December 2015

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DECEMBER 2015|| VOL. IX ISSUE IV

PERRY HIGH SCHOOL || GILBERT, AZ

THE BATTLE WITHIN Happiest time of year traumatic for those battling mental illnesses

By Dayna Miller the precedent

M

any afflicted with mental illnesses find their symptoms growing in magnitude during the winter season.

While some of the population is concerned with finding the perfect holiday gifts, another part is worrying about waking up the next morning and braving the day. The season of finals is also upon students; severely affecting those with mild mental illnesses. Whether students suffer from depression, anxiety, or OCD, there are resources that may ease their pain.

SEE Mental Illnesses on page 6-7

U.S. Civics Test is requirement for graduation

By Michelle Bolden the precedent

How many U.S. senators are there? In what month do we vote for the president?

These are some of the many questions that students will need to know the answer to in order to graduate.

Governor Doug Ducey was sworn into office in January of this year and only weeks later he mandated the American Civics Act which requires students to pass a civics test in order to graduate. Arizona is the first state in the country with this prerequisite.

“The good thing about it is that it’s showing the importance of civics in our education system,” Government, Economics, and We the People teacher John Feula says.“Civics is so important because it’s the rule book for

“The good thing about it is that it’s showing the importance of civics in our education system.

”

John Feula Government, Economics, We the People Teacher

America. You should know how the country works if you’re going to live in it.”

The motives behind Ducey’s push to introduce the test so soon are unclear; nonetheless, it was administered to Perry students on Nov.10,12,17, and 18, and Dec. 1 and 2.

“The state didn’t give districts any guidance in terms of how [schools] were going to administer the test,” counselor and civics test administrator Clint Beauer

said,“so districts were kind of left on their own to make those decisions.”

The test will generally be given at the 8th grade level but Chandler Unified School District decided to test 11th graders. Their decision was based off of retention numbers which verify that the number of juniors in high school is steadier.“If you test [students] at the 8th grade level, by the time they get to 12th grade, they may have moved districts and they don’t have record of [their score],”

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Beauer explained.

The test is generally identical to a basic nationalization test given to immigrants and requires a score of at least 60% to pass.

For that reason, most teachers are not too concerned with setting time aside to review.

“This is material that’s covered at the 7th-8th grade level. A lot of it’s just review,” Beauer states. If for any reason students do not pass the test the first time around, they do have unlimited chances to retake it.

Currently, the test is exclusively given in Arizona and Beauer believes that this will remain true in the future.“I don’t know that it matters to states like it did to Arizona. I think it’s important to have an understanding of how government works, but I don’t see a big push in terms of nationally.”

www.phsprecedent.com Stop Ugly Sweaters

Not worth buying ugly sweaters every season.

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Hiring Science fair wins trip to Germany for the holidays

By Sarah Campbell the precedent

By Ernesto Chacon the precedent

It is holiday season; people spend time with their family, enjoy different seasonal foods, and stores stay open later to offer many deals on products. According to a New York Times article by Hiroko Taubuchi, last year retail stores gained 51 billion dollars on Black Friday alone.

The high demand of products during the winter season has stores hiring extra hands in order to compensate for the increase of customer traffic.

In an effort to increase sales, stores have extended their special Black Friday discounts past the original start and end date. People can now find Black Friday deals on Thursday afternoon or Saturday morning.

For this reason it is estimated that the holiday season will bring in about 750 thousand retail positions this year, according to an abc15 article.

According to CNBC big companies like Walmart will hire 60,000 people alone. A lot of these employees will also be able to take an advantage of Walmart’s new salary increase which starts at 9 dollars an hour.

Amazon will also add 100,000 seasonal jobs, which is an increase by 25% from last year.

Other companies including Jc Penny, Toys R Us, and Gamestop will hire over 30,000 jobs each.

This gives variety to people looking for a seasonal job this year.

Also due to the fact of the national unemployment rate being at an all-time low in recent years, at 5% means retailers will have a smaller amount of selection for their staff this year. Making it even easier for inexperienced teens to land a job.

With all these seasonal jobs, many teens are taking advantage of it in order to gain experience or to make money this holiday season.

Teens who were not able to get a summer job could take advantage of these temporary seasonal jobs, as it could improve upon their resume, increasing their chances for that summer job position. Or in some cases, many “temporary” holiday workers end up receiving a more permanent role, even after the holiday rush.

Many of these jobs could be found with a Google search, or by just walking into a retail store near you asking for an application.

Students walk past hundreds of their peers on any given day; oblivious to each other’s hidden talents and accomplishments.

People walk past junior Emily Ethington in the halls everyday, blind to the fact that she may be one of the most brilliant scientific minds, not just in the community, but in the nation.

After qualifying for a program through the Goethe Institut, Emily applied along with 150 other students to be recognized nationally as 1 in 12 of the most academically advanced in the field of science.

These 12 students were treated to an all expense paid trip to Germany earlier this November.

Emily learned about this opportunity through her Chemistry class and decided to apply. She submitted her science fair project to the Goethe Institut in Chicago and was selected soon after. Emily describes the winners in the best way possible saying, “It’s some of the top young scientists from America.”

During their nine days in Germany, these students visited universities, science labs, and a German high school. “Overall, it was a really great experience because we got to learn, and see, and do so much that we just don’t have here,” Emily explains.

Emily’s intellectual abilities do not stop at science, however, as she is juggling four AP classes and tied for first in the Junior class.

Her sister, Maddie Ethington, explains her investment in academics is one that cannot go unnoticed. “Emily is an extremely dedicated student that always, always, always strives to do her

photo used with permission by Emily Ethington Junior Emily Ethington flies in a flight simulator. While there she set the record for the fastest landing time in that simulator.

best. She’s fantastic at thinking on her feet and managing a ton of responsibility,” Maddie says.

Emily explains her strive for success is all to open herself up to opportunities. “I really want to get into a really good college, like right now I want to go to either BYU or Cornell University,” she says.

Being advanced in science, Emily find passion in it and envisions it as a future career for herself. “I’m not sure exactly what I want to go into, but I know I want to do Chemistry. So that’s kind of my end goal, to get there and to get my degree,” she adds.

Despite Emily’s full plate of academics, she is still actively involved and helping in her community.

“She contributes

ALL WRAPPED UP:

countless hours of service and cares deeply about others,” Maddie explains.

In addition, Emily has held leadership positions at her church and is currently the band’s Brass Captain. Band director Brandon Kiesgen describes her as a natural leader, “I think she doesn’t have to try to get people to listen to her; she does a great job leading by example.”

Emily explains she does it simply to better herself and her community, “Like for band, I want to make everyone’s experience as good as possible. I just want to do the best that I can.”

Those who know Emily explain her genius comes from her unique personality. “Emily is both

intelligent and creative, which is a rare combination, but a key in success,” explains Maddie.

“Emily is just full of energy and passion...everybody just really likes her personality and gets along with it,” adds Kiesgen.

Emily’s creative mind and constant drive give many the idea that her future is destined to hold success. “I have no doubt that in her future she will be able to follow whatever path she chooses and will find a way to be successful,” Maddie states.

A brilliant mind like Emily’s is one that can no longer go unnoticed by the peers she passes in the halls and seen by not only her school, but by the nation.

Adopt A Family gives gifts to students

By Molly Ogden the precedent

The end of every year is a time with much to celebrate.

Unfortunately, even in this time of celebration, many families do not have the means to guarantee gifts under the tree on Christmas morning.

Enter Adopt A Family, an annual project that reaches out to families in need of a little help during the holiday season.

Every year, assistant principal Kevin Ames encourages clubs on campus to participate in Adopt A Family.

“I match that [family] with a club [on campus]. The club then looks at what [the family needs], and then they go shopping.”

Each wish list is different, but they have one common theme: they are just typical wishes and

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wants. The typical Adopt A Family wish list includes gift cards, toys, clothes, books, and even gifts as big as bikes.

This program is in its 7th year here at Perry, and will not be going away anytime soon.

Ames commented that “[on this campus,] it is one of those things that we do every year that I really look forward to. And I think the clubs really look forward to [it].”

But clubs are not the only ones that are excited. Staff members also play a large role in the orchestration of this event, all the while enjoying the good that Adopt A Family can do.

Administration secretary Nancy Martino is one of the many staff who is behind the scenes. She commented that “[this project is special because] it is that avenue that we get to share. You don’t get to share most of the time of the

year. In a small part, we get to help make somebody’s holiday a little more special.”

Adopt A Family at Perry will conclude this year at the end of the semester. It is then the job of numerous volunteers to wrap and deliver the gifts, all the while making sure that the needs of families are being met.

“On the week of finals, we wrap all the gifts here on campus,” Ames said. “We have the limo come up with [Santa and his elves] and we collect all the gifts. [Then,] we actually go out with Santa and deliver the gifts to them at their houses.”

These little touches and details are enough to make the holidays special for everyone involved.

Career Center specialist Pat Phillips is one of those volunteers who wraps hundreds of gifts for Adopt A Family. She believes that

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the reason that Adopt A Family is worthwhile is because “families are thrilled to get these gifts when they normally don’t have that money to spend.”

Martino concluded that, “[Adopt A Family] just makes people aware of own whole community. Sometimes, we get so busy with our own lives that we don’t maybe notice that someone is struggling or how strong people actually are. This is an event that allows us to service our whole community.”

“I am always humbled [to see how this program helps people]” Phillips commented. Ames agreed, commenting that when families receives the gifts, “[there are] a lot of tears [and] people are happy.”

Adopt A Family is slowly changing lives, both on the giving, and the receiving end.

with freshman

Mason Lesueur

I came from a small junior high, so I thought [high school] was going to be huge, but it wasn’t as big as a thought it’d be.

My favorite part is the students that go here; my friends.

I love to do any type of boarding; longboarding, wakeboarding, surfing, and stuff I’m in acapella club. It’s pretty fun. No, I cannot sing. I just go to hangout with friends.

Favorite subject: Does lunch count? Because lunch is pretty nice. I have to say P.E. because we don’t do anything.

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Senior Liberatore’s voice is heard across the nation Emily Narducci the precedent

photo by Kathy Lyons Senior, Joey Liberatore, hosting his hour long talk show called “The Sports Mafia.”

Senior class features first STEM group to graduate

By Aja Diffin & August Bowers the precedent

The graduating class of 2016 is packed full of athletes, honor society members, and a tight-knit group of nearly 70 who will be the first to carry the title of “STEM graduates.”

These students are individuals who have gone through one of two Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) programs since they were freshmen.

There are 38 males and 32 females graduating with either a STEM Diploma or STEM Scholar Diploma.

“Scholar is the more rigorous one. That’s the one where they had to do all honors and

When listening to a booming voice of a broadcaster on the radio or at a sporting event, the person in the booth giving a play-by-play in clear detail and perfect sync with the game is not on the minds of the listeners. But just like the athletes, these broadcasters can have amazing stories.

Senior Joey Liberatore has officially become the youngest play-by-play broadcaster in AIA, Arizona Interscholastic Association, history. He also has the honor of being the youngest person to broadcast a championship game on NBC 1060 AM radio. Liberatore was most recently a play-by-play broadcaster for a Division 3 Championship game in Tucson.

Liberatore never originally planned to pursue a broadcasting career. In fact, he came to Perry in pursuit of baseball. “I played baseball my first two years [at Perry],” Liberatore explains, “I tore a ligament in my elbow and could no longer play, but I didn’t want to leave baseball so I started broadcasting.”

His passion began through a summer program with the East Valley Institute of

“We’re the only one [in the Chandler Unified School District] that offers the STEM diploma.

Joe Greene Vice Principal

AP in all four curriculums: Math, Science, English and History,” explained vice principal Joe Greene.

STEM is not yet widely known across the nation, and only a select few schools have embedded the program as part of their curriculum.

“We’re the only one [in Chandler Unified School District] that offers the STEM diploma,” said Greene.

Graduating from the STEM program opens a multitude of doors, giving various opportunities to gain an upper hand in college admissions and scholarships.

Seniors Jake Crabtree and Avery Scholz have managed to pull themselves through the rigorous STEM program to the very top of the graduating class.

Crabtree is planning on majoring in computer science and business while Scholz plans to study mechanical engineering with a

focus on aerospace and a minor in business.

While vying for the title of valedictorian, these two students have endured various relentless classes in each subject’s curriculum as well as summer programs.

“There’s a lot of really tough classes,” Crabtree said, “but I think what I really like about STEM is the summer programs they offer for us.”

Along with summer learning experiences, STEM offers job shadowing to give students a chance to look forward and get a feel for their future careers.

“It allowed you to actually see what the industry you wanted to go in was about,” Crabtree explained.

In regards to college applications, Scholz commented that being in the STEM program will add something interesting to her résumé.

Commenting on the experience of being in this program, Scholz stated, “It encourages you to take these higher level classes that you wouldn’t normally be encouraged to take and you have a better perspective and a more diverse schedule.”

Although the high level classes required are demanding and tough at times, the

”

Technology (EVIT). “They trained me on how to do everything,” he said, “EVIT has really escalated all the opportunities I have had and given me a voice.”

Liberatore already has built up quite a résumé. AIA, the company in which he has become the youngest play-by-play broadcaster, is where Liberatore had his first internship. His opportunities have only went uphill from there.

He has done quite a bit of work with the Chicago Cubs, behind the scenes working on the technical aspects of the main show, and hosting the pre and post game shows. “I’ve interviewed most of the players on the Cubs, so I’ve built relationships with the players.”

Liberatore explains, “At some points I’m on the radio in Arizona, Chicago, Alabama and Tennessee at the same exact time.”

His hope for this upcoming year is to do play-by-play during Spring Training, and due to his extensive career building work, he should be able to achieve his goal.

As a young adult, it may seem difficult to have your voice be heard by others. In Liberatore’s case, he has been given many amazing opportunities to have his voice heard nationwide, and he has a long prosperous career ahead.

By the Numbers: There are 70 seniors that will be STEM graduates at the end of this year. benefits of participating in the STEM program are considerably worth it.

The classes are not simple; students cannot just glide through with ease.

“Don’t wait ‘til the last minute to do things because all those classes pile up;” Crabtree said, “If you wait until the last minute, you might get destroyed or perform worse.”

Besides garnering recognition at senior awards night for their accomplishments, these STEM students will be visible in the crowd of graduates by the hood they will be given for participating in the program.

JAVA showcase open to family and friends

By Dayna Miller the precedent

photo by Lindsey Tillman Richard Beck, Joseph Patberg, and Justin Vredevoogd with their software design awards.

Nov. 18 computer science teacher Lindsey Tillman held a showcase in her classroom for student-generated games and science simulations.

Visitors were provided with one ballot and asked to vote on the best game and best simulation, in their opinion. The software engineering class began a video game unit only six weeks prior to the showcase.

“People came in with their friends and some even brought their families, which was awesome,” Tillman continues. Many parents and kids alike convened at room F407 for the showcase -- over 35 votes were collected.

“I brought a bunch of friends,” science simulation first place winner Jacob Caldwell added.

The event proved successful, in both turnout and overall enjoyment. “I thought it was cool because you can’t really play anyone else’s games aside from your own class when you’re in the class,” Justin Vredevoogd comments.

Winners were chosen from each of the

two categories. Senior Justin Vredevoogd received the first place honor for his game, Orbis.

This two-player, dodgeball-based game showed off his graphics skills when it came to the interface. “You throw disks at each other and whoever hits the other 3 times wins,” Vredevoogd explained.

The second place winner in this category was Brian Crow, and the third place winner was Joseph Patberg .

Caldwell took home first place for his tsunami simulation. “It’s simulating an impact of a tsunami to a coast-side civilization,” Caldwell adds.

Second place winner was Richard Beck and the third place winner was Braxton Gibson.

Unlike the fine arts, computer science and software engineering classes do not have their work displayed on campus. “It was nice for these kids to get to show their skills and talents,” Tillman said.

“It’s interesting how people who are not so musically-inclined like fine arts people who are good with computers get to show off their talent.” Caldwell confirmed.

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Boo’s and Hooray’s for the end of a politically centric year HOORAY: For all the seniors out there, we are nearing half way through our last year of high school!

There is roughly 5 months left until graduation! Way to go, Class of 2016!

BOO: They took away the Chik fil A from the cafeteria. They made a knock-off version of it that is supposedly healthier but we all know the truth. Nothing can replace the original. Also they faintly taste of pickles which is annoying because it’s a chicken sandwich not a burger.

HOORAY: Badminton for being the most successful sport on Perry campus. They did very well in the state tournament and dynamic duo Laike & Lauren enjoyed much success before eventually falling in semis to a Hamilton doubles’ team BOO: College and scholarship application deadlines are just another stress that seniors have to deal with before graduation. With so many colleges to choose from, that task of finding the right one is a daunting task. Finding scholarships is another beast on its own.

HOORAY: It’s finally sweater weather. Time to layer up in scarves and jackets as well as getting those boots out of the closet. Time to switch from ice lattes to hot lattes.

And time to enjoy the one time of the year where it is not over 100 degrees out.

BOO: The Civics Test was made a graduation requirement for whatever reason. With a 60% being “passing” and questions that are taught in any basic history class, it doesn’t make sense for this to be a graduation requirement.

HOORAY: Soccer season is here!

The Lady Pumas have a great chance to win the first state championship for Perry after two close calls the last two years in play-offs. With a current 3-0-1 record, the future’s looking bright for the Girls’ Soccer team.

Keep up the good work, Perry soccer!

BOO: Unfortunately, with a new season of sports comes the usual scramble for lockers. Girls’ Soccer was able to secure the field house lockers, but at the expense of only being able to access them after first hour because of the current occupants; first hour football boys. By not being allowed in their own girls’ locker room and thus defeating the whole purpose of having lockers, the Perry Girls’ soccer players are forced to carry around their soccer bags to all of their classes.

HOORAY: Perry Robotics hosts its first ever F1 in Schools competition in the cafeteria. Hopefully this will be the start of a new legacy. Racing teams from around the state came to race and be judged. The STEM program is growing in magnitude.

#HappyHolidays

By Natalie Eberhard

Once-popular ugly sweater trend faces downfall KENDALL MACGREGOR the precedent

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is’ the season for sweaters, especially your ugly holiday sweaters. We are well aware of the blatant fact of how tacky and ridiculous you look, but hey, why not? It is just being festive. Who cares anyways, it is funny right? Go, rush to the very back of your closet and dig out those crumbled sweaters from last season.

You probably have already worn your favorite and probably most clever sweater.

If your ugly holiday sweater was that ugly, it was probably pretty memorable. Most likely, it has been worn on the occasions of spirit days or the ever-so popular ugly sweater parties.

The realization has hit you; frankly you cannot ever wear this again. Now I, myself am a repeat offender of this; I am a proud owner of the basic cats with Santa hats dancing around the Christmas tree, the morbidly obesse and bearded Santa with the

ever so shedding white fur, and the one with “Happy Elfin’ Holiday,” however so punny.

Yet these ugly holiday sweaters are of no use to me now. At max the same sweater is funny enough for two different occasions.

Soon enough, those around you will be sick of your clever ugly sweaters and begin to question your sanity.

Desperately one feels the need to upstage your last year’s sweater and once again go out in search.

The cycle of ugly holiday sweaters repeats itself.

Now when considering buying an ugly holiday sweater; be honest with yourself. Just like how honest your parents

were when they told you the truth about Santa.

Will you ever wear this more than once? Is this idiotic, yet mildly entertaining sweater worth more than your hard earned paycheck? Did you plaster a fake smile on your face for hours while immature customers pester you, just to spend it on a one time use sweater?

Do you have enough space in y o u r closet to store these for the other eleven months of the year?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then go for it. Hey you might as well; you are just getting in the holiday spirit. Lastly, with the words of a classic ugly holiday sweater: “Happy Elfin’ Holiday.”

Political correctness sucks merry out of Christmas RYLEE WHITE

the precedent

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t is a late December night and the person in red and khaki, with exhaustion on their face, scans your last-minute holiday gifts with a forced smile on their face.

You force a smile back, although it is a nervous smile as you dig for that last bit of loose change to pay for the presents.

Thankfully, you have enough and the receipt is printing.

Just as you prepare to leave, the cashier scrapes together all of his kindness to extend a kind gesture to you: “Merry Christmas,” he says.

In a perfect world, regardless whether you are Jewish, Islamic, or Atheist, you would appreciate the wish of goodwill and respond by saying, “Thank you, Merry Christmas to you too!” or something like that because

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Staff Editorial

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

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in reality, the cashier was not forcing the Christian religion on you, he was being a civilized human being by showing kindness.

In these days of tolerance - which is a noble pursuit - many activists claim that in order to have political correctness we must conform to all, neutralizing everything by only saying “Happy Holidays” in order to not offend anyone.

This sounds like too much fumbling around with loose cannons trying to please people and living in fear of those who are easily offended.

Would it not be more tolerant and efficient if we all accepted that everyone celebrates different holidays during the winter? When they wish us a Happy Kwanza, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holidays, or Merry Christmas they are not trying to convert us, they are just trying to be kind.The dominant religion in the U.S. is Christianity, according to the Pew Research Center 70.6 percent. U.S. People of minority religions in the United States, whether they are immigrants or born in the U.S., will just

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need to accept the fact that America has been predominantly Christian ever since the country was founded. Obviously there are going to be Christian influences around the country that represent that especially throughout the holidays.

This does not mean that Christmas is the only holiday that should be celebrated in America. Any holiday that promotes the spirit of giving, being together with family and honoring what life is really all about is a worthwhile endeavor. For my family and millions of others, the Christmas season is about religion however “Merry Christmas” is a kind greeting, so don’t freak out when I am trying to be kind.

History teacher Angela Gardner, who is loved for her sarcastic humor, has a parody for the winter greeting: next time you have the opportunity to wish someone goodwill, whether it be a late December night in the Target checkout line or anytime during the winter, “Always be politically correct, say ‘Happy Holidays’ or maybe don’t even say anything at all, just stare at them.”

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s u p m OnCa Gabriella Garcia freshman

“Excessive, I’ve never seen it.”

Do you feel the new Star Wars movie is excessive?

Celine Atalig

Trevor Maness

sophomore

junior

“I think it’s excessive. I think a lot of people make a big deal about it.”

“Very needed. Why wouldn’t you want another Star Wars movie?”

S

seem redundant to keep to a similar plot line, but at times it is needed to go back to the roots of a story. Therefore, the new addition to the series is keeping the Star Wars story alive as it continues through generations. As long as the fans keep going to the theaters, this movie series will not go anywhere; similarly to how if the grand kids keep listening to Grandpa’s stories, he is not going to a retirement home anytime soon.

S

ometimes in life things are meant to end. When the ending wraps a perfect bow on top of the story, it is meant to stay there; not to interfere with. However, Steven Spielberg and George Lucas created the idea that removing this bow on top and adding on to the story would bring in the mass amount of revenue that it promises.

Some of prime examples of this are the fourth Indiana Jones and the Star Wars

STAR WARS

THE POINT / COUNTERPOINT

Star Wars: The Force Awakens is now revamping the

aspects of the original movies.

Just like how the hipsters were turning their vintage Goodwill clothing into something modern, J.J. Abrams is modernizing this beloved story. The movie includes members of the original cast, such as Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher which helps connect it to the original films. It might

KYLIE VACALA the precedent

Justin Vredevooge senior

“I don’t feel like it’s absolutely necessary, because the sixth one ended pretty well, but I wouldn’t say it’s excessive either”

New star wars excessive

STAR WARS still valuable

tars Wars is like your grandpa; he is old and wise, and keeps telling you a good story. How could you put him in retirement home so soon? With the familiar tales of adventure, the new movie Star Wars: The Force Awakens comes to continue the dream of being a child again. The original generations get to relive the moments they felt when they first walked into the theater, and modern day teens get to experience a time warp as they set foot into the past.

When George Lucas first wrote the screenplay for Star Wars, he did not get to decide the popularity of the movie, only the fans did. At that time, there was an audience for action sci-fi adventure and there still is.

Two things could have happened in May of 1977; success or failure. Based off the number of prequels and sequels, it can be assumed that day was a huge success.

With the amount of success this series has had, ending it now would be giving the movies less credit than they deserve. Even though some people have never seen the movies, it is hard to question if they have heard of it.

Star Wars has become a brand aside from the movies; having allusions to it constantly with the muffled breathing and the phrase, “Luke, I am your father” and the amounts of remakes spoofs from “Family Guy” to “SNL.”

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december || 2015

vs

LUCAS SMITH the precedent

“prequels”, both of which we are going to ignore due to how bad these movies actually are.

Now, Star Wars is faced with this problem again as J.J. Abrams wants to revive the dead series into a form of “The Walking Dead” that is due to wander the earth. The once promising ending of The Return of the Jedi is now gone as the dashing yet old Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher try not to break a hip as they teach a young girl, with a pole that somehow can block lightsabers and an ex-stormtrooper who does not know what to do as he tries to redeem his past mistakes.

Even though the story appears to be unique, it is not. For example, there is a new story with a old mentor trying to teach a young Jedi, with not only new companions, including a new droid partner. Now they must fight against a Sith Lord where he has a new lightsaber style that was shown in the trailer; also to get the fans pumped for a movie that will revive the series after a time of break.

The question is, what movie am I talking about? I am not talking about just The Force Awakens, but The Phantom Menace and how both movies have these similar styles.

J.J. Abrams, if you are going to make a new Star Wars, do not model it after the worst one there is, okay?

In the end, we are continuing a series in the worst fashion ever with a director who already made Wrath of Khan an insult to Star Trek fans. Who says it will not pull the same thing at the Phantom Menace did? The series has already lost a lot of credibility due to the prequels.

For people who became Star Wars fans when the new episode was announced it is a risk because they have not been there watching their favorite movie series crumble.

However, for the people that have, the risk is too great. The series ended perfectly with the Return of the Jedi movie, so let it go Star Wars fans.

YatesHates

Star Wars strikes negative legacy on cinema F

or most, the thought of Star Wars may evoke warm memories of amazement at the original trilogy. With spaceships firing lasers at each other in immense space battles, brooding space magicians shooting lightning from their fingertips, and a murderous teddy bear tribe, it is hard to forget such a franchise. Not only has Star Wars stood out as a cultural marvel, the series has also brought an unfortunate side effect to cinematography; its downfall.

The special effects of Star Wars were truly an achievement for film, especially since the first film (number four in the overall series) was released in 1977. What would follow is a trend of unnecessary sequels and overkill of special effects.

ERIK YATES

the precedent

The original trilogy (Episodes IV, V, and VI) of Star Wars contained a decent blend

of action and storytelling. A majority of the older fans will proudly declare that the original three were far better than the prequel trilogy (Episodes I, II, and III) and with good reason. The dialogue was more engaging and thought provoking in the originals (“Do or

do not, there is no try,” - Yoda) while the prequels had their budgets funneled into the special effects. The prequel trilogy has noticeably more intense battle situations than the likes of the originals. The best example of this is how Episode III started off with a dreary war zone akin to the opening of Saving Private Ryan, except in space and entirely excessive. Episode III on its own was nothing more than robots either shooting or blowing each other up with only a slightly coherent story presented in the last five minutes of the film.

It seems that the prequel trilogy put more emphasis on the “war” part of Star Wars.

The aftermath of Star War’s revolutionary use of special effects are other movies trying

to imitate the popular sci-fi series. Sequels or additional installments seem to play into this trend as well. Other movie series such as Fast and Furious and Transformers seem to release new explosion/stunt/special effect extravaganzas every year. In turn, these films are almost completely devoid of plot.

With a seemingly new direction, one can only hope that the new Star Wars movie does not follow the all-too familiar path of the prequel series.

There are already enough meaningless acts of mass destruction that are passed off as “films” in the industry.

Perhaps Star Wars: The Force Awakens may bring a new hope of seeing something other than fiery explosions in films.

depression obsessive

scared

unmotivated

mental illness

anxiety

suicide

hopeless

OCD

over-emotional

ignored

photo illustration by Ellie Wendt

Many people do not understand the severity of mental illnesses, let alone notice them. Those who suffer often go undetected, in the same hallways we walk every day.

Mental illness misconceptions need true definitions

By Sam Nabaty and Bree Wade the precedent

It’s a similar scene played out in classrooms all over the world.

A student has over-prepared for an exam, crammed flash cards and reviewed notes for 48 consecutive hours.

Ever since this student was little, every time the spotlight was on them or they were in a highpressure situation, they folded.

They failed.

In some cases this person just lacks confidence, but as modern medicine and the study of the human psyche evolves, so does society’s understanding that this student has a legitimate condition.

They battle anxiety.

As a mental illness, anxiety is highly misunderstood. According to the Mayo Clinic, people with anxiety “frequently have intense, excessive and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations.”

As with many other mental illnesses, anxiety is not a problem until it becomes chronic and negatively affects everyday activities. According to a study conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health, anxiety is diagnosed when a person has excessive worries about everyday problems for six months.

People with anxiety often avoid everyday activities and loose interest in their hobbies. Anxiety is not just an uncomfortable feeling, but an urgent feeling of danger when performing daily tasks.

The Mayo Clinic lists the symptoms as, but not limited to: persistent worrying, inability to let go of worry or to relax, and obsessing over the most negative possible outcomes.

Physical symptoms include: fatigue, muscle tension, sweating, trouble sleeping, and headaches.

Depression: Coming home in a bad mood is normal. Being upset from time to time is normal. Wanting space

the battle within || 7

the precedent || phsprecedent.com

december || 2015 A STUDENT’S BATTLE WITH HERSELF:

confused

attention-seeking

december || 2015

lost

sad

health

the precedent || phsprecedent.com

sleepy

alone

sick

6 || the battle within

and time alone is normal. But hopeless, taunting sadness and unsubsiding pain is not normal.

While many think that depression is just a case of the blues, it is much more than that. Depression is defined by teenmentalhealth.org as, “a dysregulation of the brain function that controls emotions (or moods). It is a mood disorder characterized by intense and persistent negative emotions.”

Depression is misunderstood and undermined; many people have misconceived it as a state of mind that will pass.

Teendepression.org is a website dedicated to educating the general public on depression specifically in teenagers. According to data provided by this website, about 20 percent of teens will experience depression before reaching adulthood. Counselor Kirstin Gregg explains what she sees as part of her profession, “people who are depressed have a difficult time finding joy in their life”.

Depression is extremely

detrimental to everyday life. “If you are unable to go through your day and get things done and find joy in life, that’s a problem” says Gregg. It makes normal activities much more difficult and exhausting. Symptoms of depression include, but are not limited to: persistent sadness, empty feelings, intense pessimism, loss of interest in hobbies, fatigue, overeating/appetite loss, and thoughts of suicide.

OCD: Double-checked and the iron is definitely off, she thought.

Triple checked.

Turn it on and off again, just to be make sure.

The iron is off, but the inevitable urge to check again remains. It’s not right.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is a mental illness that must be split into two parts to be understood; the obsession and the compulsion make up the illness as a whole. The first part, the obsession, is defined by teenmentalhealth.

org as “persistent, intrusive and unwanted thoughts, images or impulses (urges).” The second part, the compulsion, is an uncontrollable desire to carry out these actions.

OCD of one person cannot be fully understood by another because it is specific to the individual. Gregg explains her perception of the illness as “obsessions that you feel that you have to do in order to take control of your life.” People with OCD often find small things to worry about, such as obsessing over pen strokes or number patterns. They also have rituals which they must perform no matter what.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, more than 2 percent (1 out of every 40 people) will be diagnosed with OCD throughout their lives.

Although this may seem like a small percent of the population, many go undiagnosed. About 60 percent of adults with a mental illness and 50 percent of youth have gone untreated.

My name is Lincoln Ann Luse, this is my story

I

n 7th grade I was suffering from chronic headaches. My parents and I thought they were normal for a teenage girl, but then my symptoms became more serious. I started to hallucinate in class, lose sleep because my head would hurt so much, etc. In 8th grade, my neurologist prescribed Propranolol 3 times a day. Propranolol is a medication that treats high blood pressure, heart attacks, and helps with migraines.

At the time, I was your typical happy-and-cute-and-funnyand-innocent-8th-grade girl, so when my doctor mentioned that suicidal thoughts were a possible side effect of this new medication, my parents didn’t think anything of it.

Going into my freshman year of high school, I lost almost all of my 8th grade friends; I didn’t have any classes with them, so I never saw them. I felt lonely, unwanted, and pathetic. That was when I started to notice my sadness. Of course, being the cute and happy girl I was, I didn’t think anything of it. Then when I took a break from MMA, my sadness came back. But yet again, I didn’t think anything of it.

In November of 2014, I noticed I was sad all the time.

I truly felt empty. Instead of enjoying my life, I was just going through the motions. At first, I reminded myself that everyone is sad from time to time, but then I found myself praying for death every night before bed. Life no longer felt worth living.

This is when I started counseling with my therapist, and two sessions later I was diagnosed with major clinical depression, three different anxiety disorders, and obsessive compulsive disorder.

We decided that the Propranolol, loss of friends, and break of MMA were the causes of my depression.

This is because I had nothing to do after school, and I felt like I had no friends; I felt abandoned.

But one day in the shower, it hit me. I no longer cared about my friends, family, school, or anything. I simply wanted to die.

After telling my therapist this, she realized the severity of my illnesses. From then on, I was suicidal for seven straight months.

My parents were ordered to lock

up the medications, windows, and knives. I wasn’t allowed to be in a room alone for longer than five minutes, out of fear of hurting or killing myself. I sometimes felt helpless to the deathly thoughts that haunted me. I moved out of my room upstairs and into the spare bedroom across the hall from my parents’ room. I missed a total of 18 days in 9th grade because of my countless therapy sessions, doctor appointments, and days off due to my mental instability.

At school, the only two things that kept me going were my grades

LINCOLN LUSE for the precedent

and my best friend. Schoolwork was an escape from the deathly thoughts that never ceased to haunt me. Getting good grades gave me a sense of accomplishment, like I was worth something. My best friend was the only one at school who understood how serious my condition was, so she made sure I felt loved. She was my rock. I don’t know what I would’ve done without her.

The peak of my depression was towards the end of May. On a scale of one to ten, one being happy and normal, ten being committing suicide the first chance possible, I was a ten for a week straight. I eventually got better over summer, through volunteer work, countless therapy sessions, and a balance of the right medications.

This story might be a lot to swallow. I have depression.

Depression isn’t just a bad mood, it’s a chemical imbalance in the brain that can make it impossible to be happy. Millions of people deal with it everyday. Though it can be deadly, it is very treatable.

Today, I am proud to say that I have anxiety, OCD, and occasional clinical depression.

These, or any other illnesses, are nothing to be ashamed of. I am proud of my journey, and I don’t know who I’d be without it. With the right treatment, life can be good again. Life can be worth living.

Here I am, Lincoln Ann Luse, happy and healthy.

photo illustration by Kirstin Farewell

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, approximately 20 percent of young adults from age 13-18 experience severe mental disorders in a given year.

Schools lacks protocol regarding illness

By Valerie Burgess and Sarah Lankford the precedent

As a society, we raise awareness for diseases that are seen. We walk around a track for several hours for cancer, or we come together in a community event to sell pastries to support a student who faced a catastrophic car accident.

Their messages spread fire in communities across the nation.

Was there ever a time we did a fund raiser for a student diagnosed with clinical depression or anxiety disorder?

The stigma attached to mental illness has debilitated open conversation beyond a sterile therapist room or, to the closest family members or friends. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, approximately 20 percent of young adults from age 13-18 experience severe mental disorders in a given year. From the ages of 8-15, the estimate is 13 percent.

At academically focused schools, stress builds up; whether it’s doing poorly on a test which can fuel depression, or falling behind on homework that can fuel anxiety. In an environment full of students with mental illness,

you would think that teachers would know enough to be able to understand it, and you would be thinking wrong.

“None of our staff has had any kind of training on mental illness, even as counselors we don’t have specific training on mental illness,” said counselor Shelamae Woodworth.

This lack of training can be seen in the teachers on campus as well, while one teacher says there are not any mental illnesses in AP classes. Another says that a mental illness is “anyone who experiences any type of unhappiness or distraught for any reason.”

Teacher in-service days are used to address topics which are relevant to faculty members as they enter the new quarter.

Topics discussed vary; including information about alcohol and drug abuse as well as how to prevent suicide. Yet, mental health is never discussed to a majority of teachers.

“We have workshops on everything but mental illness,” psychology teacher Jocelyn Dolan says. “It all comes down to education, if you don’t have that then you don’t know – you don’t understand it.”

Then comes the silver lining between what the job of the

Mental Illness Across the Board Mental Illness National Avg. Age 13-18 Other 35.1%

OCD 12.6%

Perry’s Mental Illness Stats* *Data taken from @PHSprecedent’s twitter poll

teachers is to know versus what is the job of the counselors is to know. “[Teachers] have so much else they have to worry about, dealing with the mental part of that isn’t really their job, that’s why [counselors are] here,” said Woodworth.

Yet, as students, we rarely see our counselors. Many of us do not know who they are until we are reminded when we have to change our schedules. We see our teachers every day, and form personal relationships with them.

Junior Jakob Wilcoxson, who was diagnosed with acute insomnia, severe depression, anxiety and OCD said, “I think as teachers, having that ability to have students come to them about issues either in the classroom, or some personal issues to just talk through that can really, really be helpful for students, so it’s not just a counselor’s job, it’s the teacher’s job too.”

Dolan extends the importance of an open dialogue for those affected by mental illness “No one is to blame for a mental illness, a mental illness a lot of times you’re genetically predisposed for it.

Mental illness is uncomfortable, but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be talked about.”

To read more personal, student-written narratives, visit phsprecedent.com and click on the first story below the story gallery, or scan the QR code below to be immediately taken to the link.

OCD 13%

Anxiety 31.9% Depression 24% ADHD 8.7% Depression 8.7%

SOURCE: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Anxiety 50%

If you struggle with your emotions, or are feeling alone, there is help.

Contact any of the resources below for more information.

24 hour HopeLine Suicide Hotline: 1-800-SUICIDE

ADD/ ADHD 13% infographic by Cassie Nielsen

Maricopa County Crisis Hotline: 1-800-631-1314 602-222-9444

8 || arts and entertainment

the precedent || phsprecedent.com

Superbowl XLIX showcased Perry students providing an exciting experience for those attending and watching. Anjelica Body (pictured on right) performed as a dancer at the halftime show alongside Katy Perry. Band students also performed, alongside three other schools, while English teacher Alesandra Viera danced on the field with the ASU and U of A dance teams.

december || 2015

Songs of the Year 1. “Hello” Adele

Everyone just goes crazy for it.

Megan Pratt (10)

2. “Hotline Bling” Drake

It’s the funniest and people are able to make more fun of it.

Sergio Barba (11)

3. “Shut Up and Dance” Walk the Moon It still comes on the radio and I end up dancing around.

Lane Engle (11)

2015 “Best” trainwreck: the Republican primary, which has narrowed itself down to only 14 candidates. GOP polls are led by two non-politicians: neurosurgeon Ben Carson and TV personality Donald Trump. The later’s jingoistic rhetoric has made the primary a national event, with the first debate catching a record 24 million viewers

Grey’s Anatomy captured the attention of Perry students as they voted it top TV series of 2015. The drama follows the lives and relationships of surgical interns and residents as they aim to climb the ladder of success and become experienced doctors.

the best of

By Nikki Soto, Nathan Tucker, Bree Wade, and Ellie Wednt

Nine years after being demoted to “dwarf planet,” Pluto finally got its close-up. In July, NASA’s New Horizons flew by the planetoid and sent the first high-resolution pictures back to Earth. New discoveries include possible ice volcanoes, fast-moving moons, and a heart-shaped region named for the Arizonian astronomer who discovered Pluto.

the precedent

T

he Precedent shares highlights from 2015 in Perry as well as the world. Despite the problems echoing throughout the world, the best moments shine through. What defined 2015 for you? Tweet us @ phsprecedent and we will feature the best!

The witty script and hillarious cast of “You Can’t Take it With You” filled the auditorium with laughter. Beloved teacher Jim Fountain directed and starred in the play as his final performance with Perry before his retirement. The show ivolved live animals and outrageous scenes, exciting the audience and providing a joyful sendoff for Fountain.

Obergefell v. Holmes saw the Supreme Court rule 5-4 in favor of declaring same-sex marriage a fundamental right protected by the Constitution. The landmark decision overturned bans in 14 states and renewed discourse on what was included under the Court’s authority.

Blockbuster Mismatch We put the year’s top 5 movies completely out-oforder. Can you match each film to its box office take?

(Source: IMDb)

Inside Out Jurassic World Furious 7 Age of Ultron Minions

$625 million $459 million $356 million $350 million $336 million

Answers-- Jurrasic World: 625, Age of Ultron: 459, Inside Out: 356, Furious 7: 350, Minions: 336

“Hamilton” is one of those rare ideas so clever it feels like it always existed. Reframing the American Revolution as a mixtape musical centered on one “young, scrappy, and hungry” immigrant making it in New York feels palpably obvious by itself.

But where writer/star Lin Manuel Miranda’s Broadway blockbuster truly succeeds is its savvy, somehow organic fusion of classic musical and hip-hop styles into a uniquely American slate of songs.

photos, clockwise from top left: courtesy of Anjelica Body, ABC, XL Recordings, Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times/ TNS, Cash Money Records, Jacopo Werther/Wikimedia, Universal, Dayna Miller, Atlantic Records, NASA

december || 2015

arts and entertainment || 9

the precedent || phsprecedent.com

Alessia Cara:

Star Wars VII hype goes into A Refreshing Change to hyperdrive the Pop Genre

By Nathan Tucker the precedent

“There’s been an awakening,” whispers a recent trailer for Episode VII of the “Star Wars” saga. “Have you felt it?”

Any customer pacing the aisles of the neighboring retail store would have to nod in the affirmative.

Fans can start their day beneath a Darth Vader showerhead--“it’s like Darth Vader is crying with me,” reads a five-star Amazon review--then apply their choice of Dark or Light Side lipstick and mascara. Breakfast is a bowl of “Star Wars” Lucky Charms and freshpressed Death Star waffles, chowed down before a glance at their Kylo Ren wristwatch shoves them out the door. That is just one possible beginning to a “Star Wars” day--or, rather, a “Star Wars” lifestyle.

“When you see [‘Star Wars’] when you’re three or four...it’s just part of your childhood,”says math teacher Thomas Rothery.

“There were so many toys and accessories that just went with “Star Wars” that it was part of your life. It’s hard to escape something like that when it was just so visible everywhere.”

Taken in total, the Disney machine has been coordinating a full-on assault to promote “The Force Awakens.” It has already paid off in over $50 million worth of tickets sold before the film hits theatres--a new box office record for pre-release sales.

“So excited” were the two words history teacher Jason Myers kept repeating to describe his attitude towards the new film. “Got my tickets already, we’re going to wait in line, the whole family. It’s going to be so fun.”

“Star Wars” is in the blood for Myers.

When he was six months-old, his parents went to see the original film in the theater-and without a sitter, their baby came along.

Seeing “Star Wars” was a formative experience for Myers and Rothery, one they share with other children of ‘77.

“I cannot say enough about what George was able to do with that first movie, let alone the next ones,” director J.J Abrams said in an interview with Wired. “He was able to create a world that clearly went so far beyond the boundaries of what we were seeing and hearing.”

To a remarkable extent, Abrams and his contemporaries have remade Hollywood in the image of “Star Wars.” The endless stream of sleek action blockbusters, with sci-fi plots and top-notch special effects, is the saga’s most permanent legacy. Now, the influence is working the other way: with a schedule of releases that ensures a new “Star Wars” every year until 2019, Lucasfilm is starting to resemble Marvel Studios. Some may start proclaiming “Star Wars” fatigue as soon as they hear that stat, but it is welcome news for fans who have not had a new movie for over a decade.

“I’m down; I’ll go see a ‘Star Wars’ movie every year,” Myers said. If superhero movies can keep audiences entertained year after year, he argues, why not “Star Wars?”

For the faithful, the universe of the soonto-be seven films is wide enough to keep the magic alive.

“I always ask myself, ‘okay what’s going to make this one new?’” Rothery says. “What new environment are you going to see that you didn’t see before? What unusual thing is next?”

Test Your Jedi training

1. Who says “I have a bad feeling about this”

A. Obi-Wan Kenobi

B. Han Solo

C. Anakin Skywalker

D. All of the above 2. Cloud City is located on the planet of

A. Kamino

B. Bespin

C. Utapau

D. Yavin 3. In the original draft of “Star Wars,” Luke’s name is

A. Annikin Starkiller

B. Luke Kenobi

C. Biggs Darklighter

D. Whills Skywalker

photo published with permission from BadHawaiiPad/Wikipedia

Alessia Cara poses for her press photo to promote her EP, Four Pink Walls. Cara’s lyrics and upbeat tunes make the songs relatable to the dilemmas many teens face today.

By Hayley Young the precedent

Alessia Cara’s powerful voice is anything but mainstream. Cara’s most popular single “Here” shouts out to the kid’s in their own world at parties, who would rather be at home.

“I feel like this song narrates what the wallflower is thinking.” Cara states. She also confesses that “Here” is “unapologetically autobiographical.”

Her song is extremely relatable to the generation of introverted teens that are growing up in the glorified party scene.

Cara’s EP “Four Pink Walls” continues to make the grade. Although some may say that her messages could be a little mainstream, she is a teenager and of course, she would be singing about ‘love.’ The nostalgic, “Seventeen” was a personal favorite, Cara’s crooning voice sings of her younger self and how she dreamt of growing older. Now as a 19 year old, she dreams of being 17 again. The generation of teenagers today could relate to a feeling, like wishing to wind the clock back and relive a time where things were a lot easier.

Every song on “Four Pink Walls” has a different meaning, whether it’s teen love,

running away, or expanding out into the real world in her song, “Four Pink Walls.” Her music is fit for almost every person, no matter what genre they are interested in. Her versatile songwriting and influential voice for such a young artist leaves listeners wanting more.

There is nothing mainstream about Cara and she is climbing to the top of the charts with her unique and charismatic songs.

Perry Theatre Company performance Band has two AllAmericans for at 2015 State festival outstanding third straight year

By Rylee White the precedent

photo published with permission from Jackson Daniels

Perry Theatre Company pose at the State convention where they performed pieces in front of judges across the state such as the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.

By Savannah Ostler the precedent

One weekend. One weekend of singing, judges, hotels, music, acting, and friends and teachers gathered from all across the state, and most importantly awards. Perry Theatre Company and Advanced Technical Theatre won a plethora of awards and made an overall outstanding showing at State.

The theatre company performed in different categories at state, including: solo musical, duo musical, group musical, readers theatre, monologues, duo acting and group acting as well as performing a one act version of the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. “At state we performed Putnam for three judges from around Arizona who ranked us on characterization, movement, our set, and our lighting and sound designs...Because we got the highest scores out of all 25 schools in Arizona we were chosen to represent all of Arizona and perform Putnam at the International Thespian Festival,” explained Junior Rachael Sharp, and a member of the Putnam cast.

The entire crew and cast made an excellent showing and even qualified for nationals, and “To top it all off, we were given the Gold Honor Troupe award for Perry Theatre’s activities,” said Shawna Marquis, the Theatre Arts and Perry Theatre Company teacher.

At state, Rachael Sharp, Senior Natalie Nielsen, and Junior Jakob Wilcoxson were chosen to be a part of the Playwrights event and the students were able to rub elbows with incredible directors and playwrights.

The tech team, Sophomore Arianna Fiandaca, Senior Alex Doudna, and Junior Maya Whitaker, won 2nd place in Rigging in the Tech Challenge event. Three of the Tech Theatre Students, Tyler Townsend, Alex Doudna, Maya Whitaker, were selected to be part of the All State Tech Crew In addition, the Arizona Thespian Organization, chose to honor Mr. Jim Fountain as one of the best theatre coaches from this region for the year by naming him Coach of the Year. Fountain commented, “It’s a real honor to be recognized by your colleagues. It’s a really nice way to finish my career, a very nice crowning jewel.”

The dispute over what the most dedicated and hardworking organization is at this school is constantly brewing and the Puma Regiment has a good case for their place on top of the mountain.

Every year kids from around the country participate in the All American Band Showcase, a half-time show for the best performers from marching band during the All American Bowl football game. This year seniors Sienna Samour and Caroline Earnhardt were chosen to participate in the once in a lifetime opportunity.

Samour says, “we practice everyday for like 5 days and we put on this huge show that normally our marching band works on for 6 months of the year, were gonna do it in 6 days.

It’s the best musicians from the whole country coming together and putting on a show for the military,” In a striking pattern, two of the eight students selected from Arizona have come from Perry-for the past three years. It’s a tedious application process and only the best of the best can participate in the all-expense paid trip to San-Antonio. How is Perry marching band different in their success compared to all the other bands in Arizona?

“I personally think it’s the consistency in our training that we have. Year after year, we spend a lot of time training our students with the skills they need and those skills are apparently desirable because they’ve liked it every time,” band director Brandon Kiesgen said.

The application process is tedious as well, which adds to the claim that marching band is an extraordinary program.

“For the audition you have to film a video of yourself marching,” Earnhardt explained, “and then a video of yourself playing and get letters of recommendation and everything like that and after that they go through all the tapes and they choose 125 students, and normally there are like 1300 that audition.”

According to those statistics, that comes out to a 9% acceptance rate. For the third consecutive year, Band has proven the quality of its students against a competitive, nationwide rubric.

Answers: 1. D, 2. B, 3. A

10 || sports

Our Take Friday night football crowds are what make up the high s c h o o l Sam Nabaty experience. the precedent P e o p l e packing onto the bleachers to cheer on their classmates.

Soon after, the winter sports season rolls around with basketball, soccer, and wrestling.

The crowd dwindles to just families and obligated boyfriends/girlfriends. Silence fills the stands; the loud and rowdy crowd has been minimized to a couple yells shouted out by mom.

Winter athletes compete knowing that comparatively, they will not have the same support as football players.

Sure every home game has a theme, but people rarely participate and the actual game has little to no hype. If we’re really lucky they will wiggle their fingers when a Puma is on the free-throw line.

Athletes are stimulated knowing they have an audience cheering them on. If students do not show up for them, why should they show up for themselves?

the precedent || phsprecedent.com

december || 2015

Rogers’ journey inspires strength and perseverance With cancer in remission, longtime assistant football coach happy to ‘get up everyday with a purpose’

By Lauren Neilsen the precedent

Thanksgiving brings family, food, and most importantly, giving thanks. For weightlifting and assistant varsity football coach Todd Rogers, he does not need the Thanksgiving holiday to reflect on what he is thankful for.

“I can’t tell you how good it is to be back at school and to get up everyday with a purpose,” Rogers stated. In early Jan. of 2014, word got out that Rogers was diagnosed with colon cancer.

Rogers stated, “I can’t begin to tell how generous everybody was... it was so much that when you say

‘thank you’, it doesn’t seem like enough, like a word big enough to express how my family and I felt.”

Weightlifting coach JoElyn Boone said she was amazed by the support – both financial and emotional – for Rogers.

Boone went on to state how Roger’s missed time in the weight room was not anticipated either, “it was 14 months almost...we thought it was just going to be a few months, and he’d be back.”

Junior Baylin Self, who has been coached by Rogers in a weight class for the last two years affirmed “he was gone a lot [last year], but he would come in whenever he could, and so it was cool to see him when he was there.”

Rogers, currently in remission, explains his present state, “I’m currently coming up on the two year mark, and I have to make it to the five year mark. If I make it to the five year mark, I’m out of the woods.”

Until the five year mark, Rogers can be confident Perry will stand by him every step of the way.

photo by Allison Moyers Coach Todd Rogers watches his team during a practice in November. A part of the coaching staff since 2007, Rogers missed last year beating cancer.

With new head coach, Pumas look to keep momentum

By Kylie Vaccala the precedent

Upcoming Events Girls Soccer

12/18 @ Desert Mtn

Boys Soccer

12/18 Home V. Queen Creek

Wrestling

12/29 Osh Kosk On the Water

Girls Basketball

12/18 @ Red Mtn.

Boys Basketball 12/18 @ Skyline

Sports Brief With the chaos, in-laws, and crazy crowds it is hard not to get wrapped up in the stress of the season.

Some people even overlook the fact that it is the season of giving. However, there is a group of student-athletes from multiple Chandler schools who are make giving back to the community a priority.

Through Shop With a Jock, underprivileged children are given the opportunity to go Christmas shopping with a high school athlete.

This is the second year the event is being held and run by Brock and Whitney Purdy, along with their friends and family. This year, Shop with a Jock is being held on 12 Dec. and is a great way for all student athletes to give back to their community.

As the boys soccer season begins, a new face can be seen on the sidelines. With John Roberts leaving to coach the girls soccer team, Brian Crayon, former assistant coach to the boys varsity team, has moved to the head coach position. As Roberts leaves, Crayon is faced with the challenge of continuing the program and legacy Roberts left behind.

“It started three years ago when the other coach left,” Crayon comments with his involvement in the boys soccer program.

“He was there last year as the assistant coach,” sophomore Brenden Crayon stated about the transition. “It’s mostly the same as what we did last year.”

Although the team functions the same, the overall attitude of the team has adjusted to a positive one.

“Last year team was fairly negative,” junior Alex O’Dell comments. “[Coach Crayon] frowns upon that this year. He encourages us.”

Although the season has come to a slow start, the team has potential.

photo by Kelli Ferre With a Gilbert defender on his tail, junior Jaden Vijungco takes the ball across the field at the varsity soccer game against the Tigers last week. Gilbert held off the Pumas, 2-0; Perry is now 1-3 in the young season.

“We are really young,” Crayon says about the team, “I think once we get organized, we will be really good.”

Senior, Jordan Yeager, a starting center defender for the varsity

team, comments on the change by adding, “I’m sad to see coach Roberts leave, but Coach Crayon is an amazing coach and he’s doing a great job with us.”

With the combination of new

coaching and potential from the players, the boys soccer team has much to prove for their upcoming games.

Fall sports season becomes one for the books EMMA FERNANDEZ the precedent

The 2015 fall sports season was one for the books.

Football went 4-6 in the highly competitive Division I. Case Hatch, Adam Higuera, and Sam O’Hare all earned a spot on the Arizona Interscholastic Association’s (AIA) All-Section first team. Cutter Hatch, Nate James, Jack O’Hare and Kevin Perez all earned a spot on the AIA’s All-Section second team. Case Hatch was even named the Arizona Cardinal’s defensive player of the year (DPOY).

Badminton made it to the

playoffs and to the semi-finals.

Lauren Kater and Laike Reader were selected for All-Section first team and doubles team of the year.

Katie Cross and Jillian Lagasca received honorable mentions in singles. Head coach Lerina Johnson was named coach of the year.

Girls’ volleyball made it to playoffs and went to the second round. Taylor Knoll and Ryann Davis earned a spot on the AllCUSD first team, while Hannah Stevenson and Kennedy Kaminsky both earned an honorable mention.

Both cross country teams went to state. The boys placed seventh and the girls placed 16th. Anthony Haren was named to the All-State second team. Cade Burks, Joe Delamater, Kane Hudson, Anthony Haren, and Paige Ellsworth were

all named members. Head coach Daniel Pescador was named coach of the year.

Boys’ golf qualified for state as a team, where they finished in fifth place and as sectional champions.

Brady Hatten, Brad Pottle, Grant Froman, and Mike Finnegan were all selected as All-CUSD members.

Head coach John Lowery was selected as coach of the year.

Girls’ golf qualified for state as a team for the first time in school history. Kati Gloss, Dakotah Kreil, and Cayla Clark were all chosen as All-CUSD members. Head coach Brian Bernier was named coach of the year.

Swim and dive had another amazing year. The swim team sent Jake Perrine, Kaden Miller, Tai Combs, Kaylee Sulzberger, Haley

Nemmers and all of the relay teams to state in their categories. Dallin Beals placed 24th at state and Taylor Rudd placed 30th for the boys’ dive team. As for girl divers, Celeste Llona placed 12th, Kaylie Jackson placed 18th, and McKinley Milius placed 19th.

Varsity cheer got second place at a competition and received a bid to nationals. Their five-man routine also received a bid to nationals.

Also, girls’ volleyball, boys’ and girls’ golf, swim and dive, badminton, and cross country all won their individual battles against Basha in an effort to ensure Perry wins the war this school year.

Advantage Pumas.

Overall, all the sports team performed exceptionally well this season.

sports || 11

the precedent || phsprecedent.com

december || 2015

Wrestler hopes to make impact on team through talent and hard work

photo by Sam Nabaty

Senior Justin Nelson wrestles against a Basha wrestler on Dec. 9.

By Zach Klein the precedent

There are not many prototypical all-around players in high school athletics these days, but senior Justin Nelson certainly makes his case to earn that distinction.

Going into the Puma Duals, wrestling in 195’s, Nelson held a 6-1 record this season.

Football offensive coordinator, Adam

actually known Justin for a long time, he was in the CATS program (Chandler Academically Talented Students) in elementary school. I am not surprised he is in the STEM program.”

Nelson will, without a doubt, be looking to continue his success at the nationally-recognized Oshkosh On-the-water Tournament in Oshkosh, Wisconsin on December 29.

Schiermyer, stated, “[Nelson] is a very hard worker, he has tremendous character, working hard, his work ethic is probably one of the best.”

Nelson was excited at the team’s overall standing this year, explained, “the team is doing great. We just took second at our last tournament, [Buckeye Invitational, 12/4] in dual meets so far, we are undefeated. We beat

Hamilton, [overall score 59-18] and we beat the last school [Westwood, overall score 45-25], we played before Hamilton.”

Nelson, who was also a starter this season for football, received an honorable mention for Division 1, Section 1, for his play this year on the offensive line. “[The list] may have had some people that got missed, but [the

committee] did a really good job of identifying the people who really stand out, all those people deserve it,” said Nelson.

Assistant wrestling coach Jeff Guerecki stated, “He’s a hard worker; he has a good motor.” Schiermyer added that during football season, Nelson “was a 195 pound kid going up against 230/240 pound defensive lineman.”

Along with his athletic performances, Nelson is in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) program, which he believes contributes greatly to his sound technical abilities in wrestling. Nelson said the rigorous academics “helps me with memorizing things, I am used to working hard in my classes, and it carries over.”

Schiermyer added, “I have

Longtime friend and teammate, senior tight end Jackson O’Hare said, “as a player, [Case] is crazy. Super good and super energetic.”

Hatch has been working extremely hard to be the best at what he does, and it has paid off for him in the form of this honor.

“It was pretty cool to see the awards I got and how far I could take it. It’s great to get the highest award I could get,” Hatch said.

With all the awards and recognition Hatch gets, a large ego could be an issue; Coach Minor even jokingly said, “don’t blow [Case’s] head up too much.”

But Hatch doesn’t allow it to get to his head.

He looks out for not only himself, but others as well.

O’Hare said, “he’s a really

selfless player and always thinks about the team not himself.”

“He does everything he can to make the team better.”

This pertains to him as a player and a person.

O’Hare said, “he’s the same off the field as he is on the field. He cares about other people and not himself.

He is a really [caring] person and he focuses a lot on making other people better.”

For example, Hatch participates in Shop With a Jock, an event put on by Arizona student athletes to give underprivileged children the chance to spend the day shopping with an athlete.

Along with Hatch, many other football players earned 1st and 2nd team all-region honors.

With the end of the

football season, the Pumas, who reached the playoffs for the second consecutive year (seventh in the last eight), had 7 players earn all CUSD accolades.

Seniors Sam O’Hare and Case Hatch, and junior Adam Higuera earned first team recognition.

Seniors Kevin Perez and Jackson O’Hare, junior Nate James, and sophomore Cutter Hatch received second team honors.

Seniors Gabe Tomaszewski, Dallas Kreil, Andrew Knutson, Justin Nelson, Jacob Cross, Colton Evertson, and Derek Wahlin, juniors Pete Mora, Seau Nguyen, Clayton Nocella and Cristian Zendejas along with freshman David Eppinger received all region honorable mention.

photo by the Karlik family Senior Jackson O’Hare runs off the field in a home football game this season. O’Hare recieved second team honors.

lead the Lady Knights to a state championship plans to lead the 6th ranked Pumas to another championship.

“I think expectations are high just because of the previous several years of the girls program here” Coach Roberts commented on this “they expect to be good every single year and so would I”.

To be good this year

however, the Pumas have to deal with another new challenge in the new division.

This new division keeps some of Perry’s old rivals like ranked #11 Basha and the second overall ranked Hamilton. What changed however is the addition of the #4 ranked Desert Vista and ranked #14 overall

Corona del Sol. This new schedule forces the Lady Pumas to play 9 of their 13 games against top twenty-five teams while playing four of the top five team in the state.

This year will be the make it or break it for the Lady Pumas as after a huge state playoff run last year, they will have to prove if they have

what it takes to be one of the best around.

As the season just opened up, the Lady Pumas already exceeded Coach Roberts’ expectations as they started the 2015-2016 season with a 4-0 sweep against Desert Ridge.

In addition, they went up against the past state champion Highland as they

Individual accolades follow up and down football season

By Emma Kline the precedent

The football season has officially ended, however that did not stop the pumas from bringing home some post-season awards.

Case Hatch was recently named defensive player of the year by the Arizona Cardinals after a productive season.

Averaging 12 tackles per game, Hatch helped successfully carry the defense throughout the season.

Earning such an award is not easy by any means.

It takes a large amount of training and determination to be named the best defensive player in the state.

Hatch said, “you have to train intensely in the offseason and never miss a day.”

Girls’ soccer on road to legendary season

By Lucas Smith the precedent

If this offseason changed anything for women’s soccer, it was everything. One of the changes entailed the loss of Coach Jason Dunn and the gain of the previous boys soccer coach; Coach John Roberts.

The ex-Higley coach that

beat the Hawks 4-0.

With the new challenges that are faced and if the opening games can predict the answer, then the hashtag of #PumasWinState can actually come back.

In the words of Principal Serrano, “People ask me what sports at your school is good; girls soccer is one of them”.

12 || sports

the precedent || phsprecedent.com

december || 2015

Boys basketball plans for another successful season

By Karson Hengtes the precedent

As the start of a new season begins, an old legacy ends for the men’s varsity basketball team.

The 2015-16 season marks the first year that a Howard brother has not been a part of the Puma basketball program.

Now all eyes are on PHS to see how they adjust to losing a teammate that in the past has been so valuable to the scoreboard.

However, the real goal on every athlete’s mind this year is not how they can regain popularity and respect after the departure of Markus Howard, but how they can better not only themselves, but the brotherhood, sportsmanship and level of dedication that is Perry basketball.

Having played 6 games already this season as of Dec. 4, with wins against Cesar Chavez, Cactus Shadows, and Pinnacle, the boys stand on neutral ground at 3-3; 1-1 at home. Returning varsity guard and senior Kyle Van Haren commented simply that the goals on the team’s mind this season is to simply, “play hard and get as many wins as possible.”

Jordan Harris, another returning varsity player for the Pumas, added that, “having good chemistry within the team,” and “playing hard defense and being intense right out of the gate” are ways that the boys will stay on top this year, game for game and shot for shot.

In addition to how the team manages working for success, players you should keep all eyes

on this season are John Schlangen, Blake Williams, and Kyle Van Haren. Behind Howard, last season’s most often point maker was Van Haren, with 9.0 PPG (points per game). Following close behind him with 8.8 PPG is senior Schlangen, along with junior Williams with 2.0 PPG, who is making his way up.

Since 2012, the captain at the head of the ship of the men’s basketball team has been Coach Joe Babinski. “Our main goal is to make state playoffs,” Babinski commented.

Even still, the recurring impact of Markus Howard’s departure to Findlay Prep has not left even the coach’s eyes. However, despite this major change, the idea of optimism and self-improvement is still present in Babinski. “We’ll be successful without him. We play as a team.”

As most of us stand up on the bleachers to merely just watch and cheer for the athletes striving for success and victory this year, the men’s varsity basketball team has much more to do. Not only must they work to excel as an individual on the court and as a brother on a team, but they must also overcome the memory of a past brotherhood that has engraved its name in Perry basketball for years to come. “We just wanna come out and prove everyone wrong,” Van Haren said.

“That were more than just a name.”

You can come help the Pumas pave their path of success by showing support at any of their next games against Mesa at home (Dec. 15).

Kyle Van Harren dribbles the ball during practice. Van Haren stands to be one of the leading scoreres from the Pumas.

varsity team her freshman year, and continues to start for the team even now. According to , her coach Brock Kearsley, “she has a lot of experience coming into this season, probably the most experienced player we have.”

She has developed a passion for her game and loves to see the outcomes of her determination.

“I love it. Vernon said, “I mean there’s been times when [I wonder] ‘what am I doing to myself?’ because it just can get intense and overwhelming but… all my work

is starting to pay off.”

Vernon has big plans for her next club season at a new club called Arizona Fire, planning to “I have a club season coming up after this school season and that’s when I plan to really, I hope, get myself out there to certain coaches.” With so much basketball experience between school and club basketball, her talent is increasing more and more all the time.

Vernon’s talents are not unrecognized, with her being the only girls basketball player last

photo by Zach Klein

Olivia Vernon brings determination to girls’ basketball in 2015-16

By Caden Johnson the precedent

Junior Olivia Vernon, the starting point guard at Perry, is leaving a trail of success behind her as she works hard to excel in both high school and club girls basketball.

Vernon has been playing club basketball along with school basketball since sixth grade, and has been widely recognized by others as a powerful team player. She began as a starting point guard for Perry’s

year at Perry to receive district and statewide recognition. She also qualified for a team made up of the top prospects of Arizona this year, a big step for her. She was in all-state team two and Chandler Unified School District team one due to several coaches nominating her as one of their top choices of the best players.

Emily Solomon, Elyse Dunn, Jade Verberne, and Vernon all started playing varsity their freshman year and have developed a close bond throughout their years

of experience together. Olivia plays a significant role in this with her leadership on the court as said by Verberne, “she’s a good leader. She steps up at the team bondings… and gets us back on track.” Kearsley said, “when she’s on the court she provides that calm, take charge attitude.”

Olivia’s success is a result of her hard work and determination to achieve her goals, and the more she continues to play this sport that she loves, the better she will become than she is even now.

Get to know your Perry athletes Worst thing about Zayn Favorite sports movie? leaving 1D?

NICK SOLDO wrestling senior

KELLY CANNISTRA soccer junior

TAYLOR JOBE basketball sophomore

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