The Canine Chronicle MBMS November 2016

[t h e canine ] mount baker middle school, auburn, washington

november 2016

volume VII, issue 1

inside this issue: Overcrowding Causes Frustration

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ASD Bond

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Sixth Grade Orientation

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National Anthem Controversy

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Child of a Soldier

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Locker Lottery

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What Grinds My Gears

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SPOTLIGHT: Presidential Election

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Did Pokemon Go?

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Culture Poll

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U.S.A. Weightlifting Results

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MBMS Sports

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FRONT COVER PHOTO: On Nov. 8, millions of Americans voted for president. As of Nov. 9, Hillary Clinton won the popular vote, but Donald Trump won the election by capturing more electoral votes. PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY J. BROWN

DEAR BULLDOGS, Welcome students and staff at MBMS! The staff of The Canine Chronicle would like to welcome back the seventh and eighth graders, and welcome our brand new Bulldogs this year.

Our job as The Canine Chronicle staff is to tell the story of all of the students here at MBMS. We cover all the newsworthy events that we hear about on social media, the internet, and from your voices. We listen to what you talk about in the halls and in classes. All of you help us create this newspaper, so thank you for all your help!

While expressing all of your opinions, we make sure to not disrupt the orderly conduct of this school, but instead we will maintain the way this school operates as a whole.

Our newspaper touches upon all the events that are near and dear to all of us. Such events include the Presidential election, overcrowding at MBMS, and recent National Anthem protests.

This newspaper also includes the opinions on PokĂŠmon Go, movie reviews, insight on the students of veterans, and rooting for rival teams. We also have What Grinds My Gears for the humorous people.

With all these topics, this newspaper has got you covered!

Sincerely,

The Canine Chronicle

BACK COVER PHOTO: On Nov. 10, MBMS students honored veterans at the annual Veterans Day Assembly, featuring musical performances and a slideshow of pictures brought in by students and staff of family members who served in the military. PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY R. FARIAS, COMPILED BY K. RYAN

EDITORS PHOTO BY C.EDWARDS & R.FARIAS

mission: The MBMS Journalism 8 class produced this limited-voice EDITORS

REPORTERS

REPORTERS

Adeline Maurus Maddy Taylor Connor MacDougall Nya Baad Jezel Brown Roxanne Farias Nick Miller

Dawson Abbe Elijah Ajeto Kelli Allen Logan Conner Chloe Edwards

Max Kliewer Jack Morrell Tatum Murry Dong Nguyen Ken Oh

newspaper with intent to ethically report events accurately, without bias. As a public forum for students, all decisions made on content are made under the REPORTERS guidance of the adviser, with intent to uphold students’ First Amendment rights.

The opinions presented in articles are provided to represent the views and Abraham Perez perspectives of students and individuals in our diverse student population, not Dunka Ramirez necessarily the whole of the adviser, faculty, and administrators. Any material Ellie Walter Ethan Walter-Goodspeed that would cause a disruption to the educational process like libel, invasion of privacy, or copyright infringement will not be published.

Lillian Zimmerman The Canine Chronicle is produced using Microsoft Publisher. Photographs not taken by students have been utilized through a Creative Commons and Microsoft ADVISER license. School portraits are licensed through Dorian Photography.

Peter Warring

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LILLIAN ZIMMERMAN

dents’ behavior is though to be bad, the school looks bad. “[We] try to keep the campus looking Cleaning up the campus may not sound important to middle school students, but clean, and make it look inviting for stuaccording to MBMS students and staff, it dents and teachers to come to school and work every day,” P.E. teacher Mr. is a very crucial part of our school.

“We want the outside to reflect the King said.

Keeping the campus clean makes it inside, and when it is trashy out there that doesn’t showcase who our students enjoyable to come to school without are,” history teacher Mrs. Carnahan having to look at and pick up garbage.

“It looks cleaner, and doesn’t make said.

When students leave the school cam- our campus look trashy,” co-president pus looking gross and not professional it of Builders Club Sydney Forristall said.

It’s a good idea to clean the campus reflects the student’s attitude and behavior in school. The students’ behaviors and make students more aware of their represent the school. When the stu- surroundings.

“Students were excited about it, and felt like they had done something good for the school,” King said.

Students should help out in their community, and they can make it fun too!

“We should get more people involved and that is the whole goal behind this,” King said.

More students should take part in their school and not just leave it up to the teachers and staff to pick up their garbage. Students should pick up after themselves in general if they made the mess.

“We wanted to clean the campus because of how gross it was,” Carnahan said. Students should part take in their

school by cleaning up after themselves and others without having to be told to do it.

“I enjoyed it, and it was really fun,” Forristall said.

Most students enjoyed cleaning the campus and would want to do it again.

“They were excited about it, and we made a contest about it and put them in teams, and have them weigh the trash and get prizes afterwards,” King said.

Students should enjoy cleaning the campus and helping out the staff and making our school look presentable for families that are interested in putting their child at Mt. Baker Middle School.

The varsity football team, Robotics Club, and Builders Club clean up Mt. Baker campus during fall quarter. Hundreds of pounds of garbage were disposed of. PHOTOS BY M. KING, E. CARNAHAN, A. COWAN

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ELLIE WALTER “The hallways are just packed,” said eighth grader Erica Jenkins, referring to the 999 kids that fill MBMS school during passing period as of Nov. 7.

Overcrowding at MBMS has been the cause of many students with no lockers, being late to class, packed hallways, classes at the max and teachers having to teach six classes.

MBMS has become the largest middle school in the Auburn School District. “I honestly think it’s too many [kids].” Jenkins said.

Overcrowding has caused an immense amount of problems for students and teachers alike.

“You can’t really get anywhere in the halls,” sixth grader Connor Hill said.

Seventh grader Noah Richardson described it as “chaotic.”

Getting to and from classes has become a matter of strategy, with only four minutes to get to your next class.

“When I leave from algebra to orchestra I am sometimes almost late, because there are so many kids,” Richardson said.

“You can never get anywhere,” Jenkins said. “It takes almost the whole passing period to get to your next class.”

Sixth grader Sophie Knox’s plan was “walking fast.”

Overcrowding has also had an impact on lunches. Students have to be let out to intramurals early,

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so there are enough seats. And the kitchen staff has to rush and get the next lunches food ready.

“Sometimes I have to sit on the floor with my friends,” Richardson said. “There are literally no seats.”

Teachers have felt the effects of overcrowding with bulging classes and having to teach six classes, leaving them no time to plan.

“It is very exhausting yet rewarding because I get to help more kids, although it is a lot having to correct 23 more papers,” Mr. Brown said. “We [teachers] really aren’t able to

give kids very much one on one attention.”

So why do we have some many students?

Mt. Baker is one of the newest middle schools in Auburn. It opened 23 years ago, compared to Olympic Middle School which is one of the oldest in the district that opened 67 years ago, according to Principal Brown “There is a bad reputation at Olympic,” Principal Brown said. “It just looks worn down and our school looks nice and new.”

Also Auburn is growing with more kids moving into the MBMS boundary lines.

“This year we had 1000 more students [in the Auburn District] than expected,” Principal Brown said.

So what can students do to help?

Besides walking quickly in the halls and getting through lunch fast not too much.

But the parents of MBMS can.

Your parents can vote to pass the ASD bond that would help with the building of new schools in the Auburn School District, lessening the load in MBMS and all schools in the district.

Students fill the bleachers and still have to sit on the floor at the Nov. 4 Pep Assembly. PHOTO BY R. FARIAS

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JEZEL BROWN There was an election in November, and it was not only the presidential one. The Auburn School District Bond plans to rebuild Chinook, Dick Scobee, Lea Hill, Pioneer, Terminal Park Elementary, and Olympic Middle School, as well as building two new elementary schools, but only if it gets a sixty percent majority vote.

At time of publication, he bond was passing at 61.8 percent .

If it wasn’t passed, it’s most likely because the taxes being placed in exchange would have been aggressive.

The taxes for education dropped over the last two years from 6.62 dollars to 5.83 dollars per 1,000 dollars of asserted valuation, and if

the bond was put in place, would increase it 1.03 dollars.

With enrollment increasing yearly, schools need more classroom space, and this bond will help balance the population of them.

The schools planned to be rebuilt are about 60 years old, and are a safety issue as well.

Principal Brown gave his input on how the bond would affect the population of MBMS. “We have lots kids here from Olympic because they don’t want to go to Olympic, their families don’t want them to go, because they judge the book by the cover,” Brown said.

“It’s an old school, it looks gross, what’s happening inside the school is great, just like here. But the outside is old and gross. When it’s a big, beautiful, brand-new school people

Olympic Middle School was built in 1957 and is in need of being rebuilt. Being the only middle school rebuilt, it will make it look more appealing for families. COURTESY OF OLYMPIC MIDDLE SCHOOL

will actually want to go there, and that will help our numbers.”

Eighth grader Cady Johnson gave a student’s point of view of the bond.

“There’s way too many people at Mt. Baker right now and we need students to be spread out more,” eighth grader Cady Johnson said.

“Just sending waiver kids around doesn’t really work, especially when we’re in assemblies and there isn’t enough room or seats.”

Seventh grade social studies teacher Ms. Koenig expressed her

thoughts on how the schools should be built.

“I think the kids deserve space.

What I’m really sad about is that even though I know they’re going to build two new elementary schools, because they can only build a building for the population it has now,” Koenig said. “I think, and I wish they could build them a little bit bigger so that they can have the space when the area is to grow.”

How has overcrowding impacted your learning?

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF DORIAN PHOTOGRAPHY

NYA BAAD

“When you crowd the hallways, some people might not be able to get to their class [on time].”

“It makes it harder to learn when people are talking and in the hallways.

It’s harder to get around.”

“So many people are trying to do the same thing, so it can be confusing.

And in the hallways, there are too many people blocking the way while talking to friends.”

“Overcrowding effects learning time by focusing more on classroom management than actual learning because there are so many kids in the classroom.”

ANGELINA CHANG

JORDAN BLIXT

LEONARD LEAW

MS. LACY

sixth grade

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Co-President Ellie Walter-Goodspeed is setting up her well-made signs in the hallways to better her chances to win. PHOTO BY P. WARRING

Sixth graders listing to ASB officers and senators and some bulldog crew members talk about their favorite part of the school. CERSTY OF AUBURN SD

ELLIE WALTER COMBINATION: 14 to the right, 10 to the left, 3 back to the right. This may be familiar to some of you as a locker combination. Forgetting your code, getting lost, not reaching lockers are all fears of sixth graders on the first day of school.

A new policy was put in place this year at MBMS: Sixth grade orientation. While the seventh and eighth graders got some sleep, sixth graders arrived early, giving them extra time to know the school.

“It was different getting up early” sixth grader Jesus Garcia said.

The purpose of coming in early was to help the sixth graders get to know the school, meet teachers, and meet new people.

“It showed me around the school,” sixth grader Isabella Haas said.

“We got the feel of it before everyone came,” sixth grader Emma Mcinally said.

Sixth grade teachers also thought it was a good idea.

“I saw sixth graders not crying like I have seen in that past,” social

studies teacher Mr. Brown said. “I also saw some kids being leaders and that was something new.”

The hope for any new event here at MBMS is that it will make students feel good.

It made Garcia feel “comfortable”.

“It made me feel very comfortable,” Jonathan Mulenga ASB and Bulldog crew also made an appearance standing in the halls and walking around to help kids.

“I thought it was great that ASB was there,” Mulenga said. “When they said it was ASB, I got excited.”

So overall sixth grade orientation went great and went like it was supposed to.

The event helped calm the nerves of incoming students, as well as helped students learn more about how school works. Staff members were hopeful the event continues at MBMS. “We [sixth grader teachers] decided to try something new,” Brown said. “I was surprised the good effect it had on students.”

Was sixth grade orientation effective?

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF DORIAN PHOTOGRAPHY

NYA BAAD

“It was effective., because for the new students, that didn’t know the school very well. It helped them for the first day, so they know where to go.”

“Yes, because it made [the sixth grader’s] feel more welcome.”

“Yes, I think it was effective because it helped them get used to school, so they weren’t as scared [on the first day].”

“I do think it was effective. I think it was fabulous, and I’m really happy that the sixth grade students had a chance to bond together.”

KELLY OH

QUINN DONERMEYER

JAELYN BRAACK

MRS. LANTZ

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DONG NGUYEN, DUNKA RAMIREZ, TATUM MURRY

twice here at school and once at the high school to work with Key Club.

The beginning of the school year has started Mrs. Carnahan is the clubs director and urges everywith minor changes and updates for events one to join,. such as Builders Club Trick-or-Treat for “It’s a good way to meet friends and give back to the community,” Carnahan said.

awareness.

“I would totally support wearing pink every Wednesday,” a student said. “This brings awareness to a deadly disease.”

year, we did not reach the goal we were expecting.

“I feel like we didn’t emphasize enough on how important they are,” ASB advisor Ms. Lacy said.

Some students that did not participate in the fundraiser say they didn’t want to go around and bother people or they couldn’t have anyone buy the items.

Ms. Lacy is thinking of doing a walk-a-thon, get the doghouse open, or concessions at sporting events to gain more money for ASB.

This center includes features such as the activity area, makers space, computer lab for homework, SAT prep, job preparation, videography and music, and a classroom for city programs and other community uses.

“I feel that it helps students get to enjoy doing activities that they like outside of school,” eighth grader Gabriel Hatley said.

AUBURN TEEN CENTER OPENS

UNICEF, the ASB Fundraiser, Breast Cancer The Auburn Teen Center, which opened this summer, is Awareness participation, Auburn Teen Center, ASB FUNDRAISER STRUGGLES WITH PARTICIPATION a large building that lets teens participate in events and the return of the A-F grading system.

Like every year, we had our ASB fundraiser. But this outside of school.

BUILDERS CLUB HELPS UNICEF This past October, MBMS Builders Club trick-ortreated for UNICEF for two hours raising 1,032 dollars to go towards The Eliminate Project.

The goal of the project is to wipe out maternal and neonatal tetanus (MNT) from the poorest countries in the world.

Our school’s hat day contributed a total to their funding program adding up to a total raised towards the project.

Builders Club also just participated in a Harvest Breakfast where the schools who raised the most money from last year’s food bank fundraiser were recognized.

The winning schools were Lakeland Hills Elementary, Olympic Middle School and Auburn High School.

Builders Club collected donations and helped clean up afterwards.

Our school’s Builders Club meets three times a month,

STUDENTS SUPPORT BREAST CANCER AWARENESS The month of October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. To show support, students wore pink every Wednesday.

Some students decided to go all out, wearing pink tutus and tights, but most decided to be original and wear pink.

It didn’t matter what students decided to wear because, we still showed our appreciation towards the

GRADING RETURNS TO TRADITIONAL A-F SCALE The ABC grading system is finally back after all the nonsense the number grading system had driven to the schools in Auburn.

For the past couple of years, the middle schools in Auburn have been grading students with numbers. Now it’s switched back to the old school system of grading.

“I love it, I fought hard for the last three years to make that happen,” Principal Brown said. “I’m glad it finally did.”

Builders Club members raised over 1000 dollars for UNICEF in October. PHOTOS BY E. CARNAHAN & T. HOLDEN

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Students stand during the National Anthem at the pep assembly on November 4. The MT. Baker band played the anthem in the background. PHOTO BY NYA BAAD

Students stand during the National Anthem at the pep assembly on Nov. 4. The MBMS band played the anthem in the background. PHOTO BY N. BAAD.

DAWESON ABBE On Aug. 26, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick made national headlines when he did not stand up for the singing of the National Anthem before his third preseason game against the Green Bay Packers.

Kaepernick also sat during the first two games, but went unnoticed.

Before his fourth game, Kaepernick took a knee, which was an action that would be repeated later by Kaepernick, and many other professional

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athletes around America, including his teammate, Eric Reid, and Seahawks cornerback Jeremy Lane.

"I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color," Kaepernick told NFL media reporters in a post game interview.

Kaepernick does have the constitutional right to sit or take a knee during the anthem, but many people disagree with his actions.

According to a student poll of 445 students, about 19 percent of students said they support Kaepernick, 22 percent disagreed with the pro*

tests, and an overwhelming 52 percent said they did not know what they support.

Many students may not have an opinion on this issue because the topic is rarely brought up in the classroom.

"There's certain things we talk about here, and I think that talking about personal opinions is not something we talk about here, especially for the teachers, because I need to be impartial," social studies teacher Mr. Decker said.

This is showing how if teachers bring up a topic like this that would

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also bring up biases and opinions, which could be considered unfair to students with different opinions or views on the issue.

Kaepernick has gained many famous supporters throughout his protests.

Retired Seattle Seahawks running back, and possibly a future Hall of Famer, Marshawn Lynch expressed his support for Kaepernick’s protests on the Conan O’Brien Show last September.

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“ If someone decides to protest the National Anthem, that's their right.

In today’s society we encourage young adults to “It's a peaceful protest. People are allowed to have t heir own opinions. Get over it. ” take a stand for what's right, but when someone “First amendment rights stands up for grant Americans to ex“The army deserves what they believe, respect because they press themselves. This they're put risk their lives so you “I don't have any issues with it, plus it's a start to getting the word that there are some things that need to be fixed before we move on as a nation.”

can live. They deserve way more respect than what the athletes are doing when the National Anthem is playing. The army didn't sacrifice their life so athletes can be disrespectful.”

protest was meant to take a stance on issue, which is within Kaepernick rights as an American.”

“Because it's America's tradition and belief, so people will get offended by others trying to not support the land’s tra“ I think it is disrespectful dition and valuable that athletes who get paid a lot trait.”

think they can do whatever they

“This country is still a haven for prejudice against any foreign entity, or even entities that LOOK foreign. I believe that the people protesting against the National Anthem are giving the U.S. all the respect that is due; which is very li ttle.”

want. I mean, just because

they're famous, doesn't mean

they can ruin the meaning of

the American Flag and the

National Anthem. Seriously though, I think you should respect the Anthem or get arrested.”

PLEASE NOTE: Reponses were edited for length and clarity. Responses also were part of an anonymous student survey.

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CONNOR MACDOUGALL In kindergarten, 5-year-old Kelli Allen (current eighth grader) said goodbye to her dad. He left to fight in Afghanistan for over two years, and the experience during those years changed her life.

“My dad is in the military, and right before I started kindergarten, until the end of second grade, my dad was overseas in Afghanistan fighting in the Army,” she said.

For her, the defining moment was not his departure, nor was it his arrival back home, but it was all the years in between that truly affected her. Kelli’s curiosity helped her through a lot of these tough situations.

“I loved to wonder what everyone’s story was, where they came from, where they’re going,” she said.

At this age, it must have been hard to comprehend, or even handle, what was going on at the time.

As she put it, “... All I knew is that even though I missed my dad very much, my mom and dad always told me to stay strong and think of the best.”

She also had an older sister.

Her sister was mature and had a better understanding of the situation. They were both intrigued by the situation, and she always wondered how her other family members handled the situation.

At the same time, she wondered what it would be like to be an “army brat.” An army brat is the child of a soldier, who often moves around with him/her, wherever she goes.

“I [moved] once, I just wanted to move state to state, because I liked going to different states,” Allen said. “But then I didn’t, be-

cause I would miss my friends, and then we would to so many different houses.”

This entire life experience changed who Allen was, and she benefitted from it immensely.

Several defining moments occurred in the blink of an eye, or even in a heated minute, but Allen.

Allen’s defining moment was long, tough, and unforgettable.

The lessons she had learned during her dad’s time away are ones that she wouldn’t be the same girl without.

“While my dad was gone, I learned patience, hope, and confidence,” Allen said.

Kelli Allen, 6, hugs her dad after being surprised by his arrival on her birthday. COURTESY OF K. ALLEN

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KELLI ALLEN Many songs like the “Star Spangled Banner,” “Ballad of the Green Beret,” and God Bless America bring the emotion and story of veterans to people who are veterans, know veterans, or to people who don’t know much about them.

“They say when words fail, music takes over,” Choir and drama teacher Mr. Char said, “Songs can say much more than people can speak. home emotion that expresses the reality of veterans.”

Char expressed what he thought about patriotic songs and how they represent and honor Veterans.

“A song like ‘America the Beautiful,’ or ‘He Ain’t Heavy,’ ‘He’s My Brother,’ bring home the emotion,” Char said.

Many people in my family are veterans and patriotic songs show the true meaning of honoring veterans and how much they have done for our country.

They have sacrificed their life for our country’s freedom and they are all true heroes. Whether or not they

are serving now, or have served, they have done a lot for our country and songs represent that.

Students expressed their opinion of veteran music.

“Some lyrics of patriotic songs I have listened to made me realize how hard their sacrifices are and what they really do for us,” eighth grader Bailey Howton said. “Music celebrates veterans to honor their heroism and sacrifices they made for our country. For example, ‘The Star Spangled Banner’ is played at events to honor veterans. My Step

Dad, two Great Uncles, Aunt, and my Great Grandpa served are veterans.”

Eighth grader Jack Looney expressed his views, “Patriotic songs can be very sad but all in all they’re a great tribute to Veterans,” Looney said. “Many patriotic songs show how much pain and effort veterans use helping our country. My Dad is a veteran.”

Veterans pour their heart and souls in saving our country. I deeply appreciate Veterans, and every single person should too. Thank You.

On Nov. 10, MBMS students honored veterans at the annual Veterans Day Assembly, featuring musical performances and a slideshow of pictures. Many MBMS staff shared personal photos of themselves and family members who served in the military. PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY T. HOLDEN, COMPILED BY K. RYAN

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We have selected two random students from each grade level for this Q & A. The eighth graders that were picked were Michelle Nguyen and Brett Harvey. The seventh graders were Brandon Carmen and Cassidy Puhlick. The sixth graders were Sophie Elwell and Max Erickson.

MADDY TAYLOR, DUNKA RAMIREZ, KELLI ALLEN HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT LETTER GRADES? M.N.: It’s dumb.

B.H.: I like the number grades better. It’s less stressful.

B.C.: I honestly don’t like them, it stresses me out.

C.P.: It will be easier for parents.

S.E.: It’s different, but good.

M.E.: I like it better than numbers.

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE IPHONE 7?

M.N.: It has no… the plug thing.

B.H.: I don’t like how there is no AUX cord.

B.C.: I don’t have one, I’ve never seen one, and I’m not allowed to have one.

C.P.: I don’t know, I haven’t heard much about it.

S.E.: I don’t know very much about phones.

IF YOU COULD, WOULD YOU VOTE FOR TRUMP OR CLINTON? M.N.: Neither.

B.H.: Clinton B.C.: This is why I’m glad I’m not eighteen, but if I was, I’d vote for Trump.

M.E.: Neither.

WHAT ARE YOUR FEELINGS ABOUT PUMPKIN SPICE? M.N.: It’s delicious.

B.H.: I think it’s overrated.

B.C.: I love the smell, and the taste.

C.P.: I like pumpkins.

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT HARAMBE? M.N.: Don’t bring that up.

B.H.: He was the G.O.A.T.

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY A. JACOBS & A. LANG VIA PHO.TO

B.C.: He’s dead now, so I don’t know why everyone is obsessed with him.

C.P.: I think it was really sad.

S.E.: Not fair.

M.E.: Fair, I guess.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SHOW TO BINGE WATCH? M.N.: Once Upon A Time.

B.H.: Modern Family.

B.C.: Once Upon a Time, and The Flash.

C.P.: I don’t really watch TV. S.E.: American Ninja Warrior.

M.E.: ESPN .

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS YEAR? M.N.: Nothing, for it to be over.

B.H.: Choir field trip.

B.C.: The school play and passing all of my classes.

C.P.: Christmas.

S.E.: Track.

M.E.: Making new friends.

DO YOU THINK THIS SCHOOL IS OVERCROWDED? M.N.: Yes. B.H.: Yes. B.C.: Yes, I wish there weren’t so many sixth graders.

C.P.: Yes. S.E.: It’s a little crowded but it’s not bad.

M.E.: No. WHO’S YOUR FAVORITE FOOTBALL TEAM BESIDES THE SEAHAWKS? M.N.: I don’t follow football.

B.H.: Packers.

B.C.: I don’t watch football.

C.P.: No. S.E.: Patriots.

M.E.: Raiders.

PHOTO ILLISTRATION BY M.TAYLOR VIA: PHO.TO

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What

Disagree? The segment ‘What Grinds My Gears’ is presented as opinion and does not express the views of all MBMS students or The Canine Chronicle. If you would like to express your opinion, write us a letter, and you may be published in our next edition.

My

Dance Songs You want to know what grinds my gears?

Dance songs.

To me, it's absolutely mind-boggling that true musical talent is overshadowed by a two-minute dance song with the depth of my sister’s kiddie pool.

I mean, why listen to the screeching, ear-piercing voice of Michael Jackson, when you could listen to the soothing, auto-tuned voice of Silento? That was sarcasm, by the way.

It’s like the singers are completely aware that their song will be a hit on social media for a few months, then perish entirely. So they release another song, not even a fraction as popular as the one before it, instantly solidifying themselves as one-hit wonders.

The lyrical complexity of these masterpieces consists of naming the title of the song, and that's it. Oh, but don't worry if you didn't hear it the first time, because the singer will repeat the name over and over again until it's permanently engraved in your brain. No, I will not lean and Dab, thank you very much.

Yes, there is usually some rapping, but it’s as memorable as a Disney Channel sitcom.

So, next time you see your friends breaking out with the newest dance move, stick your right hand out and urge them to stop. Your friend will remain a friend, and his/her sanity will stay intact..

And THAT is what grinds my gears.

—CONNOR MACDOUGALL ____________________________________

Apple Sauce You know what grinds my gears? Applesauce.

IT’S SO DISGUSTING!!! LIKE WHY DO PEOPLE WANT TO EAT SMASHED UP APPLES? AND IT HAS SPICES??? WHAT??

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I just looked at pictures of applesauce and WHY DO PEOPLE PUT THAT IN THEIR SYSTEM!?!?!?!??!?!?

It literally looks the same after you puke it out.

I’m a big fan of apples, but WHY MAKE IT TO A SAUCE! Sauce is great and so are apples but WHY DID THEY PUT IT TOGETHER!!!!!

The texture is GROSS. It’s like soft rice and SOFT RICE IS DISGUSTING! Applesauce doesn’t even taste like apples! Actually, I’ve never really had it before because I always end up spitting it out.

There’s also this one time where my parents (who claimed they loved me) made me eat this demon snack so it would make me feel better. AND THEY KNOW HOW MUCH I HATE THIS NASTY APPLE THING!!!

I cried for five minutes, because I did not want to eat it.

THEY EVEN THOUGHT HAVING MICKEY MOUSE ON THE LID WOULD MAKE ME EAT IT OH MYYYY!!!!! I ended up eating it, because I had to but I was still crying.

Anyways, applesauce should go bye bye.

—DUNKA RAMIREZ ____________________________________

Blobfish You know what grinds my gears? Blobfish.

Australia has some weird animals, but their waters have what's claimed as the ugliest animal on the planet as well. Let's have a round of applause for the junkyard of creatures before we focus on our main target.

Good? Great, let's continue.

The blobfish. It’s name sums up what it is. A “blob”. And a “fish”. You can't be any more matterof-fact than that.

One could pity this thing. Imagine that you carefully mix together gel toothpaste and pink dye. Then pour that gelatinous mixture onto Donald Trump’s face. Then, you take the mold, and put it 4,000 feet underwater. That, my friends, is the blobfish.

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But the worst part is, IT ACTUALLY IS A NORMAL FISH UNDERWATER. That's because it has no bones or real muscle to keep it together on the surface. So when it's taken out of the extreme pressure, it turns into aforementioned Donald Trump toothpaste blob. It goes from a boring fish to an ugly fish. That just sounds like a fairytale gone wrong.

I don't even see how they're necessary in their ecosystem. All in all, blobs are utterly useless.

And that's what grinds my gears.

—JEZEL BROWN ___________________________________

Counters You know what grinds my gears? Counters.

Most of time I walk by one of them, I bang into the corner of it and end up with a golf ball sized welt on my hip for the next month. Except for the fact that by the time that bruise goes away I’ve collected 30 more. I’m pretty sure they’ve got it out for me.

What did I ever do to them?

I mean, I’m either too short or the counter is too tall… or maybe I just need to stay away from counters in general, so they can’t hurt me anymore.

Society needs to do away with these infernal things. I can’t be the only one that feels like yelling and screaming every time this happens.

Really, whoever designed these torture devices must have been really tall or really short and didn’t have to worry about the pain that accompanies them like us medium height people.

Counters should come with padded corners so I don’t have to try and steer myself away from them while I’m carrying something and almost fall, whack the corner, and drop what I’m carrying all at the same time.

And that’s what grinds my gears.

—ADELINE MAURUS

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CONNOR MACDOUGALL When you read this, a president will have been elected. Republican nominee Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton provided their input on numerous issues, but what are the most important to students and families?

Everyone has a different process of choosing between the two.

Eighth grader Evan Hein gets some of his opinion from those who know more than he does. “[I] just go off my parents’ opinion,” Hein said, “like the political experts.”

He isn’t alone. Many students believe what their parents say about a candidate.

However, media effects opinions, too. Some people, like seventh grader Autumn Mathews, get their opinion from television.

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“Mainly commercials that presidents may have said that I go with, that could maybe defect other candidates,” Mathews said.

She believed that YouTube also greatly affected her opinion of each nominee.

One of the issues concerning many is ISIS. There have been long debates over whether or not the US should send ground troops to fight them.

“Donald Trump has been all over the place on ISIS. He's talked about letting Syria become a free zone for ISIS,” Clinton said, “A major country in the Middle East that could launch attacks against us and others. He's talked about sending ground troops — American ground troops.” She is opposed to Trump, who believes we should be fighting ISIS with ground troops.

Another issue concerning many is education.

Some, like orchestra teacher Mrs. Wharton, are affected by the candidates take on schools.

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“The funding of our schools is the number one,” Wharton said.

She also believed social media has a say in who students pick, as well as their parents.

The Common Core Standards Initiative states what students should know by the end of each grade. It’s a controversial topic among the candidates, and some people, like Trump, believed strongly against it.

"I'm a tremendous believer in education. But education has to be at a local level. We cannot have the bureaucrats in Washington telling you how to manage your child's education,” Trump said. “So Common Core's a total disaster… We're gonna end Common Core, we're gonna have education an absolute priority."

Clinton has not stated a clear opinion, but the other two candidates, libertarian nominee Gary Johnson and green nominee Jill Stein, were against it as well.

At the time, there are several undocumented immigrants in the United States.

Whether or not they should become legal citizens is also a controversial topic.

"Our message to the world will be this.

You cannot obtain legal status or become a citizen of the United States by illegally entering our country. Can't do it.” Trump said.

Clinton, however, believed strongly in giving people a second chance.

"The American people support comprehensive immigration reform--not just because it is the right thing to do,” Clinton said, “but because it strengthens families, our economy, and our country.”

As the election closed, many thought about what’s best for our country, and chose who they thought would be the best leader.

On Nov. 8, millions of Americans voted for president. As of Nov. 9, Hillary Clinton won the popular vote, but Donald Trump won the election by capturing more electoral votes.

volume VII, issue 1

]

“I can tell you at the Point Defiance Zoo, there is Pokemon everywhere,” Brown said.

Like many others, our principal stopped playing Pokemon Go. Another person that played Pokemon Go was seventh grader Jasmine Sia. Like Mr. Brown and Hanno, she didn’t play it anymore, and she only got to a mere level six,.

Sia was asked whether or not she would’ve downloaded the game if it was Pokemon-related.

“Probably not,” Sia said.

CONNOR MACDOUGALL On July 6, Pokemon Go gained popularity for the innovative and social experience it provided. However, as of September, 79 percent of the over 500 million people who downloaded the game have deleted it.

Could Pokemon Go be dying?

Pokemon Go encouraged players to travel from place to place to catch various Pokemon and visit Pokemon.

Some critics said its downfall was its destruction of valuable features, like eighth grader Ahmed Hanno.

“In the beginning it was a lot better, and then they updated and there was not many ways to catch Pokemon in the first place,” Hanno said, “It got really boring… it just wasn’t very good.”

As of today, over 500 million people have downloaded Pokemon Go, making it one of the most popular and profitable apps ever.

Some played with friends.

Others played by themselves.

But there was plenty of locations to catch the Pokemon.

Principal Brown played Pokemon Go, and he had some advice on the location of Pokemon.

Hanno, someone who had more experience with the app than Sia did, was asked the same question.

“If it was trending, I’d download it… and if it was bad, I’d delete it,” Hanno said.

Hanno would go to several locations to find Pokemon, but most of them were nearby.

“Basically, there is this park near my house, Sunset Park, that I would go to,” Hanno said.

Parks were a very popular location to catch Pokemon, with some people riding their bikes

and playing on their phones in unison. This leads to dangerous accidents, including crashes.

If you still enjoy Pokemon Go, remember to be careful. Not only is Pokemon Go one of the most popular apps of all time, it’s also one of the most dangerous.

Upon its release, news reports of Pokemon-Go related deaths spread everywhere.

Maybe the updates to fix this is what destroyed the game.

One of the most popular Pokemon, Pikachu, was available to catch in Pokemon Go. PHOTO COURTESY OF EUROGAMER VIA CREATIVE COMMONN LICENSE.

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JACK MORRELL It is finally here! Apple’s brand new iPhone 7 was released Sept.

7. Many people jumped on the Apple train, picking up this new phone.

Eighth grader Joshua Kissner purchased the iPhone 7 in September. Kissner really enjoyed the new features, especially the clarity of the camera.

Kissner thought the price was worth it.

“Definitely, even those it’s expense,” Kissner said.

The phone is currently listed on the web for an average price of 699.99 dollars.

Aside from the price, there are many people that have a fondness for the new iPhone, except for one specific thing. The absence of the headphone jack.

With this addition, users can no longer charge their device and use earphones at the same time. It's almost impossible to find somebody who agreed with the no jack feature.

Seventh grader David Essong-Ekpo was definitely entertained by his new phone. ¨The fact that it's now waterproof,” said Essong-Ekpo, who revealed his favorite part.

Apple has added many new additions to their newest iPhone.

First off, it’s withstanding of liquid. The iPhone is now capable of withstanding liquids that might submerge the iPhone or be spilled onto it.

Accidently dropping your phone into the bathtub?

If you pull it out, there's no need to worry, your iPhone 7 will be safe and sound.

Apple shocked the world with a never before seen feature, a Taptic Engine. The button doesn't click like older versions of the iPhone. Users will no longer have to press the home button, but only apply pressure.

Finally, the part all of you didn't want to hear, the no headphone jack. Making the phone waterproof and including a headphone jack would contradict with each other.

Eighth grade math teacher Mr. Carter expressed his stand on the headphone jack.

“I find it weird that there is no headphone jack anymore,” Carter said. “Since it’s gone, you might go into buying an adapter, which is just another thing you have to buy.”

This adapter ranges anywhere from 15 to 30 dollars. This adapter allows you to listen to music with a regular headphone cable.

Companies have made people have many feelings about this phone, some good, and some bad. Apple is definitely on the right track. In with the new and out with the old, iPhones are as popular as ever.

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The brand new iPhone 7 open to the home screen. PHOTO COURTISY OF MTS.CA VIA CREATIVE COMMONN LICENSE.

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ABRAHAM PEREZ

Below are several reviews of films released from September through early November in 140 words or less. All tweets were created via PrankMeNot.com.

ETHAN WALTER-GOODSPEED

Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life was released Oct. 7 in theaters, grossing 19.2 million dollars.

Adapted from James Paterson’s book of the same name, the movie itself received mixed reviews getting a 5.8 overall out of ten.

With parents complaining that the movie gave kids the idea that if they think “their rules are unfair,” they can cause trouble and get them fixed like in the movie.

Other reviews said that the movie missed out on all the animalistic hostility and “awkwardness of being a genuine preteen.”

But some of the movie reviews were good.

One review said that the movie was very good the animated parts of the movie made the “movie pop even more and made it more memorable.”

It also said that the storyline was “well written and well thought-out,” seeing as the movie was based on a book.

Main character Rafe Khatchadorian (Griffin Gluck) has an epic imagination and a slight problem with authority, and these things collide when he transfers to a middle school called Hidden Hills, where students are expected to follow the rules.

This doesn't sit well with Rafe who has been kicked out of two other schools before this one.

With help from his new friend Leo (Thomas Barbusca) and some of the rest of the students, the mischievous lad concocts schemes like sticky noting his principal's office to drive him crazy while also using his charm and wits to impress Jeanne Galletta (Isabela Moner) and battle the bullies that plague him.

The school in the movie is portrayed as kids see it, pretty much everything is against the rules and the teachers are teaching to

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the test.

Except of teacher everyone likes, the teachers are made to teach to the state test called the B.L.L.A.R. The principal is obsessed with staying in the number one for the test, and when grades fall, he goes to extremes to keep his number one standing.

When students from MBMS were asked to compare Principal Dwight (Andrew Daly) to Mr. Brown and Mr. Lewis this is what they had to said.

“The principles of the school are nothing like Principal Dwight in the movie. The principals of [MBMS] are fun loving and encourage creativity,” one sixth grader said. “The school in the movie is nothing like ours MBMS.”

Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life was released Oct. 7 in theaters, grossing 19.2 million dollars.

PHOTO COURTESY OF LIONSGATE PROMOTIONAL LICENSE.

volume VII, issue 1

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NYA BAAD Aries (March 21- April 19): Feel free to stack everything you want onto your plate. If it won’t fit, you can always go back for seconds… and thirds…

NYA BAAD

HARAMBE, THE ‘BELOVEDLY-MEMED’ GORILLA Harambe the beloved gorilla is one of the internet's many sensations. On May 28, a boy fell into Harambe’s enclosure and was picked up by the gorilla. At first, Harambe was kind and gentle, but then he started thrashing around and dragging the boy through the water. So, was this gorilla generous, or should the zookeepers have killed him, or was it the parents fault?

Do you believe that the death of Harambe was the parents’ fault?

‘INAPPROPRIATE’ PEPE THE FROG AT SCHOOL Pepe, the once innocent frog from a comic strip, is now taking over the web, and is included in many memes. Pepe’s original creator was Matt Furie. If Matt is looking back on it now he probably regrets it. He is seeing his comic character getting eaten by the world of meme’s.

Who knows, he might be totally absorbing everything and sleeping on a bed with Pepe sheets.

Who knows! Is Pepe appropriate for school?

PUMPKIN SPICE, EVERYTHING NICE As fall is coming to an end, should there be a continuation of fall themes on Instagram and drinks at Starbucks that are always pumpkin spiced. As some people say, “Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice”. The drink pumpkin spice drink at Starbucks is their “signature espresso and milk are highlighted by flavor notes of pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg and clove to create this incredible beverage that's a fall favorite.” Although, they never say there is actual pumpkin in it. Should the pumpkin spice flavor of drink at Starbucks continue into late-November and early-December?

CREEPY CLOWNS ON HALLOWEEN These creepy clowns come in variations on the news. If they say they are taking children, giving people a spook, or just following and chasing after people, should parents have let their kids roam the streets on this night of Halloween? Not just that, but parents might be scared sending their kids to school as there is the danger of clowns. Were any clowns seen roaming the streets on Halloween?

DISAPPOINTING SUMMER MOVIES Although there were many movies that skyrocketed in the theaters, here are some movies that didn’t do well. The Legend of Tarzan mostly followed the storyline of the original movie Tarzan I do not believe that this movie was particularly needed. Another movie that didn’t do so well was Warcraft. I just believe that video games should never be made into movies. A movie that did ok in theaters was Alice Through the Looking Glass. I just think that the original movie was not in need of a sequel. Should these movies have been produced?

THANKSGIVING TURKEY The holiday of giving thanks is coming up very soon on Nov. 24. But we all remember it because you end up gaining about 5 pounds after the Thanksgiving food. This is due to all of the Thanksgiving food including; stuffing, yams, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, and finally the Thanksgiving turkey. This delicacy is just the one thing that binds Thanksgiving together. Is the Thanksgiving turkey the favorite food during Thanksgiving?

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Taurus (April 20- May 20): Make sure to send food home with family. You don’t want to be eating it during Christmas time.

Gemini (May 21- June 20): If your relatives start talking about your school life, just say “good” and continue eating while staring at them, making it as uncomfortable as possible.

Cancer (June 21- July 22): Scared about all of the people during Black Friday? Just stay at home curled in a blanket watching your favorite Christmas movies.

Leo (July 23- Aug. 22): Don’t know how to carve a turkey? Say you’re thirsty and go get a cup of water while you leave your Uncle Jerry to do the job.

Virgo (Aug. 23- Sept. 22): Too embarrassed to say what you’re actually thankful for? Just say your family and all the food, even though everyone knows that what you’re really thankful for is wifi.

Libra (Sept. 23- Oct. 22): If you can’t bring yourself to socialize with everyone, lock yourself in your room and refuse to leave.

Scorpio (Oct. 23- Nov. 21): Since there is no school on Thursday and Friday, sleep through the whole weekend and do your homework at midnight on Sunday.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22- Dec. 21): To annoy your family, start playing Christmas music as soon as everyone leaves the table after Thanksgiving dinner.

Capricorn (Dec. 22- Jan. 19): Grab all of the food you want. After, if you can’t finish it all, hide it in the plant that no one bothers to look at.

Aquarius (Jan. 20- Feb. 18): Don’t let anyone try to limit how much you consume. You can always go to the gym with everyone else after Thanksgiving.

Pisces (Feb. 19- March 20): Eat everything. Even if it’s made by your aunt that you know CANNOT cook. *

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Wake up. Eat. Relax. Weigh-in. Relax. Lift. This is the basic competition day of a weightlifter. However, many lifters and their coaches have specific habits or traditions that they perform in preparation for their competition later that day.

Dennis Tan, a 94+ kilogram lifter from Arizona, has one tradition that he does before every competition.

“I don’t eat bacon on game day,” Tan said. “It’s an old football saying that I translated into weightlifting… I don’t feel like doing anything physical after I eat bacon.”

Tan is not the only lifter that keeps traditions.

Jessica Sipos, a 69+ kilogram lifter out of New Mexico, also has a tradition that she keeps.

“I sleep in between weigh-ins and lifting,” Sipos said. “Because when I sleep, I don’t think.”

In the sport of weightlifting, it is not only the athletes that have habits.

“Sometimes I’ll have weird little issues where [my athletes] are hitting four or five lifts in a row and I’m using a pen, a certain to write in the num-

bers, I’m going to keep using that pen,” coach Dane Miller said.

Just like athletes have different traditions and habits, they also have different ways that they prepare on the day that they lift.

“I’m normally really nervous, so I normally don't eat a whole lot, especially if I’m lifting in the morning. I’ll drink a [protein shake] after weighins,” Sipos said. “I’ll listen to classical music because it kind of calms me down. I lift a lot better when I’m happy.”

This is one of many ways that lifters get themselves ready to lift. Others have a way that works better for them on the day that they compete.

“I try to get as much food as possible. I’ll eat a pretty hearty breakfast. A lot of oatmeal and I make sure to drink a lot of water the night before and… the day of,” Tan said. “I also make sure to come in positive.”

Coaches have ways that they prepare, too. This preparation usually starts before they reach the competition. They also must keep their lifters calm.

“I like to see what lifts each athlete does well with and those lifts transfer over to their competitive movements, and if someone does really good doing power snatch and it helps them do a better competitive snatch on the platform, then we’ll use those movements to set them up for a better peak,” Miller said. “[To keep them calm] I just try and get them to stay relaxed, get their mind off the meet, but stay focused on their goal.”

COURTESY OF ASD

ADELINE MAURUS

ADELINE MAURUS

U.S.A. Youth World Championship team after competition. Athletes, Coaches, and team officials are exceedingly happy with how they did.

PHOTO BY L. TACATA

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Harrison Maurus, 16, recently competed at the Youth World Weightlifting Championship in Penang, Malaysia.

Beginning at age seven, Maurus participated in competitive gymnastics. When he became tired of that, his coach, Kevin Simons, who is still his coach today, suggested he try weightlifting.

Maurus started with powerlifting, which consists of back-squat, deadlift, and bench press.

Slowly, Simons transitioned him from powerlifting to Olympic lifting.

Since then, he has attended many national meets and three Pan-American Championships.

He is expected to compete in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan. volume VII, issue 1

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WEIGHTLIFTING RULES

ADELINE MAURUS From Oct. 19-25, the Youth World Weightlifting Championships took place in Penang, Malaysia.

Haley Reichardt, a 17-year-old 48kilogram lifter out of Philadelphia, took bronze in snatch with a 66 kilo lift.

C.J. Cummings, a 16-year-old 69kilogram lifter from Georgia, took three gold medals. His total was 317 kilos, a snatch of 145 kilos, and a clean and jerk of 182 kilos.

Harrison Maurus, a 16-year-old 77kilogram lifter from Washington and former MBMS Bulldog, won three silver medals. His total was 321 kilos, a snatch of 145 kilos, and a clean and jerk of 176 kilos.

Sha’la McMillan, a 17-year-old 90+ kilogram out of Florida, took bronze in snatch with a 100 kilo lift.

“I think everyone did really well. We didn’t have any bomb-outs, everyone made weight,” coach Dane Miller said.

“There [were] a lot more high level teams here than there were last year,”

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The first of two lifts is the snatch, which is a fluid movement from the ground to overhead.

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The second is the clean and jerk, which is a movement from the ground to the shoulders, and form the shoulders to overhead.

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Both snatch and clean and jerk have three attempts given to reach the highest amount of weight possible.

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When all of the lifts for a person are completed, their highest attempt for both lifts are added together for their total.

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There are eight weight classes for both women and men.

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For women, they are 44, 48, 53, 58, 63, 69, and 69+kilograms.

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For men, they are 50, 56, 62, 69, 77, 85, 94, and 94+ kilograms

Yeison Lopez Lopez, 77-kilogram lifter, (left) from Colombia breaks youth world record with a clean and jerk of 191 kilograms. Hu Xinzhu, 94-kilogram lifter, (top right) misses his second snatch of 130 kilograms. lifter Hellen Escobar Aguirre, 63 kilogram, (middle right) makes her snatch of 93 kilograms. Masayoshi Miyagi, 94+ kilogram lifter, misses his second snatch attempt of 130 kilograms. PHOTOS COURTESY OF IWF PHOTOGRAPHY.

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ROXANNE FARIAS The varsity softball team had an outstanding season this year. Although they struggled with having enough players for two teams, the coaches decided to combine the eighth and seventh grade into one team.

“We had a great mix of players that knew what it meant to compete and then we had young players that were new to athletics all together. The seventh and eighth graders meshed together well.

The team was led by eighth graders Ellie WalterGoodspeed and Faith Stober,” softball coach Mrs. Bailey said. “Our team had a starting pitching/ catching duo of seventh graders Annika Sibley and Bridget Middleburg. Both grade levels contributed equally.”

Players thought their defense was their strength. “[I think we] had the best defense on the league, [and we] played well. Fun to see different skill levels between the grades,” eighth grader Natasha Bounma said.

Seventh grader Sophia Nelson enjoyed her teammates. “[The girls were] all really nice, [committed] to do it.” Nelson said.

The girl’s highlight of the season according to Coach Bailey was against Rainier 1, in which they played all 7 innings.

“It was a great game. The best game we played all season,” Bailey said.

The girls all played hard all season long. And manage to have a record of 5 wins and 3 loses against the school North Tapps and Rainier team 1.

This year the team had troubles on having enough players on the eighth grade team starting by only having eight at the start. Since they needed more players they decided to combine the eighth and seventh grade team which had ten players.

The team in total had 18 players which meant they had less playing time. In some games not all girls had the chance to bat. “[We had a] really big [team] and if there were less, [that meant] a lot more playing time,” Bounma said. “But [we] still did well and everybody still had fun.”

Nelson liked the large team.

“Nice [for] eighth graders to split. For girls who were new [they] had a chance to watch.” Nelson said.

“There are pros and cons to having one very large team. The most challenging thing I came across was equal playing time,” Bailey said. “For the most part, once everyone accepted their role

on the team, we clicked and played awesome! We played some games where everyone had the opportunity to bat, so that helped with playing time. The best thing that came with one team, is it allowed two coaches to coach 1 team. There was a lot of knowledge these girls were exposed to in 1 ½ hours every day.”

Bailey appreciated the team’s work ethic.

“This team played hard every day. They came to practice every day, they did everything I asked them to do all season long,” Bailey said. “I believe we have the best defensive team of the league.

Where we were average is at the plate, it takes experience to get better offensively. The effort never wavered.”

The seventh and eighth grade softball team “looks tough” after a win against Olympic Middle School. PHOTO BY J. PLANTZ

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KEN OH The varsity football team went undefeated (4-0) during the regular season, but suffered a loss to Rainier for the championship title 12-7.

Even so, they had an strong season.

The first game was against Rainier, and they won 20-0. Quarterback Dawson Abbe threw 2 touchdown passes and ran for another. On defense, he made several tackles too.

The second game against Olympic was tied but with 40 seconds left, Sean McLaughlin intercepted a pass and ran it for the game winning touchdown.

The third game against Tapps, Garrett Werdall played center when

Bryce Bezates was injured. He played in the pouring rain and yet played perfectly.

In the fourth game against Cascade, Andre Flores-James and Warren Fontenette tied for Golden Goblet with great hits and tackles on defense and ran the ball well on offense.

Wide receiver/cornerback Sean McLaughlin expressed his thoughts on his favorite part of the season. “[My favorite part of the season was] just hanging around everyone, having fun,” McLaughlin said.

“Mostly how we all worked together as one whole team and got through the season but just overall having fun.”

Head coach Mr. Lubash also stated

his favorite part of the season. “[My favorite part of this season was] just working with the great student athletes this year,” Lubash said. “The team worked really well together.”

As you may have heard on the morning announcements, the Golden Goblet is a new tradition.

McLaughlin discussed the new tradition.

“It seemed weird at first but it was just for the MVP of the game,” McLaughlin said. “I feel like it was okay. Honestly, I would try something different instead of a huge water bottle.”

Lubash thought that the tradition will last for a few more years and that the kids liked the award.

“[I think] it really meant a lot to them,” Lubash said.

McLaughlin also talked about the team struggles.

“I think bringing each other down was the biggest challenge because sometimes we all got angry at each other,” McLaughlin said. “That’s what really brought us down as a team. The only time we brought each other down was on Saturday when we lost and that was the biggest put down of the season.”

Lubash had different thoughts on the matter.

“It just seemed like we had more rainy days or bad weather days than we’ve had in a long time,” Lubash said.

Quarterback Dawson Abbe runs the ball against Rainier on third down. MBMS won 20-0, yet lost to them in the championship game 12-7. COURTESY OF MBMS YEARBOOK

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COMPILED BY CHLOE EDWARDS

varsity fast pitch 5-3 (second place)

sixth grade basketball Team 1 Team 2

3-2 3-2

TATUM MURRY & CHLOE EDWARDS

“Making lots of friends.”

“Having Mrs. Burkhalter as a coach.

She’s so supportive, and she made us so much better at basketball.”

“When Jay [Mentink] shot a 3.”

“Getting to meet new people.”

RACHEL HAHM

ZOE CURNUTT

TANNER WILSON

MARISA FLORES

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varsity football 4-1 (second place)

seventh grade football 2-3

sixth grade basketball 5-1 1-5 3-3

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF DORIAN PHOTOGRAPHY

Team 1 Team 2 Team 3

“Winning games.”

“Working with a great group of girls with super sportsmanship.”

“The game where we beat Cascade in the last few seconds.”

“Our first game, we didn’t know what to expect, but the boys play really well.”

CODY WALKER

MRS. SWANSON

MRS. BURKHALTER

MR. KEMP

seventh grade

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Logan Conner & Elijah Ajeto Not everybody at Mt. Baker likes the Seahawks. With many different teams in the NFL, it is hard for everybody to like the same team. Some students have some amazing reasons why, and others just like other teams.

In Washington, it is a very Seahawkbiased area. When we learn our friends like other teams, we just joke with them without knowing either how often or what people do to nonSeahawk fans. We then interviewed three non-Seahawk fans about liking other teams.

When asked why he liked the Green Bay Packers, seventh grader Jacob Sullivan said he had family who were born and raised in Wisconsin.

“My father was born and raised in Wisconsin and he went there for

college and I think I want to follow in my dad’s footsteps,” Sullivan said.

We also asked sixth grader John Benson why he liked the Cowboys, which he answered back saying that he liked them because he had some ties with Texas.

“I like them partially because they used to be a good team and I was born in Dallas and I lived there for six years of my life,” Benson said.

Eighth grader Zoe Moore responded to the question saying that she liked the Steelers, because her father was a fan of them.

When asked what it is like to root for another team at MBMS, Moore replied saying that it was much different than rooting for the Seahawks in a place where they were found to be the best team to exist.

Sullivan also talked about how it is different rooting for another team.

“When you root for another team at Mt. Baker, it is like when it’s not your team,” Sullivan said. “It is like I’ll root for them because everybody else is and nobody wants to be the odd man out,” But each person talked about how their friends just joke around with them, knowing it’s just friends messing around and not caring.

But just imagine the repetitiveness of hearing another joke that you had

been hearing for many years over and over again.

While they might not like the Seahawks, even though they are in Washington, each and every person had a very superb reason why.

People might like them for sentimental reasons. Or maybe they just like them because they’re cool or have that one good player. But everyone had an amazing reason behind their thoughts.

Eighth grader Tyler Puhlick, stands proudly wearing his Kansas City Chiefs sweatshirt. PHOTO BY L. CONNER

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volume VII, issue 1

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Michael Phelps is shown receiving his last gold medal of his swimming career. Phelps is shown shedding his tears at the medal ceremony. PHOTO COURTESY OF DAILYMAIL.CO.UK VIA CREATIVE COMMONS LICENSE

CHLOE EDWARDS Michael Phelps is a long time Olympic swimmer and has competed in five Olympic Games.

Phelps is undeniably one of the most decorated Olympians of all time. Phelps has a consecutive number of 28 medals, 23 are gold, 3 are silver, and 2 are bronze.

Phelps started swimming at the age of 7, partly was because of his sisters and mother that he decides to start swimming.

In the sixth grade, he was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD).

When he was 10, he held a national record for his age group, in the 100-meter butterfly and began to train at the North Baltimore

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Aquatic Club under Coach Bob Bowman. Phelps broke more age group records and as of 2016.

Phelps still holds 12 age-group records.

Phelps never succeeded without some form of failure.

For example, during the 2012 games in Beijing, where he was overshadowed by Ryan Lochte’s victories over Phelps.

Instead of throwing his cap and ending his career on a bad note, Phelps returned with a drive that was almost impossible to discourage.

He learned from his mistakes and came back to make everybody knows his name when he was 31, which is old for an Olympic swimmer. This inspired so many young

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athletes and children in general.

“Phelps provides a lot of cool quotes to think positively about yourself, and Phelps teaches you to treat your teammates with respect,” seventh grader Peyton Fulmergrader said.

Phelps never lets anyone get to him and teaches young kids to never let anyone tell you what you can and cannot do, because you are in charge of yourself.

This helps teach young kids to have a great amount of selfconfidence and to believe in themselves.

“Phelps helps to keep me motivated to do my best and to keep trying,” sixth grader Ralizsa Rosales said.

No matter who tells Phelps he

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can’t do well in his swim he has a determination like a machine, a drive like an engine, and a heart that never stops beating for swimming or his family.

He teaches kids to never give up on your dreams and always do your best no matter how hard it is.

“Phelps is old but he never quit or gave up. When Phelps didn’t win his race he was never hard on himself, but encouraged himself to do better next time,” eighth grader Gunnar Tang said.

Phelps never thought about his race when he was done he moved forward and learned from his mistakes.

He taught many kids that you cannot dwell in the past, but think about your future.

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