Granite Bay Gazette, October 2017

Jim Barr

Limiting college letters Teachers cap number of recommendations

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Fall event guide

Ex-star continues coaching at GBHS

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Fashion, trends, food

The Granite Bay Gazette GRANITE BAY HIGH SCHOOL w 1 GRIZZLY WAY w GRANITE BAY, CA w 95746 w VOLUME 21 w ISSUE 2 w FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2017

mckenna aram maram.gazette@gmail.com

Twelve more years, here I come

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ince I was 14, I’ve known that I want to be a doctor. But the thing that solidified my decision was not the idea of making money, nor my family’s will – it was the dedicated people within the medical field that inspired me.

The catalyst for my journey was a week-long, summer medical camp at UCLA my freshman year. I bonded with hundreds of students, who, like myself, are driven by the future.

I had every opportunity from touring the USC Keck School of Medicine to observing dozens of real cadavers. Within a seven-day span, I got to meet, converse and learn from the greatest leaders of our world.

Within two months of returning from my camp, I had secured an internship at Kaiser Hospital that ended up being one of the They are greatest the heros experiences of of our my life. world I got to work and I alongside want to the top anesthesibe one of ologists, them. neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, cardiologists, radiologists and more. Every week, I stood next to those pioneers of advancement. Every week, I received life advice. Every second spent in that atmosphere, I was inspired.

I got to observe and experience things that most people, throughout their entire lifetimes, never will – holding appendixes, watching amputations, helping read CT scans … the list is almost endless.

I want to get into 3 a.m. arguments over whether the radius or ulna is the cooler bone during the sixth hour of a tedious operation. I want to debate who’s queueing the next Black Eyed Peas song 20 years from now in the operating room. I want that family-like bond that lies within each and every hospital.

While interning at Emergent Medical Associates in Los Angeles this past summer, I got a feel of both the business–and hospital–side of the medical field.

Every moment of my experience there impacted my life in some way, no matter how small. Heck, even the modes of transportation to get to the emergency room were noteworthy.

I took the public train (which was very interesting) for an hour and then proceeded to walk on the side of the freeway for half a mile to get to the emergency room (that was also quite interesting).

Yet, the humorous memories came with harsh realities.

I saw a mute, homeless woman come in who was covered in so much dirt that you couldn’t see an inch of her skin. I assisted a doctor in treating a murderer who was just released after serving 20 years in federal prison.

I saw a lot.

Yet, all of those scary and gruesome moments just made me realize I could handle working in a trauma department – they opened up more doors. But most of all, those moments made me respect those driven physicians so much more.

They treated that mass murderer without hesitation. They helped that woman without any form of communication.

They are the heros of our world, and I want to be one of them. *** McKenna Aram, a senior, is a Gazette co-editor-in-chief.

SOULMATE CELL-MATE

Your perfect . . . could be someone’s . . .

Gazette photo illustration /MCKENNA ARAM

In California, sexual intercourse between an adult and a minor is illegal, even if the age difference is only one year.

As seniors turn 18, couples with age differences might be at risk for statutory rape conviction

BY KATIE COLOGNA

kcologna.gazette@gmail.com

H

igh school is a time for students to not only expand their education, but a time for them to learn lessons from their friendships, schoolwork and relationships.

But how hard should those lessons be? A slap on the wrist, a bad grade, a falling out with a friend – or maybe a conviction for statutory rape.

Students in sexual relationships – often seniors – can face this concern. If students are in a relationship where one of the partners turns 18 before the other and they are engaging in sexual activity, the older partner can be prosecuted – no matter their gender.

sss

There is a misconception that only times relationships consist of an men can be prosecuted for statutory older guy and a younger girl… (and rape. That not true, that) age differand yet men are still ence (can) be the ones who are steless than a year, it is for reotyped as the ones First of all let me like (my boyfriend who will get charged.

They’re also often say that the law is and I), or more as the ones who tend to the law, so there’s substantial it is with some get more tense about the subject when they no getting around older couples.”

The statuturn 18. it.

“I think guys usually tory rape laws worry more because are different in – Natalie Elkin, GBHS different states. they are often labeled as the predator in In California, teacher those types of situastatutory rape is sexual intertions,” said a senior girl who asked to recourse between main anonymous and whose sig- an adult (anyone over 18) and a minificant other is turning 18. “Many nor (anyone under 18).

This is because the legal age of consent in California is 18. Even if the minor thinks they are consenting, legally they are not.

Any third party can report the relationship as a crime if the one being reported is in a relationship with a minor and if both partners are sexually active.

“First of all let me say that the law is the law, so there’s no getting around it,” Advanced Placement psychology teacher and therapist Natalie Elkin said. “It’s a risk that they will take, and they will risk conviction and they will risk being on the (sexual offender) registry and they will risk jobs and essentially everything. They will risk their future.”

Many other states have enacted

Immigrant youth are affected by new order

BY SABINA MAHAVNI

T Gazette photo illustration /KATIE COLOGNA Source /CAASPP

CAASPP scores skyrocket

GBHS redeems itself from last year’s testing

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bjohnk.gazette@gmail.com

t’s said there are no secrets to achieving success – it’s the result of preparation, hard work and learning from failure.

Granite Bay High School’s current seniors, staff and administration can wholeheartedly agree after the seeing the results from the

2017 Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments, which are part of the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress tests administered this past April.

The CAASPP, which replaced the Standardized Testing and Reporting tests in 2013 as See CAASPP, page A7

inside This Section news

smahavni.gazette@gmail.com

he Trump Administration announced in early September to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals act, denying “dreamers” deferred action.

DACA, proposed by the Obama Administration in 2012, allowed immigrants who came illegally to the U.S. before the age of 16 to apply for deferred action. This basically means that if these “dreamers,” as they are known, prove themselves as hardworking citizens contributing to society, they can avoid deportation for two more years.

Dreamers could also apply for DACA renewals to extend their protected time.

There were many requirements for prospective applicants – they must have immigrated here before their 16th birthday, they cannot be convicted felons and they have to have lived in the U.S. since June of 2007, as well as other criteria.

However, on Sept. 5, President Trump ordered an end to DACA. Anyone who applied after this date was denied deferred ac-

School wifi limits web surfing

Natural disasters are becoming frequent

With implemented restrictions, certain sites can’t be used.

Recently, there has been an increased amount of catastrophes.

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See RAPE, page A7

DACA children are at risk

CAASPP Results

BY BRAYDEN JOHNK

the Romeo and Juliet laws, which are laws that modify the statutory rape laws for teens from 13 years of age to 19 years of age engaging in consensual sexual activity. The laws were created to protect relationships from ridicule when there is a minor age difference between the partners. These laws vary from state to state. Yet, in all states, same-sex relations were excluded from being protected.

In states such as Hawaii and Maine, the age difference that is allowed between a minor (at the age of 16) and an adult is five years.

In California, Florida and North Dakota, where the age of consent is 18, there have been no modifica-

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voices

tion, and renewals were accepted until Oct. 5, last Thursday.

These new restrictions are now clearly stated on the Department of Homeland Security’s webpage. President Trump is giving Congress six months to develop a solution for the 800,000 DACA recipients now at risk for deportation.

Because of all the resistance Pres. Trump has received from both parties on this decision, he has been meeting with Republican lawmakers to brainstorm a different solution for the DACA recipients in danger, but nothing has come from it yet.

Shahid Manzoor is an attorney at Manzoor Law Firm in Roseville who specializes in immigration law and understands how this new development could impact residents in this area.

“In the greater Sacramento area, including Sacramento County, there is a large population (that) qualified for this program – that got certification for this program,” Manzoor said. “If it gets cancelled and they are not able to get recertification, then they are subject to deportation.”

Even at Granite Bay High, immigrant students can speak with experience about beSee DACA, page A7

Gender jokes are degrading The common insult of doing something ‘like a girl’ remains in use.

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News

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Granite Bay Gazette

Friday w October 13, 2017

NAMES IN THE NEWS

will anderson wanderson.gazette@gmail.com

GBHS students honored with national awards

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ongratulations to Keyvon Adelzadeh, Olivia Caserta, Elizabeth Gonzalez, Angela Gross and Malia Luna for achieving “National Hispanic Scholar” status.

*** Our girls’ volleyball team dug deep at their annual Dig Pink event to raise money in support of Breast Cancer Awareness.

*** Homecoming is just around the corner, remember that video in 6th grade? Except it won’t be hormonal and awkward, it will be a whole lot of fun! See you on the 27th.

*** Shianne Dingeman is running for Senior Class Vice President this spring. Don’t be a dingleberry, vote for Dingeman! And she’s not alone – don’t fail to check out the list of candidates later this fall.

*** Senior Ryan Smith just received an offer to play football at Sacramento State University – stingers up, baby!

*** Make sure to give a warm Grizzly welcome to our newest staff member, assistant principal Greg Sloan, who is replacing Mike Fischer.

*** A big congratulations to all our National Merit Commended Scholars! I can assure you all of their test scores and GPA’s are higher than mine.

*** Granite Bay has its very own underground SoundCloud rapper Bailey Diemer. As the lyrical genius once said, “Caviar, classy dinner, Kentucky Derby I always pick the winner.”

*** Midterms are over and so is most of that stress! So enjoy your weekend GBHS, and before you get involved in any “extracurricular activities,” make sure to ask yourself what would Jesus do? Or whoever else is your moral compass and guide?

*** Make sure to sign up for the talent show! For context, I danced to Justin Bieber in my 5th grade talent show – wish I had a video of that and trust me, you do too.

*** Thanks to all of our yearly subscribers, but a special thanks to Bill and Nancy Anderson and Gary and Sherry Bell, aka my grandparents – the only people that are probably still reading this!

*** Will Anderson, a senior, is the 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: gbgazette@yahoo.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

Is the school’s WiFi access too limiting?

Restrictions leave students without connection to sites

BY DEAN WILSON

dwilson.gazette@gmail.com

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n this tech-oriented age, the internet has the fix to virtually any problem. The internet has become an essential part of gathering information today – for many it is the only source to gather knowledge outside of human interaction.

But students at Granite Bay High have continued to have trouble fully participating in this information gathering process.

GBHS students have always been able to access the internet through the Roseville Joint Union High School District server, but it has always been limited.

Each year has seen the restrictions becoming more and more limiting.

“During my freshman year, the amount of access that the school had was huge,” senior Chase Mannsfeld said. “People could check Snapchat and watch movies on Netflix.”

Now, students can’t access any social media website through the school server, and new this year, they can’t access many of the sites that were accessible in the 2016-2017 school year.

The new system has restricted many sites, including news pages, some Wikipedia pages and even the Gazette website, granitebaytoday.org, on some computers.

So why the reduced online access for students? Is it a liability issue, or is it mandated by law?

“The district doesn’t want students accessing (sites and content) that could download harmful software to the computers,” said se-

nior Nicolas Javier, who is part of the Granite Bay information technology team known as GBiT. “I believe it comes down to maintaining the health of the server and keeping students from accessing content they don’t need to be accessing.”

There are many positive aspects to the new server that restricts internet access. It keeps students on task and has little room for diversion.

Still, despite the district’s apparent satisfaction with the changes, many students are displeased.

The blocking of bad sites also crosses over and sometimes restricts individuals from accessing educational sites.

Though the population of GBHS hasn’t been able to access social media for several years now, other websites used for entertainment purposes have been restricted this year.

Small business owner and junior David Shivya is one of many students who have expressed frustration with the extreme limited access to the internet.

“I have a business that I need to be able to check in on at a moment’s notice,” Shivya said. “I can’t get on the websites I need to with the school’s WiFi. It’s annoying that I need to use my own data to check my business.”

Shviya also explained that the WiFi has

caused his business to take dips from time to time.

But typical students aren’t faced with running a small business. They are concerned with completing assignments and researching topics to gather information.

Senior Tyler Boyer said he runs into issues often when he is writing a paper.

“It’s weird and funny to see that a perfectly normal website that people should be able to get on has been blocked,” Boyer said.

“It seems like the district needs to work out some kinks with the school server.”

And while students understand the need for some degree of restriction of internet access through the school server, they also think the restrictions needs to be reasonable and allow students the kind of access they need for their educational endeavors.

“I can see the value in having less access to sites that aren’t necessary for school use,” Mannsfeld said, “but there are still problems with the system that need to be addressed.”

Seniors contemplate early action and early decision for college apps Application process heats up for Granite Bay High class of 2018

BY MCKENNA ARAM

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maram.gazette@gmail.com

s the college application tidal wave starts to roll in, many students begin to contemplate options that might help them float more easily through the process.

Early Decision and Early Action are two methods by which students can apply outside of regular decision and are options that many students take advantage of.

Early Decision allows applicants to apply early to their top school and receive an admission decision in mid-December.

But Early Decision is also binding, meaning that if applicants are accepted through this process, they must attend that school – no denial of admission is allowed.

Early Action merely allows students to apply early and receive responses early with no binding contracts.

“I’m deciding between Northwestern and

Brown (universities) for Early Decision,” senior Rahul Bavirisetty said. “I’m leaning more toward Northwestern, (and) I think it would be the best chance for me to get into that school.”

Early Decision has been known to significantly increase applicants’ chances of getting into their top schools.

For example, Duke University is ranked among the top 10 universities in the nation.

The regular acceptance rate at Duke hovers around eight percent, but skyrockets to nearly 24 percent for Early Decision applicants.

“A (student’s) Early Decision school normally likes those (Early Decision) applicants more because it shows that they are going to matriculate into their university more,” Bavirisetty said.

The Early Decision and Early Action deadlines are both usually Nov. 1, but if a school has both options, the Early Decision deadline remains Nov. 1 and Early Action’s dead-

line is shifted to Nov. 15.

“We have 519 seniors this year... (and) of (those) who are applying to four-year schools … we would estimate less than 20 percent of them are applying Early Decision,” GBHS guidance counselor Tiffani Gieck said. “We would estimate less than 50 percent are applying Early Action.”

However, there’s still the alternate theory that Early Decision doesn’t truly give an applicant a special advantage, and the higher admission rates are actually due to the competitiveness of determined applicants.

Early Decision applicants tend to have greater statistics across all forums – GPA, test scores, etc. – than regular-decision applicants.

“I thought about doing Early Decision for Duke because I really like Duke, but then I decided not to because I want more options for where I’ll decide to go to school,” senior Ryan Haug said. “Now I’m doing Restric-

Gazette illustration /WILL ANDERSON

Ryan Haug Senior is currently deciding whether or not to apply for restrictive early action at Stanford tive Early Action for Stanford because my chances go up, no matter how small.”

Restrictive Early Action is another, less common option for applying to college – but only a few top colleges offer this method.

Some schools that do offer the Restrictive Early Action option include Stanford, Harvard and Yale.

Restrictive Early Action is a mix of Early Decision and Early Action. Students apply early to one school and receive a response early, but it’s non-binding if a student is accepted.

But, if students commit to Restrictive Early Action, they cannot apply Early Action to any other private school.

Although there aren’t very many negatives to Early Action, there are still quite a few with Early Decision.

See EARLY, page A6

Dress code issues continue at GBHS this year Students express further frustration with school’s strict enforcement

BY ASHLEY ALTMANN

T

aaltmann.gazette@gmail.com

here is no shortage of reports in the media about dress code scandals in schools across America.

Whether it be complaints of humiliating gym clothes used as punishment, sexist regulations the schools enforce or the fact that exposed shoulders are considered a major infraction, news of another student disobeying the rules continues to pop up.

Here at Granite Bay High, the rules of the dress code are considered to be relatively flexible.

“Dress code at Granite Bay is pretty lax – no tube tops, midriffs, shortshorts, saggy pants or inappropriate logos/writing. We want to students to dress for success and take their high school education seriously,” assistant principal Jennifer Buschmann said.

Based on these standards, it would seem as though the rules affect both boys and girls, but this is apparently not the case. According to sophomore Isael McCall, staff seem to target girls more for violations and “choose to ignore” the boys.

“Some girls like to wear some form of

a crop top, and they often do get dress coded, while I can – and have – worn a crop top in front of faculty without so much as a warning or comment.”

Other students said they also feel that if these rules are in place, all staff should implement them. Sophomore Sam Hutchison noticed how a friend could be dress coded for a tube top then see another student wearing the exact same thing walking freely. “(Dress coding) should be more evenly distributed,” Hutchinson said.

“If you’re going to punish one person, all teachers should crack down on anybody who breaks the rules.”

But for the most part, whether or not a student has to wear gym clothes following a dress code violation depends on the teacher.

“Some people take it really seriously, and other people just avoid it,” AP Literature teacher David Tastor said, “There should be a dress code for both boys and girls that is enforced equally.”

The main reason for the inequity of enforcement, according to several students, is that girls are told their See DRESS CODE, page A7

Model /MEGAN NIMTZ

Gazette photo /WILL ANDERSON

Many girls at GBHS say the school’s enforcement of the dress code is biased.

Friday, October 13, 2017

News A3

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Express Your Style. Personalize your dream ring.

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w The Granite Bay Gazette

Natural disasters pose danger to all

Freak events are becoming more common

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NEWS BRIEFS Three former students arrested for robbing a local restaurant On the night of Sept. 17, three teenagers – all of whom formerly attended Granite Bay High at one point in their high school career – were arrested for armed robbery at the Domino’s Pizza on Sierra College Blvd.

Lorenzo Rozier, 19, Joe Valdez, 18, and Trystan Eberhardt, 19, were all taken into custody at the Placer County jail with a bail set at $1 million each.

After further investigation, the three teenagers were also linked and charged with the Round Table Pizza robbery that took place two days before the Domino’s robbery.

BY JUAN PABLO FLORES jflores.gazette@gmail.com

n recent months, two earthquakes caused major devastation and the death of more than three hundred people in Mexico, millions were displaced due to an extreme monsoon in South Asia, Hurricanes Harvey and Irma in the United States produced an estimated $125 billion in damages, and a powerful Hurricane Maria made a direct landfall on Puerto Rico.

A number of people at Granite Bay High School, for diverse reasons, are speculating that the apparently excessive number of natural disasters points to an even more ominous future, while others simply emphasize the need for preparedness in various ways.

“The earthquakes in Mexico were a reminder for people to see that material things are not the most important things in life,” Spanish teacher Jill Cova said.

Some have suggested that such events are admonitions for abandoning worldly things, while others believe that they foreshadow other dire consequences due to the trends of global warming.

“Warmer temperatures have given more energy to hurricanes and tornadoes,” said John Thomas, an earth science teacher. “We have active faults that go through (California) and flood control levees that could fail in the Sacramento River.”

Despite several years of drought, flood risks are part of the Sacramento landscape. A succession of heavy rains mixed with warm temperatures can produce massive Sierra snowmelt that can result in severe flooding in the Sacramento valley. The large Northern California storms of 1986 and 1997 pushed the region’s levees to the maximum.

The city of Sacramento has spent more than $150 million on flood safety since the year 2000.

Officials with the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency have said much of the region still lacks the ability to withstand severe floods resulting from high river flows, which have a one percent chance of occurring each year.

Flooding was revived as a concern after an emergency spillway of the

News

New assistant principal chosen GBHS is welcoming a new assistant principal to take over Mike Fischer’s position.

Greg Sloan, who has been in education for 11 years, joined the administration Tuesday.

Gazette illustration /BRAYDEN JOHNK

Earthquakes and hurricanes are just a few of the natural disasters that can strike at any time and can cause devastating damage, resulting in the need for increased regulation and preparedness.

Oroville Dam in Northern California nor quakes, describing how he felt an threatened to cause substantial flooding aftershock of the 1994 Northridge earthquake that pulled him out of bed and nearby.

Scenes of chaos and destruction from dropped him to the floor.

Others suggest that disasters are not Mexico are a reminder to Californians of the risk of a strong earthquake unleash- limited to meteorological and seismic hazards. The potential ing a great disaster in harm that can be done the state. A huge quake by astronomical bodies in Southern Califorand viral epidemics has nia alone could impact Warmer some concerned.

23 million people and Highlighting the risks kill thousands, accord- temperatures have of viral epidemics and ing to the Los Angeles collisions, Times. The long-await- given more energy asteroid ed “big one” is a mega- to hurricanes and Thomas said people “go further into the jungle earthquake much larger tornadoes. than we’ve ever gone,” than the 6.7 magnitude while astronomers have Northridge earthquake discovered many apof 1994, which killed at – John Thomas, earth parently small asteroids least 60 people. science teacher which nevertheless “are California, which lies big enough to cause within the borders of mass destruction.” the Pacific and North Even the latest asteroid American tectonic plates, on average experiences a strong interception technology would require a earthquake of 8.0 intensity or greater ev- four-year advance warning to be able to divert a hazardous space rock. ery five centuries.

Statistical probabilities might ease While Granite Bay might not lie directly above a significant seismic fault, such concerns. Why? Because celestial Thomas recalled the effects of even mi- events as significant as the 1908 Sibe-

rian Tunguska asteroid strike, which destroyed 80 million trees within an area of 830 square miles, is estimated to hit the planet only once each millennium.

Similarly, scientists believe that a catastrophic eruption of the Yellowstone caldera, which has become more of a concern after hundreds of tremors occurred over the summer, is not likely to occur even once in the next 10,000 years.

Some people are not concerned about natural disasters in the Sacramento area, as the area is less prone to extreme weather phenomena more prevalent in other regions.

“I do not have to hide in a bathtub or closet for tornadoes as I did in Wisconsin,” junior Ava Krueger said, “so I am not too concerned here.”

Krueger said people should still have a plan of action to be prepared for every possible disaster.

Like Krueger, Thomas is relieved to live in a region with less frequent natural disaster events.

“I feel safe here because we have a lot of newer one-story buildings,” Thomas said.

See DISASTERS, page A5

Job for musically inclined Any high school students that are musically inclined and want to make money while doing it?

Well, now you have the chance.

Students can make $25 an hour by teaching elementary school kids music in the comfort of their home. Kwala Music is mainly looking for students who can teach piano, guitar and voice.

To apply, students can either go to https://kwala. typeform.com/to/aIKfPu or email the company at office@kwallamusic.com.

Five GBHS students named National Hispanic Scholars Five students from Granite Bay High School have been selected by the National Hispanic Recognition Program as National Hispanic Scholars.

Keyvon Adelzadeh, Olivia Caserta, Elizabeth Gonzalez, Angela Gross and Malia Luna Malia Luna all were asked to apply by NHRP because they all scored Senior is one of five students to be in the top 2.5 percent of Hisnamed a National panic and Latino test takers Hispanic Scholar. for the PSAT/NMSQT. -Compiled by Katie Cologna

Friday, October 13, 2017

w The Granite Bay Gazette

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Early graduates wave goodbye to Granite Bay High Seniors leaving early are eager to move on from high school on to bigger and better things

BY KENNEDY HEALY

khealy.gazette@gmail.com

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fter high school, everyone goes down their own path. Some people however, chose to begin their journey a little bit early.

Many students at Granite Bay High School are choosing to wrap up their senior year and say their goodbyes earlier than most.

Although each of them are making the same big decision, there is a lot that goes into deciding to graduate early.

For Trinity Burley, the decision to graduate early came about when she realized she was not having the same experience that a lot of other students were during high school.

“I decided to graduate early, because I don’t really feel like I’m getting much out of the high school experience, and I’m ready to go out into real life, not just in the Granite Bay bubble life,” Burley said.

Nash Rood, a senior, had a parallel experience to Burley.

“I decided to graduate early because I am not particularly attached to high school, and I have an idea of what I want to do with my future and would like to take time to enrich my life outside of high school before college,” Rood said.

Other students have made the decision to graduate early because of colleges offering them irrefusable opportunities.

“I committed to play at my college (RIASA Soccer Academy) last December and immediately explored the option to be able to graduate early,” Connor Vivaldi said. “I want to play soccer there as soon as possible.”

Students choosing to graduate early seem very optimistic about the process and the eventual outcome.

“I am very excited to graduate early and have more time to just do me without being stuck at school, five days a week,” Burley said.

Rood is also ready to move on from high school, although it’s not a decision without challenges.

“Yes I am excited about graduating early, although it’s somewhat stressful,” Rood said.

Some students are feeling more stress piling up on them to figure everything out before the year ends for them.

“Graduating early puts some extra pressure (on me) because it leaves a lot of extra space in my schedule that I have to figure out what to fill the time with because I refuse to sit around and be lazy,” Rood said.

Others are feeling more empowered by the deadline.

“It puts less pressure on me because having such a short period left of high school just excites and motivates me,” Burley said.

Having only a short amount of the high school year left, many students are ready to start the next step on their journey.

“First, I’m excited to be getting a head start on college by starting at Sierra (College) in January, but I’m also excited to get a more consistent job than the one I have now,” Burley said. “Also, I’ll have a more flexible schedule for modeling, which is nice.”

Some students are ready to have the free time to gain life experiences in new places.

“I’m most looking forward to being able to have more time to travel and get to see the world as well as get to start working towards the career I have in mind for myself,” Rood said.

Rood and Burley both plan on taking a break to come back and walk at graduation with the rest of the 2018 senior class and experience that milestone together.

Although the students are aware they will be missing out on many school events, they do not feel like their lives will be lacking anything.

“I was originally bummed about missing Senior Fifth Quarter, but one of my teachers made a point that by the time that comes around I will have been out experiencing college, so high school events won’t be something I’ll miss, which I think is true,” Burley said.

Rood agreed that not attending some school events is not a big deal for him.

“I feel like I will miss out on some events, but I don’t care that much because I went to a lot of the

Special to the Gazette /RIASA STAFF MEMBER

Connor Vivaldi dribbles down the field, representing RIASA College on his jersey. senior events last year, and I don’t really go to a lot of school events anyway,” Rood said.

Once again, students prove that the decision they’re making is worth the senior activities they will be missing out on.

“I’m going to miss several dances, Sober Grad night (and) Senior Fifth Quarter,” Vivaldi said. “In the end, I still would make the same choice ten times out of ten.”

It is clear that graduating early is a very intriguing option to many students, and they make it apparent why it should definitely be considered.

“To people considering it but are wishy washy, just do it!” Burley said. “In my opinion, it just makes more sense than stretching out your senior year with a bunch of electives.”

Rood also illuminates the benefits of having more

free time due to early graduation.

“I would advise those graduating early to do it,” Rood said. “I personally think it is a great way to have more time to see the world and do things you wouldn’t have time to do if still in high school.”

Early graduation can be worthwhile to many students but, according to Rood, should be a wellplanned decision.

“I would advise to specifically plan out your time for your semester off and avoid simply laying around and doing nothing,” Rood said. “High school is a great way to get free education, so if you decide to get out early, you should fill your time with things that will enrich your life and educate (yourself) in ways public school cannot do such as traveling or finding yourself or simply working and making money to finance your goals and future.”

Freshman John Moss said the class of 2021 should have had some say in whether Grizz Time was implemented.

“Instead of being fully committed to Grizz Time, they should have had a trial run and then asked for feedback from all classes,” Moss said.

Moss says he likes Grizz Time, but there are some flaws with the new system.

“I like the concept of Grizz Time,” Moss said. “But you can’t use the bathroom, and if you want to get into a common area, (the lines are so long) by the time you get in Grizz Time is almost over.”

Moss also says that sometimes Grizz Time is unproductive.

“The common areas are too loud to focus, and the kids who are in your priority classrooms are failing the class so they tend to be disruptive,” Moss said.

Like Hunter, Moss said he also agrees that seven minutes to get from one class to another is too short.

“To cross campus on average takes four minutes, which only gives you three minutes to go to the bath-

room, and sometimes teachers will make you stay until after the bell,” Moss said. “So sometimes it’s nearly impossible to get to class on time.”

Assistant principal Jennifer Buschman said there has been an increase in tardiness in every period except third period.

“In the first 30 days of school, we had 125 students that were marked tardy to their fourth-period class,” Buschmann said.

Last year, in the first 30 days of school, there were only 32 tardies to fourth period – making this year’s fourth-period tardy rate more than 400 percent higher.

“That could be due to a variety of factors,” Buschmann said. “We did tell teachers to please make sure they are marking their kids tardy.”

Overall, the number of tardies in all periods has increased by 197 tardies since last year.

“I think the missing step is that we not only need to mark them tardy,” Buschmann said, “but let them know the consequences.”

Students and staff reflect on efficiency of Grizz Time More opinions of new intervention period form as school year progresses

W

BY RACHEL NIMTZ

rnimtz.gazette@gmail.com

ith Grizz Time now making its mark on Granite Bay High students, there are advantages and disadvantages of the period.

Many students say they believe that Grizz Time is valuable, but others say they think the half-hour period four times a week is useless.

Sophomore Cameron Hunter said he likes that Grizz Time takes off some of the stress of finishing homework on time.

“It’s very stressful after school to come home, do homework, go to sports and be with your family,” Hunter said.

For many students with siblings and other distractions at home, being able to focus and get work done on time can be a struggle.

“It gives you time during the day to be in the school environment to get work done and talk to your teachers if you can’t after school,” Hunter said.

However, Grizz Time has had some negative effects. In order to make time for intervention period, classes and passing periods have been shortened.

“I think in some cases the passing periods are too short,” Hunter said. “I have gotten three tardies this semester, and I’ve never had any tardies before the passing periods were shortened.”

Hunter also said that some teachers will hold back students a few minutes to finish a lesson, sometimes only allowing five minutes to go from class to class.

“If your class is across campus, one or two minutes can make a huge difference,” Hunter said.

However for the class of 2021, Grizz Time is something that they probably didn’t even know was happening.

GBiT enters the hectic world of social media Information Technology team expands its reach on Instagram and Snapchat accounts

BY JUAN PABLO FLORES

G

jflores.gazette@gmail.com

ranite Bay High School’s technology leadership team aims to extend its reach on the community by adopting the use of social media outlets to promote its cause.

Some suggest this is part of a growing trend among companies and organizations, noting the large number of users of social media platforms compared to other modes of communication.

For its part, the GBiT (Granite Bay Information Technology) team said it is turning to social media to appeal to more people inside and outside of the school campus.

“GBiT has chosen this approach because we have seen that the campus doesn’t really know what GBiT is about other than that we are those dudes who show up and turn the projector off and on again,” said junior Matthew Gandler, the manager of the Marketing and Development department.

The team manages several web pages and projection systems including the official website of GBHS in addition to repairing cell phones and computers.

“People did not really understand what GBiT does,” senior Ryan Hunter, a member of the school technological leadership class, said.

“By exposing what we do we hope people will gain interest in technology.”

Teacher Marc Imrie, who serves as the GBit technology leadership director, said the shift to social media is designed to reach across GBHS and beyond.

“GBiT adopted social media to promote

greater awareness of how we serve our campus and our community,” Imrie said.

Imrie emphasized that GBiT provides its services not only to the school but also to the entire community. With the new social media pages, Imrie said he hopes to promote the program in a relatable way.

While Imrie said he is not an avid user of social media, he believes a vast majority of young people are very engaged in social media.

“GBiT got a new Instagram and Snapchat account this year,” Imrie said.

Both social media platforms have a growing number of users, with Instagram having an estimated 200 million monthly active users. Various estimates measure the number of likes that happen per day on Instagram in the billions.

By the second fiscal quarter this year, social media platform Snapchat announced that its audience grew to 173 million daily users, many of them in North America.

Jumpshot, a marketing analytics company, reported that in August, 52 percent of new social media users in the United States signed up for Snapchat accounts, compared to 48 percent for Instagram, which some say represents a decline in their new enrollment rate in the country.

The Pew Research Center reported that a national survey taken last year of 1,520 adults found that Facebook is by far the most popular social networking platform among adults in the United States. According to the Pew research, about 92 percent of adult internet users in the United States use Facebook.

“We really just want people to know that GBiT is more than IT (Information Technol-

Matthew Gandler The manager of the Marketing and Development department is optimistic about GBiT’s social media exposure.

ogy), it’s a place for people to explore their interests and learn new things,” Gandler said. “(We) hope to be able to showcase the individual projects and achievements of the team.”

Gandler said that although the program is centered around IT services, some members of the technology leadership team run their own businesses, are building automated aquariums and farms and designing video games.

Through social media, he said hopes to show the diverse fields in which GBiT performs to encourage all people to embrace technology.

However, some are questioning the relevance and effectiveness of adopting social media for providing services and promoting their message.

“My concerns about social media include the lack of privacy and supervision,” Imrie said.

Some critics have said the use of social media websites by organizations can increase the risk of cyber threats including malware and phishing attacks. Others fear the broad control and extensive access to personal information social media companies have can be a potential threat to personal liberty and privacy.

And there’s the ever-present concern that the use of social media can present unnecessary distractions.

“We don’t advocate the use of social media during classes,” Hunter said.

Some critics suggest the adoption of social media pages not accessible through the school’s network highlight the need for removing what they deem inhibitors to their studies.

Gandler said his message is not hindered by the inaccessibility of social media platforms through school devices.

“People either use their data to browse while at school,” Gandler said, “or wait until they get home.”

DISASTERS: Reacting to severe natural phenomena Continued from page A4

The collapse of a school in Mexico City reportedly in compliance with earthquake building codes, however, has raised doubts among some about the effectiveness and enforcement of government building regulations.

The lack of an earthquake prevention system, similar to that which alerted Mexico City residents about 15 minutes before the shaking began, is another issue some say should be addressed in California.

The U. S. Geological Survey, which has been developing the ShakeAlert earthquake early warning system for the Pacific coast, intends to introduce some public notification systems by 2018, but a lack of funding and the limited number of sirens in the area prevents a system from being thoroughly implemented.

Over the hot and dry summer months in the region, the risk of wildfires intensified, with Cal Fire reporting that, by September,

about 5,000 fires in California burned nearly 230,000 acres of land this year.

Fires are a great concern to those who have dedicated time every day to prepare for this increasingly frequent issue. The long droughts, dry summers and occasional thunderstorms in the region make the California foothills specially prone to wildfires.

“Fires can start very quickly and spread dangerously fast,” said Mason Lopez, a senior who is participating in the fire science program offered to GBHS students this year.

Fire Science is a career technical education program where the attendants prepare and learn the skills essential for firefighting.

Lopez said everyone should do things to prevent natural disasters from causing the most harm, including taking care when taking part in hazardous activities like smoking, lighting candles, cooking and pyrotechnics.

“People’s carelessness,” he said, “can cost lives.”

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Friday, October 13, 2017 w The Granite Bay Gazette

Senior approaches gate to college applications, where there is a wall with the words “College Apps” emblazoned across it on the other side.

A6

Gazette photo illustration /STEPH KANG

Seniors embark upon college application journey

Common Application lauded as simplifying process

T

BY LOGAN EMBREE

lembree.gazette@gmail.com

he amount of fear being experienced by Granite Bay High seniors continues to build as the college application season continues to crank up.

Students’ sky-high goals and the parental academic expectations that loom over them offer neither comfort nor provide sanctuary from the stress.

Seniors scramble to join application-cushioning clubs. They crouch over laptops like a dog to a bone while they scour the far ends of the internet filtering through too many community service projects to count. They waste large amounts of scratch paper and precious 0.5 pencil lead all to produce a flawless essay.

Every day they find themselves slaving over their college applications with the desire to portray themselves as the perfect student who is well-diversified and nowhere near the emotional breakdown in which they constantly find themselves.

While application season is difficult and and irritating, it is a necessary step in the journey to college. The quality of students’ college applications are the deciding factor in where the first four years following high school will be spent.

Putting off the completion of applications is a very

popular and tempting decision – however, the time to submit has arrived.

The Common Application is one of the most popular application methods and is completed by the majority of high school seniors who plan to attend a four-year university.

This method of applying has been and continues to be a favored method because of the efficiency of the process.

The purpose of the Common Application is to make the application process easier by requiring students to complete a single application that is accepted by more than 700 individual colleges.

High school seniors find this process preferable because it requires less time and effort than having to complete separate applications for every college where they apply.

But while completing the Common Application once may not be as rigorous as filling out separate applications, it is still no easy task.

The amount of information required by the Common Application is significant, but many students find the process rather easy to comprehend.

“Everything was straightforward,” said Shianne Dingeman, a GBHS senior who found the Common

Application to be quite user friendly.

The Common Application is very thorough and requires the individual input of grades, classes and extracurricular activities. “(Going) through all your grades, going back and forth and entering every single one from all four years,” is one of the worst parts of the process,” senior Logan Fechner said.

Not only is the Common Application considered the ultimate method by students, but it has also found favor in the eyes of teachers.

Every year, starting as soon as the first day of school, teachers are bombarded by students asking for letters of recommendation While the letter composition process varies from teacher to teacher, the Common Application made the process easier. In other processes, teachers are required to send the letter of recommendation to each college the student wishes to apply to. This creates a burden that falls upon the shoulders of the teachers who then must decipher the contact information and submission processes for each college. The Common Application was created in a way that lifts a large portion of the burden off teachers’ shoulders. It does this by allowing them to simply attach the completed letter to the specific student’s account and although the student will not be able to read it, every college that the specific student applies to (through the Common

Athletes take a stand by kneeling Campus torn between respect for the flag and respecting right to protest

BY SPENCER COVA

I

scova.gazette@gmail.com

n August 2016, former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick kneeled during the national anthem to protest for the Black Lives Matter movement and against police brutality.

His protest eventually turned into a national movement in the NFL, with athletes on several teams also taking a knee.

On Sept. 22, President Trump said in a tweet that if players kneel during the anthem, team owners should “get that son of a b---- off this field – you’re fired.”

Prior to the President's statement, there were six NFL players kneeling during the anthem – the next weekend, there were more than 250 players kneeling.

This demonstration, already being a political wedge, caused the public to erupt in outcry. Many support the athletes’ purpose

behind the protest, and many disagree with the cause and the way the athletes are protesting.

Agree or disagree, love it or hate it, there is one aspect for certain in this divisive issue.

“They have the right to do it,” English and IB World Religions teacher David Tastor said.

Tastor “absolutely understands” why people take offense – as he has multiple direct relatives that have both served and died for our country.

“You don’t need to agree with the cause, people have the right to do it,” Tastor said.

The U.S. Constitution is based on revolutionary ideas birthed in the age of enlightenment.

In the First Amendment, freedom of speech is guaranteed to Americans.

As Voltaire once stated, “I disapprove what you say, but will defend to the death your right to say it.”

“I respectfully disagree with those who kneel during the anthem because in my mind the anthem is to pay our respect to those who have sacrificed so much for our nation,” senior Mason Lopez said.

EARLY: GBHS seniors apply early to colleges Continued from page A2 With Early Action, the only downside is that a student might not be able to get a refund of deposits put down for the school.

“I didn’t want to do Early Decision because it’s binding and if I got in, I wouldn’t want to end up getting stuck there,” senior Claire Miller said.

The only way for an accepted student to opt out of their Early Decision contract is if the financial aid offered by the school to the student isn’t sufficient enough.

“Early Decision … may impede (students’) possibility to attend other schools if they choose not to follow the binding agreement,” Gieck said. “In addition, there may be financial costs that are not able to be refunded if a student has a change of plans.”

There are always the “what if's” that coincide with Early Decision because students will have no knowledge of any other school they could have been accepted to.

“One of my friends said he was going to do Early Decision to University of Chicago but at the last minute, he decided not to because he wasn’t ready and he felt that maybe he could’ve gotten into something better,” Bavirisetty said. “And now he’s at Harvard and he still got into University of Chicago by regular decision, so it still worked out at the end of the day.”

Application) will have access to the attached letter.

"Submitting one letter, one time, is a nice convenience,” English teacher Shannon McCann said.

The whole purpose of a letter of recommendation is to provide colleges with an accurate description of the academic and social qualities of a certain student.

The Common Application takes this into account and provides teachers with a section in which they can fill out a “rating” page. This page allows teachers to place students below, above and anywhere in between average on questions that concern the academic capabilities of the student.

“It makes it really nice to be able to create a fast snapshot of the student,” said McCann, who appreciates the helpfulness of this feature.

In the past few years, the Common Application has made rather large changes in the college application process making it easier for students, teachers and colleges to communicate.

Many colleges have very specific requirements for application, not all of which are fulfilled by the Common Application. It is because of this that these colleges often have their own websites used by students to apply.

Due to the complexity of specific college websites and the amount of work required to complete applications for several colleges, this process is not nearly as popular as the Common App.

Those that speak freely and protest peacefully are exercising their rights, Lopez argues – though they must be prepared for the same rights to be exercised in defense of opposing views.

But it seems to many critics of the president and his supporters that the line needs to be drawn when “speaking out against” turns into suppression.

Athletes kneel and lock arms during the national anthem for the same reason they wear pink in October and dump buckets of ice water on their heads – to spread awareness.

Athletes and celebrities are using their access to a national stage to spread the message of the Black Lives Matter movement, to protest against police brutality and in more recent cases, to protest against President Trump.

“The American thing to do is to protest an unfair system – it was how this country was founded,” junior Elliott Hyman said. “What makes America great isn’t a flag, a song, or Special to the Gazette /SANDRO SCHUH a man – it’s the liberties and freedoms that each of us are born with that make America NFL players have been kneeling ever since August 2016 to help show support for civil rights in the United States for African Americans. great.”

Fridat, October 13, 2017

w The Granite Bay Gazette

News A7

CAASPP: New changes result in major improvements

Continued from page A1

the new state academic testing process, is taken by students in third grade and eighth grade, as well as by high school juniors. It consists of two parts – English language arts/literacy and mathematics.

These tests, which are based on and measured against California’s academic standards, are designed to ensure students are college and career ready when they graduate.

The percentage of GBHS students who met or exceeded the state ELA standards for 2017 was 91 percent, a 27 percentage-point increase from the previous year’s result of 64 percent. In math, 75 percent of GBHS students met or exceeded standards, an eight percentage point increase from the previous year.

“We went up – we went up tremendously,” GBHS principal Jennifer Leighton said. “I’m really, really proud of the seniors for really taking it seriously. And I’m really proud of the staff for their dedication because they looked at it and ... talked to their students saying, ‘Look, this is our reputation.’ ” GBHS ranked higher than any other school in the Roseville Joint Union High School District. The next closest scores were earned by Woodcreek High, with 83 percent of its students meeting or exceeding the standards in ELA and 52 percent in math.

These topnotch CAASPP results do more than just afford GBHS bragging rights – they actually significantly affect the school and the students.

“CAASPP is a way of ranking schools in a way,” Leighton said. “When a college looks at a school and sees that last year’s class did so well on it and sees that they nailed it, that just makes their application (look better) and it makes them look like they came from a stronger school.”

Nayana Tiwari, a GBHS senior, understood the significance to her post-high school future and therefore gave her full effort on the test.

“If I apply to colleges and the whole school did well, that shows that I went to a challenging and really good school, and that gives me credibility,” Tiwari said.

during the time leading up to the April test date.

This was not the case for the class of 2017, which “Teachers of mine talked to us about how we needposted inordinately low results, especially in the ELA ed to do well on the test because last year’s students section. did not,” Tabaie said.

“Our English scores were the lowest in the region The staff and administration’s emphasis on the imthe year before, so it was just kind of embarrassing portance of the test led many students to reconsider because we know that is not representative of us,” the amount of effort they intended to put into it.

Leighton stated.

“Because of this, I think a lot of people had a feelWhat happened in the 2016 testing process that reing of responsibility for their scores and how it would sulted in such poor scores? GBHS assistant principal Jessup McGregor said he believes it stemmed primar- affect the school,” Tabaie said.

Not only did staff increase awareness of the value ily from an issue of communication between students of the test, they also experimented with time allowed and administration. for the assessments. This was intended to ease any “I think there was miscommunication and misinpotential adverse academic consequences or conflicts formation around the value of the test,” McGregor for students. said. “People didn’t see that (the “We tried to squeeze (the test) into test) actually mattered to them, and a shorter period of time to impact the they were more focused on things least amount of class time,” Mcthat were more relevant to their life Gregor said. “And we tried to move it at the moment, such as (Advanced I think there was as early in the year as we could to get Placement) testing.” miscommunication it away from high-stakes testing.”

In order to better understand the mindset and lack of motivation and misinformation Based on the improvement in the test results, it is evident these changes among many seniors at that time, around the value had an impact. As well, the district McGregor and other administrators decided to include CAASPP scores on called some students in last year to of the test. student transcripts beginning in July discuss the discrepancy between – Jessup McGregor of this year, which also sent a mestheir CAASPP results and GPAs. Assisstant Principal sage to students.

“We actually interviewed quite However, it will still be some time a few students whose GPAs were before the state-wide testing is considreally high and their test scores ered “perfect” from the perspective of were really low,” McGregor said. students. ”The feedback we got from them One area of student frustration arises from technolwas that they didn’t realize they needed to take it ogy, as the tests are taken online via Chromebooks. seriously.”

Several students ran into technological issues while This lack of understanding had a far-reaching impact – it disqualified GBHS from earning the pres- taking the test that they otherwise could have used to their advantage. tigious National Blue Ribbon Award in 2016.

“There was a calculator that popped up that I didn’t The information about what went wrong in 2016 really notice, but apparently (it) was there for me the also prompted several changes in the 2017 testing entire time,” Tabaie stated. “They should tell us how process. the website runs before we take the test.”

“We spent a lot more time trying to push out comStudents also had some concerns about the funcmunication to families and students in terms of the tionality of the Chromebooks. value and importance of the test,” McGregor said.

“They don’t give you a regular mouse to use, and GBHS senior Ethan Tabaie remembers this clearly

that makes me upset,” Tiwari said.

Other seniors like Connor Vivaldi said they believe the testing process itself has inherent downfalls.

“Not many high school kids want to come to school to take a test for that long,” Vivaldi said.

In his sophomore year, Vivaldi unsuccessfully attempted to not participate in the California Science Test, but he didn’t pursue an opt-out for junior testing.

“I tried to opt out of the science test sophomore year, but they made me come back and take it,” Vivaldi said. “So I wasn’t going to try to do that again because the administration was really annoying about it.”

The persistence of the administration in ensuring all students participated in the 2017 CAASPP testing process appears to have worked. While a few students did opt out of the test, according to McGregor, all of them were for medical or other acceptable reasons, not just because they didn’t want to take it.

Official CAASPP results from 2016 show that 28 students – or 5.5 percent of the senior class – did not participate in the ELA testing process. This improved in 2017, with only seven students, or 1.4 percent of the class, not participating in the ELA test.

The efforts to educate the students on the importance of the test and to ensure that all capable students taking part appear to have significantly contributed to the major improvements in results by the class of 2018.

Looking forward, Leighton doesn’t foresee many additional changes to the administration of the CAASPP. “I’m just really proud of (the seniors) for doing what I know they’re capable of doing,” Leighton said. “And I just want the juniors to be as great as the … seniors were (last year) and to try to emulate that because it was awesome.”

GBHS students are known for excellence and perseverance, and the current seniors’ CAASPP results vividly demonstrate that, as well as the school’s overall ability to rebound from a setback.

“That’s what we’re known for,” Leighton said, “Showing up, working hard and doing a good job.”

RAPE: Students talk about possibilities of statutory rape convictions

Continued from page A1

tions. In these states, an adult in a sexual relationship of any kind with a minor is engaging in illegal activity.

“I think there should be (provisions to the law that make allowances for consensual relationships),” she said. “I think that more provisions like this should be made across the country so people in situations like us don’t have to worry about it.”

Statutory rape cases are often the result of complaints from the parents of the minor in the relationship, but there are ways to try prevent this from happening.

“If you’re going to take the risk of being in jail, you have to take the risk to talk to the parents,” Elkin said.

In California, under state Penal Code 261.5, an adult in a consensual relationship with a minor won’t necessarily be forced to register on the sexual offenders list. The punishment for each conviction is different.

The can either be charged as a misdemeanor or as a felony.

If an adult is charged with a misdemeanor, the possible penalty is a fine of up to $1,000 and either probation or a sentence of up to a year in county jail.

For a felony, however, the penalties are potentially much more severe. The adult can end up with as little as probation or as much as three years in prison. (If the adult is 21 or older and the minor was under 16, sentences can be much longer.) The possible fine can be as much as $10,000.

“It comes with the trust,” he said. “I can’t imagine (my girlfriend’s) parents ever wanting to do that to me, especially because they would understand that (the relationship has been) consensual all the way through. And I can’t imagine … my parents doing that to her.”

The girlafriend said the criminalization of relationships where one of the partners is a minor is somewhat irrational.

“I don’t think it should be labeled as a crime when we’re both consenting individuals who make our own decisions, and neither of us expect things to change because of a birthday,” she said. “In other cases such as non-consensual instances or an older individual taking advantage of someone who is, say, 13, I think that it is necessary.”

Elkin explained that teens in relationships don’t usually think about all the precautions or their actions because the frontal lobe of their brain simply hasn’t fully developed, making it hard for them to make the best judgments.

Because of this, students neglect to think about how this could impact the two of them and only think about how it could affect the adult in the relationship.

“One person is taking the risk and the other person is not, so it’s an incredibly discrepant situation where ... nothing happens to the minor (and) … (the adult is) the only person taking the risk,” Elkin said. “They carry all the risk – they’re the only ones that will have any negative repercussions that will come about if anything happens.”

DACA: Effects of deferred action DRESS CODE: Controversey reach Granite Bay community resurfaces among GBHS students Continued from page A1 coming citizens – the the risks when you’re not a citizen.

Sara Kazemi, a senior, moved from her home country of Iran to America about a year ago. Although she is a legal immigrant and U.S. citizen, Kazemi sympathizes with youth held back by their illegal background.

“I don’t think it’s a good thing to take away DACA because many countries don’t have opportunities like the United States offers, so the kids have a brighter future when they come here,” Kazemi said.

“If they’re a kid and they came here … just let them be here because they don’t know how to live in their own countries – they’re not used to it.

Kazemi sees no value in deporting hard-working immigrants despite their illegality.

“If all the Mexicans stop working, there’s no white person who would take their jobs because they’re really hard working people, and I don’t think other people would be able to do their jobs,” Kazemi said.

“They’re making money for the country, they’re working really hard, so I don’t know what the point is to kick them out.”

Senior Tyler Green said he shares Kazemi’s appreciation for “dreamers” who contribute to society.

“If someone is willing to work and wants to be given a chance, and they’re willing to work toward their citizenship then … they should be allowed to have the same rights as people here (legal citizens),” Green said.

Green supports Trump’s efforts to restrict illegal immigration, but like several politicians from both the Republican and Democratic parties, he disagrees with the approach.

“I think it’s possibly a step in the right direction to try and slow down illegal immigration because it will keep more people out,” Green said. “For the people that are here, I think it’s good to get them on their feet or get them toward trying to get citizenship or at least get a job because they’re going to need to be able to

do the most for themselves.”

Like Green, many Americans abhore the concept of illegal immigration as opposed to attaining citizenship legally. Manzoor described how people, especially legal immigrants, believe there is a right and wrong way to enter the country.

“For example, people who want to come to this country apply lawfully and sometimes they have to wait for years and years before they can come in, while they are waiting,” Manzoor said. “And they (the legal immigrants) are opposed to people just coming in, who seem (like they’re) cutting in line, and they’re able to get citizenship before them.”

The other viewpoint, Manzoor said, is sympathetic to dreamers who have no control over their illegal status.

“Another school of thought for the DACA process … is that people who were brought here – not because it was their intention but because they were young and brought by other means by parents or other family members – didn’t have their own consent to the procedure, and this is what they have known all their lives,” Manzoor said. “So they have to have a recourse that allows them to stay here as opposed to have to go back to a country where they have no ties.”

Some politicians and citizens like Green have adopted both schools of thought, causing this issue to fall in a gray area. Regardless, a decision must and will be made in the next few months regarding these dreamers, offering a solution post-DACA. “I think it’s a difficult situation and there’s no easy answer, but there does need to be an answer, because people who have lived here and know this as their home for better or for worse should have a right to stay here,” Manzoor said.

As an immigrant, Kazemi would counsel the Trump administration to address the problem of illegal immigration at its origin.

“Learn that (the president) can’t get rid of a problem by getting rid of the the result at the end,” Kazemi said. “You have to start from the root. Try to educate the countries.”

Continued from page A2

clothes serve as more of a distraction.

“I was dress coded because you could see my bra strap,” senior Pavlina Clem said, “and it really annoyed me because are my shoulders really that distracting?

Is my bra strap really more distracting than say, a neon yellow turtleneck?”

Clem said she shouldn’t be punished for wearing something that all girls need to wear.

Other female students said they believe that being punished for bra straps and bare shoulders objectifies them, and being called a “distraction” only makes matters worse.

“It’s not my problem,” junior Ashley Bartels said. “People are going to look at me way more in a P.E. shirt than a regular top anyway, so you still didn’t solve the problem.”

Bartels isn’t the only one who thinks it’s not her responsibility to make sure boys can focus on their classwork.

“Often people are dress coded for ‘being too distracting’ or ‘disruptive,’” Bartels said. “ I don’t see why clothes would be distracting unless someone made a point to be obnoxious about it,” McCall said, “And if boys get ‘distracted’ by what a girl wears, it’s not her

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fault. He should be paying attention.”

Like McCall said, students and staff should be focusing on school work, not checking out their peers short-shorts.

Some male staff members have even been told off for trying to apply to code.

“Early in my career, I dress coded a young woman,” Tastor said, “And she turned around and said something to the effect of ‘what are you looking at a 16 year old girl for?’” Tastor said.

After this encounter, Tastor vowed to never dress code revealing clothing but still occasionally cracks down on clothing displaying offensive language.

“I see a lot of kids with beer shirts, pot symbols, etc., and I try to enforce those,” Tastor said.

Ultimately though, dress codes are subjective.

And what is an innocent tube top to one person could be deemed highly unsuitable for school to another.

So what’s the solution?

“I think school uniforms could be nice because then everyone’s equal, and you don’t have to worry about what to wear anymore,” Hutchison said.

The equality is what scares some students, and during the four years of trying to figure oneself out, the sameness can be

I was dress coded because you could see my bra strap.

– Pavlina Clem, senior at GBHS

detrimental.

“High school already kind of makes you shoved into uniformity, and our sense of style shouldn’t also be impacted,” Bartels said.

Regardless, Tastor says people will try to find loop holes with uniforms too, and we will be right back in the same mess.”

Students realize there is a need to keep everyone focused on learning, but they think the enforcement of the standards has been taken too far.

“I understand they’re trying to keep the school modest, but it’s so unfairly skewed towards girls,” Clem said. “Who’s to say my body is a distraction?”

Friday, October 13, 2017

News

w The Granite Bay Gazette

Video bulletins eliminated during fall semester Implementation of ‘Grizz Time’ results in shorter period and loss student broadcast

BY WILL ANDERSON

wanderson.gazette@gmail.com

Second period on Tuesdays and Thursdays looks a little different this fall at Granite Bay High.

Because of the newly structured schedule, all classes are now equal in length leaving teachers now extra time to read students the bulletins or for them to show video bulletins to students.

As a whole, the production of weekly video bulletins has been eliminated from the fall semester.

Senior class president Taylor Stiern expressed that there is an increased difficulty in trying to communicate valuable information with the student body.

According to Stiern, the bulletins are mainly used by student government for “getting the information out.”

“Now that we don’t have them, trying to find a way for us to even get those ads out – we have to produce (the ads) ,” Stiern said. “(Videos) are not our specialty, so they’re not the best.”

To address the issues, student government has furthered their usage of other communication forums such as Twitter and Remind.

“Nobody wants to read a long poster or long flyer,” Stiern said. “Not everyone has

a Twitter or not everyone is on Remind, so we are not targeting the big majority again.”

Though this hasn’t proven to be a problem within the classroom for senior Brennan Holt, whose second period teacher posts bulletins on the board every day, this is not the case for all students and classes.

“For classes that don’t get the written bulletins read to them every day, I think you’re probably missing out on some information,” Holt said.

The change was originally implemented so that media students would have more opportunities to work on projects aside from bulletins.

“I do think that it helps save time in class because it did end up being kind of a waste of time in some classes last year,” Holt said.

Media instructor Zachary Weidkamp has arranged the media program so that his students will learn different aspects of video production throughout the beginning and advanced classes.

“This past year, because of a bunch of different things … we ultimately didn’t get enough students to fill a full section,” Weidkamp said.

The class had more than 30 students enrolled, but the administration did not want to split the class in half to fill both the fall and spring courses.

It’s a hard thing because the school doesn’t get that information in the bulletins.

– Zachary Weidkamp, media instructor

“Five or six years ago we had 15 kids in the course and it ran – but it’s not my call, it’s an administrative call,” Weidkamp said.

Instead, the class was combined so that all students were together in one class, and that class will be held during the spring semester.

“For electives and study programs like this, we are always in a battle trying to capture students’ attention and to get them in the program, because that’s what drives our livelihood,” Weidkamp said.

This can make teaching challenging, as the students have mandatory requirements such as producing bulletins on behalf of the school.

“We can’t be too strict because it’s not going to be fun for kids,” Weidkamp said.

“We can’t be too lenient, otherwise we are

going to have kids bouncing off the walls.

“It's a happy medium between making a fun environment, but still having some structure and still having a system set up where it feels like kids are actually doing something.”

Despite not producing weekly bulletins to get information out to the campus, Weidkamp hasn’t received any backlash or frustration from teachers or students.

“It’s a hard thing for the school because the school doesn't get that information in the bulletins,” Weidkamp said. “But when the system is set up – our bulletins are good because the system works – I can’t destroy the system just for the sake that we don't have enough kids in a class.”

Weidkamp has had further pedagogical challenges as he has adjusted to the changes in his program.

Beginner media students are not put in charge of the media bulletins because they do not have the knowledge or experience yet to produce the videos at a high level.

So although there have been issues with communicating information at a campuswide level, the biggest problem for Weidkamp has been making adjustments to the media program so that it caters to the needs of the new GBHS intervention schedule.

“If they are already getting the thrill of doing the bulletins in the beginning class, what's the incentive for them to go on to the advanced class,” Weidkamp said. “It would be like shooting yourself in the foot – it wouldn’t make logical sense.”

A S B

A8

UPDATE Taylor Stiern Senior Class president says Homecoming will feature new and interesting elements

Gazette: What are some upcoming ASB events?

Senior class president Taylor Stiern: “All the Homecoming events, so halftime, bonfire, Homecoming dance and everything that has to do with Homecoming.”

Gazette: What is the theme for this year’s Homecoming?

Stiern: “It is ‘Grizzly Land, where dreams come true.’ ” Gazette: Why should people come out and participate?

Stiern: To participate in float building is a really fun experience, especially with all of your friends. You get to be in a skit if you work the most hours, so it’s a prize for it. Homecoming is once a year, and you only have four of them in high school, so why not do something that brings the whole school together?

Gazette: What is new about this year’s Homecoming?

Stiern: We are giving a lot of leeway to students to choose. We’ve allowed the students to have a lot of say in what spirit days we do… they even got to choose that the theme is going to be Grizzly Land. So we’re asking for a lot of students’ input. We’re trying to figure out ways to make everything feel like it’s Disneyland, so we’re definitely incorporating a lot of that into it. Whereas other years, we’ve kind of strayed away from the big picture. It’s an overall good theme.

–Compiled by Sabina Mahavni

Friday, October 13, 2017

w The Granite Bay Gazette

A9 News

Sweets have always been my reward. I want my kids to have authentic food from their culture, which isn’t always healthy. Eating healthy makes me feel like my taste buds are missing out. I have a prime parking spot at work, so why would I walk? Diet soda is as healthy as I get. My stomach just can’t handle healthy stuff. I don’t know how to cook, so I have to stick to simple things like macaroni & cheese. I don’t want to mess with my family’s food preferences. I am too tired to battle with my kids over healthy eating. My kids don’t like salad. My spouse doesn’t like vegetables. If I’m going to a buffet, I want to get my money’s worth. My mother always made me clean my plate, and I can’t break the habit. I have no willpower when it comes to the dessert menu. If I’m stressed, I want something sweet. There are waaay too many delicious foods I want to eat. If I’m stressed, I want something salty. I get bored with the same old food. My kids are picky eaters and I don’t want to make two separate meals. Once I’ve opened a pack of cookies, I figure I might as well finish it. I’ve tried a bunch of different diets and nothing works. I don’t want to become obsessive about every calorie. Eating healthier requires a lot of planning and I just don’t have time for that. The gym is boring. I tried to change my diet before…it was too much effort. I don’t have time to prepare a healthy meal. My taste buds are the way they are. There’s always free food at the office, and I just can’t say no. Fresh food spoils too quickly. I like going out to eat with my friends too much. I eat in the car, so I can’t always find healthy options. Temptation lurks everywhere – I can’t help myself. Special deals and coupons encourage my bad food choices. Vacation calories don’t count. I hate seeing myself in the mirror at the gym. I can’t exercise when it’s humid. I don’t want to get sweaty because I’ll have to redo my hair. It’s too snowy to work out. Vegetables are hard to chop. I walked 86 feet today and I’m already exhausted. I showered earlier, so I don’t want to get sweaty.

My couch is too comfy. Taking the stairs is just too time consuming. The fluorescent gym lights make me look pale.

My bike shorts give me a wedgie. Working out makes more laundry. My workout videos are all on VHS, and I don’t have a VCR. My tennis grunt isn’t any good. I’m an athlete by proxy, thanks to my fantasy team. My workout would interrupt my TV schedule. I feel sore after working out. My dog doesn’t like to walk. I like cheese too much. Sweat makes me itchy. My gym is like a million miles away. I don’t like working out with people around me. I don’t want to be locked into a gym membership contract. The gym owner is intimidating. Helmet hair isn’t a good look on me.

I burn enough calories carrying my purse around. I’m not zen enough for yoga. My sneakers smell like a locker room. The gym is boring. Dessert is my weakness. I’d work out, but I might scuff my shoes. No one will exercise with me so I’m not motivated to go. My husband always makes excuses for not going to the gym, and I think he’s kinda right. I’m not coordinated enough to exercise. I don’t like how my hair looks in a ponytail. I never remember my gym clothes. The gym is boring. If I didn’t have time for lunch today, I definitely don’t have time for the gym. I don’t like the way workout clothes look on me. I’m actually afraid of getting too buff. Working out isn’t a good look for me. I look silly exercising. It’s not convenient. The TV shows they play at the gym are terrible. I don’t like watching people work out; it grosses me out. The gym cuts into my social life. Working out isn’t really me. Exercise should be done in private. And my apartment is too small. I don’t like sweating in front of people. Exercise just makes me hungrier. The gym is way too far from my house. The exercise schedule for workout classes doesn’t fit my schedule. I have a bad blister that makes working out painful. There simply aren’t enough hours in the day. I can’t get motivated to do any exercise, so I’m stuck in a rut. The different exercise class options overwhelm me. I don’t want to sweat where other people sweat. It’s tough to wake up in the morning. I end up just walking around the gym aimlessly. Gym clothes are too expensive. Treadmills are SO boring. I don’t want to run on the street where everyone can see me. I ran out of sports bras. I forgot my running shoes…again. I’ll start working out tomorrow. Sweat makes me itchy. I get enough exercise typing emails. It’s my birthday, so it’s OK to indulge. I’m married, so there’s no need to hit the gym anymore. I’m aiming for the “dad bod.” I’m starting a “mom bod” trend. I consider the walk to my kitchen exercise. I just don’t know what foods to eat . I’ve heard you can burn a lot of calories chewing. My bed is more comfortable than the gym. I don’t want to deprive myself of anything. I’m too carefree to get into an exercise routine. The elevator is faster than the stairs. I’m a busy parent. I need extra fat in the winter to keep me warm. I’m a struggling artist — I only have time for my art. I’m too busy running a business. I’m too busy writing a book. I’m too busy taking care of my family. I like cheese too much. I’m too busy volunteering. I’m too busy trying to build my resume. I tried working out, but I don’t know if I’m doing it right . I’m too busy taking my kids to sports practices, art lessons, school, playdates, etc. I’m too busy doing the housework, shopping, cleaning and looking after the house. I have to help my kids with their homework. It’s genetics. I don’t know where to start with dieting or exercise. I don’t want to interfere with my family’s routine. I tried pilates, but I don’t know if I’m doing it right.

The padding in my bike shorts isn’t squishy enough. Once I’ve sorted out my work/life balance, I will figure out my diet and exercise. I can’t pronounce “acai.” I don’t go to the doctor unless something is clearly wrong. I’m not the greatest at taking care of myself; I’m better at taking care of other people. It’s too hard to be healthy during the holidays. The gym is boring. It’s either work or my kids that take up all my time. I don’t like the color of green juice.

Vegetables are rabbit food. I heard pizza counts as a vegetable because it has tomato sauce. My family doesn’t like vegetables. Lettuce might as well be grass clippings. I don’t like green-colored food. Kale reminds me of shrubs. It just seems like eating healthy is a trend. I can’t pronounce “quinoa.” Eating healthy just takes too much time. I can’t resist upsizing my meals. I can’t say no to ice cream on a hot day. It would be rude not to eat the cake my neighbor brought me. Bananas creep me out. I don’t feel complete without something sweet after a meal. Snacking helps pass the time. Healthy food is more expensive. Health food stores smell funny. There are no healthy restaurants in my neighborhood. Healthy foods don’t taste as good. I don’t know how to cook healthy meals. I like potato chips too much. The commute is my workout. I would exercise but it just makes me hungrier. I like fried food too much.

I like tortillas too much. I can’t start my day without doughnuts. I read that you can become addicted to working out. I can’t text and lift weights at the same time. I don’t like the music they play at gyms. I’ll wait until I make my New Year’s resolutions. The healthy section at my local supermarket is hard to find. If I go to the gym, my cats will miss me. Being super disciplined just kinda harshes my vibe. I get enough exercise through quilting. There’s way too much good TV on this season. YOLO! Going to the gym would require me to change out of my bathrobe. Eating healthy and exercising just seems vain. If I go to the gym, I’m worried people will see my regrettable tattoos. Exercising just takes too much time to organize. I don’t like people telling me what I should eat. I need my food to be fun. The world would be a better place if everyone just ate what he or she wanted. Weights are heavy. Treadmills make me feel like a gerbil. I tried working out once; it was sweaty. I don’t want to waste gas by going to the healthier supermarket. Being healthy has never been a priority. I’m too busy doing house stuff. Animals don’t need to go to the gym, so why should I? What if I miss an email at the gym? I’d rather focus my energy on model trains. Spinach might have worked for that cartoon character, but not for me. I think it’s a conspiracy to get people to eat things they don’t want to. What if I get super fit and my friends don’t recognize me? My hair is too long to exercise. I can’t be around all kinds of buff people. I think that in the future they’ll invent a pill to make everyone healthy. I don’t eat healthy while on vacation, and I always want to feel like I’m on vacation. I don’t want to shock my body. I don’t want to get all buff and then intimidate people at the beach. It just doesn’t suit my hermit lifestyle. I’m just not sure who to listen to – my stomach or my doctor. Exercising just seems so 1980s. What if I like working out too much and I lose my job? I have an addictive personality, and that would probably apply to working out too.

If we86 were supposed to eat onlyprediabetes. healthy things, how come bad food tastes so good? million Americans have Know where you stand.

I don’t like the names of healthy foods.

I have a prime parking spot at work, so why would I walk to work?

I like to leave things up to fate.

Voices

Granite Bay Gazette

A10

Friday w October 13, 2017

GAZETTE Statutory rape laws put some students at unfair risk The Granite Bay

T

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

he original purpose of SNL spearheaded the hypocrisies often the stipulations surroundinvolved in views surrounding statutory rape ing statutory rape was to by depicting in a sketch a trial being held for define what a pedophile looked a female teacher who had had a relationship The voice of the like. with a male minor.

Granite Bay Being 18 itself doesn’t hold The punchline of the sketch rested in how Gazette any psychological, biological, attractive the female teacher was and how or other meaning -- after all, unaffected the male minor remained by his people aren’t imbued with some relationship with the female teacher. magical sexual knowledge when the clock strikes 12 on Yet in contrast, when male teacher and female student their 18th birthday. relationships are exposed, these relationships are met Its purpose is to serve as an arbitrary marker to keep with significantly more backlash. people crouched outside the gate of adulthood from After all, every woman gets drilled into her head the breaking in. image of the creepy older man who’s guaranteed to ruin Yet the intent of the law seems to be overshadowed by her life and image. overzealous parents who want to persecute their chilWhat does it say about us that gender actually deterdren’s significant others. mines whether a pedophile is somehow acceptable or And, more often than not, rather than the focus actually not? being on the issue of pedophiles grooming children into Even beyond gender, sexuality can also play a role in believing that they can give consent to sexual acts, the whether adult-minor relationships are appropriate or not. focus seems to be on these significant others’ deviation In 2013, a 19-year-old Florida teen made national news from outdated tropes. when she was prosecuted for her relationship with her

Editors-in-Chief: McKenna Aram Katie Cologna Brayden Johnk Stephanie Kang Sabina Mahavni News Editor: Will Anderson Voices Editor: Samreen Siddiqui Lifestyle Editors: Megan Nimtz Reese Richmond Emily Talmi Sidney Zabell Green Screen Editors: Mackenzie Brown Logan Embree Jack Kehoe Dean Wilson Sports Editors: Jake Criscione Jack McGrail Max Schwartz Andrew Yung Social Media Editor: Megan Nimtz Illustrators: Katie Cologna Sabina Mahavni Samreen Siddiqui Photo Editors: Stephanie Kang Sabina Mahavni Staff Writers/ Photographers: Ashley Altmann Makayla Clement Spencer Cova Juan Pablo Flores Nicole Gearing Abigail Gould Isabella Hamilton Kennedy Healy May Lin Noelani Nichols Rachel Nimtz Bruce Russell Danielle Shannon

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 caseby-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.

Send Letters to the Editor to: gbgazette@yahoo.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

EDITORIAL

14-year-old girlfriend.

In many headlines, “same-sex” was often placed before “underage.”

We think it’s getting better. Just recently an 11-yearold boy went viral for rejecting the advances of an older female woman, and many of the comments surrounding the woman’s subsequent arrest centered around how repulsive her pedophilia was.

But most significantly for most of our readers, it’s still possible for high school students in a consensual relationship to face possible legal jeopardy when one of the partners turns 18, the “magic age” of adulthood.

While we fully understand the need for society to pursue genuine pedophiles and prosuecute them to the fullest extent of the law, a high school boy or girl who becomes an adult and risks prosecution for something that was much less risky when they were both minors is experiencing the wrongful exercise of power by the state.

Our advice to prosecutors and law enforcement? Go after the actual pedophiles, not young adults whose relationships are suddenly legally different just because they celebrated a birthday.

Stop using ‘like a girl’ as an insult Stereotypes aren’t reality in 2017

COMMENTARY

I

’ll never forget the time when I was 11 years old and my uncle taught me how to throw a football. “Rachel, don’t throw like a girl,” he said.

In the moment, without even thinking about it, I just acknowledged what he said and threw the ball back to him.

But in the back of my mind, I was thinking: What does that really mean? Why was my uncle telling me to not throw like a girl?

I am a girl. How am I supposed to throw? Like a boy?

Almost six years later, this vivid memory came back to me. What does it really mean to do something like a girl? Why has society designated this term as an insult?

If you were to ask teenage girls and boys what it looks like to run like a girl, they would most likely trot or jog slowly, while complaining about messing up their hair or makeup.

But their interpretations aren’t the reality of the situation.

These days, girls are running faster, throwing farther and hitting harder.

rachel nimtz rnimtz.gazette@gmail.com

There are preconceived notions that girls are less athletic and worse at sports than boys, but that is not necessarily true.

Of course there are some sports that boys are better at, because physically they are built bigger and stronger than girls.

Football is an example of this, since this sport requires a specific build in order to be knocked down countless times.

So, sadly, you can’t fight genetics. However, you can fight the fact that society puts down girls by saying they do something like a girl.

Imagine being a 7-year-old girl.

All you want to do is play baseball. But, all the boys on the team

say you hit like a girl.

Do you think that is going to make that little girl, full of hope and ambition, continue her passion of baseball? No, it’s not.

She is going to want to quit, and never play any sport ever again, for the fear of being tormented for something she has absolutely no control over.

If this vicious cycle continues, the world is going to be greatly deprived of female athletes.

Studies have shown that by the age of 14, twice as many girls than boys are dropping out of sports.

One of the reasons this is happening is because of social stigma, such as judgments from peers and simply the fear of being criticized for doing something they are truly passionate about.

If this significant of a decrease continues, then there could be an extreme increase in childhood obesity and other serious diseases due to lack of physical activity.

Not only could the absence of exercise in young girls cause a deterioration of their physical health, but their mental health as well.

The benefits of being involved in a team sport for adolescents are immeasurable.

The feeling of belonging, of being part of something bigger than

themselves is a feeling some girls might not be able to experience if they aren’t involved in a sport.

If a girl truly believes that she is good at something, soccer for example, and someone comes and tells her that she kicks like a girl, that is going to make that girl who once thought she was strong and powerful, feel weak and powerless.

That feeling of incapability, is something that is hard to get back once it is taken away.

Girls shouldn’t feel intimidated or scared to try something new.

They should instead be more motivated.

They should want to work hard and follow their dreams of being whatever it is they want to be.

So, let me ask you this. Why can’t “you run like a girl” also mean “you won the race”? *** Rachel Nimtz, a sophmore, is a Gazette staff writer

I’m a Mormon, and I wouldn’t change a thing not to do drugs, not to swear, to abstain from sex until marriage, dress modestly, not go out or spend money on Sundays, give up 10 percent of their income annually, to go on a two–year mission … you get the point.

These restrictions prohibit most of the things that many high school students would consider fun. So why am I Mormon?

It is something that means so much to me, it’s almost unexplainable.

Because in reality, being Mormon is a lifestyle. It influences the way you see the world, what decisions you make and what you think.

My religion defines me – it is who I am.

It’s through my religion that I am able to see who I really am, as well as who I want to become – a better person in general.

Having something to structure my life around, to draw upon for strength, which in turn provides me with answers to life’s simplest but most heartfelt questions, such as “what is our purpose in life?”

I can honestly say that I know why I’m here on earth and that I know what choices I should be making.

My religion is part of my identity

“Y

ou’re Mormon? So… you can’t drink coffee? Can’t hang out on Sundays? Can’t get tattoos?

Can’t wear short skirts or short-shorts?” The list goes on.

Before I even get the opportunity to answer, more questions are immediately thrown at me, sometimes leaving me with no time to give my input or help explain my religion’s beliefs.

Those FAQs are all true, however, I have a different mindset about them.

My religion isn’t “strict” or whatever people think. Rather, they are guidelines on how to truly be happy.

Therefore I don’t see it as things I can’t do, but rather things I choose not to do.

After all, everyone has their free agency to make their own choices. Yes, even Mormons.

When people discover my religious preference, they’re usually interested and surprised.

It’s hard for people to believe that somebody would willingly choose not to drink,

COMMENTARY

I feel that I can take principles from church as well as early-morning seminary and apply them to my life, allowing me to ultimately become a better person mclement.gazette@gmail.com in the process.

I choose to be a Mormon not because my family is, nor is it easy and fun.

It’s something I choose to believe and live by because I know of its truth.

People I have interacted with before have tried to tell me how “sheltered I am” for not participating in society’s activities designated as “cool.”

These type of people have tried to ridicule me for not doing certain things they do, but one of my strengths is that I don’t let their opinions affect me or my morals.

makayla clement

e

Gazett

My “restrictions” (as others view it) are actually giving me wisdom in bad situations.

They allow me to make good choices that I won’t regret later or keep me from fulfilling a bright future from wrong choices I might have made in the past.

Most of you would call it old-fashioned. I call it wisdom.

My church is based on family. Time flies so quickly in the world we live in nowadays, so I am incredibly grateful my family has set aside time to go to church together on Sundays.

Along with doing fun family activities throughout the week, and things as simple as eating dinner together every night.

I feel very blessed to be a part of my church. It is so much more than just going to church on Sunday mornings.

For me, it’s who I am. I base my whole life around the gospel because it means so much to me.

I’m a Mormon. I know it. I live it. I love it. *** Makayla Clement, a senior, is a Gazette staff writer.

Teacher: Gazette writer’s source was suspect I

'm writing regarding the article titled “GBHS community responds to a rising controversy,” detailing staff and student responses to the Charlottesville, Virginia, violence at the white supremacists/nationalist rally, written by Juan Pablo Flores.

(September issue) In the article, the author describes white nationalists chanting Nazi slogans and claims that “masked ANTIFA supporters present at the overnight removal of Confederate statues at the University of Texas last August were reportedly chanting extremist slogans including ‘death to America,’ ” and I found this claim about ANTIFA surprising because I followed these events fairly closely and never heard of it.

Upon researching, I could only find one source supporting this claim, coming from

LETTER TO THE EDITOR InfoWars, (the website) run by Alex Jones.

This media outlet has a history of unreliable, significantly biased reporting, often including outrageous and untrue claims and conspiracy theories.

If this is indeed the “report” that the author, Flores, is referencing, it is tremendously suspect in addition to being grossly embellished and exaggerated. If there is some other evidence to support the ANTIFA claim, please direct me to it.

This claim seems clearly intended to equate the Nazi chants from alt-right white nationalists with those of leftist

ANTIFA members, however to do so is tremendously misleading and leads me to question the journalistic integrity of the article.

Please let me know what the position of the author and the Gazette is on this issue.

–Andrew Phillips, science teacher The Editors respond:The Granite Bay Gazette's policy is that we do not use politically extreme right or left websites as sources because they are quite often journalistically irresponsible. In this case, however, Mr. Phillips is correct – the information he cites as questionable was first "reported" in InfoWars, a notoriously unreliable website ... and nowhere else.

We have since reviewed with our entire staff what our expectations are for the use

I

DIQU

EN SID

AMRE

tion/S illustra

of credible and responsible sources in our stories, and we've given our staff a list of sources that are NOT approved -- including InfoWars.

We are also requiring all our staffers to list their sources for all stories in their rough drafts to help us confirm that our work is based on credible sourcing.

We appreciate that Mr. Phillips took the time to bring this to our attention. His vigilance makes us more cognizant of our shortcomings and ultimately makes us into a better newspaper. We apologize for this use of an inappropriate source in our reporting.

–Gazette/GraniteBayToday.org co-editorsin-chief McKenna Aram, Katie Cologna, Brayden Johnk, Steph Kang and Sabina Mahavni

Friday, October 13, 2017

Voices A11

The Granite Bay Gazette

w

Materialism isn’t the key to happiness HEARD There is more to life than the newest, shiniest thing on the

BAY R

What is your favorite fall activity?

Playing soccer.

freshman

Sidney Barber

eading my headline, you might assume I’m one of those news-loving buzzkills who hates mainstream culture.

This includes anything from wearing Nike labels to using an iPhone and eating fast-food.

But you should know I’m in the exact same boat – I too wear name-brand apparel, use a smartphone and frequent fast-food restaurants.

Recently, however, my consumerist instincts started to fade. A lifetime obsession with name-brand clothing or a purchase of Beats headphones solely based on their logo has ended for me.

I realized people don’t care about each other’s appearances or what other people own – humans are too preoccupied being focused on themselves.

One of consumerism’s goals is to cause competition between individuals – those who have something are superior to those who don’t.

Consumer goods companies obviously support this model for profit gain. Countries encourage it for their GDP ranking and world standing.

But as ordinary people, we oblige it for our perceived happiness. And as high school students, we observe this recurring phenomena on a daily basis.

The soon to be released iPhone X, for example, isn’t just desired for its bevy of new features designed to help daily life. It is also predominantly desired so others will deem you better.

Being in the marching band.

Carson Winey Going camping, hanging out with friends and watching movies.

Wyatt Swanson It’s Game day every day!

We as consumer citizens are inclined to live our lives by this absurd dilemma.

But materialism is not necessarily a problem per se.

It’s just another facet of a capitalist society to keep humans subordinate.

John Locke validates this conjecture in his Second Treatise on Civil Government – individuals willingly enter into society to submit themselves to others; they must go along with the majority to be seen as normal.

Materialism’s complication is not rooted in the sole idea, but in its severe overuse, notably by Americans. I fear this predicament is only worsening.

Christmas Day was once a religious commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ, but now it is a direct cause of the holiday season, a period of two months with consumer spending exceeding hundreds of billions of dollars.

Many (Christian) children wake up looking forward to merely their presents on Christmas instead of why they’re even celebrating.

The lack of care for Christmas values has been ongoing for decades. But in the last 10 years, contemporary Thanksgiving has also transitioned from a holiday of the annual unification of families to the corporate driven, speedy acquisition of goods.

What was once a day of love, affection and bonding has become an insignificant 12-hour rampage through suburban shopping malls full of punches and pushes,

I

standing in the locker room. was born in the South, raised in a After all, what did Trump think he Christian family, and now hold, for the most part, conservative views. would accomplish with these tweets?

I mention this not only to give a brief Trump was asking for America to background about myself, but also to give up football, its most popular sport, attempt transparency, as transparency and for what? is, at least in my opinion, the most For some players who decide to demimportant thing to maintain when onstrate their First Amendment rights discussing controversial subjects such during the national anthem which, at as the comments President Donald most, lasts for three minutes?

Trump made about kneeling during the I know, at least for me, it takes more national anthem. than some kneeling players on the Last month, the President of the sidelines to keep me away from watchUnited States used expletives when ing football on Sundays. referring to Colin Kaepernick, the first However, I also understand the National Football League player to perspective of those who are very hurt ayung.gazette@gmail.com kneel during the national anthem. by how Kaepernick, and now many The next morning, he then proceeded others, have chosen to express their to chastise the entire NFL in a tweet, calling for fans opinions about America. to boycott the league and leave games if they saw Many people see players kneeling during the naany of the players kneeling during the anthem. tional anthem as a direct attack on the United States However, instead of stopping players from kneelflag, and all that it stands for. ing during the anthem, Trump’s tweets had the opThey see players kneeling during the national posite effect. anthem and plead for the players to get up from the At the NFL games that came hours after Trump’s ground and find another way to convey their feeltweet, almost every team demonstrated during the ings. national anthem, either kneeling, joining arms or However, the flag also stands for freedom and a

COMMENTARY

andrew yung

senior

Olivia Epperson Going to Apple Hill.

staff

Suchi Krishnaraj Compiled by Nicole Gearing

for the singular goal to save a few hundred dollars on merchandise.

Besides the consumerist aspect of materialism, the emphasis of it over topical, worldwide events is equally as damaging to our nation.

Consequential incidents such as the extreme hostility between North Korea and the United States, where millions brussell.gazette@gmail.com could be obliterated in a matter of hours, are alternatively overshadowed by lackluster, insignificant topics.

Will Kylie Jenner’s pregnancy ever seriously affect you? The answer’s no.

Instead of the quest for your next material possession to be happy, slow down and appreciate what you already have.

Material objects will not improve intelligence or happiness, nor will they be of assistance when needed most.

Your friends, family, and country – they will be there at a time of need, not the clothes on the discount rack. *** Bruce Russell, a senior, is a Gazette staff writer.

bruce russell

Football players have the right to protest

sophomore

junior

COMMENTARY

Special to the Gazette /CALEB GOMEZ

person’s First Amendment rights.

That is, the freedom of religion, the freedom of speech, the freedom of the press, the freedom of assembly and the freedom to petition the United States government for a redress or grievance.

And, although this might be controversial, I would argue it is the last point that is the most important to keep in mind, not the first.

These people who are kneeling are not doing so out of amusement, not doing so out of mischief, not doing so out of malice.

Instead, they kneel because they believe America has reached a point that forces them to protest.

They are petitioning the United States government for a grievance.

And who are we to say that they have no grievances?

It is as if we pass a person crying and say “stop crying, you are not sad, get up,” or hear a person say they need to leave for the restroom and respond “stop lying, you do not have to go to the bathroom.”

Instead, we, as those who watch them on our television screens, as those who try to understand their motives, as those who are Americans (albeit, not all of us proud), should let them be. *** Andrew Yung, a junior, is a Gazette sports editor.

World views may have tragic effects Recent natural disasters leave questions

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ne hundred years ago on October 13, 1917, a crowd of thousands of both faithful and skeptical onlookers gathered in a field near Fátima, Portugal, after three shepherd children prophesied that the Virgin Mary would appear preceding a spectacular miracle.

Following the event, local papers published testimony from many who were said to have seen the sun change colors and move erratically in the sky for about 10 minutes.

I think these accounts are not only historically true but also a warning of the gravity of sin and of the infinite justice of God. This same theme of admonition from above has apparently been renewed following a series of natural disasters and intense political developments.

For example, Mexico (a nation gripped by rampant crime and massive departures from the historically powerful Catholic Church) experienced two dev-

astating earthquakes and a destructive hurricane.

Such disasters pose a reminder for everyone about the brevity of life and impermanence of personal belongings and superficial emotions.

At least three events that caused great division and bloodshed in the Western world are experiencing anniversaries this year.

These include the Protestant Reformation in 1517, the formation of the first Grand Lodge of Freemasonry in London in 1717 and the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917.

With a large number of calamities affecting people around the world preceding the centennial anniversary of Fátima and other anniversaries of tragic turning points in the history of the Christian religion, speculators can be excused for their renewed concerns about the state of our world.

The secularism and individualism that

COMMENTARY

secular and progressive has begun to define Western society are at world where the governthe core of the issue. ment is in control (supposLiberals (both clasedly for the common good) sical and progressive) of their financial and perhave apparently created sonal lives is far from the a false dichotomy beideal. tween the evils of capiI believe that by grace, talism and socialism – good will triumph over as if these were the only evil – as not even the gates viable socioeconomic of Hell can overcome the systems.

Church in Christianity, and In both, international not even all the temporal bankers and an elite sources of power wielded ruling class possess imby the globalists can overjflores.gazette@gmail.com mense control over the come people’s inherent common people, while faith and goodwill. religion and morality are pushed into Nevertheless, we can only prepare ourobscurity. selves for whatever events are coming A resurgence of populist nationalism by taking safety precautions but also by around the world gives me hope that the abandoning immorality and by removing new world order that has been develop- our attachment to physical belongings, ing for several decades does not truly as these enslave us to a world filled with have universal support and is destined uncertainty and suffering. to fall. *** People are realizing the vision they Juan Pablo Flores, a senior, is a have been presented of a multicultural, Gazette staff writer.

juan pablo flores

Friday, October 13, 2017 w The Granite Bay Gazette

Second look

News A12

Saving lives one pint at a time Students and faculty contribute to a greater cause by donating blood

ď ˇStudents, top left, get their blood drawn. Students, middle left, eat after they’ve given blood. Senior Claire Miller, middle right, preparing to donate blood. Bottom left, is a reclining chair that the teachers and faculty rest in as they donate. The sign, bottom right, advertises the blood drive.

Bottom left, is a reclining chair that the teachers and faculty rest in as they donate.

Gazette photos by McKenna Aram

Lifestyle

Granite Bay Gazette

B Section

Friday w October 13, 2017

COMMENTARY

megan nimtz mnimtz.gazette@gmail.com

Foreign travels enlighten the outlooks for future endeavors

Get your letters of recommendation

I

would consider myself an average student, but being average these days isn’t going to cut it. People need something special about themselves in order to stand out in the eyes of a college admissions officer.

So, I took it upon myself and managed to land an internship that pertains to the specific major I want to pursue.

My boss is the founder of Coach 2 Executives and she specializes in coaching high level employees in some of the best companies in Silicon Valley.

I had the opportunity to shadow her while she trained executives on developing better presentation skills and more effective ways of communicating.

I remember when I met Jeff Vijungco, the VP of Global Talent at Adobe. I walked into the San Francisco office side by side with my boss and right off the bat, it was the most welcoming and inclusive company I have ever been at.

Jeff’s assistant treated me like an adult, not a 17 year old intern. as I walked through the colorful, vibrant halls of the enormous brick office, I saw people in an open work environment, spitting out ideas and collaborating with one another. I learned that allowing people to openly express their opinions and build off one another’s thoughts leads to the best ideas.

Jeff’s assistant led us to an auditorium where my boss was delivering a workshop called “Communicating With Impact” which was geared toward the employees in human relations within the company.

First I met a guy who was the “opening act” for my boss’s workshop. He introduced himself as a magician but I came to learn that he wasn’t a run of the mill pull a rabbit out of a hat magician, instead he played tricks with the nature of the human mind. He uses human tendencies against people in order to trick their minds into thinking about one thing while he’s actually doing something totally different.

He would guess people’s phone passwords, even though he had never met them before in his life, he would search for body cues and eye patterns in order to figure it out and he succeeded every time.I found this so intriguing.

After this encounter, I met Jeff, the VP of Global Talent at Adobe and he could not have been more friendly and inquisitive. He asked me questions about myself, not to just pass the time but to really get to know who I am and what got me, a regular high school student to be standing among some of the most powerful people in the company.

He stood there dumbfounded when I told him about where I wanted to go to college and how hard it is nowadays to get into them. He said that very few high schoolers have internships like mine and that in his eyes, that is a feature of my application that should stand out.

***

Megan Nimtz, a senior, is a Lifestyle editor.

Time constraints limit students’ ability to obtain a college application requirement

BY MEGAN NIMTZ

A

mnimtz.gazette@gmail.com

four year college application is composed of several parts that all go into a final decision of whether or not a student will get into that university.

There are so many elements that sway the admissions decision, some more important than others.

The letter of recommendation is one of the most vital parts of an application, along with SAT scores and GPA of course. “[A letter of recommendation is] a mechanism to quantify the elements of a person’s qualifications that can’t necessarily fall into a resume or other method, such as character,” said Granite Bay High School Assistant Principal Mr. McGregor..

A letter of recommendation can set one student apart from the other and often times when comparing two applicants side by side the letter of recommendation is what admits one student over another.

Sometimes obtaining a letter of recommendation from a teacher is a challenging feat and other times it’s a breeze.

“I have gotten one letter of recommendation from my counselor, Mrs.Orchard, and I have only talked to one teacher about a letter of recommendation, Mrs. Goldsmith, and they were both super cool about it,” said senior Brennan Holt.

Depending on the circumstance, some

teachers are able to write a letter in a very short amount of time while others need a month or so’s notice in advance so they can put in their best effort.

“I have gotten my letters done from Mrs. Angelone and she has been really awesome about it and got it done in like a week, she made it super laid back and not a big deal.” said senior Ashley Milne.

A constant debate among the senior class is whether or not a teacher should limit the number of letters of recommendation they write for their students when really it is up to the teachers themselves and their given situations.

“It is REALLY difficult to say no to students, but there are certainly times when the sheer quantity of letters can be overwhelming.

First and foremost, teachers are people – they have families and lives outside of school,” said McGregor. “ In a given day, a teacher will likely only have 2-3 hours of ‘on the clock’ time in which they aren’t teaching, and with well over 100 students’ worth of support, grading, lesson planning, and taking care of the ‘business’ of teaching, letters of recommendation truly end up replacing family time for many.”

However, some teachers feel differently when it comes to writing letters of recommendation.

“I do not limit the number of letters of recommendation I write because for a lot of students they may only get close to one teacher and I might be that one teacher who can write

the most personal letter,” said science teacher Ms. Goldsmith. “I don’t like adding more stress to their lives so I’m not going to tell them no.”

On the flip side, some teachers implement a restriction on the number of letters they write because it is more realistic for their situation.

“While I am dedicated to my students, I cannot dedicate an unlimited time to any given task. I must budget my time carefully,” said English teacher Mrs. McCann. “ I write between 40 to 50 letters every year so it totally makes sense to limit it. I completely understand teachers who do because they only have so much time.” Goldsmith said.

If a teacher does agree to write a letter for a student it is not guaranteed that they will finish it within a school day which is the original intention of the process.

“We only have so much time and we’re supposed to do it within a school day we don’t get paid outside of class.” Goldsmith said.

Most of the time there are a few requirements that teachers need in order to write the best letter possible.

“I filled out the personal profile on the gbhs website for my counselor and I just asked Ms. Goldsmith if she could do one for me,” said Holt.

Regardless of whether or not a teacher has restrictions there are plenty of options for students in regard to obtaining the letter they so desperately need.

“Between up to 24 teachers, 1 counselor, 1 assistant principal, various coaches and advisers, I would hope that each student has been able to make 3 or more positive relationships by senior year,” McGregor said.

Gazette illustration/ REESE RICHMOND

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Students face the compacted parking lot

Students complain about the tension and accidents that have occured since the establishment of GBHS

prior. Honks, yells, and constant road rage aren’t uncommon to be seen or heard.

“It’s dog-eat-dog, people are honking at each other, and aiting. Nearly every week day screaming at each other,” said Goodwin. from August to May, starting at Holt attributes parents, not just excluaround 2:40 p.m in the Granite sively students, to the parking lot anxiety.

Bay High School parking lot, students do “Kids are running everywhere trying to Kids are running exactly that – wait… in traffic. get to their cars fast and there’s parents everywhere trying honking at kids,” said Holt. “It gets pretty With those precious after-school minutes depleting, upperclassmen simply sit in their to get to their cars intense.” cars for the seemingly endless pool of auto- fast(...)

The question over who has the right of mobiles ahead of them to proceed. way in traffic also irritates impatient upWhile the traffic has always been frustrat- – Brennan Holt, a perclassmen drivers. ing, a recently noticeable increase of vehicles senior “There has never been a more intense to an already cluttered lot and street has led stare down over who will file into line to student speculation. next,” said senior Everett Burgess.

“There are underclassmen who’ve started driving and not The necessity to leave as soon as possible has resulted in enough parking,” GBHS said senior Sydney Goodwin.

Holt witnessing two accidents.

Senior Brennan Holt surmised the sudden increase in traf“I’ve seen kids going the wrong way in an alley and fic to a lack of physical exits. someone was backing up,” said Holt. “I’ve seen two kids “There’s only two exits in the parking lot onto one main in such a rush that they’re both backing out and hit each road,” said Holt. “That’s where everyone has to flood to all other.” at once; it’s kind of inevitable that there’ll be traffic.”

In contrast to Holt, Goodwin has not only witnessed parkThe aggressive, unfriendly atmosphere in the lot stems ing lot collisions but has actually been directly involved in them. from a precedent of the hostile attitude from several years

BY BRUCE RUSSELL

W

brussell.gazette@gmail.com

Brennan Holt “There was a girl GBHS senior parked next to me who was in such a and licensed hurry to get out that driver. A particishe turned the wrong pant in the parkway and actually hit ing lot issue. my car,” said Goodwin. “I watched her do it; she just drove away.”

With the intense rat race prevalent in the GBHS parking lot, fed up upperclassmen have devised a few solutions.

Senior Jordan Riggs, driver of a Westfalia Camper, parks in the back of the lot and rushes to her vehicle to be one of the first people out.

If traffic is overwhelming, Holt will quietly wait it out to avoid any accidents.

Burgess however, has an widely different alternative to the parking lot struggle – don’t park there.

“I’ll either park on the street or park at Feist,” said Burgess. “Feist is easier to get out of and parking on One Grizzly Way allows me to bypass much of the line.”

With much experience under their belts as seniors, these students have a few final suggestions for underclassmen who are getting their licenses.

“Park at Feist; the parking lot is extremely overwhelming, whereas Feist is kind of more mellow,” said Riggs.

Holt has an important word of caution for all new drivers.

“Don’t panic, because then you’re just going to crash,” said Holt. “You’re going to be more upset than if you would’ve gotten home five minutes later.”

inside lifestyle Random club

B2

Book of the Month

B3

Top 10

B5

TCID:BW

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ON

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IC ER

Midterms destressing

Ripple Effect Week

Halloweekend

Outlets for students to relieve tension.

Spreading kindness around campus.

B2

B3

Repercussions of a week long holiday for students.

B5

B2 Lifestyle

Friday, October 13, 2017

w The Granite Bay Gazette

Midterms results in major stress for several students Testing marks significant part in term, concerns many Grizzlies

BY ABBIE GOULD

agould2.gazette@gmail.com

O

ne thousand two hundred sixty — this is the roughly number of hours Granite Bay High School students spend in school each year.

Now that midterms have arrived, students schedules are busier and more stress-filled than ever before.

“There are so many different kinds of pressure that come from so many different avenues,” Natalie Elkin, an AP Psychology and Peer Counseling teacher said. “I know that there is obviously huge academic pressure to be successful and to go on to college.”

Many students say that their ideas of success stem from the figures of respect in their lives.

“Teen brains are wired to obey what they are told by the authority figures,” Elkin said. “In this culture, here in Granite Bay, there is a very clear formula for what success is and how to achieve it.”

Elkin said that the over-exaggerated success formula is for students to take the hardest classes they possibly can, be involved in several clubs and also perform

The use of drugs, generally prescription, is well-known to help students focus and prepare for their tests.

“We live in such a pill-popping world that there is no fear of it that there should be” Elkin said. “You don’t see people overdosing, or you don’t see people’s stomachs being pumped.”

Students say they are aware of an increase of Adderall flowing onto campus during midterms and finals week.

Adderall is used for patients diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, more commonly known as ADHD, to increase levels of attention and alertness. In recent years, however, many have started using Adderall and similar drugs to enhance focus and academic ability.

“There is so much enabling going on of (taking drugs), and there are so many prescription drugs in people’s households,” Elkin said.

In the moment, taking a drug to help perform during midterms may seem like a good idea — but such drugs can have adverse side effects. “(The brain) will compensate chemicalwise in order to balance out the abuse of

sports or band at a high level.

Junior Elliott Hyman exemplifies this formula for hopeful success. Hyman is taking six weighted classes this year, plays lacrosse, volunteers at an underprivileged school, tutors and more.

“I don’t really have time for fun because I am doing homework until the time I fall asleep,” Hyman said.

With an already chaotic schedule, the stress of midterms is not helping Hyman.

“It’s hard to balance them out when you have three to four difficult classes to study for,” Hyman said.

Senior Matt Barron is in a similar situation. Barron is juggling challenging classes, work, football and college applications.

“It forces you to really manage your time and get things done when you have free time,” Barron said.

As midterms approach, Barron is struggling to find time to prepare.

“To be honest, (I am) a little stressed out because I have football practices, and on the weekend I work, so it is kind of hard to fit in studying,” Barron said.

There are several ways to relieve stress.

the drug,” Elkin said. “It can be a crash for some people, some people get jittery – everybody’s biology is different.”

However, there are positive ways to deal with stress without the use of drugs. “(Read) a book, just sit and listen to music, maybe draw; just (do) something that is not connected to the phone,” Elkin said.

The two most important stress relievers are sleep and meditation.

“You have to get enough sleep,” Elkin said. “You have to get between seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Honestly, that is the number one thing.”

By not getting enough sleep, Gazette illustration /SIDNEY ZABELL the body’s functions are negaSome GBHS students take prescription tively impacted. drugs, such as Adderall, to improve academics.

Elkin said a lack of sleep can affect the ability to focus, them alleviate stress. concentrate, learn, remember, retrieve “I kind of use my sports as a way to information, manage emotions and comget away from homework and allow me municate effectively. to have a break in between studying and It is said that meditation is one of the school,” junior Carlee Ryder said. “ But best stress relievers because it calms the remember, your midterm grade doesn’t mind and body. reflect your high school career.”

Students also say that sports help

Staff share their former professions Several worked in different fields and chose to change career as adults

BY SIDNEY ZABELL

szabell.gazette@gmail.com

A

s many Granite Bay High School students begin to think of possible future careers, they wonder what job they would like to have for what is likely the rest of their working life.

However, many of these students own teachers previously worked in fields completely unrelated to teaching, later entering the education field.

One of such teachers is U.S. History and IB Psychology teacher Mark Broers.

Broers previously worked in business and in the insurance industry.

At age 28, he began to rethink what he would like to work in for the rest of his future.

“I did (think about being a teacher in college), but I was concerned I think too much about money and repaying college loans and being able to buy houses and kids,” Broers said. “The more I researched education, the more I realized that I could make a good living.”

Broers originally planned to work towards his master’s degree in business when he made this realization.

“I started thinking a long time about what I was going to do for the rest of my life,” Broers said. “(I) decided to go watch a friend who had been teaching and really liked what I saw… so I decided to go back and get my credential and master’s degree instead.”

Broers took out loans to pay for school, quit his job, and started working towards his path in education.

“The intrinsic rewards were some of what I was after, and it just took me a while to figure that out,” Broers said. “A lot of people are never brave enough to make a change, but I had a few friends that had changed careers and I kind of thought, ‘I bet I could do that too.’”

Broers taught at Rio Americano

High School and Oakmont High School before beginning at GBHS seven years ago. “(Working in business) gave me some good perspective,” Broers said. “I learned a lot of how to act professionally and what it's like to work in a team where you have to get results.”

Broers says he thinks he will be in education until retirement.

“I think this was the best decision I ever made,” Broers said. “(For) young people that think they might be interested in education, there's a lot of different opportunities other than teaching on a lot of different levels, and there's a lot of different ways to make a good living.”

Choices include benefits for students

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BY JACK MCGRAIL

or many high school students, especially with a family legacy of military service, the pull of the armed forces may prove too difficult to resist.

A challenge for students hoping to serve their country in the armed forces is deciding what path towards a career of service and commitment is best for them. Enlistment, the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, and military academies are considered the most popular military career paths.

Senior Brent Bartholomew is enlisting in the Navy. He signed up as a Navy Corpsman which is he says is essentially a medic.

“I plan to go ‘Greenside’, which means I get assigned to a Marine platoon and do more of a combat medic job, rather than be on a ship or hospital,” Bartholomew said.

“One of the biggest benefits of being a Navy Corpsman is the EMT certification as well as college credits that you get from training,” Bartholomew said. “Other benefits are medical training, and if you go ‘Greenside’… you get explosive and various firearm training.”

Like every other veteran, the GI Bill is applied, providing free college and USAA insurance reserved for active military personnel and veterans.

“Despite the long list of benefits, the most important reason I joined the Navy is to be apart of something bigger than yourself and serve your country as a true American,” Gazette illustration /SIDNEY ZABELL Bartholomew said. Several GBHS students hope to serve in the military.

The application process for ligence and see what jobs you can do,” Barthis, unlike military academies, tholomew said. starts off simply in order to allow most people After the ASVAB and MEPS tests are comto be eligible for selection for enlisting. The plete, you “pick your job and hope it’s available, process gets progressively harder to narrow then pick a boot camp day,” Bartholomew said. down the applicants. This is the same process as Finally, “you sign your contract and swear in.”

ROTC, where initially joining is easier, but the Bartholomew says the most strenuous part physical and mental challenges increase nearing of enlisting in the Navy is the physical fitness the end of the program. involved, and that working out every day is As far as the application process, enlisting crucial. several health requirements.

An important difference in the military acad“(You need) a medical form to make sure you are healthy, and then the ASVAB which is a big test where they basically measure your intelSee MILITARY, page B7

Random...

BY NATASHA CHANDA

Facts

nchanda.gazette@gmail.com

1. Sea otters hold hands so that they don’t drift away from one another.

2. The twitter bird actually has a name Larry.

3. A baby spider is called a spiderling.

4. Movie trailers were originally shown after the movie, which is why they are called “trailers”.

5. Polar bears can eat up to 86 penguins in a single sitting.

- Compiled by Emily Talmi

Chico State University

See STAFF, page B6

GBHS students consider the military jmcgrail.gazette@gmail.com

College of the Month

Club Club Name Medical Club Club Teacher Adviser Ms. Elkin

CHICO STATE UNIVERSITY

Location: Chico, California Mascot: Wildcats Enrollment: 16,471 undergraduates Tuition: $7,348 Student to faculty ratio: 23 to 1 Acceptance Rate: 67% - Researched by Max Schwartz

:

:

President: Isha Khullar

What inspired you to start this club?

Over summer, when I went to a Berkeley camp, they had medical professionals come in and talk to us. We got to ask them a lot of questions, so I wanted to bring that interactive moment to students here on campus for a one-on-one experience.

What is your club’s purpose?

The purpose of the Medical Club is to expose the students to the field of medicine. We have doctors and people from medical profession come in to give members a hands-on experience such as learning CPR. What is so unique about your club compared to other clubs?

We have a lot of hands on experience. Other than the volunteering, we have doctors and medical professionals coming in, as well as being eligible to get a certificate for CPR training.

- By May Lin

Student Zach Wong Gazette Photo /JAKE CRISCIONE

Gazette: What is your favorite part of GBHS? Zach: I love the spirit and environment of Granite Bay. Everyone is driven for success.

Gazette: What is your favorite time of day?

Zach: 2:25…..am. This is when I am deep in my third REM cycle of the night.

Gazette: What staff member do you look up to most at GBHS? Zach: Mr Moore. He is a great teacher and prevented me from struggling in a super hard class.

- By Jake Criscione

Friday, October 13, 2017

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The Granite Bay Gazette

Lifestyle B3

Annual Ripple Effect week leaves lasting impact Students gain new perspectives and understanding from the event

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BY BRAYDEN JOHNK

bjohnk.gazette@gmail.com

ne drop of kindness reverberates endlessly, influencing everyone, and creating a positive environment to thrive in – that’s the intended effect of Ripple Effect Week.

During the week of Sept. 18, Granite Bay High School students participated in this annual event. This year, Ripple Effect Week was combined with Breaking Down the Walls, another GBHS program aimed at creating a supportive campus.

Tamara Givens, GBHS student government advisor, noted something unusual one morning during Ripple Effect Week.

“I watched a couple of people, in particular, walk in (to Breaking Down the Walls) not really looking like they were engaged, with their heads down, and not really making eye contact,” Givens said.

Their attitudes soon altered dramatically as they became absorbed into the accepting atmosphere that the leaders and program activities created.

“By the time they made friends and our (student leaders) … sat with them and

talked to them, they walked out with their heads up, which was awesome,” Givens said.

This illustrates just one of the many positive effects the week had on GBHS students.

Ripple Effect Week has been in place since 2011, with Breaking Down the Walls and Every 15 Minutes alternating every year. This is the first year that Breaking Down the Walls and Ripple Effect Week were combined, and the synergy between the two events was apparent.

On Monday morning, GBHS students were greeted as they entered school by signs and banners with positive messages.

There were positive lunchtime activities on Monday, Thursday, and Friday, and Breaking Down the Walls occurred allday on Tuesday and Wednesday.

However, the event was forced to undergo some significant changes this year because of the new intervention period.

“Grizz time” eliminated the 10 extra minutes during second period that was utilized in the past, leaving the Ripple Effect committee of senior and ASB Presi-

If you really knew me,

you would know...

Kaitlin Cantrell

“If you really knew me, you would know I love spreading positivity.”

dent Alyssa Sewell, junior Ida Mousavi, and freshman Emma Chinn to resort to outside-of-class activities.

Unlike prior years where all classes participated in the planned activities during 2nd period, this year participation was optional and up to students to choose their level of involvement.

Student reception to the events, particularly Breaking Down the Walls, surprised many.

“The goal was 150 kids each day,” Givens said. “We had about 130 on Tuesday, and on Wednesday morning we had 45 signed up and ended up with 268 – it was Gazette illustration /SIDNEY ZABELL insane.” Ripple Effect Week allowed many students to connect more with their peers.

Breaking Down the Walls is a day to build connections and relationships and they’ve done something or had something seeing my sister cross the line when I to, figuratively, break down the walls and happen to them, joining others in similar didn’t expect it.” social barriers among the participants. situations.

According to Sewell, the program The program, lead by the creator and “It starts with ‘cross the line if you are delivered an important message to the facilitator Phil Boyte, follows the playleft handed’ and gets to things like ‘cross participants. trust-learn mindset. the line if you’ve lost a parent,’” Sewell “I think it’s really important for GBHS “The first two hours, we’re all just said. students and teenagers in general to just playing with each other and doing team One of the many purposes of this activbe kind because you never understand the building activities,” Sewell said. “And ity is to open up the eyes of students to battles that people are fighting,” Sewell then, in the second part, you start to trust stories of their peers they may have never said. one another and you start to learn about known.

Freshman Alijah Kirby initially apeach other.”

“Even my own sister crossed the line proached Ripple Effect Week and BreakOne part of Breaking Down the Walls on certain points, and I was like, ‘Are you ing Down the Walls as something new many students found emotional was the kidding me? … I live with you — we’re that was worth participating in.

“Cross the Line” activity. In it, students best friends,’” Sewell said. “So that was step across the other side of a line if the biggest thing — seeing my friends and See RIPPLE, page B7

Is there a barrier to our media?

Limits of local news are questioned by many members of community

BY NOELANI NICHOLS

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nnichols.gazette@gmail.com

n recent years, journalism seems to have gained a bad rap. There are journalists out in the world who act in such a way that is more akin to paparazzi — this is fact, the plain and simple truth.

But also worth considering is this: How was the public informed about the Charlottesville violence in August? Through which medium did the public find out about the recent and devastating Vegas shooting? When and why did Kaepernick’s silent protests become such a controversial and heavily discussed matter? What is the force that creates and encourages a platform for such needed discussion?

Many agree that the answer to these questions is also plain and simple, watered down and indisputable — journalism.

Recently, a video interview circulated depicting a Hurricane Harvey evacuee visibly distraught and appalled by a reporter’s

audacious decision to approach her and her trembling, blue-lipped son in such a time of despair.

Such footage begs a bigger, broader question: What are, if any, the limitations of journalism?

“I don’t know if there are necessarily lines that shouldn’t be crossed in the journalistic world, but I think it is situational,” Granite Bay Gazette News Editor Will Anderson said. “A great journalist is someone who understands a scenario, not only in reporting and interviewing. The journalist is able to recognize the topic he is tackling and (figure out how) to go about (it).”

“Basic ethics (and following the) unspoken rules of doing the right thing” make it so journalism is essentially boundless, Granite Bay Gazette co-editor-in-chief Katie Cologna said. “A good journalist (is) somebody who really wants to tell the truth.”

Both Anderson and Cologna established their concurrence that visibly sensitive situations must be approached empathetically to

Will Anderson Senior writer says journalists must be cautious with sensitive subjects

ensure the comfort and trust of both interviewees and the general audience.

Anderson does, however, believe there are some exceptions — instances that are blatantly wrong and to be avoided.

“Exploiting someone or misrepresenting someone” is always an indicator of ill intention, Anderson said.

Across the media and in films, journalists are widely portrayed as overwhelmingly persistent nuisances to the public. Such a portrayal has undoubtedly disturbed many honest and hard working journalists.

Mckenna Aram, co-editor-in-chief for the Granite Bay Gazette, expressed discontentment for the stereotypes attributed to journalists. “(People) group journalists with the See LIMITS, page B6

LGBTQ+ share their sexualities Students tell personal stories from coming out

Matthew Penkala

“If you really knew me, you would know that I have a twin brother.”

O

BY SAMREEN SIDDIQUI ssiddiqui.gazette@gmail.com

ctober 11, 2017 is National Coming Out Day, an event that spreads awareness about the LGBTQ+ community.

The day’s specific purpose, however, is to commemorate the process known as “coming out.”

This process represents the procedure members of the LGBTQ+ community go through in order to express their sexual or gender identities to others.

According to CBS News, 92 percent of America’s LGBTQ+ community feels more accepted today than 10 years ago. Yet, 53 percent

still feel that negative stigma exists.

Andrew Phillips, advisor of the Gay-Straight Alliance club at Granite Bay High, said views and opinions of many on the issue of “coming out” are changing in contemporary America.

“I think that it’s less of a feared event for people who come out to their family,” Phillips said. “But … it’s still an incredibly significant and … nerve racking moment in a person’s life.”

Junior Avery Mullin agreed with this idea.

“Generations are growing up to better understand what it means to be a part of the LGBTQ+ community,” Mullin said. “(They are realizing) that it’s not something that should be criticized, and that it’s something that should be accepted.”

But with discrimination still existing, the event of “coming out” to your loved ones can be nerve racking.

A study by Pew Research Center states that about 4 in 10 LGBTQ+ adults have been rejected by people in their lives due to their sexualities.

See COMING OUT, page B6

Book of the Month Joslyn Shafto

“If you really knew me, you would know I have fractured my skull.”

Title: War of the Roses: Bloodline Author: Conn Iggulden

In the third book of Conn Iggulden’s War of the Roses series, titled War of the Roses: Bloodline, a story is told straight from history itself.

King Henry VI’s queen, Margaret of Anjou, continues to rule over with her massive army containing groups from near and far. With Henry VI in jail, there is little he can do to stop her.

Continuing from where Duke Richard of York died, Bloodline includes a fantastic character cast and a telling of history as it was. The story follows a major phrase — that “two men can always claim a crown— but only one can keep it.”

The story grips the reader with the in depth telling of past history and its heavy contents.

Learning about royal bloodlines proves to be fascinating in more ways than one down to what they thought — what they wore, their game plans, who they married, their motives, and more.

Bloodline, along with the two books in the series before it, Stormbird and Margaret of Anjou, are highly recommended reads for their insight into the historic world.

Jarad Harper

“If you really knew me, you would know that I am Christian.”

- By Abbie Gould

Review:

“War of the Roses: Bloodline” cover

- Compiled by Jack Kehoe

Lifestyle B4

Friday, October 13, 2017

‘Stu Gov’ kids improve campus

w

The Granite Bay Gazette

An inside look at the lives of some of the most alturistic people at GBHS

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BY DANIELLE SHANNON dshannon.gazette@gmail.

tudent Government is an organization often overlooked by the students of Granite Bay High School. Those interested must apply to gain membership into this course –coined “Stu Gov” for short – which is taught by Tamara Givens, who is responsible for most events held at school.

The numerous participants work on everything, ranging from football games to school dances. That’s right– all of those decorations and activities you see so often at school events don’t simply appear out of nowhere.

“My favorite part about [student government] is making new friends. As a class we become super close and while we’re setting everything up you really get to know people and see the fun sides of them,” said Sarah Breilh, a granite bay high senior, who has been involved in student government for five terms.

The program was put into place when GBHS was founded and was originally directed by Linda Dickson and advised by Tamara Givens.

However, Givens soon after became the activities director.

As for the day-to-day agenda of the class, they begin with a meeting involving all of

the students and coordinators.

They then spend the remainder of the period splitting up into separate committees to plan ahead for their individual responsibilities.

“All activities at school which aren’t performing arts or athletics fall under auspices of the student government” Tamara Givens, the current activities director, said.

Most students have been involved for awhile, and enjoy their experience, however the class comes with a handful of extra responsibilities and is a weighty commitment.

“Not only was there a ton of work involved, but it was also mentally exhausting,” Mitch Tullo, a former student government member said. “Before I did student government, I didn’t notice all the work that had to be put in for dances, sports games, et cetera I now appreciate what student government does for the school more, as it added a lot to my plate when I participated in it.”

The most recent event put on by student government was Ripple Effect Week, during which the students in student government decorated numerous areas throughout the school campus.

Another event that student government is responsible for is the annual blood drive at

Used by permission/ BRIANNA NGUYEN

2017 Student Government members award the senior class with otter pops for their outstanding school spirit after the rally

GBHS. There are many members greeting and signing in those students who decide to donate, handing out t shirts and others simply ensuring that everything runs smoothly.

One of the most hectic time periods throughout the class is during Homecoming Week.

In order to successfully put on the multitude of events, a large amount of coordination must be carried out.

Floats, the dance, halftime royalty and spirit week are only a few of the duties which need to be organized.

For something as seemingly simple as hosting a dance, there is a profusion of factors which need to be taken care of behind

Student Spotlight Student shares how her senior year is going

the scenes.

These include hiring a DJ, securing facilities, designing tickets and acquiring parental help to work at doors and sell tickets.

“What the student body mostly sees are probably the decorations and the DJ, but those are only two aspects of something much bigger,” Givens said.

Other than the large events which occur periodically, Student Government also oversees projects which span the entirety of the school year.

The program strives to strengthen and build school culture through year-long activities such as Random Acts of Kindness, student recognition, and staff appreciation protocol.

On occasion, it is necessary that students work during school events as opposed to spectating however, most agree that it makes the event vastly more enjoyable when they know how much hard work they put in to make it happen.

The majority of students involved attribute their passion for student government to the many friendships they’ve created as a result of the program.

“As a class we really become super close and while we’re setting everything up you really get to know people and see the fun sides of them,” Breilh said. “Definitely try it out. Take the leap even for the first time. It’s fun, you get to meet tons of new friends and it’s super enjoyable.”

How are you liking senior year?

I’ve really loved senior year so far, it just feels like everybody is getting along and wants to have a fun final year together.

If you could give any advice to lower classmen, what might it be?

Just enjoy your time here and take every opportunity to enjoy the events and people you’re surrounded by.

Who is your favorite teacher?

Mr. Holmes is by far my favorite teacher.

What is your favorite class?

Professional Drama is my favorite class.

Gazette photo /NOELANI NICHOLS

Katie Hunter - Compiled by Noelani Nichols

Rationalizing superstitions Students (club) rush to sign up Are common Halloween myths more than just faulty perceptions or are they legitimate?

BY BELLA HAMILTON

bhamilton.gazette@gmail.com

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uperstitions – they’ve been here for thousands of years and make halloween what it is today.

Students at Granite Bay High School share the belief that there are many different superstitions that arise around halloween time that can affect the way we live our lives and make us go out of our way to avoid bad luck.

“I believe that people are superstitious because they need something to blame for bad luck,” Michael Spearin, a gbhs senior, said.

Halloween, formerly known as “all hallow’s eve”, is a long celebrated day surrounded by mystery and tradition.

All around the world, there are many ways that different countries celebrate the holiday.

“Halloween is my favorite holiday.

I love being able to dress up and go out all night once a year,” Katrina Skrbec, a gbhs junior, said.

The Halloween we celebrate today has traditions adopted from when the celts and pilgrims celebrated the end of summer and beginning of the harvest season and dressing up to please the spirits that wander the earth on Oct.31. “[superstitions] may seem to be bad luck, but to me it seems like a coincidence.” Shea smith, a gbhs junior, said.

Halloween is a time of year when specific superstitions such as witches, broomsticks, jack o lanterns and

black cats become more prevalent in our everyday lives.

Superstitions stem from many myths and legends from all around the world.

Black cats are a classic halloween superstition - this notion began in the dark ages when people began to affiliate black cats with dark magic and witches. If a black cat walks towards you today, it signifies bad luck, and if the black cat walks away from you, it signifies good luck.

“I don’t believe in the black cats superstition, I believe that all cats are good luck,” Skrbec said.

Another superstition that many people believe in is the superstition of jack o lanterns.

Hundreds of years ago, there was a legend that if you left a pumpkin with a light in it on your porch, it

would ward off evil spirits and a wandering spirit named jack from coming into your home.

“Jack o lantern carving is something I do with my family every year. It’s a family tradition,” Spearin said.

There are other people on the GBHS campus that don’t believe in superstitions, however.

“People who are superstitious also have a different mindset,” Smith said. “Like things aren’t going to be okay.”

Superstitions are a great tradition that keep the halloween spirit alive and add mystery and suspense to the already spooky time of year.

“There are not a lot of supernatural or paranormal things I believe in,” Smith said. “But some things can’t be explained by coincidence.”

Gazette Illustration/ SABINA MAHAVNI

During Halloween a man is surrounded by notorious superstitions

The annual tradition remains a favorite event among many students

“Honestly, when it comes to college, it’s the main goal of many students in our school. We’re all pressured to go to college, who isn’t? It’s the stepping stone going from high school to having a job in the future.” Kavana Gonur, President of the Science Olympiad Club, said.

Gonur is busy with her third year of high school as a junior but had the inspiration to start her own club

BY MAY LIN mlin.gazette@gmail.com despite her tight schedule.

“The thing that’s most conflicting for me is speech t’s that time of year again where everybody gets and debate, which I have been a part of since sophotogether to enjoy one lunch as well as explore more year,” Gonur said. all the clubs scattered around campus that our “But I wanted to keep going with Science Olympiad Granite Bay High school students have to offer. because it’s a place that offers great opportunities in There are clubs that have been stationed at GBHS since day one and some that just got recently estabwhich I can be successful at… There are more options lished for the 2017-2018 school year. than just focusing on college when it comes to the “We usually have around 60+/- clubs, so there was advantages of (creating a club)… it helps me focus no significant increase or decrease over the past few on where I want to go with my passion (for Science years,” Tamera Givens, Activities Director, said. “(We) Olympiad).” make posters for each club. This year, (we) invited However, don’t let the neat tables, organized clubs to make their own posters, which many did, and booths, engaging posters and appealing flyers fool you. published a club list. (We) did the club map electroniThe deceptive appearance is backed up with hours of cally this year, which was new.” work and continuous planning, as well Each club has their own unique as battling conflicts along the way. identity, but there is one common Gonur personally experienced this word that is repeated over and over for herself. again amongst them – “college.”

“I saw all these people receiving letThis raises the concern that many Clubs do look ters of acceptance for their clubs and people are just starting clubs to good on college a week before club rush, I realized I make their college resume look didn’t receive a single letter,”Gonur applications. good.

“Clubs do look good on college said. “They said my club was rejected applications,” Navya Kompella, because my club treasurer wouldn’t founder of the Girls Who Code sign the charter. I was frustrated – Navya Kompella, a GBHS Club, said. “But some people start because I needed to find a treasurer in sophomore making meaningless clubs to put that one day. At the end, we were able on their applications and they don’t to persuade our (current) treasurer to really do anything; there’s no real step up.” purpose to it.”

In the end, it was Gonur’s inspiraThis is because extracurricular tion and big heart that saved the club’s activity involvement in schools admission as she hoped to empower (Science Olymdo affect college acceptances and the college board piad) within everyone on the campus and not just do it specifically looks for examples of leadership to help for college. distinguish students when applying.

“I want to create a place where people can feel like Clubs tend to use that reason when attracting memthey belong and somewhere where foster their ideas bers because they know that many students share the for science, helping them grow into successful people same desire to increase their chances of getting into a in the future.” good college.

I

Friday, October 13, 2017

Is Halloweekend wreaking havoc?

GBHS students reflect on annual, week-long activity in community

BY KENNEDY HEALY

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khealy.gazette@gmail.com

alloween is the day that many children wait the whole year for.

There is something so intriguing about dressing up like someone or something different from yourself.

Picking out a costume and running around with friends, on a school night nonetheless, makes Halloween one of the most sought after experiences in our culture for children.

Now we’re in high school and Halloween still comes around every year. What’s different about it? Well, for starters it’s no longer celebrated only on October 31st.

Teens now use the whole weekend to celebrate the holiday.

Unfortunately the motives are not so innocent anymore. Instead of getting ready to go out for a silly night with your friend, while your parents follow behind with a reasonable distance, partying has become the number one priority for Halloween.

Lainie Kastner, a senior at Granite Bay High school, enjoys going to pumpkin patches and watching scary movies, but believes that Halloweekend is an excuse for teens to party.

“I think many teens take advantage of the ‘holiday’ and go out with their friends,” Kastner said.

Senior Kyle Sisco, had very similar feelings to Kastner on the subject of Halloweekend.

“Although I do not participate, Halloweekend has given teens a reason to party and let loose more so than normal weekends,”Sisco said.

Similarly, Allyse Zimmerman, a senior, agrees students are taking advantage of the holiday.

“We (teens) turn everything into an excuse to party. It’s a good time!” Zimmerman said.

Sadly, now that we are teens, we aren’t as worried about unwrapped candy and walking up to scary looking houses. We now have to worry about things like drunk drivers during Halloweekend.

A very prominent concern with Halloweekend is the abundance drunk driving that occurs.

Students are warning others to stay safe.

Gazette illustration /MEGAN NIMTZ “Watch out for drunk drivers and Repercussions of certain activites during Halloweekend include alcohol alcohol poisoning.” Sisco said. society. Not only are teens partying for a to be a good example for the youth.

Many other students also feel very whole weekend in the name of Hal“Kids should still be going out and wary about the safety of Halloween. loween, they are showing the younger Trick-or-Treating, instead of trying to be “Drunk driving is a hazard, and (peogeneration that it’s okay to do this. a part of the Halloweekend environment ple) put themselves and others at risk.”

“They probably should start celebratthat has been created by teens,” Sisco Finally, many other students at GBHS ing it at like 15 or 16 years old, but they said. have methods to ensure safety. probably start celebrating it at 12,” ZimAs notorious as Halloweekend has “Stay together,” Zimmerman said. merman said. become, there are many other ways to It seems as though this issue is beginIn addition, Tribe Leader Sisco aspires enjoy the holiday in a very safe way. ning to have a significant impact on our

Previewing Homecoming

New themes bring excitement

BY RACHEL NIMTZ

rnimtz.gazette@gmail.com

W

Lifestyle

w The Granite Bay Gazette

ith homecoming right around the corner, the anticipation is building.

With this year’s theme, “Grizzly Land, Where Dreams Come True,” the spirit and excitement is expected to be higher than ever.

Sophomore Float Commissioner Olivia Thompson believes this year is going to be a lot more spirited and lively.

“Disneyland is something you can dress up for more than last year’s theme (Olympics),” Thompson said.

Despite being a theme option for multiple homecomings, this is only the second time DisneyLand has been chosen for a theme.

“This year, the decorations are likely going to stay up all week,” Thompson said. “Also, more people are probably going to have more clothes and things related to DisneyLand that they can bring.”

Each class goes to pick a “land” from DisneyLand in which they will design their floats around.

“The Freshman are Adventureland, the Sophomores are New Orleans Square, the Juniors are Fantasyland and the Seniors are Cars Land,” Thompson said.

With the class of 2020’s shocking win last year, Thompson hopes to take home first prize again this year.

“I think we can win again because especially after winning the first time, people are more

encouraged and eager to help,” Thompson said.

Junior Floats Commissioner Brayden Schauer says that the class of 2019 is stepping up their game this year.

“We are definitely going to give it our all to break the losing streak this year,” Schauer said.

With last years 4th place title, Schauer is determined to place higher this year.

“We have innovative ideas for our float and are trying to involve as many kids as possible,” Schauer said.

Schauer says the class of 2021 should look forward to their first homecoming.

“The class of 2021 should expect a super fun and memorable first homecoming,” Schauer said.

“They will have lots of events and activities to enjoy throughout the week.”

Schauer believes the Freshman should not miss out on the bonfire.

“The freshmen should definitely go to their first bonfire rally!”

Schauer said. “It’s such a fun experience to see the bonfire and hang out with all of your friends.”

Student Government teacher Tamara Givens says that this homecoming is going to be especially fun.

“We are planning to decorate the whole school for the Disneyland theme, and have music playing, people dressed up like characters at lunch... bringing Disney magic to our campus,” Givens said.

Stereotypes affect all

The labels people put on others prove to not necessarily apply to everyone

BY MAY LIN

mlin.gazette@gmail.com

A

ll Americans are lazy and fat. All Asians are smart and good at math. All black people excel in sports. All blondes are oblivious and dumb.

Stereotypes. We’ve all been through them one way or another, either making stereotypes about other people or getting affected by a stereotype made about you. However, as far as stereotypes go, the truth behind each one has a certain extent and if it goes beyond that line, wrong accusations can be made. These misconceptions often lead people and societies to think of a stereotype in a detrimental way.

Leanna Neal, a sophomore at Granite Bay High school, has been dedicated to band since 7th grade. Along with the dedication came sacrifices: Hundreds of hours of practice, skipping school dances and sleep deprivation are only a few examples.

“Band people are very dedicated. We go to every football game, we practice on Mondays for 3 hours and 9 hours on Saturdays. Personal practice ranges from 30 min. to an hour,” Neal said. “But, despite our hard work, there are still stereotypes out there

against us about band people being socially awkward, weird and geeky.”

Typically, hard work and dedication should be looked positively upon. The band room holds plenty of awards and trophies to display the student’s past efforts but along with these great achievements came false assumptions.

“Band is known for being a very hardworking group,” Neal said. “In my belief, because we put so much time and passion into our music, we’re very secluded from other activities. This directs people to believe that we don’t go out often and that we don’t have a life outside of band.”

However, even though band does take a sufficient amount of time out of their day, there are people who manage other curriculums and still participate in band.

“Most band kids are normal. I remember last year, one of the kids played football and another girl did cheerleading along with band,” Neal said. “It’s not like you’re part of one thing and only focused on that subject.”

There’s no direct source on how these traits came to be for band students but it’s for certain that these stereotypes

Your achievements will be greater than the stereotypes assumed about you.

B5

TOP

Dog Breeds To Own In California Standard Poodle

Golden Retriever

Chihuahua

Boxer

Maltese

– Peyton Zimmerman, GBHS sophmore

don’t necessarily apply to everyone.

The same opinion is held by a former band student, Kira Wallquist.

“We don’t constantly work and there are people who do other activities (besides band). We aren’t all antisocial as we do have friends outside of band.” Wallquist said.

“I’m prideful when saying ‘I do band’ because I’m committed to these long hours of hard work but it (also) lowers my self-esteem a little because you’re putting yourself in a position to get stereotyped. People don’t know the full extent of what’s happening or what we band kids do

Shih Tzu

Yorkshire Terrier

See STEREOTYPES, page B6

Chihuahua

How to: Find The Perfect Pumpkin 1) Find the perfect pumpkin patch- Bishops, Apple Hill etc.

Pitbull

2) Know what color pumpkin you want and decide what size is right for you.

3) Look at all the pumpkins you possibly can.

Gazette illustration/ HANNAH XU

4) Pick the one that catches your eye!

Labrador Retriever

5) Buy it.

- Compiled by Abbie Gould

- Compiled by Ashley Altmann

Friday, October 13, 2017

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The Granite Bay Gazette

Lifestyle B6

STAFF: Many switched from past careers Continued from page B2 Chemistry and IB Biology teacher Elizabeth Henderson worked as a lab technician before becoming a teacher.

“I enjoyed being at the lab bench and doing science, running experiments, and assisting graduate students with their work, and I thought that I would be in the lab long term,” Henderson said in an email. “I was into nutrition science research and I wanted to study the effects of diet on treatment of disease.”

Henderson’s grandmother worked as a kindergarten teacher and truly loved her work.

“I admired how much she enjoyed her work,” Henderson said.

“When I was in high school, I had considered becoming a teacher because I really appreciated and respected the teachers I had, and I loved the idea of giving back what they had given me.”

This idea of a possible career was eventually pushed aside by Henderson.

“I was encouraged to pursue a different career that would pay more and to do something ‘more prestigious’ than ‘just teach’,” Henderson said. “After graduating UCD with my degree in nutri-

tion science and doing several internships in nutrition dietetics and public health agencies, I was starting to wonder if I liked working in the food service settings of hospital.”

As Henderson questioned her career, she realized she didn’t feel inspired by her work and the levels of stress that came along with it.

Henderson knew a science teacher who was taking a sabbatical, and was looking for a temporary substitute teacher to fill their position. After discussing it with her uncle, a substitute teacher, Henderson decided to start the process to get her substitute teaching credential.

“I had so much fun teaching chemistry and interacting with students,” Henderson said. “I was hooked, and went back to school to become a teacher!”

It took Henderson two years for her teaching credential and an additional two years for her master’s degree.

“I have no regrets – all that experience and training has given me a unique background that has informed how I teach the next generation of scientists,” Henderson said. “I really appreciate how important it is to encourage more

students to pursue STEM careers as there has been a long ongoing shortage of our students that go into the sciences.”

Spanish teacher Ben Soper lived in Spain for part of his college years, later living in Japan for several months.

“I had no intention of ever being a teacher until later on and it then became a good choice for me,” Soper said. “I was very interested in language and Japan is a great country, and I just wanted to see what it was like.”

In Japan, Soper worked teaching English and Spanish to students.

“Being in a situation where you can’t function in the language is very difficult,” Soper said.

“It makes you understand what people go through in your classroom when you know absolutely nothing.”

Many agree that while teaching is a challenging profession, it is very rewarding.

“I think there’s a bright future in (education),” Broers said. “If people want a job with a lot of intrinsic rewards and you can relate well to people and have an interest in researching different subjects, I think teaching and educations a great way to go.”

LIMITS: Media’s validity is questioned Continued from page B3

paparazzi and they associate all journalists with that bad (reputation),” Aram said. “Whether it’s people from The New York Times or Buzzfeed, they put them in the same category.”

Furthermore, the recent political sphere has drastically affected the public’s perspective on journalism — specifically by way of the recent notoriously controversial “fake news movement.”

“I think a big problem today with news sources is that people only listen to what they want to hear and it just enables their views more,” Cologna said.

“MSNBC (and) Fox News are polar opposites, (and) I don’t really look at (them) as (places) of true journalism. (They aren’t) unveiling new things or challenging your thoughts, (they’re) just enabling them.”

Aram voiced that “good” journalism is honest and not written to appease the public’s pre-existing beliefs.

“Journalists are actually getting the real story out there, and a lot of the time it’s not pretty. It may not be what Trump or other politicians want to hear and that’s prob-

ably why the stigma surrounding (that) might contradict what (journalism) exists,” Aram said. people want to hear,” Cologna The term “fake news” itself is said. not easily defined, further height“What circulates a lot of the ening the time is the complexity most extreme of the issue. of things — “I think either the very I think a big problem to- best or the there is such a thing as day with news sources very worst,” ‘fake news’, said. is that people only lis- Anderson I just don’t Releasthink it’s ten to what they want to ing extreme being used hear and it just enables content is in the right conducive their views more. context,” to backlash Cologna and increased said. “Fake – Katie Cologna, GBHS senior dissonance news is inacamong the and Gazette co-editor-in-chief curacy — public. something But Aram like plagiasays that good rism.” journalists are Still, aware of the journalists implications do not have and magnitude of the difficult complete control over what is situations they place themselves published. Feedback of an article in and correspondingly should is gauged by public response and be praised for “actually taking reaction. that initiative to go and interview Most probable to gain popularthose people in those hard situaity is polarized news, thus the tions.” influx of radical publications.

Cologna is in agreement with “What (journalists) are being Aram in that journalists deserve ridiculed for are main stories the utmost respect for “telling the

COMING OUT: Students hope to have a world of more acceptance for LGBTQ+ Continued from page B3

The experience of “coming out” is different for everyone, however, including freshman Claire Doran.

“The first time I was (talking about how I might be gay), my mom said, ‘I don’t have time to talk about this right now,’ and we didn’t talk about it for a year,” Doran said. “The entire year, I was biting my nails.”

Doran said she was nervous because her mom was very religious when she was younger.

“When it actually did happen, it was fine,” Doran said. “(My parents) were really accepting of me, and I think that I was really fortunate to have that experience.”

When she came out to her friends, Claire had a slightly different experience.

“I regret telling one guy because he told the entire class, and that wasn’t good for me,” Doran said. “I didn’t get to make an impression on how I could come out.”

Doran received a few rude text messages after her classmates learned of her sexual identity.

“I honestly wouldn’t have told them I was gay otherwise, but I would rather … know how they feel rather than me just not knowing forever.”

For sophomore Blayke Wilkerson, it was easier to come out to friends than family.

“I came out to my friends before I came out to my parents because I knew (my friends) were accepting of it,” Wilkerson said. “When it came to me being pansexual, I got really positive results.”

Wilkerson mentioned how a few friends questioned so (coming out) slowly started with one friend,” Miller said. “After that, every time you tell one it, but they eventually supported the decision. friend and you get a positive response, you kind of “When it came to me being non-binary … some start to come out to people faster.” of (my friends) are still getting used to pronouns She went on to explain the value of trust when it because I go by ‘they/them,’ so it’s a difficult change comes to telling people about your sexuality. from ‘she/her,’ ” Wilkerson said. “When it came to “If you’re a person like me parents, my mom and my sister are (where) the friends that you choose completely accepting and I’m very … care about you, it’s easier,” grateful for that. My dad is accepting with my sexuality, but my genMiller said. “Your friends who are der is a different thing that my dad really your friends are going to love I feel like being doesn’t really (understand). He’s (no matter what). You just have educated is one of you not against it, but he just doesn’t to pick your friends correctly. … It’s the most important a scary thing though, because you understand the way I feel.”

Senior Tori Miller is always open think you are going to be rejected by things that you to share her sexuality and story. the people that are your peers and could do to help the people that you care about.”

“My parents knew something was up,” Miller said. “I was acting out the community. In order to express their support different and talking about girls a and stories to GBHS, a few members of the GSA filmed a video for lot, so my mom kind of egged me – Blayke Wilkerson, GBHS National Coming Out Day. to tell her. She was fine with it, sophomore President of the GSA club Justise (and) she accepted it.”

Wattree had a few ideas in mind “My dad is really religious, so I while planning the video. was kind of afraid of telling him.

“I want to reach more kids in the He was the last person in my family that I told, but he has changed now, I guess. He closet,” Wattree said. “I thought it would be really still loves me and accepts me, but there were some cool to do (the video) because then these kids in the comments that he made that came off as really bad. closet could see how it is to be an openly gay person But I’m accepted in my family.” on this campus or openly trans person or openly When it comes to telling friends, Miller has a few bisexual person.” tips to ease the process.

Senior Pierce Van Fleet-Koger also participated in “I realized I was gay when I was in eighth grade, the video.

“I’m a supporter,” Van Fleet-Koger said. “I wouldn’t say I’m gay, but I wouldn’t say I’m not (gay).”

Van Fleet-Koger also went on to discuss how others not Justise Wattree involved Senior is president in the of GBHS’s GSA video can club, hopes to support the reach more stuLGBTQ+ commudents in the closet nity.

“We should just treat (members of the LGBTQ+ community) … as any other straight people,” Van Fleet-Koger said. “They aren’t any different. They just … want to be with (a different gender from the norm) instead.”

Wilkerson also expressed ways to show support.

“I feel like being educated is one of the most important things that you could do to help out the community,” Wilkerson said. “Just be understanding of people and accept them and just let them live their lives.”

Coming out to your family, friends, and peers can be an emotional event, so Miller said people should focus on the ideas of respect and acceptance.

“I like being the most openly gay person at the school,” Miller said. “I wear rainbows around school. I wear hats that say that ‘I like girls’ around school.”

STEREOTYPES: Society may put labels on people with little reason behind it Continued from page B5 do, so they should learn more about us before judging. Honestly, don’t take them seriously because if you’re doing something you like, it shouldn’t matter of what other people say.”

Stereotypes don’t just run among band kids however. There’s been consistent attempts to percept GBHS as a rich school and all the students attending it has everything handed to them on a platter.

“I’ve heard that a lot of GBHS has a lot of caucasians and the kids are rude, entitled and well off,” a female from a high school in the San Juan district said. “And it’s human nature to see things and

generalize them. There’s a generalization that comes with almost any subject of demographic.”

Events like football games, when we played against Del Oro high school, students called it the ‘Rich Out’ because we have the view that GBHS is the rich school and Del Oro is the farm school. Ironically, this reinforces the idea that every student on GBHS is rich and that we’re abusing our privileges.

“I feel like people have this expectation that everyone (here) can afford expensive clothes, luxuries and easy transportation.” Peyton Zimmerman, a sophomore at GBHS, said. “(Whereas), for me, transportation is difficult because I can’t afford to live near here

because it’s too expensive. A lot of these stereotypes don’t apply to me.”

The theme from these stereotypes can bring false assumptions for the students who can’t relate and have struggles getting by. Most of the students here work pretty hard and it’s an insult to assume money has anything to do with it.

“I suggest to have the mindset that you, yourself, are not rich but it’s actually your parents supporting you with their money,” Zimmerman said. “As long as you work hard and try to succeed to the best of your ability, in the future, your achievements will be greater than the stereotypes assumed about you.’’

Be more than a shadow

Friday, October 13, 2017

w

The Granite Bay Gazette

Lifestyle B7

Tough times raise questions to the police force There are many struggles in light of recent local events

BY MAKAYLA CLEMENT

T

mclement.gazette@gmail.com

he largest shooting recorded in modern American History – the Las Vegas massacre – recently shook America to its core.

President Trump declared this an act of “pure evil.”

Many would say it takes a certain type of person to willingly put their life on the line to protect a complete stranger in the middle of a devastating scenario, knowing their own life is in the midst of great danger.

All know of the innocent lives lost on the heartbreaking day of Sept. 11, 2001.

While honoring and remembering the innocent people who lost their lives, we also cherish and admire the heroic acts of the police and firemen that day.

Granite Bay and its surrounding areas receive a great amount of protection from its police force.

Senior Melia Stout explained the demanding situations law enforcement has to put themselves in in order to ensure the safety of the community.

“My dad is a California Highway Patrol Officer and his profession scares

me sometimes because I know of all the violence and hate going on in the world.

It’s scary because I know how dangerous his job can be,” Stout said. “I don’t think a lot of people realize how much they do all over the state.”

Stout said that if there is ever a natural disaster or a terrorism attack, law enforcement officers are in charge of dispatching officers where they are needed.

“They don’t just help out locally, but internationally too.” Stout said.

Many citizens support and recognize those who have sacrificed themselves for the public’s safety.

Officer Matt Janney of the Roseville Police Department shared his experience of the funeral performed in honor of Deputy Robert French, who passed away in a Sacramento shooting last month.

“The funeral was very well attended with officers from around the country, including New York and England,” Matt Jenney said. “What is important to me, and probably Deputy French’s family, is the support shown by the community when the street is lined with people showing their respects.”

Many people across the nation show support for those who have sacrificed themselves for the safety of our behalf.

“I was at a funeral last year in Modesto for another deputy who was very well known and liked in the community, and people were the same down

It’s scary because I know how dangerous his job can be.

– Melia Stout, GBHS Senior

there and showed a lot of respect for that deputy and for law enforcement.” Matt Janney said.

Some believe that many people are

Breaking Down the Walls Events inspires students to have empathy for their peers

S

BY SPENCER COVA

scova.gazette@gmail.com

ome high school students across the nation feel they are generally limited by cliques, stereotypes and labels.

Although the culture at Granite Bay High School is healthier than most, many of our students say they suffer from the same limitations.

“Everyone has their own groups,” senior ASB president and Breaking Down the Walls commissioner Alyssa Sewell said. “Granite Bay isn’t really a big open campus where each student feels comfortable walking up to different kids.”

Breaking Down the Walls is a program designed to unify and empower students to create a more positive culture on campus.

GBHS had the honor of hosting Breaking Down the Walls founder Phil Boyte as its guest speaker.

Boyte has spent over 20 years visiting schools around the country, inspiring students to create a supportive climate with their peers.

Boyte has even written a book, titled School Culture By Design.

Over Sept. 19 and 20, GBHS invited over 375 students from different grades, backgrounds and social groups to spend a day away from classes to encourage a positive change in the school culture. “(It was a) life changing experience,” junior and Breaking Down the Walls leader Chloe Ralli said.

“Breaking Down the walls goes by a three step process, which is (to) play, trust and learn,” Boyte said.

For the first few hours of the day, students participated in fun activities together and shared laughs with people they didn’t know well or

haven’t seen before.

“It didn’t matter what group you were from or who you were friends with,” junior and Breaking Down the Walls attendee Sydney Herrenschmidt said. “You could talk to anyone there.”

After getting early jitters out, students broke into groups of 8 to 12 led by trained student leaders. In these small groups, students were able to start Boyte’s second step — building trust.

“I loved sitting up on the top of the bleachers with Phil (and) watching students seek out shy people and connect with them,” Student Government teacher Tamara Givens said. “It was impactful to have 268 kids show up (on Wed.) when there were only 45 people signed up that morning.”

After opening up about personal topics with their groups, students were invited back into one large group to participate in an activity called “cross the line”.

In this activity, students and faculty gather in a line across the gym and the speaker asks hard-hitting questions. If a question applies to someone, they walk across the line, joining their peers dealing with similar things.

“My favorite activity we did was ‘cross the line’ because it was super impactful to see all these students cross over the line for different situations and circumstances that I never would have guessed,” Sewell said. “People that I’ve known my entire life, even my sister, crossed for things I didn’t know she was going through.”

Many questions shocked students who participated.

“It was really eye opening,” Ralli said.

Students and faculty then returned to their small groups, many with a lump in their throat and tears in their eyes, and were able to share things previously hidden from their closest friends.

To finish the day, groups joined together a final time to share “heart touching” acknowledgements and apologies with their peers.

“The acknowledgements and apologies made a big impact,” Ralli said.

At the conclusion of the day, many students who attended Breaking Down the Walls walked out the doors feeling united with one another.

“They’re not alone in their circumstances,” Sewell said. “(This) school is a place for people to support each other and be there for each other.”

Breaking Down the Walls was impactful and eye opening to many students involved – but did it truly change the climate and culture at GBHS? “It all starts with smiling and saying hi to each other in the hallways,” Boyte said.

Students on campus did just that.

“Just a week after (Breaking Down the Walls), I definitely think it has changed the culture,” Sewell said. ”I saw kids randomly hugging each other (and) people from the same small groups waving at each other and saying hi.”

Many conclude that it is up to students to maintain the positive environment created by Breaking Down the Walls. ”Nobody wants a school culture where there is hate, bitterness and inequality, but people inadvertently do things that create negativity,” Givens said. “Watching kids getting excited about creating a positive culture is inspiring.”

naive to what families of service men have to face every day.

“I worried on specific instances when I knew he was called out during his 15 years on the SWAT Team, and would hold my breath until I received the call from him that all was well and he was on his way home.” Marissa Janney, Officer Janney’s wife said.

In the recent chaos America has been experiencing, immediate family members have been increasingly stressed.

“My prayers for his safety and thankfulness when he arrives home have been stronger and more often…

Every time that I hear a siren or know of an incident that he’s involved in, it literally stops me in my tracks, and I worry until I know he is fine.” Marissa Janney said.

“What or who I don’t trust are those (especially today) who have a total disregard for the law or law enforcement, those who are not contributors to society but have a sense of entitlement, those who are drug addicts or mentally ill and can’t (or) won’t get help, and those who specifically set out to disrespect or harm law enforcement officers.” Marissa Janney said.

Gazette illustration /SIDNEY ZABELL

RIPPLE: Annual event inspires many

Continued from page B3 “I went to Breaking Down the Walls because, for me, I was a little bit depressed about some stuff so I wanted to see if that would help me,” Kirby said.

What he received was far more than what he initially expected.

“Breaking Down the Walls felt like it lifted a lot of weight that I have been carrying with me since I was little,” Kirby said. “I wouldn’t change anything about this.”

Breaking Down the Walls not only had a great impact on Kirby, but also on senior Shianne Dingeman, who assumed a leadership role in the program.

“As a small group leader, we were there for all the other participants to have someone that they could talk to and to have someone that they could trust,” Dingeman said.

“With the theme of ‘Together We Grow,’ it is important that everyone understands… what’s going on in people’s lives… (and) that everyone gets a little bit of insight,” Dingeman said. “So they know to be kind.”

Dingeman also created the Ripple Effect Week

video featuring the heartfelt stories of four GBHS students.

“I think filming the stories had a big impact on me,” Dingeman said. “It just made me have a greater realization that everyone is going through something and that you can relate — even though they may act like nothing ever happened.”

Junior James Ellis also participated in Breaking Down the Walls as a small group leader.

“I wanted to give back to the program that helped me out so much,” Ellis said.

Ellis, who was personally impacted by participating in Breaking Down the Walls two years ago as a freshman, was still moved the second time.

“It’s really cool that not only were we able to be so comfortable with each other in a short amount of time, but you could learn from each other’s differences,” Ellis said. “It was amazing.”

Ripple Effect Week and Breaking Down the Walls, aimed at creating a more positive, accepting and understanding school culture, emphasize that a little kindness goes a long way.

“No matter what shape, size or difference,” Ellis said, “you always have to be positive and kind.”

Continued from page B2

a graduaBrent tion class Bartholomew of approxiGBHS senior mately 1,000 plans to enlist as students each Navy as a Navy year for the Air Force, Corpsman.

Naval, and West Point Academies, and less than 300 students graduate the Coast Guard and Merchant Marine Academies. One benefit of the small class size and challenging military lifestyle is the “tight, lifelong bond created with your peers” Shah said.

Teri Keeney, who works in the College and Career Center, offers some insight into the military paths taken by students at GBHS. “The career path chosen by students interested in the military depends on the interest of the students,” Keeney said. “Enlisting is difficult, but a good way to join the military quickly, while students that are more focused on academics usually go for the academies because of their want for a good education.”

MILITARY: Students consider options

admitted starts off extremely tough because of the incentive of free college tuition, and selection criteria is much more advanced with emphasis on leadership and character.

Junior Akhil Shah plans to apply to the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs and West Point Academy in New York.

Shah heard of the several benefits of USAFA, and saw it as a possible option for his future. “(It’s) fully paid for tuition, medical and dental benefits for you and your future family, and a top tier education,” Shah said. “I had to consider it as a viable option for college and becoming a pilot.”

The military academies are generally much more competitive than enlisting or going through the ROTC program. The USAFA, for example, admits about only 11 percent of its total applicants, with approximately a 3.8 unweighted GPA and an average of a 1370 SAT score.

The application process also requires a Congressional Nomination that constitutes their own applications and essays before an application can even be submitted to the academy itself.

The tough acceptance requirements result in

National Park of the Month Sequoia National Park

• Established on September 25, 1890 as the second national park in the U.S., and was created to protect the park’s giant trees.

• Contains over 38 groves of Giant Sequoias and the largest tree in the world by volume– the General Sherman Tree.

• Encompasses the west slope of Mount Whitney, the tallest mountain in the contiguous United States.

• Includes over 850 miles of hiking trails along with a 78-mile stretch of the Pacific Crest Trail • Had more than 1.25 million people visit the park in 2016, breaking the old record of 1.14 million in 1987

Gazette photos /BRAYDEN JOHNK

Towering sequoia trees, sprawling mountain ranges, and beautiful mule deer are all found in Sequoia National Park, providing breathtaking views to tourists and hikers alike.

– Compiled by Brayden Johnk, co-editor-in-chief

B8 Lifestyle

Friday, October 13, 2017

Students finding their

w The Granite Bay Gazette

NICHE

High school is a time for individuals to explore being in different social groups which could lead to developing thier passion

H

BY REESE RICHMOND

rrichmond.gazette@gmail.com

igh school- often a place where status, fitting in, and being part of a certain “clique” is more important than ever.

While wanting to fit in and be liked is an innate desire of practically everyone, it’s even more so in teenagers. This explains why cliques, status, and labeling is so prevalent in those four years of high school. The word “clique” has developed into quite a nasty and negatively connotated word and it makes sense why.

“The word clique has a negative connotation to it because it is normally seen as a bad thing to only hang out with a certain set of people and not associate yourself with a broad spectrum of people,” said Granite Bay High School senior Megan Finch.

Along with cliques having the effect of holding kids back from getting to know a wider variety of people, cliques are often closely related to popularity and status which can make teens feel like they need to be a certain way in order to have a higher social position.

“The ‘popular kids’ are most likely seen with expensive clothing and often labeled as the ‘most attractive’,” said Finch.

GBHS AP psychology teacher, Natalie Elkin explains how implicit behavior of a group can cause a kid to avoid trying new things.

“All anyone in the group would have to do if someone attempted anything new (...) is shoot them a look and that would shut them down, just a snarky facial expression, that’s

Cierra Brown said. an implicit message that that’s not part So if cliques seem to have so many negaof what our group does,” Elkin said. tive effects- teens not making an effort to Cliques can often lead to stereotypes and meet new people, kids feeling like the need labels that not only affect the group as a to conform, extreme stereotyping, and a maswhole, but the individuals as well. sive loss in individuality- why do they still When having a certain stereotype due to the exist? group an individual is a part of, they may Humans, as a species, are afraid of being encounter criticism when they try something alone and will often cling to a certain set of that isn’t expected of their stereotype. people even if they’re receiving poor treat“I’m taking AP Euro and Honors English, a lot of people have been saying things such as ment, just so they can avoid being alone.

“To be alone is so much riskier ‘why is he in here, he’s a because I don’t know what is football player’,” sophothere, it’s like the unknown,” more and JV football To me a niche (...) is out Elkin said. “People will put up player Connor Sloan said.

However, Sloan doesn’t less person focused with a lot of really bad treatment and limitations because it’s let the negative results and more safe.” of artificial labelling get activity focused Since humans are such social to him, he realized that creatures and fear being alone so sometimes you can’t – Ms. Elkin AP Psychology much, is there a way to be in a really do much about steteacher group but avoid poor treatment reotypes and once people and limitations at the same time? get to know him, their Yes. Not all cliques are bad, opinion changes. people just have to be able to find the right “Once people are actually around me ones. and get to know me they realize I’m a “Moral support and caring about the feelpretty smart kid so the assumption of me ings of one another have a huge significance. not being very smart because I play football A clique or niche with that quality is a good, dissipates,”Sloan said. healthy, and supportive one,” Brown said.

And one of the worst side effects of cliquesPeople don’t even have to be part of a a loss of individuality. clique in order to feel included and part of “I think cliques affect kids by stripping their something, there are many niches that high individuality away from them. Instead of school and beyond offer in terms of being in doing what they desire to do, they do what a club with people who have the same pastheir clique would do,” GBHS Alumni

sion or being on a sports team.

“To me a niche {...} is less person focused and more activity focused,” Elkin said.

Niches have less of a chance of becoming negative in the way cliques do because the encompass a wider variety of people and because of that, there’s a greater amount of acceptance.

“Niche is kind of a place where you belong like you are around people and things that make you, you,” Finch said. “A niche tends to have a more broad spectrum of understanding.”

However, when a niche starts becoming exclusive, it can be more of a negative group than a positive one.

“Once there’s a sense of exclusivity then I think at that point you’ve created a clique,” Elkin said.

While there is a certain caution that needs to be taken when searching for a clique or niche, there are good ones out there. with that being said, students often gravitate towards others that have similar interests to them.

With high school being a time of wanting to fit in and conform, it’s important to remember the significance of individuality. The world is filled with so much similarity, high school cliques and stereotypes shouldn’t stop people from being exactly who they are.

“It isn’t conformity that buys you the approval of others. It’s your personality and aura,” Brown said. “Nothing is ever achieved if everyone goes the same route.”

Gazette illustration /MEGAN NIMTZ

Sports

Granite Bay Gazette

C1 Section

Friday w October 13, 2017

COMMENTARY

jack mcgrail jmcgrail.gazette@gmail.com

Are NBA teams turning into monopolies?

I

saiah Thomas to Cleveland. Chris Paul to the Houston. Paul George and Carmelo Anthony to Oklahoma.

Kevin Durant to Golden State.

What is the dangerous similarity of all these offseason NBA trades/moves?

They all feature ridiculously talented players moving from teams with little to no chance at a playoff appearance, to teams already stacked with superstars.

This trend has become increasingly prevalent in modern NBA competition with insanely flexible (soft) and high salary caps. This means that teams are allowed to exceed payroll caps under “special circumstances” which includes keeping free-agents which were already on their team.

The point of the NBA instituting salary caps for teams was to keep the league competitive with teams that are not supposed to be easily able to buy championships like the both the NBA Championship teams spending over 140 million dollars on their teams to make it to the finals. The Warriors and Cavaliers spent more than almost every other team in the entire league, so why was there ever any question to who was going to win?

The The Warriors problem and Cavaliers is that both spent more teams than almost were allowed to every other overteam in the spend by 18 milentire league, lion and so why was 21 milthere ever lion for Golden any question State and as who was Cleveland going to win? respectively.

The only other team in the league that was more than 10 million over tax was OKC at 19 million over tax – not a surprise considering by popular opinion, the Thunder was also a top five team in the NBA last year.

Another problem arises with players taking way less money than they could be worth in order to add stars to the team and rake in rings. For example, arguably the best player in the league, Warriors point guard Stephen Curry, took a teamfriendly salary at just over 12 million total last year, while Lebron James was paid over 30 million.

That means that the salary gaps between the top teams would have been even more out of proportion. How does the federation expect low-budget teams to fairly compete against teams with so much spending capability such as Golden State, who also have the ability to overspend, which should be illegal?

The sad part is that the NBA will turn a blind eye for as long as possible, because monopoly teams sell tickets. Just look at Golden State jersey sales and game attendance. *** Jack McGrail, a senior, is a Gazette sports editor.

Special to the Gazette /GREGG SAMELSON

Jim Barr, Joe Swope, Pat Esposito and Kelly McGhee (left to right) the Granite Bay boy’s varsity baseball coaches at a home game.

The story of a baseball great A look into the life of Giants’ legend and GBHS baseball coach Jim Barr

BY WILL ANDERSON

wanderson.gazette@gmail.com

There is only one place on the Granite Bay campus where the grass stays the perfect color green year round – and that is because of James Leland Barr.

You don’t hear that name very often, usually just Jim or coach, but for the GB varsity baseball program that name means a whole lot more.

“I guess I started like any other kid, when they’re eight years old,” Barr said. “I started out playing ten inch ball, then went through the different levels of baseball all the way up through high school.”

Barr then attended the University of Southern California where he would graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and NCAA national championships in both 1968 and 1970.

After being selected in the third round of the 1970 draft by the San Francisco Giants, Barr would log a total of 12 seasons in the major leagues.

Posting a 3.56 career earned run average, 101 total wins and 741 strikeouts, Barr’s impressive MLB career was highlighted by

his record setting 41 straight retired batters.

The record would be broken 37 years after he set it, but Barr is still the only pitcher to accomplish the feat in only two games.

After his professional career, Barr turned his attention towards coaching.

He worked as a pitching coach at Sacramento State University for 16 years and has coached at GBHS for the past eight years.

“It’s fun for me because I’ve always enjoyed the coaching end of it – just kind of figuring out things on your own,” Barr said. “I know when I played at the major league level the coaches there don’t really, they don’t teach you how to pitch.”

“You either learn how to do it on your own or you get sent back to the minor leagues.”

Because Barr has been around the game for over 50 years, the insight he offers to players is that much more valuable.

“It’s really great because it creates a level of trust that is so high. You know that your coach knows what he is talking about so it’s very easy to follow instruction and just respect them overall,” senior Kyle Sisco

BY NOELANI NICHOLS nnichols.gazette@gmail.com

To deem the Granite Bay High School student section a mere group of avid sports fans and overly enthused students is a great understatement. The Tribe is influential campus-wide – promoting encouragement and engagement, among other momentous ideals.

But while the Granite Bay Tribe openly advocates empowerment and unity, the question of whether or not members within the Tribe wholly follow such sage advice yields a more ambiguous answer.

As it appears to be in every high school – social status seems to be relative to age.

The GBHS Tribe exemplifies that hierarchical structure may pervade even the most trivial practices.

Junior Moses Huish, who is known across campus as being the guy to proudly hold a blown up image of his varsity foot-

Jim’s athletic footsteps and played as professional soccer players in the Women’s United Soccer Association.

“My wife took the kids, she went to a lot of the games, we would go down to spring training so they were at the ballpark,” Barr said. “Both of them played softball except for my youngest one, she went back into Little League and was an all-star catcher.

“Both of them played soccer. They enjoyed doing that so we coached them and did what every other parent would do.”

Aside from parenting his daughters, you could consider Barr’s third child the varsity baseball field in back of the GBHS campus, which is one of the best ball diamonds in the area.

“I’ve seen it done at the major league level, and I always kind of enjoyed how they kept the field so nice,” Barr said.

“Naturally at Sac State, there was limited maintenance, somewhat like it is here at Granite Bay, so you help out where you can and for me that’s enjoyable.”

Barr’s has done nothing but aid Granite Bay’s historically strong baseball program.

“It’s fun I mean because we have the e xpectations every year,” Barr said. “At the beginning of the year you know the expectations are that we are going to have a good year so that we can get back to the playoffs – not to the playoffs – back to the playoffs like last year, and that is fun.”

Water polo setbacks

Social hierarchy’s effect on Tribe organization Standing front row in the Tribe is a privilege – who gets it?

said, a four year member of the baseball program.

Sisco is a pitcher and first baseman for the varsity team, and has worked alongside Barr for two seasons.

“He has helped me out by just talking about his experiences and with the mental side of (baseball),” Sisco said. “You know he has been in every situation possible so it really helps you out as a player.”

For Sisco, and anyone else who has been involved in the program, Barr’s stories about the game are second to none.

“He’ll tell us stories and it’s just fun to listen because every kid wants to be where he was,” Sisco said.

As Barr has continued his coaching, he has been able to observe the game’s evolution.

“The game now is all about power. It’s power hitting and power pitching,” Barr said. “Not that that’s bad, this is the game now. Hitters are geared – they can hit 97, 98, 99 mile an hour fastballs – nothing else has really changed.”

Aside from coaching and playing, Barr focused his time and energy on his wife Susie and two daughters Emmy and Betsy.

“I just live right around here, my daughter was in the first graduating class here, so it’s fun for me to be here at Granite Bay,” Barr said.

Both Betsy and Emmy followed in

A duplication of last year’s success unlikely due to a rough start

Special to the Gazette /JESSUP MCGREGOR

GBHS Tribe rocking the white out theme at the Jesuit home game. ball player brother during games, sees no lack of clarity in the structure of the Tribe.

“Freshmen gravitate towards the back, sophomores gravitate towards the middle, juniors gravitate towards the front of the bleachers, and seniors gravitate towards the (fence),” Huish said.

While Huish claims to believe that the Tribe should be stripped of any placement regulations or universally known yet unspoken rules, he sees the current structure as unavoidable.

“If someone older tells you to move, then you move,” Huish said. “That’s just how it should be.”

Other students have a different take on the formation of the Tribe.

“I think that the students in the tribe should organize themselves according to level of hype, those with the most in the front,” senior Jordan See TRIBE, page C2

BY ANDREW YUNG

ayung.gazette@gmail.com

Last year, the varsity water polo team finished 29-2 and at the top of their section – the San Juan Section. However, due to early injuries this year, the team has started out (7-6) and may not be able to repeat the same amount of success they had last year.

This year, before the season started, the team encountered a major setback: losing one of their best players to injury.

“Our goalie, who was one of the top goalies in the nation, actually tore part of his groin during practice,” said Blake D’Souza, as senior and one of the varsity captains. “He was out for a month, which obviously hurt the team.”

The injury did not only negatively affect the team, but it also negatively affected the injured player.

“It was awful having to watch the team and not being able to play,” said Joey MacLeane, the goalie for the team who suffered the early season injury. “There were some close games that we lost that I knew I could have severely impacted if I

was still in goal.”

Besides MacLeane, the team also had other injuries at the very beginning of the season.

“We had a kid who has been dealing with a concussion,” D’Souza said, “which is actually pretty uncommon in water polo. There’s also another player who has been dealing with arm injuries (all season), so it’s been frustrating for the team dealing with all of that.”

Another reason for the team’s slow start compared to last year is the reshuffling of starters.

“The main difference between this year and last year has been the experience of the players,” D’Souza said. “Last year, all of our starters had started on varsity for at least two or three years. This year though, all our starters are starting for the first time.”

Not only were the departing players experienced, but they were also very skilled.

“Last year, almost every one of the seniors could have played at a Division 1 college,” Macleane said.

See POLO, page C2

inside sports Fan of the month

C2

Grizz Quiz

C3

Fall Sports Update

C4

Fantasy Football Creative punishments by student fantasy football leagues at GB.

Early Commits GBHS athletes experiencing senioritis early?

C2

C3

Fall Sports Update GBHS atletes continue thring during the fall sports season.

C4

Friday, October 13, 2017 w The Granite Bay Gazette

Sports C2

The competition and entertainment behind GBHS Fantasy Football Football season annually causes students to unite and compete with high stakes

BY JAKE CRISCIONE

jcriscione.gazette@gmail.com

Tattoos, public humiliation and entertaining torture in general. Over the years, friend groups of all ages are forming and clashing with unbelievable stakes at hand.

Traditionally, fantasy football has been viewed as a simple form of gambling, where the participants put in various amounts of money hoping to win it all at the end. However, it has become much more than that among bold friend groups looking for more incentive and entertainment.

Fantasy football has rocketed in popularity especially among audacious high school students due to its competitive and exhilarating aspects that frequently derive from a common goal: finish anything but last.

As a form of motivation and excitement among fantasy football leagues, extreme punishments sometimes exist for finishing last place in a league of around twelve or so friends. All members involved must agree to the terms set prior to the season starting.

A viral example of this can be found a year ago when a 23 year old college student had to take the ACT as punishment for losing his fantasy league. This is one of many popular forms of discipline that have occurred in recent years.

Other cases of punishment have included eating/drinking excruciating combinations of foods, getting a tattoo designed

by the first place winner, or wearing an embarrassing shirt for a week straight.

Point is – losing can be extremely painful when it comes to fantasy football.

Brent Bartholomew, a senior at Granite Bay High School, started playing fantasy football with a group of friends for the first time this year. “(Fantasy) makes football more enjoyable and it’s another fun thing to do with friends,” said Bartholomew who has found a new interest in football this year.

Ryan Hunter, another senior at GBHS, has played fantasy for the last four years with only the last two being competitive.

Hunter’s league this year agreed upon large stakes as the winner will receive $270 while the loser has to run a ten kilometer race under a time that requires a ten minute per mile pace.

Looking at Bartholomew’s league, the last place finisher has the option of either taking a laxative or participating in St. Baldricks, while there is no major prize for finishing first.

Bartholomew explained that the establishment of a punishment outweighed the idea of a prize (most likely in the form of money) because it is more entertaining.

When asked why not both a prize and punishment, Bartholomew claimed that “no one really wanted to drop a significant amount of money, and a punishment is free.”

According to research, 68% of fantasy football leagues contain some sort of punishment for the person who finishes last.

Gazette Illustration /KATIE COLOGNA

Weekly head to head match-ups between fantasy football teams mean more for some, as stakes are reaching risky and unimaginable heights.

Both Hunter and Bartholomew’s leagues contain a form of discipline for the last place finisher. However, leagues do still exist in a friendlier fashion.

GBHS junior Justice Radler is pleasantly playing fantasy football with his friends this year.

“We considered pitching in money so there was a prize for winning, but never contemplated having an extreme punishment for last,” said Radler when asked if there was any form of incentive established in their league.

With divided opinions on stakes, Radler’s league decided to stay recreational and friendly this season.

“If there is no punishment, it is certainly less competitive and people won’t care in the league,” Radler said. “However with or without incentive, I believe it can still be enjoyable.”

Contradicting Radler’s point of view, Bartholomew believes fantasy football “would be incredibly boring without a punishment because no one would have motivation to win.”

Bartholomew described how it is not uncommon for fantasy team owners to lack effort and ‘quit’ once their team begins to struggle as “all hope is lost.”

This trend causes major amounts of frustration in leagues world-wide because

it results in seemingly free wins for teams facing crummy, deserted teams. Many leagues end up worthless and no fun as a result of complete loss in competition.

However, not all leagues fall under this general assumption, as both Hunter and Radler have found enjoyment in friendly leagues in the past.

With perspectives from seasons in both intense and friendly leagues, Hunter agrees with Radler opinion – friendly competition can still be fun.

“People definitely try without the stakes just because there is a lot of pride wrapped into it,” Hunter said. “The stakes just make things a lot more exciting.”

TRIBE: Majority agrees that organization of Tribe should be based on spirit Continued from page C1

Riggs said.

Sophomore Brian Lambey is a lucky exception within the class organized system, but he feels for those who have to endure the struggle.

“Personally I don’t care (about the structure of the Tribe) because I have a lot of friends (who) are seniors, and I just chill with them,” Lambey said. “But for other people, if you want me to talk about their side, then yes. A lot of sophomores are not allowed to the front and some of them actually have more energy than the seniors do.”

Junior Bennett Mantz believes the Tribe should be organized by class, that way students may excitedly anticipate a sort of ceremonial transition as they advance in grade – a rite of passage.

However, Mantz agrees with Riggs in that a student’s outward expression of school spirit – whether that be via blow horn or tired vocal cords – may

outweigh one’s age-related social standing.

Fear not, underclassmen, placement within the tribe may often also be “based on how loud one cheers,” Mantz said.

Senior and Tribe leader Kyle Sisco says that, ideally, the Tribe would be absent of age restrictions to create an all inclusive, “better environment.”

Though, because members of the Tribe have alternate motives for contributing to the student section, it makes for a more complex formula.

“A lot of people are (in the Tribe) to actually watch the game, and others definitely see it as a social event,” Riggs said.

Here is where specific conditions may cloud accepted guidelines. Some

I think the ‘die hard’ fan should go up front regardless of age.

– Kyle Sisco, Tribe leader

join for sole recreational purposes, while others join to indulge in the nationally extolled spectacle.

“I come to support my brother and to hang out,” Huish said. “It’s like lunch – it’s fun and games.”

“I’m attending the football game(s) as a way to support my friends and appreciate high school football,” Mantz said.

But what then discerns who is deserving of which place – the older, yet more social student, or the timid but football-loving freshman?

“I think that the ‘die hard’ fan should go up front regardless of age.

But if a senior asks politely if he or she could have the spot, I think the underclassman should consider (moving),” Sisco said. “Whether he

chooses to move from that spot, is (his) decision.

There is no rule that (the student has) to move, and I will personally have his back if (he is) loud during the games.”

Others see it as a non-issue, for students are so entranced by the excitement that is a high school football game, that they forget where they are standing altogether.

“Everyone in the tribe is always cheering on our team even though some people are more into the actual game than others,” sophomore Summer Holt said. “It’s such a fun environment in the Tribe to the point where I don’t think many people care where they’re standing.”

If one student’s roar is louder than his neighbor’s silence, peers are likely to be less cognizant of age.

Riggs says that regardless of class, “if you can be loud and have school spirit, then you deserve to be in the front.”

Two thumbs up for Grizzly Athletics

Fan expresses passion for Granite Bay High football with his signature hand gesture

BY SPENCER COVA

scova.gazette@gmail.com

If you have gone to a Granite Bay football game this school year, it’s not hard to say that Vyas Srinivasan is one of the most spirited, committed and supportive members in the Tribe.

Vyas has only missed one football game thus far and plans on making it to the rest of the games this season.

“A fan is passionate and

wants to attend all the games he can,” Srinivasan said – as he surely meets his definition as a great fan.

Srinivasan loves supporting his football team.

“I like to cheer for my football team and talk to my amazing friends,” Srinivasan said.

Srinivasan cheers with his “signature Vyas move” which entails him fulfilling his re-

sponsibility as a Tribe member by supporting with a “double thumbs up.”

You can catch him throwing up the thumbs plenty of times at any given football game because he thinks “our football team is really well prepared this year and (he’s) really proud of them,” Srinivasan said.

There are few people that match the amount of support he gives from the tribe. “I love it when the tribe cheers for Granite Bay and we send a good luck to the football players,”

Srinivasan said.

Srinivasan was also ecstatic about the tribe leaving the stands and returning to where it truly belongs.

“I like how the tribe is in the end zone and close to the football players,” Srinivasan said.

As much as Vyas “loves (to watch) football” he enjoys the social interaction just as much.

“I love spending time with friends and not being home alone – bored,” Srinivasan said.

He also plans on attending sporting events and games for

as many Granite Bay teams as possible. Srinivasan believes being a key member of the Tribe will bring him closer to his classmates and a factor to making his senior year extra ordinary.

Srinivasan proves you don’t need to be the loudest in the Tribe to be the best fan, genuine support and care for the team will get you just as far.

“I love my football players, I love my school, I love everything about it,” Srinivasan said.

Vyas Srinivasan Srinivasan stands as one of GBHS’s biggest fans due to his continual attendance and enthusiastic support.

POLO: Boys’ water polo muddled with injuries and a new coach after successful season Continued from page C1

Gazette photo /ASHLEY ALTMANN

Mac Hubred, a senior on the boys’ water polo team, prepares to pass the ball to his teammate during a varsity practice. The team is off to a 7-5 start and is coming off of a 29-2 record last year.

To cope with the loss of starters, the team has been forced to rely on younger players to contribute to the team.

“We’ve pulled up a number of players from JV last year,” Macleane said, “who are helping the team and a freshman who is already a starter.”

The team has also experienced a change at head coach.

“This year, Coach Macleane, (the head coach last year,) has taken on more of an assistant coaching role,” D’Souza said. “The old assistant coach, Andrew Reego, is now the head coach.”

However, many of the players do not feel that the transitioning of head coaches has greatly impacted the team.

“The coaching change hasn’t made much of a difference,” said Akom Khera, a junior on the team, “because both coaches still use the same techniques

and the coaches are still on staff.”

The new head coach has also had success at a personal level, which has helped him with coaching.

“Our new head coach was a national champion at USC,” D’Souza said, “so he has a lot of experience. Plus, they’re both great coaches so we’re not worried about the coaching change.

It’s been the same as last year since Coach Macleane still comes out to practice and still does the drills. There’s not a big difference.”

Even with all of these changes to the team after coming off a section win, the team remains optimistic about repeating their title. Part of fueling this optimism is the return of the injured players.

“It’s frustrating having to play without them, and we’ve had to struggle through it,” D’Souza said. “Right now though, all the guys are back, so we’re a better

team now.”

The injured players are also looking forward to coming back and contributing to the team.

“It was horrible not (being able) to help my team out or practice with them,” Khera said, so it’s great coming back from injury though, since I’m finally able to play and help my team out.”

“When I was able to come back,” Macleane said, “it was like someone took happiness ointment and slathered it all over me.”

Though they may not have as good of a record as last year, as they have already exceeded the amount of total losses they had, the team looks forward to competing in the playoffs at the end of the year.

“Even though we’ve lost some games so far,” D’Souza said, “I think that in the long run, in a month when we’re trying to compete for a section championship, we’ll be at the top.”

Friday, October 13, 2017

w The Granite Bay Gazette

Grizz Quiz

Enzo Fashano Football

Compiled by Rachel Nimtz

What was your favorite past costume for Halloween?

Sports C3

Ella Marks Golf

Sydney Oliver Basketball

Preston Lehmann Water Polo

Sage Smith Tennis

I was a ninja for three

years

Baseball player

SWAT Officer

Cheating boyfriend

HP Employee

Do you usually go trick or treating?

Yes

No

Not usually

Yes

No

What is your favorite Halloween candy?

Jolly Ranchers

Kit-Kats

Any chocolate bar

What is your favorite Halloween activity?

Haunted houses

Carving pumpkins

Carving pumpkins

Do you prefer funny or scary Halloween costumes?

Funny Costumes

Funny Costumes

Funny Costumes

Sour Patch Kids

Candy Corn

Going to Callson Manor Giving candy to little kids

Funny Costumes

Funny Costumes

Cross country runner finds niche as she gets older

BY MAKALYA CLEMENT

mclement.gazette@gmail.com

Many people do not understand the commitment and talent that associates with a sport like cross country. For a gifted runner like freshman Jordan Gotham, however, endurance comes more natural.

Of course every sport comes with dedication, skill and hard work, but none include just running about eight lengthy miles during practice every day for 6 out of 7 days a week.

Putting lots of time and effort in this sport has clearly paid off for her.

“About two hours of training either before or after school every day plus soccer after practice makes me

get a lot of fitness in during just one day,” Gotham said.

Gotham has been running since 7th grade at Cavitt Jr. High School and not until then did she realize her love for the type of physical exertion she is currently involved in.

“This sport has grown on me. I love the competitiveness, passion, and the love from the environment around me,” Gotham said.

Cross country is one of the only sports that does

Committing to college early Early decisions lead to more free time senior year

Much needed prior to the event as well is lots of encouragement. “(My teammates) give me positive energy and make me smile all the time,” Gotham said.

Everyone has the same goal in mind: to get a PR (personal record) and improve their times.

Gotham is doing just this.

She has been excelling much during her cross country meets. Her latest time was 13:55 for a two mile run, and is steadily improving.

“My goal is to be on the varsity squad the next couple of years. I also want to progress and run faster times,” Gotham said.

With all of the support from her family and friends coming out to see her run, Gotham will continue to excel.

Freshman triathlete starts high school strong Triple sport athletes tries to find time to balance all her sports

BY EMILY TALMI

etalmi.gazette@gmail.com

While many seniors are just now beginning to suffer from senioritis - early sports commits have been since the day they verbally committed to their school - whether that be junior, sophomore, or even freshmen year.

However, many early sports commits believe that a weight has been lifted off their shoulders because they know which college they will be attending.

“It’s been so nice having already committed before senior year,” Melia Stout, a Granite Bay High senior, said. “I don’t have to stress out about where I want to apply, and if I’m going to get in to where I want to go.”

Stout verbally committed to Azusa Pacific University for diving during the summer leading into senior year.

As many seniors are already starting their college applications and attending college counseling sessions, athletes like Stout get to bypass these college requirements because of their commitment.

“The recruiting process was really stressful so I’m glad that I got through it already,” Sienna Lyford, a GBHS senior said. “Committing to college was very rewarding because I had been working really hard, and it had been a big goal for me to get a scholarship.”

Lyford committed at the beginning of her junior year to University of California at Irvine for golf.

Though many of these early commits now have less to do for college, they instead had to undergo the stress of getting recruited, along with putting in hours of hard work and dedication into their sport to even get this opportunity.

“I definitely have put some thought into graduating early just because I only really need two classes to graduate high school,” Stout said. “ I know a lot of people are graduating early because of their sports, but I don’t want to miss out on all the fun senior activities and events throughout the school year.”

Early graduates tend to be athletes who are committed to playing a sport in college, whether that be because they want to get a head start in their sport or the college coach asks them to.

However, Mark Broers, the GBHS women’s varsity soccer coach, believes early commits don’t have a stronger desire to leave high school.

“We have only had one GBHS girls soccer player leave school early after committing early,” Broers

not depend on team effort while in the heat of the moment, nor does it depend on a single person making a good or bad decision, furthermore consequently affecting the entire team.

As a team everyone helps to improve and support each other, however for cross country runners it’s a whole different game. When the race begins, you are on your own.

It’s just you competing against everyone else.

For Gotham, it’s her teammates that help build her up before a meet.

“I love the excitement and encouragement I get from my teammates,” Gotham said.

Before the race, warm ups take place – going on a run of a few miles to get the blood flowing and muscles pumped up and ready to roll.

BY MAY LIN mlin.gazette@gmail.com

Gazette photo /MAKAYLA CLEMENT

Student-athlete deciding on which college to attend come next year

said. “She graduated in December of her senior year. There are so many once in a lifetime experiences in the second half of 12th grade that most stick around to enjoy the spoils of their last year.”

While this remains true to many, some of these athletes feel that their love towards high school has been hindered because of their desire to go to their intended college.

“Since I’m so anxious for college and I know that I have great experiences lying ahead, sometimes it makes me under-appreciate high school just because I’m so anxious to move on,” Lyford said.

Stout is in a very similar position to Lyford, as her excitement for college begins to decline her love for high school.

“I feel like I am ready for college and I’m really looking forward to starting my new life at APU next year,” Stout said. “School kind of feels like day care now sometimes.”

As a college athlete himself, Broers sheds some light on this situation.

“I think it is natural for all seniors to look forward to college. Everybody looks forward to a new and exciting beginning. If you like high school, graduating can be a bitter-sweet occasion. I don’t think it is any worse for athletes looking to play college sports. It wasn’t in my case,” Broers said.

Although many early sports commits do suffer from the repercussions of senioritis, many still are enjoying their time in high school.

“I’m definitely enjoying the high school experience still especially since college is coming up so quickly,” Lyford said. “Since I have college figured out now, I’m less stressed and more able to enjoy myself and my high school experience.”

Natalie Quilala, a freshman at Granite Bay High School, excels in soccer, water polo and swimming.

Her early success perhaps stems from experience, as she has been playing soccer since the age of five and swimming since the age of six.

However, Quilala does not have as much of a pedigree for water polo, since she only began playing freshmen year for the school.

“I play club for both soccer and swim but plan on playing for school as well this year,” Quilala said.

This year, Quilala was named a starter on her soccer team – Granite Bay FC – and as a result, she felt rewarded.

“It was a personal achievement,” Quilala said, “and my teammates really supported me.”

Quilala has also succeeded in other sports as of late.

“In the Comstock Championships swimming meet (this year), I broke the 50 yard backstroke record,” said Quilala. “I felt really proud (of this) because my relay team also won and I got to help my team.”

However, with all of these sports that Quilala plays, she does not have that much time for other things.

“I go straight from piano to soccer and then from soccer to water polo,” Quilala said. Sports take away about three to four hours (a day).”

As a result of the time commitments, Quilala sometimes has to prioritize certain things over others.

“School is my first priority,” Quilala said, “so I tell my coaches in advance (that this is the case). Only if I finish my schoolwork before practice do I go. (However), this doesn’t happen too often because freshman year has been pretty manageable.”

Quilala said that she can’t necessarily pick a favorite sport because each of them is very fun to be a part of.

“I chose three sports,” Quilala said, “to broaden my (skills). I also wanted to be in better shape, (which comes) with training.”

She still isn’t sure if she’s planning on getting scholarships for these sports as it’s still too early to decide. However, she wishes to hold onto these sports for as long as she can.

“I think I can continue with these (three sports),” Quilala said, “but as the years go on, along with more work, I may have to narrow it down to two or one.”

Natalie Quilala Swimming, soccer, and now water polo are all in this athlete’s arsenal.

C4

Friday, October 13, 2017 w The Granite Bay Gazette

SECOND LOOK

GBHS fall sports strive for success

BY MAX SCHWARTZ

mschwartz.gazette@gmail.com

Fall sports have been well on their way in their seasons, moving deeper into their schedules and nearing the postseason. Each team has been striving to have a strong season.

Football has been doing well so far in their season and are coming up on their seventh game.

Following a much anticipated rivalry game against Del Oro in which the Granite Bay won 28-21, their undefeated season came to an end after a 35-14 loss to Folsom.

“We lost a game which was hard,” said William Craig, one of the varsity team captains.

The team is looking to use their loss to help them prepare for their next games.

“We just have to take it one step at a time,” Craig Fall Sports Update said.

Special to the Gazette /PAVLINA CLEM

Girls’ volleyball In hopes of repeating the same impressive records as last year, the girls have been continuing to impress with their 19-9 record.

“We have been doing good so far this year,” junior Reagan Tonda said.

From the beginning, although the team has demonstrated impressive skill so far, there have been a couple of changes.

“We have improved so much from the beginning of the season,” Tonda said. “As a team, (we) definitely expect to improve more as the season progresses,” Tonda said.

The team is anticipating its postseason bid, which has happened the past two years.

“A main goal of ours is to make it to playoffs,” Tonda said.

The team is looking like it is going to succeed just as previous teams have in the past.

Special to the Gazette /ANDREW ORETTTA

Girls’ tennis Girls tennis has been showing a lot of strength this year so far, holding an 8-1 league record. The only loss has been against rival Del Oro High School. The Grizzlies are looking forward to a rematch in October, hoping to pull off a win.

Girls’ golf Girls’ golf is preparing for another successful season to follow last year’s triumphs.

The team has the same trend as last year regarding team size.

“Most of the team are returners this year,” said Sienna Lyford, a senior.

Even with the team consisting of mostly past players, the team has had to welcome underclassmen.

“We have two new freshmen this year, and they’ve meshed well (with the rest of the team),” Lyford said The team’s work ethic has carried over from last year in being able to motivate each other towards their common goal.

Carrying the season with a 10-0 league record, with only three competitions left, the team has a possibility of going undefeated.

“I’m proud of how everyone has handled the pressure and (has) continued to perform at their best,” Lyford said.

Cross country Cross country has had a bit of a rough start so far this year. A part of this is the departing of key varsity players from last year.

“Without our leaders Tre Lockwood and Jake Ritter, our varsity (has been) lacking,” Junior Zach Wong said.

The team has gotten closer from the struggles they have faced.

The team has recently competed in the Capital Cross Challenge meet and took 8th in the 5,000 meters varsity event.

Boys’ water polo Boys’ water polo has been continuing to dominate the league, though they have not gotten off to as good of a start as last year, a year that featured them going 29-2. However, the team remains optimistic that they will succeed.

“What sets us apart from other teams is we work way harder than any of them,” said Blake D’Souza, a senior and team captain.

Girls’ water polo The girls are continuing along with their season with a 4-0 league record and a 13-6 total record. The team is following last year’s lack of players with a filled roster this year.

Special to the Gazette /ANDREW ORETTA

Special to the Gazette /RON DOLLESIN

wSenior Tyler Boyer, top, aims for the goal in a practice scrimmage. The defense on the varsity football team, below top, stops a running back on the line of scrimmage. Varsity football cornerback, Ryan Fina, middle left, Secures a tackle against Folsom running back. Senior Sienna Lyford, bottom middle left, finishes a shot in their match against Nevada Union. Avery Perry, bottom right, serves during their game against Woodcreek. Tennis player Olivia Teemant, bottom left, is in mid-serve as she plays in her doubles match.

Gazette Photo /RACHEL NIMTZ

Special to the Gazette /SARAH WITHROW

GS The Gazette’s arts and entertainment guide.

October Checklist I wish I could still read and enjoy the Granite Bay Gazette

- Take a trip to a Corn Maze

- Spend a day at Apple Hill - Brave a Haunted House Read the Gazette

October 2017

GREEN SCREEN

Fill Fall with these fabulous activities

- Have a Halloween Party

PAGES

8&9

Illustration Credits / Logan Embree

Page 2

October 2017

sneak peek.

Gazette photo /NOELANI NICHOLS

Gazette Illustration /CARISSA LEWIS

Gazette photo /JACK KEHOE

wSee pages 8&9 To see this fall’s special events in the community

wSee page 6 To see student tattoos at Granite Bay

wSee page 16 To see this fall’s fashion choices and inspirations

Literally no country for old men

The drastic change over time for the country music genre

“W

here have all the good men gone, and where are all the gods?”

You can thank 1980’s pop singer Bonnie Tyler for asking the thought provoking questions that challenge the philosophers of our time.

Seriously though, I find myself thinking about Tyler’s question every time I hear the decreasing quality in today’s country music industry.

The 1950’s through the year 2006 saw the emergence of so many incredible country artists. We saw the rise of legends like Hank Williams, Dolly Parton, Alan Jackson, George Strait, and so many other good ol’ boys (and girls).

But after artists like Rascal Flatts and Jason Aldean hit the scene, we’ve said goodbye to country and welcomed a “new” and “exciting” subgenre of pop.

I like to refer to our friend “post 2006 country music” as Country Rap And Pop, or “C.R.A.P.” for short.

The C.R.A.P. industry has traded in steel guitars and twang for pandering lyrics and attractive artists.

Believe me- I far prefer the talented and balding old men and women that built the genre from the ground up.

Guide to Green Screen

COMME NTARY

dean wilson dwilson.gazette@gmail.com

Pure country music had so much character. Songs were genuine and you could reach out and feel the emotion.

Country has the capacity to tell a gut wrenching story of heartbreak, or an uplifting gospel or love song.

George Strait perfectly summed up the feeling of seeing the genre we loved leave us in his song “Murder on Music Row.” It seems to me that people up and forgot about the old country. Or if they didn’t, new country fans treat it like Voldemort and think it’s bad juju to even speak of it.

Maybe now it’s making sense why I

began this with a corny pop singer from the 80’s. It’s pretty much impossible to reference country music today without pop music being present, even in a country music purist’s opinion piece.

I also should make it clear that there are some- but very few- really good records still being released. In fact, I love many of Zac Brown’s Band songs, and my favorite album to come out in the last 5 years was Alan Jackson’s Bluegrass Album.

But the heavy pop and electronic influence in today’s C.R.A.P. have made innovative and traditional country tracks few and far between.

I grew up listening to a versatile music genre which had passion and creativity. It really breaks my heart to see that leave for the formulaic, pandering C.R.A.P. So with that, I bid my formal farewell to pure country. Thank you for all the cherished memories I will have.

Goodbye Hank, Dwight, Alan, Travis, George, Dolly, Randy and Ricky. You will be missed. ***

Upcoming GBHS Events for October & November October 31 Halloween

November 11

Veteran’s Day

November 16 Talent Show

Dean Wilson, senior, is a Gazette Greensenscreen editor

Page 10 Costume guide

Page 3 Movie Theater Guide

Page 6 Student tattoos

Page 4 Follow Friday

Page 7 Top Tweets

Page 11 Haunted House guide

Page 5 Music reviews

Page 8/9 Fall event guide

Page 12 Food reviews

Page 13 Food reviews Page 14 Halloween movies Page 15 Movie reviews Page 16 Fall fashion

Page 3

October 2017

autumn movies.

Discover your comfort zone at the theater Find the perfect venue to enjoy a fall film

BY JACK KEHOE

W

jkehoe.gazette@gmail.com

hen it comes to what the best movie theater in the community is, heavy debates spark up. It can come down to details like prices, food, service, and comfort.

It is up for debate, but the more popular movie theaters around the Granite Bay community are Century 14, United Artists, and Studio Movie Grill.

Century 14 and United Artists have been in the area for quite some time, and are the usual go-to movie theaters. With the typical movie food such as popcorn, candy, and soda, it has something for everyone.

“My favorite movie theater in the area is probably Century 14. I’ve been going there since I was little, and it’s always had great food and theater quality, and I never recalled it being overly expensive,” Piper Bacon, Granite Bay freshmen, said.

People go to the theater for a visual experience, but often forget about the comfort experience as well.

“Things that help make movies enjoyable are the quality of the picture, and the com-

fort of seats,” Karlee Read, senior, said.

On the flipside of a traditional theater, new ways to enjoy a movie have become a reality, such as what goes on at Studio Movie Grill. It is a literal dining experience with your movie, as you have tables right in front of you with full service.

The main debate on going out to Studio Grill is the drive. For those who live closer to Century 14 or United Artists, it is more convenient to just go there.

Once people go out to Studio Movie Grill, though, they come out saying that they wondered how they ever enjoyed movies before, which gives off the impression that this theater is an experience everyone should give a try.

One conflicting issue that interests people is the fact that Studio Movie Grill has you ordering while you are sitting in the theater, while places like Century 14 require you to purchase the food before entering the theater. It eliminates a stressor of having to arrive early for the food line.

Studio Movie Grill promises and coins a concept called the SMG Experience.

They’re known most for their Service buttons, which, according to their website and promotions, “are placed at every seat, so

Gazette Photo /JACK KEHOE

Gazette Photo /JACK KEHOE

Gazette Photo /JACK KEHOE

United Artists has been another community favorite, being less than 5 minutes away from Century 14

your server instantly knows when you need to place your order or need assistance, and we’ll deliver your order directly to your seat anytime during the show.” Nothing like this has ever been seen, so it makes sense why people were trying out the new experience.

Price is another topic lots take careful planning in when going to the movies.

“My go to movie theater is the United Artists theatre at Olympus Pointe, because they have comfy seating, fair prices, and a cool candy machine,” Read said.

Often people will try to sneak in food to movie theaters because of the prices. This only leads to decreased revenue for the theaters. People may only believe that it comes down to the physical comfort features a movie theater can offer, but the mental choice of wanting to spend a certain amount of money on snacks and other goodies also comes into play.

Everyone enjoys a good film during the fall weather, and knowing how to make the most of your trip to the theater happens to be the best way to do so.

“The best place to sit is right in the middle of everything,” Bacon said. “That way, you get the best overall movie experience.”

Studio Movie Grill provides a new way to enjoy movies

wCentury 14 theater has been a favorite among residents in the community for years

Page 4

October 2017

current.

Mixtape - Fall Playlist

Artist of the Month Jordan Bliss 1. Why did you join the art program at GBHS? “I joined are because it’s a fun class and I love to draw and paint.”

2. What art piece are you currently working on?

SAMREEN SIDDIQUI

“A painting of a hawk.”

ssiddiqui.gazette@gmail.com

3. How long have you been taking art?

1. “Absolute” by The Fray The message of discovery this song sends, along with its killer vocals sung by Isaac Slade, are what makes this tune a must listen 2. “Don’t Panic” by Coldplay This song sends calming vibes that distresses the mind, so it’s perfect for college application season.

3. “Belief” by John Mayer With today’s emphasis on political views, John Mayer’s interpretation of expressing different beliefs is very relatable, and his killer guitar skills are definitely notable.

4. “Come On Get Higher” by Matt Nathanson Honestly, this song is just lovely to listen to, and Nathanson’s goal to convince his listeners to live life to the fullest is meaningful.

“I’ve been taking art for three years.”

Gazette photo /BELLA HAMILTON

4. What do you use for inspiration when making a new art piece?

“My mom does a lot of paintings and drawings, she’s really into art and I want to follow in her footsteps.”

5. What’s the best part about the art program at GBHS? “The people in the class are really fun and the class is very relaxing, it’s a stress free class and it’s a great class to take.”

5. “Falling In” by Lifehouse This song is truly dreamy, as its perception of the little nuances that come with falling in love is conveyed thoughtfully.

Halloweentown or Hocus Pocus?

Gabriella: Halloweentown

Gazette photo/NICOLE GEARING

Follow @laniekastner and find yourself with a new best friend Compiled by Kennedy Healy and follower.

FRESHMAN 2021 201 vs VS. SENIOR 8 .

Gazette photo/NICOLE GEARING

Follow Friday

Instagram

Compiled by Bella Hamilton

Clare: Halloweentown Why? Gabriella: I’ve never seen Hocus Pocus. Gabriella Black Clare: I like Halloweentown because I grew up watching it every year and it always got me excited is a freshman at GBHS. about Halloween and fall festivities.

Clare Murphy is a senior at GBHS.

Compiled by Nicole Gearing

October 2017

Page 5

tune in.

All the Light Above it Too, Jack Johnson

BY REESE RICHMOND

J

rrichmond.gazette@gmail.com

ack Johnson continues to deliver the ultimate peaceful, comforting, ‘at the beach’ vibes with his new album All the Light Above It Too. Even the title of his new album is an indication of the optimistic feel that the songs bring. With his last album coming out in 2013, he’s had a five year gap to create new music.

It’s comforting that after all this time, his style hasn’t changed. Often artists will change their sound in order to keep listeners refreshed and on their toes. However, I don’t think this is necessary for Jack Johnson.

Maybe for pop artists, rappers, or even alternative artists but Jack Johnson, whose music has continued to exist in the same bright and cheerful tone, doesn’t need to change. In fact,

I think his consistency is part of his appeal.

People of all ages have been listening to him during the course of his fame and I think it’s easy to agree that it’d be quite a shame if he was anything but himself.

My love for Jack Johnson didn’t necessarily come from his actual music but the memories I have while listening to him. With his beachy feeling music, my family and I often play his music on our trips to Stinson and other northern California beaches. His music very much characterizes the sun breaking through the leaves of the trees and warm sand on your feet.

And his new album falls nothing short.

Not only do his songs offer a positive feel but they also relay important and opinionated messages. In his song “My Mind Is For Sale,” he makes indirect criticisms towards Donald Trump, saying “I don’t care for your paranoid ‘Us against them’ walls.”

Like he has with many of his songs before, Johnson expresses his love for his wife through his music. In his new song “Love Song #16” he talks about building a life and a family with his wife, “And finally we made a family make a little family fill it up with children.” By singing about his love for his family, Jack further contributes to the happiness his songs create.

Jack also released the song “Fragments” that is featured in the short film “Smog of the Sea.” He was part of the journey taken to create the documentary and it inspired him to write a song about the pollution in the ocean in which he hoped his song would inform people to be more cautionary towards the environment.

With many of Jack’s songs delivering a peaceful, beachy vibes, it’s perfect that he would create songs to help protect the oceans.

Jack Johnson’s new album continues to bring happiness and light to listeners of all different

Brushfire Records

All the Light Above it Too, was released September 8, 2017.

B+ Skip to:

“Big Sur”

Hunter Hayes1517-2017, Storyline Choir of Clare College Reformation

BY JUAN PABLO FLORES

F Choir of Clare College

Reformation 15172017 was released August 25, 2017.

B-

Skip to : “Das Wort sie sollen lassen stahn”

jflores.gazette@gmail.com

ive hundred years ago, rebellious Augustinian monk Martin Luther, who still adhered to many traditions of the Catholic Church, nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the church in Wittenberg Castle.

Luther himself composed original hymns, rejecting the more melismatic style of traditional Latin plainchant.

In the album, Graham Ross presides over the performance of Bach’s two great Reformation cantatas combined with chorale coming from centuries of Anglican and Lutheran traditions largely by the choir of Clare College, Cambridge.

A very extravagant performance of Luther’s Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott, followed by the cantata Bach titled with the same idea — our God is a mighty fortress — opens the album and is in-

stantly uplifting.

The performance by the Choir of Clare College, Cambridge, and Clare Baroque, conducted by Graham Ross, does not fail to be uplifting there but at some points the music descends into a more romantic style more similar to opera performances less compatible with liturgical music.

The performance of various soloists and instrumentalists increase the variety of the compilation but contravene millennia of Christian tradition which places the organ and choir at the core of all music.

Individual choir voices are often too prominent, taking away from the intensity and solemnity which could have been generated by a more generous use of the pipe organ.

There is a limited variety of music, but the array of composers is not small– amongst them are the famous composers Felix Mendelssohn, Johannes Brahms and Vaughan Williams.

There is also a lack of liturgical variety as much of the music centers on famous Reformation themes rather than on Christian feast days or liturgical pieces.

The solemn nature of the music fails to be truly noteworthy as the musical compositions highlighted in the album pales in comparison to the more transcendent compositions of their contemporaries Tomás Luis de Victoria and William Byrd.

Some of the music is very moving at at times it may be difficult to not get lost or involved in the music, as with other albums highlighting Christian hymns and anthems.

For historical music which captures the essence of medieval religiosity, music from the composer Guillaume de Machaut or the (too) peaceful Hildegard von Bingen suffices, yet for a broader range, the Harmonia Mundi Sacred Music Box is the go-to product.

Always Never Home, Syd

BY STEPHANIE KANG

I

skang.gazette@gmail.com

initially chose to review Syd’s newly released EP after getting obsessed with her collaboration with South Korean RnB singer DEAN on “love” a few months back, expecting to see even more of the lighthearted and jazzy influences that permeated this song.

Spoiler alert: “Always Never Home” is nothing like “love.”

In fact, if I hadn’t seen her name on the EP myself, I wouldn’t have believed that she had worked on the very same songs.

One of the first things I noticed was her voice. More specifically, how her voice simultaneously blended into the production and contrasted against it. While production was dark and deep, Syd’s voice is sensual yet relaxed, preventing listeners from sinking in too deeply into the darker tones of her music.

When listening to the album, I don’t really hear the lyrics, and it seems like this is intentional -- sometimes, the production is louder than her own voice. Sometimes, that on its own is what rings through it all. I took a look at the lyrics of her songs and realized that for each one, she had restricted herself to only putting a variation on a few verses at a time, or when she had written more than a few different versions of a verse, the entire theme of the song was less serious and more light-hearted than the others songs in her EP. Partly this is due to the fact that this album isn’t large scale in the same way it was in the past for Syd. This EP was actually anticipated to be her second studio album, yet when it came right down to it she released these three songs.

For her debut studio album, The Fader wrote a comprehensive essay on the exploration of pleasure and the influences of 90’s/00’s RnB on her album. For her EP, The Fader wrote a few paragraph blip about the

mere fact of its release and dropped a link to it on Spotify.

In fact, when I tried to look for any interviews Syd did about her EP, I can’t find anything she did to help promote it other than what remains on her social media and her tour.

So what was the purpose of this EP? Lyrically, Syd doesn’t cover any new ground. She brags about being financially well-off, she talks about doing anything for a lover, and she discusses keeping lovers at arms’ length to prevent catching feelings. Haven’t you heard this in every other RnB song out there?

Yet, maybe that’s the point. Production aside, she’s been written about in the past for such mundane themes seen through the lens of a queer woman of color in an arena where two times out of three one never sees that sort of representation. By letting the production rise up and consume her lyrics, perhaps Syd is making a statement about her life and her music. Which is more important?

Columbia Records

Always Never Home was released on September 7, 2017.

B-

Skip to: “On The Road”

Page 6

October 2017

express yourself.

Tattoos emerging into young people’s lives

Gazette Illustrations/CARISSA LEWIS

GBHS students and their motives to getting body art at young ages

BY NICOLE GEARING

ngearing.gazette@gmail.com

T

eens today are told to express themselves. They do it through funky jewelry, 90s grunge style clothes, and dramatic makeup—all of these which are temporary.

However, that doesn’t appear to be enough for today’s teens. Self expression has shifted from temporary and easy to change, to permanent and unchangeable— tattoos.

A study conducted by the Pew Research Center concluded that “36% of Americans between the ages of 18 and 25 have tattoos.” A statistic that would make some baby boomers freak.

“I think it’s a trend,” said senior Addie Follet, “when we’re all forty and have kids [and] tattoos aren’t in, then no kids are going to get them.”

While most trends come and go with little to no lasting affects, tattoos pose the problem of a permanent reminder.

For those who are wary of the permanence of a tattoo, have no fear. Stick and Poke tattoos are also emerging amongst today’s teens.

“It’s made with India Ink and only lasts for two years,” said Follet of her stick and poke tattoo which she received from her friend who is a practicing tattoo artist.

Others however are quite certain they want their ink on their bodies forever.

“My dad thought it was cool,” said senior Sydney Esposito, “and encouraged me to embrace my individuality and be different.”

“I didn’t tell my mother because she hates tattoos and told me never to get one because they are just a trend and when it goes away the tattoo will still be there.” said Esposito.

Esposito traveled across state lines to

Nevada in order to get her tattoo. Because she was under the age of 18, and because California law prohibits minors to receive a tattoo without a parent present, she went to Absolute Tattoo in Reno, Nevada.

This appears to be the new trend for California teens who are too eager to wait for their 18th birthdays to get inked up.

“I’m very impatient but I’m definitely going to get another when I turn 18 in California.” said Esposito.

While Esposito knew she definitely wanted a tattoo, Follet is still unsure what prompted her to get her stick and poke.

“I didn’t really have a reason, I wish I did,” said Follet, “I knew it would be gone in two years.”

Follet’s parents were fine with her underaged stick and poke when they understood it was not permanent.

Other students’ parents were not only fine with their minors getting inked, but embraced it.

“I planned out my tattoo like six months prior to actually getting it and [my mom] was perfectly fine with me getting it.” said senior Kenzie Montoya, “I [had] just turned 16.”

Montoya got her tattoo while on vacation in Hawaii.

“There is no legal age in Hawaii,” said Montoya, “you just have to get a parent or guardian consent, so my mom and aunt went with me to get it.”

Montoya describes her experience as super easy and quick saying she was “in and out of the place in five minutes.”

So, it would seem that more and more students on campus are getting inked. As many seniors are on the edge of turning 18, going out of state to get tatted seems to be “second to just waiting until their big day,” explains Esposito.

“It just has become more acceptable,” Montoya said, “to get tattoos at younger ages.”

Starving for Carving Exploring the origin and modern tradition of pumpkin art

A

BY DANIELLE SHANNON dshannon.gazette@gmail.com

s of the first of October, Halloween time has officially begun.

Halloween is a unique occasion, with many distinct traditions that go along with it. The most prominent of these being visiting pumpkin patchs, adorning your house with frightening decorations and carving pumpkins.

These “Jack-O-Lanterns” have a candle placed inside them and are placed at the front of the house.

Carving pumpkins has been a tradition in America for a long time, however originated from a Celtic festival. Halloween is currently celebrated by countries such as America, Canada, and Ireland.

Our modern-day Jack-O-Lanterns stem from an ancient Irish legend based upon a man referred to as Stingy Jack. In this tale, Jack was doomed to roam the neverworld with nothing but an ember and a hollowed out turnip to light up his path. This is most likely where the hollowed out pumpkin with a candle inside tradition originated from.

There are numerous places to choose a pumpkin around Granite Bay. The most popular destinations are undoubtedly Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm and Apple Hill due to

Gazette illustrations/MACKENZIE BROWN

their plethora of attractions, but due to their distance, can be inconvenient to visit.

There are also closer alternatives which offer substantial pumpkin selections, for example- nearly every grocery store nearby will sell them throughout the Halloween season.

Carving pumpkins for Halloween is something especially fun to do when joined with family and friends. The process of not only carving something into the pumpkin, but also hallowing out the inside can be lengthy, and is made much more enjoyable with company.

This year, a few creative new carving trends are on the horizon. Even though the original Jack-O-Lantern displays a face, different techniques can be equally as appealing. Some intriguing ideas include- etching a pumpkin, as opposed to fully cutting into the inside. You will not only be able to create a unique design with more ease, but the pumpkin will also last longer.

However with this method, you may lose the desirable lit up from the inside glow.

Another up and coming trend is to adorn your pumpkin with a pattern, as opposed to a face. There’s a large amount of room for creativity in doing so and any trick-or-treating passerby will be pleasantly surprised by the tastefulness of your Jack-O-Lantern.

October 2017

Page 7

current.

Top Tweets

Gazette file illustration/AMANDA PRATHER

Spirited tweets by Granite Bay High School sudents

BY MACKENZIE BROWN mbrown.gazette@gmail.com

Gazette file illustrations/THOMAS TAYLOR

Netflix Picks

Twitter

BY DANIELLE SHANNON dshannon.gazette@gmail.com

1. American Vandal If you’re deciding on your next Netflix original series to watch, “American Vandal” should be the primary contender. “American Vandal” is what is called a “mockumentary”- a program which replicates a formal documentary in almost all ways besides the ridiculous topic. The program follows high school student Dylan Maxwell in his attempt to prove himself innocent following a crime on school premises in which staff members’ cars were vandalized with vulgar images. Dylan is the immediate suspect, but seeks to clear his name with media student Peter Maldonado

who is clout?

Jake Oxenham @jakeoxenham_

2. Riverdale Chances are, you’ve heard about this new series through some way or another due to its rapid popularity. The show, like “American Vandal”, only has one season so far. It is also similar in the way that throughout its entirety, the truth behind a much anticipated question is being revealed. In this instance, the question is who or what was the cause of Jason Blossom’s death. The show is loosely based upon the Archie comics and includes the characters Betty Cooper, Veronica Lodge, Jughead Jones, and Archie Andrews. This murder mystery will keep you interested from the beginning to end.

3. The OA One of the lesser-known Netflix Original series, “The OA” tells the story behind a mysterious girl’s kidnapping and her subsequent reappearance in a hospital nearly seven years later. The girl, Prairie Johnson, had been blind all of her life, however returns able to see. This “Stranger Things-esque” drama is entirely unpredictable and will have you on the edge of your seat.

0 Retweets

7 Likes

you: i have feelings me, an intellectual: i have crippling anxiety

Nash Rood

@grandpalover22

3 Retweets

26 Likes

*Teacher doesn’t show up to class* Kid with nike elite socks and basketball shorts: “U know if sh’es 15 minutes late we can leave right”

Tyler Greene

@_Tyler_Greene

26 Retweets

207 Likes

I have 280 characters so i think it’s important that I let everyone know the TOP soccer is a wonderful program, GBiT does cool stuff, my sister is an awesome actress, my friends are dope, my girlfriend is as dope as they come and.... pineapple has every right to be on pizza

Ryan Hunter

@ry_hunter

52 Likes

1 Retweet

Hangout Location of the Month:

Heaven in El Dorado Hills

H

What is it?

eaven has captured the attention of EDH ever since its discovery. The natural overlook of the large hill allows whoever is on top of it to experience a view which’s unmatched. The vantage point overlooks the town of El Dorado Hills and beyond.Some days, you can see the city of Sacramento. The drive is relatively close as the spot it only 20 minutes away. The view is beautiful, and the journey to get to Heaven is almost as good as the view. It’s a great place to hang out with friends and enjoy the natural beauty of Northern California.

What to Look Out For

• There is a cool water tower near the base of the hill to go check out • While you’re near the water tower, there is a huge open field with small streams that run through it • At the top of a hill there’s a rock to engrave your name or an image on to it • Be careful to stay off of private property.

There are many houses in the area that own part of the land that Heaven lies on • If you’re hungry after going to the lookout, there are plenty of food options in the area, so you’ll have no problem finding a solid place to get some grub

Gazette photo/ MEGAN NIMTZ

BY DEAN WILSON

dwilson.gazette@gmail.com

Page 8 & 9

October 2016

fun for fall.

Dixon Corn Maze

Fabulous Fall Festivities Apple Hill

BY MACKENZIE BROWN mbrown.gazette@gmail.com

S

tarting on October 13, the California museum will be offering a special exhibit paying homage to the Mexican cultural tradition Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. Contemporary pieces of the art of Lurac and Oscar Magnalles will be featured. In addition to the art, visitors can create sugar skulls and offerings for the deceased. Throughout the duration of the event, the California Museum also invites all visitors to complete an activity to honor the memory of a loved one to be hung in their community altar. For $10 (if you pay in advance), you can attend the “fiesta” to celebrate the opening of the exhibit on the 13th, which will include appearances from artists featured in the exhibit, a costume contest, and a performance. To experience something out of the ordinary that still connects to the essence of Halloween, this is an ideal event.

The Flower Farm

Gazette photo /NOELANI NICHOLS

Gazette photo /MACKENZIE BROWN

 A very small portion of the massive Dixon corn maze.

T

he world famous corn maze in Dixon at Cool Patch Pumpkins ranch is a perfect solution for bored teens not wanting to go to the movies or the mall for the fifth weekend in a row. For only $15 a person, you can choose whether to take an intermediate or advanced path through the maze. Fall-lovers who have already been through the maze have no excuse to not return - Cool Patch Pumpkins creates a new pathway each year. Even though it’s a bit of a drive for Roseville/ Granite Bay locals, Cool Patch Pumpkins offers other activities besides the corn maze. There’s a pumpkin patch along with a fun zone for younger children and a stand for treats and beverages. For anyone worried about the size or difficulty of the maze being extremely easy, not to worry - it was featured in the Guinness World Record book in 2014 as the world’s largest corn maze. So, for anyone looking to get out and try something new, this is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the fall season.

Several GBHS Students enjoying some delicous apple pastries at Apple Hill. Pictured: Catherine Rubino, Erika Bishop, Megan Nimtz, Haley Wegzyn, Makena Blackburn.

D

efinitely one of the Sacramento area’s favorite fall spots, Apple Hill is a classic place to celebrate autumn. From the apple picking to the pumpkin flavored foods to the chilly, cozy weather, Apple Hill is a must for any fall enthusiast looking to spend a fun day with family or friends. Apple Hill is composed of seperate sites with the most popular one being High Hill Ranch. This ranch provides the perfect family-friendly environment with activities for everyone ranging from pony rides for the kids to wine tasting for mom and dad. Along with attractions, High Hill offers food perfect for autumn like their famous caramel apple crunch pie. Apple Hill is the overall quintessential destination for anyone hoping to get into the fall spirit!

E

O

Pumpkin Festival

very weekend from the end of September until the end of October, Gibson Ranch offers a “Pumpkin Festival” that consists of a farmers market, hayrides, picking pumpkins, and various forms of entertainment. The farmer’s market provides seasonal produce unique to the region and is also split with a local artisan craft fair that create one-of-a-kind products for anyone to enjoy. Gibson Ranch also provides a KidZone for little ones to partake in face painting, magic shows and other performers. If you’re really feeling the fall spirit, hayrides to the pumpkin patch are offered as well as autumnal food and drinks to enjoy during the ride.

Used by permission /AVERY MILNER

A small taste of the flower farm and the cute barn-like structures within.

T

he Flower Farm, a local Loomis café known for their outdoor setting, creates a pumpkin patch every year for the month of October. Along with the small patch they provide activities for children and families to take part in. In the café, special fall-inspired food and drinks are offered for the duration of the month and into November. The pumpkin patch possesses a special flair from the Flower Farm’s creation of “Pumpkin People” which are classic characters made up of pumpkins. The Flower Farm provides an alternative experience to the typical pumpkin patch because of their café and large, open grounds that are ideal for taking an autumn stroll through foliage that’s in the middle of the summer-to-fall color change. Overall, a trip to the Flower Farm is an excellent idea for a casual fall morning to both eat a meal that has a “home-cooked” essence and to pick up some pumpkins.

Pooch Parade

n October 28th in Marshall Park in Sacramento, a doggie costume parade will be taking place with their human counterparts in fun attire participating in the walk as well. For any animal lover, this is a unique way to celebrate halloween while getting out and socializing with your furry friend! The event will be sponsored by popular midtown eateries such as Paragary’s Midtown, Monkey Bar and Café Bernardo so there’s no need to worry about where to get a bite to eat. For the extra special getups on four-legged friend, prizes will be given away. Other entertainment includes live music and hands-on arts and crafts. The pooch parade is the perfect way to bond with your dog(s) all while having an excuse to dress them up!

Gazette illustration/LOGAN EMBREE

Page 10

October 2017

artful attire.

2017 Costume Guide Gazette illustrations / MACKENZIE BROWN

Student thoughts on the most popular outfits for Halloween this year

Special to the Gazette/NANCY HARTMEIER

Special to the Gazette /JAYDEN TAYLOR Photo courtesy of/KATHARINE DO

Special to the Gazette /KASEY YEAN

BY BELLA HAMILTON

bhamilton.gazette@gmail.com

H

alloween. The one day a year it’s okay to leave the house dressed up as a clown or an alien and get free candy, but how does one figure out what to wear?

There are many halloween costumes, yet how does one find the right one to make halloween special?

Trying to stay away from the stereotypical mummy and vampire is fairly easy if imagination is involved – or google. The internet has a plethora of unique costumes that are unique and fit your personality perfectly.

Sometimes, there are great ideas hiding in our everyday lives.

“I think that people dress up for halloween to express different sides of their personality,” junior Scott Martin said.

Some might ask the question, why do people dress up?

Over the years, Halloween costumes have changed drastically – the beginning of the holiday began in the dark ages with adults dressing up in scary attire to ward off the evil spirits and to honor the good spirits.

The Halloween costume trends seen today began in the 1920’s when the H. Halpern company and Ben Cooper – who figured that halloween costumes didn’t have to be scary anymore, they could be fun and creative and different. By the 1960’s Ben Cooper was the Halloween king.

Keeping with the classic halloween costumes, a witch dressed in all black, a mummy made out of toilet paper and a frankenstein or dracula costume are always a hit on halloween.

Nowadays, the costumes range from being a ketchup bottle to a classic frankenstein.

Another surprising costume that has risen in popularity online as of late is the ‘pregnant Kylie Jenner’ costume. With rumors about the star being pregnant, there has been an increased interest on twitter and other social media platforms earlier in the month in dressing up as the reality star.

Costumes that include people’s favorite movies, foods or celebrity could be a great idea.

Trends for this years Halloween costumes range from “Baywatch” lifeguards to “Sleeping Beauty” costumes.

According to Buzzfeed the top costume for Halloween 2017 is Pennywise from the new horror film remake, “It.” Other popular costumes this year will be unicorns, mermaids, hippies and gypsies.

Dressing up may be a big part of halloween, but dressing up is not mandatory. Sometimes, the best Halloween is watching scary movies in pajamas at home with friends.

If one decides that they want to dress up for Halloween at the last minute, DIY costumes are a big hit – finding things around your house and throwing together an ensemble can be cheap, quick and easy.

“I don’t dress up because I don’t want to put in the effort. Finding a costume is pretty easy though, you just have to go to a Halloween store and get a costume,” junior Tommy Sevey said.

“Younger people usually dress up for the candy,” senior Roshan Atwal said, “(...) older people usually dress up to keep the tradition going.”

October 2017

Page 11

bewitched buildings

Haunted Houses: ‘Scary’ or ‘SatisfYing’?

What really is the appeal of going to spooky attractions?

Gazette illustration/BRAYDEN JOHNK

BY NICOLE GEARING

I

ngearing.gazette@gmail.com

t’s pitch black. Your heart is racing. You hear a sound but can’t determine where it came from. There is a quick flash from a strobe light and you catch a glimpse of a horrifying sight. Screams all around.

Sounds terrifying right? Regardless, every year, thousands of people choose to put themselves in this situation of fear and panic all in the name of Halloween.

Haunted Houses have become part of the Halloween culture for many. There’s just something so special about the atmosphere that comes with the spooky houses. Walking around a crisp, fall night, gripping your friend’s hands as you walk through the house of horrors, and grabbing a warm bag of popcorn as your reward for making it out alive.

“You’re on edge the whole time,” said junior Greg Gallegos, “you only get to see it once a year and it feels like a new experience every time you go.”

Going with one person instead of a large group offers a more personal experience according to Gallegos.

But whether it’s with a large group of friends or just one other person, visiting a haunted house is sure to be a memorable experience.

While each haunted house offers an entirely unique style of scares, certain venues provide multiple houses for their brave customers to enjoy.

Sacramento was voted home to the scariest haunted house in California, Ultimate Terror Scream Park, by HauntedWorld.com, which boasts three unique houses. Dire World— a favorite amongst many on campus students—offers five haunted houses and many more spooky attractions.

You may see one of Granite Bay’s own— senior Taylor Schwartzel—lurking about.

“I went to Callson Manor freshman year,” said Schwartzel, “I was in drama and had

to get my acting hours for that class so I decided to see if I could work there.”

“I went onto their website and sent in all my information and have been working there ever since.” said Schwartzel.

Keep a watchful eye out for Schwartzel in Deadlands.

While trick or treating still reigns supreme amongst younger kids, haunted houses are becoming an annual event for students.

“The older you get, the more fun and available [haunted houses] get,” said junior Damon Leaf, “now [haunted houses] have become an annual thing for me and my friends.”

“It really matters the atmosphere [the haunted house] puts out and the detail [they] put into everything,” said Leaf, “anyone can do a jump scare so it really matters the detail that goes into it.”

Although many students admit to scarring easily, they still participate in haunted houses.

“You don’t really get to be in that kind of element,” said Leaf, “where you’re uncomfortable and not in your familiar surroundings.” adding to his personal appeal for haunted houses.

Despite being scared, the adrenaline a haunted house provides is enough to keep customers in line year after year.

“I enjoy the feeling of the unknown.” said Gallegos.

“Some people seek the rush fear gives them,” said senior Candyce Junaid, “That fight or flight mode you achieve once you do something risky—such as walking through a haunted house—is what makes it fun.”

Page 12

Falling for Fall Foods Guy’s

BY BELLA HAMILTON

I

October 2017

fall foods.

bhamilton.gazette@gmail.

didn’t know how hard it was to find out what a ‘fall food’ was until I was posed with the challenge of a food review of ‘fall foods.’

There’s the stereotypical pumpkin pie, caramel apples and other basic things that arise as the leaves turn brown.

However, I decided to go a different route.

Cold weather equals hot food, and what is the most superior warm food you ask?

Soup.

There is a plethora of restaurants that make new, inventive and creative, fresh takes on the classic hot liquid dish The restaurant I chose to review is called Guy’s on Pleasant Grove Boulevard in Roseville.

The decor was nice and simple with brick walls and it was not very crowded.

The menu consisted mostly of soups, salads and an array of sandwiches.

The staff was friendly and eager to take my order which made the whole experience even that much better. The staff offered samples of the chili, which was not too spicy and perfectly seasoned.

After looking over the menu thoroughly, I decided on two different soups to try, one being chicken noodle soup and the other was chicken tortilla.

The soups were both very filling and great for a cool fall day. I loved the flavors of the soups - they both exceeded my expectations.

The chicken tortilla soup was amazing.

It wasn’t overly spicy, and had a great flavor. I’m not usually a big fan of chicken

The Gazette staff seeks the best of the best in this seasonal food showdown!

Starbucks tortilla soup, but this one changed my mind. The soup had lots of chicken and tortillas and had a delicious broth that you could taste the cumin and a hint of chile.

With its hearty flavors and the layers with the chicken, tortilla and vegetables, this was the ideal soup to bring home and eat while watching movies at night.

The chicken noodle soup was my favorite out of the two because of it’s noodles and an array of delicious flavors. This is a soup you can tell was made from scratch, which was a pleasant surprise. It is something I am definitely going to be ordering again.

I will definitely be returning and trying the rest of the foods on the menu – Guy’s for lunch is a great place to go for a quick and simple hot bowl of soup on a cold autumn day.

Gazette photo /BELLA HAMILTON

Guy’s offers a variety of dishes including soups, sandwiches, and other seasonal items

BY DANIELLE SHANNON

T

dshannon.gazette@gmail.com

he weather may have yet to change, however, fall is officially in full swing as of September 22.

With this comes the reappearance of many of our favorite festive menu items at various businesses. Of these items, the most well known are at Starbucks.

They’ve reintroduced their seasonal drinks such as the popular Pumpkin Spice Latte, Salted Caramel Mocha, and Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte. As the season progresses, you’ll most definitely be seeing more and more people carrying hot Starbucks cups. Along with updated fall-themed food items like the pumpkin scones, Pumpkin Cheesecake Bar, and Caramelized Apple Loaf Cake.

I decided to try one of these new food items while I was at Starbucks, the Caramelized Apple Pound Cake. This introduces a fall twist on the year-round pound cake options like the Chocolate Marble Loaf Cake and the Banana Nut Bread. All options are popular, however the new one has proven to be my personal favorite.

I liked the cinnamon and apple flavors, along with the cream cheese icing- this item slightly reminded me of apple piecinnamon roll combination.

Since my go-to Starbucks order nearly always includes some sort of chai, I decided to try the Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte. The drink is a variant of the original; it simply adds the factor of pumpkin spice. As the company describes it“lightly sweet chai meets pumpkin spice to create a winning combination of flavor and comfort.”

Overall the drink earned somewhere around 3 and a half out of 5 stars. I personally appreciate a drink with a dominant chai flavor, which this drink lacked.

With the sweetness and pumpkin spice added, the drink lost the majority of its chai taste. Admittedly, many people may prefer this change however in my opinion, the chai adds an enjoyable bitterness to an otherwise bland menu item.

Since trying these new menu options, the next time I go to Starbucks I’ll absolutely be ordering another fall-themed item- most likely the notorious Pumpkin Spice Latte.

Gazette photo /DANIELLE SHANNON

Starbucks provides a cozy environment with a large array of fall foods

Gunther’s Ice Cream

BY BRUCE RUSSELL

I

brussell.gazette@gmail.com

n my quest to locate an ice cream parlor that wasn’t an established chain-like Baskin Robbins, I had to travel outside of the Granite Bay realm. I finally discovered one – Gunther’s Ice Cream Shop.

It’s in Sacramento, about thirty minutes away from us. I admit that’s a long drive for an ice cream cone, but if you ever wanted to step back in time, say sixty years or more, to find some great ice cream, this is the place.

Gunther’s perfectly captures what an ice cream parlor looked like back in the 1950s. True nostalgia at its best. Old fashioned menu boards hang on the walls.

Original “seafoam green” tiles which border the old wooden booths set the retro mood perfectly.

The Fall pumpkin flavor ice cream was fantastic and made from real pumpkins. I also had peppermint stick, which was equally as fantastic. Pumpkin is only available until November while peppermint stick is always on the menu.

While their prices aren’t cheap ($3.60 for a single

cone), the quality and fun atmosphere warrants the cost.

Who doesn’t want to enjoy a pumpkin cone while being teleported back to the mid 20th century? I know I do.

In a way, Gunther’s is more than an ice cream parlor.

It represents our simpler past, a slower, less methodical time. Simply stepping into this joint is a breath of fresh air.

With our incredibly fast paced lives, full of traffic jams, deadlines, and heavy workloads, sometimes we

need a break. What’s better than relaxing with some ice cream? Not much.

Gazette photo / BRUCE RUSSELL

Gazette photo / BRUCE RUSSELL

Gunther’s is an old-fashioned ice cream parlor serving many unique flavors

October 2017

LaBou

Home-Made Cookies

BY KENNEDY HEALY

A

khealy.gazette@gmail.com

s Halloween creeps upon us and we find ourselves pulling out old boxes stuffed to the top with childhood costumes and spooky decor, it just still doesn’t quite feel like fall without the scent of homemade pumpkin cinnamon cookies filling the air of the room around us. If you want to get in the fall spirit, baking these cookies are an absolute must!

Unfortunately these are not the simplest cookies to bake due to the ingredients.However, once the oven timer goes off, you will not regret taking the time to make them.

As a precaution, it is very important to set out all of your ingredients before you start mixing items together, because you don’t want to end up like me — an obvious cookie making ameteur — and start mixing the flour and sugar before you even check if there are eggs in the fridge.

As disappointing as that was, my cookies still tasted wonderful after I got all of the required ingredients.

You should start by mixing the wet ingredients separately from the dry ones.

Once the two combinations are made, mix them together for a yummy cookie dough. I think it helps to over mix the dough a little bit to make the cookies softer. Since I am Halloween obsessed, I like to add orange food coloring to the mixture — not mandatory, but definitely festive!

After the oven was all warmed up, I added a cinnamon-sugar mixture on top of the cookies to give them an extra zest of flavor.

Although these cookies do have the

Page 13

fall foods.

classic pumpkin taste that our taste buds crave in the fall, what sets them aside from the others is the cinnamon chips baked inside. People are so accustomed to milk or white chocolate chips, that one taste of the cinnamon chips is an adventure for your tastebuds.

This was my first time baking pumpkin cinnamon cookies, and I was very pleased with how they turned out — delicious and definitely festive.

The flavor of the cookies is a cross between pumpkin pie and a churro. A lot of pumpkin and a lot of cinnamon. I really enjoyed the unique flavor that the cookies possessed, and hope that I when I make them again they turn out the same way.

Since the process was more complicated than taking the pre- made dough out of a package, placing it on a tray, and then into the oven, I genuinely enjoyed whipping up this batch of cookies because it made me feel like a baker.

Gazette photo /KENNEDY HEALY

Editor’s Note Kennedy decided to make her own fall treat because she believes it’s better than any seasonal food offered at a restaurant!

BY SPENCER COVA

F

scova.gazette@gmail.com

all is finally here and with it comes the cool brisk air in the morning turned blistering hot weather by noon, a tenfold increase in the lines at Starbucks, and an exponentially larger calorie count.

To accommodate for the latter change I took a visit to my favorite local cafe and bakery– LaBou. LaBou is a mere stone toss away from Granite Bay High School, located off of the corner of Douglas and Sierra College Blvd. It is one of the oldest restaurants in the Granite Bay area and has stuck around so long simply because it is never a let down.

With a combination of breakfast and lunch foods LaBou has options for everyone.

The newly remodeled restaurant has a refreshing feel to it while also giving off a genuine classical coffee-shop vibe.

The order and pay counter is relaxed, like any other coffee shop. It is a walk in, pay and then get your food type of restaurant.

The employees didn’t come off as charismatic as I expected, yet were none the less helpful when I asked for suggestions. They were also very quick to accommodate me.

The cashier advised that I order the Apple Walnut Cake and to be honest, I wasn’t expecting much from it. Though after the first bite – I was blown away.

The apple gave the cake the fall accent I have been reminiscing about for months.

The taste of the walnut was very faint, but still there, making the cake.

Overall, the cake was soft and fluffy, making it easy to eat, not to mention, a delicious taste.

The added touch of powdered sugar on top, gave it an extra sweet taste and was a perfect accommodation for the apple taste.

However, the cake was served cold and it would of been better if it was warmed, making the cake out of this world.

It is a perfect fall snack or before breakfast treat.

LaBou is a great place for breakfast, lunch or a snack with exceptional food served at all meals.

Gazette photo /SPENCER COVA

LaBou is a bakery and cafe with a mellow environment that offers a variety of pastries and lunch foods

Bloom Coffee and Tea

BY SIDNEY ZABELL

I

szabell.gazette@gmail.com

f you are looking for a calm, laid back place to spend a fall afternoon, Bloom Coffee and Tea just may be the place for you.

I stopped by on a cool October day, and was greeted by a very friendly staff and a welcoming environment.

Many people there were relaxing at the wooden desks and tables inside, and the shop was very quiet and seemed to be a great place to study.

I decided on an iced vanilla latte and a piece of pumpkin bread as a way to kick off October.

My drink was $4.25, and the pumpkin bread was $3 or so. I felt this was a very fair price for how great they tasted.

The pumpkin bread had a swirl of cream cheese through it, which worried me at first. I was proved wrong — the cream cheese added a very rustic and fall-themed feeling to the pumpkin bread, and completely complemented the more neutral pumpkin flavor.

I really liked the pumpkin bread, and will absolutely order it next time I am at Bloom.

The pumpkin bread had a deliciously crunchy crust on the outside, and I felt it served as a great separation between the soft bread and creamy cream cheese.

My latte was very good, too, but tasted a tiny bit “off”. The drink had the perfect amount of ice in it, too, which was a nice change from the usual drink I get at coffee places that are completely filled with ice.

The bread and latte seemed to pair perfectly together, and I would recommend the duo to anyone looking for a delicious afternoon pick-me-up.

Bloom also has a table at the front of the shop with anything needed to customize your drink. I appreciated that they didn’t make it too sweet and left it up to customers.

I personally prefer my drinks without anything extra, so I just popped on a lid and headed out.

Bloom absolutely stands out to me as a great local coffee spot, especially for younger customers. They have fantastic service and fair, affordable prices, and my experience was one to remember.

Gazette photo / SIDNEY ZABELL

Bloom, a coffee shop in Roseville, offers both fall-themed food and beverages

October 2017

Page 14

spooky cinema.

Best of the Best Halloween Movies A guide to classic films for the month of October

Gazette illustration/NOELANI NICHOLS

BY STEPH KANG

skang.gazette@gmail.com

H

alloween movies. Arguably one of the most important parts of the entire holiday. After all, who can’t help but sing in their heads “This is Halloween” when it rolls around?

Although Halloween movies seem to be intrinsically tied with the spooky holiday, surprisingly, those movies don’t seem to comprise of horror movies. More often than not, the kind of movies that dominate the screens of Granite Bay High students around this time are older childhood classics that more specifically are linked to fond memories with family.

“My favorite Halloween movie to watch is Coraline,” Bettina Manalo, a GBHS sophomore, said. Coraline is a dark fantasy horror film centered around a girl who discovers the portal to a perfect world with just one sinister catch: she has to sew buttons onto her eyes in order

to stay there forever. “I find it interesting! It delivers important messages to appreciate what you have and to not take things for granted. Its stop motion animation is also gorgeous.”

“My favorite Halloween movies are ‘Twitches’ and ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas,’” Carissa dela Cruz, a GBHS senior, said. “Twitches” is a Disney Channel Original Movie centered around two twins from an alternate universe trying to save the world from the Darkness.

“The Nightmare Before Christmas” centers around the pumpkin king of Halloweentown, Jack Skellington, and his desire to spread Christmas joy. “I haven’t watched these in years, so I don’t even remember specific reasons why I like these movies,” dela Cruz, a GBHS senior, said. “Legit, I was scared of the Darkness in ‘Twitches’ and I don’t even think I watched the whole movie of ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas.’”

However, above all else, dela Cruz remembers how she felt when watching the films for the first time with her family.

“I love these movies because of the memories I have

Gazette illustration/MACKENZIE BROWN

of watching them on an ancient TV in the playroom with my sisters and hearing ‘this is halloween’ on repeat.”

Carissa dela Cruz said.

For Laynee Daniels, a GBHS senior, these Halloween movies are a little more than a bonding experience with her family. In fact, one titular film helped form some of the fondest memories of her childhood.

“It was Hocus Pocus. Well, um, it’s an old movie that came out in 1993 so my sisters grew up with that movie.

A lot of good memories from my childhood were spending time with my sisters watching these movies. These were classic Disney movies they thought they could culture me on, so it’s definitely become a staple in our family,” Daniels said.

Horror buffs can turn to the avalanche of horror movies that tend to swarm the theatres around this time of year.

Yet for these students?

Returning to the VHS tapes of old is the best way to spend their Halloween -- with their families.

FOX SEARCHLIGHT PICTURES

Rated: PG-13 By: Noelani Nichols nnichols.gazette@gmail.com

battle of the sexes: B+

mpowering” is a term I see as giving a just description of the “Battle of the Sexes” plot. Based on true events, the story of both personal and nation-wide growth becomes that much more resonant.

The gist of the movie is an American tennis match between opposing genders — at first glance, it’s subjectively bland. The catch: the match takes place in the 70’s, a decade exemplifying the nation’s ongoing struggle to reach a consensus on gender roles, and racial and sexual matters.

Billie Jean King (Emma Stone) — witty and modest female tennis extraordinaire — and Bobby Riggs (Steve Carell) — globally praised tennis champion and proudly self-proclaimed chauvinistic pig — are pinned against one another in a game proving to be about much more than tennis. Their notably different personas make for engaging and humorous screenplay.

What makes the story so interesting, though, is that the characters are portrayed as encompassing more than just their athletic feats. The story delves into the personal lives of both players and the struggles they face on and off the court.

While King struggles with her sexuality, Riggs works to preserve his marriage and mask his gambling tendencies.

By shedding light on the relatable struggles of such powerful figures, the movie familiarizes the audience with the plot allows them to be personally influenced rather than solely impressed by the entertainment.

However, I will say that the film’s lucid predictability did discount its theatrical caliber.

I did appreciate the lighthearted nature of the film, while it was still able to successfully tackle issues of great significance to American and global history.

Stone’s interpretation of King was pleasant and impressive, as she was able to adapt to and capture the essence of a character with many distinctively different qualities than herself.

Steve Carell, as always, is a shoo in for laughs.

His humor enhances Riggs’ outwardly foolish nature as well as the baselessness of his sexist remarks, and those of his many male supporters.

“Battle of the Sexes” is an uplifting, fun and easy watch — and I believe it was made to be so. While it was a lively and inspiring film, it was not a theatrical masterpiece.

E

20TH CENTURY FOX

ntering the theater with a love for fast packed action, explosions and an admiration for amazing computer generated effects I was not let down by “Kingsmen: The Golden Circle”. Being the sequel to “Kingsmen: The Secret Service” I had high expectations for the movie and hoped that the film would not just meet but exceed the limits set by it’s prequel.

The Golden Circle was a film dominated by a theme of surviving and thriving through times of tragedy. Being the predecessor to The Secret Circle it made sense that Kingsmen was another doomsday type tragedy.

In contrast to the last movie, the main characters Eggsy (Taron Egerton) and Harry (Colin Firth) face a new challenge which causes them to leave the United Kingdom in which the first film of the series took place.

While the movie was only around 2 and a half hours it was so packed with action starting in the first two minutes of the movie, it seemed to last for much longer.

This is partially due to the amount of set pieces used and switched between frequently in this film. Not just that but the regular full frame slow-motion shots highlighting the Kingsmen’s high tech and fancy gadgets also contributed to create the feeling of a much longer movie.

“Kingsman the Golden Circle” is bursting at the brim with bits and jokes that were often extended past their initial point of humor.

The main villain of the movie, Poppy (Julianne Moore), is a female drug lord running her worldwide market from the isolation of a jungle.

Not only does she find herself incredibly rich but also insanely lonely during her plan to vindicate herself from all charges worldwide.

In an attempt to resolve her boredom she kidnaps Elton John, played by himself, and forces him to perform piano piece after piano piece.

While this integration of Elton John was rather humorous at first the implication of him into the resolution of the movie and giving him a large role in the victory of our heros stretched the humor to far in my opinion.

Overall “Kingsman the Golden Circle” was a solid movie that I would recommend seeing.

For those that enjoy a fast packed action film full of complex explosions and constant gunfire this movie may well be your cup of tea.

Rated: R By: Logan Embree lembree.gazette@gmail.com

kingsman the golden circle: B

“E

Page 15

film.

T

OPEN ROAD FILMS

ime after time, dedicated fans gather up their girlfriends and jaunt over to the movie theater to behold the latest work Reese Witherspoon has in store. Being an avid supporter of her movies, I could be found among the middle aged women waiting anxiously for two hours of light-hearted one-liners during “Home Again”.

Combining the realistic struggles of a single mother of two and a love interest ten years her junior, Witherspoon was still able to jam-pack the movie with witty banter but make sure the humor didn’t mask the realness of the story.

In several instances, the snickers and chatter throughout the theater would go silent as the audience sat in suspense.

The plot made sure to feature a variety relatable scenes, but put a comedic twist that sets “Home Again” apart from the rest. Similar to other rom-coms, Witherspoon plays a single mother. She struggles with trying to take care of her two young daughters, one of which is shy and wary about their recent move across the country.

The love interest and his two friends are young, ambitious filmmakers. So there is quite a stir when Witherspoon gives them a place to stay with her and subsequently starts a relationship with one of them. their odd affair that gets the whole audience rooting for them.

The movie’s biggest downfall though, is its running time. Roughly two hours long, the interesting parts could be packed into an hour and a half - barely. It felt as though each event was slow to move forward, and there were several moments when I found myself zoning out.

The audience never seemed particularly worries or engaged in the fallout of each character because their issues were cleared up relatively fast. Most of the issues suggested lazy writing.

Aside from some lifeless scenes and bland climax, “Home Again” is not for the movie-goer who detests clichés. Again, while there was an effort to put a spin on an otherwise predictable story, several details still held true to a classic romantic comedy.

All in all though, the film put a new take on a coming-of-age story revolving around adult and family life. By adding drama to an otherwise extremely relatable plot, “Home Again” was able to amuse and bewilder the audience by stepping just outside the realm of basic hollywood movies.

Rated: PG-13 By: Ashley Altmann aaltmann.gazette@gmail.com

home again: C+

October 2017

Page 16

October 2017

Fall Fashion

BY ABBIE GOULD

agould.gazette@gmail.com

T

is the season of red, yellow and orange leaves, apple picking and, well, pumpkin spice everything. It is finally fall.

A change in season means a change in wardrobe as well.

With a shift to cooler temperatures, it can be difficult to have a stylish outfit, so here are all the top fall trends for 2017.

Denim is the biggest craze this fall. Whether it be a jacket or skirt, denim is everywhere.

Jean jackets are a simple accent to any outfit.

They can be paired with almost anything, whether it be jeans and a t-shirt or a flannel. Not to mention, jean jackets help keep you warm as well.

“Lately, denim jackets have been a thing,” junior Akhil Shah said, “...guys wear their black jeans and girls wear their Lululemon leggings with a jean jacket over.”

“You’ve probably had a denim jacket in your closet for forever,” Kristen Nichols, a writer for Who What Wear, said. She also advises “... don’t be afraid to wear it with jeans. In fact, many of our favorite outfits include a denim-ondenim look.”

Denim skirts and overalls are very popular as well. Both of these items can be worn in all temperatures of fall.

A long sleeve shirt can be worn under overalls to keep you warm during fall, and a cozy sweater can be paired with a denim skirt as well.

These two pieces are perfect go to outfits when you do not know what to wear.

According to Elle Fashion, 1970’s plaid is huge during fall also. “...this season is all about bright plaid from the 70’s,” Justine Carreon, an

Gazette illustration/LOGAN EMBREE

Elle writer, said.

A common example of this fad is flannels. A flannel can be paired with a variety of items, from shorts to jeans to skirts, making it a simple fall accent to any outfit.

Patagonia is a very popular brand as well this fall.

The main, go-to-clothing is either a synchilla pullover jacket or a puffy rain coat. These two items can be worn on a fall day to stay cozy.

Speaking of staying cozy, sweaters are in this fall as well. For both guys and girls, a sweater can make any outfit.

“Sweaters are nice for fall because they are really warm and soft, ” said junior Rachel Finsthwait, “You can also dress them up or down.”

For shoes, the infamous Birkenstocks are always good footwear for fall. Many students say they are extremely comfortable and easy to pair with any outfit.

When it is colder, Birkenstocks can be worn with socks to keep you warm.

Other popular shoes are ankle boots. These short boots “can go with anything, a dress, a skirt, jeans...” said Madeline Tastor, a senior at Granite Bay High School. .

Vans are well liked also. Students say they like the wide variety Vans offer. Whether it be slip on checkered vans, or black high tops, these shoes can be paired with any outfit.

On a different note, fall has a new color scheme this year–red, olive green and a burnt yellow. These three colors can instantly make any outfit a fall outfit.

“It’s official–red is the color of Fall 2017,” Justine Carreon said.

Red, being a bold color, can make a statement to any outfit.

There are many trends this fall, giving lots of options for comfortable, yet stylish fall outfits.

GBHS Students with a sense for fall fashion. Pictured: Carlee Ryder (left), Akhil Shah (Center left), Maddie Tastor (Center right), William Anderson (Right)

Gazette photos /ABBIE GOULD