April 2015

Precedent

the

TWIN TOWERS Boys volleyball continues towards completing a successful season PAGE 12

PERRY HIGH SCHOOL || GILBERT, AZ

APRIL 2015|| VOL. VIII ISSUE VII

Welcome to the

E T A ST

G N I TEST

CIRCUS 95% MUST TEST

Gov. Doug Ducey

ENHANCED RIGOR Principal Dan Serrano

State testing distrupted learning more than helped

N

ow that the 2015 AzMERIT testing season has come to a close, let’s take a moment to reflect.

Or exhale.

The terms circus, zoo, and nightmare have bounced around the testing circuit this spring, but why?

Politicians like Gov. Doug Ducey and Superintendent of Public Instruction Diane Douglas have gone on the record against this test, but haven’t really said why we should be afraid of it.

For years all Arizona students had to pass a sophomore-level exam (AIMS) in order to graduate.

But with the implementation of the state’s new test – Arizona’s Measurement of Educational Readiness to Inform Teaching (AzMERIT) – it seems that school officials have been on high alert, and groups within the community have been squeaky wheels of questionable information, trying to scare families into “opting-out” and even protesting the schools.

But testing has been a part of education in Arizona for years – what is different about 2015?

Students risk illegal parking; jaywalking

By Sarah Campbell and Aja Diffin

the Board of Education is going to have to fix those.

For example, the window of testing was far too wide; for paper-based testing it was from April 13-24.

This year marks the first for the AzMERIT That was plenty of time to leak questions and prompts standardized test – an exam which measures students’ between students and teachers from different schools. knowledge in math, reading and writing.

Although Serrano said students should not have The state changed its test because of Arizona’s known, not many students were surprised when they College and Career Ready Standards (AZCCRS, saw an informative essay about an observatory for which is our state’s way of saying Common Core). freshmen; an argument essay about what is happiness Now high schools are required to take a test toward for sophomores; and an argument essay about what the end of the year to measure how much they learned makes a game good for junior. that year.

In addition, teachers claimed the test would be According to the Arizona Department of more harder than AIMS, but AzMERIT proved to be Education, the program was implemented to ensure just as easy. all students have the knowledge and skills necessary to “Most of my class only took half of the given time succeed in college, career, and life. to complete the test,” junior Riley Marshall said. “It “Standardized testing is something you have to do was easy for everyone to pass, which I consider to be a because you have to see where you compare with other negative.” students around the country,” Principal Dan Serrano see TESTING CIRCUS pg. 3 said. He stating that because this was the first year of AzMERIT testing, it carried many ‘hiccups’ and that

Staff Editorial

THE RISKS OF

PARKING AT PHS

the precedent

The shortage of parking spaces remains a long-running issue on campus. According to bookstore manager Deborah Brown, there are 732 student spaces on campus for roughly 1,350 upperclassmen, leaving a large amount of driving students without a parking space.

“I can’t park [at school] even though I have a car and its my only transportation to school; it,” junior Emma Hahn said.

The lack of spaces recently lead to a new challenge for school staff, students, and adjacent businesses.

Students have resorted to parking on the Flipside property on the southwest corner of Val Vista Drive and Queen Creek Road.

“The Flipside parking lot is private property,” student resource officer Jesse Allen said. “On the

building themselves [are] two different versions of a sign that says ‘No Trespassing.’”

Junior Mercedes Reed explains that parking at Flipside is her only option, as it is for many students.

“I had a cop ask me why I was

parking there; he told me that I wasn’t allowed to park there,” she said, “[but] I have no other choice because I’ll get towed at school.”

The makeshift student parking lot on the Flipside property has also brought along another issue: the

photo by Sarah Sharp

Students who park at the Flipside property cut across Val Vista Drive to get to school last week.

The lack of oncampus parking has teens searching for new ways to park near campus.

risk of crossing the street without using the crosswalk.

Students bypass walking to the crosswalk and risk walking across Val Vista Drive to get to campus. While dangerous, it is not considered jaywalking because

News 1-3 • Opinions 4-5 • Feminism Special Feature 6-7 • A & E 8-9 • Sports 10-12

there is a through street between the two nearest crosswalks.

Students only need to yield to traffic to remain within the law, according to Officer Allen.

“The school’s biggest concern with you crossing there is it’s not the safest move, and they’re still responsible for you and don’t want you to do it,” Allen says.

But students say walking across is easier than using the crosswalk.

“I park at Jack in the Box, so it doesn’t make sense for me to park there and then walk all the way down to the crosswalk, across, and then all the way back to school,” Hahn said.

Administration has asked for crosswalks to be put in, but nothing has been done.

“The city has to put in the crosswalks in,” Principal Dan Serrano said, “they’ve come and they have done a survey and they don’t think we need them.”

As school enrollment increases, the student lot only seems to get smaller in comparison. The limited space will continue to be an issue for students without permits.

www.phsprecedent.com

2|| news NEWS BRIEFS

the precedent

By Paige Coakley the precedent

By Molly Ogden, Erik Yates, and Sarah Chapple

“We definitely want to give them something that they’ll remember for the rest of their lives and really enjoy.”

the precedent

Class of 2015 graduation speakers announced

As the class of 2015 continues their countdown until graduation, preparations have been underway for the occasion.

As tradition the valedictorian speaks. This year, the position is shared between Jeffery Andrade and Austin Garrett. Due to this, there is only one remaining position for speakers open.

The top five percent nominated five individuals, voting on who they wanted to speak at graduation.

Aamir Patel was chosen.

Patel feels that while this opportunity brings pressure, it will be something he can remember forever.

“I want to say something that resonates with [the senior class]. I want [my speech] to be something that can stay with them for the rest of their lives.” Patel says.

Now, the process will begin for these individuals to get their essays approved before the ceremony on May 27.

Graduation Q&A

By Dayna Miller

Staff says solemn goodbye to Constantino Math teacher Sharon Constantino, one of newest members of the 2014-2015 staff, lost her life on Saturday, April 11. “[Constantino] had fluid on the brain, but there were other complications,” commented math department chair Tom Rothery. “[When] one thing started to get better, another thing [would just get] worse.”

Due to recurring health problems, Constantino was only able to teach for a couple of weeks at the beginning of the school year.

Rothery commented that Constantino was hired because “she had a good energy and was really patient with students. She [really knew the subject] and really cared about the students understanding the material.”

Rothery concluded that “she was a fantastic lady and I am disappointed that [only a handful of ] students got to get to know her.”

april || 2015

the precedent || phsprecedent.com

”

photo by Marissa Costaglioa At last years dodgebal tournament , two teams came head to head at the halfcourt line to battle for dodgeball ammo.

The tournament, an annual tradition hosted by Student Government, is held on the Friday of prom week.

StuGo prepares for annual dodgeball tourney

By Michelle Bolden the precedent

The 4th annual dodgeball tournament is taking place on April 24 from 5:30pm-8:30pm in the auditorium. Twenty teams have signed up and are ready to compete for their title as dodgeball champs.

As everyone knows, the teams have to pay a forty dollar fee when they enter the competition.

A portion of these proceeds go towards the winning team’s medals and prize money. The team will also have their names engraved in the dodgeball plague that is held in the Pumas’ trophy case for everyone to marvel at. Many people are eager for the tournament and are anticipating who the teams will be and how well they will play.

“It’s grown into something real popular,” principal Serrano says.

Junior and dodge ball committee member Olivia Thompson says, “It’s something we

try to work on every year trying to get more and more people involved so they can experience what a good time the dodge ball tournament is.” This tournament is just as prominent as state football or basketball game.

“The first couple rounds of the tournament, what we do is we randomly put teams against each other,” Student Government Adviser Brandon Keeling says. “We keep track of their record during those two rounds...how quickly they either win or lose.”

Based off those times and the records, the teams are ranked.

The top seed plays against the worst seed and the game will play on from there until a winner is announced.

Many students are anticipating whether or not the infamous “teacher team” will arrive at the event again. “I would love it if they did,” Keeling says. “We had a teacher team two years ago and it

was a lot of the math department,” Keeling says. Even though the team did not win, maybe these two years in between have given them enough time to train and brush up on their skills in time to join and win this time around.

“Students always like to see the teachers do fun stuff like that,” Keeling says.

In addition, this year’s tournament is expected to be better than the last. “I think it will turn out really great,” Thompson says, adding, “It’s not just for juniors and seniors who are going to prom, it’s for all grades so it’s exciting to see a lot of people come out.” The event is a good time for everyone.

“People enjoy being a part of it...and appreciate the tradition,” Keeling says.

Will previous champs return for a second taste of victory, will the infamous “teacher team” pull up and take a shot at winning? We shall see.

New ice cream coolers

With all the changes to the cafeteria food and the new Smart Snacks program, implemented July 1, there are more new additions to be added to the variety.

Recently, the cafeteria received a freezer for the patio windows to serve ice cream to students. They had hoped to begin service on April 24, but due to the Blue Bell recall currently underway, ice cream will be on hold until further notice.

Perry Deca’s

PUMA DEN

•@ SW corner of the new F-building •open 7:00-7:20 and through all lunches •now selling coffee, fresh cookies, soda, and other snacks

photo published with permission from Alex Zheng Chamber Orchestra poses for a picture in Carnegie Hall, New York, on April 4. As a reward for performing at a high standard at previous festivals, the orchestra played for judges and was given feedback based on their performance.

Orchestra returns from Carnegie Hall trip

By Rebecca Hoffmann the precedent

On April 1, the Chamber Orchestra boarded a plane to commence their four-day trip to New York City to perform at the National Band and Orchestra Festival held in world renown Carnegie Hall.

“It was a challenge,” stated senior cellist Jacob Ginn. “We’ve been working on this for six months and we’ve been preparing for two years, so for it to be able to come together now was really the apex of our high school orchestral experience.”

The event was a music festival (of a sort) and therefore, there were no awards. However, the judges awarded PHS Chamber Orchestra the highest overall score and praised their musical talents.

“One thing the judges mentioned to me is that the music we played captured the soul and the essence of music. That’s what music

is about-- not trying to play the notes,” explained orchestra teacher and conductor Dr. Alex Zheng.

“The judge told me that [our] performance was the highlight of the entire festival.”

Carnegie is one of the most well known concert halls in the world, and the members of the Chamber Orchestra felt, in addition to their nervousness, a sense of awe and accomplishment.

“It was fantastic,” stated senior cellist Mason Welch. “It was kind of surreal being able to go and play there because right before you go in, there’s pictures of all the famous people like Tchaikovsky or The Beatles that have performed there before and now its like you’re one of them. So it was cool to go to an iconic place like that.”

The students enjoyed their time roaming the streets of New York in the days prior to their performance at Carnegie Hall. The students visited Ellis Island, the Empire State Building and watched the world

famous musical “Les Misérables” on Broadway.

“It was an experience that we’re all going to remember,” stated senior violinist Jared Nettles. “Not just playing there, but being in New York City with some of our best friends.”

Dr. Zheng expressed the pride he felt for his students as they successfully performed at one of the most famous concert halls in the world.

“They did amazingly well. We’ve been working on this and preparing for this trip since half a year ago.

This music is not typical High school music, it’s sophisticated, professional music,” explained Zheng. “[The students] really focused on this and made a great effort because we set a goal, and we tried to reach that goal and we did beautifully at Carnegie. The judges were overwhelmingly impressed by the quality of this music-making.”

It’s that time of year again; where all of the lovely seniors dawn their navy and maroon caps and gowns and line up for that wonderful march up the stage, waiting to be handed that little piece of paper saying the last four years of their lives were worth it.

However, there are some things that need to be addressed before kids can run screaming “we’re done”. The Precedent sat down with principal Dan Serrano to address some of the in’s and out’s of this years graduation ceremony.

Paige Coakley: There is some speculation about the parking issue.

How are we dealing with the lack of space?

Dan Serrano: “Well, we are in the process of negotiating with the City of Gilbert, for the soccer facility right up the road here.

Because we run shuttles, and we’re going to run shuttles from Basha [High School] and Weinberg [Elementary]. We’re also going to live stream it in the auditorium, so people, who the heat is too much, they can go into the auditorium.

We’ve been trying to get the that lot, right across the street, to get permission to use that, and that’s not going well. We’re not going to run a bus through the Flipside lot because, you have to get a lot I’ve done a lot of graduations as a principal, and an assistant principal.

This will be my 22nd.

I’ve never had to escort a student out.

Dan Serrano Principal

”

of paperwork and they don’t work well with us. So if I don’t run a bus through there then people can park there, because it’s public property, without any repercussions on the school.

PC: I know it’s difficult to kind of arrange seating for everyone, so how are we doing seats, and how many are we do per kid?

DS: It’s first come first serve.

The district has bought some portable bleachers. So, that’s out there. I’m thinking about maybe purchasing some. It’s going to be tight, always is.

PC: With the Ceremony being streamed to the auditorium, will there be an outside streaming for people who cannot attend the school?

DS: You know,that’s something will have to ask [Brian] Bernier.

We did last year (stream the event online for people out of state or unable to attend can still witness the ceremony). I think now, they (TV Production) are much more equipped to do that. We’re going to try to do that.

PC: A new trend for students is to decorate their [graduation] Caps, is that something you’re going to allow?

DS: Not here.

PC: Do you have any advice as an advisor who’s been doing this graduation ceremony for a whilethe kind of do’s and don’ts of Graduation?

DS: We’ll have meeting right before graduation....Everyone is assigned a classroom with two teachers, and when you walk into the classroom you don’t have your cap and gown on so we can make sure (you’re in dress codes). We’re pretty tight with the ceremony.

Theres about 3-5 teachers in each row....If (students) want to disrupt it, you have to remember there about 10,000 people there.

If you want to put attention on yourself, we won’t tolerate people messing around. And I’ve done a lot of graduations as a principal, and an assistant principal. This will be my 22nd. I’ve never had to escort a student out. it’s all about the process of how we talk to the students and how we walk in.

april || 2015

news ||

the precedent || phsprecedent.com

3

JROTC’s COMMITMENT AND PASSION PAVE WAY FOR SUCCESS

By Natalie Eberhard the precedent

It is 6 a.m. on a beautiful sunny morning with the sun rising and the birds singing. Although most students are still sleeping away, there is a small group of students awake and waiting at Perry High.

They wake up even before the average zero hour student, wait until a bus arrives to pick them up, and drives them over to Basha High School. These students are a part of JROTC. JROTC, the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, is an Air Force program that has a mission to “develop citizens of character dedicated to serving their nation and community.”

Students are trained to become high school cadets with high morals in categories such as citizenship, responsibility, self-discipline and more. They also go through air and space programs such as the

TESTING CIRCUS from page 1 The state tried to make it more rigorous, sort of. Some questions had multiple correct answers and the writing prompt had sources we could cite for evidence; all in all, the test proved to be just as simple.

Another flaw was the lack of accountability. Why are students taking this test? Since this is the pilot test, the school system gave out little on how students’ futures will be affected by this test. Is passing needed to graduate? Will it be a grade in classes? Can colleges see scores? The answer: no, no and no.

“There’s a lot of politics with the AzMERIT,” Serrano said, noting that it is mandatory for all students to take the test. “It’s kind of interesting to have kids take these tests.

“For me, [the tests] are very important because every year I have to sit down with my superintendent and guess what the first thing she pulls out: test scores,” Serrano said. He also noted that Perry’s test scores are compared to other CUSD scores, as well as scored from neighboring Higley and Gilbert school districts.

Among other rumors were

two held currently at BHS: The “Journey Into Aviation AS 100” and “Aerospace Science of Flight AS 210.”

“It’s about military codacontact, the history of the military and [it teaches] just how to act right in society,” three-year JROTC member Jon Allen states.

Throughout the week, students participate in different activities such as going to classes, having uniform inspections, and PT days involving exercise. The activities bring students together as a whole, preparing them for future interests in the military.

“We learn all the ranks so we’re not going in blind. We learn how to react with officers just like normal military living and they somewhat prepare us physically,” Allen, a junior, says.

JROTC is not just a class, it is a program that brings students together as a brotherhood.

“It’s a great class. It’s like a

that students were allowed to optout, a rumor that Serrano quickly dispelled by saying “there is no optout. You have to take the test.”

Along with that was the scandal of “hacking.” Many students and parents thought that the AzMERIT testing system could collect their social security number and spread it on the Internet. It was rumored that the Arizona testing database has been hacked in the past so families were worried that it would affect their personal lives if they took the test. Serrano has assured the student body that no personal information has been given out.

So where are we now? Students and school faculty were the victims of a political battle by the state’s top politicians – Ducey, Douglas, and others say we should hate Common Core and that everything surrounding it is corrupt, but they offer no solutions other than going back to the more lax, AIMS-era state standards which helped our us become the education-bottom feeder that it is today.

Politicians need to include school officials and teachers more in designing standards and exams.

Politicians need to enhance their communication skills and listen to the people they represent.

In the end, that’s all we ask.

The Most Comprehensive Driving School in Arizona.

You may begin our driving program at age 15 1/2 years. We also offer group discounts and customized programs to fit your needs.

brotherhood because we are really close together. We protect each other and look out for eachother,” Allen states. “no matter what we always have a friend.”

Three-year JROTC member Christian Lefler agrees.

“We’re always looking out for each other; if something comes up with a cadet, a lot of the senior staff gets together and helps them out,” he said.

Unlike other zero hours, JROTC begins at 6:15 and students must be bused over to Basha.

“The reason [our students go to Basha] is [that] you need a hundred students to have a program. Neither of us have a hundred,” Principal Dan Serrano says.

The JROTC program stands as a respective program that not only prepares cadets, but brings students together. Although it may be early in the morning, these students choose to prepare for the military and come closer as a team.

Teen Lifeline organization works to relieve suffering students

By Valerie Burgess the precedent

In the hustle and bustle of high school, students may often feel lost or forlorn. The rush to maintain standards can be especially exhausting on students. Whenever these situations persist over a long period of time, they can lead to serious chemical imbalances in the brain which may lead to depression and suicidal thoughts.

In the midst of what many seem as chaos, there are nonprofit organizations that may help teenagers cope. The Teen Lifeline is a nonprofit organization which provides for teens to safely talk to other teens about personal problems.

Perry High School’s Teen Lifeline representative is senior counselor Holli Cagle, who has been able to harbor a safe space for students who may not be comfortable to discuss personal problems at home.

Principal Dan Serrano discussed the impact of such an organization

Beginner, Intermediate, and Skilled Driver Programs

Each of these programs consists of a six hour classroom session that focuses on safe driving practices, and the rules of the road.

The beginner program combinesthe classroom session with 10 hours behind the wheel. This is for those students who have little to no experience driving.

LET’S DRIVE Driving Arizona LLC 1805 E. Eliot Road, Suite 102 Tempe, AZ 85284 Ph: 480.777.7303 Fax: 480.777.7302 www.drivingarizona.net

The intermediate program combines the classroom session 8 hours of behind the wheel. This is for those who have some driving experience but want additional time driving.

The skilled program combines the classroom session with 6 hours behind the wheel. This is for those who have some driving experience.

Hourly Driving

photo by Ethan Barnes JROTC students present the colors at the beginning of the February assembly.

We also work one on one with students needing driving instruction but not on entire program.

Two hour minimum.

CONTACT CONTACT 602-248-8336 602-248-8336 (TEEN) (TEEN) for for Maricopa County Maricopa County & & 800-248-8336 800-248-8336 (TEEN) (TEEN) for for all of Arizona all of Arizona to help students.

“Those lines are being used and our counselors are being used by students. They are free to talk about their problems to counselors.”

In 1986, the organization was given a grant from the McKesson Foundation to develop a program for teens in the Phoenix South Community Mental Health Center.

The organization prospered, and in 1991, the organization was given another significant grant to provide teens across the state with a toll-free

number available from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., 365 days a year.

According to teenlifeline.org, the purpose of the toll-free line is, “[not to] judge or to laugh, criticize or punish. We are just here to listen and to help find a solution to whatever is happening in life.”

Thousands of have found relief and a feeling of hope with the organization.

“We were really impressed that it really deals with a whole array of topics for students whether it is depression, withdrawn, stressed, in secure, angry, confused,” Cagle explains. “The organization can be another tool in the students’ tool boxes.”

These lines are run by trained teens under the supervision of trained personnel, and provide anyone with valuable resources from counseling to providing hope to nearly 14,000 students across the state. The efforts by Cagle and peer counselors across the state provide teens a safe haven to discuss personal problems with confidence.

4 || opinions

march || 2015

the precedent || phsprecedent.com

Staff Editorial

A

s young students, from kindergarten all the way up through senior year, we are all taught the golden rule of ‘no bullying.’ However, this seems to lose its luster after this message is repeated to us essentially our entire schooling career.

To try and put a damper on this cultural issue, the school’s Impact/ GSA Club has returned, hopefully to tame the beast of trying to fit in during high school.

The name ‘Impact’ will probably sound familiar to some upperclassmen, because it was offered as a club a few years ago. In the early years the club had as many as 85 members, but due to weak attendance the club eventually faded from the list of available activities.

The name ‘GSA’ might sound a bit unfamiliar to those who are not a part of the group; the name stands for “Gay-Straight Alliance” and is designed to protect teens from harassment over their sexual orientation. Both the GSA and Impact are movements to prevent bullying in highschool — one of the main reasons why the two are paired with each other.

While both clubs strive to only bring help and not hindrance to the school, some still see the club as an enemy to the student body.

“From what I’ve been told, it is less sensitive and worrisome to some parents if it is Impact/GSA,” Chris Humphrey, the club’s current advisor, states.

Some openly gay students are upset with the club’s need to be conjoined with the Impact club, feeling unworthy to have a club of their own.

This is a huge misinterpretation of the intention of having the two together.

Students who are not comfortable sharing their sexuality or are worried for their well being should they “come out” to their peers find refuge in the two-club title. Many simply do not like to be labeled.

Other students who are not gay but wanted to show their support for their peers and help others feel accepted wanted to join, but felt uneasy about being labeled part of the “gay club,” seeing as “gay” has been painted with a negative connotation.

“The only kids who were part of the club were gay students,” former advisor Patrice Stronjy recalled.

“The other kids...were a little uncomfortable about joining, so we opened it up, changed the name, to make it more easy for people to come and be part of it to show their support.”

Impact/GSA creates an all-inclusive club, and is intended to stay that way. “You should have a place where you feel comfortable,” Strojny said, regarding the nature of the club.

The club hopes to reboot stronger than ever, and now that PHS has matured, so will the club, and the two should stay forever linked.

Technology no longer adequate for learning ISAIAH PATTERSON the precedent

O

ne of the primary goals of a quality high school education is to prepare students for the real world. Yet in today’s technology-driven world, an inadequate amount of resources are allocated to achieve this goal.

News outlets constantly report that budget cuts with education and public service as the top targets. There was recently a cut for the public schooling. Chandler Unified School District (CUSD) must cut $3 million from its budget over the next year. Schools should have proper funding from both the state and federal government; students have current technology they are expected to know how to be familiar with upon graduation. Additionally, students are expected to continue to college ensure and high performance in the work field.

Kids on all levels should leave with a better understanding of the world around them and how it works; but how will they be able to if they do not have access to the best resources available?

photo by Isaiah Patterson Senior Cole Crippen and other seniors works on an English project in school

According to Principal Dan Serrano, CUSD has made efforts to provide each high school with $80,000 to be used towards new computers. However, this grant has only gone so far. There was just enough money to buy 80 Chromebooks (less than three classrooms worth) and to upgrade a few teachers’ stations. This does not make a big enough impact for those who are in need of these more advanced resources in order to be successful. Perry High is where rival schools were ten years ago.

“The old laptops we have are useless,” said history teacher Jeff Gureki. “Let me put it this way, I’ve only had my students use the computers one time.” The laptops are in

high demand around campus but increasingly difficult for teachers to reserve them for their classes. Current software on many of the school’s computers is out of date and not compatible with software that students have at home, making it difficult to transfer information to and from school. CUSD attempted to compensate for the lack of resources in their schools, but improvements still needed to be made in order to make an impact.

The CTE Program at Perry is one of the best in the district, but that’s no supreme with the amount of outside funds the program receives. Other high schools around the nation have given their students tablets, however… “They are too expensive for purchase at Perry,” said Donna Murdock.

It is exciting that Perry has taken steps to prepare students by offering newer equipment, but many more steps need to be taken in order to make an impactful difference. Current students may not feel the impact of advanced technology in their learning environments however future Pumas will reap the benefit of preparations made today that will last for future classes to come.

Upon graduation, students are expected to be familiar with current technology in their work fields.

Yates Hates: Standardized testing lacks merit ERIK YATES

the precedent

A

pril, the month that every student on campus dreads.

The month where tension is at its pinnacle. Stress is high, patience is low, all around school these feelings can be felt.

The hallways are clustered with chatter of uncertainty; some students have their heads buried deep in a text book, hoping to collect as much info as they need.

Finally, some students have just mentally surrendered and are awaiting the approaching maelstrom, as one would await the apocalypse Along with budget cuts masqueraded

as “education reforms;” there was a pivotal choice to do-away with AIMS standardized testing and initiate the new and still-in-theworks AzMERIT test.

Much to the dismay and vexation of the junior class, they had to participate in the human clinical trials for AzMERIT, despite having already taken the phased-out AIMS testing the previous year. After being promised half-days for passing AIMS on the testing days, the dreams of having to go to school for only a small fraction of the day are mercilessly dashed when the government said “Hey guys, we’re going to force you into this test which will have absolutely no impact on your education at this point!”

The AzMERIT test has as much merit as bowl of cereal on fire. It did not have any effect on graduation in any way, shape, and/

Precedent

the

GSA/Impact club promotes diversity and tolerance on campus

Pride • Progress • Purpose

or form. Supposedly, the only credit that these are actually worth are points in the respective classes. It makes sense, seeing as how the wording of the reading section questions are butchered to death and back.

They would often times present a paragraph from an article/story and ask you to, and I quote, “bubble the letter before one/ two sentences.”

Better yet, there was the rather irrelevant question about a portrait of Nikolai Tesla in a passage about him. Who honestly cares about the portrait?

While the state is still fine-tuning the standardised testing, one would think that with years of testing data from the now almost-disbanded AIMS testing, they could write a test that at least makes sense.

staff information

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

|| News Editor || Sarah Chapple

|| Photo Editor || Jordan Williams

|| Opinions Editor || Dayna Miller

|| Newspaper Adviser || Damien Tippett

|| A & E Editor || Nathan Tucker

|| Social Media Editors || Mackenzie Ness August Bowers

|| Editor-in-Chief || Paige Coakley

|| Features Editor || Sarah Lankford Kathryn McFaul

|| Managing Editor || Amanda Lee

|| Sports Editor || Emma Fernandez

|| Web Editor || Erik Yates || Staff Reporters || Michelle Bolden Valerie Burgess Sarah Campbell Devlin Clark Aja Diffin

Natalie Eberhard Rebecca Hoffmann Mia Irvin Madi Montoya Angielee Niblett Cassie Nielsen Molly Ogden Isaiah Patterson Kacee Perry Chay Romine Alice Tran Kaitlyn VanKlompenberg Eliauna Wendt Dequota Wilson Erik Yates Ryan Zolin

The Precedent is published by the newspaper staff at Perry High School, and is published as an open student forum eight times per school 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-116.

opinions || 5

the precedent || phsprecedent.com

march || 2015

STUDIO OR STAGE? s u p m a C n O Studio-made music goes straight to the soul point | counterpoint:

JORDAN WILLIAMS the precedent

P

icture this: the 21st century!

Evolving technology has paved the way for recorded music to be the face of music as we know it. As annoying as autotune may seem, this is just one of the reasons that recorded music is much better than live music.

The creativity behind music is easily recognized in recorded music.

An artist has more potential to do great things because the possibilities are endless. He or she is not limited to what goes into their song. Sound effects, musical breakdowns, and more. The artist can even be their own back up singers as opposed to hiring backup singers who may or may not understand how to sing the song.

On the consumer’s side, why

spend hundreds of dollars for an hour of music when you can download the album for as little as eleven dollars? Some are even cheaper.

Yes, there was a time when concerts were cheaper, but in the digital age of today, recorded music is reaching popularity for how cheap it is to download it.

Free streaming has also reached popularity among today’s generation. Music sites like iTunes and Pandora have made it easier for people to enjoy recorded music.

Concerts are once-in-a-lifetime experience, where if you are not there, you miss out on the fun.

The next day, while many people brag about what a good concert it was, many people feel bad about it because they were not there, however this is not the case with recorded music. Recorded music can be enjoyed at anytime. anywhere you want.

“Thoughts on AzMERIT testing at Perry?”

Milan Bhattacharya junior

photo by Genaro Molina Ido Kedar, who is a non-verbal autistic teenager, wears headphones while attending classes at Canoga Park High School in Canoga Park, Calif.

One is not easily distracted by the loud screaming of others as if it were a concert. There are no technical difficulties in a recorded CD as opposed to a live concert, so

why go and listen to a short concert when you can listen to hours of your favorite bands for free? Plug your cell phone, turn up the radio in the car and enjoy!

Nothing beats feeling a bass drum live DAYNA MILLER

the precedent

photo by Jay Janner

Fans listen to Spoon at a free concert in Auditorium Shores at SXSW on Thursday, March 19, 2015.

T

he thrill of a live performance is invigorating.

Feeling music in your bones, in your soul, is unbeatable.

Live music has a bad reputation

– “it’s expensive,” “they don’t sound as good live,” or “concerts can be dangerous.” Concerts can cost anywhere from $10 to $100 or even more, depending on the

popularity of the bands, which may seem hefty to some, but often the more expensive concerts have nicer venues and more acts to listen to giving you more bang for your buck. Costs can be a roadblock to seeing your musical idol live, but bands need the support of concertgoers to truly make their money, seeing as many people download music for free.

Sometimes bands are enhanced on studio tracks. While this may make live performances seem disappointing, concert-goers have the pleasure of knowing the band’s true, raw sound. However, bands who give live performances need to be cut some slack – just as your voice gets shaky when you present in English class singers get nervous when displaying their talent to hundreds or thousands of people.

Not to mention, acoustics don’t always mesh with the band’s sound.

Fans also cause noise quality issues, screaming gets in the way of truly hearing the band – but that is not the band’s fault. Plus you are probably contributing quite a bit.

Yes, some bands promote mosh pits and walls and other unsafe concert activities during their performance, but there are always safe locations in the crowd to avoid any harm.

Many believe that studio tracks are the medium in which to hear electronic music. This however, is utterly false. Many bands utilize previously recorded tracks or loopers to allow one artist to create multiple layers of sounds. Other electronic devices can also be set up on stage for an electronic sound to be produced, which is very important for electronic bands.

Concerts are a once-in-a-lifetime experience, they should not be overshadowed by the ever-growing recording businesses.

“I think [the schedule] was really messy especially because we were taking it two days, but they had completely different schedules.”

Benjamin Ladick junior

“The test itself wasn’t really that much different than aims. The questions could have been a little clearer, as well.”

ACT vs SAT: which test suits students CASSIE NIELSON the precedent

I

t’s April and you know what that means; it’s testing season.

As juniors continue thinking about college, some questions may come up: “Do I need to take the SAT?” “How is it different from the ACT?” “What looks better on my record to colleges?” Have no fear juniors some advice is here!

Let’s start by covering how you are scored on the two tests. The total score you get on the ACT is based on the average score you got on each section totaling to a score ranging from 1-36. On the SAT the total score you receive is again an average score that you got on each section totaling to a range of 6002400.

The ACT is a content based test and the SAT is a reasoning test. The two tests are used for colleges to determine just how educated you are and what your strong subject is. You will be tested on reading, vocabulary, grammar and usage, writing and math on the SAT. Content that the ACT tests on is: grammar and usage, math, reading, science and reasoning, and writing(optional).

The levels of math the ACT

covers are: arithmetic, algebra 1 and 2, functions, geometry and trigonometry. Formulas will not be provided. The math levels covered on the SAT are: arithmetic, data and analysis, algebra 1 and 2, functions, and geometry. Formulas are provided.

With this information juniors may be able to have a better idea of what to study and how to prepare for each test. As well, when choosing which test to retake come senior year(if you can’t afford to retake both or it’s just too stressful) retake the one that was easier for you and do some extra studying so that you can improve your score.

Also with this information you may better distinguish which one is more fit for you in how you think and what your best at.

For example if you have always done better in English then math and science and have a lot of common sense and use reasoning when taking tests; the SAT may be a better choice. However if you are a math and or science wiz and love statistics then the ACT is most likely the better option if you are to just take or retake one.

It is highly encouraged by most to take both at least once. Even if you are horrible at math and science it is free for you to take the ACT thanks to the district. Take advantage of that and take the ACT

Dylan Briedis sophomore

“The writing one was really confusing. The schedule was a little messed up, too.”

infographic by Cassie Nielson

and do your best. You are showing colleges that you’re not afraid of a challenge, you’re keeping your options open since some colleges do prefer one test over the other, and even though math and science may not be your best subject it’s still possible for you to be better at it than the average person.

The same goes for those that now know they will most likely be better at the ACT. Sure the ACT is free and you may be a math and science lover, but still take the

SAT because it will do nothing but benefit you. You may not be the worlds greatest writer or love deductive reasoning, but you also are probably not the worlds worst writer. So juniors don’t chose one or the other take both! Come Senior year you should retake at least one of them to try and improve your score; most students improve the second time they take the ACT or SAT. Taking both tests and recieving high marks looks good to colleges.

Brennan Korstab freshman

“The schedule could be really confusing. I think they were a little disorganized.”

6 || feminism

the precedent || phsprecedent.com

april || 2015

april || 2015

feminism || 7

the precedent || phsprecedent.com

Evening the PLAYING FIELD Past and present of feminism T

Social perspective:

Discrimination needs to be left in the past KACEE PERRY

the precedent

By Kaitlyn VanKlompenberg the precedent

here has been an uprising in recent months: men and women have been joining together to change the world. This movement is trying to bring equal rights to both genders.

The movement has a title: Feminism.

Many people believe that feminism is just a fancy word for females to increase their social, political, and social stature, but this movement was created in order to put females on the same playing field as males. Therefore, feminism is synonymous to gender equality.

“Feminism to me means equality for men and women in the workplace and the world in general.” Government teacher, Angela Gardner, shared, “We should all learn to respect the strengths of our counterparts on this planet.”

In many cultures, men have always had more power than women. They have owned more property; had more civil liberties; and have been socially more acceptable.

According to tavaana.org, since the 1960’s, feminists – men and women fighting for equal rights – have taken a stand against the oppression of women.

Feminism is no longer something the world can ignore, it has become a fight for gender equality, not just women’s rights.

Skeptics believe that women have always been equal to their opposing gender, but for centuries, women have been treated as the lesser.

According to Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, between the years of 1700-1800, when a woman married, she gave up her name and her property.

Later, between the years of 1800-1900, women were finally allowed to vote and own land – but only in certain states. Still in those years, men owned women, solely lead the nation, and treated females as the lesser sex.

It was obvious that the fight for equality was no where near the end.

Fast-forward 80 years and women are still being oppressed.

In Iran, women who appear unveiled have the penalty of going to prison for up to 12 months. It is common for women to be sexual assaulted, publicly ridiculed, or abused because of their gender.

There are plenty of people who are fighting for equal rights on a global and local scale.

Malala Yousafzi, Nobel For example, Malala Peace Prize Winner Yousafzai - a teenage girl from Pakistan - demanded education for women against the Taliban but was shot in the head, in 2012 because of her request.

After months of recovery, Yousafzai was on her feet once again and because of her work of supporting girls in six different countries and raising over 3.5 million dollars, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize (malala.org). Another example is the HeForShe Campaign, a campaign for gender equality, which was initiated by UN Women. Celebrity Emma Watson gave a speech in 2014 advocating for this campaign, stating that the fight for gender equality involves both men and women (unwomen.org).

On the local scale, there are plenty of people at Perry who identify as feminists. Freshman, Trinity Kaufman, is the first female to be on the school’s football team. “[The guys] treated me differently at first,” Kaufman shared, “but we all warmed up to one another and they started treating me like any other player.” Kaufman soon hopes to see a shift in the status quo.

People like Yousafzai, Watson, and Kaufman are creating a more equal world. This movement has spread across the globe and will continue to gain popularity.

It is everybody’s responsibility to fight for photo by Sarah Lankford gender equality.

Freshman, Trinity Kaufman, is the first female to play football at Perry. She is breaking the Feminism is not a fight against men. Feminism status quo in terms of football being a male-only sport. is not a fight to make women the superior gender.

Feminism is the fight for gender equality.

E

motional, bossy, outspoken. The simplest of words can become an attack, once being used as a derogatory reference towards that of the female sex. It is not uncommon for a girl to be perceived as lesser than her male counterpart in a patriarchal society where such phrases are thrown about freely, when describing a woman.

The outlook of women in today’s society continues to be one of the most heated topics. There have been many advancements in the movement.

However, there is still much more to be done.

Feminist activist Beth Payne noted on the still negative perception of women, stating, “that women are less valued in society.”

This idea stretches from early childhood years — from the day where girls are thrown into a world of princesses and pink, while boys interact with robots. And if girls interact in more boyish ways, they grow up to be called a tomboy or even gay.

Even in children’s movies society sees the discrimination of women with princesses awaiting their hero to save them. But even in the newer trend of making a movie about a heroine, it cannot fully compromise to what is happening outside of Disney studios.

In the real world, women are perceived to meet a specific quota.

Strength and conditioning coach Joelyn Boone exemplified the stress over appearance for her first all-female training program explaining: “Do you know what the number-one concern was for parents on having this class throughout the day?

“How are [their students] going to

do their make-up and get cleaned up before school?”

This encompasses the eteranal— or paternal—instinct to look attractive all of the time.

The way men react towards women is a definite issue.

Catcalling, obscene jokes or language, persistent or unwanted attention, and even rape are common representations of a man harassing a woman, in which to the guy may not see it as something harmful.

At the start of the school year, there was a trend on twitter called #itsnotrape. This referred to how the molestation of women was not considered rape, if she was supposedly asking for it.

Senior Amanda Lee stated, “You’ll hear people excuse it by saying, ‘boys will be boys,’ or ‘they’re just trying to tell her that she is pretty and they don’t know how to say it.’”

These stresses of dismission and harassment however, come from multiple groups and even the same gender. By living in such a society, competition is inevitable, primarily shown between other women. Not only this, but girls often indulge in their own dismission of society.

“A lot of girls see that as something that is okay and happens in general,” Lee added. “Some women don’t feel like it oppresses them in the same way.”

Yet there has been much progression from ignoring the problem and less stereotyping of this is only for boys or this is only for girls.

Boone noted the vast opportunities concluding, “You can be graceful, you can play a sport, you can be strong, you can be a female.

You can do all of those things that are nontraditional.”

The future looks brighter, but in order for change, both men and women need to work together to make a equal, supportive society.

Stereotypes of men that feminism strives to diminish MACKENZIE NESS the precedent

S

infographic by Sarah Lankford

o often it is thought that feminism is only for the female gender: women’s rights, a fight for higher and equal pay, an elevated amount of respect.

Yet feminism has been redefined over the past few decades; now it encompasses not only females but males as well, no longer selective but an umbrella over all gender equality.

Yes, women want to be on the same level as men. But should men not also have the ability to be on the same level as women?

Stereotypes, societal norms, and biased expectations constantly fill the air resulting in a suffocating muck that does not allow for diversity or self-expression.

The idea of a strong, protective, powerful, unemotional “manly” figure has been portrayed as ideal for centuries; men are expected to protect and provide for the family, both through income and security.

With this bulky perspective of masculinity comes the idea that men are unable to display emotions and be the primary caregiver in a household.

“It has gotten better over time, but [men] are socialized to believe that they are not as good at taking care of children,” feminist activist Beth Payne said.

While this stereotypical-macho man is still very existent today it is

“I see guys be able to express more sensitivity and be more affectionate without being labeled and creating stigma.

”

Joelyn Boone Strength and Conditioning Coach

beginning to fade.

Why is this still the norm? It is largely due to the impact of surrounding people and their ideals.

“They want to look cool for their friends and they all have these constructs on what it is to be male, what it is to be cool, what it is to be macho,” feminist activist Ed Median commented.

The hope for feminism is to

allow men not to have to feel the pressure to be a “tough” football player, shy away from wearing pink, or rebuke the idea of oneon-one conversations.

This perspective has begun to improve and can be witnessed in unexpected places like the weight room.

“I see guys be able to express more sensitivity and be more affectionate without being labeled and creating stigma,” strength and conditioning Joelyn Boone stated.

With this changing mindset, a larger-scale acceptance is beginning to be witnessed.

“You have professional athletes coming out of the closet, alternative life-styles, and they are accepted by their teammates,” head football coach Preston Jones said.

Yet even with this improvement the fear of selfexpression remains, largely due to the pressure of those surrounding. It should not be shameful for men to express their emotions.

Feminism, while it affects the female gender, has a large influence on how men view each other as well as how they treat women. If men are not seen as dominant, women will not have to be submissive.

Through the support of feminism, men and women can ban together to halt the stereotypes and expectations for not only women, but men as well.

Kacee Perry

contributed to this story

8 || arts and entertainment

Honoring Ben Nelson

small town charm

By Jordan Williams the precedent

Every year, the drama department hosts the “Ben Nelson Comedy Night,” a night full of student-produced comedy. The talent is great, but one question lingers through the heads of many: who was Ben Nelson?

Ben Nelson was a student who carried great significance to theatre. “He was here when we opened up and he helped with the program,” Principal Dan Serrano explains, and Nelson’s former teacher, Jim Fountain, agrees.

“He was a very special part of the theatre program here. He liked to do puppets and do children’s theatre,” Fountain remarks. “He liked to be in the plays, he did tech theatre. ” “I remember he had a very dramatic side,” remembers sophomore Samuel Nelson, Nelson’s younger brother. “Anything he talked about he’d usually get really into it.”

Unfortunately, tragedy struck Nelson and his family while traveling to a family function.

“A tire blew on the van and he was thrown from the van,” says Fountain. “He was the only member of his family that did not survive the crash.”

Years later, the Nelsons make theatre a family affair. “My older brother Nathan was a part of this, now I’m a part of this,” says Samuel. “So, it’s kind of nice to pick up where he left off.”

The memory of Nelson is what makes the showcase in his honor an important event. “I think because it’s so important to them, that’s why it’s so successful,” Serrano comments, “it’s always been run well and well attended.”

The show is always changing. “It started out being sort of a variety show,” Fountain comments, “and, it’s evolved now into this whole improv, comedy fun night,” .

Along with the comedy extravaganza, the proceeds from the show fund a scholarship in Nelson’s honor.

“The scholarship goes to a theatre student who excels in three areas: in acting, in technical theatre, and in [personal] character,” Fountain explains, “because Ben was all of those things.”

Ben Nelson Comedy Night will take place on May 1, 2015.

Theatre scales back for ‘Almost, Maine.’

photo by Sarah Sharp Senior Justin Tullis and sophomore Rachel Sharp perform in a vignette from the school production of John Cariani’s ‘Almost, Maine.’ The play ran April 16-18.

By August Bowers the precedent

Lights, Curtains, Action! Perry High School had the honor of putting on ‘Almost Maine’, a show filled with love that is lost and found. With Perry being famous for it’s huge stage productions, ‘Almost Maine’ was a show that is all about the relationships between the people; rather than the big sets and costumes.

From speech and debate coach, to film studies teacher, and now theatre director, ‘Almost Maine’ was the first play at Perry High School that Randy Duren has directed. He has directed nearly 20 shows; being the theatre director at Higley High School for 2 years and Combs High School for 3 years.

Before the production, Duren shared an inside scoop on what to look forward to.

“It’s a show full of little shows essentially.

Little vignette stories that kind of overlap a little bit; that’s what ‘Almost Maine’ is,” shared Duren.

Junior Ryan Dunn was in the production of ‘Addams Family’ and had the opportunity to play a lead role in ‘Almost Maine’. Dunn shared his before thoughts of the show saying, “I am very excited. I think it will be very successful; I’m really anxious to do it [and] excited to put it together. I think people will really like it.”

Senior Alli Messersmith was in her 9th main stage performance after her star performance in ‘Almost Maine’. She has been in every main stage show since her freshman

Chandler band on flight path to fame

By Ryan Zolin and Paige Coakley the precedent

Can you think of a band made up of high school students who are breaking into the music business? People Who Could Fly is an alternative rock band that has been together since late 2013 and has compiled one EP album as well as showcased their music in live performances.

Members include James Mills, Fletcher Milloy, Levi Siwek, and brothers Jacob and Josh Paige.

In order to keep things interesting and entertaining members of the band wear colored pants.

This is a representation their favorite colors and also to give a cool effect on stage, intending to make the show more energetic.

People Who Could Fly is an array of musical influences. “We like to say we sound like Five Seconds of Summer, who meets Imagine Dragons, with a dash of Red Hot Chili Peppers,” James Mills, the lead singer of the band, comments.

In recent news the band’s single “Whisper On My Radio” has been dubbed the new theme song for a re Reality T.V series “Limo Wars” (to be announced later this year).

In the two years they’ve been together, the band has participated in over one hundred concerts.

People Who Can Fly is currently a finalist for 80’s rock legend Alice Cooper’s Christmas Competition, where winners will be able to participate in Cooper’s Christmas album debuting next winter, as well as being able to have opened for Australian musician, singersongwriter, Rick Springfield, and as well as having the opportunity to play Arizona’s Ostrich Festival, last march.

“We’re doing this thing for Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Foundation and Phoenix Children’s Hospital.” Milloy , lead guitarist, says.

“We’re trying to raise 10,000 dollars... We will donate 1 dollar for every EP we sell.”

Matthew Earl Jones, the band’s agent and publicist, also deserves some credit for the band’s rise to fame.

Jones helped produce Lil Wayne’s “Carter

april || 2015

the precedent || phsprecedent.com

year. After working with Duren for the first time, Messersmith shares her experiences, “It’s a blast; I feel like he is more of a teenager than some of us are. He’s really relaxed and you trust what he says. You know the show is going to be great because he has all of this experience. He can talk to you on such a level that it just clicks.”

Duren had high expectations for this production of ‘Almost Maine’, stating, “It [will] be the best thing that I have ever directed.”

Dunn discloses his confidence on how the show will go, “I am very excited. I think it will be very successful; I’m really anxious to do it, excited to put it together. I think people will really like it.”

UK band dominates with pop and soul

By Madi Montoya the precedent

photo published with permission from People Who Could Fly People Who Could Fly’s EP Album “Pilot” features their hit single “Whisper On My Radio” and is available for purchase on iTunes.

3”, as well as worked with the Jonas Brothers on select projects. Jonea was also a guest director on the new blockbuster hit Furious 7, of the Fast and Furious series.

Jones has helped produce People Who Could Fly’s EP Album “Pilot” and he directed the band’s EPK (Electronic Press Kit also known as a music video).

Within a couple of weeks, the music video “Whisper on my Radio” received 2,400 views.

“It shows how great of a response we have on social media” Milloy says.

Being musicians have some perks, and adoring fans come with the territory.

On average the band has about two hundred fans show up to their concerts.

Sophie Silver, a super fan says “Their energy is completely addicting...you can’t sit still, you want to be up there with them”.

With their spunky personalities and brightly colored pants, People Who Could Fly is definatly on the rise in the music industry.

At the ripe old age of 16, Manchester native Jake Roche was not one to find himself worrying over matters such as high school.

Rather, he wanted to change the world with his true passions: singing and music.

As Roche started to look for bandmates, he stumbled upon Danny Wilkin, a keyboardist and bassist who had previously dropped out of college to pursue music as well, forming a bond between the eventual bandmates almost instantaneously. After three years of refining their sound together, the two came into contact with Charley Bagnall, a guitarist from Essex, UK, who wanted to join in on the pair’s ongoing adventure, having recently resigned from his previous pop-punk band ‘Rio’.

Finally, to complete their outfit, drummer Lewi Morgan came into the picture, and Rixton was finally a reality.

“We knew what we wanted--huge pop songs with soul,” Roche says.

This was definitely accomplished on the band’s first album, Let the Road, released on March 3rd of this year, and hitting number one in the UK within the last month. Rixton is now headlining with Ariana Grande in her Honeymoon Tour through April.

Even though the band has only been on American radio for less than three months, their refreshing turn of music certainly gives them the potential to be in the limelight longer than the usual one-hit-wonders. band.

This refreshing turn certainly gives them the potential to be in the limelight longer than the usual one-hit-wonders.

the precedent || phsprecedent.com

april || 2015

arts and entertainment || 9

The Precedent’s guide to

concerts

What to

Wear Wilson with

Festival Fashion

By Dequota Wilson the precedent

First FestivALT a hit with local fans

By Dayna Miller the precedent

Thousands of AZ concert-goers gathered at Quail Run Park in Mesa on Friday April 10 to watch six alternative bands perform at 93.3’s first annual FestivALT. Coasts, Meg Myers, Family of the Year, Glass Animals, Panic! at the Disco, and Death Cab for Cutie performed on and off for seven and a half hours.

The venue offered food stands and tattoo booths, as well as a ferris wheel to add to the festival ambiance. The concert capitalized on fog machines and spotlights to enhance shows after dark; Panic! at the Disco being the main utilizer of said technology.

Merchandise was very disappointing, to say the least.

Maybe five different shirt designs lay strewn about, and only a couple bands offered shirts. Only a few bands had a named curtain as a backdrop during their performances, which made pictures of the bands all mesh together when quickly glanced at. Both of these complaints, however, are band related and not to be blamed on the hosting radio station.

The only issue 93.3 should take into consideration is the addition of a second stage. Bands were only showcased on one stage, unlike other outdoor music festivals that wisely choose two-stage setups to minimize the downtime between performances.

However, considering this was the first FestivALT in Arizonan history, many of these injustices

are greatly overshadowed by the organization and overall execution of the event.

The number of alternative bands, for example, was phenomenal, especially when considering Coachella was occurring the next day. Some bands even joked about ditching Coachella to perform in Az. Recruiting six fabulous bands for an all-evening concert was an amazing feat. All performances were amazing, no less.

Most bands played their most popular songs, which makes for a fun and energetic concert experience, but they also threw in some lesserknown tracks that truly showed the layers of their sound, Family of the Year for example. Glass Animals even put their own spin on popular songs, covering songs like 2PAC’s “California Love.” Panic! at the Disco’s lead singer Brendon Urie showed a hidden talent of his as he screamed positive thoughts at the crowd in a punk-like fashion.

Not to mention, the location had sufficient and well-organized parking -- at a reasonable price! For only ten dollars concert-goers could park in a dirt lot directly across the street from the festival. Being organized by many workers, the traffic was easy to maneuver with this configuration and space was optimized.

Overall 93.3 has some improvements to make before next years FestivALT occurs, but the concert was a success. As long as the festival makes its return with a second stage FestivALT will bless Az alternative-lovers for many years to come.

the precedent

photo by Brianna Dickson

Concert Cluelessness: let’s stop it

By Chay Romine the precedent

Please don’t be that person at a concert that makes the night unenjoyable for everyone else. Regardless of whether it is your first or not, common sense should be a decent guide for most people, but some people simply have none. Depending on the genre and the band, each concert will vibe differently. For example, you can’t really mosh to Sublime, but it would be perfectly acceptable at a show for A Day To Remember. That being said, being a first-timer at a concert is not an excuse to be ignorant.

Do: • • • • •

Wear closed toed shoes; no one wants to hear you screaming “ow” because you managed to lose your left flip flop Have a plan, especially when attending a music festival. Schedule who to see, when to eat, when bands are doing signing, and when to go on a merch hunt.

Get there early. This eliminates issues with parking and crowd control, plus it increases the chances to be closer to the stage.

Bring extra money. Generally bands have merch that is specific to the tour and it may be a one time opportunity to buy merch.

Use proper hygiene. At one point or another, your arms will go up and no one wants to be around someone who smells homeless.

Don’t: • • • • • •

Throw anything (foods, drinks, etc.). No one wants to take a full gallon bottle to the head.

Get in fights. No good will come from this. You could get hurt, and you will most definitely get kicked out.

Over-post to social media. Mutual fans were probably at the concert as well, and while it poses no danger at the concert, be prepared to catch a few unfollows.

Boo the bands. It does not matter if you only care for one band that is performing, that does not justify bashing other bands.

Sing along. There are exceptions to this rule, such as some acoustic bands or if the crowd is specifically called out to sing. If either of these are the case, then by all means, sing your heart out.

Pack the full kitchen sink. Bring only the essentials that are absolutely necessary. Nothing is more annoying than standing behind a jumping fan with a 30-pound camping sack.

Student style on display at Fashion show

By Mia Irvin

Sophomore Sienna Devries strides along the catwalk in a dress designed by Fashion students.

photo by Luis Sinco/MCT Campus

SXSW, Warped Tour, Voodoo, Ultra, Coachella, EDC and every major music festival in between. It’s the greatest time of year - festival season. The sun is out, the music is loud, and the vibes are good. Festival season is upon us and there is no better time to get that effortless, carefree wardrobe that would look good for any occasion.

Fringe is all the rave this season: you’ll find tassels on jackets and purses and even on boots.

Playsuits, also known as rompers, are very in. They are highly versatile and comfortable. Ranging from floral prints, to stripes, to bold solids, the pattern scheme for playsuits are endless. They can be paired best with statement sandals or sneakers, which are basically just shoes with thicker platforms than usual.

Cotton babydoll dresses are a good fit for a music festival. They simple and comfortable. They look well with practically any type of shoe - sneakers, boots, sandals, anything!

To liven up the outfit a little bit you could add a wide brimmed fedora.

Cuffing the bottom of your jeans are not just for the skater boys anymore. The pin roll, super skinny, under, half tuck - there are so many different ways to cuff your pants.

This is the season’s hottest must-try look.

Do not be afraid to show a little bit of skin when you are rocking a halter crop top. Unlike your typical crop top, halter crop tops tend to have their straps go around the neck versus on the shoulders. These asymmetrical tops are hot and cute in any color. They pair well with high waisted shorts, skater skirts, and even your favorite pair of jeans.

When it comes to men’s festival fashion, let’s be real here, a boy can throw on any spring/summer outfit and be ready to go to a festival.

Don’t believe me? Let’s put some things into perspective…

Let me clear the air, and say that it is perfectly okay for men to wear Birkenstocks. Birks are cool and stylish unlike tacky flip flops - those should never be worn by the male population. Men and Birks basically go hand in hand, they go best with cuffed jeans, shorts, joggers, sweat shorts, and basically about any type of pants.

Not only would these trends look nice at a music festival, but they would look great for any spring or summer occasion. Until next time, stay cute, fashionable, and post concert depressed, Puma Nation.

On the 9th of April, the courtyard of Perry High was transformed into a catwalk alive with rebellion and style. The annual fashion show debuted outfits from the 1920s-2020s all designed by and modeled by Perry students.

The show kicked off with an iconic piece made popular by Coco Chanel, “the little black dress” designed by Fashion Three students like senior Madison Lundgren. “The most rewarding aspect of the show

is definitely getting to watch your designs walk down the runway.”

Lundgren shares. “It’s crazy how one day you were just working on them in class, and now you to get show people what you’ve done.”

The show highlighted each decade with a few models wearing pieces inspired by the trends of that particular era. Models who looked like they lept from the pages of The Great Gatsby were followed by modern poodle skirts and pearls. Models adorned with the bellbottoms and lace of the 70s were trailed by the bright neon shirts of

the 80s and the grunge of the 90s.

The show provided designers who plan on entering the world of fashion as a career or students who plan on modelling with the perfect venue to work on their craft.

Freshman Louis Zozobrado was one of the models who wore an outfit inspired by the 1940s. “I perform all the time,” Zozobrado says. “I do theater, so I wasn’t as nervous.”

But for Zozobrado, this event was not just a chance to step into the spotlight. “Being a freshman, you don’t know a lot of people, but I met tons of new friends there.”

For senior Estefania Moreno, the fashion club president, this show was another opportunity to practice for her future. “I want to have my own business, that’s going to be my reality.” the ambitious designer states. “I’m going to have my own shows, and my own collection where everything is going to be made by me.” Moreno states.

So on the outside, something that might seem like just a fashion show can mean so much more than just clothes. It can be a chance to make friends, or a launch pad for a career.

10 || sports

the precedent || phsprecedent.com

april || 2015

Baseball feature

Hehe takes Pumas full of talent, characters softball program to next level

By Angielee Niblett the precedent

Whether it includes the team’s players, their performance, or defeating teams that have proved difficult in the past, the 2014-2015 varsity softball squad has made a name for themselves.

While it can be said that these players are ever-changing and improving, there has been one significant piece that recently came into the picture: first-year head coach Robert Hehe.

Hehe has been a part of the softball program for five years as an assistant varsity and junior varsity coach, but this season was his first as the head coach.

As the previous head coach Kevin Chapin stepped into the position of assistant principal at Bogle Junior High, principal Dan Serrano was put to the task of choosing a replacement.

“When we went to the interview process, he was, by far, the best candidate,” Serrano said of Hehe’s interview.

Hehe has brought several new changes to the Pumas (20-5, 3-3), who are currently ranked seventh (as of press time), including his more separated and controlled practices, but he still credits the players with all of their improvement.

Team captain Taylor Aldridge talks about the change in recent coaching styles saying, “He knows us better and he knows how to teach us better.”

Nevertheless, it is evident players have stepped up their game in the ongoing season with several triumphant victories so far, such as conquering one difficult opponent, the Red Mountain Cougars.

Hehe stays faithful in the girls announcing, “I don’t know if it has anything to do with me, they’re just a really talented group of girls.”

Remaining humble, Hehe has never been one to take the credit for an outstanding season like we have recently seen. He is grateful for the help he has received when he says, “I’m very fortunate in the fact that I have very good assistant coaches and that’s the reason we’re doing as well as we are, so I’d like to thank them.”

While short term goals for varsity softball include playoffs and a possible trophy in the near future, it is safe to say the school will be appreciative of the new head coach for years to come.

photos by Sharon Cooper Lexi Hopper running to first base during the game agasint Dobson.

sports || 11

the precedent || phsprecedent.com

april || 2015

photos by Emma Fernandez, Ashlyn Davis and Damien Tippett Seniors Tyler Watson and Austin Bull are each having a strong season, while junior Wacy Crenshaw shows off his new, odd knickname.

By Ryan Zolin the precedent

Senior Tyler Watson is looking to be one of the best pitchers in school history. He’s pitched 38.2 innings and his ERA (earned run average) is 1.810. He currently has 44 strikeouts and is on track to set the record for most strikeouts in school, but more importantly, Watson has matured on the mound in ways that the coaching staff dreamed when was a talented, but raw freshman four years ago.

“Tyler is a completely different ballplayer today,” pitching coach Damien Tippett said. “He has really cleaned up his mechanics; more importantly, his mental toughness has really improved. He’s a competetor and a leader.”

With the way he’s pitching any other team will have fear in their eye heading into the playoffs.

Watson is currently 5-1 and is poised to lead the team on a playoff run. In his five games he’s allowed 26 hits and 4 runs.

Bull stealing the show

Austin Bull has 34 hits this year and will be on track to lead the Pumas in hits in a season. Bull is currently hitting a .493 batting average. After having a rough season last year this shows the dedication Bull has had towards his team.

Bull was really proud to say that he had the new record for stealing bases in a season (24).

“There’s something about setting a record that is kind of cool but more than anything I’m just happy that by stealing bases I’m helping spark our team and helping us win” said Bull.

His on-base-percentage is a .602 this season meaning he’s on base

60% of the time. Currently, Bull has broken the record for most stolen bases in a season and he doesn’t look to be slowing down anytime soon. Home runs aren’t for everyone, but getting on base surely is one of the easier things for senior, Bull.

Having fun with names

To keep things loose, the Pumas adopted odd-ball nicknames, assigning names to teammates and even coaches.

“Marty [Jaxxon Fagg] got his hilbilly name from his old school,” Watson explained, “and we got jealous of his nickname so we decided to take on our own alteregos.”

Some of the nicknames include “Bucky” (junior Wacy Crenshaw), “Cyrus” (senior Jon Holler), Clyde (for Watson), and “Archie” (senior Ryne Edmondson.

Howard leaves PHS for Findlay

By Ryan Zolin the precedent

Sophomore Markus Howard’s basketball career has had some twists and turns since the season ended in February.

First, in March, Howard announced that he was de-committing to Arizona State University, then came the real bombshell - the state’s leading scorer announced that he was leaving Perry, and Arizona altogether, for the chance to play at one of the nation’s best high school basketball programs - Findlay Prep in Henderson, Nev. Howard will be one of only twelve students who will be attending school, which is a college preparatory academy for basketball players only, and he is not guaranteed a spot as a starter, but he’ll have to work his way to the top.

The Pumas are not only losing a great on-court presence - he lead all players in Arizona with 32.4 points per game - but a great leader as well.

Howard said he’ll miss everything at Perry from his teammates, to his friends, and his family.

“Thank you for all the support throughout the years, I’ll always be a Puma,” he said, noting that being able to play at PHS has been like a second family to him. In fact, Howard has grown up around PHS basketball, as his two older brothers (Desmond and Jordan), as well as

Our Take

L

ast Saturday around 8 p.m., Gary Bettman and I experienced the same, sickening feeling at the same time.

Although I was not in Toronto with the commissioner for the NHL draft lottery, the look on his DAMIEN face when he TIPPETT realized that the precedent the Edmonton Oilers had won the lottery symbolized the churning in the stomachs of Arizona Coyotes fans all across the desert.

The 2014-15 Coyote season was one where Arizona fans cheered for visiting teams and sulked when the hometown team scored, all because they wanted their team to tank with the hopes of earning the league’s top pick: Connor McDavid.

Now another Phoenix team will miss out on a “once-in-ageneration” player. Remember Adrian Peterson, Terrell Suggs, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar?

All Hall of Fame-type players who, by dumb luck or dumb management, missed careers in Arizona.

Let’s hope the Desert Dogs can once again dig themselves out of another unforgiving hole.

Upcoming Events Baseball

4/27 V. Poston Butte 3:45

Softball

4/27 V. Queen Creek 3:45

Tennis

4/29 Tennis State Tournament 3:30

Track and Field 4/27 SouthEast Valley Tournament 3:30

Boys’ Volleyball

4/28 V. Poston Butte 5:30

Sports Brief photo by Alex Fornek Howard dribbles down court, avoiding Carona del Sol defenders.

his father have all played and/or coached for the Pumas.

Howard admits he is going to have to leave his friends who have been by his side throughout his career at Perry, including teammates like junior Kyle Van Haren. “He’s my best friend on and off the court,” Van Haren said.

Part of the allure to Findlay Prep is that top universities from around the nation have their eyes locked on the small Nevada school.

“Getting looked at by some of the top schools in the country and playing against the best each and every day,” is a big reason why he accepted Findlay’s offer to transfer.

When asked of his dream college, Howard has many.

“Duke, Kansas, UNLV, North Carolina, Arizona, and Kentucky,” he said.

Since de-committing from ASU, Howard has been contacted

by Duke, Kansas, University of Arizona, Florida, and UNLV. Howard originally committed to ASU as a freshman, but soon felt like he rushed through the recruiting process.

“I feel like I didn’t give myself time to look at my options and it was an in-the-moment decision.

Who wouldn’t take an offer to a school freshman year?”

In addition to being an all state player for PHS, Howard was also recently named to the MaxPreps All American second team.

Renovating football field Each year, Wal-Mart and the Arizona Cardinals partner together and pick a pair of schools that have football fields which need to be improved.

This year they chose two East Valley schools: Perry and Mountain Pointe High Schools.

Junior safety Logan Strauss claims, “it is long overdue and much needed.”

Puma athletes have endured the dismal state of the current field: there are patches of grass missing, an uneven surface, and exposed water boxes along the sidelines.

The overhaul will begin on June 1, according to principal Dan Serrano.

“They are going to come into our field and take all the grass off,” Serrano explained, “put down new sand, and they are going to put in whats called a tiff it is not fake grass its the real nice [grass].”

12 || sports

april || 2015

the precedent || phsprecedent.com

Twin Towers Two tallest players bring more to the table than just height

By Mia Irvin the precedent

The importance of height in volleyball is no secret. Senior Wyatt Veach stands at 6’9 and junior Garrett Wagner at 6’4. However, height is not the only thing these two have going for them. “The height is an attribute,” head coach Brian Pomerantz states. “It’s not what makes them successful.”

“I’ve always been taller than everyone around me,” Veach says. “My dad is 6’4, and my mom is 6’2.” Veach shares.

But height is not the only thing that runs in the Veach family.

“My cousin talked me into trying out for my school’s team,” Veach recalls. “I haven’t stopped playing since.”

Veach is the tallest player on his team, but also has the highest hitting percentages sitting at .427%, or the percentage of spikes that result in a point.

For Veach, the highlight of playing volleyball is the competition.

“Guys volleyball is relatively compact in Arizona, so everybody knows everybody.

Playing against friends involves a healthy dose of friendly competition and I love it.”

Wagner - the younger of the twin towers

- owns one of the highest kill percentages at 51.6%.

Wagner has not always been a volleyball player. In fact, he explains that “it was my seventh grade year, and my dad [said] hey why don’t you try out for volleyball,” Wagner recalls. “Why not give it a shot? And ever since then I’ve been playing.”

Wagner believes team chemistry is one of the most important factors in being successful. “If you don’t have any chemistry as a team, then you’re not going to be a good team,” he said. “That’s why there’s six players on the court instead of just one.”

As the season winds down, the Pumas are starting to roll, having won eight matches in a roll. But this does not come as a surprise to Pomerantz. “We knew we were a good team going into the season,” Pomerantz said.

Recently, the Pumas (21-4, 5-0), who are currently ranked fifth in power points, defeated No. 4 Mesa Mountain View, the team that kept them from advancing to the coveted state championship last year. “I think [beating Mountain View] got us back on track,” Veach said. “I know that without a doubt we will make it well into the state tournament, but everyone’s ultimate goal for this season is a state title.”

photo by Taylor Hannon

Senior, Wyatt Veach, and junior, Garrett Wagner, pose for a pregame photo. Wyatt stands at 6’9 and Wagner stands at 6’4, however they bring more to the team than just height.

Track & Field

Reynolds rewrites PHS girls’ track record books

By Devlin Clark the precedent

Senior Jenna Reynolds broke the girls school track and field record by throwing 106 feet.

But she was not done there: she followed up with another record-shattering throw by launching a discus 108 feet and one inch at the Sun Angel Invitational breaking her own school record, earning a state provisional mark which means that she is in the running for a spot to compete at the state track and field meet but is not guaranteed a spot.

“She went to state last year, and that was her first year, this year she is even more prepared than she was last year and she did fine then. [Reynolds] has taken it to a whole new level,” girls throwing coach Darren Johnson.

In addition to Reynolds, senior Angie Prakelt has also made the state provisional mark for pole vaulting 10 feet at the Arizona State University track meet. At the queen creek invitational on april third Reynolds placed second in the shot put and discus field events, in addition Prakelt won the pole

vault.

The girls 4X800 relay team qualified for the elite section at Sun Angel and made a state provisional mark.

Boys’ Track Update Boys track and field has Reynolds had equal success in their trials this current season. Boys sprints and relays are in the running for state qualifying times. Along with contenders for throwing events such as discus and shot put. Boys have

more than a fair amount of competition at our school, not just from other guys but girls as well. Jenna Reynolds’ and Angie Prakelts’ performance have been a major incentive for the guys to increase their own performance.

A highlight of the team this year is the jumpers (high jump, long jump, or triple jump) and the pole vaulters. Being in division one the state meet qualifying heights, distances, and times are a higher bar than other divisions. The boys will have to focus in practice and perform their best and qualify for the pumas.

Yeager inspires boys’ team, Shibel brings competition to girls’ tennis

By Ellie Wendt the precedent

photo by Sharon Cooper

Junior, Jordan Yeager, returns a serve at tennis practice. Ranked number one on the team, Yeager inspires his teammates to work hard at practice everyday.

Perseverance, a trait many athletes desire but rarely play out.

However this is not the case for junior tennis player Jordan Yeager.

Yeager currently plays on Perry’s varsity team and is looking forward to a tennis scholarship. Of course this success did not come easily, or suddenly.

Yeager was first introduced to a ball and racket his freshmen year of high school. He had never given much thought to the sport but was willing to try out. Unfortunately he did not qualify for a spot on the team however this did not stop him. He was determined, so he persevered.

“My family is athletic so I learn really fast.” Yeager says.

Learn fast he did, the next year he made varsity and has been training harder than ever since then.

“For [only playing tennis for] two and a half years I’m beating guys that have been playing since they were four years old.” Yeager proudly shares.

Yeager now competes at the number one spot for the team and

provides a great example to all his teammates. “[Being number one] takes an incredible amount of persistence and fortitude and is quite an accomplishment.” Head coach Thomas Lennox states.

One of Yeager’s strongest qualities has always been persistence. Aside from his hard working tennis career he also is committed to his second sport soccer along with outside activities such as scouts.

“He pushes the whole team to get better and play at his level.” teammate junior Brennan Sciascia says.

Yeager’s motivation and determination provide an example to his younger teammates who look up to him on and off the court. He takes this responsibility seriously and strives to work even harder in the years to come.

Girls’ Tennis From a young age, the game of tennis has inspired the family of junior Allie Shibel. Her father played in college, inspiring her to do the same. It was no surprise when at the age of five; she decided to give it a go. Shibel fell in love with the game instantly.

“I love playing tennis, being a part of a team, and playing doubles with a partner,” Shibel says.

Shibel started playing club tennis when she was 12 and is now a proud member of Perry’s girls’ varsity team holding the number one spot.

“Allie brings a competitive attitude [to the team],” girls coach Keith Castillo says.

Shibel’s best quality is being a leader, and inspiration to her teammates along with giving her all in everything she does.

“She just has every quality of being a leader,” teammate senior Taylor Shin shares. “She knows exactly what we need to work on, she always gives people advice.”

Aside from her tennis passion, Shibel is also a dedicated artist.

“Both inside of school and outside I am very artistic. I love drawing and painting,” she said.

Shibel considers drawing and painting to be one of her favorite hobbies. She currently has a piece in the school’s art show this year.

Shibel plans to take her blooming tennis career on through high school and into college just like her father, and pursue the sport she loves.