August 2015

the

Precedent PERRY HIGH SCHOOL || GILBERT, AZ

CHOIRS’ NEW VOICE Staley has a passion for a modern choir.

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AUGUST 2015|| VOL. IX ISSUE VII

New football field

John Wrenn Stadium’s surface now up to par

By Aja Diffin the precedent

Athletes and onlookers can now safely say that the grass is truly greener on Perry’s home turf, courtesy of the Arizona Cardinals and Walmart who funded the removal and replacement of John Wrenn Stadium’s field.

Each year the Cardinals and Walmart team up to provide two Arizona schools with new, high quality football fields.

Along with Mountain Pointe High School, Perry was chosen for the chance to receive a fresh turf.

In addition to the over 57,600 square feet of turf, Perry also received the specific lawnmower needed to maintain the quality of the revitalized field. “[Altogether] it’s a $200,000 gift that we got from the Cardinals and

Walmart,” Principal Dan Serrano explains.

The process began on June 1 when crews came in to remove the original field which was built on the desert floor.

They leveled the ground and layered sand beneath new sod, similar to the way professional football, soccer and baseball fields are constructed.

The sod was placed during the first week in July with a dark green sports turf known as Tifway 419 Bermuda, or T-419.

The new turf is among the most popular sods of its kind among sports fields, and it is also prominent in golf courses in the area.

“It’s what the Arizona Cardinals play on, and the Diamondbacks; it’s a nice grass,” Serrano states.

Before the first football game of the season on

photo by Lauren Haught

The football team takes the field for the first time before their game against Dobson on Aug. 21. The new field in John Wrenn Stadium was donated by the Arizona Cardinals and Walmart, who gift fields to schools every year.

Friday, Aug. 21, fans witnessed the ribbon cutting ceremony and a dedication from Arizona Cardinals players, mascot Big Red, cheerleaders, and Walmart representatives.

“Our school is beautiful, our facilities are beautiful,

and our grass has always been a little bit behind,” varsity football head coach Preston Jones says, “so we’re excited to get a nice field.”

The football team is looking forward to playing their home games on this new grass, and hoping the

fresh, vibrant field will skyrocket morale.

“We’ve got support from the Arizona Cardinals, and that’s the NFL team for our area, so it definitely boosted my morale,” senior varsity tight end Jackson O’Hare shares after his 80 yard

touchdown run on the new field.

The first varsity game of the season brought in a 35-7 win for Perry, and both players and fans are hoping there will be many more wins to come on this brand new field.

Presentation to inform, Freshman Marcus Behling goes national in spelling bee reduce drug abuse in teens

By Kendall MacGregor

By Emily Narducci

Months of studying, quizzing, and weeks of preparation: this is what it takes to become a nationally ranked spelling champion.

Freshman Marcus Behling competed in the National Spelling Bee in Maryland this summer, earning himself eleventh place over all.

The journey began on home turf. Behling began competing in district and state spelling bees. But that was never enough. Making it to Nationals has been something Behling has strived for ever since his older brother made it in his eighth grade year.

At the national level, Behling was only one of 285 competitors. He was one of the oldest; the age range was anywhere between third and eighth grade. With only one more shot at Nationals, the pressure was definitely on for Behling. “I just hoped I

The average age for children to begin drinking and experimenting with drugs is 12 and a half years old, according to Stephanie Siete, the Director of Community Education for Community Bridges on Thursday, August 13th.

With the sole purpose of discussing the popular drug trends among teens, Siete met with parents in the auditorium in order to inform them of these dangers that teens face on a daily basis.

Siete warns the parents, and the few students in the audience, that the major drugs have not changed, but the way they are made and the potency have. “Alcohol, tobacco and marijuana have always been the popular drugs for young people, but now they are much different in look and strength.” Siete stated.

Siete’s presentation to the parents touched on their

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photo by Emma Fernandez

Freshman Marcus Behling (right) walks down the hallway on his way to class. Over the summer, Behling went to the semi-finals in the national spelling bee.

would make it to nationals,” recounts Behling.

Indeed, Behling made it, surviving as other students were slowly weeded out.

One of the most important strategies to calm his nerves

was, “to just take my time.”

Behling ended up making it into the semifinals, his winning words being “apivorous” and “vernissage.”

see MARCUS BEHLING pg. 2

infographic by Emily Narducci

actions that may encourage their child’s drug use. She claims in her presentation that a parent who actively discourages drug and alcohol use can better avoid that dreaded midnight phone call from the police that their child has been found intoxicated.

Some of the highlights of her presentation were statistics, such as the prime age to use drugs is from 12 to 29 years old, during one of the most fundamental developmental age ranges

News 1-3 • Opinions 4-5 • Ladies in Cleats 6-7 • A & E 8-9 • Sports 10-12 Ahead of the gender game PHS has set the standard for closing the gender gap.

Pages 6-7

Where did Chick-fil-A go?

Why the cafeteria dumped it and get a review of its replacement.

Page 3 & 4

for the human brain. She also shares that, “Marijuana is [now] a wax substance that is nearly 90% THC versus smoking weed, which is 15% THC.” THC is a chemical that causes hallucinations.

Siete shares the dangers of prescription drug abuse among teenagers and adults stating, “Prescription pill use is an epidemic… 60% of the time someone dies from a drug overdose in the US it is from a prescription pill.”

Last year, Siete came and spoke to the class of 2017.

When Principal Dan Serrano was asked about bringing her back to speak to the class of 2016, he stated, “there [are] a lot of things out there that parents, teachers and even students need to know.”

Siete’s presentation provides parents with information that they may not have known and is informational and resourceful; she gives parents follow up research and links if they suspect their child of such abuse.

www.phsprecedent.com Perry’s first pro athletes David Walker, a 2011 grad, became PHS’ first pro athlete.

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AZ tax credits benefit those that use them

By Caden Johnson the precedent

Wealthy families and districts throughout Arizona have been known to use tax credits more frequently than the less fortunate to save money on their child’s extracurricular expenses and give their kids more options for extracurricular activities related to their school.

Tax credits are a way one can pay fees for activities outside of the classroom, such as sports, clubs, or bands. Each tax credit user can direct up to $200 for a single person or $400 for a married couple of their annual tax payment towards a student’s benefit instead of it going to the general state tax fund.

According to the Arizona Republic, of all the southeast Valley high schools, Perry is ranked as number nine to direct the most tax credits to our students. Perry spent $277,427 tax credit dollars in 2014, an average of about $88 per person, while 10 percent of students qualified for a free and reduced price lunch.

To determine which families were more in need, the number of students who qualified for free and reduced price lunches in each school were considered the less fortunate. Throughout Arizona, people who are struggling financially spend exceptionally less on tax credits.

Some believe those with low income spend less on tax credits because they cannot afford it.

Principal Dan Serrano said, “Well I think schools that… are in an area where people struggle financially, it’s not as easy to give $400 to a school as it is here.”

Many families cannot afford to part with $400 for a year. They live from paycheck to paycheck.

Although they would get that money back in tax returns after they pay their taxes on Tax Day, there are families who need that money, and they need it right as they receive it.

Through tax credits, the abundant can save money by sending a fraction of their taxes directly to the students, however, they do not make a profit from the usage of this system.

If the less fortunate could afford giving $400 in tax credits and could survive without that money until Tax Day, April 15, it would benefit them more than the wealthy because they can take out a larger dent of their smaller total of yearly taxes in comparison to the total taxes of the affluent.

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august || 2015

Freshman competed in national spelling bee and appeared on ESPN MARCUS BEHLING continued from page 1

Although he did not miss a word he did not score high enough on the written test to advance to the finals.

During the process he took two written tests; one to get into the semifinals and another to make it into finals, which Behling adds, “was ridiculously hard.”

Making it to nationals was no easy process. For two years he had prepared intensely by learning Greek and Latin roots and intensive computer programs.

His mother, Sheryl Behling, a private spelling bee coach for Hexco, a company that produces study materials for standardized tests, spelling, and geography bees, was a strong influence for him.

The process of watching her son being quizzed on stage while being surrounded by reporters and ESPN

photo by Emma Fernandez Marcus Behling stands with his trophy after winning first place at the Arizona State Spelling Bee. Behling made it up to the semi-finals at the national spelling bee.

cameras “was both excited and nerve-wracking.”

She recounts Behling’s determination, “He was extremely motivated to make it to the National Bee. He had his goal in mind and he wanted to do whatever it took to make it there.”

Behling started on his track record to success with countless hours spent studying leading up to Nationals.

His sister, junior Maryn Behling commented, “I would come home after school and [my brother] would just be practicing. I would come home from practice hours

“I would come home from after school and [my brother] would just be practicing.

Maryn Behling Junior

later and he’d still be studying.”

She credits his ultimate success to long hours practicing to reach perfection.

Those long hours eventually

”

paid off for him. Behling’s love for languages and thousands of hours studying came in handy, making Arizona and CUSD proud.

Parking: Spaces added, prices raised

By Ernesto Chacon the precedent

Perry High School brings in a little more than $54,000 each year from student parking alone. This begs the question: where does all the money go to?

Student parking has been a hot topic over the past couple of years.

Last year the upperclassmen were left without parking due to limited spaces and paid $70. Whereas this year spaces were added and lower classmen were restricted from parking in the lot, but the price tag came with an increase to $80.

With about 680 parking spots in the student parking section (not including the parallel spots or the parking spots next to the fine arts building). Assuming every single student paid the $80 fee, that would bring in about $54,000 of revenue.

Principal Dan Serrano stated that “[the money] goes into an account called the ‘Parking Account,’ [and] that money can

only be used for parking-specific things.”

Examples of non-parking needs would include expenses on computers or supplies.

Some ways the school has spent these funds would be the money spent to add additional spaces, such as the spaces parallel to the bus barn and providing maintenance for the lot. Another important expense would be paying security guards that are vigilant over the lot.

Serrano also explained that the $80 price tag is not up to him, but rather it is a mandated by the district and cannot be tampered with. He does understand how for some families $80 for a parking spot can be a lot, but he also explained “I haven’t had anyone say ‘I have a spot but I can’t afford it.’”

Although some students still believe that parking is too expensive, Junior Lily Drosos explained, “even though it’s my parents money, [I think] eighty dollars is a lot for high school

Take

photo by Ernesto Chacon The parking lot fills to its capacity everyday. The school added more spots to accomodate for this year’s demand, as well as increasing the price.

parking.”

Some students may think parking is expensive but see reason in the $80 price tag.

Senior Xavier Celaya states, “I think it’s expensive but they have to

5

get money to maintain the school” Eighty dollars for some might be expensive, but all the money from parking is put to use by adding spaces, paying for security, and maintaining the lot.

with senior Kelli Ferre I started Ukulele Club. That’s fun, a

lot of people get to learn how to play the ukulele that have never played before.

I teach and play piano. I like learning new

instruments like the guitar, ukulele, and mandolin.

This summer I went to Nicaragua [for a week], which is in Central America. We built houses, taught English classes to little kids, played with kids at an orphanage, and brought hygiene kits to all the people there.

august || 2015

the precedent || phsprecedent.com

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Behind the Cafeteria:

New health regulations change up menu items

By Emily Narducci the precedent

Entering into the 2015-2016 school year, returning students were astonished to find that the beloved Chick-fil-A sandwiches sold every Tuesday and Thursday were nowhere to be found. This school year has brought many new changes to the lunchroom, but some changes have altered the cafeteria from behind the counter.

Cafeteria manager Kim Metcalf explained that the changes were to “clean up our menu, make it more nutritious and even affordable.”

The popular Chick-fil-A sandwiches were $3.50, but the new replacement sandwiches are $3.00. Even with this decrease in price, some students would say both are still expensive.

Patty Narducci, a district registered dietitian and food service supervisor, stated that the reasoning behind the loss of certain food items sold in the cafeteria is that “a federal regulation was enacted recently that [allows] nothing over 350 calories and [an] x-amount of fat is allowed to be served al la carte.”

The district is now required to follow the new federal regulations regarding nutrition in order to continue receiving federal funding.

This idea of regulating the amount of calories in a single item is a part of the new “Clean

Label Initiative”. Narducci claims, “[the Clean Label Initiative] is a progressive transformation to eliminate the artificial flavors, dye, additives, so it is really cleaner food.” Throughout the district, this program is being enforced.

The Chick-fil-A sandwiches did not meet those nutritional requirements, with a single chicken sandwich being 440 calories with 18 grams of fat and 1,390 mg of sodium. Junior Loren Woodford, shares her opinion on the removal of the sandwiches. Woodford believes that “the sandwiches are very fattening, [and] they are unhealthy.”

Junior Caitlin Clark argues, “Chick-fil-A does have healthy options, like the grilled chicken, [but] it’s just not what was at school.”

Rumors have been spread about previous snacks or drinks being removed as well, but this process of making the school menu more healthy has been going on for quite a while now. Last year, the snack and drink restrictions were enforced, which would explain the restrictions of baked and reduced fat being enforced. Metcalf states that “the only big difference this year that we changed on the high school level is our outside vendors.”

According to principal Dan Serrano, outside venders are approved to sell items if they meet the nutrition restrictions,

photo by Emma Fernandez Kim Metcalf, kitchen manager, introduces the new chicken sandwiches that replaced last year’s Chick-fil-A ones.

such as Gelato 64. The gelato and other outside vendors are not run through the cafeteria staff, but are still required to meet the specific nutrition restrictions from the district. Unfortunately for Chick-

fil-A, it did not make the cut.

While many people may be disappointed due to the loss of their favorite lunch item, it is safe to say that the government, the Chandler district and Perry High School are

concerned for the health and well being of their students, and believe these changes will impact many students lives for the better.

New AVID teacher returns

By Abbie Murray the precedent

photo by Emma Fernandez New AVID teacher Adam Schiermyer has returned to PHS for 2015.

After leaving Perry three years ago, former health teacher and coach Adam Schiermyer made his return to the desert this summer.

Now the school’s AVID teacher, he is assisting in coaching the varsity football team and will return to his position as the head freshman baseball coach in the spring.

Because of Schiermyer’s past experience of teaching at Perry, he was an easy hire for principal Dan Serrano and over the summer started training for his new position.

Serrano explained that “AVID has standards that you are supposed to comply with,” and that the goal of AVID is to “help kids do the things they need to do [to go to] college.” He also shared that “there are certain qualifications” for

students to get into AVID. To a majority of the AVID students, it is about more than just getting ready for college. “[Although] I thought that it was only a class to help us get a bit more organized and prepared for college,” AVID student Nathaniel Lee explained, “[when] I got to high school I started to learn that AVID is more about bonding with others creating more of a family.”

Lee also stated that when it comes to the new AVID teacher “we [the new teacher and the AVID students] are both teaching each other something.”

During Schiermyer’s undergraduate years at Adrian College in Michigan, he started off in a teacher’s education program.

However, in his last year, he switched to sports marketing in order to follow another passion:

professional sports.

“I ended up getting a job with the Phoenix Coyotes,” but after getting the job, Schiermyer stated, “I didn’t want to just sit behind a desk and pound the phones all day and I had a love for PE and health and fitness. So I went back to ASU and got my teacher’s certificate.”

His passion for the organization and preparation is what helped convince him to join the AVID family. “I like the structure [of AVID],” he explained, “it has a lot of similarities between athletics and it seemed like a neat avenue to pursue for the next half of my career.”

Schiermyer is looking forward to teaching AVID as well as coaching for the varsity football team and freshman baseball. His experience can be expected to have an impact on students and athletes.

Theme for homecoming announced:

By Caden Johnson the precedent

This year’s Star Wars homecoming theme was announced on Friday, August 22, and has unveiled a variety of contrasting opinions.

This idea was not simply taken from off the top of Student Government’s head. They came up with themes, tweeted them out, and narrowed it down from about 50 ideas using the responses of the student body.

Student Council Advisor, Lerina Johnson, explained how they came

to a decision: “[We are] trying to represent Perry as a whole, so we used their ideas and we used our ideas… and we voted on them.”

Some are skeptical of this idea because they see homecoming ending up as a “nerd party”, however, Lerina Johnson stated, “If people wait before they make a judgement on the theme, they’ll see that it’s going to be a lot of fun.”

Some people simply do not have an opinion because they have no prior knowledge on Star Wars.

Junior, Dominique Garcia said, “Well I’ve never watched Star Wars, so… I don’t really know anything

about [it].”

This seems to be a popular consensus, because when Jillian Lagasca was asked her opinion on the theme, she said, “I’ve never seen or watched Star Wars, so I have no clue.”

Although there is a number of students who have not seen it, Star Wars Movie marathons are being put together by some students in an attempt to get in the spirit of this year’s theme and familiarize themselves with the classic set of films.

When asked about what is expected of homecoming, many

concluded that there should be space related decorations. When asked what she expected, Sydnie Christensson said, “[The theme] doesn’t have to be specifically Star Wars, just something to do with space.”

A large amount of people are happy about the determined theme because they have faith that Student Government will pull anything off, regardless of the theme. Sydnie Christensson claimed, “I am very supportive of the theme because I am supportive of anything STUGO says... they will be able to

successfully pull off anything.”

Many people believe this year’s homecoming comes down to how Student Government will pull it off and the amount of emphasis that will be placed on the Star Wars theme; skeptics will just have to wait and see.

If you have a friend outside of Perry who is interested in attending this year’s homecoming, Guest Pass Applications are available in the Activities Office. If you or a friend needs an application, come during your lunch and pick one up.

4 || opinions Staff Editorial

Ancient gender roles ruling the modern world

august || 2015

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#SeniorProbs

By Natalie Eberhard

T

We Want to Hear from You! As the voice of Perry High School, the Precedent ecourages and welcomes letter to the editor from students, staff, and members of the community.

Send us your complaints and/or praises to to be published in next issue’s paper to our editorial board.

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the SmithDiscord

Stereotyping ruins integrity of political world LUCAS SMITH

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tereotyping has negative connotations connected with it. It becomes a problem when society gets so locked into stereotyping that an individual cannot be separated from the group. When they do not give someone a chance because of a negative impression, then it becomes a problem.

Political stereotyping works the same way as regular everyday stereotyping. In the end, it is just pointless. For example, many liberals see conservatives as controlling and judgmental while not willing to look at other points of view. While in the same sense, conservatives may see liberals as negative and close-minded towards people with different points of view. This is what society tends to do when it comes to politics; they take what either party believes and then automatically assumes that the person has a resentful belief towards them; comparatively to how Donald Trump and Megyn Kelly view each other.

This is not always the truth, which concludes why it has become a recent problem at PHS. In our age of learning

photo by Barbara Davidson/Los Angeles Times/MCT Home care providers and consumers meet in Los Angeles with former Secretary of State and Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2015, at Los Angeles Trade Technical College.

politics, the students here have become unwilling to understand why others believe what they do. Thus, a line is being divided, as the student body is being subjected into groups based off politics, and no other reasons.

However, it is not just ideas that are

being stereotyped in politics, but also discrimination through stereotypical personality based off of gender as well.

In addition to this, with recent politicians like Hillary Clinton and Carly Fiona in the running for president, they are being judged across America based off their failures in their personalities and how their personalities are not womanly.

Political journalist Brian Resnick wrote for the National Journal: “We can see that female politicians are defined more by their deficits than their strengths. In addition to failing to possess the strengths associated with being women (e.g., sensitive or compassionate), female politicians [are seen to] lack leadership, competence, and masculine traits in comparison to male politicians.”

The stereotype of what women should be is just another form of ignorance in politics at this point.

Politics have become more than the idea of old white men only thinking for the big CEO, however, with the help of the 2008 election, it has become a matter of what you want to do for the rest of your life.

If every student did this, then maybe the veil of ignorance towards one another can be lifted and the start of the movement to break these political sterotypes can begin.

Chick-fil-A replacement proves worthiness ERIK YATES

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hen it comes to a high school student’s lunch, the expectation is that the same thing is available and served quickly everyday.

A PHS cafeteria pastime - the Chick-fil-A sandwich served every Wednesday - is no longer an option on campus.

Upon the recent outcries from the student body for an answer, the school board went out and answered this question that has been in the air.

"In July, there were some USDA

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hroughout time, there have been numerous fights for various inequalities that have consumed society. During the 1700s, the debate was whether or not America should be a country. In the 1900s, it was whether or not women should be allowed to vote. The next issue was whether or not there should be segregated schools, restaurants, and even drinking fountains for people of different skin colors. For every generation, there is something going on that ends up changing society; for this generation, that fight seems to be gender roles.

Gender roles have been in place since the beginning of time. For example, there is the classic idea of the 50s housewife, who stays in the house while her husband works at the office.

This notion of a working husband and stay at home wife has been the social norm across the world for centuries, dictating that men had to go to work to support their families while women stand idly by and watch.

These “rules,” so to speak, has been brought into a new light. People are beginning to decide that their gender should not define what they can or cannot do. In other words, people are beginning to blur the line between what is for girls, and what is for boys.

Women were told they could not play baseball, but Mo’ne Davis proved that wrong when she pitched a shutout in a Little League World Series game. Women were also told they could not play football, but our own sophomore Trinity Kaufman broke through that barrier as well kicking for the freshman team last year, and JV and varsity this year.

Men have shattered their fair share of boundaries as well. They were told they could not be cheerleaders, but look at the NCAA, and even here at Perry, where male cheerleaders are working just as hard as their female counterparts in order to be successful.

Gender barriers still exist today. It was a fight, and as of today it still is.

In many professions, women are still getting paid less than men and men are still unable to cry without being called names. Girls are still put down for playing sports while boys are pressured into them.

The fact of the matter is gender equality is still very far from our grasp; but at one point so was the idea of a free America, the right to vote for women, and so was the idea of integrated schools for all races.

However these causes eventually gained what they were after because no one backed down, and no one gave up.

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

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|| Newspaper Adviser || Damien Tippett || Editor-in-Chief || Emma Fernandez || Managing Editor || Dayna Miller

regulations that changed that require us to be more restrictive in calories, fat, and sodium in what we were selling." Patti Narducci said about the removal of the brand-name fastfood restaurant. "We have a less expensive option than the Chick-fil-A product this year."

The solution that the cafeteria pioneered was to make a replacement chicken sandwich to both cut costs for themselves and possible calories for the students. Upon sampling, there was a very familiar flavor of pickles in the breading. Whether or not this is just a mental trick is hard to tell. Furthermore, the only real difference in the two sandwiches that were truly notable were the size and the buns. The new sandwich could easily be deemed as a suitable successor.

The United States Department of

|| News Editor || Sarah Lankford

Agriculture initiated the “Smart Snacks” program, which is aimed at allowing schools to offer healthier foods while limiting junk food.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “In 2012, more than one third of children and adolescents were overweight or obese,” which considering the obesity, this seems like a smart decision.

The last thing kids really need these days is to have more unhealthy food shoved down their throats at school.

The instance of change seems to scare people. Change is a part of life and life is not always fair. In this case, a more than acceptable replacement has been introduced.

staff information || Photo Editor || Ellie Wendt

|| Opinions Editor || August Bowers

|| Social Media & Web Editor || Cassie Nielsen

|| A & E Editors || Nathan Tucker & Valerie Burgess

|| Staff Reporters || Michelle Bolden Sarah Campbell Ernesto Chacon Aja Diffin Karson Hentges Caden Johnson Zach Klein

|| Features Editor || Madi Montoya || Sports Editor || Mia Irvin

Lucas Smith

contributed to this story

Emma Kline Kendall MacGregor Abbie Murray Sam Nabaty Emily Narducci Lauren Neilsen Molly Ogden Savannah Ostler Lucas Smith Nikki Soto Kylie Vacala Bree Wade Rylee White Erik Yates

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.

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august || 2015

s u p m OnCa

What do you think about parents who use the student parking lot to drop off their kids?

Mackenzie Ness senior

“Of all places to drop your kids off, why there? It is the student parking lot, not the student drop off.”

Luissenior Parra

“They need to know where to be dropped off at. Kelly used to yell at us last year whenever we got dropped off there.”

Izzy Rosales senior

“Parents need to pull out to the end. They need to go out to the end to drop their kid off.”

Frank Servin senior

“When parents pick them up, parents have a disregard for how school lanes work.”

Parking lot purposes cause confusion, anger, distress among students, parents point | counterpoint:

Be patient: traffic works itself out ABBIE MURRAY the precedent

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arents are rushing in the mornings to drop off their kids and make it to work on time. There is a flood of students after school that want nothing more than to get home as soon as possible.

As the years go by that tide of students continues to increase, so does the growing number of parents lining up to pick up their children in the student parking lot, much to everyone’s dismay.

“I see how very busy it gets [in the other lot] that is actually the student drop off and parent pick up,” security guard Kelly Pechloff stated. Pechloff has worked in the student parking lot for five years and has watched the growth first hand.

“If we actually had the parents on the west side dropping off in the parking lot over there [in the parent drop off section], we wouldn’t have this issue.”

If every parent dropped off their kids in the parent lot, then sure the student lot would alleviate the traffic in the student lot.

However, the parent lot would have more cars than it can handle.

“We have grown and people don't like to hear this, but if every single parent went to student drop off and pick up we wouldn't be able to function,” principal Dan Serrano explained.

Compared to when PHS first opened, with approximately 820 students, there are now over 3,400 students. This is a massive increase in students that require transportation.

If parent’s options are limited to only one section, inevitably Queen Creek Road would look like the I-10 in rush hour and it could take an hour for the area to empty safely.

Imagine the standstill that would result from all those parents lining up blocking the way in and out of the entire school zone.

Additionally, Serrano verified “There is a [signal] light that is supposed to come up here on 156th Street, which will really help [the traffic] in the mornings.”

This signal light will make taking a left out of the student drop off zone a feasible option with the constant flow of oncoming traffic from both sides of Queen Creek Road.

While the rush may be inconvenient, not every student minds parents using the student parking lot as a way to quickly drop off and pick up their kid.

Senior Jessica Sofka stated: “I don’t mind [parents lining up in student parking lot] the traffic isn't that bad in the afternoons. I think they should be able to drop off their kids wherever they want to because that was me two years ago.”

In the afternoons by about 2:30, which is only about 15 minutes after school gets out, a majority of the traffic from the student parking lot has already dissipated.

With a growing and thriving student body in a limited space, people are going to have to learn to give it a bit of time and let the traffic work its way out.

Hence the name “Student Parking Lot” MOLLY OGDEN

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t is the end of the school day: tests are done, teachers are heading home, friends part ways for a short time before seeing each other the next day. All things seem as they should be. That is, until a thousand students flock to their cars in a mad dash to escape the mania we call the student parking lot.

Ah, the student parking lot, a place where pedestrians never seem to have the right of way and where all patience flies out the window into the hot desert air.

Anyone who has experienced this mad dash knows that nothing is worse than extra cars in the parking lot. After all, more cars means more competition to get out of a parking space, and into areas of more civilized driving. Many may ask why there would be “extra” cars in the parking lot. The answer, unfortunately, has nothing to do with the students of whom the lot is named after.

The problem is the parents who line the parameter of the area like the ozone layer, compressing the core and controlling all who want to escape.

To say PHS has grown in its nine years would be a gross understatement. I hear legends from teachers that once upon a time the student parking lot was a spacious garden of open real estate; now parent vehicles

congest the grounds before, as well as the after school pick up in both the student and staff lot (by the library).

Principal Dan Serrano defended the parents, saying that “most people don’t like to hear this, but if every single parent went to the student drop off and pick up, we wouldn’t be able to function over there [because] it is too busy.”

But it is busy all around, and with limited exits on either end of the property, the problems are constant.

Recently, administration and school security were forced to close off the exit between the pool and the bus barn.

“We found out the other day that when you go between the pool and the bus barn, it is a two way road, but kids are going down both sides, and when the buses are lined up, they go out that way and these kids were going on the wrong side of the road,” Serrano said.

“So what we have done is closed that gate so [students] can’t [go out that way].

Someone is [bound] to get killed.”

Serrano stated that the solution to the problem is not one of logistics, but one of timeliness.

“I tell parents and my own kids, you have to be at school before 7a.m., because after 7 a.m., it gets crazy. Come pick your kid up at 2:40 p.m. because it really calms down.”

By arriving a little earlier in the morning and leaving a little later in the afternoon, everyone would benefit with fewer cars to battle. Parents would not have to deal with inexperienced drivers and take the chance of getting in an accident by simply coming later.

YatesHates

Political correctness destroys first amendment right

P

olitical correctness is a way to be diplomatic in public situations. In an all-too-sensitive society with racial turmoil around every corner, it makes me wonder why everyone has to be so polite.

Sometimes, it could also just be a way to not appear to be an inconsiderate person.

Whichever of the two reasons, it can be understandable. However, when there is an individual that sees nothing outside the spectrum of political correctness, it can be irksome.

With the Internet, people have the ability to voice their opinions – no matter how odious – to everyone on the web. Certain Internet activists have tried to push their brand of political correctness.

One such activist was Suey Park who started #cancelcolbert when the Colbert Report Twitter account tweeted a joke that she

ERIK YATES

the precedent

perceived to be racist against Asians. The joke was taken heavily out of context and within minutes, a sizable amount of activists were tweeting #cancelcolbert.

How a comedy show can be subjected to the same standards of political correctness, especially when it is a crude news satire, is puzzling.

Recently, the University of New Hampshire told students outright to avoid using the word American and the phrase “I am American.” It only gets more idiotic;

POLITICALCORRECTNESS

The avoidance, often considered as taken to extremes, of forms of expression or action that are perceived to exclude, marginalize, or insult groups of people who are socially disadvantaged or discriminated against. they also said the phrase “America is the land of opportunity” is somehow, someway offensive. The reason they gave is that “North Americans often use ‘American’ which usually, depending on the context, fails to recognize South America.”

Apparently, it is considered offensive to be patriotic in your own country now. Good job

University of New Hampshire.

Comedians even seem to be getting loathsome of political correctness as well.

Jerry Seinfeld even spoke out against it, saying that college kids in particular “just want to use these words: ‘That’s racist;’ ‘that’s sexist;’ that’s prejudice.”

Seinfeld also believes that they do not know what they are talking about when they throw around those phrases.

Truth be told, political correctness may be a good way to avoid offending someone, albeit when the evidential want or need to be as non-offensive as possible to the point of telling others to not use the word “American” in the United States of America; it loses effect and becomes a joke. People are going to be offended either way. With about seven billion different perspectives in this world, it is virtually impossible to not offend anyone.

6 || equality in sports

the precedent || phsprecedent.com

august || 2015

Coach shows inner strength helps conquer gender prejudice

By Savannah Ostler

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reaking stereotypes is not a new concept to Coach Joelyn Boone considering she has been breaking them since she was 15 years old. She is considered a trailblazer by training in male dominated gyms and coaching in dominantly male sports. Stereotypes have never really bothered Boone, she says, “If I do [face bias], I guess I don’t pay any attention to [it]... I kind of ignore it.” Boone continues, “I just don’t worry about it. I feel confident in what I’m doing.”

For the past 34 years Boone has worked with 20 thousand different athletes at all different levels in high school and college. When she started at Perry as a weight coach four years ago, her first impression was, “[the] football guys see me …and they’re probably thinking ‘what’s this?’…But after a day I don’t think anybody thinks about it anymore.” She adds, “If you’re the right person for the job, you’re the right person for the job,” despite what the trend is or what the stereotypes are.

Although people questioned her when she first arrived at Perry four years ago, now no one questions if she knows what she’s doing. Principal Dan Serrano says, “[Coach Boone] has her place here,” He adds, “We didn’t hire

her to be the [first to do so]. She knows her stuff.” Boone doesn’t face stereotypes just because she competes and works with male athletes. As a volleyball player, she says she was overlooked because she was only 5’7”. “All the 5’11’’ and 6’ girls in California were getting looked at. I had to earn my way on [to the team],” explains Boone. There were stereotypes for her even when she was competing against all females, “you’re going to find them everywhere,” she adds.

The football players that Boone coaches say that while she is tough, she helps them get better. “Her workouts definitely keep us... in a lot better shape,” comments Senior Colton Evertsen, varsity football player.“Oh yeah, she most definitely does [face stereotypes]. I feel like people do not... expect her do much because she is a female.” Eversten continues, “I feel like a lot of the athletes do not really respect her as much as they should; as much respect as she deserves. But she is a great coach.”

Boone mentions, “I want to see what [the new Cardinal coach] can do, and then we can make a big deal about her...I wish her the best of luck.” Boone’s philosophy is, “you do have to work a little harder to make that first impression...You can’t listen to people telling you you can’t do something. Male or female.”

Inspiration from past helps trainer move up on athletic ladder

By Aja Diffin the precedent

F

Photo by Ethan Barnes

Athletic trainer Rebecca Goetz helps a player recover during the first varsity football game. Goetz has been a vital part of the team since she started two years ago.

photo by Lauren Haught

Coach Joelyn Boone encourages the varsity football team in the first game of the year. Boone has had a career in coaching for almost 35 years.

Cardinals changing the game with new linebacker intern

By Sarah Campbell the precedent

F

rom team ownerships to sports commentators and now coaching, women have made their debut in the world of sports. The face of professional sports will change dramatically as Jen Welter becomes the first female coach in NFL history.

Welter will be joining the Arizona Cardinals as an intern starting this preseason.

“I could not have dreamed big

enough to imagine that this day would ever come,” Welter said in a Cardinals press conference this July. After playing women’s football for 13 years with littleto-no recognition, she is ready to take her place in the NFL. Welter describes what this means for women in sports, “I think the beauty of this is that, though it’s a dream I never could’ve had, it’s a dream other girls can grow up and have.” She believes her position can help inspire women to work towards whatever they want to

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the precedent || phsprecedent.com

august || 2015

do. “It shows [young girls] that anything’s possible and that’s so beautiful to me,” she adds.

Cardinals’ Head Coach Bruce Arians states that Welter was hired because of her skill, not her gender. “Our players only want to be taught how to be better, they really don’t care who teaches it to them...we met and I knew this was the type of person that I was looking for.” he explained.

Prejudice in sports is not only an issue on the professional level, but for high school athletes, as

well. As a member of the golf and softball team, Senior Hannah Johnson faces discrimination daily for being female. “Typically with men, if you’re a girl... you have to work really hard to earn their respect and you have to prove yourself that you can be just as good as they are and if you’re not, they kinda look down on you and they don’t necessarily take you as seriously,” she commented. “It might be hard for [Welter] now, but in the future it’ll be easier for someone else to get a job coaching

in the NFL.” Knowing this, Welter wants to make a change in our society and hopes her hard work will influence others. “I want little girls to grow up knowing that when they put their mind to something, when they work hard that they can do anything.” she says.

Welter’s new position has already shook the world of sports and will continue to do so as she inspires others to work towards their goals, regardless of the stereotypes they may face.

All-American Girls Professional Baseball League was formed. 15 players plus a coach, a manager, and a female chaperone.

2012

Diana Taurasi wins a gold medal in the Olympics. Titled European Player of the Year consecutively from 2007 to 2009, won four Euro League championships.

acing the adversity of societal standards and stereotypes, head athletic trainer Rebecca Goetz has risen above judgement and passed on her knowledge to her students and trainees.

Her career was launched by her experience as an athletic training student aide during her junior and senior year of high school. She was motivated to become a high school athletic trainer by her own trainer in high school, who was also female.

“Because I had a female athletic trainer, it made me know what I wanted to do,” Goetz says.

She moved on to receive a Bachelors of Science in Athletic Training and a Masters in Secondary education from Northern Arizona University, both of which she immediately put to use when she went straight into teaching at Campo Verde High School.

Two years ago, she was offered a position to teach Sports Medicine 1 and 2, and eventually moved up

to become head athletic trainer.

Being female has not affected her career in any way, even though society has pushed the idea that it is unusual for a woman to be in such a position.

“Even though it doesn’t look like it, [the industry] is very 50/50 male and female,” Goetz says, “we’ve been there for 20 to 30 years now.”

Goetz is not the first female trainer that has found employment at Perry; in fact, we had a female athletic trainer the first year the school was open named [first name] Davis.

Female trainers have always been prominent in the Perry community, and they are also becoming increasingly common in the entire sports industry. More and more are popping up to take their place on the fields and in the training rooms as they become universally accepted.

“I don’t think now people blink an eye whether [trainers are] male or female, and if you look around at other high schools and colleges, it’s not uncommon to see a female,” principal Dan Serrano says, “I think they are accepted.”

Women should be embraced more in sports, not alienated DAYNA MILLER

the precedent

A

female coach in a male sport is a rare phenomenon, but not as obscure in Arizona.

With the new female coach for the Arizona Cardinals, Jen Welter, and the female coaches here, we may be ahead of the so-called gender game. It seems that women in positions of athletic authority face prejudice every day, but this is not

true for our school.

When Perry’s female strength coach Joelyn Boone was growing up, she faced the gender prejudice: her school “had a boys weight room, and girls were not allowed,” she remembered. Despite growing up around the discrimination between the sexes, she never saw her gender as a barrier. “You can’t listen to people telling you you can’t do something. Male or female,” Boone commented.

Now, our football players treat Coach Boone as if she is just another one of the guys -- as they should. Female coaches are

2015

no less of a coach than their male counterpart.

Principal Dan Serrano knows the authority Boone has over weight training, “she has national certifications. She knows her stuff,” despite her gender. Men have coached female sports for as long as women have been playing sports. Women have coached female sports for as long women have coached. Why are women coaches for male sports so rare? It should not be some big spectacle when a women coaches male sports. In regards to the new female leading the Cardinals, this big leap

2004

for them is very progressive for women who are striving to coach, like Welters, for a professional team. While this should have been accomplished years ago, and never should have been an issue, this is a positive step toward gender equality in the professional-sports area.Unfortunately there still are many other gender issues in the pro-sports world that have yet to be noticed by the majority of their fans.

For instance, the World Cup tickets for the men’s soccer team were $1,980 as compared to the World Cup ticket prices for

women’s soccer at $165 for the category 1 final round ticket price for American fans.

The difference in the expense for the tickets shows the priority and demand for each gender, proving that men’s sports are more praised than women’s in America, despite how much better the women’s American team performed compared to the men’s team. The gender issues in America are seemingly coming to an end, but there are many more aspects of the issue that need to be fixed before it anything is truly “equal”.

Information taken from www.womensportsfoundation.org and dianataurasi.org

8 || arts and entertainment

the precedent || phsprecedent.com

Key Change

By Kylie Vacala the precedent

With founding choir director Joe Little’s retirement last year, change was bound to come. After nine years, Perry was left to find a well qualified teacher to fill the position. Little’s legacy will be continuing on with Jameson

photo by Sarah Sharp During his concert choir class, Jameson Staley, the new Perry choir teacher, accompanies and instructs students.

Staley taking on the role as the new head of the choir department.

The retirement of Little was a shock to many students and staff alike. However, when asked about the change in the department, principal Dan Serrano stated, “ I think we found the right person”.

Staley has embraced the opportunity to teach Perry’s eager

singers in his first year as the head of the choir department.

Staley plans to alter the program, hoping to get the school more involved with Fine Arts, stating, “[By] Sharing our music with the school as a whole, taking opportunities through different activities and school lunches.” He wishes to showcase the voices of the choir students around campus.

Lily Brower has studied under

august || 2015

Jameson Staley is Perry’s second Choir Director

both choir directors, Little and now Staley, and compares the classroom environment from last year to the current year. Brower describes the current classroom, “There’s a lot more music theory and it’s a lot more structured.”

Staley creates an environment where students are advancing their knowledge of music. Choir students will learn a variety of musical styles that will be incorporated into performances.

“We are going to do a mix of everything,” Staley confirms, “everything from traditional, classical, up to contemporary music.” Staley plans to showcase these styles in the first choir concert of the year, on September 21 at 7pm, as well as the Jazz choir performing a piece from the well-known movie Pitch Perfect.

Mr. Staley has brought a new energy to the choir department, showcasing the ensembles and revitalizing the program. “I am really excited to be here and grateful for all of the talent and support that the fine arts program has.” Staley praised.

With the combination of Perry’s talented students and the new choir director, there is plenty to look forward to in the Fine Arts department for this coming year.

Perry Pipes performs with Lee’s latest a respectable perfect pitch, bigger heart sequel to “Mockingbird” Club Feature

By Lauren Neilsen and Cassie Nielsen

By Savannah Ostler the precedent

Like “Glee,” Pitch Perfect, and “The SingOff,” Perry Pipes is emerging as an up-andcoming Acappella organization. However, this club got its start differently than one would expect. Senior club president and founder Justice Williams comments, “we [officers] want to raise awareness for the special needs kids, which is one of the main reasons I started the club.”

“I’m a 13-year Girl Scout, and I needed an idea for my Gold Award project.” Williams continued, “[Last year, someone] asked if anyone had donations for [an event] for the special needs [students], and nobody donated anything.” This was the call to action that Williams needed. “I decided then that I wanted to do something for them.”

At the end of the year, an Acappella concert will be held, with all the proceeds going to the special needs students. The emphasis on charity is a unique identity for a fine arts club, but Williams has other plans for the club as well.

“The goals of the club are to expose the other sides of Acappella other than the kinds that are normally seen on TV, which are all peaches and cream,” she stated.

The 107 members of the club will be broken

into groups and, at various points throughout the first semester, will perform “riff offs” so the officers can evaluate the members on their strengths and weaknesses and get them “comfortable with doing this kind of stuff,” according to secretary Ke’arah Matsen.

“I want to see Acappella club become a place where students can express themselves creatively, come up with their own arrangements, and improve as singers,” stated choir teacher and club sponsor Jameson Staley.

Williams and Staley agree that they want to keep the club on a smaller scale. “We don’t want to compete with other schools for right now,” says Williams. “But maybe if the club keeps going after we graduate they’ll be able to do that.”

Staley is looking forward to seeing where the club goes. He says, “for the first year it is probably going to be more local… but eventually depending on what happens with it [we] might be able to do some things in the community.”

Staley plans to have a very active club with all the students who signed up. Perry should also “expect some surprises and songs that [they’ve] never heard,” according to Williams.

Perry Pipes meets every other Wednesday, from 2:15 to 3:00 after school.

the precedent

Nelle Harper Lee has sparked controversy once again in the literary world. Renowned for her classic novel To Kill a Mockingbird, which touches on the sensitive topics of rape and racism, Lee has again surprised her readers.

At age 89, after a lifetime of vowing to never publish again, Lee released her second novel Go Set a Watchman on July 14, 2015.

Originally the first draft of Mockingbird, the new novel shows the life of an older and wiser Jean Louise Finch. In this novel, Jean Louise Finch is 26 and coming home from New York to visit her father. She finds that while she has been away from home, there have been many changes in Maycomb; not just visibly, but with in the people as well.

One of the great wonders of Lee’s writing is her ability to paint such a vivid picture of the era and teaching her readers a lesson--not only about the time period, but about life in general.

In just 278 pages, Lee shows her readers three different viewpoints of civil rights in the 1950s.

First, the perspective of Jean Louise, the narrator: “You deny them hope. Any man in this world, Atticus, any man who has a head and arms and legs, was born with hope in his heart... They’re a simple people most of them,

‘em?”

And lastly, through Jean Louise’s visit with Calpurnia, we see a sliver of the African American opinion. The main character is our eyes and ears and she sees and hears a lot.

Six days after its appearance to the public, CNBC stated 1.1 million copies of the book had already been sold.

While its unprecedented success has been embraced by Lee, many friends and fans claim the timing of publication to be suspicious, and speculate that Lee is being taken advantage of by her lawyer and publishing company in her old age. Marja Mills, close friend of Lee and Washington Post reporter, describes Lee’s current state as living “in a wheelchair in an assisted living center, nearly deaf and blind...”

Although the draft may be published against Lee’s wishes, its insights and quality still make it a worthy sequel to an American classic.

Glendale parties like it’s 1989

By Ellie Wendt the precedent

photo by Ellie Wendt Taylor Swift performs “New Romantics” at Gila River Arena during the Glendale stop of her 1989 World Tour on Aug. 18. She performed shows on two consecutive nights to sellout crowds at Gila River Arena.

but that doesn’t make them subhuman… I wonder what kind of miracle we could work with a week’s decency.”

Second, the worldview of a stubborn, old man named Atticus Finch: “There’d be another reconstruction.

Would you want your state government run by people who don’t know how to run

Lit up bracelets twinkle in sync with the music. People of all ages are dancing, crying or screaming unapologetically, to say the night was magical would be a understatement.

On Aug. 17 and 18, Gila River Arena hosted two flawless nights to remember, pop sensation Taylor Swift’s 1989 World Tour.

A person who had never been to one of Swift’s concerts, could have swore one has accidentally arrived at a Halloween costume party.

Dedicated fans left no detail out when they created costumes inspired by song lyrics or music videos, designing homemade signs adorned in lights providing the arena with a magical glow.

Swift’s performance was phenomenal, entertaining the crowd with props and dancers and glittering costumes. Swift’s set

leaned heavily on her album 1989.

The album was released late October and has sold over 5 million copies in the U.S. alone, and her tour grossed at $86 million in revenue this far.

But it’s more than just numbers.

Swift always jumps through hoops to make each and every concert personal for her fans.

“Oh hi, Glendale, Arizona. I’m Taylor,” she said after “I Knew You Were Trouble,” the fourth song in the set, came to a close.

Swift is all about the personal touches. She introduced her songs with heartfelt, encouraging speeches touching close to home. One of the most bittersweet moments was her tribute to Arizona native Maya Tompson, the mother of Ronan Tompson, and face behind the child cancer organization Rockstar Ronan. It was then she played her song “Ronan” in honor of her family and brought the whole arena to tears

in one way or another.

If that’s not enough, Swift also took the time to announce how she had been keeping up with her fans through social media.

Being able to talk to one’s favorite celebrity is, to most teenagers, only described as an untouchable dream, however that is not always the case in the Taylor Swift fandom. Her fans or “swifties” are constantly surprised with her intriguing and sincere responses on social media to fans relationship problems, funny edits and kind letters.

As the final song came to a close, the crowd erupted in deafening cheers and dancing to the contagious melody of “Shake It Off”. Fans left with more than two hours of pure entertainment, they left knowing Taylor Swift is a friend. It was as if Swift made it her personal goal to inspire her adoring audience with wisdom, comfort and pure fun.

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A&E Corner

By Bree Wade and Dayna Miller the precedent

Perry-winkles prepare for new season

Zoelle creates heartfelt music for first studio album

photo by thechicnikphotography

Sophomore Lois Zozobrado has multiple talents in addition to singing. Her love for the arts is showcased in her new studio album ‘Sunshine Boulevard.’

By Michelle Bolden the precedent

Talent is bustling all over campus, whether it be creating a multimillion dollar business or being the reigning state champs in theater.

With the help of producer Robb Vallier, sophomore singer/ songwriter Lois Zozobrado has released her debut album ‘Sunshine Boulevard.’ The album includes 10 original songs, each with a different sound and message.

The inspiration behind the title comes from one of the tracks, “Sunshine Boulevard,” which is about Lois, formally known by her stage name Zoelle’s “version of heaven, my world.”

Her style is diverse and she crosses over into “a little bit of everything.”

Zoelle’s sound ranges from rock and roll to jazzy, upbeat sounds, to

mellow harmonies, but she would mainly describe her music genre as “Americana.” Her inspirations range from artists like Amy Winehouse, OneRepublic, Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, and Bruno Mars. She is also inspired by her travels around the world.

One thing that sets Zoelle apart from many artists today is her meaningful lyrics.

“I think a lot of artists right now … just have simple rhymes and … melodies,” she explains.

Zoelle believes her lyrics are more developed and truly convey her message.

“The lyrics are just a little different [than] most 15-year-olds who write,” she adds. Zoelle’s songs are driven by personal experience, which makes them very relatable.

“Most of them are based on life

stories [and] what I think.”

Her favorite song on the album is “Wildflower,” which was inspired by her childhood and an experience that many people may be able to relate to.

“When I was younger I was bullied. I was the weird kid who wore the suspenders, scratch and sniff shirts … those 80s gloves.”

Zoelle’s peers would often make fun of the way she dressed and it got to the point where she wanted to change herself.

“I tried being a little normal, so I stopped wearing all that stuff” she says, “but it just wasn’t the same.”

She eventually learned to embrace her uniqueness , be herself, and accept herself. That’s what Zoelle says “Wildflower” is about: evolving into your own beautiful being.

Zoelle’s mother encouraged her

to start writing music when she was in junior high. Through all her experiences, positive and negative, she has channeled them into a healthy outlet, into writing her songs.

“I just kept writing and doing what I love.” She hopes that when people listen to her music, they’ll enjoy it and really listen to the lyrics to “see how relatable they can be to you.”

Outside of writing music, Zoelle performs in musical theater and travels to New York City during summers to participate in workshops where she dances, sings, and acts.

She also plays the guitar, ukulele, and even a bit of piano.

Listen to Zoelle’s music on iTunes and Spotify and find more information about her on Instagram @ Zoelle_music.

Double Duty: taking education to new heights New fashion teacher Tricia Guerrero inspires passion for students

By Kendall MacGregor the precedent

Fashion is a passion for many people, but fashion is not the only fascination for new teacher, Tricia Guerrero. Guerrero currently teaches Fashion and Design Merchandising along with Culinary for her first year at Perry.

During high school, Guerrero attended EVIT, East Valley Institute of Technology, a career and technical school. She was awarded a $150,000 scholarship to a top culinary school in the world, the Culinary Institute of America. Graduating at the top of her class, Guerrero went to work in the hotel industry at prestigious locations such as the Scottsdale Plaza Resort.

Teaching fashion is a new and exciting challenge for Guerrero; the mix of Culinary I and Fashion and Design Merchandising 1 and 2 add variety and excitement to each day. “The experience of taking on fashion has been a new learning [experience] for me, adding to my base knowledge,” commented Guerrero.

But Guerrero sees little difference between her two subjects. “Fashion is very similar to culinary in that it is an art form. You’re still designing in culinary [just like] you’re designing in fashion. The end result is making people happy.”

The transition to Perry has been a smooth one for Guerrero. She was immediately impressed with the students. Guerrero praised, “In general, everyone is so polite, you [can] walk around and people say good morning and open doors for you. The students are polite and great to work with.”

There seems to be a mutual feeling of appreciation between Guerrero and her fashion students. “I can really tell that she has a passion for teaching and learning. She loves her students and, ultimately, that’s what makes her an excellent teacher,” said, junior Chloe Eichenauer “Our fashion program is strong,” Principal Dan Serrano added, “You have to find somebody who knows what they’re talking about. You have to find quality people.”

Quality is the goal; Guerrero is hoping to grow with the fashion program and take it to new heights.

photo by Kelli Ferré

Ms. Guerrero, Perry High School’s fashion and design teacher, helps answer a student’s question in her third period. Guerrero is always there to help the students draw figures or design new outfits because she is doing what she loves.

‘Two-time reigning State Champions’ is an impressive enough title, but the Perry-Winkles improv team is not resting on its laurels. In order to uphold their reputation as National Comedy Theatre High School Improv League Champions, the Perry-Winkles are preparing for the upcoming performing season by learning new games and building stronger bonds with each other.

Perry-Winkles instructor Shawna Marquis states, “I feel like [the PerryWinkles] have a lot of chemistry…I think they’re going to work well together.”

Starting in the beginning of August, the Perry-Winkles initiated a weekly routine practice to help familiarize themselves with each other and the games they will be playing in upcoming competitions.

Julia Gilmer, a senior and NCT Co-Captain of the Perry-Winkles expresses her excitement, “I’m pretty confident. We have a few returning students and about eight new kids…

We need just a little more practice and then we’ll get it.” The PerryWinkles plan to practice until they solidify their strategies.

Many people across the Arizona theatre community are anticipating to see what this year has in store for the improv team, including their supporters and fans.

Principal Dan Serrano commented, “If they keep doing what they’re doing, they’re going to be fine because they’re very talented.”

Through dedication and the incorporation of fun, the improv team hopes to again make it to State and defend their standing title.

New ethnic club debuts

The African American Culture Club debuted as a new addition to Perry in Aug. 2015. Founding members Michelle Bolden and Karimat Mustapha were approached by history teacher John Prothro about creating the club in the 20142015 school year. They considered Prothro’s proposition over summer and went to principal Dan Serrano this year with a mission: to have a club on campus where AfricanAmerican teens could share experiences and learn about their history.

“I think that other ethnicities are going to catch on,” Serrano commented on the club. Bolden wants the club to go in direction that unites the black community at Perry.

The club plans to meet during conference for the upcoming year.

The first official meeting for the club officers was held on Aug. 19 in room C205, where all future meetings will be held. Members will be able to learn more about black history and heritage, as well as “connect with each other” in a family atmosphere, Bolden hopes.

As of Aug. 18, there are 22 members in the club, but Bolden expects a larger turnout than just the numbers on paper. “We’ll probably have more coming as the club gets more established,” Bolden elaborated.

This club will focus on the history of African Americans, but all students are encouraged to join to become more educated about current racial issues in America.

10 || sports After the Women’s US soccer team brought the World Cup title home, they received not only fame and global recognition, but $2 million paid to SAM NABATY each of them; the precedent $2 million for beating the odds and going all the way.

While that sum of money may seem like more than anyone could hope for, comparatively, the team was immensely underpaid.

According to a study done by the Women’s Sports Foundation, the men’s US team, who finished in 11th place in the 2014 World Cup, were paid $9 million each. Pay inequality in athletics is a globally under-recognized issue where female athletes are consistently paid less than male athletes.

Professional athletes spend their whole lives working towards their ultimate goal. These 23 women shined through millions of other female soccer players. So why is it that along with their trophy, they brought home $7 million less than their male counterparts?

It is appalling that this big of an equality gap goes unheard of dayto-day.

UPCOMING EVENTS Badminton

9/1 V. Queen Creek 3:30pm

apprentice

FAMILY athlete

COACH

Our Take

ROLE MODEL

student

Tonight’s matchup vs. Mesquite 1st ever meeting of the Jones’

By Emma Kline the precedent

T

onight fans will flock to John Wrenn Stadium for a match up of two 1-0 teams, as Perry hosts the Mesquite Wildcats.

The game marks the first time the two Gilbert schools will have met on the gridiron, and it also will serve as a family reunion as head coach Preston Jones will, for the first time in his career, look across the field and see his mentor, his father Jim, on the opposing sideline.

As a child, Preston Jones looked up to his father – a head coach at high schools like Cortez, Westwood and Red Mountain. During his youth, Jones was always around his father’s teams.

“I hung around my dad’s teams,” he said. “My first football game was when I was seven days old.”

By the time he was a kindergartner, Jones was a fixture on his father’s sidelines, and the players were role models to the future Puma head coach.

“I think always being around allowed me to learn,” Jones said.

“As a young kid, I was surrounded

by several hall of fame high school coaches.”

Jim Jones has, in many ways, shaped the PHS football program.

He noted that over the years, “three of [Perry’s] coaches played for me.

I don’t like the idea of losing to them.”

The roots go even deeper. When Preston Jones was a child, assistant coach Louis Nightengale was a quarterback for Jim at Cortez.

“I remember him coming over for dinner. I would get the boxing gloves out and he would get on his knees and I would box him,” he recalled.

Even principal Dan Serrano has ties to the veteran MHS coach.

“Your principal at one time coached for me,” Jim Jones said.

“I’d rather not lose to him either.”

Both coaches are excited for the game, with Preston Jones commenting, “it’ll be fun for the boys, but not as much fun as it will be for my dad and I. We’re looking forward to it.”

While the Pumas and Wildcats are treating tonight like any other game, this East Valley match up might mean bragging rights within the family.

“It probably means a lot more

Golf (Girls)

to our families,” Preston Jones said.

“My daughters are very scared.”

For MHS, the focus is on the X’s and O’s. “[We are] spending more time on the minor details,” Jim Jones said.

“Perry is very well coached and has high energy players who play extremely hard.”

According to both coaches, this game will be a difficult early-season

By Zach Klein the precedent

Golf (Boys)

8/31 @ Basha 3:30pm

Swim

9/3 V. Queen Creek Football 8/28 V. Mesquite 7:00pm Girls’ Volleyball 9/1 V. Centennial 6:00pm Cross Country 9/5 Chanlder Invite @ Tumbleweed

For athletes, staying in shape during the pre-season is critical for success. Being fit contributes to victory for the team as well as for the individual. The Perry girls soccer team has decided to make personal fitness a priority this year so they can focus more on skills when the season starts. Instead of doing the ASU soccer camp, the coaches have decided to hold a series of camp days over the next two months leading up to tryouts on November 2.

Wrestling also held its intensive camp June 7-11 in Show Low. Head Coach Darren Johnson stated that this was a difficult camp that was “not for rookies”. He believes that this will definitely help improve the team as a whole. Along with this was a daily weight lifting session over summer. These camps will certainly yield positive results on gameday for each team in the winter season.

photos by Damien Tippett and Lauren Haught Mesquite head coach Jim Jones (above) and his son, Perry head coach Preston Jones, will square off for the first time in their careers tonight.

test.

“The [Perry] players are well conditioned and play to an up tempo style of offense which we must prepare for,” Jim Jones, who has been coaching for 43 years, said.

Preston Jones is also taking a football-first approach saying, “We won’t prepare different, every game is the same. Every game is huge for us, like a playoff game.”

Football schedule competitive for 2015 season

8/31 V. Poston Butte, Seton 3:30pm

SPORTS BRIEF

august || 2015

the precedent || phsprecedent.com

photo by Lauren Haught Senior, Jackson O’Hare runs the ball during last week’s 35-7 win over Dobson.

Along with that game, the Pumas face many competitive teams in this year’s installment of varsity football games.

The season began against Dobson Aug. 21, a team ranked eight spots above in the maxpreps. com rankings, with a 35-7 winning performance. Before kickoff, there was a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new field, courtesy of the Arizona Cardinals and Walmart.

Next is Mesquite, and the famed Coach Jones versus Coach Jones game on Aug. 28.

This year’s homecoming game sees the Pumas facing off against the Chaparral Firebirds on Sept.

18.

Next is an away game at

27th-ranked Highland Sept. 25 followed by a home test against city and district rival Hamilton on Oct 2nd.

In the last away regular season game, the Pumas play a rematch of last year’s first round playoff matchup against Brophy College Prep on Oct. 16, hoping to avenge the loss.

Finally, the season ends, on senior night, against, quite fittingly, the Val Vista rival Basha High, where both teams will look to end the season with a bang on Oct. 23.

Head Coach Preston Jones says his team is optimistic, and is “looking forward to that challenge” of having a competitive schedule.

Note: All game start times are 7:00 p.m, unless stated otherwise.

AIA: this year’s ultimate people pleasers

AIA attempts to please everyone with 94% qualifying for playoffs EMMA FERNANDEZ the precedent

After the Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) division-placing fiasco and the please-everybody appeal process, only 17 football teams chose to compete in Division-I this season.

This brought up the question of how many teams would make playoffs. The AIA ruled that no fewer than 12 and no more than 16 teams could make the postseason.

After hearing the perspective

of the 17 Division-I coaches, the governing board decided on a 16 team postseason.

Why would these coaches want a season where all but one team makes playoffs? It’s actually quite simple; with only 17 competitors, Division-I teams are being faced with some pretty tough schedules.

So, a 94% chance of making the postseason can be seen as a reward for being one of the few teams that decided to stick it out in Division-I. According to AIA Executive Director Harold Slemmer, the AIA is just, “trying to say yes to everything.”

In an attempt to satisfy

everyone, the AIA decided that 16 teams would make the playoffs-using the same ideology that messed up the divisions in the first place during the appeal process.

However, this time, their pleaseeverybody mentality is working in the Division-I teams’ favor.

With 16 teams making playoffs from each division, there is potential that a Division-II team could go 6-4 and not make playoffs, while a 4-6 Division-I team would make the postseason.

While it may seem unfair to the Division-II team, it is 100% their fault. They had a chance to appeal their division placement and it was

“A 94 percent chance of making the postseason can be seen as a reward for being on of the few teams that decided to stick it out in Division-1.”

”

their choice to move down to or stay in Division-II. Also, they have the luxury of facing easier teams in Division-II, so having a better record than a Division-I team makes sense.

Overall, a 16 team postseason would benefit everyone in Division-I; anyone who is unhappy with the decision only has themselves to blame.

sports || 11

the precedent || phsprecedent.com

august || 2015

Swim and dive team looks to maintain winning program in upcoming season

By Nikki Soto the precedent

Perry’s Swim and Dive team is expected to make a great comeback when they begin their competitive season this fall. Although many state-qualifying seniors have graduated, the team is confident that the incoming freshman and returning swimmers will lead them to victory.

“We lost a lot of really strong swimmers last year. But seeing all our new swimmers, and the leaps and bounds our returning athletes have made, makes me think this will be the best season yet,” says Joshua Martin, a junior on the swim and dive team.

With tryouts coming to a close, the future of the team is looking bright. “I think we will be a very competitive team this year, and we’ll have students that

photo by Sarah Sharp

Swim Coach Stephanie Carrasco instructs the team during practice. The team’s first meet will be on Sept. 3.

will compete at state,” states coach Stephanie Carrasco.

Not only does the team have strong

swimmers, but they also make sure their athletes are well-rounded in all aspects. “We are looking for swimmers that are

willing to go above and beyond in everything that they do, and I think we have found that,” states Carrasco.

In the past years, Perry’s team has made it to State numerous times.

Individual swimmers have risen

up, and achieved very high goals. “We just had Raevin Richardson who was state runner-up for swim,” says

Principal Dan Serrano.

Richardson qualified for State and was awarded runner-up for the 100 breaststroke.

This season, students should expect nothing less from Perry’s team.

The students and coaches are confident that they will qualify for State yet again. However, the competitive aspect of the sport is being intensified this year, as other schools continue to improve their teams as well. “We are facing some better competition this year, but I am still expecting a successful season,” says Carrasco.

The athletes know that they can go far this season by working hard and always supporting their teammates. “For me, the most important part about being an athlete is supporting my team,” states Martin.

The Swim and Dive team is shaping up to be strong and successful this season with big plans to continue to compete in their meets.

Volleyball plans for another successful season

By Emma Kline the precedent

The Women’s Volleyball team is looking forward to an exciting season this year with anticipation for the upcoming games. The team is being led for the third year by coach Fred Mann and they are hoping to improve with his help.

No making it to the final four last season has added pressure for the team to redeem themselves, but they don’t plan on letting the past get in the way of the their selfconfidence.

“I feel that this season there is more confidence than ever before,” stated sophomore varsity setter Katie Koski. “[Last season] we had the talent and since we have one of the greatest coaches in Arizona volleyball history, I do believe that we are more prepared than ever before,” she added.

The schedule this season should be challenging based on the other teams’ records, but that doesn’t intimidate the players. They are full of certainty that this is their season to shine.

“You get to a point where you’re near the top, and you’ve got to try to keep it going.”

”

Fred Mann Varsity Volleyball Coach

“This year, our season will be tougher than it was last year, but our team is solid and we are going to crush it,” sophomore Kennedy Kaminsky remarked.

The girls have a lot of faith in Coach

Mann to carry them to success.

“It always takes a lot of hard work,” Mann explained, “last year we were ranked fourth and you get to a point where you’re near the top, and you’ve got to try to keep it going.”

With plenty of hard work and focus, the team hopes this year will be a success. The women’s team has many strong players with various talents and skills, making them the team to watch.

This season should be filled with growth and greatness for individual players and the team as a whole.

Offseason training will be name of game for Puma golf in 2015 season

By Mia Irvin the precedent

photo by Brian Bernier Junior Katie Gloss tees off in a match last season. The girls golf team’s next match will be against Basha on Aug. 31 at Lone Tree Golf Club.

Last season, girls’ golf acquired mostly new talent. The players were inexperienced, but last season gave them the exposure they needed.

Head coach of the girls’ team, Brian Bernier is hoping the team’s training in the offseason will transfer to their regular season, and show on the score cards.

“We had some girls that were new last year, that it was their first year out.”

“Now we’re experienced and we had a few girls that played a lot over summer,” said Bernier.

With a tough season ahead, the only place for the team to look is forward.

“It always sets the tone early so we can kind of see where we’re at compared to other teams because you never know where you’re at until you’re actually out there,” Bernier explained.

The team kicked off the 2015-2016 season with their first match on Aug. 24 against Desert Vista.

Boys Golf With only one player qualifying for state last year, the boys’ team is hoping for a more successful run this season. Senior Brad Poddle was the only member of the team to play in the state tournament last fall. “[The tournament] was kind of boring because I didn’t have my team there.” Poddle recalled.

For Poddle and the majority of the golf team, this season is the last chance to leave something behind before they graduate this year. Poddle is ready to dominate this season.“It’s my last year, so I really want to go out strong.” said Poddle.

However, for Poddle, this season will also be about his teammates, and the comradery that comes with playing sports. “Last year was really individual.” Poddle said. The team has been concerned with making sure that their chemistry is there first before they step onto the course. “We’re hanging out a lot more, and just we’re having fun at practice.”

Poddle said.

Both golf teams are hoping to make their mark at state, and bring home some hardware to validate the talent both teams possess.

12 || sports

august || 2015

the precedent || phsprecedent.com

FROM PERRY

to the

PROS Pair of Pumas selected by MLB

By Zach Kelin the precedent

Pitcher Tyler Watson graduated last spring and was drafted by the Washington Nationals.

Precedent File Photo

When David Walker stepped to the plate in the 2011 championship game against Chaparral, he was already a .422 hitter, a two-time All State selection, as well as the heart and soul of the Perry Pumas; and he didn’t have one scholarship offer.

When Tyler Watson toed the rubber on opening day last year, the baseball complex was buzzing with Major League scouts to see the 6’5” left hander’s explosive fastball and devastating slider. He had already committed to play collegiality at Loyola Marymount University.

Two Pumas who enjoyed success wearing the cardinal and navy that will forever be linked in school history. This summer Walker - who was selected in the 31st round by the Chicago White Sox, and Watson, whom the Washington Nationals took in the 35th - became Perry’s first professional athletes.

A couple years prior, Walker (who still holds two offensive records for PHS) would go out and do his work on the same baseball diamond, determined to be prove that he belonged among the state’s elite baseball players.

Head Coach Shane Hilstrom was quick to recall their “teamplayers first” attitude.

Walker is in the top-five in hitting for the White Sox, batting .303 in 26 games for the Arizona Rookie League. Even with the hefty time commitment of being a pro, he still finds time to reflect on his hometown roots.

“I definitely give the credit to my coaches ... for my success and confidence.”

As of press time, Watson has started three games in the Gulf Coast League in Florida, allowing zero earned runs and striking out nine hitters in just 6.1 innings pitched. For him, the immense pride of being a Puma is still fresh in his mind.

published with permission from Ed Walker

White Sox outfielder David Walker graduated in 2011.

“The first thing I’m gonna do when I get back to AZ is visit Perry,” Watson, who owns or shares six PHS pitching records, said. “There’s no way to credit the success to one person; that’s what made Perry a second home to me.”

Walker added that life is “a grind ... so thankful to have the opportunity to still be playing.”

Puma Nation will certainly be looking forward to seeing these two outstanding young man excel at the highest level.

XC plans to utilize both young and old runners

By Karson Henteges the precedent

Just as summer is coming to a close, Perry’s cross country team is kicking into full gear again. The ambitions of every athlete could not be higher.

Looking to aim big for

the upcoming season, a large weight has been placed on the runner’s shoulders.

Head coach Daniel Pescador stated, “The goals for this season definitely have changed. Last year we were looking for about top 10 in the state...but now were

aiming to get in the top 3” When practice began just a few weeks ago on Aug.10, team captain Kane Hudson stated, “There have been two freshmen practicing with the varsity group. Those freshmen are Gavin King and Marshall Conley…and

they have been working out harder and faster than expected.” says Hudson.

Putting emphasis on running as a lower-classman in a challenging yet rewarding sport, Hudson mentioned, “When I was just starting out, they supported me and

pushed me to be the best I could be. Cross country was one of the greatest experiences of my life.”

Aiming not only to have the highest team GPA in the state, but also to become this year’s state champions, Perry’s team will be keeping

close eyes on their talented new runners, as well as their veterans such as junior Hudson and senior Cade Burks.

The team’s first invitational against Chandler High School at Tumbleweed Park on Sept. 5.

Badminton looks to continue success in 2015

By Rylee White the precedent

The Perry badminton team is looking to set a new stage for their first matches this season.

Fresh off of the program’s first ever state championship appearance in 2014, head coach Lerina Johnson has higher expectations than ever before. “In the past, I’ve had my fans and my players remain quiet in the stands because that was the badminton etiquette,” Johnson stated. “But when we went to the state finals last year, the bleachers were full, [The Xavier fans] were screaming, they were so loud that it totally messed with our psych in the game.” This year they plan to turn away from their past polite behaviors and give the competition a taste of their own medicine.

With Xavier being one of their toughest competitors, the team needs to remain

strong, but also continue to grow with the incoming freshman. Fortunately, there are a lot of volunteers for those positions.

Senior Lauren Kater is looking to end her time at Perry with a state title. “[Laike and I] number one goal this year is to win individual state for our doubles team.” Kater stated.

During tryouts, Johnson stated, “we had 61 yellow slips turned in. We’re doing a challenge ladder...so at some point everybody should fall in order of talent on the court and I’ll just pick the number and cut it off there and everybody above that makes it and everybody below that doesn’t.”

With the number of students that tried out, it seems like badminton has a lot of promising candidates, which will hopefully contribute to their victory in the upcoming season.

photo by Caleb Wilson

A badminton athlete competes in a match during try-outs. Try-outs were held on Aug. 10-14 and the team will compete in their first match on Aug. 26.

Get to know your Perry atheltes Favorite Candy: Reece’s Favorite Movie: 1,000 to 1 Favorite Hobby other than Volleyball: Sleeping Favorite Song: Bring Them Out// T. I. Random Fear: Spiders Favorite TV Show: Stitchers

KENNEDY KAMMINSKY

JAKE PERRINE

Volleyball

Swim

Favorite Restaurant: Cheesecake Factory Favorite TV Show: Parks and Recreation Favorite Thing to do on the Weekend: Netflix Favorite Music Genre: Hip-Hop Favorite Breakfast Cereal: Peanut Butter Captain Crunch Random Habit: Biting a pencil