The Viewpoint December 2016

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Viewpoint

Mountain View High School 2135 Mountain View Road Stafford, VA 22556

STUDENT NEWS Magazine MVHS VOLUME 11 ISSUE 4 DECEMBER

Read more on pages 8 & 9 about the dedication and strength that gymnasts pursue for the sport they love.

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The Viewpoint DECEMBER 2016 VOLUME XI ISSUE IV

EDITORIAL Today’s political climate has bred numerous protests, including the protests against president elect Donald Trump and the Standing Rock pipeline.

However, regardless of your political sentiments, it is clear that the radical protests currently being held against Trump taking office offer no solutions and, unsuprisingly, have produced no change. On the other hand, Standing Rock, a relatively peaceful protest that Native Americans held when a pipeline was to intrude on sacred grounds, succeeded in halting the construction on the Dakota Access Pipeline.

Protesting exercises many American freedoms--freedoms that should never be taken away. But in some cases, the method of protest stands out more than the subject, which defeats the purpose of a protest: to present a logical solution or bring attention to an issue of concern. Although few doubt the conviction of those who are protesting, especially in the case of the Trump protests, their argument is falling on deaf ears due to its presentation. Because groups are protesting the election outcome in general instead of the specific issues with Trump’s policies that concern them (such as immigration and the environment), no conversation is started about these issue and there is no dialogue between the opposing viewpoints that would pave the road to compromise and change.

Additionally, being blindly angry, and sometimes violent, in

Managing Editors

Hailey Bullis Morgan Ocetnik

this manner allows the opposing side to write off the protests as perpetrated by only those with extreme viewpoints who are not worth listening to because they are contradicting their own message to try to be heard.

However, nonviolent protests do not make the news like violent ones do. So here we are faced with a catch-22. If protestors stage a peaceful protest, presenting a logical solution to an issue of concern, they are easily ignored because they only make waves locally. But if protestors stage a violent protest, with anger and broad, ambiguous issues of concern, they have the potential to make waves nationally, but are also easily dismissed because of their radical methods.

The Standing Rock protests are the only contemporary counterexample of this. Their success arose from a clear, defined goal presented in a peaceful, logical manner. This is how calmly voicing opinions in America should work.

But regardless of what is protested and how it is protested, protesting is still held near and dear in Americans’ hearts. America: the nation founded on freedom of speech.

Americans will never lose sight of that freedom, but striking a balance between freedom of speech and maintanence of dignity is long overdue.

Social Media Editors

Lexi Strawder Abbey Whitehead Copy Editors

Leah Garza Reagan King

Photography Editor

Emilee Holmquist Extra Editor

Paige Doerfler Briefs Editor

Ruby Jackson Adviser

Trisha Strahl The Viewpoint is a cross-section of the news and opinions of the student body of Mountain View High School. It is a forum of expression published by aPrintis. Letters to the editorial board are welcome and should be submitted to rooms 303 or 311.

Staff Writers

Feature Figure

by Jenny Bullers

Jenny Bullers

You might stroll into the local Chili’s or even by the Mountain View main office and see a decorated tree or basket adorned with ornaments featuring an animal. You may even see flyers around the school labeled “SPCA ANGEL BASKET.” That is all due to the Stafford SPCA, a local non-profit, no-kill animal rescue that cares for and improves the lives of animals in the area. The SPCA welcomes any help given by community members.

Senior Simone Levendosky, has devoted her time to volunteering for this special organization. Levendosky has a strong passion for helping these animals without a special home.

“During the holidays the SPCA puts up different trees around Stafford and Fredericksburg that show off the animals that they have in the shelter. On the ornaments you’ll see a picture of a dog, for instance, and on the back they will have a ‘wish list’ describing what the dog needs or what the shelter needs,” said Levendosky.

Levendosky has been volunteering at the shelter since her sophomore year and thought it would be fun to participate in this charity as well. Earlier in the holiday season, all of the volunteers banded together to craft the ornaments featured on the trees and angel baskets. In order to put the basket in the main office, Levendosky had to contact Mrs. Adams, a Learn and Serve teacher, to sponsor her and email Dr. Stemple for his stamp of approval.

“All you have to do is pick up an ornament, read the back of it, and determine how much of a product you would want

to buy to donate, for instance, dog food. Then, you can drop it off at the shelter or send money to the address stated on the back,” said Levendosky. Any product is welcomed by the SPCA but popular donations are cleaning supplies, food, and toys.

If you are interested in following Levendosky’s footsteps, all you have to do is email the volunteer coordinator, Jill, and let her know you are interested. After that is done, you have to participate in an hour-long presentation about the SCPA to get certified. “You get a shirt and if you want to do dog walking, you’ll go through a dog walk preview where you get hands-on experience in how to handle the dog and what not to do,” said Levendosky.

Levendosky can’t imagine a living without the company of her furry friends. From her home life, to a little extra work, she jumps at any opportunity to better the life of an animal in need.

“I have a big heart for dogs; I am a dog lover. I had two German Shepherds that passed away last year and I have a little Chihuahua. My life has revolved around dogs,” said Levendosky.

Pursuing a future career in service dog training is Levendosky’s dream job. She has seen firsthand how the shelters don’t get as much attention as they should and the neglect of the animals. Levendosky said homeless animals are often overlooked and the issue should be taken more seriously by the population.

Jenny Bullers, Nicholas Chechak, Charlotte Hazard, Damien Veal, Austin Venable, Adam Skoloda, Sophie Perez Front Cover Morgan Ocetnik

2014-2016 Virginia High School League State Championship First Place Award Winner 2013, 2014, 2015 Free Lance-Star Best Over All Newspaper 2011 Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Medalist 2011, 2010 and 2009 Virginia High School League First Place Award Winner

Mountain View High School 2135 Mountain View Rd. Stafford, VA 22556

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December at Mountain View School board meeting by Nick Chechak

Nick Chehak

On December 13, 2016, the Mountain View Marching Band’s drum major Caroline Bingham, alongside the other drum majors of Stafford County’s high school marching bands, opened the Stafford County School Board’s biweekly meeting by announcing the results of the highly successful Band Together to Fight Hunger event.

The members of the school board praised Stafford County’s bands for their role in organizing and executing the event, which raised over $12,000 and donated over 28,000 meals to the Fredericksburg Area Food Bank; this was an increase of over 7,000 meals from last year’s event.

Shortly following the discussion of Band Together to Fight Hunger, Sherrie Johnson, the Stafford County Public Schools Director of Strategic Communication and Community Engagement, announced Stafford County Public Schools’ excellent showing in the 2017 Niche K-12 School & Districts Rankings. Niche named Stafford County Public Schools the 18th best school district in Virginia, as well as Virginia’s 5th safest school district.

Swim scrimmage by Charlotte Hazard

Charlotte Hazard

On December 9 at the Jeff Rouse Center, the swim team participated in a scrimmage against other high schools in Stafford County, including Stafford, North Stafford, and Colonial Forge. While swimming is definitely a competitive sport, swimmers often compete against themselves to get a better time than the previously had.

“I joined freshman year. I started swimming the summer before freshman year. The meets are very exciting and you really have to listen to make sure you get to your event on time,” said sophomore Kaela Carle.

Starting strong, the girls won the medley relay. The girls also won the 200 Yard Freestyle against Stafford. Some of the best times from that race include Krista Lawrence with a finals time of 2:21.69 and Riley Snitkin with a finals time of 2:32.16. The boys’ team came in second against Stafford in the 100 Yard Freestyle. Some of the best times from that include Cameron Kulstad with a finals time of 1:01.29 and Jarred Acevedo with a finals time of 1:08.71.

“My favorite stroke is backstroke since I can breathe the whole time, and I’m fast at it,” said junior Nate Holbrook.

Swim meets are now held at the Jeff Rouse Center at Stafford, so if you want to catch some water action, that’s the place to be.

Griffin Word Thieves book club by Ruby Jackson

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Ruby Jackson

Started by Isabella Roeske in 2014, the Griffin Word Thieves Book Club creates a “safe environment for students to read, write, and draw outside of school.”

The students have plenty of creative freedom and surround themselves with similar people, thus creating a positive and calm atmosphere to talk and write. The club, in downtown Fredericksburg, meets every second Sunday of every month at 905 Princess Anne Street.

All members are assigned two books a month to read. The books are decided by Roeske, who takes everyone’s favorite genres and looks at the best-selling books under those categories.

“I try to pick a book that would make everyone interested,” said Roeske. After reading, they have discussions, draw scenes from the books, and practice writing prompts. They have also skyped with famous authors and actors, including Harry Shannon, an Emmy nominated lyricist. “[I wanted] a space where students can read and write outside of school where it’s not forced and required by the school systems,” said Roeske.

Eating disorders Millions suffer in silence from the unspoken disorders that society ignores

by Leah Garza

In a survey of Mountain View students, 67% would change their body in some way (be thinner or thicker) 32% eat less than three meals a day 5% think they have an eating disorder 38% know someone in high school who has an eating disorder

88% named anorexia nervosa as one of the most prevalent eating disorders 36% named bulimia nervosa as one of the most prevalent eating disorders 17% named binge eating disorder as one of the most prevalent eating disorders

Over 30 million people in the United States have an eating disorder. Every type of eating disorder is increasing in prevalence, especially among teens and young adults, women in particular. So what exactly is an eating disorder?

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines an eating disorder as “any of several psychological disorders...characterized by serious disturbances of eating behavior.” The key word here is “psychological.”

In over 200 surveys distributed to Mountain View classrooms of varying grade levels, many students doubted the validity of eating disorders as psychological disorders. One student said, “They’re self-conscious; nothing can be done. They need to suck it up and stop being a baby. If you want your dream body, stop being lazy and work out.” Another student simply said, “They are stupid.” This viewpoint is potentially dangerous. Eating disorders are not to be taken lightly.

Case in point: anorexia nervosa. Anorexia nervosa is essentially self-starvation because the individual believes themselves to be overweight. It is the most well-known disorder among the surveyed students and has the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric disorder, with a mortality rate that is 12 times higher than the death rate for all other causes of death among 15-to-24-yearold women.

The other two most prevalent eating disorders are binge eating disorder and bulimia nervosa. Binge eating disorder is characterized by recurring periods of excessive eating and can lead to high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, heart disease, and type II diabetes. Bulimia nervosa is characterized by a cycle of binging and purging (self-induced vomiting), with possible effects such as dehydration, loss of essential nutrients, gastric or esophageal rupture, ulcers, tooth decay, and even death.

Eating disorders’ seriousness cannot be understated. However, general public knowledge and understanding of eating disorders and their causes is relatively slight. One survey respondent said, “People with eating disorders can stop at any time,” which demonstrates the lack of a fundamental understanding of the root of eating disorders.

Eating disorders are rooted in an individual’s mind and stem from a variety of factors. While some respondents wrongly believed that eating disorders are voluntary or a sign of weakness, many survey respondents were accurate in naming causes of eating disorders. Students named the media, due to the frequent use of ultra-thin models, body shaming, and self-consciousness, all of which are factors that increase the prevalence of eating disorders. In particular, media and the new accessibility of images from around the world, which individuals may compare themselves to, can cause a negative self-image that is conducive to the development of an eating disorder. Additionally, media opens up a conduit for harmful commentary that can cause negative body images to form. However, there are many possible causes of eating disorders, ranging from familial pressure to cyberbullying. They often stem from sources unseen by those who could provide help, which makes recognizing other warning signs even more important.

So what can the public do to help? Many survey respondents suggested support from friends and family, greater awareness in the community so that warning signs can help those around the individual assist him/her in overcoming their disorder, and medical attention. These are excellent suggestions.

Awareness must be raised so that those suffering from eating disorders may receive the proper medical treatment. Medical treatment is of utmost importance because the mindset of those with eating disorders must be completely reset so that they may learn to love themselves and their bodies and begin living a healthy life. In order to raise awareness, each person must take it upon him/herself to get educated; learn the warning signs and have open communications with your friends and loved ones so that you can be a source of aid and information for those in need.

(Information retrieved from the National Eating Disorder Association)

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Cyberbullying Cyberbullying brings thoughts of negative outcomes, but most don’t think about the solutions to the problem by Adam Skoloda

is

y Bull

ment viciously on social media, they may not regret it, but they’ve almost definitely hurt the target of their typing.

Senior, Olman Lagos said, “Stick up for yourself and don’t let it faze you.”

Some other solutions to cyberbullying are incredibly straightforward, like taking screenshots of the bullying and not responding or retaliating virtually or physically.

Junior, Jasmine Price said, “The person who is cyberbullying you is too chicken to say it to your face.”

Price also suggested, “Try to block the problem.”

You can block people on most major social media sites including Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Blocking or unfollowing someone on social media is one step closer to preventing additional bullying.

Freshman, Brody Albertson suggested, “Keep your account private.”

Senior, Cheyenne Suamataia suggested to stop looking at the negative comments on your device.

There are also some effective sites to stop cyberbullying online.

Cyberbullying happens all the time. In 2014, 50 percent of teens and young adults had been cyberbullied. What will the numbers look like in 2020? What will they be in 2030 or 2050?

Cyberbullying is a growing issue, but if bystanders and victims enact these solutions, we can lower the numbers and help America of prevent cyberbullying.

Haile

Cyberbullying is a serious matter in modern-day society, but most teens have no idea what to do about it.

As cell phones, tablets, and laptops become more advanced, it becomes easier to be nasty on the internet.

With unlimited access to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and many other social media websites, people are only becoming increasingly malicious.

According to Nobullying.com, 50 percent of young people have experienced cyberbullying to some extent and only 6 percent of parents are aware of the cyberbullying.

Peer pressure is one of the many reasons for cyberbullying. People are goaded into posting and commenting hurtful things, often just to feel better about their lack of self-confidence. Another common reason for cyberbullying is because teens think that they won’t get caught doing it. They think cyberbullying is the thing to do and that you won’t get caught.

People usually focus on the negative effects of cyberbullying, rather than the solutions. Highly effective solutions are turning off your cell phone if you are being bullied or feel you are about to say something hurtful, reporting cyberbullying when you see it, and thinking before you post.

Junior, Lily Stewart said, “If they think before they post, then it won’t be a problem.”

This is true. Most of the time when teens are on their cell phones they fail to consider consequences of their actions in the real world, outside of their own virtual bubble. When they don’t think and instead instinctively post or com-

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Up In The Air

From strength to dedication, gymnasts spend countless hours training in order to succeed both as an individual and as a team by Morgan Ocetnik Gymnastics takes a lot of commitment; they have to be all in, not halfway.

Senior Emily Brutski explained that being a gymnast necessitates countless repetitions and a ceaseless push to continue improving. Along with that, their top priority is challenging themselves and their teammates to be better today than they were yesterday.

“Teamwork is such a big aspect; if I didn’t have my team, I would not be at the level I am competing at,” said Brutski.

High school gymnastics practices are held at a local gym. The gymnasts are on a tight practice schedule because of the rotation with the other schools in the county. Because of the shortage of practice time, there isn’t too much conditioning in high school. They have to get in, get what they need to do done and get out. To have more time to develop their skills, many of the girls practice on a club team outside of school, which is a very different experience. Club practice can be between 12-32 hours a week for club.

Gymnastics is about constantly getting new skills; getting stronger and faster to be in top condition. Brutski explained that in club they do a lot of strength and cardio mixtures. One of the biggest workouts includes multiple hand stands; whether it’s handstand push ups or other drills with hand stands, it gives them the basic shape and strength they need. It also contributes to having good balance in hand stands.

Dawn Dixon is the head gymnastics coach and the team considers her a second mother. Her entire goal is making sure everyone on the team feels welcomed and accomplished by the end of the season.

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Because there are so many girls on the team this year, Brutski said it’s a little bit more difficult to achieve cohesion as a team; it has taken more time to learn everyone’s name, work ethic, skills, and progression. It’s important to know what each gymnast can do to improve so that their teammates can help them through it and give them the motivation that they truly need. The improvement in the team has been amazing and co-captain Brutski said that she tries to give positive corrections as needed but she’s trying to be more of a teammate than a coach. She said that although complete cohesion will be harder with more numbers, everyone knows one or two people even if they haven’t been on the team before, so that helps right off the bat with chemistry.

Considering the result of the first meet was a score of 135, a score they barely met last year, they think they will go far this year. The team placed third out of the four Stafford County schools who competed at the first meet. Stafford and Colonial Forge have always been very solid and versatile gymnastics teams.

“Every victory, even a small one, is still a victory,” said Brutski.

Although half of the team is new, if they can pull together another really solid meet through the improvement of everyone’s skills, they may have a chance to compete in states.

The Captains

Emily Brutski

Senior Emily Brutski is a four-year high school gymnast and a 12-year club gymnast. She started when she was six years old at level four in club gymnastics. She progressed to level five, skipped six, and then due to injuries stayed at level seven for three years. After that, she spent two years at level eight, and has continued on to compete at level nine. She currently practices 12 hours a week, but in the summer she practices as much as 24 hours a week.

As co-captain, Brutski said that she and Caroline are like the mother hens of the group, making sure everyone gets their work done in practice and everyone is okay at meets and not too nervous; they get them pumped up for their events and take a role in organizing the spirit wear for the girls.

“My favorite part of gymnastics is the adrenaline rush you get on each of the events. Before you start competing, you’re shaking a little bit; you can feel the blood pumping, you get super euphoric, you hear people cheering for you, and then you step out on the equipment, get your routine done and it’s the biggest sigh of relief. You’re so excited; I can never keep a smile off my face when I walk off the floor. It’s always so much fun,” said Brutski.

Brutski explained that her biggest attribute is being positive. She doesn’t like when people say, “Oh you’re so good. I can’t do that” because she said that a cuss word in gymnastics is “can’t.” She has been doing the sport for 12 years, so newer gymnasts can’t compare themselves to someone who has been doing it for so much longer.

Brutski is considering continuing her gymnastics career through college, along with finding a school that follows her desired study of exercise science. She also participates in student athletic training and loves it because it’s helping her to prepare for her future.

Caroline Posillico

Senior Caroline Posillico is a four-year high school gymnast and a 13-year club gymnast. She began gymnastics recreationally when she was three years old and started competing at seven, continuing until she was 16. Club gymnastics is divided into levels, from four to ten. Posillico ended her club career at level six and decided to focus her time and energy purely on high school gymnastics. Posillico specializes in beam, but due to many injuries and new gymnasts on the team this year, she will most likely compete in more events.

She explained that she isn’t a very strong tumbler, so she does a lot of jumps to help build her score in these additional events.

Posillico explained that her high school gymnastics experience has been fairly successful overall. The team won conference her freshman year and has gone to regionals the past three years she has been on the team.

Because of the comparatively large amount of team members, especially ones who are new to the sport, Posillico said that her ultimate goal is to be a leader by successfully teaching the newer gymnasts: “I’m trying to help them learn the ways of high school gymnastics,” she said. The most important aspects of gymnastics to Posillico are the dedication and strength required to excel.

Commitment to the sport is essential, especially since gymnasts must be in peak condition.

“A cuss word in gymnastics is can’t” -Emily Brutski feature q december 2016 q the viewpoint q

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Burning Freedom The November election has incited many different, and often extreme, reactions and protests.

But the trend of burning the American flag in protest is too disrespectful to be acceptable.

by Abbey Whitehead

“I think it’s a sign of disrespect because it’s a symbol of our nation and burning it disrespects our country.”

Sophmore, Hajera Ahmadi “I think that it’s disrespectful to our country and to the people that risk their lives to protect us and our country everyday.”

Sophmore, Charlotte Mulder

The image of six American soldiers in Iwo Jima fighting to keep the flag up has been around since World War II. However, many people don’t know that three of these American soldiers died soon after the picture was taken.

Although much has changed since then, the American flag still symbolizes the same ideas: freedom, liberty, justice, and perseverance.

Recently, many people have begun burning American flags to protest against November’s election result. This has caused anger among many Americans who hold the flag near and dear to their hearts. When these people see burning flags, they see disrespect for the veterans who fought wars to ensure that people have the the right to protest. Many people have lost their lives fighting for the right to fly the flag, and when you burn one, you are belittling what they fought for. There are many other ways to get your point across peacefully, like staging a sit in, having a march for your cause, going on a strike and, above all, carrying out your protest without burning the flag.

Burning the flag does not change the outcome of the presidential election.

Donald Trump won the election; burning the flag will not change this. But the people most affected by the burning of the American flag are those who fought for it, and folded it in honor of those who died fighting for what it stands for.

Not only have protesters disrespected the American flag, but also recently at Hampshire College in Massachusetts the American flag was removed from the campus. On the day before Veterans Day, the flag was removed from the flag pole and burned. The president of the college said they meant no offense to veterans or military families, but when you remove the flag from your campus the day before Veterans Day, your actions speak louder than words.

The flag has now been returned to campus but flies at half staff in order to respect those offended by Donald Trump’s election. But the only reason the flag should be flown at half staff is to acknowledge and commemorate the death of important military and government figures. Flying the flag at half staff for those who are mourning Donald Trump’s victory undermines the significance of lowering it to respect those who fought and lost their lives for the right to fly it.

Freedom of speech is an American’s right.

Choosing to vocalize the dissent resulting after the election’s outcome is understandable; however, the flag is not a proper vehicle for acknowledging this discontent.

The flag should be treated with utmost respect as it symbolizes the principles of freedom, liberty, and justice America takes pride in.

There are specific rules regarding the flag and these protests are trampling them. Instead of burning the flag in protest, more peaceful and respectful methods can and should be used to air grievances.

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Lexi Strawder

Tasty Winter Recipes

Chocolate chip snowball cookies These cookies were absolutely delicious. They made a mess in the kitchen with all of the powdered sugar, but in the end, it was completely worth it. We would totally recommend these cookie for anyone that likes sweet desserts.

Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Makes 23

Cranberry pecan baked brie

Ingredients

•3/4 cup sliced almonds •2 cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour •1/4 + 1/8 teaspoons salt •1 cup unsalted butter, halfway softened •1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, divided •1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract •1 cup mini chocolate chips

This recipe was to die for. It was slightly sweet, but not enough to be overpowering. All of the ingredients worked very well to compliment one another, resulting in a gorgeous and delicious recipe.

Method

Disneyland hot chocolate

Paige Doerfler

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grind almonds in a food processor to tiny bits, set aside. In a mixing bowl whisk together flour and salt, set aside.

2. In the bowl, cream together butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until combined with an electric mixer (not pale and fluffy, just blended and slightly creamy). Mix in vanilla, then with mixer set on low speed slowly add in flour and salt mixture and mix just until combined. Add in chocolate chips and almonds and mix to evenly distribute (fold batter with a spatula if needed to gather nuts from bottom.

3. Scoop dough out 1 tbsp at a time and roll into a ball. Transfer dough balls to an ungreased cookie sheet fitting about 16 per sheet and spacing evenly apart. (Also I don’t recommend dark non-stick cookie sheets, they always brown cookies too much on bottom). Bake in preheated oven 10-12 minutes until bottoms are lightly golden brown. Let cool for just a few minutes (until they are cool enough to handle) then pour remaining 1 cup of powdered sugar into a small mixing bowl. Dip and roll cookies in powdered sugar to get a light coating then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Repeat process with remaining cookie dough. Once cookies are cool roll again in powdered sugar, this time giving them a thicker coating. Store cookies in an airtight container.

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When the weather outside is frightful, come in for a meal that’s so delightful

by Paige Doerfler and Lexi Strawder

If you love chocolate, then this is the recipe for you. It was very think, rich, and decadent, so we would recommend using extra milk (the amount dependent on how rich you like your hot chocolate).

Cranberry pecan baked Brie

serves 8

Paige Doerfler

Ingredients • 1 (8-ounce) wheel brie cheese, rind trimmed • 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, packed For the maple honey drizzle • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed • 2 tablespoons of honey • 2 tablespoons of maple syrup • 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter • 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon • pinch of nutmeg • zest of one small orange • 1/2 cup of pecan halves, chopped • 1/4 cup of dried cranberries Method 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. 2. Place brie on a rimmed baking sheet or a 5-inch cast iron skillet; sprinkle with brown sugar. Place into oven and bake until softened, about 12-15 minutes; let cool 5 minutes.

3. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg and orange zest. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until foamy, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in pecans and cranberries.

4.Serve brie warm topped with pecan mixture; serve with crackers or baguette.

Disneyland Hot Chocolate

Ingredients

• 2 cups 2% milk • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream • 1 1/2 cups cocoa powder • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar • 1 tablespoon milk chocolate, grated • 1 14-oz can sweetened condensed milk • 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Serving

• whipped cream for topping • ground cinnamon for topping

serves 8

1. In a medium sauce pan, pour milk and heavy cream. Heat over medium-high heat.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together cocoa, sugar and milk chocolate. Slowly add this dry mixture to the milk mixture until completely combined.

Reduce heat to medium.

3.Add in sweetened condensed milk and vanilla, and stir until completely combined. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.

4. Remove from heat and serve in individual mugs. Top with whipped cream, ground cinnamon, and additional chocolate shavings, if desired.

Hailey Bullis

Method

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The Accidental Phone Detox

More and more people are becoming attached to their phones, but studies show that not using your phone for extended periods of time can be extremely beneficial.

by Emilee Holmquist

H

ave you ever lost or broken your phone and found yourself reaching in your back pocket to take a picture of something, or to text your friend something funny that happened, only to remember that you don’t actually have your phone?

I found myself in this exact situation a couple of months ago, constantly looking for my phone to pass the time. I never thought I was “addicted” to my phone, but living without it for 24 hours opened my eyes to the reality that I was hooked.

The reality is that even if I don’t think I use my phone that much, I heavily rely on it for just about everything: music, entertainment, and even something as simple as checking the time. Those couple days without my phone allowed me to focus more on what I was doing and what was happening around me.

Without the distraction of my phone, I found that it was significantly easier to focus on my homework and I had less of an excuse to procrastinate on what I knew I should be doing around the house.

Phone usage has skyrocketed with the creation of smartphones, and today you see somebody on their phone virtually everywhere, doing everything from texting to talking to listening to music or playing games.

Even sitting in a restaurant, you see whole families eating dinner together, but silently engrossed in their phones instead of actually talking to each other. While I understand, and completely agree, that smartphones are extremely beneficial to our everyday lives and make everything much easier, sometimes I feel like we may rely on this endless access to infor-

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the viewpoint q december 2016 q opinion

mation and the whole world a little too much.

According to research by the Pew Internet Project, 67 percent of people who own a cell phone find themselves checking their phones for notifications--even if their phone doesn’t ring or vibrate. It’s almost like we have an impulse to reach for our phones the second something happens, or, rather, when nothing happens at all. This attachment to our phones and the habit of always keeping our phones at our sides at all times are just normal parts of today’s society.

In addition to using cell phones constantly, people also have a tendency to go on their phones when they want to procrastinate, even if they know they should be focusing on a certain task. Even I am guilty of this. In fact, I frequently picked up my phone to procrastinate writing this article.

Sophomore Olivia Brooks recently went on a church retreat where no cell phones were allowed and, to her, the no phone experience was surprisingly refreshing. She said, “At first, it was weird because when I wanted to know the time I’d reach for my phone, but it wasn’t there. As the weekend went on, however, I appreciated not having my phone as a distraction. With my experience, I learned that without your phone you can really focus on what you are doing and then reflect on that without being interrupted by a notification.”

So the next time you’re having a hard time focusing on homework, or if you need a break from the constant buzzing and ringing of tnik your phone, Oce n a g Mor just unplug and turn off your phone for a bit.

Sometimes that’s all you need to do to see the world from a new perspective.

d n u o r a Cu r e r e n r o c th e may have just a rid o Fl i, m ia M e1 Researchers in g a cure for Typ in d fin to p e st a taken arlotte Hazard Diabetes. by Ch

Hailey

Researchers at the Diabetes Research Institute in Miami have been working to find a cure for a while. A lot of people have been cured from different diseases, such as pure red cell aplasia through cell transplants. This idea for a possible cure for Type 1 Diabetes includes a technique for special cells called islet cells.

Islet cells are clusters of thousands of cells in the pancreas that produce insulin to regulate the body’s blood sugar.

During a special procedure at Jackson Memorial Hospital, the doctors were given permission to transplant the cells into diabetic, Wendy Peacock. Ever since the procedure, Peacock has been off her insulin and her glucose levels have remained at a good level.

“To think I can go to sleep at night and not worry that my blood sugar is going to drop is almost like a weight has been lifted,” said Peacock.

While this idea sounds amazing, it’s not quite perfected yet. The cells have been transplanted into other patients and it didn’t quite work for them. The cells are infused into the liver and sometimes they die there because the environment doesn’t work for them. The cells are infused into the liver and sometimes they die there because the environment doesn’t work for them.

With Type 1 Diabetes, the body’s immune system mistakenly destroys the pancreas, which produces the body’s insulin. In a way, these islet cells trick the immune system by looking like a regular cell so that the immune system doesn’t automatically destroy it.

Life with Type 1 Diabetes is always a constant hassle. Diabetics can’t go a day without checking their sugar, monitoring their blood glucose levels, and watching what they eat.

Since their bodies don’t produce the hormone insulin, most diabetics use an insulin pump which is a small device that can send rapid insulin through the body if needed. This makes it more convenient instead of getting insulin injections multiple times a day. This disease is hard to live with and can limit what you can and can’t do, depending on your blood sugar.

Senior Alayna Johnson, who has Type 1 Diabetes, said, “I was diagnosed when I was eight and it impacts my life everyday because I can’t go a day without thinking about it.”

The cells are infused into the liver and sometimes they die there because the environment doesn’t work for them.

Senior Kristen Johnson, who was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at two years old, said, “I would feel neutral about a cure, not ecstatic because I think that Diabetes has made me who I am as an individual. But I would also be happy because people who aren’t happy with the lifestyle can do what they want with their life. They could pursue things that hold them back, like join the military.”

Because of her diagnosis, Johnson said she has become more mature for her age than most people.

“I’ve had to take on responsibilities at a younger age. I was twelve when I first gave myself a shot. I’ve recently just learned how to do my sites for my pump. I’m currently eighteen. Most people wouldn’t think twice about counting carbs in their dinner, where I have to sit and look at rice and count carbs to make sure I can eat it.”

Even though Diabetes isn’t cured yet, progress is in the making. With the islet cells and researchers working and experimenting, the possibility of a cure occurring will continue to increase. news q december 2016 qthe viewpoint q15 Bullis

To give or to get?

During the last three months of the year, gift giving is abundant, especially to charities, but a reflection should occur on the reasons why some charities struggle with donations during other months on the year by Ruby Jackson

H

olidays are the time of year where everyone is stressed about giving and receiving gifts to and from family members, friends, and coworkers.

These gifts may consist of things people want, or even need, but individuals should also be thinking about the charities that provide for those who need far more than they do.

Some major charity organizations include St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, American Red Cross, the Wounded Warrior Project, and the United States Hunger Relief. These charities, and others of varying sizes, all do miraculous things for people by providing things like research funding, prosthetics, food for the homeless, and disaster relief help.

“I think giving money and donating to charities is very important. Many people don’t realize how fortunate they are with everything they have like a home, clean water, and good health. There are others in this world who are not as fortunate, so giving even small donations could make a

huge difference to them,” said sophomore Hajera Ahmadi.

According to the National Center for Charitable Statistics, 50% of organizations reported that they receive the vast majority of donations during the months of October, November, and December. Of these organizations, 16% of them say they receive over 50% of their yearly donations during this time period.

Ahmadi said, “The holiday season is the time of giving and it motivates and reminds people who spend the season with their family to give back to those who are alone, but I think people should donate small amounts of money throughout the whole year because those less fortunate people don’t only struggle during this time of year, they struggle all throughout the year,” If these charities received more donations throughout the year, they would be able to accomplish much more, from new projects to further research to fundraising events.

The amount of help these charities provide people with is often underestimated and overlooked; they improve the lives of myriad individuals and families in the United States and around the world and even save lives. For example, the Red Cross helps people that are victims of violence, war, and disasters all around the world.

“No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted,” said Aesop.

As you enjoy the holidays with your friends and family, don’t forget about those less fortunate and those unable to enjoy the holidays with families. Any donation, no matter the size, makes a huge difference to those who have so little.

“It’s not about how much we give but how much love we put into giving” -Mother Theresa 16 q

the viewpoint q december 2016 q feature