Vol. 11, Issue 7

the

Precedent PERRY HIGH SCHOOL || GILBERT, AZ

News 1-3 • Opinions 4-5 • Class of ‘18 6-7 • A & E 8-9 • Sports 10-12

Follow us on: @phsprecedent

MAY 2018|| VOL. XI ISSUE VII

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2 || news

the precedent || phsprecedent.com

may || 2018

Top 5 percent prepares to speak at 2018 graduation

By Sawyer Del Fosse the precedent

Seniors have one thing on their mind right now: walking down the aisle at graduation.

This impending liberation has created an overwhelming sense of senioritis, especially after the Red for Ed walkout teased seniors with a glimpse of the freedom they are about to enjoy as future graduates.

However, while many seniors begin winding down in preparation for graduation, there are three seniors that have one last assignment to stress over before they can relax.

Seniors Chris Smith, Joanna Gunaraj, and valedictorian Tamilia Thomas will each deliver a speech of their own creation at graduation in front of their peers.

Smith explained, “Tamilia is the valedictorian so she automatically gets to speak. Joanna and I were voted in to speak by the top five percent.”

The way the selection process works is the top five percent of the senior class holds a meeting where they nominate who they think should speak at graduation.

Then, the nominations are organized and votes are cast for the top two candidates.

This year, Smith received the most votes with Gunaraj coming in second.

Gunaraj stated, “Since Chris got the most votes he got second choice of where in the order he wanted to speak. Tamilia wanted the message and Chris chose to open so I get to give the closing speech.”

The speaker selection happened back on

photos by Kayla Gee From left, seniors Tamilia Thomas, Chris Smith, and Joanna Gunaraj. These students have been chosen to speak at the upcoming graduation.

April 20 so the speakers were given roughly a month to write and prepare their speech.

Some preparations the speakers have taken are to give their speeches to teachers to edit and even give smaller scale speeches to simulate the pressure.

New generation of StuGo brings fresh faces to program

By Callahan Nagel the precedent

The year of 2018 holds many memories near and dear for the students of Perry. Like the addition of another student parking lot to the glow foam MORP, and of course, the new Dutch Bros on Val Vista. This year also also some more serious milestones, such as the student led walkouts as well as the Red for Ed. As a whole this year was packed full of memories.

Perry serves as home to over 3,500 students and continues to grow every year, from organizing dances and assemblies and volunteering to give back to the community, StuGo is constantly working hard to make this school the best it can be while also making sure to follow rules and keep students safe. Volunteer work and hosting dances can easily seem to become overwhelming for students.

With this year’s StuGo seniors working hard, the new age of

Thomas added, “I chose to give a minor speech at Santan junior high to practice speaking for graduation.”

These speakers were given this prestigious assignment because they chose to make academics a priority in their lives. All seniors

incoming officers and members will be left with big shoes to fill.

“This year as president I have learned a lot about what it really means to be a leader,” Student body president Hannah Bashford said, “it is not as glamorous as it seems, I learned how to work hard and set goals and expectations for myself and the student government class.”

Dedicating so much of her time during the year, Bashford has given it her all to make Perry the best it can be.

But with a new lineup of leaders comes an abundance of changes as well. Next years StuGo class will be lead by Grace Ogden as the new Student Body President, along with many others including Brintley

have put countless hours into their schooling over the years in order to get to this point.

This year’s historic graduation at ASU will be a time of celebration. However, Gunaraj warns, “If no one laughs at the jokes in my speech, no one is getting their diploma.”

“It’s always good

to have new ideas come in, new groups represented, so that we represent all of Perry.

”

Lerina Johnson Perry High School StuGo Adviser

Spencer as Vice President, Talia Schrader as Secretary, Lexi Foster as Treasurer, Natalie Duffy as Spirit Coordinator, Rylee Hanson as Publicity Manager, Loralli Johnson as Historian, and Hanna Mioni as Parliamentarian.

With the direction of this years StuGo leaders, next years class will be ready for the upcoming

challenges ahead.

“She’s been a good example to me” Ogden said about Bashford, “on how to lead with authority and with firmness while still being really nice and really sweet to everyone.”

With the help of their seniors next years StuGo will be prepped for the challenges or organizing new thoughts and ideas.

“It’s always good to have new ideas come in, new groups represented, so that we represent all of Perry,” StuGo adviser Lerina Johnson said, “and that’s what happens each year when we get the new kids.” Especially as the population of Perry continues to grow, this amount of cooperation will do good for the school.

Senior Chandler Hays places fourth in the nation for DECA

By Morgan Cleary the precedent

Being fourth in the nation is in itself a great achievement, but being fourth in the world is reaching a whole nother level. Senior Chandler Hays just competed in the International Career and Development Competition, winning a test medal, multiple final medals and the title of being fourth in the world.

Hays competed in the professional sales competition where he solely focused on the hospitality and tourism professional selling aspect.

He had to design a preprepared sales pitch as a catering sales manager for a hotel of his choice (Talking Stick Resort) and he had to plan two breaks, two lunches, a dinner and a seated reception. After he had planned and prepared his presentation, Hays presented that to a set of judges where he was judged based off of performance, and a one hundred question multiple choice test to get the final medalists.

Hays did not get here on his own, he went to this competition with the support of his classmates as they competed too. President of DECA Maggie Bauman, personally competed in the international competition in her own group.

Bauman and her group did not place but they were very proud of their performance and presentation.

As a fellow competitor with Hays, Bauman provides an inside perspective of this fierce competitor, “Chandler is a very relaxed person and does not take things too seriously, but when it is time to buckle down he becomes a different person, a very serious and has his head in the game.” Hays is not the only international finalist that Perry has seen, under the teaching of Rob Lange, has had five finalist under his instruction with Hays being the highest scoring competitor. Lange has been teaching Hays this past year and describes him as “grace under fire, he doesn’t get rattled he keeps calm and goes with the flow.”

Hays has put in numerous hours to improve what he has control over, like his multiple choice tests and his presentation skills.

photos used with permission by Rob Lange DECA students attended the international competition in Atlanta, Georgia where senior Chandler Hays places forth.

In the classroom, Hays is more quiet, “he is like a book, where the story line changes every day.” To describe him in one phrase, Lange states “he is just a cool dude,” he is described as, smart, funny and

overall a good kid. Hays plans on using all of his skills learned in F301 in his future careers.

As far as college goes, Hays plans on majoring in marketing and professional selling at the college of

his choice.

He has not only impacted his peers with his hard work and his character but he has left his mark on this campus as being fourth in the world.

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the precedent || phsprecedent.com

3

Class of 2018 prepares for graduation ceremony

photo by Madi Kimball The class of 2017 stand at the graduation ceremony on May 31, 2017 at John Wrenn Statdium as the last class to graduate on Perry High School’s campus.

By Madi Kimball the precedent

As the school year comes to an end, seniors are itching for graduation when they walk across the stage and receive their diploma.

Many are scrambling to finish up online classes and lift lab to ensure

that they get to graduate at the end of the month. As graduation approaches and the class of 2018 prepares to graduate, there are a few policies and things to remember for the night of graduation.

Graduation planning has been taking place since last May. As

By Callahan Nagel the precedent

As the clock continues to wind down and students countdown the race to graduation, some are spending their time putting in the extra work to make sure they graduation.

Whether it was because of failing classes or not enough credit hours completed, students are spriting to get these classes completed so they can walk across that stage.

For those who are unsure, Lift lab is a class available throughout the day and after school for students who need to retake or finish courses online. A great tool provided

by Perry that has saved many seniors, as well as underclassmen with hopes to boost GPAs or graduate early themselves.

“Lift lab is an online curriculum,”

classes have gotten larger, the conditions for graduation taking place of campus have become worse.

For both comfort and accessibility, this year is the first year that graduation will not be taken on campus. It will be at

Arizona State University at the Wells Fargo Arena. While some are sad about not being able to graduate on the campus of their high school, the arena will be air conditioned and will be more comfortable for the guests. The size of the arena will also hold

Lift lab students scramble to graduate after walk out Assistant principal Heather Patterson said, “We house our own bank here in a classroom on our own server. So the kids can come in, whether you are credit deficient, grade replacement, or you transfer in and you don’t have a class that you need for graduation.”

This class makes it easy and accessible for students to come in somewhere and makeup in credits that are insufficient.

But now more than ever these classes are being packed to the brim to make sure all of

the eligible students can fix those last credits holding them back. Students have the option to take this class every period as well as after school, and now because deadlines to finish these classes are creeping up, on the weekends as well.

Perry has always done well on making sure students are able to graduate.

“We have the highest graduation rate of any chandler school, we push 96-97 percent,” Joe Greene the assistant principal

many more than PHS could which means there will be no guest limit per students. There will be several designated areas for handicap seating.

There are still a few changes to this ceremony besides the locations.

Males and females will now be mixed in the ceremony. Due to the size of the arena, some students will be on the floor and the remaining students will be up in the stands. Joe Greene and Heather Patterson have a variety of maps on entering and exiting to ensure that everything goes smoothly.

This graduating class has a whopping 928, which is the largest graduating class that there has been.

The classes will continue to grow in the following years. There will be three speakers at graduation.

Tamilia Thomas, Chris Smith, and Joanna Gunaraj will all be taking the stage to wrap up the class of 2018.

Following the ceremony students will walk through the tunnel to the west area and back to the front of the Well Fargo Arena outside to greet their families.

Make sure to review the clear bag policy at ASU before arriving.

Bags must be of a certain size and there are many prohibited items.

Prohibited bags will not be allowed in the stadium to increase the safety of the arena.

The graduation will be will have a live stream for any guest who will be unable to attend. The link will be available to night of the event.

for curriculum. Perry’s Faculty makes sure to prioritize resources to aid students the best they can so as many seniors can talk across the stage as possible.

Available through periods zero to seven and even for extended times after school and on the weekends, Perry’s staff is putting the resources together to make sure students can graduate.

With well over 100 students in a lift lab class, the class holds real value at Perry. “It’s a privilege to have it because online classes are expensive,” Senior Angie Hoffmann said, “so to be able to take it in lift lab for free has really been nice and helped me graduate.”

With all the benefits that this class provides for students, lift lab has become a great resource for students who need that little extra help.

State-wide teacher walk out makes Arizona history

By Morgan Chung and Mia Irvin the precedent

On April 26, 78 percent of teachers said they wanted to walk out of their classrooms in an attempt to win better funding for their students and more immediate raises. Their demands were simple: funding for education returned to 2008 pre-recession levels, competitive pay for teachers and support staff alike, a permanent salary structure, and, no new tax cuts until per-pupil funding reaches the national average.

Their walk on the capital gathered approximately 50,000 educators and supporters of the movement. It lasted eight days, six of which school days. For those six days, schools across the state were closed due to the volume of teachers who called out sick.

The result of the teacher walkout has affected teachers and students and families alike, both positively and negatively. There were questions regarding where the money for the raise and classroom funding would come from. Another question that needed an answer was will students have to makeup

days. Teachers shared a similar concern for what their summer schedule would look like.

In regards to making up days, Arizona Compulsory Education Law Code 15-802 says that students ages six through 16 are required to go to school at least 175 days in the school year. Teachers are required by contract to attend the school they hold a position at for 180 days in the school year.

That being said, the Chandler Unified School District (CUSD) has enough days under its belt to not have to make up days.

Students are off the hook, and will not have to worry about getting their diploma late, or having to return after the designated final days. Teachers however, are operating on a different schedule. Their options are to use sick days to make up for the strike, or make up them up at the end of the year.

The strike made history. No matter which side of the divide you stand on, there is no denying the trail blazing it did. While it secured the teachers the raises they were seeking, it fell short in the public education funding arena.

However, this will not be forgotten come Nov.

photo by Lauren Fountain Teacher march at the capitol during the state wide teacher walk-out that began this past April.

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Staff Editorial

Boos & Hoorays: 2017-18 one for the (history) books

funding creates path to failure for all” Opinions editor Lauren Fountain tackled the #RedForEd issue in this detailed account of the movement’s grassroots start, and where they are now. Her plea for better funding and teacher raises ultimately came to fruition with recent legislation.

wenty-eighteen has become a historic year before even reaching June. The country has seen activism by students and teachers alike, the anticipation of another royal wedding, and an internet meme as divisive as “the dress” in the Laurel versus Yanny debate. With this much happening in the first part of the year, we will have much to discuss as the rest of 2018 progresses.

#2: Point/Counterpoint: Gun violence Arts and Entertainment editor Ian Graham and staff reporter Morgan Chung went head to head on the gun control debate. Graham called out the GOP for their ineffectiveness and blatant disregard for effective legislature, while Chung used the Second Amendment to back up her argument.

HOORAY! Donald Glover, also known as Childish Gambino, has had a career on the rise for years. The former “30 Rock” writer tried his hand at rapping, writing, creating, and starring in his own TV show, starring in the newest Star Wars installment, Solo, and now, turning the internet inside out with his newest music video for the song “This is America.” The video is politically charged, addressing the issues of gun violence, police brutality, and race, and the internet has been trying to decipher its hidden meanings since it dropped.

BOO! It is the fourth quarter of the Perry’s 11th year being open, so why are parents still cutting us off in the parking lot? It should not be that hard to restrict access to the parking lot to students only, especially with a security sitting near the entrance each morning and afternoon. It only takes one parent to stop traffic completely and make me late to first hour, so please, use parent drop-off and not the student parking lot.

HOORAY! Beach volleyball, despite not getting as much credit on-campus as they deserve, brought home the second ever state trophy in the school’s history. Although they aren’t given a space on campus to play and practice, they still give everything they have to represent the school well.

BOO! With the addition of yet another Dutch Bros. near Perry, traffic is beginning to strain the alreadyterrible Val Vista. Now, not only is the road congested with commuters trying to reach the 202 entrance, but the hectic parking lots of Quik Trip and Dutch is swimming with cars 24/7.

HOORAY! Security guard Wayne Glashagel is always putting students first and he does anything to make sure that we are safe around campus.

The Purple Heart recipient has served our country through the military and has brought that mentality to campus. Glashagel is quick to react to a student in need and is always brightening our days. Glashagel makes sure that each student knows that they are welcome and noticed by talking about their day or giving them a simple wave as they walk past his office.

BOO! No one really ate Tide pods and meant it, but it has become the catch-all among adults for anything stupid “our generation” does. No kid our age ever took that seriously, but here we are, with baby boomers rolling their eyes at Gen-Z yet again.

PHS Opinion Pieces 2018 has been an intense school year, with headlines dominated by a new controversial event daily, leaving debates heated and issues divisive. The Precedent has compiled a list of our top opinions pieces of the year. #1: “Supporting #RedForEd: Lack of

#3: “An open letter to all who have shared their stories throughout the #MeToo movement” In issue four, The Precedent penned a letter to to thank all who have shared their stories, whether it be in a courtroom like the brave

#4: “A Minute With Mia: White feminism misses force of intersectionality, total inclusion” Throughout the year, Editor-in-Chief Mia Irvin has written on many different social issues, but the issues of gender equality and the plague of white feminism were particularly important to her. In this piece, she broke down why white feminism misses the point of the movement completely, and deteriorates the movement as a whole. #5: “Dreamers in despair” In one of her inaugural opinions pieces, staff reporter Daisy Ramirez discussed the impact of DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), and what the loss of the program would mean for Ariz. students, even those at Perry.

Lack of distinction in STEM hoods upsetting MORGAN CHUNG the precedent

When PHS adopted the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics program several years ago, they created two types of degrees: the STEM Diploma and STEM Scholar.

At graduation, though, there is no physical distinction between the two levels of STEM and that has caused a lot of unrest among Scholars.

All STEM students have worked hard for four long years, but Scholars take extra classes and all honors and AP core classes and therefore should be recognized differently than the Diploma graduates.

And guess what? We do not get any

recognition for working harder and taking more difficult classes and are lumped together with other STEM students.

I’m not trying to offend the Diploma recipients – they’ve completed a difficult program. However, there is no denying that the 40 Scholar students have endured more and should be recognized as such.

In comparison, let’s use junior varsity athletics (JV) and varsity as an example. JV does not letter in the sport, but varsity does.

To a lot of athletes, that is very important to them because they worked hard to earn a varsity roster spot and letter in their respective sport.

So pretend that administration said that there is no distinction between the two levels of athletes and everyone gets a letter. Simply put, one level works harder than the other. So why is STEM any different?

Seniors get cords for going above and beyond and working hard in a variety of different clubs on campus. Language honor societies get cords. Quill & Scroll National Journalism Society students get cords.

National Merit Finalists get cords. National

Honor Society gets stoles. If you are not in those then you do not get those cords or stoles.

STEM Diploma and Scholar recipients get hoods and we accomplish similar feats academic-wise, but the rigor is as different levels as a JV and varsity team.

STEM students have to take AP tests and since Diplomas are only in two AP classes, they only have to pay for two tests or even just one. But Scholar students have to spend their money on four or even five tests, and the amount for each test is about $96.

Students want to be recognized at their graduation for working harder than others, so why can’t Scholars have that privilege? It almost feels like we were given false promises.

We were told that there is a difference. That there will be a distinction.

Here we are, though.

PHS should consider changing this fact, maybe not for this year, but for next year’s STEM students. Scholars have worked hard to stay in this program, so they at least deserve the distinction.

change, so arguing over them do nothing but create tension between the parties involved.

People tend to listen in order to defend their own opinion or find holes in the opinion of their ‘opponent.’

This should change.

Instead of listening for the sake of argument, we should be listening to learn.

Open your minds and be willing to hear the diverse opinions of others before screaming why you may think your opinion is superior.

There is no respect in today’s climate for opinions that differ in the slightest. We must remember that everyone is, in fact, allowed to feel how they please and it doesn’t have to conform to the beliefs of anyone else.

However, your own opinions should not be forced on others if you do not want theirs forced on you. Let other people live how they want to live and do what they want to do. As long as what makes others happy causes no harm, let it go.

It is organic for people to have different

opinions so trying to force someone to change their beliefs is useless.

Additionally, it is vital for us to form our own opinions independently and based on fact, not regurgitated tweets or articles from unreliable sources. Find a source that is known to be trustworthy and unbiased when trying to find information to support your beliefs. It is important to stay up to date and educated about what is going on in the world, but the trustworthiness of the source should be vital in your quickness to trust them.

The beauty of our country is in our first amendment: the freedom of speech. However with this freedom, comes great responsibility.

Our opinions should include our personal beliefs and moral compass.

Learning about the diverse opinions is what makes debate enlightening but only if you allow it to be.

Listening to defend your own answer is what is standing in the way of this educational banter.

Listen to learn, not to argue with other views EMMA KLINE

the precedent Every single person in this world is entitled to an opinion, yet it seems the only opinion that matters is your own. In society today, it seems we are wired to argue about anything and everything.

Any time you turn on the television or radio or log onto any social media platform, it is nearly guaranteed that you will come across some sort of vicious argument over things such as gun control, abortion, gay marriage, marijuana legalization, or religion.

These such things are opinions that seldom

Precedent 2017-18 staff

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Olympic gymnasts, in the press like Ashley Judd, or on social media like the hundreds of thousands of women who came forward.

Thank you for your bravery.

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

|| News Editor || Madi Kimball

|| Sports Editor || Asher Laufenburger

|| Opinions Editor || Lauren Fountain

|| Photo Editor || Emma Kline

|| Newspaper Adviser || Damien Tippett

|| A & E Editor || Ian Graham

Katie Duford Kayla Gee Mallory Melanson Macie Miller Callie Nagel Daisy Ramirez

|| Staff Reporters || India Buckner || Artists || Morgan Chung Ashton Bell || Editor-in-Chief || || Features Editor || Morgan Cleary Isabelle Martinez Mia Irvin Cameron Martin Sawyer Del Fosse The Precedent is published by the newspaper staff at Perry High School and is published as an open student forum eight times per year.

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

the precedent || phsprecedent.com

may || 2018

opinions || 5

: s u p m a On C

Do the positives of graduation at ASU outweigh the loss of an oncampus ceremony?

“What I do enjoy is that we are inside, indoors, but I do not like that there will be some kids on the floor and some kids on the bleachers.”

Troy Figueroa senior

“It’s easier for parking and more family members to come and I think it’s cool that it’s air conditioned.”

Jade Jackson senior

“I think it’s great that there will be more space available, but I wish it was at a real college such as University of Ariz.”

Zackary Roberts senior

“There will be more space so we don’t have to worry about how much seating there is for family, but it is a little bit of a drive.”

Jade Heun senior

point | counterpoint:

Does ASU graduation lose value of PHS send-off?

Nostalgia aside, Wells Fargo is best option for Gilbert-sized families LAUREN FOUNTAIN the precedent

Picture this: it’s graduation. The night you have worked the past thirteen years to get to. You show up to the stadium, and parking is obsolete. Your aunts and uncles have to park a mile away, and your elderly great-grandmother has to walk that distance to reach the venue. When your twenty family members arrive, they cannot find any seating, despite showing up two hours early. The ones whose parents work until 6:30 and had to rush to make it before the 7 p.m. start time can find no parking, even a mile away. The mom or dad arriving at 6:45 has to watch the ceremony from a screen in another building.

Sounds pretty terrible, no? This is the reality of the past ten years of graduation ceremonies that took place on Perry’s campus.

The Class of 2018 has been a landmark group, and the decision for their graduation ceremony to take place at Arizona State University’s Wells Fargo Arena does not stray from their trailblazing tendency. There was a collective sigh of relief when administration

A MINUTE

WITH MIA MIA IRVIN

the precedent

Teachers made history by calling out sick.

At first glance, this statement seems like a farce. But it is true.

On April 26, teachers across Ariz. united under the movement called #RedForEd, and made history by initiating the very first strike of the state’s educators. 78 percent of teachers

decided to relocate the ceremony by graduates and relatives alike, with a few grumbles and groans by the nostalgic seniors wishing for their final hurrah as Pumas to be at the very school where they spent the last four years.

Sure, it would be poetic to throw our caps on the very field where we watched our football team carry themselves through the state tournament towards their first championship appearance, but at what cost?

Last year, the temperature on May 29 in Gilbert was 100 degrees even. This year’s prediction is at 106, which — despite being a “dry heat” — is far too hot to be sitting outside for two hours packed together like sardines.

Now, there is no worry on how many family members and friends can attend the ceremony, with the max capacity for Wells Fargo well over 10 thousand. Have no fear if your family is as big as mine: the parking options are vast compared to the Flipside lot or corn fields by Perry.

Graduates, although our last moments as Pumas will not be on the field we know well, the focus of graduation is not so much on where you are, but who you are with.

Whether we graduate from John Wrenn, Wells Fargo, or anywhere in between, our focus is far better spent on the excitement of a chapter coming to a close with the most loved people in our lives, no matter where that happens.

Moving graduation loses sentiment of seniors’ last hurrah on Perry campus MIA IRVIN

the precedent

Freshman year we stepped onto Perry’s campus as 14-year-olds who didn’t know the lunchroom from the library. We gradually got our feet on the ground, and found our tribes.

Throughout this time, we have seen three classes graduate. Three years worth of Pumas have walked across the stage set up on the same football field we all congregated at on Friday nights. They secured their diplomas right there on the grass, their final conversations with teachers and friends taking place under the lights of John Wrenn Stadium. Their final moments on Perry’s campus as a student were with a cap on their head and a diploma in their hand.

But that will not be the case for the Class of 2018.

Our class, the Class of 2018, will be graduating at ASU’s Wells Fargo Arena. Off campus. No longer will we toss our caps up under the same lights we all know so well. No longer will we get to drive away from Perry

with our diplomas in hand, the same halls we have walked for four years in the background as a gentle reminder that high school has ended.

That will be no more.

Now, we will have a huge arena with half of us sitting on the floor and the other half in the stands. We will sit in a foreign building, with an unfamiliar set up, with colors surrounding us that do not match Perry’s.

Having a big stadium to sit in is a huge bonus that comes with ASU. But there are plenty of solutions that could have been implemented to keep gradation at home.

For example, having a ticket policy would keep numbers relatively low so getting seats wouldn’t be complete chaos. The live stream offered in the auditorium and online would give friends and extended family the opportunity to see their student walk across the stage and get their diploma.

The venue change will be more convenient yes, and those who have aunts, uncles, grandmas, grandpas, cousins, neighbors, and friends coming from all over the country probably breathed a sigh of relief. Now they would all get to sit comfortably while they watched the ceremony.

But what about the seniors?

The ones who the night is supposed to be about?

It seems unfair that their night is moved 20 minutes away because a few people want to invite an entire village to watch them.

#RedForEd gave Ariz. teachers due recognition said that they were in favor of striking in the hopes of securing better funding for public education, and a more immediate and permanent pay raise.

So perhaps in some ways yes, they were sick. Sick of being underpaid and underfunded.

These brave teachers stayed out of the classroom for the Thurs. and Fri. of that first week. The weekend went by and change was still nowhere in sight.

So they called out on the 30 of April and marched on Mon. as well. Tues. came around and legislatures were still not meeting the movement’s demands. In fact, while teachers marched in thousands, the legislature was not even in session. School was cancelled on Tues. and they marched again. They marched Wed. They marched Thurs.

Finally, their raise was implemented, but still no funding.

Pleased but not completely satisfied, teachers went back into the classrooms with the phrase “Remember in November” on

their lips. The actions of lawmakers and how they blatantly ignored some of the claims made by the grassroots movement would be factored into many voters’ decisions come the next election.

After eight days in total, six of which were school days, the strike was over. History was made on those days. And I am not talking about the legendary eight-day prom weekend the seniors received as a result of this strike.

I am talking about the fact that 50 thousand students, parents, and citizens who marched side-by-side with educators because they saw that this was an issue worth fighting for. The overwhelming support for educators was inspiring. Rather than just using these days to sleep in, sit back, and relax, people went out and supported their teachers.

That is inspiring.

Teaching is one of the most underappreciated professions in our country, but yet it is one of the most vital. They are the ones shaping the minds of our generations. They educate, they inspire, they

challenge, and they support. And, they just call it a Tuesday afternoon.

Teachers deserve the world and more, and if this strike got them even a little bit more than where they started, I think it was worth it.

If they got even a fraction of the funding for schools that they so desperately want for their students, it was worth it.

If they sparked a fire that will keep burning until the midterm elections, it was worth it.

I have grown up in the world of public education since kindergarten, and the teachers I have had along the way have helped mold me into the student who is getting ready to graduate high school in a few days.

As I close out this final column of my high school career, I want to say a thank you to every single teacher not only here, but everywhere. Thank you for making us feel supported, and loved, and informed, and everything in between.

Thank you.

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class of 2018 || 7

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may 2018 SPEAKER FEATURE

Graduation speakers open up about their futures, look back at high school years

18

Thomas, Smith and Gunaraj excited to be a part of graduation at ASU next week

THE CLASS OF

By Cameron Martin, Ian Graham and Makayla Gee the precedent

The Class of 2018 has so many special stories it is impossible to tell each one. But for three seniors, their journey through high school is going to come to unique end – on stage at Wells Fargo Arena on the campus of Arizona State University as commencement speakers on May 29.

The Precedent sat down with the three graduation speakers to learn a little more about what makes them tick, where they are going and what they will miss about high school.

Tamillia Thomas has earned the distinction of Valedictorian for the class of 2018. Thomas has been hard at work throughout her entire four years at PHS, earning a 4.93 cumulative GPA. As first in the class, she will deliver the valedictory at our graduation ceremony. Thomas is also a member of Spanish Honor Society and numerous clubs.

Thomas recalls her favorite memories

Class of ‘18 has found its way through ground-breaking high school years

By Lauren Fountain and Mia Irvin the precedent

T

he year 2000: a new decade, century, millenium and the year of the Dragon. 2000 saw the beginning to a new generation – the ones who live in the complexity of being too young to be “millenials” and too old for the “Generation Z.” We are not quite the ones as touched by tech as kids born in the 2010s, but we are also not 90s kids we often claim to be – no matter if you were born in November of ‘99.

The Class of 2018 were the 2000 babies who celebrated their first birthdays on the heels of 9/11, who lived through the five deadliest mass shootings in the our nation’s history, and the ones who can remember seeing the first AfricanAmerican president get elected as 2008 came to a close.

Here we are now, the

photo published with permission from PHS Yearbok

The class of 2018 poses for its annual senior panorama portrait. This senior class is the largest in school history.

generation of trials and tribulations, of loss and of fighting back. The Class of 2018 will be known just as much as the change makers of America, as the ones immortalized by their achievements here at PHS. Our time as Pumas is coming to a close, but we face graduation as one of the most influential in Perry’s history.

It was our class who led the football team to

Four years in a snap

Take a look back at PHS life since ‘14

their first state appearance, it was our class of strong female athletes who took the school’s first state banner for badminton and beach volleyball, it was our class who sweeps competitions for DECA, fine arts, culinary, and much more. This is our legacy, but this was not always the case.

In 2014, our class took to campus as the largest freshman class ever. We

went to the Link Crew Puma Days, got our schedules, and faced the enormous hallways of the one and only, Perry High School.

We were 14 then; we could not drive and we could barely see PG-13 movies by ourselves.

Then we moved on up to sophomore year. Some of us took our very first AP class, some of us started driving, and others were

still getting lost in the hallways. The limbo of still being an underclassman, but not quite a freshman gave sophomore year that awkward aura everyone remembers vividly.

Then we were juniors.

We endured standardized tests, AP tests, our first true dose of KBATs, and we went to our first prom.

Our upperclassman status was finally validated.

And then what seemed

2015-16: Government teacher Angela Gardner and her students needed a mental break, so they created the school’s most popular club: the 4-square club.

2014-15: Construction crews worked through the first quarter to complete the new addition to the F-building, which opened at the beginning of the second quarter.

five minutes later, we became seniors. The class of 2018, the same people who walked onto campus four years earlier, are graduating.

We attended our last football game this year.

However, this was a historic football game. A contest where the Pumas went to the state title game for the first time, securing a 6A runners-up trophy.

The same team that way back in their freshman year were the first PHS football team to go undefeated.

To the Class of 2018, you have seen unimaginable loss, lived through moments that will fill history books in the coming years, and risen up as an innovative, resilient, and hopeful group. We are standing before the world as the ones who will challenge the status quo.

We are the ones who will work tirelessly to leave this world better than it was when it was handed to us.

We are the Class of 2018, and we should be proud of that. Now let’s go do big things.

of high school are those with her friends, spending time at pep rallies together.

One of the biggest challenges for her, like so many other seniors, has been a major case of senioritis, and “trying to stop procrastinating.”

Along with full tuition at the University of Arizona, Thomas has been offered the same from Arizona schools, and has amassed enough scholarship monies to fiance her education as a Chemical Engineering major.

Thomas is excited to graduate with her peers and both leave behind an exciting legacy and start a fulfilling career.

Christopher Smith, the Salutatorian for the class of 2018, will be attending Stony Brook University in New York. A product of the school’s STEM program, Smith will finish high school with a 4.89 GPA and numerous clubs and honors under his belt.

Smith was a 2018 National Merit Finalist, as well as a Flinn Scholar Finalist, a testament of his hard work and drive to be successful. At Stony Brook, Smith plans to study applied mathematics with an emphasis in biological systems, and will undoubtedly find success in New York and beyond.

Smith cites Java has both his most difficult and rewarding class, as he “went into it not knowing what it was… but went from knowing zero to most of it.”

He recalls the AP Bio field trip to Catalina Island as his favorite high school memory. While Smith has won over many teachers at the school, he refused to name his favorite, because he plans on shouting one out specifically during his speech at graduation.

Joanna Gunaraj is an outstanding role model in and out of the classroom.

The graduation day speaker was nominated out of the top-five percent of her class, an extremely hard percentile to place in. Along with hanging out with friends, Gunaraj also volunteers at Future for Kids, and Hospice of the Valley, participates in Speech and Debate and also is part of the National Honors Society.

When not out helping the community or going out with friends, Gunaraj is hitting the books. The student has a cumulative 4.63 GPA and has envisioned for herself “a job as management in a tech company,” according to the senior highlights provided by CUSD. As the end of her four year journey nears, she looks back on all her memorable moments as she finishes up her commencement speech. Unlike Thomas and Smith, Gunaraj was selected by her peers to speak at graduation.

Now as this new chapter begins she braves the world and paves her road to success.

2017-18: a tumultuous year; a year of champions MIA IRVIN

the precedent

My first year on the The Precedent was 2014, my freshman year. Then, it was a class of 27 and made up of six seniors, 16 juniors, four sophomores, and of course, the one freshman. Today, the staff has gotten smaller with only 11 seniors, four juniors, and the baby of the group, sophomore Daisy Ramirez. But its achievements are just as far-reaching. This year, we have tackled many controversial issues. In honor of the year ending, we have complied of a list of the top five topics we have covered.

5 – State Champs

The Puma Nation earned its first ever banner this year thanks to the ladies of the badminton team. Their hard work on both the singles side of the game and the team side brought home both the second and first place trophies. Other teams such as girls soccer and football brought home silver as well.

TALE OF THE

VALEDICTORIAN

TAPE

4 – Suicide Awareness

In the beginning of the year, CUSD released a video to raise awareness of suicide and the tragic fallout it causes. The focus on the program was what role social media plays in suicide in today’s world. They gave us a list of numbers to call and talked us through routes we can take to seek out help.

Fav. Food Cornbread GPA 4.93 Height 5’4 College Arizona Major

Fav. Food Cookies GPA 4.89 Height 5’9 College Stony Brook Major Engineering Applied (Chem.) Math

Tamillia Thomas

2018 was also a year of tragedy, as school shootings such as Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School caused a loss of 17 lives. The Parkland Shooting inspired a walk out organized by PHS students to remember the 17 who lost their lives that fateful day.

2 – #MeToo

Chris Smith

Valedictorian 2016-17: Parking overflowed to the Flipside strip mall on Val Vista and Queen Creek, sparking concern about teen drivers, especially near the Top Spot Pre school. Campus security had to police the lot.

3 – School Safety

Salutatorian 2017-18: FINALLY, Perry wins its first team state championship when badminton destroyed the state, blanking Red Mountain, Xavier Prep and Mountain Ridge, 5-0.

Tarana Burke started using the phrase “Me Too” in 2006 on MySpace with a simple goal: to empower through empathy.

Burke’s work is still in effect today, as women and men alike use the hashtag to come forward against predators in the entertainment industry. People like Ashley Judd, Anthony Rapp, and Angelina Jolie all came forward against their attackers. The Golden Globes were a beautiful display of unity, as all of the actresses and many actors dawned black to send a message of solidarity.

1 – Red for Ed

Red for Ed has been sweeping headlines across the country since teachers left the classrooms in W. Va. Ariz. teachers followed suit, and walked out for the first time in the state’s history and did so for eight days, causing schools across the state to be closed for six. It ended with teachers getting their request met, but as far as public education funding goes, there’s still work to be done.

2017-18 was a memorable year, full of tragedy and triumph alike. As the final minutes tick by, there is still a profound feeling of hope in the newsroom. There are plenty more stories to be written and memories to be made here at Perry.

8 || arts and entertainment

phsprecedent.com

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may || 2018

arts and entertainment || 9

phsprecedent.com

The Arts Department:

Artist

Creativity

Movement

Music

Visuals

COLOR

Sculpture

In the final issue of the 20172018 school year, the staff of the Arts & Entertainment section dedicates this page to various artistic seniors who have made an impact on their respective departments, and the school as a whole, during their time here. We thank them for their work and their investment in their art and wish them, as well as all graduating artists, a fulfilling future complete with creative endeavors.

Discovering a style

Notes

Uniquity

BEAUTY

Expression

Seeing through a different lens

Ariel Becker

Carmin Blanchard

Senior Ariel Becker began high school as a young freshman with much potential, unaware that she would start her own YouTube channel and win multiple awards over the next four years. What began as an introductory multimedia and film class, progressed into a future passion. With the help of her fellow students, Becker has won multiple awards for the school, as well as individual victories in film festivals. ”I entered a PSA competition for the state of Ariz. and won that… just kind of random things here and there,” Becker said.

Becker hopes to pursue film as a lifelong profession. “I’m going to Chapman University in Orange county to get a film production degree,” she said.

Becker’s dream is to see her name scrolling through the credits of a future film.

Senior Ariel Becker shows off new shoes in a January vlog from her popular YouTube channel.

Carmin Blanchard began taking art at the school her senior year, but she had already gained experience with twodimensional art from practicing outside of the classroom. While she was able to develop her creativity on her own, Blanchard said, “[the class] has pushed me to learn techniques” such as shading and proportions in art.

She began the year by practicing drawing, but as she progressed in the class she found watercolor paints to be her favorite medium. Blanchard said of her paintings: “I did a well for my first project, but now I do animals and landscapes.”

Blanchard will go on to study nursing in college, but said that she will continue painting as a hobby after she graduates from high school.

Eliza Butcher

Arianna Fiandaca

Ty Kofahl

Brook LaRosk

Like most students who pursue music, Eliza Butcher started playing instruments in her fifth grade band class. She decided to join marching band entering high school, and now she is a senior looking back on the impact program has had on her. “Perry band has helped me grown as a musician and a person. I’ve been able to develop qualities such as time management,” Butcher said.

These skills helped Butcher learn how to manage academics, band, and other activities. “I was really shy freshman year but now I’m more outgoing, and can talk to people next year,” Butcher said, as she hopes to minor in flute performance or music education. She also auditioned at BYU Provo for their symphonic and marching bands.

While she is rarely seen onstage during the school’s theatre productions, senior Arianna Fiandaca has been a key contributor to the success of Perry Theatre Company through her lighting design and her coordination.

“What I’ve done over the years is I’ve slowly learned how to utilize color theory to better tell stories and reinforce messages in musicals and plays, as well as maintenancing the lighting instruments,” Fiandaca said of her work. The skills she has developed during her many productions have won her several awards, including two state championships for lighting design as a junior and senior. Next year, Fiandaca will attend ASU Barrett for theatre, hoping to bring her technical skills to bigger stages and audiences in the future.

Senior Ty Kofahl specializes in ceramics and sculpture. He transferred to the school from Hamilton with the proper skill set, yet lacked a sense of direction in his art.

To solve this, sculpture teacher Sharon Beimond pushed Kofahl to develop his own style.

He said that this process of discovery was “kind of rough, but eventually [he] got this sort of theme going.” He described his artistic theme as “zen in nature,” adding that many of his pieces include natural symbols, like trees.

His work, which he makes from clay and wire materials, won him a second place award for ceramics in the CUSD art show.

After graduating, Kofahl plans to continue sculpting as a hobby.

Since she was a little girl, Brooke LaRosk has had an admiration for music.

Starting her freshman year in advanced women’s choir, followed by participation in both concert and jazz choirs, she ends her senior year solely in jazz. LaRosk expands her skills and knowledge in music through devotion: “this year I’m in AP music theory, so I’m trying to gain those skills,” LaRosk said. Growing up taking voice lessons and dabbling in show choirs and musical theater, LaRosk hopes to keep music in her future goals.

“I want to minor in music. I’m going to NAU this fall, my dream is to one-day sing backup for someone,” said LaRosk.

As LaRosk takes her final steps out of high school and into adulthood, music will certainly be there to help guide her along.

Lily Smith

Morgan VandenBerg

Kennedy Wagner

Senior Lily Smith made her debut as a dancer here at Perry when she was a freshman. “[I spent] first two [years] in advance dance, and then my junior and senior year apart of Movéo dance company.”

While there is no denying Smith’s raw talent, Smith has also exemplified compassion and humility beyond her years.

These traits are made known by the fact she has won the “Movéo Mom” award for all the love and support she exudes.

Smith plans on attending the University of Arizona in the fall, majoring in speech language and hearing sciences with a minor in Spanish. Though she does not plan on continuing her career, she will continue dancing with recreational courses and is working towards her Yoga certification.

Senior Jordan VandenBerg has had experience in orchestra since he was young.

While at the school, the talented cello player has gotten many opportunities to travel and perform, such as to places like Carnegie Hall in New York and Washington D.C..

“It’s been a good experience in a number of ways. First of all, it has been really nice to advance my own musicality and have something outside of just academics, but on top of that it’s been a really great way to meet friends,” said VandenBerg. He is planning to attend Southern Methodist University (SMU), majoring primarily in computer science; however, he is still on the waitlist for Harvard University and will perhaps dual major in order to keep the cello in his life.

Senior Kennedy Wagner has used her photography talents throughout her high school years to capture many events with her camera, whether it be for class projects or for use in the school’s publications.

While she began her photography practice using a film camera, the school has helped her transform into a confident digital photographer. Wagner’s photos have won her two awards: a superior award at the national JEA conference for journalism and a second place award at the CUSD art show for digital photography.

According to Wagner, her work behind the camera will not end after graduation.

“Eventually I want to live and work in a third world country, so I want to do some photo projects documenting different culture,” Wagner said.

photo contributed by Lily Smith

photo contributed by Ariel Becker

Ian Graham, Mia Irvin, Daisy Ramirez contributed to this page

10 || sports

Our Take on CUSD’s success

Perry has shown the Chandler Unified School MORGAN District CHUNG (CUSD) that the precedent their athletes are capable of performing well, on and off the field.

In Badminton, there were nine lettering athletes and their average GPA was 3.94. They had won the AIA Team Scholar Award and Perry won the state championship title.

Girls Soccer has 33 lettering athletes and an average of 3.9 GPA. Boys Cross Country has nine lettering students and their average GPA was 3.93.

This goes to show that Perry has athletes that are exemplary when performing for their sport and for when studying in the classroom. CUSD also had four high schools in the softball state final four, proving again that the athletics department is thriving.

Follow your PUMAS

Add PHS Sports on Twitter Athletics: @perry_pumas Baseball: @PerryBaseball07 Softball: @PerrySoftball_ Volleyball: @PerryMensVball Track: @perrytrack2017

Sports Notebook

By Sawyer Del Fosse the precedent

This season, both boys and girls tennis continued to show how formidable they can be. Both teams had outstanding seasons with each qualifying for the state playoffs.

Junior Mckenzie Jones said, “Last year we were there but I think this year we really pushed it to the top and both teams made it a lot higher.”

Jones’ was seeded No. 1 in the playoffs and proves to be a leader on the team. The girls team finished their season ranked 15th in the state while the boys ranked 7th, ten slots higher than last years rank of 17th.

Senior Cole McClure added, “The boys team played really well this season. We achieved the best record in school history so far and I am proud of that.”

Seniors McClure and Slade Yeager are a doubles pair and finished the 2018 season ranked 6th in the state.

Senior Slade Yeager expressed, “This year I was playing at my all time high, and continued to dominate throughout the season/ playoffs.” Both teams expect to continue to grow each year.

may || 2018

the precedent || phsprecedent.com

Pumas reach final four for 2nd time

By Macie Miller the precedent

For the second time in school history, the volleyball team reached the state semifinals.

On Sat. May, 7 the Pumas went head-to-head with Boulder Creek in the first round of the state playoffs. The No. 8 Pumas played a tough match and came out on top, winning the match vs. the No. 9 in five sets.

They went on to play in the state quarterfinal game against No.1, Chandler High School, and yet again the Pumas brought home the win in one of their most intense matches of the season. After going back and forth with Chandler throughout the regular season, 3-3, the finally took The Wolves down once and for all.

This season has been one of their most successful by far, as they made it to the 6A state semifinals.

In the semifinal game against No.4, Sandra Day O’Connor, the Pumas lost the in three sets.

“It was a hard game to lose because of everything we have gone through together and everything we’ve done throughout the season and in the off season,” junior middle hitter Matthew Motes said of the game against O’Connor.

Even though the Pumas fell just short of the championship, their season overall was a very rewarding one. They grew as a team and prospered both on and off the court.

Motes said, “This season was really successful and we came closer together as a team. The seniors really led us through the season with good leadership skills.”

photo by Everett Milloy Senior Collin Hoag returns a ball in Perry’s 3-0 win over Basha on April 17. The Pumas finished the year 23-16-2.

Softball fights relentlessly to reach final four

By Mallory Melanson the precedent

A team has never lost until they have given up. In the state playoffs, Puma softball never gave up.

“This is the farthest we’ve ever made it and each year we’ve gotten closer and closer to the championship so it’s been really great to see the team improve,” said junior Saige Stutz.

This season, the team made it to the semifinals against Pinnacle after a double elimination game also against Pinnacle. Initially they made it to the third round of the bracket but lost, kicking them to the loser bracket. Not giving up, the Pumas continued to fight their best game to dig themselves out of rock bottom.

The second elimination round against Pinnacle was the most vital game to win in order to have any

Teams All CUSD

chance at winning state.

In the end this game was a blowout 5-1 and “the kids bought into what we were trying to do and did a good job of executing it,” said coach Rob Hehe.

Senior Piper Lujan hit her 14th home run of the season in this game. She said, “the homerun felt amazing! But when it came off my bat, the whole time I was thinking ‘oh my gosh that’s really high.’”

Junior Kylee Hough also hit a homerun during the game and a hit that brought in two runners.

“It was really good to get the team up...it was a tie when I hit that, and I think that set the tone for the rest of the game. It got everyone pumped and got their energy up,” Hough said.

Stutz said, “it was really scary in the beginning because there were some errors, and I made an error

Baseball Ty Pohlmann Matthew Brown Logan Schwenke

too, so I was a little bit nervous about that because normally when we make errors and give up outs they’ll take advantage of it and score runs.”

However this was not the case as Stutz added, “we were able to shut them out and keep them from scoring and then I just had confidence in my team that we could do it.”

And they did. Perry beat Pinnacle instead of going home.

But next was the semifinals, now the third time playing against Pinnacle. Unfortunately the team lost in the semis, but were happy with how far they achieved.

Hehe said: “it came down to pure energy. We offensively didn’t come out and do much, [but] the kids worked their rear-ends off to get where they were and they did a good job.”

Softball Piper Lujan Saige Stutz Chloe Krason Jillian Lagasca Sydnee Smith

THE KYLEE HOUGH FILE GRADE: junior BATS/THROWS: right POSITION: OF BATTING AVG: .312 DOUBLES: 4 HOME RUNS: 4 RBI: 16 STOLEN BASES: 5

M. Volleyball Sand Vball Collin Hoag Daxton Tolman Dallin Hawkins Bryson Breinholt Dallin Winward

Matea Suan Ellie McDonald Ryann McKinley-Davis Taylor Pennington Portia Valadez Halle Razo

may || 2018

sports || 11

the precedent || phsprecedent.com

PERRY’S BEST

SENIOR ATHLETES THEN AND NOW

Our sports writers have collaborated to select the best players from each sport on campus and the top five moments in sports this year.

While no team sport is won or lost by one individual, Perry’s Best highlights student-athletes who were not only great at their sport, but also on campus and in the classroom.

TOP FIVE

MOMENTS

1. Brock Purdy’s stiff arm at the state game in Tucson 2. JV going undefeated after the death of Brayden Mason 3. Sand volleyball winning state 4. Badminton winning state 5. Men’s Volleyball beating #1 seed, Chandler, to go to semis

phot

on

hards

as Ric

hom o by T

brock purdy Brock Purdy has been a valuable asset to the Perry football program since he set foot on the field back in the 2014-15 season.

This year alone Purdy collected the Gatorade player of the year award, as well as the Ed Doherty award. Purdy is a strong leader both on and off the field, and is set to further his career as a quarterback this fall, playing for Iowa State.

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Childhood photos contributed by the athletes and their parents.

For the complete list of Perry’s Best, including more “then and now” pictures, go to www.phsprecedent.com.

India Buckner, Asher Laufenburger, Macie Miller, Katie Duford and Mallory Melanson contributed to this page

12 || sports

may || 2018

the precedent || phsprecedent.com

Q&A with Coach Mann

We sit down with the state champion head coach Fred Mann, veteran of 25 amount of years, to explore what makes a state winning team.

TP: How do you feel about the win?

FM: It feels incredible, winning a championship is something the girls will remember forever TP: What was going through your head during the game?

FM: I was pretty confident that they could pull it off.

TP: How did you guys get to the level you guys are at?

FM: There are girls that are really athletic and coordinated. I was happy to have girls try out this year that were either sand club girls or higher level indoor players.

photo by Asher Laufenburger

Sophomore Tatum Stall and senior Halle Razo celebrating winning a point at the state game. Stall and Razo were partners halfway through the season. Since the girls do not have assigned partners in the beginning of the season to see who they play best with.

Sand wins first state title after dominating Millenium

By India Buckner the precedent

Sand volleyball is the second team at Perry to bring home a championship title. Despite not having their own home court, the team never quit and ended the season with a record of 12-1, losing only once Xavier Prep.

These lady Pumas were ranked number four in the state and now hold a championship title.

The first partnership to win a set were seniors, Taylor Pennington and Portia Valdez. Pennington feels, “accomplished,” about the big win especially since it is her senior year, her last chance to win a championship with her high school teammates.

Both of them were focused on the game and “doing what (they) know how to do,” Pennington photo by Asher Laufenburger stated, and Valdez agreed, “I wasn’t Sophomore Tatum Stall spiking a ball at the state championship match at Mesquite beach courts. even paying attention to the score.” “none of this would be possible was happy to have girls try out hard to replace but Coach Mann The second duo to win a set this year that were either sand says he is not nervous about next was junior, Matea Suan and senior, without the coaches,” and also wanted to, “thank (them) so club girls or higher level indoor year, “We hope to continue to Ellie McDonald. McDonald much.” players.” recruit the good players at Perry was, “surprised and wasn’t really Mann never once doubted his Though the season ended on and hopefully compete for another expecting it.” Suan was mostly players, “I was pretty confident the best note possible, the girls championship.” just, “proud of everyone and their that they could pull it off.” Mann still cannot help but to grieve just Mann has high expectations hard work.” believed in his team because a little. for the upcoming season, “we’re Though in the end they had he knew they were capable of For example, Pennington will, kind of hoping to add some girls four wins and only one loss this winning. He had faith in their “miss playing with (her) best that didn’t play beach this year, so triumph was not easy, Suan, talent, “There are girls that are friends,” and Valdez added in how hopefully seeing the good times “took it one point at a time,” she much she will miss, “the team and those girls had and the success continued with talking about how really athletic and coordinated.”

Also Mann knew his players the chemistry.” much she, “wanted it for (her) For the more photos, go to: had years of experience and The connection and talent teammates.”

PHSPRECEDENT.COM hard work under their belts, “I that these girls have is going to be McDonald pointed out that,

TP: Do you think next year will be tougher with all the seniors the team is losing? Or do you still have a solid team?

FM: We should be pretty good next year. But we do lose a bunch of good seniors...We hope to continue to recruit the good players at Perry and hopefully compete for a championship in the future TP: If you could say one thing to the seniors what would you say?

FM: I am both proud and grateful for what you have done.

TP: With the big win and everything how do you feel about next year?

FM: We’ve got some nice players in our program you know were a deep program and we’re kind of hoping to add some girls that didn’t play beach this year so hopefully the girls seeing the good times those girls had and the success they had they want to join it.

TP: What made you want to start coaching at Perry?

FM: It’s just a phenomenal school; we’re so fortunate to be here, they’ve got such great facilities and such great administration.

TP: How is Perry different than any other school you’ve coached?

FM: I’ve only coached at one other school, I was there for 20 years and this is 5 years for right now. I did boys for 20 years over there ,I did girls for probably 15 years over there so I was the boys head coach and the girls coach at the same time. Phenomenal kids in both places you know when I coached at Mountain Pointe there were a lot of kids I got to know and got to meet and got to respect and the same things going on here.