Granite Bay Gazette, Issue 4, December 2017 by Karl Grubaugh

It’s the holiday season G8-9

Football redeems itself

Seasonal depression From summer to winter, behaviors change

Team rebounds after last year to win sections

Students discuss Christmas traditions

The Granite Bay Gazette

Hidden Realities

GRANITE BAY HIGH SCHOOL w 1 GRIZZLY WAY w GRANITE BAY, CA w 95746 w VOLUME 21 w ISSUE 4 w FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017

COMMENTARY

brayden johnk bjohnk.gazette@gmail.com

Little things go a long, long way

or anyone who knows me, they know that I love nature. I am at home in the great outdoors – backpacking, camping and hiking. I support environmental causes and hope one day to be a leader in protecting and preserving our natural resources. How that will play out in the years to come, I’m not exactly sure. But I am committed to being a force for change – both now and in the future. What many people might or might not realize, which is so important to the sustainability of the environment, is that small actions actually make an incredible difference. As the president of the Granite Bay High School Outdoors Club, my goal is to introduce my members to outdoor activities, while also instilling in them an appreciation and love for the environment. Our first activity of the school year was volunteering for The Great American River Clean-up, a Saturday morning event with an 8:30 a.m. start time. To a high school teenager, Small sleep is a very valuactions able and actually soughtafter make an commodincredible ity, and I worried difference. that this bright and early start time would prevent members from attending. However, I was wrong. When 18 students arrived at the GBHS parking lot (the meeting point) that morning, I was blown away. We proceeded to the banks of Negro Bar in Folsom, where we basically cleaned up after the ignorance of others – picking up everything from cigarette butts to old shirts to half-eaten cakes. At the end, each of our trash bags, although not massive individually, weighed at least a hundred pounds when combined. This beautifully illustrates the significant impact little, individual actions can produce when multiple people come together to work toward a common goal. An event organizer sought me out after the clean-up. She was the president of Friends of Lakes Folsom and Natoma, an environmental non-profit that works to preserve and protect our local lakes. Impressed that I was able to rally such a large number of high school students to come out and volunteer, she recruited me to be a student adviser to her board of directors. I now work on strategies to increase youth involvement in their activities and events. FOLFAN is another shining example of little actions of individuals coming together that make a significant impact on our local environment. So, as I sit here wearing my “Earth Day Every Day” shirt, I want to remind you of the countless, little things every person can do to make a difference in our world – ranging from turning off lights and computers when not in use, to riding a bike instead of driving, to using reusable water bottles rather than disposable plastic bottles. These are all individual actions that can lead to a more significant outcome – a cleaner and greener natural environment for all of us to enjoy.

*** Brayden Johnk, a senior, is a Gazette co-editor-in-chief.

P O S E R

S N NERD O RICH B TERRORIST

GHETTO

Gazette photo illustration/ KATIE COLOGNA, SABINA MAHAVNI and BRAYDEN JOHNK

Student panel promotes a more open, welcoming and understanding environment

BY SABINA MAHAVNI

smahavni.gazette@gmail.com

enior Mehdi Hajar was heading to a Granite Bay High rally in the gymnasium earlier this year. Like most students, he wasn’t really thinking about anything

other than getting into the gym and finding a seat near friends. He was carrying his backpack, which isn’t unusual either, even though students are encouraged to leave their backpacks in their classrooms before going to a rally.

As he was leaving his classroom, a teacher called out to him: “I don’t need you taking your bombs to the rally.” The teacher was smiling when he said it, and if he’d been confronted about it, no doubt he would have explained it away as a joke, nothing serious, don’t take it

Gun, knife found at Antelope, Woodcreek BY MCKENNA ARAM

GB wins section title, loses in NorCal game

BY WILL ANDERSON and SPENCER COVA

See HIDDEN REALITIES, page A7

Weapon scare at local high schools

Football falls short of state wanderson.gazette@gmail.com

t never really gets cold in Granite Bay, but 43 degrees fahrenheit is enough to numb your toes and get your breath to condensate. It’ll get your muscles to tense after sitting for too long, your fingers to lose mobility and your nose to run – and when you’re down 17 points at

the wrong way. But for Hajar, it wasn’t funny, although it was far from the worst he’s ever experienced. But once again, people were making assumptions about him because of who he is – a Muslim,

Gazette photo /KATIE COLOGNA

Tight end Ryan Smith dives into the end zone in the Grizzlies’ 37-14 loss to Pittsburg High School in the NorCal championship. halftime, it feels a little colder than 43. As Granite Bay High School faced off against Pittsburg High on Sat-

inside This Section news

urday night in the NorCal Div. 1A championship, a dormant rivalry was awoken. See FOOTBALL, page A8

oth Antelope and Woodcreek high schools have recently experienced situations in which a student brought a weapon on campus, resulting in security lockdowns during the school day. In the past, there have been other incidents at schools in the Roseville Joint Union School District – and not just at Antelope and Woodcreek – involving students bringing weapons to school.

Local Kids Can Drive

What determines English reading lists?

Students and teachers make effort to give to those less fortunate

A behind-the-scenes-look at what novels students will read

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voices

At least one incident happened at Granite Bay High early in the school’s history. According to district superintendent Ron Severson, who is the founding principal of GBHS, a student brought a firearm on campus and was expelled for a year. According to California’s Gun-Free School Zone Act, bringing a firearm or weapon on campus can result in anything from suspension from school to incarceration. At approximately 10:30 a.m. on

See WEAPONS, page A5

Americans are becoming desensitized to violence Taking action to prevent further chaos

News

Friday

NAMES IN THE NEWS

Granite Bay Gazette

w December 15, 2017

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Football won section title, but lost in NorCal championship

he football team was just crowned section champions with a victory over the Del Oro Golden Eagles at Sacramento State. The Grizzlies are back on top and when the football team is rolling, all is well with Granite Bay. Congrats boys! *** There’s no better way to plié into the last weekend before winter break than to catch teacher Desi Milburn’s dance classes bust a move at tonight’s dance show. Doors open at 7, don’t miss it! *** You know what’s better than breakfast for dinner? Stephen Hernandez winning Principal Jennifer Leighton’s prestigious “most improved attendance” award. I apologize, Mr. Steven Miller, but first period physics is not always the easiest class to wake up for – I can’t imagine that award coming my way any time soon. *** The Emerald Brigade won the Western Band Association Championship! Just in time for us to publish this short congratulations! Their timing was almost as impeccable as the metronome that plays during zero period. This is the musical equivalent of a state championship, so hats off to the band for all their hard work and focus for the last several months. *** Finals are just a few days away so remember to get some sleep and study hard! What’s the worst that could happen? You fail a class, don’t get into the college of your dreams and wind up unsuccessful in life? Don’t worry, you got this. *** Steve Dolan and his students just showcased their work at Granite Bay High School’s very own engineering showcase. Keep up all the incredible work ladies and gentlemen and get some sunblock for those bright futures of yours! *** Cocoa and cram! Freshmen go and get your last little bit of studying in on Monday, Dec. 18 from 2:35-4:00 in the cafeteria. Andi Rothman and her Link Leaders will be there to help you prepare for testing on Tuesday and Wednesday and you can have as much – or as little – studying and hot chocolate as your hearts desire.

Giving back in the heart of the holidays Special to the Gazette /TOM FARMER

Tom Farmer and his students have been able to gather various food items for the local “Kids 4 Cans” foundation set up by NBC’s Sacramento TV station KCRA 3.

Students rally to raise cans BY STEPH KANG

skang.gazette@gmail.com

n all of Thomas Farmer’s classes, an astounding thing has happened. Almost all of the students in all of his math classes at Granite Bay High School have been galvanized to donate cans en masse for Kids 4 Cans.

While every year Kids 4 Cans boxes typically gather dust in the corner of most teachers’ classrooms, with few, if any, donated items in them, Farmer’s classes made it an effort to go above and beyond the typical. When a Gazette reporter asked him for an interview about the effort, Farmer said he did not

“Mr. Farmer’s videos!” During classroom time, Farmer had decided to take a tangent and devote a few minutes to having each of his classes watch videos on the importance of the Kids 4 Cans. The reason these videos in particular were so effective were because of the way they varied their appeals. “The people that you don’t see,” Ian Mackey, a GBHS senior, said “Their families – it was differ-

ent from people who urge you to donate. “(Mr. Farmer) actually showed you evidence, scenarios in which they were happening and have occurred. It was a good reason to actually donate.” After Farmer’s efforts, in which he also sent multiple reminders to the students to donate (his fourth-period class laughed when remembering how one email See CANS, page A7

Singh replaces Orchard as new counselor Staff addition comes right in the midst of busy college application process for seniors BY BRAYDEN JOHNK

bjohnk.gazette@gmail.com

hange is no foreigner to the Granite Bay High School campus. After Kathleen Orchard announced her retirement in October, GBHS experienced this once again as her replacement Navjot Singh joined the staff as the school’s newest counselor – overseeing students with the last names Dr through J. Singh has previous experience in the counseling field, coming from Rodriguez High School in Fairfield where she also worked as a student counselor. Singh grew up in the surrounding area and graduated from Roseville High. After studying psychology and human development at the University of California at Davis, she attended California State University, East Bay, where she earned a master’s degree in school counseling and marriage and family therapy. Because of her local roots, Singh felt the urge to “give back to the community,” and the open position at Granite Bay offered her just that. Obtaining the position here, though, wasn’t so easy, as GBHS principal Jennifer Leighton explained via email.

“We posted for Mrs. Orchard’s position as soon as she announced her retirement, and had over 50 qualified people apply,” Leighton said. “We interviewed 10 (people), and Ms. Singh was a stand-out.” Leighton and others were very impressed by her qualifications as an applicant. “She speaks four languages … and brings enthusiasm, experience and talent to GB,” Leighton said. Singh has also received praise from students at GBHS. “She’s very nice,” senior Mackenzie Hall said. “I don’t really know her too well yet, but I think she is a great addition to the staff.” A new job always takes a bit of adjusting, as it did for Singh. “It’s just a very fast pace here since it’s a (4x4 block) system,” Singh said. “I’m still getting used to Grizz Time and the time schedules.” Her transition was made easier by the positive atmosphere on campus. “Everyone is very friendly and helpful and won’t hesitate to ask if I’m doing OK,” Singh said. “I think that’s something that sets Granite Bay apart.” Coming into the job right in the heat of college application season was certainly a

challenge for everyone. “Mrs. Orchard still has access to Aeries and her email,” Leighton said. “(She) has been writing letters of recommendations and working with both our substitute counselor, and now Ms. Singh, to make sure all students are taken care of.” Singh has also been working diligently to ensure the transition goes smoothly. “I’ve been a counselor before, so I definitely understand the whole counseling process,” Singh said. “I think I’ve been pretty helpful for anyone coming in looking for assistance on the Common, CSU or UC application.” Senior Gianna Cassano agreed with this after obtaining assistance from Singh. “I went to a CSU/UC application workshop in the library after school, and she was one of the counselors that was there,” Cassano said. “Whenever I had a question, she would be the first one to come over and help me out.” Singh offers student assistance and guidance in areas outside of academics as well. “I’m here for academics, personal, social and career-oriented support,” Singh said This gives students someone they can invariably rely on even during tough times – something that can be extremely important. “I have an open-door policy where students can always stop by to say ‘hi’ at any time,” Singh said. This policy will prove useful for all students at GBHS who are looking for personal advice or support.

Navjot Singh A Roseville local, new GBHS counselor is already making an impact.

In order to meet and get familiar with some of the students she would be counseling, Singh called in some students, including Hall, to talk with them. “She introduced herself and let me know I can come to her for any college questions or stressful things because she knows I’m a senior,” Hall said. But Singh didn’t just present herself as an academic resource. “I saw her the next day for a personal problem, and she let me know that I can use her office if I ever need a break from school,” Hall said. “So she let me know that there are some possible places I can go if I need a mental break.” Singh, herself, sums up her new role at Granite Bay perfectly. “I want to be that source on campus who students can come to and feel safe and non judgmental,” Singh said. “I want students to feel safe to talk about whatever is going on at home or school.”

Tinkling to a different tune Bucket toilets make excrement an interesting endeavour BY BRUCE RUSSELL

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

personally want to be interviewed, but that he instead wanted the focus of the story to be on his students, who he claimed were the major reason why cans even apparated in his classroom in the first place. Even though Farmer is a bit publicity shy, his students know better. When asked their motivation for donating so much, Farmer’s fourth period class shouted out three words unanimously:

Gazette illustration /WILL ANDERSON

 Five gallon buckets have been located in all classrooms as emergency toilets for when the school is in lock-down mode.

brussell.gazette@gmail.com

dmit it – you laughed and joked when your teacher, full of scorn and sarcasm, introduced your class to the infamous red buckets in the corner of every classroom. And if you are a male who hasn’t matured since seventh grade – you might still be laughing. “That’s nothing more than a miniaturized Porta Potty,” your snickering friend said in your ear. Sure, it might seem all fun and games to add humor to a rather uncomfortable topic such as this one. However, failure to acknowledge the genuine uses pertaining to the buckets – should an event arise where they’re needed – would be detrimental to not just yourself, but your classmates and the well being of more than just their noses. Formally known as a “classroom lock-down kit,” the bucket contains a multitude of supplies including: a large blue tarp to act as a privacy curtain and shield off part of the room, duct tape to put up the tarp, sanitation bags to line the bucket, toilet deodorant packets, gloves, hand wipes, toilet paper and last but not least, a black toilet seat for the top of the bucket. All these items are designed to aid a classroom of up to 30 people should a lock-down type situation occur. “You can’t really go out to the bathroom if there’s a situation at school – the buckets are the only way you could,” said sophomore Natalie Head, who approves of the buckets being in classrooms in case of an emergency. Head said she believes physically being in a circum-

stance where the buckets are needed allows them to become much more valuable. “If you’re not in that situation, you don’t understand what it would be like, so it’s kind of awkward talking about them,” Head said. In November, Antelope High went on lock-down when a student was suspected of bringing a pellet gun to school. Had the weapon been a real firearm, the emergency buckets might have been of assistance. Sophomore Matthew Penkala cites as a concern a lack of instruction by teachers and administrators about the contents and appropriate use of the buckets. “I have no idea what’s in the buckets,” Penkala said, suggesting faculty should “give a few examples of situations on where and how you would use them.” GBHS isn’t alone in implementing the emergency kits. As a graduate of Cavitt Junior High in 2016, Penkala has fond memories of seeing them in his eighth grade year. Unlike GBHS however, Cavitt did not allocate any time for teachers to inform their students of the buckets’ presence during class. “The school should be more detailed in their explanation of the emergency buckets,” Penkala said, responding to the lack of know-how he’s experienced in both schools. Assistant Principal Greg Sloan, who has administrative insight into the practicality of the lock-down kits, offered his own take on the issue. “The obvious use of the bucket itself is for restroom usage in the event of a long term lock-down,” Sloan said. “Not ideal, but there are worse options.”

News A3

Friday, December 15, 2017

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Friday, December 15, 2017

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Gazette illustration/STEPH KANG

Amongst all the literature out there in the world, only a select few get chosen to be taught to Granite Bay High students.

Reading lists determined by looking at classes English teachers have to select only a few books out of the entire canon BY ABBIE GOULD

agould02.gazette@gmail.com

ach year at Granite Bay High, it is mandatory for students to take an English class – and at GBHS there are a variety of classes to choose from. No matter what class a student is enrolled in, however, they all have a class reading list. So how are these books chosen for students to read in class? There are three different ways reading lists are created for the three types of English classes – college preparatory,, honors or Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate classes. College preparatory, also known as CP,

has a statewide reading list from which books are chosen. “The state of California publishes a list of books that have been approved,” said AP Literature and IB World Religions teacher David Tastor. From this list, the teachers can then choose what books they would like their students to read. “It is for the most part teacher choice, as we are using books as a vehicle to teach content and skills,” said English teacher Adam McLearan. The books chosen for the CP classes challenge students and their reading levels. “Genuinely the school is pretty good about (the books), a lot of the books are AP and IB books,” Tastor said.

Along with challenging the students, there is some reading in common across all classes and grade levels. “Every single grade level has a core novel that we all have agreed upon … so there is a consistency,” McLearan said. However, if teachers choose to have students read another book, they have to get it approved by the district. “There is a process where we have to have (the book) on display … and visible to parents saying this is what we are going to teach,” said English teacher Kay Bacharach. Advanced Placement and honors classes have a similar system to CP classes and how their books are chosen. “Basically if it has literary quality we are allowed to teach it for the AP (course),” Tastor said. “AP Literature is pretty wide open.” There is a collaborative piece to selecting

NEWS BRIEFS Math teacher Scott Becker named GBHS teacher of the year

One of Granite Bay High’s own teachers has been announced as one of the 2018-19 Teachers of the Year for the Roseville Joint Union High School District. Scott Becker, AP Calculus and IB Mathematics teacher, has been named Teacher of the Year, along with Melisa Elko of Woodcreek High. As a result, the two teachers will be part of the Placer County Teacher of the Year program and are also nominees for California Teacher of the Year. The winners of this award

will be announced in the spring. RSEA, district settle contract The Roseville Secondary Education Association, which represents teachers in the school district, recently settled its annual contract. For the first time, a teacher at the top of the salary schedule will earn more than $100,000 a year. To make that salary, teachers must have 27 years of experience and either 90 semester units beyond a bachelor’s degree or 75 units beyond a bachelor’s degree

the books for class reading lists. “At the site level, it is very individualistic-based, but it’s group approved,” McLearan said. All of the staff’s new ideas for books to read are discussed and talked through with other English teachers. “We discuss it in our PLT, professional learning teams,” said McLearan,“We run these things by each other and play devil’s advocate.” This allows for a change in the reading and a current update to all of the reading lists. The process for International Baccalaureate English classes differs from CP and Advanced Placement classes. “IB prescribed a list of authors that you can choose from,” Tastor said. “It is nice because there are authors out there that I really enjoy, but their texts aren’t on the lists. If the author is on that list, I can chose any text by that author that I feel would be

Scott Becker Math teacher one of two educators named Teacher of the Year in the Roseville Joint Union High School District

that includes a master’s degree. Some teachers in the district have earned more than $100,000 per year for several years, but that was because of extra pay they earned for coaching or advising programs such as yearbook, speech and debate and the newspaper that receive an additional stipend. RSEA members overwhelmingly approved the new contract, which increases teacher salaries by 2 percent, by a 237-11 vote.

There was no shortage of information on the GBHS AP Twitter, Instagram and Facebook accounts last week. The social media accounts were filled with statements, videos and pictures all focusing on AP. Check them out @APGrizzlies.

AP Tweet week was last week

- Compiled by Katie Cologna

crowded and you feel stuck,” Holliday said. Holliday also had an unpleasant encounter on a party bus. “One person threw up on the seat and it started sliding toward me,” Holliday said. Katrina Zomat, a senior who actually rented a party bus herself, is positive about the experiences she had. “They had Bluetooth connection so I could play whatever I wanted,” Zomat said. “They allowed us to bring food too, which I liked.” Zomat’s only criticism of using a party bus is the price – a party bus doesn’t come cheap. “Both times they charged a lot of money,” Zomat said. The GBHS school resource officer, Sheriff’s Deputy Gregg Hopping, is cautious about the use of party buses by underage students. “I personally am not a big fan due to some very negative experiences with chauffeured transportation,” Hopping said. “Students often use

these vehicles for partying and using illegal substances prior to and after dances. Many students choose to spend the evening on the buses and do not even attend the dance.” Consumption of drugs and alcohol which led to hospitalization by students in the past, combined with incidents involving the adult chauffeurs supplying students with alcohol and other illegal substances, has contributed to Hopping’s growing dislike for the trend. Hopping has a final warning for any parents and students who are considering renting a party bus in the future. “I tell parents that party buses and limos are recipes for disaster, and you can’t unring the bell or put the toothpaste back in the tube,” Hopping said. “Once it is done, it is done – and the student and parents have to deal with the consequences.”

Illegal activity associated with party buses make many wary of possible consequences Firms renting vehicles must have chaperones if minors are on board BY BRUCE RUSSELL

brussell.gazette@gmail.com

here is so much more to the high school experience than just academics – extracurricular activities, part-time jobs and Friday night dances are all unique benefits to students. However, the “fun” associated with dances can overstep legal boundaries if students aren’t careful. Party buses, usually rented from companies in the nearby area, are sometimes utilized by students before the dance begins for amusing purposes – commonly singing, dancing and drinking. And sometimes, students say, the students are drinking alcohol. “It’s hard to have a bad time in a party bus,” Granite Bay High

School graduate Matthew Esposito said. “You usually get to play what you want – everyone sings and dances.” Regardless of the entertainment value of the buses, activities such as these can blur the lines between legality and illegality. The California Public Utilities Commision requires any “party bus/ limo with minors on board to have chaperones in place to ensure that minors do not drink while on board,” according to information on the Simas and Associates law firm website. Fines will be given to the company who rented the vehicle should underage drinkers be caught in the buses. Besides the issues regarding legality, it’s not all fun and games in the buses. Senior Braeden Holliday, a frequent user of the celebratory vehicles, cited a lack of personal space as a negative experience. “Sometimes they can be too

good for students” This system allows for a diversity in the reading lists from year to year without undergoing a process to add a book to a course reading list. “I love the fact that IB is willing to push students and faculty to continue to explore,” Tastor said. However, sometimes authors are taken off of this list and are not allowed to be taught. “The IB will curiously take author’s off the list, they take them off the list because they get taught too often, and they want diversity and variety,” Tastor said. Although the process differs for each level of class, all of the reading lists are designed to help students grow. “The aim of literature in the English classroom is to challenge students” said McLearan, “not necessarily to challenge their ideas, but to challenge them textually, have them grow beyond their current abil-

GBHS selected to administer health survey

Goal: 90 percent student, staff participation BY JACK KEHOE

jkehoe.gazette@gmail.com

very year, schools across California are chosen at random to administer the California Healthy Kids Survey. This school year, Granite Bay High School has been selected. The survey is administered to freshmen and juniors and includes a vast number of questions aimed at making the school environment an overall better place for every individual. Several personal questions are included as well – some about topics such as gender preference or sexuality – but participants are given the option to not answer any questions they aren’t comfortable with. “Students have the option to not answer some questions or completely opt out taking the survey,” assistant principal Gregory Sloan said. “If they have religious purposes or their parents do not want them taking it or whatever it may be, we understand and will leave them be.” In the Roseville Joint Union High School District, the results of the survey are set to arrive in early January. By using these results, the district hopes to explore new ways to improve the lives of their students. There are also staff and parent versions of the surveys, but Sloan said the district doesn’t administer the parent version because school officials believe many parents would not take it or forget about it.

“I didn’t even know that parents were able to take it,” freshman Piper Bacon said. “I maybe would have given (the survey) to my parents if I had known.” The aim at GBHS is to get 90 percent or more of students and staff to take the survey, but because of several students either forgetting to take the survey or simply not wanting to, this goal looks unlikely. “I took the survey and that was pretty much it,” junior Andrew Dolan said. “There wasn’t anything hard about it, it mainly felt like a chore.” Some students can go through high school and never take the survey because of random chance, such as this year’s senior class. Every group of students that comes into the school are different, so naturally, survey results are expected to differ as time progresses. Overall, the survey intends to provide a general idea to the staff on areas where the school is doing well, what it needs more of – and everything in between. “In January, we’ll get results back for the survey, and we plan to improve Granite Bay High School as best we can with these results in hand,” Sloan said. “We appreciate everyone who sat down and took time out of their day to take the survey.”

Your names. Your faces. Your newspaper. The Gazette.

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Seniors register to vote as they approach 18

Speakers come to advise students on joining a political party BY KATIE COLOGNA

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s voter turnout in the United States continues to be less than impressive, a Placer County program has made its way to Granite Bay High every fall and spring to register students to vote in hopes of boosting the younger generation’s notorious lack of participation. The Placer County Election Project typically has a speaker from each political party, including the Republican, Democrat, Libertarian and sometimes Green Party. Every senior enrolled in any of the government classes on campus attends this program, depending on which semester they are taking the class. For the entire day, on Nov. 9, the program came to GBHS with sessions for each of the four class periods. It is meant to be an opportunity to not only persuade and register new voters, but also to inform and encourage students about politics through various political party speakers. “I’ve been doing this for over 20 years trying to enlighten students who are really the only ones who can change things because they’re a large enough group that have time to change it,” said Libertarian Party representative Robert Page. Page also noted the disadvantages he has had with being part of a third party. “On the one hand it’s extremely encouraging because I get standing ovations, applause, appreciation, (but) very few Libertarian votes because I think you are stuck in the idea that you’ve got to stay with the

only two parties that are really allowed to function,” Page said. “And if you look at the rest of the world, there’s nowhere else other than communist dictatorship countries that have only two parties. They have a diversity of opinions that the country encourages. And here our country is so absorbed with the power of the government, to not disrupt it.” Although the 60.2 percent voter turnout nationally in 2016 was a decrease from the 62.2 percent turnout in 2008, it was an increase from the 58.6 percent turnout in 2012. Despite the country’s lack of participation, and California being one of the lower turnout states, the program has helped Placer County maintain one of the best voter turnouts rates for 18- to 25-year-olds. The 2016 voter turnout in comparison to recent years was not astronomically different even though there was an abundance of drama, scandals and mistrust displayed on all media outlets during the election. “I think that the political climate right now is getting through to people,” said Democratic Party representative Julia Sweeney. “We need to get involved. We need to really pay attention and think about what our party preference says about our community.” Republican representative Jeff Short, who is a GBHS graduate, also pointed out the political climate and that not all politicians are what people might expect. “(I) think the ability to come and see people who are passionate about politics and who have the experience and that we’re not just all the characters that you might see on cable news,” Short said. “I think its a fresh perspective for the students.” Part of this fresh perspective was the representatives’ ability to connect with the students because of their liveliness. AP Government teacher Jarro Westberg, who works with the Placer County Registrar of Voters to arrange for the Election Project to come to GBHS, emphasized the importance of the representative because many people will never re-register – but he also said it’s important for representatives of the political parties to

Gazette photo /BELLA HAMILTON

Political party representatives from left to right: Julia Sweeney of the Democratic Party, Robert Page of the Libertarian Party and Jeff Short of the Republican Party. grasp the attention of the students. Short, the Republican representative, and Sweeney, the Democrat, both experienced the Election Project when they were high school students, Short at GBHS (in Westberg’s AP Government class) and Sweeney at Roseville High. “My purpose is to get more students signed up to be members of the Republican Party,” Short said. “When I went through this program, about 10 years ago, the representative from the Republican party was not very relatable. It was a much older person, and so when I started getting involved in politics, I wanted to become part of this program because I felt like I could have a greater impact than some of the other people that I had seen try to do it.”

After The introductions of the representatives, there was an opportunity for students to ask questions of the party representatives. “I like the Q-and-A section,” Westberg said. “I like the kids being able to ask political questions of the different party representatives. I think that’s the most interesting and influential to the student because they can see ‘here’s an issue I care about. Here’s what each party thinks about it.’” Ultimately, the goal is to increase participation by citizens in the exercise of their right to vote. “It’s not just an opportunity for us – they want this to happen,” Westberg said. “It makes their lives easier. It’s great for voter turnout. They believe in the cause.”

Seniors try to avoid senior conduct and its consequences

Students react to possible penalties BY JUAN PABLO FLORES jflores.gazette@gmail.com

rriving late to class, failing too many classes and having a large number of absences are among the many reasons students have entered the exclusive club known as senior conduct. “Seniors have passed lots of required courses already, but there are lots of things which only seniors attend because we want to honor those who have passed four years of high school,” Granite Bay High assistant principal Greg Sloan said. Sloan then referenced a board policy which reads that high school

graduation ceremonies are meant to recognize those who have “earned a diploma by successfully completing the required course of study, satisfying district standards and passing any required assessments.” “Senior conduct is not permanent (or) a death sentence,” Sloan said. “There is an appeals process (which makes) this essentially a warning.” Sloan also said the senior conduct system at GBHS is also in place at other district schools – an administrative regulation for senior conduct was approved by the school board and applies to all schools in the district. “Granite Bay has a lot of good students and a relatively small amount

of students are on the list,” Sloan said. However, some seniors question the senior conduct system’s relevance and effectiveness. “Putting people on the list (solely) because of attendance is dumb,” senior Sarah Blaziek said. “Everyone can get off of the senior conduct list unless you do something really bad.” Any senior who has been placed on senior conduct and removed from school activities can appeal that decision to the Senior Conduct Committee after submitting a written request to the GBHS administration. The senior conduct system applies only to senior students who demonstrate a citizenship or academic effort poor enough to merit exclusion from activities ranging from assemblies to awards. Students failing to make aca-

demic progress can be placed on senior conduct until they return to good academic standing. Other reasons for placement on the list include attendance issues such as chronic absences and tardiness. “I found out I was suddenly being put on the list on my birthday,” senior Colin Hassoun said. “I’ve missed a lot of school but I still have good grades.” Because of what he deems is a short warning and a “loose-yet-strict” interpretation of the rules, Hassoun criticized the way the issues are handled. “It goes from nothing to having restrictions on me,” Hassoun said. “They said I (might) not be able to play on the volleyball team ... (and) I would not have been able to be on the fall play if I kept missing school.”

Some seniors among those disciplined have differing opinions about the fairness of consequences – some believe administrators’ actions are rash, and others believe they are justified. “‘I have to go to school and so do you’ is the explanation they gave me (for being placed on senior conduct),” Hassoun said. Students who have received a first, second or third notification of truancy or who have more than six tardies in nine weeks can be put on senior conduct for attendance. “Senior conduct is not something one should be worried about if one is a good student,” senior Eric Ginnever said. “All you need to do is care about your stuff.”

Granite Bay has a lot of good students and a relatively small amount of students are on that list. – Greg Sloan, GBHS assistant principal

WEAPONS: Local high school students have firsthand experience with gun, knife on campus Continued from page A1 Nov. 7, the Antelope administration discovered that a student was in possession of a supposed firearm on campus. “Admin and (the school resource officer) spoke with the student who witnessed the weapon in the classroom,” Antelope principal John Becker said. “Since there was no way to know if it was a BB gun or real handgun, our SRO called in for extra officers.” Antelope then went into shelter in place before quickly shifting to a lockdown that lasted 30 minutes until the 16-year-old male student was located. “The responding (Sacramento) County Sheriff’s officers took control from here,” Becker said. “We first searched a classroom we thought the student was in, (and) each student and teacher had to exit the room one at a time with their hands in the air. “The search was difficult at first because the student had only been attending Antelope for three weeks, (and) once he wasn’t in this location, we searched the small gym.” The officers then had all of the students in the small gym sit down, put their hands in the air and within moments the student suspected of being in posses-

sion of a weapon was discovered. The student was then arrested and taken away from the school in a Sheriff’s vehicle. After a thorough search, the suspected firearm was determined to be a pellet gun. “Students who were close to the search were a bit shaken up,” Becker said. “Watching five sheriff officers with guns drawn on campus is not something you would expect to be part of. We walked around at lunch right after the arrest, and most students were calm and (the) campus felt like any other school day.” The intentions of the student are still unknown, and when an assistant principal met with the family and student to discuss the event, the student declined to comment. “When I found out that cops were actually on campus, I started to get really scared because (the students) did not know if it was a real gun or not,” Antelope senior Mackenzie Ayala said. “My fear was that the student was planning to harm other students, and I was just praying that they wouldn’t come into my classroom or hurt anyone.” The student was immediately suspended for five days, and school and district officials recommended

expulsion, which the district is currently pursuing. “A lot of my teachers wouldn’t discuss (the issue), but one of my teachers did because he believed we should know what was going on,” Ayala said. Across many high schools nationwide, guns and the issues of weapons on campus have always remained controversial. GBHS has a trap team and practices extreme caution in making sure that students are correctly handling the guns, which are never brought on campus. “We practice in Auburn, and we make sure we’re far off of campus,” GBHS senior and trap team member Olivia Epperson said. “If we want to carpool, we make sure it’s a rule that we can’t go anywhere near Granite Bay (High) or have any of our guns in our cars if we’re on campus grounds after school. Nothing that has to do with guns or ammo will ever be brought on campus.” On Nov. 16, almost 10 days after the Antelope incident, a 15-year-old sophomore student at Woodcreek High School brought a knife and handgun on campus with the possible intention of carrying out an attack on campus – authorities and administrators are still determining the possible motive. At 7:30 a.m. that day, four Woodcreek students no-

Read the GAZETTE.

tified administrators that they had witnessed another student who had possession of a gun on campus. School officials then searched the student after he was located and found the knife in his jacket. The student claimed he had discarded a gun in the wetlands behind Woodcreek’s campus. Police searched the area and discovered the loaded handgun, and the school was on lockdown for two hours after the incident occurred. “The lockdown we had wasn’t a stereotypical lockdown,” Woodcreek senior Cameron Salerno said. “It was more of a shelter in place where the doors were locked. We continued with our class and no one could leave or enter the room.” It is uncertain as to how the student obtained the gun, but he was arrested and taken to Placer County juvenile hall following the event. School officials plan to pursue an expulsion for the student. Rebecca Rood, Woodcreek’s principal, declined to comment because the incident is still being actively investigated. “It was a really unfortunate situation,” Salerno said. “It was hard to wrap my head (around) how or why someone could put my peers in harm’s way. At the end of the day, I’m thankful no one got hurt.”

Friday, December 15, 2017

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News A6

Volunteers aid in Hurricane Harvey relief efforts in Texas The Beacon organization rounds up support BY BELLA HAMILTON

bhamilton.gazette@gmail.com

Hurricane Harvey was one of the worst – and most costly – hurricanes to hit the Houston area since Hurricane Katrina. According to some estimates, the eventual repairs in the Houston area alone could end up being tens of billions of dollars. There have been more than 90 confirmed deaths in the United States and in Guyana, South America, from the hurricane. Hurricane Harvey has undoubtedly impacted the nation and displaced thousands of families in Texas and Louisiana. The aftermath of the hurricane will last for years. Houses lost and destroyed in the flooding will continue to need rebuilding and those that lost their homes from the storm will need support in getting back on their feet. Students at Granite Bay High School have had friends and family members affected by this disaster and say they sympathize with those who are currently struggling from the aftermath of the storm. Some have even volunteered in Houston to aid in relief efforts. “People are affected for years after the hurricane,” junior Isha Khullar said. “The rebuilding process takes much longer than the media portrays it to be.”

Over Thanksgiving break, junior Savannah Maguire went to Houston to distribute care packages at a homeless shelter. The packages were made by members of groups such as the Red Cross, Key Club, the Multicultural Club, the Environmental Club and other students who felt compelled to help with relief efforts. Maguire chose to volunteer in Houston through The Beacon, a non-profit organization that serves the homeless in Houston, because of the values they possess and how the volunteers are very easy to come into contact with. They also welcome volunteers of all ages. The Beacon currently helps the families, individuals and homeless affected by Harvey by giving out meals and providing a safe, caring environment while the victims of the storm recuperate. “People don’t realize the extent of the damage that a hurricane can do to every aspect of a person’s life and that there are millions of people without any insurance or resources that are left in the cold,” said Heidi Hibbitt, Maguire’s mother. Maguire brought more than 150 care packages – composed of essential toiletries – to distribute to people at The Beacon, and she also served lunch to the resident victims staying at The Beacon hospitality center. “Helping (make) the care packages was a great expe-

CAASPP results provide benefits for the future GBHS students’ test scores make a comeback BY MEGAN NIMTZ

mnimtz.gazette@gmail.com

High school students around the world are no strangers to tests that measure their mastery of a certain subject. In California, students are required to take the California Assessment of Student Progress and Performance. It assesses the level at which students understand a certain level of both English language arts and mathematics. “The CAASPP test lets us know how well we are teaching the standards as outlined by the Common Core that was created in a partnership with the colleges,” Granite Bay High principal Jennifer Leighton said. “These standards were created to ensure that students across the U.S. are all learning the same things and being measured in the same way.” Unlike many other exams, the CAASPP test does not have one sole purpose. It is used to measure a variety of different aspects of both the school and how well its teachers are educating their students. It also predicts how prepared an individual is for college. “Our school’s profile is loaded into the Common App, and our scores let the colleges know how prepared our students are to move on,” Leighton said. Not only does this test affect the high school individually, but it could also influences a student’s ability to attend college depending on how well their class performed. “I was definitely nervous about how we would be affected when applying to colleges,” GBHS graduate Jack Lugo said. “Our ranking among schools in our area dropped significantly, which was disappointing, and I believed our low scores would make getting into competitive universities more difficult.” In previous years, GBHS scores on the CAASPP test (and its predecessor, the STAR test) had been relatively consistent – until the 2016 school year when scores plummeted. There were several repercussions of these lower scores, one being the school’s reputation. “A lot of people asked what had happened and why we had all of a sudden become such a low-performing

school,” Leighton said. “ We were all perplexed, and a little embarrassed, but also determined to show what we are really made of.” Keeping the previous year in mind, the next junior class had more of an incentive to perform to its fullest potential. “(There are) probably many reasons (for the sudden improvement in test scores) ... (and) a lot of communication from the school about the test, students taking the test in a room with one of their current teachers and that the scores are now being recorded on student transcripts (are some of them),” assistant principal Jessup McGregor said. Students also had more of an understanding of the test and how it could potentially affect them and their future. “I think the scores were so much higher because instead of teachers telling students that scores did not matter like they had in previous years, they said that they did matter and explained the benefits that occur to our school and that they were putting it on our transcripts,” senior Sydney Esposito said. Now, with their newfound knowledge, students have more of an appreciation for the test and are more understanding of why school officials said they felt the need to increase the incentive for students to do well. “I thought the idea (of increasing incentives for student performance) was smart because I know the school lost a lot of money because the year before tested poorly due to them not putting in any effort,” Esposito said. Each year brings a new class and therefore a new set of scores for GBHS. Some would advise upcoming students to put in the necessary effort in order to produce an accurate set of scores. “Do your best work in order to make it as accurate of a reflection of your skills as possible,” McGregor said. “Get a good night’s rest, eat breakfast. Most of all, show up for the actual test day so you don’t have to miss class to take it during a makeup session.” Even though this test is important, it will not dictate a student’s future. “Don’t stress about it, but do your best,” Leighton said. “The better we score as a school, the better we all do as individuals when applying for college – because then GBHS’s reputation is that of a strong preparer of students.”

Gazette photo /BELLA HAMILTON

Ronald Marshall, Mike Puccio, Savannah Macguire and Becky Landes aided in relief efforts. rience knowing that I changed someone’s life,” Khullar said. While Khullar did not travel to Houston to volunteer, she helped make some of the care packages that were distributed by The Beacon. The Beacon has been helping people displaced from

their homes since 2007 and has been providing hot meals at every time of day for anyone that needs them. In the future, it is inevitable that there will be more natural disasters like Hurricane Harvey and future victims will need to rely on people like the volunteers of The Beacon to help them heal.

A moral monopoly is the antithesis of a marketplace of ideas. One sign of this sense of moral monopoly among the left intelligentsia is that the institutions most under their control – the schools, colleges and universities – have far less freedom of speech than the rest of American society.

– Dr. Thomas Sowell, The Hoover Institute, Stanford University

Roseville • Sacramento • SF Bay Area • Las Vegas San Diego • Fresno • Santa Rosa Attorneys at Law

Friday, December 15, 2017

News A7

The Granite Bay Gazette

HIDDEN REALITIES: Diverse panel shares personal stories Continued from page A1

someone with brown skin, someone who is “different” and really doesn’t fit the stereotype of the typical student at Granite Bay High. So while Hajar dismisses the incident as mostly a misunderstanding, for the teacher, Hajar is perhaps the personification of a stereotype that many Muslims have had to learn to endure in the United States: The Muslim as terrorist.

*** The typical stereotype for a “Granite Bay kid” has created cultural blinders on the school’s students and staff. For this reason, Granite Bay High School principal Jennifer Leighton turned a monthly faculty meeting into a lesson about the importance of understanding students’ individual stories. On Nov. 14, Leighton presented to the teachers and staff a panel of students she thought could give valuable insight into the diverse lives of GBHS students. The idea started at the district level, where two students from each school in the Roseville Joint Union High School District were recruited to share their stories and increase awareness in teacherstudent relationships. Kasey Yean, a GBHS senior, was one of the chosen students who spoke in front of about 40 assistant principals, principals and other school leaders. “Originally (the recommendation to participate in the panel) came through my counselor,” Yean said. “One day I was meeting her, and she had asked me if I wanted to be a part of it (student panel) because they were looking for some students of color from around the district to represent their school, and I thought it sounded (like) ... a nice opportunity.” Leighton presents student panel Leighton, inspired by the project, implemented this “student panel” concept at the November faculty meeting, adding a few personal touches. “I just made it a little bit more my own with the video idea and with having teachers recommend students to me,” Leighton said. Leighton received the names of 25 teacher-recommended students and whittled it down to 11 who were willing to speak at the meeting. In the end, 10 showed up. “I wanted (teachers) to think of students as individuals,” Leighton said. “They could be dealing with some big struggles in their lives … we just have this stereotype of the typical Granite Bay High School student, and I want to

make sure that we understand that our students are individuals and they all have different stories.” Leighton asked each student questions about their daily lives, their experiences with teachers on campus and their “culture” in a pre-taped video and during the meeting itself.

Immigrants bring new perspectives Two of the students were recent immigrants from foreign countries, including junior Basem Alaffas from Saudi Arabia, who gave a glimpse into the life of a foreigner at GBHS. “I’m a Muslim,” Alaffas said. “I … get these racist jokes sometimes and it’s kind of tough. I don’t know how to reply to people. I feel offended sometimes and sometimes just think, ‘It’s a joke, it’s fine,’ but they (have to) work on that.” For Alaffas, difficulties at school mostly revolve around students’ behavior toward him and adjusting to the new culture and curriculum. “The first two weeks were kind of scary … but eventually I got over it with the help of my teachers,” Alaffas said. “They’re great. ... I love them, and I appreciate them.” He wants to fit in Alaffas wants teachers to know that even though his accent and lifestyle might be hard to understand, he truly wants to fit in at GB. He acknowledges the student panel’s good intentions at breaking down the barrier of stereotypes and preconceived notions. “I think it (the student panel) is a good thing ... so they can improve the school,” Alaffas said. “Even though the school’s rating is really high, and it’s one of the best schools here, as always there’s some mistakes in the school that they don’t see and students struggle with.” Physics and biology teacher Andrew Phillips has witnessed first-hand offensive comments directed at certain minorities. “The thing that I see most often, especially as the adviser for the (Gay Straight Alliance), is people being put down or bullied or discriminated against because of their gender identity or sexual orientation,” Phillips said. “I also see and hear a lot of anti-Muslim rhetoric (and) a lot of people being ostracized or marginalized because of how much money their family has.” Phillips acknowledges how the student panel might have singled out specific minorities but argues that discriminatory incidents are too important to ignore.

“Those things (discrimination) I’m painfully aware of, and it’s really challenging for me to teach at a school where that happens,” Phillips said. “So I see this as an imperfect step in the right direction of acknowledging these things so we can start to address them. Promoting deeper appreciation for students’ situations was the goal, but the execution invoked unsatisfactory remarks from a few of the participants. “As a concept, I think the panel was set up with good intentions,” said Hajar, one of the 10 students who spoke at the meeting. “However, I think with the purpose of the panel being to appreciate, respect and understand people’s stories, I’m not sure if the best and most effective way to do that was by singling out kids who are supposedly looked at as different for one reason or another.”

Selection process biased? Hajar empathizes with the purpose of the panel but said the selection process for the students who spoke might have been biased – which, Hajar noted, in at least a small way exemplifies the very ignorance the project aims to eradicate. “I believe the reason I was selected for it is because I have melanin in my skin,” Hajar said. That being said, Hajar shared stories relating to racism and discrimination relevant to the central theme of the gathering – some evoking shocked gasps from the teachers in the audience. “I had an experience with a teacher where I was told that he doesn’t need me taking my bombs with me to the rally in my backpack,” Hajar said. Hajar also had an offensive encounter with a school district leader. “I had another experience with an official from the district who, when he met me during my tech work, he said my name in a very disrespectful accent and did a very disrespectful dance,” Hajar said. Some teachers and district officials were surprised, to say the least, at this behavior. “For Mehdi to sit up there and talk about how a teacher has made comments like that toward him or that a district level employee has made comments like that – that should be shocking and appalling to teachers on this campus,” Phillips said. This is the primary reason Leighton chose to have the panel speak directly in front of the teachers. “I think we have to start with the teachers and our relationships, and our respect for each other is how we have to

model that,” Leighton said. In terms of the meeting’s effectiveness, Leighton and Hajar both said they believe at least some of the teachers walked away with a new perspective on the everyday GBHS student. “I could tell they were really touched because they stood up and applauded after the video, and then they were just very attentive while the students were speaking,” Leighton said. Hajar also noticed the teachers’ attentiveness during the questions, and he said he hopes they absorbed the students’ messages about respect. “I think if they pulled anything away from it, I hope that it was just, everyone deserves a chance to be understood,” Hajar said. “Everyone deserves respect just as much as anyone else.” Yean agreed that the panel was isolating and intimidating, but she said she thinks benefits outweigh any negatives. “I’m not specifically a fan of (the panel),” Yean said. “Sometimes I (felt) a little bit uncomfortable, but at the same time, I want to be able to express how I feel and my opinions. So overall, I think it’s good for the teachers on campus.” Phillips said he’s an advocate of the panel’s benefits for improving teacher awareness of discriminatory acts on campus, but he said there’s room for improvement in the presentation. “One thing that I think needs to be remembered in this is that in order to have a conversation about all students, you have to have all students (present),” Phillips said. “Just having a minority panel maybe gives the wrong impression. We don’t want students to feel like they’re not being listened to because they’re not a minority.” Leighton plans December meeting At the staff meeting in December, Leighton plans to ask teachers what they’ve learned from the student panel and from students in their own classes. Her hope and the hope of many staff members is that GBHS can become a more open, welcoming environment that supports students’ uniqueness. “I think it’s important to recognize and acknowledge the fact that different students on this campus have different experiences, and that we need to be cognizant of what all students are going through,” Phillips said. “It’s really important for teachers and administrators to be aware that those things actually happen, so then we can start to acknowledge and address the problem.”

ASB UPDATE Gazette: What are some of the upcoming events? Epstein: We’re bringing back Sadies. That will be on Feb. 2. Gazette: Why should students come to the dance? Epstein: We’re bringing it (Sadies) back, and the more people that come, the more likely of us having it in the future. It’s just a new thing we haven’t had in awhile. Gazette: What is the theme for Sadies? Epstein: We haven’t discussed (the Sadies theme) because the new student government class in the spring (isn’t yet in place), but we’ll have that in January.

Courtney Epstein, senior class vice president, discusses current and future school events.

–Compiled by Sabina Mahavni

Friday, December 15, 2017

News

w The Granite Bay Gazette

FOOTBALL: Grizzlies lose in NorCal championship game to Pittsburg Pirates

Continued from page A1

“We have a history,” Pittsburg coach Victor Galli said. “And we’re 1-4 against these guys, so the history has been on their side.” But all of that didn’t matter after kickoff, and the Pittsburg Pirates played every bit like the top 20 state-ranked team they are. “(The Tribe) put a little billboard material up there that said ‘Pittsburg ain’t ready’ (and) it was good, because Pittsburg was ready,” Galli said. “We flipped the script.” The season that Granite Bay constructed was far from scripted though. Coach Jeff Evans led the Grizzlies from a 4-7 record a year ago to a 12-3 Sac Joa-

quin Section Div. 2 title-winning season, and in the heat of it all, Evans didn’t lose an ounce of his composure. After the final second ticked off the clock in the fourth quarter, and a 37-14 loss would conclude the Grizzlies’ season, Evans and some of his coaching staff individually congratulated each Pittsburg player as they passed. “They run similar to what they used to run,” Galli said. “They’re good. This is a good football team. We should be proud of this win tonight.” Granite Bay showed signs of life in the second half by recovering a blocked punt for a touchdown and a 29-yard scoring connection between tight end Ryan Smith

and quarterback Jade Foddrill. But every time the Grizzlies scored, quarterback Justin Boyd and the Pittsburg offense answered. “It feels good to be here,” Boyd said. “We worked so hard to get here.” Even after the big win, it is routine as usual for the Pirates as Boyd said the team will prepare for next week by getting back in the film room, studying, lifting and working harder. As for Granite Bay, the nostalgia of a concluding season began to set in as tears fluttered down the cheeks of players and parents. “We learned from our mistakes last year and just tried to set a nice foundation for

CANS: GBHS students give back Continued from page A2 Farmer sent consisted of nothing but “CANS” in all caps over and over again), students also came together to come up with their own plans to donate. “Cans cans cans cans cans,” one person shouted out from the back of Farmer’s classroom. Group chats were formed around the effort, one named “Math Gang” in which students reminded each other to donate cans and kept up motivation to keep donating. Farmer said he wanted his students to do it for the sake of doing good in the world. He didn’t want his students to do it for personal gain such as free food or extra credit points on campus. Apparently, many of his students had asked him multiple times for extra credit, but each time his response was no. “Mr. Farmer made sure,” junior Joseph Reinero said, “that we weren’t just doing it for the pizza and donuts.”

the next guys to come,” senior defensive back Ryan Fina said. A four-year member of the football program, Fina, like many of his teammates, lined up for his last time in a Grizzly uniform on Saturday. “I’m going to miss it, it’s not going to happen again and I have to move on with life,” Fina said. The end of the season marks only the fifth time in the program’s 21-year history that a Grizzly team reached 12 wins. “We left our hearts on the field -- we played for each other, our effort was there but our execution wasn’t,” Granite Bay tight end and linebacker Matt Solone said. “I’ll remember this season forever.”

FAST FACTS Notable statistics from 2017 varsity Grizzlies season w Offense averaged 170.5 rushing yards per game w Blake Peterson led team with 1,140 total yards w Jack Powers broke school record with 13 sacks w Team finished with an undefeated road record w Ryan Fina led team with four interceptions Max Preps

Voices

Granite Bay Gazette

Friday w December 15, 2017

GAZETTE Don’t accept the disrespect in our society, challenge it The Granite Bay

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

Editors-in-Chief: McKenna Aram Katie Cologna Brayden Johnk Steph 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

At dances, students scream the n-word enior Medhi Hajar is just another student at Granite along with songs, even though the majority Bay High School. of GBHS students are decidedly not black. Unfortunately, the color of his In the November issue of the Gazette, we The voice of the skin sometimes seems to obscure reported how the Black Student Union had Granite Bay that. difficulty finding a person of color to advise Gazette Just trying to walk out of his the club and eventually had to outsource to class earlier this year, he endured another high school to fill this void. callous comments from a teacher The fact that we haven’t noticed this probwho wanted to know whether he had a bomb in his lem earlier and blandly accepted it as a part of GBHS backpack. culture is problematic. This shouldn’t be what Granite Just trying to carry out some tech work for the Bay High represents. district, he had to sit through a district official (yes, a We shouldn’t be the high school that’s OK with the ndistrict official) saying his name in a strange accent and word, we shouldn’t be the school infamous for its lack doing a disrespectful dance. of diversity or at least tolerance in staff members and Medhi Hajar is not alone in the disrespectful comin students, because even though the majority of our ments experienced by minority students on campus. school’s population is white, there still exist students Last month, a panel of minority students were sethat are, well, not. lected to talk to the faculty about their experiences on What’s at fault here can’t simply be laid at the feet of campus, leaving teachers horrified about some of the administrators at campus. things they have seen on campus. As a part of the culture of GBHS, both staff and Yet maybe this should have been long coming. students need to share the blame for having seen such

EDITORIAL

horrifying moments and have done nothing to correct the teachers or students at fault or support the minority students being discriminated against. Desmond Tutu, a prominent South African social rights activist, once said: “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.” That sentiment holds all the more true in each and every situation we take part in, willingly or unwillingly, every single day. Whether you stand idly by and watch your homeroom teacher ask a student of color whether he has bombs in his backpack, or stand up for what’s right and join forces with that student and tell your teacher that what they’re doing is wrong, all depends on one thing – are you willing to make the decision to respond every single time you notice something going on that’s wrong. Because at the end of the day, you are making a decision, consciously or not, to stand up for what’s right or continue feeding into a culture that is so definitely wrong. So. Do it. Make the decision. And carry through.

Sports Editors: Jake Criscione Jack McGrail Max Schwartz Andrew Yung Social Media Editor: Megan Nimtz Illustrators: Katie Cologna Sabina Mahavni Samreen Siddiqui Photo Editors: Steph 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.

We are becoming desensitized to violence Taking action for prevention will help society

e as Americans have drastically changed since the beginning of the 21st century. Political and religious beliefs are now more diverse than ever, and spurring increases in xenophobia. A now universal use of social media by nearly everyone under the age of 30 has resulted in a decline of real-life interaction. But most of all, an extreme increase in violent activity has damaged an already-battered America.

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

Mass shootings, radical Islamic terrorism and random acts of workplace violence are happening at a rate nearly unfathomable. A Gun Violence Archive statistic states that a “total of 316 mass shooting incidents have occurred as of November 14.” Mass shootings, defined as “four or more shot and/or killed in a single event,” happen more than once a day in the United States. Americans are worried about this escalation of violence; 42 percent of us said they feel less safe from terrorism since 9/11 happened, according to the Washington Post. Some politicians and citizens have taken action. Renewed travel bans, calls for more control over the distribution of prescription drugs and attempts at gun control have all been proposed and some

of these legislative efforts have been implemented. While those policies might try to combat the quandary at hand, they don’t change a stingy public reaction. Overall, our country seems to have almost normalized terrorism. Attack after attack happens with no outright defiance from the majority. Many of us see another shooting on the news, give it a moment of thought – and return to normalcy. The abundance of television, video games, and excess of superficiality have all distracted us from pursuing real prevention. Sometimes it doesn’t even cross our mind that the people whose lives were lost were real, individual people. They had jobs, families and

COMMENTARY

bruce russell brussell.gazette@gmail.com

problems just like we do. I fear our society is slowly becoming desensitized to an issue so prevalent in our lives. If you don’t believe me, ask yourself if you remember the Plano, Texas, shooting in September

that killed nine, or the Corning, California, shooting that killed six in November. Don’t forget about the larger incidents, namely the Las Vegas mass shooting in October and the Pulse nightclub attack in Orlando last year. Both shootings resulted in more than 100 combined fatalities. We cannot continue to live in a state of existence where we allow horrendous acts of carnage to happen. Until we as American citizens unanimously demand real action from the politicians that serve us, mass killings won’t stop. *** Bruce Russell, a senior, is a Gazette staff writer.

Do not let technology take over your life actually inhibited communication, which is rather counterintuitive. The study found that communicating through cell phones, while convenient, inhibited conversation because as humans, 93 driving cars, selfpercent of the communication we sufficient robots and do is nonverbal. a computer that can That means even though we use calculate anything in our words to talk to one another, mere milliseconds have only 7 percent of communication all been designed and can be gained through messages. achieved. Personally, I’ve had plenty of We also live in a sotimes where just words have not ciety where technology ayung.gazette@gmail.com been enough. is heavily prevalent, as Countless times I’ve detected almost everyone has sarcasm that was never there, or thought either a computer, a phone or a television, someone was mad when really it was just and many have all three. me adding the angry tone when reading the So while technology might not physically message. be overpowering us, it definitely has begun Besides inducing misinterpretation, to take over our lives. phones also make us less social. For instance, though phones were deAt parties and at meetings, people have signed to enhance communication between started focusing less and less on each other people, studies show that cellphones have

We cannot build relationships if we’re too distracted with phones

Send Letters to the Editor to: staff.gazette@gmail.com

Photo image special to the Gazette/ The Digital Marketing Collaboration on Unsplash

Gazette photo illustration/SAMREEN SIDDIQUI

any science fiction novels have been written about the evergrowing presence of technology, with many focusing on the potential danger and control that technology can have over society. HAL from “2001: A Space Odyssey” comes first to mind, as he – or rather it – is a quintessential example of technology being too smart for humanity and turning against the human race. And though some of these works such as “2001” seem far-fetched and overly imaginative, reality might be that the consequences of technology are not as aggrandized as people think. Here we are in 2017 without flying cars and without time-traveling machines. Yet at the same time, feats such as self-

COMMENTARY

andrew yung

and more and more on their phones, resorting to the tiny screen in their hands rather than the warm faces of those around them. Perhaps it is because technology has given us a new sense of comfort. Technology is often well within our comfort zones, and we would rather look at our phones than talk to strangers, or stay at home and watch television rather than go out to parties. And while this sense of comfort might give us temporary pleasure, it does not help us in the long run because it encourages people to be antisocial and have a proclivity for isolation rather than relationships. Don’t get me wrong. I am not calling for an entire banishment of technology. It is still wonderful and abounding in information, and it is used for many good things. It just shouldn’t be a crutch. Instead, we should only use our technology when absolutely necessary. *** Andrew Yung, a junior, is a Gazette sports editor.

Friday, December 15, 2017

Voices A10

The Granite Bay Gazette

Social media often contradicts itself HEARD on the

BAY

What is your favorite holiday song?

“The Most Wonderful Time of the Year”

freshman

Megan Brown

Diversity is encouraged but the web criticizes normalcy

t is quite rare to find something capable of producing adverse effects – such is the phenomenon that is social media. As 21st century society becomes saturated with blue light and smart watches, new fads begin to flourish at even greater rates than ever before because of the Internet’s notorious ability to distribute information quickly _ whether that information is reliable or not is up to you and your research. Twitter has brought us both laughs and inspiration. Some advertise GoFundMe accounts to rally aid for those in need. Some take to Twitter for rants and drama. Some simply tweet comedic gold and call it a day – lucky for the Twitter-verse that means laughter ringing from all parts of the world. That is, until we find the next way to put our energy toward trivial online disputes – the clear better use of time. Regardless of your outlook on social media, it’s undeniable that these online

COMMENTARY

sity has been cloaked by drapes of silent contempt for those who choose not to adhere to certain trends or hobbies. No longer are we celebrating difference if we are abandoning platforms have in the process. brought both There seems to be an unspoken joy and despair. concept present on Twitter and A common a handful of other social media trend I’ve witplatforms: Welcome originality. nessed online Detest conformity. recently is proThinking in so shallow a manner moting case creates a paradox. If we should studies that applaud a new trend, a new story, nnichols.gazette@gmail.com highlight divera new passion or item — then sity. is it not natural for those applauding to Initially, I’d think doing so could demonstrate their appreciation through and would only bring about goodness. their own personal decisions? How can Though, somewhat ironically, the trends we appreciate without coming together of celebrating diversity have seemingly to declare our appreciation? triggered a movement of exclusivity. Fads are inevitable in everyday life. Diversity, in this particular instance, is The manner in which we are approachnot limited to diversity of a racial or eth- ing them is contradictory. nic sense – it also entails avant-gardism These self-proclaimed welcomers of within fashion, film and the fine arts. difference either despise those who folAppreciating and encouraging the low in the footsteps of their role models creative efforts of your peers should be and deem them “copycats,” or criticize sought after as a daily objective, but ex- those who choose not to adhere to the cluding those of different backgrounds trends of the moment – in other words, should not be the byproduct. the “different” – in other words, those This good-faith promotion of diver- who celebrate diversity are simultane-

ously critical of diversity. A paradigm for such case is the now infamous rise of the Thrasher tee — hailing from Thrasher skateboarding magazine. People began to rep Thrasher apparel in celebration of the skate community — a community seldom recognized in comparison to other sports. Along the way, the act gained traction, and soon sporting the clothing became a widely known trend. You might think the growth of the product should be praised, but, sure enough, Thrasher became the meme of the year — because that is the glory (and disgrace) of the internet. While the popularity of a flame-depicting tee might seem trivial – and trust me, it is – it might also reveal a greater truth. Diversity may only truly be celebrated if it is approached with a side of acceptance. Oh, and, for crying out loud, wear whatever the heck you want. *** Noelani Nichols, a senior, is a Gazette staff writer.

COMMENTARY

ment is largely a result of the love of money to which far too many are attached despite being the root of all evil. But in many parts of the United States, the externals of the Christmas season have been subjected to intense scrutiny using the pretext of religious freedom, even though this concept might have been conceived for the protection of the Church against the secular state to avoid horrors such those as unleashed by King Henry III during the episcopate of Thomas Becket or with atheistic Communism in the past

noelani nichols

Christmas time ignites a war on values

“Jingle Bell Rock”

Religious images should be accepted in public

sophomore

Emma Broers “Deck the Halls”

junior

mong the most basic rights of any people is that of the preservation of its own values and traditions. This fundamental right is eroded when any particular government limits the public expression of the ethnic religion in ways such as prohibiting the clergy to preach openly, the ringing of church bells and the erection of religious art and sculpture, including Nativity scenes. Public schools have taught students that religion is an essential aspect of the national heritage and culture of the country, which subsists under the governance of God, with moral and ethical values resting chiefly on religious grounds. By restricting religious symbols from the public sphere, various entities at different levels within the government, mass media and private corporations appear to be determined to subvert the heritage which has provided the Western world its moral foundation. In the 1980s, the Supreme Court began waging war on religion in public schools, banning from them the display of the Ten Commandments, prayerful “moments of silence,” and alternative theories to evolution. Contradicting two centuries of American tradition, the Supreme court conceded to secular lobbyists as it decided that placing a Nativity scene on public property is unconstitutional in the 1989

Arthur Turner “Jingle Bells”

senior

Allegheny County v. ACLU case. Large menorahs commemorating the Jewish festival of Hanukkah stand nearly unopposed around the country, while decorations having even a remote connection to Christianity are undermined. Some businesses and organizations have gone to the extreme of banning the use of certain words with a religious connotation. Thankfully, President Donald Trump jflores.gazette@gmail.com is combating this cult-like political correctness by emphasizing Christmas as opposed to generalizing the holiday season. century. In many regions once filled with countless adherents Christian faith communities, the most persecuted of the Christian religion and its timeless pious tradi- around the world according to a recent study conducted tions, Advent has been reduced from a time of by the University of Notre Dame, the Religious Freepenance preceding the joyful birth of the Redom Institute and other collaborators, have come under deemer to a materialistic shopping attack around the world. frenzy devoid of any sentiFor some, the massacre perpetrated in a Baptist ments of religious church by a self-identified militant atheist last month preparation. brings news of Islamist attacks on Coptic Christians in This deEgypt closer to home. velopWithout authoritative religious rules in place to firmly demarcate good from evil, morality becomes blurred in issues as broad as eugenics and fair wages. Not only suicides, but also heinous crimes and atrocities deemed unthinkable in years past become more common as too many people find no meaning in life if it lacks the complete fulfillment of justice in an afterlife. The ideal of multiculturalism might seem beneficial for some who seek to destroy the uniqueness of every culture as its implementation can bring forth undesirable chaos and division. In some countries the native people are displaced by migrants with an expansionist Islamic view, while in others the intolerance of a few is making society less tolerant for many. External signs such as Christmas devotions and decorations might remind many of what is important, but even with the lack of such, the message will never cease. Those with religious devotion must not let the radical secularists take it away. *** Juan Pablo Flores, a senior, is a Gazette staff writer.

juan pablo flores

Gazette illustration/JUAN PABLO FLORES

The society of America has it all wrong

Bailey Diemer “Jingle Bells”

There is a difference between enjoyment and pleasure

COMMENTARY

doing, but you always have some’m pretty sure I was born in the wrong country, specifically, the wrong culthing else on your mind, something ture. you should be doing instead of enEuropeans know how to work hard in joying yourself – and therefore you order to earn a substantial living, but they are just not in the moment. are also able to spend time with their famThat’s the other aspect of it all, ily, or go on a vacation in the middle of Europeans just live life to the fullest. the work week or simply indulge in a Most of them don’t work from chocolate cake without feeling this masmorning to night without ever being sive sense of guilt weighing them down. able to take a vacation day or simply I feel that’s the problem with Americans have a meal with their family, they – we are constantly overridden with guilt. just enjoy life as it comes and take We make excuses for ourselves like, breaks when necessary. “Oh, I went to the gym today so I deserve In American culture we are taught mnimtz.gazette@gmail.com this piece of chocolate.” No. This mindset this at a very young age – our paris just wrong. ents always put limits on our pleaNormally, Europeans would not have to justify eating sure, and they appropriately consider that we do not yet something that brings them happiness, they do it simply understand the outcome of eating an entire box of Thin because they want to and because they can. No excuse Mints isn’t good for us. necessary. But, as we grow older, parents (or my parents, anyI would say Americans have an understanding of en- way) always ask as you’re sitting watching a movie or joyment, but Europeans understand pleasure. baking a cake, “Is your homework done?” And if I say Though these two sound alike, they differ in the fact yes they respond by questioning whether my room is that pleasure comes from the soul, you are wholeheart- clean or if I’ve done my laundry – therefore hinderedly thriving in whatever you’re doing whether it be ing my enjoyment of the task I’m currently doing to playing soccer or watching your favorite movie, it is give myself a break from the stress of life, which is so 100 percent satisfaction with no guilt attached. necessary. However, enjoyment is when you are genuinely havGod forbid that anyone can just sit down and relax ing a good time or you really like what you’re currently for once and not have to think about all the things they

megan nimtz

staff

Jeanne Sampson Compiled by Nicole Gearing

could be doing. Even with simple day-to-day errands, most of us dread going to the grocery store, or don’t find immense enjoyment in it at least, but Europeans have the luxury of shopping at an all-natural, farmers’ market every day if they choose – where they leisurely pick out the ripest fruit and the softest bread, and even get some flowers to put on the dinner table. They run into their friends and have conversations, actual conversations, not just saying, “Hi how are you?” without expecting an actual answer. We are all guilty of this phenomenon, always looking to get in and out as fast as possible, not stopping for a minute to actually go below the surface and catch up with an old friend. I don’t think we are aware of how much we are missing out on by doing this, having a conversation that could lead to getting dinner which could then spiral into going on a vacation together and end up being lifelong friends. You could have missed out on all this happiness if you did the social American norm and dropped your head and avoided making eye contact so you could go rush off and do whatever you needed to do. Our culture has some flaws – we do not understand the true meaning of pleasure, and we are surrounded by work and guilt that prevent us from truly living. Which is what life is supposed to be all about. *** Megan Nimtz, a senior, is a Gazette features editor.

Friday December 15, 2017 w

Voices A11

The Granite Bay Gazette

Christmas celebrates a most-important event

The birth of Jesus Christ defines the holiday

here is a reason why the Christmas season is a favorite time of year. Maybe it’s the festive lights making the world around us bright, the laughter that seems to fill the air or reuniting with family that makes this time of year so “merry and bright.” For me it is all of these things, plus the true meaning of Christmas – Christ’s birth. After all, it is called “Christmas.” Have you ever thought about why we get a tree, decorate it with lights and put a star on top? How candy canes came about, along with bells and stockings? Why we give gifts and decorate the house with poinsettias, holly and wreaths? Well, these are all old traditions dating to about 2,000 years ago – commencing from the birth of Jesus Christ. One of the most recognizable symbols of the holiday is the star. It represents the star that appeared in the sky when Jesus Christ was born. This star led the wise men to see

Jesus. Many of our memorable Christmas traditions include different kinds of lights – lights on trees, in and on our homes and candles on our tables. These beautiful lights of the holiday season remind me of Him who is the source of all light. Even before Christ’s birth, trees that stayed green all year carried a special meaning for people. A green, thriving tree in the dead of winter reminded people of hope and new life. Because of Jesus Christ, we can have everlasting life, so we can choose to see the evergreen tree as a natural symbol of Him and His gift to us. The poinsettia originated from Mexico, and like the evergreen tree, it is a plant that thrives during the winter and symbolizes new life. Their shape resembles a star, like the one that led the wise men to Jesus. Red poinsettias represent the blood that Christ spilled for us, and white poinsettias

COMMENTARY

ward men.” symbolize His purity. Traditionally, wreaths are Christmas is the season of made of evergreens such as giving. That is why we give pine branches or holly. family members presents. Their circular shape can When the wise men went represent eternity. Wreaths to baby Jesus, they “prehung on doors or in winsented unto him gifts, gold, dows are like a symbolic frankincense and myrrh.” invitation for the spirit of Christmas to fill our homes As the Bible says in the with the joy of the season. King James version in John Candy canes can remind 3:16, the greatest gift of all us of the staffs carried by the came from our Heavenly shepherds who visited the Father: “For God so loved baby Jesus. mclement.gazette@gmail.com the world, that he gave his During Christ’s time, a shepherd’s staff often had a crook, or bend, Only Begotten Son, that whosoever believeth at the top that was used to hook sheep by the in him should not perish, but have everlasting neck to gently lead them to food or water or life.” to protect them from harm. Christmas is a special time of year felt all For centuries, bells have been rung to anover the world. It is a time of great reflection, nounce the arrival of the Christmas season. They can symbolize the announcement of hope, peace and love. *** the birth of Christ when angels in heaven Makayla Clement, a senior, is a Gazette praised God and declared “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will to- staff writer.

makayla clement

My life as a Christian is not what it seems

Gazette illustration/STEPH KANG

We need to start helping others instead of criticizing them

The challenge is that we all have such a mif you were to walk down the street and ask nuscule grasp on selflessness, and that’s the a handful of people about their thoughts on life Jesus lived, a selfless one – that’s the life Christianity, each one would have a differthat I should live, but I don’t. And at a very ent response. profound level, a Christian is someone who is Some might be faithful, others disgusted by being set free from a preoccupation with self. it, hurt by it, misunderstood by it – all of that to Starting a conversation about Christianity say, the real explanations and confessions need is like biting into a lemon. It’s distasteful. It to come from us Christians. doesn’t regularly happen, and when it does the Christians are called to the seemingly simple people who actually enjoy it always seem a task of following and believing in Jesus Christ little bit off the rocker. and letting their faith reside in the work of God. I am somewhere in between enjoying the But there aren’t many “Christians” who lemon and wincing at the sour juice that bursts do this, and I am one of the many that gets in my mouth. wrapped up in their own egotistical agenda I think the conversation should be a beautiful and judgmentalism, forgetting to do what I was wanderson.gazette@gmail.com one, but I think I am the reason it isn’t. originally called to do. Christians often like to fix the brokenness The televised Christian is a white middle- to upper-class Republican, whose faith in their political ideol- around them before they address the brokenness within themselves. ogy is much stronger than their faith in God. And you can’t truly minister to someone about the awe inThe ancient Christian went on massacres throughout the world to claim land that was “rightfully theirs” and adminis- spiring truth if you aren’t convicted of your failure to pursue the very things you are proclaiming. tered to them “by God.” Sometimes I am afraid to confess the truth to those around The modern evangelical forces his faith down your throat and would rather win his argument with you about theology me – the truth of a God above, my thoughts, my beliefs and actions – because more often than not, I think I know what than insightfully minister to you about it. And as I reflect upon my life, my actions and the conversa- their responses will be before I even speak a word. He is another lunatic Christian that believes in the most tions I have regarding my faith, I am all of these things. I am political, I am prideful and I am entitled beyond belief. scientifically sketchy thing in the universe, they’ll think. He I need to be humbled. And as I continue my walk through hates gays, he doesn’t understand abortion, rejects the obvious physical truths right in front of his nose. faith, I am reminded of that every day. I’ve seen how he acts, they’ll say.. There is no way an inIf I am truly supposed to be the loving individual that Jesus calls me to be, my efforts have fallen incredibly far from that. dividual of that nature can believe in or serve a God of love Not to say I will be perfect, or that anyone is even capa- – just watch him. That is the initial sourness of the lemon that I always fear ble of perfection, but if I lived a life that really reflected this Christian faith I profess, I would be a completely different the most. And the best way to get rid of the sour taste in my mouth is to stop biting off those bits and pieces. individual. So that is what I have become prone to – avoidance, silence It’s easy to say I am a Christian. It’s easy to go to church on Sunday morning. It’s easy to go through the motions of faith, and an acceptance of passivity. That has led me to become a Sunday morning Christian, a as it is with anything you halfheartedly pursue in life.

COMMENTARY

will anderson

COMMENTARY

televangelist, a prideful, sinful, victory-hungry human being – anything but a Jesus follower. That is why I taste the bitterness in my mouth every time I profess my faith, and this is in part why Christianity is so controversial – God calls us to love and serve, yet it’s in our very nature, it’s comfortable and easy, to reject this calling. But I’m not the only one wincing during these conversations. And more often than not, the people who are professing faith in Jesus Christ aren’t truly in love with God or fully understanding of why they are Christians. If each and every one of us lived with the love that we are called to, there wouldn’t be as much of the confusion and hatred surrounding the Christian faith. I believe in God, no matter how crazy that sounds. I can’t concretely prove that He exists, nor can you concretely disprove it, that is just the way it is. I believe Jesus was crucified in history and walked out of a tomb days later and appeared to many people. I am finding myself increasingly in love and loved by someone I have never seen. So when I say I am a Christian, are they just empty words or are they genuinely backed by faith? When we as a community of Christ followers say we have the answer, that we have come to rest with all the searching and uncertainties in this life, why don’t we truly act like it? As a Christian I would like to apologize, because I have not loved as I am supposed to. I have not cared for others like I am supposed to. I have not turned the other cheek as Jesus asked me to do. And I think that if each and every one one of us put others before ourselves and acted out the faith we all profess, conversations surrounding Christianity would be genuinely beautiful. It would no longer be the taste of rotten and bitter fruit, but the sweetness of compassion, understanding and love that would balance on the tongues of those willing to truly talk about and listen to the works of Jesus. *** Will Anderson, a senior, is the Gazette’s news editor.

kennedy healy khealy.gazette@gmail.com

You aren’t a victim, you are a survivor

en years ago, a woman named Tarana Burke wore a T-shirt with two powerful words written on it – me too. More recently, famous actress Alyssa Milano tweeted “so we might give people a sense of magnitude to the problem.” This sparked a movement. All of a sudden women, men, teens, adults, celebrities, everyday citizens and many others were telling their stories and using #MeToo in their posts. On Facebook alone, there were more than 12 million posts and comments relating to #MeToo – one of them was my best friend Maddie Mass. People found out they were not alone in what happened to them, that they had nothing to be ashamed of, how they were treated after, and interestingly the results of their trials. What stuck with me the most about all the stories I was reading on social media and Mass’ story, was how the justice system failed them. This year, Mass went to her trial that would determine whether the human who defiled her body would spend years in prison or walk free and possibly take advantage of other women. As she awaited the lifechanging results, she realized that even if she lost the trial, that wouldn’t make her a loser. It would make her a fighter, an inspiration, and most importantly – a survivor. Unfortunately in the end, the results were not in her favor, and our system failed another person yet again. Many people who go through such awful things feel as if speaking up will not help them in any way. However, what I have learned from reading all of the posts on social media, and being alongside Mass through her journey, was that even if you do not win your battle, it is important that you stand up for yourself and give it everything you have. If enough awareness is raised on the issue of how many guilty people walk free every day because of the legal process that constantly is slipping up, then maybe one day it will spark a change. A world where people don’t feel ashamed of what happened to them, where victim-blaming doesn’t occur and justice is served to the right people. This is a world I hope future generations get to grow up in. If something has happened to you, then know you are not alone, and remember you are not a victim – you are a survivor. *** Kennedy Healy, a senior, is a Gazette staff writer.

IThewas raised in a Christian and Jewish household different perspectives changed my life, and I wouldn’t trade them because they shaped my values

he holidays. Everyone’s favorite time of the year. Egg nog, Christmas movies, decorating the tree. So much fun, right? What’s also fun? Lighting the menorah, playing the dreidel game and eating latkes. I’m Jewish and I celebrate Hanukkah, but I also celebrate Christmas. You’re probably thinking, how is that possible? My mom is Jewish, and my dad is Catholic, which means I get both Hanukkah and Christmas.

When I tell people that they always say, “That’s so cool! You must get double the presents!” No, not really. When I was younger, I didn’t really understand why I got to celebrate both holidays. I was confused and didn’t really know which holiday I liked best, or identified with. I went to both the church and the temple, where both religions told me differently how to believe. All my friends celebrated Christmas, so I didn’t understand why I

had to celebrate two holidays. The two sides of my family were polar opposites, it was like two different worlds. Every year, I would go to visit my Catholic family, go to church and do all the Christmas traditions. And during Jewish holidays, I would go to the temple and celebrate those holidays. As I got older, I started to do research on the two religions to truly understand their beliefs. I knew from a young age I wanted to choose between the two, I just didn’t know which one I wanted to choose. As I got older, I realized that I was more Jewish than Catholic. I started to go to more services and learned more about Judaism.

COMMENTARY

rachel nimtz rnimtz.gazette@gmail.com

The beliefs made more sense to me. I talked to my family and cousins and had them explain certain aspects of Judaism to me and in the end, I realized that I wanted to be more in-

volved in Judaism. Still, most people don’t understand how I’m both and why I want to choose. Most kids wouldn’t, they typically would want both. The best of both worlds right? For a long time I was so confused, I didn’t know what I wanted to be. But in the end, I couldn’t be more grateful and happy that I had the opportunity to experience both religions and be able to learn about them. It was hard, but looking back I wouldn’t have it any other way. *** Rachel Nimtz, a sophmore, is a Gazette staff writer.

I knew from a young age I wanted to choose between the two, but I just didn’t know which one to choose.

Friday, December 15, 2017 w The Granite Bay Gazette

Second look

News A12

Wintery melodies

 The choir and band perform in the winter concert, a Christmas-themed show. In the top left, band members look out in anticipation of performing the annual band and choir’s rendition of “Silent Night.” On the top right and middle left, band members play their instruments after intermission. On the bottom left, the concert transitions into the performance of “Silent Night”. In the bottom right, choir members line up and down the aisle singing.

Gazette photos by Steph Kang

Lifestyle

Granite Bay Gazette

Friday

COMMENTARY

B Section

w December 15, 2017

Seasonal Depression Moods vary depending on changes in the weather BY REESE RICHMOND

rrichmond.gazette@gmail.com

sidney zabell

BY MCKENNA ARAM

maram.gazette@gmail.com

szabell.gazette@gmail.com

Losing friends is part of growing up

hroughout our lifetimes, we all form relationships and bonds with those we love and care about. Some of these last longer than others, and some feel crushing when they end. But recently, I’ve realized something – it’s okay for a friendship to end. In childhood, we seemingly can become friends with anyone. One minute you learn someone’s name, and the next you are inseparable best friends. By elementary school, there is a stronger need for friends who share common interests and personalities like our own. We start to develop relationships with people we enjoy being around and start recognizing people’s character. And by high school, we look for like-minded individuals that share the qualities we value most – honesty, kindness, and most importantly, compatibility. My own transition to high school was rough, to say the least. I struggled to find friends who made me feel happy and accepted, but didn’t know how to change any of it. Each day of school seemed to drag on and on, and it hurt to see my peers develop strong friendships with others as I sat in silence. I felt lonely and isolated, and it seemed that everyone around me was thriving and had the time of their lives. It seemed as if I was the only one questioning why I couldn’t find people I connected with – I felt like I knew no one who made me act as my true self when I was with them. And now, as a junior, I have found what I was missing all along. I have met people naturally through common interests and passions, and have never felt so loved and whole in my life. I finally feel confident and accepted when with my friends, and never thought I would meet such amazing people. While I still have a few friends from the days of elementary school, I never knew the majority of my friends today existed before starting high school. As I fostered these new relationships, old ones started to fade away into the blurry past. At first, I was pained. Why does it have to be like this? Why do I feel like this? And why did this have to happen? Yet soon, I realized that it was natural for friendships to come and go. High school is a time when we develop and embrace our own personalities. It is a time where we change so much as individuals, and evolving friendships have to come with the territory. This change is essential in our growth as individuals, however agonizing it may be. Now, I have realized that it is okay that my friendships have changed. We all have grown older and changed as people, and it is completely okay that different people would eventually grow apart. While it may be painful, friendships ending is a part of life and growing up – and it will be okay.

***

Sidney Zabell, a junior, is a Lifestyle editor.

Gazette illustration /MEGAN NIMTZ

s the holidays near, it means hot cocoa, warm sweaters, glittering ornaments, and cookie decorating for many people. However, for some people, the winter brings seasonal affective disorder. According to the Cleveland Clinic, seasonal depression, also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is a type of depression that occurs around the same time every year. As summer fades to fall, people with seasonal affective disorder will begin to feel its effects as the skies get darker and the days get colder. SAD becomes the worst in winter: therefore December through February. People with SAD will stop feeling it’s affects as spring rolls around. The Cleveland Clinic reports that about half a million suffer from SAD in the United States and among these people, three quarters of them are women.Usually, SAD begins within early adulthood, can happen with children and is less common in older adults. Symptoms of SAD include anxiety, irritability, excessive fatigue, a loss of interest in usual activities, and weight gain. One student at Granite Bay High School, who wishes to remain anonymous, suffers from SAD. This student has had SAD for about six years and has been medically diagnosed by several different doctors. However, this student’s particular case of SAD has been caused by traumatic events that took place during several winters. “It (SAD) was kind of an accumulation of traumatic events that all happened around this time of year throughout the course of several years,” the student said. After having awful anxiety attacks, the student became aware that something wasn’t right and began to consult

doctors. “I started getting really bad anxiety attacks that caused me to pass out and have brain seizures, but only when it got cold outside. Many different doctors came to the conclusion that it was a form of depression (mostly seasonal in this case), mixed with some other health issues, that came along with the events that caused my depression,” the student said. After becoming aware of the depression the student was experiencing, they began have tests run and seek treatment. “I’m still in the process of getting things figured out because nothing helped so far. We have tried year round antidepressants prevent it but it didn’t help,” the student said. “The doctor that I’m talking to right now suggests for me to try and say warmer and the psychologist says that I should try to create happier memories, replacing the old ones.” Although nothing the doctors have recommended has treated this student’s SAD, they have coping mechanisms that help them. “Taking new pictures that remind me of the new memories to look at helps me to replace the old memories,” the student said. Along with this, they avoid cold weather, such as snow, as much as possible and always try to wear layers. Because of their SAD, it makes it much harder for this student to enjoy the holidays. Although they haven’t found a way to fix their SAD, this student has hope that one day, she will find a treatment. GBHS senior Katie Hunter began feeling the symptoms of SAD the winter of her seventh grade year. Until

recently, Hunter wasn’t quite sure why she was feeling the way she was during winter. “I had no idea what was happening, I just knew that things like getting out of bed were harder and I didn’t enjoy my friends as much anymore,” Hunter said. “But of course by springtime and summer I was feeling better and everything felt right again.” However, this year, Hunter read an article on seasonal depression and finally understood what she was going through and self diagnosed herself with SAD. While people who experience SAD may dread the winter season, the holidays actually give Hunter something to look forward to. “The holidays actually can be very helpful, they give me something to look forward to and be excited about,” Hunter said. “I’d say it’s really just the months after Christmas like January and February that hit me the hardest.” Because Hunter was unsure of what she was experiencing for quite some time, it made it difficult for her to seek help, but now she’s able to do so. “I have seen a therapist before but I think it really helps too just to kind of lean on the support of my family and friends,” Hunter said. Despite experiencing the effects of SAD, Hunter isn’t letting it stop her from applying to colleges in states on the east coast that can have very harsh winters, “I definitely know that it (attending college somewhere with harsh winters) will be very difficult, especially with the distance between me and my family, but the schools there are such amazing opportunities for theatre that I would never forgive myself if I let it (SAD) get in the way of that,” Hunter said.

The passion behind a professional painter

GBHS teacher Myron Stephens continues to create a name for himself in the art world BY SIDNEY ZABELL

szabell.gazette@gmail.com

ranite Bay High School’s art program not only has fantastic teachers, but one is a professional artist as well – Myron Stephens. Stephens’ art career developed in his college years, and he had very little art experience in high school. “I was drawing as a kid, so (my parents) bought me colored pencils and paper,” Stephens said. “(My) first painting was in sophomore (year of) college.” As a child, Stephens had an interest in cartooning and doodling and never painted until he reached college. He considered becoming a history teacher as both of his parents were teachers, but couldn’t seem himself teaching history for 30 years – so he tried art. Stephens has now been teaching for about 25 years and remembers the days when he got into his first coffee shop in the early 90’s. By 1993 or 1994, Stephens says he got into his first gallery – a massive achievement for him. “The first time I got into a museum, that was cool,” Stephens said. “I was like, ‘Oh my God, I’m in a museum.” Stephens also made it overseas when a gallery in Sweden contacted him. “It’s always been (where) I’m excited about each step,” Stephens said. “You realize there’s not really a limit and things keep going and haven’t really stopped, so it’s kind of fun.”

you,” Porter said. “If you’re a serious person, he can be serious as well. So he really is adaptable to everyone.” Stephens said that he loves the moment when his Art 2 students realize that their first portrait assignment turns out well. “That twist, that change – seeing that in Art 2’s is exciting,” Stephens said. “Seeing my Art 5’s get big shows and galleries – that’s exciting.” Stephens art students have a long history of success in art. In fact, all but one of his students in AP Studio Art scored a 5 on the AP Exam. Stephens also hosts after-school art parties, and says he loves seeing passionate students come to paint because they truly love art. “I just tell them basically one thing – paint a lot. To start, just enter art competi-

tions. If you have one painting… you could enter that one painting into five different competitions and get in,” Stephens said. “I’ve entered in competitions in New York and I got in, so I have paintings go to New York… so you can have your work all over the world just by entering one piece.” Stephens said he enjoys seeing develop a personal style within their time in the art program. He says many start to find their style while in Art 3 or 4, and people are generally able to hang up all their work and notice that the same artist has created it. “It’s exciting,” Stephens said. “Everythings exciting. I love my job.”

Senior Gwendolyn Porter has had Stephens as her art teacher for Art 2, 3, and 4 and will take AP Studio Art with him in the spring. “(Stephens) has done every media of art imaginable, basically,” Porter said. “He’s really good at ceramics, sculptures, and all sorts of mixed media and everything.” Porter has had Stephens as a teacher for all four years of high school, and says she has known of Stephens for years through her sister. “He’s just really kind, honestly,” Porter said. “He loves to have fun and joke around, but he can also be really serious and understanding.” Porter noted that the skills of observation and study are incredibly important in art. “He teaches us all the skills he has learned,” Porter said. “He researches all these different artists (and) always thinks of references and painters that we can use for our own paintings.” Stephens has also taught countless skills to his students, such as specific techniques to use in their work. “You can use a lot of the same techniques from trees to mountains or something, or cloth to hair,” Porter said. “You just have to… look for what the gallery is looking for… Once you have a big enough name, the galleries are going to start requesting from you. but until you get there, you have to sort of do what they want.” Many highlight Stephens levels understanding for his students. Special to the Gazette /MYRON STEPHENS “If you’re the type of personality to joke This painting is one of several featured on Myron Steven’s online art gallery. around a lot then he’ll joke around with

inside lifestyle Random Club

Book of the Month

College of the Month B5

TCID:BW

Money vs. Passion Can money and passion coexist with one another?

Changes in the Dance Program Students respond to the new challenges in the class.

Celebrating Christmas Eve Local churches have different holiday traditions.

B2 Lifestyle

Friday, December 15, 2017

Local churches celebrate Christmas Eve differently

Church services remain family tradition for students BY WILL ANDERSON

wanderson.gazette@gmail.com

hristmas Eve might be the only day of the year in which you attend a church service, but don’t worry no one is judging you – except God of course. Although the holiday season looks a little different for each church and their staff members, for any congregation, the advent season is often the busiest time of the year. From rock concerts to hymns being sung by candlelight, there is something unique about how each church presents the age old story the Bible tells about baby Jesus being born in a manger. At Valley Springs Presbyterian Church, located at 2401 Olympus Blvd. in Roseville, lead pastor Brad Anderson explained how each year the leadership focuses on a central theme to help structure the teachings and focus of worship services. “This year our theme is taken from a hymn, What Child is This?” Anderson said. “Christians believe that Jesus is fully God and fully man in one person. The incarnation is one of the uniquely Christian teachings found in the Bible and speaks in a definitive way about the needs of a world to be freed.” The exterior of the facilities can be found decorated with wreaths and old fashioned incandescent ceramic string lights throughout December and early January. Valley Springs’ mission statement is centered around being an intergenerational community of grace, and their time of fellowship during advent

does just that. “Our services on Christmas Eve are designed for worship, prayer and reflection,” Anderson said. “There are many different voices in the service, participation by kids and adults, enjoying the season of grace together.” For students on the Granite Bay campus, attending church sometimes plays a part in their families holiday traditions. “To kick off the holiday season, my family goes to Apple Hill to cut down our tree,” sophomore Payton Long said. “And throughout the month, we typically go look at Christmas lights. “Another tradition we have is going as a family to the Bayside Christmas Eve service.” Bayside is the popular destination for churchgoers around the Granite Bay region. It has multiple campuses around the greater Sacramento area, making it accessible for many different families. They also offer varying service times throughout December which provides more opportunities for families to attend. “I love how big of a production Bayside puts on for their Christmas services, making the whole community feel welcomed,” Long said. For many believers of Christian teachings, the core truths of the faith are still held in high regard when a person is looking for a place to attend church at. “There are places for each age and stage to engage the life of the church beyond the holiday season,” Pastor Anderson said. “Often people come to a church when they are experiencing difficulty or challenge. “The good news is that there is grace to be found in Jesus precisely because he came to a world filled with challenge and gave himself as a sacrifice for the world that all things might be made new again.” Long is a regular attendee of Bayside, but said see-

Gazette photo /ASHLEY ALTMANN

Bayside Church in Granite Bay, pictured above, hosts over 10 services in celebration of Advent. ing other churches would be “an awesome experience to go and get a feel for their celebrations and traditions.” “I look for a place that can have fun while still enhancing the true meaning of Christmas, not just simply the lights, music and Christmas trees,” Long said. Andrew McCourt, one of Bayside’s four lead pastors, discussed how the staff focuses on creating an environment where Christmas service attendees feel encouraged to stick around throughout the entire year. “Our goal is to introduce people to the message of Jesus, invite them to Bayside, and eventually get them plugged into a community where they can discover more about faith,” McCourt said.

Changing learning environments

University of California San Diego

BY LOGAN EMBREE

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Random... BY NATASHA CHANDA

Facts

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Although their services remain relatively the same, McCourt explained how each year they incorporate something unique that makes Christmas a little different. This year, they will host the Recycled Orchestra of Cateura, Paraguay to perform. “It is definitely one of our main goals that we would become a home church for the people of our community who don’t already have one,” McCourt said. “Because of that, every aspect of the service from lighting to ticketing is thought through with this in mind. “It is our sincere hope that the impression you leave with after a Bayside Christmas service is so positive, you can’t help but be curious about attending a weekend service.”

College of the Month

Teachers restructure their classrooms to improve student concentration he common high school classroom and learning environment has changed very little in the past but recent modifications may be making students more successful. As weird as it may sound everyone is affected by what they see, hear, smell, and experience. While all humans are affected by such things, those in the developing stages of life are often changed much more than others. It is because of this that learning environments and specifically what happens in the classroom is so important. The actions taken by every teacher and even the way in which they organize their classroom can affect students drastically. Everything that is done in the classroom has the ability to positively or negatively impact students. One of the most important factors in creating the most efficient and capable work environment is for teachers to build relationships with their students. It is most beneficial for a Teacher to, “make it safe, comfortable, facilitate engagement, (and) feed curiosity,” said Linda Dickson, AP Psychology teacher at GBHS. Teachers that build better relationships with their students effectively remove and bit of discomfort or nervousness from their students. This allows students to perform more efficiently because they are no longer focused on acting just how the teacher wants or other stresses that could come from a lack of or poor relationship. This is what makes strong relationships between teacher and student so beneficial. It reduces stress. A stressful working and or learning environment is one of the least optimal places for education. Students that are in chronically stressful environments tend to have weaker concentration and comprehension skills. All of which is caused by the developing mind. The young brain between three and thirty years old is extra susceptible and responsive to stress. Several teachers at Granite Bay high school have made efforts to restructure their classrooms in order to productively remove stress from the learning environment. “I am currently trying to implement more flexible seating options to promote student choice… With more flexible seating and options, kids can create, collaborate, and communicate more freely.” said Julia Bonilla-Leary, spanish teacher at Granite Bay high school. Other methods to reduce stress in the classroom are things such as

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UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA SAN DIEGO

Location: La Jolla, San Diego Mascot: Tritons Acceptance rate: 36% Gazette photo/LOGAN EMBREE

Julia Bonilla added couches to her room to enhance learning. developing a routine so students know what to expect and showing grace by offering retakes and second chances on assignments. One of the most simple yet most often passed over way to reduce stress in the classroom is to maintain a lighthearted and cheerful atmosphere through the use of laughter. When the human body laughs (even if it is fake) the brain releases chemicals such as oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin. These chemicals when released increase blood flow which in turn increases concentration, engagement, and memory. These chemicals have also been scientifically proven to reduce harmful feelings such as stress and anxiety. A lighthearted and joyful atmosphere is the ideal situation for every student. The learning environment and teacher student relationships play a very important important role on students ability to concentrate and their success inside and out of the classroom.

Tuition: $14,028 Student to faculty ratio: 19:1 Cost of attendance: $31,567 - Researched by Spencer Cova Source/ https://ucsd.edu/

Student

Club Club Club Name: The Breakfast Club

Lauren Gray

Co-President: Erin Dougherty

Gazette photo /MAY LIN

1. Leonardo Da Vinci could write with one hand and draw with the other at the same time. 2. Dueling is legal in Paraguay as long as both parties are registered blood donors. 3. Two thirds of the people on earth have never seen snow. 4. A hummingbird weighs less than a penny. - Compiled by Mckenna Aram

What inspired you to make the club? Nicole (senior) and I thought that it would be a great way to bring people together and get to know more people at school, plus everyone loves food.

Gazette: Where do you see yourself in the future? Lauren: I see myself going to college and joining the US Navy. Gazette: What’s your favorite holiday?

When do you meet? Once a month. What do you and your club do at a typical meeting? We decide on which restaurant we will go to for the month and a specific time. - By Reese Richmond

Lauren: My favorite holiday is Dia De Los Muertos. Gazette: What do you do in your free time? Lauren: I like being with my friends and taking pictures. - By May Lin

Friday, December 15, 2017

The Granite Bay Gazette

Lifestyle B3

Can money and passion coexist with one another?

Following your dreams can still lead to making money and attaining success throughout life BY NOELANI NICHOLS

nnichols.gazette@gmail.com

o find a cherished children’s book featuring an apathetic, unambitious protagonist may prove to be harder than rocket science. Since infancy, the notion that one should follow their dreams has not only been established but reiterated so often that it has perhaps transformed into common knowledge. Yet it may be that the enforcement of such reiteration decreases with growth. Some high school students are under the impression that “dreams” remain figments of the imagination because of modern day conventions — especially when pertaining to career paths. GBHS senior and hopeful biochemist or neuroscientist, Kandacharan Karthikeyan has friends looking to pursue music or gaming as a career — who he acknowledges, will most often have a tougher time finding financial stability than would his friends interested in computer science. Though the sea of business majors and hopeful entrepreneurs may appear intimidating to some of the individuals with lesser known passions, others remain prideful and refuse to allow occupational norms to

restrict their devotion to such obscure hobbies. Sophomore Ethan Dosh has an untamable interest for culture and language. Amidst crowds of potential businessmen, Dosh stands out as an aspiring translator – perhaps even more interesting is the location in which he plans to work in. “I want to take a vacation before I (move) to see what life is like (in Iceland),” Dosh said. “If I do like it, I plan to be a translator there.” In a couple of short years, while Dosh’s classmates may be anxiously awaiting results for UC admissions, Dosh will be busy filling out the application for University of Iceland. Senior David Song is hoping to earn a degree in computer engineering and computer science, and though he cannot be certain of what the future will hold, he is sure that he’ll continue to spend time engaging in his hobbies along the way too. “I believe people should be able to make a living pursuing their passions,” Song said. “Idealistically, people should be able to follow their passions so they can find meaning and enjoyment from their work.” Dosh and Karthikeyan both agree that people should be able to find success through pursuing their

passions, yet their definitions of “success” differ. Take art, for example. To Dosh art is a “hit or miss” career in the sense that it is subjective and thus will only rally revenue if the viewers like what they see. Karthikeyan, however, believes that fulfillment may be achieved through a variety of means. The outcome of one’s efforts will depend upon the person’s overall motives. “For (some) people, money may be a driving force, and (it) might bring happiness to them,” Karthikeyan

said. One may reach success “through the sole focus of pursuing their passion. Regardless of considering any income, if they’re happy with the way things are, they’ve fulfilled their dream in a way.” Enabling your dreams to reach fruition is not to merely abandon stability or convenience, but rather to encourage a healthy and harmonious lifestyle. To Karthikeyan, “the ideal goal in someone’s life should be for them to be happy.”

Gazette iIllustration /KATIE COLOGNA

The age old question of pursuing money or happiness can be a difficult topic for students.

Reputations remain prevalent

If you really knew me,

Each class has its good and bad, but some more than others

you would know...

Bronson Vanderjack

If you really knew me you would know that I have two little brothers.

Natalie Ruybal

If you really knew me you would know I have moved five times and been to seven different schools.

BY NICOLE GEARING

ngearing.gazette@gmail.com

ou only get one. It’s fragile and easy to manipulate – it’s your reputation. But what about a class reputations? It may seem that some Granite Bay High graduating classes have left their mark on campus both with the teachers and with the students. Their reputations do in fact precede them. It is true that teachers talk about other classes. But this talk is not simply class gossip, it can actually be quite helpful. Teachers talk amongst themselves in hope that they will have some understanding of what they are getting themselves into. When asked if he has talked to other teachers about incoming classes, Jarrod Westberg, an AP Government teacher at GBHS said yes. “For me, (because I teach) the AP seniors, I’ll ask (Mr.) Dell’Orto who teaches the AP juniors (about the class).” Westberg said. “I think it’s very common for senior teachers to ask ‘hey what’s the senior class like?’,” Westberg said, “I think it’s because [the seniors] are the leaders of the school and the senior class kind of makes the school.” Westberg recounts a certain, infamous senior class with an overall poor reputation. “They were ridiculous,” Westberg said. “I mean we are generalizing an entire senior class but when there’s those handful of individuals who aren’t doing what they should be, it kind of ruins the reputation of the class.” Unfortunately, these reputations can affect following classes. “Last year we didn’t get to go into the (endzone) for the tribe because of the class of 2016,

A lot of teachers compared us to the (senior) class before us. Especially with the CHSPE testing. – Claire Miller, senior

so that was kind of a bummer,” Tori Ahmad, a Granite Bay High senior, said. The consequences and repercussions are not only subject to campus social life, but academics as well. As has been reported before, last years seniors produced lower than expected scores for the California High School Proficiency Examination – forcing last year’s juniors to make up for it. One repercussion of the low scores included the threat of publishing the individual student’s score to their transcript for colleges to see. “A lot of teachers compared us to the [senior] class before us,” Claire Miller, a GBHS senior said.“Especially with the CHSPE testing.” “I felt like there was a lot more pressure for our class to do well because our ranking went down.” Miller said. “There were higher expectations.”

But this year’s seniors are not only facing external pressure to do well for the remainder of the year, they are also facing internal pressure presented by their highly competitive senior class. “This is a great senior class.” Westberg said “It’s one of the best I’ve ever seen here.” “I think (the current) senior class is seen as the most academically inclined class,” Ahmad said. “ I think that we uphold ourselves to our own standards.” Senior Olivia Epperson couldn’t agree more. “I think us, as students, hold each other to a higher standard, encouraging us to do better.” “We’re definitely a really smart class,” Miller said. “It’s definitely very competitive especially for things like class rank.” “I’ve had a few teachers not [necessarily] compare us, but hint at our senior class being stronger than last year’s,” Epperson said. GBHS’ graduating senior class is quite a competitive one. As seniors are currently undergoing college applications, factors like class ranking can have an impact on admissions. Students with a 4.2 through a 4.3 GPA are finding their ranks to be in the low nineties upwards to the early and middle one hundreds. While class rank isn’t everything, it can help when an admissions officer reviews an application. “Having a class that’s so smart is just hard,” Epperson said.

Title: Behind Her Eyes Author: Sarah Pinborough BY BELLA HAMILTON

bhamilton.gazette@gmail.com

An intense psychological thriller set in multiple character’s point of view, Behind Her Eyes is a book you’ll have to read multiple times to fully understand the complex and unique plot. Based in modern day Britain, the story follows a single mom named Louise who meets a mysterious and handsome man named David at a bar. She then comes to realize that he is her new and married boss that starts the following day. Louise then proceeds to meet his beautiful wife named Adele and soon is leading a double life–meeting David at night and going to the gym with Adele in the afternoons. Little does Louise know that Adele already knows the secret that her new friend has been keeping. Adele pretends not to know what is going on, and begins to teach Louise how to get rid of her night terrors by lucid dreaming, and soon Louise discovers that she can travel to other places while she’s asleep. The suspense driven plot keeps your eyes glued to the page and there is no shortage of dark comedy and hidden messages throughout the book.

Calvin Frey

If you really knew me you would know that I shoot trap.

Jordan Gotham

If you really knew me you would know I have broken the same bone twice. Amazon.com - By Abbie Gould

Review:

Grade: A

Lifestyle B4

Friday, December 15, 2017

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Impacts of changes to dance program felt by many Dancers are now required to audition for intermediate and advanced classes BY ABBIE GOULD

agould2.gazette@gmail.com

s fall semester comes to a close, not only is the school year is halfway over, but it is also time for the biannual dance show. Each year the dance elective at Granite Bay High School showcases the dances students learned throughout the semester in a show. This year, however, the dance show may be different than others due to several changes that occurred at the start of the school year. Instead of applying to take the class, whether it be beginning, intermediate, or advanced dance, students now audition to be in either intermediate or advanced dance. Now that a semester has almost passed, students have had a positive reaction to these changes. “I am really happy with how the whole (program) is going,” said Hannah Mortensen, senior who is currently in advanced dance. Mortensen has been in the

made it.” Romero said this improves the dances in the advanced dance class as well. “(It) can allow for harder dances and more complicated movement for an amazing performance,” Romero said. dance program since spring semester of her Junior Brad Roe has been in the dance sophomore year, and is now a teacher intern program for two semesters now, and for one of the two bechanges allowed him to leap ginning dance classes. into advanced dance from a “I’ve been in beginning class. advanced for three “I liked (the changes) semesters now and I liked (the changes) because it allows for harder the level of dancing, dances for people who are because it allows skill, and technique has serious about dance,” Roe dramatically increased for harder dances said. “It makes the dance with the auditions and show look better, too.” for people who not letting everyone in Students say the auditions are serious about that took intermediate,” also help dancers who are not Mortensen said. dance. chosen to be in the intermediSenior Johnny ate or advanced classes. Romero is also in “For those that didn’t make – Brad Roe, junior advanced dance, and the cut, it is a very good is a teacher intern as experience that perhaps could well. He shares similar help them grow as a dancer,” views as Mortensen to Romero said. the changes. Mortensen said that the audition allow stu“I think the changes were very necessary,” dents to retake the intermediate class, which Romero said. “It allows people that are can greatly help dancers. serious about dance to move on to a more With an overall positive reaction to the advanced level and weeds out those who revisions in the dance program, students in the class only have expressed an issue with aren’t as serious or capable as the ones who

Student

Spotlight

Senior shares favorite part of winter

Gazette photo /RACHEL NIMTZ

The dance class rehearses their moves as they pose on the floor. This year, the intermediate and advanced classes require an audition to be enrolled. one slight change – studio space. be accommodated for in the near future,” “Intermediate and advanced has a variety Romero said. of difficult movement that may be hard Many agree the changes have improved to do full-out due to the inconvenience of the dance classes. “I think the changes were very necessary,” space,” Romero said. Romero said. “It is evident in the perforThis issue will hopefully be fixed soon. mances of the Advanced Dance class Artistic Dance Director Deserie Milburn this year that the auditions have bettered the has expressed her thoughts on this topic to Dance Program as a whole.” the administration, which hopefully will

What is your favorite holiday activity? Spending time with distant family who I don’t get to see often. Do you have any concerns for this upcoming year? If so, what are they? No, everything works out in the end. What is your favorite class? IB Business because it’s fun and easy. What are your plans after high school? I plan to go to college.

Gazette photo /NOELANI NICHOLS

Keyvon Adelzadeh -Compiled by Noelani Nichols

Christmas season has Seniors sell their creations Students create small businesses for econ project deeper meaning for many BY DANIELLE SHANNON

Kolosey told a story of a gift she received that she felt too old for. “I was turning ten so I wasn’t too little anymore, but someone got me a baby kitchen set. I was pretty mad about that as a ten-year-old because I was like, ‘I’m not little anymore, I don’t want this,’” Kolosey said. “Honestly, if (the gift) looks like something people didn’t put a lot of thought into, it’s a bit sad. But overall, when people give you gifts, they think about it and take their time putting something nice for you.” Regardless, many agree it doesn’t matter how big or expensive the gift is, but instead about the meaning behind it. “I was kind of disappointed when my grandpa gave me cat pajamas because I hate cats,” Goozen said. “But to me, it’s just the thought that counts… (and) we give gifts to show gratitude for our loved ones.” With enough creativity and thought, the deeper the meaning behind a present often means more to the person receiving it. Though gifts are a major piece of Christmas for many, a general consensus is that the holiday season is meant to cherish friends and family along with those one loves. While some choose to demonstrate their love through gifts and surprises for their loved ones, others are content with spending time with who they care about. “My grandfather passed away Gazette illustration /SIDNEY ZABELL last year, so my grandmother gave me a picture of him. We don’t have a lot of pictures of him so it meant a lot to me because I was really close to him.” sophomore Cori Caplinger said. “I don’t think material gifts matter as much as the memory of it… (and) the most important part of Christmas are friends and family.”

This time of year is one to spend with close friends and family BY MAY LIN

mlin.gazette@gmail.com

or many households, Christmas is solely focused on gifts and presents. From adults stocking up on discounted gifts early in the summer to procrastinating flocks in the mall a week before the holiday, gift-giving dates back hundreds of years. Today, Christmas is a true giftgiving bonanza, and many families of Granite Bay carry it differently. “I have one tradition for gifts, and it’s that each year, I paint a plate or a picture for my grandma,” junior Mikayla Deblaquire said. Many say traditions bring out something special from the Christmas spirit as they bring back heartwarming memories from when first originated. “On Christmas Eve, we get to open a small present that everyone from my family got each other,” sophomore Angelina Kolosey said. “We started this tradition when we were really little and we continued with it. It’s just really fun because it’s something your family members put time into, and you get to cherish that for a night.” But just what level of creativity should be put into this gift-giving process? “I start in October, and when someone says they want something, I write it down in my notes on my phone,” sophomore Emily Goozen said. “I try to get something that someone probably wouldn’t buy for themselves.” Some say the Christmas spirit is not only about giving, but also the caring thoughts involved in gifts chosen.

dshannon.gazette@gmail.com

very school year, it’s not unusual to see numerous students selling miscellaneous items around school due to the Econ project assigned by Government and Economics teacher Jason Rath. The project is assigned towards the end of Economics class and involves students forming groups to market and sell a unique item of their own making to their peers. The purpose of assigning this project is for students to learn what it really takes to become a successful businessperson. The items students choose to sell vary greatly between groups – some choose to make and sell food items, some sell clothing or accessories like scarves, while others create handmade items like candles. “The project entails a lot of concepts of economics from microeconomics, and it has students put those in real life applications,” Rath said. “(The students) can hopefully see what it really takes to be a successful business person, rather than me just teaching you about these concepts, (and) they try to put some of these things into play to understand what it is to be involved in a business in general.” The project doesn’t just teach students about how to thrive in the business world – it also teaches the importance of skills like working together effectively in a group, time management skills, and public speaking. “The project encompasses a lot of different things outside of economics that I think are important for students in order to be successful in life,” Rath said. Senior Alyssa Sewell, who is currently participating in the Econ project, said she and her group are selling homemade sugar cookies. Her group began the process by purchasing the necessary resources to make their food item. They then designated days to bake the cookies and to distribute them – each individual cookie cost about

17 cents to make, and were sold for one dollar, earning the group a profit. For Sewell, the project was a valuable experience for her because she was able to learn how to communicate with others and work in a business setting. “There were no negative aspects to this project because our group worked very well together and we were able to make a nice profit,” Sewell said. The project was originally brought to Granite Bay High School by AP Economics and journalism advisor Karl Grubaugh in 1998, who became aware of it while working at Oakridge High School. Grubaugh no longer teaches CP Economics, but Rath began assigning the project in 2011. Though every group succeeds in their own unique ways, Rath recalls some particularly memorable

projects done over the years. One was a group who managed to sell $3,000 worth of their product, and another made over $1,500 selling scarves. “I’ve had people come up with wonderful projects that I’ve actually bought, whether it was food or clothing,” Rath said. “One thing I’m always amazed by is the creativity of the students and their willingness to learn.” One crucial aspect of the project is that the students involved donate a percentage of the money they make from people purchasing their items to charity. This is meant to mirror the way taxes are given back to the government. “I think students should do this project in the future,” Sewell said. “It’s a great way to start a small business and work on your financial and communication skills with others when selling a product.”

Gazette photo /RACHEL NIMTZ

Seniors decorate Christmas cookies to sell for their project.

Friday, December 15, 2017

Misconceptions of SAT testing evaluated Test scores now play increasing role in college acceptances BY SPENCER COVA

Lifestyle

The Granite Bay Gazette

scova.gazette@gmail.com

s each class of students begins being accepted to colleges, another of college hopefuls are busy strengthening their applications – their numbers are now more important than ever. Over time, colleges have seen a massive inflation in the amount of applicants they see on a year to year basis. Naturally, this is responsible for the drop in acceptance rates. Many competitive colleges now value standardized test scores more than ever, as they provide an equal playing field for the thousands of applicants. “When colleges are looking at applications, they look at hard data and soft data,” English and IB World Religions teacher David Tastor said. “Hard data is course rigor, GPA, SAT scores and pretty much anything that’s a number – 60 to 70 percent of the application’s importance are those numbers.” In fact, all California State University schools allow students to only submit GPA and test scores. Popular CSUs for

Granite Bay High School graduates include California Polytechnic State University, Sacramento State University and San Diego State University. “The SAT and ACT balances out all the numbers on your application,” Tastor said. “If you have a 4.3 GPA, you should have an SAT score to match it.” Many students share critical views to these figures. “I personally don’t like the SAT because it indicates your test taking ability and your preparation, not your knowledge or how smart you are,” said senior Zach Wong, who will be attending University of California, San Diego next year. According to statistics, preparation has monumental effect on final test score. “The SAT and ACT are not unfair exams,” Tastor said. Simply put, Tastor says the best way to prepare for the test is practice. The new SAT, introduced in March 2016, is designed by The College Board and Khan Academy, both of which provide free test preparation resources. “Once you have taken (the PSAT), you can link your test score to Khan

Academy through College Board and it will customized test prep based on your score and weak areas for free,” school counselor Tiffani Gieck said. Students may also be concerned of whether to take the SAT or ACT before putting hours of work into studying. “I recommend students take both tests, because you may not know that you’re stronger in one test over the other, although for very few students is one test much easier than the other,” Tastor said. The ACT is known as a rather straightforward test, and much of the reading is recall whereas the math is one long section. The ACT, however, has much shorter amounts of time available per question in comparison to the SAT. “On the SAT you have 12 and a half minutes for 10 questions, on the ACT for 10 questions you get eight and a half minutes,” Tastor said. One test may benefit one type of student over another, so it’s important to try to take both tests if possible. The preparation for either test is beneficial, regardless of which test someone chooses to take. “The new SAT design seems to be in

FAST FACTS SAT Statistics 2016-17 wOver 7.3 million people took the SAT or PSAT wThe new SAT was released in Mar. 2016 wOver 1.8 million members of the clas of 2017 took the SAT at some point in their high school careers. The College Board

alignment with the ACT, so students are feeling more prepared for taking the assessments,” Gieck said. As the testing season nears for college hopefuls, many agree on the importance of making studying a daily habit, not a four-hour-crunch the weekend before the test. “There is a lot of resources on our school website as well as Naviance for test preparation,” Gieck said. “A lot of Granite Bay students go off to college and find that it is easier than high school, so Granite Bay does a great job of preparing kids for the next level – and then some.”

Teachers take on new roles outside of their regular duties

Lynne Guerne Guerne works as a sylist for the fashion company Cabi.

TOP Conspiracies The JFK assassination was put on by the government

The government is withholding a cure for cancer

Avril Lavigne was replaced by a body double

Several staff members have side gigs other than teaching BY MACKENZIE BROWN

mbrown.gazette@gmail.com

t’s always a bit strange to see your teacher in the grocery store, but what about having them as your instructor at the gym or as the videographer that films a special event for your family? Many teachers from Granite Bay High School have other jobs that occupy their free time when they’re not being fellow Grizzlies. Media teacher Zachary Weidkamp participates in videography part time, with his interest originally stemming from high school media. “Way back, I was actually a student here at Granite Bay, so I took media classes (and) that’s how I got interested in it and it’s always just been something I’ve done,” Weidkamp said. “It’s just been kind of a natural thing that

you just do something that you like doing and just keep up with the technology and trends.” The unique part of this is that Weidkamp has the power to pick what he’s interested in. “What’s unique about it is I can kind of pick and choose what I want to do… (and) it allows you to really get out of the world of teaching and dabble and play in a different job that you don’t have to fully exist in all of the time,” Weidkamp said. While videography has been a passion of Weidkamp for a long time, he says wouldn’t want to transition into creating videos as his career. “I don’t really want to exist in that world where I’m constantly just doing project after project after project and they’re all pretty much the same,” Weidkamp said. “The cool thing is that I can choose what type of projects. It’s really versatile in

the fact that it’s always going to change.” Also pursuing an artistic passion is French teacher Lynne Guerne, who is a stylist through the fashion company Cabi. Guerne picked up this hobby through being a customer of the company and being a lover of fashion. “Honestly, I used to go to the shows and I used to buy the clothes,” Guerne said. “They are higher end, and obviously I’m a teacher I don’t make that much money so I couldn’t afford very many clothes, but by being a stylist I get to wear the clothes and it’s really fun. It’s just a little bit of extra money… to help with different things.” One of the projects that Guerne’s extra earnings are going to is the building of a “tiny house” for herself. Besides enjoying fashion, Guerne takes pleasure in how

her work makes others feel. “What’s cool about it is women become more confident when they feel good in their clothes… (and) if they try something on that makes them feel nice, then they just feel more confident. So, it’s kind of a fun thing,” Guerne said. Pursuing an athletic passion similar to what she teaches at school, math and aerobics teacher Dede Walker is a fitness instructor at the local gym Lifetime Fitness in Roseville. “I have always been kind of a gym junkie, and I used to go to fitness classes all of the time, and one of my fitness instructors mentioned (to me) ‘why don’t you teach instead of taking classes?’,” Walker said. “That was about ten years ago and I thought sure, why not? I just started with a couple of classes per week, and now I have ten.”

Walker believes that her job is special in that she is able to watch people go through a journey to become more fit. “(I like) the fact that you can get stronger and get better and keep doing it. I enjoy that aspect, seeing that people can improve. That people can start at this level but when they keep coming then you can see their improvement, them getting stronger,” Walker said. “So that’s unique that you can help people gain goals and health goals. That’s one of the main reasons why I love it.” These few teachers execute that they know the balance between work and play. So next time you see a teacher out and about on a run, in an art class, or shopping at the mall, just remember that teachers are people with hobbies and passions too.

Denver airport is the home of all evil

DEN

The moon landings were fake

Bush did 9/11

National Park of the Month Gates of the Arctic National Park

• Located in Alaska and holds the title for the northernmost national park • One of seven Alaskan national parks established on Dec. 2, 1980, others being Glacier Bay, Katmai, Kenji Fords, Lake Clark, Wrangell - St. Elias and Kobuk Valley • Contains no roads, trails or visitor centers in the park to preserve the natural beauty and integrity of the land • Consists of glacially-carved valleys, winding rivers and various animal species including Western Arctic Caribou, Grizzly and black bear, wolf, moose, Dall’s sheep, wolverine, muskox and fox • Provided a home for people for over 13,000 years, and even has three Native American villages

– by Brayden Johnk, co-editor-in-chief

Area 51 has aliens

Special to the Gazette /NPR.ORG

The national park is located in Alaska.

Hitler is still alive

Faculty Focus What are your after school hobbies?

President Obama can control the weather

I am an avid adventurer. When I am not teaching, you will most likely find me somewhere in the mountains. I love hiking and cycling, but I am most passionate about rock climbing. If I can’t get outside, you will find me next to my record player listening to oldies. What do you like most about your career? My favorite thing about teaching is getting to know my students. Each student is so unique and brings something different to the classroom. Even though I am technically their teacher, they teach me something every day. What was your favorite class when you were in high school? My favorite class in high school was dance. I really enjoyed learning about all the different styles of dance, performing for other schools and putting on our big dance shows each semester.

Gazette photo /MAY LIN

Stephanie May

Jay-Z is a time traveling vampire

What’s an interesting story or fact about yourself? One interesting fact about me is that I worked in the marketing department at a well-known record label in college. I got to attend local shows, update artist’s social media pages, contribute to many band’s and artist’s marketing campaigns. - By May Lin

- By Emily Talmi

B6 Lifestyle

Friday, December 15, 2017

The

BIG

w The Granite Bay Gazette

santa reveal

Teens tell stories of how they first found out Santa wasn’t real

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BY KENNEDY HEALY

khealy.gazette@gmail.com

long white beard, bright red suit, cherry nose and rosy cheeks–these simple descriptions put the image of the plump man named Santa, who many children hope will sneak down their chimney and leave gifts under the tree. Unfortunately, the mystery of this magical man often disappears at some point in childhood and kids find themselves forced to face the fact that the plate of cookies was consumed by their parents and the toys were wrapped and placed beautifully under the tree by them as well. Many students at Granite Bay High School have had to face the harsh reality that Santa isn’t real in similarly sudden ways. Senior Katie Hunter found out around age eight. “Older kids from my neighborhood told me Santa wasn’t real, so I asked my dad point blank if it was true and if he had been lying the whole time,” Hunter said. “It kind of makes me laugh looking back on it, and honestly no matter how you find out, it’s going to be rough, so I much prefer the neighbor-telling-me-ripping-off-theband-aid kind of way.” At the same age, senior Tori Ahmad, discovered Santa wasn’t real in a rather abrupt way. “My sister just told me,” Ahmad said. “I wasn’t really into the whole Santa thing anyways.”

Senior Adri Briuolo became aware of the Santa deception at age nine. “My sister, who is three years older than me, and I were in a fight around Christmas. The classic fight between sisters of yelling back and forth. Then she decided to yell ‘at least I don’t think Santa is real!’ which confused me, so I ran to my mom who explained it to me,” Briuolo said. “In the moment I hated finding out, but I feel like that was a good age for it.” Senior Allyse Zimmerman’s belief in the magical Santa was taken away on Christmas morning of 2014. “It was early on Christmas morning and I was 14. When I came downstairs, I saw Santa putting presents under the tree. I ran up and was like ‘Santa!’ Then, he turned around and it was my dad,” Zimmerman said. “I wish it would have been different because it was incredibly traumatizing. I wish my parents would have been honest with me and told me at a more appropriate age.” After learning the truth behind Santa, GBHS students have future plans on how they would like their children to come to the realization about Santa not being real. “I’m going to tell my kids Santa isn’t real at 15 years old to get revenge on what happened to me,” Zimmerman said. Briuolo plans on using the honesty approach to spare the hurt feelings of her future children. “I hope my kids just kind of question it and ask me if he is real or not,” Briuolo said.

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Sports

Granite Bay Gazette

C Section

Friday w December 15, 2017

COMMENTARY

jake criscione jcriscione.gazette@gmail.com

Bandwagoning: Causes, side effects, treatments

ver my numerous years as an avid sports fan, I have witnessed a disturbing and predictable trend in the world of professional athletics bandwagoning. For those unaware, bandwagoning is the tempting process involving the shift of focus and support of countless fans towards successful sports teams. This ‘epidemic’ can be seen nationwide, but what I have experienced heavily and what disturbs me the most is what occurs at the local level. I’ve watched a great deal of my peers join the trend as they play the ‘local card’ for when a sports team in the area magically gets their act together and wins games or even championships. I have been a San Francisco Giants fan for as long as I can remember and have experienced the good, the bad and the ugly throughout the many baseball seasons of watching and attending every game possible. In the remarkable stretch of five years (2010-2014) where the black and orange managed to earn three World Series championships, I witnessed a local spark of interest in the Giants by everyone, including those who could barely describe the game of baseball. While I enjoyed seeing my team thrive, it bothered me to see the bandwagon plague hit when new fans acted as though they had been loyal to the team before 2010. Another instance can be found in even more recent years with the surge of the “super team” in the NBA - the Golden State Warriors. Though I have always been a Sacramento Kings fan, it still frightened me to see the instant boom of popularity in the young and rising basketball team with so many of the new fans claiming that they are just “supporting their local team.” Throughout my community I would see Curry jersey after Curry jersey and was willing to bet that over 90% of those fans couldn’t even name the college Stephen Curry played for not too long ago. As an outsider on that instance, it was interesting to see Kings fans jump over to Warriors fans simply because of their success and the Kings persisting failure to make the playoffs or even pull off a winning record. Although I understand it is not fun to root on a painfully unsuccessful team, the frequent flow of fan bases in and out of teams is disturbingly predictable and bothers me frequently. As much as I wish there was a cure to this contagious ‘illness,’ I am certain it will persist for as long as competitive athletics exist.

***a senior, is a Jake Criscione, Sports editor.

Special to the Gazette /MELISSA BARRON

The Granite Bay High School varsity football team celebrates their Division II Sac-Joaquin Section Championship victory at Sacramento State on Dec. 2.

Varsity football bounces back

Grizzlies win Section title after a year of hard work BY ANDREW YUNG

ayung.gazette@gmail.com

After an underwhelming season last year and some early adversity to begin the season, the Granite Bay Grizzlies flipped the script this year, putting together an impressive 8-2 record in the regular season. The team then kept their winning momentum in playoffs, breezing through four playoff wins and making it all the way to the CIF Northern California Regional

Finals before having their season cut short with a loss to Pittsburg High School. Though the team’s season ended one game sooner than what was hoped for, there is nothing but positives to reflect on this season. And now, as the team heads home to prepare for next season, fans look back on the year that was for the Grizzlies. At the beginning of the year, players and coaches came in expecting nothing less than a trip to the playoffs, an expectation that was fulfilled early on in the year after a week one win against the strong Jesuit High School squad. “Our first goal every year is to make playoffs,” said Jeff Evans, the varsity football

head coach. “We accomplished that early on, and that made me very proud.” And although the team clinched a playoff spot early, complacency was not an issue, as the team ended the season with a seven game win streak before losing in the regional finals. The reason for the success was, according to coaches and players, due to several reasons. For one, the team captains were able to quickly gain the respect of their fellow teammates. “Our senior leadership (this year) was amazing,” Evans said. “Our captains were vocal and led by example.” As a result, the team thrived under great

BY JACK MCGRAIL

jmcgrail.gazette@gmail.com

Special to the Gazette /JESSE WILLS

GBHS rock climber thrives on big stage Sophomore Colin Wills competes internationally and wins gold BY SPENCER COVA

scova.gazette@gmail.com

“It was surreal,” sophomore Colin Wills said as he stood atop the podium bolstering him the Youth Continental Champion of the Americas. Baby gates were no obstacle for Wills as he’s been climbing since before he could walk. It only made sense for him to be an international rock climbing champion. Yet Wills has humble beginnings, he didn’t start rock climbing until just four years ago. “I went to Granite Arch for some birthday parties, and every time I stepped into the gym I loved it,” Wills said. “Climbing is definitely my passion.” Wills’ first goal was to learn more about the sport he was so attracted to. Competitive rock climbing is broken up into three

categories – speed, sport and boulder climbing. Boulder climbing, Wills’ favorite category to compete in, isn’t actually climbing on colossal rocks outdoors. It is free climbing on intricately created courses built on vertical, and occasionally nearly horizontal, walls with seemingly impossible hand holds. “Sometimes I will be hanging on to a hold that is the size of half a deck of cards,” Wills said, “and your foothold might be the size of a dime glued to a wall.” To make an even match for the almost indomitable walls, Wills spends four days a week at the gym training for three hours at a time at each session. “We use the hangboard often – which is a board that has different types of small hand holes, See CLIMBER, page C4

See FOOTBALL, page C3

Girls’ golf makes history Postseason surge gave girls’ golf a chance at State

Colin Wills, middle, receives his gold medal at the Pan American Championship in Montreal, Canada.

leadership, gaining wins and unity as the season went on. “The entire team found a way to gel and come together,” Evans said.”It sounds like an easy task, but it is actually difficult. There is a lot of humility and sacrifice that goes into becoming a cohesive unit. Not all teams are able to get there. These guys have.” Players have also noticed the benefits of being able to play well as a team. “I think we’ve done so well this year because the team has worked really well together this season, and great as a unit,” said Josh Yeargin, a junior on the team.

It’s not often that a high school sports team gets to compete in a statewide tournament. For the first time in Granite Bay High School history, the girls’ varsity golf team had the opportunity to compete against five other schools in the State Championship at Poppy Hills Golf Course on Nov. 14. Golf is easily one of the most lengthy and difficult sport to reach state. Each round adds on to itself making the competition better and better. The girls had to continue to up their game round by round as solidifying only first, second, third place, and occasionally fourth place qualified them for the next round. The girls’ journey to state began with an undefeated regular season in SFL followed by a first place finish in the Division I North tournament at Rancho Murieta Country Club. The team continued their surge by winning the Sac-Joaquin Section at Masters

and qualifying for the NorCal tournament where they were eliminated last year. Junior golfer Yena Jang had anticipated her dream of reaching state all five years of playing golf. Being a big part of the team last year when the girls’ varsity golf team ended their season in NorCal playoffs only motivated the team to work harder to make the State Championship round this year. “We knew that with our successful season last year we had the ability to make it to State. Instead of just trying to qualify for State, we changed our mindset to working towards a State win,” Jang said. “There was more pressure, but all I could do was trust my game and enjoy the moment.” With girls’ golf having an especially tough road to state, it is not common to see a golf team reach the state tournament. Junior golfer Deborah Dollesin knew that the team was confident for the upcoming season and motivated to go further in playoffs than last year. “Since my freshman year, as a team we knew that we had potential to make it to state so it has been a goal for three seasons, and we finally made it,” Dollesin said. The team has been competitive for the last See GOLF, page C2

Special to the Gazette /RON DOLLESIN

Vanessa Richani, Sienna Lyford, Yena Jang, Yewon Jang, Hailey Rietz and Deborah Dollesin, from left to right, stand together at Poppy Hills Golf Course prior to the State Championship tournament on Nov. 14.

inside sports Grizz Quiz

Fan of the Month

Football Playoffs and Winter Ball Clash

Ambiguity regarding Winter Ball leave students guessing

Athlete of the Month C5

Meet the Linemen Granite Bay’s unique group of linemen frightens opponents

Winter Sports Update Boys’ soccer facing changes to coaching staff and roster size

Friday, December 15, 2017

Sports C2

w The Granite Bay Gazette

Bond between the GBHS lineman leaves a mark on the field

Unrecognized part of varsity squad excels this season BY MAX SCHWARTZ

mschwartz.gazette@gmail.com

Fourth quarter. The ball is on the 20 yard line, the grizzlies are in need of one touchdown to win the game. The running back gets into endzone, and cheers erupt in the stadium for him after his name is announced. While their names not being announced, the lineman, were the unsung heroes of the play and every game. Apart of each pass, as well, is a successful pass block, and quarterback Jade Foddrill can attest to that. “(they protect) me and all the other ball carriers, they don’t get enough credit. Everything starts with them.” Foddrill said. In order to have a successful season as a whole, there needs to be a trusting relationship between the quarterback and the lineman. “I can’t stress how important it was for me to keep a good relationship with (the lineman)” Foddrill said. These relationships prove to be true when looking at Foddrills 1925 passing yards and 14 touchdowns according to Maxpreps. Another position that is also affected by the skill of the offensive lineman is the running back. Trevor Johnson is one of these players, who played a flyback. What was noticed most about the attributes of the grizzly line, was their ability to block for rushing. “The linemen open up a lot of holes for

the running back is running through) which allows the linebackers and skill players to make the tackles.” Junior Joseph Young said. The Defensive also have an impact in the backfield as well. “When we rush the quarterback it pushes them out of the pocket which sets up a great play.” Young said. For the lineman as a whole, a lot of preparation goes into practice both mentally and physically. “We do a lot of strength and conditioning, we know who we are against and prepare accordingly after watching game film” Young said. The chemistry of the Lineman is a clear factor of their success throughout the season. “our lineman, both juniors and seniors combined, has never been tighter of a unit compared to the past years.” Weber said. “On the day before every game, the lineman have a team dinner, this is what made us so successful as a group” Weber said. This effect is also noticed from behind them, the quarterback. “The o-line works as one unit and so it’s important to know that you can trust the guy on your left and the guy on your right to do their job.” Foddrill said After the tough loss to Pittsburg High Gazette photo /KATIE COLOGNA School in the Norcal championship game, GBHS lineman Joe Young, middle, and Bryce Van Order, right, break through the Pitsburg Pirates’ offensive line. the players were affected greatly. “It was heartbreaking for all of us to me to run through, when you have good good play. A running back’s talent is based friends and willing to trust each other to do realize that it would never be the same lineman to run behind, you can gain a lot off of how efficient the lineman are.” their job, then nothing will ever work.” more yards and change the game.” JohnJohnson said. On the flipside of the ball, the defensive without us practicing with each other again. All I wanted to do was play another son said. The offensive lineman attribute this suc- lineman carry the same great season as a week with them, and this shows how Johnson added that most of the great cess to the teamwork. unit. tightly knit together we are. I will never plays made aren’t super noticeable by “What makes the offensive line what it Although holding different responsibiliforget them and they are what has made others. is, is the friendships we have together.” ties on the field, they still are key players my highschool experience truly amazing.” “The effect during run is not very notice- Offensive lineman, Jacob Weber who is a on the field. able from the stands but they create every Senior at Granite Bay. “If you’re not great “(on the field) We clog the holes (where Weber said.

Postseason football interferes with Winter Ball

Frustrations arise as scheduling for school dance is clouded by confusion BY NOELANI NICHOLS nnichols.gazette@gmail.com

To the rest of the world, WWIII may be a burgeoning reality — but to students at Granite Bay High School, the most pressing tribulation this winter is the overlap of the Division 1-A 2017 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Games and the GBHS annual Winter Ball. Students previously planned to celebrate Winter Ball all throughout December 9, but after the Grizzlies Section Champ victory, they found themselves making some minor (or major) adjustments to their schedules. What caused so much confusion, though, was the uncertainty of plans leading up to the ninth. Activities Director and head of Student Government Tamara Givens says that no one is notified in advance of where and when the games will be played, making it a difficult event to plan around. “(Student Government) has just been trying to come up with ideas,” Givens said. “For the last two weeks, we’ve thought about all the different scenarios.” After much consideration — and likely a much more compromised sleep schedule — Student Government reached the conclusion that having Winter Ball and State Champs on the same night would be “the least disruptive (solution),” with a formal night in the Tribe during the game and the dance following 15 minutes after the post-game ceremony. For others, the solution was not so easily discovered. The overlap of the winter tradition and the excitement surrounding the “road to state” caused some complications among Seniors wanting both to support their team and enjoy their last winter formal. “Having Winter Ball right after (the game) is inconvenient because you can’t do any of the things you normally do,” Senior and GBHS cheerleader Hannah Mortensen said. Football players, cheerleaders, dancers, color guard

and band members, and anyone else who participated in playoffs night, all had to compromise in order to make the busy night work. While some are planning rush right out the stadium into their more formal accoutrements — others view the string of exciting events as untimely. “I don’t really know the plan, but I’m not going to get ready and take pictures before the game when I have to go change out of my dress, put my uniform on, and change back into my dress.” Mortensen said. Since then, Mortensen and her group have decided to have their own Winter Ball celebration on December 20 as turned out to be what her group — brimming with football players and cheerleaders — found to work the best. While Mortensen doesn’t view the situation as ideal, she praises Student Government for doing their best to accommodate the football players and all the performers to prevent “a huge loss of students” able to engage in Winter Ball-related events. Senior Connor Vivaldi and his group of friends have endured an abundance of setbacks and schedule changes due to the overlap of the two main events. “(My group) had to reserve then cancel a party bus twice, and people have been unsure whether they want to dress up Saturday or another date,” Vivaldi said. With all the confusion and uncertainty circulating, Vivaldi said that he now cares much less about what happens with Winter Ball plans. “Honestly I just hope the football team wins,” Vivaldi said. Givens and the rest of the Student Government team are wary of the complications that such events may cause but she believes there are two ways to look at the situation: “either it’s a bad thing or a good thing.” Givens, however, believes it could be “the best day of high school ever.”

Gazette illustration /KATIE COLOGNA

Students forced to make a decision between attending Winterball and varsity football championship game.

GIRLS’ GOLF: Varsity team ends seaso with trip to CIF state championship

Continued from page C1

few years, and were just looking to put it all together to achieve a state final appearance. The biggest difference that allowed the team to find so much success this year was that the team “had a mindset of wanting to make playoffs, but that changed that changed to wanting to win State. We have had a lot of experience from the last few seasons and I think we knew this year we were going to make it all the way,” Dollesin said. Because of their past success over the last few years, the girls’ golf team was ready this year to compete not just to make playoffs, but to win it all, and their new mindset really paid off. Though they couldn’t pull off the miraculous State victory, the team finished in an impressive fourth place at Poppy Hills GC.

special to the Gazette /RON DOELESON

Girls’ varsity golf team accepts section championship award after victory in the tournament.

With only one senior departing after this year (Sienna Lyford), the team expects their first State appearance to not be their last. Girls’ golf coach Jason Sitterud was also excited and proud of the golf team for performing so well this season. “I think it comes down to experience, especially with high school athletes. It is difficult to simulate the situations involved in a playoff atmosphere until you have actually been there and gone through it. Because our girls are “battle” tested, they knew what to expect and embraced that opportunity,” Sitterud said. “They learned to put themselves in position to be successful and avoid the big numbers.”

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Friday, December 15, 2017

Grizz Quiz

w The Granite Bay Gazette

Compiled by Ashley Altmann

Jake McKillop Basketball

Sports C3

Avani Singh Basketball

Hallie Christopherson Soccer

Brent Evans Wrestling

James Spargo Soccer

What is your favorite snow activity?

Sledding

Snowball fights

My favorite is skiing

What is your favorite winter sport?

Basketball

Skiing, even though I’ve never been

Wrestling or basketball

Skiing

Just relax

Sit by the fire and have movie nights with friends

See the new Star Wars movies

Curling up under a blanket and watching a movie

Sip hot chocolate and visit family

I go to my friend’s family’s annual party

With my family or a group of friends

Hang with friends and family and watch the college football playoffs

Go to our friends’ cabin in Tahoe

Watch the ball drop on television

I love going to my grandmother’s house. The food is always amazing!

Opening up one present on Christmas Eve and making cookies

Going to San Jose the week before Christmas to celebrate it with my whole family

Going to church the night before Christmas

Going up to Tahoe and skiing

What is your favorite thing to do during winter break?

How do you celebrate New Year’s?

What is your favorite family holiday tradition?

Snowball fights

Skiing

FOOTBALL: Strong year for Grizzlies

Continued from page C1

Another reason for the improvement this year was the team’s positive attitude going into games. “It’s been a much more positive atmosphere than last year,” said Ryan Smith, a senior on the team. “Everybody on the team has really been driven to do well this season.” This more positive attitude has not only led to more success on the field, but also to more positivity from fans. “I was so happy seeing my classmates do so well this football season,” said senior Erika Bishop, a cheerleader. “It was super fun and exciting… seeing the boys take home so many wins.” And though their season may not have ended in a state championship title, players and coaches are still happy to see the hard work they put in pay off. “It was very satisfying to see the team’s hard work pay off in the form of playoff wins,” Yeargin said. “I’m looking forward to us reaching this same stage next year.” Besides, winning football games is not the only part of football that matters. “My job is to continue the development of young men and to run a top notch, respectable program,” Evans said. “What we are trying to do here is to develop character and honor the school and the community by being great representatives of Granite Bay High School. The focus on wins and championships are

outside pressures that are just noise.” Nevertheless, it was very rewarding for players and coaches when the team was able to transform its good character and attitude into several playoff wins. “To know that all of the hard work and sacrifice has paid off,” Evans said, “makes the memories of this season just that much better.” Another important – and powerful – part of football is that it builds lasting bonds. “I loved my high school football experience because I ended up becoming really close with a lot of kids on the team,” Smith said. “I had a really good time.” These bonds extend not only to the players, but to coaches, parents and fans alike. “Being so close and having friends on the team made the games so much more intense and fun to watch,” Bishop said. “It’s also cool because I’ve been friends with a lot of the players for a long time and seeing them improve (over the years) was super exciting.” The team hopes that these bonds will help them in the future, and are optimistic about upcoming seasons. “The future is bright,” Evans said. “We have a great foundation of success, we have great kids, and we have a top notch coaching staff at all three levels. We feel we are in a place to continue the greatness that has been established and we are looking forward to doing just that.” Plus, the playoff push this year will help set the tone for incoming players.

Gazette photo /KATIE COLOGNA

Varsity football team lines up for a snap during their loss against Pittsburg High School.

“The team is posed to do well in future years because now they know what it takes to be good,” Smith said. Not only did the playoffs set expectations for next year, but it also allowed some underclassmen to play at the varsity level, experience that will help them once they are a full-time member of the team. “It was fun playing with the varsity team this year,” said Jacob Schulte, a junior varsity football player, “and it was just overall more intense. I think next year I’ll be ready for the harder hitting, faster players, and the intensity.” Current varsity players are also looking forward to

building on this year’s success. “I think the team will succeed in the future because just seeing how our hard work has paid off this season, it’ll be the case next year,” Yeargin said. “Plus, it’ll be nice getting to work with some of the incoming juniors next year.” However, no matter the success of the team next year, the 2017 Grizzlies will always be firmly implanted into Granite Bay High School history. “These guys, this team, has earned the right to be mentioned as one of the great teams in the history of this school,” Evans said. “That is pretty special.”

Sophomore plays multiple sports for second year BY ANDREW YUNG

ayung.gazette@gmail.com

Winter sports have begun, and for many it is their first crack at sports this year. However, other athletes are gifted in several areas and are coming off of fall sports. Some make the switch from cross country to wrestling, while others come from football to play basketball. And for some rare individuals, winter sports marks there second of three sports throughout the school year. Jacob Schulte is one such athlete, as he plays football in the fall, soccer in the winter and golf in the spring. Schulte is able to play so many sports for school

because they mostly do not interfere, and he also has played each sport for a long time. “I’ve played football for four years, soccer for nine and golf for three,” Schulte said. And although he is an underclassmen, Schulte has already had some exposure to the varsity level. “I started on the junior varsity football team this year,” Schulte said, “but I was able to play on the varsity football team this year for the playoffs.” Schulte believes that the early varsity action will help him adjust to next year, when he will be playing at the varsity level for the entire year. “I’m looking forward to being on the varsity (football) team next year since play will be a lot faster and I’ll be challenged a lot more,” Schulte said. “I’m

also looking forward to being the young buck on the team.” Besides playing on junior varsity football this year, Schulte is also a part of the Granite Bay junior varsity soccer team. This will be his second year on the team, and Schulte has high hopes. “For soccer this year, we’ll probably have a really good team because we have most of our team from last year, so we have a really good core,” Schulte said. “There’s also some really good freshmen. There’s also a lot of kids from good clubs around the area like Placer County, so that should help us a lot.” Besides playing in high school, Schulte has also played soccer for club, and he has carried the experiences and good memories from club to school.

Don’t stay on the sidelines...

One of my favorite moments from soccer,” Schulte said, “was when I was on the Eureka Celtics and I was ten at the time. We ended up facing our rivals in the championship game, and in the past meetings, all the games were always really close so we knew it was going to be a close game ended up going to penalty kicks. The whole game ended up being pretty ‘chippy,’ but pulling out the win in penalties was a pretty good memory.”

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Friday, December 15, 2017

Sports C4

Sports over the break

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Athletes have practice even during winter break BY NICOLE GEARING

ngearing.gazette@gmail.com

Wrapped up in a blanket, watching the Hallmark Channel and having not a care in the world – no homework, no projects and no tests or quizzes – is where many students aspire to be during winter break. It is after all a much-needed reprieve from the crazy last few weeks of the first semester. Ideally, it is the time to catch up on sleep and distance oneself from school. For those who are involved in winter sports at Granite Bay High School, however, the winter break looks much different. Instead of blankets and television, winter break for athletes means days filled with practices, games and even tournaments. “On break we usually get an extra day or two off,” said senior and varsity wrestler Ethan Tabaie. Luckily, there is some freedom during the break. “[Our coach] is fine with [us] missing a practice or two if someone’s family wants to go on a vacation.” said Tabaie. Senior Derek Galvan, a member of the varsity basketball team, also finds that a few practices are cancelled due to the holidays. “It’s a pretty normal practice schedule but we do get a few days off because of the holidays.” The GBHS soccer team does the same. “We’ll have a few days off leading up to Christmas,” said senior and varsity soccer player James Spargo, “but then we’ll hop right back into the swing of things.” So while coaches do conduct practices during the break, there is understanding if the players can’t

make it. But it’s not just practices that keep going over winter breaks. Oftentimes it is the prime time for tournaments. For instance, the basketball team has their annual tournament in San Diego over winter break. “[My family] comes with me.” said Galvan about the tournament. The Galvan family chooses to treat the tournament as an opportunity for a small family vacation rather than just another basketball tournament. However, they do have to plan around other games and practices. “[We] look at the game and practice schedule first and then decide on how we will spend our time during break,” said Galvan Other families find tournaments and practices over the break purely inconvenient. “My parents love that I’m working out,” says Tabaie, “but they always get annoyed since they always want to travel during break but can’t.” Family time in general also comes very rare during the break. “We manage to spend a good Christmas together and get a quick one or two day vacation [in], but nothing more than that.” said Tabaie. Today’s high school sports are on a completely different level than in generations past. Winter break used to mean not only a break from school, but also a break from sports. But for today’s high school athletes, the saying “no days off’ is applicable; there are truly no days off. However, there are some bonuses to practicing over break.

Gazette illustration /ANDREW YUNG

Winter sport athletes often imagine the alternative activities they could be doing while on vacation.

“Personally I like it because it is a great opportunity for the team to practice without the distraction of school,” said Galvan. GBHS teams are able to stay sharp over break with the continued practices and added tournaments. “With our first league game Jan. 2, we want to get in as much practice time as we can,” said Spargo. While the teams may be technically sharp, sometimes the mental sharpness dissipates. “It’s really inconvenient,” said Tabaie, “it feels like

I don’t get much of a break.” As a wrestler, Tabaie is faced with the task of cutting weight, a feat he says is especially difficult during the holidays. “Tournaments are definitely a lot harder since we have to cut weight during Christmas,” said Tabaie. “That’s probably the hardest part since my family loves to cook a big dinner.”

Football fan’s burning passion CLIMBER: Wills strives to possibly make underlooked by die-hard fans appearance in 2020 Olympics GBHS senior Clare Murphy roots for both Oregon Duck and GB Grizzly Football

Clare Murphy Senior expresses her passion of watching football at both the college and high school level.

behind the gates of the Tribe on Friday nights. “I love to watch and support We’ve all seen the die hard [them],” Murphy said. fans. The ones with their team’s As for her favorite game of this colors painted on their oftentimes season, Murphy picked the very shirtless bodies. They are the ec- first one against Jesuit. centric fans if you will. “It was the first game of the There are also the die hard fans year and the Tribe was the bigwho are more gest and loudest it subtle when it has been all seacomes to showson,” said Murphy. ing support for “The team came their favorite out in all black I love the game team. They are the itself as well as the uniforms and beat ones who know team that rivalries and school Jesuit—a the players, the had beat them in pride. coaches and the the previous seafamous plays the son. It was exciting team runs. – Clare Murphy, GBHS because it marked While their senior the start of football torsos aren’t necseason.” essarily painted, Always in the they are a fan Tribe, Murphy says no doubt. Senior her favorite Tribe Clare Murphy is our subtle Fan theme was USA. of the Month. “It’s a theme everyone can easHaving grown up watching ily participate in and there was a the Oregon Ducks play football, tailgate to go along with it.” Murphy knows a thing or two She accounts her most memowhen it comes to the game. rable fan experience to her “My favorite sport to cheer for freshman year during the opening at GBHS is football,” said Murgame. phy. “I’ve always watched and “We went on the field at halfbeen super involved in it.” time and danced to Original “I love the game itself as well Don,” said Murphy, “it was my as the rivalries and school pride first football game as a high that comes along with [GBHS school student and my friends football],” said Murphy. and I were so excited to be a part She also finds herself cheerof the Tribe and cheer on the ing for some of her best friends football team.” BY NICOLE GEARING

ngearing.gazette@gmail.com

Continued from page C1

and we will hang on them for long intervals for 30 minutes at a time,” Wills said. “Climbing uses nearly every muscle group in your body,” Wills said. He works on mental conditioning as well because “if you lose focus you can slip and fall in an instant.” Wills trains outdoors too on spectacular rock walls and boulders. “I think I would get burnt out of competitive climbing if I didn’t have outdoor climbing to balance it,” Wills said. Wills loves spending 12 hours a week in the gym training, but he doesn’t just do it for fun – he does it to compete. “I’ve been in (upwards of) 30 competitions since then,” Wills said. He started off doing local competitions then “after I started training harder I made it to regional competitions (which consists of northern California and

Nevada) and did well there, and made it to divisionals,” Wills said. He progressed and excelled at every level he found himself at and was invited to Nationals soon enough. “My coach told me that I would make Nationals far before I ever dreamed of doing it, it was amazing to actually see it happen,” Wills said. After impressing at Nationals, Wills was invited to climb for Team USA in his first international competition in Austria this last August. Out of 130 climbers in his division, Wills placed in the middle of the pack. “I didn’t do quite as well as I wanted to,” Wills said, partly because he was “just coming off sport season” and wasn’t prepared for the differentiating boulder style of climbing. After two months, Wills had trained in his usual boulder format and was ready for his next big challenge – the Pan

Special to the Gazette /JESSE WILLS

American Championship in Montreal, Canada. “Nine countries from North and South America were present and over 30 climbers were in his division,” Wills said. Wills won the gold medal and earned his prestigious title of “continental champion.” Wills reached the top of his game in his division and is already looking at his next goal – world competition, and possibly even the Olympics. “Rock climbing will be introduced (into the Olympics) for the first time in 2020,” Wills said, “it’s definitely a goal of mine.” At Wills’ current rate of progression, nobody doubts his ability to be of the first Olympic rock climbers. Wills not only has the skillset, but also the mentality of a future Olympian. “Every time I get on the wall,” Wills said, “I give it 100% effort and I believe I can do it.”

Special to the Gazette /JESSE WILLS

Sophomore Colin Wills trains and competes at the Pan American Championship where he later receives gold.

Friday, December 15, 2017

Sports C5

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Players violate sports rules Students can face punishment for CIF sports misconduct BY EMILY TALMI

etalmi.gazette@gmail.com

Although not as burdensome as NCAA rules, high school athletes undergo the challenge of playing within the parameters of their leagues. Like all other high school athletic associations, the California Interscholastic Federation regulates the functions of high school athletes throughout the state of California. More specifically, Granite Bay High School plays in the Sac-Joaquin Section, a subdivision of the CIF, and all GBHS teams compete in league play in the Sierra Foothill League. With this comes various challenges for any and all athletes who have to play under the numerous section and league rules. The athletes at GBHS aren’t immune to it, and this proves true for the girl’s soccer team. “The rules that were established by CIF many years ago in conjunction with the rules for the new US Development Academy for girls will have a big impact here at GBHS,” Mark Broers, the girl’s varsity soccer coach, said. “We have many top level players that

were looking forward to being able to play for their school and also the chance to play with friends who are at other clubs, we are all disappointed,” Emma Schafer, a are now in the US Federation’s freshman at GBHS, said. “My Academy, and they have to choose (club) team has six players at GB, between high school and the acad- so I think we would have helped emy during the winter months.” strengthen the team.” The conflict primarily affects However, sophomores, juniors freshmen soccer players, as they and seniors are not allowed to can play high play high school school socsoccer while they cer, but in turn “I feel high are in academy. they must leave school sports “Our incoming their academy have a lot to offer team because (freshmen) class had seven playathletes of all skill they cannot ers that I know of practice or play levels. There is that would be on games for both more to it than our teams now but programs at the the final score weren’t allowed to same time. play by the federaat the end of the “I chose club tion.,” Broers said. because it will game.” Ultimately this has help me get a negative impact more exposure –Mark Broers, girls’ on the team’s overall and keep the ability. bond with my soccer coach “This is a huge loss year-round for our teams, and a team,” Jenna sad reality that they Ladrech, a juwill never have a chance to play nior at GBHS, said. high school soccer for their school Making these decisions can be while they are in the academy,” difficult for soccer players because Broers said. either way sacrifices will have to Many of these freshmen are left be made. with no choice but to stay with “I think both sides want to look out for the mental and physical their club team. health of the players but the kids “Most players on my club team

Gazette photo /RACHEL NIMTZ

Sideline referee makes a touchdown call during the section championship game at Sacramento State between Granite Bay and Del Oro. have been put in the middle and forced to choose as a result,” Broers said. Coach for both the women’s high school soccer team and the academy Placer United club, Broers recognizes that the players have been put in a stressful situation.

“I disagree with the rules,” said. “I feel high school sports have a lot to offer athletes of all skill levels. There is more to it than the final score at the end of the game.” Broers says that these soccer players should’ve been given the opportunity to participate in

high school. “(These) kids should be playing on campus influencing and being influenced by other student athletes on campus,” Broers said. “The bylaws always have trouble keeping up with the change in sport.”

Athletes stay loyal in their final high school season GBHS seniors expected finish out their last year of sports

Special to the Gazette /JENN MCDERMOTT

Scout Sanders, a varsity girls water polo player, gets ready to take a shot on goal during a regular season game.

BY MAY LIN

mlin.gazette@gmail.com

On the brink of making some of the biggest decisions of their lives – anything can happen. As class of 2018 prepares for their last year of high school, lots of emotions and uncertainties build up as the end approaches. “If someone quits their sport as a senior, they obviously didn’t have the love or dedication to their sport,” Maya Jones, a senior on girls’ varsity water polo player, said. “I feel like it’s not reasonable because it’s the home stretch and you’ve already worked for three years to be there.” Assumptions from seniors playing sports range from expectations of a higher skill level and responsibility, as well as ensuring dedication to the team. Because of this, it’s usually surprising to find a senior quitting during their last year of high school. “It depends on your reasons for quitting. Last year, we lost a lot of players due to not wanting the pressures from our coaches,” Angela Gross, a senior at GBHS said, “but if you have the right team and right environment, I don’t think anyone will willingly quit without a good reason due to them already being there for so long.” Typically, seniors are more experienced than other classmen on the team, therefore, their bar of expectations are raised higher than ever before. “On varsity, everyone has their own strength that they bring to the table. We’re all different and at the same time, we can play well together,” Max Johnson said. “Our coach expects us to carry that team chemistry out and be more compatible.” Other pressures such as competition and judgment bring the best out of seniors as they seek to live up to their reputation. “If there’s a junior and a senior with the same skill level, people are going to wonder, ‘Why is the junior

as good as the senior?’” Gross said. “The senior should probably be better.” Yet, some can agree that skill level shouldn’t be totally based on age but mostly on how long you’ve played and how fast you can progress. “I wouldn’t necessarily say that seniors are always more skilled. We have girls starting water polo even senior year that have never played so I would say it comes with how much you have played personally, not just how old you are,” Scout Sanders, captain of girls’ varsity water polo, said. “Coaches just expect us to be a great communicator and respect everyone.” Missing any player from the team can be devastating as it throws the group off balance, and coaches take note of that. “I have never had a senior walk off the team during the season. Sometimes players decide that they are burnt out on the sport and want more free time to just live other aspects of life their senior year and therefore don’t return to tryouts, but that is quite rare,” Mark Broers, girls’ varsity soccer coach said. “I respect that decision a lot. It shows maturity and honesty by the student-athlete.” Nevertheless, whether you’re a senior or not, everybody has to carry their own weight and handle the pressure for the benefit of their team. “Basketball is a pressure sport. Players prepare their entire high school career to compete under these conditions. Players become accustomed to this and those who achieve high playing standards, learn to deal with it out of the love for the game, they thrive for the challenge,” Angel Delgadillo, head coach for varsity girls’ basketball, said. “Pressures are dealt with as a team. Playing organized team sports parallels life experiences. Sport experiences prepare student/players to better deal with life circumstances.”

Dual-sport athlete with impressive performances Sophomore Mason Wilcox is winning wrestling tournaments and hitting hard in football in only his second year in high school BY DANIELLE SHANNON dshannon.gazette@gmail.com

Mason Wilcox is a sophomore at GBHS who does an exceptional job juggling football, wrestling, and academics. Wilcox has been involved in wrestling for nine years, he has only been playing football since his freshmen year however he enjoys it as well. Wilcox is well qualified in wrestling, he has won over 20 wrestling tournaments, and plans to qualify for both masters and state this year. In football, Wilcox plays the position of outside linebacker. He regards his biggest accomplishments so far as scoring two non-offensive touchdowns. “I love the hitting in football and how it’s a team

sport,” said Wilcox. As would be expected, playing multiple sports, his schedule can get very hectic. Wilcox has football practice every weekday from 3 to 6 p.m. and wrestling practice from 8 to 12 p.m. on the weekends. Football practice predominantly focuses upon hitting, and learning how to best defend whichever team they are playing against that week. The focus of his wrestling practices are usually centered on practicing and repeating moves until they are mastered. Many students would regard managing two sports as well as school as daunting, however Wilcox doesn’t find it very difficult, for Wilcox, time management is key. However, playing football every weekday and wrestling on the weekends can

be physically arduous, Wilcox regards this as the aspect which is difficult. For Wilcox, there are some negative aspects having to do with the necessity of making sacrifices from both sports. “I choose to participate in two sports because I feel like each help me develop skills in the other,” he said of his decision to partake in multiple sports. Of the two, Wilcox prefers wrestling over football and plans to pursue a future participating in wrestling throughout college. “What I love about (wrestling) is that it’s just you and the other guy on the mat,” said Wilcox. “It’s just up to you who’s going to win, no one else.”

Mason Wilcox Sophomore strives under the pressures of academics and sports

Friday, December 15, 2017

w The Granite Bay Gazette

SECOND LOOK

Boys’ soccer: new season, new coach BY JAKE CRISCIONE

jcriscione.gazette@gmail.com

The Granite Bay Boys’ soccer team is coming off of a disappointing postseason loss to Edison in the first round after a fantastic regular season last year. Many changes have Winter Sports occurred since then, Update including a large roster size and a new head coach – Bashar Alsakati. “I think the new coach is fantastic and he will be instrumental in the team’s future success,” senior varsity player Adrian Lada said. “He knows the game incredibly well and is a great guy all around.” With a new coach comes new tactics, and the most notable can be seen with the significant increase in roster size from previous years. Though he was expected to make major cuts to the roster size this season, Coach Alsakati decided to keep 22 athletes on the varsity level. “With 22 players, we can do 11 v 11 which can be very helpful. It also means we have plenty of players fighting over game time which motivates everyone to practice harder,” Lada said. As of Dec. 12, the boys’ soccer team has a preseason record of 2-0 with colossal victories against Laguna Creek and Vacaville. “We have a solid roster that is composed of great characters and a rock-star coaching staff,” Lada said optimistically. “We plan on maintaining this early success for the rest of the season.” The team’s first regular season game will be against Woodcreek on Jan. 2 at Granite Bay High School.

Gazette photo /RACHEL NIMTZ

Girls’ Soccer The girl’s soccer team is early in their season as well, and are looking to bounce back after a semifinal loss in last year’s CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Championship. “We are an older team this year because we have no freshmen and only three sophomores on our varsity team.” senior Maddie Tastor said. An older team will hopefully result in greater team chemistry and success as the players have more experience under their belts. Out of the three underclassmen on the team, only one is facing their first year of varsity soccer. “We are a very strong team and all of the girls are committed. I’m sure we will do very well this year.” Tastor said when describing the team’s goal of reaching state. The girls will be opening their regular season on Jan. 2nd at Woodcreek High School.

Gazette photo /JAKE CRISCIONE

Special to the Gazette /RON DOLLESIN

Wrestling After the loss of a key senior (Jack Ramalia), the GBHS Wrestling team is anticipating yet another strong season. Senior Ethan Tabaie expressed the team’s readiness and excitement for the season to progress. “We are working a lot harder than last year and the intensity is there,” Tabaie said. The wrestlers opened up their season with a tournament at GBHS on Dec. 2. Though they couldn’t pull off first place, their performance was strong and they have plenty to work on. This start is very promising, and Tabaie sees the potential for growth and improvement. “I think we will do much better as a team than last year,” Tabaie said. “We have more people and talent on this year’s team.” Gazette photo /JAKE CRISCIONE

Boys’ Basketball As of Dec. 12, the boys’ basketball team has a preseason record of 3-2. They are looking to improve off of last years loss to the top seeded Sheldon in the Sac-Joaquin Section Championship Quarterfinals. Patrick Lambey, a senior, is an essential addition to last year’s team. Due to league rules, Lambey was unable to play in games last year, so he and his team are especially hungry this year. Girls’ Basketball The girls’ basketball team has started their preseason undefeated as of Dec. 12. This includes a massive victory over El camino High School (62-20) which is evidence of their strong training and practice prior to the season. The lady Grizzlies failed to earn a postseason victory last year, and are looking to keep their early success present throughout the remainder of the season.

wGBHS defensive line stops a Del Oro rush, top left, during the section championship game. Senior Mason Lopez, top right, dribbles during the boys soccer 8-0 victory at home against Vacaville. The varsity girls golf team, middle, holds state tournament awards. Senior James Spargo, bottom right, turns towards goal. Matt Barron, left, starts his route as a receiver during the state home game against Pittsburg.

Special to the Gazette /KATIE COLOGNA

GS The Gazetteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s arts and entertainment guide.

December 2017

GREENSCREEN

A look into the significance of the holidays

PAGES 8&9 Gazette photo /LOGAN EMBREE

Page 2

December 2017

sneak peek.

Gazette photo /KENNEDY HEALY

wSee page 5 Christmas Light Attractions

PARAMOUNT PICTURES

wSee pages 11 Christmas Movie Guide

Cinema is dying and nobody is crying

wSee page 16 Holiday Gift Guide

Online streaming sites are slowly stealing the theater business

not months later on Netflix. he savory smell of the popcorn, the electric excitement of those around you The ability to see a movie the night that it and the chance to see a film on a screen comes out is exclusive to the theater and taller than most houses, are just a few of the while Netflix has tried to fight this by creatreasons for why we need to continue going to ing â&#x20AC;&#x153;netflix originalâ&#x20AC;? movies, in my opinion the movies. the majority of them are nowhere close to I have come to find that the majority of people the quality of movies that come through the that watch movies and shows on the regular theater. happen to be young adults and teens like myI have tried to wait until a movie that self. I wanted to see finally made its way to online streaming companies such as Netflix Streaming sites however hearing everyone and Hulu understand this as well and have talk about how good it was and fighting off structured their business in order to appeal to the urge to hear spoilers is not something I the inherent laziness within teens. would willingly put myself through again. Instead of requiring people to leave their While I agree that using Netflix and Hulu lembree.gazette@gmail.com houses and take a short drive to the theater, is very cheap and convenient, I would still individuals now have the ability to be watching choose the theater over my tv, computer or a new movie for free within the time it takes to start your car. telephone any day of the week. The popcorn, the memories and the While I agree that this is very appealing and easy I would still experience received is what makes the movies irreplaceable for me. rather view a movie within the theater. Online streaming sites will never be able to kill the cinema. There are certain qualities and benefits that the movie theater has *** to offer that cannot be given by Netflix. Logan Embree, a senior, is a Gazette Greenscreen editor. I would have to say that the number one reason for why I would recommend the cinema over online streaming is the experience. When you watch a movie in the theater you are sitting in front of a massive screen that seemingly brings the characters of the movie I would still choose the theater over my to life. Along with the size of the screen is the quality, surround tv, computer or telephone any day of the sound audio that takes you from sitting in your chair and places you right in the middle of the frontlines of a war or a spaceship in week. The popcorn, the memories and another galaxy. the experience received is what makes Netflix is incapable of providing such feelings. The most popular viewing device for Netflix streaming is the telephone and with the movies irreplaceable for me. Online some of the biggest phones popular today only being around five streaming sites will never be able to kill inches it is very hard to get immersed in the film and very easy to get distracted. Another disadvantage to Netflix that once again the cinema. proves that the theater is the better option is that when films are released, they are first released to the box offices and then weeks if

COMME NTARY

logan embree

Guide to Green Screen Page 3

IPhone x Page 4

Food Reviews

Gazette photo /DEAN WILSON

Upcoming GBHS Events for December and January December 15 Dance Show December 21-January 9 Winter Break January 18 Back to School Night

Page 5 Christmas Lights

Page 8 Holiday Significance

Page 11 Off-Roading Adventures

Page 14 Chinny & Wandy

Page 6 Christmas Decorating

Page 9 Holiday Significance

Page 12 Ugly Sweater/ New Year

Page 15 Movies

Page 7 Top Tweets

Page 10 Music Reviews

Page 13 Mixtape

Page 16 Holiday Gift Guide

Page 3

December 2017

Iphone 10.

Is the iphone 10 worth busting the bank? Many people are finding themselves torn between saving or splurging on the latest

BY RACHEL NIMTZ

rnimtz.gazette@gmail.com

pple is always coming out with impressive new technology, but it always comes at a price, a very high price that is. The newest Apple release, the iPhone X or iPhone 10 was announced on September 12th, but wasn’t available for preorder until November 3rd. The newest iPhone sold out in minutes. Some dedicated shoppers, like sophomore Jordan Greenfelder even stayed up until two am to order the latest phone. “I stayed up until midnight to get the phone, but the sight crashed and I wasn’t able to order it until two am,” Greenfelder said. The phone comes at a high cost, $1000 for a 64gb model and $1,150 for a 256gb model. “I only had to pay for half of the phone, but it was still expensive,” Greenfelder said. There are many new features, including an A11 bionic chip, a vertical camera, face ID and an edge to edge Super Retina OLED display.

“My favorite feature is the Face ID and the new animoji feature, as well as the A11 chip,” Greenfelder said. The new A11 chip is said to be the fastest ever tested on a mobile phone by an extremely large margin. “In comparison to the iphone 6 or 7, the X is a lot faster and the camera quality is a lot better,” Greenfelder said. Like Greenfelder, sophomore Rathi Raja is also a dedicated customer, however in a different way. Raja bought two phones with the intention of reselling the other one on ebay. “I paid for the whole phone with no subsides so as to receive an unlocked model,” Raja said. “I was able to purchase one and resell the other one on ebay for $1500 due to supply constraints allowing me to have a net exposure of $550.” Raja is also thoroughly impressed with the new chip featured on the phone, and says it has many new aspects to it. “It features an updated pair of rear cameras, and for the first time both have optical image stabilization allowing for better low light performance and steadi-

ness in videos,” Raja said. The face ID is a feature that is brand new to smart phones, and it takes a lot to make sure it’s a reliable way to keep your phone’s information safe. “The phone uses a 7 sensor front facing camera for true depth mapping of faces through a projection of 30,000 infrared dots,” Raja said. Freshman Eva Bushnell also has the iphone X, and is thoroughly enjoying it. “I got it as a Christmas gift and I’m really liking it,” Bushnell said. Out of all the features, Bushnell is impressed with the camera. “The camera is super good,” Bushnell said. “That’s by far my favorite feature.” In addition to the obvious new design, there are many new internal features as well. “The battery is really good, it lasts super long,” Bushnell said. Even though the high price came as a shock to many, and some think that it’s the best phone ever, or the worst, the iPhone X is definitely a product that caught many people’s attention.

Gazette illustration/LOGAN EMBREE

Page 4

December 2017

flour power.

Bakeries you knead to know Little Bliss BY RACHEL NIMTZ

rnimtz.gazette@gmail.com

ith winter and the holidays comes many delights: hot cocoa, eggnog, decorating and much more. But let’s be honest, the best part is the sweets and if you’re looking for a delicious holiday treat, you should definitely try Little Bliss Cakery. They offer many different flavors of cupcakes as well as custom cakes, ice cream and coffee. When I walked into Little Bliss, I immediately felt at home with the warm smell of cookies in the oven and fresh coffee aroma drawing me into the small shop. The setting is very warm and inviting and the staff is very helpful and accommodating. I have only been to Little Bliss once before this, so I was unsure what to order. However the staff have me very intelligent and legitimate recommendations. Despite being a slight hole in the wall, I found Little Bliss to be very inviting. It reminded me slightly of a quaint coffee shop, despite its somewhat random location. One thing I noticed about Little Bliss, was the plethora of mini cupcakes. Most cupcakes are very rich and sometimes a full sized cupcake is a bit too much. Luckily, Little Bliss sells bite sized cupcakes for the price of $1.25. I ordered 4 of these cupcakes, a peanut butter cupcake, a chocolate mousse cupcake, a chocolate cupcake with candy cane on top and a classic vanilla cupcake with festive sprinkles. All of them except

The Gazette staff shares their favorite places that bake them crazy!

Ettore’s for the peanut butter cupcake, were decorated very nicely for Christmas. They were garnished with either festive sprinkles or candy canes. The frosting was the perfect combination of rich and creamy and was extremely satisfying. All four came out to be a total of $5.00. I was very pleased with my decision to order the mini cupcakes instead of one or two large cupcakes because the cupcakes were rich and the small size was just enough to satisfy me. Also, I was able to try many different kinds of cupcakes rather than having one large one. The cupcakes all had similar flavored bases, all were chocolate except one. They were equally delicious. Those cupcakes represent the perfect balance of rich and creamy. In addition to cupcakes, Little Bliss also offers custom cakes for any occasion. They had some of their designs on display and I was very impressed with the creativity and the artistic aspect of each cake.

Gazette photo /RACHEL NIMTZ

Little Bliss provides traditional cupcakes with a holiday flare.

BY ABBIE GOULD

agould2.gazette@gmail.com

ith the holiday season approaching, it means a change in the usual restaurant menus – it is time for a holiday twist. To get into the holiday spirit, I decided to look for the perfect bakery for breakfast. I found Ettore’s Bakery and Cafe. Not only does it have pastries for breakfast, but a coffee, lunch and dinner menu and baked goods like cookies, cupcakes and cakes. Ettore’s is located off of North Sunrise Avenue in Roseville. It is a relatively large for a bakery and cafe. With two stories, and a sitting area outside there is plenty of room and options to sit and dine. Ettore’s has a modern vibe to it with wood floors and tables and white decorations. I went during the holidays, so the bakery was decorated with festive wreaths which added a nice, holiday-like touch. When you enter the cafe, there are two counters to order, a bakery counter and a coffee counter and if you are eating there you are seated and given a lunch and dinner menu. The staff was very helpful and especially patient when it came to choosing a pastry with their plethora of options. I chose an apple crumb muffin to go with the holiday vibe that was already in the restaurant. It was neatly wrapped up and looked very appeasing. It had a cinnamon taste and was very

cakey inside. With pieces of apple in the muffin, it added to the holiday taste of it. The muffin was topped with sugar, adding an overall sweet taste to the already delicious muffin. I would go back to Ettore’s in a heartbeat and would like to try other items on the menu. Ettore’s is a great place to go for a quick breakfast, lunch or dinner with plenty of delicious options to choose from.

Gazette photo /ABBIE GOULD

Ettore’s, a new bakery in the Roseville area, offers a modern yet conventional bakery experience.

Cookie Connection BY ASHLEY ALTMANN

‘T

aaltmann.gazette@gmail.com

is the season for baked goods and sweet treats. And what says “holidays” more than milk and cookies? Finding the perfect cookies that taste like home without the work can be a challenge though. If you have the same dilemma, Cookie Connection may be the solution. Right on Douglas Boulevard and Sierra College Boulevard, Cookie Connection is in the hearth of Roseville and Granite Bay and is highly accessible. Once inside, the shop gives a modern and industrial, yet cozy and small feel. The combination of a basic glass display window and cooling racks with the metal countertops creates a sophisticated atmosphere. Of course the most important aspect of the bakery is the cookies! Cookie Connection offers a wide variety of unique cookies that you won’t find at any other shop. From classic chocolate chip to maple donut, they seem to have thought of it all. I personally enjoyed

munching on a chocolate chip walnut cookie, which added new tastes to an otherwise simple flavor. Behind the counter is a rack stacked with freshly baked cookies, not even wrapped up yet. Mine was still warm and perfectly chewy. One of the most appealing things about the bakery though, is how passionate the workers and customers are. Another customer in front of me had her share of favorite cookies, and seemed very put out when they were sold out. But the service was great, and to compensate, the cashier gave her an extra cookie for free. She spread the generosity to me as well, claiming the free cookie was thrown in to make up for a cookie not being packaged yet. The overall experience in the shop and while enjoying my cookies was excellent. The service was fantastic and the product definitely did not disappoint. From now on, I will be heading to Cookie Connection for all my Christmas milk and cookie needs.

Gazette photo /ASHLEY ALTMANN

Cookie Connection is a local favorite for cookies in a variety of unique flavors.

December 2017

Page 5

bright and vibrant.

X-Mas lights give off holiday vibes Lighten up your break with amazing color displays BY KENNEDY HEALY

khealy.gazette@gmail.com

he bright lights strung up on each house are mesmerizing to look at, but it’s nearly impossible to walk around without bumping into strangers also captivated by the lights. Is it really worth it? Many students at Granite Bay High take the time out of the holiday season to go look at Christmas lights. However, there are benefits and cons to the famous holiday tradition. Taylor Stiern, GBHS senior class president, sees that there are ways around the downside to looking at holiday lights. “I don’t think it’s worth it unless you’re walking.” Stiern said. For Senior Kyle Sisco, he believes the pros outweigh the cons. “I thought the Christmas lights were definitely worth it, but I am not a big icicle fan, because to me it is too simple and effortless. I like production value in my christmas lights, because it shows that people are getting into the holiday spirit.” Said Sisco. One thing that makes seeing lights a tradition, is the amazing memories students have. For senior Lainie Kastner, light viewing is an all around good time. “I think it’s lots of fun, my friends and I like to get hot chocolate, listen to Christmas music, and drive around looking at them. It gives us something fun to do without spending lots of money while still

getting into the spirit,” Kastner said. Sisco remembers the wonderful times spent with his family. “I was in Utah with my family on Christmas eve, and after dinner we all walked around the town and looked at christmas lights. It made me feel jolly!” Sisco Said. “I will be looking at christmas lights again this year.” Catherine Rubino also has a favorite memory which she holds close to heart during the holiday season. “My favorite memory is going with my family and all walking around seeing the houses with the lights and coordinated music to them.” Said Rubino. For Kastner, nothing will ever compare to the lights she witnessed in her childhood years. “My favorite light viewing memory is the light up boat parade my family used to go to where we used to live in San Rafael,” Kastner said, “Since we lived right by a yacht club on the bay, all our friends would get together and decorate our friends boat with lights and the night of the boat parade all the other decorated boats drive around and look at each other’s decorations. It’s a big party on each boat where everyone brings food and wears their festive clothes. Since looking at Christmas lights has become such a popular activity, it has proven important to be smart about how you approach it, and especially where you go. Stiern has mastered Christmas light viewing, and felt there are many great ways to help enjoy your experience.

“I think it’s very important to drive slowly, especially through neighborhoods, because a lot of families bring their children out. Or don’t even drive, just park your car somewhere outside of the neighborhood and just walk around. That was you can take more time to look at the lights, and it’s not as hectic.” Stiern said. “I like going to the neighborhood in Rocklin, right before Rocklin High, because they really go above and beyond. It’s mind boggling.” Rubino also feels there are better ways to approach holiday light viewing. “Wear warm clothes and bring gloves because it gets chilly. If you go in your car make sure to have a good christmas playlist (I like Michael Buble Christmas album.)” Rubino said. “I love seeing houses with the disney and christmas themes and the fab 40’s houses all decorated pretty, so try to mind some of those!” Kastner similarly faces the holiday season with tactics. “People should be prepared with blankets and warm drinks so they don’t get too cold. Dress festive and have fun with it to make fun memories.” Kastner said. Although you may be dealing with crowded streets, cold weather, and late nights, Christmas lights viewing has been a proven holiday favorite in the Granite Bay community. “I think more people should look at christmas lights.” Sisco Said.

Gazette photos /KENNEDY HEALY

Luminous displays of Christmas lights shown in various neighborhoods.

Gazette photos /KENNEDY HEALY

Page 6

festive feelings.

December 2017

Families decorate for the holidays People feel obliged to add winter amenities to their homes BY ASHLEY ALTMANN

aaltmann.gazette@gmail.com

mong many favorite holiday and Christmas activities is driving around and looking at extravagant Christmas lights. Most people don’t have the time or energy to put up these flashy displays but still want to do something festive to ring in the most wonderful time of the year. But with busy schedules and laborious trimming, it can be somewhat of a chore. “My favorite part is obviously when I’m finished. My least favorite part is putting it away. But my kids love to help and it makes them happy,” said AP Human Geography teacher Kathleen Angelone, about the workload decorating creates. Like Angelone’s family, many people make decorating a family affair so it’s more enjoyable and creates memories. “It’s a combined effort. At Christmas, we all do the tree together and then the girls and I decorate inside while my husband tackles the outside,” Angelone said. Like Angelone, sophomore Jake Diddy and his family use this occasion to listen to holiday tunes

and enjoy working and spending time together. “Most of the time we visit family for Christmas Eve,” Diddy said. “But we like seeing the lights, so we play Christmas music and put of the tree together.” Diddy also mentioned how this throws his family into the Winter spirit and gives their home a cheery effect. Finding the time to garnish your house though can be difficult, especially with the added element of holiday travel. Some may even ask if it’s worth it if their family isn’t even home to see their hard work on Christmas day. “Because we are gone for the holidays, I put them up early so we can enjoy them before we go away,” said Jane Densham, mother of GBHS sophomore Sophie Densham. For many families, it is tradition to fill their homes with festive garlands and trees. Even while tedious, seeing the special decor is comforting for them. “I would decorate my house even if I was out of town because it’s tradition and it wouldn’t feel right not to decorate my house,” Mrs. Densham said. Tradition is very important to many of these

Gazette photo /ASHLEY ALTMANN

The Dansham family’s Father Christmas ornament.

families and each household seems to have some very special decorations and ornaments that are part of their holiday routines. “We always have an Elf on the Shelf for my little sister, and she loves it,” Diddy said. Some decorations are particularly significant to these families, as they’ve been passed down from generation to generation. “I have a tree decorations that belonged to my grandmother and were on her tree,” Mrs. Densham said. “There is a father Christmas ornament that was my gran’s and and a fat fairy that Charlotte [her other daughter] made when she was nine.” Angelone’s most cherished decoration has different meaning. A special ornament of hers has a very interesting background. “My husband and I were living in Sacramento and our basement flooded, so I was complaining how I lost all my ornaments and decorations because of the flood in the lunchroom at work,” Angelone said, “A few days later there was a big box of ornaments in my classroom and on top was the glass hummingbird. There was a note on the hummingbird that read, ‘This Hummingbird was my mother’s. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have throughout the years.’”

Gazette photo /ASHLEY ALTMANN

The Dansham family’s “fat fairy” that Charolette Dansham made when she was nine years old.

Page 7

December 2017

current.

Top Tweets Spirited tweets by Granite Bay High School students BY MACKENZIE BROWN mbrown.gazette@gmail.com

Netflix Picks

Twitter

BY KENNEDY HEALY

khealy.gazette@gmail.com

1. Heathers If you’re a fan of classics and Winona Ryder, then this movie is definitely for you. A group of teen girls all named Heather are known to be the popular group, who everyone wants to be. However, one of the girls finds herself to be very different from the others, and ends up falling into the hands of a bad boy. As the plot thickens, the movie turns into so much more than just a highschool drama. Action, love, lust, murder and secrets. If you want an unpredictable movie, “Heathers” is a must see.

*whips open grade app*

2. Fried Green Tomatoes This movie is about a woman named Evelyn who is very unhappy in her marriage and befriends an older woman living in an old folks home. This spunky old woman tells tales of a young, vibrant girl who wasn’t afraid of anything. These stories make Evelyn become more confident before finding out who they are truly about. This movie tells a very sweet and happy story, that will definitely jerk a few tears. 3. Master of None “Master of None” is a comical Netflix original, that is easy to relate everyday situations to. The show is about the normal struggles of dating and deciding who is the one. The characters are also figuring out what it means to become a real adult. In relation to other shows, I would compare it to “The Office” If you’re a fan of that show then turn on your TV, and put on “Masters of None” when you find time.

how are these puppies doin

nash rood

@grandpalover22

1 Retweet

9 Likes

u a real homie if I can sit in complete silence with you and feel perfectly fine

Will Anderson @offcialbilliam

5 Retweets

44 Likes

me as a freshman: why does everyone hate us? they were freshmen too?? me as a senior after seeing a group of freshmen: time for the next plague

john lang

@johnlang0114

0 Retweets

28 Likes

SECTION CHAMPS WE ARE COMING FOR THAT STATE TITLE

GBHS TRIBE

@TRIBEGBHS

31 Retweets

144 Likes

Hangout Location of the Month:

What is it?

“FOLSOM LAKE”

olsom Lake has been a popular hangout location to Granite Bay High School students for a long time. This popular-

ity is most likely due to the nostalgic factor it

What to Look Out For

•

there early to secure a spot. • •

family and friends, some participating in boat-

of activities to do. The beach is a really nice area to lounge with your friends. It is not very common to have the luxury of living by a lake, and GBHS students definitely take advantage of this.

There are many restaurants where you can get take out to bring to the beach such as Dutch Bros, Beach

ing and wakeboarding. If you aren’t into the whole boating scene there are still a plethora

Check out the picnic tables, as they are a fun place to have lunch.

brings considering most students went there as young kids. Most students enjoy boating with

Parking is very hard to find, so make sure you get

Hut Deli and Dominic’s Pizza. •

Look for barbeque area, as many beach-goers are very generous.

•

Look for the walking trails near the water, they hold very nice views.

Gazette photo/ MAX SCHWARTZ

BY MAX SCHWARTZ

mschwartz.gazette@gmail.com

Pages 8 & 9

December 2017

celebrations that are snow joke.

D A Y I

P I G E A N P N S

Students share their traditions and thoughts on various winter celebrations

BY DEAN WILSON

dwilson.gazette@gmail.com

raditions during the holiday season vary from household to household. Now Granite Bay students past and present reflect on how they hold onto their seasonal habits. Of all of the seasonal festivities, Christmas is perhaps the most celebrated of the winter holidays at Granite Bay. In many classrooms, colorful lights and small, artificial trees can be found as a result of the popular liking of the 25th. “Christmas is really special, it seems to cheer everyone up despite their being finals right around the corner,” senior Payton Lemiere said. “I honestly think that the coolest thing about the holiday is that there are new decorations and things like that every year, like sweaters and Christmas lights.” As GBHS does have several creative ways of celebrating the beloved holiday, there’s no place like home when it comes to traditions over Christmas. Moses Huish recalls some of his favorite traditions growing up that he continues to this day. “Every year we go to the snow to snowboard. We enjoy seeing the ‘Christ-

mas’ environment in area we go. We usually stay at North Star. It makes Christmas more lifelike. We go up with a ton of family. “At night we read the story of Christ’s birth and when I was younger, my cousins and I would reenact the manger scene with my grandparents. But since there are a ton of people in my family, a lot of people end up being donkey’s and sheep,” said Huish. Similar to the Huish family’s tradition, many students from GBHS make the trek up to Tahoe to spend time with family, making it the most popular winter destination spot. “We have a cabin up there (Tahoe) that we have tons of people come up to,” Addison Follett said. “You have to take advantage of the snow while it’s still in season.” The widespread adoration of Christmas has made the increasingly stressful month of December have a much more pleasant reputation.

But Christmas is not the only holiday in December. Hanukkah is also a widely celebrated holiday at Granite Bay. Since Hanukkah is meant to be a time of thankfulness and celebration, families enjoy spending time with one another. “I typically go to my grandmother’s house during Hanukkah. She’s a really good cook so we get to eat potato latkes and other good food,” sophomore Sam

Weinstein said. “Like pretty much every other holiday, I think it is a really good opportunity to spend time with your family, and in my case, there’s a ton.” Cameron Douglas, who graduated last year, expressed his favorite aspect of the Jewish holiday. “Being at college, I look forward to Hanukkah to see my family and friends, but honestly, it’s the stuff that comes with it. What’s not to love about lighting candles and getting presents?” Even though many students at Granite Bay choose to observe a holiday, there are many who do not. Senior Ricky Frank is one such person who has grown up without celebrating Christmas or Hanukkah. “Honestly I usually don’t pay any attention to it anymore, you kind of of learn to just accept the fact that everyone is overjoyed for the holiday season and with their decorations” Frank said. “When I was younger it used to bum me out a lot not being able to do the decorations thing or having a tree and all of that holiday stuff. But I kind of just learn to overlook the Christmas season.” Regardless of what holiday students celebrate, the campus undeniably takes on a happier mood as the first term comes to an end in anticipation of upcoming holiday festivities.

Gazette Illustrations /MACKENZIE BROWN

Page 10

December 2017

tune in.

Noel Gallagher Who Built the Moon? BY JACK KEHOE

jkehoe.gazette@gmail.com

hroughout the music industry, every artist has their preferences as to what they like their songs to give off. Some like a soft vibe while others like a head banging vibs, and some enjoy the catchy tune vibes. Before he left the music world, Gallagher’s songs had more of a mellow, laid-back tune to them. But, upon re-emerging back into that world, his newer songs became more noisier and busier than their predecessors. With “Who Built the Moon?”, it’s a jump into more modern feelings and vibes, while still being that renowned Gallagher equa-

tion of an overall stellar song. Fans alike agree, his perfect way of blending melodies into warm vocal adventures is quite impressive, and it’s what they enjoy in his music. They don’t mind the shift in feeling in the songs, because Gallagher had been away from the music for almost 20 years before coming back. Gallagher uses simple names for his songs such as, “Keep On Reaching” and “Black & White Sunshine.” You have to listen to the song to know exactly what it is about, which is part of the fun of his song names. Before he left the music life, Gallagher was in a group called Oasis, and they did pretty successful. But when he left for 20 years, the group disbanded. Gallagher found out he works better alone in creating

music as well. The songs you hear from this man have a way of captivating you with the simplest of concepts, which is brilliant. It doesn’t have to be over the top and overdone to be recognized. People had thought he may never come back, but when he did it was something magical. It’s rare to come across an artist with this much experience and life in them, Gallagher being a very refreshing leap into that. Through his life, his music evolved, and he probably did as a person as well through that process. Listening to his music gives off the easiest of feelings even in a time of stress or confusion, which will always be a part of what makes him an excellent addition to the world of music.

Rock Cellar Magazines

Who Built the Moon? was released November 24, 2017.

A-

Skip to: “Keep on Reaching”

Taylor Swift Reputation BY MAKAYLA CLEMENT mclement.gazette@gmail.com

Epic Records

 Reputation was released on November 10, 2017.

Skip to: “End Game”

fter her brief disappearance, Taylor Swift has once again “rose up from the dead.” Her long awaited sixth album, “Reputation”, is her finest work as she explains her latest “reputation” viewed from the outside world in her music. Her single “Look What You Made Me Do” instantly sky rocketed to the No.1 song from No. 77 (where it debuted) on the Billboard Hot 100 chart following its first full week of data tracking. Embedded in the single the lyrics go, “The old Taylor can’t come to the phone right now, why? Oh, ‘cause she’s dead!” These lyrics clearly state that she has had it with all the drama the media makes up and says about her. She has moved on and has learned from past relationships and is now a different person.

Other artists are clearly jealous of Taylor because of all her accomplishments and success at such a young age. Taylor is simply keeping a journal through her songwriting and isn’t that what all good artists do? She is a real person and in her realm of fame she is learning who her real friends are and who aren’t. This is why Taylor is so popular – we can all relate to her music which she does a brilliant job at also putting her own flare of humor into her music. She’s confident enough to not let people get in her way of still becoming successful, no matter what type of curveballs are thrown at her. In her thirteenth song on her album “This Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things” describes a feud that happened between her and another artist a while ago. “Did you think I wouldn’t hear all the things you said about me? It was so nice being friends again. There I was giving you a second chance, but you stabbed my

back while shaking my hand. And therein lies the issue, friends don’t try to trick you, get you on the phone and mind-twist you. And so I took an axe to a mended fence. This is why we can’t have nice things. Because you break them, I had to take them away.” These lyrics told the whole story, without naming any names. She expresses her opinions and real life situations through her lyrics in a mature way. The best thing about her music is that everyone can relate to it some way shape or form. This is why Taylor is such a well-liked artist. Her talent of making bad situations and relationships she personally experiences turn into good music that she can write about and also having success with I think truly bugs people. Overall, “ Reputation” is one of my new favorite albums because of its exuberant upbeat rhythm and how relatable all of Taylor’s songs are.

Sistine Chapel Choir Christmas at the Sistine Chalpel BY JUAN PABLO FLORES

jflores.gazette@gmail.com

he best of centuries of liturgical music has been condensed in the new “Veni Domine” album by the choir of the Sistine Chapel. With the birth of Jesus celebrated in all six continents of the world, each country has particular traditions presented in hearty Christmas carols. As the site of the election of the Roman pontiff for centuries, the Sistine Chapel forms an optimal background for the performance of songs with long historic backgrounds and strong religious undertones. The antiqueness of the tracks can be exemplified by the included chant “Conditor alme siderum” (Creator of the Stars), an anonymous 7th century hymn used at Vespers during Advent, revised by Pope Urban VIII in 1632. The music not only includes Gregorian

Chants such as “Christe, Redemptor omnium,” but rather centers on the ages of the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Reformation. Much of the music is based on Sacred Scripture. While the lyrics expresses how one should rejoice with expectation of the coming of the Messiah, the tone and music may appear somber. All of the music is replete with symbolism, including “Beata viscera Mariae Virginis” by 12th-century composer Perotin, a celebration of the sacred mysteries of the Virgin Mary, chosen by God to be the Mother of God. In it, there are seven verses, fitting the fact that in medieval numerology the Virgin is represented by the number seven. Musical revolutionary Giovanni de Palestrina, who through his works convinced Rome to accept polyphony in its liturgy, wrote the motets “Hodie Christus natus est” and “Dies sanctificatus illuxit nobis.” There is a variety of composers included in the album with Mouton’s “Quaeramus cum

pastoribus” (Let Us Seek with the Shepherds), Allegri’s “Nasceris, alme puer” (Born, Loving Boy) and “Missus est Gabriel” (The Angel Gabriel Sent) by Desprez. Victoria’s “O Magnum Mysterium” is a soothing and very moving song from the matins of Christmas with overt religious significance. “O great mystery, and wonderful sacrament, that animals should see the new-born Lord, lying in a manger,” the carol says, “blessed is the Virgin whose womb was worthy to bear Our Saviour, Jesus Christ.” The beauty of Victoria’s music is not limited to Christmas, however. His Officium Defunctorum is fitting for any occasion of grief. For Holy Week, the Spanish 1973 Officium Hebdomadae Sanctae album captures the solemnity of the season like no other. All people can appreciate the great works of the Latin Christian tradition by listening to this wonderful album.



iTunes

Christmas at the Sistine Chapel was released on October 27, 2017.

B+

Skip to: “Christe, Redemptor omnium”

December 2017

Page 11

holiday movies.

Santa Claus is coming to (DVD) Chirstmas classics to appeal to all age groups

CBS

PARAMOUNT PICTURES

WALT DISNEY STUDIOS

Gazette illustration /KATIE COLOGNIA

BY JUAN PABLO FLORES

jflores.gazette@gmail.com

s days grow cooler and shorter in many parts of the world, classic films add to the festivity and warmth of the season preceding Christmas. “These have important morals and life lessons for everyone,” world languages teacher Jill Cova said. The classic 1843 novella by Charles Dickens has many adaptations in film, the best of which may be the 1951 film “A Christmas Carol” and the 2009 animated movie (with well-done computer-generated graphics and a beautiful soundtrack by Alan Silvestri). Versions vary; a 1971 American adaptation is set in New England while the 1964 classic A Carol for Another Christmas references the Second World War. Dr. Seuss’ classic book “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” has spin-offs of its own including its Latin version, “Quomodo Invidiosulus nomine Grinchus Christi natalem

Abrogaverit” (which really does exist) and the 1967 animated classic television special. The children’s animated 1964 “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and 1965 “Charlie Brown Christmas” specials have a similar effect every year they are broadcasted. Among the most timeless works one can hear and see from home are one of the many interpretations of G.F.Handel’s oratorio “Messiah” and J.S.Bach’s “Weihnachtsoratorium” conducted by Karl Richter. Every year, the choir of King’s College in Cambridge sings its “Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols” for a huge radio and television audience worldwide. In this country, members of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir provide some of the most beautiful and professional performances on video. “I like the songs of feature film soundtracks,” freshman Nicholas Whatley said, “Christmas music is very uplifting and inspirational.” Even more ancient are renditions of a 12thcentury drama detailing the prophetic coming of the Messiah known as the “Play of Daniel”

with instruments from the medieval era, which can be seen online. Films from the 1940’s, including “It’s a Wonderful Life”, “Miracle on 34th Street”, “The Shop Around the Corner”, and “Holiday Inn” are among the most popular movies. Movie theaters in the Roseville area still play the first in the original monochrome style. Starring Bing Crosby and Ingrid Bergman, the 1945 drama “Bells of St. Mary’s” details how a priest and rival nun come together in an attempt to keep their school open. “Christmas movies have their own feel and bring in the Christmas ‘spirit’,” Oliver said, “‘Elf’ is funny and family-friendly.” Lighthearted comedy is a feature of many films featured around the Christmas season. “Home Alone”, “Elf”, and “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” are among the most popular comedy films. The traditional genre has been challenged by recent movies such as the 1988 “Die Hard” action film and the animated 1993 “Nightmare Before Christmas” dark fantasy movie.

Page 12

Ugly Sweaters.

December 2017

New Year Resolutions BY MAKAYLA CLEMENTS mclements.gazette@gmail.

“

New year, new me,” is what approximately 50 percent of the population believes… However, these people fall into “cultural procrastination” – an effort to reinvent oneself – according to researcher John Norcross and his colleges as well as Timothy Pychyl, a professor of psychology at Carleton University. GBHS Senior Carson Rapisura said that new year’s resolutions are a way people try to motivate themselves. “New year’s resolutions are just a tiny reminder that another year has passed. It’s more of a reflection of the previous year than it is a goal for the future; people look at the mistakes they had made over the past year and think that the change in calendar years will transform everything. Truth is, everything stays the same, you’re just one year older.” Rapisura said. Sophomore Shreya Dodballapur said that most people just aren’t ready to change their habits. This in turn leads to high failure rates. “A lot of people fall short of their goals because we don’t prioritize them anymore and we don’t have the commitment we need to have,” Dodballapur said. According to professor Peter Herman and his colleagues, they have identified this as the “false hope syndrome” which

means their resolution is significantly unrealistic and out of alignment with their internal view of themselves. Among the top resolutions are weight loss, exercise, stopping smoking, better money management, and debt reduction. Dodballapur said that a popular example of this is making a resolution to try to be healthier, but a month in, you don’t even remember that you made that goal, and when you do, you just really don’t care anymore. “A resolution I made was to wake up earlier so I wouldn’t be late. I did okay for a while, but I didn’t end up accomplishing that, because I started sleeping through my alarm and I was not used to waking up that early,” Dodballapur said. New years resolutions are so challenging to maintain because of the state of comfort we have to leave behind us in order to change for the better.

“A suggestion I would give to someone trying to keep their resolutions is to make it a habit. So instead of doing it for a couple days and then skipping a few and coming back to it, make sure to do it everyday until it’s ingrained into you,” Dodballapur said. Phillippa Lally, health psychology researcher at University College London (and her team), figured out exactly how long it takes to form a habit. The team concluded that on average, it takes a person more than two months or 66 days before a behavior becomes autonomic. How long it takes for the habit to form can widely depend on the person, their behavior, or the circumstance. In Lally’s study, it took anywhere from 18 days to 254 days for people to form a new habit. So, in reality, people will have to have more commitment and desire to really want to change any of their

“bad habits” and form new ones. “It probably doesn’t work out because all the nice things you see and want to become takes a lot of work.” Senior Angela Gross said. “Most people realize that that’s not who they are – especially if they are not a dedicated person – and so they won’t end up falling through.” Gross said the first time something goes wrong people assume “well, it wasn’t for me” and then fall back into their bad habits. But there are ways to be successful. “Don’t take on more than you realistically can because it is disappointing when you break them all,” Gross said. “Take baby steps and make smaller ones you can keep at first and then build up from there.”

“I like wearing my christmas sweaters to special occasions and parties. They are fun to wear because everyone has different types – you can buy them in any style or type you want and they come in a lot of varieties.” Bach said that ugly sweater parties are fun because they are memorable and a lot of people wear funny sweaters. “I own two christmas sweaters and my favorite is the one from my grandpa because it was his before and it has more meaning on a personal level than just any sweater from the store,” Bach said. So where are good places to buy these sweaters? “I bought one at Hollister and then my other one my grandpa handed down to me. You could buy christmas sweaters anywhere really – at the mall, target, and walmart even if you really wanted to,”

Bach said. Junior Marissa Larkin said that she’s gone to an ugly christmas party before. “I bought my ugly sweater because my friend and I decided to get matching ones for a Christmas party we were all going to,” Larkin said. Larkin said that she’s made Christmas sweaters before in the past from scratch, which she recommends. “My best friend and I bought turtlenecks and then sewed on small Christmas stuffed animals, tinsel, and mini stockings filled with mini candy canes,” Larkin said. Larkin said she only wears them around the holiday season. “I like wearing Christmas sweaters – cute ones or “ugly” funny ones because it makes me feel ridiculous and it makes people laugh,” Larkin said. “It creates a

fun atmosphere at parties or even family gatherings and just adds to the holiday spirit.” Senior Colton Abrigana said that wearing ridiculous ugly sweaters and getting all decked out is one of the many highlights to the holiday season. “My favorite sweater is the one that has a reindeer on it because it’s funny and festive,” Abrigana said. “And it’s really warm.” Abrigana said that the only con is that you can’t really wear it outside of the holiday season. “I wear it especially on Christmas morning,” Abrigana said. “That way I feel more festive and it’s just a fun thing to do.”

Keeping Christmas Casual BY MAKAYLA CLEMENTS mclements.gazette@gmail.

f you’re looking to be a little more festive this holiday season… there is still an opportunity in the midst. Friday, December 15th is National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day. The day you can proudly sport your “ugly,” “funny,” or even trendy festive sweater. Scratch the one day occasion, why not wear it throughout the season? It seems that recently however, the traditional “ugly christmas sweater” has now become trendy. And plenty of people have parties that encourage their guests to wear their most awfully festive sweaters. GBHS Senior Nathan Bach said that he enjoys dressing in christmas sweaters because it is his favorite holiday and it’s fun to be festive.

GaGazette illustrations/LOGAN EMBREE

December 2017

Page 13

current.

Mixtape - Christmas Banger$

Artist of the Month Amy Hung 1) What got you into the art program? “What inspired me to join the art program was that I just really enjoy drawing in my freetime and it’s something I would like to pursue in the future and I believe that art program will give me the tools necessary to do that.”

BY JACK MCGRAIL

2) What’s your favorite thing about the art program?

jmcgrail.gazette@gmail.com

1. “Bad Habit” by The Kooks A somewhat forgotten about song to wish the day away. 2. “So Thick” by Joey Trap The flow to this not well-known rap track is un-be-lieveable. 3. “Happy Holidays” by Andy Williams One of the most classic Christmas tracks to get you in the holiday mood. 4. “Jingle Bell Rock Remix” by TRAPMUSICHDTV A new twist on a classic holiday song sure to get you hyped and in the Christmas spirit. 5. “Baby Wipe” by Ski Mask the Slump God A crazy, rave-worthy song with some of the best uses of Ski Mask’s unique voice and flow.

Gazette photo /SAMREEN SIDDIQUI “My favorite thing about the art program is definitely what they teach you in the art program and how they go about teaching you things. They give you set rules that really push your artistic abilities to the max.”

3) What are you currently working on? “I’m currently working on a big 30 by 40 piece with acrylic on canvas. It has a bunch of vines, a hand, and dragonfly. It’s about human greed.” 4) What got you interested in art? “I usually get my ideas from the media that I consume. They’ll either be movies that I have watched that I think have cool morals and that impacted me a lot so that I want to draw something in memory of it.”

Compiled by Samreen Siddiqui

FRESHMAN 2020 v s. VS. SENIOR 2017

Follow Friday

Instagram

What are your plans for the Christmas break? Kasama: “I’m going to hang out with my family and eat a lot of stuffing.” Riley: “I’m just going to relax and hang out.”

Follow @mackeyian for artistic vibes Compiled by Danielle Shannon

Gazette photo /BELLA HAMILTON

Kasama Tillman, GBHS freshman

Riley Oliver, GBHS senior Compiled by Bella Hamilton

December 2017

Page 14

2007 was 10 yrs ago?

UNIVERSAL PICTURES

Timeless Tunes and Groovy Movies

DOMINO RECORDING COMPANY

The album and film that saved our ears and eyes – and maybe our souls

BY DEAN WILSON

dwilson.gazette@gmail.com

onestly, what better way is there to celebrate the birth of Christ than enjoying a VHS of the world’s greatest and goriest Christmas movie ever: Die Hard. Yes, the spirit of Christmas is alive in John McTiernan’s 1988 classic following the tale of New York City cop John McClane. From smoking indoors to openly carrying a 9mm gun onto a plane, Die Hard has it all. The film really engages its viewer with likable characters and suspense. The audience feels for the protagonist and the victims. But as good as Bruce Willis is in this movie, it’s actually his counterpart Hans Gruber, played by Alan Rickman, who steals the show with a knockout performance. Rickman’s portrayal of the charismatic yet intimidating Gruber has established the German terrorist as one of the greatest villains of all time. Even more impressive is the fact that this was Rickman’s first movie. But it seems as if every main character in this film is charismatic. McClane is hilarious with his ongoing dialogue with himself and radio conversations with the police officers. With a rich supporting cast, there is never a dull moment. The comedy in this movie delivers to viewers, but not to an the overwhelming extent which is present in today’s Marvel movies. It should also be noted that the impressions of Americans that the German terrorists do are depressing because they sound pathetic and are actually pretty accurate. How oxymoronic is it to say the words “80’s action movie” and “genuinely funny” in the same sentence? The cinematography is breathtaking. What the movie lacks in color, it completely makes up for it in the aerial shots of the highrise. Who knew a movie could make your palms sweat just in the way it’s shot? There truly isn’t a finer action movie to come out of the 80’s. The stunt work is incredible and arguably better than today’s movies. The violence is brutal to the perfect level. And the one liners really make you want to go kick some a**. So come out to the coast and have a few laughs with your dad’s favorite actor back when he had hair. Die Hard delivers on every level that God wishes for on his son’s birthday.

BY WILL ANDERSON

wanderson.gazette@gmail.com

y experience with U2 is similar to my experience with Christianity – I was born into it. Bono was like the coming Messiah. I was never really sure how he ended up being such a big part of my life, but he was a mysterious figure that was always playing in the back of my mind no matter what – he seemed to be Jesus himself, or maybe it was just my imagination. The Edge was that fun middle school church camp I went on and became most passionate about my faith with – he was the one that really drew me in. Ever since the intro to “Where The Streets Have No Name” I was hooked. Larry Mullen Jr. represents the troublesome years, my questioning of the faith. I never felt more in tune to my anger than when I listened to “Bullet The Blue Sky” and the drums pulsated through me with this unexplainable frustration. I didn’t even know who I was mad at, or if my anger was warranted, I was just pissed off. And then there is Adam Clayton. A band is only as good as their bassist, and my faith is only as strong as my actions. When I realized how brilliant he was, my true love for it all set in – when I really understood the subtleties of the music I would appreciate it at its full beauty. That leaves “The Joshua Tree” to be my Bible. The best album that U2 gave all of us weak and undeserving individuals, and the best album that was ever given to music – it was the savior to my broken musical world. Before I was stuck in this rut of trendy pop hits and the country music that my mom always played when she drove me around as a young kid. I needed resurrecting, and what better way to do so than the golden pipes of Bono and the musical geniusness from those other three Irish dudes. “The Joshua Tree” will forever be the greatest album of all time in my opinion. It’s brilliance forever changed my outlook on music. It became the golden standard for any tune that played in my ear and made me appreciate so many other artists and their work. It’s one of a kind sound and incalculable influence are two types of perfection that may never be reached again in the musical world. If I was Karl Marx, it is the“Communist Manifesto” of my life – it may not always connect with the masses, but it sure as hell is the best thing that ever happened to me and I want everyone to hear about it.

Page 15

film.

A24

Rated: R

By: Spencer Cova scova.gazette@gmail.com

By: Logan Embree lembree.gazette@gmail.com

the disaster artist:A

hen I left the theater after watching “The Disaster Artist” I was taking aback at how much the movie affected me. I have seen many emotionally challenging movies in the past that have left me with a similar effect. However “The Disaster Artist” is the first movie in awhile to have such a strong effect. The film is based on the true story of Tommy Wiseau, played by James Franco, and his filmmaking career. His most well known but not considered to be a “good’ movie, more like a movie you watch for laughs, would be “The Room.” Wiseau was a very suspicious person in real life and Franco does well to portray this throughout the movie. He takes you deep into the life, mind, and friendship between Tommy Wiseau and Greg Sestero, played by Dave Franco. What makes “The Disaster Artist” a good movie is not the references to Wiseau’s film itself but to the relation between the two people behind it. In the beginning of the movie I was kinda second guessing myself after Franco’s first appearance made it seem like it was clearly James Franco dressed up as Tommy Wiseau. His wardrobe and makeup made it appear like a slightly believable halloween costume. Although as the movie continues James Franco disappears into his character and by the end of the movie I was not noticing it at all. James Franco does and fantastic job portraying all of Tommy Wiseau; his weird mannerisms, eccentric behavior, and very peculiar accent. What this whole film is about is a young man that is considered slightly weird and he knows that. He is not afraid to be himself even if that means acting completely opposite of societal expectations. I would recommend anyone who is planning to see “The Disaster Artist’ to see “The Room” beforehand. There are many references in the film that will be missed by the individuals that have not seen the film. This film was a wonderful attempt to capture just one of the many strange stories that come out of the warped world that is film making and Hollywood. “The Disaster Artist” was a big move for James Franco, and his performance was one of the best that I have seen from him in a while. Overall I was very impressed with this film and would definitely recommend seeing it. The deep look into the life of a man not influenced by society and an industry capable of creating and ruining people came together to make a fantastic film.

lady bird: A+

fter watching the trailer for “Lady Bird” I was expecting another romantic melodramatic coming of age chick flick. When the screen went black and the credits began to roll, I was in a daze, I had never felt so immersed into a character’s life the same way I had been in Lady Bird. “Lady Bird” is a coming of age story unlike any other, most coming of age stories focus on a relationship with a boy who changes their life then goes off on their own journey. Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson does have a journey of her own and does meet boys along the way but this is a love story between mother and daughter. The semi-autobiographical film is set in our own sacramento. The brilliant writer and director of the film is herself a Sacramento native and the is inspired by moments of her own teenage years. Lady Bird McPherson is an individualistic Catholic school senior that romanticizes the idea of leaving the Sacramento Suburbs and heading off to a liberal arts college on the east coast where there is “culture.” Though sher finds bumps in the road of a treacherous application process and riddling economic hardships of the 2002 recession. Students at Granite Bay High School will find it hard to not relate with the story not only for the way Gerwig incorporates Sacramento landmarks like Tower Theatre, the fabulous 40’s in East Sac and the scene at a house party at a Granite Bay mansion (yes, that actually happens), but also because of the way high school is honestly portrayed and not dramatized. It doesn’t feel made up or written in, the film shows the humility and humor of senior year, the trading of a lifelong friend for a time trial with a literal Granite Bay snob, bridging the gap between childhood and adulthood and the battle for her mom’s acceptance and love. That may make “Lady Bird” sound drab but it is quite the opposite, the film thrilling and filled with dry humor that had me laughing out loud the whole movie and oddly apt scenes. Watching Lady Bird McPherson tackle the obstacles that block her from growing into her true self through a messy endless process is bittersweet. Though watching Lady Bird realize her love for her hometown Sacramento as well as her own imperfection makes the film “Lady Bird” Perfect.

WALT DISNEY STUDIOS

’m not a big superhero fan. Favoring more artistically creative films compared to the large scale, Hollywood esque productions, the Marvel Cinematic Universe hasn’t interested me all that much. It’s not the fault of the individual movies. The first Iron Man and recently released “Guardians of the Galaxy” were great. But you’ve got to admit the bloated feeling of today’s superhero genre is becoming a bit stale. The MCU is approaching 18 films while the DC Universe is playing catch up with 5. That’s 23 superhero movies in 9 years. So I went to see “Thor Ragnarok” out of admiration for the young and passionate director, Taika Waititi, who would hopefully bring something different to a table that has been rehashed and reiterated so many times before. The result? A fun action comedy flick that differentiates itself from its MCU counterparts well enough. It’s okay that Ragnarok isn’t all that focused on its narrative. Instead, Watiti smartly places his interesting characters at the forefront while drastically changing the tone. Humor is dialed up here, perhaps a bit too much for the film’s own good. It was a bit tiresome hearing a joke after an important exposition piece. But I did laugh, which is a sort of needed in a universe with giant green monsters. The characters are “Thor Ragnarok’s” strong suit. I’ll admit that I didn’t care for Thor and Hulk all that much before, but this movie surely changed my perception of characters previously in the background of Marvel’s stellar superhero lineup. The new characters such as Jeff Goldblum’s Grandmaster or Tessa Thompson’s Valkyrie are fantastic. Returning characters like Tom Hiddleston’s Loki and Idris Elba’s Heimdall are also welcome returns. The unoriginality and disregard to create a noteworthy antagonist feels lazy, especially when Marvel’s previous feature – “Spider-Man Homecoming”, has a villain so integral to the plot. The rest of the movie is a bit of a retreaded slog. The tried and true third act climax returns, this time being almost pure CGI. Then there’s the dreaded post credits scene of course, surely to entice you to see the MCU’s next three films in 2018. It’s a testament to the corporate nature of superhero movies in general into why I enjoyed “Thor Ragnarok”. The humor and enjoyable character interactions mix up the formula just enough to feel (sorta) different.

Rated: PG-13 By: Bruce Russell brussell.gazette@gmail.com

thor: ragnorok: C+

December 2017

Page 16

perfect presents.

An expert’s guide to holiday shopping

Special to the Gazette /CREATIVE COMMONS

ith Christmas time fast approaching, it’s important to keep in mind your gift ideas for friends and family. Ideal gifts are unique every year- depending upon the different trends which come about leaving people constantly on the hunt for the “perfect’ present. This year has been witness to many new products going onto the market, many of which would undoubtedly make for great Christmas presents. When shopping for friends and family, it can be difficult to visualize what they would like, which is why it’s so important to take into account their personality and interests. If you’re searching for a meaningful gift for a close friend or family member, sometimes the best gift one can give is something you’ll be able to enjoy doing together. Some ideas for an activity could be an outting to TopGolf – a trendy new golf range-esque venue where you’ll be able to enjoy games, food and music. A trip to Studio Movie Grill is another option for a fun activity to do togetherthis new theatre features all the newest movies and serves a full menu throughout your time there. If you’re looking for something different than either of these destinations, tickets to a concert, museum or local festival are all foolproof activities which will ensure a good time. For others however, there are numerous alternate options. One popular gadget is the Nintendo Switch. This video game console was released during March of this year, however has recently experienced a drastic increase in popularity. On the Nintendo Switch, you’re able to play through a unit connected to a television, or the main unit alone- the device allows for playing many different games and enables multiplayer mode

Nintendo Switch

Gazette photo /DEAN WILSON

dshannon.gazette@gmail.com

Pura Vida Bracelet

BY DANIELLE SHANNON

h y d r o f l a s k

Gazette photo /DEAN WILSON

The iciest things to buy during the Christmas season

with those around you. The Nintendo Switch would make an excellent gift for any tech savvy friends or family this year. For the others, another trendy holiday gift is a HydroFlask. This vacuum insulated water bottle became wildly popular throughout this year. The HydroFlask offers a sleek design as well as an easy way to keep food or beverages at the desired temperature for longer amounts of time. Since this brand has become so well-known recently, giving it as a present this Christmas will definitely turn out well. The previous options are all very different and range in price, a planned outing usually ends up costing anywhere from 20 to 100 dollars, the Nintendo Switch retails for about 300 dollars, and a HydroFlask can range from 30 to 70 dollars, depending upon the selected design. When looking for a less expensive gift for a friend or family member however, there are always other options which will be just as appreciated. One gift which is always enjoyable to receive on christmas is any sort of jewelry. A brand which has become very prevalent recently is Pura Vida Bracelets. Pura Vida does not only sell bracelets however, necklaces, rings, and other items are also available to purchase from their website. This brand sells their products for exceptionally reasonable prices, and the best part- style is not traded for a low price in this instance. If one happens to be shopping for someone who you don’t know as well, some fool proof options are gift cards, candles or clothing. All of these items are easily attainable and can be found at any nearby store. No matter the budget, time or experience in “gifting”, this holiday guide will assuredly help anyone’s difficulty in giving this holiday season.