Granite Bay Gazette Feb. 2019 by Karl Grubaugh

Teacher follows trend A Tiny features houses mini aredeckhead big on thegoes market in this spot

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As a precaution, club soccer players were asked to leave fields BY AKHIL SHAH

ashah.gazette@gmail.com

A random act of violence led to the death of a 93-year-old Placer County woman, an injured male and an injured K9 police dog on the night of Jan. 15. The male suspect, who Placer County Sheriff’s officials would not initially identify, went on a shooting spree across South Placer County. Granite Bay High students who participate in a local competitive soccer club, Placer United, learned of the events when they were told by law enforcement officials to evacuate their practice fields. The head coach of one of several Placer United soccer teams, Ron Benjamin, followed the immediate player safety protocol in the midst of fear striking players and coaches on the fields. “We coaches initially learned of what was going on in the vicinity through a parent, and were then escorted out to our cars by Sheriff’s deputies,” Benjamin said. Granite Bay senior Jenna Ladrech, who plays for the Placer United soccer team, told to leave practice immediately. “We were all very scared, and more so worried about each other,” Ladrech said. “We kept texting and calling each other and our families to know if everyone was safe.” The shooter started firing and flashing his gun as he drove throughout South Placer County. Although Benjamin said he did not believe his players were in imminent danger, he said the safety of his players was far more crucial than continuing practice that evening. “There was a lot of confusion,” Benjamin said. “No one knew exactly where the shooter was or where he was at any given moment.” The unidentified male was ultimately shot and killed by officers after crashing his vehicle and getting into a shootout with law enforcement on an Interstate 80 and Highway 65 ramp. According to news reports on television station KCRA 3, the Roseville Police Department, Rocklin Police Department and California Highway Patrol were all involved in responding to crime scenes and locating the shooter. Kate Gould, the mother of GBHS student and Placer United player Abbie Gould, was deeply concerned about the events that occurred that night. “As parents we were concerned about our daughter’s safety, and the rest of her teammates,” Gould said. “But the way in which law enforcement handled the situation was very (effective). They knew what they were doing, and did it in a timely manner.” Benjamin was thankful for the swift response by authorities. “Player safety is our No. 1 concern,” Benjamin said. “The incidents were happening only a couple miles away, so we were listening to authorities and taking the right precautions.” Despite the shootings, players, parents and coaches were appreciative that their children and their peers were not hurt. “Times are definitely different now,” Gould said, “ and it’s unfortunate that we have to talk about these things with our kids.”

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GRANITE BAY HIGH SCHOOL w 1 GRIZZLY WAY w GRANITE BAY, CA w 95746 w VOLUME 22w ISSUE 5 w FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2019

Jenna Ladrech Senior club soccer player evacuated during South Placer shooting.

Students evacuated during shooting

Granite Bay’s biggest fan A lonely holiday B1 B1 Noah Frank comments on his love of football C1 A singles’ guide to Valentine’s Day

Is class rank

VALID?

Students at Granite Bay can be viewed as basing their images off of their class rank, leaving some to feel overlooked because of their their lower rank.

Does rank ordering students emphasize competition vs. learning?

Gazette photo illustration | Max Schwartz, from a 2018 Ursus yearbook page design

BY SPENCER COVA

scova.gazette@gmail.com

he rivalry and resentment on display as a handful of overachievers battle it out over tiny differences in GPA has led school administrators to join the conversation of eliminating class ranking in favor of identifying a small group of high-scoring students as co-valedictorians and salutatorians. “When I first started four years ago, we started talking to other principals about really (needing) to get class rank off the transcripts,” said Granite Bay High School principal Jennifer Leighton. The Roseville Joint Union High School District is of the most competitive districts in the state, and GBHS is the most academically high-achieving school in the district. According to the 2018 School Accountability Report Card, 26 percent of the senior class had above a 4.0 grade-point average – but this high achieving atmosphere does

not come without a culture some describe as cutthroat. “Class rank has intensified an already competitive student academic environment,” said honors English 10 teacher Anthony Davis. “Kids get so competitive about being No. 1 or in the top 10 that they care more about their rank and the competitive aspect that ‘I have to beat the kid sitting next to me’ that they pay less attention to what they are actually learning.” Students often agree.

“For the class of 2020, it has caused a lot of problems,” said senior Aditya Mishra. “It is hypercompetitive, a lot of the kids are constantly stressed.” The competitive climate has often influenced students to cut corners around what it means to be a high-achieving student and the accompanying values. “I think it is a big problem here,” Leighton said. “I think we see (cheating) a lot in our higher-level, AP kids.” Not only does the culture pressure stu-

dents to cut corners, but it can be demoralizing for students who are far above the national average on things like their SAT scores but remain buried by a lower class ranking. “It can be a disadvantage to students to have numerical class rank when you are higher achieving compared to those you might be competing against across the nation,” superintendent Denise Herrmann said. Site administrators have seen that class rank has had a direct effect on students’ attitudes toward learning. “I think sometimes we have kids that care more about class rank than actual learning, and it pulls away from the actual purpose of why we are here,” assistant principal Jessup McGregor said. “As an administraSee CLASS RANK, page A4

GBHS didn’t place in national school rankings Key focus of magazine list is results on standardized tests

BY ASHLEY LUCIA

alucia.gazette@gmail.com

ankings, test scores, and academic achievement have consistently driven Granite Bay High School’s success and reputation – perhaps until now. The U.S. News and World Report recently published the 2018 National High School Rankings. More than 600 public high schools in California made the list based upon data from the 20152016 school year. Roseville Joint Union High School District schools that made the list included Oakmont, Woodcreek, Antelope and Roseville. Despite being known for its academic strength, GBHS failed to make the rankings. Principal Jennifer Leighton said the reason GBHS didn’t make the rankings was because of the effects of the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) testing scores in 2015-16. “The juniors decided that they didn’t care about the test, so that’s why we scored lower than all of

those schools,” she said. The schools were evaluated and ranked based on multiple categories including: performance on state standardized testing, graduation rates, and AP/IB participation and passing rates among students in the graduating class. In order to qualify for a top ranking, schools must receive a national bronze, silver, or gold medal. GBHS did not qualify for a medal because of its failure to adequately meet standards within one of the components reviewed. Standardized state testing scores from the 2015-2016 school year prevented GBHS from receiving a medal, and therefore holding a highly coveted spot among the top public high schools. “I think that was a big year (with) changing our math program from algebra and geometry to the integrated program,” spanish teacher, Jill Cova said. GBHS scores decreased significantly during the 2015-16 testing period. In the mathematics category, 67 percent of students See RANKING, page A6

West Park High, pictured here in an architectural drawing, is scheduled to open in August of 2020. Roseville Joint Union High School District

RJUHSD set to open new high school in 2020: West Park

Superindendent notes that interest in joining staff is widespread across the district’s existing schools BY ANDREW YUNG and ELLIOTT HYMAN

ayung.gazette@gmail.com

he new West Park High School scheduled to open in August 2020 has been a long time coming. Promised to those who bought property in the surrounding area in the mid 2000s, the recession significantly delayed its arrival. Now, with new superintendent Denise Herrmann at the helm of the Roseville Joint Unified High School District, construction has begun at its West Roseville location. The school offers a host of changes to the usual RJUHSD school design. With more open common areas,

a sunken athletic field added within campus, large windows lending a transparent quality and three-story buildings, the school differs greatly from its recent predecessors in the district. “In 2015, (former superintendent and founding Granite Bay High principal) Ron Severson and some people on cabinet worked very hard to get Measure D passed,” Herrmann said. “That (tax increase) provided enough money to put us over the hump and get enough funding for the new high school.” With a timeline finally set, West Park is hurtling toward its opening. “Last May was the groundbreaking, and then we had construction start in June,” Herrmann said. “Fall 2020 is when the school is slated to open. We think the construc-

inside this section news Student expression on campus Students reflect on how much freedom they have

How the government shutdown affects Granite Bay The ‘longest in history’ has hit home.

tion will be done spring 2020 with the first freshmen and sophomore classes in August.” The school’s population will cut into an already-shrinking Oakmont High student population. Open since 1966, the Oakmont attendance area has progressively decreased in size as more high schools have opened. “We have approximately 400 freshmen and 400 sophomores” who will attend West Park, Herrmann said. “They are all at Chilton Middle School, which is in West Park. These students (would have attended) Oakmont.” The shrinking of Oakmont and the disproportionate growth of other high schools, coupled with the See WEST PARK, page A5

voices Keeping plants around holds many benefits Health and wellness improves with the addition of greenery

News

Friday

Granite Bay Gazette

w February 8, 2019

Security cameras capture all facets of student life

NAMES IN THE NEWS

Video gives administration first-hand evidence of on-campus wrongdoing

elliott hyman ehyman.gazette@gmail.com

Things get hypnotic for senior class

he perennial question of the reality hypnotism – real or a fallacy – was answered at GBHS on Jan. 25. In the tradition of the Senior 5th Quarter, dozens of seniors were hypnotized – or not. Some devout believers in the secretive art are certain they were hypnotized and unable to control their actions – whether loyally playing their role as an aggressive lifeguard or barking dog. However, some participants claimed to have faked their theatrics to fit in – I guess the world will never know the truth. *** There is an opportunity for 500 students to get their hearts screened for chances of Sudden Cardiac Arrest. I definitely didn’t need one for the Superbowl. There were no heart attack scares in the most boring NFL finale of all time. *** The longest government shutdown ever finally ended after 35 days. On the downside, thousands of government workers went without pay for weeks potentially doing severe damage to their personal lives and the government agencies they work for. On the bright side, I can feel safe getting sushi again – at least until Feb. 15. *** Congratulations to Mama Bear Jennifer Leighton for being selected as the Placer County Association of California School Administrators Secondary Administrator of the Year. Now let’s work on being primary. *** The GBHS Theater Program killed it at the Lenaea High School Theatre Festival. Devin Manzo won Outstanding Original Script for his one act play We’re Normal about a small town’s LGBT community, and their performance – directed by Daniel Patterson – won bronze. *** Boys and Girls State are back again. The Girls State finalists included Julia Tastor, Reagan Dolan, Emma Broers, Summer Holt (shocker, more teachers’ kids) and the eventual winner – Avani Singh. Good luck on your first step toward world domination, Avani. The Boys State finalists are Theo Tran, Ryan Lambey, Colin Wills, Nathan Wong and Ryan Cochran. The winner is still undecided – best of luck, boys. *** West Park High has begun construction and is set to open in August 2020. GBHS may be set to lose some staff to the new high school upon its opening... please don’t be Dell’Orto, please don’t be Dell’Orto. *** Elliott Hyman, a senior, is a Gazette News editor.

CORRECTIONS Accuracy is perhaps the most important fundamental of good journalism. It's the policy of the Gazette to correct all factual errors that are brought to our attention. Email us at: staff.gazette@gmail.com

Identification Statement GRANITE BAY GAZETTE PUBLISHED EIGHT TIMES PER ACADEMIC YEAR c/o Granite Bay High School 1 Grizzly Way Granite Bay, CA 95746 Subscriptions: $25 per year/ $15 per half year

Gazette illustration | Ellliott Hyman

The security cameras placed for the purpose of on-campus safety give administrators a comprehensive view of all that happens including positive and negative behaviors.

BY SOPHIE CRISCIONE

scriscione.gazette@gmail.com

ver since their installation last summer, security cameras around Granite Bay High School’s campus have been filming all activities – day and night, weekdays and weekends. The presence of cameras have definitely made it harder for students to get away with trouble and have made life a little easier for school administrators and officials trying to keep the campus safe. Although the thought of being watched every day might seem intimidating, most students have hardly noticed a difference. “Honestly, I forget that there are cameras filming me,” sophomore Heba Bounar said.

“For me, it’s not an issue because I don’t have anything to hide, but for other people who might want to get away with something, they always have to keep in mind that they’re being watched.” Assistant principal Brian McNulty agrees that although some privacy is sacrificed, the cameras shouldn’t concern students if they are doing what they are supposed to do. “There is a certain amount of loss of freedom with these kind of things … when you give up part of your freedom for security,” McNulty said. “If you’re doing the right thing, it doesn’t really matter anyway.” Regardless, the surveillance cameras have served as an important tool for the safety of the campus. Administrators make the protection of students their top priority. Ad-

ministration collectively views the footage almost every day, and especially when circumstances warrant a video review. McNulty said, aside from medical emergencies and safety, the cameras not only capture poor behavior and trouble, but also the positive actions made by students around campus. “We see students helping other students who have injuries or are in wheelchairs,” McNulty said. “I know, recently, a few (students) were nabbed vaping coming out of the bathroom, and (because it was on camera footage), they were caught,” said Michael Valentine, a Advanced Placement European history teacher regarding the mischief among students that is also recorded on the surveil-

lance cameras. The question is whether or not it is fair to hold students accountable for almost anything they are caught doing wrong at school, with the clear evidence of their actions from camera footage in almost every place on campus at all times. “You make your own decisions, and that’s your fault if you weren’t responsible enough to make the right one,” Bounar said. For McNulty and other administrators, the benefits far outweigh any concerns. “It’s made my life simpler in that people know that there’s going to be tangible evidence to their actions, and it deters people who care about getting caught,” McNulty said. “Before cameras, I just had eye witnesses. Now, I got an eye in the sky.”

Women march in Sacramento Event calls for gender equality BY ANGELINA KOLOSEY

akolosey.gazette@gmail.com

he women of Granite Bay High School are practicing one of America’s most treasured fundamental values – their First Amendment rights. On Jan. 19 thousands came together for the annual Women’s March in order to demonstrate and advocate for changes they want to see in the United States. The community gathered at the state Capitol building in Sacramento with signs, enthusiastic chants and a vibrant energy. GBHS had multiple students who marched with many from all over Northern California. “I went to the march because I believe everyone deserves equality, and women don’t fully have it yet,” junior Bridgette Idler said. “I want to support women, being one myself, and I think it’s very empowering to be a part of any kind

of march.” The signs at the march advocated for women’s rights, LGBTQ rights, wage rights and more. “I went to the march because I support women’s rights and a lot of the issues that they were marching for,” junior Kaiya Lang said. This was not the first Women’s March for many of the attendees, but there were also many Special to the Gazette | Bridgette Idler new faces, including Lang, who On Jan. 19 2019, more than 36,000 people came together in Sacramento to march for women’s rights. came out to join the group. “I was very interested about something they can ask for it,” Many of the participants were Politicians such as Rep. Alexlearning more about the march, andria Ocasio-Cortez (D-New Lang said. inspired and encouraged by the and I thought this would be a good York) supported the marches that Now is a time women have the recent Congressional election reopportunity,” Lang said. occurred across the country on soopportunity to use their voices and sults. The march gives individuals the cial media along with many other advocate for their rights more than A record number of women have opportunity to use their voices toinfluential figures. they ever have before. entered the U.S. House of Repgether in order to make their aspi“The march made me feel em“There was a lot of high energy, resentatives, including many of rations for the country clear. powered,” senior Anvita Gattani lots of signs, there were bright different ethnicities, contributing “I feel like the whole purpose of the march was that women are colors everywhere, it was a huge to more equal representation and See MARCH, page A6 independent, and if they want crowd,” Lang said. empowerment of women.

Students question limits of on-campus political expression Senior gets dress-code violation for wearing NRA shirt

BY EMILY HANSEN

ehansen.gazette@gmail.com

reedom and safety – two things that often contradict one another, particularly when it comes to the law. The discussion is even more gray when it concerns school. Schools have an obligation to protect their students while simultaneously complying with the law. What portion of their rights do students leave behind when they step onto campus? It’s been debated not only by students and school administration, but also by the U.S. Supreme Court. The most common conflict between school restrictions and Constitutional rights are the freedoms of speech and expression. Students at Granite Bay High regularly exercise these rights in a variety of ways. “Typically, if I’m in the mood to air my political affiliations, I’ll do so through clothing and accessories,” senior Jake McKillop

said. “On special occasions, I might wear my Reagan/Bush shirt or pin, or even my Obama bracelet.” Senior Bethany Brooding has a few clothing items that express her beliefs. “On campus I would say I express myself politically in a more casual way,” Brooding said. “I’m not necessarily blatant about my views. Although I don’t hide them, it’s definitely different than, say, going to a march.” A more overt manner of expression that might be present on campus is through flying flags on vehicles, typically on the back of trucks. “I fly the American flag and the Don’t Tread On Me flag (also known as the Gadsden flag) on my truck,” senior Jared Evers said. All of these types of student political expression occur peacefully, with little or no conflict. “I seldomly get negative comments, and usually they’re (not) direct,” Evers said. “It’s always just someone trying to pas-

Students often express political views on campus through clothing, often representing a Granite Bay favorite campaign of Reagan and Bush in 1984. Gazette photo | Sidney Zabell

sively tell me that I’m wrong without any argument or support behind it.” However, some instances of free speech can be controversial when brought into the classroom. The formerly popular “i (heart) boobies” rubber bracelets intended to support breast cancer awareness were the subject of a federal court case because of their potential to

be disruptive to education. “Some school districts were saying kids can’t wear them,” Advanced Placement Government teacher Jarrod Westberg said. “At the high school level, we had some parents complaining, saying it was inappropriate.” See STUDENT EXPRESSION, page A7

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Federal shutdown affects some at GBHS Government workers were out 35 days BY KATE FERNANDEZ

kfernandez.gazette@gmail.com

For 35 days stretching from late 2018 to early 2019, the American government was shut down, and thousands of federal workers went unpaid. Starting Dec. 22 and lasting until Jan. 25, this government shutdown was the longest one that the United States has ever experienced. Approximately 800,000 people who work for the federal government went without pay, with half of these people continuing to work anyways. This shutdown was a result of Congress and Pres. Donald Trump’s inability to come to a consensus, and it yielded immense consequences. At the root of this predicament was the southern border wall proposed by President Trump. Since the beginning of his campaign for the Presidency, Pres. Trump promised his followers he would build a wall on the southern border, and he often claimed that Mexico would pay for the wall’. As Trump’s approval rating has dropped, his promise of a wall has become more prominent in his public comments. “I think they've made the calculation politically ... that if he backs down on the wall, he will start to lose many of that 30 percent (of support) and he probably won't gain anybody,” said Brandon Dell’Orto, an

Advanced Placement United States History teacher at Granite Bay High. “His main talk to the country is ‘Promises made, promises kept’… that was his most stark thing that made him stand out from all of the other Republicans in the primary. This is honestly a life-and-death type of promise,” To fund the proposed wall that would stretch across the United States-Mexico border, Trump has asked Congress for $5 billion, a relatively small portion of the federal budget. However, because of the controversial nature of the wall, there has been severe opposition and debate over the use of these federal funds for this cause. Border control has been a part of Trump’s political agenda for a long time, and he has pledged to improve the security of America’s southern border on numerous occasions. While this has been a very appealing idea to many of Trump’s supporters, both Democrats and Republicans alike expressed frustration with the government shutdown. Nine executive departments were impacted by the government shutdown – Agriculture, Commerce, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, Justice, State, Transportation and Treasury. With people out of work in all of these departments, there was large-scale economic damage.

Special to the Gazette | KAZ Vorpal via Creative Commons

The record setting duration government shutdown has kept approximately 800,000 government employees at work without pay for 35 days, including families at GBHS, who depend on money from federal jobs. According to the Congressional Budget Office, America’s economy lost a total of $11 billion, or $6 billion more than the proposed amount for wall funding. “I am aware of the President’s reasoning, but I do not agree with it,” junior Cori Caplinger said. “I feel like it's very unnecessary and it comes at the cost of a lot of paychecks for Americans… I feel like overall it was avoidable.” In addition to the economy suffering severe losses, hundreds of thousands of fed-

CLASS RANK: Changes being considered Continued from page A1

government workers aren't even allowed to use their time off, or sick time, because they are considered most needed during the shutdown.” Families like Gray’s will be dealing with the devastation caused by this shutdown for months — some for years to come. “It caused a huge amount of stress on my family,” Gray said, “and they were looking for other options to support the basic needs of our family by the time the president decided to temporarily halt the shutdown.”

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matter – you guys have all been alive for the same amount of time.” The school would potentially still give high honors to a group of students at the senior awards ceremony, but it would not be based solely on GPAs. “At senior awards we do recognize standouts in certain areas, that would be an opportunity to show who is showing leadership in the area of STEM or who are the most artistic students and thinking in clusters of awards where at graduation the school cultures are trying to get away from that being competitive as well,” Herrmann said. “In a class of 400 you might have 15 kids recognized for having that more well-rounded stellar experience than just No. 1 and No. 2 speaking at graduation where grades are the only thing that we value.” Although there has been support for these reforms, they won’t be in place for this school year. “Things move slowly so that lots of people can have input, because if one person is making decisions then a lot of things can go wrong quickly,” McGregor said. Also, it is unlikely that any one school will spearhead reforms before the rest of the district decides to move ahead. “If we are going to do away with class rank, salutatorian and valedictorian, I would want to make sure that conversation is happening across the district,” Herrmann said. Hermann said the process requires input from students, parents, faculty and administrators all across the district. “I want to have a student committee and some faculty get together this spring, and we could talk about what this could look like, not for this May’s graduation but setting the stage for this to be implemented in the following years,” Herrmann said. If there is support from these groups across the district this spring, the district might see these reforms implemented as early as the fall of 2020. “I want students at the end of the day to feel like they were heard, like they have input and that their thinking was represented in the final model,” Hermann said, “and that 10 years from now we can say yes, this added to a more positive culture and climate at our school.”

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tor, I am here to ensure safety, (education) and happiness in these students to the best of my abilities – some students sacrifice safety and happiness to have a higher class rank.” GBHS administrators and Herrmann are on board to begin the process of eliminating the traditional numerical class rank system. “I’ve seen it successfully implemented at so many other school districts,” Herrmann said. “The schools who got out ahead of this effort and went away from class rank were not harmed at all and in actuality enhanced their (college) acceptance rates, and they were creating a less competitive environment.” Still, some critics of ditching the class-rank system argue that competition is inevitable in the workplace, and so it shouldn’t disappear in schools. Hermann says that criticism is misplaced. “One of the No. 1 things businesses and workplaces say they want are students who can collaborate and have teamwork skills,” Herrmann said. “Then we put students in a position where we want them to collaborate but they are competing with each other … and that is counterproductive for what we are saying the students should be focusing on.” Herrmann was previously the principal at Gunn High School in Palo Alto, historically one of the most academically high-achieving regions in the nation. At Gunn, the class rank system was eliminated and the school used a system similar to the standard college model – the senior class is broken up into bands being made up of possibly the top 30, 20 and 10 percent of students going under the title of cum laude, magna cum laude and summa cum laude. The hope for implementing this model would be to eliminate the number identification of students while still recognizing their academic achievement. Those opposed to eliminating the class-ranking system sometimes cite the fact that college applications appear to require students to list their class ranking. But because not all schools do a class ranking, that’s something that can generally be overlooked by college admissions officers. “College (representatives) are not considering class rank as a priority in their decision making,” said Teri Keeney, the GBHS col-

lege counselor. “You could be ranked 150th here but ranked fifth at a different school.” Class rank is generally not an accurate indicator of a student’s talent as there is a vast discrepancy in the quality and depth of curriculum between high schools across the country. “Is a 4.5 GPA the same as a 4.5 from Bear River High? No,” McGregor said. “Colleges understand the schools kids are coming from and have their own weighting system.” Also, if there were cases where colleges, scholarships or jobs did require a numerical class rank, there would still be a private record. “We would take it off the transcript but still have the ability to give the rank to a student if (students) needed it,” Leighton said. Eliminating class rank wouldn’t just mean taking a number off a transcript, it would also require a change in the valedictorian process – which administrators evidently have already been looking to reform. During the 2018 graduation ceremony, co-valedictorian Ryan McAvoy took to the podium, replaced his graduation cap with a water polo cap and proceeded to deliver an unapproved “roast” about many other students in front of an audience of thousands of parents and grandparents. Leighton found the speech appalling. “After last year I was done,” Leighton said. The replacement model would likely feature no valedictorian or salutatorian speakers at all. Instead, speakers would audition and be selected by a panel of teachers and administrators. “We are going to value diversity of voices, we’re not going to have people automatically speak – the door will be open for many different voices,” Herrmann said. “It leads to a much more authentic graduation … you (are) addressing your classmates because you had good ideas and you could articulate yourself well, not that you (are) entitled because you happen to be the person who got high grades.” Mishra, who is currently in the class of 2019’s top 5 rankings and is a possible candidate for valedictorian, is not opposed to the idea. “I think we should get rid of the (valedictorian honor) 100 percent,” Mishra said. “Even if someone is at the very bottom of a class and you’re at the very top, it doesn’t

eral workers went unpaid, while around 420,000 of those federal workers stayed on their jobs anyway. People across the country were unable to pay their bills on time, and many small businesses and families suffered. “My family was affected tremendously,” said Lauren Gray, a GBHS junior, whose parents are federal workers. “Both of my parents are essential to the federal government and were required to be at work, without pay, for 35 days,” Gray said. “Many people don't realize that the

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WEST PARK: New high school in West Roseville set to open in 2020 Continued from A1

founding of a new high school, has prompted the district office to examine the current district attendance lines. “Each time we’ve had a new school, we sort of carved (the boundaries) a little bit,” Herrmann said. This has resulted in oddly shaped district lines – like gerrymandered voting districts – with an uneven distribution of students in each school zone. However, any changes made to fix this problem would be contentious, as many families want to be in the zones of more sought-after high schools. A committee of students, parents and staff members would be in charge of any change that would be implemented in 2022, the year West Park will a full complement of students at all four grade levels. “It will be important for the board to set the charge and the criteria (for the attendance boundaries), and the No. 1 priority may be to honor the old district lines,” Herrmann said. “Or they could decide that’s not as important to us as making sure all the high schools are the same size – if they put that as a top one or two criteria, than that would mean borders would have to change.” The first key decision the new school will have to make is choosing a principal. “We’re anticipating having quite a few applicants because it’s a highly sought-after job,” Herrmann said. “We imagine (looking for) people from across California and maybe even across the West Coast.” The principal who is selected can then begin to make his or her vision a reality through hiring a core office staff and then the beginnings of a teaching staff. However, the process is not as easy as it might seem. “It is convoluted and complicated because you don’t get to just hire everyone you want,” said Granite Bay High School principal Jennifer Leighton, who personally has opened up two high schools. “There’s usually another school in the district who needs to lose some teachers … and there’s (also) some politicking and seniority.” The process is also a long one. “There’ll be three rounds of this,” Herrmann said. “The first round, we’ll (see) who’s a good fit for the new school (right away). Then, we’ll offer another round of internal transfers. The last step would be involuntary transfers. We’re hoping that this is a very, very small number.” However, early feedback of transferring to the new school has been positive, with Leighton expecting

Consulting

West Park to rival Granite Bay academically and athletically in the not-too-distant future. District officials have elected not to implement an IB program at WPHS, arguing that it would not be beneficial to have a third IB high school within the district given the current state of its two existing programs and the massive undertaking that forming a successful program would be. Instead, district administrators are investigating the prospect of building a dual-credit program with Sierra College. Hermann said there is plenty of interest from district teachers and staff in possibly transferring to the new school. “(At every district school), we’ve had people that are interested,” Herrmann said. History teacher Mike Valentine said there is some interest among GBHS teachers in a possible transfer to the new school. “I have heard some staff members who actually live out there,” Valentine said, “(and some) overtones that some staff members might want to go out there.” Valentine himself transferred from Woodcreek to Granite Bay for reasons he believes other teachers may now go to West Park. “My reasoning (for transferring was I lived) five minutes away (from GBHS),” Valentine said. “Some teachers might go to the new school for this. Also, I kind of wanted to be a head track coach, and literally the first year I was here, I was already the head track coach.” However, a new school also means a lot more work than usual. “Teachers need to know that if you’re going to be a teacher at West Park,” Herrmann said, “we’re going to need you to sponsor a club, to come collect tickets at soccer games … it’s going to be all hands on deck.” Leighton said teachers at the news school will definitely be expected to do more than just teach. “You need to be able to coach because you can’t hide,” Leighton said. “When there’s a staff of 40 or 50 people, everyone has to take on a lot. You don’t necessarily have to be young, but you’ve got to be energetic and invested and know that you’re going to work harder than you’ve ever worked ever. You’re going to be expected to not just do your job from 7:30 to 3 and then go home, and everybody’s got to pitch in. As a result, the first batch of teachers considering moving to West Park should be prepared for these changes. “The people we are hiring need to be very, very flexible,” Herr-

One of the two main buildings is begining to take shape on the West Park High campus, above. An architectural drawing shows the school’s proposed sunken-field design, left. Special to the Gazette | Roseville Joint Union High School District

mann said. “You need teachers who are comfortable with ongoing construction and onboarding new staff, because for three years we’ll be changing and growing. They also should be willing to share classrooms. They will have a home base, just in their offices.” This last aspect of teachers not having classrooms to call their own has left some hesitant. “I might have the classroom over there next period, and the classroom over here the next, so you

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teach (Career Technical Education) or performing arts or visual arts or something, you’re probably not going to have a full-time schedule of that,” Leighton said. “You’re going to have to be able to teach more than one thing.” Leighton said teachers should be wary of biting off more than they can chew. “Brand new sounds great, and anyone who has the energy for it and the vision of it should definitely go,” Leighton said, “but just be

aware of what you’re doing – it is so much work, it’s exhausting.” However, at the end of the day the results can be extremely rewarding. “I opened Antelope as an administrator and Granite Bay as a teacher,” Leighton said. “(At the new school), the staff will be very close because it’ll be small, you will have built this great thing together and you will sweat it together. I opened two schools, and I wouldn’t trade (those) experiences for the world.”

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don’t have your own classroom,” Valentine said. “I don’t like that. I want my room on my prep; it’s my office. I don’t want to be in a common area maybe with two other teachers on my prep. You’re not going to get anything done, just end up talking.” Also, because of the small staff size, teachers might not always get to teach the subjects they’d usually prefer. “If you teach English, you might get full-time English, but if you

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Friday, February 8, 2019

Administration advises parents to monitor students’ phones

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District-wide email details expected proper technology manners BY MICHELA SMITH

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On December 28, 2018, an email was sent out from the district with the subject line: “Why you should be checking your student’s phone.” The email and information included in it was composed by Youth Service Officers, the law enforcement officers who work on each campus. In the email, it stated that “The first rule to remember is that phone belongs to the parent. It can be searched at any time without question. You should know all the passwords.” The email also touched on the issue of sexting among students. “Please talk to your child about not ever taking a picture of themselves in the first place or pressuring other people to send them,” the email reported. “We don’t want your child to be a registered sex offender for stupid mistakes they made as a teen.” According to John Becker, the Roseville Joint Union High School District’s executive director of personnel services,

the district merely forwarded information that was originally produced by a local law enforcement agency. “This was a Roseville Police Department newsletter forwarded on by the RJUHSD,” Becker said in an email. “It’s certainly not the duty of the district to encourage parents to search their child’s cell phone. However, RPD’s work with youth and parents has likely recognized this as a concern, and they must have felt obliged to address it in this newsletter. I believe their intention was to offer guidance to support parents.” Often, there are many differing views surrounding the extent to which high school students should be monitored and what is considered an invasion of privacy. “I think that as a parent, you should know enough about your child that you shouldn’t need to (go through their phone),” said Nichole Novaresi, parent of senior Sofia Novaresi. Junior Cole Phillips said he’s not a fan of parental examination of his electronics: “In general, it feels invasive when (my

parents) go through my phone.” The district has been taking more steps to thoroughly inform parents in order to prevent misbehavior by their children. These actions have included include hosting informational meetings regarding vaping and nicotine use among Granite Bay High and other RJUHSD students. “By the time the school emails out, it is generally old news,” Nichole Novaresi said. “Vaping has been a problem since junior high, and my child is now a senior. The information was about four years too late.” Former RJUHSD superintendent Ron Severson retired in July, and Denise Herrmann is now the current superintendent. Some GBHS teachers and students wonder whether this administrative change is what has led to the effort to increase parent involvement. Though it seems this is a relatively new wave of promoting parental involvement, assistant principal Jessup McGregor disagrees that there has been a philosophical change at the district level.

Gazette photo illustration | Michela Smith

Unsuspecting students check their emails to find messages from the Granite Bay High School Administration asking parents to monitor their students’ phones “For as long as I’ve been here, our district has made efforts to partner with parents wherever possible in trying to raise safe, healthy and happy teens,” McGregor said. “So far this year, in my experience, we are proceeding in line with

our partnership efforts. “Our new superintendent has made intentional efforts to meet with as many people as possible in our school community, and I would guess that this will continue.”

RANKING: Granite Bay High nowhere to be MARCH: Students attend the found on annual ranking list of best high schools Women’s March in Sacramento Continued from page A1 achieved or surpassed the proficient level. Reading scores fared essentially the same as 64 percent of students scored within or above the proficient level. However, both results reflected a significant drop from the previous year – and that drop-off had consequences. “It is really unfortunate that the CAASPP scores affect our ranking because it has such long-term repercussions,” senior Madison McDermott said. A number of factors were responsible for the drop in student performance on state-mandated tests. However, Leighton said most of the problem came from a communication error. “I didn’t think of emphasizing the importance; I just didn’t know I needed to,” Leighton said. “I feel like I really blew it.” The lower scores not only affected the GBHS rankings in U.S. News and World Report, they also had an effect on student college applications. “There’s a school profile on the Common Application (for) Granite Bay (High), (and) it pull(s) up the ranking, so it ended up affecting college applications,” Leighton said. In addition to high school rankings and college application season facing dramatic effects, the lower standardized testing scores left GBHS ineligible for the highly acclaimed National Blue Ribbon Award. The award is a prestigious honor, and one that GBHS has not obtained since 2002. During the 2015-2016 school year, Leighton and the faculty came very close to winning a Blue Ribbon. “We got all the way through the process and they (said) depending on your scores on the standardized test, you’re getting (the award) and I had no reason to believe we wouldn’t score well,” she said. Following the dramatic decline in CAASPP testing scores, GBHS was

officially eliminated from the award competition. “I even had it written in our single school plan and our (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) report that we got this award,” Leighton said. “And then I got a phone call saying, ‘I’m so sorry, you’re disqualified based on your scores,’ (and) that was brutal.” After putting a substantial amount of time and energy into the application for the award, the disqualification left some staff and faculty members upset because of the fact that GBHS would not receive the public recognition. “The education you get here at Granite Bay and the challenge you get is extraordinary, so it’s fun that we get to show that to the world,” Leighton said. “It (was) embarrassing (and) excruciating the year we dipped.” GBHS was ranked No. 67 in California n the 2013 U.S. News and World Report high school rankings California and 355th in the nation. However, despite GBHS disappearing from the most recent list, Leighton said she has a strong belief that GBHS will reclaim the recognition and reappear in the rankings because of the steps that have been taken to prevent the tankingthe-test issue in the future. “The teachers were not necessarily understanding the importance of them taking it seriously, so the adults had to take a step back and (ask) how we contribute(d) to this situation,” she said. “As soon as the adults responded, then the kids did.” Following the decline in scores, GBHS staff members were able to work together cohesively in order to ensure that all students understood the importance of the CAASPP tests. “We learned from the pitfalls and that experience,” Cova said. “The next year we rose to the occasion and we worked as a team.” In addition to encouraging teachers to highlight the importance of standardized testing, Leighton said she has also done

her own investigative work to uncover the motivations behind the low scores. “A lot of (students) had passed the AP (Language) test, but they had not passed this (exam),” she said. “I called them in (and asked) how could the AP Lang test be so much easier? And they were like deer in the headlights.” During the most recent testing last spring, current GBHS seniors far surpassed standards. Almost 90 percent of students achieved proficiency in English, and nearly 75 percent reached proficiency in mathematics. Still, however, some students said they did not receive vital information about the importance of the test before taking it. “I feel that (school officials) did a lot to stress the importance the year before me (in 2016-2017), but after that went well, they became more laid back,” McDermott said. With the significant increase in scores, Leighton said GBHS will improve its ranking, and she also acknowledged the value of maintaining a strong reputation. “I do believe people choose where they are going to live by knowing how good the schools are, so it’s important for us as we take these standardized tests to realize that we’re affecting our own property values,” she said. In addition to affecting property values, GBHS administration faces an infrastructural threat if standards are not met. “Unfortunately, a reality (is) that funding’s now going to be tied to this,” Leighton said. “You have to increase your scores, so you don’t end up in differentiated assistance.” Differentiated assistance is a form of state intervention for schools that aren’t meeting standards – something Leighton is anxious for GBHS to avoid. “I continue to communicate the importance, and we reward the seniors’ efforts,” Leighton said. “When we all do well, our school looks better.”

Continued from page A2 said. “It made me feel proud to be a woman and stand with fellow feminists fighting for socio political change and equal rights. It encouraged me to continue to use my voice to educate, empower and stand up for what I believe in.” Although women’s rights were the main theme of the March, the event advocated for much more than just the female movement, but also the rights that represent harmony and equality in a society. “The march advocated for equality of all people, healthcare, racial equality, immigration policies and even more,” Idler said. The Americans who attend the marches

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are also paving a way for future generations to be involved in their country. “I would encourage other girls and women to attend the march but also men, because you’re supporting part of the population that doesn’t receive the same rights as the other half,” Idler said. Despite the current turmoil around the nation with opposing political sides, the march is meant to bring people together in order to fight for equality. “I would tell people,” Lang said, “despite what your beliefs are, it’s a good experience for everyone to have because even if you don’t support everything that they’re marching for, you could learn more about the other side of things.”

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Class size differs based on whether AP or IB curriculum is taught IB classes often have smaller enrollment; AP tends to have more students in classes BY BELLA KHOR

bkhor.gazette@gmail.com

The International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement programs at Granite Bay High are available to all students – but choosing which program takes some careful consideration. Senior IB diploma candidate Ipsha Pandey said in her own IB classes, “the largest ... (number of students) in a class is 22, the smallest is around 11 to 12.” Some classes, however, such as IB World Religions have higher numbers of enrollment. “I’ve done AP classes in which we have somewhere between 36 to 40 students,” Pandey said, “so it’s definitely a larger class size.” IB coordinator Bernadette Cranmer offered some insight to IB class sizes. “Class size varies every year for IB,” Cranmer said. “In World Religions we have 18 students or 25 students. Some of these classes are very small.” IB Business Management has class sizes ranging from 20 to 30 students. This difference between these classes lends themselves to certain advantages. “I think that since (IB classes have) a smaller class size, the teachers pay attention to you more,” junior IB student Kaycee Guiao said. “They know your name within the first three days right off the bat.

Furthermore, if you have a question then they will make the time for you. They’re very understanding.” Senior Aaron Manuel has taken some larger AP classes. “With larger classes it’s a bit harder for each individual to get attention, but I do enjoy the opportunity to interact and exchange ideas with a lot of my peers,” Manuel said. These varying class sizes also have disadvantages. “I could see people getting tired of each other,” said Guiao in consideration of the smaller class sizes in IB. “I guess word would spread quickly if something happened.” AP classes have similar challenges and advantages. “While larger class sizes offer the potential for lots of idea exchange, the opposite might also apply, and some students who don’t feel that comfortable socially might be overwhelmed and not interact with anyone at all,” Manuel said. “And if the students interact too much, it can obviously distract them from their tasks.” Teachers also have preferred class sizes. “Most of us are used to teaching classes that have 30 or more students, and sometimes that’s too many,” IB teacher Kay Bacharach said. “And obviously the dynamics of the class room … space-wise, it’s so crowded. But ideally, when I had 24

(students), that was a nice size.” Bacharach says a class of 24 students allows for the chance to do individual work, paired work and group work. “More voices are coming in,” Bacharach said. Cranmer also had some input on class sizes and the programs. “An AP teacher doesn’t enjoy having 40 people in the class,” Cranmer said. “How is the teacher supposed to give you enough opportunities to write and give you feedback if they have 40 essays to grade? It’s much better if class sizes are smaller across the board of everything we teach at Granite Bay.” The teaching styles in the two programs are distinctly different, with IB taking a longer learning approach and AP classes being shorter and more succinct. Both programs involve rigorous and academically challenging content. Students also must think about the homework load each program demands. Both IB and AP give out plenty of schoolwork for students to complete, and it’s all part of the thorough nature of each program. “I think that (both AP and IB students) are drowning in homework at the moment,” Pandey said. “I feel like (AP homework) is more of an imminent thing because they get done with a class in four months, whereas I have two years with a class.” Pandey added that because of the shorter class term of AP classes, AP students “get done with their classwork as soon as possible.”

STUDENT EXPRESSION: Students’ First Amendment rights are limited at school Continued from page A2 GBHS and the Roseville Joint Union High School District continued to allow the bracelets to be worn on campus despite parent complaints because it was also an issue concerning freedom of speech for students. “If all of a sudden a kid’s giggling in class because of somebody’s wristband, that becomes disruptive,” Westberg said. “As soon as it becomes disruptive, then it can be restricted. Even a shirt can be disruptive.” Evers experienced first-hand how school rules and regulations might at times override free speech. His National Rifle Association shirt, with the phrase, “You keep your ideas, I’ll keep my guns,” was considered a violation of the GBHS dress code. “I didn’t even make it 50 feet past the office when I was flagged down from the office door by one of the staff,” Evers said. Despite not intending any harm, Evers was asked to change shirts because of the reference to weapons. “(The shirt) was promoting passive and peaceful action, no direct or even implied threat to anyone or anything,” Evers said. Although precedent has stated, in the words of the Supreme Court, that neither students nor teachers “shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate,” those rights

certainly are restricted in order to protect the educational environment. “Unfortunately, (students) don’t have the ultimate right like someone outside of the school,” Westberg said. “Nor do I, because I’m in a government position.” There are just as many, if not more, restrictions on teachers concerning freedom of speech. “When you’re in a government position, you have to be very careful about anything political, like promoting politics, one side or another,” said Westberg. The Supreme Court case Tinker v. Des Moines helped define the balance between freedom and safety in schools, but the lines are up for interpretation – often by schools determining their dress codes. The precedent was set that students (and teachers) have the right of free speech until the point where it becomes disruptive to learning. The Tinker test, created in 1969 at the time of the case, is still used today by courts in order to determine whether or not a school’s restrictions infringe upon students’ First Amendment rights. “I think political expression in school should be completely free,” McKillop said. “As long as it doesn’t harm others or obstruct from anyone’s education or detract from our educators’ ability to teach.”

Gazette photo | Sidney Zabell

Some IB classes are more popular than others, like IB Business and World Religions, while others, like AP French, have as few as three students in the class. She said plenty of homework assignment in her IB classes are review of the last chapter or the chapter before that, an ongoing process. The IB and AP exams students take at the end of their classes are also different. “IB (testing in spring) is a two-day sitting for a standard-level course and three days of writing for a higher-level course,

whereas in AP you get done with your test in three hours,” Pandey said. “What’s really important to Mrs. (Jill) McKinney, (the GBHS AP coordinator), and I... is that people understand that AP and IB, they’re for everyone,” Cranmer said. “You should sign up for whatever is a special interest for you. We really want people to look at what’s available and choose what’s best for them.”

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Granite Bay Gazette

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GAZETTE

The Granite Bay

GRANITE BAY HIGH SCHOOL 1 GRIZZLY WAY GRANITE BAY, CA 95746

Editors-in-Chief: Spencer Cova Abbie Gould Max Schwartz Andrew Yung Sidney Zabell Voices Editor: Emily Hansen News Editor: Elliott Hyman Lifestyle Editors: Kavana Gonur Ashley Lucia Jordan Blair

Church culture can push believers away Modern Christian behaviors are often untraditional F or some, Sunday mornings mean watching football and recovering from the night before. However, for the vast majority of our nation, it also includes going to church. Although there is a vast range of types of people in attendance – some are dragged there as a child, and others sing passionately at the top of their lungs in worship – a lot of us attend church regularly, or have at least attended a service once. This is especially true in our area and at our high school, since the local mega church, Bayside, is located within two miles of the school, and many of our peers attend that church and even work there. I grew up in a Christian family, and have stayed in the church for my entire life. I still attend weekly services, am involved in some religious clubs at the school and am also a part of a handful of small groups that meet on Wednesday and Sunday nights. Yet, I have grown up with many friends who, in the same

time, have found their way out of the church. This has happened for many reasons. I know some friends who have left because they no longer felt strong in their faith, but also ones who leave because they do not like the culture that many churches have started to take on and accept. For instance, while Christians are traditionally supposed to act more conservatively and on their best behaviors, it is ironic that there are many people who identify as Christians, both peers and adults around the community, who often act in the most, shall we say, unorthodox ways. They often do what they want, whenever they want and think that just because they go to church for an hour a week, they can act however they want. As a result, this has led many, even me, to start feeling like many people in the church are a bit hypocritical, and thus I know several friends feel like going to church is no longer a true, genuine experience. Many of my friends also dislike the divisions that Chris-

tianity, and frankly most COMMENTARY organized religions, create. Look no further than Angela from “The Office.” She will often create this divide between her and other co-workers for “not acting how they should” and put herself on a pedestal. Yet, at the same time ayung.gazette@gmail.com she does things like have premarital sex with another character, Dwight, which in and of itself is a sin, but does so also while engaged to someone else. Such depictions of Christians, though amplified for comedic purposes, is frighteningly not very far off.

andrew yung

*** Andrew Yung, a senior, is a Gazette co-editor-in-chief.

Green Screen Editors: Bella Hamilton Dylan Rowe Lindsey Zabell Sports Editors: Landen Acosta Akhil Shah Sidney Stipanovich Online/Social Media Editors: Bella Khor Maya Snow Mia Taylor Staff Writers and Photographers: Sophie Criscione Raha Elahi Kate Fernandez Sydney Herrenschmidt Cyrus Mynar Michela Smith Lily Williams Adviser: Karl Grubaugh

The Gazette is published eight times per academic year by students in the advanced journalism class at Granite Bay High School. Content is determined by the staff and does not necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of Granite Bay High School’s faculty, administration, adviser or student body. Students are protected in their exercise of press freedom by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States and California Education Code 48907. Signed editorials and columns reflect the views of the writer. Letters to the editor and guest commentaries are encouraged and must be signed, although anonymity can be granted on a case-by-case basis. The editorial board reviews letters to the editor, advertising and guest commentaries and reserves the right to edit and refuse material. Reasons can include length, clarity, libel, obscenity, material disruption of the educational process at Granite Bay High School or violation of copyright laws.

Say aloe to some leafy friends Studies show keeping house plants around improves health and overall well-being

erry is an echeveria succulent who graces the cubicle desk shared by me and my friend. I haven’t known the little guy for long, but his smooth leaves have a gradient from lime to grape that hypnotize the eye. It’s probably that calming gradient of complementary colors that allowed me to feel immediately at home with the tiny dude, in addition to his cute sticky note name tag saying, “Jerry the Succulent” in loopy graphite. But nowadays, I spend a decent amount of time thinking to Jerry. Little thoughts like: “How are you doing today?” or “Where do you think that photo went?” I’ve been doing it on the daily, five days a week, since the semester started and wow, I did NOT anticipate the wave of discontent

and unhappiness that would creep up on me when I stopped. It makes sense, though, when I think about it. My mom has a garden, and she spends her life running around. She spends a lot of time in her garden during the warmer months of the year, tending to her sprouts and plants with the care of, well, a mom. At the same time, she’s driving me to places, going grocery shopping and taking care of our dog. The time of the year when she gets most restless, among everything else she does during her week, is during winter. The time when her plants have either gone into hibernation or have just died. I talked to her the other day and she told me that the garden is her “safe space,” somewhere she can take a step back and

relax. She talks to her plants, and she loses the stress of the day. This sounded similar to my interactions with “Jerry the succulent.” bkhor.gazette@gmail.com Of course, I wanted to know more about this. I went onto the acclaimed and extremely credible Google and found an article from 2009 on plants and their ability to make you feel better. Titled, “Plants Make You Feel Better,” (what a shocker) this article by Jonathan S. Kaplan was published by Psychology Today and listed benefits of having a potted plant

COMMENTARY

bella khor

Gazette illustration | Abbie Gould

near you. This list included advantages like improved reaction times and increased attentiveness, but the validation for my suspicions was an improved well-being. Granted, the study that was referenced in this article used typical houseplants, but I’d like to think that Jerry the Succulent would be a positive test subject. But aha! It was official in my mind, “Jerry the Succulent” was a mood-improver and clearly the only thing I could do now was get myself back to Jerry and improve my mood! It worked! I made my way back to Jerry eventually, and my discontent is nowhere to be seen! So keep in mind, if you’re feeling down, find a cute succulent or a plant to see daily. Maybe even start a garden! It’s been scientifically proven, plants can help you think, “Thistle be the best day ever!” (Disclaimer: It has not been scientifically proven that they will help you think that exact phrase!) *** Bella Khor, a sophomore, is a Gazette online editor.

People need to be considerate of others Send Letters to the Editor to staff.gazette@gmail.com

Identification Statement GRANITE BAY GAZETTE PUBLISHED EIGHT TIMES PER ACADEMIC YEAR c/o Granite Bay High School 1 Grizzly Way Granite Bay, CA 95746 Subscriptions: $25 per year/ $15 per half year

Coffee shops are communal spaces to share

COMMENTARY

ver many years, local McDonald’s, Bloom and Pete’s coffee shops have become sanctuaries for high school students to study, socialize or relax. Once school ends, many local shops are swamped with students seeking a quiet place to get some work done and blow off some steam. Harmless, right? But not to some coffee shop owners. More often than not, these study

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sessions that are intended to be for a couple hours turn into eveninglong social hours. Shop owners express frustration with the fact people pay a few dol-

lars to utilize a space that comes with furniture, air conditioning/ heat and restrooms, for hours on end. Recently, the coffee giant Starbucks was in deep water after the police were called on two African American men in a Philadelphia shop for utilizing the space without making a purchase. This recent event among many others has gotten people thinking: “How long is it OK to stay at a coffee shop?” The answer should be as long as you want – with some special circumstances. You buy something, just for the sake of helping out the business. It’s only fair you help them out with some of the costs you are helping them incur by using their space.

The bottom line is that these establishments should let customers take as long as they want – as long as there’s space. Companies should reserve the right to put time restrictions on customers in the event of a busy day. When some people have been sitting at the same table for hours on end and new customers have nowhere to sit when they arrive is when this phenomenon becomes a problem. I know I’m not alone when I say that everyone should have the right to be in these establishments for as long as they want, so long as everyone else gets a chance to utilize the space. There is nothing worse than getting to a Starbucks only to find

“

More often than not, these study sessions that are intended to be for a couple hours turn into eveninglong social hours.

”

that every table has been filled for hours on end, giving no chance for others to study and relax as well. *** Landen Acosta, a senior, is a Gazette sports editor.

Friday, February 8, 2019 w

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Voices A9

We all must learn how to fail All students experience academic frustrations from time to time

Going into high school, academic failure was a relatively foreign concept. Sure, like any other freshman I had trudged through a challenging work load or two, or struggled over a difficult subject, what kid hadn’t? But I had not truly experienced failure, not at school anyway. At the end of the day, I always got the grade I wanted. or the majority of my childhood, school was the And at the end of freshman year, it seemed that least of my worries. that’s how things would remain. Classes were manaI was considered a relatively talented student geable, my grades were exactly where I wanted, and I from a young age. I vividly remember being pulled was feeling good. out of class in elementary school to discuss my math The problem with kids never failing in school is that homework. Not because I was in when they do, they don’t know how trouble, but because I was solving the to manage it. When kids have been problems in ways that weren’t taught constantly told that they are naturally yet, that I had instead learned on my talented, and never have to truly put own and applied to the problems. effort into their academics, they never I was quite proud indeed that I was a learn how to put the work in or how to star student who had honed her skills deal with a difficult class. and even had won prizes for her achieI was no exception. The first class vements. I expressed my intelligence that I truly struggled in, was Honors as much as possible, most likely to the Pre-Calculus. Granted, I wasn’t exactannoyance of my friends and family, ly failing it at the time, but I definibut I was very proud. tely didn’t keep the constant A I had I was even more happy with myself always hoped for. in middle school, when I became a To be frank, I was very confused. I part of the GATE program. GATE was confused at how I could let mysstood for Gifted And Talented Educakfernandez.gazette@gmail.com elf slip-up, how I could have what felt tion, which was quite the ego boost for like an end-of-the-world failing grade. I had always my 11-year-old self in sixth grade. I was no genius of course, I just had a knack for aca- prided myself on my grades, it was a part of who I was. This was a part of me I had never encountered, a demics, and middle school was just too easy, I made part of me I was ashamed of. honor roll every semester and was proud of it (even if As I had grown older, I had done my best to be the bumper stickers I won were never displayed on my outwardly humble with the people around me, but I mom’s car). My learning truly was a breeze. allowed myself some personal pride in my academics. I was still a little scared, however, for high school. I In high school, that pride had started to crack. I feared that the tip-top grades I had maintained would wasn’t any different from those around me, I was averplummet, but surely in the end I would pull through age at this high school, and from time to time I was with ease, right?

COMMENTARY

kate fernandez

HEARD on the BAY ProudParent Parent ofofanan Proud Honors Student Student

“Hang out with friends and eat candy.” Gazette illustration | Emily Hansen less than average. At first I didn’t know how to deal with this feeling. I thought I was stupid, and everyone else in the class was so good while I didn’t even understand parts of the lessons. It wasn’t often that I had asked for help in the past, and to do so felt like admitting defeat. While it surely seems dramatic, I was genuinely upset. But while it stung at first, over time I came to terms with it. I wasn’t less of a student for struggling in a class, or for asking a teacher for more help than usual. And I’m no less of a student now, as I’ve encountered even bigger defeats. Failure is simply a part of life, a part that I’m still getting used to in school. Just because I (or any other student who has gone through the same thing, for that matter) can no longer gamble my academic success and win, doesn’t mean I’m a poor student. Everyone fails, even the kids who got honor roll bumper stickers in middle school. *** Kate Fernandez, a junior, is a Gazette staff writer.

Life is too fleeting to change for others Optimistic nihilism is a freeing mindset

ptimistic Nihilism. Kind of a big word, well two words rather. Optimistic nihilism is the combination of two things, a personality type of optimism, looking on the bright side of things, and nihilism, the belief that life and things around us have no intrinsic value. I am an optimistic nihilist, it has set me free. Before coming to terms with my meaningless existence, I was obsessed with what people thought of me, I cared about fitting in and making sure people thought highly of me. But then I realized that it doesn’t matter, because nothing matters. I decided to be myself, and I have been much happier. The funny thing about having an existential crisis, and coming to terms with

it, is that life becomes a lot more fun when you realize that technically speaking, you can do whatever you want, there is really nothing holding you back but personal inhibition. I’ve decided to be fully and wholly myself, because in the end we all die, unfortunately, or maybe fortunately. Things are temporary – relationships, feelings, pain, it’s all temporary. I think that’s a really beautiful part of the human experience. Nihilism can be scary. “If nothing we do matters, then why do anything at all?” you might be asking, and to that I say: “Because it’s fun.” The optimism in optimistic nihilism is really what makes it less scary. I might die, but I’m gonna have fun before I do. I’m determined to have a good time while

What are your plans for Valentine’s Day?

freshman

Alexandra Potter “Hanging out with the boys.”

sophomore

COMMENTARY

people don’t realize that, I’m alive. but it’s quite beautiful how Life can be rough, fragile we all are and how it can push you over unpredictable life is. Each and kick you when day is a gift, that’s why it’s you’re down, but called the present. part of my philosoLearning to cope with all phy is knowing it’ll of this is difficult, but once be over. Everything you have, it’s truly wonis temporary, pain derful. I live my life freely, is temporary. If you no longer easily upset. Bad just keep breathing, things happen, so it goes. I you can get through get hurt, I won’t be in pain it – you can and you for long. will. Appreciate those around If you don’t keep cmynar.gazette@gmail.com you while you can, but do breathing, you die. not fear them leaving, live each day as But everyone does eventually. So it if it were your last, be your best self and goes. Part of my philosophy is knownever change for anyone. ing that while we all die, it’s better to Life is too short to be miserable. be optimistic. People may leave, but do *** not cry because they are gone, be happy Cyrus Mynar, a senior, is a they were ever present in the first place. Gazette staff writer. Life is fleeting and beautiful. A lot of

cyrus mynar

Bo Hannum “Watch a romcom with my dog.”

junior

Presidents should set moral precedent President Trump negatively influences his followers

remember the the 2016 election night vividly. After finishing my workout, I glanced up at all the TVs in my gym. Each screen had a different network on, all flashing the same headline: BREAKING NEWS: Trump expected to win election. I woke up the next morning, and went straight to Instagram. I posted a photo of the American flag, with an extended caption about all of the things I thought were wrong about Donald J. Trump. I understand people who differ from me and appreciate Trump for his views and policies on taxes, economics, immigration and other issues. When I first hear or meet people, however, my immediate attention turns to the type of person they are. After hearing about Trump for nearly a quarter of my life, I feel strongly that he simply

COMMENTARY

akhil shah

ashah.gazette@gmail.com

isn’t a good person. As a minority in America, my first concern comes from his statements directed toward people of color. He called for a total shutdown of Muslims entering the country. When a federal judge was hearing a case regarding Trump University, Trump made statements about how the judge’s Hispanic heritage was linked to

bias in the hearing. Trump pointed to an African American at a rally and said: “Oh, look at my African American here. Look at him.” After a Muslim father of a fallen U.S. soldier was outwardly critical of the President, Trump said: “If you look at his wife, she was standing there. She had nothing to say. She probably, maybe she wasn’t allowed to have anything to say. You tell me.” Trump said that immigrants from Haiti “all have AIDS.” Trump also said Nigerians in the United States would “never go back to their huts.” Trump called Senator Elizabeth Warren “Pocahontas.” Trump retweeted three videos on Twitter, all of which included Muslims and people of Islam outwardly being violent and hurting others. The videos were initially posted by a farright British group. Trump used the MS-13 gang to demonize immigrants, specifically Hispanics entering the United States.

I believe Trump’s remarks have fueled some of his supporters in the wrong direction, and further increased ignorance toward minorities. I find how Trump treats and speaks about women to be appalling. I’ve been raised by a stay-at-home mom, watched a hard-working sister work her way to college and seen my girlfriend’s goals and ambition for her future –and that’s why I can’t stand Trump’s misogyny. Trump told Vanity Fair magazine: “I would never buy Ivana any decent jewels or pictures. Why give her negotiable assets?” He was referring to his then wife, Ivana Trump. Trump told Esquire magazine: “You know, it doesn’t really matter what the media writes as long as you’ve got a young and beautiful piece of a**. But she’s got to be young and beautiful.” And of course, the famous 2005 recording: “I did try and f*** her. She was married...I moved on her like a b****. ... You know, I’m automatically

attracted to beautiful. I just start kissing them. It’s like a magnet. Just kiss. I don’t even wait. And when you’re a star, they let you do it. You can do anything. ... Grab ’em by the p****. You can do anything.” Just locker room talk, he said. There’s no way around it. Donald J. Trump isn’t a good man. I’m a firm believer in the measure of a man essentially being the way he treats people. But Trump’s ways have contradicted my beliefs far too many times for me to think any more of him. To shame immigrants, minorities, women and anyone who speaks against him, is beyond maddening. Donald Trump, a man who regularly belittles minorities in America, and has the mentality of a stereotypical high school jock, is the leader of the free world. Sad. *** Akhil Shah, a senior, is a Gazette sports editor.

Academic statistics aren’t everything

mastery of material, not who is hat’s your class rank? What did you get on the “best” in the class. test? Who do you think is That being said, the reality is not The voice of the going to be valedictorian? everyone will score top academic Granite Bay At times, teenagers might try to marks. justify their rank or grades to their One teenager’s strength is not Gazette peers. Often students will boast necessarily another’s. While some about not studying as a defense students may thrive in Advanced mechanism when someone asks: “What’d you get?” Placement classes and have an affinity for schoolWhile there’s certainly nothing wrong with being work, others migth find their talents best suited motivated to perform academically, using it as an for other areas, such as art, dance, photography or absolute gauge of high school success is unhealthy. sports. Earning lower grades is not indicative of any The students who seldom do their homework reduction in self-worth. might have to watch their younger siblings every Too often students envy others’ academic achieve- evening. The ones who didn’t study for the test ments instead of recognizing and appreciating their might be holding down a job to help their family. own. Does an A matter as much if everyone in the College admissions offices ask students to describe circumstances that might have prevented class earns one? them from achieving their best in school, but classThe answer is yes. The point of grades is to show

EDITORIAL

mates don’t seem to consider that when comparing themselves to one another. It’s perfectly acceptable to be proud of earning an A, achieving a 4.0 GPA or gaining a rank in the top 25 percent of the class – but it doesn’t make you superior. Maybe it’s a mindset that’s been continuously ingrained in us. It’s difficult to consistently measure other talents aside from academics at school. When we spend seven hours a day, five days a week in one place, the results we see as an outcome of that time carry quite a bit of influence on our self-esteem. But it’s vital to not belittle other accomplishments. Just because there aren’t readily available statistics on each student defining their athletic, artistic or societal skills does not mean those abilities are any less indicative of a successful person. We can’t let a class ranking system stand in the way of recognizing each other’s best qualities.

Peyton Hulsebus “I’m doing Galentine’s day with the girlies.”

senior

Daniella Tran “We’ll probably just have dinner at home and keep it pretty lowkey.”

staff

Mr. Lawrence Compiled by Mia Taylor

A10

Friday, February 8, 2019

News

Second Look Hypnotism takes the stage at Senior Fifth Quarter

ď ˇJordan Stradal shines in her role as Taylor Swift, top left, accompanied by background dancers Miriam Lebastchi and Ellie Wilson. Brayden Schauer flexes her muscles, top right, hoping to win her bodybuilding competition. Zach Taylor and James Ellis, second from top right, compete in a gibberish rap battle. Jacob Ellis and Grace Ehnen, second from bottom right, experience the beauty of simulated childbirth. Damon Leaf and Mia Taylor, bottom right, hold their ideal pets. Matt Solone, Laine Sorgea, Kendall Prager and Spencer Cova, bottom left, stare in shocked awe at the audience believing they have donned polka-dotted bikinis. The room lies asleep, middle left, after being induced into a hypnotic state.

Gazette photos by Lindsey Zabell

w The Granite Bay Gazette

Lifestyle The tiny house trend

Granite Bay Gazette

B Section

Friday w February 8, 2019

COMMENTARY

kavana gonur kgonur.gazette@gmail.com

Embrace yourself for who you are

henever I walk into my IB Chemistry class in a hyper mood, my friend always asks me the most peculiar question, “Did you eat a bagel today?” Allow me to give some context: At Senior Sunrise, I’d grabbed a bagel. Remembering a specific meme, I started humming and twirling my bagel around. My friend recorded me on Snapchat. And, well, it became friend group history. Now, my friend associates my bagel-twirling with me being in a wacky mood. While that seemed embarrassing at first, I ended up realizing that maybe it isn’t so bad to show my true, quirky self to people at first sight. While our quirks might make us seem more immature than we actually are, they really compose us at our core. In fact, one of the best allusions to quirkiness is the Japanese three-face proverb. The first face is what you show to the world. The second face is what you show to close friends and family. And then comes the third face, which you only show to yourself. Each entails a different level of quirkiness. But is that honestly an effective way to tackle life? First of all, three beautiful masks can be pretty hard to maintain. You have to regularly spend money to clean them and paint them if they start to discolor. This is similar to ensuring that your reputation, friendships, and soul doesn’t tarnish in real life. But what if we were able to combine them all into one beautiful mask which we could display to everyone? Now that’s what I call cost efficient. What I’m trying to say is that we try too hard to set up different personalities for different sets of people. We end up risking showing the wrong personality at the wrong time, which can utterly destroy your morale. Don’t try to make different versions of yourself when it’s just easier and more relatable to accept yourself and others as-is. All right, admit it - you fear that no one would really like you and your weird habits. I had those same thoughts - I struggled to make friends for most of my life. In elementary school, I was extremely outspoken and a people-pleaser. Many of my peers believed I was a bully - and maybe some of the things I did seemed that way. What I regret was that as a result, I became rather quiet in middle school. I made friends, but I struggled to be close to them. So I took a new mindset in high school. Enough going under the radar - I didn’t care as much about presenting myself to specific people. I’ve made enemies… but I overcompensate with even more supportive friends. So I’m okay with having me at my ultimate bagel-twirling self on Snapchat, because when my friends and I look back at it twenty years later, we’ll laugh anyway. *** Kavana Gonur, a senior, is a Lifestyle editor.

Gazette illustration | Abbie Gould

Teacher decides to follow tiny home craze and builds one of her own in her backyard BY ABBIE GOULD

agould2.gazette@gmail.com

lthough at face value French Teacher, Lynne Guerne’s new house may seem small, but the journey to build it has been anything but that. After watching Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things and seeing the new tiny house trend take over HGTV, Guerne first got the idea of building her future home. “I was watching the tiny house shows and I was really fascinated by them,”

Guerne said, “part of it was the trend of minimizing, it was at the same time the movie minimalism came out and I went and saw minimalism and I was fascinated by that too so there were a bunch of things that happened at the same time.” After talking with her son who lives in Colorado, Guerne decided to build a tiny home of her own. “I can move it to Colorado if I wanted to, my mom lives in Washington, so I could move it to Washington,” Guerne said, “there were a lot of things in my mind when I was thinking about it.”

GBHS helps with work transition

Internships gain popularity BY ANDREW YUNG

ayung.gazette@gmail.com

art of high school is getting ready for the next step, whether that be a four-year college, community college, or diving straight into the work field. One way that the school facilitates its students’ careers is through its Regional Occupational Program, or ROP, in which students – instead of taking classes at school – have internships at various different places, in various different fields. The areas that ROP offers are in Animal Assistance, Engineering, Fire Sciences and Medical Assisting. All courses require large amounts of work from their participants. “I am in the Animal Science program at Granite Bay, and what that constitutes is that from the months of August to midway through December we are at Lincoln Farm five days a week for three hours and taught by a RVT, a Registered

Veterinary Technician,” senior Lainey Sorgea said. “We basically (learn) the anatomy and physiology of animals, directional terms, abbreviations, diseases, symptoms; just knowing things.” The medical side of ROP also requires students to learn much of the vernacular that comes in the field. “We learn a range of things,” Catherine Lauth, an ROP Medical Assistance member said, “from basic medical terminology, procedures, how to take vitals, to more advanced skills like how to give injections. We (even) had to practice giving each other injections in class, which wasn’t too fun when you’re getting it.” The Fire Science program also requires its students learn through hands-on experiences. “We work with basic fire skills with ladders, (Personal Protective Equipment) knots etc.” said Oskar Hartman, a member of the Fire Science ROP class. “(I love) being able to be outside and work with

The next step in her process was to figure out how to even build a home. “Prior to doing this I had never used a saw before, I had never used a nail gun, I had never of done any of those things,” Guerne said. In need of inspiration, Guerne looked for a workshop to help her learn how to build a tiny house. She ended up attending a weekend workshop out of curiosity and “there were all these people at the workshop who had built their own tiny houses and I thought well if they can do it, so can I,” Guerne said. With the help of friends, Guerne has been able to build her tiny home. “I was one of the first people who would go to Home Depot with her and we would

Lainey Sorgea Senior interns at Lincoln farm for GBHS ROP program my hands and do something I love. The ROP program also exposes aspiring engineers to their intended field, sometimes even putting them in friendly competition. “I’m in CTE/ROP Engineering,” senior Jason Dhanota said. “The program contains an internship with a company involving a field of the student’s choice along with participation within the CREATE program, (and) our class meets every Monday to compete in the program against other schools.” However, though many of these programs are composed of students from many different schools, it is not always only strictly competition. In fact, many have cited new friendships with students from other schools as one of their favorite parts of the program. “A good memory would be all of the friendships I’ve made in the class,” Sorgea said. “You meet a lot of really See INTERNSHIPS, page B4

pick up lumber,” said Spanish teacher Jill Cova. Spanish teacher Ben Soper also helped Guerne with the foundation of her home. “I helped her a lot at the beginning to get her trailer frame set up correctly and basically the foundation started,” Soper said. Guerne has had lots of help throughout the whole experience. “I’ve had one of my students moms volunteer a friend of theirs and he has come to help me,” Guerne said. For the more important and crucial aspects of her home, she has hired contractors to ensure the job was done correctly. “I’ve hired out a couple of things, so I’ve hired somebody to do the sighting and the See HOUSE, page B3

Club empowers through a screen Cognitive Exchange works to bridge gap with other students

BY KAVANA GONUR

kgonur.gazette@gmail.com

significant number – 25.3 percent of Americans today have glossophobia, a fear of public speaking, according to the Washington Post. Of the other 74.7 percent of people, a small subset enjoy public speaking and aren’t afraid to compete, but there is a group that bridges these two percentages together – Cognitive Exchange. “The purpose of the club is to teach basic speech and debate skills (in the greater Sacramento area), because underprivileged kids (in India) don’t have the same opportunity that we do to learn,” said Shreya Holikatti, president of the Cognitive Exchange club at Granite Bay High School. Holikatti is also one of the many teachers for Cognitive Exchange. She was inspired to start a local club due to her sister’s influence. “My sister used to do this organization outside of school, and I joined

that. I was told that you can create a club at your school. So that I thought that would be a good idea,” Holikatti said. Her personal goal is to bring the classes for Indian students to the local community. Holikatti is just one of the many who have been impacted by this organization. Fellow club member Kavya Krishnan, also a part of GBHS’s Speech and Debate team, feels that Cognitive Exchange allows more people to experience the impacts the speech and debate community normally gives. “Debate is actually a part of daily life. When you speak well, and you say your point, you are looked [at and] respected more,” Krishnan said. “So I think that speech and debate really enhances these kids’ lives and makes an overall impact on how successful they are.” Because she is in speech and debate and has experienced positives it brings that she feels the need to bring her skills to another set of people. “I have always wanted to join speech and debate and when I finished high school, and (was given) the opportunity to do so,” Krishnan said. “When I learned more about how See CLUB, page B5

inside lifestyle Top 10

If you really knew me B3 Student spotlight

Change in the weather stirs new emotions

French Program fights to keep classes at GBHS

New law helps animal shelters over pet stores

With colder weather, Seasonal Affect Disorder is more prominent

With class size rapidly decreasing, French classes are in jeopardy of being

Stores are no longer able to sell animals from breeders, only rescues.

B2 Lifestyle

Friday, February 8, 2019

A vegan burger inspires new customers

TOP 10

Valentine’s Day

Carl’s Jr. expands its menu by offering a new item in support of veganism BY RAHA ELAHI

relahi.gazette@gmail.com

t looked the same as a regular burger – a brown patty was sandwiched between lettuce, tomatoes, a onions, sauce and two sesame-seed buns. But unlike its appearance, it was made entirely of plants. It was not your regular fast-food hamburger, this was the Beyond Famous Star from Carl’s Jr., made with a vegan burger patty. The burger is a vegan-certified product. However, it is prepared in the same kitchen as the regular beef patty and is served with mayonnaise and cheese (both non-vegan). Any burger patty at Carl’s Jr. can be substituted with the Beyond Meat patty for $2 extra. The restaurant chain recently decided to introduce a vegan option because of the increasing number of vegans, vegetarians and consumers trying to reduce their consumption of animal products. In comparison with the original beef Famous Star, the Beyond Famous Star is $6.29 while the Famous Star is $4.39. The vegan burger patty itself has 20 grams of protein, but the burger as a whole (including cheese and mayo) has 30 grams of protein. The original Famous Star has 28 grams of protein, slightly less than the plantbased version. Sophomore Sahar Jandagh-Alaei, recently tried the Beyond Meat burger for the first time. “I expected (the burger) to taste like a veggie burger,” Alaei said. “The consistency ... and the textures are actually very similar to chicken.” Alaei is a meat eater and was able to compare the vegan patty to what she usually orders. “It was very meat-like,” Alaei said. However, she also noted the difference between the regular beef patty and its vegan counterpart. Sophomore Kavya Krishnan, who is a

vegetarian, also expected the item to be similar to a veggie burger. “(I) expected it to taste like a veggie burger, but a little bit more chewy,” Krishnan said. “I would say it tastes more like a meat substitute.” Both students had a different perspective on whether or not they would purchase the burger in the future. “(I wouldn’t) get it very often,” Alaei said. “It would be like a once-a-year thing.” However, Krishnan said there is a strong chance the burger will find a way onto her plate in the future. “(I) would definitely buy it again because ( I liked) the taste of it,” she said. Sophomore Olivia Hazeghazam, a vegan who attends St. Francis High, also enjoyed the burger. “I love the Beyond Burger. It tastes like actual meat. It’s scary,” she said. The burger is an example of the growing number of vegan products being introduced around the world. The market for vegan products has been increasing dramatically over the past few years, and manufacturers have been trying to keep up. According to Forbes, Plant milk sales have grown by 3.1 percent, and meat substituted by 8.4 percent from 2015 to 2020. Dairy milk sales are projected to drop 11 percent by 2020 in addition to the 5 percent drop in 2017. Egg sales have also suffered, reportedly losing 7 percent in 2017 alone. Companies such as Tyson, a meat producer in the U.S., have invested in Beyond Meat. Mainstream veganism can be attributed to a growing number of people becoming aware of the practices of animal farming, the health benefits of a plant-based diet, and the environmental impacts of an animal-based diet. Some health benefits of veganism include weight loss, a decreased risk of heart disease and cancer, lower blood sugar and increased nutrient intake.

Sees Candies

Godiva Dark Chocolate Truffles Gazette photo illustration | Raha Elahi

Ghiradelli Dark and Sea Salt Carmel Chocolate Squares

The Carl’s Jr. Beyond Famous Star is the first vegan option for customers Like all diets, however, being vegan doesn’t guarantee automatic health benefits. Consumers must make sure to eat a variety of nutritious foods. There are a plethora of vegan diet horror stories in which people have suffered extreme malnutrition. However, as with any diet, consumers can avoid health issues as long as they make sure they are getting enough vitamins, nutrients and protein. There is a common misconception that vegans have an extremely limiting diet. However, vegans have access to a wide variety of foods including fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, grains, spices and animal-based substitutes. The Carl’s Jr. Beyond Famous Star is just one example of a substitute being put on the market to meet the demand of a growing plant-based industry. Sue Hazeghazem is the parent of a vegan and highlights the importance of restaurants to create a diverse menu. “There should be a vegetarian option (at restaurants),” Hazeghazam said. “It is very difficult going to restaurant(s) because there’s only fries and a salad. People get depressed over these choices.” Her daughter, Olivia Hazeghazam,

agreed with the effects restaurants have on dietary choices. “(It) really limits options and makes being vegetarian and vegan less appealing,” she said. Substitutes for cheese, milk, yogurt, eggs, butter, meat and more are in high demand as people want to go vegan but don’t want to give up the taste of their favorite animal-based products. The same ideology falls in line with fashion. Instead of using wool, leather, exotic animal skins and fur, these materials are being replaced by vegan leather and other plant substitutes. Products like the Beyond Burger show that vegan food can be just as delicious as the traditional beef patty. Moreover, they are a reminder that vegan substitutes have come a long way, and that they will continue to advance over time. So if people are considering going vegan, vegetarian, or simply trying something new, the Beyond Famous Star and other vegan substitutes offer consumers the option of enjoying fast food without eating animal-based foods. “I really hope people see the importance of being vegan, not just to give animals a voice but also to help the environment,” Hazeghazam said.

Trader Joe’s Belgian Dark Chocolate Bars

Toblerone Dark

Lindt Lindor Extra Dark Chocolate

Plastic straws damage the environment Students on campus support straw options that help animal habitats near and far away BY MAYA SNOW

msnow.gazette@gmail.com

arvin C Stone invented the straw in 1888. Today, about 500 millions straws are used daily. However, many students on the Granite Bay campus are passionate about not using disposable straws. They spread the word about how bad straws are for the oceans in particular. Senior Kelli Litchfield tries not to use straws most of the time. “I feel guilty about using straws because they are really bad for the environment,” she said. “I own metal straws and I use them instead of disposable, plastic straws whenever I can.” Single-use straws are really hard on the environment. According to sailorsforthesea.org, straws are usually used for less than ten minutes. They can be broken up so small that even single celled organisms can eat them, but the plastic always remains in the environment. Senior Moses Huish is also very eager to express his feelings about the ‘no straw gang.’ “Straws kill turtles and have horrible effects on the environment because they don’t decompose,” he said. GBHS Honors Chemistry teacher Damien Lawrence explained the scientific view of why disposable straws are so harmful to the environment. “Plastics and all man made polymers are not going to biodegrade very quickly, if at

The Granite Bay Gazette

all,” he said. “In some areas in the ocean there is an island of plastic garbage.” All types of plastic, and in particular disposable straws are really harsh on the environment. But, there are some eco-friendly options that many people are testing out. Senior Preston Lehmann uses metal straws, or no straw as often as possible. “People should use metal straws instead of using a new one every time,” Lehmann said. Lawrence provides strong insight into how students can find alternatives for plastic straws. “When people have something that is not going to biodegrade, you need to find an option that is not going to last for thousands of years by moving to paper straws or wax straws, or something that can actually degrade.” Lawrence said. Also, some restaurants in the area are trying to go straw free. “NIX Tacos (in Roseville) is completely straw free. [Senior] Daniel Greene and I met with the general manager in an attempt to convince him to go straw free,” Huish said. “Blue Nami and Mikuni (in Roseville) don’t use straws [either]” Litchfield said. Conserverveturtles.org says that over a million sea animals are killed yearly due to the 10 million tons of plastic in their environment. “People should stop using straws because if you don’t you don’t give a (hoot) about the environment,” Huish said. “You’ll never catch me with a plastic straw.”

Ferrero Rocher

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

Kit Kat

Hershey Bar

- Compiled by Raha Elahi

Gazette photo illustration | Maya Snow

A GBHS student displays a metal straw which is a reusable alternative to environmentally damaging plastic.

Faculty Focus Why did you decide to become a teacher? I decided to become a teacher because I loved math and I wanted to help kids share my passion for math and volleyball. What is your favorite class to take? My favorite class to teach is AP Statistics because it’s a different math class than normal. All of the problems come from real world situations. How long have you been teaching? I have been teaching for 15 years.

Gazette photo | Michela Smith

Bruce Honberger - Compiled by Michela Smith

Friday, February 8, 2019

SAD takes its toll on GBHS students Seasonal Affective Disorder silently strikes on rainy days of the year

SAD is often dismissed or simply not acknowlold weather calls for seasonal edged due to its relatively unique activities and an escape from nature. It is a form of depression that is often overlooked, but plays a vital the oftentimes brutal heat role in the mental health of many. California endures in the summer “Around sophomore or junior year months. However, some people face the distressing symptoms of seasonal I realized that during that winter affective disorder. time I would hate it and not know In short, seasonal affective disorwhy,” Novaresi said. der (SAD) is characterized by endurNovaresi said that SAD makes ing a mood disorder which occurs her days feel even longer than they during the winter months. SAD is already are. typically attributed to the lack of sun “It gets dark at like five o clock exposure. and I’ll just be laying in bed at 5 The exact cause of SAD is still o’clock because I don’t know what unknown. However, it is said to to do,” Novaresi said, “then laying in influence one’s circadian rhythm bed all day causes me never want to (sleeping patterns), serotonin levels, get out of bed.” and melatonin levels. According to Natalie Elkin, a psy“Vitamin D plays a role in the chology teacher as well as a theraabundance and activity of serotonin, pist, there are treatments for SAD. sunlight is required to synthesize “It turns out there is light therapy Vitamin D,” said Lisa Goldsmith a that is considered an alternative therteacher of physiology and AP Bioloapy and there is an actual light that gy at Granite Bay High School. “In winter when the season creates tricks your brain into thinking that it is sunlight,” Elkin said. darker days, some people are se“You turn it on for about 20 mins creting significantly more melatonin a day, you don’t stare into it because than others making them feel letharthat’ll damage your eye, but you gic and tired.” Goldsmith said. have it off to the side while you’re Facing struggles with SAD makes eating breakfast or getting ready in day to day life quite difficult for everyday people, those include some the morning and it hits your retina and suprachiasmatic nerve. It changstudents at GBHS. es they way your chemistry in your Senior Sofia Novaresi struggles brain works,” Elkin said. with SAD. “A lot of its just looking Gazette illustration | Kavana Gonur Being aware of the adverse effects at the days and it’ll be gloomy and of SAD allows for insight regardThose who suffer from the effects of SAD typically don’t look forward to not a lot of light or happiness. It overly rainy days. The cause of the disorder is unknown, but it affects the just makes you feel sad all the time,” ing the struggles some people face circadian rhythm of sufferers and can last throughout the winter. Novaresi said. during the winter months.

BY MICHELA SMITH

msmith.gazette@gmail.com

Lifestyle B3

w The Granite Bay Gazette

HOUSE: All worth the effort However, all of these obstacles are going to pay off very soon. Guerne says she believes her tiny roofing for me and I’ve hired somebody to put in all the kitchen cabinets for me home will be done this spring, there are to make sure those are all done correct- just a few more pieces to finish. “I have some electrical to do and I ly,” Guerne said. have my drains to figure out, so the waGuerne has had some complications ter from the shower or the vanity and during the time she has spent building the kitchen sink, I have to figure out her future home. where it is going to go,” Guerne said, “I’ve had walls fall down, I’ve had plumbing that didn’t go right,” Guerne “I have a few more pieces of furniture said. to build.” Continued from Page B1

An angle of the inside of the tiny house, top. Outside of the house, right.

If you really knew me, you would know...

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National Park of the month

Zion National Park •

• •

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Joseph Sunglao

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If you really knew me, my favorite color is black.

Cori Caplinger

If you really knew me, you would know my favoriye movie is Across the Universe.

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The plateau part of the park receives 26 inches of rain a year, while the desert section may receive only 15. Despite the amount of rain, the desert boasts over 500 times the amount of species in the plateau. Zion Canyon may have been inhabited by man as long ago as 12,000 years. Flash-flooding destroyed many of the first Mormon settlements along the Virgin River, leaving behind several “ghost towns.”

If you really knew me, you would know I am a hodgkins lymphoma survivor.

Special to the Gazette | Lynne Guerne

Cheer on the Gazette “

•

Zeena Alzanoon

National Park Service

A landscape view of the canyon (above). A tractor clearing a rockfall on the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway (top right). Another view of the Zion Canyon on the East Rim Trail (bottom right).

-Compiled by the Lifestyle Editors

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Brad Davito

If you really knew me, you would know that I play guitar.

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- Compiled by Abbie Gould

B4 Lifestyle

Friday, February 8, 2019 w The Granite Bay Gazette

Whatever happened to senior parking spots? Solar panels leave class of 2019 members without long-awaited spaces BY SYDNEY HERRENSCHMIDT sherrenschmidt.gazette@gmail.com

hen it comes to senior parking spots, the questions are often “who gets them?” and “how are they distributed?” But this year, things are different. Granite Bay High School has been dealing with the installation of solar panels in the parking lot since summer break, and many students aren’t too happy with it. “I am often frustrated finding a parking spot and often have to cram my large car in a tight spot in the back,” senior Justice Radler said. Radler has been struggling to find a parking spot every morning throughout the entire school year. “Since I have first (period) off, I am never able to find a parking spot,” Radler said Like Radler, many students with first off are experiencing trouble finding a spot. In past years, students with a first period off enjoyed the luxury of having a senior parking spot without having to worry about being able to find a spot. “The convenience of having a parking spot is amaz-

ing,” Radler said. For some students, the bigger problem has been the delay caused by the construction project. “I am disappointed because we were promised we were going to be able to do parking spots,” senior Gaby Williams said, “but the date continued to be pushed back.” Williams was going to be the student government commissioner for distribution of parking spots to seniors, but she’s no longer enrolled in the ASB course. As a result, she can’t help out increasingly disappointed students who have been looking forward to painting their spots since they were freshmen. “That’s how we were supposed to fund the senior class and now we have to do it in different ways,” Williams said. Senior parking spots have been a huge source of income for senior events in the past, but student government must now find new ways to receive funding. “It has been an exercise of patience with the solar panels,” assistant principal Brian McNulty said. “They are trying to do their best, and it is moving along. I am going to say juniors will get parking Gazette illustration | Abbie Gould spots next year.”  Class of 2019 is unable to decorate their personal parking spots this year due to parking lot construction. The solar panels should be done by the end of this should be,” junior Avani Singh said. “They started the lack of spots this year, this opportunity was taken school year, so parking spots should return next year in the summer. It’s frustrating because often there for incoming seniors. away from juniors. are open spots that could fit in juniors, but it is only There is currently no exact date that has been given “Us juniors,” Singh said, “are losing a year in the for when the solar panels will be completely finished. limited to seniors.” parking lot.” Not only are seniors unhappy with minimal space, Juniors have also been affected by the solar panels Though the solar panel construction has caused juniors are sharing the same problem. because of the junior class not being able to park in many inconveniences, hopefully next year the tradiIn the past, juniors and seniors were both given the the school parking lot this year. “I think the solar panels are taking longer than they opportunity to park in the parking lot, but because of tion of senior parking spots will live on.

Student

Spotlight

Catlin Crook How is Granite Bay different from your old home in Temecula? Temecula was a hot desert, it’s greener here. I love the trees and weather. How do you use makeup to express yourself?

Gazette photo | Jordan Blair

Makeup is a temporary art form with no rules or restrictions. I can create something new every

day. It’s very personal and I can use themes or colors to represent my feelings/thoughts. I love being able to show my art to the world through my appearance. What’s something most people don’t know about you? I used to take classes and am now fluent in American Sign Language.

What advice do you have for others wanting to express themselves in new ways? Let go of anything that may be holding you back artistically. Don’t compare yourself to others or feel like you aren’t able to achieve what you aspire to be and appreciate the process. No matter where you’re starting, be persistent and confident in your abilities.

-Compiled by Jordan Blair

INTERNSHIPS: Program allows for students to explore career paths Continued from page B1 cool people you would never meet because they go to different schools. We’ve made really fun memories sort of goofing off and learning new things. Lauth also loved the people she was able to meet through the program. “My favorite... is that I got to meet new people and make such close friends in the class,” Lauth said. However, it is not only the interactions with other ROP students that will be remembered the most. Gian Solana, who is also in the medical program with Lauth, believes interacting with those he aids is one of the best aspects of the job. “I just love connecting with patients whenever I can,” Solana said. “It’s always fun to hear other people’s stories. You’re dealing with sick people here, some of them are incontinent, bathe once a week, and some people are rude.” However, through these troubles it only solidified his intended career path. “Like, for every good thing the job has to offer there’s something unpleasant that comes with it and you can’t just ignore them,” Solana said. “So being able to work in a hospital environment with real patients and staff as early as high school is a real opportunity for me to see if I really want to do this in the future. Thankfully, I do.”

Many other student interns feel the same way. “This has prepared me so well, I can’t even tell you how much,” Sorgea said. “Not so much the information because obviously I’m learning a lot along the way, whether it’s the medical terminology and diseases, all that stuff, but more with the experience and what I’m learning from it, being tougher with deaths of animals, just learning how to adapt quickly to situations because (I intern at) an emergency clinic and we have dogs coming in for emergency situations, so learning to adapt and validating my future is one of the biggest things I’ve taken out of it.” Thus, while students do realize that many still have plenty of time to change their minds about which career to delve into, many of these interns are keen on sticking to their fields, and already have a foreseeable plan to reach their goals. “People are always like ‘You never know if this is what you want to do,’” Sorgea said, “but me being in the situation and really being in the field, I love it and I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else with my time and the money that’s going into the schooling of it. It’s a really good experience and I’m learning a lot, taking a lot out of it. It’s really prepared me.” Besides, taking these types of internships also can help directly with securing jobs in each interns certain field.

“I took (ROP) because it will help me get hired when I am applying to get into the service,” Hartman said. “I feel like it has given me a big headstart on everyone else that is trying to become a firefighter. I have no regrets taking this class.” However, while the ROP program has assured some students of their career choice, it has also come with its fair share of sacrifices. Since ROP takes up one to two periods of a student’s schedule, this means less classes with fellow classmates, as well as missing certain aspects of high school. “I do not regret taking ROP,” Lauth said, although sometimes my internship schedule is difficult to work with, and driving up to Auburn at 7 a.m. every Thursday is never fun. I also do really miss getting to see my friends at school and enjoying (more) classes and lunch with them.” Others feel the same way. “I do miss meeting new people, with a new class, and establishing those friendships,” Dhanota said. In the end though, basically every student believes the results were worth what they had to give up. “I don’t regret taking ROP, as it has accelerated my future and given me more knowledge than any other class could give me as a senior,” Dhanota said. Also, students feel like the immense

time that they put into ROP is worth it, since it would not be better spent on classes at the school. “I decided to do an internship instead of regular classes,” Lauth said, “because I thought it prepared me for what I really wanted to do better than a CP class could.” For other students, it was also clear they were making the most of their time by opting for an internship. “I’m not missing out on anything really, since I had all my credits done except my senior credits so the only thing missing from my schedule are electives since I’m taking all AP classes,” Sorgea said. “If I wasn’t taking (ROP) I would be taking Dance or Ceramics 2, so because I feel like this is preparing me for my future that’s why I decided to take it. It wasn’t even a question.” As with most internships, the experience has left participants with many new skills that not only apply to the certain field, but also to life in general. “This has prepared me well for nursing by familiarizing myself with the day-today duties and pace of a medical setting,” Lauth said. “I’ve also gained a lot of confidence in myself and my abilities, and learned how to handle stressful situations better.” “ROP has given me more knowledge on what is expected of me as an engineer

should I decide to go into that field,” Dhanota said, “but it’s (more importantly) taught me how the real world operates, compared to what I expected it to be like.” The internship programs have also not only imparted its participants with life skills, but also lifelong memories. “A couple of my moments would be finding out that I got the internship and meeting my supervisor for the first time,” Dhanota said. “Another would probably be going on a field trip with my peers to do more research on the CREATE project.” However, for others it is the fun, embarrassing moments that they will remember from their time at their internships. For Sorgea, it was accidentally spraying “liquid, really black and thick,” all over herself and her supervisor. “One time I was at my internship and a dog had ingested rat poisoning, so we were trying to absorb all the toxins by using activated charcoal using a nasogastric tube, and feeding it into him from a really big syringe,” Sorgea said. “There was a lot of pressure, and there was a kink and I didn’t see the kink, and the activated charcoal… it splattered all over my face, all over a vet’s face, and it was just really embarrassing.” Thus, whether it’s gaining work-like experiences, making new friends, or sometimes even embarrassing yourself, ROP has added many positive aspects to its interns lives. There is also one last benefit of taking ROP.

Let your words

flourish Read the Gazette

Friday, February 8, 2019

w The Granite Bay Gazette

Lifestyle B5

French program losing more students each year Despite strong teachers, numbers are extremely low in GBHS French classes

BY KATE FERNANDEZ

kfernandez.gazette@gmail.

very year, the French program at Granite Bay High School finds itself having to fight to keep its spot. With a significantly smaller department than the Spanish program, the two French teachers – Lynne Guerné and Celine Genève-Brown – face many obstacles to keep it alive. GBHS is the only remaining high school in the Roseville Joint Union High School District with both Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate French classes. Still, the value of the French program has been called into question. Both Guerné and Genève-Brown are highly qualified, so their teaching qualities are not the source of the issue. The students who take the AP and IB French exams are well prepared, and the success rate for both tests remains high. In fact, students from the program have expressed their affection for the class, including AP French student Izzy Lux. “You do get to know everyone really well, and it makes it a fun learning environment,” said Lux, who has spent the last four terms (and counting) in the French program. “I’ve had a pretty good experience as I’m now able to speak pretty fluently and understand everything.” So why does the French program face opposition each year in preserving the language courses at GBHS? And why are some of the class sizes so small?

Part of the problem is the stigma that learning French language carries at GBHS. While many students consider the language beautiful, elegant even, it is also widely regarded as very challenging. “There’s the idea that French is a harder language to learn,” Lux said. This preconceived notion that French is too challenging for students exists among many students not involved in the program, but the reality is quite the opposite. “The French courses at GB are full of games and fun projects that really help you grow for someone trying to learn a new language,” said Hanna Myers, a sophomore in French 3. In reality, French isn’t the monstrous challenge some students perceive it to be. While it is formidable, the classes are just as manageable as any other language class. “I really try to work on my job as a teacher, so that the class is viewed positively, and the biggest thing that I work on is spreading the word about our program and breaking the myth that Spanish is easy,” Genève-Brown said “That is what you hear, the rhetoric out there is that it’s harder … and so I try to make it as fun and engaging as I can make it.” In addition to being regarded as a significantly difficult language, students often think French isn’t as useful in California – one of four U.S. states that border Mexico – as Spanish. However, Guerné said the French language can be quite useful regardless of

RANDOM... Club

Gazette photo | Kate Fernandez

Ten students are enrolled in the Advanced Placement French class at GBHS, the numbers continue to decrease annualwhere you live. “French is so valuable,” Guerné said. “French is spoken all throughout the world … and if (students) want to study literature … anything in science and even in math, it has so many applications. We always think Spanish is more useful because we hear it more often, but out in the world actually, French has such an influence.” There are 29 countries and territories worldwide that have French as one of their official languages. That includes countries in Europe, like Belgium and Switzerland, as well as many countries in Africa like Senegal, Chad and Madagascar. French is also one of the

official languages of our northern neighbor, Canada. As resourceful as the French language may be, the program at GBHS remains quite small. In fact, the AP French class has just 10 students, while the IB French class has just three. But the teachers haven’t given up on the program, and they have gone to lengths to keep the program alive. “We’ve tried a lot of things in the past (to grow the program),” Guerné said. “For the eighth grade orientation we’ve done a presentation, we’ve recorded a video about why people should take French, we’ve talked to as many people as we can, we’ve talked to the counselors helping us

Facts 1) The water apple, or Thai wax apple, is a berry.

Club Name: Penpal Club

to put students into the classes.” Still, despite the challenges, there are lots of reasons why advocates for French at GBHS say the language should still be taught. “We work really hard,” Genève-Brown said. “Exposure is honestly one of the best things that we can do short of kids talking to each other, starting to break down the myth that it’s harder ... that is what’s going to help us. “We do fight a tsunami of sorts, and so the more that we can do here, and the more that people talk about us, the better that we are going to fare as a program.”

Student

2) French fries originate from Belgium, not France.

President: Sydney Sewell and Ida Mousavi

3) The alpaca is a popular pet in Peru.

Gazette: What is the purpose of the club? Sydney: We are Penpals with elementary students where most of them are living in very poor harsh conditions and harsh circumstances. We write them letters and bring them gifts as often as we can to make them feel loved and cared for.

Sydney: It started because Ida and I wanted to bring back the art of writing letters and we wanted to make a program that can help better our community.

Gazette: What do you sell?

4) The Swiss cheese plant is not native to Switzerland.

Devin: I sell gamer stickers

5) 14% of adults in the US can’t read.

Gazette: Why did you start making the stickers?

6) Queen garden black ants have a lifespan of 15 years.

Devin: I thought it was a very funny joke. A lot of people really liked the stickers and they sold faster than red dead redemption two.

7) If you have anemia, you are less likely to develop an infection.

Gazette: Why did the club start?

Gazette photo | Ashley Lucia

Devin Manzo

-Compiled by Raha Elahi

Gazette: What plans do you have for the stickers in the future? Devin: I am planning on making newer stickers, and there’s a possibility of making sweatshirts.

-Compiled by Sydney Herrenschmidt

CLUB: Students work to help improve speech and debate skills of the underprivileged Continued from page B1

change club. “(That) feels good. We live in a bubble, so I feel teaching (underprivileged children would) be an eye these kids in India and some other areas don’t have these assets at their disposal, I really wanted to help (them) out.” opener to them. They could see more and realize what the Raha Elahi, another member of both Cognitive Exchange real world is.” Dhakal also expresses how the club is more than just and Speech and Debate, agrees with another service or outreach proKrishnan. gram. She says that in other clubs, She further explains that due to the members don’t “look at each other drastically different teaching style in personally.” She also says that India, children don’t necessarily receive Cognitive Exchange Cognitive Exchange is unique in the the same quality of education as in the that it allows a small group United States. teaches them to uti- sense of members to understand who they “In the US, we’re taught at a very lize their knowledge are helping through face-to-face young age to raise our hands, participate video calls. in class (and) become involved and advoand present it in a forCognitive Exchange uses a sercate for ourselves. But in India (kids) just mat that makes them vice called Zoom, a video calling sit down and absorb whatever the teacher system that’s synonymous with saying. So there’s really a big difference,” look good. Skype. Other than that, the actual Elahi said. speech and debate sessions function In an ever-advancing world where – Raha Elahi, sopholike normal school classes. communication is absolutely necessary “We’ll ask them questions and more club member to innovate and maintain the status quo, there’s usually be somebody that it is lacking in Indian children. Speech comes up and they’ll answer the and debate, through Cognitive Exchange, question,” Holikatti says. “There exists to fill this gap. will be homework that we give “Cognitive Exchange teaches them them at the end of the week. At the end of the whole course to utilize their knowledge and present it in a format that makes them look good,” Elahi said. “So when they want to they’ll be a competition for them as well.” Students are rewarded much like they would be had they apply for a job, when they want to go for an interview, or participated in a competition. “We judge the competition just give a presentation in class, it makes them look better. with other teachers and decide who we think that the bus And the use of these teaching skills just really teaches or assign will give them awards and certificates,” Holikatti them and better some in life.” adds. But the benefits don’t end there - anyone in the commuThe actual organization has now expanded to 50 teachers nity can get involved and perhaps be inspired themselves. who teach at 70 schools. As for the GBHS school club, “I think they’re missing out on helping people,” said they currently have meetings weekly. Supriya Dhakal, another member of the Cognitive Ex-

“

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-Compiled by Ashley Lucia

Wacky Scholarship of the Month Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship

Requirements: Come up with and write a great plan for surviving the zombie apocalypse and be enrolled in a post secondary institution of higher education. Scholarship awarded: $2,000 Who offers: Scholarship Committee Deadline: October 31, 2019

-Compiled by Maya Snow

B6 Lifestyle

Friday, February 8, 2019

w The Granite Bay Gazette

ADOPT dog California is the first state to pass a new law that helps shelters find homes for rescued pets

BY JORDAN BLAIR

jblair.gazette@gmail.com

s school starts back up and the holiday magic begins to wear off, puppies and rescues often find themselves without a home. Though the number has slowly been declining since 2011, about 6.5 million rescues find their way to shelters each year across the United States according to ASPCA. While some find the holidays an ideal time to bring home a new pet, for many who haven’t prepared for pet ownership, find the task to be too difficult. Senior Maryanna Agafonov had adopted two puppies with her family years ago. Though Agafonov’s family loved the two dogs, they were quickly overwhelmed with the responsibilities required to take care of the puppies. “We realized very quickly that two dogs for first timers is not very manageable,” Agafonov said. Agafonov’s family ended up selling one of the puppies to an older couple soon after. This is common in first time pet owners. Though families find themselves in love with an animal, pet ownership is often more difficult than anticipated. With kennels, food, bowls, beds, and more required to take care of a pet, unplanned expenses also tend to add up. Without the proper planning and budgeting, pet owners can often find themselves unable to support an animal. Jenny Olmstead from Placer SPCA said “We definitely do see returns from the holidays, that’s not uncommon.” Shelters often get busy

around Christmas, because “family’s want a pet for the holidays,” Olmstead said. “My sister in law got a puppy for the holidays,” Agafonov said “she still loves and has him.” While for some, the holiday’s might be a great time for adding a new addition to the family, but it’s not uncommon for people to get ahead of themselves. “I’ve definitely seen other people get pets for the holidays that they can’t keep,” Olmstead said “maybe they weren’t ready for them or didn’t understand the amount of work it was going to take.” It is easy to get caught up in the magic of the holidays, especially when receiving a pet on Christmas morning seems picturesque. However, without the proper preparation and planning, getting a pet can quickly turn into a nightmare. From tearing up furniture, to peeing on the rug, a pet can quickly become a much larger responsibility than people originally thought. Returns are most often seen to be pit bulls, jack russell terriers, and German shepherds according to iheartdogs.com. “This time around we saw more puppies coming in,” Olmstead said. Senior Ruby Lassila has witnessed her cousins receive a puppy for the holidays.

“The kids are not the most responsible kids,” Lassila said. Though they still own the dog, “the parents ended up having to take care of him,” Lassila said. “Giving a pet to someone who may not be ready for that responsibility is not a good idea,” Agafonov said. The holidays aren’t only a culprit for returns, but due to people coming in and out of homes more often, strays often find their way into the shelter Olmstead said. Though there is an influx of animals that come in during the holidays, it is not the only time a year strays are seen in shelters. “I’d say the time where we get the most dogs is during storms,” Olmstead said. This is typically due to the loud wind and thunder that can scare dogs Olmstead said. “We get busier during the summer too,” Olmstead said. The summertime is a great time to welcome a new member into the family. As kids are out of school and families have more time to invest in a pet. As of 2019, January has become the first state to ban pet stores from selling any cats, dogs, and rabbits that aren’t rescues or come from shelters. The law was put in place as an attempt to crack down on puppy mills, in which an estimated 2 million puppies are bred each year. Puppies from mills currently make up about 99% of those sold in pet stores nationwide. “The more time [strays] go out and get exposure to the public, the more adoption rates will go up,” Olmstead said. This will end up benefiting the animals because it will be more likely for a pet to be seen and adopted at a

store than going through a breeder said Olmstead. Along with this law, puppy mills are also officially illegal in the state of California. Any stores found selling an animal that is not a rescue will be fined $500. Lassila, proud owner of a puppy rescue herself, is excited for what the new law may bring. “There’s so many animals that don’t have a home” Lassila said, “they need to go to genuine families.” “You can’t just artificially make a dog,” Lassila said. “I think the new law is great,” Agafonov said “rescues need homes and love too.” When looking into adopting an animal, it’s important to take your lifestyle into consideration Olmstead said. “Are you a quiet house, are you a busy house, are you going to be gone a lot,” Olmstead said “go based off that.” Always make sure to research the animal, and its needs before bringing them into your home. Shelters are always willing to answer questions and advise those looking to adopt the best way to go. There are also several websites that offer information on different animals, the best environments for them, and may even help find the best breed for you. “It never hurts to read more it always hurts to read less,” Olmstead said.

Gazette illustrations | Abbie Gould

Sports

Granite Bay Gazette

Friday

COMMENTARY

C Section

w February 8, 2018

sidney stipanovich sstipanovich.gazette@gmail.com

Are parents just too involved?

ur parents are our role models, our cheerleaders and our number one fans. Their pride is our motivation, and their support gives us the confidence we need to excel in our chosen sport. I have always valued this support. Knowing my parents want me to reach my full athletic potential is a great feeling. Walking off of the soccer field after a rough game and hearing my dad say “Don’t worry, you played amazing!” is exactly what makes my drive to play harder the next game even stronger. But while my parents pushed me to play as well as I could, I was never playing to make them happy: I was playing for myself. Though most parents want their child to prosper in their athletic endeavors, there are times during which an added pressure is introduced by parents who hope their child will be recruited. Every so often, this pressure leads to a burn-out. Sometimes athletes are pushed past their limits to please their parents. Though many kids are passionate about whichever sport they may play, there’s a fine line when the goals of parents do not align with the goals of the athletes. As college recruitment becomes an even bigger topic of discussion, this line is becoming more apparent. I have multiple friends and who faced conflict with their parents over their athletic futures. After years of playing on a competitive club team, their parents were unhappy when they decided to quit whichever sport they played. Recently I stumbled across the Instagram account of an eight year old soccer player named Makenna. The account is run by her parents, and at the top of the account’s biography is the title, “UCLA Bruins 2032”, right above a second title, “Future Nike Athlete.” As I scrolled through Makenna’s feed, watching clips of her playing soccer and doing rigorous workouts, I felt conflicted. Makenna seems like an extremely passionate soccer player, but who’s dream is she striving towards? It’s in my doubts that an eight year old can formulate what her future in thirteen years will look like. How will her parents feel if she decides to give up soccer before then? An athlete’s mindset can change over time. Perhaps their love for a certain sport may fade as they discover a new passion in high school. Whichever the case may be, parents need to remember that their child’s happiness is most important. I believe parents should push their child to be the best they can be, but in today’s extremely competitive environment they should remember that their kids should also be playing sports for a simple reason: to have fun..

*** Sidney Stipanovich, a senior, is a Sports editor.

Gazette photo | Sidney Stipanovich

Noah Frank poses with his favorite tribe gear that he wears to every varsity football game. Frank is often seen with this gear at the front of the stands, cheering on the team.

‘The Chief of 2001’ is still ready to ‘Roll Tribe’

Noah Frank is proud to be Granite Bay varsity football’s No. 1 fan BY SIDNEY STIPANOVICH sstipanovich.gazette@gmail.com

“I

pledge allegiance to The Tribe.” A phrase coined by a Granite Bay High School alumni who has become the heart of the school’s spirit through his years of dedication to the Grizzly football season. Noah Frank became a fan of

Friday night football as a freshman in 1997, when he first began attending high school games. But unlike his old peers, Noah never stopped attending. When GBHS began, students were eager to become engaged and show off their new school. “People still love Granite Bay, but when we started everybody was so enthusiastic and excited to have their own high school in the community,” student govern-

ment teacher Tamara Givens said. “Noah just loves everything about GBHS, and he didn’t stop loving everything when he graduated.” Frank deeply believes his loyalty to the football games is at the heart of his dedication. “I wanted to keep my spirit and good heart to show the community and the school and obviously to me the loyalty and true means of being a number one fan,” Frank said. Frank’s cheering and support at the games creates a positive atmosphere for the football team and coaches. “Noah is all energy,” Varsity

Like mother, like daughter on the field

Senior standout, daughter of Olympic softball gold medalist commits to Harvard University BY LILY WILLIAMS lwilliams.gazette@gmail.com

fter 10 years of hard work and dedication, softball player and senior Lindsay Poulos was recruited in December to play for the Harvard University softball team. “Harvard never crossed my mind until this past November,” Poulos said. “I always wanted to play in college, and that has been a goal of mine since I was little. I never thought I would be able to get into Harvard, but here we are.” Although Poulos will be juggling an extreme level of academic competitiveness while also giving her full commitment to a team, she doesn’t seem to be worried, confidently relying on Harvard’s support system for athletes. “One of the great things about Harvard is the help they offer their athletes,” Poulos said. “I have a big support system, and so while I know it will be hard to balance softball

football coach Jeff Evans said. “Quite honestly, Noah’s energy is so contagious because it comes from a place of love. He loves GBHS and he loves Granite Bay Football, so his passion is a true passion. That purity makes it easy to believe in.” Many students have come to know Frank’s tradition; a pledge to the Tribe. This pledge is a chant led by Frank in front of the student section. Frank wanted to create a sense of dedication for the students, and a pledge was his way of doing so. “I do want to create that for the alumni and all the current stu-

dents,” Frank said. “If you like to do the Pledge of Allegiance to the Tribe, where you follow my lead and repeat after me when I’m here at the games, that’s how you make sure you pledge your devotion.” Frank’s qualities exhibit his caring nature. According to Givens, his memory is one of these appreciable traits. “He remembers everyone’s birthday, everyone’s name,” Givens said. “He’ll remind me of things I forgot. He knows when everyone gets married and when they have kids.” See FRANK, page C2

Gazette Photo | Sidney Zabell

Gabe Jensen takes down an opponent at a home duel vs Del Oro

and school, I am confident I will be able to do it with their help.” This remarkable athletic success seems to run in the family. Poulos’ mother Michele Granger was a gold medalist in the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. For the duration of Poulos’ years playing softball, she has had a former Olympic softball player – who is also her mother – as a coach. Poulos said she appreciates the softball legacy in her family and how it has ultimately helped her advance in her athletic skills. “I have had a coach since I was little that knows what she is talking about – this has been key for me,” Poulos said. “Her achievements have set expectations for me in the softball community Special to the Gazette | Lindsay Poulos that I have always strived to achieve.” Lindsay Poulos poses with her From a young age, Granger mother Michele Granger on the softball field after varsity practice had her daughter Poulos take See POULOS, page C2

Parents take on coaching roles

coaching their own kids. “There can definitely be positive and negative outcomes to coaching your own kid,” Wells said. The positives come mostly from understanding your child. “When you are coaching your kid from the side of a wrestling mat,” Wells said, “you see what they are doing physically and also know what's going on in their head too. It is a lot easier to work together with your kid.” However, there are some reservations to be aware of before becoming the coach of your own child. “The kid has to be okay with it,” Wells said. “If they aren’t okay with the parent being there, it's not going to work, if not the kid is going to See COACHES, page C3

Wrestling team led by the parents of wrestlers BY MAX SCHWARTZ mschwartz.gazette@gmail.com

parent and a coach hold very similar – and at times interchangeable – roles in a child’s life. But when those two positions are held by the same person, the speculation of it bleeding into both areas may be hazardous. David Wells, a three time NCAA All-American for wrestling at California State University Polytechnics, has been involved in the sport for 28 years. Between coaching and wrestling, Wells has seen many different parents

inside sports Fan of the Month Grizz Quiz

Rise of female Wrestlers

New girls' basketball coaches

GBHS sees more girls involved in sport

Players experience a different dynamic

Winter sports seasons come to a close as playoffs begin

Athlete of the Month C3

Winter sports update

Sports C2

Friday, February 8, 2018

The Granite Bay Gazette

Girls’ wrestling athletes on the rise at local schools

Increase in females in a heavily male dominated sport BY RAHA ELAHI

relahi.gazette@gmail.com

any students participate in sports, but few women join wrestling. This year Victoria Wells, Hannah Thrash and Lauren Gray have joined the Granite Bay High School wrestling team. While this number may seem insignificant, they are a part of the growing number of women joining wrestling nationwide. According to the National Wrestling Coaches’ Association, the number of female high school wrestlers was 16,562 in 2018, a huge increase from the 804 girls in 1994. Victoria Wells, a freshman, said she joined wrestling because she “thought it’d be kind of fun.” “I did it in middle school,” Wells said. She comes from a family with wrestling experience. “My dad wrestled in college,” Wells said. Junior Hannah Thrash, a water polo player, likewise joined wrestling this year. “Wrestling is a pretty aggressive sport,” Thrash said. Lauren Gray joined the wrestling team in her sophomore year. “I thought it would be a fun challenge and I’d get to expand my horizons,” Gray said. “Wrestling is probably one of the most mentally challenging sports you can compete in.” Many people shy away from wrestling due to the physicality of the sport. “You can pretty much count on blood and bruises on a daily basis, but the challenge… is what I love most about it,” Gray said. Despite the support she receives from her teammates and coaches, Gray believes she needs to succeed to gain the respect of everyone.

The rise in female wrestling can also be observed in other schools besides Granite Bay. “Female wrestling has been getting really big,” Wells said. “I was at a tournament recently where there were 200 girls.” According to Wells, schools like Del Oro High School have large numbers of girls on their wrestling squads. “Granite Bay hasn’t totally caught on with girls wrestling yet, but you see a lot of female wrestlers,” Wells said. The rise in female wrestlers can be seen in local middle schools as well. Coach Chris Gallegos from Olympus Junior High School helps send the next wave of wrestlers through GBHS. “We’re really important feeding into the high school,” Gallegos said. “We have seven or eight girls on our wrestling squad of 25 kids.” This number may be considered insignificant, however it is much greater compared to the number of girls in the past. Last season, the Olympus team consisted of only one girl. “When I wrestled in junior high, there were no girls’ tournaments, no girls brackets. Now they have girls tournaments and girls brackets,” Gallegos said. “There are enough young women at this point to wrestle other girls most of the time.” Sydney Hurter, an eighth grade student at Olympus, joined the wrestling team this year. She was motivated by a friend who participated in the sport last year. To Hurter, wrestling provided the opportunity for her to keep her personality and do something that’s

Special to the Gazette | Justin Matsuda

Victoria Wells, a freshman at GBHS raises her hand after winning a match against league rival Rocklin. more high intensity. “I’m a very happy and jovial person but there’s also kind of a tough side to me.” Daphne Kemp also joined wrestling for the first time. She has a passion for martial arts, which is similar to the sport of wrestling. “It was really freeing to be out here and wrestle out any stress and tension.” Kemp’s support is her mother who has consistently shown it her whole life.

Both girls plan on doing wrestling in high school as well. “The last time I was in a tournament there was a whole entire girls’ bracket, which was really awesome to see,” Hurter said. tion will continue to increase. “I would tell any girl who wants to join wrestling to just do it and not be afraid. Give it everything you’ve got,” Gray said.

FAN OF THE MONTH: Birch exemplifies GBHS Grizzly pride LILY WILLIAMS lwilliams.gazette@gmail.com

Senior varsity Baseball player, Ethan Birch, exemplifies every aspect it takes to be a true Grizzly fan. Being a Granite Bay athlete himself, Birch appreciates when members of the GBHS student body attend his games, so he loves to return the favor. “When people come to my games it creates a certain kind of energy that helps us play better,” Birch said. Personally I love when people show up to our games.” Birch attends as many games as he can throughout the year, so he can show Grizzly pride, and his respect for all GBHS sports. “I went to all of the football games, a girls soccer game, a boys soccer game, a girls basketball game, and a boys basketball game so far,” Birch said. “I plan on going to more soccer and basketball games as the season continues.”

FRANK: Teachers and coaches have fond memories of former student Continued from page C1 “He’s the ‘Chief of 2001,” said Givens. “That’s his self proclaimed title and he does a good job of keeping track of everybody.” At every home varsity game, Frank can be seen at the front of the stands cheering as loud as he can. Evans says football games wouldn’t be the same without Frank. “It is a noise our players are very fond of,” Evans said. “ His silence would seem very odd during football games.” As a new varsity coach in 2004, Evans initially didn’t know Frank. “I did not know Noah’s backstory of being a GB graduate and #1 Grizzly fan,” Evans said. “I just

POULOS: Granite Bay High’s star softball player is headed to Harvard Continued from page C1 part in athletics, mainly focused around softball. “When my kids were little they all played T-ball,” Granger said. “Then the boys went on to baseball and the girls onto softball. I am sure I put the kids in those sports because they were part of what my childhood experience was, and I wanted it to be part of my kids’ experience as well.” As a coach and a mother to her daughter, Granger has no doubt Poulos will succeed academically and athletically. As a mother, I am thrilled that Lindsay has found a school and athletic program that will help her fulfill her potential as an athlete and as a student,” Granger said. “As a coach, I feel privileged to have been able to participate and watch Lindsay grow as an athlete and a leader on the field.” Like mother, like daughter – both athletes practiced everyday for years on end to achieve their

Birch finds the GBHS Basketball games to be the most enjoyable. The lively spirit the Tribe has when they get to see the players up close is what makes the game his favorite. “Basketball games are my favorite because we get to be so close to the action and the energy is a lot higher than any other school sport,” Birch said. “My favorite game of this year was the Unified Sports Basketball game. It was really nice to see all of the special education students have fun,” Birch said. His older brother, Michael Birch, also played var-

knew that there was a big, loud dude, with cotton balls in his ears, yelling in my face on my way up to the booth.” Evans quickly saw Frank’s impact at games, along with the enthusiastic climate he had created. “Honestly, I was caught off guard but when I heard what he was yelling to me, I understood a lot more,” Evans said. He was cheering me on and telling me to have a good game as a coach. I thought that was pretty cool.” Frank says he’ll never give up on supporting his favorite team. “Every game, every year to show my community I’m the number one fan and how lucky I am and how dedicated of a fan I am to keep it going,” Frank said. The presence of Frank is one the community appreciates. “The energy and enthusiasm is great but it is his love for Granite Bay High School that really resonates,” Evans said. “Win or lose, we can always count on Noah’s love and passion. He is one of the things that make Granite Bay Football so special.” Evans says Frank is a truly special individual. “Trust me, if we had more Noahs out there, the world would be a more positive place,” Evans said. goals. Jenny Allard, the Harvard softball coach, is certain Poulos will thrive in her studies and her sport at Harvard. “I began following Lindsay since she was in eighth grade,” Allard said. “She has the maturity to balance the academic and athletic demands of being a student-athlete at Harvard. Her personally qualities are a great match for Harvard softball.” Allard said there is a certain kind of student and athlete she looks for throughout the recruitment process. Poulos’ opportunity came not only because of her athletic abilities, but also because of her attitude on the field and in the classroom. “In addition to being a strong student and capable athlete in softball, we look for students who are passionate about softball – who love to play the game, who work hard, have shown necessary discipline, (and) work well with others on common goals,” Allard said. Poulos’ best friend and teammate of 10 years, senior Ashley Bartles, could not be more proud and appreciative that she was able to watch Poulos grow into this diligent, future Harvard athlete. “I teared up when I found out Lindsay was admitted to Harvard,” Bartles said. “No one deserves this more than her.” Bartles said her friend’s determined persona and persistent mindset is what will ultimately guide Poulos to success at Harvard. “Lindsay’s biggest strength is her work ethic,” Bartles said. “Everything she does is done thoughtfully and consistently.”

sity baseball so he was able to be a part of the school pride long before he was a freshman. “I went to a few football and basketball games when I was in junior high, and mostly all of the baseball games because my older brother was playing,” Birch said. Although Birch attends as many Granite Bay games as he can, he remains a sports fan at home as well. Birch enjoys watching professional sports at home and has a few teams he likes to root for. “My favorite team to watch in the NBA is the Sacramento Kings and for the MLB I enjoy watching the San Francisco Giants,” Birch said. “I don’t really have a preferred football team.” Birch’s Grizzly pride is a perfect example of our school’s lively spirit. “My favorite thing about GBHS sports and school pride is how passionate the student body is,” Birch said.

Gazette photo | Lily Williams

Ethan Birch has excelled in showing support for GBHS athletics from a young age.

Next Level football league

Grizzly athletes assist the next generation of football players develop skills through new youth leauge BY LANDEN ACOSTA

lacosta.gazette@gmail.com

ranite Bay High School students have taken a number of coaching positions in the Next Level Sports organization. Senior coaches Ryan Pizzo and Isaiah Hernandez, along with junior coach Cobe Weeks are involved in the organization this year for a purpose bigger than themselves. “The program is called Next Level and it gives kids from kindergarten to seventh grade an opportunity to learn more about football and to see if they are interested in it,” Hernandez said. Next Level Sports has been operating since 2010 and offers a variety of sports for elementary and middle school kids, as well as coaching positions for high school students. The organization prioritizes the athletes, coaches, and community over all else. The GBHS location is open to participants interested in flag football. Among recent red flags pertaining to the rising health issues among football players, many parents have become concerned about their children’s health. Next Level flag football has become a popular alternative to classic tackle football. “Next Level is great for kids that can’t play tackle football for whatever reason,” said Weeks. With an inclusive environment of all genders and skill levels, the program seeks to foster a fun and competitive environment for the kids.

“I try and make everyone feel included by making sure every kid get to touch the ball every game and also gets to play the positions they want to play during games,” Pizzo said. The unique philosophy puts the athletes in a position to develop relationships with coaches and learn valuable lessons. These lessons including working together and learning how to win and lose with each other. “We teach them how to work together as a team and help them learn how to deal with loss and grow from it,” Hernandez said. The student-athlete coaches are responsible for organizing practices, game strategy and ensuring the kids feel included and have fun. “I coach the fourth grade team, I love giving back to the little kids and sharing what I’ve learned over the years of playing football,” Weeks said. The impact GBHS students will have on the students will be everlasting, as they seek to develop them not only as athletes but as people. “My favorite part has definitely been the kids and how excited they are to play and make plays,” Pizzo said. “I love seeing their faces light up when they start playing.” The students started coaching in early January and will continue to coach the youth teams for the remainder of the season. “I am so proud to be apart of this program because I get to work with young kids and teach them skills that they will need in life,” Hernandez said.

Cheer for the winning team. Read The Gazette

Friday, February 8, 2018w

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Sports C3

New coach brings hope for girls’ basketball teams

Changes in coaching staff shakes things up for girls’ basketball across the court BY SYDNEY HERRENSCHMIDT

sherrenschmidt.gazette@gmail.com

his year the girls’ basketball program has experienced some big changes. The coaching staff for girls basketball was revamped, leaving all teams with new opportunities as well as struggles. Paul Shafto stepped up to be the head varsity girls’ coach and is in charge of the girls basketball program. “Deciding to apply for the head coaching job wasn’t completely easy,” Shafto said. “I really enjoyed being an assistant Varsity Boys coach and coaching 8th grade boys at Olympus.” Shafto has been coaching boys for many years and decided to take on the challenge of coaching girls. “Even though I felt real comfortable doing those jobs, I felt like it’d be a great opportunity for me to grow as a person and a great challenge to take over the program,” Shafto said. Shafto has strong goals and high hopes for the program. “I would love for the girls’ program to be recognized on campus as a competitive team, and a place where girls feel like they’re welcomed and make connections with players and coaches that’ll help them throughout their life,” Shafto said. Even though Shafto has been a coach for numerous years, he still experiences struggles. “I think the hardest thing about being an off-campus

coach is not having the opportunity to build a bigger connection with the players because they’re not in your class or just see them on campus on a daily basis,” Shafto said. Senior Peyton Mitcheom has been playing basketball for all four years of high school, so receiving new coaches was an adjustment. “It’s definitely been a huge change because we are being introduced to an all new offense and a different style of playing than we were used to,” Mitcheom said. “Many varsity teams have been running the same plays since the freshman and JV levels so that gives them a little bit of an advantage, but I like the aggressive and intense style we are playing.” Jaclyn Ohlsen is a junior this year and decided to play at the junior varsity level again. “It was great to get new voices in the program and fresh faces,” Ohlsen said. “It helped getting into a new routine.” Junior varsity has been undergoing a new playing style as well due to their new coaches. “I think there are always benefits from new coaches because you get to experience a different kind of play,” Ohlsen said. Despite a positive change for junior varsity basketball, they still have faced many struggles. “I think the hardest thing was just to get to know each other and know what each the coaches and players expectation was,” Ohlsen said. Although freshmen are new to the program and are unaware of how the girls basketball program was

COACHES: Lasting effects of parents as coaches for GBHS athletes and coaches Continued from page C1

passively shut off and lose complete interest in the sport.” Robert Cooley, the head coach for Granite Bay wrestling for the past 14 years, has seen this situation play out as well. His perspective is aimed towards helping the team. “The parent is (usually) very dependable, there is a really deep involvement that comes along with the job,” Wells said. “They are a lot more interested to volunteer, and they educate themselves a lot better to help their kid learn the most.” He also has had the experience of coaching his own son in the program. “I coached my own kid for about seven years,” Cooley said. “I thought it was easier to coach him; it was a huge motivator to spend time with your kid in a sport you both enjoy doing.” Victoria Wells, a GBHS freshman, is the daughter of David Wells. Although her wrestling career hasn’t been long, she has already realized what makes a good and bad recipe for a coach. “I would have been burnt out if my dad was too hard on me,” Victoria said. “He understands how I operate. He put me in late and said let’s just go slow and I liked it a lot more.” Victoria can read from experience of the times where a parent can ruin wrestling for a child. “I knew these two boys that were (basically) the faces of California youth wrestling and they were expected to be state champions when they got to high

Grizz Quiz Compiled by Sophie Criscione

school,” Victoria said. Due to their parent, however, the sport was ruined for them. “They eventually quit due to their mom and how she forced them,” Victoria said. “It was sad to see because of the potential they had.” Sophomore Gabriel Jensen has wrestled for as long as he can remember. “My dad coached me since I was 5,” Jensen said. “He ran one of the largest wrestling clubs in California, and he was known across the map.” He can relate to the experiences of a parent coaching. “My brother was my dad’s first kid,” Jensen said. “My dad was getting the hang of it and was hard on him, which led my brother to burn out eventually.” Although the negative seeds of parent coaches are in the mix, the positives can create great athletes and moments with their child. Wells brought up his favorite moment with his daughter wrestling. “She was getting beat up pretty bad in the consolation round at a tournament. It was pretty much over,” Wells said. “She tried a move that (we) worked a lot and suddenly she went from getting owned to realizing that she can do it and she ended up getting a pin.” Coaching his daughter made the match a lot more personal and the takeaway was more memorable. “She was really proud of herself and in turn, I was really happy that she had the mindset to push on,” Wells said. “It is all in the balance of how you coach your kid, when it works out, it works out great.”

Bella Ternero Soccer

Mike Vaughan Soccer

Special to the Gazette| Glen Peach

The girls’ varsity basketball team huddles before their league matchup against Oak Ridge High School. before, they have learned to adapt from middle school basketball to high school basketball. “Overall I really think our coaches are positive role models and are doing a great job of preparing us for the future, on and off the court,” freshman Emmy Jetpur said. As the season continues, the freshmen girls’ basketball team has been working to prepare for the next level. “I do think we are being prepared for JV and Varsity because our coaches set high standards that we have succeeded over the span of the season,” Jetpur said. The freshman girls will be prepared for the varsity

level by learning the offense and style of play this year and continue working on it for the next three years. So far, all three basketball teams have encountered many ups and downs, but in the end the change within the girls’ basketball program has been very successful. Shafto often uses a quote by Albert Hubbard to guide his philosophy of hard work on and off the court. “The man who has no more problems to solve, is out of the game.”

Sophomore excels as varsity starter for boys’ basketball Jack Milne

BY SYDNEY HERRENSCHMIDT sherrenschmidt.gazette@gmail.com

Since fourth grade, sophomore Jack Milne has played basketball, and is now playing for the GBHS varsity team. Basketball, being the fast paced sport it is, intrigued him from a young age. After playing a variety of sports growing up, Milne decided to stick with basketball through his high school career. Milne’s work ethic is vital to his game, and his team’s performance. Apart from competition fueled team practices, Milne religiously follows a pregame routine which includes practicing his shot. Before games, Milne watches game film to prepare for opposing teams and their antics. “It’s really cool playing on varsity as a sophomore. I’m thankful that I am able to get the experience of playing against some of the best teams in the area,” Milne said. Despite his young age, Milne blends in just fine with the rest of the team. “It’s fun to play with the juniors and seniors. I have learned a lot from them and become a better player because of them,” Milne said. Since he plays with upperclassmen who have

Brian Lambey Basketball

Milne is in the starting lineup for the Grizzlies as a sophomore more experience than him, Milne is fueled by the idea of improving his game. Regardless of his success on the court, Milne like all others, still experiences struggles. “My biggest struggle is the inconsistency with my self confidence,” Milne said. “My teammates inspire me to play my best because I know that they have my back, and will always play hard for me. I want to do the same for them,” Milne said. With his love for the game of basketball, and his extremely hard work ethic, Milne has hopes and ambitions to further pursue his athletic career in college. “Playing at the college level is definitely a goal of mine that I am working toward. I would love that experience,” Milne said.

Macie Gonzalez Basketball

Mason Wilcox

Wrestling

How many eyars have you played this sport?

11 years

10 years

15 years

10 years

9 years

Who is your biggest inspiration?

My dad

My brother

My dad

Coach Cooley

What is your favorite pregame snack?

Gatorade chews

Gatorade Power Chews

Blueberries

Cliffbar

Cup of noodles and coke

Do you want to play your sport in college?

Yes

If you can play another sport what would it be?

Basketball

Football

Lacrosse

Rugby

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Friday, February 8, 2018

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SECOND LOOK Winter Sports Update

Grizzly winter sports are in thick of things BY SOPHIE CRISCIONE

scriscione.gazette@gmail.

Girls’ Basketball

Varsity basketball player Paisley Specht said the growing connection between teammates has contributed toward the varsity team’s improvement throughout the season. “This season all the girls got a lot closer right away,” Specht said. “We all had an intent to win and we’re really focused on our goal of getting to the playoffs.” The freshman, JV, and varsity teams all experienced coaching changes this season. Despite the big change, Specht appreciates the new style.

Gazette photo | Sidney Stipanovich

Gazette photo | Sidney Zabell

Boys’ Basketball

Much like the girls, the GBHS boys’ basketball teams have been training hard for their season since summer. Starting with conditioning three days a week, the freshman, JV, and varsity squads worked their way up to having practices every day of the week in preseason along with tournaments on weekends. “Practices after school consisted of an hour of running, conditioning, and weight lifting and then an hour of playing,” varsity basketball player Justin Mazzola said. The hard work has definitely paid off. Although the varsity team had some tough losses, the Grizzlies beat Oakmont 58-31 on Dec. 21. They also played a very close game against Oak Ridge on Jan. 4, scoring a 69-68 overtime victory.

Gazette photo | Sidney Stipanovich

Wrestling

Senior varsity wrestler Kai Niimi said he believes the wrestling team is one of the best he has been on in his four years of wrestling at Granite Bay High. “We have a couple of seniors that look out for the younger guys, which is something that we didn’t have my freshman and sophomore year,” Niimi said. The wrestling team started its season off with a win at their first meet against Oak Ridge and looks to be a dominant force this season. Girls’ Soccer

With nearly half the varsity team having graduated last year, the GBHS girls varsity team found itself with many new players this season. Some sophomore and freshmen girls were moved up to the varsity level. The girls adjusted to their new team and have learned how to play with each other quickly. “Preseason practices helped because every year in high school we have a new team, so they allow us to learn our teammates’ different styles and how to play cohesively together,” said junior Emma Broers. The preseason games have also helped the team develop chemisty. “(The preseason practices) also help us build our team chemistry, which is really important on and off the field” Broers said.

Gazette photo | Sidney Stipanovich

Boys Varsity Basketball, top left, strategizes how to beat Whittney during a timeout. Ryan Nagel, top right, shakes his oppenents hand before a match. Drake Macdonald, middle, takes a corner kick during a match against Rocklin. Jacob Schulte, lower left, charges an opponent to win possesion of the ball during a game against Rocklin. Hanah Rosenblatt, lower right, passes the ball to a teamate during a game vs. Vista Del Lago. Doug Christie, bottom left, looks for an open teamate to pass to during a game against St. Marys High School.

Gazette photo | Sidney Stianovich

GS The Gazette’s arts and entertainment guide.

February 2019

GREENSCREEN Valentine’s Day singles’ guide

PAGES 8 & 9 Gazette photo | Maya Snow

Page 2

February 2019

sneak peek.

Gazette illustration | Andrew Yung

wSee page 5 AirPods vs Earbuds

wSee pages 8 and 9 Singles’ Guide

wSee page 16 Music Festivals

The importance of shopping small Mass production of clothing products is destroying our planet

COMMENTARY

or as long as I can remember fashion and increase in the amount of product being thrown clothing has always been an important part of out. These clothes sit in landfills for years, and are who I am. eventually incinerated, rising the greenhouse gases Like any teenage girl I survived on franchises like in the atmosphere while doing so. Forever 21, Hollister, Zara and other stores that sell Chemicals used to create the unique look of cheap to moderately priced clothing. each clothing pieces, are almost never disposed of Growing up, going to the mall and searching for properly and are let out into bodies of water or left clothes that I could buy with my weekly microscopto sit out and become a danger to workers. ic allowance was one of my favorite pastimes. This could be a shock to hear because of how Staying on trend is, and was, a top priority for me, much of an impact this is causing to the entirety of which showed to be difficult when the most popular the world, however it’s not uncommon for these brands, maintain the market and decide what cusbig producing ‘fast fashion,’ companies to pay out tomers want the most. people who want to publicize this atrocity. drowe.gazette@gmail.com The clothing industry as a whole has been masAfter learning about fast fashion, I really wanted sively underestimated. What goes into producing to make a change. Because who wouldn’t? and selling clothes has never been just about what looks the best. Just like the vegetarian movement, an attempt needs to be made It’s all been about business. to stop or minimize fast fashion industries from damaging our In theory, the more product a company produces the more money planet. they end up making, so retail stores have been spouting out as many This adjustment is a difficult one to make, primarily due to the sizes, colors, and styles of clothing as humanly possible. cost of switching over to a more ethical wardrobe. However, there’s one fatal flaw to this method of ‘success,’ and Brands like these thrive because of their affordable cost and overthat is the cost. Producing so much in so little time gets a bit pricey, all attainability. especially with hourly wages getting higher and higher in the Thanks to the new ‘hipster trend mobility,’ many people have United States, so the smart thing to do in the industry is to produce already unknowingly contributed to the downgrade of chain retail clothing via outsourcing. stores by buying clothes from second hand and thrift stores. Thus the term “Fast Fashion” was conceived. Practically forcing Thrifting is the most practical way to stay in style while also staypeople of all ages in third world countries to make clothes in sweat- ing in budget and reusing the clothes that have been mass produced. shops for low pay and despicable work conditions. I can’t say that I’m a saint and that after learning about the effects Aside from the inhumane treatment of factory workers, the enviof fast fashion I haven’t shopped at any retail stores. I think it’s ronment is also largely affected by this process. unreasonable to expect consumers to stop shopping at the store Since the products are being created at maximum speeds the over- they’ve shopped at all of their lives, however I think that people all quality of the clothing decreases significantly, causing a massive need to shop smaller and smarter.

dylan rowe

Page 3

Guide to

GreenScreen

New Year’s Resolutions Page 4

Food Reviews Page 5

AirPods

Gazette illustration | Sidney Zabell

UPCOMING

GBHS EVENTS FOR FEBRUARY

February 7-9 & 14 - 16

Winter Show February 12 - 15

Random Acts of Kindness Week February 23 Drum & Guard Invitational

Page 6 Play Preview

Pages 10 YouTube Takeover

Page 13 Movie Reviews

Page 7 Student Expression

Page 11 YouTube Takeover

Page 15 Follow Friday

Pages 8 & 9 Singles’ Guide

Page 12 The Bachelor

Page 16

Festival Guide

February 2019

Page 3

new year, new you.

2 019 Resolutions Students reflect on how their New Year’s goals are holding up

stration

illu Gazette

BY BELLA HAMILTON

bhamilton.gazette@gmail.com

he first few months of the year are the time where everyone slowly realizes that their resolutions they made on the first of the year are not as realistic as they thought. According to Forbes.com, after one month, 36 percent of people have already given up on their resolutions and only eight percent actually complete their resolutions. So, why do people keep making unrealistic goals for themselves? “I think that people make new year’s resolutions thinking that they can keep them up all year. Usually, it doesn’t work like that,” junior Marley Hall said. For most people, the new year represents a fresh start. But most of the time the people who make these resolutions revert to their old habits within a few months of the new year.

“I have tried to keep (a resolution), but I always either forget about it or I don’t follow through with it,” sophomore Hailey Everhart said. Another reason why the chances of someone going through with their resolution is that people choose a goal that is unrealistic and difficult to keep up. Choosing a resolution that is within reach is key to making a resolution that will last. Although the chances of someone keeping a New Year’s resolutions aren’t too bright, studies have shown that doing a New Year’s resolution with a partner or a group could dramatically increase your chances of success. Working with others is proven to improve motivation, especially while trying something new. “I’ve always tried to make and keep New Year’s resolutions, but somehow they never work out,” Hall said. “Maybe I will try doing

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(my resolution) with friends next time.” Although there are many challenges facing people who make unrealistic goals for themselves, there’s a small portion who actually follow through. “I’ve been sticking with my New Year’s resolution and it’s actually pretty cool,” freshman Jacob Bennis said. Bennis has kept up his New Year’s resolution and doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon. “The feeling of making and keeping a resolution is really empowering. I feel like I can do anything,” Bennis said. And for those who need advice on how to keep a resolution – start out small. Instead of trying to change your whole life, start with small yet important self-improvements that are obtainable and realistic goals. “To all the people who think they can’t keep a resolution, start small,” Bennis said.

Page 4

February 2019

got chicken?

Just wing it. Wingstop BY BELLA HAMILTON

bhamilton.gazette@gmail.com

s far as wings go, I consider myself to be a connoisseur. Over the past 18 years, I’ve been inside numerous wing franchises and eaten my fair share of wings. So when I was presented with the duty of reviewing a restaurant that serves wings, one restaurant always comes to mind. Wingstop. As far as wings go, Buffalo Wild Wings and Wingstop are my personal go-to’s if I ever decide I want wings. So last Saturday, I opened my phone and I decided that I was too lazy to leave the house for wings so I ordered DoorDash. Thirty minutes later, I got my Wingstop from the DoorDash delivery person and sat down in my boyfriend’s kitchen, preparing for a feast of fried chicken and fries. Surprisingly, the DoorDash person was running early and my food was still hot by the time it got to the house, which was a big plus. I know that to some of you, my wing sauce choices might be odd. ‘Where’s the spicy wings?’ they say. Well, I’ve never been the biggest fan of spicy wings so I decided to take an unconventional route by ordering Hawaiian and garlic parmesan. The Hawaiian flavored wings were covered in a sweet and delicious sauce that brings back so many good memories. The Hawaiian wings have always been my go-to

The Gazette staff shares the best chicken wings that are worth an arm and a leg!

Buffalo Wild Wings from Wingstop, so naturally, I got an order of 10. These have always been a personal favorite of mine from Wingstop, and I order them every time I go. Hawaiian isn’t spicy but it does have sweet hints of pineapple in the sauce. A big order of golden fries came with our wing order, and the fries were the perfect addition making this a delicious, although not so nutritious meal. Although Wingstop is a chain, they somehow manage to make their wings always delicious and fresh, unlike other chain restaurants. I keep coming back to Wingstop, and the quality never changes, which is a big reason on why I like it so much. Overall, I was satisfied with my meal and I know that I’m going to be paying Wingstop another visit very soon.

Gazette photo | Bella Hamilton

Wingstop, a household name chicken wing franchise, specializes in wings fries, and great service.

BY LINDSEY ZABELL

lzabell.gazette@gmail.com

“B

uffalo Wild Wings.” Those were the first three words that raced through my mind as soon as I found out wings would be the theme for this issue’s food reviews. The restaurant itself was just what I expected it to be – covered in sports souvenirs, with live sports games being televised on TV’s covering every wall. As the waitress came to greet us, she informed me of something that was kind of life changing. It was Tuesday. You know what that means in Buffalo Wild Wings language? Buy One Get One Boneless Wings. My jaw dropped. Suddenly, my typical Tuesday turned into a Tuesday night I would never forget. My eyes scoured every inch of the menu until I finally found what I wanted. Most wing aficionado’s would probably be quite disappointed in my choice of wings. Others might even call my tastebuds weak. And honestly, I would agree. But coming from a girl who lives off of strictly plain buttered pasta, my decision to even consider eating wings was a big step up for me. I decided on the Salt and Vinegar boneless wings. To this day, I can’t really recall what exactly guided my decision.

Maybe it was the familiarity with the phrase “sea salt and vinegar” – the phrase I had seen on countless chip bags prior to this account. Or maybe it was the fact that these wings were located very low on the spiciness meter – perfect for me, as I have a very unsophisticated palate. The service we received was impeccable. Our wings were brought to us on a silver platter, glistening under the spotlight that hit our table from above. The 1993 hit single “Who’s That Lady” by the Isley Brothers echoed throughout the room. In the far distance I could hear Gordon Ramsay sobbing. Word on the street says he now has nightmares about the Buffalo Wild Wings franchise destroying his entire career. The experience I had on that Tuesday evening was one I will never forget.

Gazette photo | Lindsey Zabell

Buffalo Wild Wings provides a family friendly atmosphere, all while delivering delicious food.

Little Caesars Pizza BY CYRUS MYNAR

cmynar.gazette@gmail.com

ittle Caesars Pizza is genuinely one of my favorite pizza chain’s. They have pizza that is efficient, affordable and delicious in my opinion. Their crazy bread? Equally as tasty and easy on the wallet. But this pizza chains weakest link? Their hot wings. Little Caesars hot wings are easily the worst hot wings I have ever had the displeasure of tasting. Vile and repulsive they were wet, not creamy or saucy, just wet, the sauce was in essence water mixed with cayenne pepper seasoning and black pepper. Little Caesars hot wings are a pitiful disgrace and are hardly even “hot wings” in the traditional sense of the word, we should be referring to these abominations as trash and only trash, they do not deserve the title of “food” let alone “hot wings.” I opened my hungry jowls tastebuds expecting the spicy yet flavourful taste of buffalo sauce, I expected

there to be some semblance of a familiar flavour, but alas there was none, this flavour was horrid, it physically hurt my mouth. I mean that, it genuinely hurt my mouth to eat them I’m not exaggerating. Not only this but as funny as it is these hot wings were cold and soggy, room temperature if I was being generous. Cold and soggy wings with some absurd combination of lemon juice, pepper, and satan’s spit. It was painfully hot, not even tasty or flavourful, it only tasted as if I had decided to pour an entire pepper shaker down my throat, an extremely horrendous experience to say the least. Ironically enough as wet as the so called “sauce” on this horrible excuse of a hot wing was, the chicken itself was dry, bland and flavourless. It was extremely difficult to swallow this god-awful atrocity made my mouth feel like the hottest sandiest pit in the Sahara desert. I am personally a fan of many different hot wings Wingstop, Buffalo Wild Wings, frozen from the bag. Generally speaking I love them all, but I could not

bring myself to attempt to eat more than 2 of these hot wings. Little Caesars will still be my go to for pizza and crazy bread, however I will never ever be going there again for hot wings. I would rather eat dirt. The only reason I’ll be giving these wings even a half star rating is because I have to, I cannot recommend enough that you never, ever try these. Please try another brand, chain or make some at home yourself. Little Caesars Pizza an unconventional place to get wings, specialize in fast delievered specialty pizza.

Special to the Gazette | Little Caesars

February 2019

Page 5

in ‘pods’ we trust.

AIRPODS re w |A nd str at io n llu te i ze t Ga

EARBUDS

Yu n

Which tech device is superior?

BY LINDSEY ZABELL

lzabell.gazette@gmail.com

irst it was Tide Pods. Then it was Juul Pods. Now, it’s AirPods. (Thank you to the unknown Twitter user for that

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joke.) Ever since their debut in 2016, the infamous AirPods have taken the world by storm. Specifically around the end of 2018 was when these innovative ear accessories really began to make their mark on society. But the burning question still lasts… are they worth it? Before I start, let me preface with this: I sent out 10 interview requests to collect information from the Granite Bay student body about the truth behind AirPods. And you know what I got in return? One of them told me they couldn’t hear me with their AirPods in. So do with that information what you will. Let’s start with the elephant in the room. The wire. Perhaps the most important part of AirPods themselves, the non-existent wire, is truly what makes or breaks a person. The most charismatic, admired person could walk into a room, but the moment

that wire is spotted... it’s over for them. The AirPods community has already destroyed their self-esteem beyond repair. There’s just something about that wire that can change a person’s aura entirely. Along with the tangible features of AirPods, they also carry with them a huge social aspect. Legend has it that the second those AirPods enter your ear, you are granted access to an entire community of what most would say, clout. People with AirPods seem to be placed on a higher level than us regular headphone users. I’m sure by now I have you all completely convinced that you just HAVE to go to the nearest Apple Store and secure a pair of these bad boys, right? But wait, there’s more. The $160 damage to your bank account. That daunting price tag is the thing that holds many of us back from entering the AirPods community. There are several things you could spend $160 on. A pair of concert tickets, 160 items from the Dollar Tree or even 1/74873th of an iPhone X. All in all, when it really comes down to it, the choice to buy AirPods is yours. AirPods in, Lindsey out.

February 2019

Page 6

a must see.

Put your hands together for

the Spring show Granite Bay High School puts on the second show of the year BY CYRUS MYNAR

“S

cmynar.gazette@gmail.com

he Kills Monsters” is a straight-play about Agnes Evans, played by senior Cayla Quinn and her coming to terms with the passing of her sister Tilly Evans, played by Maya Seagraves. “In the play She Kills Monsters we follow Agnes’ journey of processing her sister’s death. The play is really about sister love.” “Agnes has a super fun journey throughout the piece and is initially super concerned about what people think, and not having fun, then she plays this stupid game and stops caring about how dorky it seems and starts having fun.” Quinn said. “She Kills Monsters” is about Agnes finding her sisters journal, but she soon realizes that it’s actually a dungeons and dragons game. She brings it to a kid she knows from school who might know something. “The very first scene where I talk to Chuck (played by Senior Jaden Dunmore) is really fun, it sets the stage for their relationship and the tone

Special to the Gazette | Theatre at Granite Bay

of the show,” Quinn said. “My character (Chuck) is a very secluded nice guy, he wants so badly to be cool, but recognizes how cool he is among his own friend group,” Dunmore said.“At the end of the day he knows coolness isn’t as important as his friends.” Other important members of the cast are Maya Seagraves, who plays Tilly Evans, Agnes deceased sister. “I play Tilly Evans who is Tillius the Paladin, the younger sister of Agnes, she’s really interested in things that other girls her age aren’t, like reanimating dead lizards, dungeons and dragons and other things,” Seagraves said. “She is a bit goofy and doesn’t change that for anyone, but when she’s playing Dungeons and Dragons she’s a total bad- a** 20th level Paladin.” Another important character is Agnes’ boyfriend Miles, played by junior Jack Dugoni.“My character is named Miles, he’s kind of a jerky jock,but at the same time he’s such a loser that you kind of feel bad for him, he tries so hard to be a jock but he’s just kind of lame,” Dugoni said. “Miles has a pretty significant role, he’s the constant reminder of reality and is the thing reminding her it’s a game,” Senior Madison McDermott is the stage manager. “It’s been really fun, we have really good people here, and they’ve been doing a really good job on the acting front, memorizing their lines

and blocking,” McDermott said. However, things aren’t always easy behind the scenes. “I think one of the most difficult parts was how complicated the lighting and sounds and projections are. It’s a very complex show,” McDermott said. “The set plan is great, but cue to cue can be difficult. Having the patience for waiting for lights and stuff to make sure we have a super cool show next week,” Dugoni said. Almost everyone involved has felt strongly about the story being told. “I think it’s an important story to be telling, it incorporates many social aspects and things that need to be addressed but aren’t the main topic, which helps normalize it, there’s some lesbian stuff, possible trans stuff just being confused,” McDermott said. “I feel like geek culture is really underrated and it’s coming back. It’s set in the 90’s which is cool, a lot of people can relate to that.” Dunmore said. “I think it’s really important and I think a lot of people can relate to all the of the characters,” Seagraves said. “I think this play is more realistic, in their emotions than other shows.” This play is shaping up to be quite interesting. If you’d like to see the show it will be running from February 7-9 and 14-16. “That’s just showbiz, baby,” Dunmore said.

February 2019

Page 7

S tu d e n t

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Gazette illustrations | Lindsey Zabell

style.

Fashion serves as a way for students to express themselves on campus BY DYLAN ROWE

igh school is usually a time for young adults to discover who they are, whether it be determining their style, or their future occupation. At Granite Bay High School, the way people dress varies, and students can usually dress freely to their liking. “Being able to express myself on campus is really important to me,” sophomore Sam Crawford said. “Dressing the way I like and trying out new outfits gives me an outlet to be more creative.” Often times certain schools themselves can limit how much students pronounce themselves, because of dress codes and mandatory uniform rules. “I’m glad that GBHS doesn’t have to wear uniforms,” junior Kenzie Keith said. “I think they conform free thinking and force everyone to be the same as everyone else.” Students at Granite Bay rely on the overall acceptance on campus in order to feel comfortable being who they want to be around other students. Expressing yourself through clothing doesn’t have to be all about being on trend either – it could just be about having the freedom to be able to wear whatever you want and still be comfortable around your peers. “At school I like to dress more comfortably,” junior Tasia Thorsteinson said. “But I

still enjoy creating my own style and seeing what different clothes look good together.” “To me, student expression on campus is crucial to have a diverse student body,” Crawford said. “It’s crucial that people know that they should dress based upon how they want to look,” junior Peyton Sparks said. “Everyone should have access to the silent voice that fashion and style enables.” Seeing the way a person dresses can easily give a look into someone’s personality, and allows outsiders to read people through what they wear. “The way I dress really reflects the fact the things that I like and enjoy doing,” freshman Nick Kappos said. “Lately I’ve been really into the 60s and 70s style so I like to try and match my outfits to that theme.” Clothing and style can empower others in a way that nothing else can, and gives anyone the power to be whatever they want to be. “I dress the way I do know because of the way I wasn’t allowed to dress when I was younger,” Sparks said. “Now that I’m older I get to decide if I should wear chains or cross necklaces, and I like having that kind of freedom.” Not only does personal style give people individuality it also allows a person to give off an unspoken vibe. “What a person wears says a lot about them,” Keith said. “The freedom to express your own personal style allows you to truly convey who you are to others.”

Gazette photo illustration | Dylan Rowe

drowe.gazette@gmail.com

Pages 8 & 9

February 2019

Gazette illustration | Lindsey Zabell

feeling lonely.

Valentine’s Day SINGLES’GUIDE Students make plans to spend Valentine’s Day alone

Gazette illustration | Andrew Yung

BY MIA TAYLOR

mtaylor.gazette@gmail.com

h, alone again. On any other day the occasional couple making out in the quad are easy to avoid but on Valentine’s Day, singles are constantly reminded of their unfortunate relationship status. Though this “holiday” was originally intended to celebrate the start of springtime, it has slowly evolved into a day dedicated to romance – leaving those who lack a partner unsure of how to spend the day. “I hadn’t really thought of anything special to do but I’ll probably just hang out with a group of friends,” senior Spencer Brown said. Junior Michael Zagaynov intends to spend his day in a similar fashion. “I’ll probably spend the day with my cute doggo and mourn with the bros.” Traditionally, Valentine’s Day highlights that special someone in an individual’s life but for

many, that can also mean friends and family. Love is not limited to those of romantic interest but, to those who you share a genuine connection with. “I think singles can spend this day making cards for those they love or getting flowers and chocolates for important people in their life like their friends and family,” senior Carlee Ryder said. “ It’s not only about spending the day with your girlfriend or boyfriend.” Similarly, senior Marina Soares said, “I plan to have a girls night and we’ll probably just go hot tubbing and make snacks.” Spending time with friends is a great option for singles to feel included and supported however, taking the day to focus on oneself is equally beneficial. “Valentine’s Day is a time to express your love and gratitude for friends but I think it’s also an opportunity to do something for yourself,” senior Pariya Rahni said. “I plan on spending the day showing myself some love by wearing a cute outfit and buying

myself some flowers or chocolates.” Self love should be embraced by everyone feeling a little lonely on this upcoming Valentine’s Day. Embracing one’s independence is just as valuable as sharing the day with a partner. With over 45 percent of American adults without a partner, Valentine’s Day can cause some to feel a little melancholy but doesn’t mean singles have to spend the day resenting all the cute couples. Those without significant others can spend the day with endless options to make the day just as enjoyable whether that be going on a shopping spree, getting a massage, throwing a gift exchange party or even taking your best friend out on a date to take advantage of all the couples deals. “(After all,) it’s just another day.” said senior Jake McKillop. “Make it out to be whatever you want, just make sure to enjoy it.”

February 2019

Page 10

current.

Top Tweets Spirited tweets by Granite Bay High School students

Netflix Picks

BY MICHELA SMITH

msmith.gazette@gmail.com

Twitter

BY BELLA KHOR bkhor.gazette@v

1. Silvana $in Lana Talk about a riches-to-rags story. Like all telenovelas that grace our screens, Silvana Sin Lana is chock-filled with impossible coincidences, relationship issues and most important of all, family drama. It revolves around the life of Silvana “Chivis” Rivapalacios de Gallardo and her family as her husband flees from federal authorities and leaves them with nothing. They are forced to move out of their illustrious mansion into a townhouse where romance blossoms (albeit with a stinky and less than amiable start) between Silvana and her new neighbor, Manuel Gallardo. 2. Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened The Fyre Festival, with its phenomenal presence on social media, promised a lot of things, missed the mark completely on delivering any of them. Interviews and video footage of partying and panic weave together into a hypnotizing piece of work that keep your eyes stuck to the screen and your ears tuned in to the tantalizing horror show that cost millions of dollars. This Netflix documentary is 1 hour and 37 minutes of the journey that Fyre took to its doom, and it is fascinating. 3. Tidying Up with Marie Kondo If it doesn’t “spark joy” in you, toss it. Marie Kondo’s show on Netflix is another one of those life-transformation reality shows that are just… addicting. Marie gets these people organized, taking a look into their intimate disarray of belongings and helping them find objects of true happiness to keep. Not to mention, any tips that she demonstrates in the show is right there for the taking, and you can snag some of them tidy up some parts of your own life, too.

We really let @annoyingorange get his own TV show on Cartoon Network and all of us are out here pretending it didn’t happen Rami Sadek @rsadek23

1 Retweet

14 Likes

Girls: “I never know what boys are gonna do when they go for handshakes.” Neither do we. Improvise. Adapt. Overcome Noah Lutz 4 Retweets 38 Likes @n_lutz25

My favorite food is cilantro with a side of taco Chloe Boyan @548chloeb854

0 Retweets

12 Likes

See the world differently than how you’re told to see it. Ellie @ellieewilsonn

0 Retweets

5 Likes

Hangout Location of the Month: Folsom Lake

What is it?

olsom lake is a perfect spot to hang out with friends. Folsom lake is close to Dutch Brothers and other restauraunts. Although the weather is cold, there’s still plenty of things to do at the lake!

What to Look Out For • •

•

Sunset views and the perfect place to park to go to on a hike or walk. There are many other restaurants nearby, including Dutch Brothers, Taco Bell and Dominic’s Deli. There’s always many empty parking spots around the lake for you and all your friends to hang out!

Gazette photo | Bella Hamilton

Folsom Lake is a perfect place to take photos and hang out with friends.

February 2019

Page 11

current.

YouTube takeover Is big business inappropriately dominating the popular video streaming platform?

Gazette illustration | Bella Hamilton

BY CYRUS MYNAR

cmynar.gazette@gmail.com

avid versus Goliath. The story of a boy with a stone versus an evil giant. This story is comparable to Pewdiepie versus T-Series, one man versus a corporate media conglomerate. YouTube was founded in 2005 as a media platform for individual creators and artists could make content for the masses, anyone could make it big, anyone could achieve their dream. However, the era of the small creator making videos in his home may be at its end. Since 2013 Felix Kjellberg has been the #1 most subscribed YouTuber on the platform. He has been a representation of what YouTube is, a platform for content creators to succeed. Pewdiepie started a franchise out of a hobby.

Unfortunately, however, YouTube has tried to silence Pewdiepie because of mistakes made in his past, instead of promoting small creators and being a free an open platform, YouTube is being overtaken by media corporations, FOX News, Jimmy Fallon, and worst of all, T-Series. T-Series is a channel based in India and is a media conglomerate, a combination of music videos, trailers for Indian films and other high budget productions. Pewdiepie is currently fighting for his title as the #1 most subscribed YouTuber. At the time of writing, he is only roughly 100,000 subscribers away from being surpassed by T-Series. YouTube has gone from a platform of free speech and independent content creation to another streaming service for megacorporations. With the inevitable surpassing of Pewdiepie in subscriber count, an era of YouTube will end.

As unfortunate as this is there may still be time to fix things. Other popular YouTuber’s like Mr.Beast6000 (Jimmy Donaldson) have been trying to rally together more subscribers so Pewdiepie can remain at the top. Other allies have come forward as well, such as Markiplier (Mark Fischbach) and Jacksepticeye (Sean McLoughlin) have aided Felix in his quest to defeat T-Series. Even the CEO of Tesla and Space X, Elon Musk has come forward in support of Pewdiepie. There is still time to fix this, they can still show YouTube that this isn’t a platform for companies to them. If you feel so inclined, subscribe to Pewdiepie, and help him keep the “You” in YouTube.

Page 12

February 2018

to rose or not to rose?

Bachelor Nation GBHS students discuss their love for a popular reality television series

WHO?

Gazette illustration | Maya Snow

BY LILY WILLIAMS

lwilliams.gazette@gmail.com

ne of the most long running and popular reality TV shows, “The Bachelor,” is still on the rise. After 17 years, this show continues to air twice a year featuring either a Bachelor or a Bachelorette. Women and men around the country eagerly anticipate each premiere. The dedicated fans often throw premiere parties and make it a priority to watch this show every Monday night. “I love to watch every season because it is such an interesting and entertaining concept,” senior Brayden Schauer said. Specifically this season of the Bachelor, premiered it’s first episode on January seventh, 2019. 30 women leave their friends, famlies, houses, and their jobs to fight for one guy. All while doing everything in their power to not get sent home. All of the girls live in one mansion, located in Agoura Hills, California. Considering all of these women are dating the same guy while living in the same house, they often do not get along with one another. Often times verbal and physical fights break out, normally over the women not getting to

spend enough time with the Bachelor. “I think it’s really funny to watch how badly they want this one guy they’ve barely met,” senior Sofia Novaresi said. “They are so desperate to win.” Many debates have sparked about this show including questions such as ‘Is it scripted? Are they faking these relationships? Does this process really work for people?’ “They obviously can not actually fall in love on the show because of how many other girls there are, but if they hit it off after the show then I think that can be real,” Novaresi said. Like many reality TV shows, viewers will never truly know how much of the show is real. However we can see through social media, how many of the couples remain engaged once the show is done airing. Several couples have found love on this show and many have even moved on to have children. Joelle Fletcher and Jordan Rodgers, Lauren Burnham and Arie Luyendyk, Jade Roper and Tanner Tolbert are just a few examples of couples who found dating on a reality TV show worked for them. “I think those couples definitely got to know each other after the show,” Novaresi said. They are the ones that are there for the right reasons.”

However in several instances, contestants have found this process demeaning and mendacious. Some have had to remove themselves from the running because of the difficulty they faced watching “their boyfriend” date several other women. “I think in some cases this process works, but sometimes they are just pressured into a relationship,” senior Brayden Schauer said, “The contestant is forced to fall in love with someone, and I think that is not the best way to find love.” The original concept of “The Bachelor” has evolved into several spin offs including “Bachelor in Paradise”, “Bachelor Pad”, and “The Bachelor Winter Games.” All of these shows are viewed by an audience who expects one or more engagements by the finale. People who have only heard of the show have their individual viewpoint of it and what they think of the concept. GBHS English teacher Christy Honeycutt is not one to primarily watch it every week, but knowing the general idea of the the show, she still has her opinion. “For our day and age it is a very interesting concept,” Honeycutt said. “Whether it will work for long lasting, healthy relationships I am in doubt.”

February 2019

Page 13

current.

MIXTAPE - CASUAL RAINY DAY

Artist of the Month Jacquelyn Wild 1) How long have you been involved with the art program at school? I’ve been in the art program since freshman year. 2) What is your favorite piece? My favorite art piece was probably my most recent portrait or my abstract graffiti portrait from last year. 3)What is your favorite medium?

BY SIDNEY ZABELL

szabell.gazette@gmail.com

1. After Hours - The Velvet Underground Though released 50 years ago, “After Hours” is as peaceful and unique as ever. It’s best paired with a rainy night as you fall asleep.

So far I’m most comfortable with acrylic on canvas because that is what we usually use so that’s my favorite medium at the moment.

2. Airborne Aquarium- Current$y Two minutes and 51 seconds of bliss. Curren$y showcases his impressive flow in this piece, with instrumentals reminiscent of 90’s hip-hop. 3. Acid Rain - Chance the Rapper We all love Chance, but “Acid Rain channels a special part of his musical talent. I’m going to go out on a limb here and say it’s my favorite song from “Acid Rap”, his sophomore mixtape released in 2013. 4. YOSEMITE - Travis Scott I’ll be honest – I’m not that into Travis Scott, but YOSEMITE is an unusual change of pace from his standard performances. It’s relaxing and smooth, but still refreshing for a 2018 release.

Instagram

FOLLOW FRIDAY

Follow @oliviateemant for cute photos and happy vibes!

Compiled by Maya Snow

Gazette photo |Mia Taylor

Compiled by Mia Taylor

FRESHMAN 2022 v s. VS. SENIOR 2019 What are you doing for Valentine’s Day? Kerri: Just hanging out with my friends and family Kate: I’m probably going to bring candy to my friend’s houses and I always have heartshaped waffles for dinner. Box of Chocolates or Chocolate Covered Strawberries? Kerri: Chocolate covered strawberries Kate: Chocolate covered strawberries

Gazette photo | Sophie Criscione

 Kerri Caulfield, GBHS freshman.

Gazette photo | Sophie Criscione

 Kate Caulfield, GBHS senior. Compiled by Sophie Criscione

February 2019

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February 2019

Rated: PG By Cyrus Mynar cmynar.gazette@gmail.com

Spider-man: Into the Spider-Verse: A+

pider-Man Into the Spider-Verse is not only a good film but a good Spider-Man film. Spider-Verse manages to rise above because it does what a lot of Spider-Man films prior haven’t done, the movie fundamentally understands the character of Spider-Man. All previous Spider-Man films have been about Peter Parker and while that is great, they fall short of really driving home the point of Spider-Man as a character. That is the point of Spider-Man, anyone can be a superhero, anyone can be Spider-Man, anyone can wear the mask. Not just Peter Parker. Miles Morales is Spider-Man, and we see that in this film, Gwen Stacy, Spider-Man Noir. Anyone can be Spider-Man, anyone can do what they believe is right. Not only that, Spider-Verse has an incredibly well-written story and without delving too much into spoiler territory, there are very interesting character dynamics and very interesting plot developments. The animation in Into the Spider-Verse is new and interesting, easily one of my favorite new art styles, extremely beautiful, colorful and vivid, the animation feels like a comic book really and truly. The score for this film was forgettable, however, the soundtrack makes up for this with amazing songs like “Sunflower” by Post Malone, “What’s up danger” by Blackway and Black Caviar and “Home” by Vince Staples, this soundtrack is one for the books. Spider-Verse is really one of the best comic book movies to come out in 2018 alongside Infinity War and Black Panther. However, not only is it an incredible Comic book film, it’s up there with Spider-Man 2 as one of the best Spider-Man movies of all time. Stan Lee said it best, “the person who helps others simply because it should or must be done and because it is the right thing to do is indeed, without a doubt a real superhero.” Spider-Verse also does an excellent job at achieving diversity without feeling like forced representation, which is fantastic and I hope we see more of it.

STX Films

Warner Bros. Entertainment

omedian and actor Kevin Hart appears in a heartwarming, but pensive film, The Upside. Viewers of this movie are able to see Kevin Hart playing something different than his normal comical and cheerful role. This movie, based on a true story, highlights the importance of living life to the fullest. Dell, played by Kevin Hart, struggles in many aspects of his life. His unemployment, parole requirements, and disconnection from his son are all issues continuously intruding his life. Dell desperately searches for signatures from different companies, so he can show proof to the court that he is looking for work. When he comes across a job as an assistant to a wealthy, elderly, paralyzed man named Phillip (Bryan Cranston), he is instantly admired by the man in the wheelchair. By the end of the movie, I noticed how many themes were brought out by the plot, which allowed me to analyze the underlying meaning of the storyline and choose which message stood out to me the most. Dell is looked past by the interviewer because of race, appearance, and attitude. However, Bryan offers Dell the job because he is something different than what he is used to. They are both forced to adapt to different lifestyles throughout the movie. Dell moves into the luxurious, New York City penthouse and Bryan finds himself enjoying Dell’s humor and fun ideas. Throughout the film, Dell and Bryan become closer and closer, introducing each other to new things and finding similarities within one another. It truly symbolizes how essential it is to go out of your comfort zone once in a while. An unexpected friendship forms between these two characters and they are seen really enjoying each other’s company. The main idea that was often exemplified in this movie, was the significance of not judging someone solely based on their appearance. They are able to look past the skin color, the disability, and the societal norms, which allows them to see the true goodness within both of them. If you’re one to enjoy movies that tug on your heartstrings with a little comic relief, then The Upside is worth seeing in theaters.

ith the striking visuals that the movie Aquaman brings to the screen, this DC blockbuster was bound to be popular. At the start of the film, viewers are introduced to Arthur — a.k.a. Aquaman — who is played by Jason Momoa. Arthur is half human, half Atlantean, born to a human father and an Atlantean mother, who just so happened to be a princess of Atlantis. From birth, Arthur was destined to be a hero, who would use his inherited Atlantean powers for greatness. So when he has an opportunity to use these powers in the search for an ancient trident, a few epic battles, and even a war against his newfound half-brother, adventure ensues for the soon-to-be king. While simultaneously struggling with his right to the Atlantean throne and fighting battles he hasn’t quite prepared for, there are times when it seems that the charismatic hero is bound to fail. However, after a multitude of trials and tribulations, Aquaman finds the trident, and takes the throne that is rightfully his. While this adventure that Aquaman embarked on was extremely visually appealing, in some ways the storyline was quite flawed. The underwater graphics were incredible, so much so that its a wonder that the movie wasn’t filmed entirely under the sea. However, the plot was completely predictable at times, and not to mention quite cheesy. With old tropes like a sea princess with bright red hair and a battle of brothers for a throne, the film quickly establishes itself as a cheesy superhero film that can be thoroughly enjoyed if some of its plot lines are overlooked. From the start, it is obvious from the start that rebellious princess and the surly hero are bound for romance, even including a mid-battle kiss with killer whales and sharks swimming all around them. However, as cheesy and predictable as the film may be, in some ways it is also incredibly charming. At the commencement of the film, Jason Momoa captures the viewer’s hearts, and rallies them behind his exploits. While the development of the film could be a bit shabby at times, its superhero storyline carries an entertainment value that is hard to beat.

Rated: PG-13

By Lily Williams lwilliams.gazette@gmail.com

By Kate Fernandez kfenandez.gazette@gmail.com

Aquaman : B+

Marvel Entertainment

The Upside : A-

Page 15

theatre time.

Page 16

February 2019

wavy baby.

estival un

Students show love for music festivals across California

BY SIDNEY ZABELL

szabell.gazette@gmail.com

hree days of music, chow, and sunshine is a known recipe for fun. Music festivals have made headlines in the past decade, gaining popularity as a weekend getaway for music fanatics. “I first started looking at lineups for festivals a few years ago in probably 2015 or 2016 when I looked at the lineups for Coachella,” senior Ethan Birch said. “I never really had the desire to go to any of them but it was cool to see which of my favorite artists would be performing.” This year’s Coachella lineup, a festival based in the desert of Indio, CA features Beyonce, The Weeknd, Eminem, SZA, Odesza, Tyler the Creator, and dozens of other artists across seven stages. Coachella attracts fans from across the country, hoping for a glimpse at their favorite artists. Senior Brayden Shauer attended Outside Lands, a festival that takes place in San Francisco’s

iconic Golden Gate Park, in August 2018. “A group of us decided that we wanted to go to Outside Lands in about April of last year,” Schauer said. “Our friend Ethan Birch sent us (the lineup)... and it matched a lot of the bands that we listen to, so we all thought it would be such a fun thing to go to.” Birch’s brother attended Outside Lands in 2017, which influenced his desire to go. A three-day pass to Outside Lands starts at $375, while Coachella clocks in at $429 – without fees, of course. “Over the summer I was a lifeguard at Sunsplash, so that’s where I got the money for the tickets,” Schauer said. “I wasn’t very hesitant because I was super excited to go on this trip with all my best friends.” Rapper and fashion icon Tyler, the Creator created the Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival in 2012, a

weekend featuring music, various artists and carnival games among other activities. The event was held at Dodger Stadium in 2018, a huge venue compared to the humble beginnings of the carnival. “I decided that I want to go to Camp Flog Gnaw because I noticed that Kids See Ghosts were going,” senior Lamont Mason said. “One of my Favorite artists, Kid Cudi, was going and I couldn’t miss that. I also bought my ticket (as) a birthday present for myself.” Mason attended the festival alongside seniors Stephanie Samson and Pariya Rahni. The group drove down to Los Angeles, chaperoned by Samson’s mother.. “The whole festival exceeded my expectations,” Mason said. “Seeing Kanye and Kim and Kid Cudi in person on the stage was breathtaking and a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

Gazette illustration | Sidney Zabell