Vol. 11, Issue3

the

Precedent PERRY HIGH SCHOOL || GILBERT, AZ

Follow us on: @phsprecedent

DECEMBER 2017|| VOL. XI ISSUE III

From stage to

photo by Skye Reynolds Seniors Tommie Larsen and Paloma Soracides translate “White Christmas” during the live perfomance on Dec 7. Both are Sign Laungage 4 students and are the first to go into this class.

ASL students translate White Christmas for deaf community

By Kayla Gee and Mallory Melanson the precedent

American Sign Language is an unparalleled language that combines emotion, movement and soul to create beautiful stories without a single sound. The deaf community is a world in which others learn their language in order to compel complex conversations.

Senior student signer Paloma

Soracides was drawn into the deaf world and now aspires as an ASL interpreter. Throughout her four years of signing, Soracides’s abilities have developed to help her overcome stage fright and signing fluency.

“I’ve always seen the signers... and I noticed the year three [signers] got to do that.. I immediately knew I wanted to do that,” Socracides said.

Soracides and other advanced

sign language students, who have looked into a career with daily deaf interaction, strive to improve their skill before diving into the deaf world. Students who are serious about signing are encouraged by many to learn what it is really like to interpret in a normal conversation.

The school offers students the opportunity to translate the script and songs during live theatre performances. While the actors

recite lines and sing show tunes, signers stand to the left of the stage and translate the meanings into American Sign Language.

In the most recent theater production of “White Christmas,” the dialogue used difficult language due to the slang of the script that the interpreters had to sign for.

Socracides said,“[the actors] have different accents, they talk fast, they talk too slow, they have

to sing and stretch out their words and it just varies.”

Opportunities to interpret in “real life scenarios” are rare in high school, especially for future graduates like senior Tommie Larsen.

“I started freshman year, and me and Paloma are the first kids in Perry to go,” Larsen said,

By Daisy Ramirez

in, and a special visit from the big jolly guy himself, they even had fake snow for the little ones to slide down. “It was a lot of fun. I would do it again in a heartbeat,” Sophomore Moveo dancer Naomi Pastrick said. “All of the kids really liked the dance and they were super excited to see us.” .

For the teenagers, they have a chance to remember that this time is for spreading cheer and giving a helping hand out to those who are reading out.

“I think it shows our kids here that there’s families in our community that are struggling,” Principal Dan Serrano said,” and so you reach out and help people.” Serrano agrees this event helps unify Perry in some ways, making an impact on students is an important part of shaping them in this young age. Keeping them humble and grounded, just

“It shows our students there are families in our community that are struggling.

StuGo’s Smiles for the Season helps to give less fortunate children holiday cheer the precedent

photo by Morgan Cleary Students participate with children in StuGo’s Smiles for the Season.

As students are soaking up all the festive vibes and anticipating the upcoming holidays, it is not that difficult to forget the kind and well hearted meaning of this time of year.

Student Government (StuGo) along with National Honors Society (NHS) do not neglect the difficult times some families could be facing.

The annual Smiles for the Season event was held on Wed. Dec. 7. A day of fun, games and volunteering with cheerful spirits all around. It consisted of many activities for kids who do not typically have the resources to have a christmas, or other celebration, the way most students are used to.

With cookie decorating, a blow up for kids to hop around

News 1-3 • Opinions 4-5 • Athletes Torn 6-7 • A & E 8-9 • Sports 10-12 Fine Arts Team Up Moveo joins Theatre in the production of ‘White Christmas’ Page 8

See ASL, Page 2

Athletes Torn Student struggle to balance high school and club sports Page 6-7

”

Dan Serrano Perry High School Principal

waiting for the next opportunity to help.

The awareness of financial struggles affecting families in our community spreads to not only students but parents and other community members. Students come home thankful for the privileges they have, and feeling pride in helping make sure other children and parents feel the same season joy. With the help of NHS and the students and faculty on campus, StuGo was able to host this event that helped many students this holiday season.

www.phsprecedent.com Shy of the State Title Football comes in second in 6A Division Championship Game Page 12

2 || news

ALS students translate ‘White Christmas’ ASL, from Page 1

“we actually made it into a class, and we are the only two in Sign 4.”

Thereafter, Larsen became invested with the deaf world by being a tutor at a deaf elementary and high school, also, translating school plays.

“Signing for [White Christmas] is a little chaotic because of all of the 50’s slang...from English, ASL is very blunt and literal. There’s nothing that is personified or imaginative,” Larsen said.

Students go through 30 to 40 hours of practice to improve their signing skills every time a production is put on. Angela Van Tongeren, being the only ASL teacher since the school’s opening, has encouraged her students to experience the ASL world.

“The program’s core is centered around the task of helping advanced students decide on pursuing a career in the language,” Van Tongeren said.

By succeeding in all ASL levels and pursuing in level four, real life experiences have definitely come into play for Larsen and Soracides.

The deaf community has not only taught them how to become better at their language, but also to show the work and fulfillment of becoming apart of a new world.

the precedent || phsprecedent.com

december || 2017

Unified Sports continues success in soccer

By Macie Miller the precedent

Unified sports is kicking off their soccer season with success and with few new athletes that are contributing to their team overall.

So far, the team has tied twice and lost once, starting off the season strong.

The new players are learning the new skills very well and the practices are helping them improve the way they play. “We have new players, and some of the old players left,” Senior Megan Colborn said.

“We also have some really strong athletes.”

They are having a great season so far, only losing one game out of four total. The unified team takes their competition as seriously as the football team takes theirs.

“The dynamic has changed since last year and every sport is different and different kids play each sport,” Senior Ashlee Colborn said.

The members of unified sports get the chance to interact with new kids in each sport, not everyone competes in the same sports. The kids are given the opportunity to pursue whatever sport that they enjoy most.

“We practice at least once a week, and work on skills like dribbling and shooting,” Megan said, “also scrimmaging so they have a chance to play each other, not just other teams.”

The competition is great this year and they take the sports very seriously, practicing every week and improving their skills as much as they can.

photo by Shelby Hubbard Junior Fletcher Jones celebrates on the field during the Unified Soccer game against Florence at home on Dec. 5.

Senior Issac Thompson said, “we have new rules and better rules to improve player safety.” Thompson also said, “these are kids that don’t really come from an athletic background, so it’s been nice to be

able to help them with that.”

The team played against Florence on Tues. Dec. 5 and swept the Gophers to add yet another victory to their list of accomplishments.

The Unified Sports program gives students the opportunity to play in sports that they normally wouldn’t get to play in, and helps them build life skills while having fun.

Perry recieves B-rating for the preliminary school grade

By Morgan Chung the precedent

Students in K-12 education levels are graded on an A-F grading system. Schools within the state of Ariz. are also graded A-F, but things have changed just recently.

Now schools are being graded by a system called the A-F Letter Grades for Accountability.

This is required by the Arizona Revised Statutes.

According to an article written

by AzCentral “It is based off of four factors: proficiency, “English Language Learners” [known as AZELLA], acceleration and or readiness, and growth seen on AzMERIT scores.”

This system was created because,

like every business or government or organization, checks and balances are required to keep everyone in line.

The system was created to promote accountability in the school system.

Matthew Strom is the Assistant Superintendent of K-12 Educational Services for Chandler Unified School District (CUSD).

“The system is still a quantitative system so there are not any representatives from the Arizona Department of Education” Strom said, “who visits sites on behalf of A-F Letter Grades to make a qualitative judgement.”

There are two systems: one for K-8 and another for 9-12. The

FAST FACTS:

• The new grading is called A-F Letter Grades for

Accountability • 9-12 grade levels value proficiency and growth on AzMERIT • Proficiency is weighted at 30% and Growth at 50% main commonality between the two are that both expect their students to pass their AZMERIT exams and also expect the students to get better scores every year.

According to Heather Patterson, the Assistant Principal for Perry

High, the high schools were graded on four categories and to receive an A in those categories, you had to receive a certain amount of points within each category.

Every category has the same number of points, except for

growth which has more points than the rest.

“Most of the data for school letter grades is already collected at the Arizona Department of Education,” Strom said.

“But, this year, one of the new components in the 9th-12th grade system is a Career and College Readiness Index.”

He continued with, “for this index, we submit a report to the Arizona Department of Education in July on behalf of each of our schools.”

However, many schools have been receiving Bs and even some Fs. This has caused many parents and school officials to raise questions on the validity of the system.

Individuals place at Speech Winter Trophy Competition

By Kayla Gee the precedent

Students of speech and debate showed off their skills in performing during the Winter Trophy competition at Arizona State University. Schools of the division one throughout the state battled in 21 different events that tested the adaptability of students.

Senior Vice President Maggie Bauman made third in duo interpretation. Bauman, alongside senior partner Victoria Cannizarro, performed a comical duo interpretation called “Bad Ideas For Bad T.V. Shows”.

“Duo interpretation is one of the oddest events for someone who doesn’t do speech and debate to watch,” Bauman said, “It’s a two person acting event but you can’t look at each other or touch each other.”

Bauman and her partner, having placed in duo acting for nationals last year, were challenged by duo interpretation and the next level of competition it brought.

“In order to do well in a two

person event, you have to have really good chemistry with them and [Cannizarro] one of my best friends in the whole world,” Bauman said.

Flying through her preliminaries with first place in all three of her rounds, senior Courtney Deaver competed in the category of informative speech.

In this ten minute time slot Deaver and other competitors delivered a non-fiction speech.

“I did mine on feminine products and the economic effects and the health implications because they don’t disclose the ingredients inside of them,” Deaver saidww,“I talk about period shaming and how our society isn’t very accepting on menstruation.”

Deaver’s piece impressed the judges and took the win for third place in the category.

Ranking in D1 is daunting as the speech and debate program is fairly new and there are “the best of the best [schools]”, Deaver said.

For speech and debate as a whole, the Winter Trophy revealed the talent of different students after hours of hard work.

december || 2017

news ||

the precedent || phsprecedent.com

3

photo used with permission by Lois Zozobrado Seniors Alex Kellerman, Lois Zozobrado, and Tai Combs open up the benefit concert playing “Sweet Child of Mine”. The benefit concert was held on Nov. 22 by the DECA students at SoZo.

DECA students organize concert at SoZo Coffee house

Benefit concert for local charity Homeward Bound to help local families in need

By Morgan Cleary the precedent

As the giving season is at a peak for most people, it is just starting for DECA. On Wednesday Nov. 22, they held a benefit concert for a local charity called Homeward Bound. This charity helps put homeless people off the streets and teaches them life skills to get back on there feet. Throughout the year, they’ve has been raising money to donate in one total at the end of the year.

“For it being the day before thanksgiving it went really well,” Senior outreach coordinator Lois Zozobrado said.

The concert was held at a time where people were coming in and out of town and needed some Thanksgiving-Eve entertainment.

“Performers did really well,” Zozobrado said, “and the raffle brought in a lot of money.” As a whole, DECA had a goal of three hundred dollars and ended up raising four hundred and five dollars.

“If this concert happens again next year, I think we should do it at a different date so that we have a better turn out,” Vice President Kendall Penrod said. Both representatives agree that if the concert were

Eric Rygiel brings energy to campus during his first year

photo by Morgan Cleary Rygiel calls on a sophmore student during his first hour geometry class.

By India Buckner the precedent

The Perry campus is awash with faculty whose unique experiences undoubtedly contribute to the school’s identity. Since the school’s conception, many staff members have come and gone bringing their stories and spirit with them. The newest addition to the campus is math teacher Eric Rygiel “He is a very loyal person so it was hard for him to make the decision [to come to Perry],” said Kimberley Rygiel. E. Rygiel previously taught at McClintock

High School, moving to Perry after his marriage to Rygiel (née Oltmanns). After making the jump, E. Rygiel has added yet another personality to the individuality of Perry.

While Principal Dan Serrano began the process of hiring Rygiel, he reached out to the administration at McClintock, where Serrano served as an assistant principal, athletic director, and the principal for many years.

“I talked to a friend over there and he told me he has a lot of energy,” Serrano said. “It’s hard to

to be held again next year that they would advise students to organize it on a date that was not close to a holiday.

“The students put this together, and they take care of the whole night,” Marketing teacher Robert Lang said. “If the students decide to do this again I will support them all the way and help them with the challenges.”

Lang is letting his kids step out on their own and practice skills that he is teaching them. This whole night was put together by students, Lang shares that if the students next year want to put together another event like this that they are more then welcome to and

find a math teacher and someone who is willing to travel but he has a very good attitude about it.”

The recommendations made on behalf of E. Rygiel led to Serrano’s easy hiring decision. Since then, his positivity has already reached numerous students.

“He’s pretty cool and makes learning a lot easier,” said sophomore Neil Reynoso, who is one of Rygiel’s students.

Rygiel was also active at McClintock as the the head of Link Crew, bringing his experience to Perry’s Crew as one of the club’s sponsors.

“I like Link Crew because it’s somewhere I get to be myself and really connect with students on a personal level,”E. Rygiel said.

Perry has been a good change for Rygiel, but a change nonetheless.

“I have to learn where things are and who to talk to but the only thing I’ve really struggled with is the share drive, you could get lost in there,” said E. Rygiel.

For E. Rygiel, being a Puma is yet another new experience, and one that comes with a school culture to be proud of.

“Perry is a school where the students set high expectations for themselves and everyone here strives for greatness,” said E. Rygiel.

Rygiel has added his own personality to Perry, making sure to positively impact anyone he teaches or works with.

will have his full support. Penrod shares that the best moment of the night was “having so much talent being shown from Perry, we had the band, some perry singers and an alumni, the talent that was brought was great on its own.”

The money from the concert as well as the money from the rest of the fundraisers, will be donated as a whole and will be presented to the charity at the end of Mr.PHS. The giving season is not done just yet for DECA as they have many more fundraisers to help donate money and bring together a community for Homeward Bound.

JROTC finishes most successful fundraiser

By Victoria Vredevoogd the precedent

The Basha JROTC program is finishing up their most successful fundraiser ever. The program hosts not just Basha but Perry and Casteel as well. The students set out to make this fundraiser the best one yet by asking for tax credit donations, contacting family and friends, and using their main source of funding, Snap-Raise. Snap-Raise is a website similar to popular GoFundMe where people can easily donate money online.

The students had a goal for the fundraiser set at $25 thousand, but went above and beyond and raised

over $31 thousand, which is the most raised by a JROTC unit in the state. The amazing thing is, this was all done in just 30 days.

The program is made up of over 140 cadets who display selflessness, a heart of service, and patriotism. The money raised from the fundraising will go towards many things such as; uniforms; marksmanship equipment; items to improve cadet activities and organization; fun team-building events; field trips and physical training equipment.

This amazing program would not be possible without the help of generous donors and determined cadets.

photo by Cameron Martin Basha-Perry-Casteel Air Force JROTC cadets stand in formation for the Color Guard at the football game against Mountain Pointe on Sept. 22.

4 || opinions

Boos & Hoorays:

What the heck happened in 2017?

T

wenty-seventeen will be a year best described in history as a beautiful dumpster fire.

The country went through countless natural disasters, a tumultuous political climate, and the realization – or rather the acknowledgment, of sexual harassment in nearly every industry. On the contrary, the year also brought unity in times of crisis, the empowerment of those whose voices have been oppressed, and a rare solar eclipse.

HOORAY! Our sports teams are had not only a great year, but the single-greatest semester the school has ever seen. This semester’s sports success might even be one of the greatest in CUSD history: Badminton swept the state championship titles, football came within one possession of winning the 6A championship, volleyball made it to the Final Four, swimmer won state in both boys and girls events – it was just an epic semester for fall sports!

BOO! WODs are dead and subjectbased writing assignments have taken their place. Why do we hate this – because for the past two years we were told that if we do well on AzMERITS, we would not have to jump through the schoolimprovement WoD hoops during senior year. Congrats PHS, you have somehow turned senior year into a sham for everyone who thought they would get out of WoDs with a high AzMERIT score.

HOORAY! Having spirit busses for the state football game was a fantastic idea on behalf of the administration.

The busses allowed for students who are not licensed or simply could not drive themselves get to the game in a fun and safe manner. It also allowed for a larger crowd to come and support the team.

BOO! Is this more scale-backs in the cafeteria? There’s only utensils in the salad bar now. We have to go to the counter to ask for condiments.

And where is the mustard? We like mustard the same way Lennie likes beans with ketchup.

HOORAY! Hot, cramped, and gowned, graduates walk to stage each year and this spring graduation will move off-campus to ASU. Graduation at ASU should alleviate parking, seating, and heat issues making it a more friendly experience for graduates and supportive family members alike.

BOO! Common Applications are due. FASFAs are due. Finals are coming. At some point – probably Dec. 21 – we’ll begin our Christmas shopping.

HOORAY! As reported here about a year ago, Dutch Bros. is coming to town! The coffee company plans on opening near PHS next spring!

Holidays highlight changing childhood norms DAISY RAMIREZ the precedent

It seems that each year we move further from our own childhoods, the change in youth culture continues to evolve rapidly.

Although some changes can be for the better, others can be hard to grasp.

The holiday season highlights the drastic changes, with children requesting the latest and greatest toys, or devices, as may seem more accurate.

In comparison from years in the past when kids would ask for the latest Barbie creation or a basketball hoop, they’re asking for the

latest makeup palette or smart device.

I recently volunteered to help out at my old elementary school, and I was shocked at the differences between my time as a simple tot, to the the young students that now fill the school. The students have an air of maturity, or rather the desire to seem mature, and have more exposure to the world around them, then the more sheltered adolescence of years gone by. The vast amount of cell phones, iPads, and smart everything has played a major role in the quicker exposure to the world, as children of today must simply open Twitter or the Google app to have access to the top headlines.

This exposure to the world has left youngsters quite opinionated, with some calling it outspoken courage or just plain rude commentary.

The things that made you “cool” in 2008 such as the latest Nintendo DS games, sparkly mechanical pencils, and the fact that your parents allowed you to watch the first

Hunger Games movie would be meaningless to the children of today. Now, especially with the holiday season starting, kids are not asking for, but expecting the privileges most of us received in high school.

Nowadays, elementary school Christmas lists consist of the latest iPhone, Kylie Cosmetics product, and a new boyfriend, forgoing the Game Boy and American Girl dolls of a mere decade ago.

Are we simply teaching kids to focus on having the latest and greatest, and giving them access to things off limits to so many for so long? It may be better to educate the new generation with current events and common sense, but this leaves youths skipping over much of their innocence.

Living in such a transitional time period, many advances are being thrown at us.

Yes, each coming generation brings its own changes, but with so much technology and accessibility, it is much easier for kids to be influenced in the wrong ways.

FCC repealing net neutrality is costly mistake Net neutrality is the basic principle that the Internet is an open gateway that anyone can use. Imagine the Internet like a highway: without net neutrality there are toll booths, traffic and road blocks all over. Net neutrality ensures that as long as you pay your bills, you will have equal access to any website, a flat fee for unlimited internet. Without net neutrality, certain websites will charge you an extra amount for sites and services that they do not support.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) director Ajit Pai, appointed by President Donald J. Trump, produced a revision in late April that will abolish net neutrality. On Dec. 14, the FCC voted 3-2 to repeal the “Obama-Era” business regulation. The FCC’s decision is one of greed and ignorance, ignoring the millions of protesters and warnings against an “a la carte” internet.

The Internet has been a platform to

ASHER LAUFENBURGER the precedent

reach millions of people within the click of a mouse. With certain websites blocked to people who choose not to pay each and every fee, this makes it difficult for everyone to see the same content.

Abolishing net neutrality will also make it hard for certain news websites to be seen;

Internet Service Providers (ISP) will only show the companies that support their views or business. Comcast, for example, owns Xfinity, a telephone service company that also has their own streaming website. If someone has Comcast internet, they would not have the same access to other streaming websites like Hulu, Netflix or Youtube, because Comcast would only support Xfinity Stream.

The new net neutrality law makes it so that internet providers like AT&T, Comcast and Verizon can block, display or charge extra for certain websites.

Giving the government and big business the power to control what is on the Internet creates a cost problem for the middle and lower classes.

The fight is not over yet, though. Most likely the law will be sent to Congress where they will review the FCC’s decision and, with citizens speaking out more and more for what they want, hopefully overturn their repeal.

School-grading system ineffective for CUSD MORGAN CHUNG the precedent

As schools were graded on their AzMERIT test scores this fall just like the students who took the tests in April, the scores received by many schools, including those in our district, came as a shock.

Every high school in the Chandler Unified School District (CUSD) has received a B grade, yet the district is one of the best districts in Arizona, holding the highest AzMERIT scores in the state. Students performed better than the mean score for the third year in a row.

According to Principal Dan Serrano, the schools are graded on multiple factors, and one of those factors includes progress on

AzMERIT scores. Since the graders did not see any progress in regards to our already high scores, Perry, as well as its sister schools, did not get the points for progress.

CUSD was just ranked second in the nation, in regards to growth, by a study published by the New York Times. How is it fair that we receive a B grade when we have swept nationwide in the very area we were docked for: progress?

The system consists of four sections, in which three of the four Perry received A grades. However, in the section for progress seen in AzMERIT scores we received a lower grade.

Perry is not the only high school in the district to receive a B. Many of the CUSD high schools received a B, including Arizona College Prep, Hamilton, and Chandler, with Casteel and Basha still under review.

The reason why this system exists is so schools are held accountable for their performances. It prevents schools from doing the bare minimum. With a quantitative system, the grades are all based on numbers,

leaving no room to slide through with poor performance.

Parents look for schools with a strong letter grade, and while our B-rating is not troublesome to those who know the district and its history, but for those coming from outside of the district or even Arizona, a less than perfect letter grade is not preferable.

What parents should look at are the physical scores of the AzMERIT. Our school may receive a B, but that does not mean that our students performed averagely on the test.

Something to note is the ironic case of the woman who created the grading system.

The creator herself owns a charter school in Arizona, a school that school received an F. She went on to complain that the system does not work, seemingly forgetting one important detail: it is her system.

So what is the leading force behind the illperforming grading system? Her system. How should this problem be fixed? Amend her system or shut it down altogether. There is no reason to be punished for continual success on scores that truly matter.

Precedent 2017-18 staff

the

Staff Editorial

december || 2017

the precedent || phsprecedent.com

Perry High School 1919 E. Queen Creek Rd. Gilbert, AZ 85297 480-224-2800 480-224-2820 fax

|| News Editor || Madi Kimball

|| Sports Editor || Asher Laufenburger

|| Opinions Editor || Lauren Fountain

|| Photo Editor || Emma Kline

|| Newspaper Adviser || Damien Tippett

|| A & E Editor || Ian Graham

|| Editor-in-Chief || Mia Irvin

|| Features Editor || Cameron Martin

|| Staff Reporters || India Buckner Morgan Chung Morgan Cleary Sawyer Del Fosse

Katie Duford Kayla Gee Mallory Melanson Macie Miller Callie Nagel Daisy Ramirez Victoira Vredevoogd || Artists || Ashton Bell Isabelle Martinez

The Precedent is published by the newspaper staff at Perry High School and is published as an open student forum eight times per year.

The Precedent welcomes comments and criticism from its readers. Please e-mail all questions, comments, guest articles, or letters to the editor to phsprecedent@gmail.com. Submissions may not be anonymous; however, requests for anonymity may be honored. Letters may also be delivered to room C-119.

the precedent || phsprecedent.com

december || 2017

opinions || 5

: s u p m a On C

Is it better or more meaningful to give back through digital platforms or in-person?

“In-person because it’s more personal If you’re doing it with your own hands it’s just more personal.”

Anna Myers freshman

“Going somewhere [to volunteer] because it’s more from you instead of just your money.”

Nate Bell sophomore

“I think you tend to get more instant gratitude helping people and seeing the direct impact of what you’re doing.”

Alexis Edwards junior

“Community service because it’s more personal and you get to see the work going into the people.”

Ariel Becker senior

photo by Ellie Poplawski

point | counterpoint:

With times changing, how should we give back?

Showing up for service cannot be replaced with GoFundMe mindset MORGAN CLEARY the precedent

In with the new, out with the old. With the seasons changing and the holidays just around the corner, people find the Christmas spirit drawing them to give back. Giving back looks quote different as of late, as tools like GoFundMe and Twitter have changed the way in which people give back.

I personally hit up the soup kitchens and rock my hairnet during the weekend with my family, knowing every person that comes through the door is greeted with a smile and a warm meal, leaving with new friend and a full stomach.

I know that not all people are comfortable enough to stand on the serving floor and greet people, but even helping in the back cooking the food and making the plates holds a certain personal sentiment. Some might prefer just donating money through a GoFundMe. There is nothing wrong with this, as donating in any form is significant.

Does this hold the same meaning, though? Where is the smile, the conversation,

A MINUTE

WITH MIA MIA IRVIN

the precedent

Kevin Spacey lost his job. Harvey Weinstein lost his job. Matt Lauer lost his job. Roy Moore was endorsed by the President of the United States and the people of Alabama said he wasn’t good enough to represent them.

All these men found themselves accused of sexual harassment or assault. They acted

the feeling you just made someone’s day by simply being with them and giving them your time?

My church goes to a soup kitchen every other weekend and it is rewarding to sit and talk to someone about their day and what they plan on doing in the future.

In a generation that has lost their ability to hold meaningful conversation, taking an hour or two to lend your ear is an easy way to practice active listening and compassion.

Not only are they getting a hot meal, but they are getting company that they would not normally get.

People love to talk about themselves, but they love it even more when there is someone who is listening to them. After a couple of days working in a soup kitchen, you start to see familiar faces and continue conversations started previously. This is how trust is earned and relationships are formed.

Soup kitchens are not the only way to get out in your community, as the ways to get out and give back are seemingly endless. You can clean up neighborhoods or buy gifts for families in need.

People may be able to donate money virtually or send gifts to hospital patients with the click of a button, but there is nothing that can replace the feeling that donating your time and presence to those in need. One of the only things robots and e-everything cannot take the place of is mere human kindness.

To embrace virtual donating and crowdsourcing is to embrace future CAMERON MARTIN the precedent

Nothing is better than the feeling of giving back: the satisfaction of knowing you made a tangible difference in the world for someone who needs it more than you.

Giving back has taken many different forms over the years, mostly in the form of giving food, clothing, and other aid to the homeless. When you think of charity work and club community service, that’s what you think of.

But we can do better.

With the help of the Internet we are finally able to make a cause go viral.

Crowdfunding sites like GoFundMe, Snap-Raise, and Fundly are designed to allow anyone to donate to any cause. This allows for an unprecedented way to share a cause, raise awareness, and reach goals in a way that can be fast and global. The only drawback to such sites is the small fee charged after the fundraiser ends, typically around three percent of the total, along with a fee of less than a dollar for each donation you receive.

The potential is there!

With the help of email, text messaging, and social media shares, online fundraisers have been known to raise an excess of $30 thousand in the matter of a few short weeks.

Sure, crowdfunding isn’t the only way to go. There are non-profit organizations like Feed My Starving Children or traditional monetary donations like those sponsored by the Salvation Army.

Don’t get me wrong: passing out food to the less fortunate in person is not bad, but perhaps uninnovative. People simply cannot find time to volunteer like they used to, leaving soup kitchens scrambling for volunteers.

It’s just not the same anymore. Technology has proven itself to be the flexible and effective method of raising awareness and funds fast, fitting for the evolving world. The time commitment or inability to commit due to conflicting schedules is virtually eliminated, with one needing a mere minute to PayPal money to a donation page.

Donating online to a charity or nonprofit of your choice gives peace of mind in showing where your money goes and how it impacts your community or abroad.

Being able to choose what pages host causes close to your heart make it personal and transparent.

The future is here and giving back has never looked better than it does paired with technology.

Assault must not be ignored in D.C. inappropriately and in response, they lost their jobs.

Well, most of them.

Roy Moore was endorsed by the President (who has also been accused of sexual harassment) for the Alabama senate – a campaign which came down to a single percent in Doug Jones’ favor.

A single percentage point. Well over half a million Alabamians said sexual harassment accusations were not disturbing enough for Moore to lose their vote.

But in Hollywood, men lose their careers immediately. How can it be that the film industry is more severe with its punishments than our government? These are the people who we elect to represent us, to vouch for us, and to make decisions on our behalf.

So why is it these elected officials can stay in office after such allegations break, but the men in Hollywood lost their jobs, their reputations, and their futures almost immediately?

The simple answer: democracy. The

democratic process insulates incumbents from getting removed right away. Unless they succumb to the pressure to resign, the process to remove them is very lengthy and slow.

Rep. Jackie Speier, D-Calif., wants to take steps towards expediting the process. In an interview with NPR, Speier explained her goals with an analogy about a big business.

“When a CEO of a company is found to have sexually harassed an employee, they don’t wait until the next annual meeting so that the shareholders can determine whether or not he should go. It’s determined by the board of directors.”

That being said, nothing can excuse Trump’s latest media mistake: his endorsement of Moore. Moore has been accused of praying on and sexually abusing under-aged girls and sexually assaulting them while he was in his 30s.

Trump claims the endorsement stems from a desire to maintain a Republican majority so he pass his tax bill.

So naturally, put a child molester in

Congress, right?

Though Moore (and Trump) lost, he should have never had the opportunity to be an elected official. There is absolutely no excuse to allow sexual offenders to serve in any type of leadership role. Hollywood proved that times have changed and that they are willing to punish those who had broken the law, so why should Congress be any different?

There is no place for criminals, pedophiles, or assaulters in any position of respect.

There is no excuse for permitting an abuser to hold higher power than his abused.

There is no party loyalty great enough to trump inappropriate behavior.

The men found guilty for sexual assault or harassment deserve to lose their jobs. They deserve to be blacklisted and to lose future as well as current opportunities.

Any person found guilty of these charges needs to be held accountable and face the consequences. So why would the government be any different?

6 || features

the precedent || phsprecedent.com

december || 2017

ATHLETES

features || 7

the precedent || phsprecedent.com

Are club sports in the U.S. threatening high school athletics?

Complicated $15 billion youth Pros and cons of club and high school sports sports industry and high school Q & A on experiences with dual-sport athletes athletics trying to co-exist The Precedent: How can students benefit from being on a school team, rather than a club team?

By Lauren Fountain the precedent

The battle between club and high school High school sports play a crucial role in a school’s culture, unifying students and faculty with team spirit. We saw this recently with the badminton, volleyball, and football teams in their runs for a state championship, culminating in a buzz on campus that PHS had never seen before.

Administrators, coaches, and athletes agree that as exciting as this fall’s seasons were for so many on campus, high school sports are being threatened by something that they may not be able to combat.

Today’s student-athlete has many pressures on their shoulders — including securing an athletic scholarship — and they know in today’s competitive world of college recruiting, the best way to be seen is not in a cardinal and navy uniform, but rather in a club jersey.

“I’ve been around high school sports for 33 years and rarely do I see a college coach come to a high school game to watch a kid play, unless they really want them,” Principal Dan Serrano said, attesting to the inability to be seen by colleges when focusing on high school sports alone.

As club sports become more prevalent in America — youth sports is a $15.3 billion industry — high school sports are noticing an increase in athlete burn-out, injuries, or worse, student-athletes giving up their high school careers altogether.

Athletes are torn — school pride or individual acknowledgement?

According to a May 2017 survey of

illustration by Isabell Martinez

“Trying to make time to be a normal teenager and hang out with friends, as well as doing homework. It is a lot of late nights, scrambling to get it all done while trying to keep grades up.

“The time that it takes to do both,[club and high school,] and homework, not being able to have time for anything else; it gets your body tired and you got to work every day.

Piper Lujan

Sam Gonzales

Senior softball player PHS & Killer Bees

”

Senior baseball player PHS & Sandlot

”

21,233 college athletes by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), 95 percent of women and 93 percent of men playing collegiate soccer reported that they played on a club team.

College scouts simply do not recruit student-athletes at high school games, opting instead for showcase club events when the pool is greater and they have the ability to scout more than one specific athlete.

Club is not the only route, though, as many student-athletes choose to do both, getting the club exposure that will take them to college, as well as the practice and experience of high school sports. The aforementioned survey emphasized this, with more than 95 percent of the surveyed athletes reporting that they also played on a high school team. When club and school ball coincide, though, it can leave studentathletes exhausted and at higher risk for injury.

“November is pretty crazy,” soccer player and West Point commit Emma Richey said, noting the month in which the two overlap.

“It usually works out where we finish school for the day and then we go to club practice.

It’s a lot of soreness, a lot of ice baths, a lot of stretching and recovering.”

Are club sports taking away multisport athletes?

Rewind the clock 20 years and a onesport student-athlete was rare. Most athletes played two, if not three sports.

Now in an era of early specialization, that is not the case.

“I get concerned with club because it has taken over a little bit of high school kids’ ability to do more than one sport,” said Serrano. “If you look at the rosters of our baseball team, how many football players play baseball or basketball? Hardly any.”

Although students who diversify themselves and their skills through various sports may stand out to college coaches, the dynamic of high school and club programs makes it nearly impossible to commit to anything other than the practice, time, and expense for one.

According to a chart published by the NCAA, less than eight percent of high school women’s soccer players play collegiately, with just over two percent playing at a Division I school. For men, less than six percent go on to a NCAA team, with less than two percent playing Division I soccer. Scholarships are nearly impossible to come by, making it all the more difficult for high school players to turn down the opportunity club gives them to be in the one percent.

“I don’t think club sports are going to go away because that’s how kids get scholarships,” Serrano said, noting that student-athletes focus on the sport that they believe will get them onto a college roster.

The bark is worse than the bite Despite the inescapable time commitment and risk of injury in either club or high school, the conflict between the two sides of youth sports may not be as divisive as one thinks.

“Our coaches on either side are really understanding and they are pretty lenient and our teachers are understanding, too,” Richey said. “They give us time to catch up.”

As for choosing one over the other, the statistics just do not lie about the importance of being involved in a sport in as many ways as possible.

“A couple of my good friends have chosen to stick just to club to keep working with it, but for the most part all of us have kept with both of them at the same time,” Richey said. “I think high school soccer is just kind of a camaraderie thing, everyone together just representing your school, but I think it’s important.”

For Serrano, as well as athletic directors and high school coaches around the country, club sports are something to familiarize themselves with, as studentathletes simply cannot afford to leave the club world.

Macie Miller

contributed to this story

: s u p m a On C What are some of the biggest day-to-day challenges you face as both a high school and club athlete?

Athletics Director Jennifer Burks: The benefits to being on a school team is it is tied with the education of the whole student.

That’s why it is called education athletics. Part of that is that they are learning the sport, and they are also learning how sports can help them in their overall lives; help them learn leadership skills and sticking with what they are doing.

Head girl’s soccer coach John Roberts: There’s a lot of ways they can benefit. The biggest thing, in my opinion, is you’re playing for your school, you’re playing in front of your peers. As far as playing wise, I think that “The competition they play in high school is more like the collegiate level than the club level... it’s a lot more physically demanding

”

John Roberts Perry High School Head girl’s soccer coach

the competition they play in high school is more like the collegiate level than the club level because it’s a lot more physically demanding. The high school schedule causes you to feel that physicality of the sport.

TP: What differs in terms of relationships among teammates?

Head girl’s volleyball coach Fred Mann: “[With club teams,] there is a certain amount of unity, but with a high school team, there is a sense of family. You practice more often. Your season is three months longer and you pracice every day, so there’s a common cause. It is like you are a family: you’re working together.

JB: [High school] builds a huge sense of camaraderie that is different from when you are in club. When you are in club, it is really just about the sport and that particular club. Here, you are representing an entire school... You have a student body that is behind you: thirty-five hundred kids that want you to do well.

A student-athlete’s perspective

Club for career; Perry for pride Throughout the time I have attended Perry High School, I have made the switch from playing club soccer to playing high school soccer four different times.

I have been playing club soccer for eight years, five of which were for Arizona Arsenal, a club based out of Gilbert. We have won back-to-back state championships and won many different tournaments throughout the United States.

Going from the spotlight playing at AZ Arsenal to playing for Perry’s varsity soccer team has always been hard, but I will never regret doing so.

Throughout the whole month of November, most members of our team go directly from Perry practice to club practice, some traveling all the way to Scottsdale.

It takes a major toll on our bodies, but

PEARSON WALLACE special to the precedent

playing for Perry makes all the late nights doing homework and ice baths after playing worth it.

It is hard to keep up with school work during this period where club and high school seasons overlap, but it mimics the life a college athlete would experience every day.

The main goal for most soccer players is to play in college, and I would say the large

TP: What are the downfalls of being a high school athlete who may not be able to afford to join a club team?

JB: “Club is extremely expensive, so I think in certain sports, it is difficult to get recruited or not by playing club, unless you are a really special athlete. It is unfortunate, but I understand why a lot of recruiters go to the club season: a lot of that is because during our season, they are also in season.

For the club season, it is easy for them to recruit because it is not their season.

FM: “You’ve got these big clubs, and they go to these big tournaments, where the big coaches are and watching. It is tough that there are kids who cannot afford to play on these big clubs because they’re expensive, but from my experience, coaches have a way of sniffing out a player. if I’m a college coach and I hear about a kid who is a phoenomenal athelte. The can’t play club or a club that doesn’t travel, they will find her.

majority of college players were recruited out of their respective club teams.

Through my club, I have had the opportunity to be scouted by several different schools and have turned down opportunities to play at Brown University, Concordia University in Wisconsin, and other schools because I have chosen to serve a Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints after I graduate.

However, I hope to play at Brigham Young University after my two-year mission.

Even though club sports offer more college-recruitment exposure and a higher level of play, there is something amazing about representing Perry High School every year that keeps players coming back.

This is my second consecutive year as team captain, and the feeling I have about this year’s team exceeds that of any other.

With a strong team overall made up of different club soccer players sacrificing their club seasons, I know the Perry Men’s Soccer team will not disappoint.

“For me, balancing doing your homework and prioritizing things, and also taking care of your body. It strains a lot and you might get tired out.

“There’s not really much free time outside of playing soccer and doing homework and schoolwork Other students have free time to play video games or hang out with friends but mine’s pretty much playing soccer.

Taylor Jobe

Nico Digne

”

Senior basketball player PHS & Impact Basketball

Senior soccer player PHS & Legacy

”

8 || arts and entertainment

phsprecedent.com

december || 2017

Moveo dance and jazz band support leads Matthew Pitman and Austin Porter in White Christmas, performing the song “Happy Holidays/Let Yourself Go.”

By Kayla Gee the precedent

Rarely do theatre attendees see Moveo and theatre company performing side by side. In the recent production of White Christmas, the company dancers made a dazzling feature with the lead actors to create a high-energy jazz performance for one of the production’s opening scenes.

Fast leg work and sparkly leotards overtook the stage in the first act of

the play’s premiere on Nov. 30. Collaboration of the two companies created an entrancing scene for the eyes, a moment that stood out among the show’s other dance numbers.

Dancer and junior student Alyssa Diaz has participated in assemblies and performances with Moveo since her freshman year. The company had previously been in Winter Fest the year before, which also featured theatre students, but a full play collaboration never occurred.

Moveo contributes to latest theatre production “I’ve never really worked with any drama people [onstage], so getting to see them live is kind of cool,” Diaz said.

Actors and dancers alike entertained and impressed the audience with the choreography. The routine looked practically effortless all the way to the end and left performers panting from

the energetic dance.

Being a big supporter of the fine arts, principal Dan Serrano was curious to see the how the show’s setup was coming together.

“I went in the other day and watched the rehearsal, it’s a lot of work,” Serrano said.

Minus the bright lights and heart-pumping dance

numbers, one student was nervous to impress.

Junior dancer Chase McQuillian has a good understanding of the stress to impress, as she has been moved up to be a part of the dance council. With this role, her job in White Christmasbecame mostly organizing the dancers’ costumes and helping dance instructor Fara Sadler.

“This year I’m on dance council so I get to be a leader… we usually lead warm ups in class and we’ll stay after school, if you have

photo by Nick Woodward-Shaw

to, and help Ms.Saddler if she needs anything,” McQuillan said.

“I think it’s stressful, there’s not a lot of room on the stage for us to dance but it’s really fun [with band and theatre],” McQuillian said ,”It’s really fun for the girls and came together really nice.”

The chaotic rush behind the curtain may have given dancers and actors cold feet for a moment, but the production pulled together in a beautiful scene of holiday joy.

Matthew Pitman shows rising promise across arts department

By Mallory Melanson the precedent

photo by Nick Woodward-Shaw Actors Lizzy Jensen, senior, and junior Emily Wright perform the song “Sisters.”

White Christmas brings cheer, heartwarming love to stage Lastest school production ran for five nights, featured band, choir, orchestra, dance, and theatre

By Morgan Cleary the precedent

With great songs, gentle humor, and a little Vermont syrup, White Christmas offered enough holiday cheer to last until next year.

Including dances from Movéo and advanced dance, music from band, orchestra and choir, lights and sets from technical theatre, and wonderful performances from the actors themselves,

White Christmas opened Nov. 30 and came to a close Dec. 9.

The night began with song and dance from soldiers on Christmas Eve 1944, and fast forwarded through time to create a memorable love story.

The band and orchestra members were on stage at all times during the performance, setting the tone for the whole night as they played with harmonious tones and dramatic effects.

Movéo and the advanced dance team took stage and added more life to the many song numbers, from their heads to their toes.

The actors embodied their characters and told an old-fashioned love story between friends, family, and promiscuous relationships.

With the production of White Christmas coming to a wrap, the cast and crew stood onstage after a hard night of work to be showered in applause and gratitude.

With a passion for participating in choir and theater, sophomore Matthew Pitman has come to be one of the school’s lead students in the arts, recently starring as a lead in White Christmas.

He is a part of jazz choir, concert choir, and theatre.

Ever since third grade, Pitman has fallen in love with singing and theater; he has come to the point where he has performed in big theater productions as a lead and other roles. In order to succeed as the lead, Pitman shared his method of getting ready for shows.

“A lot of it is about confident character choices, really just studying your character and saying the same lines a couple of different ways to figure out how your character would say it,” Pitman said.

By taking lead roles, Pitman has boosted his confidence in the theater world. He has connected with others and has learned how to not only play a character, but become one.

Other characters in his life have inspired him to keep going, one being his mom.

Pitman said, “my mom is a singer, so she [said,] ‘why don’t you try choir?’ and I did, and I just fell in love with it.”

His mom has encouraged him through the choir and theater path, and sometimes the whole aspect is overwhelming. Since

photo by Nick Woodward-Shaw Sophomore Matthew Pitman performs in White Christmas.

Pitman is a part of an outside theater company, called AYT, he has performed in multiple productions, some even at the same time as school shows. It is hard to balance all of the classes and work, but he gets through it.

“It’s always seemed to somehow magically work itself out but it’s definitely not easy. My mom [also] really pushes me to get good grades and getting good grades is a motivation for me,” Pitman said.

He would also like to pursue in a career of the arts, and by keeping good grades, Pitman is able to keep control of all of his school work and theater

work. However, he takes a zero hour just to be able to take both jazz and concert choir which is a handful.

By including himself in two choirs, Pitman has the skill to tie his singing into his acting.

Pitman said, “you have to hold harmonies a lot in theater, and I feel like I’ve become pretty good at holding harmonies through choir, I’ve been able to develop singing skills that have helped me get roles.”

All of this hard work pays off, Pitman shared that theater and choir is one of the most important things in his life and it would be unimaginable without it.

december || 2017

phsprecedent.com

Swift’s latest album signifies bittersweet shift in attitude

Fashion club begins preparations for upcoming show

Reputation shows the pop singer in heavier, darker light

By Hannah Knight the precedent

As a hardcore Swiftie, I have been anticipating Taylor Swift’s new album, Reputation, as soon as 1989 dropped in 2014.

Swift’s Reputation, released in November, has already secured over 1.2 million copies, according to Billboard.

This makes her sixth studio album the best-selling album in 2017.

The album, which follows a similar format to priorpop album, 1989, is pretty formulaic.

The record centers around similar themes throughout: Swift’s ragged reputation and the refuge that her new boyfriend provides her.

And yet, it encompasses a completely revised tone.

Each song follows a new story and more provides insight into Swift’s

personal (and often, public) relationships.

The record opens with the single “...Ready For It?” Similar to “Look What You Made Me Do,” the song confusingly encompasses heavy back bass and fragmented verses like an unfinished sentence.

Initially, I wasn’t a fan.

My eyes goggled when I pictured the former, smalltown sweetheart ripping off a gentrified sound borrowed from the Top 40 hip-hop charts.

As I anxiously listened to the record, the darker songs seemed to blend slightly better into the album.

The heavy singles balanced out the softer pop melodies like “Gorgeous” and “New Year’s Day.” However, it seems like the real gems are embedded into the belly of the record like “Delicate,” “Dress” and “Call It What You Want.”

arts and entertainment || 9

By Morgan Cleary the precedent

These tracks draw obvious inspiration from Swift’s new beau; but they seem to display her artistic talents best: romantic lyrics, lofty vocals, and clever references to pivotal moments in her life.

The pop-princess’s top tracks, in terms of format and sound, are all derived from a place of vulnerability and experience. Why are there so many songs written about love, heartache, and desire?

They are authentic.

Swift performs the best when writing about what she knows, that’s why a dark sound is unfitting to listeners; it’s unfitting to her.

Even to dedicated fans it was apparent that the reinvented 27 year old was searching for something new, and some of those tracks stuck.

“Don’t Blame Me” is an experiment gone right. Swift encompasses her vocal range to create a really catchy song that could have replaced “Look What You Made Me Do” as a single.

Reputation delivered exactly what it promised: she dissed the Kim-Kanye family as much as lyrically possible and revealed the dirty details of her private relationship with Joe Alwyn, whilst keeping herself in the prime spotlight.

Best ways to entertain yourself over winter break, regardless of weather A comprehensive guide to entertainment for the upcoming days spent away from school, made for the free-spirited and for the homebodies

In the mood to stay home

In the mood to explore

Wave last season’s trends goodbye. With a “wave” themed fashion show hosted

by Fashion Club coming soon, students are working to have their visions come alive.

Fashion teacher Arline Pryor, says that “as the second year of fashion club, we are trying to promote fashion and make people aware that design is everywhere and can be made from anything.”

Pryor is creating a new vision on campus by supporting her kids in their fashion choices and helping them design out-of-thebox clothes to show their personalities.

President Kennedi Fort, who has been in fashion club both years, agrees that

Soundtrack for the holiday season

By Ian Graham the precedent

1. Christmas

This dazzling rendition of the Christmas classic is a sureto-please opener for any ugly sweater party playlist.

Little Saint Nick 2.

The Beach Boys

The Beach Boys deliver their signature harmonies in this classic holiday bop. Over the last 50 years, it has become almost a theme song for the jolly man himself.

3.

The First Noel

Bright Eyes

Bright Eyes transforms this holiday classic into a hushed ballad that sonically resembles a warm campfire on a frigid night.

Two-Headed Boy 4.

Neutral Milk Hotel

While not traditionally associated with Christmas, this high-energy solo performance is a reminder for listeners to reflect on their places in the world.

ZooLights: Nov 22- Jan 14 Bundle up, grab a warm cup of hot chocolate, and walk around the Phoenix Zoo with friends and family.

The annual event taking place with thousands of lights displayed throughout the zoo for a fun night of lights. $5 Movie Tuesdays at Harkins: Dec. 5- Dec. 26 Every Tues. in December, Harkins Theatres will play classic holiday movies.

Classics range from Home Alone to Christmas Vacation at 11 of the participating Harkins location across the Valley. Movies will start at 7 PM and will cost $5 per ticket. There will also be special Sat. showings at 10 AM. Polar Express: Nov. 11- Jan. 6

Take a journey to the North Pole on the Grand

Canyon Railway’s Polar Express in Williams, Ariz.

Put on warm pajamas and sing Christmas carols with Hot chocolate among other festive snacks on a 90 minute train ride to meet Santa himself.

Christmas Carol: Nov. 30Dec. 23 A Hale Centre Theatre tradition, the Christmas Carol is back this holiday season. Grab some friends for a fun night out to see a show and eat dinner in Downtown Gilbert.

Scottsdale Princess: Nov. 22-Dec. 21 The Scottsdale Princess is the perfect staycation destination this holiday season. Whether it is an overnight stay or a few hours, the Princess will provide hours of holiday fun ranging from an outdoor ice rink to light shows: a sure recipe for fun that the whole family can enjoy.

of New York

Rostam

ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo

the precedent

(Baby Please Come Home)

Slow Club

5. Fairytale

By Madi Kimball

the club moral is “to let people bounce off the wall with their ideas and have a comfortable place to pursue passions of fashion.”

With the fashion show coming up at the beginning of the new year, students from both the club and the fashion classes have been creating new ideas and collections to debut.

Co-president Sarah Abdallah, shares that “we have to sew all of our clothes in our collection except one piece of clothing that we are allowed to upcycle.”

By forcing students to design their own clothes by hand, they are taught skills to use outside of high school that will benefit them in future jobs. To see all of these collections firsthand, attend next semester’s fashion show on Fri. April 6. Sea you there!

By Mia Irvin the precedent

It’s a Wonderful Life Since 1946, It’s a Wonderful Life has reigned supreme as one of the most popular holiday films. The film centers on George Bailey, a banker with a big heart. During the holiday season, George’s financial troubles worsen and he finds his life turned upside down.

With the help of an angel named Clarence, George learns the power of kindness and a little holiday cheer.

Love Actually Love Actually is a 2003 rom-com that connects a myriad of people through one holiday season. The star studded cast provides relatable stories for each brand of Christmas. Plus, what is better than a British ensemble with intertwining love stories and Liam Neeson pretending to cry?

Home Alone Kevin McCallister’s

ingenious booby traps have been the fascination of children across America since the 90s. Though not all of us have set a thief on fire, Kevin’s Christmas helps illustrate the importance of family during the holidays.

A Christmas Story A Christmas Story takes us through the infamous Christmas of Ralphie who only wants a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. However, the young boy is subjected to every adult taunting him with the ever quotable phrase, “You’ll shoot your eye out!”

H & M Christmas Commercial A more avant-garde production will round out our list. Wes Anderson directed an H & M commercial that promotes the idea of a selfless Christmas in under four minutes making it a must see on any list.

A Precedent favorite, Rostam recently performed this cover of the ‘80s song by The Pogues for Spotify, and it holds the same amount of power as the original.

Maybe This Christmas 6.

Ron Sexsmith

While this song by Ron Sexsmith would only get a 6/10, it is fine enough to make the list. Every holiday playlist needs filler.

7. Happy

Xmas (War is Over)

John & Yoko/Plastic Ono Band

John Lennon’s 1971 Christmas song includes elements of both hope and protest, making it relevant each year during the holidays.

Christmas Treat 8.

Julian Casablancas

This driving song will satisfy fans of Christmas, treats, and indie-rock, entertaining those who have wondered what a festive song from The Strokes would sound like.

9.

Joy to the World

Sufjan Stevens

This Christmas highlight from Sufjan Stevens offers a moment of mellow beauty to the playlist, complete with jingle bells and soaring harmonies.

Krampus 10.

Houndmouth

With its heavy half time feel and its simple refrain, this song stands as a straightforward, feel-good conclusion to a holiday playlist, telling partygoers that it may be time to “come home.”

10 || sports

the precedent || phsprecedent.com

december || 2017

sports || 11

the precedent || phsprecedent.com

december || 2017 Basketball

Our Take

Jamerson makes beats

By Victoria Vredevoogd the precedent

As much as point guard CJ Jamerson loves basketball, he also has a passion for music.

Jamerson has been rapping for nine years. His brother just moved to California to work on his music career and Jamerson hopes to follow in his brother’s success. Jamerson not only sings but writes his own music too. He gets inspiration from artists such as Frank Ocean, Jaden Smith, Kanye West and Kid Cudi.

When explaining how he writes his music he says, “I sit on my computer, go to Youtube, listen to beats and just write for a while.

I usually stay up pretty late when I write, I’ll write until six in the morning.”

Jamerson wants to go further in music and possibly take an audio engineering class in college.

However, everyone in the music industry knows the only way to make it big is though connections, and this aspiring rapper has that.

“I just have a lot of connections” he said. “There is almost a pathway for me there just because I have so many connections through my brother.”

He also has connections through

his mother as she is close friends with the creator of the soundtracks for both the show “Empire” and “Underground”.

While Jamerson has a passion for music he also is making beats on the court. Jamerson was the only senior at the start of the season and one would think he would feel on the outside of the team. However, this is not the case and most of the time he does not even notice.

“I don’t even pay attention to it honestly,” Jamerson said. “I’ve hung out with them [underclassmen] ever since they came here and never was around the seniors last year so it doesn’t bother me.”

Jamerson was on the varsity team his junior year as well and this year is a starter.

He is excited to be back on the team and ready to see how the season will play out. His coach, Sam Duane, is also excited to have Jamerson back on the team and loves to see him grow as a player and a person.

“CJ has a great passion for basketball” said Duane “He brings energy every day, plays really hard, and one of the hardest workers I’ve coached.”

As of right now Jamerson’s mind is on basketball, his future, and music.

photo by Ryan Leightner Senior CJ Jamerson drives to the rim against Desert Mountain. In addition to running the point for the Pumas, Jamerson is an aspiring muscician.

Soccer learns from Campo tourney, early challenges Despite bumpy, 3-4 start to year, PHS looks forward to a lighter schedule ahead

photo by Cameron Martin Seniors, defender Chris Smith (15) and center-mid Pearson Wallace (13) at the Campo Tournament, Dec. 5 game against Mesa High. Wallace recieved a red card two games prior on Dec. 1, against Brophy which they lost, 7-0.

By Sawyer Del Fosse the precedent

Just three weeks into the season, the Pumas (3-4, 1-2) are off to a bumpy start.

In those games, Perry has been out-scored 17-19, and senior Pearson Wallace received a controversial red card against Brophy and had to sit out during the Desert Mountain game.

“We struggled to have confidence in ourselves and what we were doing,” head coach Brian Crayon said. “We lost a player to a red card early on and it is difficult to recover from that.”

The team began to work out the kinks in the Coyote Classic Tournament. They came out swinging by beating Mesa 4-0 and South Mountain 4-2. Lead scorers were senior Parker Rex with five goals and senior Nico Digne with two.

Captain Joe Osterkamp explained, “We are doing better at

communicating and working as a team as well as finishing. It helps when we are able to put away our chances on goal.”

The Pumas had secured their position in the playoff bracket despite their loss to Corona on Friday night. However, the tournament’s playoffs run on a single elimination basis and the Pumas were eliminated early after a 3-1 loss to Chandler on Saturday.

Captain Pearson Wallace commented, “Despite the outcome I thought we were starting to play better as a team. Our team chemistry is improving which will benefit us during our season games.”

All hope is not lost as it is fairly early in the season. Also, the schedule is looking lighter in the future as the team has already played some of the top teams in the conference. The boys hope to learn what they can from the Coyote Classic and move forward with heads held high.

Bit by early-season injury bug, Pumas find way to 9-0 start

By Katie Duford the precedent

While the girls soccer team is kicking off their season with several wins [9-0], they are also beginning with several injuries. Senior Anissa Montoya and freshman Emi Matalon were injured at the start of the season and will be out for the first half at least.

Coach John Roberts said, “Anissa’s growth plate didn’t close all the way yet so they’re going to try to rehab her and put her in a special brace to let her play as much during the season and get

her surgery after...and Emi has a fractured foot.” The entire team is hoping that both girls are back on the field for senior night in the middle of January.

Montoya said, “it’s kind of hard cause I know it’s my last year, [but] I’m trying to be [a cheerleader and] I’m still working right now to get back in the second half of the season.” Matalon said, “It sucks cause it’s freshman year. I wanted to prove I could hang with the older girls.”

The injuries have not only affected the individual players, but

the team as a whole. Senior Logan VanDine said, “Because of these two being out, we’re playing for them, because we know they would give anything to be out there. It’s our moment to do what they could if they were out there. It’s all for them.”

The girls have tried their best to prove to everyone that they can win even if a couple star players are sitting on the sideline. The week of Dec. 4th, Perry participated in the Campo Verde tournament.

They played a total of five games including the championship

“I’m still

working to get back in the second half.

”

Senior midfield Anissa Montoya

game. Brenna Alderson scored all three goals, winning the Pumas the championship for their first tournament.

The girls will play their next home game on Tues., Jan. 9 against the Chandler wolves at 6pm.

Friday night lights, something almost every high school student has experienced.

The over crowded stands packed to the brim, bright lights, and a hard working Callahan group of boys Nagel playing their the precedent hearts out.

This year especially was an astounding year for Perry football.

Making it to the state game and placing second after a close game is something Perry has never seen before. Our school shows nothing but pride and school spirit for our boys. But there may be a slight issue.

Perry High School seems to be about school spirit, but after doing a little digging the question that many may not be able to answer comes up: Does the school have spirit or does the school have spirit for Friday Night Lights?

Of course, this is in no way trying to insult or take away from the amazing job the student section did for football in 2017, but it seems like none of the other many teams are appreciated as much.

Don’t believe me? Look in the bleachers for a basketball or soccer game. Ask yourself how many other games you have been to that are not varsity football. Badminton won a state title and volleyball made it to the Final Four.

It’s time for our school to show more support for the other teams who work just as hard. The other student athletes who spend their entire day at school and then hours at practice deserve just as much support and cheer as the more popular sports do.

Follow your PUMAS

Add PHS sports on Twitter Athletics: @perry_pumas Basketball: @perrypumaMBB @perryGirlsbball Soccer: @perryhighsoccer @pumagirlsSoccer Wrestling: @wrestlingperry Cheer: @perryPomCheer

Sports Notebook

In what was statistically the greatest season by an Arizona high school quarterback in history, senior Brock Purdy won the most prestigious award that a high school football player could win: the Ed Doherty Award (which is the prep version of the Heisman Trophy).

In addition to winning the state’s top award, the Puma signalcaller was also named the Arizona Cardinal’s player of the year, as well as Gatorade player of the year, and is a finalist for the AzCentral player of the year.

Boys Bball Girls Bball G. Soccer B. Soccer Wrestling

Schedules New

Year

1/9 @Chandler 7pm

1/9 v. Chandler 7pm

1/3 @Red Mtn. 6pm 1/3 v. Red Mtn. 6pm 1/10 @Basha 6pm

1/11 @T. Browne 7pm 1/11 v. T Browne 7pm 1/9 v. Chandler 6pm 1/9 @Chandler 6pm 1/13-14 @ A. Junct.

1/12 v. Basha 7pm

1/12 @Basha 7pm

1/11 @Basha 6pm

1/11 v. Basha 6pm

1/17 Chandler Tourney

12 || sports

december || 2017

the precedent || phsprecedent.com

Puma How To

Hunting season in Arizona provides lots of options

By Tyler Valdez

special for the precedent

photo by Cole Simpson

Junior Travis Calloway was part of four PHS wins by pinafall in a row at the Puma Duals on Dec. 8. Calloway is one of several football players to join the wrestling team last week.

Puma Duals saw wrestling team at full strength

By Sawyer Del Fosse the precedent

Even though the football team’s run reached its end, some players received no time to rest before being thrown into wrestling.

Junior regular Travis Calloway said, “We talk to coach about it (coming into wrestling late) and he is very lenient about understanding

dual sport athletes.”

As previously observed, there are a couple dual athletes that participate in football in the fall and wrestling in the winter. Now that football has completed its season, the wrestling team is slowly starting to return to full form.

Coach Darren Johnson added, “Our football

guys have only had three practices so far so we couldn’t wrestle them for all of our matches last weekend.”

During the Jerry Benson Invitational at Buckeye High a couple weeks ago, the team had two top six finishers in the whole tournament, Joe Abeita receiving second and Nico

Pumas ‘gave it all they had’ in state championship game

By Macie Miller the precedent

The state champtionship game against Chandler High was one of the best games of this season, unfortunately the Pumas ended the game 49-42.

The boys had a huge improvement since last playing Chandler. The team will not rest in their off season, they will be participating in winter and spring sports to stay in shape for for the next fall season.

Junior defensive lineman Travis Beckman said, “We are coming back next year,” he continued, “we will keep doing the same thing we’ve always done, just keep working.”

Senior quarterback Brock Purdy said, “we gave it all we had, and I don’t regret anything.”

Purdy is among the players

Dramicanin receiving sixth.

The top six wrestlers in singles tournaments make the podium and medal so to have two means the team is performing well as a whole.

The team recently participated in the Pumas Duals, a Perry hosted invitational tournament.

After beating teams from Gilbert, Shadow Ridge,

Mesa, and multiple others, the Pumas ended with a 7-1 record.

Their only loss of the night came to Safford, one of the top teams in state.

Varsity wrestler Joe Abeita stated, “Personally I went undefeated in the Puma Duals. I feel like we as a team are really strong right now.”

For the more coverage and more photos, check out our website at:

PHSPRECEDENT.COM that will be graduating this year, leaving behind incredibly large shoes for the next quarterback to fill. Head varsity coach, Preston Jones said, “we know that it can be done, hopefully we continue with this momentum and the confidence and build off of this year.”

The football team has come a long way in the past few years and the school couldn’t be more proud of their accomplishments, as the hard work they put into the sport that is a high school Friday night tradition.

Now the off-season has begun, which for some players means transitioning to their winter sports.

Junior wide receiver Colby Dickie snares a pass in the end zone for a two-point conversion late in the 6A state championship game. The Pumas fell in one of the most exciting games in memory, 49-42.

gotten a lot better,” said Henkle.

Teams of the past have hit routines perfectly, and this year, coach Desiree Stinnett has seen a shift of mentality in the squad.

“They know how good they did last year and they really want to do better this year...they’re more mentally wanting to win” Stinnett said.

Last year’s competition was marked by the closest cheer has ever been to state champions, landing in and the determination to score perfectly has tensions running even higher.

“Our tumbling is more advanced this year so that helps us out with difficulty,” Stinnett said,

”knowing that you can’t control what the judge thinks about your cheer, all you can do is perform at the best that you can.”

In a short two minute and thirty second time slot, cheerleaders must push their bodies to the limit in a highenergy routine while trying to gain the audience’s applause. A performance is called to blend together stunts, tumbling, sign work and crowd pleasing.

When it comes time to hype up the crowd, the girls are already burnt out from the toll of stunts on the body, being more focused on skills and not crowd involvement.

photo by Kennedy Wagner

On the first of September every year I wake up to cool weather and the smell of gunpowder. I’m not alone -- thousands of hunters all over Arizona have the same day circled on their calendars.

It’s crazy to think that I only have to drive less than a mile to shoot my shotgun at some European doves flying early in the morning.

Doves are tricky to shoot because they have different fly patterns and waddle in mid air so your shot will almost always miss them.

Although early dove season only lasts 15 days, it’s the most exciting 15 days of the year.

In addition, Sept. 1 is also the start of all the other hunting seasons from big game to quail. Dove and quail are the most hunted animals in Arizona. For most people you don’t have to go very far to hunt them.

Once those 15 days are over, hunters must wait for late season to open up from Nov. 24-Jan. 7.

Due to the long timespan, the late season is easier to fit into the schedule.

After early season closes for dove, quail season opens the start of Oct. I recommend dove hunting before you try quail hunting because quail are known to be very tricky.

It’s not really shooting at them but its tracking their calls and looking for their lookout bird in the tree.

Then to be ready to hear the sound of what sounds like a whole flock of ducks flying away but it’s just a cubby of quail making a hard flap noise with their wings to try and fly away.

Hunting requires you to be a precise shooter, but you have to be safe. Enjoy being outside and enjoy the experience, and above all, be safe when hunting in Arizona.

Cheer works hard for basketball and comp season

By Kayla Gee the precedent

During the past month, varsity cheerleading has been working tirelessly cheering during football season while also hitting the mats for their own competitions in both state and nationals.

Senior backspot Madison Henkle has been with the squad since her start in high school.

As she leaves the team this year, Henkle is confident in her final cheer group and the upcoming competitions in the near future.

“The competitiveness, in all sports, has grown. There’s a lot more difficulty, it’s harder to make the team… and we’ve definitely

“At that point of your routine, you’re super tired too, so trying to get your energy up is really difficult,” Stinnett said.

Any athlete can agree that, like cheer, sports can be draining if their time and energy is poorly managed.

Principal Dan Serrano especially expresses his belief that cheer as one a greatly challenging sport and said, “I think with cheer...they put in as much time or more than kids in sports.”

With his efforts, Serrano has given equal opportunity for more practice with integrating cheer as an elective for schedules.

“I think we’re probably one of

“We’ve definitely gotten a lot better this year.

”

Senior backspot Madison Henkle

the few schools that offers a class for cheer, so they’re not practicing hundreds of hours after school,” said Serrano.

Laborus drills and endless exercises condition the female athletes for the tough competitions to come.

Cheerleaders are ready to take the mat and trophy home as they go into the new year.