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Grizzlies leave for college
Grizzlies go abroad
Too many runners
Leaving the nest
Cuts to cross country team made
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How travelling gave them perspective
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The Granite Bay Gazette GRANITE BAY HIGH SCHOOL w 1 GRIZZLY WAY w GRANITE BAY, CA w 95746 w VOLUME 22 w ISSUE 1 w FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2017
COMMENTARY
GBHS GRADUATE COVERS
steph kang
skang.gazette@gmail.com
Low income kids look like you
HURRICANE HARVEY
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y friend and her family live in a small apartment whose previous inhabitants let mold grow so thick even after multiple rounds of bleach they still can’t get the stains out. She is also complimented on her trendy outfits and designer bags, and was once asked if she was rich. Sometimes people forget that just because we’re not hobbling through the streets, wearing filthy clothing and begging for change doesn’t mean that this fact can’t be a fact. Well, surprise! Low income students can look just like you, and our lives are just as real as yours. Just look at me. I am low income, and I live in Special to the Gazette /BRIANA WHITNEY Granite Bay in a house worth half Hurricane Harvey trashed communities across Texas. Briana Whitney took this photograph while reporting for ABC news station KIII in Corpus Christi as the hurria million dollars in a gated comcane steadily advanced toward the Texas coastline. Hurricane Harvey is easily one of the worst natural disasters in American history. munity. And I am low income. Instead, she sought to focus on the unique Whitney, who graduated from GBHS in picked up tremendously,” Whitney said. “I BY BRAYDEN JOHNK I am low income, and I can’t pay bjohnk.gazette@gmail.com and different experiences in the lives of 2011, has been working as a TV news rewas in an extreme wind warning. I started for college. My friends know my everyday people. porter in Corpus Christi for more than two watching debris flying off buildings in situation. They frequently discuss hen Hurricane Harvey made land“For me, I wanted to tell people’s stoand a half years. downtown Corpus Christi.” how they’re glad their parents are fall near Corpus Christi, Texas, Her interest in media began at a young ries,” Whitney said. “Getting to do someAs the storm progressed, Whitney and her bankrolling college for them beon Friday, Aug. 25, it set off one cause they can’t imagine not being of the most devastating natural disasters in team took refuge in a local hotel. age. She was involved with GBHS’s media thing different every day and meeting new able to afford the exorbitant fees. “It was so loud and the hotel was shaking program and was also chosen by Radio people every day interested me and got me U.S. history. And I am low income. As the eye of this Category 4 storm ap- and rocking back and forth,” Whitney said. Disney as an emcee for its local live events. excited.” I am low After college, Whitney applied for various After high school, she attended Califorproached the Texas coastline, Granite Bay “So we actually ended up hunkering down income, and High School graduate Briana Whitney was in our bathroom with the door shut because nia Polytechnic State University, San Luis TV positions and had several offers – locaevery single we were worried that the wind and the flying Obispo, majoring in broadcast journalism. tion was a crucial factor for her. I am low- literally right in the middle of it. time I go “When I was looking for jobs I tried to Whitney was passionate about her chosen Whitney, a general assignment TV news debris could crack the windows.” income, shopping, I Harvey brought with it record rainfall, path and participated in seven different look for places where I would get a lot of reporter for the ABC news station KIII in have to cross- and every Corpus Christi, was reporting live through- flooding and severe building damage across internships at four different news stations news and still feel somewhat normal in,” reference Whitney said. “Obviously in California we during her college years. out the day and evening as the hurricane its path from Texas to Louisiana. single prices from “When I knew I wanted to do broadcast have great climate, great weather and Whitney has been reporting on this devadvanced. Walmart all time I go “I witnessed the rain coming down a lot astation, bringing to light many emotional journalism and reporting, it was never for the way to shopping, See WHITNEY, page A7 the glamour of being on TV,” Whitney said. harder as the hours went on – the wind stories impacting her local coverage area. Trader Joe’s, I have to because sometimes crossthe item reference I’m looking prices for will be cheaper at from name brand Walmart stores and BY MACKENZIE BROWN all the way I wouldn’t mbrown.gazette@gmail.com BY SABINA MAHAVNI want to put smahavni.gazette@gmail.com to Trader So long, study hall, and hello my family to the new-and-improved school Joe’s. Granite Bay High has welcomed under even schedule that includes an “intera plethora of new staff members to more duress New staff members vention” period. its administration and various acaunder the wMath: Katie Farias and This fall, Granite Bay High weight of demic departments. Tyler Jaynes became the fifth and last comthe extra cent it costs to keep me Five new teachers, two new staff wEnglish: Christy Honeycprehensive high school in the alive. And sometimes, the people members and one previous staff utt and Stephanie May Roseville Joint Union High Gazette photo /BRUCE RUSSELL I shop with will comment on my member serving in a new position wSpanish: Grant Adams School District to add an interStudents can get help from teachers such as Jill Cova. excessive frugality, and I will just were in place for the start of the wAssistant principal: Jenvention period into its schedule, tervention schedule – otherwise smile. And I am low income. new school year. The fact that GBHS is the nifer Buschmann I am low income, and I sit on a GBHS faculty members voted known as “Grizz Time” – is for last comprehensive high school The new teaching staff join the board with millionaires to deterwParaeducator: Paulina last spring to implement an in- “students to get the extra help, or in the district to implement an Math, English and Spanish departmine who deserves our board’s Craycroft ments, bringing their individual tervention schedule last spring, time, that they need during the intervention schedule is a plus, scholarship. And sometimes, after effective at the beginning of the school day. So many (students) according to Jennifer Hill, a styles to the school. wCollege & Career Cenreading an applicant’s especially One of those teachers, Tyler 2017-2018 school year. ter: Teri Keeney are very busy, and to have a short Spanish teacher and the inter difficult financial situation, a board Jaynes, is also a GBHS graduate. According to principal Jennifer break in the day will (hopefully) Source: Meagan Swartz member will frown, turn to me, “I just got my Master’s Degree, so Leighton, the purpose of the in- be a huge relief.” See INTERVENTION, page A7 and say, “I think they’re playing sometimes a nice fresh set of eyes is little bit slower-paced,” Jaynes said. the low-income card a little too good when you’re looking at a sysJaynes’ enthusiasm to be back in much.” And I am low income. tem that’s been here for a little bit,” the community is reflected in his I am low income, and I am said Jaynes, who is teaching Inte- work ethic and dedication to teachsaid the Roseville Joint Union High School District BY KATIE COLOGNA stressed during college application grated Math 2 and will coach boys’ ing math effectively. kcologna.gazette@gmail.com Technology Director Tony Ham. “Now we could season because I have no family volleyball. “Hopefully, I can offer “Mr. Jaynes likes to help the stucome down into budget constraints where maybe that went to college in America In April, officials at the Roseville Joint Union that doesn’t happen.” a different perspective than what is dents a lot and make sure everyand I need to teach myself how to High School District decided all schools in the disalready here.” body understands,” said Shelby The goal is that these cameras are capable of capnavigate college apps and apply trict would be installing surveillance cameras on turing incidents of vandalism, fires, fights and other Jaynes graduated from GBHS 10 Acker, a junior who is a student in for a thousand and one scholarcampus. years ago. After teaching at Mary one of Jaynes’ classes. problems on campus – and reduce their incidence. ships, and my friends will come Now, this fall, the cameras are beginning to be Star of the Sea High School in Los Being a new teacher, although “The main reason is just campus safety and secuup to me and try to start drama installed. Angeles, Jaynes decided to return exciting, can be nerve-racking at rity,” said Tony Ham, the district’s director of techabout how I hurt their feelings a The locations of the cameras are going to be pri- nology. “The current initial goal is for the perimeter to Granite Bay and settle down with times. Getting used to a different year ago the week I take the SATs. marily on the perimeters of the schools in places of the campus. The comings and goings, being able his growing family. system, according to Jaynes, is the And I am low income. such as entrances, parking lots, roof access blind to capture things like license plates. Being able to “My wife and I just had a kid, and most challenging part. In a capitalistic society where spots and possibly a few interior cameras. living in L.A. is hard with a new“Every school has its own way of monitor campus after hours. Being able to see if money = happiness, where do low “We’d like to have at least our perimeters covered born … it’s expensive, and stuff up income people lie? Are we the here is a little bit cheaper, maybe a See CAMERAS, page A7 See NEW STAFF, page A6 and servers installed by the end of the school year,” most miserable of the miserable? Do we just not exist at all? Although yes, it is possible that money = happiness, that equation doesn’t always run true in reverse. In most cases, with good deals and a little creativity, the end result is the same. Can you really tell how much Former assistant principal GBHS seniors spend Senioritis to become you spent to get there? Just look Mike Fischer is now the night in parking lot in obsolete as doctors at me. Director of Academic *** order to secure a parking develop vaccine against Steph Kang, a senior, is a Instruction and Support spot the debilitating illness Gazette co-editor-in-chief.
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‘Grizz Time’ finally implemented at GBHS Faculty voted to add it last spring
Fresh faculty members welcomed with open arms Eight new faces join Grizzly family FAST FACTS
New year, new me: security gets a makeover
inside This Section news
Mike Fischer got a promotion
Parking spot pandemonium
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A4
voices
Senioritis vaccine finally developed
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News
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Friday
NAMES IN THE NEWS
will anderson wanderson.gazette@gmail.com
New staff in 201718 at GBHS leave lasting impression on students and staff on campus
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ew teacher Tyler Jaynes is 6-foot-9 and the tallest member of the GBHS staff. Ask him about the weather up there, I'm sure he's never heard that one before. *** Intervention period is new this year on campus. Out with the old and in with the “Grizz Time!” *** Mike Marjama, a GBHS grad, just got called up to the big leagues. See him on TV playing in the MLB for the Seattle Mariners. *** A GBHS student walks into a bar – what do they say? “Second period is now the same length as other periods.” That’s right, there will be no weekly video bulletins this fall. *** Evan Tattersall and Will Craig just committed to play football at the University of California at Berkeley next fall. U can C them on the field on Friday nights. *** Mike Fischer will be accepting a promotion and will begin working at the Roseville Joint Union High School District office as soon as his replacement can be hired. You could say that fish is swimming upstream! *** Seniors camped out in the parking lot this year to reserve senior parking spots. I call that a parking palooza. *** Head football coach Jeff Evans has lead our varsity boys to a 3-0 start, ROLL TRIBE! *** GBHS grad Briana Whitney helped the ABC station out of Corpus Christi, Texas, cover Hurricane Harvey in South Texas. Check out our conversation with her on page A1 and online at GraniteBayToday.org. *** GBit just hopped on the social media train. Make sure to hit them with a follow for all the on campus technological knowledge your heart could desire. *** New assistant principal Jennifer Buschmann ain't no shrub, she is the real deal! *** The Tribe is back in the end zone this football season. I can't wait to roll on over to the football field to catch some GBHS first downs. *** Will Anderson, a senior, is a Gazette news editor.
CORRECTIONS Accuracy is perhaps the most important fundamental of good journalism. It's the policy of the Gazette to correct all factual errors that are brought to our attention. Email us at: 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
Granite Bay Gazette
w September 15, 2017
Push for later start INTENSIFIES
Gazette illustration/WILL ANDERSON
Students and adults weigh in on what varied start time would entail at GBHS BY ASHLEY ALTMANN
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aaltmann.gazette@gmail.com
ot many high school students find waking up early desirable. But students rising every weekday, even before the sun does, might be coming to an end. Senate Bill 328 proposes that all middle schools and high schools in the state of California will be required to begin the school day no earlier than 8:30 a.m. Parents and students alike are both excited and hesitant about what these changes will bring. “My initial reaction to the change would be one of relief because many high schoolers feel that they don’t get enough sleep,” said Granite Bay High senior and cross country athlete Jason Dell’Orto. “And when you throw in before-school sports, things can get very difficult.” Like Dell'Orto, many students find it strenuous to wake up for school – and parents are
realizing these effects as well. “My concern is more my kid’s health and nutrition, as studies show teenagers need more sleep,” said Dana Taheri, mother of sophomore Roxana Taheri. Teens are constantly running around, and spending seven-hour days in the classroom, then going to a wide variety of after-school activities and hurrying home to get started on homework can leave students feeling frazzled. To keep their busy minds’ focused on these tasks requires an adequate amount of sleep. “Having her wake up early has her more stressed out,” Taheri said. Dell’ Orto found it especially hard to manage homework and sports when he was running on little rest. He has noticed, based on the conditions teens are in, the expectations are too high. “Most teens are in the period of their lives where they need the most sleep they can get,” Dell'Orto said. “Expecting them to get up earlier than most adults who work a 9-to-
5 job, and expecting them to learn and function on top of that, is unrealistic.” Other students, though, while appreciating the thought of having some extra shut-eye in the morning, think the change won’t make much of a difference. “I like the general idea of it, but I think I would end up spending the same time on homework and sleep in the morning,” junior Rachel Finsthwait said. “So I would end up staying up later because school would get out later.” Sophomore Kate Thompson is another student who feels as though the switch is too much of a hassle for few real results. “Even though I would wake up later, there would be less time in the evening for me to get to multiple sports practices, do homework, study and still have a social life,” Thompson said. “In the end, I would just stay up even later and get about the same amount of sleep.” Leanna Neal, a sophomore and member of the Emerald Brigade, said the change is
minimal and she doesn’t see a problem with getting her work done within the parameters of the new schedule. “It would be really nice having an extra hour of sleep,” Neal said. Whatever a student says, though, the fact that this bill is now moving through the California state legislature doesn’t surprise many. The Senate bill was approved in late May and sent to the Assembly, which must approve it and then send it to the governor’s office for his signature. If the bill passes in its current form, the later start time will go into effect no later than July 2020. “With as much as kids and parents have been talking about how school starts too early, I’m not surprised something like this bill is taking place,” Thompson said, “I’m just surprised it took so long.”
New bill would increase GBHS parking palooza spend the night in the lot in provisional license age Seniors hopes to reserve spots by their friends Critics unsure if bill will be properly enforced
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BY JUAN PABLO FLORES jflores.gazette@gmail.com
n 2013, assemblyman Jim Frazier (DOakley) decided to take action to remediate the grief of losing a daughter in a car accident. A bill he proposed – which would have increased both the hours of curfew and mandated provisional license time – was vetoed by California Governor Jerry Brown, but Frazier is making another attempt. His new bill, AB-63, will work to reduce teen driving accidents by extending driver restrictions for new drivers 21 and under. The temporary year-long restrictions currently imposed on provisional licenses given to underage drivers after holding a student driver permit for six months would be extended to the entire period of time between the driver’s 18th and 21st birthday. Some supporters of the law believe the problem it addresses is very grave and should be addressed. “The leading cause of death for people 1820 years old are car accidents,” Granite Bay High health teacher Terry Stafford said, “and 16-18 is not a long enough period of time for a provisional license to make sense.” There is no consensus, however, on whether or not the law would be effective. Violators would receive an infraction resulting in a fine or mandatory community service – with some exceptions including those in the military and emancipated minors. “Provisional licenses exist to deter people from doing stupid things,” Stafford said, “so anything that saves lives is a good idea.” However, some critics are concerned the bill might have a negative effect in their lives by threatening their livelihood and Constitutional liberties. “I am concerned about the inconveniences that may arise for college-age students,” world language teacher Jill Cova said, “because not
everyone has their own car.” Junior Jake McKillop said such a law could impede the ability of some who need to have a job to sustain themselves financially. “I use my license in good, productive ways,” McKillop said. “Without Terry Stafford the freedom to drive, I’d Health teacher probably lose a lot of op- said that only two portunities that work pro- years is not an vides.” adequate time The bill would authorize a licensee who is 18 to for young drivers 20 years of age to keep a copy of his or her class or work schedule to be exempt from some terms of the provisional license restriction. Still, critics say many reasonable circumstances in which they operate vehicles would be considered breaking the law. “People over 18 are considered an adult and can even get married,” said Deputy Gregory Hopping, the GBHS school resource officer, “and if you become an adult, you should be treated as (one).” Some are concerned with the curfew hours, which conflict with some religious and cultural ceremonies including Christian liturgical vigils and Jewish pre-burial ceremonies. There are no religious exceptions in the bill. The level of enforcement is another possible issue for both supporters and opponents of the bill. “With stronger enforcement,” Hopping said, “people may place more attention to their driving and traffic incidents are reduced.” Stafford said the future will reveal if the law is truly a deterrent to reckless driving, but he added that a larger issue is that education officials “should have never taken drivers’ ed out of (California) public schools.”
BY MCKENNA ARAM
maram.gazette@gmail.com
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ranite Bay High School’s senior students deliberately sacrificed their greatest freedom, sleeping in their own beds, for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of sleeping in a dirty parking lot. Every year, senior students are able to purchase a parking spot and paint it with their own personalized designs. So, on the night of Aug. 14, seniors eagerly gathered to sleep in the GBHS parking lot in order to se-
cure spots which would begin to be sold at 6 a.m. the following morning. “It’s worth it to buy a senior spot instead of a normal one because if you have to show up late to school, you know you have a spot waiting for you,” senior Dante Tafoya said. “Also, it’s fun knowing you’ll park next to your friends every day.” Normal parking spots are available for all licensed drivers in grades 11 and 12. And for the first time ever this year, general admission parking passes were free.
Although cheaper than previous years, senior parking spots remained costly at $40 in order to pay for the supplies needed to decorate spots. “It’s up to the senior president and vice president how much spots will cost,” senior class adviser and science teacher Lisa Goldsmith said. “They buy the paint supplies based on (the profit) from the parking spots.” With more than 500 seniors in the Class of 2018 and only 150 spots available for purchase, some chaos was inevitable. See PARKING, page A4
Gazette photo /MCKENNA ARAM
Seniors Tanner Brasse and Owen Boxx designing the artwork for their spots.
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PARKING: Students and staff offer their take on seniors camping out for their senior spots Continued from page A2 Students slept in truck beds, hammocks and chairs in order to make certain they would have a place in line when the clock struck 6. “I fell asleep in the line, which began to (form) around 2 a.m.,” senior Chase Mannsfeld said. “I slept for three hours, woke up at 5 a.m. when the line actually opened and then hung out until I got my spot.” Multiple friend groups, such as Tafoya’s and Mannsfeld’s, planned out their spot locations ahead of time for a variety of reasons, the main one being the fact that friends would be able to be near each other before and after school. “My friends and I wanted to get a spot near each other because if I’m going to hit someone’s car, I’d rather hit a friend’s,” senior Carly Wallace said. It is not surprising that within the chaos of the parking planning, some minor complications arose. “The cops showed up in the middle of the night when we were sleeping, because of a noise complaint,” Mannsfeld said.
“But they let us stay.” While dealing with law enforcement officers, sleep deprivation and homework due the next day, late-night hunger also became a common issue among the sleep over seniors. “My friends and I did an Adalberto’s run at 2:30 a.m. since it’s open 24/7 and got a bunch of breakfast burritos and super nachos,” Mannsfeld said. Tafoya and his friends ordered pizza around the same time, while Wallace and others brought snacks with them. “(Some) interesting memories from that night were definitely me peeing my pants, laughing while playing the guitar at 2 a.m. and eating cinnamon toast crunch,” Wallace said. Never in the history of GBHS have students spent the night in order to purchase parking spots. “I thought it was really unnecessary and as fun as it was, it was just a huge liability,” Goldsmith said. “There was no one supervising there – they shouldn’t have done it.” According to Goldsmith, there were actually extra parking spots left over last
NEWS BRIEFS GBHS searches for new assistant principal
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ssistant principal Mike Fisher has been promoted to a district-level position by the Roseville Joint Union School District – he will serve as the Director of Academic Instruction and Support, which is part of the Curriculum and Instruction department. The irony of his promotion was that Granite Bay High principal, Jennifer Leighton, found out before Fischer did. “Actually I heard not from him first,” Leighton said. “There was a retirement reception for someone and then the superintendent (Ron Severson) said I need to see you for a few minutes. And so he brought me into his office and told me, but he told me, ‘You can’t say anything because we haven’t even called him yet.’” Fischer will continue as an AP at GBHS until the school has found a replacement. “We’re posting now for a new assistant principal,” Leighton said. “They won’t take him away until we get someone here.” The interviews to replace Fischer will be
year, but this year, students who showed up to get in line at 5 a.m. had to be turned away because the spots were gone. After learning of the incident, GBHS administrators have since considered ways to change the process of obtaining a senior spot so there are no repeat occurrences. “We were more upset that the parking lot was trashed,” Goldsmith said. “It kind of reflected badly on seniors as a class, which was disappointing.” The following weeks after purchasing spots, seniors were given four different dates when they could paint their spots. Paint was provided by Student Government, and seniors were given measurements as to how large they could paint their spots. From beloved animals to self portraits, students got creative with their designs. “I painted my truck on my spot,” Tafoya said, “but my favorite design that I Gazette photo /MCKENNA ARAM have seen was my friend’s South African Luke Holiday begins to paint his parking spot at an evening painting session. flag.”
Mike Fischer Fischer has worked as an assistant principal at GBHS for several years and inside the district for over a decade.
open to teachers at GBHS and other candidates from outside the school. For the interview process, there will be a panel of students with AP Jessup McGregor, and then a panel of teachers, counselors and clerical staff with Leighton. Fischer, however, will not be sitting in on the interview process. Leighton has a few key qualities she is looking for in the next AP. “Really hard working, smart, grit, go getter,” Leighton said. “Kind of like a run-tothe-fire kind of person. A lot of that, Mr. Fischer has.” In order to replace the responsibilities Fischer had, Leighton might have to move around the jobs of other staff members. “Since Mr. Fischer was overseeing science, I have to replace someone else overseeing science, and it may not be the new person – it might be one of my existing -By Katie Cologna
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18-year-olds share views on military actvity Students are not always aware they have to enroll in draft BY NICOLE GEARING
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ngearing.gazette@gmail.com
urning 18 means you are officially a legal adult. New liberties as an adult include the right to vote, buy a lottery ticket, get married and apply for a driver’s license without the need of a permit. For 18-year-old boys, their birthday marks the first day they can sign up for the United States military draft – something that is required, and often forgotten. Not much discourages a man from signing up for the draft – not even the status of their citizenship. Men aged 18 through 25 are required to sign up within 30 days of their birthday. Girls, however, are not required to sign up for the draft. Colbie Orbea, a senior who is 18, agrees that in a time of war crisis, she would enlist in the army. The penalties for not signing up within 30 days of your eighteenth birthday, during peace time, are nonexistent to insignificant, so GBHS students shouldn’t worry. However, during a wartime crisis, the
penalties can be as severe as five years in prison and a fine of $250,000. Although the draft hasn’t been used since the end of the Vietnam War, with President Donald Trump looking to launch “a great rebuilding of the armed forces,” the draft could be used again. Having “no knowledge” of the draft, 18-year-old senior Mason Lopez said he thinks school “doesn’t tell us a lot of (practical information), but (only tries to) prepare us for academics”. For example, Lopez said he “didn’t know” about the requirement that he must sign up for the draft. With college seeming to be the dominating focus for after graduation, entrance into the armed forces is also on some students’ minds. But where can these students get this information? Pamphlets are available at Granite Bay High, but sometimes not widely known. “My role at GBHS is to educate young men and women on the opportunities the Marine Corps has to offer (and) help facilitate their entrance into the Marine Corps if they decide to,” said Sgt. Matthew
Snow, a Marine Corps telecommunications specialist. Snow said he knew from a “young age I wanted to enlist, because of the events of 9/11,” and so he was well aware of the draft. For those who do not wish to join the armed forces, the draft and the requirement to register can still be ambiguous. “I do not plan on joining the military – it would have to be (for) something that I felt really strongly about,” said Nash Rood, an 18-year-old senior. Although Rood knows where he stands regarding his possible enlistment in the armed forces – it’s not very likely – he still is unsure about how enlistment and the draft work. “If I have to actively go register for (the draft), then no, I was not aware of that,” Rood said. Information regarding enlistment can be found all over campus – it’s just a matter of students knowing where they can get it. “I feel the opportunities for more information are there,” Snow said. “However, it is up to the individual to seek the information and find out how we can help.”
Friday, September 15, 2017
w The Granite Bay Gazette
News A5
GBHS community reponds to a rising controversey Teachers and students give their opinion on the violent incidents in Charlottesville, Virginia BY JUAN PABLO FLORES
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jflores.gazette@gmail.com
t’s not hard to see the strong political divisions on the issues of race relations and Constitutional liberties that were embodied by the Charlottesville unrest in August. Leftists seek the removal of symbols they deem offensive, while nationalists seek the preservation of what they deem to be part of their heritage. Many disagree on how American principles should determine the correct answer. “Disrespecting Confederate statues is disrespecting American history,” senior Landon Hunting said, “(because) since 1958, Confederate soldiers have been considered American veterans.” In 1958, Congress passed an act increasing the pensions of Confederate veterans’ widows and another procuring government headstones for Confederate veterans. However, people on both sides continue to debate whether or not these veterans deserve positive recognition in modern society. “There is much hatred and negativity coming from what those people stood for,” said junior Michelle Savant, who has served for a year as president of the Granite Bay High Black Student Association. In contrast, Advanced Placement United States History teacher Brandon Dell’Orto took no side, saying that “Robert E. Lee (and the rebellious) 11 states fought for their country against what they saw as ag-
gression... like the 13 colonies did.” “Most of them were not fighting to protect slavery (but rather) to protect their ‘country’.” The intention behind the leaders of the Charlottesville rallies (and others across the country) organized in defense of Confederate statues and free speech, have also been heavily criticized by some as racist, farright provocations. “These unfortunate un-American events,” senior Pierce Van Fleet-Koger said, “lead to more leniency on being racist against minorities.” Van Fleet-Koger said that white supremacists started a riot in Charlottesville, and she remains unconvinced of the presence of peaceful conservative protesters and about the subjectivism inherent in classifying hate speech. Like Van Fleet-Koger, IB World Religions teacher David Tastor believes that racism is still a problem. He places blame on extremists who use holy books to “fuel their craziness.” “All religions teach you to treat others as you would treat yourself,” Tastor said, indicating that, like ISIS, the Ku Klux Klan members go against Christian principles by expressing hate for others. Savant said she is concerned about a resurgence of racism in the United States, saying that “the fact there are still white supremacists in our country is very scary.” “(President Donald) Trump gave a green
light to people stuck in a racist past,” Dell’Orto said, “and they felt empowered and emboldened, thinking they have a kindred spirit in the White House.” Nevertheless, Dell’Orto said there has been much progress in eradicating racism from the country in the previous 70 years. While some students and teachers are concerned with a perceived revival of racism, others suggest that free speech a major concern. “Free speech means we can believe as we wish without the threat of violence,” world language teacher Michael Trout said. “We do not need ‘thought policing’ in our country.” Trout said he has noticed “violence from ANTIFA and ‘Black Lives Matter’” for more than the previous two years. The extremist rhetoric from both sides, he said, is a concern across the country. While some white nationalists in the Charlottesville “Unite the Right “ rally were using Nazi-era expressions such as “blood and soil,” masked ANTIFA supporters present at the overnight removal of Confederate statues at the University of Texas last August were reportedly chanting extremist slogans including “death to America.” Concerns about censorship became evident in California after a “March Against Marxism” was canceled in Berkeley because of safety concerns.
See RACE RELATIONS A6
Gazette illustration/KATIE COLOGNA
The connecting of the hands shows the unity of students of all races despite the polarization in the country today.
Millennials question today’s news
Be this Students comment on how they try to avoid bias in the media happy when you read the... “I BY NICOLE GEARING
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f it’s on the internet, it must be true.” Not so. Gone are the days when readers would flip through a newspaper to find information and feel secure that the content was accurate. Instead, news has evolved and become available through various quick-access and usually online platforms. Young people, most commonly millennials, appear to be more involved in the news today than they have ever been before. With social media platforms such as Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and Facebook, news is continuously thrown at us. Social media, such as Twitter, is a commonly used platform for
students to get their news. “It kind of depends,” Granite Bay High School senior Alec Black said. “(I mostly use) Twitter. Looking at what’s trending and what’s not. I try to look at different left-leaning and rightleaning news sources to counterbalance the bias on both sides.” Black makes sure to look at objective facts and differing news sources so he can get balanced and accurate information. Many nationally recognized news sources do not shy away from their biases – rather they embrace them. “I watch a lot of Fox News and will check stuff on Instagram or Twitter,” junior Jackson Greenwald said. “If my parents are watching the news, I’ll watch, but I don’t watch it to watch it. I read the newspaper every once in awhile if I wake up and have the
time to read it.” Flipping the page to continue reading the story takes a lot longer than scrolling down on a phone, making newspapers seem archaic. “It has to be ... the best information there is,” Jackson said. “I don’t want to go with what’s first, I want to make sure it’s correct.” Online news consumers also have to navigate advertising and other non-news content. “A lot of times I don’t pick what’s first because it’s an ad or some random stuff,” Greenwald said. “If I’m going to believe in (the story), there has to be multiple companies reassuring the facts.” While battling tight time restraints and academic due dates, students often click the first website that pops up, not even checking the source of the information. Because of this, the information
they are reading and using could be flawed, or worse, completely inaccurate. One of the advantages to social media and the internet is that it allows for anyone to voice their opinion. While the option to express individual ideas to the public is great, readers can be introduced to opinions that are manipulated to appear factual. “If I thought (the information) was weird, I’d check somewhere else,” Miller said. “I like (the information) to be quick.” Miller admits that name recognition of the site publishing the article is important to her, and she usually clicks the first result that comes up after Googling something. Black expressed the importance of uncovering the accurate sources individually. “You,” he said, “find the truth.”
New courses gain more attention AP Human Geography and IB World Religion class sizes grow BY EMILY TALMI
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ranite Bay High School offers a wide variety of classes: ranging from college prep to advanced placement to international baccalaureate. There are also required graduation classes such as integrated math, English, physical science and others. However, GBHS has added AP Human Geography (an alternative for AP European History), and it’s being taught for the first time this fall. “The enrollment numbers were crazy – we had to cap it at eight sections and turn many kids away, unfortunately,” said Katie Angelone, who is teaching the class along with Dale Mortensen. Exceeding Angelone’s expectations, the enrollment numbers were greater than the available spots, forcing her and Mortensen to cap the course at eight sections. “The course teaches students to interpret maps, analyze geospatial data, define regions, understand changing interconnections among places, interpret relationships among patterns and processes and explain the implications of networks and associations, such as political formations, cultural values and economic constraints,” Angelone said. “Students employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine human social organization and its environmental consequences.” Many sophomores opted to take AP Human Geography instead of AP European History as it fulfills the sophomore history requirement for graduation. In addition, AP Human Geography counts as an elective credit for juniors
and seniors. Moreover, students chose this class because of its pressing subject matter and its relevance to the world today. “I chose to take this class because it seemed really neat that you get to learn about current events you can relate to in our world today rather than how it was 100 years ago,” sophomore Marli Bannai said. “The workload hasn’t been as overwhelming as I thought it would be, but the tests are pretty hard.” Sophomore Emma Broers agrees with Bannai’s appreciation of the relevant information and topics covered in the course. “I’m really enjoying the class so far,” Broers said. “The first unit started a little slow but it’s been getting more and more interesting every day. Mrs. Angelone does a great job of teaching the material, and I’m excited for the rest of the semester to learn more about it.” In addition to the newly estabGazette illustration/KATIE COLOGNA lished AP Human Geography class, more students have en- Each symbol is represnting a different religion which is rolled in the IB World Religions present around the world. course. The class started three years ago and has started to at “There are currently 49 students tremely relevant topics. tract more students. enrolled in Word Religion,” said “It is a class that is for now, the “I chose this elective because I David Tastor, the IB World Re- world we live in, the world kids wanted to get a better view on how ligion teacher. “Honestly, I was will go to when they leave Granite other religions see the world,” se- hoping for 10 more than the 28 Bay,” Tastor said. “But if we think nior Jason Dell’Orto said. “So far from last year. Instead, 21 more about it, Granite Bay is far more the class has been a blast. The in- enrolled thanks to the timeliness of diverse than we get credit for. So class discussions are all very in- the class and some great recruiting it is applicable to today as well. teresting and engaging, with the by students from last year’s class.” “I think all of my former stuwhole class participating and de- Many more students enrolled in dents will say that in some form, liberating on each topic as we go IB World Religion in comparison they have been able to use the over it.” to the past years because a greater knowledge they’ve gained in ev Although the class is growing, number of students are yearning to eryday situations, whether it be the majority of students have not educate themselves about religion, conversing with someone of a taken the course. However, the Tastor said. faith they’ve studied or to gently students enrolled have developed Like AP Human Geography, educate the uneducated and/or IB World Religion discusses ex- ignorant.” a deep appreciation for the class.
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Changes in the dance program prove to be beneficial
GBHS students enrolling in the classes are now required to audition for certain levels BY RACHEL NIMTZ
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ranite Bay High School’s dance program is known around the school and surrounding community as one of the most popular classes on campus. The classes perform bi-annual dance shows that attract students, family, school faculty and more. One dance show occurs in the fall in which the fall term dance classes perform and, similarly, there is a show in the spring performed by the spring dance classes. However, for the first time in a while, the dance program is implementing new changes. The dance teacher, Deserie Milburn, said she believes the changes are going to holistically benefit the program. “I love it just because everyone will now be in the correct level,” Milburn said. The program now offers four levels of classes--Dance 1, 2, 3 and 4 – as op-
posed to the previous Historically, there three which included has always tended to Beginning, Intermedibe more students in ate and Advanced. I think it’s a good the lower-level classes as opposed to the “Everyone will start idea because it higher-level classes. at (level) 1, then go to 2 and 3,” Milburn said. will make the ad- “If I get a student “And then some might vanced classes a junior year, they're probably not going still stay at 3.” lot better because to be able to get into In the past, Milburn said there have octhe (dancers) will advanced,” Milburn casionally been probhave more experi- said. lems with students who However, there are ence. weren’t quite ready for some concerns re– Julia Enos, GBHS lated to class sizes Advanced Dance, but that could potentially didn’t want to repeat sophomore cause problems for Intermediate because the program in the funo credit is offered for ture. repeating dance classes “I am nervous and worried that bebelow Advanced. “We have been working to try to make cause I only have one intermediate Dance 3 a (California State University class in the spring, that I won't have and University of California) repeat- enough...(Level) 4 dancers for the next able class,” Milburn said. “Because year,” Milburn said. right now only the highest level can be However, many dance students think repeated for credit.” the changes in the program are a good
idea. Hannah Mortensen, a senior teacher intern for dance, also thinks the changes will help the program in the future. “I feel like eventually it will be good, but auditions (this year) threw people off,” Mortensen said. This is the first year students have had to audition for the intermediate level, in hopes of bringing some of the beginning dancers up to the next level. “I don’t really see a problem with it,” Mortensen said. “If you can’t audition, you could get scared for the show.” Dance 1 students such as sophomores Julia Enos and Jacob Schulte also said they think the changes will greatly benefit the program now, as well as in the future. “I think it's a good idea because it will make the advanced classes a lot better because the (dancers) will have more experience,” Enos said. Overall, the changes give the students a more diverse program that will cater to their individual talents.
Schulte said the new change of adding another class level is a good idea – students who aren’t ready for the Advanced Dance class, the highest level, now have an alternative opportunity. The dance program has been the same for so long, Milburn said she thinks the changes will be beneficial long-term. “I’m ready for a change, ready to try something (new),” Milburn said. One of Milburn's goals was for everyone to be on the same page and feel comfortable in their class. “Last fall, there were (so many) different levels,” Milburn said. “Some kids were trying to perfect a single pirouette and some could to triples.” Milburn just wants everyone to be happy and love the dance program as much as she does. “Everyone knows football and band, and I wanted dance to be like that too,” Milburn said. “Ever since I started 18 years ago, it was always my goal to make the program big.”
'ROP' program changes official title to 'CTE Works' Career organizations prepare students for success BY DANIELLE SHANNON
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he Regional Occupational Centers and Programs might have recently undergone a change in title, but it continues to present many Granite Bay High students with valuable opportunities. Now known as Career and Technical Education or “CTE Works,” the program claims its mission is “to create viable career and educational opportunities for all students by teaching relevant skills that combine hands-on training with academic knowledge.” High schools all throughout Placer County participate in CTE programs, which were established at GBHS in 2001. The current subcategories available in the Roseville Joint Union High School District include Integrated Animal Science, Computer Science, Fire Science, Architecture, Construction and Engineering, along with Health Careers, Dental Careers and Clinical Medical Assistance. Out of these programs, those with the most GBHS participants are Fire Science; Construction and Engineering; Architecture; and Health Careers. The majority of students involved are in their senior or junior years. “I decided to take this course because I’ll gain realworld experience as a senior in high school, and it’ll put me one step ahead of other people,” senior Candyce Junaid said. Though all juniors and seniors are eligible, students interested in the program are encouraged to take school courses that will prepare them for the different career responsibilities. For example, numerous students involved in the Engineering, Construction and Architecture pro-
grams have previously taken classes such as Introduction to Engineering, Architecture and Civil Engineering. As for other programs such as Fire Science, students are expected to have experience in basic math, science, communication, physical agility and health skills through prerequisite courses at GBHS. The application process is one which is neither lengthy nor difficult, as long as it is completed in an appropriate amount of time. The program combines both in-class and off-campus responsibilities for students – they spend time either in the classroom, at a training site or at an internship. “The county office has a structure in place where, legally, they can have students leave the high school and drive themselves to an office or to a training site off campus somewhere generally in South Placer County,” CTE Works director Steve Dolan said. “That student spends anywhere from two to four hours at this setting and they’re an intern, or a trainee.” The courses are based at either GBHS or at different high schools within the Roseville Joint Union High School District. The internships take place in a variety of locations nearby, which requires that students have an independent form of transportation to get there. With each unique program, students obtain different experiences and skills. “I’ve definitely learned different procedures and techniques such as taking vital signs, washing hands … and managing time,” said Janyka Ortiz, a senior involved in the Health Care program. Most students involved in CTE Works who attend GBHS are using the program as a way to prepare themselves for the future.
Special to the Gazette/ NICOLE COX
CTE Works students Kendall Koniezcy and Maddie Clark at work in the Animal Science class.
“I want to be a veterinarian, and the major for that is Animal Science – and that’s what (the CTE Works Integrated Animal Science Program) is all about,” senior Morgan Beasley said. “Fire Science is a big career for me, hopefully,” senior Colbie Orbea said. “I’m really interested in that and everything that involves fire fighting and being a paramedic, so I thought it would be a good match.” The duration of the programs at GBHS continue throughout the entire school year. The majority of programs require 540 hours with the exception of
Computer Science, which requires 360 hours. The CTE schedule can occasionally cause slight complications for students involved because it might be difficult to make it back to class on time at their actual high school. “Considering I don’t have first lunch, by the time I get back to Granite Bay I have about five minutes to get back to my classes, so I’ve been a few minutes late every time to third period,” Orbea said. “It’s time consuming because we don’t get the Wednesday collab, or get out early for minimum days, so it kind of just overrides our school year.”
RACE RELATIONS: Current tensions breed opinions NEW STAFF: GBHS greets new faculty members Continued from page A5
Continued from page A1 of running things, whether it be grade books or different policies, how to interact with students (or) just the different community they want to make at this school,” Jaynes said. “I’m coming from a completely different system, so (I’m) just trying to learn all those rules as we go.” Jaynes has an advantage learning the system because he has experienced it first hand as a student. But he is not the only example of a homecoming staff member. Stephanie May, who grew up in the district, is one of the school’s newest English teachers. Having served as a student teacher under Kay Bacharach and David Tastor last spring, May’s transition into a full-time teaching position was decidedly easier. “I lucked out in that I don’t have a lot of the challenges that someone else might in meeting staff members and meeting students, just because I was here already,” May said. “It is an ideal situation for me to be here at Granite Bay.” The only difficulty, May said, was deciding how to organize her room, a task irrelevant to her before as a student teacher. For May, any challenges that accompany her new title are overshadowed by her drive to educate. Helping others is a quality she has possessed ever
since childhood. “I’ve worked with students even back when I was a little kid,” May said. “I used to volunteer in classrooms for younger children, and I continued to do that all throughout high school and college as well.” As two teachers familiar with the school join the staff, students also welcome completely new faces. Grant Adams is GBHS’ newest Spanish teacher. This year, Jennifer Hill begins her role as the new AP coordinator, stepping down from teaching AP Spanish. This transition opened up a position in the Spanish department for Adams. “Ever since (my wife and I) made the decision to move to this area, I’ve had my eye on this school,” Grant said. “And once that window of opportunity opened, I jumped into it.” Grant spends first and second period teaching at Oakmont High School – he commutes to GBHS for fourth period. Commuting from Oakmont to Granite Bay might seem like a hassle, but compared to driving an hour to Elk Grove as he did in previous years, Adams said his 15-minute commute to GBHS does not even compare. Like other new staff members, Adams is proud to be at GBHS and hopes he can continue to influence students for many years to come. “I’m hoping I can be a Grizzly for the rest of my career,” Adams said. “Cross your fingers.”
“To really mean ‘freedom of speech,’ you’ve got to let people say what may just turn you inside out,” said Dell'Orto, who is a member of the American Civil Liberties Union. He added that such speech must be countered rather than suppressed – in other words, controversial speech shouldn’t be prevented, it should result in more vigorous debate. Savant said when free speech is centered around “hating others,” it is a “moral issue (which is) hard to regulate.” While some Muslim advocacy groups and pro-immigration activists have reacted negatively to the rhetoric of President Trump and his supporters, others suggest they are not at fault. “Our history should not define how we act today about race,” said Hunting, the GBHS
senior. “The ones who are trying to make this about race are themselves racists. “They’re on a witch hunt.” On the same day of the Charlottesville incident, Trump strongly condemned the hatred and bigotry behind the incidents and pointed to “blame on both sides.” Some critics have accused media outlets previously engaged in strong criticism of Trump of promoting racial division and hysteria by omitting facts and distorting words in an attempt to demonize Trump. “The mainstream media is mostly to blame for divisions in our country,” Trout said, adding that the country has “a weaponized media that will stand at nothing to divide our country and use identity politics to encourage the fringe left-wing organizers to attack rightwing free speech rallies.” Some media outlets have raised the subject
of race in what seem, to some media critics, has been absurdly irrelevant. Preceding the eclipse this year, for example, The Atlantic published an essay by Brooklyn Law School professor Alice Ristroph in which she wrote of the “implicit bias of the solar system” as the path of totality of the total solar eclipse disproportionately failed to affect people of color. Her purpose was clearly metaphorical, but critics could be excused for being alarmed at making scientific phenomena suddenly overtly political. Nevertheless, some believe that individuals are, in the end, in control of the media. “There is a tendency to forget that (media companies),” Dell'Orto said, “make money by angling their objectivity to the audience that wants to listen to what they say, and they have a hand in shaping the story.”
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WHITNEY: Granite Bay alum reports live from Harvey Continued from page A1
beautiful geography, so it’s hard to leave.” However, in December 2014, Whitney eventually accepted her current position in Corpus Christi, in part because of its coastal similarity to California. “I felt like I could live by the beach still and thought I’d give Texas a try,” Whitney said. Little did she know this decision would place her, less than three years later, in the midst of one of the greatest natural disasters in U.S. history. “It looks like either an explosion happened or a tornado,” Whitney said about the aftermath. “There is just not much left.” Whitney has seen countless calamitous sights, many of which are unimaginable to those who have never witnessed such an event. “The towns that got hit the worst are quaint, fun towns that have nice homes, fun restaurants and fun shops,” Whitney said. “Virtually every building in those cities has some sort of damage or is completely destroyed.”
“We’re seeing roofs off of hundreds of buildings and debris all over,” Whitney said. She has been working and reporting stories throughout the storm’s aftermath. Many of her special interest pieces have focused on the human and emotional impact of individuals’ experiences. Whitney found one story, told through the eyes of a 14-year-old boy and his 8-year-old sister whose family lost virtually everything, particularly moving. “The 8-year-old girl started crying when her mom made the decision for them to go back to San Antonio,” Whitney said. “She was afraid that they’re going to have to move.” Losses like this are hard for adults, but even harder for children. “Watching kids go through this – seeing the fear in these kids of not knowing if they’ll ever be able to go home again and unsure of what the next step is for their family and their friends – is pretty awful,” Whitney said. Amid all the destruction and devastation, she has also seen a few simple miracles that have brought
light and encouragement during this dark time. “There is heartwarming stuff going on all around,” Whitney said. “First off, there are thousands of people donating, coming in to help, and on boats bringing in clothes, food and water.” Another of her special interest stories focused on a couple who lost their child after birth. They buried him in the Rockport cemetery, which was one of the towns in the direct line of the hurricane. “(The couple), who lost their whole home, went to the cemetery to pick up pieces of his grave, and while most of the cemetery is in shambles, somehow their son’s wooden cross, which is very small next to his grave, had no damage,” Whitney said. Little miracles like this have given hope to those affected by Harvey. “I think that (stories like these) are putting a smile on the faces of many who are having trouble finding a reason to smile right now,” Whitney said. Growing up in Granite Bay, hurricanes never crossed Whitney’s mind. But they are now a stark reality for her, one that has given her a new perspec-
INTERVENTION: Analyzing the new period in its inaugural year at GBHS Continued from page A1 vention period coordinator. “It’s nice being (one of) the last schools to roll it out because (other schools) have already worked a lot of the kinks out, and now we are able to follow their model and make it better,” Hill said. Intervention has been successfully implemented in other district schools. Robert Hasty, the principal of Oakmont High, said he believes intervention is useful because of how it utilizes time during the school day as opposed to before or after school. “As a staff, we’re better able to meet the needs of our students and community,” Hasty said. However, Hasty also pointed out that he doesn’t believe intervention period is the singular solution to all academic problems. “I don’t think intervention alone is the answer to better supporting your students,” Hasty said. “I think a school should have a comprehensive approach to intervention – after-school support, before-school support, teacher office hours, counseling services, specialty services, et cetera. … no one student has the exact needs of another. We need to approach intervention in many different ways.” Juliet Perry, a senior at Oakmont, is in favor of the intervention period. “I think intervention is a great idea… It can
be used to catch up on work you had when you were absent, to make up tests and quizzes or to get extra private help from a teacher,” Perry said of the program that has been at Oakmont for several years. GBHS senior Trinity Burley agrees. “I think (intervention period) is useful especially for AP students because it gives them time to just chill or it helps them get ahead on homework, which will alleviate some stress for them,” Burley said. Coming from a school in Washington with a six-period schedule and no intervention, junior Shannon Smith has an open mind about “Grizz Time.” “The four-period (block) system with (intervention) is nice… I’m adjusting to it,” Smith said. “I like it. It’s a nice way to do my homework or if I’m struggling with (a) class, I can go and get help from my teacher.” Nevertheless, there are some critics of the new intervention schedule. “I’m not a fan of intervention period because I feel it is a waste of my time,” senior Danielle Sims said. “Having it after first period is even worse because at that point in the day I don’t have any homework to do, so usually I just sit there on my phone or try to take a nap. … It is basically like second lunch to me.” With the main purpose of intervention being to have students who are failing be able to increase their grade to a passing level, Sims
said she doesn’t think it is the best use of time for the majority. “It’s unfair that everyone has to have that time taken out of their day, especially when we could be in class doing other things,” Sims said. Knowing that intervention as implemented at GBHS would have some flaws, Hill has ideas on how school officials can make some adjustments to better fit the needs of all students. “I think it would be (more) helpful for students if, besides after-school (tutoring), these opportunities were also offered during intervention period.” Hill said. “I think the teachers are definitely going to be able to help the D and F students, but what about the C kid who wants a B? Or the B kid who wants an A? “So I would like to see that those kids get help from their peers who have taken that course or are enrolled in that AP course.” So far throughout the RJUHSD district, intervention has proven itself to be worthwhile, and it seems to be improving every year. “I am blessed to be a part of a school that goes way out of the way to meet the needs of our students,” Hasty said. “I know Granite Bay can make this happen because there are incredible teachers, counselors, administrators and caring professionals who go out of their way to serve kids.”
Hopping. “The cameras aren’t there to help us inform school rules. It’s a tool to help us investigate.” Although the cameras are primarily for investigation, they might also have the ability to prevent harm to the campus. “Obviously it’s going to be a deterrent to some degree,” Ham said. “Someone who would have come onto campus to vandalize something may not, knowing that there might be ramifications behind them.” Often when people think of surveillance cameras, they think of someone watching them 24/7. That will likely not be the case with the district’s cameras..
“I would just feel very uneasy that everything I was doing was being caught on camera,” senior Katie Hunter said. Another reassuring factor for critics concerned about privacy is that the number of people who will view the surveillance footage is also very limited. “It’s important to know that the only people with access to these cameras is going to be your assistant principals, your principal and your resource officer,” Ham said. “We are definitely cognitive of your privacy from the cameras – (that’s something we’ve) thought about for sure. … How do we get coverage for safety but keep the student privacy there?”
CAMERAS: New security to be used
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anybody’s vandalizing the campus, coming onto campus.” Oakmont High has already installed its cameras, and Roseville High is in the process of installing them. Because Oakmont was the first school to install the cameras, it was also the first to get responses from staff and students. “The administrators are very appreciative,” Ham said. “I’m sure some students don’t like it, but there’s been little uproar.” “It’s not really gonna impact students at all,” said school resource officer Deputy Gregg
A7 News
tive. Briana Whitney “I think GBHS graduate that reports for ABC prior to news station KIII living in Corpus Christi, where I Texas, during am now, Hurricane Harvey I took a lot of things for granted – weather, where we live, having nice homes and having an amazing school for education,” Whitney said. “Just appreciate what you have because you never know when you won’t have it,” Whitney said. “A lot of people (in Texas) don’t even know what’s next for them.” *** To see video stories reported by Whitney, go to: granitebaytoday.org
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GAZETTE Seniors: you could be cured from your misery The Granite Bay
GRANITE BAY HIGH SCHOOL 1 GRIZZLY WAY GRANITE BAY, CA 95746
Editors-in-Chief: McKenna Aram Katie Cologna Brayden Johnk Stephanie Kang Sabina Mahavni News Editor: Will Anderson Voices Editor: Samreen Siddiqui Lifestyle Editors: Megan Nimtz Reese Richmond Emily Talmi Sidney Zabell Green Screen Editors: Mackenzie Brown Logan Embree Jack Kehoe Dean Wilson Sports Editors: Jake Criscione Jack McGrail Max Schwartz Andrew Yung Social Media Editor: Megan Nimtz Illustrators: Katie Cologna Sabina Mahavni Samreen Siddiqui Photo Editors: Stephanie Kang Sabina Mahavni Staff Writers/ Photographers: Ashley Altmann Makayla Clement Spencer Cova Juan Pablo Flores Nicole Gearing Abigail Gould Isabella Hamilton Kennedy Healy May Lin Noelani Nichols Rachel Nimtz Bruce Russell Danielle Shannon
A senioritis vaccine might revolutionize public school system
on their senior ditch day. “Teachers won’t even let these children breathe, and the consequences are simply too harsh,” lead scientist Julie Downing said in regards to the nation’s general misunderstanding of teenagers. octors across the nation are proSenioritis is defined by some as a “general posing a vaccine to be paired with laziness” and by others as a “preconceived annual flu shots for students entermisconception that you just wouldn’t undering their senior year of high school. stand” – either way, it cannot be ignored. The vaccine will supposedly eliminate The lethal epidemic saw its greatest spike in all symptoms of senioritis and might even the graduating classes of 1999 to 2015. The terminate the illness as we know it. birth years of these classes ranged between To discover more on the issue, doctors 1981 to 1997, also known as the millennial in Southern Albuquerque and students wanderson.gazette@gmail.com generation. attending school in the regions in which “I get up to 14 different patients a day, all those doctors work were surveyed – the suffering from senioritis,” Dr. Randall Johnson said. “A disresults were alarming. Out of the four doctors surveyed, 96 percent said the vaccine should be required, by law, for any high school senior attending a public school campus in the 2017-18 academic year. Conclusively, the SAPD (Southern Albuquerque Police Department) issued a press release that listed the following reasons as to why the vaccination should be a nationwide prerequisite for students entering their senior year of high school. “As a community, and more importantly as a country,” Officer Jeffery Daniels said. “we must come together to end senioritis. “The research has been done, the evidence is clear … millions of seniors are suffering day in and day out,” Daniels continued. “And that is a reality that none of us want to live in.” Just last week, news broke of a pair of twins in Orlando, Florida, who were not given more time to makeup the assignments they missed
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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
Will Anderson, a senior, is Gazette News Editor
Gazette illustration/SAMREEN SIDDIQUI
The anticipating senior stands under a dark, stormy sky and waits for the day to escape the suffering of senior year.
Relationships require time, and we do not have any My second uncle, who lives in Switzerland, goes to his mom’s house for lunch every single day. hink about it. Relationships are the There, she makes him a home driving force in nearly everything cooked meal and they talk and catch up on each we do. other’s lives. Parents primarily work in order to supThen, he works for a couple more hours and is port their kids and spouse, and coworkable to go home and have quality time with his ers are often the reason why some stay at family. and love their jobs. Over the summer my family hosted a forThe connections people have with eign exchange student from Madrid, and she others build a level of trust and commuwas saying that every evening after dinner, the nity, so a lot of people gravitate toward whole community goes out and walks together. relationships. They ask about each other’s lives, tell stories Because of this, many vigorously work and laugh together. This is the type of bonding during the weekdays so on the weekthat creates lasting relationships. ends they have the ability to go out with Europeans have the ability to foster relationfriends and spend time with family. mnimtz.gazette@gmail.com ships, which is why their sense of community But relationships need maintenance in and togetherness is so incredible. order to be successful, and people must Spending time with others is a key part of put time and effort into them in order for them to prosper. European customs, and it should have that big a place in However, in general, the average American has very little American culture as well. free time. We’re always rushing from one thing to another, The sad part is, Americans don’t have that luxury. We which is typical of an individualistic society. must actively make the time to spend with others, and it We’re so focused on ourselves and what we have to get often comes at a cost. done that we sometimes forget about the different commuEither we give up errands we have to run, work we have nities we’re part of and the relationships within those. to finish or an appointment we have to go to in order to This is where America has it all wrong. In Europe, most maintain relationships. working people have at least an hour or two to go home and The only time in our day that is budgeted out for relationhave lunch every day. ship-building is at dinner time, after work or school.
America’s lifestyle neglects connections
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COMMENTARY
megan nimtz
Although often people are so exhausted from their day that they are either not in the mood to socialize or they are physically and mentally too drained for more social interaction. This system is insanely flawed. We should not come home tired, we should instead be our complete selves when we’re interacting with the people we care about. Honestly, I’m concerned. If we keep going at this rate, especially with the technology available that seems to be occupying more of people’s time than actual human interaction, the well being of our species will continue to decline. We are social creatures, and it is vital that we have genuine, supportive relationships. It is key to survival. It’s commonly said that happier people live longer, more fulfilling lives, and one of the ways people go about doing that is by having a network of people who care about them. Not only do strong relationships prosper because of the reciprocation of effort on both sides, but having a friend to turn to in a time of need or a spouse to help with errands releases some of the stress that most Americans exhibit on a daily basis. Stress levels are rising, and part of this issue is the lack of human interaction people so desperately need. The bottom line is the United States does not value human relationships as much as other countries, and our population’s happiness is declining because of it. *** Megan Nimtz, a senior, is a Gazette features editor.
We don’t know the real effects of events W
Send Letters to the Editor to: gbgazette@yahoo.com
covery such as this vaccination was inevitable, but when the news finally broke, I was brought to tears.” Johnson has dedicated a total of three hours worth of studies to senioritis and is a known advocate for the commercial usage of the recently discovered vaccine. “Above all else, we must ensure the safety,care and understanding of the teenage mind – this vaccine allows that to happen,” Johnson said. As for a push for involvement at the federal level, a petition has been signed by more than 200,000,000 American citizens to make this hope a reality. “The facts are real, the conditions are real, the pain is real,” Johnson said. As for any federal action, the White House has not yet commented. ***
Senioritis is defined by some as a ‘general laziness’ and by others as a ‘preconceived misconception that you just wouldn’t understand’– either way, it cannot be ignored. The lethal epidemic saw its greatest spike in the graduating classes of 1999 to 2015.
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.
COMMENTARY
Editor’s note: The following research and studies have been conducted through numerous credible sources such as Ask. com and Yahoo Answers.
SATIRE
In other words, reading, listening and hile some individuals avoid the news in its entirety, talking isn’t enough when it comes to many students and faculty understanding authentic, human emomembers at Granite Bay High read, tions. The voice of the listen and talk about currents events When we heard about the fatal events Granite Bay every day. that occurred in Charlottesville, VirGazette Knowing what’s going on in the ginia, we were worried for the people world gives us a sense of knowledge involved and the future of our country. while diminishing our ignorance toward the truth. But the people actually involved with the event were But while we empathize with people about tragic devastated, and their emotions were at extreme lows and events, our disconnect from the actual situation is evihighs. dent. Where we are going with this argument is that we don’t When the terrorist attack in Barcelona occurred in know the real impact current events have. August, one of our teachers commented on how calm we Our campus understands the effects of local news, such acted when we arrived at school after it happened. as the new intervention period schedule, because we live People in Spain were terrified and vulnerable, but here that event every single day. What we simply can’t understand, however, is the devwe were going about our day. astation from Hurricane Harvey or the tension between We aren’t horrible people for acting like this; we just Guam and North Korea. don’t understand something unless it happens to us.
EDITORIAL
It’s not completely clear cut, of course – for example, when people have family or friends involved in horrific events, the impact those people feel is undeniable. But we have a limited perspective on the world, just like everyone else. But fortunately, a limited perspective is something that can be altered. A genuine understanding of events can occur if we go beyond reading, listening and talking. Emotions are what define events, and understanding them is what will open doors for us. If we start with being compassionate toward others in our community, maybe there is still hope that we will acquire a sense of the world we live in. There is a difference between an inflexible community and an unfeeling society, so don’t dismiss this as another “life in the bubble” Granite Bay sob story. But we hope people, including us, will eventually be knowledgeable of the true impact of current events.
Friday, September 15, 2017
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Voices A9
The Granite Bay Gazette
You aren’t stupid for taking CP classes HEARD Students who don’t take AP classes shouldn’t be labeled as unintelligent on the
BAY W
How do you feel about intervention period?
“It’s a good time.”
COMMENTARY
This is not a case of teenage immaith the return to school, many students at Granturity. Can you imagine the uproar that ite Bay High are taking would ensue if any other case of near exclusively Advanced Placement universal prejudice were to happen at classes, but to those who don’t feel GBHS? up to the challenge, that’s OK. Instead, I believe that some high As a senior, I’ve witnessed many school students have not been taught of my fellow classmates labeled as that this behavior is wrong. “unintelligent” for not taking an AP If you would never think of ridiculclass. ing your peers for the color of their According to certain students, the skin or the choice of their clothes, how choice of your curriculum somehow could you ever attach a stigma to their determines your intelligence. intellect? It’s important that we all realize I’ve seen this level of mockery that you are not an academic failure extend to colleges. Great universities brussell.gazette@gmail.com just because you’re taking college that are not Ivy League become “not prep classes. good enough.” Valuable community I am not attempting to disrespect those who are colleges for many turn into a “joke.” This level of excelling academically. Students willing to take on arrogance and self-interest is appalling. such a difficult challenge as AP classes are extremely At a time of much needed unity, the egotistical admirable. “nobody is better than me” attitude is not helping. But as a school that supports people of all genders, Are the few laughs and nods for putting down CP races and ethnicities equally, we should also learn to students worth it? respect each other’s academic pursuits. The dissension in our country is at times overOur school (and our country) has rightfully begun whelming, from divisive politics to social and culturto treat everyone fairly, regardless of their racial al factors. There appears to be so much unwarranted background, political affiliation or sexual orientaconfrontation within our borders. tion. Yet on campus, I continue to notice discriminaHowever, this domestic strife is not inherent within tion based on selection of academic classes. us – the heroic actions of many of our country’s
bruce russell
freshman
Brandon Aram
citizens to help others, recently in Houston, is If you would never proof that we think of ridiculing are genuine, your peers for the wholehearted color of their skin, ... people. Labeling how could you ever CP students is attach a stigma to simply adding their intellect? to contemporary bigotry. Considering our country has enough complications, I ask some students to not add more unneeded disputes to our campus, most notably when it comes to academics. Let’s all allow our school to be a place of understanding and solidarity, where all students, regardless of their grade rank or choice of classes, can learn equally. *** Bruce Russell, a senior, is a Gazette staff writer
First day of school’s schedule was unnecessary
“I love (it)! It gives me a chance to get ahead on schoolwork and connect with
for the most part, consisted of information already understood by all. Followed by this was another lecture in the gym, however this he first day of the 2017-2018 school was given by a motivational year saw many activities and an overspeaker. The speaker gave an all air of rapidness and mild chaos. impactful presentation which This was brought on by a jam-packed included a video, commentary schedule enacted in an attempt to create a and a musician’s performance. fun atmosphere for new and returning stuMy peers and I alike enjoyed all dents of Granite Bay High. Though there aspects of the presentation, espewere some favorable aspects of the day, cially the emphasis on the value from the viewpoint of a senior, there were of hope. simply too many things going on. When the motivational preThe long, traditional, “Senior Sunrise” dshannon.gazette@gmail.com sentation was completed, all began at 6 a.m. and consisted of not only students went to lunch. Because watching the sunrise of the first morning of of the plethora of students and the barbeque ensuing, senior year but also words of wisdom given by various lunch had a lot going on at one time. I had trouble staff members. communicating with and finding my friends amidst all Afterwards, an extravagant group photo was taken. the chaos. This was an overall enjoyable experience, since we In my opinion, the problem created with the magwere able to briefly catch up with our peers whom we nitude of activities is that new, incoming students feel hadn’t seen during summer break. I understand the overwhelmed and to some extent, alone. significance behind watching the sunrise, but it was New students are not only required to navigate the nonetheless scheduled too early for my liking. After this, students of all grade levels were instructed to meet in the gym for an assembly of sorts. After everyone filed into the gym, we were quickly introduced to new staff members and shown a video about GBHS. Getting a quick greeting from the new teachers was entertaining and captured my attention, however the introductions were very fast paced. Subsequently, we were divided into our different grade levels and sent to locations within the school. Seniors were to walk to the theater and attend a senior advising session – we were given a summarized lecture on how to ensure we all experience a beneficial, safe and enjoyable final year of high school. This advising session was informational, however
The original agenda should come back
COMMENTARY
T
sophomore
danielle shannon
Emerson Ford “I feel like it’s helpful and a great way for people ... to get extra help.”
junior
intricate schedule, but students who don’t previously know people are faced with the issue of sitting by themselves throughout the day. When we attend our classes regularly for the first time, everyone has the opportunity to meet those around them. Speaking from past experience, it’s expected to meet at least one new friend in each class. After lunch, all students were scheduled to attend their first period classroom for a short 20-minute period. Each normally scheduled class was shortened to no longer than 30 minutes. Within this amount of time, teachers were not able to finish their usual first day of school tasks, such as explaining the basis of each class or going over the syllabus. The majority of my teachers made comments pertaining to the issue of having too little time to do much of anything. Overall the day was jam-packed, and every grade had their own separate duties and activities to complete. GBHS students and faculty alike would benefit from simply sticking to regularly scheduled classes in upcoming years. *** Danielle Shannon, a senior, is a Gazette staff
Jenna Ladrech New students are not only required to navigate the intricate schedule, but students who don’t previously know people are faced with the issue of sitting by themselves throughout the day.
“I am a fan of the intervention period, because I get time to work on my homework.”
Gazette illustration/SABINA MAHAVNI, SAMREEN SIDDIQUI
The history curriculum taught is often biased
senior
Liberal ideals overshadow conservative viewpoints
N
Kyle Sisco “I think intervention period is a step in the right direction, but we will need to tweak it and change it a little.”
Iraq in Mosul. ot resolving the subtle falsehoods about historical events which come In the curriculum, traditional Chrisfrom a biased perspective tianity is demonized and undermined produces an undesirable effect in like no other. our community and on humanity in The exuberant accusations pubgeneral. lished about trials managed by the In history classes at Granite Bay Holy Spanish Inquisition, which High, history is often taught with a through historical review have been liberal, secularist inclination, which proven to be fictitious accounts renders conservative ideals into from Protestant propagandists such a distant subject whose ideas and as Reginaldus Montanus, continue characters are often held in conto be propagated in public schools tempt. while the defensive military exThe ideas of the Enlightenment, peditions led by Pope Urban II in an age of radical thought brought response to the violent expansionist to prominence with the intention of efforts of the Ottoman Turks against jflores.gazette@gmail.com bringing down the Catholic Church the Byzantine Empire and Christian (which had provided a definitive pilgrims are even presented as an moral code in the Western world for centuries), are example of European aggression. hardly ever questioned, thereby excluding a wide It is within the historical field of natural sciences range of legitimate opinions. that I can see the most reprehensible biases. We can often recall historical events to understand Giordano Bruno and Galileo Galilei, prosecuted for the workings of certain facets of current events and their radical theological claims, are falsely presented modern politics. The perspective we are taught in as martyrs of science. history affects how we see some of these recent The Darwinian theory of biological macroevolution developments. is presented as the only viable explanation for the The trend of removing Confederate statues around origin of the species despite a lack of fossil evidence the country, for example, should evoke the concept of and the inability of macroevolution to be replicated. damnatio memoriae, exhibited by Calvinist iconoDistorted views of history and science can influence clasts desecrating relics from Swiss cantons and by the way we act in many different matters. Islamist militants destroying artifacts of Pre-Islamic The introduction of the theory of human evolu-
COMMENTARY
juan pablo flores
staff
Chet Dickson Compiled by Kennedy Healy
tion has been disastrous to civilization, as the most common social philosophy derived from it presents a view of humanity devoid of any morality. The slaughter of millions of Orthodox Christians and the Soviet Holodomor genocide committed under the atheistic regime of Soviet leader Joseph Stalin reveal the evil these theories lead to. Allowing people to remain ignorant of some facts creates a guilt complex in some and equally irrational feeling of historical victim hood in others. The evil of slavery, condemned by the Catholic Church since the pontificate of Eugene IV, is often presented in motion pictures and books as a Christian European affair, yet no mention is made of the much larger slavery within Islamic conquests, in which Eastern Europeans were enslaved to such an extent by Arab slave traders that it forms the most popular theory for the etymology of the word slav. Presenting only one side leads to fallacious conclusions in politics as our knowledge of history can help determine which sides we take. The Vendée genocide and other atrocities following the regicide of Louis XVI and the benevolent monarchies of Louis IX of France, Elizabeth I of Hungary and Wenceslaus I of Bohemia, for example, are not prominently taught, predisposing us to regard monarchies as evils rather than ideals. We must embrace the classical arts and Christian values that made Western civilization a light in the darkness for hundreds of years. *** Juan Pablo Flores, a senior, is a Gazette staff writer.
Friday, September 15, 2017 w The Granite Bay Gazette
Second look
News A10
Club Rush
ď ˇAt Club Rush, Brandon Chew, middle left, performs tricks to promote the Chinese Yo Yo Club. Malia Luna and Victoria Ahmad, seniors, top middle, laugh and discuss their Spanish Club. Colton Nelson, freshman, second from the top left, attempts a pullup at the Marines recruitment table, coached by 2017 GBHS graduate, Kai Shepherd. Jonathan Romero and Ashlyn Miles, seniors, bottom right, pose and smile at the camera, representing the Art from the Heart Club. Iman Khatib and Allison Clemence, seniors, talk to students about their club, Grizzly Pet Pantry.
Gazette photos by Katie Cologna and Sabina Mahavni
Lifestyle
Granite Bay Gazette
B Section
Empty Nest
Friday w September 15, 2017
COMMENTARY
Facing the Dreaded...
As students leave for college, families struggle to adjust
reese richmond rrichmond.gazette@gmail.com
Young people are understanding of each other
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n an excessively hot day in July this summer, my friends and I decided to drive to Lake Clementine. My friend who drove had been to the dam before and wasn’t a fan of the drive to reach it. She said that in order to get to the dam, you had to drive on a road that was about a car’s width wide, and one side of the road was a cliff. She didn’t want to drive that route again, so we went a different way. When we reached the beginning of the route that would take us down to the lake, there was a park ranger. We asked him if this route was anything like the other route my friend took and he said it was much worse. My friend who drove wasn’t willing to risk it, so we walked. About a mile down the hill, we realized that this route wasn’t bad at all. We continued on in the blazing hot sun as we kicked up dirt that stuck to our sticky sweat. After swimming in the lake, I tried calling an Uber to pick us up so we wouldn’t have to walk back, but none of us had service. We knew we’d just have to suck it up and work our way up the hill. As we started walking up, an old red Subaru drove by. “Please stop and offer us a ride,” I silently begged. Sure enough, the Subaru stopped. A young girl poked her head out the window and said, “Hey do you guys want a ride?” Desperate and incredibly thankful, we climbed into their car, shoving four people into a five person car that already had three people in it. We talked to them and laughed at the current seating situation. Of the seven people in the car, I was the shortest and had to lay across everyone in the back seat and ride with my legs out the window. When we reached the top of the hill, we thanked the people in the Subaru. They said it was no problem and drove off. Often teenagers and young adults are looked as narcissistic, selfish, and shallow people, yet these three young adults offered us a ride when no one else did. I think teens and young adults often have a greater sense of relatability. As teenagers, going through some of the hardest years of our life, we experience hardships together and are able to completely relate to each other. Our walk up the hill wasn’t an atrocity in which they completely related to us, but they saw us struggling and understood how we felt. Teenagers and young adults aren’t always technology-addicted, self-absorbed people as some may believe. We are often understanding and compassionate, and we are the ones to reach out and offer a helping hand. My friends and I were so thankful for those three young adults that saved us from a long, sweaty and exhausting trip up the hill. Sometimes that’s all it takes to make someone’s day: a little kindness can go a long way.
***
Reese Richmond, a senior, is a Lifestyle editor.
BY ABBIE GOULD
B
agould.gazette@gmail.com
ack-to-school time has passed and families are beginning to settle into their daily routines. However, for some, this year is different than others. Many of last year’s Granite Bay High School graduates are beginning to leave for college. While these new college freshmen may be excited to start their next chapter, their family members at home are adjusting to this new dynamic. “It is very different — it is so quiet,” said Kimberly Handy, mother of Alina and Jordan Poczobutt who are attending the University of Alabama and the University of San Francisco, respectively. Alina and Jordan are the last of Handy’s children to graduate and head off to college, leaving the family with an empty nest. “We are sad and getting used to how quiet it is (around the house),” Handy said. Suchi Krishnaraj, a science teacher at GBHS, is in a similar situation. Her eldest daughter, Aditi Ganapathi, is a junior at the University of California at San Diego, and her last child, Ashwini Ganapathi, left to attend California Polytechnic University at San Luis Obispo. “The first year was hard,” said Krishnaraj about the departure of her oldest daughter for college more than two years ago. “But then it got easier.” However, as the time came for her younger daughter to leave, it was a “sweet” moment for her. “It is time for her to go and explore – we have sheltered her a little too much, so I think this is her time to go and shine,” Krishnaraj said. For some families, like Handy’s and Krishnaraj’s, they have an empty nest, but others still have children at home. Jack Stinson, a junior, is now effectively an only child because his brother, James, left to attend the University of Nevada at Reno in August. “It did not really hit me for the first couple of days, but I realized he was not coming home anytime soon when we moved his clothes out of his closet and it kind of got real,” Stinson said. “I am getting a lot more attention, which is a good and bad thing.” A study by Jennifer Powell-Lunder, a blogger for GalTime, showed that when an older sibling leaves for college, it directly impacts the sibling left behind.
All brother and sisters are affected in different ways, according to study author Powell-Lunder, however a common theme is being bored or lonely and receiving more attention from parents. Freshman Camille Garcia’s older sister, Taylor, left to attend Notre Dame de Namur in August. “It is bittersweet – I miss her, of course, but it is kind of nice to have change,” Garcia said. Now with just her and her brother at home, Garcia said her mom “focuses more on me and my brother instead of having to worry about what my sister needs for college.” Senior Erika Bishop’s older sister Alison left for Chico State last month, which leaves just Erika and her brother, Evan, at home. “I miss having her in the house because she is who I would talk to when I was bored or needed an opinion on something,” Bishop said. “Now the attention is on me and my brother.” Most students who have an older sibling who went to college said they feel like they get more attention from their parents. Parents of these siblings said essentially the same thing – they’ve been spending more time with their other children. Elena Rizzuto, whose daughter Gemma left to attend Cal Poly SLO, has one child, Antonio, at home now. “We are spending more time going out to eat or going to the movies together,” Rizzuto said. Even though she still has a child at home, Rizzuto misses spending time with her daughter. “I have that mixed feeling of excited and sad (that Gemma has left) because we spent a lot of time together,” Rizzuto said. She makes sure they keep in touch by texting and Snapchat. Another parent in a similar situation is World Language teacher, Jill Cova, whose daughter Ally is attending the University of Nevada, Reno. “We are missing her tremendously but obviously supporting her on this new adventure,” Cova said. In addition to her daughter leaving, Cova said she is also hoping she did everything possible to prepare her for this new chapter in her life. “I would feel successful if she can be secure in herself as an individual (that is) happy and independent,” Cova said. “... It is important to let her discover herself.” “If I can do that, then I have done my job well.” Gazette illustration /SIDNEY ZABELL
Upperclassmen pass the torch to class of 2021 Seniors offer their advice to Granite Bay freshmen BY SIDNEY ZABELL
szabell.gazette@gmail.com
As Granite Bay High School’s next generation of freshmen enter the school year, many wonder what tips upperclassmen have to make high school the best it can be. High school marks the start of a new stage in their lives — one of independence and excitement. “I don’t think I knew what I was expecting,” GBHS freshman Rachel Creed said. “I had heard all these people (saying) ‘Oh, it’s way more chaotic and way more stressful.’” Yet, Creed prefers high school over middle school. “Everyone here is way nicer than (in) middle school,” Creed said. “I think people are just more judgemental (in middle school) because it’s a closer age range.” GBHS freshman Beau Boyan moved to Granite Bay after attending Eich Middle School in Roseville. “(Freshman year), you kind of are still making friend groups since there’s new kids from new schools,” Boyan said. “I didn’t know how many kids actually lived in my
neighborhood, and I started hanging out with a bunch of new kids and stuff, so it’s been a lot of fun.” Boyan said he has met many new people since starting the school year. “Some of them were in my classes, but a lot of (making new friends) was already knowing some people that would slowly introduce me to more and more people,” Boyan said. Grizzly Retreat also helped Boyan learn how to make the most of high school. “I think I’ve adjusted pretty well. I have a lot of new friends now and I’m having a lot of fun,” Boyan said. “I’m actually having much more fun than I thought it was going to (have).” Senior Brennan Holt said he doesn’t have many big regrets, but hopes to be at more school events for his final year of high school. “(My) advice to younger kids (is to) try to get the most of your high school experience while you can,” Holt said. “When I was an underclassman, I missed out on some things as far as school activities.” Many seniors agree that high school isn’t as scary as it seems. “If you (get involved), it’s so much better because you’ll find your groups and your friends,” senior Erin Dougherty
said. “Time will just fly by, and you won’t be bogged down by schoolwork.” Erin Dougherty Dougherty attended GBHS senior the decades dance encourages this and float building for year’s freshmen Homecoming freshto get involved man year. throughout high “I was in Key Club school. freshman year, and that kind of branched out and I joined more and more clubs,” Dougherty said. “Try to do it from the beginning. Definitely expect some changes.” It is natural for friend groups to shift through high school, and seniors say it’s best to just embrace it. “I see a lot of people get stuck in their one friend group,” Dougherty said. “... They meet someone senior year and are like, ‘I didn’t even know you existed!’” Holt said he enjoyed experiencing high school with so many great people. “I’d say stay close with all your friends and cherish them,” Holt said. “You’re all going to be going across the country in 4 years, which is kind of a scary thought, so enjoy your friends while you have them.”
inside lifestyle Random club
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Tastor’s Grading New form of grading is student-assessed.
B2
Trade School vs. Traditional Path A college degree may not be necessary.
B4
Foreign Exchange Students face major culture shock.
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B2 Lifestyle
Friday, September 15, 2017
w The Granite Bay Gazette
IB World Religion teacher creates a new grading style David Tastor begins grading without letters BY REESE RICHMOND rrichmond.gazette@gmail.com
A
n artificial carrot. That’s how David Tastor, an English and IB World Religion teacher at GBHS, refers to letter grades, so he’s doing something about it. This school year, Tastor plans on integrating an alternative grading system that doesn’t include letters or numbers. While attending a conference in Portland with Mr. McGuire, former GBHS principal in 2005, Tastor heard a speech by Alfie Kohn. Kohn talked about how grades drive the wrong kind of motivation. Tastor was inspired by what Kohn
had to say. Tastor said he used the new system for two years but then veered away from it because “students were taking advantage of that opportunity so the quality of the work was less and instead of being tough with it, (he) just abandoned it and went back to what was easy.” But now, Tastor is giving the system another try with his IB World Religion class. So what exactly is Tastor’s alternative grading style? “It’s grading without the constraints of a number or a letter to stress a kid out. I’m still providing feedback for students (...) but when they receive it and get that information, they won’t have a letter or a number on it that will now drag their grade down or raise it up,” Tastor said. After last term in the 2016-2017 school year, Tastor noticed how stressed his senior students and juniors looking up to the seniors, were about GPA, class rank, and grades. After witnessing this, he decided it to begin his ‘no letter’
style grading again. However, Tastor still gives his students the option between traditional grading and his style. “ I like how he allows us to choose which grading style we want,” GBHS senior Julia Totty said. “Cause some people are more motivated by number grades than they are by just feedback on assignments.” Appreciating the ability to choose, Totty chose the alternative option. “ I chose the nontraditional grading style because I’d rather have feedback on my writing and assignments so I can improve next time,” Totty said. GBHS senior Savannah Martin and Totty both agree that letter and number grades add a huge amount of stress to student’s lives. “I think it’s important for kids to be able to learn about the content of the curriculum without the stress of a grade,” Martin said. Martin is aware that some students may think they can slack off and take
Gazette illustration/KATIE COLOGNA
Tastor doesn’t use letter grades A-F for his new style of grading.
advantage of this new system but she believes that the class should want to learn the curriculum rather than feel driven and forced to by a letter.
Are AP classes actually better?
Students are giving CP classes a chance after experiencing rigorous schedules BY JACK KEHOE
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jkehoe.gazette@gmail.com
s students go through their high school careers, varying their workload and switching in and out of classes is inevitable. Of course, the class one takes goes with what appears to be best for the individual to get the best end results. It has become common at Granite Bay High School for students to enroll in Advanced Placement classes and then transfer into College Preparatory classes after experiencing the rigor of a more difficult schedule. Switching to the “easier” classes has also resulted in a sort of hierarchical stigma around Granite Bay. Not only is this competitiveness brought on by students and teachers, but parents and colleges as well. “There is a lot of pressure taking AP classes. A majority of students take AP classes, so I would assume it pressures students who prefer CP classes,” GBHS senior Jaiden Ng said. “Not only does indirect peer pressure affect these CP students but so do colleges.”
I really dislike people who demote CP classes. It’s school, we’re all here to learn. – Jaiden Ng, GBHS senior
The weighted grades for AP classes also sway student’s decision on whether or not to take more rigorous courses, especially since the positive effect weighted grading has on a student’s GPA. However, some students have realized that every learning style and study habit varies. This can ultimately help an individual decide what class can be better for their specific academic success, CP or AP. One of the reasons more students are enrolling in CP classes is because some aren’t interested in the extra difficulty that comes along with an
AP course load. “Some students would rather take CP classes than AP, which should be an accepted choice among their friends and family,” GBHS senior Tommy Mendoza said. It’s becoming more obvious by both students and parents that CP classes are not the “easier” or “cop-out”, but genuinely benefit some students more than others. In some cases, that little GPA boost a student receives taking one more AP class is not always worth it in the long run. “I feel like students are taking these classes so young now in order to get their GPA higher,” GBHS AP statistics teacher Bruce Honberger said. Some advice often given to students entering high school is that they should try out some AP classes in subjects they enjoy first, so that they can get a feel for the workload and style of the class. This may allow them to be able to decide whether AP or CP classes best fit their learning style and ability to succeed. Students have become more and more obsessed with grades and GPAs, often explaining why AP classes are so popular. However, there is such a thing as stressing too much to where it affects one’s success. And this is why CP classes can sometimes be a better option. “I care a lot about what people say about CP Classes,” Ng said. “I really dislike people who demote CP Classes. It’s school, we’re all here to learn.”
Students struggle in math
Students have mixed feelings about math and Common Core BY BRUCE RUSSELL
brussell.gazette@gmail.com
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here are few subjects more controversial than math. A poll conducted by SodaHead. com asked high school students for their least favorite subject. The result was – you guessed it – math. With some students already disliking math, the Common Core concepts in the Integrated Math system at Granite Bay High often make it even more difficult for students to understand the subject. Common Core emphasizes “conceptual understanding” and group collaboration to better educate
students. Many students have a negative perception of the standards, citing a lack of instruction and explanation from their teachers. For junior Mikayla Deblaquiere, Integrated Math is to blame for why she began to dislike the subject. “(Common Core) made me think about (math) in a way I never had to think before,” Deblaquiere said. Regardless of the factors affecting Deblaquiere’s math performance, the importance of the subject throughout high school and college is enough for her to stay optimistic. “I realize that math is not my favorite subject,” Deblaquiere said. “I just accept it and realize I will have
to use math.” However, there are some students who have overcome their difficulties in math. GBHS junior Cayla Quinn, an IB Math student, has struggled in the past but now excels in math. Her own endeavors to improve led her to acquiring a tutor. “There was a disconnect for me between being able to do things outside of tests and on tests,” Quinn said. Quinn suggests struggling students take action to improve their grade. “Find extra help if something isn’t working,” Quinn said. “Stop using the same resources and go for
Random... BY NATASHA CHANDA
Facts
nchanda.gazette@gmail.com
1. Alaska, the easternmost American state, is 55 miles away from Russia. 2. Gerald Ford survived two attempts in California in September 1975. 3. The country of Mauritania officially abolished slavery in 1981. 4 Pope Stephen VI in 897 had his predecessor exhumed and placed on trial with a deacon lawyer; guilty, he was disrobed and thrown in the Tiber. 5. The average person will take about 7,500 steps today. - Compiled by Juan Pablo Flores
outside help.” Other students, like senior Ethan Tabaie, actually enjoy the subject. “For me, it’s very logical – everything about it makes sense to me,” Tabaie said. “Math is just a series of laws you have to follow – when you follow them, it’s easy to get the right answer,” Tabaie insists the subject has realworld applications. “If you do more applications that have to do with everyday life, you start to realize that you should learn some financial math,” Tabaie said. “That will help you excel in math and push you forward to enjoy more math courses.”
Club Club Name A Touch of Understanding Club :
President: Vyas Srinivasan
“Mr. Tastor’s class is about wanting to learn for the sake of curiosity, not a letter grade,” Martin said.
College of the Month
University of Wisconsin
Location: Madison, Wisconsin Mascot: Buck Badger Enrollment: 31,662 undergraduate 11,676 graduate Tuition: In-state – $10,488 Out-of-state – $32,738.2 Student to faculty ratio: 17:1 Acceptance Rate: 49 percent Fun Fact: Marching Band members started wearing their caps backward after a Badger win in the 1920s to symbolize looking back at their vic- Compiled by Nicole Gearing tory.
Student
What is the purpose of your club? The purpose of our club is to encourage acceptance of others for who they are and to minimize the discrimination faced during school. We educate students about disability awareness and help them to develop their social skills
Gazette: What is your favorite part of Granite Bay High school?
When do you meet? We usually have our meetings every other Wednesday from 2:45 to 3:15 pm in room 812 (Ms. Natalie Elkin’s room).
Gazette: What is one food that you cannot live without?
How was the club created? I honestly don’t know how the club at GBHS was created as I became involved starting my sophomore year. However, I do know that Granite Bay High School was the first high school to incorporate the ATOU club. - Compiled by Noelani Nichols
Gazette photo /MAY LIN
Kate Fernandez
Kate: There are a lot of different activities and classes available for students to pick from.
Kate: I absolutely cannot live without popcorn, especially kettle corn. Gazette: What activities do you do outside of school? Kate: Outside of school, I joined the cross country team and started training in the summer. I enjoy playing piano and guitar. - Compiled by May Lin
Friday, September 15th 2017
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Lifestyle B3
GBHS has full classes
Why people make clubs
Class size isn’t proven to have an effect on learning Making clubs for college – what’s the rush? “I always go to the library after school if I need any help with homework. It’s a great place to study,” DeLeon said. Along with this, class sizes at GBHS are larger than others in the RJUHSD school district, yet the sizes of the classes do not affect our the scores that are in the 80th percentile for English, math and AP exams. While some may prefer smaller class sizes, it doesn’t have an affect a student’s ability to learn. The resources GBHS students have access to allow them to receive help in needed areas.
BY BELLA HAMILTON
A
bhamilton.gazette@gmail.com
t Granite Bay, class sizes are getting bigger. The question being asked is, do these bigger classes decrease chances of learning? Students feel that it’s easier to branch out and ask more questions in a classroom with less people. Along with this, students are better able to get one-on-one time with the teacher with less distractions from other students. “I feel like there’s less people being disruptive in smaller class sizes” GBHS junior Isabel De Leon said. Often, students find smaller class environments better in order to successfully study. “I’ve always liked being in a smaller class, it’s more quiet, and just easier to study overall. It’s easier to ask questions and to be able to listen to the teacher and focus in a smaller class size,” GBHS junior Sinan Qaderi said. Despite how students feel, studies show that there is not a real change in a student’s learning due to class size. Scientific studies show that there is no correlation between class size and the learning that takes place in the classroom. However the amount of resources a student has access to does affect their ability to learn. On campus, there are many resources available to students that are in need of extra help. Some of these resources include one-on-one meetings with teachers after school, math lab and peer tutors.
Gazette photo /KENNEDY HEALY
Granite Bay High School has a lot of large class sizes. Classes can have students sitting in every seat. Despite the large class sizes, statistics don’t prove to effect student’s success.
If you really knew me,
you would know...
Colton Nemitz
If you really knew me you’d know that I really like going hunting every now and then.
Danalyn Bradford
If you really knew me you’d know that I’m Mormon, I love my family and I do track.
BY DEAN WILSON
I
dwilson.gazette@gmail.com
n early September, GBHS experiences a temporary shift in mood. Students eagerly search to express themselves and make an impact on campus as a new school year is underway. As a result, inspiration flow through the veins of many of these individuals as they seek to establish a club. Some do it for personal interest and others look to grab the attention of colleges. With a high achieving school like Granite Bay, many students seek to do everything in their power to improve their chances of making it into the colleges they want to attend. “Having a special or unique club attached to your name is a great way to strengthen a college application,” GBHS alumni Chase Wilson said, who processes applications for the University of Southern California. Clubs like Key Club and the Touch of Understanding Club are perfect examples of clubs that help one’s chances of getting into college due to their heavy involvement in help-
the outside, but I feel like our ing the community. Even though there are many clubs campus really needs the No Cussing that take on a serious tone when Club because of all the bad words conducting their business, Granite that teens say,” Greene said. Bay has plenty of clubs that allow So whether or not students have a students with common passions to club of their own, they should have come together. no problem finding at least one club The Outdoors Club is an example that they connect well with. of such a club that explores students love for the wilderness. “Brayden Johnk and I created the club last year over a shared passion for going camping, hiking, and just enjoying the beauty of nature”, GBHS senior Ryan McAvoy said. Club Rush allows students to connect with others who share hobbies or goals. But with an easy application process and pretty much endless possibilities to the focus of one’s club, there are several exceptionally creative clubs. GBHS senior Tyler Greene petitioned to create the No Cussing Club and feels passionately Gazette illustration /MCKENNA ARAM about his club’s intentions, but College checklist shows that can see why people would find students sometimes make clubs the premise silly. “I guess it looks rather silly from just to put on an application.
Awareness is brought to GBHS
Students and faculty discuss suicide prevention training BY SAMREEN SIDDIQUI ssiddiqui.gazette@gmail.com
O
n Aug. 11, 2017, Granite Bay High School participated in a suicide prevention activity in order to educate students about depression and the risks that comes with it. The training consisted of a video with teenagers and researchers elaborating about the warning signs of suicide, and how depression impacts the lives of people today. Jessup McGregor, a GBHS vice principal, explained why the training was done. “I think that it’s really important that we discuss these matters openly because the worst thing that could happen is that we have kids who are going through stuff and they think that they should keep it to themselves,” McGregor said. “(People) need to be able to talk about (depression) to be able to get the help and support that they need.” GBHS senior Olivia Epperson, the peer counseling program manager at GBHS, had her own thoughts about the training. “I don’t really think that the videos were really up to date so it would be more effective if they were renewed and refreshed so that we could actually relate to them more,” Epperson said. “But I do feel like it was an important topic to cover since it isn’t talked about very often
kind of a topic that if you’re not in high school or in education mature enough to take seriously, really at all.” then it could just not really have The topic of depression is a great effect.” crucial to address, according While the intentions behind to GBHS counselor Tasman the training were great, GBHS Nicolodi. senior Carson Paxton questioned “Everyday there are stuthe impact of the instruction. dents who struggle with emo“I’d say (the tional pain,” video) probNicolodi said. ably wouldn’t “I feel it is change anyextremely one’s mind, if important that I feel it is extremely they are suiour students important that our cidal,” Paxton know that said. “I think students know that they are it was more supported they are supported of an awareand where to ness thing. It go for help – Tasman Nicolodi, did a decent if they are job at making struggling or GBHS counselor people aware worried about of the situasomeone tion.” who might be The training struggling.” was necesGBHS senior, Margaret Knowlton, is also sary, according to McGregor, and he believes that schools an advocate for mental health should continue to participate in awareness. “(People) don’t really know how suicide prevention training. “I think that the more things serious of an issue (depression) that schools can do to help all is because (according to statispeople, not just academically, tics) half of the people in our class as a whole have depression not just athletically, … the betand have suicidal tendencies and ter society we would have, the better schools we would have, people don’t show it and they the better life that you’ll have,” don’t speak about it,” Knowlton McGregor said. “I think even if said. it is one (life that is saved) it is Epperson found the training helpful, in certain circumstances. worth it.” Epperson also agrees that “I do feel like (the training) the trainings should continue. was helpful for those who did “By knowing what to do, it take it seriously,” Epperson could really save a life and if said. “I feel like (it addressed a)
you actually know the signs to what someone might be going through it kind of gives you a better understanding so I do feel like the schools should continue (training),” Epperson said. The suicide prevention training is in response to a bill passed last year that requires schools to provide suicide prevention education. “The bill was passed in September of 2016. This bill requires schools to adopt new policy and procedure by the 2017-2018 school year,” Nicolodi said. “This bill expands on the existing law to include policy and procedures related to suicide prevention, intervention and postvention grades 7-12.” Knowlton believes this bill is beneficial. “It would definitely lower suicide rates because people will be talking about it and they won’t be hidden from the serious issues that have been happening,” Knowlton said. Overall, the suicide prevention training addresses issues that Knowlton thinks should be addressed. “There has been so many suicides around the country and people don’t realize that it could happen to one of their friends or their mom or their dad,” Knowlton said. “It hurts the community and not just the individual people that (depression) has happened to.”
Book of the Month Title: A Small Voice Sings From the Mountains Author: Marilyn Renaker Review:
Jamie Kanchananakhin
If you really knew me you’d know that although I appear really quiet and reserved, I am actually really passionate about getting my thoughts out there and I’m pretty outspoken. “A Small Voice Sings from the Mountains” cover
- Compiled by Makayla Clement
I was walking down the frosty streets of Fort Collins, Colorado one afternoon and saw an old thrift shop. Of course, I went in and made my way straight to the book section. After trying to decide between multiple books, there was something about A Small Voice Sings from the Mountains by Marilyn Renaker, that I couldn’t resist. The book is broken down into three sections. The sections contain about five to ten pieces of poetry each. My favorites from each section include “Simple,” “Humans” and “There is a Love that Transcends Loss.” Each poem is completely different, but they each taught me something new. It’s not an ordinary book. Although it may lack a plot and characters like a normal book, that doesn’t make it any less fulfilling to read. If anyone is interested in reading it, they can find it on Amazon or if they’re as lucky as I am, a tiny, overlooked thrift shop. For $1.23, I purchased my favorite book and I have been completely obsessed with it ever since. A Small Voice Sings from the Mountains by Marilyn Renaker will always be the book that I gained the most from. - Compiled by Kennedy Healy
Lifestyle B4
Friday, September 15, 2017
Choosing Traditional or Trade Schools
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The Granite Bay Gazette
A four-year university is not the only option for high school graduates BY MAKAYLA CLEMENT
mclement.gazette@gmail.com
Luckily, however, there are still many great options out there for students who are not tudents having to decide their future quite sure what the future holds for them. when they’re as young as 14 years “I hope teachers have old – still uncertain about that choice, given students enough but having no other option information or planted a other than rolling with it – seed when they’re in high I don’t think many is what most Granite Bay school to turn to some people know it’s an High students face. of the careers that do not option[...] require a four-year educaFriends, family and other tion,” Dolan said. adults continuously ques– Madison Culp, estheMany businesses have optioning what your future tician at Atrium Salon tions for students to learn holds and putting pressure and Spa a certain trade and work on career choices causes from there. excessive stress for many “Intech Mechanical, (an students. engineering contractor) in Roseville, has a system to “Probably the start of freshman year I knew bring in a young person – (who) is comwhat I wanted to do, but I was stressed mitted to what they do – coming out of about it because I had no idea what to high school (and) paying them while they expect,” senior Nick Heiskell said. train them,” Dolan said. Not realizing all the options at GBHS, “They can make incredible amounts of many go through these four years with a money as a 20- or 21-year-old, with zero blind eye. debt. Within about two years they will “It’s in the single digits that come to me promote that person at least ($70,000).” and ask what I know about trade school or At Sacramento State, students can progress a training opportunity,” Career and Technithrough their training program and learn to cal Education program instructor Steve design, fabricate, assemble and work on job sites. The program will assign students to a Dolan said.
S
construction management program where they can be employed and still earn their degree. who is currently an esthetician and works at Essentially, these Stylist at Atrium Salon and Spa cuts student Tara Zamiri’s hair students are being paid to learn. Atrium Salon and Spa on Douglas Blvd. in Though many communities don’t have Granite Bay. “I don’t think society undermore of a sense of all the benefits to going stands that you can still get a good educato a trade school, one is guaranteed – no tion at a trade school.” college debt. Definitely a pro about trade schools are that “I wish more students would pay attention to (the fact) that you’re not building up col- students get admitted, get the education needed and get out, ready and prepared to lege debt,” Dolan said. start their future of success. The Institute of Education Statistics “I went to trade school and it took me estimates that 40 percent of attendees at seven-and-a-half months,” Culp said. a college dropout before completing their Isabella Garcia, a 17-year-old homedegree. schooled student, has decided she doesn’t “I don’t think many people know it’s an need to go to a four-year university because option because a lot of parents want kids to of her eventual profession – cosmetology – go to top schools for good education when and doesn’t need to go to all that school to they probably won’t end up using their major,” said 19-year-old Madison Culp, get a good education and work in the field
Hiring private counselers is choice of many students
High schoolers receive outside help completing applications to get into their top-choice schools BY MAY LIN
W
that she’d be a more competitive However, while many students candidate for the UC schools and in the history of GBHS have helped her fit Calculus into her sought out the assistance of a colsenior year schedule. lege counselor, there are plenty of “(My counsler)inspired me to other students who have managed start looking for leadership opporto get into their desired colleges without that help or expense. tunities,” Hartmeier said, “Based “I didn’t have the experience of on these suggestions, I think it a college counselor because my was really helpful determining mom often helped me what research colleges and exA college counselor is academic options,” actly said Marissa Wong, a I was there to guide you [...] 2017 graduate who atlook– Zacg Wong said ing tends the University of for in Pennsylvania. “I also a college.” had many upperclassmen mentors But, advice comes at a cost. throughout high school.” On CNBC, according to Barbara When it comes to college counBooth, the average annual charge selors and judging whether or not for college counselors is approxiit’s worth the cost, experts say it all depends on your situation. mately $4,750. “A college counselor is there to “There is no set price and it’s guide you, keep you on schedquite a range,’’ Scott Hamilton, the president of Future Stars Colule, and help provide an outside perspective,” Wong said. “If you lege Counseling in Sacramento have a parent or other adult who said. “If you’re really into (the do the same, you may not need a job), there’s a lot of overhead college counselor.” planning and time and money that But, Wong believed, depending goes into covering the educational on work ethic and personality a expense, such as attending colcollege counselor might be worth leges and conferences.’’ it. For Hamilton, there is tremen“If you don’t know where to dous satisfaction in assisting start or how to organize your young people as they make a thoughts, an adviser could be significant decision. very helpful to help achieve your “I wanted to help people durgoals,”Wong said. ing a stressful transition in their lives.’’ Hamilton said.
Student
Spotlight
Student shares how her freshman year is going so far
Gazette photo/ MAKAYLA CLEMMENT
“I want to get my cosmetology license since I want to be able to do hair, makeup and nails and become a personal stylist,” Garcia said. The career choice is not just some lowpaying opportunity either. “I could be easily making over a $100,000 a year doing personal styling depending on what my clientele is,” Garcia said. Garcia said it will take her eight months to get her cosmetology license, and then it will be about a month or two more to get her makeup license and start her business. Within a year after completing her schooling and getting her license, Garcia will be up and running in her dream job.
Teachers receive from five stars to no stars
Students post anonymous reviews on Rate My Teacher app – but aren’t always accurate
mlin.gazette@gmail.com
hen college application season rolls around, a spiral of emotions emerge. Students are filled with anxiety, stress, excitement and relief as they carefully assemble their admission application and write their personal essay. “My planner helped me understand the process more than I could have on my own.’’ Ashwini Ganapathi, a 2017 Granite Bay High graduate said. “and it was really nice having someone to proofread your essays.’’ Not only do college counselors help review student’s essays, they also help students find a school that fit their ideals. “At first, I was unsure about choosing the right school for me… I didn’t want to apply to (California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo), but having talked to my planner, that drastically changed.’’ Ganapathi said. “Having a college planner isn’t a necessity but it really helped me feel more confident about applying to college.’’ In addition, college counselors also help relieve the stress load in choosing the right classes. “I already knew what classes I wanted to take but was hesitant when signing up for Calculus.” Katie Hartmeier said.. Her college counselor advised
she wants to work in.
BY ASHLEY ALTMANN
E
aaltmann.gazette@gmail.com
very time a new school year rolls around, students and parents anxiously anticipate their new class schedules. Many will then turn around and ask the school to change their schedule to avoid certain teachers based on preconceived notions. Ironically, this happens even though these students haven’t actually spent any time in the classroom with these teachers. RateMyTeacher.com is a website that allows people to anonymously submit reviews of staff members. To ensure the year ahead of them is successful, some students turn to the forum to gain insight. “I’ve looked at several reviews of teachers just to make sure they’re good,” senior Taylor Thornton said. Thornton added that she found most of the reviews to be accurate, but she still developed slightly different opinions on her teachers through experience. “Some of the comments, though, I thought, ‘Why are those here? Those don’t seem right,’ ” Thornton said. Granite Bay High assistant principal Jessup McGregor believes students can’t form a complete perspective on a teacher based on an anonymous review. “Honestly, each student’s experience with a given teacher can vary so widely based on many factors,”
McGregor said in an email. These forums also don’t usually showcase every experience, he added .They usually sway from one extreme to the other. “Similar to other rating sites, there may be a tendency to only get reviews from students who either really liked or really disliked their experience with a teacher,” McGregor said. Those students who disliked a teacher certainly didn’t hesitate to put it all out on the web. Thornton recalled seeing comments dissing teachers for giving a lot of homework or grading hard, but even harsher words were present on the site. “I feel like since it’s anonymous, people are more likely to be mean and criticize a teacher just because they could’ve done bad in the class,” junior Tyler Nickle said. McGregor could also see how the anonymity could induce bullying and other forms of online harassment. “The lack of accountability that exists could lead to things getting out of hand, just like fake Instagram posts,” McGregor said. Aside from the large amount of negativity displayed on the forum, some use it as a resource to praise teachers. “I’d write a review on maybe a teacher in the Spanish program or English department, like Ms. (Shannon) McCann,” Thornton said. “She gives a lot of great pointers
and is a great teacher.” It’s constructive perspectives like these that people hope to find when they visit the website – and many do. One example is freshmen Claire Mallo who found reviews on all of her teachers for the year. “I found that most of the reviews were very accurate,” Mallo said. “I agreed with a majority of the reviews I saw.” Because all students have had their own personal experiences, their viewpoints are different, which may make it hard to judge how a class will be based on a couple of ratings. “I wouldn’t listen to the website,” Nickle said, “It’s all an opinion, and everyone has a different opinion.”
Gazette photo /ASHLEY ALTMANN
Left to right: Brenna Halloran, Emily Bradley, and Jaclyn Ohlsen gasp while looking at a review on the rate my teacher app
Have you enjoyed the start of school so far? I have enjoyed it so far because at first it was review so it was easy.
How are your classes? They are all really fun right now, but they are also hard. I have a harder semester next semester
How is high school compared to middle school?
High school is a lot more work right now but it is also a lot more fun
What is your passion?
Soccer. It is my dream to become a famous soccer player for the USA soccer team. Gazette photo /ABBIE GOULD
Audrey Talmi
What is your favorite class?
My favorite class is Spanish because I have a lot friends in that class and I am good at it. -Compiled by Abbie Gould
Friday, September 15, 2017
Tension is on the rise for seniors
Last-year stressors pile up for future grads BY KENNEDY HEALY
A
Lifestyle
w The Granite Bay Gazette
khealy.gazette@gmail.com
s senior year progresses, many students find themselves pondering their futures and how realistic they truly are. The next big step in a senior’s life is approaching and many are already feeling a sense of pressure and anxiety. From applying to college to managing extracurriculars and maintaining a social life, students can become overwhelmed, which can result in large amounts of stress. There is a common misconception that senior year is a breeze, but many colleges like to see class loads increase in difficulty or remain the same which creates more stress for seniors. “My counselor tries to make me take harder classes, but I don’t want to do that.” Bailey Diemer, a senior at Granite Bay High, said. Some seniors have specific classes that cause them extra tension. “Drama stresses me the hell out,” senior Jason Dell’Orto said. Senior class president Taylor Stiern is constantly occupied with Student Government-related tasks which only adds more to her already busy schedule. Ironically, the stress of Student Government expectations can actually be a relief for Stiern and others – but it can still be difficult to manage all the expectations of the class. “I think the environment relieves stress, like the people I’m around,” Stiern stated. “But the class, with my role, I don’t really think so. The class is very hard and time consuming.” The GBHS counseling deparment said that the district personal finance course requirement has added another level of stress for some seniors who also have to work
hard to keep up their grades in rigorous courses. They understand many seniors are worried about what the next chapter of their lives will look like. The uncertainty of not knowing what it is going to be like, going away to college or into the work force, military, community college or trade school is often a concern. Gazette illustration/STEPHANIE KANG Often, a student’s day does not end Numerous items on a senior’s to-do list cause a stain on their sanity when the bell rings – it only just begins. Not only are seniors feeling pressured hopes of gaining comfort and clarity from their personal about their classes, but also after-school activities such experiences. as sports and jobs. “She has a lot of good advice because she experienced “Trying to balance everything, and going home after it,” Diemer said about his mom “She is very positive working until 10 to do my homework, is hard,” Stiern and supportive.” said. Although it might seem like the pressure heats up durFor many students at GBHS, sports can add another ing senior year, many students have found positive inlevel of stress. fluences and outlets for relieving the stress and tension. “Sports put more pressure on because it makes it For Diemer, the best way to relieve stress is through harder to get homework done and get sleep,” Dell’Orto playing sports and being part of the varsity football said. team. Many students at GBHS have found comfort in talking to a peer or mentor who provides support during “Sports definitely take the pressure off, because it’s times of pressure. just a fun outlet,” Diemer said. “They relieve stress.” “In this area, everyone is so stressed out,” Dell’Orto Although seniors often say they feel like the weight of said. “(English teacher David Tastor) made it apparent the world is on their shoulders right now, they’re not the that if you’re happy, then that is what’s most important.” first and won’t be the last seniors to experience this kind Some students get advice and counsel from their of stress For many seniors at GBHS, that next step will parents, who in some cases regret their own high school include college. choices. “In terms of colleges, there are a lot of options out “(My mom) realizes the opportunities she had and there,” Dell’Orto said. then didn’t take coming out of high school, and she “I think the options are wide open,” Diemer added. “I definitely doesn’t want me to miss those opportunities,” can do whatever I want to do as long as I have a passion Stiern said. Many students go to their parents in times of distress in for it.”
How to: Not Procrastinate
B5
TOP UNIQUE DISNEY CHARACTERS
Tiana
Mulan
Captain Jack Sparrow
Woody and Buzz
BY ASHLEY ALTMANN
aaltmann.gazette@gmail.com
1. Set a goal for what you want to accomplish. 2. Work out a step-by-step process for reaching your goal. 3. Put away all distractions (cellphone, computer, turn off the TV). 4. Every 30 minutes or so, take couple minutes to refresh your mind (check up on social media, grab a snack, etc.).
Mushu
Gazette illustration/HANNAH XU
5. When your task is complete, give yourself a small reward to reinforce your behavior.
Lilo and Stitch
Obtaining the golden dance ticket Difficulites arise in the guest bid process
The Mad Hatter
BY NOELANI NICHOLS
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nnichols.gazette@gmail.com
REAKING: Political discussion breaks loose in what is seemingly an objective matter, yet again. Few would think “contentious” when considering something as simplistic as a school dance guest bid, but – things aren’t as simple as many might think they should be. In the past, students at Granite Bay High said that the process for getting a dance guest bid has been known to be cumbersome and irritating for students and such specific requirements continue to raise questions on campus. Students agree the process, though tedious, was Gazette photo /MACKENZIE BROWN fairly straightforward. A main concern was meeting Trinity Burley and Candyce Junaid before the decades dance the daunting deadline. “(The school) doesn’t really advertise when they goes to Rocklin.” Senior Christopher Osby was able to obtain a guest have (guest bids) available, so sometimes it’s very last bid to attend a formal dance with his girlfriend at AnAnother controversial component of the guest bid minute,” senior Claire Miller said. telope High School with ease, but he sympathizes with is its exclusivity to formal dances. Many students are Not only is the lack of clarity irritating for many those that are under more complicated circumstances. unhappy with this restriction, because some of their students, but stressful and time consuming as well. “Friends of students (should also be offered guest best friends attend other schools and are unable to The requirement is fairly straightforward – students bids) because what if someone can’t get a date but experience the fun alongside them. who bring a guest to a dance from another school had has a friend from a different school that wants to go?” “I think we should have (guest bids) for informal to have a form, or “bid,” completed and signed by ofOsby said. dances too, because more people want to bring their ficials at the guest’s school. “(A date) is just someone who you go to the dance friends, and I know other schools have (guest bids “I’ve had to take an extra trip to go get it from (the with, if it’s just one other person and if you aren’t in a offered) for informal dances – and people like that,” other school) and come back for the deadline, and (my group” Miller said. Miller said. friend) had to literally drive to Sacramento to go get Students can choose whether or not they want to go Osby, and many other students, agree with Miller. (the guest bid),” Miller said. with a date at all and what that term means for their “Why not?” Osby said. “Most people are going to In spite of the minor complications that come with specific circumstance. want to bring their significant other to something like the guest bid process, dance guest bids ultimately serve Senior Milan French agreed that, as far as a “date” that.” as an effective option for students who still want to be goes, the selection process should be absent of restricOther students believe opening up informal dances able to enjoy high school events with their significant tions, and the guest bid should be offered to “whoever to students from other schools will diminish the auother from another school. the (GBHS student) wants (to bring).” thenticity of the GBHS dance atmosphere. A notable point of confusion, however, for many stuFrench, who was unable to acquire a guest bid, said “I think (guest bids) should be kept for formals only dents is the loose definition of a “date.” While some go she believes it is still a flawed process. just to keep it more Granite Bay,” senior Jacquelyn the traditional route and have a boyfriend or girlfriend “(Administrators) said they only do it for formal Laskey said, “it will (enable students) to get to know to accompany them on the dance floor, others are simdances and I wanted to do it for the Neon Dance,” French said. “I wanted to bring my friend, Lexi, who ply looking to bring a friend. our own school and keep the school spirit.”
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Lifestyle
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Foreign exchange students are in for a culture shock BY RACHEL NIMTZ
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Imagine going to a new school, in a completely
different country; having minimal knowledge on the culture, language, and people. Brothers Henri and Charles Bonnefoy have to deal with this stress and pressure of going to a new school. “We moved here because of my mom’s work,” Henri Bonnefoy, a Granite Bay High sophomore, said. “She works for a French business that the company wanted to bring to America.” The Bonnefoys moved to California from a region in France called Burgundy. With Burgundy’s huge vineyards and the famous Palace of Dukes, suburban Granite Bay is a big change for the brothers. “The weather here is different,” Henri said. “Also the houses are much bigger than the ones in France.” Schooling is also very different. One school day in France starts at 8:30 a.m. and can end anywhere between 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. “When you are in class, you can’t eat or drink anything, or even look at your phone,” Charles Bonnefoy, GBHS junior said. Aside from the time difference,
schooling in France is more intense and taken much more seriously. “I once had a teacher that was so mean, my mom had to go talk to her,” Charles said. However, the boys do miss home, and their friends and family. “I miss my friends and family in France all the time,” Henri said. “But I do really like it here.” Despite the challenges and hardships of moving to a new place, the Bonnefoys are making the most of their situation and making many new friends in the process. “People are very friendly here,” Haas said. “ Everyone is always smiling.” While the Bonnefoys are here to stay, junior Raquel Haas is only at Granite Bay High School for a year. “I’ll be staying with three families so I can experience different cultures from different families,” Haas said. Haas could’ve gone anywhere in the United States, but she chose California. “I knew I wanted to come to the USA, but I didn’t know if I wanted
to come to New York, or California or somewhere else,” Haas said. “ But California was my dream place.” Haas has also experienced many cultural differences here he claims. The teenagers are much more mature in Switzerland than here. “The teenagers at my school in Switzerland would never dance crazy like they do here,” Haas said. “But it’s still fun.” Haas has also had the opportunity to experience typical American pastimes, like Friday night football games. “I went to my first football game ever on Friday,” Haas said. “I’ve never seen football before until then.” Haas has never seen or experienced anything like the excitement and energy of the Friday night football games before. “I think it is really cool that the teenagers are like “ahhhh” and are always excited and screaming,” Haas said. However, as much fun as she’s having, there are many things that she misses about home. “I miss my family and my boyfriend,” Haas said. “I also miss just being with my friends that I have known for a long time.”
Ms. Marie Hollwager is in charge of registration at Granite Bay High School and she is informed when foreign exchange students come to GBHS. “We usually get one or two exchange students per year,” Hollwager said. “This year we have four, which is a lot compared to previous years.” All of the foreign exchange students are counseled by Ms. Minor to help them get adjusted to the change. “Ms. Minor takes care of all of the exchange students,” Hollwager said. “Ms. Givens and student government are also notified so they can help the new students get settled.” However, some of the students know the kids ahead of time. “Many of the students are staying with families who have kids who go to Granite Bay,” Hollwager said. All three students find the U.S. to be very different than their home countries, but are still having a lot of fun. “Everyday I find something new that is different,” Haas said. “It’s just so exciting.”
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COMMENTARY
GBHS Tribe rolls back to the end zone New year for the cheering group of Grizzlies BY MAX SCHWARTZ mschwartz.gazette@gmail.com
andrew yung ayung.gazette@gmail.com
Athletes are given too much leeway
The Granite Bay High School Tribe has been at every football and basketball game since its inception. Now, after a year of being away from the end zone, the Tribe is back along with the Tribe leaders. The Tribe leaders are the ones standing in the front, and their job is to pump up the students in the stands. One of these new leaders is senior, Trevor Johnson. “Seeing everyone in front of you when
leading is a really cool thing,” Johnson said. Johnson also added that the energy that the leaders carry directly affects the students. “When you are going crazy, you can really notice the students feeding off of the energy.” Johnson said. Also, the Tribe being in their own section in the end zone allows students to get closer to each other- a plus for some students. “Being right next to all of your friends for a whole game makes (the Tribe) really fun,” Will Nogrady, a GBHS junior, said. The upperclassmen knowing their classmates on the fields also attributes to the energy. “Seeing your friends leading the Tribe and your other friends playing in the game and scoring points is a really fun experience,” Fernando Gonzalez, a junior, said. See TRIBE, page C3
It’s 5 p.m. on September 5, and I’m on my computer typing “Ezekiel Elliott suspension update” into the Google search engine for the thirteenth time in an hour, looking for any breaking news to appear. Gazette photo/MAKAYLA CLEMENT For those who do not know, Elliott was accused last year of domestic violence by a former female companion, and both the police and NFL responded by conducting investigations into the complaint. Then, after more than a year of investigations, the league concluded that it would suspend Elliott for the first six games of the 2017 NFL season, a verdict that Elliott appealed. The decision on Elliott’s appeal was expected to be made on Sept. 5. Which brings me back to that night on my computer. After about ten more minutes of incessantly hitting the refresh button, news appeared that Elliott’s six-game suspension had been upheld. However, that decision only lasted a mere three days, because on Sept. 8, a judge granted Elliott a preliminary injunction, which in short, basically prohibited the NFL from suspending him BY JACK MCGRAIL for the 2017 season. jmcgrail.gazette@gmail.com When I heard the news that Elliott would no The Granite Bay High School varsity football team is looking to longer be perform better than their 4-7 record last year. suspendIn the past, GBHS football teams have usually been competiToo often, higher ed, I was tive in the regular season, and this year should be the same. The shocked, varsity football team will be aiming to do better than last year and profile athletes mostly hopes to make a run at the playoffs this year. because “Last season was long and painful and it was more like a chore are afforded the outthan a sport,” explained Evan Tattersall, one of the varsity capmore leeway for come of tains. the Elliott This year, the team hopes to have more fun while also, at the their wrongdocase was same time, winning games. incongruings However, when the team isn’t performing, it makes for a tough ous with season trying to stay motivated and confident in games. a very The new team also is welcoming its new crop of captains. similar case that the NFL had to rule on Becoming a new captain is a difficult thing to do, because capin the past. tains are tasked with leading the team and their peers. They also Many followers of the NFL – and even must help teammates improve to their best abilities. non-sports fans – remember the domesWill Craig, Jack Powers, Evan Tattersall, Nathan Lee, Chris tic violence case concerning Ray Rice, Osby and Jade Foddril are all taking on this challenge, as they another football player. were all appointed the role of captain before the season began. For one, the two cases are similar The captains are already getting acquainted with what being a because they both were alleged of the good captain looks like. same crime. Also, Elliott and Rice both “As a captain I will learn what not to do, and learn how to applayed the position of running back, proach my players in the right way” Tattersall said. are African American and have similar The captains are also learning how to cope with the seniors who builds: small and stout. Lastly, the two just graduated and are no longer on the football team. both had major turning points in their See FOOTBALL, page C4 cases on the date Sept. 8: Rice’s in 2014 Gazette photo/LOGAN EMBREE and Elliott’s in 2017. Senior Ryan Smith scores a touchdown in their game against Jesuit High School on Aug. 25. However, it is what occurred on that day that ultimately separates the two. On Sept. 8, 2014, a video surfaced of Ray Rice punching his then girlfriend, leading the NFL to dismiss him from the league. summer and participating in team On the other hand, on Sept. 8, 2017, workouts in order to prevent season inElliott’s suspension was lifted, and juries as well as to develop team bonds he was essentially allowed to play the and a positive atmosphere. whole season. BY JAKE CRISCIONE Summer workouts for the 2017 out process in an attempt to reduce the While there was concrete evidence jcriscione.gazette@gmail.com season started June 12 and lasted until large roster size. against Rice whereas Elliott’s case was t’s not often that a high school based more on hearsay, the two players August 8, with three to four workouts For a prospective runner this year, should have had more similar consesports team consists of 100+ athper week. you would have had to do at least quences than one being welcomed back letes. In recent years, Granite Bay “Summer workouts help prepare one of two things to make the cross by the NFL and the other one banished. High School’s cross country team has the team for the upcoming season by country team. One, attend 50% of the The discrepancy illuminates an underfound itself in this rare situation, as it getting us used to running more miles optional summer workouts, and two, lying problem throughout professional has been overflowed with runners. increasingly over time,” said Evan meet a time standard based on grade sports – not just in the NFL. Too often, Cross country is known for being a Chinn, a senior and team captain. “The and gender during time trials on the higher profile athletes are afforded more no-cut sport, but with this situation, hot weather not only helps training first week of school. leeway for their wrongdoings because of GBHS’s team has grown so much in for the cooler weather in the fall but it “The biggest motivation for the their standing. size that workouts have become difalso gives way to uniting the team by try-out was to encourage athletes to Thus, even though Elliott is a star, the Special to the Gazette/KATIE MIKIS ficult to manage for the coaches. relying on fellow teammates to work run during the summer,” Adkins and NFL should have punished Elliott more This year, cross-country coaches together and complete workouts.” Kehoe said in an email. severely than they did, an obligation the Junior Joseph Kennedy runs at a cross country meet. NFL failed to fulfill. Carla Kehoe, Jeff Adkins, and Angela Kehoe and Adkins also stressed the Pozzi decided to implement a new tryimportance of runners training over See CROSS COUNTRY, page C3 Andrew Yung, a junior, is a sports editor
Football team posed for big season Players have high hopes as they look to improve their record from last year
Cross country adds tryouts Previous no-cut sport implements a system before the season in order to make the team
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Three sport athletes are starting to go extinct
GBHS graduates play soccer at the college level
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Student athletes beginning to play fewer sports Granite Bay faces a decline in three-sport athletes over the course of recent years BY ANDREW YUNG
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In the past, the quintessential jock played several sports, whether it was the combination of football in the fall, wrestling in the winter and soccer in the spring or some other configuration. However, the present paradigm for the ideal amount of sports the student-athlete should play has shifted. Many schools, including Granite Bay High School, have seen substantial decreases in the amount of triple sport athletes over the years, as more and more people have reduced their load to one or two sports. The reasoning behind this change may be simple. “As you get further up the food chain,” said James Spargo, a senior who plays varsity soccer and lacrosse at GBHS, “more people find their niche and so you’re less likely to find people doing varying things because they’ve found [one] thing they’re good at and passionate about.” Angela Pozzi, a Physical Education teacher at GBHS and a cross country coach, also believes that concentrating on one sport leads to not participating in others. “There’s some kids that just love baseball,” Pozzi said, “and there’s some young ladies that just love cheering. You find a passion in life, and if it’s just one sport, that’s good.” However, the decision to not play multiple sports may also be due to the lack of time that one has when playing on a sports team. “There are less and less multiple sport athletes as you get older,” said Aleah Treiterer, a varsity soccer player at GBHS, “because competitive sports are more demanding. The more competitive you get in a sport, the less time you have for any other activities, including other sports.” The decision may also not even be up to the athletes themselves. “I think [the issue] has become cultural,” Pozzi said, “because some parents and coaches want their athletes to pick and stick with [a certain]
sport.” While the cause of the decision to not play multiple sports may differ from athlete to athlete, many people agree that there are benefits to playing a variety of sports. “One of the major benefits of playing multiple sports is the increase in athleticism,” said Adrian Lada, a GBHS junior,” since sports test different parts of a person.” Playing one sport can also improve an athlete’s performance for another sport. “I’ve played soccer and lacrosse simultaneously for the past eight years,” Spargo said, “and at the very least, they kind of keep me in shape for one another.” Besides the physical benefits that come with playing multiple sports, there are also psychological benefits that accompany playing various sports. “I think that one of the benefits of playing multiple sports,” Treiterer said, “is that it prevents you from getting burnt out of one specific sport.” There are also mental and disciplinary benefits to playing a multitude of sports. “Playing many sports,” Spargo said, “also keeps you focused and on task. If I wasn’t playing sports, I feel like I would just get off-task and procrastinate.” Ultimately though, the differences between the benefits of playing multiple sports and concentrating on just one sport are trivial. What is most important are the values and outcomes that an athlete comes away with. “When athletes play sports, they [develop] better habits,” Pozzi said. “I think sports really help them organize their lives. It’s a positive life skill.”
Gazette illustration/ SABINA MAHAVNI
The traditional three sport student athlete: has a dificult time managing all of their sports in a year
Put your game face on.
GBHS football gets hit with concussions Players forced to deal with head injuries BY SPENCER COVA
scova.gazette@gmail.com
Read The Gazette Gazette photo/ LOGAN EMBREE
GBHS football face eachother while reviewing their plays before their first league game of the season.
Students explore sports
Granite Bay seniors try new activities for their last year, leaving previous ones they played BY MAY LIN mlin.gazette@gmail.com
Granite Bay High School offers plenty of opportunities, ranging from a variety of sports and classes, throughout a student’s high school career. While most athletes tend to stick with the sport they’ve grown up with, there are occasions where students quit the sport they’ve been doing for a while and add a new sport to their repertoire. Karthi Chakravarthy, a senior at GBHS, has been doing Jiu-Jitsu since the age of 5. This year, he decided to take up wrestling, and will play both sports this year. He elaborated on how wrestling is “the closest sport to Jiu-Jitsu’’ and it “was something (he’d) be interested in’’. Wrestling was also a school sport so “ (he’s) hoping to get a varsity letter.’’ Even though it might be a heavy load, Karthi
thoroughly enjoys the sport and will continue to work hard in what he does. As for Karthi’s case, he expanded his past experience in order to merge two sports into a common area, beneficially gaining a variety of activities that he’s already familiar with. Zach Wong, a senior at Granite Bay High School, has been playing soccer for 12 years and has experience in cross country, track, baseball, and basketball. But he only stuck with soccer throughout high school because he had positions to fill on the field, giving him “ a reason to run.’’So if you were ever unsure or hesitant to sign up for a sport you’ve never tried before, take Zach Wong’s advice and just “send it.” Wong’s work ethic has driven him to play other sports and “if you want to get (better), you need to be committed and give it your
all,’’ no matter if it’s a new sport or not. Jeff Evans, the Granite Bay varsity football head coach, said the coaches will always “advise (their) athletes to stay committed to their sport for their committed time’’. Varsity football practice goes for three hours every day, taking a lot of dedicated players on the field. And if a player were to drop out at the end of the season, “while it may be disappointing to the coaches that are counting on that student,’’ they still want their students to continue to play sports. As teachers and coaches, they believe “athletics provide an experience and memories that will positively affect a person’s life down the road, no matter their level of greatness.” Evans said.a
From August to mid November Granite Bay High School Revolves around the football team. Over the summer, the Journal of the American Medical Association examined 111 brains of players who have played in the NFL. 110 of them were found to have C.T.E. Chronic traumatic encephalopathy is a degenerative brain disease caused by repetitive brain trauma. Though it doesn’t have an appearance until years after the initial blows to the head. “Those are alarming rates,” varsity head football coach Mike Evans said. As more evidence of long lasting effects from concussions unravel through studies, Evans and his coaching staff have become more cautious and selective in their style of coaching. “We try to eliminate the amount of con-
tact going on at practice, which is what studies have shown is where the beginnings of concussions start,” Evans said. “As coaches, we would rather be ineffective in games and lose than injure players in practice.” Although coaches try to do their part in keeping the game safe, there are still complications in the nature of football and athletics in general. “When you ask the kid(after the initial hit) if they are okay, he will say yes every time,” Evans said. On the first practice with full contact, Matt Solone, a Junior on the varsity football team, received a blow to the head in a blocking drill. He was then Diagnosed with a mild concussion by his physician days later and was out of practice for two weeks. “I knew I had (a concussion) but I kept going through (that) practice because I thought that’s just (a part of) football,” Solone Said. It isn’t so much the inherent physical roughness of football that is threatening to high school football players, it is the shame attributed to sitting out. “There is a stigma to it because you don’t want (the coaches) changing their See CONCUSSIONS, page C4
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Grizz Quiz
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Parker Manis Water Polo
Londyn Milburn Cheer
Compiled by Rachel Nimtz
What’s your favorite part of your sport?
Nick Richmond Football
Alyssa Sewell Tennis
Brenna Johnson Golf
Meeting new people
The physicality
Hitting people
How competitive it is and the focus required
The social aspect
I cheered when I was younger and had a lot of friends who loved it
Steve from American Dad
My friends
My mom played when she was younger
My dad
Protein shake
Power bar
Protein shake
Protein shake
Power bar
If you were to play another sport, what would it be?
Swim
Rugby
Table Tennis
Track
Tennis
Who is your favorite professional player who plays your sport?
She is not a professional, but I look up to Hannah Mortenson on the GBHS team
John Mann
Drew Brees
Serena Williams
Don’t have one
Who/What inspired you to play your sport?
Power bars or protein shakes?
Baton twirler Fresh faces and championship chases GBHS welcomes showcases several new sports hard work at coaches home football games BY KENNEDY HEALY
khealy.gazette@gmail.com
BY SPENCER COVA
scova.gazette@gmail.com
Anyone who has gone to a home football game in the past two years knows who baton twirler Lauren Roush is. For many students, watching her is the highlight of the game. Roush has been twirling for ten years of her life and “used to practice five days a week for five to six hours a day,” Roush said. Few people put as much time into their craft as Roush does with twirling, and her hard work is made possible because she truly loves doing it. “It is my passion and it means so much to me!” Roush said. Last year Roush’s hard work was rewarded. “I became first in the nation for my freestyle routine,” Roush said. Starting her sophomore year, the nationally recognized twirler took a role in pumping up the student section. She goes in front of the tribe during breaks in football games and does flashy twirling stunts. The stands go crazy over it from the student section to the band and parents. “It’s really amazing how supportive the school has been – it means a lot to me that the tribe supports me too!” Roush said. Fortunately for the tribe, Roush has no plans to stop performing at football games. “I want to (continue) to do this in the future and potentially be a baton twirler in college,” Roush said.
Gazette photo /JAKE CRISCIONE
Being a part of the Granite Bay High School community means putting in hard work, being motivated and helping us acquire victories. Luckily this year, sports teams at GBHS welcomed a few fresh faces and will be fortunate to develop new skills with their help. One of the many teams that received a new coach at GBHS was the girls tennis team. The new coach, Linda Dickson has already shown herself as a very positive influence this year. “Dickson is really into it, and she is super excited,” said Alyssa Sewell, a senior and team captain. Dickson’s innovative ideas have had an extremely positive impact on the
team especially by getting the athletes excited to play. “(Dickson) even hired another pro to come and help coach us,” Sewell said enthusiastically. Sewell also was quick to mention that “she’s got this new website going and that’s super fun!” In comparison to previous seasons, Dickson has done an excellent job of making the team come together. “I wouldn’t say there’s a drastic change, but I think the team’s dynamic has changed with the new coach. Dickson’s really all about the team being together, whereas with Tim (the old coach), was still a great guy, but it was kind of just you play your position and your spot. Dickson is all about getting the girls together,” Sewell said. Tennis is not the only team with an exciting new team dynamic as the cross country team is thriving with their new assistant coaches. Maureen Bartley, one of the new assistant coaches, said “I have felt like I have joined a wonderful family.” “Integrating Coach Bartley and Coach Nasca (the other assistant
coach) was a piece of cake! They both have experience coaching large teams and bring a vast amount a knowledge to the program. I feel very fortunate to have two new coaches on staff,” said Carla Kehoe, a cross country coach. Also, Kehoe mentioned how “both coaches are great role models and they both run with the team and help motivate the athletes to reach their goals.” The diverse backgrounds of the new coaches is very exciting for the Cross Country team because it helps bring new skills that benefit the team. “Each new coach brings a set of unique qualities to the program. Coach Bartley is a retired nurse and former XC/Track coach at Placer High School. Coach Nasca brings her experience of coaching at GBHS and is familiar with many of the athletes,” Kehoe said. With any team, there are always expectations. Whether it be from the players or the coach, it is always important to set goals and work together to achieve them. For tennis, Sewell said “I hope we go to playoffs this year and maybe go
Linda Dickson New coach for girls tennis team is one of many making a positive impact on grizzly athletics.
even further. Other than that I expect her to care about the team – but obviously she does!” Bartley said “My expectation would be that every child walks away with a positive attitude and more friendships.” Although it is easy to feel comfortable sticking to what you know, the teams have been very open minded with the new coaches which makes the integration that much easier. Hopefully the good sportsmanship continues and the team bonding progresses so that we can keep the Grizzly Pride.
TRIBE: Grizzly student section receives major uprades this season Continued from page C1 Gonzalez added that being an upperclassmen changes the tribe experience. “Being an upperclassmen makes the Tribe a lot more fun because you can be a lot more energetic with all of your friends, including the tribe leaders,” Gonzalez said. Cheering the football team can play a large role into the performance of the team. “The tribe being back in the endzone does help,” said, Jack Powers, a varsity football player. Also a tribe leader for the basketball season. “It is cool to run out to the tribe, and (the tribe) hyping us up. The energy is on us, it’s cool to see everyone support-
ing one team.” The cheering for Granite Bay also is supposed to get the other team off of their game. “Cheering gets in the opponents’ heads, when (the opposing team goes) on the field and sees our school’s student section it’s really intimidating, that’s really big and united,” Powers said. Johnson added that the cheering also affects the team’s performance. “In the Jesuit game we obviously got in the opponents’ heads, getting them to pay attention to us instead of the game,” Johnson said. After the football season, the Tribe transitions into the basketball season. “I prefer the basketball season because the Tribe gets a lot louder, and
the chants get in (the other team’s) head’s more,” Gonzalez said. In the transition, some football player become Tribe leaders. Jack Powers is one of these future Tribe leaders, coming in with new plans for the new year. One of these plans is the communications to students. “My goal is to make everyone know when the games are and do really good advertizing and to get some cool themes and to get everyone involved as a whole,” Powers said. Powers added that the difference of Tribe leaders from this year to last. “With new leaders you get new activities, so with the change we are going to spice it up a little bit,” Powers said. “There’s always improve-
ments to make and what we can do to the tribe to make it better than the year before.” Some of these goals have already been reached in the short amount of time the season has been going on. “Our main goal was to get 1000 coming people for the jesuit game and we achieved that which felt good to do right off the bat,” Johnson said. The achievement of this goal didn’t go unnoticed with students. “The (Jesuit) game was the the loudest, and had one of the largest sections I’ve been in,” Nogrady said. The Tribe has mapped out the rest of the year, having a strong plan for the rest of the year. “(The Tribe leaders) want to bring a lot of people out,” Johnson said.
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FOOTBALL: GBHS football players preview their talents for the rest of the year Continued from page C1 “We will make up the loss of some key seniors by learning from mistakes last year,” Tattersall said. Jeff Evans, the head football coach for the Granite Bay Grizzlies, detailed how “every year is different.” He also said that “the players this year have learned that they must bring a mental focus to their preparation throughout the spring and summer and into each game.” Evans also thinks that this year’s team and the players are a lot different than the group of players from last year. “Last year’s guys got caught up in some of the early successes, whereas this year, the guys have a different level of work ethic and mindset, taking it game by game” instead of thinking too much about successes far down the road Evans said. This year they will focus on each game individually, and just try to be the best team they can each day. “We haven’t played perfect by any means,” Evans said, “but getting wins seems to make all the bumps and bruises feel a little bit better and being out at practice a little more tolerable.” Jack Powers, a senior and one of the captains on the football team this year, is also motivated for the new season and will take the lessons he learned from last year’s season in order to better this year. “The thing I remember most from last year,” Powers said, “that I am bringing to this year is to maintain trust in everyone.” Especially with his increased role on the team as a captain, Powers also said that he will keep believing and motivating his teammates in order to succeed. He expects to not forget, but build on and fix the mistakes made last year. “A message I want the fans to know,” Powers said, “is that we will be a lot better this year – I promise.”
Granite Bay Football players Line up against jesuit football players at the line of scrimmage in their first game of the season
Gazette photo /LOGAN EMBREE
Maggio’s dedicated to both Trojans and Grizzlies BY JAKE CRISCIONE
jcriscione.gazette@gmail.com
Nico Maggio, a senior at Granite Bay, has been an avid follower and fan of the USC Trojans for his whole life. “Both of my parents attended USC,” Maggio said. “Which influenced me to watch and root on the Trojans.” Ever since a young age, Maggio found himself following USC athletics closely on television and sometimes even in person. His favorite sport to watch is football. In fact, he has attended multiple Trojan Football games
over the years, including the 2017 Rose Bowl Game in Pasadena, California on Jan. 2. Maggio left ecstatic as his Trojans snuck by with a 52-49 victory over the Big Ten Conference Champion Nittany Lions. “It was the greatest Rose Bowl of all time,” Maggio said. “The game was back and forth, ending with a field goal for the win.” This was an even more exciting game than on paper, as Maggio’s favorite player, Juju Smith-Schuster, finished with 133 yards and a crucial touchdown catch. On top of his huge support for USC, Maggio finds himself cheering on our very own Griz-
zlies at various sporting events such as football and basketball games. Similar to the USC culture, Maggio mentioned how Granite Bay cheering sections are always enthusiastic and passionate. “The energy and tribe is always a good time,” Maggio said. “I can’t wait for one more year of cheering on our athletics!” Whether it be Grizzlies or Trojans, Maggio never fails to represent and root on his team with pride. “FIGHT ON”
Nico Maggio As the football season arrives, Maggio replicates his passion for the University of Southern California at Grizzly games.
CONCUSSIONS: Football players share their experiences with the effect of head injuries Continued from page C2 view on you,” Solone said. It isn’t so much the inherent physical roughness of football that is threatening to high school football players, it is the shame attributed to sitting out. Senior player Brendan Pease also received a concussion on the same day as
Solone, but unlike Solone, he didn’t tell anyone about it. “(Pease’s) ended up being very life threatening – he was lucky to survive,” Solone said. Pease hasn’t passed through the concussion protocol after five weeks and is on a modified school schedule.
Junior Akhil Shah said there were “definitely” times where he knew he received a concussion but he stayed in. Shah has had eight diagnosed concussions, seven of them were caused by football. “Ever since I was 8 I’ve had (a concussion) every year of my life,” Shah said.
“Once you get a concussion you are more prone to getting another concussion.” Health and safety teacher Kathy Sinor said players with concussions are “prone to have violent mood swings, inability to focus and have a hard time retaining knowledge.” Granite Bay football is not above the
dangers of head injuries along with the stigma that goes along with it. But the program is fortunate to have coaches that are aware of the most recent findings and make active efforts to keep the players as safe as possible. “We make sure safety is at the forefront of what we do,” Evans said.
Cheer us on, Read The Gazette
Friday, September 15, 2017
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Sports C5
College soccer: student expectations vs reality GBHS graduates release some common misconceptions about their sports experience. BY MEGAN NIMTZ
mnimtz.gazette@gmail.com
For most athletes, committing to playing a sport in college is the ultimate goal or rather, a dream. However, there is so much attention focused on the act of being committed that student-athletes sometimes fail to consider how the school will fit to their needs once they arrive and wish that they had more knowledge about the program, coaches, teammates and what it takes to be a successful athlete overall before going in. In order to pursue these goals one must be extremely dedicated and hardworking. Reaching out to colleges via email, playing in the best tournaments and being on a highly competitive team are all elements that need to be present when an athlete wishes to play in college. “The recruiting process is like a fairy tale at times because they want you to commit and come to their school or team. Once you get there, you realize quickly that everyone there is a V.I.P. and you have to fight daily to maintain your status in the team,” Mark Brewers, GBHS women’s varsity coach said. “Suddenly, you’re just like everyone else and the depth of talent is vast compared to club and high school sports. You have to really love it to be able to stay in it.” “When you’re being recruited it’s hard to imagine the tougher and more realistic side of college. Not everyone on the team is going to play and no one wants to hear or believe that when they commit,” Maggie Bell, a former Granite Bay student and now a sophomore at Cal Berkeley said. Unlike most college sports, women’s soccer requires the athletes to verbally commit during their sophomore or junior year of high school. This can
be an extremely difficult decision considering how many students don’t really know what they want their future to look like at such a young age. “Female players are committing to colleges earlier than in the past. These are only verbal commitments but it signals other schools to stop recruiting the athlete,” Broers said. “Take your time when it comes to committing. A lot hangs between the time you commit and actually arriving as a freshman on campus.” Jordan Holt, a former grizzly and a sophomore at the University of Kentucky, said. “It’s a huge decision that you want to be sure of. Although it can be stressful, do your best to enjoy the process.” It is nearly impossible to truly know how your experience is going to be, although students can do extensive amounts of research in order to really understand if the college and team suits them and how they think they’ll adjust to a higher level of competition. But for most athletes you don’t really know until you’re experiencing it. “Personally, I wish I would’ve known how much of a mental and emotional toll sports take on you in college– it’s not just physical at this level,” Colleen Vivaldi, a Junior at American University said. “Coaches look at how well you can handle certain situations and how far you’re willing to push yourself, so I wish I would have been better prepared for that aspect of the process instead of having to learn it over time.” It takes a certain type of person with drive, intrinsic motivation and a love for the sport in order to truly prosper at the collegiate level. “In my mind, I committed to play the sport I am passionate about, but it really takes a strong mental game as well as work ethic, passion and ability to succeed at this level,” Vivaldi said.
Special to the Gazette /MITCHELL LAYTON
GBHS Graduate Colleen Vivaldi makes a diving save in a game playing for American University.
Basing what college to choose solely off of the sport that goes with it is a common mistake among several college athletes. One must consider how they will fit in academically and if the school is a good fit for them to excel as a student. “I chose Cal for the academics as much as athletics and I’m so happy I kept that as a priority.” Bell said. “ I personally have no intentions of quitting but I can’t imagine being stuck at a school I couldn’t pursue academics seriously.” While the stress of maintaining good grades as well as being a full-time athlete can be stressful, there are perks that come with playing a college sport. “I enjoy my studies and I’ve made friends I can count on for life,” Holt said. “I love my teammates and am crazy about the spirit of the Big Blue Nation.” Holt said. “Everyday, I get to play the sport I’ve been playing my whole life and training to be better in everyday. I would say that I enjoy being
surrounded by a great group of teammates while getting an education and being in a city I love is my favorite part about playing a sport,” Vivaldi said. “College athletes do get perks like getting our practice gear washed in nice facilities but I think other students think we get everything done for us,” Bell said. One of the common misconceptions students often have is that athletes get more benefits than everyone else when it comes to academics. “We have half the time they do for example my team has practice blocked out 9a.m.-12a.m. every day so we can’t take a lot of classes,” Bell said. Hardships are are rite of passage for all college students but loving where you are and the people you’re with make it all worthwhile. “Whether you’re a college athlete or not, college will always always provide you with ups and downs,” Vivaldi said. “For me, I’m very happy with the place I’ve chosen despite some of the hardships that have come along the way.”
CROSS COUNTRY: XC forced to cut down Continued from page C1
However, many athletes were busy over summer, as they were either traveling or at summer camps and were unable to train with the team. In order for the runners who couldn’t attend more than half of the summer workouts to make the team, they had to beat a certain time during time trials. The required times for the twomile run were as follows: freshmen girls had to meet 17 minutes, 16 minutes for sophomores and 15 minutes for juniors and seniors while freshmen boys had to meet 16.5 minutes, sophomores had to make 15.5 minutes, and 14.5 minutes for juniors and seniors. “The time trial standards were not super difficult, so if an athlete was actually training on their own, they should achieve the time standard,” Kehoe said when putting those times in perspective. One of the runners who did not attend summer workouts was
Carson Paxton, a junior, who managed to beat his required time by about two minutes. “(Running over summer) definitely gets you in shape and prepares you for both trials and the season,” Paxton said. “With that being said, there were still some kids who went to the summer practices that still found it difficult to make.” Regardless, Paxton agreed that conditioning over summer is crucial for the health and success of runners during the season. The coaches also saw the benchmarks for the time trials having good outcomes, because Kehoe said that “many of the new incoming freshman used the time trial standard as motivation to train and run a solid time in order to make the team.” Overall, the try-out process was widely viewed as successful, so much that the coaches plan to continue it in the future. The team size went from 104 at the start of the summer program to 89.
Nathan Lee, varsity football captain Senior to help lead the GBHS football team to success
Kehoe believed that the tryout procedure “leads to a more committed athlete on the cross country team.” Focusing on the season itself, many upper as well as lower classmen runners deserve close attention as the year progresses. “We have many talented runners who display lots of hard work and dedication in every workout,” Chinn said. As mentioned by the coaches, freshmen Koby Sperandeo and Jordan Gotham, sophomores Michael Zagaynov and Kiana Perez, juniors Joseph Kennedy and Mia Taylor, as well as seniors Evan Chinn and Malia Luna looked very strong in the preseason and will be key athletes in the 2017 season. “This season will be a lot different from last year considering all of our top notch runners have graduated,” Chinn said. “However, I have faith that our training will pay off in the end.”
LEBRON EDITION
Nathan Lee Junior looks forward to the his last season playing for and leading the GBHS football program
BY ASHLEY ALTMANN
aaltmann.gazette@gmail.com
Football season has rolled around again, and the team and tribe are eager to get the season started. A new year means new players to look up to and hopefully lead Granite Bay High to victory. One varsity player in particular has really stepped up and taken on that position. Senior Nathan Lee was given the great responsibility of setting the example for the rest of his teammates and the school as captain this year. He feels that being captain is about more than just reputation and there are a lot of extra responsibilities that come along with it. “Biggest plus of being a captain (aside from getting food first at meals, of course) is being able to lead by example for everyone else on the field,” Lee said. “I take great pride in my work ethic, so I feel that if I demonstrate it, others will follow suit.” His attitude has come into play as the season
opened and the team has made two second-half comebacks. “We weren’t clicking in the first half. At halftime, we decided there was no way we would walk off the field with a loss,” Lee said. This mindset is exactly what stood out to Lee’s coach, Coach Jeffrey Evans. “Nathan is one of the most dedicated and selfless players we have on our team. He is our hardest worker and is always willing to do the extra work to help his teammates,” Evans said. It’s not all fun and games though. Standing as the prime example of what a Granite Bay football player is expected to be comes with a lot of pressure and even Lee can feel the affects of the spotlight. “A lot of pressure is on me to make sure the offensive line knows what to do every play, so it stresses me out when we don’t execute,” Lee said. He doesn’t let his frustrations show, though and handles the way of the game with dignity. “He plays a position that does not often get a lot of credit but can take a lot of criticism and he does so without complaint,” Evans said. Nathan has high expectations for himself and tries to be the best teammate and role model for the other boys. “I think that a good teammate/leader is someone you can trust to do their job, someone who will work even when nobody’s watching and someone who respects their fellow players and coaches,” Lee said.
None of these memes are the Gazette’s origional content, but they are still classic.
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Friday, September 15, 2017
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The Granite Bay Gazette
SECOND LOOK
Girls’ volleyball holds mighty expectations for the year ahead BY DANIELLE SHANNON dshannon.gazette@gmail.com
Many of Granite Bay’s fall sports have begun and with them, many more activities for students. Various GBHS sports teams had some form of over-the-summer training including girls tennis, water polo, cross country and football. These practices were all working Fall Sports towards the Update goal of crafting skillful sports programs. Girls volleyball is off to a good start, having played numerous matches already, they’ve won six of nine. Girls’ volleyball was one of the teams which held training over the summer. “All summer we had preseason tryouts just to get a feel for who was going to tryout for the team. Then we’d have workouts and open gyms just for the coaches to get a look at all the players,” said senior Abby Marjama, a member of the Varsity girls’ volleyball team. “We definitely have a new team this year and there is still a lot of talent,” Marjama said. “We’re going to be pretty good and we’re going to focus on doing our best and rebuilding the team and having a lot of fun.”
Gazette photo /LOGAN EMBREE
Gazette photo /DANIELLE SHANNON
Football Another sports team already in full swing is football. The varsity team officially kicked off the season with a much anticipated win against Jesuit 31-21 on Aug. 25. Followed by this, a 24-10 win against the Whitney HS football team on Sept. 1. Their most recent challenge came on Sept. 8 against St. Mary’s ending in a 57-0 victory for the Grizzlies. The team is off to a great start and have a record of 3-0. Girls’ Tennis Girls tennis is a team which has not participated in quite as many matches so far. They’ve competed against St. Francis HS on Aug. 26 with a finishing score of 0-9, St. Francis, and Rocklin HS, ending with a score of 8-1, Granite Bay. “I expect us to do very well this year because we have a much stronger team. The girls are all great and are ready to win,” senior varsity player Alyssa Sewell said.
Gazette photo /RACHEL NIMTZ
Special to the Gazette /CHRISTINE NELSON
Cross Country The only co-ed sport is cross country. Recent changes in the process of joining the team were undergone in order to improve the skill level of those involved. Cross country has practice every weekday, the students on the team are working to build their endurance to better prepare themselves for upcoming meets. “I believe that this season will be a good one because for the freshmen and sophomore boys, our past meet was strong. We have a lot of potential for the rest of the season,” said sophomore Nathan Wong. Girls’ Water Polo The girls’ water polo team is looking forward to a strong season to come. “We have a really fast and strong team, we’ve been working really hard since a week before school started. We just have more endurance than other teams in the area and a lot of talent on our team,” varsity player Maya Jones said. The girls have only officially competed against two teams however have already participated in many scrimmages.
Gazette photo /LOGAN EMBREE
wThe Grizzlies varsity football team, top left, lines up before the season opener against Jesuit. GBHS girls’ varsity volleyball, top right, huddles in preparation for a game against Pleasant Valley. Nathan Wong, sophomore, middle right, sprints to the finish line in a cross country meet. GBHS sophomore Shreya Iyer, middle left, serves the ball in a match against Woodcreek. Jesuit lines up against Granite Bay in a big rivalry week game, big middle. Senior Evan Tattersall, junior Bryce Van Order and junior Matt Solone, bottom left, celebrate after a touchdown run.
Boys’ Water Polo The boys’ water polo team has not yet had any official matches. Following a successful season last year, the boys are hopeful for another. Many of the varsity players from the 2016 season have since gone to college so it is a priority to cement unity with the now varsitylevel junior teammates. Girls’ Golf Though often overlooked, girls golf has a reputation of success. Last season the team made it to Norcals (the golf competition preceding the state level competition). Those involved with the team are beginning with a feeling of optimism. “This year I think we’re going to have a good team because we have some freshmen coming in – they’re going to make the team even stronger than
Gazette photo /LOGAN EMBREE
GS The Gazette’s arts and entertainment guide.
September 2017
GREENSCREEN
A small look into the various benefits of MUSIC PAGES 8 & 9 Photo used with permission/CAMDEN CASTILLO
Page 2
September 2017
sneak peek.
Photo Credits /JESSIE ULI
Gazette photo /WILL ANDERSON
Photo Credits /NPS.GOV
wSee pages 8&9 To see how the Summer concerts were
wSee page 5 To see how schools have censored music at dances
wSee page 16 To see where teachers and students traveled
The beginning of the end for Taylor Swift
“R
Pop star’s new image is not congruent to what fans fell in love with
eady for it”...? Taylor Swift’s new reinvention isn’t working for her. I’ve never really been a fan of hers, but I used to be able to at least respect her for both her personality and artistry. Now, I can’t say that. With the release of her two latest singles, I doubt I’m alone in thinking that the “new Taylor” isn’t Taylor at all. Not only is it entirely fake, but the sound is absolutely awful. Like, made on Garageband and posted on SoundCloud as a joke kind of awful. The lyrics are mediocre at best (that’s if I’m really stretching…) with an empty, fake sound of awkward 2000’s pop. Although the pioneers like Britney and Christina managed to make it work for a moment in time, in this day and age, it sounds recycled and boring.Even though bringing retro/ vintage art forms (fashion, music, photography) is “cool” right now, Taylor failed miserably by reaching in the distant past, making the listener ask themselves “Have I heard this before…?” The simple answer is “yes”, as over a decade ago this sound worked. However, now, it just sounds corny and poorly produced. In addition to her poor selection of inspiration for her new music, she’s also not-so-gently borrowed some aspects of Kanye West’s recent sound that is way too similar to go unnoticed. Although it is easy
Guide to Green Screen
to tell that her new “style” is actually one she ripped off from another artist, it is a cheap, subpar version of what she was most likely hoping it would be. Besides the music, Taylor’s new image is completely fake and a sad attempt at trying to generate attention. Yes, she’s gaining attention, but majority of it is negative and from disappointed fans questioning why
COMME NTARY
mackenzie brown mbrown.gazette@gmail.com
she’s making the changes she is. As someone who had the system as well figured out and dialed in as every popstar would ever dream of, it makes no sense that Taylor flipped everything and is trying to completely disassociate herself from the person that young girls and women admired
and made her such a successful star. Taylor’s new “personality” is based completely off of pettiness and a grudge that she’s held for over a year with other celebrities. Does she truly think that people want to support someone who is just out for revenge and trying to bring back drama that died ages ago? What happened to all of her good ole’ innocent country girl morals? With this reinvention of an entirely different Taylor, it raises the question of wondering whether she was lying the entire time. This makes everything that much worse for her, as now she’s not only a spiteful, malicious person, but also a fraud, if she’s trying to claim that this Taylor is the “true” Taylor. Besides the album cover, her accessories and merchandise that are paired with it look as if they were put together by someone who has never touched a piece of clothing as they look both trashy and tacky. Even a blind person could have picked out a better outfit. Overall, I am extremely unimpressed with this “new” Taylor and find her and everything she now stands for completely distasteful. Oh Taylor, “look what you made me do!”.
Upcoming GBHS Events for September & October September 28 Freshman tailgate
September 18-22 Ripple effect October 2-6
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Mackenzie Brown, senior, is a Gazette Greensenscreen
Talent show sign ups
editor
Page 6 Film Class
Page 10 Music Reviews
Page 14 Goodbye DATB
Page 4 Food reviews
Page 7 Top Tweets
Page 12 Mixtape
Page 15 Movie reviews
Page 5 Music Censorship
Page 8-9 Summer Concerts
Page 13 Throwback Reviews
Page 3 Six Word Stories
Page 16 Summer Travels
September 2017
Page 3
super short stories.
Six Word Challenge? Granite Bay accepts. Students express themselves with stories that are only one sentence BY STEPH KANG
skang.gazette@gmail.com
established the fact that teenagers have monster of an American novel to 140 charAt Granite Bay High, students are taking a shorter attention span than a goldfish, acter updates on Twitter every second. the age-old adage “tl;dr” to the extreme. discovering that people now typically lose And Six Word Site? It seems to be the Six Word Site is an up-and-coming website concentration after eight seconds, possibly pinnacle of brevity. where users post stories that are, well, only or most likely due to increasing demand Yet the appeal of Six Word Site doesn’t six words. for more fast-paced and even briefer forms seem to lie in that very same brevity. Two years ago, Microsoft Corps finally of media, from the typical 100K plus word Instead, for enthusiasts at GBHS, it lies in t Granite Bay High, students said. “It leaves more room to imag As editor-in-chief of Quartz Kevin what remains unsaid. are taking the age-old adage ine what the author really meant.” Delany told the Digital Editors “tl;dr” to the extreme. Six For others, it’s art, albeit without Network, “The place between 500 “I really like Word Site is an up-and-coming web- true substance. and 800 words is the place you don’t the simplicsite where users post stories that are, “It’s entertainment,” Divya Shetty, a want to be, because it’s not short and ity,” Samantha well, only six words. GBHS senior, said. “It’s powerful in fast and focused and shareable, but Manalo, a Two years ago, Microsoft Corps that a few words can hold a deeper it’s not long enough to be a real pay- GBHS senior, said. “It leaves finally established the fact that story and such, but I feel that’s off for readers.” teenagers have a shorter attention purely for poetic purposes because So broader prospects for Six Word more room to span than a goldfish, discovering that you can’t actually educate yourself Site remain ambivalent. As of this imagine what the author really people now typically lose concentra- from them. Six words is an artistic article’s writing, the site has been meant.” tion after eight seconds, possibly thing, nothing else.” taken down from search engines For others, or most likely due to increasing de Yet the future isn’t necessarily and entering its URL into search mand for more fast-paced and even bleak for those who prefer longer browsers will result in a “Page Not it’s art, albeit without true Found.” Related subreddits and briefer forms of media, from the forms of content. In recent years, Tumblr pages are also on the decline,substance. typical 100K plus word monster of the belief that the shorter, the betwith posts on subreddits having little “It’s entertainan American novel to 140 character ter hasn’t necessarily won out, as updates on Twitter every second. Twitter has begun to see a decline to no comments and the last post on ment,” Divya And Six Word Site? It seems to be in relevancy and statistics show that the Tumblr being written three years Shetty, a GBHS senior, said. the pinnacle of brevity. articles on major news organizations ago. “It’s powerful in Yet the appeal of Six Word Site actually tend to do better when they Was it inevitable? Was six words that a few words doesn’t seem to lie in that very same are either shorter or longer, versus just too short? brevity. Instead, for enthusiasts simply the former. “It’s relatively simple to make a six can hold a at GBHS, it lies in what remains Actually, the average word count word story,” Divya Shetty, a senior, deeper story and unsaid. of the most shared articles has been said. “But writing is mainly to say such, but I feel that’s purely for “I really like the simplicity,” growing, in comparison to previous something of worth . . . You can’t Samantha Manalo, a GBHS senior, years. say all that much in only six words.” poetic purposes because you
A
Gazette Illustration/ DEAN WILSON
Page 4
Coffee Shops
The Gazette staff seeks the best of the best in this coffee shop clash!
Origin Coffee
T
BY BELLA HAMILTON bhamilton.gazette@gmail.
he aroma of freshly ground coffee and the sounds of people talking greet you as you walk in the door. If you’re looking for a great quiet place to study with a good, strong cup of coffee, Origin is the coffee shop for you. The flavors of the mocha and latte were amazing- not too sweet with subtle flavors. I tried two drinks off the menu, one cup of tea and one cup of coffee. The first coffee that I tried was an iced mocha. It was not overly sweet, yet not bitter. The mocha had a great flavor and was very refreshing on a hot day. The second drink that I tried was an iced chai tea latte with soy. Personally this drink was not my favorite. It had an odd texture, but an overall good flavor. The latte and mocha were both not too sweet, and if you like sweeter drinks, I suggest trying one of their various teas, hot chocolates or lemonade choices. The food menu was surprisingly broad, with choices ranging from croissants to doughnuts. Yet when I tried to order an item I was informed that they were sadly out of all options except a fresh baked bread. There was also no kombucha flavors on tap when I came in, which was a disappointment because I was looking forward to trying the kombucha. Origin also has a charitable mission- to stop human trafficking. The coffee shop itself is nonprofit and run completely by volunteers that keep none of the profit earned.
September 2017
food fun.
The Mill
Even though they were out of a few drinks and several food menu items, they made up for it with the other drinks that they were served that day. Overall, this coffee shop is a place that isn’t to be overlooked so if you’re ever in the Rocklin area, make sure to drop on by Origin coffee and tea.
Gazette photo /BELLA HAMILTON
Origin offers a variety of delicious teas, coffees and an asortment of delicous pastries.
BY NOELANI NICHOLS
C
nnichols.gazette@gmail.com
liché as it may sound, sometimes taking the extra mile is necessary to achieve the best results - both literally and figuratively. For me, this week’s objective was to find a café without the usual hustle and bustle of a coffee shop franchise. I was lucky to both meet my goal, and have my expectations exceeded. The Mill, in midtown, is a solo location café established around 3 years ago, offering coffees, teas, waffles, pastries and more. Upon entrance, you are graced with a combination of soothing music, the sight of delicate flowers lining the walls, a simple and bright color palette and warm greetings via friendly baristas. The inside area is inviting and relaxing, the bathroom clean and spacious and the back patio: filled with lush green plants, space, shade and soft natural lighting. Sure, a good ol’ cup of joe isn’t particularly difficult to come by, but to find one with an authentic twist, delivered in an equally as delightful environment is both a gem and a rarity. I was intrigued by the seasonal option: the Wildwood Flower Latte, and as one easily and shamelessly excited by anything “flower” related, naturally, I had to order it. Perhaps the name alone was enough to win me over, but the quality and taste of the drink was,indeed, another pleasant surprise. The floral notes amongst the
housemade almond macadamia nut milk - which I had to specially order - combined to make a delicious and notably different flavor. The only caveat, would be the portion sizes, not an issue for myself particularly but, proceed with caution, avid coffee consumers. The blend of the calm and charming ambience with the quality of the food and drinks, convenient parking, free WiFi, and the kind and helpful baristas, made for both a thoroughly enjoyable Monday evening and a more-than-satisfactory work environment. Though it stands alone, the cafe is surely no ordinary, run-of-the-mill establishment - all puns intended.
Gazette photo /NOELANI NICHOLS
The Mill provides an aesthetic enviroment filled with soothing music.
Coffee Republic BY RACHEL NIMTZ
E
rnimtz.gazette@gmail.com
veryone loves a coffee shop. Unfortunately many of them are overpriced and overrated. However, Coffee Republic is not one of those places. Coffee Republic offers a variety of coffees, teas and food items that can cater to almost anyone. There were countless abstract pieces of art hanging from the walls which gave it a bohemian vibe. As soon as I walked in I noticed that majority of the people there were working or typing away on a laptop. As I contemplated what to order, I was drawn to the Seasonal Teas menu. The menu offered a variety of caffeinated and decaffeinated options as well as their new “coconut teas.” After browsing the menu, I decide on the lime mango mint tea and the pesto turkey sandwich. My tea came only a few minutes after I ordered it, however the sandwich took around 20 minutes. To my surprise, the sandwich was well worth the wait.
It was so big, I could barely fit it in my mouth. It was warm, the cheese was melted and sauces were basically dripping out the sides. The sandwich consisted of sourdough bread, turkey, bacon, mozzarella, tomatoes, bacon, pesto and mayo. I almost finished the whole thing but was so full I couldn’t possibly eat another bite. The sandwich was $11.00, which for some is a little expensive. However, you get what you pay for, because of the size and quality of the sandwich. My tea was also very good and unlike Dutch Bros and Starbucks, Coffee Republic didn’t fill the cup entirely with ice. It was still very cold, but there was a lot of tea in the cup and that is why I believe the price of $4.50 for the tea is a good deal. The service was decent even though the place was very crowded due to the fact that I went around lunch time. All of the waiters, waitresses and cashiers were very kind and helpful as well. The cafe itself was very accommodating to the many
people who were visiting. Many of the tables have outlets very close to them giving the option to charge a phone, laptop or other electronic device. There was also a lot of outdoor seating with misters above so you could stay cool. Overall, I loved my experience at coffee republic. With the good food and drink and exemplary service, I will definitely be coming back.
Coffee Republic, in Folsom, offers an array of fresh sandwiches as well as coffee and tea. Gazette photo /RACHEL NIMTZ
September 2017
Page 5
bad words, good tunes.
Facing the Music
Students give their opinions on the dance’s playlist DANCE PLAYLIST Blow the Whistle - TOO SHORT Low - Flo Rida Party in the USA - Miley Cyrus HUMBLE - Kendrick Lamar Panoramic - Sage the Gemini 24k Magic - Bruno Mars Single Ladies - Beyonce
Gazette illustrations/KATIE COLOGNA
BY NOELANI NICHOLS
M
nnichols.gazette@gmail.com
uch controversy has arisen concerning the music played at school dances. From oldies to today’s mainstream pop, students are still finding themselves dissatisfied with the music selection. Whether it’s “Party in the U.S.A.” by Miley Cyrus or “Low” by Flo Rida, someone is bound to be a critic. Music is undeniably a key component of most praiseworthy events nowadays, certainly not excluding the dances at Granite Bay High School. Though music does play a part in the atmosphere that makes up the dance experience, it’s seemingly not the role that students desire. The real struggle lies within the task of discerning the problem: is it the censorship or the music selection itself that makes students critical of the dance playlists? “I think the playlists are bad, and the censorship makes it worse,” GBHS senior Allyse Zimmerman said. Conversely, GBHS junior, Stephanie Samson, views the problem as the music choice rather than the censorship. “You can have a good (explicit) song. If it (has to be censored), they can still play it, but they don’t do that,” Samson said.
“(Administration has) a problem and they avoid it altogether. They don’t find ways to go around (it),” GBHS senior Milan French said. Both Samson and French are in agreement that a compromise must be made in order to satisfy the student body’s different music tastes. The matter is not so easily resolved, as constructing a playlist is harder than it may seem. “I’ll say that in my opinion, (providing relevant music that is also appropriate for a school dance) is a very difficult task because so much of the music that is popular does not qualify as ‘school appropriate’,” Assistant Principal of GBHS, Jessup McGregor said. However, Tamara Givens, Student Government Advisor, says that the majority of the outcome is dependent on the DJ. Naturally, being able to trust the DJ is the key to satisfying both the students and the administration when it comes to creating a school-appropriate atmosphere. “I just need to trust my DJ enough to not play songs that are inappropriate,” Givens said. “Of course that is up to interpretation, but we do our best to be on the same page.” To some students, the censorship is actually appreci-
ated. “What students listen to (...) you can’t really play at school dances... I believe that the adults choosing the music is a positive thing,” GBHS senior, Colton Schaffert said. Both censorship fans and critics do agree that there should be a wide variety of genres played in order to accommodate the varying musical preferences of the many school dance attendees. Students proposed that country, new “high energy hits” and everything in between, deserve a place on the playlists. The themed dances are no exceptions either. At the annual decades dance, students still want to hear more. “Although it was the decades dance, I felt not all of the music should’ve been played from the decades,” Samson said. Though students may claim their displeasure with the playlists, any bypasser would be able to tell that in the midst of the dances, students have no trouble finding ways to enjoy their time out on the dance floor If you’re still feeling skeptical, Givens advises us to remember: “(We) are still in high school at a high school function, not a club.”
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September 2017
film class.
GBHS Film Class In Action New Film Class shows the potential of young directors
BY ISABELLA HAMILTON bhamilton.gazette@gmail.com
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the making of a film and lend your talents to help create a collaborative film for others to enjoy. In film production class, you can learn how to create, film, edit and market a film all produced by students in the class under the watch of Mr. Weidkamp. Film class is a class that you can take multiple times- you make a new film every semester and you create new projects solo after your first time in the class. Students in the class feel like they can have the creativity to create something on their own and learn from their experiences throughout the course You can join the class without taking beginning media but it is recommended that you have some knowledge of filming, editing and working with DSLR cameras before joining the class, and they are building on top of the skills the students already have. Mr. Weidkamp encourages anyone with an interest in film production or how movies are made to sign up for the course. “The reason why film is film production is because you can go off the regular path of school projects, there's no restrictions on what you need to make,” Dillon Clements, film production student, said. The class size is growing ever since the class changed from IB film to film production class, and currently has around 30 kids enrolled in the course. “From concept all the way to showing it,” Weidkamp said, “they do it all.”
Gazette photo /HANNAH XU
he new Granite Bay high school film production class is one premiere you don’t want to miss. The new class is different from media, taking a new perspective on the art of filmmaking. The film class has changed from IB Film, which was a class where the students made multiple shorter films over the semester on their own instead of producing a collaborative film with the whole class becoming involved in one project. The students are now going to be taught new skills throughout the course and the class is going to have more structure. “Film production is producing one film as a class, as we produce the film I teach them how to manage the film production and teach them to use all the specialized equipment we have,” Zachary Weidkamp, film production teacher, said. The students create their own film over one semester- from beginning to end. The students market, create a website, create a movie poster and premiere the film-all on their own. “I like the fact that were not limited to outlines … and we can be creative in the roles that we play [in production],” Matthew Penkala, film production student, said. Media and film have some similarities, but for the most part, film is not a part of creating the bulletin, or any other school related video shooting. In the class, you can work with other students and find your strong points in
Gazette photo /HANNAH XU
September 2017
Page 7
current.
Top Tweets Spirited tweets by Granite Bay High School students BY REESE RICHMOND rrichmond.gazette@gmail.
Netflix Picks BY SPENCER COVA
scova.gazette@gmail.com
highly appreciate albums where songs fade into each other
1. Stranger Things With the creepy sci-fi aspects of “Black Mirror” and “X-Files” and added high school struggles of “Freaks and Geeks,” “Stranger Things” has the makings of the ultimate show to binge watch. 2. Lion If you’re looking for a good cry, “Lion” is your go to. Five year old Saroo is tragically separated from his family in his home country of India and thrown into a new world. Saroo finds himself 20 years later completely obsessed with finding his family and embarking on an incredible tearjerking journey.
Tara Zamiri @tarazamiri
2 Retweets
15 Likes
My mom just drove me around to all her old high school hang out spots in Santa Cruz... I cant wait to show my kids GBPL in 30 years!
Brennan Holt
@brennanholt_
8 Retweets
176 Likes
3. It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia Involving four friends that own a struggling pub in the city of brotherly love, “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” is absolutely hilarious. It has the fun-friendly aspects of “Seinfeld” with the same witty satire as “South Park.” This show just keeps getting better.
If the person who owns that sunflower patch in Dixon charged money for each “photo shoot” they could probably retire from farming
4. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt Kimmy Schmidt had spent 15 years of her young life locked away in an underground cult. Kimmy goes on to attempt to reclaim her life in the concrete jungle of NYC with wide eyes and a bushy tail. She learns through her roommate that the world has changed a lot in 15 years.
Bro let’s go take a picture on my jeep in our senior shirts
MEMES
Tyler Greene
@_Tyler_Greene
Will Anderson
@offcialbilliam
1 Retweets
3 Retweets
20 Likes
65 Likes
The Gazette is celebrating the creativity of the internet and social media by choosing some of their favorite memes. None of these memes are the Gazette’s original content...but we still like them.
OF THE MONTH
Compiled By Sidney Zabell
Page 8 & 9
Sweet Sound Of
MUSIC BY LOGAN EMBREE lembree.gazette@gmail.com
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large mass of non moving and seemingly lifeless bodies. Standing anxiously. Dwelling in anticipation. Their ears depthless hallows. All awaiting a miniscule moment in time in which the first note will ring out amongst the crowd. Freeing all the starving spectators from their trance of deprivation. The sweet sound of music sets them free. Concerts stand as one of the most popular summer activities and every year thousands of
Photos used with permission/JESSE ULI
Super Duper Kyle performing in Oakland
high school age teens flock to concert venues across the country. Many people‐normally of older ages-are incapable of understanding why young individuals willingly spend hundreds of dollars on a single ticket in order to experience a concert that in many cases only lasts one evening. The costs of tickets does not faze the crowds of music loving teens that have a deep love for both music and concerts. “I value experiences more than things so the opportunity to go see someone that I listen to all the time... is more valuable to me… [than the price of tickets]” Payton Lemiere, senior at Granite Bay High School said. Not only do concerts offer the opportunity to hear your favorite artist perform but it also creates an atmosphere that is worth paying for. While listening to music at home or on the way to run errands may not offer a grand and impressive concert experience it is still a valuable time that is cherished by many. Music can be found everywhere: escaping the radio of your car, playing softly in the back-
The art form that reduces stress and creates positive moods and memories
September 2017
For the Love of Music
ground of the mall, slightly coming from headphones of the boy sitting next to you on the bus. With applications like Spotify, Apple Music and Soundcloud standing as some of the most downloaded of all time it is no surprise that many people love listening to music. For many, music is just something to have playing in the background while traveling in the car but for others it is much more. Music represents a gateway out of a present situation or predicament. The music being listened to competes with the problem at hand for attention from the brain and in turn helps remove focus from current problems or issues. This may partially explain why music is so popular among high school teenagers that are consistently subject to the stress and struggles of high school life. “When listening to music I lose focus on my problems, like the stress of grades,” Max Johnson, senior at GBHS said. High school students and music seem to go hand in hand. While music is popularly used a stress reducer, music also has several physical benefits on the human body by specifically affecting the brain. It has been found that music has a direct impact on the brain and can improve a person’s mood. “When I’m down at all, I can just start listen-
Igwe performing at the Boardwalk
ing to music and it will brighten my mood.” GBHS junior Jace Foddrill said. It has also been discovered that music when listened to over time can affect a person’s ability to learn. In the issue of the “Journal of Educational Psychology”, which was released in May of 2006, the research of E. Glen Schellenberg was displayed and it was discovered that music lessons given to children in childhood correlate significantly with better grades in the future and a higher IQ score in young adults. While it has been assumed for a long time that listening to music is beneficial, scientists are now diving into the human brain to figure out all the ways music can help. With so many different desirable reasons for listening to music it is not a surprise that music draws the attention of so many people. Music offers valuable experiences all over the country in the form of concerts and is used by thousands of people across the globe to aid them in tasks such as studying. Music can be found everywhere and while for the majority of the time it may go about unnoticed or unvalued, it has the capability to affect and change the human mind and body in amazing ways.
RL Grime performing at TBD Fest
Glitch Mob performing at TBD Fest
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September 2017
tune in.
Melodrama Lorde BY STEPH KANG
I
skang.gazette@gmail.com
’ll admit it: the first time I listened to Melodrama all the way through, I thought to myself, “not as good as Pure Heroine.” Because Pure Heroine is definitely a tough act to follow. It brought her into the limelight, won her a Grammy, and stole my heart away the first time I listened to it in eighth grade. But that was then. The impossible-toreplicate, relatable themes and unique, minimalist production have all but vanished now that Lorde has transcended above us common folk into the world of superstardom. Despite the lack of the relatability that first made me an avid Lorde fan all those years ago, Melodrama is still, well, an album made by Lorde. After the initial shock of the changes in themes, the changes in style, I went back and listened to the lyrics harder and tried to break down its musical composition and there is no denying her brilliance. It’s just the message
she puts out seems distant. One of the most noticeable things about Melodrama is how Lorde avoids addressing how her situation has shifted from the conditions she wrote her previous album in. The songs primarily talk about falling in love and breakups, and while Lorde alludes to her cognizance of the changes in a few songs, they’re never confronted head on. While it’s understandable that love is a huge part of people’s lives, where are other components of her life? Where is the breadth of her previous album, the way she purposely addressed topics never usually addressed in songs and critiqued the extravagance of pop culture? In that way, Melodrama is a let down, sacrificing her advancements in song topics for the alltoo-worn-out tropes of love and loss. Yes, she does try to advance these by portraying heartbroken girls as full of hope and whatnot in songs such as “Liability,” but I’m just so freaking tired of hearing about love. Isn’t everybody else?
HunterBoy Hayes Storyline Flower Tyler, The Creator BY MAX SCHWARTZ
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mschwartz.gazette@gmail.com
yler, The Creator – often characterized by his aggressive, punk tone and provocative lyrics – defies the paradigm of his music, in his new project, Flower Boy. Flower Boy was exclusively produced by himself, Tyler Okonma, reinstating the talent he has as a producer. The production departs from his typical Columbia Records sound with a less intense production, and Flower Boy introducing R&B, jazz, funk and melodic was released on instrumentals. These are complemented by July 21, 2017. strong features by Frank Ocean, Steve Lacy and others all helping to create the vibe for the album. The features of the album are very present, making the lyrics that Tyler delivers carry Skip to: more meaning. As opposed to typical filler provides in most songs for shock value. “See You Again” lyrics The first preview of the album was “Who Dat Boy” delivered with a music video. The song was bass heavy with a horror movie
A
BY MAKAYLA CLEMENT
E
mclement.gazette@gmail.com
lizabeth Woolridge Grant, professionally known as Lana Del Rey, recently created her fourth album Lust For Life, showcasing her unique and mesmerizing vocal talent. Alone, Lana Del Rey’s voice can only be described as something apart from this world, in another era unlike the present. There is no other artist similar. The wide variety in her music such as the first song on her album “Love” compared to her eighth song “In My Feelings” demonstrates the transition of a girly and innocent style to a sultry, jazzy and ominous vibe. Immediately into the album, starting off with “Love,” her melodic voice tells an innocent story of being young and in love and a little restless as the verse “doesn’t matter ‘cuz it’s enough [...] to be young and in love”
Piano ballads, 80’s inspired sounds and that trademarked classic indie sound mark Lorde’s new sound for an effect that doesn’t sound all that particularly new. Listening to the entire album, it was difficult to focus on and differentiate between songs, and oftentimes I would abruptly realize I had listened to two more songs than I thought I had. In total, Melodrama was frustrating. If the album hadn’t been Lorde’s, I would have listened to it, thought the songs were okay, then forgotten about it. Haruki Murakami wrote, “People soon get tired of things that aren’t boring, but not of what is boring.” Even though everyday life is boring, it’s still important to talk about. Love is beautiful and wonderful and exciting, true, but it’s exhausting having it’s wonders rehashed, even more so by such a brilliant musician whose talents could be used for better things. This feeling made listening to Melodrama such a bittersweet experience. I love new albums by Lorde. I don’t love cheap cop-outs.
esque beat. The lyric delivery was aggressive, and for the most part—expected. This song is definitely a car slapper, but other than that it’s not much else, making it seemed catered to those who wanted another “Cherry Bomb.” The album opens with “Foreword,” a commentary about himself, in the form of inward questions. Though it’s rhetorical, the lyrics carry a lot of meaning. The track pulls you in with instrumental resembling a clock. This seems to align with his introspective questions, as if he’s reflecting on his time. Throughout the album, Tyler opens up his inner emotions that his persona doesn’t display. This is similar to his previous tracks such as “Bastard,” where he confronts the same emotions, but through alter egos. By not including his alter egos, Tyler created a more genuine listening experience, making his emotions sound more direct. “911/Mr. Lonely” is a prime example of him revealing what is behind his exuberant persona.
describing how kids are naive in relationships. Skip a few songs on Lust for Life and you begin to notice the old Lana Del Rey starting to creep back into some themes in her other songs. For example, she always has at least a few songs about drugs, but that’s just typical Lana. One of her songs, “In My Feelings,” is about a past relationship where she is smoking while running on a treadmill trying to run from her problems because she “fell for another loser.” Third to last on her album is “Heroin.” That mostly explains itself, and you can obviously assume what this song is about. The overall meaning here is that her past boyfriend used heroin and she describes how “it gave [him] everything and took [his] life away.” In his absence, she hopes he will come back someday and tell her everything will be okay, which clearly he won’t. Lust For Life is Lana Del Rey’s first album where she has collaborated with featured guests in her music. I applaud her for this
Republic Records
Melodrama was released June 16, 2017.
B-
Skip to: “Liability”
Starting with a groovy melody along with a smooth feature from Steve Lacy, and lyrics containing pop culture icons, the song seems casual at face value. But with the lyrics, “I’m the loneliest man alive/But I keep on dancing to throw ‘em off” it begins to transfer into the theme of “Lonely.” As the track transitions it takes a revealing turn into an introspective look into his real feelings about his loneliness. “See You Again” takes the cake as my favorite song. The beautiful vocals and lyrics top it off as the most put together song on the album. The narrative about him still thinking of his old partner went perfectly with lyrics like “I wonder if you look both ways when you cross my mind.”
For a relatively short album from him, Tyler masterfully created arguably the best album to date. In tearing away from his known persona, he has opened a door to a completely new style where he can make the music that fulfils his true artistic potential.
Lust for Life Lana Del Rey
because she has changed a little more from her original self and has expanded in variety which gives her a fresh start and a richer taste for original fans. For example, star track “Summer Bummer” features A$AP Rocky and Playboi Carti. I feel like Lana Del Rey has even further improved her songwriting and vocal skills through the addition of other well known artists in her music. She collaborates with A$AP Rocky again in another song on the album called “Groupie Love” which has more of a gentle mood and a light-hearted conservative meaning behind the song compared to “Summer Bummer.” My overall impression on her new album was a bit of a bummer because after the first song, the traditional depressing style showed through her lyrics and tone. Compared to her previous albums, not much has changed, besides her expanding her talents and efforts by working with other featured artists in some songs to change it up a bit.
Interscope Records)
Lust for Life was released on July 21, 2017.
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Skip to: “Love”
September 2017
slytherin to room 514.
Page 11
Siriusly, read the gazette. Or there’s something ron with you.
Special to the Gazette /SHREYA KHADKA
Page 12
September 2017
current
Mixtape - Jams for the New Year
Artist of the Month Brian Ding 1. What piece are you currently working on? “I am currently working my first piece of the year. I do not have a name for it, but it is coming out great so far. I don’t know where I am going with it yet, though.” 2. What is your favorite piece you have done? “My favorite piece I have done would probably be in Art 2 last year. It was sort of this cave-like design that looked like an illusion I enjoyed creating and making something from my own mind a reality. I particularly enjoy paiting abstractly because there are no limits on what I have to paint and I can follow my own guidelines.”
BY JACK MCGRAIL
jmcgrail.gazette@gmail.com
1. “I Do” - Paul Brandt Are you sad? You will be soon.
Gazette photo /JACK KEHOE
2. “Tunnel Vision” by Kodak Black A classic mumbling rap song beloved by mainstream rap connoisseurs. 3. “Made in China” by Higher Brothers The lyrics aren’t in English, but that is what being cultured is all about right? 4. “All About Her Shmoney” by Bobby Shmurda Isn’t he in jail? No, just a mental asylum; he is still producing high tempo rap music.
3. When did you start taking art? “I started taking art freshmen year with Art 1, and have never looked back. It was a great choice and I love every art class I have taken so far. Now being a Senior, I am in Art 3 and still enjoy the classes as a whole.” 4. Where do you get your inspirations for your art? “I get some of my inspirations from companies like Pixar, or even just from visual art that I see in my life.”
5. “A Step Into Darkness” by Tyrants Seriously the best song to wake up to if you aren’t a morning person.
Compiled by Jack Kehoe
Follow Friday
Follow @delaney.nehrbass for a touch of adventure on your feed.
Compiled by Bella Hamilton
FRESHMAN 2021 201 vs VS. SENIOR 8 . Ice cream or cookies? Derek: Ice Cream Olivia: Cookies Why? Derek: I like the many flavors ice cream has to offer Olivia: Cookies come in many different varieties
Gazette photo /NICOLE GEARING Gazette photo /NICOLE GEARING
Olivia Galvin is a freshman at GBHS.
Derek Galvin is a senior at GBHS.
Compiled by Nicole Gearing
September 2017
Page 13
2007 was 10 yrs ago?
Gazette editors review old movies and albums
ENCORE STUDIOS
OSCILLOSCOPE LABORATORIES
Timeless Tunes and Groovy Movies
BY CONNOR HINSON
BY WILL ANDERSON
chinson.gazette@gmail.com
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ntertainment in the 1940’s had so many great aspects that today’s society lacks in some ways. Individuals like Glenn Miller and The Andrews Sisters were breaking new ground in music and cinema was making leaps and bounds in a new and exciting direction. Bing Crosby and Bob Hope were two such individuals whose influence is still felt today due to their creativity and showmanship. Road to Morocco showcases the awe-inspiring dynamic between the innovative duo. The third movie in the “Road to…” series, “Road to Morocco” follows Jeff Peters (Crosby) and Orville Jackson (Hope) as they make their way into Morocco after being shipwrecked. In so many aspects of the film it is far ahead of its time. From the opening scene as the two sing the fourth wall breaking theme song, Crosby and Hope satirize the state of American society. The relationship between the two main characters is that of selfishness, which allows for Crosby and Hope to stab the other in the back for personal gain. The cutting wit of the two actors really makes this the perfect comedy. This is the type of movie that one can watch topically and love just as much as the analytical viewer. With the majority of the script improvised, the overall atmosphere of the film becomes so much more genuine. The viewer really sympathizes with the two friends as they stumble from situation to situation. Hope and Crosby also make frequent funny, yet true observations about Hollywood, such as the silliness of having too many sequels and advertizing in films. All hilarity aside, the film is just a great story of adventure and camaraderie. There’s something so entertaining in seeing two Americans sticking out like a sore thumb in a different country. I’m not the only one who fell in love with this masterpiece. This film raises the bar as far as comedies go. It popularized the fourth wall break, which draws you into the film by constantly reminding you of where you are. I loved this film because it’s a refreshing break from the redundant and topical comedies that we’ve grown accustomed to today. Filmmakers can learn a thing or two by watching the “Road to…” movies.
wanderson.gazette@gmail.com
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ark Foster’s four time certified platinum hit radio single started as a free demo to help his aspiring 18 year old self gain publicity in the Hollywood Hills of Central Los Angeles. Then, it was just a developing sound and an unrecognizable song. But in due time, Foster The People’s first full length LP, “Torches”, headlined by single “Pumped Up Kicks”, would become a cornerstone for 2011’s exponentially expanding indie pop scene. Comparatively, the band sits somewhere in between MGMT and Passion Pit. With songs heavily influenced by electronic keys and sound bits, layers of festival filling falsettos and powerfully simple beats and basslines, the album screams indie pop. Composed by lead vocalist and keys player Mark Foster, bassist Cubbie Fink and drummer Mark Pontius, the band released “Torches” on May 23, 2011. The album comes out swinging with arguably the best track of the entire LP – “Helena Beat”. It’s infectious melody and heart pounding beat set the tone for all 10 tracks. A more soulful hip hop, R&B type vibe can be found through tracks like “Call It What You Want”. Lyrically, the tune takes a jab at the unfamiliar pretentious and judgmental environment Foster experienced after moving from his hometown of Cleveland Ohio to Hollywood. Foster cleans up that jab with a right hook on the next track on the LP “Don’t Stop (Color on the Walls)”. The song encompasses what it would be like if four year olds ruled the world, nodding at the pettiness and immaturity of an ego driven Hollywood. However, sometimes it is easy to space out in the repetitiveness of the album. The similarity from track to track has a tendency to take a toll on you as you reach the tail end of the things. Still, the standout hits and skippy grooves bridge the gap between tedious listen and headbanging jam. But I can only advocate for this incredibly crafted LP so much. To listen or not to listen – that is your call.
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September 2017
day at the bay.
Goodbye Day at the Bay Long-time GBHS school tradition will not be happening for the 2017-2018 year BY ABBIE GOULD
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ll good things must come to an end. This perfectly describes the end of a 20 year tradition at Granite Bay High
Gazette photo illustration /HANNAH XU
Nicolette Lewis has been to Day at the Bay every year
Gazette photo /NICOLE GEARING
School. Day at the Bay, an event that has been around since the high school’s opening in 1997, is not going to be put on this year. This annual bash occurs after a minimum day where students were able to enjoy free food, inflatables, music and much more for a couple of hours. “I am broken hearted, I love tradition,” said Tamara Givens, the student government teacher at GBHS, about there being no Day at the Bay this year. “I love it because it is a fun day, I think it is fun to give our student body a day to have fun and enjoy being at school. It’s a free day to hang out with your friends, and high school is so short, especially when there are only a few weeks in May anyway.” Givens and her students plan for hours on end to put on this event each year. Brianna Nguyen, a senior at GBHS, was the commissioner of Day at the Bay last year. She was assisted by Sophomores Jack Dugoni and Kara Kleinbach. “People did not take the chance to see how Day at the Bay was and rather took the minimum day to go get lunch, they missed out on the opportunity.” Nguyen said. In the past, many students have attended this event, however attendance was extremely low last year. “At first (there were a lot of people) with all the food but it mellowed out after about an hour and a half,” Dugoni said. With low attendance, Day at the Bay costs a lot of money to put on.
Gazette photo /NICOLE GEARING
agould.gazette@gmail.com
“It is really expensive, we pay for all the food and the DJ,” Givens said. Many students at GBHS are sad that this event is not occurring this year. “I’m disappointed because the freshmen will not get a chance to experience this fun event,” said Emma Broers, a sophomore at GBHS. “My favorite part was getting to hang out with my friends and go in the water gun maze,” Broers said. “ I am sad because there is not a minimum day anymore, it was a chance to get out of school early and have fun,” said Sophomore Coleby Phillips Senior Nicolette Lewis has attended Day at the Bay every year since her freshman year. “The last year was different because not too many people from my class went, so I left early” Lewis said. It is thought that many students leave after the end of classes and head to the lake. Givens does not know exactly why the attendance was even less last year because Granite Bay has always had a lake. “The lake has been here since 1997” Givens said, and most of the school came to Day at the Bay when the high school first opened. “I do not necessarily know [why less people are attending] because it seemed like we did not get much feedback about how Day at the Bay was except for some things,” Nguyen said. The question that is now being asked is since there is no Day at the Bay, what is going to take its place. The new idea, which is not set in stone, is to have a longer quad dance where there will be dinner, a battle of the bands, and inflatables. Even though there is not going to be a Day at the Bay this year, there is a possibility it will return. “I kinda of feel maybe if it is gone a while kids will miss it and want to do it again” saidGivens. “It does not mean forever.”
Brianna Nguyen believes lots of students missed out from Day at the Bay in previous years
September 2017
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Page 15
film.
WARNER BROS.
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WARNER BROS.
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UNIVERSAL STUDIOS
Rated: PG-13
Rated: R
Rated: PG-13
By: Abbie Gould agould.gazette@gmail.com
By: Bruce Russell brussell.gazette@gmail.com
By: May Lin m.lin.gazette@gmail.com
Fate of the Furious: B-
listering box offices with 1.5 billion dollars in worldwide revenue, director F.Gary Gray’s “The Fate of the Furious” is, well, mediocre – don’t let those numbers fool you. I did find myself getting immersed in the eighth film of the “Fast and Furious” franchise – especially towards Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson) and Deckard’s (Jason Statham) brawl. After the seven previous films, we’ve become accustomed to the flying bullets, obviously impossible stunts and clashes between whatever militaria technology you could imagine. However, during this one in particular, I couldn’t help but think the franchise as a whole embodies whatever mischievous child “Grand Theft Auto” and “Call of Duty” would make. Let’s take a look at Tokyo Drift for instance. The movie, while there are a substantial amount of explosions and guns, had a typical gearhead feel that was prominent in the most vital scenes. One could argue that Dom (Vin Diesel) and his friends were racing against bullets and Russian military more than they were cars. My ideas might be subjective, so I won’t speak for the entirety of the franchise’s viewership – with that being said – I think the movie wasn’t necessarily good. It didn’t have the racing feel to it compared to the earlier films in the series. But, compared with the continuous overflow of new weapons and unrealistically unrealistic stunts premiering in recent “Fast and Furious” movies, “The Fate of the Furious” wasn’t half bad. It was not completely horrible, as it did have its positives. The balanced blend of action, touches of humor and the emphasis on the meaning of “family” made what was seemingly unbearable, bearable. Overall, I enjoyed the movie, but its continual mediocrity only allows me to promote it to a certain extent. The only thing “The Fate of the Furious” needs is a pinch of realism and an “accidental” spill of the racing shaker.
It (2017): B+
ike everyone else packed in the theater on premiere night, I expected “It” to be nothing more than a two hour jumpscareridden horror flick. But as the credits rolled, I realized It has themes far superior than its Hollywood counterparts. Don’t get me wrong, It’s somewhat standardized narrative follows a group of ragtag kids terrorized by a clown named Pennywise. The film retains the industry’s typical tropes: clichéd school subplots, jumpscares galore, obscene and immature one-liners and those “why are you going in there?” moments. But “It” accomplishes nearly everything it desires to do excellently. Bill Skarsgård’s Pennywise is exceptional, and the acting performances from the young cast are superb. The fictional 1980s setting of Derry, Maine perfectly sets the retro atmosphere. I was equally impressed by the cinematography and set design, both of which go relatively unnoticed in the genre. If you are starting to think that a movie entirely focused on kids wouldn’t show explicit violence, you’re wrong. It is downright brutal. I literally shivered at certain points in the film due to the grotesque image; a scene early in the film clearly establishes the much deserved R rating. However, this film is not without faults. Pennywise’s screen time is not long enough to establish him as a noteworthy villain. A redundant use of humor by one of the characters detracts from the severity of the plot (which is fantastic). But most of all, one of the horror genre’s adored plot devices is overused to an extreme. Yet somehow, “It” overcomes almost all of its drawbacks. While I thought the film’s intent was to be a generic popcorn flick, it quickly developed into a film of resonance. Witnessing a group of kids, not feverish teenagers or irrational adults, but ordinary youth, overcome an obstacle was extremely gratifying. In this aspect, It differentiates itself from the horror genre. At its core, this film symbolizes children’s innocence and the relationships they share.
Dunkirk: A
hose who do not know history are destined to repeat it.” This quote that I constantly heard in my sophomore history class was a main reason was why I went to go see the film “Dunkirk”. After recently learning about the events at Dunkirk, I was very excited to see how this historic evacuation would be adapted on screen. Directed by Christopher Nolan, the movie is a nonlinear, thought provoking story about what happened when French and English troops were stranded at Dunkirk in northern France. My first thought as I walked into the theater was how a history movie could keep me entertained for two hours, but when the credits rolled, I had been proven wrong. Dunkirk kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the whole film. The first scene depicts English troops escaping gunfire in the town of Dunkirk and making their way to safety on the beach. Shortly after this scene, Nolan introduces the three different storylines of movie and their time frames: the mole, the sea and the air. The mole, a french soldier, is a story that takes place over a week leading up to the evacuation. It is about a young british soldier trying to get off Dunkirk beach in order to survive. This aspect of the film exemplifies all of the difficult conditions soldiers were exposed to during World War II. The sea is a story about a father, son and their worker, who are taking life vests to the soldiers stranded at Dunkirk. This takes place during the day of the evacuation. The air depicts three English pilots who are trying to stop the German planes from bombing English ships and territories. This story takes place in the hour leading up to the evacuation at Dunkirk. This nonlinear time frame kept me engaged throughout the whole movie because I was constantly wondering how they would all tie together. Towards the end of the movie, the three stories begin to overlap, which clears up any unanswered questions. “Dunkirk” was a really powerful film that explores the horrors of war in an incredibly engaging fashion.
Page 16
summer travels.
September 2017
Teacher and Student travel of Summer 2017
GBHS staff and students share their summer experiences
BY SPENCER COVA
Gazette photo /SPENCER COVA
wSr. Soper rode his bike around France for fifteen days and covered around 1000 kilometres.
Gazette photo /SPENCER COVA
Selena De La Torre loved the views and made new friends at Switzerland.
Gazette photo /SPENCER COVA
Students on the Eurpoe trip enjoy a boat ride.
T
scova.gazette@gmail.com
he stress Granite Bay High students and teachers endure throughout the school year had both groups yearning to leave through the front gates on June 2 – or in some cases, leave the country. Jackson Huish, a senior, spent part of his summer volunteering for a mission trip in Ghana, Africa. “We went for two and a half weeks and built dormitories for an orphanage and helped build a school as well,” Huish said. Huish went with 23 other volunteers to the capital city of Accra, and it was a “life-changing experience.” “Seeing all of the kids, the people in general were so nice. Anytime you waved to someone on a bus, they would just smile and wave back,” Huish said. As friendly as the people were, Accra was not a safe place because Huish and his group were not allowed to “go out to dinner at night – the country’s embassy would send us emails to tell us that we must be inside,” Huish said. Traveling to a third-world country was humbling to Huish. Having essentials like fresh water taken away, Huish said, made him appreciative of the little things he has here in the Granite Bay bubble. “It’s super important (to visit a third-world country) – I came back to America pissed off at how ungrateful people are here,” Huish said. “We are really blessed here, and people need to see that. I would go back there in an instant – I didn’t want to leave.” World language teacher Ben Soper decided to spend his leisure time over the summer in a unique way. “I was in Spain for seven weeks with my wife and two kids,” Soper said. But what made this trip extra special for Soper is that he spent 15 days biking more than 1,000 kilometers on the El Camino Santiago from France through the Atlantic Coast of Spain to the tip of Portugal. “After 15 years wishing I had done it, I decided that I should just go and do it,” Soper said. After Soper completed the journey he was featured on a radio talk show in Spain and had an article written about him in the local Spanish newspaper. Soper recommends spending time in a foreign country to perhaps gain new perspectives. “It is life changing,” Soper said. Eight days after the last day of school, advanced placement history teachers Brandon Dell’Orto and Mike Valentine led a group of more than 50 graduated seniors on the annual trip to Europe. This year the group flew into Lisbon, Portugal, then from there went on to Gibraltar and Costa Del Sol on the southern Spanish coast; Madrid and then Barcelona in Spain; Nice, France; Monaco; the Cinque Terre and Venice in Italy; and Switzerland, a total of seven different countries in a span of 17 days. Selena De La Torre, who graduated in June and went on the trip, was amazed by the experience. “It is mind blowing how much $5,000 can buy you,” De La Torre said. A perk of spending a year listening to Valentine is that students all recognize all the history they will see on the trip. “It’s fun seeing them seeing places that they’ve read about or heard about in history classes that they’ve always dreamed about going and (then) seeing them actually go there,” Dell’Orto said. “It’s really, really cool.” Trip attendee and USC freshman Ben Gould said seeing Vasco Da Gama’s grave was “a once-in-a-lifetime experience – it gave me chills.”
Not too far from Da Gama’s grave, De La Torre was hiking up The Rock of Gibraltar amazed that “I could see Africa from Spain!” From walking through the streets of Madrid, to hiking the Mediterranean coast of Italy and dining in Monaco, Dell’Orto said the favorite destination for many students on the trip was Switzerland. Atop Mt. Pilatus of the Swiss Alps, the group had a 360-degree view of Italy and Austria. “Being there felt surreal,” Gould said. Considering all those amazing cities and sites, Dell’Orto and Valentine both said seeing the group build camaraderie within each other was especially satisfying for them as trip leaders. “Students that tend to be quiet really started to come out and talk more,” Valentine said. “By the time the thing is done, there are people who have met people that didn’t know each other but have been going to the same school for four years, and by the end of it they have connected and made friendships,” Dell’Orto said. “And that part I love.”
Gazette photo /SPENCER COVA
wEurope students on a trip to Italy.