Sadie Thompson by Lori Hart

Sadie Thompson

Portfolio 2015-2016

Self- Analytical Evaluation

This semester of yearbook has been one crazy roller coaster ride. This, as you may know, is my first semester as a team leader. I am very pleased with how I handled everything as I pretty much knew nothing about design and InDesign. My leadership has some flaws but I am very happy with how I handle problems. The second deadline was a struggle because right before the deadline I had to miss three days of school because I went to Florida for the convention and our first day back we had the deadline night. My team only has three people including me and we are constantly doing work. The challenges I faced being a team leader is that my team members

are in the same grade as me. It’s pretty hard to get disappointed and stern with your team members when you are mad at people your same age. So the respect aspect of being a leader is hard. I feel I have a very A type personality. When I say something I expect to be done I expect it to be done because when I was a team member I made sure all of my responsibilities were met. I have a lot of patience because my actual job outside of school is working with elementary school kids and everyone knows you need A LOT of patience to work with them. The thing I am probably going to change next semester is being more involved with my team and making sure they are actually on top of things and not just saying they are.

Refection #1

idea. I came up with all of the angles and figured out who to interview because it is everyNot to brag, but I couldn’t one’s first year in yearbook on be more happy with how my team. A lot has changed all three of my spreads this since I first made the spread semester have turned out. The also. Including the placement photography and stories are of stories and the amount of both intriguing and beautiful photos. I keep learning and I am so proud of how all of growing as time passes so I’m our hard work turned out. By sure I will have even better far my favorite spread that spreads second semester. I made was my first spread page 18-19. That spread is my favorite spread by far because I wrote the main story and when I was experiencing the main story it changed me on a personal level. For all of the stories on everyone of my spreads that was created by either me or my team was my

Reflection #2

There is always room for improvement. I believe that all of my spreads could benefit from some changes. The one spread that needs the most help would be spread pages 92-93. What needs to be improved is the main story. There is no main story. I tried to do a different take on the main story by doing a photo diary and so that we could get some more pictures in the book but the more I look at it the more I think it should have gone different. The dominant package is very strong a cool looking though There is an info graphic on the page also and I really tried to stay away from them.

Reflection #3

My favorite photos I ever take is at an event. This year I got really involved in Young Life and I love taking pictures because it is constantly crazy and fun. I chose this pictures because I believe they both portray lots of emotion. In the first picture Lexy Hurt cheering during the ice breaker that takes place every single meeting. I like how her arm acts as a leading line, if this were to go on a spread it would look really cool pointing to a story. The second picture, with Christina Fankhanel has to be my favorite picture Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve taken. Even though she is looking at the camera it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even matter because of the utter joy she is showing. It actually

makes the picture. It also leaves some curiosity because when you look at this you wonder why she is so happy and why she has her elbow to her knee.

Reflection #4

knowledge and experience every time. I feel like I have grown tremendously and can I feel that I was a very only grow more from here on important person to our staff out. If you look at my portfolio this year. I believe I have from last year to now it’s very good leadership skills like I’m not even the same and people can rely on me person. Also, our portfolio whenever they need. Most of page idea with the silhouettes my mods that weren’t used on and interviews was my idea. I my spread were used on other looked in yearbooks and found spreads that were in need of that idea. I am very fortunate more stories. My spreads were with the people that surround always completed to the best me and I hope people believe of my ability every time. that I contribute to the publication’s success. I am very dedicated to this class. Next year I really hope to be the Editor in Chief and everyone knows that this is my main priority because in the future I hope to make a career in journalism. I also have been on every journalism trip that has been offered so with that I have brought back more

Reflection #5

because last year that wasn’t how my team leader worked. I didn’t want to bug them and Wow, what a year. I can’t act like I’m there boss because believe this semester is coming we are the same age and I to a close. I struggled with didn’t want them to not like many things but I a proud me because of how I acted in to say that I overcame all of this class. them. I’m not going to lie, being a team leader is hard As the year progressed I work. My expectations to believe I handled it better how hard it was going to be because they both know I wasn’t even close to how hard don’t want to be mad at them it actually was. I was very so they tried their best to get fortunate last year to work me what I needed for our next to Haley Wehner my page. My greatest weakness team leader, but because she is time management and was so talented she made it panicking when not everything look so easy. I had a very rude is going right. To change this awakening let me tell you. It I am going to check in on is so hard getting frustrated at my team more and explain your team and not losing your to them that it is not okay to temper. I didn’t understand get behind because then our how hard it was for them just whole ship sinks. to turn in their stories on time. I feel like that was my fault because I didn’t constantly pressure them to do their work

SPIN IT TO WIN IT

RACHEL’S EMOTIONS

SO NOT FETCH

CERAMICS students gather to make their own unique pieces of art

FASHION club members tell us what’s in and what’s out for winter.

DO’S AND DON’TS

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STUDENTS are reminded of the Columbine shooting and learn of the chain reaction that could change the world

1 SHEDDING A TEAR Rachel Piontek, a senior, expresses her emotions as Makayla Orndorf presents the heart-warming story of Rachel Scott. “Your actions can have such an impact on someone and can make someone’s day by just using your words,” Piontek said.

5 1 PAYING ATTENTION to detail Riley DeBellis a sophomore smoothes

out her sculpture in her sixth hour ceramics class. photo by ramina malek 2 GETTING DOWN and dirty senior Caroline Frisone crafts a piece of pottery for ceramics. photo by ramina malek 3 CONCENTRATING is key as Grace Haycraft McKee a sophomore spins her way to an A in ceramics class. photo by ramina malek 4 ADDING finishing touches Makenna Espinoza a sophomore examines her final sculpture. photo by ramina malek 5 REACHING FOR SUCCESS juniors Britny Sorenson and Ben Musser pack on more clay to their spin wheel. photo by ramina malek

TOUCHDOWNS VS. GOALS FOOTBALL and soccer players share their opinions and rate the new turf field

Football vs Soccer player’s opinions on the new field

Some Varsity falcons share their opinions on the new turf field. Some love it and others hate it.

A new football season, a new soccer season, and a new turf field raises thoughts on the new field. As most people know, soccer players are not known for their love of turf fields, but Natalie Kim, a sophomore, states “The new field looks really nice. I am very happy that we don’t have to play on uneven fields anymore”. Her teammate, Kaitlyn Williams, a junior, completely disagrees 1 “The new turf is terrible. It may give us a

field that is less rocky, but most soccer players think that turf is the worst thing that could ever happen during a season”. The soccer players are not able to come to a conclusion, but on the other hand, the football players seem to be on the same page. Ian Jeffer, a junior, says that the field looks “sharp and crisp”. Jeffer is a varsity lineman and states that the new turf field allows for more grip and is easier to take people to the ground on. His teammate, Cade Foster, a junior, completely agrees. Overall, the soccer players are a little uneasy about the new field and the football players are all for it. story by julia blankinship

FILLING BIG SHOES

1 LINING UP ON the varsity football players prepare for another exhausting practice. photo by julia

ENGLISH substitute, Daniel Pawenski comes to the rescue when Erin Wagner takes a leave of absence Coming on to her third year at the school, Erin Wagner had to leave her position as a third and first year English teacher for undisclosed medical reasons. Daniel Pawenski has been brought in to act as a permanent substitute until the end of the year. After having started late October, Pawenski shared his first impressions of the class and the school as a whole.

blankinship

2 WARMING UP Hallie Mayes jogs back to the front of the line at soccer tryouts. photo by julia blankinship

“My first day was amazing I have the best students and this is the best staff at Cactus Shadows” said Pawenski. Many students welcomed Pawenski with open arms after experiencing the unsuccessful attempts of two substitutes prior to him. “Wagner has some pretty impressive shoes to fill, I’m not looking to replace her but to bring in a different perspective to the

students. I think Miss Wagner got them a good foundation and now we are going to build on that” Said Pawenski. He explains that has many goals for this year, among them is to, “improve the school as a whole with reading and writing and to just get the students thinking outside the box”. story by korie kerr

CURIOUS

INNOVATORS

ceramics, soccer vs. football, english teacher

photo by julia diede

WHILE RACHEL’S CHALLENGE was created to prevent bullying, the real challenge is holding back the tears. On Sept. 17, 1999, the shooting at Columbine High School left the community of Colorado and the rest of the country in shock. Many people were caught crying on that day when they were informed of the deaths and tolls the shooting took on the rest of the community. Makayla Orndorf, the woman who came and showed the whole school Rachel Scott’s story, and the great impact she left. Scott’s main goal in life was to leave a legacy and make her time on the planet as memorable as possible. “She was known to have said she was going to die young,” said Orndorf. Scott kept a journal and wrote inspirational quotations and side notes about her days which are used to motivate students and people to be the best they can be.

9 92 Even Page

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School Cactus Shadows High School

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ROGER THAT!

ORLANDO BLOOMIN’

VETERANS take the stage, telling students about their experience in the airforce

Veterans Heritage Project (VHP) hosts veteran speakers every year. “Our main mission is to connect students with veterans,” said Barbara Hatch, former history teacher and founder of VHP. Cade Foster, a junior, conducts interviews with veterans and plans on joining the Navy. Students who join VHP are responsible for interviewing veterans and then writing quality essays about what they’ve heard. Students then come together to create a business plan for publishing these essays. These stories are then contributed to an annual volume of books titled, “Since you Asked.” Students also summarize their interviews in a presentation to the veteran community at a year-end reception. On October 26 this year,

Thomas Kirk and Joe Brett shared their memories about their time in the military. Kirk, who served in the Air Force in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, was born in West Virginia during the depression in 1928. “I was not a particularly good student,” Kirk said. His mother had intended for him to be a doctor, but instead Kirk went to flight school so he could join the Air Force. “I suddenly found my point, my place in life,’’ Kirk recalls. In 1966, Kirk went to Vietnam. During a raid, Kirk’s plane was shot down by anti-aircraft fire. He was captured by Vietnamese soldiers who took him to a prison. Kirk was tortured for three days, then taken to a cell for another 28 days. Kirk would remain as a prisoner of war for another five years, two

of those years spent in solitary confinement. The other veteran speaker, Brett, also served in the Vietnam War. Born in Watertown New York, Brett grew up playing little league and graduated from Fort Sill. Eventually, Brett joined the military, becoming a forward observer, a soldier who collects intel on the battlefield and sometimes provides artillery or air support. “We had to kill them before they killed us, that’s the nature of warfare,” Brett explained. “Death is what war is all about.” Brett was also responsible for taking body count and identifying bodies. Today, Brett serves as a radio host for The Veterans Heritage Hour, and also as the vice president and board member for the VHP. story by devan williams

SIX CTE students give some insight about the field trip to the National Scholastic Press Association “The convention really gave me the opportunity to expand my knowledge in all the aspects that I was not familiar with. I learned a lot that I am going to use as a team leader.” Samantha Spina

“NSPA [National Scholastic Press Association] opened my eyes to a world of extremely diverse styles of journalism and design. I was able to share my experiences as well as gain new ones from teachers and fellow journalism students all over the country.” Logan Larkin “Having the experience to go to the convention in Florida gave new knowledge of aspects of yearbook including photographing, writing, interviewing, and designing. I’m excited to exercise these new abilities as many ways as possible.” Meghan Schindler “I learned a lot about photography and it really expanded my knowledge in the journalism field.” Julia Diede

“I have never enjoyed journalism as much as right now. The more I learn about it. The conference showed me why the world needs journalism.” Rees Bixler “The convention was one of the most inspiring things I’ve ever encountered. I’m so glad I could farther my knowledge in the journalism field because it is something I want to pursue as a career.” Sadie Thompson

1 SHEDDING LIGHT ON THE VIETNAM WAR, a veteran helps students understand

the struggles of war, “Veteran speakers are an important way for us to connect with history in a way that books, movies, or even teachers can not offer. They add a human component that only their experiences and the re-telling of those experiences can give.” said Geoffrey Johnson an American history teacher. photo by katelyn finegan 2 CONNECTING a story with a veteran, VHP brought soldiers to share stories about war. “The presentations made me realize how hard these veterans fought for us and how experienced and strong they really are.” said Tiana Aliberti a junior. photo by katelyn finegan

3 BRINGING TEARS to students a veteran shares a telegram that informs his family of his fathers death.

WHAT’S IN STORE AN insight into the student store from executive student store manager Davis Levy.

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Planning for special events, organizing the store, assigning staff to work, and implementing procedures when things go wrong is what a day in the life of senior Davis Levy looks like. Levy gets all of his skill from being a three year DECA member and the treasurer this year. “I like the logistics of how things work and I love talking to people. The business atmosphere is what I like,” said Levy. Even though Levy works very hard to make sure the student store is as successful as possible

1 CLAIMING THEIR PRIZE, Rees

Bixler and Lorraine Hart hold up their pacemaker award for the fourth year in a row. 2 LOOKING FORWARD TO THE DAY, Julia Diede, Samantha Spina, Meghan Schindler ride a tram through the airport to claim their luggage. 3 STANDING SMILING CHEEK TO

he does have obstacles to face. “Last year we encountered these smart food restrictions and it dictates what food we can and can’t sell,” said Levy. The issue with the restrictions is that the food that is restricted is the food that makes the most sales. “We can only sell candy, soda, and cup noodles after school,” said Levy. Even through all of the struggles Davis an the rest of the staff pull it off and we are continuing to grow as the years progress. story by sadie

FRESHMAN SPANISH OFF As freshman, Luke MacGowen and Ian Smith, are in two different levels of Spanish. MacGowen who is taking Spanish Immersion and Smith who is in Spanish 1-2 were asked 3 questions that tested their Spanish speaking ability. ¿Se puede traducir esto? (Can you translate this?) Luke MacGowen (immersion): 5.68 seconds

thompson

CHEEK, Meghan Schindler, Julia Diede, Sadie Thompson, and Samantha Spina pose for a picture after their yearbook won eighth place best in show. This will be the first time their yearbook have ever received an award. “I couldn’t be anymore happy, I’m happy our book got an award because I’m tired of newspaper winning al; the time.” said Samantha Spina a junior.

SPANISH skills are put to the test as a Spanish Immersion and a Spanish 1–2 student go head-to-head Ian Smith (1-2): unable to translate

Mi clase favorita es espanol (My favorite class is Spanish)

Luke MacGowen: 3.11 seconds Ian Smith: 2.18 seconds

Yo vivo en Arizona (I live in Arizona)

Luke MacGowen: 1.78 seconds Ian Smith: 3.92 seconds

CURIOUS

Job # 16423

EXPLORERS

VHP, CTE class trip, student store, Spanish

School Cactus Shadows High School

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School Cactus Shadows High School

9 89 Odd

SCARED SQUIRTLESS

created by julia blankinship

Scott’s most popular quote is, “I have a theory that if one person can go out of their way and show compassion, it will start a chain reaction of the same.” By this, Scott was trying to show people that by just being kind and making other people happy, it will encourage others to act the same and make even more people smile. Orndorf asked everyone in the audience to close their eyes. Then she asked everyone to think of someone special to their heart, someone they couldn’t imagine losing. With that request, many people began to try to put into perspective losing someone they love. Scott’s story has affected many communities and showed everyone that you only live one life on this planet and the littlest things can make a difference in someone’s life. story by sadie thompson

THIS IS OUR HOUSE

Kill a man, and you are a murderer. Kill millions of men, and you are a conqueror. Kill your entire senior class with a water gun… and you are $2,000 richer.

With all the crazy activities the seniors dabble in, there is one that sticks out the most each year. Senior assassins is a ruthless mash up of Wet & Wild and James Bond that may or may not bring the senior class together. Allison Mazella and Madison Mercer, two seniors, run the game as well as organize and supervise the rules.

PRIDE PRIDE for for the the Nest Nest isis shared shared on on Twi Twittter ter

“I thought it would be a fun experience as well as a way to better get to know the people of my senior class,” said Mercer.

The game began on August 28, each team paying a total of $20. The money is gathered up and totaled, then stashed in a giant golden safe that may or may not exist. Even though the exact number of teams playing is not common knowledge, the total prize amounts to close to $2,000. The rules of the game seem simple, however the past month has shown that there has been much confusion over some of the guidelines. “The process to make all of it work for everyone is extremely time consuming,” said Mercer.

2 RAISING HER HAND Makayla Orndorf praises Rachel Scott as she speaks about her dream to start a chain reaction of kindness. Scott was one of the first victims of the Columbine shooting. photo by julia diede 3 EMBRACING, Irene O’Hare and Molly Gum attend the Rachel’s Challenge assembly,

SENIORS play a game called senior assassins

Managing the game may be laborious, but most of the seniors seem to be enjoying it.

“It’s a fun game, it’s very suitable,” said Ella Keinanen. “I love the adrenalin and the rush you get from stalking people as well as being stalked.”

The cycle is as follows: Every Friday at 6:45 a.m., Mazella and Mercer wait out in front of the main parking lot to assign each team a target. Teams are made up of two students, and once they have their targets the madness begins. Stalking, chasing, squirting; it’s all fair game. However, there are a few “safe” items, the most popular being the “floatie.” If you are wearing a floatie or one of the other “safe” items you cannot be assassinated by an enemy tram. There are also areas in which you are safe from assassination. These areas include school, work, church, and home, unless invited in by a resident. The only way to assassinate someone is to squirt them with a water gun.

When someone is killed, the assassin and the target take a picture together and upload it to the CSassassins Twitter page. Teams get new targets every Friday, and the madness begins anew. The team with the best kill-to-death ratio by Dec. 5 wins.

“It takes a very high level of organization and preparation. It also really helps you learn how deal with people,” said Mercer. story by lucas aikin

PASSIONATE

Job Job ## 16423

CARING

Rachel’s Challenge, Senior Assassins, Nest

School School Cactus Shadows High School

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that was geared towards stopping high school bullying. “The assembly was very powerful and it reminded us of what really matters in life and what kind of people we should strive to be,” Gum said. photo by julia diede

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Odd Odd Page Page

All About ME