it is an opportunity for people to get familiar with the animals and their plight in the wild. I, on the other hand, did feel a bit of guilt over having patronized a facility that keeps highly intelligent animals in captivity for profit,” said Mark Lauch, a zoology teacher. Dolphins away from the ocean do not live as long as dolphins in their natural habitat. In SeaWorld, there have been many incidents of dolphins dying under their care. The most common problem were infections inside the body. They can live to be 40 years old or more in the wild, whilst a dolphin in captivity dies at age ten.
CAPTIVITY’S EFFECT ON DOLPHINS
When in captivity, the mammals are also exposed to illnesses, like “pox” which is caused from stress and poor general health. The stress and boredom is also likely to weaken their immune system and cause self-mutilation. “I’m not sure what impact this will have on Scottsdale and the surrounding area. We survived a long time without Dolphinaris and I am sure we will survive beyond its closure,” said Lauch. Due to the intense media pressure, Dolphinaris decided to close their doors and relocate the surviving dolphins.
“People are unaware this drought is even happening and if we let it go on for a really long time it can be very problematic like with what California going through,” said Melissa Rimz, a senior. A more controversial part of this deal is who is going to take the water cutbacks if the drought continues to get worse. The first people to suffer cutbacks will be famers. This could be a problem, because farmers use that water for agriculture and livestock, which is necessary to contribute to feeding a population. However, it is also agreed on because farmers use up the most water, they should be the first ones to see some of the cuts in water usage. Most farmers are outraged because the government knew the whole time that this drought was progressively getting worse, so now the farmers have to pay the price since the government waited to take action. In order to save water, the government will ask for farmers to volunteer to fallow their land. Fallowing land is when the farmer does not use a piece of land for farming for a whole season, this way the land can recover its fertility and water can be conserved. Because of the cutbacks some farmers are going to have to do it to survive. They cannot waste time working on land that they will not even have water to farm on it with. If farmers begin to fallow their land they will sell less crops which could hurt everyone economically. Farmers have proposed they just use groundwater. But using groundwater is not always an effective solution. “I’m concerned, their answer is to pay the Pima county farmers to drill wells and pump water out. That is an aquifer that is not replaceable and can be a very dangerous position to get into. To start pulling water out of a limited resource just to solve the problem in the short term will only make it worse in the long term,” said Kim Wallis-Lindvig, a biology teacher. Legislators are trying to come up with a way to get 50 million dollars for funding on wells and the resources necessary for it. They introduced a bill, HB 2590, that would give the farmers 20 million dollars for funding for the groundwater idea. The farmers said they would cover part of the funding. It might have to come down to them relying on groundwater. The controversial part of the bill is using public money to fund the pumping of groundwater for farmers when using groundwater can be dangerous because of how it destroys the environment. It can be a positive thing because farmers need water now more than ever to grow things like food or cotton. Farmers argue that they deserve that groundwater because they have no access to other water sources and they will need that water to farm with. Due to the Drought Contingency Plan. California has agreed to not take water that belongs to them while they already battle a huge drought. That will help Arizona avoid losing more water and help the water in the reservoirs replenish a little. There are lots of ways people can help conserve water for their states. Water lawns once every three days instead of every day. Check for leaks. Install water efficient toilets, sinks and showers. Especially, just be smart with how water is used around the house, don’t let water run for long periods or excessive amounts of times.
APRIL THE
the News
2 ● April 19, 2019
PRESS
The newspaper of Cactus Shadows High School in Cave Creek, Arizona April 19, 2019 vol. 10, no.7
INSIDE
MEASLES IN ARIZONA
A movement of misinformation has led to old diseases coming back to infect people. Ryan Bartholomew writes about the dangers of not receiving vaccines. See story on page 5
STUDENT’S WAGES SAVED HB 2523 would have given Arizona businesses the option to pay workers under the age of 22 less than the state minimum wage. Mia Brito critiques legislatures attempt to pass the bill. See story on page 7
HITTING HOME RUNS
Peyton McGregor and the baseball team have been taking on the new season. Grant Richardson reports on the teams success and struggles for the year. See story on page 22
Falcons crown freshman as 2019 ‘Mr. Universe’
THIS MUCH FENTANYL WILL KILL YOU Hope Black
By Raven Ramirez staff writer
4BLAKE DORAME
blue. Then the breathing slows down, and then the heart. This can happen in a matter of minutes.
staff writer
Two times this year so far, border protection agents have seized large quantities of fentanyl at the Arizona-Mexico border, first in January and then in March. The January arrest alone resulted in the largest fentanyl bust in U.S. history. Fentanyl, a drug used to treat chronic pain, has become more commonly found in drugs across America and is extremely deadly. The number of fentanyl-related deaths have increased more than fivefold since 2013. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, nationwide, nearly half of all opioid-related deaths in 2016 involved fentanyl. “You’re putting your life into someone else's hands, and you’re saying ‘please don't kill me’ while you try and experiment with drugs. For the first time in my lifetime, not just my career, using or experimenting can be deadly,” said Brad Penner, the school’s Resource Officer.
The “third wave” strikes
For video coverage of the fentanyl problem scan the QR code above.
THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS
According to the CDC, fentanyl’s popularity did not skyrocket until 2013, which the agency calls the “third wave.” While a large portion of the drug comes from illegal stocks produced by Mexican cartels, according to the DEA, a portion of it also comes from legal pharmaceutical forms. Most medical experts cannot tell the difference between the two. The deaths recorded revealed that 82 percent of the fatalities involved the illegal powder form of the synthetic, while only four percent of fatalities involved the prescription patch. In 14 percent of those cases, the form of the drug used was not known by the person. The reason why fentanyl is as fatal as it is, is because of how potent the drug actually is. Compared to heroin that has a lethal dosage of 30 milligrams, a three milligram dose of fentanyl can kill an averagesized adult male. “It’s very sad, I think people should make better decisions and if they do decide to take drugs have something to test it with. I feel sorry for the families and friends of the people who are dying,” said Greyson Sassman, a sophomore. When fentanyl is quickly injected into the body, it can cause the diaphragm and the chest to seize, which leads to something called “Wood Chest Syndrome.” Muscle tone progresses to severe stiffness, which then leads to difficulty breathing. During a fentanyl overdose, the body starts to slowly shut down. The most common result is the person’s lips immediately turning
Overdose at Notre Dame Earlier this year, a student at Notre Dame student overdosed on fentanyl and was given Narcan nine times. Their heart went down to six beats per minute. According to a student who was there at the time, but wishes to remain anonymous, the experience was frightening. “I was scared, I personally knew the kids who were involved. One of the kids ended up in the rehab program I was in. It kind of bothered me, because that could have been me.” Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid similar to morphine, but about 50 to 100 times more potent. It is mostly used to treat patients with severe pain after surgeries, although it can also be given to patients that have chronic pain if they are physically tolerant to other opiods. The drug works by acting on the brain’s opiate receptors to alter how the brain experiences and reacts to pain, while boosting the levels of dopamine as well.
Only a few minutes to live “The most frightening part of fentanyl is that it’s only about six to eight minutes before you need to be saved, and people won’t even know they ingested it,” said Penner. In 2018, the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention labeled fentanyl as the most commonly used drug involved in overdoses. Deaths tripled from 2015 to 2017 in Arizona alone. It is commonly found in heroin, cocaine, and “M-30” pills. The presence of fentanyl was almost non-existent just four years ago. According to Doug Coleman, the special agent in charge of the Phoenix Division of the DEA, four years ago, law officials seized zero fentanyl. In comparison to this year, they have seized enough fentanyl to kill 70 million people. The most common fentanyl-laced drug being spread around Arizona is the “Mexican Oxy.” The Mexican Oxy is a pill disguised to look like Percocet. At a party last year in Tucson, Aaron Francisco Chavez was given two pills stamped with a M-30. He passed away due to an overdose. The pills he was given were two of 1,000 smuggled across the border into Nogales by the Sinaloa Cartel. See Fentanyl in Arizona on page 4
THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS THE NEWS
This year's Big Bang Spring Spirit Week was space themed, encouraging students to dress up and participate in a variety of activities throughout the week. One of the most popular events, Mr. Cactus Shadows, was changed to Mr. Universe as a nod to this year’s theme. In this annual competition, boys compete against each other to win the title by performing a series of talents. The evening opened with all of the contestants performing a group dance. This was followed by a presentation of the short audition clips submitted by each contestant. Then, the first part of the actual contest began the fashion section. Contestants were required to answer a question that they had prepared beforehand, and then walk the runway wearing sashes. After, they came back to describe their fashionable sashes. Having the opportunity to plan answers to the questions ahead of time made it easier on the contestants. “On the [application], there were questions that they were going to ask you and you basically try to fill in your funniest responses to those questions,” said Benji Gerst, a senior contestant. The next part of the show was the talent section, where contestants had to show off their special talents to the judges and the crowd. Seniors Jack Skummer and Gerst started things off by singing a song. Junior Adam Busbee showed off his talents by dressing up as Napoleon Dynamite and performed the iconic dance from the movie. Also, freshman Adam Schwartz showed off his talents by singing a country song and dressing up as a cowboy. After all of the talents were performed, the top five were picked by the judges:
Tandehl Collentine, Assistant Principal; Gabe Ozaki, a senior, and Danica Gianni, an English teacher. Seniors Nick Romash, Taj Nadesan, Benji Gerst, Harry Denzak and freshman Adam Schwartz, made the top five contestants. “They asked me to judge, and I was all for it because I love being a part of the stuff that’s happening on campus all of the time, and not just the athletic side,” said Tandehl Collentine, Athletic Director. However, there can only be one Mr. Universe, and the audience became the judges for the final round. Codes for each finalist were put up on a projector with a number to text them to. After an eager wait, they announced the 2019 Mr. Universe winner for 2019 was Adam Schwartz, who won free tickets to prom. “Mr. Universe was a very enriching experience,” said Schwartz. “It was extremely exciting to be part of, and I had a lot of fun competing in it. Adam Schwartz Although it means that I winner of the 2019 Mr. Unicannot take part in it for verse the rest of my high school career, I am very proud to have broken the system by being the first freshman to ever win.” Cheyenne Yerkes, a sophomore, and Emi Knape, a junior, hosted the event. Throughout the evening, there were games for the audience to participate in as well, such as emoji riddle, name MAKING MEMORIES Adam Schwartz becomes the first freshman to win Cactus Shadows’ annual that tune, and “are you smarter than an Mr. Universe. When participating in the event, each contestant is judged by their dance and talent. “I administrator.” didn’t even expect to get to the top five. It was completely a surprise. But, I think I deserved it,” said
“
Although winning means that I cannot take part in it for the rest of my high school career, I am very proud to have broken the system by being the first freshman to ever win.
Schwartz. 4 BLAKE DORAME
Youth minimum wage bill dies in the State Senate By Ryan Bartholomew staff writer
House Bill 2523, coined as the Youth Employment Act, was a bill that made a lot of noise in the state legislature before falling flat the week of April 8 after questions about its legality were brought up. The bill would allow businesses to pay the federal minimum wage and negotiate other work arrangements with people younger than 22, who are working on a "casual basis" and who are enrolled as full-time students. The bill defines "casual basis," as people who work no more than 20 hours a week or who may work more than 20 hours a week, but not regularly or only for a short time. "It gives [employers] more flexibility to find those certain individ-
uals between those ages that are working part time and plug them in," said Joe Galli, the Senior Public Policy Advisor for the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce. The Legislative Council memo debated by lawmakers said HB 2523 would change the voter-approved wages and be at the mercy of the Arizona Voter Protection Act, otherwise known as Proposition 105. “Minimum wage for these younger people at one point seemed like a good idea. But, now that the economy is doing well thanks to the deregulation by Trump, it really is unnessecary to have a minimum wage for kids that young. For adults and older people who have payments to make, it makes more sense,” said Cole Lockridge, a sophomore.
Chad Heinrich, the Director for the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Arizona said small businesses employ around 1 million people, which makes up more than 40 percent of the state’s workforce. “The youth unemployment rate is roughly 12 percent nationally. In Arizona, we have a minimum wage that is about 50 percent higher than the federal minimum wage. That really prohibits small businesses and businesses of any size from hiring folks that don't really have any work experience,” said Heinrich. One concern that those opposed to the bill had was how college students would make their payments to continue their education. The student association and the
4 ● April 19, 2019
THE NEWS THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS
Last minute rush leads to the ...
Yearbook being printed Devin Dorough staff writer
Rock the District is ten years old.
Devin Dorough staff writer
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Rock the District returned as an annual event to showcase student performers within CCUSD. Sponsored by the Cave Creek United Education Fund, the event raised over 200,000 dollars in the past years for the school district. ¨I’m most excited to have two performers appearing who played at the first Rock the District Melissa Nelson and Cali Rodi. Nelson, then a Cactus Shadows High School student, created and organized the first Rock the District. Both have gone on to pursue careers in the entertainment industry,¨ said Sarah Byrne, a representative for Rock the District. Most of the musicians are in middle or high school, with the exception of the alumnis coming back for the tenth anniversary. Some familiar artists this year from Cactus Shadows include Christina Jo, Halle Abadi, Carissa Canto, Ashley Walker, and Eden Cislo. For the past few weeks, performers have put a lot of hard work, dedication, and preparation into their performance. “I’ve been practicing a couple times a week in preparation for the show. I have done Rock the District in previous years so I want this year to be my best one,” said Ashley Walker, a sophomore, “I’m also excited to see some of the other acts playing. Everyone this year is just so talented.” Musicians will be performing covers of other artists as well as original pieces. ¨I am doing two covers and one original, Dancing with the Devil, which I am also planning on releasing as a single next year,” said Christina Jo, a senior. Not only does this performance help student musicians get discovered, it also helps the District. Back in 2012, they came up with a plan to acquire more money to support education in technology, international learning, health, and music. Over the years, the money earned from Rock the District is given back to the teachers. In 2017, Rock the District gifted 10 grants for schools in the District. Cactus Shadows received one for 2,500 dollars towards the Culinary Program. Thanks to the grants, schools in the Cave Creek district gained new technology, music equipment, art supplies, and many more to further educate the students.
ate Senate
TAKING THE STAGE Olivia Torel, lead vocalist from Meadowlark, alongside Jenna Dougherty, the guitar player and backup vocals, performs at Rock the District. The duo began singing together at age four. 4 EMMA
BAUER
Scottsdale police bring Operation Prom to Cactus Shadows By Karli Kinsey Drunk driving has always been a serious issue for high school students during the prom season. Although not everyone takes advantage of illegal substances, some still do, putting not only themselves but others in danger when getting behind the wheel. Because of that, Cactus Shadows will be doing a collaboration with Scottsdale police and fire departments by revisiting Operation Prom. Students will be bused down to Desert Mountain High School on April 26. “It’s an awareness campaign for everybody who is excited about prom and excited
shouldn’t matter when doing a job, whether someone is 16 or 76, age should not be a factor in how much you get paid. It should be based off of the amount of work you do and how well you do it,” said Michael Kaegi, a sophomore. On April 8, the bill was all but killed on the Senate floor. The requirement of a three-fourths majority made it unlikely to pass, since it would require the support of the Democratic party as well. Most lawmakers now no longer wish to support a bill with so many legal hoops to jump through before passing. Also, the bill would be going directly against not only Prop 206, set to raise minimum wage to $12 by 2020, but also the Voter Protection Act, also known as Prop 105.
April 19, 2019 ● 3
Rock returns returns
staff writer
American Civil Liberties Union are already threatening to sue if the bill passes. “I’ve researched both sides of the arguement, and they both have reasonable points. Being a recent student myself, and knowing how tight it is for money, I do believe it’s kind of unfair to be doing the exact same job and making just over half of what everyone else is being payed, just because you’re young,” said Nicholas Stowers, a math teacher. Michael Szanto, an economist and professor at the University of Miami, made it clear that the bill would mainly impact students who rely on having the same wage to feed themselves and pay tuition fees. “I think age is something that
about what’s going to happen like afterparties and whatnot. They need to understand that bad things can happen when drinking and other substances are involved. Operation Prom is a visualization to the highest extreme to show kids the dangers they face,” said Brad Penner, the school resource officer. Operation Prom is a car collision simulation that juniors and seniors will view. The purpose of the program is to help students understand that this is real life, and drinking and driving is not worth it. Originally, Operation Prom occurred every three years. However, because of the new turf on the football field, Operation
Prom was cancelled. Because the football field was upgraded to an artificial turf, the school was unable to bring the program back as helicopters cannot land there. That is why they decided to bus students to Desert Mountain this year. “I think that it is definitely beneficial because maybe when kids see this, they will take it into perspective that drinking and driving and things like that are dangerous. Maybe less people will consider getting behind the wheel while intoxicated,” said Brooke Minor, a sophomore. The event showcases a crash involving two cars, and a real-life depiction of what happens when there is a fatal accident,
including a helicopter and hearse. Students will watch the DUI, the arrest, and all different checkpoints of an accident with illegal substances and chemicals involved. “It is amazing how quiet the crowd gets. The last time we did it here, there was absolute silence. It has that much of an impact, especially when it is your peers,” said Beth Udisky, a social worker. Administration has high hopes for Operation Prom. They expect to bring awareness to students with the scene of the car accident. The want to impact them with the reality of driving intoxicated with hopes that students will never get behind the wheel when under the influence.
FOCUSING HARD, Flynn
Cook, a junior, practices different chords during class. This is Cook’s first year taking the class. “I thought it would be a fun class, and I could learn something new and possibly useful,” said Cook.
4 LOGAN MCDADE
Every year, students in the yearbook class are tasked with putting together a book that showcases Cactus Shadows. After four month of planning and eight months of hard work, the 2019 yearbook is finished. In the yearbook class, there are staff members, team leaders, and editors. Team leaders are in charge of managing a fourth of the staff members. Their job is making sure that everyone is staying on track with work, keeping up with their grade, and doing the work that needs to get done. In addition, they help with getting pictures and adding designing the pages. “We have to take pictures at almost every event and design pages in the book. We put everything on the spreads which include photos, mods, main stories and other content,” said Blaine Ashby, a sophomore and team leader. On the other hand,
each editors have different jobs whether it’s coming up with a theme, picking the perfect fonts, adding design elements to make everything fit, or editing the stories. Additionally, editors have the final say in what goes into the yearbook. Lastly, staff members create the content for the yearbook like writing stories or taking photos. Each staff members have a team leader to help them with what they need to get done. Also, staff members planning to return the next year are learning to understand what is expected in hopes of becoming a Team Leader, an Editor, or Editor-in-Chief Now, that the yearbook is over that does not mean there’s no work to do. “Staffers are working on indesign to create mini yearbooks for an end of the year project,” said Devon Molina, a senior and editor-in-chief. The editors and staff leaders are helping the staffers that plan to return next year learn how to
design and learn all the techniques they use in Yearbook. Editors have also started brainstorming for next years yearbook. “We have to pick a theme both verbal and visual and start designing the ladder that will eventually be the pages of next years yearbook,” said Ashby, The yearbook class is very excited for the book to release. They added a lot this year and made sure to add a lot of student coverage. “I am very excited about seeing how the yearbook looks given it was done by a class of editors we recruited last year. I dont think many members of my senior editor team would have envisioned themselves accomplishing this much two years ago, so I am really looking forward to seeing the final product of their hard work,” said Scott LaVigne, the yearbook advisor. This year, the staff hints the blue theme, giving a preview of the closing to the book.
Fentanyl problem grows in Arizona continued from the Front Page
Guitar classes are...
Strumming away by Max Sotelo
G video editor
UITAR class at Cactus Shadows
is not quite like the other music courses offered here. Unlike choir and band, the guitar classes do not spend time learning and rehearsing pieces to be performed at concerts. Instead, the classes focus more on practicing their technique and improving skills on the guitar. “We don't put on performances for a few reasons. First, many of [the students] do not want to be in the spotlight, and just want to get better. It also allows me time to truly introduce and delve into styles that they may not have played before and not worry about having it concert ready,” said Karen Dolezal, the intermediate and advanced guitar teacher. Guitars are available for students to use during class, but they are welcome to bring their own. The cirriculum for the guitar classes is all developed by Dolezal and Kevin Brady themselves, who both respectively teach intermediate/advanced and beginner guitar. For the beginner classes, the material comes from the same guitar method book series as taught at Sonoran Trails.
“We’re learning a style of guitar called Flamenco, it’s more of a Spanish influenced type of guitar,” said Grace Gramling, a junior. As for the intermediate and advanced guitar class, they concentrate on on the different styles of guitar. They learn blues, classical, and flamenco. For their final exam, students choose a challenge piece to present. Dolezal can be found at Cactus Shadows teaching two choir classes and one guitar class in the early morning hours. She travels to Sonoran Trails Middle School to teach guitar after third period. “I’ve been playing guitar for the past five years, and I actually started at Sonoran Trails, in the guitar class there,” said Tory Johnson, a junior. The beginning of guitar class at Cactus Shadows traces back to about five years ago, when Dolezal was hired to teach at Sonoran Trails. She and another music teacher, Cindy Puschak, who now teaches at Black Mountain Elementary, created a guitar class for middle schoolers. While there was already a single, multileveled guitar class here, Dolezal realized that the high school needed a class that would be able to support the students playing guitar at a higher level.
“It’s a tragedy. We in law enforcement are looking for the people who are doing this so we can put them where they belong. Unfortunately, you’re in that age group where you’re experimenting with drugs, but for the first time, the drugs you ingest, even flowered marijuana, is being laced with fentanyl. Now, you may overdose and not even really know that you took something,” said Penner. Nogales is one of the main entry points the Sinaloa Cartel uses. The cartel was formed by multiple criminal leaders in Mexico, who all have political and military influence. They are known as one of the largest drug traffickers in the world. Another incident occured in February, when a student from Notre Dame Preparatory
School was arrested for selling fentanyl-laced opiods to other students. The arrest was made after an investigation began when officers responded to a dispatch call explaining one of the students overdosed. The student was taken to the hospital and given Narcan, so he was able to make a full recovery. “Honestly, it’s kinda sad that the deaths here is what it took for people to be aware of it in North Scottsdale and North Phoenix. It’s been a growing problem throughout the country. It hasn’t really reached Scottsdale, but now that it is, I’m happy that people are doing something about it, but at the same time I wish it would have happened earlier,” said Ryland Davidson, a sophomore. In January, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol had their largest
fentanyl bust ever, finding 254 pounds of the deadly opioid inside a truck full of cucumbers and other produce going into Arizona. The amount of fentanyl was reportedly enough to kill 57 million people in total. “What I believe is that fentanyl is probably cheap. It’s easy to get, but it’s killing people. Why are they doing it and why are they continuing to do it? I don’t know, it’s not normal. Most people want to make money so they would make more for less,” said Penner. People addicted to fentanyl who stop using it can have severe withdrawals. Symptoms can happen as early as a couple of hours. These symptoms include muscle and bone pain, sleep problems, diarrhea and vomiting, cold flashes with goosebumps, uncontrollable leg movements, and severe cravings.
MAY
ROUGH HOUSE
THE
PRESS
The newspaper of Cactus Shadows High School in Cave Creek, Arizona May, 17, 2019
There are over 6000 homeless people in Maricopa County. A recent count indicated the numbers are up from previous years.
vol. 10, no. 8
By Logan McDade and Ryan Bartholomew n April 1, the Urban Camping Law was revised by the 9th Circuit Federal Court of Appeals. The law was ruled to be “cruel and unusual punishment” and in violation of the Eighth Amendment to the Constitution. The ruling stated that if no space was available at public shelters, then members of the public must be allowed to sleep without fear of prosecution or arrest. What this means is homeless people will be allowed to sleep on streets if no shelter is available for them. Before the revision, Urban Camping was banned and punishable, even if no alternative shelter was available. Homeless activists protested that this was unfair. The ruling means unless there is enough shelter space for the homeless population of a city the size of Seattle or San Francisco, city officials cannot enforce anti-vagrancy laws or prohibitions against camping in public parks or sidewalks. The court is not able to force cities to build adequate shelter space or homeless housing, but it can make it unconstitutional for them to criminalize homelessness until that burden has been met.
INSIDE IMPORTANCE OF NOVELS As administration contemplates limiting novels taught in English classes, the editorial staff discusses why this would be detrimental to developing critical thinking skills. See story on page 5
THE TOP TEN
The top ten grade point averages for the class of 2019 have been reported. Check out who received the best reports in the senior section.
Seniors are headed off to college, and some freshmen will be living in dorms. Morgan Reimer breaks down dorm necessities and how to design a room that feels like home. See story on page 19
ONE OF THOUSANDS
of those who can not find shelter, rests in Herberger Park in Phoenix
4GEORGE HAZLETT
The Maricopa Continuum of Care of the Maricopa Association of Governments indicate that, as of the Point-in-Time survey on January 21, there are increasing numbers of unsheltered homeless in the county
Unsheltered 48%
5,918
4,865
6,298
5,361
5,702
5,605
4,342
4,056
3,546
6,614
Homelessness and poverty are inextricably linked, with poor people frequently unable to pay for housing, health care, and education. The working poor are essentially an accident, illness, or paycheck away from living on the streets. An annual report from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development showed that in the past year the number of homeless people in Phoenix has increased by over 10 percent. One theory is this was the result of stagnant wages, rising rents and deep cuts. The report also stated that 40 percent of homeless people are unsheltered.
3,426
1,053
1,289
1,646
2,059
2,618
3,188
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
senior. Over 1000 books were sold and need to be picked up before the end of school. “We love seeing students going through their books,” said Murphy. 4 LOGAN MCDADE
Rough house
continued on page 2
THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS THE NEWS
Administration contemplates limiting novels in English classes staff writer
SSISTANT
Principal of Curriculum and Instruction Laurie Umbarger has proposed that English teachers stop teaching so many novels in the classroom. Her main reason for this is because reading novels does not prepare students for the text types they will be using in college and the workforce. Currently, English teachers assign a variety of novels throughout the year, and students are required to read the entire novel. This is taking up a lot of schools days. Umbarger points out that the State and National standards are based on acquiring analytical skills, and not necessarily discussing ideas and themes in novels. “It's not that I’m reading the Great Gatsby or I'm reading Romeo and Juliet, it’s I'm learning how to analyze text,” said Umbarger. “So, when we spend an inordinate amount of time on a certain piece of text, that’s not allowing our students to experience multiple types of text. Umbarger also explained that when students get real jobs, they are not going to be reading novels. Most students will be going into colleges and getting jobs where they will be reading informational text. Colleges will be requiring students to know how to read certain text, pull out information from texts and then respond to questions using the text that has been pulled out. e“I think that fiction books wouldn’t have as much meaning as a book that’s more relevant to the topics of today,” said Dylan Heideman, a sophomore and book lover. “Novels have completely defined my personality and
life. Whenever I read novels, it always changes my perspective on things and helps me open my mind to certain views.” The curriculum the school is looking into right now is called Springboard. Springboard was developed by the College Board, and is geared towards students in grades six through 12 grade. Every grade levelis’ curriculum has an in-depth studying of one novel and one play. According to Collegeboard.com, Springboard selects specific texts for study, but also allows teachers to choose their own texts that they know will work for their students. Pre-AP Curriculum is already being used at Cactus Shadows. According to Collegeboard, this curriculum offers high standard focused courses that “help build, strengthen, and reinforce student’s content knowledge and skills.” It helps prepare student for AP classes along with other college-level coursework. They are designed to help all students and serve as a baseline for course work for subjects. Janet Wells, an IB teacher who teaches English Honors to sophomores, does not believe novels should be taken out of the English curriculum. “I think whatever a teacher does to make a student read a book is okay. I don’t care what students read as long as they read. I think that there is value in everything we read,” Wells said. “Reading fiction prepares people to be open minded and tolerant, which are very necessary in our community.” There is no current proposal to change the English curriculum, but the standards require that at least 50 percent of the time should be expository text.
May 17, 2019 ● 3
GIVING A FEW MOMETS AND A BIT OF YOURSELF
THE KEY CLUB hosted a blood drive on April 30 to give students an opportunity to give
blood for patients in need. Local hospitals often run low on blood, which can cause serious problems when treating emergencies like car accidents. “I felt like I was giving back to the community somehow,” said Jacob Biggs, a junior who donated blood. 4 LOGAN MCDADE
Robotics Club RoboBear team wins rookie award at regional competition By Jo Breese staff writer
The Robotics Club is a community club that creates and drives robots to win competitions. The Robotics Club is a combination of the old Cactus Shadows robotics club and the old Bella Vista High School robotics club. The Robotics Club borrows Bella Vista’s old robotics team name, making them the RoboBears at competitions.They became one club this year for funding reasons and next year they plan on getting a sponsor from cactus shadows but still remaining a community club. “I started it ‘cause I was at the middle school and when I was there, I thought, this is so fun, why do I have to stop at middle school, I should just start at the high school,”
Students represented life with their artwork, poetry, creative writing, and photography. If desired, a book can be purchased for prerelease for $15. May 21st, there will be an official release party at Janey’s Coffee House where books will then cost $20. Showing support for the hard work each student put into the yearbook and litmag will only encourage them to take things to the next level for the 2019-2020 season.
YEARBOOK EDITOR IN CHIEF ANNA MURPHY delivers a yearbook to Derek Hertzell, a
Shelters full
shelter, they do an annual run called “I-Help” to raise $25,000 to help house and feed the homeless. The State Homeless Coordination Office plans and coordinates strategic activities aimed at ending homelessness in the State of Arizona. Nationally, the most prevalent homeless assistance intervention is permanent supportive housing. The number of beds in this category has grown by 92 percent since 2007. The second most common are emergency shelter beds, which have increased by 35 percent since 2007. Rapid rehousing, the newest type of permanent housing intervention, has quickly grown by 450 percent over the last five years.
“Full shelters is a problem 90 percent of the nights. Every month, the organization has to turn away about 275 people who are looking for shelter,” said Glow. Another popular shelter is the Tempe Community Action Agency (TCAA). Along with providing
“Unsheltered homelessness has increased each year since 2015. Arizona saw the fifth largest increase in homelessness from 2017 to 2018, with about 40 percent of homeless persons being
continued from Rough house on page 1
Frida Alvarado
and decided on “out of the blue,” which does not literally mean the color. The meaning behind this is out of the “ordinary,” but because of the title, the book is strictly blue. For Litmag, the theme is “evolution.” Those in Litmag were not able to decide a theme until all stories were done. They noticed a pattern in each one - the changes of the state of mind in life - and that is what led to the idea of evolution. Life is full of growing, which is what each story demonstrates.
Homelessness and poverty 3,680
WHENRY MILAND
Sheltered 52%
T
HE 2018-2019 yearbook and literary magazine are officially completed and available for pick-up. Yearbooks arrived on May 8th and started getting handed out on the 9th. Litmag is available for pre-purchase until May 21. Over the summer, the brand new editors worked on the table of contents for the 2018-2019 yearbook. They thought of this year's theme
As most residents know, homelessness creates a burden on resources such as emergency medical assistance, hospitals, policing and more. When people do not have the means to care for themselves, they become the responsibility of the city, whether wanted or not. “When Phoenix Fire crews respond on an unknown person with an unknown illness at a bus stop or near the roadway, we ask them if there’s anything we can help them with,” said Phoenix Fire Captain Rob McDade. “While we are talking with them, we take a set of medical vital signs to see if they are dehydrated or if they need further medical care.” McDade also said that one of the agencies they work with is PHOENIX CARES, which stands for Community Action Response Engagement Services. During situations with homeless people, a trained outreach team will be sent. They take the time to build rapport and trust with people on the street, to encourage them to accept the services and resources that are offered to help end their homelessness. “It is not fair to punish them for sleeping on the streets when they have nowhere else to go,” said Jake Reit, junior.
DESIGN FOR NEW LIVING EXPERIENCES
THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS
Publications wrap up the year Karli Kinsey staff Writer
County burdened
See story on page 14
A
the News
2 ● May 17, 2019
staff writers
said Sebastian Cuc, a sophomore and the current president of the club and former president and founder of the Cactus Shadows Robotics Clu. Sonoran Trails Middle school has a robotics club for 7th and 8th graders, but when Cuc moved up to high school, there was currently no robotics club active, so he started his own. Cuc then helped in merging the clubs together to create a singular community robotics club. The Robotics Club recently went to a FIRST Robotics Competition, which is a competition for high school and college teams to use their robots to complete a variety of tasks for certain amounts of points. Each year has a theme and this year’s theme was “Destination: Deep Space.” “They had these rocket ships and this
cargo bay, where you had to either plug up the panels on the rocket ships or the cargo bay or you could put basically, like, rubber balls into the ship to gain points and putting hatch panels on, got like, two points per thing and putting cargo in got three points per thing and our robot only did hatch panels, so we just went around and plugged up all the sides of everything, so our teammates could put cargo into the bay,” explains Dominic Nicosia, a sophomore and an engineer on the robot. Each division has a different theme each year. There are four divisions of age groups and grades: FIRST LEGO League Jr, for kids six to ten, FIRST LEGO League, for elementary and middle school, FIRST Tech Challenge, for middle school and high school, and FIRST Robotics Competition,
which is for high schools only. The Robotics Club recently competed at the FRC Regional West Competition and won an award. “We won the Rookie Inspiration Award, which is how well you were able to spread the work of FIRST to other people as well as within our community. [We were] setting a good example for other rookie teams to join,” said Mike Artenian, the Lead Mentor of the Robotics Club. Cuc claims that the award recipient is also determined on how well the team overcame challenges presented at the competition, how well they work together, and how far they get in the competition. The Robotics Club continues to grow through students from Bella Vista and Cactus Shadows and they plan on going to many more competitions next year.
A major reason for the homeless sleeping on the streets is a lack of available beds in local shelters. Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) is one of the largest homeless shelters in the valley, and understands this problem all too well. “This is one of the only shelters in the Valley that will accept anyone no matter the circumstance,” said CASS chief executive officer Lisa Glow in an article published in the Arizona Republic.
Unsheltered homeless
unsheltered. Emergency overnight shelter services are important in Arizona, given our extreme hot and cold climates that can become life threatening for people experiencing homelessness,” said Grant Sears, a public health student at NAU and Cactus Shadows alum. Transitional housing is the only intervention on the decline. There are 52 percent fewer beds in the transitional housing category than there were in 2007. This follows a national trend of states and communities shifting resources away from temporary transitional housing and towards permanent housing options, such things as permanent supportive housing or rapid rehousing. “There should be something put together to help out the homeless in the summer, like a community area,” said Alek Severkovski, junior. Another group often overlooked when discussing the homeless are veterans, who often struggle
with post traumatic stress and other issues. On April 27, 2019, 17 unclaimed or homeless veterans were given a final resting place at the Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Marana. “I believe it’s an important part of life to recognize people that otherwise wouldn’t be recognized,” said Ann Kellison, a member of Daughters of the American Revolution, a group that supports veterans across the United States. Although 2018 saw a marginal increase in the homeless population, federal and state programs continue to make progress with families and individuals in states that desperately need it, like California. With higher risks of natural disasters, a persisting affordability crisis, and growing uncertainty around the strength of the social safety net, it is necessary to coordinate the resources of all these organizations to keep up with the numerous challenges of affordable housing.
CSPress names 2019-20 editors Next year’s newspaper will be led by the following editors: Editors in Chief ...Avianna Hoppes, Logan McDade Online Editors in Chief...Max Sotelo, Miah Thirion News Editor...Grace Carey Opinion Editor...Julia Knies Spotlight Editor...Ryan Bartholomew Style Editor...Miah Thirion Creeker Editor...Jo Breese Photo Editor...Logan McDade In Depth Editor...Frida Alvarado Food Editor...Devin Dorough Health Editor...Emma Bauer Sports Editor...Avianna Hoppes Travel Editor...Raven Ramirez Global News Editor...Hope Black Trending Now Editor...Max Sotelo