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The Granite Bay Gazette GRANITE BAY HIGH SCHOOL w 1 GRIZZLY WAY w GRANITE BAY, CA w 95746 w VOLUME 20 w ISSUE 1 w FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2016
COMMENTARY
School addresses creepy clown controversy District deals with fear caused by GBHS prank BY SIDNEY ZABELL and SURINA KHURANA szabell.gazette@gmail.com
Multi-gender vs unisex schools
What determines success?
y nit can u m es ls m o c niqu s gir e v rti tech ward o pp ing d to u S • Learn recte • be di
he world contains countless interactions between genders. However, integrating high schools has both its pros and cons in preparing young students for the real world. Single-sex and co-educational schools offer alternative benefits for students. According to the National Education and Association (NEA), girls work better in quiet environments and prefer collaborating in groups, while boys generally favor competitive, loud environments. Because males and females respond differently to particular learning styles, unisex classrooms can model teaching techniques that cater to the students’ gender. “The teachers are (better) I think because it’s all guys,” said Jordon Vice, a junior at Jesuit High School. “They don’t have to worry about being inappropriate or hurting a female’s feelings by saying something … (It’s) like they treat us like actual men.” Besides academic comparisons, students’ educational success can sometimes be affected by their ability to concentrate in the presence of the other sex, especially with all the hormones that flurry through a teenager’s body. “I would definitely say that some pros are not being distracted by girls,” Vice said, “(and) not caring what you look like.” However, the popular stigma that unisex schools enhance students concentration is not affirmed by everyone. Patrick Lambey, a junior at Granite Bay High School who attended Jesuit the past two years, said assimilating with the opposite sex is falsely perceived as a complication. “Some say (going to singer-gender schools is) less distracting,” Lambey said, “but I didn’t really notice much of a difference.” In addition to academics, gender-based schools can influence social development. Vice said single-gender schools create a sense of camaraderie among students. “A lot of the social pressure isn’t there (because) there’s no need to fit in,” Vice said. “Everybody is friends with everybody… It’s like I’m going to school with my brothers every day.”
S L R GI
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clewis.gazette@gmail.com
SCHOOL BENEFITS
BY CARISSA LEWIS AND COLE KAHNMANN
TIGENDER L U M
See SCHOOLS, page A8
Do unisex schools allow transgender admissions? BY ALI LEMOS
SA L EWIS
alemos.gazette@gmail.com
ette il
lustr ati
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ARIS
There has been growing controversy surrounding the issue of accommodating transgender students at public coeducational schools. While schools like Granite Bay High School have been mandated to adapt to transgender students, single-sex and private institutions like Saint Francis and Jesuit high schools have their own policies. Jesuit president and principal David Suwalsky said there is no formal policy for admitting transgender students. “All applicants to Jesuit High School, as part of the admissions’ process, identify themselves as male,” Suwalsky said. Suwalsky said his school’s success does not come from teaching only one gender.
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ne hundred twenty metal legs scuttle across a rugged carpet as students rise in daily ritual – some devotedly, some begrudgingly but most in sheer obedience. Sixty eyes scan the room before focusing in on the red-and-whitestriped flag, pausing to glare at the one or two individuals who refuse to stand, while mindlessly reciting words they have echoed for years. Everyone knows reciting the Pledge of Allegiance is not a law. Yet based upon the critical stares, you’d assume anyone who refuses to repeat the words is subject to criminal enforcement. There are many reasons why individuals don’t make the Pledge of Allegiance a part of their daily routine. Some disagree with the statement “under God.” Others believe the United States does not uphold their personal values and do not want to replicate words that contradict their ideology. But whether or not these opinions reflect your own, it is the individual’s right to stand – or sit – by their beliefs. The most One recent, nationperson’s wide freedom of upheaval expression was in is no more response to Colin or less Kaepeimportant rnick, than a San Francisanyone co 49s else’s. football quarterback who remained seated during the national anthem at an NFL game. So, rather than turning their heads to the flag, the NFL crowd gasped, snarled and peered at the man who was doing exactly what they were – not acknowledging the flag. When Kaepernick explained that he refused to stand because he didn’t want to express pride for a nation that oppresses African Americans, he received just as many judgemental remarks, as though his opinion is not as acceptable as the opinion of others. One person’s freedom of expression is no more or less important than anyone else’s, so why is there an outcry when someone decides to advocate their beliefs by not standing for the national anthem or the pledge? If individuals want to recite the pledge because they perceive it as an honorable way to acknowledge a country they respect, it is within their right to do so, but repeating the Pledge of Allegiance should not be a social obligation any more than it is a legal obligation. Even those who have no direct contradiction with the Pledge of Allegiance are socially compelled to stand for it. When they recite “I pledge allegiance to the flag,” there is no substance in their words. Their brain is hardly considering what their mouth is promising. It is not a federal nor school offense to remain seated after the loudspeaker announces, “Please stand for the pledge.” You should only speak if you want to openly acknowledge patriotic respect and believe in the words you are saying. Freedom of speech is a right, not a duty. *** Carissa Lewis, a senior, is a Gazette co-editor-in-chief.
See CLOWNS, page A7
• Students can hear perspectives from multiple genders. • Students get accustomed to a mixed-gender community.
You can’t force an empty pledge
Creative Commons/ RYAN MCGUIRE
• • L Supp o e be arni rtive d ire ng te com c t ed chn mu t ow ique nity a rds s ca b oys n
clewis.gazette@gmail.com
people with sticks in Texas and trimming brush with a chainsaw in Illinois. While there do seem to be several creepy, even violent clowns attempting to terrorize individuals
BOY S
carissa lewis
Coulrophobia – a fear of clowns – hasn’t ever affected as many people as it does right now. In the past few weeks, clowns
have been the cause of much hysteria. Perhaps the first report of creepy clowns was a clown attempting to lure children into a forest in South Carolina at the end of August. Since then, reports and videos have surfaced of clowns chasing
A prank involving clowns generates fear in the local community.
See TRANSGENDER, page A7
inside This Section news Polarization is on the rise
Students benefit from blood drive
Students undermine others’ perspectives and beliefs
Blood drive helps students learn about their own health needs
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voices
A4
Does modern chivalry exist? Modern society is plagued with a lack of politeness
A11
News
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Granite Bay Gazette
Friday w October 14, 2016
NAMES IN THE NEWS
Have the United States become divided?
connor hinson chinson.gazette@gmail.com
Spanish teacher adopts children from China
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panish teacher Gerardo Solano recently adopted two children from China. They are both quite happy to have a family. What an incredibly altruistic endeavour. *** Jake Ritter and Alex Betia broke cross country school records at the Stanford Invitational. Congratulations on being the fastest Grizzlies in the school’s history. *** Out of over 600 band directors from all 50 states, Canada and Australia, band director Lynn Lewis was selected to attend the Midwest Band Clinic in Chicago this December. As a flautist, she should feel right at home in the Windy City. *** The Emerald Brigade swept the Oakmont High School show, winning the grand sweepstakes as well as many other awards. They knew we were treble when we walked in. *** Girls Volleyball beat Saint Francis on October 8 2-0. Serves them right. *** 2016 alumni Diana Greenwood is attending UCLA and is in their marching band. GBHS students really do go places. *** Rocklin transfer Abby Marjama was finally able to play for the varsity girls volleyball team after her 30 day transfer suspension. That seems like a silly rule, but we’re glad she’s with us. *** At a speech and debate competition at Woodcreek high school, Rahul Bavirisetty won first place in impromptu speaking, and Rishi Somanchi won first place in humorous interpretation. Wordsworths in the making. *** Senior Sunmukh Cheema graduated early to take a sabbatical in India. I’m sure he was happy to get out of this place early. *** Connor Hinson, a senior, is a Gazette news editor.
CORRECTIONS wThe student government title for senior Danielle Griggs was reported incorrectly in the September issue. Griggs is the senior class president. wSophomore tennis player Shreya Iyer’s last name was reported incorrectly in a photo caption in the September issue. The Gazette regrets the errors. Accuracy is perhaps the most important fundamental of good journalism. It's the policy of the Gazette to correct all factual errors that are brought to our attention. Email us at: gbgazette@yahoo.com. Identification Statement GRANITE BAY GAZETTE PUBLISHED EIGHT TIMES PER ACADEMIC YEAR c/o Granite Bay High School 1 Grizzly Way Granite Bay, CA 95746 Subscriptions: $25 per year/ $15 per half year
In the United States today, 27 percent of people consider themselves to be republicans, and 32 percent consider themselves to be democrats.
Gazette illustration/HANNAH XU
Tensions rise in America as the nation becomes increasingly more polarized BY CONNOR HINSON
chinson.gazette@gmail.com
In his farewell address to the newly created United States, George Washington famously stated that partisan politics are America’s “worst enemy.” In response, America built its entire political process around a party system. Unsurprisingly, this was not done to (consciously) spite our first president. Partisanship is ingrained in our culture, dating back to before we crossed the proverbial pond to our future home.
However, anyone who watched the 2016 primaries or has been watching the 2016 presidential debates can see that this election is unlike any other, at least within the last 100 years. People in this country, it seems, are visibly divided based on their beliefs, but is this a product of modernity, or is this polarization simply more observable because of factors such as social media? In a 2014 poll conducted by the Pew Research Center, it was concluded that the number of people in the United States who hold consistently conservative or consistent-
ly liberal views more than doubled between 1994 and 2014, from 20 percent to 21 percent. That same study concluded that 38 percent of Democrats found the Republican party to be “very unfavorable,” up from 16 percent in 1994. Similarly, 48 percent of Republicans found the Democratic party to be “very unfavorable,” up from 17 percent in 1994. Despite this, there has been marginally less support for both Democratic and Republican candidates this year. Parker Wilkin, a senior at Granite Bay High School, spoke about why he wouldn’t vote for either of the presidential hopefuls. “I would likely be voting for Gary Johnson in this election. Both (major) candidates would be choosing between the lesser of two evils, and because one is not so insanely bet-
ter than the other, I would rather try to send a message with my vote” Wilkin said. Matt Grundy, a senior, is also abstaining from a bipartisan vote. He will instead be voting for Green Party candidate Jill Stein. “The main reason I support her is because the other candidates just don’t appeal to what I think should be done in this country,” Grundy said. “You have Donald Trump who has no experience and is a blabbering idiot, Hillary Clinton who is very corrupt and Gary Johnson, while I confirm his merits, doesn’t seem educated on the issues.” Those who are choosing to vote for either Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton often choose so because of a dislike for the other candidate. See POLARIZATION, page A8
Merit awarded
Three GBHS students named semi-finalists BY ISABELLA TKACHUK itkachuck.gazette@gmail.com
Gazette photo /CONNOR HINSON
Library shelves left empty after 4000 books were removed to make more usable space in the Learning Center
Library dumps 4,000 books Administration removes bookshelf in the Learning Center BY ANJALI SHRIVASTAVA
ashrivastava.gazette@gmail.com
In order to make more space available in the Learning Center, the Granite Bay High School administrative team and Julianna Hedstrom, the GBHS librarian, decided at the beginning of the school year to get rid of one bookshelf by December. But with that bookshelf will go 4,000 books, and some wonder whether the additional room is worth the cost. The expectation is that with one less bookshelf, the tables in the library can be more spread out and allow a more efficient use of the given space. “We hope that it will be a more enhanced learning space for students,” assistant principal Jessup McGregor said. “When we have after-school tutoring going on, there’s a lot of people in (the Learning Center) and it’s loud. If we can spread people out, that brings the noise level down.” Hedstrom and the Library Science students have been uncataloging books that are not used as often, such as outdated encyclopedias and additional copies of novels, since August. According to Julia Huss, a Library Science student, they weed out more than 50 books in a
single day. And while some might be taken aback by this mass exodus of books, Hedstrom sees it as a natural part of collection development. “I would be weeding these books anyway, so I’m not necessarily getting rid of books that we would want to keep,” Hedstrom said. “It’s just more of a push now because we’ve got a goal. We periodically update our collection.” However, Huss still has a problem with the reorganization because it limits the library’s selection of books. “Even though we’re getting rid of books that we may not be using all of the time, it still feels wrong,” Huss said. “Especially because we only have 15,000 (books) in the library, getting rid of 4,000 is like almost getting rid of a third (of our collection).” Yet, this is not the first time the Learning Center has been restructured. When Hedstrom first came to GBHS 11 years ago, the shelves were originally where the Research Lab is now. And just as it was then, one of the arguments for removing the books is to ease the transition from print materials to technology. Right now, the library has a few online
databases at its disposal, and Hedstrom said they have been more valuable for research than physical books because they allow for simultaneous usage, as opposed to a book which can only be used by one student at a time. The books will not be replaced immediately, but over time, Hedstrom hopes to replace the worthwhile materials that are lost with ebooks. The project will take time and effort. The bookshelf toward the back of the library will be moved into the back room for extra storage of textbooks, and the remaining bookshelves and books must be reorganized in a way that makes sense according to the Dewey Decimal system. Huss said that they must move “every book” in the library, making sure they stay in numerical and alphabetical order. Nonetheless, Hedstrom said the effort will be worth it in the long run. “Students aren’t going to want to go to a shelf with old information or old material,” Hedstrom said. “If it’s outdated, then it’s inaccurate ... and we’re spreading misinformation. So I’m glad we’re taking the time to update our collection and make it more user friendly.”
Granite Bay High School is known for producing excellent athletes, scholars and artists. But having three National Merit Scholarship semifinalists all from one school, that is rare Each year, students are eligible to qualify as a semi-finalist, potentially becoming a finalist, by taking the College Board’s Preliminary SAT, or PSAT. According to nationalmerit.org, of the 1.6 million test takers, about 50,000 are recognized for having top scores. Of the 50,000 high scorers, 16,000 are notified by their counselors that they are semi-finalists. In other words, students must be the highest scorers from their state to become a semi-finalist. This year three seniors, Michaela Warady, Emma Petersen and Younes Mahmoudieh, were all informed that they had qualified as semifinalists for the National Merit Scholarship. “I was really happy,” Warady said after her counselor told her she was a semi-finalist. Warady said the competition is very prestigious and that it is an honor to be qualified. “You have to write an essay (to be considered for finalist),” Warady said. Along with Warady, Emma Petersen also felt happy and surprised when finding out she too had been named a semifinalist. Petersen said the scores vary from state to state, but in order to qualify, students must score in the top one percentile. “In order to become a finalist, you have to fill out an application, send in SAT scores and write an essay,” Petersen said. “It’s basically an abbreviated college application, with a super early deadline.” Petersen described that different scholarships can be given when becoming a finalist. “Scholarships will be awarded to about half the finalists,” Petersen said. “Some are directly from the program while others are funded by individual colleges and corporations.” The third student who received the semi-finalist recognition from the College Board, Younes Mahmoudieh, said he is also an honor to be given such a title. “Being a semifinalist is a title itself, but you do however receive a scholarship if you are chosen as a finalist in February,” Mahmoudieh said. “I feel honored to have been picked because only the top students in California get chosen,” Mahmoudieh said. “I’ve never considered myself as one of them.”
Friday, October 14, 2016
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Students share stories about blood drive experiences GBHS senior receives shock of his life BY ANJALI SHRIVASTAVA
than living in pain.”
ashrivastava.gazette@gmail.com
Futile efforts In the fall of 2014, senior Michaela Last May, senior Tobi Ayo-Ajibola planned to donate blood in hopes of saving Warady made an appointment at Blooda life, yet, he never thought that life would Source with every intention of donating blood. Alas, it was all in vain, pun intendbe his own. Due to pretests for the blood drive, Ayo- ed. “After 45 minutes of filling out paperAjibola discovered his blood pressure was abnormally high. While this didn’t deter work, making sure I wasn’t diseased or him from giving blood, the results war- something, they put the needle in my arm and nothing came out,” Warady said. “So ranted a visit to the doctor. After multiple subsequent tests – in- then they put the needle again in my arm cluding a urine test, which Ayo-Ajibola and nothing came out, (and) then they described as “really cool” – the doctors switched arms and nothing came out. And discovered a kidney stone. The underlying then they gave up on me, and said (to) cause? A growth on his parathyroid gland come back tomorrow.” Determined as ever, Warady did go back which caused his body to pump excessive the next day, and the day after that. But, no amounts of calcium into his bloodstream. surprise, nothing came out. Thankfully, Ayo-Aji“I had to fill out the paperbola’s symptoms were work again. Like really, you not severe. “(I got) a tingling I’m glad that expe- think I got some disease in a day?” Warady said. “Then in (my) fingers, (and rience saved my they tried it again, both arms, I couldn’t) move my hands around for a bit,” life and helped me and it didn’t work (so) then Ayo-Ajibola said. “(But live a better, more the next day I came back again, and they were like ‘Oh it) wasn’t too bad.” full life rather than you donated blood twice alBut despite the seemready, and if you’re under 18 living a life in pain. ingly benign nature of you can only donate twice his condition he would per year.’ I was like ‘Nothing have been in serious – Tobi Ayo-Ajibola, came out of my arms; litertrouble, had it prolonged. GBHS senior ally, I didn’t even bleed, and In addition to nausea and you’re saying that I donated the aforementioned “tinblood twice, and therefore I gling” sensation, muscle might die from having too twitching and depression little blood?’ and they were like ‘Yeah.’ are long-term effects of hypercalcemia. In order to prevent such symptoms, Ayo- But that was after filling out the paperwork Ajibola underwent for surgery on Aug. 30. again for (another) 45 minutes.” So for those keeping score at home, “I feel a lot better now,” he said. “I can eat anything I want (now), which is Warady has attempted to donate blood awesome, (and) I got a nice week off of three times, and was barred from donating blood for the remainder of the year, all in school.” After the surgery, Ayo-Ajibola’s calcium the span of three days. However, a couple levels plummeted. But now that a month of months later, her mother called Bloodhas passed, his calcium levels are back to Source and requested that they let her try normal, and he is officially cleared to do- again in an upcoming blood drive at Grannate blood. He encourages those who have ite Bay High School, and they obliged. Yet, for the fourth time, she left a blood drive not, to donate blood if they are able. “Just try it,” he said. “You get a cool disappointed. “Blood started coming out of my arm, sticker even if you can’t give blood, but it’s awesome to know that you are self- and then it just stopped,” Warady said. “So less enough to sacrifice that part of you. I was really excited and then I was like I’m glad that experience saved my life and ‘Crap… why?’ … and so they took (the helped me live a better, more full life rather needle) out of my arm and said ‘No, you
Gazette photo /CARISSA LEWIS
Some participants of the Blood Drive, organized by BloodSource, have tried donating blood multiple times, only to find they are unable to. Circumstances, such as small veins or low iron levels, can inhibit a student from donating blood. don’t get to do this,’ and that was a really better, it happened on her birthday. cleaned it up right there and had me not big letdown.” “On my birthday, I made an appointment look at it,” DeCesaris said. “I was terrified At this point, you’re probably wondering at BloodSource,” Warady said. “I was (but) also a bit indifferent … They thought why Warady’s body is so stingy with its studying for the SAT and I had my book I would’ve been more afraid.” blood. Apparently, she has very tiny veins - in my right arm so I was trying to scribble According to DeCesaris, the bag split bea fact she discovered when she participated things with my left hand. It didn’t work.” cause of an “abnormality” in the material. in a study of people who were related to But the triumph was short-lived, because And because of this abnormality, the 20 Type 1 diabetics. the next two times she tried, she was un- minutes she had spent sitting in the chair “I did this study .. and they used a small able to donate blood. had gone to waste. needle, and that worked,” Warady said. “(I felt) very disheartened,” DeCesaris “But they can’t use (a small needle) when A big splash said. “I was okay in the moment … but I donating blood, because they have a time Blood is thicker than water – and vinyl, felt terrible afterwards.” limit of how long you can be donating, apparently. Yet, DeCesaris eventually went back and because you could drain someone. So you Granite Bay High School graduate Chriswas able to donate blood seven more times can only do it for like 20 minutes, and if tina DeCesaris had an atypical experience through Blood Source. you use a smaller needle, they won’t get at her first blood drive. While waiting for “(I went back) the next time I possibly enough.” the blood bag to fill up, the bag suddenly could,” DeCesaris said. But, there was no need to use a smaller burst, causing the blood to spill all over the And maybe this first experience was trauneedle, because the fifth time she tried to gym floor. donate blood, it ended up working. Even “(I was still sitting in the chair and) they matic, but at least she got a t-shirt out of it.
Minimum wage will increase $5 by 2022 Students discuss pros and cons of higher salary BY WILL ANDERSON
wanderson.gazette@gmail.com
Senate Bill Three, signed by California Governor Jerry Brown in April of 2016, will gradually increase California’s minimum wage of $10 per hour to $15 per hour by 2022. This change could be an economic gamble, affecting not just fast food employees, but also the American economy as a whole. Working Granite Bay High School students have acknowledged the impact of the bill, and its influences have been felt throughout campus. “I started (working) to make a little bit of money,” senior Isaac Noshca said, an on-site supervi-
sor at Valley Springs Presbyterian Church. “But I only really spend my money when I’m hungry or am going to buy computer programs.” Although some students believe the increase would cause inflation and have negative impacts on small businesses, a recent United States Department of Labor survey said that three of every five small business owners are in favor of a gradually increasing minimum wage. Noshca is glad to have the extra cash, but he recognizes the possible effects it might have on California’s financial system. In agreement with studies done by Arthur Macewan, a professor of economics at University of Massachusetts-Boston, Noshca said inflation is likely to occur and his money will ultimately become “useless.” The same thoughts have been evident in other students across the school, even if it means they will be profiting from the change. “With the increase comes inflation, and small business owners
may not be able to afford the pay raise and could go out of business,” senior Devyn Fields said. Fields later said, “I’ll make more money, but I don’t want the change.” As a host and busser at Lorenzo’s Mexican Grill, Fields has also noticed that a wage increase will provide a false sense of security for workers. “The problem is people want a salary or pay rate they can live off of from minimum wage,” Fields said. “The actual truth is that flipping burgers at McDonald’s or working at a restaurant is a summer job for teenagers and people going to college – not something to support a family.” Fields sees a pattern starting to occur, that ultimately discourages people from working toward higher-paying jobs. “People aren’t going to college and getting qualified, or their new positions require too many qualifications and people fall back onto low-wage occupations,” Fields
said. Senior Jenna Yoder, a courtesy clerk at Raley’s in Granite Bay, sees the higher wage as a new opportunity for people. “With the current pay, it’s very difficult to maintain a comfortable lifestyle,” Yoder said. “But with the extra $5 an hour it could allow for more people to live off of minimum wage.” When Yoder was asked if she believes whether there will be any type of reliance on lower-paying or minimum-wage jobs, she said she did not notice any dependency occurring. “People will still continue to find higher-paying professions and other alternatives,” Yoder said, “but with the extra $5 an hour, it could allow for people to feel more comfortable and content with making minimum wage.” For most high school students it is simply a way to get some extra spending money, and the wage changes in California might not even pertain to their job.
ASB UPDATE ASB president talks about Homecoming, scheduled for Friday The Gazette talked to senior Katie Carson about homecoming and the theme. Gazette: What events are happening in October? Carson: The events happening in October (are) Homecoming which includes floats, royalty, halftime and the dance. We also have Bosses’ Week coming up in the end of October! Gazette: What is the update for Homecoming this year? Carson: The update for Homecoming is the classes have started working on their floats and we are working hard to implement
Q A &
the theme, the Olympics, into everything we do! Gazette: What are all the class float themes for Homecoming? Carson: Freshmen are Athens, sophomores are Sydney, juniors are London and seniors are Rio! Gazette: What is the theme for the senior class float? Carson: The theme for the senior float is Rio De Janeiro.
“All my payment is under the table and isn’t going to change at all,” said junior Zach Dillon, a handyman for local businesses. One of the intentions and benefits of an increased wage is to offer a more reasonable amount of money to students who work, as the cost of studying at universities continues to skyrocket. According to a study done by Bloomberg, college tuition and fees have gone up 1,120 percent in the past 30 years. The extra money could allow students to put more money toward savings and future college payments. Most students would be able to work fewer hours in order to make the same amount of money. However, junior Sydney Mendoza, a Beach Hut Deli employee, is taking a different approach. “I actually started picking up more hours because I realized how money can go so quickly,” Mendoza said. “It was nice because I usually have to pay for my gas, food
I actually started picking up more hours because I realized how money can go so quickly. – Sydney Mendoza, GBHS junior
and clothes, and I needed to start saving for college.” Whether focused on a family or education, Jenna Yoder began to touch on the vitality of a $15 minimum wage for people trying to support themselves in California. President Barack Obama said in January of 2015 at the State of the Union address, “to everyone in this Congress who still refuses to raise the minimum wage, I say this: If you truly believe you could work full-time and support a family on less than $15,000 a year, go try it.”
Staff training addresses transgender community
Doreen Weber gives presentation to GBHS faculty BY KATIE COLOGNA
kcologna.gazette@gmail.com
Gazette photo /HANNAH XU
ASB President Katie Carson discusses Homecoming, 2016.
Gazette photo /Natalie Erickson
Gazette: Is there anything new going on this year for Homecoming? Carson: We have few surprises throughout the week, but this year Homecoming dance is going to the closing ceremony so there will be a lot of fun things there!
–Compiled by Milan French
Even though people are becoming more aware of the transgender community, many are still trying to understand the culture and issues transgender people are facing every day. Recently Granite Bay High School had a guest speaker, Doreen Webber, who is a psychologist of 31 years and speaker for the LGBTQ+ community, give a presentation to the school faculty about transgender students. This wasn’t the first time the school has acknowledged these issues. “Sybil Healy ... either last year or the year before did a really short, kind of condensed but informative presentation at one of our faculty meetings,” said Natalie Elkin, Advanced Placement Psychology teacher. “We just
need to be up to date, we need to be aware, we need to be in compliance and regardless of your religious beliefs, this is who these people are, and we need to take care of them like we would anybody else.” In the training, Webber shared that she has an adopted trans-female 9-year-old. “When they were 3 years old and started showing a lot of gender identity issues, I couldn’t find anybody to help,” Webber said. “My training didn’t train me adequately to know what to do, so I basically just read every research article and book I could find.” Not only does the training affect the teachers, but also the small number of transgender students on campus. “I think it is a fantastic step forward,” said transmasculine GBHS 2016 graduate Marty Kantola. “Having informed faculty
will help transgender students feel more understood at school, and they’ll feel safer knowing that they have someone on their side.” The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders is used to diagnose transgender individuals with “Gender Identity Disorder,” but as of 2012 it was changed to “Gender Dysphoria.” According to Webber, most children know their true gender identity between the ages of 3 and 5. The training mostly involved useful information about transgender teens. “I’m really talking about defining, like defining the vocabulary, I’m looking at all the newest research on transgender children and teens,” Webber said. But, with that there was some See STAFF, page A5
Friday, October 14, 2016
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A look into mental illnesses Some GBHS students share their health histories their mental illnesses still affect their lives. Zavesky said she gets a lot of test anxiety and stress from With mental illness on the rise school work, and it affects her soamong young people, it’s impor- cial life as well. “Sometimes I don’t feel emotiontant for society and high school students to be aware of the truths ally strong enough to go in a social setting,” Zavesky said. “I tend to behind mental illness and anxiety. About a year and a half ago, se- overthink situations which makes nior Nikki Zavesky was diagnosed me more anxious in that social setwith clinical depression and panic ting.” disorder. School also causes stress for “A couple years ago it had Schofield. started to get bad “School is a and I was getting source of stress more sad and ansometimes because tisocial,” Zavesky I put a lot of presSometimes I don’t sure on myself and said. Zavesky had feel emotionally it doesn’t help anyalways had anxiSchofield strong enough to thing,” ety and had been said. seeing therapists go in a social set- While both Schobut eventually she field and Zavesky ting. decided to see a struggle with the new therapist afpressure and exter, in her words, – Nikki Zavesky, pectations Granite “six months of no Bay can put on GBHS senior relief.” them, they recogSimilarly, senior nize that even stuEmily Schofield dents who aren’t has been suffering suffering from a mental illness from anxiety her whole life, but experience these pressures and exwasn’t diagnosed until freshman pectations as well. year. In kindergarten, her parents “I know a lot of kids whose pardecided they needed to seek help ents do not accept grades below for her, because she was always A’s,” Zavesky said. “That’s a lot of “stressed” after coming home from pressure for a teenager … I think school. that mindset is more typical for our Both Zavesky and Schofield are types of communities that are afcurrently seeking help. fluent and successful.” “I see a therapist usually once a Schofield is aware that there is week and see a nurse practitioner pressure on students, not only in who specializes in psychiatrics, Granite Bay, but in nearby areas as and she administers my medication well. for my depression,” Zavesky said. “Placer County in general is an Schofield has been seeing a ther- affluent area where successful apist since she was 5 years old and people have chosen to live, therecontinues to seek help. fore expectations are set high for “I ... am on prescription medi- offspring as well,” Schofield said. cations so I’m significantly more “I know a lot of kids at Saint Franstabilized,” Schofield said. cis, Jesuit and Christian Brothers Although both are receiving help, (high schools) who have struggled BY REESE RICHMOND
rrichmond.gazette@gmail.com
STAFF: Webber speaks about trans issues to GBHS staff
as well.” With the stress levels often very high at GBHS, it can be easy for people to understate anxiety and make it out to be a normal, everyday thing. “It seems to me that anxiety is absolutely rampant. We just call it stress and we think of it as just sort of ordinary ‘Oh yeah, life is stressful,’ but the level of stress they’re actually under, and what they’re doing to their bodies day in and day out, is disordered,” said Advanced Placement Psychology teacher at GBHS, Natalie Elkin. It’s important for those who are suffering from mental illness and/ or anxiety to have people in their lives who are understanding and helpful. “My mom is my biggest supporter, and I have some really great friends that are very understanding and supportive,” Zavesky said. Junior Catherine Rubino makes efforts to help her sister, Ally Rubino, who graduated from GBHS last year and suffers from anxiety. “I always try to understand what she’s going through and sometimes to fully understand, I try to put myself in her shoes,” Rubino said. Rubino and her family have her sister vent her feelings and have her tell them how she feels rather than ignoring her feelings in order to help her. Unfortunately, people aren’t always so understanding and can be very hurtful. “I’m pretty self-concious about it because I’ve been called crazy and a freak before, so I definitely keep my guard up for awhile before people get to know me,” Schofield said. Although people can sometimes be cruel, that doesn’t stop Schofield from continuing to have a more positive outlook. “I’ve learned to accept that the cruelty
Gazette photoillustration /CARISSA LEWIS
Causes of mental illnesses include genetic, biological, psychological and environmental factors. of others does not dictate how I should carry myself and value myself each day,” Schofield said. Luckily, both girls have developed mechanisms to help themselves through their difficulties. “My therapist definitely helps me … when I get anxious thinking about the big picture, I bring it down to a smaller picture, and take it day by day,” Zavesky said. “Taking it day by day is really a motto I live by to deal with anxiety.” Schofield stays in touch with nature and participates in yoga in order to be at peace and reduce anxiety. “One of the most valuable lessons I have learned from yoga is
that I am not entitled to anything in this world, and I have been given the opportunity to be down here and spread loving energy,” Schofield said. About 20 percent of people from ages 13-18 suffer from a mental health condition, 11 percent have a mood disorder, 10 percent have a conduct or behavior disorder and eight percent have an anxiety disorder. “I think it is partly because we are immature and therefore not as well-equipped to handle our emotions and the day-to-day trials that are thrown at us,” Schofield said. Because teens and young adults have so much to handle and are
DO YOU BELIEVE A GENDER-NEUTRAL PRONOUN SHOULD EXIST?
Continued from page A4
neglect to the utmost important information. “The downside (is that) … it was not tailored to the audience,” Elkin said. “We’re teachers, we’re in a public school setting and there are laws changing and we need to be able to adapt to them.” In Webber’s training, she touches upon the pronoun topic. Depending on what gender the person identifies Your sex doesn’t with, it can get complicated. have to correlate “Your sex doesn’t with the gender have to correlate with the gender that that you identify you identify with with. and what you want to be called by your pronouns has to cor– Justice Watree, relate to your genGBHS junior der, not your sex,” said Justice Watree, president of the Gender-Sexuality Alliance club at GBHS. Even though transgender people have a plural gender neutral pronoun, “they,” people pose the question of having a singular gender neutral pronoun. “I feel an official gender neutral pronoun would be a good progression of our language,” Kantola said. “In fact, several languages only have one pronoun for he/ she, such as Finland.” “They use the pronoun “hän” as he and she,” he continued. “Languages change over time, and of course this particular change would help in the lives of agender and gender nonconforming individuals.” The crucial part of such a sensitive topic to a conservative community is to make sure it is delivered the right way. “I think it’d make life easier for me and people like me,” said an anonymous sophomore nonbinary transmasculine student. “And I think it’s really good if it’s handled the right way.” Being what some say is the “last Civil Rights movement,” the transgender community still has a lot of work ahead of it to gain equality. “I’d like to believe that it will help teachers have a better understanding of what it means to be transgen-
still learning, it can make it easy to become overwhelmed with everything. “Over the course of the life span … there’s more intense negative emotion in younger people and that as you age, you learn to let things go and things just aren’t as big of a deal,” Elkin said. It’s important to be aware of the mental illnesses people are suffering from every day and make an effort to be understanding and be helpful. “Don’t try and hide your sadness/ anxiety or whatever is weighing you down,” Zavesky said. “Talking about it helps (and) taking the weight off your chest helps ... There is no shame in admitting you
New English teacher joins GBHS faculty Matthew Huddleston arrives after beginning of 2016-17 school year BY ANJALI SHRIVASTAVA
ashrivastava.gazette@gmail.com
IF SO, WHAT SHOULD THE PRONOUN BE?
Gazette illustrations /ANJALI SHRIVASTAVA
In a poll conducted by The Granite Bay Gazette, 23 respondents said a gender-neutral pronoun should exist, 22 respondents said one should not exist and 12 respondents were indifferent.
Cheer for... ...The Gazette.
Granite Bay High School’s newest staff member – Matthew Huddleston – is a man of many hats. Although Huddleston teaches English at GBHS, he particularly enjoys teaching history. That could be because he lived through one of the most significant events in recent history – the Cold War. At 5 years old, Huddleston was living in Germany with his father, who was stationed on the East German border. He said he would have to go through evacuation drills regularly, and had the border been breached, he would likely not survive. Perhaps it was this early experience that led Huddleston to a career in the military. Straying from his father’s army roots, Huddleston attended the United States Air Force Academy and played football there as well. Huddleston’s graduation from the Academy coincided with the collapse of Matthew the Soviet Union, and the Huddleston subsequent downsizing of the U.S. military. Because New English of this, he was given the teacher served rare opportunity to opt in the Air Force out of service and pursue before becoming other passions. an educator In the following years, Huddleston went into business publishing, but then, in his words, had a “mid-life crisis a little early.” “I wasn’t that excited about what I was doing (and) I didn’t feel like I was making a difference … in society,” Huddleston said. “I … decided to drop everything, go back to school and get my teaching credentials.” Even while teaching, he had his hand in many pots. While at Rio Americano High School, he taught a speech and debate class, a radio intelligence class and was an athletic director. Eventually, he secured an administrative position at Natomas High School. Soon, though, Huddleston found himself in the middle of another battle – this time, with cancer. See HUDDLESTON, page A8
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Students exercise their right to sit down during the pledge, which is said daily during second period Gazette photo illustration /NATALIE HATCH
Some students refrain from standing for the Pledge of Allegiance, a daily routine for many students and a daily show of support for others. Some look to NFL player Colin Kaepernick as a model.
Standing up or sitting down for what you believe in BY ANDREW YUNG
ayung.gazette@gmail.com
What someone does during the national anthem has now become an issue. This summer, Colin Kaepernick, a quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, was noticeably sitting for the national anthem before an NFL preseason game. After the game, he explained that he was sitting in protest of police brutality and racism that African Americans and other minority groups have had to face. The next week Kaepernick was joined by a teammate in his refusal to stand, and later by more athletes in several sports. Many of these protests received national attention mainly through social media, and eventually even a small act of protest during the national anthem became an immediate headline. However, a lot of the attention has been negative, as many people have criticized the way Kaepernick demonstrated. “I believe he is going the wrong way about (protesting),” said Parker Wilkin, a senior at Granite Bay High School. “People such as myself love the flag with all of their heart, and to see something they love
disrespected by an influential figure, they feel upset.” As a 90-year-old war veteran, Ben Klaffke has learned to do more than just love the flag. “When I was in the military, I learned to stand in attention when the flag was being brought into a room,” Klaffke said. “I was also at Iwo Jima when the flag was raised on Mount Suribachi, and as a military man I was glad to see it go up. The flag is not just an instrument of (protest), but it goes deeper than that. It honors freedom.” Kaepernick’s opposition has largely focused on the way he protested against the flag, but speculation has expanded to even Kaepernick’s personal life. “This is a guy who was raised by (white) people, who are of the race that he is fighting against,” said Mike Trout, a teacher and football coach at GBHS. “I think he is going after something that has nothing to do with the Black Lives Matter movement or anything like that. It seems a little more mean-spirited than it does sincere.” However, the issues that Kaepernick are raising awareness for can certainly be backed by evidence. A study by the Center for Policing Equity found that the police uses force on African Americans three times more than on whites. The Washington Post also found that based on the
percentage of population by race, black Americans are 2.5 times more likely than white people to be shot and killed by policemen. Some people believe that these statistics send the wrong message. “We’ve been brainwashed to hate the police and blame them for being the bad guy,” Klaffke said.“I don’t agree with those statements.” As for Kaepernick’s other reason for protesting, racism in society is hardly measurable. “Kaepernick … believes racism still exists, and there is some everywhere,” Wilkin said. “However I don’t believe that a football player is someone we should be seeking political guidance from.” Although Kaepernick is a football player, he explained to the media that he was trying to represent all of the people who have been treated unjustly by sitting for the anthem. He also expressed that his protest wasn’t belittling men and women in the armed forces. However, people continue to take issue with his protests and deem them offensive to the United States flag and the freedom they believe it represents. “You can affect change in other ways that doesn’t have to attack a country or an ideal that people have fought and died for,” Trout said. “I have a lot of members in my family who have fought and died for free-
dom and opportunity. I think (his protest) was misguided.” However, the freedom that the flag represents also applies to Kaepernick. “When people ridicule (Kaepernick) for being ‘unAmerican’ by not standing, it’s an oxymoron because being American means being free to express your opinions,” said Julia Zasso, a senior at GBHS. “That’s a perfect example of why we have the First Amendment.” Even people who disagree with Kaepernick recognize his freedom. “Because the flag stands for freedom, it also stands for the freedom to disrespect the flag as the ultimate form of protest,” Wilkin said. “And as much as it makes me sick to my stomach, I strongly believe in the right of any American to disrespect the flag out of protest, exercising their First Amendment rights.” While many people feel compelled to stand for the national anthem, maybe one should remember what freedom really is before judging someone for sitting or standing during the pledge. As Zasso put, “freedom by definition gives no obligation.”
NEWS BRIEFS GBHS students chased out of parking lot over summer Some Granite Bay High School students are concerned that the administration is trying to tighten its grip through the implementation of strict safety measures. But where is the line drawn between concern for students safety and mistrust of those they claim to be protecting? According to some students, local law enforcement officers have been chasing students out of the GBHS parking lot in the evening. Catherine Rubino, a junior at GBHS, said it happened to her. “Before curfew, (my friends and I) wanted to meet up in the parking lot,” Rubino said. “They were closing the gates in the back part … the sheriff came over and told us to leave the parking lot since they wanted to clear it out.” “We actually lock up that parking lot at 11,” assistant principal Brian McNulty said. “We don’t want to lock people in.” He went on to explain that one of the reasons the campus remains locked at night is to avoid van-
dalism, which has been a problem in the Catherine Rubino past. But Ru- GBHS junior bino and her said the reason friends were for being asked there before to leave parking 11. She ex- lot was unclear plained the reason they were there is because it is a “good meeting spot” and “it wasn’t curfew, so it was still open to the public.” “It’s just kinda weird because they asked us to leave and wouldn’t tell us why,” Rubino said. “They were acting like we were doing something wrong by just being in a parking lot … it’s like they think we’re doing drug deals when in reality we’re just eating Habit … we weren’t doing anything bad.” “My job is to keep the school and the students safe,” McNulty said. “It may sound dumb, but sometimes cars create problems.”
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TRANSGENDER: Students discuss acceptance in single-sex school environment Continued from page A1 “Our uniqueness as a school comes from our philosophy of education and our religious heritage,” Suwalsky said. “That being said, we know how to teach boys well, and we hope and pray that … they will make decisions that reflect personal integrity as well as a desire to be whom the Lord calls them to be.” Suwalsky said transgender students are not declined by Jesuit, but students are left to determine their own comfort level with the school. Dylan Boylan, a Jesuit senior, said he doesn’t think transgender students would feel welcomed by the other students. “Being honest, most of the Jesuit community isn’t in at the maturity level where everyone could be adults about it,” Boylan said. “I hear plenty of horrible antiLGBT slurs on a daily basis on campus being passed off as jokes.” Boylan is not aware of any transgender students at Jesuit, but Suwalsky said there has been a couple of transgender students in his six years as president of the school.
“I am aware of several students who self-identified change to address the entire LGBT+ history because as transgender,” Suwalsky said. education leads to acceptance,” “None of those students sought speBoylan said. “Creating the culture cific accommodations nor, as far as of acceptance and respect early on I know, did they share this personal in the classroom can severely diminGender is such a ish the taboo around the topic of the information with classmates and members of the school staff until construct that this LGBT community.” their senior year.” At Saint Francis High School, arbitrary separation senior This means that the students didn’t Jennifer Bushberg said her receive any support from their seems kind of silly, school has already begun teaching school community, something Marhistory. especially because transgender ty Kantola, a GBHS 2016 graduate, “We actually do incorporate transsaid is necessary. people sort of force gender history within our ethics “I imagine I would have felt isoclasses and openly discuss it during it on others. lated as many other LGBT+ kids our senior year,” Bushberg said. feel when attending schools such as According to Bushberg, incorpo(Jesuit or Saint Francis),” Kantola rating and discussing controversial – Elise Ramos, 2016 said. issues makes the schools more acGBHS graduate Boylan said in order for his classcepting. mates to become more supportive, St. Francis has about 1,200 stuhis school needs to educate its students, creating a very diverse camdents on transgender history. pus with many different groups for “I completely believe that curriculum needs to students to be a part of.
“Saint Francis students are very accepting,” Bushberg said. “Everyone ends up finding someone who shares the same interests as them … There is a large group of LGBT students (at Saint Francis) that they can relate to and know they are not alone.” Nevertheless, some view the separation at these private institutions as unnecessary. “Gender is such a construct that this arbitrary separation seems kind of silly, especially because people sort of force it on others,” said Elise Ramos, a 2016 GBHS graduate. Ramos, who does not identify with either the male or female gender, said schools don’t need to be separated by a person’s sex. “As a nonbinary person, I’m not comfortable with the concept of separation based on gender, which is arbitrary to begin with,” Ramos said. Suwalsky related the issue to a quote from Pope Francis, who made a speech in response to the integration of transgender students in schools. “‘Life is life, and things must be taken as they come.’”
CLOWN: Community members weigh in on GBHS incident Continued from page A1 and schools, an overwhelming majority of clowns have been reported as harmless. At around 9 p.m. on Tues, Oct. 4, a video surfaced on Twitter of a clown swinging ominously back and forth on a swing at Feist Park, the park next to Granite Bay High School. Connor Vivaldi, a GBHS junior, tweeted the video. Vivaldi did not know it at the time, nor did he know when he tweeted the video, but the man in the clown costume was his International Baccalaureate film teacher and GBHS media coordinator Zachary Weidkamp. Several students – all unaware the video was a hoax – were concerned there was a potentially dangerous clown in the Granite Bay community. Two students came to the administration with their concerns on the morning of Wed, Oct. 5. Assistant principal Mike Fischer also acknowledged, in an email, that there have recently been “parent phone calls” regarding clown hysteria. “We are addressing it by asking people to refrain from any jokes or pranks, and by simply submitting accurate information so law enforcement and school officials can assess the validity of the information and act accordingly,” Fischer said. “Although many of these (incidents) appear to be pranks or hoaxes, there have been a number of crimes – some of them violent – associated with people dressed as clowns.” The video was taken down from Vivaldi’s Twitter account that day. In an email sent to GBHS students and parents on the afternoon of Oct. 5, principal Jennifer Leighton assured the community that the “clown sighting at Feist Park was a hoax.” Following Leighton’s email and a phone call from the school, the Roseville Joint Union High School District sent a followup email stating that “the safety and security of our students and staff is our number
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Clowns and school safety Many schools across the nation have gone into lockdown following threats from clowns on various social media sites. According to a story in the Sacramento Bee, the Elk Grove and Natomas Unified school districts sent letters to parents regarding a school hit list, which was published on Instagram under the username @ sac.townclowns. The Bee also reported that the Instagram account @mozzytheclown posted a list of five schools in the Marysville area and threatened to “shoot all the kids and the teachers.” In the RJUHSD email sent out last week, parents were advised to “make sure (their children) don’t bring (clown attire) to school.” The email also noted that “if your child comes into contact with anyone with clown attire, they should immediately report it to school officials.” On Fri, Oct. 7, several students were uneasy when Brietbart originally reported that GBHS along with Jesuit High School, Oakridge High School and several other local schools were on a “hit list” on a clown’s Instagram account, which has since been
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Clowns have been causing much hysteria in recent months. Most reported incidents haven’t caused harm. deleted. “When threats are communicated via social media specifically targeting schools, school officials have to take precautions and have to investigate these threats and activities,” Fischer said. Brad Basham, the RJUHSD executive director for personnel services, added that no direct threats have been made to any school in the district. “We have had … reported sightings at several of the schools, not just Granite Bay High School,” Basham said. “We also had a sighting at Roseville Adult school, at Oakmont, at Woodcreek as well as Antelope High School last week that were reported by students to staff.” Teacher discipline Jarrod Westberg, who is an Advanced Placement Government teacher and the Roseville Secondary Education Association’s faculty advocate chairperson and grievance chair, said he couldn’t comment about any specific situation, but he
was willing to broadly discuss the issue of teacher discipline in the district. “Most of the stuff (when teacher discipline arises) is a misunderstanding … and gets worked out in an informal setting,” Westberg said. According to Westberg, the RSEA’s contract with the school district encourages district officials, site administration and the teachers to work things out at the informal, site-level stage, before taking the issue to the district. Should teachers feel the decision made at the site level is unjust, they have the right to enter the grievance process. “(You go through) the grievance process when something violated the contract,” Westberg said. “Then there are very specific steps you have to go through. That’s when a teacher feels like they’ve been wronged by what is outlined in the contract, the district doesn’t agree and then you move to that more formal side.” “The whole idea is to use a level of discipline that is going teach and help that
person make better decisions in the future and change their behavior,” Basham said. “We’re not looking (to) throw a 1000 pound rock on any person. We try to find that lowest common denominator and use that progressive discipline model.” Basham said the level of discipline would vary should a similar incident arise. “At this point we’ve warned everybody,” Basham said. “They know that it’s not appropriate, and they know that we’re going to treat this very seriously. And at that point, it becomes more an act of disruption and defiance, and so the consequence is probably going to be greater for somebody who does it at this point versus somebody who did it (on Oct. 4) when it became more of an awareness situation. “This is more about education and helping people make better decisions.” *** Gazette reporters Will Anderson and Katie Cologna contributed to this report.
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one priority.” The district later released a statement to KOVR/Ch. 13, the CBS affiliate in Sacramento, noting that disciplinary actions had not yet been determined for the students or teacher involved. According to the California Education Code, school districts are not permitted to release information about student disciplinary actions or personnel matters to the public. Neither Vivaldi nor any other students present at the time of the incident have been disciplined with suspensions. Weidkamp, however, has been absent from school since mid-day Wed, Oct. 5. “Unfortunately, I cannot comment since it is a district personnel issue,” Weidkamp said in an email, responding to an interview request.
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SCHOOLS: Single-gender schools offer students freedom to express themselves Continued from page A1
However the danger of placing too much concern in what type of school is the most effective is the lurking variable of whether or not the school is public or private. According to the American Psychological Association, most single gender schools are private institutions, which often incorporate additional changes unrelated to gender. This provides potential inaccuracies when comparing the academics of students who attend unisex schools with those who attend multi-gender schools. After experiencing the best and worst of both situations, many students don’t find an important difference in each type
Senior Gabby Zegers, who attends Saint Francis High School, said being surrounded In an all-female by a school of all females promotes selfconfidence. environment, it is “In an all-female environment, it is easier easier for students for students to be very open with each other in their physical appearance and emotionto be very open ally as well,” Zegers said. “We don’t have with each other in to worry about a lot of judgement from each their physical apother or from male students.” Single-gender schools can also allow stupearance and emodents to avoid detrimental judgments. tionally as well. In a study performed by the University of Virginia in 2003, the university found unisex – Gabby Zegers, St. Franschools help students see past stereotypicis student cal major and career paths stigmas that are based on gender. The study claims “boys who attended single-sex schools were more than twice as likely to pursue interests in subjects such as art, mu- of school. “I have an equal affinity for both,” Lambey said. “I sic, drama and foreign languages compared with boys of think it’s good to experience both.” comparable ability who attended co-ed schools.”
HUDDLESTON: After overcoming cancer, teacher is excited to be here Continued from page A5 In August of 2013, Huddleston was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, which put a pause on his teaching career. He had to go through one year of chemotherapy I’d been and needed a trying to get bone marrow transplant, for a position in which he was this district, transferred to the Stanford and this was Medical open, so I Center. After an adthought I’d ditional year give it a shot. of recovery, Huddleston returned to –Matthew teaching. Huddleston, GBHS When Huddleston English teacher heard of the opening at GBHS, he quickly applied. “My son goes to Antelope High School and we really like this district,” Huddleston said. “I’d been trying to get a position in this district, and this was open, so I thought I’d give it a shot.” Huddleston sent in his resume on a Saturday, and the following Tuesday, he was interviewed. Later that day, he was offered the position. And while he’s been here for less than a semester, he’s been embraced by students and staff alike. “Just walking around campus, there seems to be, from my perspective, just so much positivity here,” Huddleston said. “It seems like all students get along.”
Gazette illustration/CARISSA LEWIS
POLARIZATION: Votes go for least disliked Continued from page A2
of Clinton voters are voting against Trump. It seems that this “I support Trump division has led the because I hate HillAmerican public to ary,” said Satgur I support vote not for who Maan, a GBHS Trump they think is best senior. “I also feel like Trump’s fiscal because I fit to run the country, but antithetical policies are good hate Hillary. to the candidate for expanding the they hate the most. economy and proAccording to moting business – Satgur Mann, Wilkin, our ingrowth in AmeriGBHS senior creasingly polarca.” ized public is beThis is a common coming so because sentiment among the American public. In a poll of a change in social values. “I believe that socially the conducted by the Wall Street Journal, it was shown that 54 country is getting much more percent of people voting for sensitive, actually a lot more Trump are doing so to vote closed off to other people’s peragainst Clinton, and 52 percent spectives,” Wilkin said.
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GAZETTE Political polarization trickles down into high school life The Granite Bay
GRANITE BAY HIGH SCHOOL 1 GRIZZLY WAY GRANITE BAY, CA 95746
Editors-in-Chief: Cole Kahmann Surina Khurana Carissa Lewis Anjali Shrivastava Hannah Xu News Editor: Connor Hinson Voices Editor: Stephenie Kang Lifestyle Editors: McKenna Aram Brayden Johnk Sabina Mahavni Green Screen Editors: Natasha Chanda Katie Cologna Whitney Knorp Amanda Prather
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he banter back and forth is These eyes are the mute particilightspeed. Spectators whip their pants in this slaughter, who have heads back and forth as the two gleefully gussied up and marched participants hiss at each other, angry the debaters to the stocks to be priThe voice of the buzz rising to a deafening roar, spittle vately ridiculed for cheap entertainGranite Bay flying out of each other’s mouths everyment through sly tweets and giddy Gazette where yet neither one truly caring in the free-for-alls in group chats. heat of the moment. This is the scene that one sees At a glance, one would think that this wreaking havoc in Instagram was a scene more fit for a quarrel amidst enemies. comment sections and trickling through the cracks of But alas, that situation would be infinitely more Edmodo groups, showing a clear division between graceful than this. those who lean strongly left or strongly right and the Here, a Republican and a Democrat have found resulting fringe comprised of those who exist to mock each other in close proximity in a classroom, and have the former. decided to “discuss” the merits of yet another point to Isn’t there reconciliation between the two sides? take vehemently opposing sides on while deafening Can’t the hopelessness that has created such disparity their peers, all within a three-foot radius. be recognized as one and the same? Clearly, political polarization isn’t just a problem Ever since growing anger at the prominence of the for those 20 years old and up – even within the barely financial elite has ripped the seams of America, the pubescent halls of Granite Bay High School, a chasm stars and stripes on the flag have drifted apart to radical has ripped between the two parties. ends of a spectrum, firmly adhering to (either way) Silent eyes watch the madness unfold, as what first their incredibly progressive beliefs in the hopes that proved to be a valid and poignant stance became corthis will change, that we will get better, that we will make America into something great yet creating a gap roded by emotion.
EDITORIAL
in between the two in technique and focus. This drift has carried down to the burgeoning generation, here in the very halls of GBHS. It seems there is nothing we can agree on – no political sphere where we can be one and the same. Yet where is the logic in such madness? The frustrations of ignored minorities bind together to make their distresses much louder in the political sphere, but at what cost? Within each unit there is further division, to the point where each “whole” is in reality a squabbling mess, where no one can definitively say what their morals are or what they stand for. This should be good, as it should express the critical and reasoned logic long idealized by those at the highest echelons of political philosophy. But at times this can be corrupted by emotional excess, to the point where it seems that there will be no reprieve until we are splattered wet with the blood and tears of all who decide to get swept up in the pandemonium of politics. It’s easy to take sides on such sensitive issues or even laugh at their zealous proponents. Yet the dangers of that include letting go of the give-and-take needed for good democracy and ricocheting from one political end to the next, foreshadowing tumultuous seas ahead.
Flickr photo under the Creative Commons license/TED EYTAN
Sports Editors: Ali Lemos Isabella Tkachuk Social Media Editor: Natalie Hatch Illustrators: Natasha Chanda Isabella Tkachuk Hannah Xu Photo Editor: Carissa Lewis Staff Writers/ Photographers: Will Anderson Kate Booth Mackenzie Brown Paige Erickson Milan French Bella Hamilton Alina Poczobutt Reese Richmond Max Schwartz Andrew Yung Sidney Zabell 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.
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THE DECAY OF AMERICA T
here are obvious changes occurring within our country regarding our society, politics and how we treat others, ultimately altering the image America once had. In the context of the modern-day United States this has a definite resonance, but not always for the best of reasons. The USA has slowly evolved into an establishment that houses government controversies, racial injustices and is currently the laughingstock of the global political scene, differing from the land of opportunity that it was once perceived to be. I have no bias towards either presidential hopeful Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton, as I am legally not of age to cast a vote. But, if you mean to tell me that our future will be in the hands of a great leader, I completely disagree. Option A, a blatant, hypocritical racist or option B, an untruthful, bold-faced liar: you decide, America. To put it into context, the last time the United States was debt-free, Charles Darwin was traveling the world in the HMS Beagle, baseball – America’s pastime – was yet to be invented, and you and I would not be born for at least another 100 years. On top of that is relentless racial turmoil, arguably the worst America has experienced since the 1960s. No, Jim Crow Laws aren’t in action, and no, there are not Japanese immigrants
suffering in internment disclose these stories to the camps along the West public, they end up becomCoast. However, the fact ing outweighed by reports that movements such as that distastefully summarize “Black Lives Matter” and our nation. “All Lives Matter” had Content is produced to be started to remind only to increase views and America of its constant improve chances at winning mismanagement of the next Emmy. race-related issues, and This country used to be a continual mistreatment of place for entrepreneurship African American, Hisand personal freedoms. A panic, Asian and Middle place to escape prejudice, Eastern minorities is an not be bogged down by it. absolute joke. For instance, gay marriage It isn’t that our counwas officially ruled legal in wanderson.gazette@gmail.com try has depreciated as a all American states in July military power or that our of 2016, granting rights that politics and economy have had never before been given no effect on the world – they certainly do. to the LGBTQ+ community. The issue is that the effects have reflected Yet, countless members of the LGBTQ+ so negatively on our nation that they community receive unjust, biased and downplay the many great accomplishdisrespectful treatment solely because of ments of our citizens and highlight the their gender or sexual preference. worst we have to offer. And although millennials are the most Unfortunately, the only voices and acculturally tolerant generation, they are also counts that are commonly heard by the one of the laziest. world are those of political figures lacking Complacency is just as problematic as sanity and emotionally heavy reports of ignorance. riots and shootings. Don’t shoot the messenger, but the Our “impartial” media lacks the courDeclaration of Independence – in which age to air the voices of wise and honest all of our country’s principles are based on individuals, only briefly covering positive – reads “all men are created equal.” and influential events. Even when they There might not have been quill and ink
COMMENTARY
will anderson
There might not have been quill and ink capable of producing a bold, 128-point font in 1776, but if there was, Thomas Jefferson might have needed an entire page just for the word “all.” capable of producing a bold, 128-point font in 1776, but if there was, Thomas Jefferson might have needed an entire page just for the word “all.” Gone are the golden days, where education was cheap, our country was unified and people were not ridiculed for making a political or religious joke. It is our lack of realization, as an oppressive and judgmental people, that often contributes to the problem – that is what has changed in American society. *** Will Anderson, a junior, is a Gazette staff writer.
Shamblers roam tiny halls, jam up traffic
Girl caught in perpetual traffic jams calls for awareness from these ignorant walkers
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he halls of Granite Bay High I try to get to Please, just get out of my way! School are filled with literal turtles, places on campus as You could at least walk on the sides slowing down the current of fast as I can, usually of the hallway, not in the middle I can see why you want of the area where so many other frazzled students and making people who just weaving through have to walk across campus to class late. the groups of slow people need to go to get to their to talk to your friends Freshmen are especially bad in terms of walkers, but in the classes. and hang out between their walking speed, and I feel like this is 900 building, where Slow walkers in the hallways are one of my biggest pet peeves during the my first two classes one thing that the GBHS campus class periods, espeschool year. are, the hallways are can do without. cially if you and your I get that freshmen might be walking narrow and abundant The halls of GBHS are like a road friends don’t have the slowly in order to figure out where their with slow walkers, – everyone needs to move at the classes are, but at least move into the quad sometimes causing same speed to reduce the number same lunch. or somewhere out of the way. me to be later to of crashes and to keep traffic at a I like to get to my classes in a timely class. minimum. fashion, and people just being turtles and It is so irritating! I think people don’t understand blocking everyone else from getting to Walk slowly how slowly they are walking until bhamilton.gazette@gmail.com their classes gets old – fast. somewhere else, preferably out of the way someone comes right out and tells them, which most likely I can see why you want to talk to your please! isn’t their fault. friends and hang out between class periWalking is so annoying and people are If you have an injury, I totally understand that you have to ods, especially if you and your friends don’t have the same super inconsiderate when they walk slowly in the hallways walk at a slower pace than normal, but if you’re in perfectly lunch. But it does become an annoying thing to the people in a line spanning across the whole hallway. good health, you should walk at the same speed as everytrying to get places before the bells ring. I want to get to my next class, I don’t want to be stuck one around you The slow walkers always walk in a group in the middle behind a snail the whole way to my class. Do everyone around you a favor and start walking at a of the hallways, and sometimes are walking at a normal I am not usually an angry person, but when it comes to normal pace. pace, but out of the blue, the group slows down causing the people in my way when I’m just trying to get to class, it *** other people to move out of their way. really irritates me. Bella Hamilton, a sophomore, is a Gazette staff writer.
COMMENTARY
bella hamilton
Friday, October 14, 2016
The Granite Bay Gazette
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HEARD on the BAY
Voices A11
Chivalry is DEAD
Honest question: what about being a jerk makes a guy cool? Just kidding, that’s a trick question. Nothing does!
Guys, it doesn’t hurt to give a compliment once in a while COMMENTARY
Would you consider going to a single-sex school? No … I think it’s better to be around other types of people than just yourself.
natalie hatch
freshman
Jenna Massagli
No, because I like boys.
sophomore
Emma Foley I think a co-ed education is beneficial for your future because it can build and develop your character traits.
junior
Rishi Somanchi “I would love going to a single-sex school because I feel like going through the same experience as a woman ... it really unites people.”
senior
Afrah Tahir “No ... I grew up in the public school system and there aren’t many singlesex public schools.”
staff
Matthew Huddleston Compiled by Anjali Shrivastava
nhatch.gazette@gmail.com
I
f a boy that wasn’t my friend or boyfriend came up to me and told me I looked beautiful without bursting into laughter and running away, I would probably die. The autopsy would report that I stopped breathing in disbelief and then entered cardiac arrest as my heart literally melted. But that wouldn’t happen because boys don’t do that. And that’s my point exactly. The apparent lack of chivalry not only on our campus but in society is disheartening. Though chivalry is much more than complimenting a girl, the idea of just generally respecting females has faded with the rise of millennials. Is this because technology has ruined our ability to conduct face-to-face in-teraction? Maybe. But whether or not Apple is to blame for our failure, modern age “romance” is kind of ridiculous. Boys, a friendly piece of advice: there are much much MUCH better ways to let a girl know that you’re interested in her than sliding into her DMs. That being said, chivalry shouldn’t just Gaze tte illu stratio be reserved n /HA NNAH XU for when you’ve caught feelings; however, nine out of 10 times I promise you that being I don’t think that boys want chivalry to respectful to other girls will help a certain die. I think there’s something about makperson catch “feels” in return. But besides handing out a compliment or tak- ing a girl that makes a guy feel good, and like he’s fixing ing the time to have a real conversation with a something – and I know you boys love to fix girl (MAJOR POINTS), there’s always EVERYTHING. taking a note from Brandon Hill, chivalry’s I think most guys out there want to potenhero, and simply holding a door open. tially be a good boyfriend or husband, or even For one reason or another though, these just friend someday, and while that idea excites things don’t often occur. I happen to have a them, culture tells them to be the opposite hunch as to why.
dsjHonest question: what about being a jerk makes a guy cool? Just kidding, that’s a trick question. Nothing does! But in all seriousness, today for a boy to be considered popular, he usually has to break a few hearts and train daily for the ego-lympics. Please correct me if I’m wrong, but boys, do you actually want to be this way? Do you want to go through life making yourself feel better by treating everyone like they’re worth nothing? I don’t think you do. But I think you want to fit in and feel liked, and we all get that, but if you want to feel good about yourself, try making someone else feel good. Life won’t necessarily ever look like a Nicholas Sparks movie, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to make a girl feel honored every now and then. In case you zoned out, if you take away nothing else, please know this: girls notice. We see how you act around your friends, we see how you treat other girls, we see how you treat us – we’re not blind to any of it. Don’t spend your time trying to impress anyone or be who you think they want you to be. Just be cognizant of the character you’re displaying, and ask yourself if that really reflects how you believe people should be treated. Chivalry doesn’t have to die. Respect doesn’t have to die. Kindness doesn’t have to die. So please, from all of us girls, don’t let it. *** Natalie Hatch, a senior, is a Gazette social media editor.
How Harry Potter taught me the importance of diversity Why can’t we see the value in other people’s beliefs?
COMMENTARY
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hen Pottermore first launched four years ago, I remember rushing to take the official Sorting Hat quiz to confirm my Ravenclaw status. Somewhat disappointingly, I was sorted into Slytherin instead. And while today I wear my green and silver badge with honor, it’s difficult to defend Slytherin when it has such a bad reputation. “There’s not a witch or wizard who went bad who wasn’t in Slytherin,” as Hagrid so memorably put it (even though there is a huge exception to this claim in the form of Peter Pettigrew). But Slytherin’s large amount of Death Eaters is not a fault of the house, but of Hogwarts itself. Because of its arcane (completely fictional) sorting process, Hogwarts lacks personality diversity, and has inadvertently bred a fascist, supremacist, wizard cult.
anjali shrivastava ashrivastava.gazette@gmail.com
It’s this non-diversified thinking that leads to the dark history of the Slytherin house. The belief that “pure bloods” are the only legitimate wizards has been validated for centuries because those who hold that belief are being grouped together into Slytherin, and no Muggle-born wizard is there to change their mind. Why interact with different people and be challenged on your beliefs, when you can be constantly reassured by the like-minded people in
Step on it. Write a guest commentary for The Gazette.
Why interact with different people and be challenged on your beliefs, when you can be constantly reassured by the like-minded people in your immediate vicinity? your immediate vicinity? When you’re surrounded by yesmen, you think your view of the world is – or should be – the view of everyone else in the world. And while the limitations of uniformity is very apparent in Hogwarts’ house system, it’s also present in the real world as well. Early in the school year, I observed one of the most impassioned debates between two of my classmates on whether or not “white privilege” exists. And regardless of their position, all of the onlookers could see that this debate was pointless, as both parties were unwavering on their stances. As I was removed from the action of the debacle, though, I realized
there was truth to both arguments being made. Though I wholeheartedly agree that white privilege exists, there is some grey area in determining to what extent it affects lives, and that was the question that both people were missing. Oftentimes, we prefer to hang out with those who have similar beliefs to our own – whether they be political, religious or taste in novels. But we lose the ability to see the reason in other sides, to vary on our own beliefs and to compromise with the other side. And I think we should learn to do that before we give rise to a Voldemort in our world. *** Anjali Shrivastava, a senior, is a Gazette co-editor-in-chief.
Friday, October 14, 2016 w The Granite Bay Gazette
Second look
News A12
Giving it up for others Students and faculty make donations in the fall blood drive
ď ˇA donor, top left, positions his arm to let the blood flow. Katrina Cramer, top middle, learns about the procedure. A volunteer, top right, records information from the donors. Kyra Hull, above, lays back and rests after donating blood. While listening to instructions from a volunteer, bottom photo, Bryce Silan, right, and Connor Getz work on their phones.
Gazette photos by Carissa Lewis
Lifestyle
Granite Bay Gazette
B Section
Friday w October 14, 2016
COMMENTARY
mckenna aram
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Tattoos transition away from taboo
maram.gazette@gmail.com
he negative stereotype concerned with tattoos seems to be diminishing with the modern generations’ prevalent self expression.
Foreign travels enlighten the outlooks for future endeavors
BY MCKENNA ARAM
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his past summer, I was privileged with the opportunity to submerge myself into a foreign culture in which I obtained a much needed, freshened perspective. An excursion to the industrious Kingdom of Thailand was not only insightful, but truly helped me in reassessing the prominent stressors in my life. The pressure to amount to impractical expectations for future endeavors and careers has begun to feel like less of a luminous cloud in my life, which is an attitude other teens should also attempt to take on. We don’t have to grow up to be renowned doctors, lawyers nor biochemical engineers. Whether it’s parents’ expectations, the desire to feel respected with a superior job title or the goal of achieving the affluent American dream, the youth of this generation should seek to strive after their true passions. The second week of our trip, our family flew from Bangkok to Phang Nga and decided to take a kayak tour through the historical hongs and sea caves located there. This is where my first culture shock struck me. Even my small attempt to listen to one of the crew guide’s broken English explanation of the caves produced a permanent smile on his face for the remainder of the day-long excursion. Talking to this young man, Don, of about 21, who worked on this boat full time and had little to no education, was really the first pang of perspective I felt on my trip. His 8,000 dollar annual-living is made off of being a crew leader through this organization at age 21. In Thailand, that was one of the more upper-middle class jobs. Yet Don was so blithely content with his life. He wasn’t a millionaire, nor did he have an illustrious job, but he made the most of his situation. He was blatantly and utterly joyous with his occupation. Many parents will argue (especially in our community) that it’s crucial that we students get exemplary grades to get into an exemplary college so we can be successful and manage a family, just like our predecessors. We have the opportunity to strive after any career of our choosing. According to a survey by Monster Worldwide Inc, Americans claim to dislike their occupations more than any other country surveyed. Ironically, the freest country in the world, with the most opportunity, entails the unhappiest people. Thailanders have virtually no opportunity for future endeavors yet I’ve never come across such joyful attitudes among a society in my life. We shouldn’t feel pressured by social stigma to aspire to a role we are reluctant to fulfill. Be that journalist you know you want to be. Be that teacher. Heck, be a kayak crew leader. We have all the opportunity in the world and it should be taken
*** McKenna Aram, a junior, is a Lifestyle editor.
maram.gazette@gmail.com
Just as tattoos tend to fade over time so is the taboo that comes with it. “I have never had any criticism and when applying for jobs they tend to like tattoos just because it’s more relatable and relevant with the millennials,” said Granite Bay High senior Sean McCrackin who got a tattoo while in Ireland. “(It) makes the store a more comfortable atmosphere with a variety of individuals.” Many past opinions have formulated that when applying for a job, tattoos are innately disdained. “(The general stereotype) can be seen as counterculture and anti-establishment,” said Granite Bay High School teacher Andrew Phillips. “(It’s) an idea that you’re going to be some sort of rebellious personality that is always working against the rules and stuff like that.” Because seeing youth with permanent body art has been increasingly popular, the negative stigma has been substantially hampered. “I think the taboo has faded with the increase in people getting tattoos,” Phillips said. “At some point you can’t discriminate against everybody (so) if enough people have it you start changing your feelings on it.” Three in ten Americans have tattoos which roughly adds up to about 30 percent of the adult
population. Four years ago, barely 20 percent of adult Americans had tattoos. The trend is patently popularizing. “I personally believe that in the work field tattoos are now way more (accepted),” said GBHS junior Kenzie Montoya who got a tattoo this year. “(Because) everyone has one nowadays (I) believe most people see it as something normal.” “The Harris Poll”, conducted in October of 2015, surveyed over 2,000 adults. 47 percent of millennials had tattoos in comparison to 13 percent of the “Baby Boomer” generation. Modern self expression continues to prove its predominance in the 21st century. “The closest thing to getting criticized for having tattoos was probably one time in my social psych class senior year,” said graduate Kylie Shimada who had two tattoos done while attending GBHS. “Some kids said that people with tattoos are dangerous people which me and my friends just laughed about because I’m not one to be classified as dangerous at all.” Although considered miniscule nowadays, criticism in regards to the trend is not completely dormant. GBHS Junior Danielle Sims has a tattoo of an ampersand on her ankle and claims to have received criticism from peers in reference to it. “I’ve been called ratchet and asked, ‘why would you ever get something like that on your body permanently?’ and ‘you’re too
young to know what you want, you’re gonna regret it’,” Sims said. Another stoic saying that remains in tact is the theory that people who get tattoos in their youth will regret it later on. “I think if you’re not 100% sure that you’ll love the tattoo when you’re a parent, pass on it,” Shimada said. “Think about what you want really thoroughly, and if you are confident enough to go through with it then go for it.” 14 percent of the total U.S. population accounts for people with tattoos. Yet for youth aged 18-25, that percentage is nearly tripled. Increasing trends among teens tend decrease centered stigma. “I personally feel like I would discourage somebody from getting tattoos in their teens before you’re out of highschool or college because they don’t go away,” Phillips said. “It’s really easy to make a mistake that you’ll have with you forever.” Whether it be because of rash decision making, undeveloped brains or current emphasis on self expression, the youth of this generation tend to make up a substantial chunk of the tattooed population. “Tattoos are a way to express yourself, like a form of speech. (Self expression) can be really important for people to share through art,” Phillips said. “That’s always been something that’s been going on in our human civilization.”
Gazette illustration/CARISSA LEWIS
Solano fundraises through enchiladas The Spanish Club is helping to accumulate funds for a GBHS teacher’s unique adoption
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BY MACKENZIE BROWN mbrown.gazette@gmail.com
ne thousand. That’s roughly the number of enchiladas that are being made by the Spanish Club, Spanish teachers and other Granite Bay High School students in order to help Spanish teacher Gerardo Solano cover the costs of adopting children from China. Solano came to the Spanish Club in early August with the idea of teaching the club how to make enchiladas and then proceed to sell them to students and families as a way to raise money for a good cause. Over 2,000 dollars have been raised and sent to Across The World Adoptions: the organization which Solano used for his adoption. The money that has been raised up to this point is far more than what was expected. “Personally, I thought we would raise 500 dollars at the most,” said Spanish teacher Sra. Hill. “I had no idea it would get this much attention.”
Solano also claimed he thought the fundraiser would not receive as much attention as it has. Solano expressed that he was shocked with how much love and generosity the community has provided to fund the adoption. Even students who are not in Solano’s class or have never had him as a teacher are volunteering to make enchiladas and show their support. GBHS Junior Katie Hartmeier is among those who have decided to help. “I found out about it from Sra. Hill when she came into my class and asked the students to sign up to volunteer at the fundraiser,” Hartmeier said. “I thought it sounded like a great idea!” Hartmeier was inspired by Solano and his family’s kindness. “I think it’s amazing that he’s adopting these kids and giving them an opportunity and a home,” Hartmeier said. The support from students at Granite Bay has been an immense help to Solano along
with the members of the Spanish Club who have been planning the event since the commencement. “The Spanish Club chose to do this fundraiser because it represented what Sr. Solano was passionate about,” said GBHS senior Lexi Kindrick who is currently the Vice President of the Spanish Club. Further support can be seen from the Water Project Club and Sra. Cova. They have offered their support by raising funds for the adoption. “What Sr. Solano is doing it truly remarkable and inspirational,” Kindrick said. “The Spanish Club is honored to represent a fundraiser that means more than life to a teacher who inspires us all,” The club had originally organized one night to cook all of the enchiladas, but with the overwhelming amount of orders that had been put in, they decided that two nights were necessary. On the nights of October seventh and ninth, about 10 students went to the house of Alina and Jordan Poczobutt, who are seniors at Granite Bay. All of 91 enchilada orders were completed.
Gazette photo /MACKENZIE BROWN
The Spanish Club hosting a funraiser for Gerardo Solano’s new adoption
See Solano, page B5
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Book of the Month
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Top 10
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TCID:BW
Band Awards
Integrated Math
Parking Spots
Band’s achievements continue to go unrecognized.
Students stuggle with the new math curriculum.
B2
B4
Seniors show off their painted parking spots.
B6
B2 Lifestyle
Friday, October 14, 2016
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Slow adolescent brain impacts decision-making The teenage mind is often responsible for reckless teenage actions BY ANDREW YUNG
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ayung.gazette@gmail.com
dolescents tend to make questionable decisions, and while some people may naturally act more absent-mindedly, a lot of the blame can be attributed to the underdeveloped adolescent brain. Studies have shown that the average brain doesn’t fully develop until a person’s mid-twenties, so many parts of an adolescent brain don’t work as well as an adult’s brain. “The biggest difference between the adolescent and adult brain is the prefrontal cortex,” said Katherine Fan M.D., a board certified child and adolescent psychiatrist. “(The) prefrontal cortex is one of the last regions to mature. It’s an area for problem solving, judgement, attention, motivation and executive functioning.”
The prefrontal cortex also affects how we feel. “The prefrontal cortex is responsible for our personality development,” Natalie Elkin, an Advancement Placement Psychology teacher at GBHS, said. “It’s also responsible for our complex emotional states… things like guilt, shame, compassion, empathy (and) love.” Because the prefrontal cortex hasn’t fully developed in young people, attributes like regulating emotions and having good judgement aren’t always present. “Last year, I got in a fight and I made some comments that I should’ve thought about before I said them,” Tanvi Yadlapalli, a sophomore, said. “I was mad, and I wasn’t thinking things through. After the fight was over, I felt really stupid.” Adolescents tend to do things without thinking it through for a number of reasons. “Adolescents tend to take more risks and be more impulsive,” Judy Chang, a board certified sleep neurologist, said. “(Making them) more susceptible to external influences like peer pressure.” Juaquin Fabela, a Christian rapper and motivational speaker, experienced a lot of of these external influences as he was growing up. “I was around an environment of drugs,” Fabela
College of the Month Tulane University
said. “My brother became a gang member and I got involved in drugs and alcohol and became a gang member because of him. (The problem) wasn’t necessarily as much peer pressure as it was cultural.” For Fabela, all of the addictive behaviors around him ended up rubbing off on him. “I was born into a family of drugs and alcohol,” Fabela said. “And it culturally and psychologically captured me and I became addicted. My toxic relationships (with my family) made me make bad decisions.” As a kid, Fabela started experimenting with less severe forms of drugs, but as he grew older he took more chances. “For me, my (addictions) was always growing,” Fabela said. “The stems and seeds turned into real marijuana, and the Budweiser can became a forty pack.” As time went on, Fabela said that the drugs started to take a toll on his physical and social health. “I ended up gaining tons of weight. I was kicked out of school for having marijuana on me,” Fabela said. “I didn’t have a good (friend) who said I should stop doing (drugs and alcohol). My relationship with my girlfriend, who was the mother of my daughter, (was bad) and ended with her taking my daughter
Juaquin Fabela Fabela is one of the fastest Christian rappers in the world.
away.” Fortunately, as Fabela got older, he was able to make better choices. “My decisions started developing as I got older,” Fabela said. “I started hanging out with people who discipled me, guided me and led me away from (my addictions). Sometimes I wanted to do wrong but they would show me the right way. ” As a result, Fabela was able to abstain from his addictions and now helps others with their addictions by telling them his story. “I was guided to do drugs and drink... and as I was guided towards bouncing my eyes towards girls and other (things), I had to be guided by other men to bounce my eyes away from those things,” Fabela said. “Sooner or later you become that new, reformed person.”
Musical triumphs go unrecognized The GBHS band awards, while plenty, are not displayed in the main gynmasium BY PAIGE ERICKSON
S TULANE UNIVERSITY
Location: Tulane University Mascot: Riptide the Pelican Enrollment: 6,662 undergraduates Tuition: $51,010 Student to faculty ratio: 8:1 Acceptance Rate: 30% - Researched by Hannah Xu
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tudents at Granite Bay High School thrive not only in academics, but in extracurricular activities as well. Some of these activities, however, continue to get more recognition than others. For example, awards for activities such as for sports are displayed in the gym. This helps recognize the team’s victories, hard work and dedication. However, other awards such as those for band, are kept only in the band room, not in the gym to be seen by students and faculty. “We put in a ton of work, and some recognition would be totally rad,” said Kyle Sundquist, GBHS band president. “It would be cool if other programs got their accomplishments displayed Gazette photo /MACKENZIE BROWN somewhere if they are prestigious.” The band’s several awards are on constant display inside the band classroom The GBHS band has competed in several competitions and last year had a huge victory At times, the popularity of other activities when they became state champions. can cause the GBHS band to seem underrepreAt the Western Band Association, they also sented. won most of the categories such as music, genWe put in a ton of “I feel like a lot of people know what we do, eral effect and visual. work, and some but it would be awesome if the school encour“Winning feels really good, especially last aged students to come to our local competiyear,” Sundquist said. “It was the first time our recognition would tions,” Sundquist said. band had won our division at WBA champs in be totally rad. Whether it be recognition from the bulletin or four years, so that was incredible to be apart of.” assistance from the staff, students could learn In order to prepare, band members put in hard more about the band in general and about their – Kyle Sundquist, GBHS work, sometimes rehearsing over 30 hours every upcoming performances. week. This helps to ensure victories. band president “If our events are covered and announced by “After winning competitions I realize how the bulletin, I think [band] would be recognized much all of band’s hard work has paid off,” more,” Garza said. said Micheala Garza, GBHS band member. “It If the awards won by band were displayed in makes me feel so proud of my band and keeps the gym, it would better recognize the team’s me motivated to keep pushing until the end.” A great amount of work is put in by each achievements. For these competitions, members practice on member, however, band continues to get less Putting up a trophy or hanging a banner from weekdays before and after school, combined recognized than other, more popular activities, winning a competition can show members of with preparing to perform at different school such as sports. any activity that they are appreciated and will occasions. “People grow up watching sports and learning always be remembered in the years to follow. “All of this time doesn’t even include all of to love them through their parents and social “Band awards should be displayed in the the practice we do at home, the private lesevents,” Garza said. “While most music is gym,” Garza said. “Not for the reason of winsons we take, the extra time spent for school extremely popular, the kind of music played in ning but because of how dedicated we are to events or the time we spend at band before and after events,” Garza said. band is not.” doing what we love.”
Club Club Name Crafts for a Cause Club Teacher Adviser Lisa Goldsmith :
:
BY NATASHA CHANDA
Facts
nchanda.gazette@gmail.com
1. Some male songbirds sing more than 2000 times each day. 2. The average college student pays over $14,000 a year in tuition and books. 3. A single cloud can weigh more than 1 million pounds. 4. Chewing gum burns about 11 calories per hour. 5. New York drifts about one inch farther away from London each year. - Compiled by Paige Erickson
Student
What is the purpose of your club? (The purpose is) to make the world a happier place, one craft at a time. We are teaching each other how to create many different products (ie bracelets, blankets, beanies, dog toys, etc) and will be donating our products to local causes.
Gazette: How are you involved on campus?
When do you meet? (We meet) Wednesdays 2:45 to 4:00 (sometimes we end earlier) in room 611.
Gazette: What are your passions outside of school?
How was the club created? Some old students of mine were visiting and they wanted to start a club so we started brainstorming. This group of students are very creative so we thought a craft club would be really fun because we can all bring something to the table. - By Milan French
Special to the Gazette /EVAN SARMIENTO
Evan: I am a part of Student Government because I like being involved in creating fun high school memories.
Evan: Outside of school I like being in the outdoors, from mountain biking to fishing with friends. Gazette: What are your goals past high school? Evan: After high school I hope to get my MBA and start my own business. - By Cole Kahmann
Friday, October 14, 2016
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Lifestyle B3
Nationally recognized twirler takes center stage GBHS baton artists enthralls the crowd BY WHITNEY KNORP
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ith every touchdown and every defeat, there’s a new addition to the sidelines making each victory sweeter and every bitter loss bittersweet. Looking out into Granite Bay High School’s student cheering section at football games, you will see the crowd going crazy – but it’s not always just for the football team. You wouldn’t have to look much further to see another reason behind what is captivating the GBHS crowd – on the track stands (and leaps and spins and jumps) Lauren Roush, who has a knack for stealing the show with her baton twirling talent and incredible performance quality. Roush is a GBHS sophomore who debuted her passion and skills as a competitive baton twirler at the first GBHS
football game of the season. when her mom first encouraged her to try She continues to perform each Friday it out. night as a feature performer, sharing what She said that she has loved it ever since. she loves to do with the rest of the student Roush’s years of hard work and dedibody and encouraging school spirit. cation are showcased not only through Regarding how she ended up as a solo her performance abilities, but through performer alongside cheer and color the titles she has earned as a competitive guard, Roush said that she took matters Junior baton twirler. into her own hands. According to the United States Twirling “I decided that Association, there are I wanted to share four separate levels in what I loved with the competing, which are school,” Roush said. A, AA, AAA, and Elite. I decided that “I wanted to incorpoThey are also separated rate it somehow, but by age, “Junior” being I want to share I didn’t know how I years 13-16. what I love with was going to do that To define the meanat first.” ing of these levels, the the school. “So, I went to Ms. USTA website says, Anvari and (said), ‘I “The first three levels – Lauren Roush, GBHS really want to do this. have content restrictions sophomore This is something to ensure that athletes that I’m passionate are utilizing the proper about, and I want to skills by performing share it with others,’” movements that are of Roush said. “So, they their ability level.” let me on the field This year Roush holds and it’s great!” the national first place title for AA FreeAs far as baton twirling off of the style, and she also placed overall nationfootball field goes, Roush has performed ally in the top eight. competitively for ten years. She stumbled Her achievements in baton twirling across her love of the sport at age six don’t come easily by any means; the sport
If you really knew me,
you would know...
entails a rigorous training schedule during the school week and weekends. “It’s really intense,” said Roush. “We practice for about six hours a day when we’re training for nationals, and that’s during the school week, too. And when we’re offseason, (we train for) about two
hours a day.” For anyone inspired to take a shot at becoming a baton twirler, Roush expressed that even though she doesn’t have any plans to try and popularize the sport on campus, she would encourage new people to try it out.
Gazette photo /CARISSA LEWIS
Lauren Roush performing in front of the Tribe at a varsity football game.
Book of the Month Title: Between the World and Me Author: Ta-Nehisi Coates
The Great Gatsby of mice and men Romeo and Juliet
Grapes of Wrath
Review:
BY ANDREW YUNG
ayung.gazette@gmail.com
Jacquelyn Laskey
If you really knew me, you would know that I really, really like cauliflower.
BLACK EAGLE PRODUCTIONS
“Between the World and Me” by Ta-Nehisi Coates, was a 150 page book that took me a short time to read, but a long time to comprehend. The book is written in the style of a letter, from Coates to his son, which gives the whole book a personal and paternal feeling to it, a feeling the book dearly needs. This is because Coates talks to his son about how he grew up as an African American on the streets of Baltimore. He had to learn how to survive on the streets as well as deal with how society treats African Americans as opposed to people who are white. Throughout the book, Coates circulates through his life experiences, many containing such emotion, vigor, and injustice that it made me shake my head in shock from what he had gone through. However, since the book is to his aforementioned son, a lot of the writing is in the second person. This actually lends itself to the reading, as when in the process of reading, the book at times seems to be addressed to the reader. At other times it is obvious he is talking to only his son, but the one-sided conversation from father to son also takes its own journey throughout the story and helps show Coates’ side as a father and how much he loves his son. Don’t get me wrong, “Between the World and Me” was very thought provoking and interesting, but for those who simply are seeking a casual read, this book is not for you. To do this book justice, one should read and annotate it all in one sitting, as the book’s complexity and the author’s fearlessness of discussing touchy subjects make this a very unique book.
Thomas Freeman
If you really knew me, you would know that I love to ski with my family and friends.
Your Names. Your Faces.
Delaney Johnson
If you really knew me you would know that I have ridden an elephant in Thailand.
- By Brayden Johnk
The Gazette.
Lifestyle B4
College advisors: necessary or not? Private counselors may be worthwhile although typically a large expenditure BY MILAN FRENCH
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ollege counselors are a major resource many high school students use in order to stay on track with their plans for college. However, with the price and time commitment many students don’t have, it is hard to tell if hiring a college counselor is really necessary for a student looking to get accepted to college. Students claim to frequently use the counselors for help in preparing for college, standardized tests and more. “I usually try to get in one or two times a week. I either go over review questions for the SAT or ACT and I will sometimes take a practice test just to see where I’m at,” said GBHS junior Brennan Holt. “ There is also a college planning aspect of it that I will start to use more during senior year when I start applying to colleges.” Having a college counselor also helps students to gain skills that are pertinent in figuring out the college acceptance game. “It allows me to be more organized and receive the help that the school might not offer,” said GBHS sophomore at Avisha Shah. Although beneficial for some, other students and parents don’t feel the need to obtain a college counselor.
“My husband and I did not hire college counselors for our three children and all three got into the colleges of their choice: UCLA, UCD and Cal Poly SLO among other acceptances,” said ninth and eleventh grade English teacher Kay Bachrach. As of 2013, 26 percent of all college applicants stated that they had hired a “private admissions consultant” to help with goals for college. “The application process seems to dominate students’ minds and time from the summer until the due dates and getting into college has become so competitive,” Bachrach said. “However, I feel that students can do this on their own with some assistance from our resources here at school.” Personal college counselors aren’t the only resource students have to better their education and prep for future endeavors. “We have excellent resources here at GBHS including our counselors, the College Center and Naviance. For this reason, I don’t think every student needs to hire an additional counselor,” Bachrach said. Yet the support that Granite Bay High School provides often doesn’t coincide with students’ schedules, therefore hampering students’ use of them. “The hours that it is open don’t always fit in with my schedule.” said GBHS junior
Friday, October 14, 2016
Zach Wong. Although counselors are gaining popularity, they are not a cheap resource. In fact, their prices range from 250 to 40,000 dollars according to Fox news. Yet typically counselors tend to cost from around 1000 dollars to 10,000 dollars. “Some of my friends have personal college counselors,” said junior Allyse Zimmerman. “I don’t really think it’s worth it to pay all this money when there are already so many resources at school and such,” The college planning center located in Granite Bay costs around $6,000 in total according to junior Blake D’souza. “I think some kids need the push and encouragement of deadline meetings with the counselor to make it all happen in a timely, less stressful manner,” Bachrach said. College counselors are not a necessity for each student. Some do well with them and some do well without: it all depends on the student. “I definitely don’t think that it is a necessity at all but I think it for sure helps get me and others prepared,” Holt said. Many students claim college counselors help one to strive in an organized manner to meet future goals, but it isn’t a mandatory tool for college nor standardized testing prep. Necessary or unnecessary, there are thousands of certified, personal college counselors across the country. Typically the best reviewed counselors are certified through the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC). “I believe that the time I’ve put in at the College Planning Center will help me improve my SAT score to help me get into the optimal college,” Wong said. “Going to the College Planning Center isn’t absolutely necessary to get a good score on the actual test, but I do feel that it is good place to sit down and study (quietly).”
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Illustration/Isabella Tkachuk
Common Core troubles Homecoming festivities High school students deal with the complex demands of all levels of integrated mathematics
The annual tradition remains a favorite event among students BY ALINA POCZOBUTT
apoczobutt.gazette@gmail.com
BY REESE RICHMOND
rrichmond.gazette@gmail.com
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ith the integrated math system being reintroduced to Granite Bay High School in 2014, the class of 2018 was the first to try the common core and integrated math class. Now, the incoming freshman are automatically put into the system. “It isn’t perfect,” said integrated math teacher Lisa Vaughan about the common core math system. It was a drastic change not just for students, but teachers as well. “The transition from our old traditional program to our new integrated program was a challenge,” Vaughan said. Although the transition was hard as a teacher, she’s happy with the transition. “Giving students the opportunity to engage in productive struggle either by themselves or with their partner and groups has turned out to be one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had in my career,” Vaughn said. The point of the integrated system is to further common core and critical thinking. While standard math classes are “teacher-centered” the integrated system is “student-centered.” According to Vaughan, this means that in a teacher-centered class, a teacher will spend a lot of time on direct instruction. In a student-centered class, students are encouraged to work on their own much of the time. Some students don’t like the
Gazette Photo/Mackenzie Brown
Student deals with the frustrations of the Integrated Math 3 system Despite the difficulty level of the student-centered environment. “You’ll go and ask for help and the class, some students feel like their response will be like ‘oh, you know, efforts to receive a good grade in the class pay off. work it out with people in your “I’m getting good grades and I feel group’ (but) none of us really get it,” said GBHS junior Brittney Baisden. good about what I’m learning,” said GBHS junior Jake Trythall. Not only is the student-centered Some students say that the style more difficult for students to be part of, but it’s also more difficult integrated system is beneficial for students. for teachers to teach. “The IM system is beneficial at “It’s easier for me to just do the times because it gives students a work for my students,” Vaughan more complex way to look at difsaid. ferent problems to help better their “We are given performance tasks understanding,” Epstein said. which take us hours on end to Despite the varying opinions of finish,”said GBHS junior Courtney students, Vaughan is confident that Epstein. the system is incredibly beneficial. Having already completed the in“I have seen students make more tegrated math course, GBHS junior connections with the ‘why’ more Jessica Baker expressed her dislike than ever,” Vaughan said. “Having for the system. the opportunity to practice problems “I really didn’t like it because the and develop your own understandway they broke up the math in each class was weird, and they tried to do ing makes math so much more meaningful. Having the expericommon core with the math which ence...will make them a valuable made everything harder,” Baker member of any team.” said.
Student
Spotlight
Freshman student shares his school views
onfire, float building, Friday night lights, royalty and rallies are all things that student can look forward to seeing at this year’s homecoming event. The event is a week long process that gives students multiple activities to participate in. Homecoming brings each class together with float building, recognizes great students with the royalty court, raises money for clubs with the bonfire event, and draws all the students out to support the football team. Students look forward to this event every year and there are many reasons why. Homecoming is an incredible event, but it is only such a remarkable event due to the dedication of individuals in student government. This event never disappoints and becomes more extravagant with each year, so what should we expect to see this year on Friday October 21st? Nothing less than we have seen every other year. Float building is one of the most time consuming projects and impressive projects during the Homecoming season. Float building starts two weeks prior to Homecoming and requires many hours to be put in by the students of each grade to complete the project. To start out the most exciting week of the year, student government sets a dressing theme for each day of the week. This year, the themes are tacky tourist day, pj day, sports day, USA day, and to finish the week, tribe day. Students are encouraged to dress up for each day while spreading a positive and lively attitude for the most exciting day and game of the year. The next event of Homecoming is the bonfire event, which occurs the thursday night before the big game. Bonfire gives each grade the opportunity to reveal the float that they had been working on for the two weeks prior to the event. Bonfire starts off with each grade’s float making a lap around the track, while students admire the hard work and dedication put into building the floats. After each float has made its lap around the track, student are called to make their way over to the softball field. Students get to purchase goods sold by the many
clubs on campus while listening to music and watching the logo of the opposing team burning in an enormous bonfire. Senior Connor MacDonald says that his favorite event of homecoming is bonfire and is looking forward to “eating all the free hotdogs”. Another traditional aspect of Homecoming is the royalty court. Each year, the Homecoming rally presents the royalty from each class and who will be crowned prince and princess. As each class has their royalty crowned, the senior class waits in anticipation for their queen and king. Later that night during the halftime show, the royalty nominees make their way around the track and the senior queen and king are crowned. After the senior queen and king are crowned, the floats are driven around the track to shown the spectators of the game. “I like to see how creative each class is and their perspective on what the theme is,” said senior Allie Arciniaga. Of course, Homecoming would not be the same without the Homecoming football game itself. This year the Granite Bay Grizzlies will be playing the Nevada Union Miners. This years game will be one of the most exciting and highly attended games of the season because it is Homecoming and it is also the breast cancer awareness game. “There is (a lot of) excitement around the Homecoming football game, ” said GBHS junior Lauren Angelo. Students at the football game are encouraged to wear pink or purchase a GB breast cancer awareness shirt. The breast cancer game is very popular among students and parents because the community comes out for a great cause. On top of being the breast cancer game, there are also fireworks, floats, and food, which draws more people out to the game. Homecoming is such a huge and crucial event to the fall season and it could not get completed by anyone other than student government. Each event in Homecoming requires its own commissioner and the help of others in the student government class. Homecoming is a great event to be a part of, whether you’re dressing up for spirit days, working on floats or attending the game. It’s game that many members of the Granite Bay community look foward to.
How do you like Granite Bay High School? I like the atmosphere at Granite Bay, the people are nice and there is a good sense of community. Do you like your classes? I like them but I get sent out of them for stupid reasons
Do you feel like Ripple Effect is going to be something you will use in the future? Yeah, it’s going to be something I use daily. What do you do in your free time? Gazette photo /BELLA HAMILTON
Elon Harmon
I play soccer, video games and hang out with my girlfriend. -Compiled by Bella Hamilton
Friday, October 14, 2016
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Ripple Effect Week brings positivity TOP Students reflect on the annual opinions of the week are crucial for determining its actual effect. Jamie Kanchananakhin is a GBHS junior with a positive outlook on this year’s Ripple Effect Week. “I’ve seen a lot of kids around campus helping each other out and being generally positive toward each other,” Kanchananakhin said. Unfortunately, not all students use the activities and events to their advantage. “I know a lot of kids who think it’s pretty stupid,” Kanchananakhin said. “They just don’t take heart in it, which I think is dumb.” Ripple Effect Week Culture Commissioner Katie Carson was given the responsibility of planning the events and activities throughout the five days.
week-long activity at GBHS BY SABINA MAHAVNI
smahavni.gazette@gmail.com
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ise by lifting others – this was the goal of this year’s Ripple Effect Week. Each school year, five consecutive days are designated for creating more positive and welcoming interactions between both the students and staff at Granite Bay High School. Ripple Effect Week consists of collaborative activities in every second period class, themed video bulletins and positive vibes circulating the campus, all to set a good example early on. “We do it early in the year because we are trying to set a tone,” said Tamara Givens, the GBHS Activities Director. The daily activities were focused on the collaboration of students in class. They were not only directed at the students but also at the staff. “I feel like the impact is really determined by our staff because our staff leads the activities,” Givens said. “When teachers really get into it and really invest and spend time doing the activities… (the students) get a lot out of it.” Myron Stephens, a GBHS art teacher, did not expect the students to take the activities seriously at the start of Ripple Effect Week. “At first, I thought ‘Are students going to like it?’ and ‘Was it going to be too
childish?’” Stephens said. However, after hearing students’ and staff’s stories about individual struggles, Stephens gained more respect for the activities and intention of Ripple Effect. “I think it was really surprising… the students really enjoyed it, and so did I,” Stephens said. Looking back at the evolution of Ripple Effect Week, Givens said how much more of an event it is now. She hopes students will continue to appreciate the value of uplifting and motivating their peers. “When we started, it was more of an anti-bullying idea, and it morphed from there to be more of a kindness and respect week,” Givens said. With every year comes a new theme. According to Givens, as the years progressed, students and staff have gotten more involved in the activities and have gained more respect for each other. “(Students) have gotten used to (Ripple Effect Week),” Givens said. “They like hearing other people’s stories.” Not only did students and teachers volunteer to share their stories this year, but they were also willing to share how they overcame certain struggles and “who lifted them up through it,” Givens said. Since the extent to which these activiGazette photo /CARISSA LEWIS ties and video bulletins affected both Ripple Effect Week, being demonstrated above, is like dominoes – stustudents and staff is reflected in their dents strive to spread kindness and compassion around the school. enthusiasm during the week, students’
SOLANO: Giving help to those less fortunate Continued from page B1
As the fundraiser is now over, Solano and his family have prepared to the best of their abilities for the new kids. “It’s a little hard to prepare for the unknown. We didn’t know what size clothes the kids would be wearing or the toys that would be appropriate for their development,” Solano said. Through meeting others in the Down Syndrome community, Solano learned that orphaned children with Down Syndrome end up on the streets, never having a family. “It’s a terrible fate that none of us would wish upon our own children. We decided that we could add another child to our life and a special friend for our son, someone who could relate to him and frankly someone as awesome as he is.” Solano said. “That’s where the idea was birthed.” Solano and his family decided to adopt from China again because of what a positive experience they had the first time. Their first adopted child came from an organization called Reece’s Rainbow. “We saw her picture and fell head over heels in love with her,” Solano said. “She just happened to be born in China.” Solano has had no regrets since the adoption. “She was the best decision we ever made,” Solano said.
Carson said that although more improvements could be made to the events, the activities proved effective and positively contagious. “On Tuesday, we did the compliment sharing and throughout the day I saw a lot of people passing the compliments on,” Carson said. The aftereffects of Ripple Effect Week have proven to be both influential and mostly positive. Whether students and teachers found the events uplifting or not, the theme of rising by lifting others has revealed the advantages to understanding individual battles. “After (the activities), it seemed like the class was more talkative,” Stephens said. “Everybody has a story.”
It’s a terrible fate that none of us would wish upon our own children. – Gerardo Solano, Spanish teacher
Along with their daughter, Solano’s family just recently adopted a little boy and girl from China through ATWA, the organization all funds are being donated to. “The act of rescuing a child from the fate that awaits them brings one to tears,” Solano said. “All the work to redeem these children comes to a culmination where it is reality.” Solano and his family look forward to making memories with the children and seeing them grow. “I’m most excited about watching all of these children fulfill their destinies. I see greatness in them and expect nothing less,” Solano said. “They are here to change us, to make a difference in our world.”
Farm to fork arrives
New club is focused on the good of the community by helping to grow fresh food BY BELLA HAMILTON
bhamilton.gazette@gmail.com
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he Food, Farm and Garden Club is bringing a new outlook of farm-fresh foods to Granite Bay High School. This new club is spearheaded by GBHS English teacher Anthony Davis. Davis has been growing his own foods on his property in Citrus Heights with his wife and two kids for the past eight years, and is ready to bring his knowledge to the GBHS campus. “The whole model of the club is to get out there” Club advisor, Davis said. The new club on the GBHS campus is focused on bringing the farm to plate movement into the community. “The driving force for me to advise the club is passion,” Davis said. “My wife and I have been (growing their own foods) for eight years now.” The focus of the club would be on raising and preserving homegrown food, from fruits to vegetables, to ultimately benefit the community. “(The club) will teach people on campus how to be more self sufficient, and by growing your own foods, it makes the club eco-friendly,”
GBHS senior Larissa Moffat said. Davis is hoping to promote the ideas of growing foods and turning them into fresh, healthy meals for families. “I grew up gardening and had a vegetable garden,” Davis said. “Fresh ingredients with onions and carrots become an amazing dish that my wife makes.” Keyuri Pillay, a Junior at GBHS has positive thoughts on the newly formed club. “It was pretty fun, we learned about growing our own foods and what seasons you grow them in,” Pillay said. Davis’ wife helped the club in an off campus activity making pies with the students in the club. Megan Gallant, a GBHS senior, understands the purpose Davis is trying to relay to students. “It’s teaching kids to grow their own foods and to be responsible,” Megan Gallant, a Senior at GBHS said. This club is a way to increase one’s knowledge of the way food is grown and help grow gardens. “We spent some time planting strawberry plants, rows of carrots, fava beans and six different varieties of lettuce,” Davis said. The club currently has
Anthony Davis English teacher is the adviser of the Food, Farm and Garden Club.
around six members, but Davis is always looking to expand and encourages anyone that has an interest in food production or growing foods to join the club. The club meetings are on Tuesdays at 2:45 in room 826, around once a month, as listed on the Granite Bay High School website. Davis suggests asking him if you have any questions about the club, and if there are any questions about where your food comes from and how it comes from the garden to your plate, Davis invites you to join the club. “The students rolled their sleeves up, got a little dirty and planted,” Davis said.
How to: Make a Snapchat Geo-filter 1) Pick a significant place: Create a geofence for the design to mark where the geofilter can be used. Check Snapchat’s website and Reddit for tips on where to create the geofence.
Lifestyle
B5
Halloween Movies Ghostbusters
The Tower of Terror
The Haunted Mansion
Corpse Bride
The Addams Family
Beetlejuice
Casper
Halloweentown
Hocus Pocus
2) Create your design: Snapchat requires designs made on Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop. Save your design as a PNG file. 3) Submit your design: Designs can be submitted on Snapchat.com. After submitting the filter, the website will ask some questions regarding the design. Hopefully, the art created will be the next new geofilter.
Gazette illustration/HANNAH XU
- Compiled by Sabina Mahavni
The Nightmare Before Christmas - Compiled by Reese Richmond
B6 Lifestyle
Friday, October 14, 2016
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The painted parking spots in the front parking lot each exhibit the unique designs and names of seniors.
Seniors express their creativity Students at GBHS artistically portray their last year of high school on the cement BY BELLA HAMILTON
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bhamilton.gazette@gmail.com
he main parking lot of the GBHS campus has a special spot for seniors showcasing their artistically painted names or pictures. Seniors can buy a parking spot at the start of the year, paint the blank space and claim the parking spot as their own. The senior parking spots are one of the many ways for seniors to personalize their last year in high school and lay stake to one of the best student parking spots on campus. The parking spots showcase seniors’ personalities and artistic skills on the pavement. Each parking spot tells its own story about who made it and what he or she is like. “I painted my parking spot with catbug from Bravest Warriors,” Kyle Sundquist, a GBHS senior, said. “It’s a funny interview show I like to watch.” “It was something I was really happy to do, but (painting a parking spot) wasn’t really planned,” Sundquist said. “It was more of a spontaneous decision.” The painted parking spots are colorful and are all very personalized to fit each student’s interests, likes and how they represent themselves. There are a few parking spots that have a comedic meaning to them including one parking spot that says “The doctor said I’m sick, I said true.” Some parking spots are colorful and minimalistic, with a depiction of an animated character from an online animated web series. Other parking spots just have the student’s name. On the other hand, some are very elaborate and include a lot of detail. Emily Province, another senior, said why she chose her design for her parking spot. “I put my name on it and little
flowers around it,” Province said. “I just thought it was a pretty design.” Students’ names can be often found on the parking spots along with different designs depending on their interests. Jacob Novaresi, a GBHS football player, said how he made his parking spot uniquely his own. “My parking spot has my nickname and my football number on it,” Novaresi said. “I didn’t (paint my own parking spot) though.” Senior parking spots are something special to commemorate seniors’ last year of high school. Sports players at GBHS sometimes include elements of their sports in their parking spots, showing a soccer ball or using a jersey number like Novaresi has. “I’m pretty big on football, so that’s why I went with my jersey number,” Novaresi said. Each parking spot is different, depending on the interests of the student. Some designs are more flowery and intricate while others have a more sporty flare. “I knew I always wanted to do a design related to flowers, but I never really knew until I was painting,” Province said. There are only a limited number of spots to buy, and they are sold at the beginning of the year, so all future seniors who want a customized parking spot should make the investment and leave your mark on GBHS for the year. “I always had an idea that I wanted to do my parking spot a certain way.” Province said, “Decorating it the way I did was more ‘spur of the moment.’”
Gazette Photos by Natalie Hatch
Sports
Granite Bay Gazette
C Section
Friday w October 14, 2016
COMMENTARY
GBHS alums play at the professional level
Former students take their career to the next stage BY ISABELLA TKACHUK itkachuk.gazette@gmail.com
ali lemos
alemos.gazette@gmail.com
Four years a Grizzly and mostly disappointed With over 10 state titles and over 100 section titles in just over 20 years Granite Bay has made a name for its sports teams. But that’s changing this year. This year has not started out strong for many of GBHS sports. Football is 1 and 5, girls volleyball is 12 and 10 and girls tennis is 4 and 8, very few teams are doing well. In fact the two of the few teams with winning records are girls and boys water polo at 9 and 5 and 16 and 2, respectively. As a school who is renowned for our sports, this is very disappointing. Attending a game is much less exciting when you don’t believe there’s a chance of winning. While sports aren’t all about winning, they really are. The competition to win is why someone plays, not just to have fun. If you’re always losing where’s the entertainment and excitement. Occasionally losing is understandable, and each sport has bad years, but I find it very unfortunate that this year is a bad year for so many different Cross country is sports. always break- I feel like each ing records and year I’ve winning meets been here but no one sup- sports have ports them. slowly gotten worse. That’s not to say all the teams are doing poorly, but no one is talking about the ones that are winning. Cross country is always breaking records and winning meets but no one supports them. We only support what we think is fun and start complaining that no one is winning but that’s not true. Boys water polo also has a record of 16/2, and the losses were very close games. Girls water polo is not far behind with a record of 9 and 5. As a school we need to support all the teams not just Friday night lights. This is not to say that we shouldn’t support football but I think we need to spread out our support to everyone. Teams like cross country take first and second in multiple meets but no one is talking about that. However the rest of our sports are not performing as they usually do. When competing against GBHS, most schools used to fear us, but now it’s just an easy win for them. Perhaps I’ve grown accustomed to always winning but having high expectations isn’t a bad thing. It surprises me that so many teams are having a rough year, is there something about the class of 2017? Are athletes committed and afraid of hurting themselves? Whatever it is I hope this trend doesn’t continue throughout the year. Hopeful the fall and spring sports step up their game. *** Ali Lemos, a senior, is a Gazette sports
Success may not be in the name Granite Bay High School itself, but it’s definitely implied through the accomplishments of the stellar athletes it produces. Throughout the course of the years, many athletes that have attended GBHS have found success with their professional careers, especially soccer players. Northern California is known for being one of the most competitive soccer regions in the country. In the Sacramento region itself, clubs such as San Juan, Placer United and Blues FC have all had tremendous
success in producing athletes for the collegiate, professional, and national levels. A GBHS alumni and ex Blues FC player, Tommy Thompson, has been able to take his soccer skills to the professional, as well as national levels. “It’s a roller coaster ride,” Thompson said. “Professional sports are no joke!” Thompson got drafted to play for the San Jose Earthquakes, a Major League Soccer team, on March 14, 2014. “It’s never easy to come into MLS at such a young age,” Thompson said. “I was 18 years old competing for spots against grown men.” Even though he must work harder than most of the Earthquakes players due to his inexperience, Thompson still has hopes for a successful future. “As a young guy, playing time isn’t easy to come by,” Thompson said. “You have to work hard and take your chance whenever it’s given to you.” Thompson said he is enjoying his time playing for San Jose.
“(Playing for the Earthquakes) has been great,” Thompson said. “I love our stadium, our staff and our fans.” Not only does Thompson play for the Earthquakes, he also makes appearances at Bonney Field, home of the USL Pro team, the Sacramento Republic FC. “Sac Republic is an affiliate team with the Earthquakes,” Thompson said. “Whenever I am not getting playing time with the Earthquakes, I go to Sacramento to stay sharp and to get ready for when the Quakes do need me.” When playing at Bonney Field, Thompson said he loves the feeling of playing in front of people from his community. “The entire Sacramento community has been amazing,” Thompson said. “I am overwhelmed by the support I get whenever I come to Sacramento to play.”
Special to the Gazette /The Thompson Family
Tommy Thompson (left) and Connor Hallisey (right), exchange jerseys after playing one another with their MLS teams, San Jose Earthquakes and Sporting Kansas City respectively.
Talent goes global for competitors
See PROFESSIONALS, page C4
Athletes take their skills internationally to perform at a competitive level BY SURINA KHURANA
skhurna.gazette@gmail.com
Few high school athletes drive further than a few hours to compete in athletic events. Even fewer travel outside of the state for a competition or meet. And it’s a true rarity to find someone who has traveled abroad for athletics. Granite Bay High School, however, has its share of students and alumni who have continued to demonstrate their excellence through competing not in events across the nation, but in events across the world. Several of those who have traveled abroad, whether for soccer or for biking, agree that the competition is significantly higher abroad. “Cycling in Europe is like football in the U.S.,” said senior Taylor Kring, who has been biking for three years. “There are a ton of people who race and the community supports it a lot more.” During this past summer Kring spent time cycling in Belgium as a guest rider for a team called Washington Spin. He said the highlight of cycling abroad was his first race, a U23 and elite race. “There were 150 people and a couple of pros racing,” Kring said. “It went through a city. It was a very different experience. Registration was located inside the local pub and there were a bunch of old men drinking beer and betting. There were probably a couple thousand people at the race and there was traditional music and everyone was cheering and partying. It was super cool to be apart of a different culture and not just be Kring said the whole atmosphere of cycling in Belgium was far Special to the Gazette/ALEX CHIU
Senior Taylor Kring spent two weeks in Belgium as a guest rider with the Washington Spin.
Athletes join GBHS teams
Students transfer from inner-district schools BY ALINA POCZOBUTT
apoczobutt.gazette@gmail.com
Attending a new school can be challenging but for athletes there’s a group of students who help make the process easier. Granite Bay High School has always had an incredibly competitive sports program, which is made up of equally dedicated and competitive student athletes. On top of being part of a time demanding and high–stress program, transfer athletes have to deal with adapting to a new school environment and establishing their role on their new sports team.
GBHS has been fortunate to have many talented athletes join their sports programs over the years. Girls’ volleyball has added two transfer athletes to their varsity roster this season. Junior Abby Marjama and sophomore Alex Griffiths both very talented transfer students. The girls said they have found GBHS an easy school to get used to, and have loved getting to work with their teammates and coaches. Marjama said she transferred to attend school with some of her closest friends and the volleyball team has helped widen her friend group even more. Transfer athletes must complete
See INTERNATIONAL ATHLETES, page C3
certain requirements before being able to participate in their desired sport. After completing a required form, the California Interscholastic Federation(CIF) reviews the athlete’s application to check if the student plays at the varsity level, if they have played their respective sport within the last 12 months and whether or not this is the athlete’s first transfer. If CIF approves the application to play, the student must take a sit-out period that usually lasts around 30 days. Marjama played in her first game two weeks ago but has been practicing with the team since August. “I made so many friends on my volleyball team and we are like a family,” Marjama said. She said she believes that joining a
Abby Marjama Junior transferred from Rocklin to be closer to her friends and has joined the GBHS varsity volleyball team.
school team has a lot of benefits for a transfer athlete, like getting to meet new people and making new friends. Alex Griffiths moved to area the before the beginning of the school year, which placed her in the GBHS district. As a transfer student, Griffiths has noticed the benefits of joining a team. “(I love) getting to work with new coaches and making new friends” Griffiths said. See TRANSFERS, page C3
inside sports Grizz Quiz
Fan of the Month
C3 C4
Athlete of the Month C5
Golden One Center
Topgolf
GBHS Kings fans discuss new arena and upcoming season
GBHS students discuss the new sports entertainment franchise
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C5
Fall Sports Update GBHS athletes continue on in their fall sports seasons
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Friday, October 14, 2016
Sports C2
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New Golden 1 Center excites GBHS basketball fans
The arena brings hopes of a successful season for the Sacramento Kings BY WILL ANDERSON
wanderson.gazette@gmail.com
Losing sucks, and Sacramento Kings fans have had to experience their fair share of it over the past 10 years. Some faithful Sacramento natives have remained optimistic towards the Kings throughout the ups and downs of previous seasons, and others have felt the disappointment that often surrounds a struggling franchise. For sophomore Zac Janko, the passion still remains. “I’ve been a Kings fan since I was about 8, going to more than 30 games a year. I try to stay in the loop with the team as much as I can,” Janko said. Janko also believes the recent construction of Golden 1 Center could provide an edge for the Kings. “I think the new stadium will definitely be positive for not only the fans, but also the players,” Janko said. Golden 1 Center was officially opened on September 30, 2016, and is providing excitement for different King’s followers, even the average Sacramento citizen. “I’m not a huge basketball fan so I do not watch games that often,” senior Evan Sarmiento said. “But the stadium might bring more fans out which could pump the team up and cause them to get closer to getting into the playoffs.” Regardless of dedication to the team, some fans are still frustrated by the King’s recent performances. Senior Kenny LeBeau is highly committed and watches every game, but does not see the new Golden 1 Center changing the team’s losing habits. “I think the new arena will add initial hype, but after a couple months everything will be the same,” LeBeau said. There is no doubting the beauty of the new arena and all its high end innovations,
but it is the team itself that has to change. “They need a deeper bench to be a true playoff contender,” LeBeau said. “The stadium won’t help much.” Sacramento has not played anything but regular season basketball since 2006, missing the playoffs for 10 consecutive years. Junior Skyy Jackson, daughter of former Kings guard Bobby Jackson, offers a similar incite, agreeing with LeBeau’s comments. “I think it is going to take more than a new arena for the Kings to make it to the playoffs, but hopefully it gives them motivation to work even harder now that they have a brand new facility,” Jackson said. Even though she doesn’t believe the Kings will be an immediate threat in the 2016-2017 season, Jackson has grown up around the team and is determined to continue to both follow and root for them. “I feel that on a scale from one to ten, I am a seven when it comes to my commitment. I love the Kings, and the people that work there. It’s just a really great organization,” Jackson said. “I attend games regularly, and I usually check the schedule so if I don’t go to the arena I can watch the games at home.” Similar to other dedicated Kings fans, Zac Janko thinks the Kings possibly need to make some acquisitions for different talents around the league. “Hopefully they trade and get better and younger players since they are rebuilding and don’t have the best of teams,” Janko said. King’s fans are encouraged by the facilities. “I do think the new stadium will build confidence,” Janko said. “I feel the arena being new and being in a great environment will help attract players.” Special to the Gazette /BAILEY HOOVER
The Golden 1 Center, located in Downtown, is the newest building in the area, and a popular attraction as it was built with up-to-date technology, modern architecture and will house the Sacramento Kings NBA team.
Put your game face on.
Season changes cause conflicts As the sports seasons shift, so do interests BY SIDNEY ZABELL
szabell.gazette@gmail.com
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Eenie, meenie, miney, mo, the sport to choose? I do not know. The seasons of sports have switched at Granite Bay High School, and students are now feeling the impact. Several students have always participated in multiple sports over the year because the seasons took place at different times, but are now struggling to face the fact that they are only able to do one. For example, girls’ soccer used to be in the spring and boys’ soccer used to be in the fall, but both are now in the winter. The change was made in order to align with the other schools in California. This means that students who were previously able to participate in soccer in the fall or the spring, along with another sport in winter, are now unable to do so. Other students have to pick one sport
over another because of the time commitments. Catherine Candy, a GBHS freshman, had to decide between cheer, volleyball, and swim this year. “(The sports) weren’t at the same time because I hadn’t started year-round swim yet,” Candy said. Candy did swim since kindergarten, cheer for the past five years and volleyball for a season in eighth grade. “I quit cheer and volleyball to work on swim,” Candy said, “and I decided not to play water polo because I wanted to focus more on swim.” Candy’s decision was fairly easy to make. “At first I missed cheering with my friends,” Candy said, “but I felt that I could have a better future if I (did swim).” Candy said she had no reason to worry, as she made friends easily “... (but) it was alright because I made new friends at swim.” Candy said. Candy now swims year-round for the Sierra Marlins Swim Team, and finds success doing so. Freshman Brooke Cassidy also had to choose between two sports. See CHANGES, page C4
Fellowship of Christian Athletes draws attention
Controversy created amongst the student body
As flyers starting peppering school bathrooms the weeks after Club Rush, controversy arose. xxxIn the midst of the hustle and “I didn’t understand why it bustle of managing her table dur- would be called the FCA if it was ing Club Rush, Candice Leung not catered towards a specific was approached by a friendly group like the name implies.,” student brandishing a flyer about Leung said. a new club on campus: the FelJack Lugo and Jonny Romero, lowship of Christian Athletes. together the co-presidents of the “My initial impression was FCA club on campus, attribute (that) the club was for Christian the confusion to their more genathletes only,” Leung said. “Then eral approach. it was it was explained (to me) “The goal is, yes, to bring in that FCA was open to everyone people who are regular about on campus... I was confused.” Christianity,” Jack Lugo, a GBHS This was a scene repeated many senior said. “But it’s also to times during Club Rush. An ener- bring in people with free pizza getic, eager student would offer a and people who have something more than maybe just Christianflyer to students walking around ity that would be interesting to all or sitting behind tables, explain this new club and almost immedi- students,” Jack Lugo, a senior at GBHS, said. ately be met with confusion. When it comes to attendees of Why was it not necessary that members be Christian or athlete? club meetings, there is a greater What was the true purpose of this spectrum of characters beyond just “Christian athlete at Granite club? BY STEPHENIE KANG skang.gazette@gmail.com
Bay High School.” “There are some people that come because of the sports aspect and they know that a specific performer is coming to see FCA, but others come to experience the love of Christ with their peers,” said junior Romero. In response to the controversy concerning its specificity in religion and athletic status, the club takes an open minded stance. “Every student on this campus has the ability and freedom to promote whatever they like,” Lugo said. “So if there was a Muslim group on campus who think that the Christian presence on campus is too great, there’s not a single rule that keeps them from starting their own club.” In fact, the club argues that the premise of such controversy is the very antithesis of their intentions. “Sure, it’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes, but our goal isn’t
to make the club specific to people that are Christian or people that are athletes,” Lugo said. “That’s actually completely opposite of what we want to do -- we want to reach out to those people from different parts of the campus who aren’t Christian, who don’t play sports. Everybody is welcome to come to FCA.” bustle of managing her table during Club Rush, Candice Leung was approached by a friendly stu-
Illustrated by /ISABELLA TKACHUK
Friday, October 14, 2016
Grizz Quiz
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Compiled by Sidney Zabell
What’s your favorite part of your sport? Do you plan on being anything for Halloween?
Chloe Clark Swim
Being part of a team and all my teammates and the relationships I build. I’m not planning on being anything.
What’s your favorite song?
“TiK ToK” by Ke$ha
What’s your favorite TV show?
“Friends”
Last year (the swim team) What is a memorable won sections and everyone moment from your started freaking out, and we sport? all jumped in the pool and the coaches did too.
Sports C3
Yena Jang Golf
You can’t rely on other people...It’s your own thing and you have to play (well). We have Masters on Halloween, so the golf team will most likely go (out) together.
“Hold Up” by Beyonce
Elliot Hyman Lacrosse
It’s the team camaraderie and just getting to be around the guys.
Probably not.
“Through the Late Night” by Travis Scott
“Friends”
“Chappells’s Show”
When we broke our school record last Monday. We got second place at a tournament in Livermore.
This past summer winning a tournament in New York when no one thought that a team from California could.
Thomas Larkin Pole-Vaulting
That feeling you get when you go into the air, over the bar...it’s a sense of accomplishment. A mime.
“Memories” by Panic! at the Disco
“Hannibal”
The first time I cleared the 9’6” bar.
Sydney Sewell Tennis, Lacrosse
Playing against teams and being able to see how our team works together. One of the five Cheetah Girls.
“Workin’” by David Archuleta and Jamesthemormon
“Modern Family” When we were playing Varsity against JV and it started pouring rain, we all started freaking out...and then we started cracking up.
Wrestler feels pressure for his upcoming season BY MAX SCHWARTZ
mschwartz.gazette@gmail.com
Nonstop hard work and determination are two key traits Granite Bay High School freshman Jake Stone embodies. Stone has had a successful wrestling career, placing very high in the Tournament of Champions and SCWAY State Tournament. Both of these are very well known in the wrestling world as difficult competitions. “Those were two tough tournaments against very talented kids,” said Stone. After deciding he needed to get stronger if he
wanted to continue football, Stone joined the wrestling team. “I started because of football.” Stone said. “I was very little and in order to get better and to become more aggressive I joined (wrestling) “I was in 5th grade...when I started to get more interested in the sport and wanted to work harder to get better.” When Stone started to wrestle more frequently, he started to develop an interest in sports involving similar disciplines.. “Wrestling got me into (mixed martial arts) and boxing and I’ve been doing that now for
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five years,” Stone said. With Stone’s debut into high school wrestling approaching, he has already begun preparing. “Throughout the summer the goal that has been in mind is to win masters and qualify for state,” Stone said. “I’ve been lifting and wrestling every day to achieve (my goals).” With a successful record in middle school, many people have high expectations for Stone. “I think that my peers from other schools and my teammates and coaches at Granite Bay put more pressure on me to perform,” Stone said. Stone also places stress on himself to execute
well. “ I put pressure (on)myself because I want to go to Drexel (University)–a D1 wrestling college,” Stone said. Many people are usually discouraged from having a lot of pressure on them, but Stone is different. “I see the pressure as a challenge to get better” Stone said “not as a chore.”
INTERNATIONAL ATHLETES: Competitors move their expertise overseas to encounter higher a level of play Continued from page C1 watching it.” Kring said the whole atmosphere of cycling in Belgium was far different from that of the United States. “(In one) race (there were) 140 people and the whole race was on super narrow roads (that were) two or three people wide, and some of them were cobble roads,” Kring said. “It was raining and really windy. It was really crazy because everyone was pushing each other to try to get to the front and people were getting pushed off the road and there were a lot of crashes. It felt very Belgium and it was really cool.” Kring plans to continue cycling in college next year. Cody Sundquist is a fairly known name in the Granite Bay community. He left GBHS after his first semester of high school to further develop his soccer career in Florence, Italy. He now plays for Fiorentina’s primavera team, which is their reserve team. “I first got involved with Fiorentina because one day I was playing a game in the Bay Area and there happened to be a guy from the club who was scouting at the game,” Sundquist said. “After that I went for a one week trial and ever since then I’ve been going back and forth. I ultimately wanted to leave the (United States) because the level of competition is Special to the Gazette /THE SUNDQUIST FAMILY higher (in Europe) and I knew that I would Cody Sundquist poses with teammate on the team ACF Fiorentina, Reymao Nogueira. develop into a better player because everything (Treiterer’s) dreams.” Treiterer also said she gram state team. is focused on and centered around soccer here.” “I have been playing soccer for about 10 years would like to possibly coach soccer abroad in Growing up in the Granite Bay community, the future. and … I kind of just love the game as a whole,” Sundquist played several years of soccer for Like GBHS’s other international athletes, Treiterer said. Placer United Soccer Club. He was able to play Like Sundquist and Kring, Treiterer said she’s Treiterer’s athletic career is highlighted by her one season of soccer on the GBHS varsity team trips abroad. seen high levels of competition when she’s his freshman year, before he left for Italy. “Some of the biggest highlights from my socplayed internationally. “My two future goals and aspirations would cer career ...traveling to Japan for soccer, which “I guess when you travel you tend to play the be to represent the senior national team in any was probably one of the most eye opening exbest competition in that area,” Treiterer said. competition and to play professional soccer in “So the competitors tend to get better and better periences that I will ever have,” Treiterer said. Europe,” Sundquist said. “The trip showed how soccer could connect the more you travel.” Sophomore Aleah Treiterer played soccer in entirely different cultures together.__” Being on the U.S. national team is “one of Japan as part of the Player Development Pro-
TRANSFERS: Students learn to adjust new school and team Continued from page C1 Similar to Marjama, Griffiths has loved playing with the Granite Bay volleyball team and also enjoys being able to make memories with a new team and new girls. Another team that benefitted from getting a transfer student is the GBHS football team. After moving into the district
It helps you make a lot of friends and form an unbreakable bond. – Chris Osby, GBHS junior football player
and transferring from Woodcreek, Chris Osby joined the varsity football team. Osby said he had no problem becoming a part of his team and bonding with the other boys. He is a strong supporter of joining a sports team. “It helps you make a lot of friends and form an unbreakable bond,” Osby said. Unfortunately, Osby transferred
during a rough year for Granite Bay football. “No one has a bad attitude and [nobody] is giving up on the team,” Osby said. Being a transfer student is, in most cases, very difficult for some students. They have to establish a friend group, a good reputation, and are very behind when it comes to making valuable relations with staff members.
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Friday, October 14, 2016
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PROFESSIONALS: GBHS graduates find success within their soccer careers Continued from page C1 Even though Thompson is thankful for the support, he said that he owes most of his success to his dad, Gregg Thompson. “I credit all my success to my father,” Thompson said. “It’s a long journey to make it to the professional level, but he was there every step of the way. I wouldn’t be the player I am today without my dad.” Thompson also made an appearance on the USA men’s National Team, where he played in the under 20 World Cup. Even with his success in the past the 18 years, Thompson still looks forward to improving. “As of right now, I’m focused on making as much of an impact I can with the Earthquakes,” Thompson said. “I want to maximize my potential and do everything I can to help the Quakes make play-offs.” Gregg Thompson, the Executive Director of Coaching for the Blues FC, as well as Tommy Thompson’s father, sees his son having much success in his career. “Tommy has grown immensely,” Thompson said. “He now realizes what it takes to compete at the highest level. He’s… spent many extra hours on the field and has learned how to be a pro from great mentors such as Wondolowski and Jordan Stewart.” Thompson also said that his son’s career has helped him develop as a person. “Overnight, (Tommy) was thrown into a cut throat professional environment, where he had to learn to compete with seasoned pros, while at the same time start buying groceries for himself, paying bills…” Thompson said. Tommy Thompson is not the only source of attention from the soccer genre. Connor Hallisey, a GBHS alumni as well as a UC Berkeley graduate, got drafted by Sporting Kansas City in 2015. Hallisey, an ex-high school teammate and friend of Thompson, has also found great success within his soccer career. “The experiences that I have had over the past two years have been awesome,” Hallisey said. “The environment of professional sports
is very cool to be a part of in every aspect.” Hallisey has been enjoying playing professionally, but his favorite part are the benefits of being a professional athlete. “The lifestyle is the best part, Hallisey said. “We get to travel and see really cool places, play the sport we love every day and the environment and stadiums we get to play in are awesome.” Hallisey said playing for Kansas City has been one of his major accomplishments in his soccer career. “It is cool experiencing a city in a different part of the country and calling another place home,” Hallisey said. “Sporting KC has been a very successful team in recent years, winning 3 championships… I am very happy I was able to be a part of one of those last year.” Growing up playing with and against Thompson throughout the years has given Hallisey the opportunity to pay attention to his success as well. “Tommy is a great kid, and ever since he was little has been very talented and you knew he was going to be a great player,” Hallisey said. “He has a bright future in soccer and it’ll be really fun to follow him throughout his career. I’m a big fan of his.” Like Thompson, Hallisey is looking forward to a future of success, but he is grateful to have gotten to such a high level of soccer. “I am very lucky to be where I am now,” Hallisey said. “I worked very hard while in high school/ college to be the best I could be.” The Granite Bay community has much to look forward to from their talented neighbors. “I have always had the mindset to just work hard but also have fun and things will work out how they should,” Hallisey said. “(I’m going to go) with the flow and enjoying where I am at as much as I can.”
Special to the Gazette /SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES
Tommy Thompson in action duringone of his recent games playing for the San Jose Earthquakes Major League Soccer team.
Vaio shows her support
Emma Vaio As the school year starts to pick up, Vaio gets involved with the Tribe and the school spirit as she attends most games
The Tribe gives fans incentive to cheer BYSIDNEY ZABELL
I
szabell.gazette@gmail.com
f you scanned your eyes through the Tribe stands at any home football game thiyear, you are likely to find sophomore Emma Vaio cheering on the team. Vaio is a huge fan of attending the Granite Bay High School football games and has gone to most of the games this season. “I like being with the Tribe,” Vaio said. “It’s really fun when we’re all together.” Vaio enjoys the exciting atmosphere of the football games and being in the student section. “I really like all the hype,” Vaio said. “I like
when we walk on to the track and into the stands together because it makes you feel like you’re a part of the team.” Vaio plans on going to the homecoming game on Friday, October 21 against Nevada Union High School. Vaio also likes the band, like many GBHS students. “(The drumline) really gets me hyped for football games,” Vaio said. Before the game starts, Vaio will usually hang out with her friends. They eat and sometimes watch movies before the game. “We don’t really do anything super special,”
Vaio said. During halftime, Vaio will go get snacks or hang out with her friends. Vaio said her favorite game this year has been the first home game against Whitney High School. “I just had a good time there,” Vaio said. Vaio mainly goes to football games because more people go to them, which she feels makes the Tribe more fun. Vaio also enjoys the cheers that the Tribe does. “(My favorite is) the one where they go,
‘What’s your favorite color? Green, black and silver!’” Vaio said. Vaio also likes the themes that several of the games have. “I really liked when we did USA (theme) last year because it’s easy to get USA stuff,” Vaio said. “I feel like we have a common goal.”
CHANGES: Athletes share their thoughts about the difficulty of choosing a sport to play Continued from page C2 “I was doing cheer for five years,” Cassidy said. “Then I found that I liked volleyball better.” Cheer and volleyball season were at the same time, so Cassidy said she had to pick just one.
“I decided not to do cheer and do volleyball instead for high school,” Cassidy said. “I played (volleyball) in middle school and liked it a lot.” Cassidy is now a member of the girls’ freshman volleyball team. Other students have to make a similar decision, such as sophomore Sydney Her-
renschmidt. Herrenschmidt has done basketball since she was in fourth grade and soccer since she was six years old. “I didn’t really know what (sport) to do because I really liked both of them,” Herrenschmidt said. “I only have school basketball and I also have club soccer, but
I don’t have club basketball.” Herrenschmidt decided to continue playing both soccer and basketball, but chose to only play school basketball and soccer for her club. “If I didn’t do (school) basketball, then I wouldn’t play basketball at all,” Herrenschmidt said. “I still like that sport, so
I chose (school) basketball.” Candy, Cassidy, and Herrenschmidt had to make difficult decisions, but are now adjusting to their new routines. “I’m happy with my decision.” Candy said.
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Sports C5
The innovative, new way to play golf in Roseville
Topgolf allows athletes of all types to hone in on their golf skills BY BRAYDEN JOHNK
bjohnk.gazette@gmail.com
iiiRoseville recently gained a new sports entertainment franchise called Topgolf – and it really puts the “fun” into golf. Topgolf Roseville opened on Sept. 4, 2016 and has become a very popular destination, attracting both golfers and non-golfers alike. The 65,000 square foot facility offers a multilevel driving range, restaurant, bar, and a game center. Not only does Topgolf have a lit-up driving range at night where golfers can compete with others or just hit balls on their own for fun, but it is also set up to be a social hangout. There are climate-controlled hitting bays, food, drinks, lounge areas, music, DJs, pool tables, and a myriad of video games to play – all in one location. Granite Bay High School senior Isaac Alvi went to Topgolf in September and appreciated the fun atmosphere. “Everybody should go and try it out, honestly,” Alvi said. “It’s a great experience and the scenery is amazing at night when everything is lit up - it’s awesome.” Like Alvi, sophomore Easton Holland explored Topgolf soon after it opened with one of his friends. “My friend had been there before so he wanted to take me,” Holland said. “And we both golf together so it was cool to do it in public at Topgolf.” Playing for the Granite Bay golf team, Holland went there for entertainment, more than to tone his game. “It was just a fun thing to do since they have fun little games,” Holland said.
These golf games, which use micro-chipped golf balls which score themselves in terms of accuracy and distance, are geared to players of all ages and skill levels. Everything, however, wasn’t perfect, according to Holland. “The only thing was that it was really crowded, but I think it’s because it just opened recently,” Holland said. Senior Josh Andreae agrees with Alvi and Holland on what Topgolf has to offer. “It was a nice, cool, fun experience,” Andreae said. “I would say it’s a 10 out of 10.” Not only did Andreae enjoy the golf, but he also took advantage of the food. “(The food) was pretty nice, I liked it a lot,” Andreae said. “I got a sandwich, but one of my friends got the injectable donuts, so I mean that was pretty good, too.” Andreae feels Topgolf is a place where you can improve your game in a competitive environment. “You can really get in some good (individual) work, but then also, if you want, be competitive with your friends,” Andreae said. Not everyone sees Topgolf in such a positive light though, as voiced by GBHS Junior Varsity Boys Golf coach Jason Rath. “It’s a huge monstrosity,” Rath said. “I’ve heard that the people living near it have already complained because of the noise.” Rath also doesn’t see the Topgolf facility as appealing to him personally. “It would probably be too crowded for me and too loud, and more like a video game atmosphere than something I’d ever want to be a part of,” Rath said. Yet Topgolf could have an appeal from a team
Special to the Gazette /AUSTIN BERRY
Senior Josh Andreae hits a golf ball off of one of the floors at Topgolf in Roseville
building perspective according to GBHS Varsity Boys Golf coach Tim Healy. “From a team perspective, because you can set up competitions, I think it might be kind of fun for a team to go over there and work on specific aspects of their game in a competitive environment,” Healy said. Although, according to Healy, there is no current association between the Granite Bay golf program and Topgolf, the facility might play a role in
the future, since bringing team members together can enhance relationships and create synergy. “I would say (Topgolf) is both enjoyable, but also there’s a potential to build team chemistry,” Healy said. “Any time you get the six to twelve guys out and do something together that’s enjoyable, you are creating some memories and you’re creating some common experiences that, I think, lead towards the creation of a stronger team.”
Albano: A coach, a player and a spectator for life
Skip Albano still involved in the community from substituting at GBHS, to coaching at Sierra BY MAX SCHWARTZ
mschwartz.gazette@gmail.com
When you ask Skip Albano what his career is you aren’t going to get a simple answer. He could tell you that he coached professional American football teams in Europe to coaching here in Granite bay. You could also get an answer on how he has been a high school educator for 35 years. When Granite Bay’s head football stepped down following the 2012 CIF state championship win, was shocking to say the least. “We all found out at the same time, it was the second week of spring ball,
nobody knew what he was going to announce when he called us(coaches and players) into the palmer center” Coach Mike Valentine said “All of our mouths just fell open, the guys(the varsity players) were upset, they all left crying.” When the Athletic director decided to chose Albano after Cooper stepped down, he took the job. “Like most people, I was surprised to hear the news. Having coached for the Grizzlies for a number of years I was familiar with the “Grizzly Way”. It was a chance to help out.” Albano said. “We got the call while we were finishing up our season in Switzerland. The next thing I knew, we were in Santa Cruz for
Transfer athlete put in work to improve career Osby’s dedication has brought him opportunities and success
the football trip with the seniors,” said Jan Albano, who had been with Skip through all of his travels. When the season began it was back to work again. Both the team and coaches having to adjust to the new head coach. “His (Albano) demeanor was a lot more low key compared to cooper, but we were running the same thing, our defense and defense didn’t change.” Valentine said, The jump that Albano went from coaching professional football in Europe to coaching high school is a big one to say the least. “Coaching in Europe has taught me to be more adaptable and flexible. Sure there was a difference between coaching
Chris Osby Junior looks forward to the next few seasons contributing to the GBHS football program
BY MAX SCHWARTZ
mschwartz.gazette@gmail.com
As a transfer athlete, your main goal is to prove yourself and to show what you can bring to the team. Chris Osby, a GBHS junior, is working hard to make his mark in the Granite Bay Football program. Osby, like most kids, began to play football at a young age. “When I was 6 I asked my mom to play and she said yes, and now I am here.” Osby said Osby transferred to Granite Bay, from Woodcreek in the beginning of this year. Luckily Osby worked with the football this summer so he knew familiar faces in the beginning of the year. “ The transition was really smooth” Osby said. “Through summer workouts and practices I became pretty close with all of the team so by the time school came around there was not really a transition needed” The pressure of a transfer athlete can sometimes be intimidating because everyone is waiting for you to show what you can do, putting more weight on you compared to their own teammate. “I understood coming in that I was (going to) have to fight for a spot” Osby said. “I believe in my abilities and that’s all you can really do and the rest will take care of itself” On the night of Granite Bay’s rival game, Del Oro, was Osby’s first game, Leading up to the game, Osby was confident in himself. “ I had been talking myself up throughout the four weeks I was on the sideline, people had high expectations for me.” Osby said Anxious to see him play, people were coming up to Osby before the game. “That day at school all people kept telling was that I better go off tonight and all eyes were on me so I
men in their 20s and 30s to coaching teenagers” Albano said “Coaching Semi-professional athletes in Europe is a business, there are no parents who have unrealistic expectations of their son’s abilities, which was rare but still present at GB” The 2013 granite bay team had certain expectations and standards following the 2012 state championship, but Skip tried his best to keep what people were saying outside of the team. “The coaching staff tried our best to buffer out the pressure” said Albano The players on the team addressed the pressure as well, they also had an optimistic mindset. “There is always pressure trying to
recreate something that was so grand, But every guy on that team would tell you it was a new season and a new team” said Ryan Arneson, a junior under Skip Albano. The season as a whole went generally well, with achieving a record of 8-4. Over the past ten years Skip Albano has been traveling to the Europe to be a coach for semi-pro and professional teams. “While attending a coaching clinic at Willamette University, I had heard about American Coaches traveling to Europe to coach football,” Albano said. “A friend from Willamette made a call to a team in Vienna, Austria who needed a defensive coordinator and I interviewed and was
Join the MOOvement,
got pretty nervous” When Osby got the ball for the first offensive play of the game, he ran a 71 yard touchdown . “For that to happen on my first carry as a varsity player against our rivals was a surreal feeling” Osby said “I credit that to my team and linemen for giving me that opportunity.” The season the Varsity team is having at the moment has taken some criticism from others, but Osby is very confident with his team. “It’s obviously been a rough season for us and a lot of negativity is coming in, but I love my guys and the coaches, and no matter where we go that’s not (going to) change” Osby said.
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The Granite Bay Gazette
SECOND LOOK
Girls’ golf preps for NorCal tourney BY MILAN FRENCH mfrench.gazette@gmail.com
The girls’ golf season is in full swing. The team wants to make it to states this year, especially after their success at the NorCal tournament last year. “We have been playing a lot of practice rounds in prep for NorCals,” Sienna Lyford, a Granite Bay High School junior, Fall Sports said. Update Off to an impressive start, the girl’s golf team has broken the school’s scoring record. “They are on pace to be the best team in school history,”Jason Sitterud, GBHS girls’ varsity golf coach and teacher, said.
Gazette photo /CARISSA LEWIS
Special to the Gazette /RON DOLLESIN
Football Although the football team has had a bumpy 1-5 start to the season this year, they aren’t letting it get in the way of their goal to win league. “We plan to improve by training harder,” Jack Powers, a junior at GBHS, said. Along with training harder, they also are driven by success. “Our team is motivated by the feeling of winning,” Powers said. They have upcoming games at Oakridge High School on Oct. 14th and a home game versus Nevada Union on Oct. 21st. Girls’ Tennis The young girls’ tennis team is off to an amazing start, breaking expectations that were set for the team. The team now consists of only 5 seniors and 2 juniors out of the twenty players. “We had eight seniors in top 12 last year. Therefore, we have a young team (...) and we are working to improve their skills for the upcoming years,” Tim Raney, GBHS girls’ tennis coach, said. The team builds off each other, using their teammates as their motivation for success. “They have come together as a cohesive unit,” Raney said. “They motivate each other.” Cross Country This season’s team is strong due to returning runners. “Trevon Lockwood, Jake Ritter and Alex Beitia have all broken course records, and they’re expected to break more,” Chris Harris, a senior at GBHS, said. The team agrees that the many hardships they face together help forge an impressive team connection. “Our team is unique because we have a really tight knit bond that can only be formed when you are on a six mile run in 105 degree heat,” Harris said. The SFL League Championship is on Friday, Oct. 28th.
Gazette photo /CARISSA LEWIS
Special to the Gazette /ALLY BURNHAM
Girls’ Water Polo As of now the girls’ water polo team is thriving with a record of 10-4. “Everyone on our team loves everyone, and we all just understand each other,” Maya Jones, a junior at GBHS, said. The team says that its skill sets will carry them far this year. “Our team in comparison to others just has so much raw talent,” Jones said. “We’re kind of unique in that we just have to work on being synchronized all the time versus needing to spend a lot of time on skill work.” Boys’ Water Polo Boys’ water polo has a lengthy history of succeeding. However, this year’s team understands that they need to improve their lacking teamwork. “We play well at times but at other time we lose that team adhesion,” John MacLeane, boys’ water polo coach at GBHS, said. “It has cost us the two games we have lost.” Girls’ Volleyball Girls’ volleyball is doing well during the start of the season. “Being a young team has given us setbacks, but we are starting to get our flow together,” Abby Marjama, a junior at GBHS, said. Their upcoming games include a tournament on Oct. 8th at St. Francis High School and game at Nevada Union on Oct. 10th. The varsity volleyball section playoffs are on Nov. 1.
Gazette photo /NATALIE HATCH
wSenior Scott Luong, top left, goes for a tackle against Del Oro High School. GBHS junior Sierra Lyford, top right, watches the ball fly down the fairway in a recent match for GBHS. Del Oro lines up against Granite Bay in a big rivalry week game, big middle. Junior Kat Skrbec, below middle, returns a hit in a match. GBHS senior Taylor Garcia, bottom right, lays out for a ball against Vista Del Lago. Senior GBHS bicyclist Taylor Kring, bottom, races down a road in Belgium in an international race.
Special to the Gazette /THE KRING FAMILY
GS The Gazette’s arts and entertainment guide.
October 2016
GREEN SCREEN A fall day trip guide to celebrate the autumn months PAGES
8&9
Gazette photo/ NATASHA CHANDA
Page 2
October 2016
sneak peek.
Gazette photo /WHITNEY KNORP
wSee page 6 To see the recent thrift shopping trend
Gazette photo/ NATASHA CHANDA
wSee pages 8&9 To see this fall’s best day trips
Gazette photo/ AMANDA PRATHER
wSee page 16 To see Granite Bay’s new Hydro Flask trend
Creativity is lost in the educational setting
C
Art in every form would benefit students in every subject
ultural inability to accept art as an essential part of life read off of a sheet of paper. At some point in our early childhood is hindering our ability to get the type of education that we stopped getting the creative time of arts and crafts, where we would make us better people and members of society. use recycled objects and built complex creations and towers with In high school, we have some independence with our class blocks and shapes, where geometry and art worked in tandem. choices and we can choose to engage in art classes, dance, Being serious about your education shouldn’t mean abandondrama, ceramics and even learn how to play instruments. ing this type of learning. Art and creativity are so important However these options often go unutilized by many students. to respect and understand, even if you want to be an engineer, Especially in our high-pressure community to be successful surgeon or rocket scientist and think you don’t need it. If you and make a lot of money, most kids decide want to be truly exceptional, then creativity to stick to only rigorous academic courses is essential, and will increase your awareCOMMENTARY that will give them the best college opportuness and ability to problem solve in any field nities and the best job opportunities. or life situation. Math and science are important, especially A 2011 study called “Reinvesting in Arts for certain careers, but why is it such a high Education” found that incorporating arts expectation for kids to go into well-paying into other subjects increased learning abilmath and science based fields? ity and achievement levels. Additionally, a Not only that, but they must plan exactly study from 2010 on Missouri public schools what their futures are going to be and preconcluded that greater arts education was pare for just that one aspect of their futures correlated to higher attendance, fewer diswhile they haven’t even reached adulthood. ciplinary infractions, higher test scores and There is so much more to life beyond that, higher graduation rates. and we’re in danger of becoming one-diA broadened education for all students mensional humans. beneficial in opening them up to more opwknorp.gazette@gmail.com Instead of embracing that it’s important portunities in the world that may be better to be genuinely well-rounded people, we suited for them than what societal expectacontinue to stick individuals in identity boxes where people tions may limit them to. can’t be taken entirely seriously as artistic and creative as well as Integrating art in all its forms into education would provide intelligent and practical. students with a creative outlets to destress, help them connect It’s not entirely surprising that we function like this considerwith the world and improve their performance, abilities and selfing our version of art and “enriching” education growing up. confidence all-around. In every grade until about seventh grade or so, the most art we *** were exposed to was the occasional art docent, ran by moms and Whitney Knorp, a senior, is a Gazette Green Screen editor.
Upcoming GBHS Events for October & November October 31 Halloween
November 11
Veteran’s Day
whitney knorp
Page 3 Fall play
Guide to Green Screen
Page 4 Top Tweets Page 5 Food reviews
Page 6 Thrift shopping
Page 10 Halloween Houses
Page 7 Music reviews
Page 11 Pumpkin carving
Page 8/9 Fall day trip guide
Page 12 Follow Friday
November 16-17 Every 15 minutes
Page 13 Golden 1 Center Page 14 iPhone 7 Page 15 Movie reviews Page 16 Hydro flasks
October 2016
Page 3
fall play preview
A twist on a classic play GBHS drama department sets Macbeth in modern times Gazette illustration/HANNAH XU
BY CARISSA LEWIS
clewis.gazette@gmail.com
O
n October 27, the play’s the thing, as Granite Bay High School introduces its modern rendition of Macbeth. While Macbeth and his wife, Lady Macbeth, are traditionally characterized as ambitious and crude, the Shakespearean characters now have a new reason to be considered “two-faced.” The role of Macbeth will be played by two actors: junior Bronson Vanderjack and senior Sophie Brubaker. They will alternate as the lead from show to show. Although both actors recite the same lines, Vanderjack and Brubaker have customized portrayals of Macbeth. “Sophie plays Macbeth as driven by all these circumstances that come along,” Vanderjack said. “My Macbeth (is) intimidated a lot … his wife really, really pushes him.” Brubaker said the gender switch will challenge the audience to think about how men and women in similar roles are viewed in society. “I’m interested to see … if (the audience) will see my character as … masculine,” Brubaker said. “In this day and age, I think women are seen as being able to be just as ambitious.” In addition to thinking about how Macbeth shifts as a character, the drama
department invites the audience to reflect upon their own preconceptions of the interaction between males and females. “Just be … introspective with yourself,” Brubaker said. “See if your emotions did change, if you rooted for some characters more than others or if you viewed some characters as more evil or more ambitious … because of the shift that we’re portraying.” Macbeth’s spouse will also be played by two actors. When Vanderjack stars as Macbeth, he will be ac- companied by Emily Schofield, who plays the part of Lady Macbeth. When Brubaker stars as Macbeth, she will be accompanied by Evan McGuire, who plays the part of Lord Macbeth. Brubaker said the relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth will be one of the most apparent differences in the gender swap. “(Lady Macbeth’s) very verbally abusive,” Brubaker said. “(The audience) may see that as more intense with a male … They might hate Lady Macbeth more on nights that she is a male.” Another twist in GBHS’s production of Macbeth is the comparison to modern politics.
Vanderjack said the gender switch was partly inspired by the 2016 presidential election. Although the characters aren’t representative of any particular party or candidate, they have ambitious political endeavors. After Macbeth becomes the king of Scotland, he struggles to retain his power and is eventually killed by one of his competitors. “I’m certain the election won’t go as bad as it does in the play,” Vanderjack said, “but it’s interesting to draw similarities between the actions of Macbeth and then the actions of our political candidates.” During several scenes, the set will be transformed into a
debate stage. Senior Sophia Reinero, who will be playing Banquo, one of Macbeth’s closest friends, said there is an intimacy lost between Macbeth and Banquo in the modernization of the play. In the traditional version of the play, Macbeth and Banquo are old war buddies. In the GBHS production, they are politicians. “There relationship is obviously much more on a political and campaigning level,” Reinero said. “They both campaign together for the same party.” Reinero said the best way to get the most out of this play is to purchase two tickets – one for each gender swap. “I personally would like for this show to send the message that really we should not judge,” Reinero said. “All are equal on the side of ambition. You cannot deny that both genders can … express the same desires in the form of aggressiveness in trying to get what they want.”
Gazette illustration/KATIE COLOGNA
October 2016
Page 4
current.
Top Tweets
Gazette illustration/AMANDA PRATHER
Spirited tweets by Granite Bay High School sudents BY NATASHA CHANDA
nchanda.gazette@gmail.com Gazette file illustrations/THOMAS TAYLOR
Netflix Picks
REESE RICHMOND
rrichmond.gazette@gmail.com
1. The Office Although the first episode of The Office aired in 2005, it remains popular. With its hilarious script and well defined characters, this show is humorous for teens and adults.
@TRIBEGBHS
2. One Tree Hill Another show that aired a while ago, but is still enjoyed by many teens and young adults. Taking place in a small town in North Carolina, Tree Hill, the show follows the lives of a group of teens, specifically two half-brothers, and their families. 3. New Girl With Zooey Deschanel playing main character Jess, this sitcom is based on Jess and her three male roommates. If you want a funny and light-hearted show to binge watch, then this is the show for you. 4. The Fundamentals of Caring While retired writer, played by Paul Rudd, takes on the task of caring for a disabled teen, they decide to take a roadtrip. The writer introduces the cynical teen to many new life experiences. This is an uplifting indie dramedy good for a free weekend. 5. Stuck in Love This independent drama follows a family of writers through a year of their life. Each writer experiences new things within their life, which in turn affects all of their writing. The characters are relatable and the dialogue feels realistic, unlike many other dialogues, which seem too perfect to be real.
Recipe of the Month:
Alex Dillabaugh
@Alex_Dillabaugh
64 Retweets
333 Likes
Well no homework on the night before a collab morning, checkmate atheists.
Kyle Sundquist @kiiiiiile
5 Retweets
41 Likes
s/o to brandon hill for just being the kindest & best person at gb
nat
@nataliehatchh
29 Retweets 102 Likes
Vegan Banana Bread
Ingredients:
Directions:
3 ripe bananas ¼ cup maple syrup 3 tablespoons canola oil 1 ½ cups spelt flour 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda ¼ teaspoon salt ¾ cup dairy free chocolate chips 1 teaspoon coconut sugar 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1. Heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. 2. Oil your pan of choice. 3. In a bowl, mash bananas and mix in the maple syrup, canola oil and vanilla. 4. In a separate bowl, sift the dry ingredients together, adding the chocolate chips last. 5. Blend the wet and dry mixtures and pour into the pan. 6. Bake for 42 minutes. Gazette photo/ PAIGE ERICKSON
Research by PAIGE ERICKSON
perickson.gazette@gmail.com
October 2016
Page 5
food fun.
Acai bowls trending in the Bay Vitality Bowls BY KATE BOOTH
A
kbooth.gazette@gmail.com
s I walked into Vitality Bowls, I was greeted by a nicely lit room with splashes of lime green. The cashier was friendly and quickly wrote down my order for a warrior bowl. Behind the counter towards the kitchen a small dog can be found happily wagging it’s tail as employees happily blend away. Walking toward the tables I sat down in a bright tangerine colored chair. On the napkin holders, Vitality Bowls advertises their app where one can place and pay for their order so they can quickly pick it up as soon as they get there, which is a convenient and a clever idea. One of the most impressive things about Vitality Bowls is that most of their ingredients are organic and none of their bowls have added sugars, artificial preservatives or trans fats. In a time ladened with unhealthy dyes, GMO’s and preservatives, it’s refreshing to see something so fresh and healthy. Although the restaurant was nearly empty, my order ended up taking about fifteen minutes to get to me. Given that acai bowls are composed mostly of blended fruits and granola, it seemed like a long time to wait. When the acai bowl finally came to me it’s flavor was underwhelming. The Warrior Bowl is composed of almond milk, bananas, blueberries and raspberries, to list a few ingredients. The entire bowl was taken over by the flavor of
The Gazette staff seeks the best of the best in this acai bowl showdown.
Jamba Juice
unripe bananas. The average price of a Vitality bowl is twelve dollars. In all honesty, acai bowls seem to be an overhyped health food craze. Acai bowls are simply smoothies in a bowl with granola and dried fruit on top. Although acai bowls are a fresh and healthy choice, they aren’t worthy of such a high price. I loved the idea of Vitality Bowls, but their execution is lacking. The cost is far too high for a product you can whip up within a couple of minutes in your kitchen. That combined with the slow service and potent taste of unripened banana made for a less than stellar experience. Although I more than likely will not be revisiting Vitality Bowls due to their slow service and high price, I still have high hopes for acai bowls because they seem like a fun and healthy idea.
Gazette photo /KATE BOOTH
Vitality Bowls offers a variety of different acai bowls as well as smoothies, coffee, and paninis.
BY ALINA POCZOBUTT
apoczobutt.gazette@gmail.com
A
with ordering an acai bowl, but Jamba Juice works to get their bowls out in a decent amount of time. Jamba Juice acai bowls are a great on the go and fast treat. Acai bowls can range greatly in price, anywhere from six to 14 dollars. Jamba Juice acai bowls are very reasonably priced for how much food you get. A small bowl is six dollars, a medium is seven dollars, and a large is eight dollars. Depending on how hungry you are, your size desire will vary. Usually, a small is the perfect size for a snack and is even a great size for breakfast. While it is great for a fast treat, Jamba Juice doesn’t have the social aspect like other acai bowl shops. Jamba Juice doesn’t have many places where you can sit with a group of friends and eat your bowl, which is why I would only get a Jamba Juice bowl if I wasn’t planning on enjoying a bowl with a friend. If you are looking for a cute place to catch up with friends, Jamba Juice is probably not the best option. Jamba Juice is perfect if you are looking for a quick, healthy snack.
cai bowls have been a trending food item in our community. This quick treat is very filling and also a very healthy option. A typical acai bowl has a smoothie mixture as the base, a layer of granola mix, and to top it off, freshly cut fruit and honey. Acai bowls are popular because they are a healthy alternative to dessert, serve as a great breakfast and are the perfect size for a snack. Many places are now offering acai bowls, and not just shops designated for the bowls. Jamba Juice is one of these places that added the treat to their menu during the summer. Jamba Juice has always been a very popular place due to their various options of delicious smoothies, and their acai bowls are no different. Jamba Juice has four types of acai bowls. They also have options that do not include any dairy products, like their Primo Bowl, which has a base of soy milk. Four options may seem very limited to some, but there is an option for everybody. Each bowl is very different in the Jamba Juice smoothie base but, the toppings for each provides healthy bowl are similar. They also give you and delicious the option to add or take away items acai bowl opfrom you bowl, so you can get exactly tions as well as what you want. other treats. Another great aspect of Jamba Juice is the speed that they are able to create your bowl. At many places, there can be an annoying waiting period that comes Gazette photo /ALINA POCZOBUTT
Nektar BY ISABELLA TKACHUK
A
itkachuk.gazette@gmail.com
cai bowls have become a popular treat amongst many people, so naturally I caved in and tried one. I already knew that Jamba Juice had been selling them, but when I heard that Nektar had opened, I was excited. Nektar had been originally located primarily in southern California and Arizona, but had opened its first store in the Sacramento area. Located right next to Ginger’s and close to Sunsplash, it’s a great location because you really can’t miss it. Conveniently, Nektar has an app where you can order your smoothies, juices, or bowls online and pick it up once you get to the store. I thought that this was genius and really easy, so I ordered a Pitaya bowl through the app. Having tried multiple acai bowls in the past, I wasn’t a big fan. So I resorted to a Pitaya bowl, which is made with dragon fruit instead of the typical acai berry. When I walked into the store, it was adorable. The earthy feeling was radiating throughout the shop, from its clean white tables to little succulents. When I walked up to the counter and told them my name, my bowl was ready right away. The Pitaya bowl came with bananas, granola, coconut shavings, and drizzled agave nectar or honey, I couldn’t tell the difference. What I did appreciate though, was that you could add any toppings you wanted
for a small cost if you wished to do so. The bowls average from around 7.85 dollars and the price varies due to the amount of toppings you get or the type of bowl you choose. The price may seem expensive, but compared to Vitality Bowls, another local acai place where their prices start at 12.00 dollars per bowl, I was very happy with my purchase. As far as the size, imagine a Nuyo frozen yogurt cup, completely filled, with many toppings to finish it off. That is exactly how much Nektar gave you. The Pitaya was delicious: it was sweet, smooth and fruity, just as I expected. I ate most of it when I began to feel full and satisfied. I thoroughly enjoyed the dragon fruit. I really enjoyed Nektar and think that it’s already a huge success because of its variety in menu items as well as affordable bowls. Nektar, in Roseville, offers more than just acai bowls in their cafe. Pitaya bowls have also become popular. Gazette photo / ISABELLA TKACHUK
Page 6
pop some tags.
October 2016
thrift shopping & thriving A look into a new trend rising on the GBHS campus
BY HANNAH XU
hxu.gazette@gmail.com
W
hat’s better than a brand new wardrobe? Someone’s old wardrobe… of course. Clothing trends change year to year, but 2016 introduced perhaps the oddest trend in a long while – thrift shopping. Perhaps due to the vintage trend that has arisen, or simply the economic feasibility of thrift shopping, buying second-hand clothing has become a new norm. For senior Megan Cline, saving money is exactly what she had in mind. “I (have to) work for my money,” Cline said. “Everything’s a lot cheaper (at thrift stores). It’s just easier to afford clothes if I go get them from a
thrift store versus a normal store.” The savings aren’t the only appeal. As a clothes styled from the 70s, 80s and 90s become more and more popular on the Granite Bay High School campus, many students find that discovering truly old-fashioned pieces is easiest at thrift stores. “You can get one of a kind pieces of clothing,” Keaton Dougherty, GBHS senior, said. Julia Huss, a senior, agrees with Dougherty. “I found this jacket with these crazy patterns and like a million pockets and a zip-in hood,” Huss said. “I just know I wouldn’t have been able to find something like it in (a normal department store).” Both Dougherty and Huss also said going thrift shopping is simply a fun activity.
“It’s (so) rewarding when you find Huss said. something really cool,” Huss said, A look to a few years past, and “You’re like ‘Oh my thrift shopping was seen God! I’ve really had to as a niche concept. But search for this.’” now, it’s definitely seen A few favorite thrift as a trend. Thrift shopping stores among students “I feel like (before) can help expand when are EcoThrift and Thrift people went thrift your style. Town. shopping, it was to find, “Thrift Town (is my There’s so much like, dance dresses,” favorite),” senior Emily Cline said. “But then diversity. Franklin said. “It has they’d fine something so much and it’s super really cute and start gocheap. It’s out in Carmi- – Julia Huss, senior ing more often.” chael, so it’s like (an acHuss said she’s glad at GBHS tual endeavor) instead of there’s finally a trend just going to a Goodwill she can get behind across the street.” “Literally everything Huss agrees that Thrift Town is the I’m wearing is from a thrift shop …” best to go to. Huss said., “Thrift shopping can help “I’ve never walked out of Thrift expand your style. There’s (so) much Town without more than five items,” diversity.”
Gazette photos /WHITNEY KNORP
Clothes from Goodwill are a popular option among students who enjoy thrift shopping and include dresses, jean skirts, vests, and fur coats.
October 2016
Page 7
tune in.
I Remember AlunaGeorge BY STEPHENIE KANG skang.gazette@gmail.com
O
ne of the first things you notice about I Remember is its inherent emotionality yet its restraint. Restraint in that no matter how emotional or hyped up Aluna Francis gets vocally or how George Reid gets production-wise, the default mode is to simmer at surface level and only rise up just before the drop. Lyrically, I Remember is nuanced to the point where it can seem like a wildly vacillating meter. Listening to the words Francis sings, you wonder what is the central theme here? What is Francis trying to get at with her lyrics? Yet this is just it – emotions aren’t one lick and stick stamp you can paste on each song to make it a hit.
In I Remember, Francis’ feelings concerning her lover are inexplicably imbued in every phrase, bleeding over into every beat of every song. Although her voice can be tranquilizing and soothing, her lyrics are wide awake and intensely probing the ups and downs of her relationship with her ex. “What is the emotion behind this?” Francis asked in an interview with MTV. “Even if you’re a producer and not a songwriter, there’s a story behind it.” Due to the constraints of the genre (an uncomfortable combination of synth-pop and R&B), you won’t be jumping around to this in a club (or, in our case, a school dance) – you’ll probably be shimmying along to it while doing homework and pretending like you’re All That And A Bag of Chips™. Hard-core dubstep enthusiasts will be disappointed by AlunaGeorge’s drops – as a whole
they’re incredibly lukewarm, like a bouncy ball was dropped .24 cm from the ground that gently dribbles away until it runs out of energy and just sits there, complacent, until the next big drop. Yet I Remember is undeniably sexy – “My Blood,” AlunaGeorge’s collaboration with ZHU, is all slow, controlled oscillation and Aluna singing breathily into your ear amidst a flurry of beats at the fringes. Although the production seems too simplistic at times, it is simplistic in a way that allows you enjoy the feel of the song rather than how many cool effects the producer can throw in while making it still sound like a vaguely coherent piece. In total, I Remember is up in Francis’ head doused with nostalgia, yet her gaze is weighed down and intensified by her deeply probing thoughts on her relationship with her former
Island Records
I Remember was released September 16, 2016.
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Skip to: “In My Head”
Hunter Hayes Storyline Disappear Here Bad Suns BY MACKENZIE BROWN mbrown.gazette@gmail.com
C Vagrant Records
Disappear Here was released on September 16, 2016.
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Skip to : “Violet”
reating an album that contains classic 80s influences, upbeat synth tracks, somber indie breakup songs and alternative pop tunes is an incredible achievement that the California-based band Bad Suns managed to accomplish. With their new sophomore album titled Disappear Here, Bad Suns not only reached my expectations on what an album should be, but surpassed them by far. Following in the footsteps of songs from their debut album such as “Cardiac Arrest” was a difficult achievement to complete because of what a massive hit it was in the alternative charts when it was released. Despite the pressure Bad Suns were under with creating new content to outshine the old, they exceeded every hope I had for this album.
Disappear Here opens with Bad Suns’ signature sound – a song with a blissful beat – which was an extremely satisfying way to start the album. The familiar noise was a relief to hear, as Bad Suns’ debut album Language and Perspective was created flawlessly, and it seemed as if Disappear Here was a bonus track from their debut album, taking me back to when I first discovered their music. The band’s perfect illusion was opening with their recognizable sound, making listeners believe that Disappear Here was simply a revamped version of Language and Perspective. In reality, as the record progressed, a new side of the band was revealed, that previously didn’t show in Language and Perspective, easing listeners into their matured and contemporary sound. Songs like “Patience” and “Defeated” show off the freshness of the band’s newfound grasp on a more rock-based sound, leaving some of the formerly used pop influences behind. This growth and experimental sound didn’t
stray too far from the band’s quintessential qualities though, as they still included dominantly indie-pop songs, such as the tracks “Violet” and “Heartbreaker.” Another inventive feature that was new for Bad Suns were the added traces of 80s pop throughout the record. “Daft Pretty Boys” is the perfect example of a track that was influenced heavily by classic 80s artists. With the unveiling of the newness of the band’s sound also came the equal balance of both mellow, peaceful tracks along with exuberant and energetic ones. The track list of Disappear Here contrasts to Language and Perspective because of the equivalent amount of both soft and sanguine songs. If there is one thing that the Californian band has perfected, it is balance. Bad Suns demonstrates in Disappear Here that they’re the full package as musicians. They’re purposeful in their lyrics, innovative in their style, dynamic as creators and dedicated to their craft; an embodiment of what all bands should aspire to be.
How to Be a Human Being Glass Animals BY KATE BOOTH
kbooth.gazette@gmail.com
Recently, Glass Animals released their new album titled How To Be A Human Being, which is a stark contrast to their first album entitled Zaba, released two years ago. Zaba had an easily recognizable sound, compiled of electro indie beats, bongos and syrupy vocals. Each of the song’s components floated and mixed with the next, leading to an almost surreal experience. In their new album, How To Be A Human Being, Glass Animals replaced their bongos for a slightly more pop feel while staying true to their electronic indie roots. Each song follows the life of a new person, slowly piecing together a larger story. Although many of the new album’s songs have a dizzying electric beat, some, like “Poplar Street” have beautiful mellow guitar melodies. Glass Animals’ new easy going indie pop feel
is refreshing. It’s easy for a band to become a one trick pony. Glass Animals was able to combat this by introducing a fresh unique sound without creating a whole new identity. How To Be A Human Being is an album anyone can listen to regardless of their music preferences. It a has a much more radio friendly feel than its predecessor, while maintaining it uniqueness and originality. The music on this album is goose bump inducing. The lyrics crawl under one’s skin and send shivers down the spine. Many of the songs have a certain sadness to them, and the raw emotion can be felt and is invigorating. Dave Bayley, the lead singer of Glass Animals, is an amazing story teller. Each song is extraordinarily catchy but as one sings along the songs vivid storylines bleed through. How To Be A Human Being is the type of album one can listen to while going on a road trip with friends. Its beats are fun, upbeat and whimsical.
In an interview with The Independent, Bayley said his inspiration for the album came from Jim Jarmusch, an American director. He further explained that he enjoyed the obscure, providing examples such as Garlic Is As Good As Ten Mothers, a documentary that explores interesting people in the garlic industry. Perhaps it is this enjoyment of the obscure that has propelled Glass Animals to such high success. Being influenced by the “obscure” has cultivated such a unique sound to their songs that their music can be identifiable virtually anywhere. How To Be Human Being is my favorite album I have heard from Glass Animals so far and I look forward to listening to what they will produce in the future. Based on their current and previous albums, it will be anything but boring.
Wolftone Limited
How to Be a Human Being was released on August 26, 2016.
A
Skip to: “Poplar Street”
Page 8 & 9
October 2016
fun for fall.
Sacramento’s finest fall getaways A guide to an eventful day trip for the autumn months BISHOP’S PUMPKIN FARM
THE FLOWER FARM I
f you’re in need of a cute, inviting, refreshing new brunch spot, Flower Farm is your place. Not only is the brunch food to die for, but the gardens and pumpkins are gorgeous. Sit down with your friends or family and have a brunch with a view this fall. After your meal, you’ll want to check out the gardens and succulent collection that The Flower Farm has. Plants and flowers of all sizes are available to purchase. As well as plants and succulents, there is a quaint little gift shop that sells cute gifts and other items. A seasonal addition to the Flower Farm is a pumpkin patch. This pumpkin patch has a wide variety of pumpkins to chose from and is a great family adventure for the fall season. The Flower Farm is actually a bed and breakfast as well. One could book a room and stay the night down the street from the cafe, pumpkin patch, and gardens. The Flower Farm is also known to hold events, even weddings. The venue has held multiple weddings in their beautiful scenic area.
BY AMANDA PRATHER
B
aprather.gazette@gmail.com
ishop’s pumpkin patch is a known spot to the Sacramento community and has a lot more to offer than one would assume. Not only do they have a large pumpkin patch, but also a petting zoo, a corn maze, a railroad, pony rides and much more. Wheatland, California may be a drive for some in the Granite Bay area, but can be worth your time. This family friendly environment can be fun with friends as well. Grab a group of people to go down and pick out pumpkins for a jack-o-lantern for Halloween. Although the corn mazes can be quite tricky and frustrating, they can be fun to figure out with a group of friends. Make sure you go in with plenty of time to get out before dark! Bishop’s is the best place in the area to pick out your pumpkin this fall, and don’t forget to try out the corn maze and other activities as well.
Gazette photo /SURINA KHURANA
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APPLE HILL
pples, pies, cider, pumpkins, mazes and more. Apple Hill has got it all this year and is one of the most popular fall spots for Granite Bay residents. With many different ranches including High Hill and Kidz Inc., Apple Hill supplies the fun and the delicious. One might find themselves picking apples from the tree or sipping on some cider at High Hill farm. Riding the train around the pond of Apple Hill is fun even for us teenagers. For those photographers out there, Apple Hill has loads of photo opportunities for the artsy tumblr side of everyone. If it’s time to update your VSCO feed, Apple Hill is your place. Changing leaves and caramel apples combine to make for a quality photo and quality time with some of your friends. Not only does Apple Hill supply loads of apples, but apple related foods as well. From donuts to pies, the sky’s the limit at Apple Hill. Some might think that Apple Hill is only for young kids, but Apple Hill becomes even more fun the older you get. Taking pictures while eating caramel apples by the pond or picking out your favorite flavor of fudge can be a blast. Special to the Gazette /LINDA COLOGNA
Gazette photo /ISABELLA TKACHUK
Page 10
October 2016
boo.
If You Got it,
Haunt it Students discuss their favorite haunted house experiences BY PAIGE ERICKSON
perickson.gazette@gmail.com
A spooky Halloween season has creeped its way into another year. At the beginning of October, haunted houses opened to kick off the month. Located in Sacramento, The Ultimate Terror Scream Park is one attraction that offers a horrifying experience. This park is open for 23 nights during October and leaves a deadly impression on those who are brave enough to enter. “I went to this park last Halloween with my friends,” said Phoebe Zeiss, a Granite Bay High School senior and haunted house enthusiast. “It was frightening beyond belief and left my heart racing.” The park offers three haunted houses and live horror entertainment. One popular attraction is the “7 Deadly Sins” house which was named one of the top haunted house attractions in the nation. “This house was the first one I went to and it left me shaking,” Zeiss said. “It was as if I entered the house of a psycho and had to escape from him in the dark.” Another attraction is the “Tooth Fairy” house. It is pitch black inside and people are only provided one flashlight to survive the horror. In order to make each individual experience unforgettable, haunted house workers are trained to act out and maintain their roles. Noel Jensen worked at a haunted house for three years with her family. She put in six hours of work each day, for three days per week. “The hardest part was trying not to laugh because it was always funny when people got scared,” Jensen said. “The visitors would scream and sometimes even cry.” “During the day, the atmosphere was fun and all of the people who worked in the house hung out,”
Jensen said. “But at night it got frightening because everyone got into their costumes to begin scaring guests.” The haunted house Jensen worked at was located in Loomis and the man who owned it was in charge of the attraction. Next to his house he built a barn with multiple rooms, all of which were a part of the visit. People who participated would get a room and decorate it based on the overall theme of the house. “My favorite theme was when we created a jail,” Jensen said. “We were in a cage the whole time and it was super cool.” Before visitors began showing up, workers had to get into character. “We put on a lot of creepy makeup,” Jensen said. “We also thought about what we were going to say to people as they walked by.” Each year, Jensen had a different role to play. During the three years, she acted as a little girl in a butcher shop, a girl trapped in a cage and a sick girl in a hospital bed. “My most memorable experience was scaring this one kid who was being mean,” Jensen said. “He was saying rude things to me so my uncle came in with a “chainsaw” and the kid was so scared and started to cry.” Each year Jensen put in hard work to maintain her role
Gazette illustration /NATASHA CHANDA
and to provide visitors with a chilling experience. These terrifying attractions continue to gain popularity, especially around Halloween. “Haunted houses may be gory, horrifying and spinechilling,” Zeiss said, “but that’s what Halloween is all about.
October 2016
jack-o’-lantern fun.
Page 11
PUMPKIN showdown Two GBHS art classes go head to head in a jack-o’-lantern competition
team stePHens
VS. BY KATE BOOTH
F
kbooth.gazette@gmail.com
or years a battle has brewed between rooms 511 and 512. Each year students of the two art rooms question which class is best. On Oct. 4, the Granite Bay Gazette decided to put each room’s creativity to the test by having them each submit a carved pumpkin they felt represented their classroom. This pumpkin would then be judged by the Gazette staff, deciding once and for all who is superior in creativity. Within a matter of minutes stems, carving knives and pumpkin guts flew. The festive autumnal spirit was in full swing. The question loomed, how would each class create something that they felt accurately represented them? Each kid threw out their ideas – everything from a Jack Skellington pumpkin to a tumblr looking cat pumpkin was suggested. As the time ticked by, tensions grew, neither side knowing what the other was plotting to do. In the end, room 511 chose to do a Van Gogh Starry Night inspired pumpkin and Room 512 did a grimacing pumpkin eating a figurine. Both pumpkins took on definite personalities. Room 512’s pumpkin, carved by seniors Kendall Smith, Madelyn Ackler and Madeline Frey, was bold and whimsical. Art teacher Myron Stephens said the inspiration for his jack-o’-lantern was along the lines of wanting the pumpkin to be lighthearted. “I just wanted something fun,” Stevens said. On the other hand the 511 pumpkin has a certain elegance about it. This pumpkin, carved by seniors Quincey MacMillan, Caroline Palmer, Keaton Dougherty and Brad Cordell, when illuminated allowed Van Gogh’s strokes to really shine through. When asking around the Gazette newsroom the starry night pumpkin evoked comments of “pretty” and “artsy” whereas the pumpkin carved by 512 elicited responses of “cutsey” and “creepy”. The two pumpkins definitely seemed to accurately reflect the two classrooms. The jack-o’-lantern presented by 511 was more formal and structured, whereas the pumpkin provided by the 512 classroom was loud and had a certain joking quality to it. Deliberations about which pumpkin deserved to win went on and on. In the end it was 511’s pumpkin that earned the title of winner. Room 511’s use of stokes and art references lead to a beautifully executed jack-o’lantern. Their ability to make something as mundane as a pumpkin look like a piece of fine art was awe inspiring. It is now official. Room 511 reigns supreme in creativity – at least when it comes to the area of pumpkin carving.
team cordell
Two art classes on GBHS campus compete to see which is sominant in the art of carving pumpkins.
Page 12
October 2016
current.
Mixtape - Fall feels
Artist of the Month KRISTINE DUNN 1. What piece are you currently working on? I’m working on an abstract piece that kind of relates towards looking toward the future. 2. What is your favorite piece you have done?
ALINA POCZOBUTT
My most recent painting is probably my favorite. It’s a still life with the narcissus flower on it that represents rebirth and new beginnings.
apoczobutt.gazette@gmail.com
1. “This Girl” by Kungs vs. Cookin’ on 3 Burners A feel–good, jazz–sounding pop song. 2. “No Scrubs” by Bastille The cover of a classic song that takes out the rap and replaces it with vocals and background music. 3. “Don’t Be a Fool” by Shawn Mendes As a part of his new album “Illuminate”, Don’t Be a Fool is a great song to listen to on a cold day because it sounds like something straight out of a John Mayer album. 4. “Capsize” by FRENSHIP
3. What made you realize you wanted to do art? I’ve always loved art, like drawing and painting since I was little and my grandma’s an artist, so she would teach me how to paint things, so that kind of inspired me. 4. How do you come up with your concepts for your paintings? I like to use song lyrics that inspire me or things that are going on in my life or things that I’m passionate about. 5. What are your favorite colors to paint with? I usually gravitate towards more neutral colors and greens.
An upbeat, EDM–style song that isn’t painful on the ears. 5. “We Just Haven’t Met Yet” by Russ A more sentimental song from the new and popular rapper.
Follow @irisjchillin for a little laughter to your day
Follow Friday
Compiled by Amanda Prather
Compiled by Katie Cologna
FRESHMAN 2020 201 vs VS. SENIOR 7 . What is your favorite thing about fall? Emerson: I like the fall festivities, like carving pumkins and hanging decorations. Camden: My favorite thing is the weather. What is your favorite Halloween movie? Emerson: My favorite Halloween movie is “Halloweentown.” Camden: “Halloweentown” is a classic.
Emerson Ford is a freshman at GBHS.
Camden Castillo is a senior at GBHS.
Compiled by Mackenzie Brown
October 2016
center of attention
Page 13
Sacramento is golden once again
GBHS students comment on the Golden 1 Center in Downtown Sacramento BY NATALIE HATCH
nhatch.gazette@gmail.com
T
hanks to Golden 1, there’s quickly become a new “center” of attention in Downtown Sacramento. As it’s risen on K Street over the past two years, the $556.6 million arena has brought the city some long awaited attention. The new center will serve not only as a sports venue but also as a culture and entertainment hub. “I think it will encourage a more diverse variety of events,” senior and avid concert-goer Flannery Trexler said. “More well-known names will want to come to (Sacramento) to be able to perform in such a new, prestigious, state of the art stadium.” Replacing the old Sleep Train Arena, which opened in 1988 under the name ARCO Arena, Golden 1 Center boasts modern and striking architecture, and features multiple works from renowned artists. “The arena looked really cool,” senior Ethan McNiff said. “(It is) very clean (and) the architecture is really sweet too.”
McNiff was in attendance for the arena’s inaugural concert, housing the Beatles legend Paul McCartney. The striking new arena, McNiff said, will appeal to people whether or not close and far, with its “super modern and sleek” design, regardless of whether or not they’ve watched it rise. “My friend, Andy Sazima, works at KPFF, which is the engineering firm responsible for its construction, so I saw a bunch of pictures of it being built all the time,” McNiff said. “But seeing it for real was amazing.” Besides the building itself, the Golden 1 Center houses multiple pieces of art that have drawn coverage since its unveiling. “I am excited to see all the artwork the stadium is supporting,” Trexler said. “Golden 1 helped fund many local artists for painting, sculptures and other works of art.” Trexler is hopeful that the new venue will encourage local artists, in addition to music fans, and provide a place of inspiration. “I definitely think that students will be able to cultivate their artistic passions with a new stadium opening up so close,” she said. “It’s much easier to explore art when it’s accessible to you, and I feel
this stadium will allow just that. Junior Addie Follett was also in attendance for Golden 1’s first concert, and agrees that the venue will be well-loved by locals. “I think the community will overall love the new arena,” Follett said. “The new location is really nice because now there are a lot of places to eat before.” Along with specs that make the center look great on paper, Follett said that attendees will be stunned by the spaciousness and atmosphere inside. “It’s way better than the old one,” Follett said. “Now it’s super high tech and has super good acoustics.” In the coming weeks, the arena will become known as the home of the National Basketball Association’s Sacramento Kings, however it will also host highly-praised and anticipated concerts year round. Upcoming performances at Golden 1 include Maroon 5 and Pentatonix, and early next year the arena will host Twenty-One Pilots, Bon Jovi, Ariana Grande and Eric Church. “I’d totally recommend people to go,” McNiff said. “I had a lot of fun at the concert and it’s a cool venue.”
October 2016
iPHONE7
Page 14
photo /A MAND
A PRAT HER
iOS 10/10 recommend the iPhone 7 Gazett e
iPhone 7 users are envious of the lack of the headphone jack on the newest Apple model BY MAX SHWARTZ
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mshwartz.gazette@gmail.com
beta stage, the preliminary testing release of the software. The feedback for iOS 10 has been mostly positive. “I believe it is the best (operating system) yet,” sophomore Joe Moss said. The jump from the previous operating system to iOS 10 might be difficult at first, but like every other update, consumers quickly adapt. “At first I had doubts because I got the beta version, but after a week or so with it, I got used to it,” sophomore Moses Huish said, “and now it’s way faster to open apps and other things.” With the new update, there will still be things that owners will need to get used to, like the new unlock
henever the new iPhone rolls around each year, there is always the rush to get it as people are in awe of the new technology. With the new operating system out, iOS 10, along with the new iPhone 7, is there still that rush? iOS 10 was available as of Sept. 13. However, as usual, there are some bugs present. “I enjoy (iOS 10) because it is very useful, ” said Triston Haverty, a Granite Bay High School sophomore. But Haverty noted that the software was “very laggy” during the Seniors Drew Robles (left) enjoys his headphones, and Lucas Walker (right), displays his envy of the iPhone 7s lack of this feature.
Gazette photos /AMANDA PRATHER
feature the update includes. “The transition from opening your phone with a sliding password to just pressing the home button seems kind of pointless and frustrating to a lot of people, as iPhone users aren’t accustomed to that and don’t benefit from that change,” senior Audrey Cavotta said. The iPhone 7 is out now, and the talk about the phone, especially from people who don’t own the phone, has been mostly negative. One of the main concerns for students is the new features on the iPhone 7 – or lack thereof. “I don’t like the fact that (Apple) removed the headphone jack,” Cavotta said. “It is going to make listening to music a lot more difficult, and I know lots of people are upset about that.” The lack of the auxiliary insert has upset enough people that it turned into a comedy routine among many late-night talk show hosts. And some people are more upset than others. “I will not be buying the iPhone 7 because of one reason – there’s no headphone jack,” Huish said. “It’s like they tried to make one of the most useable parts of the iPhone and bury it in a grave of lost electronics.” Junior Ryan Hunter, a GBIT staff member has his opinion on the new device. “Apple claims the 3.5 millimeter jack to be old an old thing but the reason it is still there and very prominent is because there is no reason to change it,” Hunter said. “If it isn’t broken don’t fix it,” Hunter said, “Velcro for an example, is very old but still super practical.” Students with iPhone 7’s who spoke to the Gazette are mostly positive about their new Apple devices. “It feels pretty nice to have a very powerful phone,” sophomore Noah Hart said. “It is also a plus that not many people have it.” Still, the endorsements for the iPhone 7 by some students are lukewarm at best. “I don’t really recommend people to get the iPhone 7,” senior Lucas Walker said. “I would get the iPhone 6s – they do basically the same things.”
RELATIVITY MEDIA
Rated: PG-13 By: Will Anderson wanderson.gazette@gmail.com
masterminds: C+
o I recommend wasting an hour and a half of your day? No. But, if you need to, look no further than Jared Hess’s most recent work, “Masterminds”. The 37-year-old offers his uniquely awkward spin on comedy, in his best work since the release of “Napoleon Dynamite” in 2004. As shocking as it may seem, the story, in its simplest form, is true. There was a Loomis Fargo Robbery in 1997 and $17.2 million were taken by employee David Ghantt. But once the opening shot ends, and “Based On a True Story” stops being displayed at the bottom of the screen, bad fictionalization and poor humor take over. The cast consists of mostly current or retired “Saturday Night Live” members, making you feel like every scene was shot with no cuts, and the entire film was produced in one take. If you are able to look past the terrible southern accents, mediocre plot line and raunchy teenage humor, this film is still incredibly mediocre. The entire time it felt like a poorly timed joke. It could have been funny, but it needed more explanation and it made everyone uncomfortable. Yes, the teenage boy humor did get to me, and on rare occasion I did laugh when I was in the theater. As a whole though, the script was rough around the edges and the acting lacked conviction. It was at my deepest level of uncomfort when a grin came upon my face. Zach Galifianakis’s character, David Ghantt, horrendously exposed his teeth with a smile that only a mother could love. Why was it funny? My best guess is that it was the combination of continuous cringe worthy scenes that finally amounted in the only response I could offer, a pitiful smile. Despite the comedic combination of Kristen Wiig, Jason Sudeikis, Owen Wilson, Leslie Jones and Kate McKinnon, the movie failed to bring anything valuable to the table. Weak jumpcuts made it even more challenging to enjoy the film. I expected a masterfully crafted comedy, with memorable lines and endless laughs. Instead I got a fifth grade level skit that seemed to be thrown together in about 25 minutes.
W
WARNER BROS. PICTURES
hen you mention a plane crash and New York City in the same sentence, many people will think of 9/11. However, not all plane crashes in New York City have had a bad ending. Directed by Clint Eastwood, Sully is based on the “Miracle on the Hudson,” when US Airways Flight 1549 crashed in the Hudson River . The movie begins when Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, played by Tom Hanks, is being investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board about whether or not performing an emergency water landing in the Hudson River was the right choice. Initially, the investigation seems routine to Sullenberger, who believes that his decision to land in the Hudson rather than the nearest airport was the right choice, but evidence showed otherwise and made Sullenberger doubt himself. Because the movie is based heavily on the plane crash itself, much of the movie consists of the plane scene. However, Eastwood made it a habit of repetitively replaying the same exact footage of the crash. Furthermore, Eastwood only separates the last two plane scenes by 20 minutes, leaving the audience with certain déjà vu. The repetition of the scene was predictable, as the whole movie revolves around the one event, which makes the duplication more permissible. As for the character of Sully, Northern California’s own Tom Hanks was truly stupendous. In the movie he sports gray hair, and while it’s somewhat sad to see Woody from Toy Story as an old man, he brings the maturity required of impersonating the calm-minded Sullenberger. Aaron Eckhart was also fantastic. In the movie he plays the First Officer, Jeff Skiles, who was right next to Sullenberger as the plane landed in the Hudson. Throughout the movie, Eckhart plays the supporting role to its most literal sense; Skiles supported Sullenberger throughout the investigation. Besides the repetition, the acting and chemistry was great. An impression that really lasted was the credits. They showed the passengers of the real U.S. Airways Flight 1549, and a lot of them recited which seat they were in on the plane. It defiinately gave me the chills and left the movie with a sense of reality to the actual event. Rated: PG-13 By: Andrew Yung ayung.gazette@gmail.com
sully: A-
D
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film.
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LIONSGATE
t’s night. You wake up in a forest, alone, surrounded by strange figures made up of bundled sticks. You don’t know how or why you got here, but something seems vaguely familiar. In fact, as your eyes adjust, you realize that everything is exactly as you remembered it. Unfortunately, this is the feeling I had watching the very disappointing 2016 film, “Blair Witch”. In 1999, faux-documentary “The Blair Witch Project” was released to widespread critical acclaim. Audiences and critics alike were polarized by its realism, many believing it to be true. This year, a sequel to the film, entitled “Blair Witch”, was announced. It promised answers to the mysteries of the first film, a modern take on a now classic horror film. Honestly, I was very excited for this film. “The Blair Witch Project” is one of my favorite movies of all time, and this sequel was directed by Adam Wingard, one of the few talented horror directors working today. Despite having everything going for it, “Blair Witch” failed on multiple accounts, the main one being that it isn’t scary. Actually, the only scary part about this movie is the fact that it is the same exact film as the original. The story follows the brother of Heather from the first movie. After a video surfaces of someone he believes to be his sister running around in the abandoned shack from the original film, he and his friends set out to find her. Already, the plot makes no sense. Why would he still think his sister is alive after almost 18 years of her being missing? Regardless, as the movie progresses, the group begins to experience strange occurrences in the woods. Wooden figures start appearing outside of their tents, people start to go insane. The usual fare for a film like this. I can’t say much more of the plot for fear of spoilers, but the only redeeming thing about the movie is the last 20 or so minutes. The rest of the film is filled with sloppy acting, migraine-inducing shaky-cam and enough jump scares to fill two “Paranormal Activity” movies. Yes, what set out to be a revealing sequel to a beloved classic ended up being a cookie-cutter found footage film that would have made more Rated: R By: Connor Hinson chinson.gazette@gmail.com
blair witch: C+
October 2016
Page 16
October 2016
spend for the trend.
Living the High-dro Life Hydro Flasks gain popularity around the Granite Bay High School campus
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BY NATASHA CHANDA nchanda.gazette@gmail.com
very school year has new trends, but never before has a water bottle been the trendiest item on the Granite Bay High School campus. The Hydro Flask, a vacuum insulated water bottle, has been many student’s latest accessory. It has the ability to keep beverages cold for up to 24 hours and hot for up to 6 hours, increasing its popularity among students. Hydro Flasks started becoming prominent on campus in the spring of 2016, however the trend didn’t seem to fully catch on until the later summer months and the beginning of fall. It has become rare to see a student without a Hydro Flask in hand while on their way to class – they are everywhere. Supplied in numerous colors from Lava to Plum and Tangelo to Mint, students have easily been able to turn the water bottle into a convenient accessory. “I think they are so popular because people obviously like the idea of having a drink that stays cold or even hot,” freshman Kendyl Kring said. “You can (also) put your own twist on it, such as (choosing) the color, size, the different caps, and – what I’ve noticed is very common – the personal stickers.” As a part of the trend, many students choose to add stickers and decals to their bottles as a way to personalize
each Hydro Flask. “They look fun and unique with stickers,” senior Sydnee Greer said. Although they are convenient for their ability to preserve beverages for a lengthy amount of time, many wonder whether students buy Hydro Flasks simply because they are trendy or because the bottles are actually useful for their purposes. “I think it’s just a trend, and everyone is just following the trend right now,” senior Alex Dillabaugh said. Though abundant amongst the younger crowd, the Hydro Flask tends to be pricier than most other water bottles. They range from 20 dollars for a 12 ounce bottle to almost 60 dollars for a 64 ounce bottle. “I don’t think the Hydro Flask price is necessarily worth it when there are lot of other water bottles that are just as good for cheaper,” Kring said. “They dent really easily, which can be annoying especially when you just spent a lot of money on it.” Many athletes however believe the price is worth it because their beverages last them the whole day and through their practices. “I prefer Hydro Flasks because I play sports, so it’s nice to have cold water through games and practices,” Greer said. “You can get other good brands for about half the price, yet I still think they are worth it.”
Gazette Photo Illustration/ Natasha Chanda