November 2015

the

Precedent

NOVEMBER 2015|| VOL. IX ISSUE III

PERRY HIGH SCHOOL || GILBERT, AZ

STRANDED

AzMERIT Update

in a foreign Ariz. AG: It is country

Daniel Shin stuck in S. Korea after fall trip

illegal to opt out of standardized tests

By Sarah Campbell the precedent

By Molly Ogden

T

EMERY MILLER BEAR DRIVE Bear Drive gives to hospital patients as an act of kindness PAGE 2

the precedent

hree months of no responsibilities would seem like three months of heaven to most people. For junior Daniel Shin, the next few months looks more like a three-month sentence than paradise.

Shin had the opportunity to visit his extended family in South Korea over fall break, but due to an unexpected turn of events, he was unable to return home, leaving him stuck in South Korea until further notice.

Via Skype, Shin spoke with members of The Precedent staff, commenting that: “I came here on a travel document. When I was at the airport, I just showed them my travel document to come back into the country, but when the lady checked it, she said it was expired and so I was basically stuck here.”

Shin was not the only one affected. His mother, Ann Kim, said the family was shocked when they learned that Daniel was stranded more than six thousand miles away from his Arizona home.

“I was shocked when Daniel called me from the airport,” she said.

“It’s horrible not being able to see your son.”

Prior to fall break, Shin was a part of the STEM program, was enrolled in six Advanced Placement courses and participated in Perry’s top Chamber Orchestra. Due to the district’s absence policy as well as the rules of the STEM program, Shin was unfortunately dropped from the program.

Shin explained, “I’ve been talking to my counselor, but he basically said that since I am going to be out of the country and none of my classes are offered online, that he doesn’t have a definite solution for me.”

STEM counselor Fred Mann commented that “although there

see SHIN, page 3

photo used with permission by Daniel Shin

Daniel Shin looks out of the window at his grandparen’ts home in Bundang, South Korea. The junior STEM student has been stranded in his family’s home country since fall break, when his travel documents expired.

Students will do everything they can to get out of a standardized test, and last year it was as easy as telling a waiter “no thanks” at the diner table.

The alleged option to opt out of the AzMERIT standardized test led to a high number of students failing to take the test statewide with their parent’s permission. This year, that will not be an option.

In a letter to schools, Attorney General Mark Brnovich explained that the idea of an opt out of state-mandated exams is illegal.

“There is no right to opt out of statewide assessments,” the letter says, “children who attend school during the testing windows are required to take assessments as scheduled.”

Chandler Superintendent Camille Casteel confirmed that there was not an opt out option and a failure to take the test is essentially illegal.

“The law hasn’t changed from last year,” she said, “we have a ‘duty to administer’ the test and the law doesn’t provide for opt-out and never did.”

The only reason students got out of the test last year was because of their absence, not due to an opt out option, although some students elected to sit and do nothing during the testing period. Those students failed the exams.

“No matter what school you go to, there’s going to be some sort of state testing,” assistant principal Heather Patterson said.

Now that the law is clearer, students can expect to be required to take the test. Though the test scores will not determine their ability to graduate, it will affect the school as a whole.

“Our biggest challenge comes when the state grades our schools/teachers using the test scores; and our students don’t take the test seriously,” Casteel said. “Our teachers, schools and the district suffer the consequences.”

Patterson agrees the scores are significant, but it relies on a student’s motivation. “[Students] have to decide what’s important and what’s not. I think every student would want to do their personal best, no matter what they were doing,” Patterson said.

Although testing was certainly controversial, PHS received some of the highest scores in the state.

“In English, we were number one in the district,” principal Dan Serrano said. “Our scores were higher than the district average, higher than the state average; we did really well.”

Doyle makes major stride in recovery from stroke

By Valerie Burgess the precedent

Nearly one year since enduring a stroke which left her partially paralyzed, Hope Doyle climbed back in the saddle again.

Last November she fell ill with an extreme fever, which caused her to suffer a stroke. Since that time she has gone through a lengthy recovery that has included physical therapy to regain movement.

Last month was a landmark event for Doyle: the former soccer player and equestrian had a chance to barrel race with her horse for the first time since the stroke. Not only did Doyle and her horse, Solye, reunite, but the duo placed in two of her four events.

Father Mike Doyle tells how

while horseback riding she can become equal with all others, because no effects of the stroke are inhibitive to her movements.

“There is no amount of therapy that can amount to the therapy when she goes horseback riding.”

This December, Hope’s story is being spread to an even wider audience on Dec. 12 for the Ignite Hope Walk (IHW) at Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

The walk is an effort to raise awareness for patients and raise funds for the hospital.

“Ignite Hope was inspired by a 15-year-old cancer patient [named Katie] whose friends held a candlelight vigil outside her hospital window right before Christmas in 2011 [while she was receiving cancer treatment],”

according to the IHW campaign.

New purpose is found for the simple action of walking as a united body.

“All of the dollars raised go towards the Hospital’s Hope Fund,” IHW coordinator Sandy Garcia continues, “which helps to finance innovative research, cutting-edge technology [and] child-friendly programs and services.”

Mike Doyle explains the unique nature of September’s story as it presents itself to a new audience.

“There have been many stories about Hope, but it is from the perspective [of ] a peer to a peer.”

A community of supportive friends and family have been strengthened by Hope and her story of perseverance.

News 1-3 • Opinions 4-5 • Veterans Day 6-7 • A & E 8-9 • Sports 10-12 Golf goes to state

Golf qualifies for state because of hardwork.

Page 12

photo used with permission by the Doyle family

Freshman Hope Doyle races with her horse, Solye last month.

CUSD Production

CUSD wins an Emmy with Prothro as the narrator.

Page 8

www.phsprecedent.com Veterans Day

Many options for students to serve in the military.

Pages 6-7

2|| news

Chandler voters approve $196 million bond

By Caden Johnson the precedent

The Chandler Unified School District Bond election was passed on Nov. 3 this year in order to pay for various necessary services for schools.

This year, CUSD has 43,000 students to provide funds for, and that number grows anywhere from 600 to 1000 students a year.

This calls for more buildings, technology, and support in order to maintain the growing number of students.

Over the last eight years, the yearly capital funding from the state has taken a downward slope from $15,998,654 to $3,069,209 and left the CUSD district $77,030,564 over budget. Since the bond was passed, this money will be paid off.

The money from the bond will be spent on things such as construction, renovations, security improvements, air conditioning and heating, furniture, buses, and technology. All these things are critical to the efficiency and function of each school.

Some people do not realize how expensive it is to fund schools and pay for everything that occurs both inside and outside the classroom.

Assistant Principal Greene said, “When you look at education, a lot of people just focus on the things that go on in the classroom, but they don’t understand that there’s a whole network and infrastructure that goes into educating the classroom.”

The safety of Perry and other CUSD schools rely on money being provided to the school.

Greene declared, “you have to make sure that your buildings are safe, you have to make sure that your campus is safe, and you have to make sure that the kids are safe… and that’s what the bond takes care of.”

Some who are opposed to the bond argued that much of the money from the bond will go to teacher salaries; however, this is not true.

Principal Dan Serrano commented, “bond money is money that can only be used for specific things, it can’t be used for salaries.”

The bond calls for $196,000,000 dollars, which will be generated by an elevated property tax given according to value of each person’s property.

After the bonds have been issued, the average person with a house value of $200,000 will pay one dollar a month towards the bond.

the precedent || phsprecedent.com

november || 2015

Emery Miller Bear Drive expands

By Sam Nabaty the precedent

Tuesday, Oct. 20 marked the kickoff date for the 6th annual Emery Miller Teddy Bear Drive.

Junior Emery Miller started the drive to collect and deliver teddy bears to children spending the holidays in the hospital.

Born with a hole in his heart and severe valve issues, Miller was frequently in the hospital. “I had 4 open-heart surgeries, the first one when I was 6 months of age.”

In the fifth grade, Miller came up with the idea for a bear drive after hearing a church sermon about giving more than receiving.

“I went to my mom after school and I said, ‘Mom I want to give back to the hospital that helped me so much in my childhood.’”

As a child, Miller was a patient at Phoenix Children’s Hospital (PCH). “She posted our conversation on Facebook and within 3 minutes we had 45 likes and over 30 comments.”

The drive took off running as they collected 485 bears in two weeks to deliver to the 400 beds in PCH. All kinds of people pitched in, raising funds and donating. Many clubs and sports got involved along with families.

Two years ago, Miller approached Perry Administration about getting the school more

photo used with permission by the Miller Family Emery Miller and friends pose outside Phoenix Children’s Hospital (PCH) with bears in hand. This will be Miller’s sixth year giving bears to patients at PCH.

involved in the drive. “I gave him [Emery] the green light and talked to the other principals,” Principal Dan Serrano explained, “He [Emery] already had a plan.”

The drive came to Perry in a variety of ways. Every year, there are announcements made asking to donate bears during the holiday season.

After a few years, the drive had taken off. “Our 5th year we decided we have all these bears, we are bigger than the state of Arizona.”

Miller then extended the drive

out to Wisconsin, California, Texas, Nevada, with more states to come.

Miller’s friend and drive partner Basha sophomore Clayton Reible traveled to every state with him last year to help.

Reible is a major part of the drive as a whole, “I have family up in Wisconsin that helped with it a lot last year and that’s where I’m going to school next year so I think I am going to run it up there.”

The drive is a simple, easy way to help children. The bears that have been donated previous years

have ranged in price from $1 from the Dollar Tree, to $50 from Costco. Miller explains the variety of ways that people can pitch in.

“If you don’t even have the money to buy a bear, get the word out. Tell people, tell your neighbors, scream it from the rooftops.”

As the drive grows, Miller and the foundation are trying to make it easier to participate. Contributing varies from donating bears, money or even just time; it is a perfect way to make a difference during the holiday season.

Catalina Island is paradise for learning

By Sarah Lankford the precedent

While sitting in a classroom, confined to a desk, and listening to a long lecture, students’ minds slowly lose concentration and resort to entertaining themselves with their own thoughts.

This, however, was not the case when AP Environmental Science and AP Biology students took a three-day field trip, Oct. 23 to Oct. 25, to Catalina Island.

These students traveled in total 22 hours to spend their weekend at the Catalina Island Marine Institute (CIMI).

CIMI is a camp that hosts schools for three to five day periods, teaching them about the importance of conservation of the Earth.

During the trip, students were able to learn more about sharks, fish, and algae, through various labs and activities, as well as dissecting squid and snorkeling in the Pacific. “[The activities] were really informational and they were really cool. I learned a lot about the ocean and the island ecology during the activities,” stated sophomore Sarah Martino.

The trip was also a phone service

photo by Sarah Lankford Lexi Garrabrant and Justin Hooks catagorize algae for an algae lab at CIMI.

free learning environment, which although may sound like torture to some, really helped the students.

“The people were 100 percent engaged, especially since there’s no technology, they were just looking at what [the activities] were,” explained AP Biology and AP Environmental Science teacher,

Melanie Lyon.

This is the second year that these classes have gone to Catalina and benefits of the time spent there proves returning worth it.

“I think it’s beneficial for both classes because it’s an opportunity to have classroom setting be outside, when we’re talking about

5

Take

science stuff and actually literally be immersed in it at the exact same time,” explained Lyon.

CIMI is a place where students are able to learn while experiencing the world around them.

“The biggest goal is to have fun, but I want [students] to know that the ocean is cool, to want to protect it, to want to learn more about it,” stated Marine Science Instructor, Theresa Fukuda.

And that goal was received by the students. “I’ve always wanted to work with the ocean but this trip really got me interested in the conservation of our ocean. We learned how important everything in our ocean is to us,” Martino stated.

The Catalina trip proved to be a big success, and extremely beneficial for the content learned.

“Unfortunately, I don’t have a giant fish tank and there’s nowhere to hike around Perry, so there’s no going out and saying ‘let’s talk about island ecology,’ we were literally on an island,” stated Lyon.

Martino concluded, “I would do the trip again, especially because I want to do something with the ocean when I’m older. You meet a lot of great people on the trip and you learn a lot of interesting facts,”

with junior

Michael Li

[I’m involved in] the java and ecology club. In the ecology club we go around and recycle. We are currently trying to promote more eco friendly initiatives. In the the java club we learn about programming and try to spread the word Ideally, I would want to work at like Valv or Google. But I’m probably not going to get there, so probably just some software engineer.

My favorite subject is chemistry, just because of how much you can apply it and what you can do with it.

My goal [for college] is probably MIT or Cornell.

I’m looking forward to finishing my classes and not taking anymore tests [at the end of high school].

november || 2015

news ||

the precedent || phsprecedent.com

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Mentee to mentor: Math teacher Falk teaches alongside her high school mentors

By Abigail Murray the precedent

From mentee to mentor, math teacher Jennifer Falk spent a majority of her high school years at McClintock High School learning from math teachers Linda Moon and Tom Rothery. Now, for the past two years out of five of her teaching career, she has worked with those who inspired her to become the math teacher she is today.

“I’m probably a math teacher because of Moon,” Falk stated.

During her freshman year where she took an accelerated math course that was supposed to teach her both Algebra II and Precalculus, but with a teacher who hardly showed up most of the students in the class ended up at a disadvantage for the following year.

Falk recalled how she felt entering Moon’s class the next year, “I just remember being terrified,

but she is such an amazing teacher that I was able to make it through that class and do well.”

Math teacher Linda Moon shared how she felt about having inspired her students to also pursue a career in math. “It means everything to me. You teach every day and you don’t know who you’re reaching, [but] when you find out that a student ends up having the same passion that you have, then you know you did your job.”

Although Falk has always been in advanced math classes throughout middle school and high school, it was not until having Moon for Calculus BC and Calculus III Differential Equations, that math became her favorite class.

“I know a lot of people don’t like math, it can be scary, but if I can empower them and make them love it,” Falk stated, “then I could do for them what [Moon] did for me.”

It would appear as though Falk is already accomplishing this dream

photo by Maria Amador Jennifer Falk pointing to an example while teaching in her math class. Last year, Falk’s students scored the highest AP Statistics scores in the school during her first year teaching it. This is her second year teaching at Perry.

with her students.

“She has helped me to like math more,” senior Kacee Perry said. “It’s more enjoyable. I like the way she teaches. Its very subtle and it’s not overly complicated.”

Additionally, the AP scores her

students are receiving support how well she is doing.

Rothery explained that “last year [while] teaching AP Statistics, [Falk] had the highest AP scores amongst all AP Statistic teachers” during her first year teaching

Statistics.

Falk further commented on how she enjoys her career, “I love being able to work with the person that made me want to be a teacher. I feel like I could learn so much from her, which is just a great opportunity.”

Robotics Club:

Crossroads between creativity and practicality

By Valerie Burgess the precedent

Through the Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) program, one has the opportunity to explore many aspects of the scientific field. Rigorous math and science classes can expand student knowledge through mental exploration, while engineering classes allow students to understand with hands on interactions.

Robotics is a convergence between these interests to create a world for students to explore technology while learning.

“I have always loved STEM,

and I wanted to join robotics to learn more about it, and have fun while doing so,” president Milan Bhattacharya explains, “on top of that, it will be a great experience for the rest of my life, as I plan to go into engineering An opportunity to expand beyond conventional learning is found in the construction of complex robots by students. Vice president Casey McMahon explains the process for creating the robots in preparation for competition.

“Robotics is unique because there really isn’t a way to prepare for the season; we don’t know what our challenge will be until weeks before

“Watching [the students] get it done [to] ultimately see their passion [makes it worth it].

Andrea Strock Robotics Advisor

”

it is due.”

The creation of robots meets a unique crossroad of creativity and practicality.

Robotics club encapsulates the different problem solving and collaboration skills required for the complex machinery.

President of Robotics Club,

KTAR recognizes STEM program, Averie Scholz and Joe Greene

By Caden Johnson the precedent

Senior Averie Scholz and Assistant Principal Joe Greene were recently featured on KTAR radio for the success of Perry’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) program.

STEM has been a successful program on campus and has won several awards from various organizations throughout Arizona such as the Golden Bell.

This program primarily prepares students science, medicine, engineering and math majors. It includes taking several higher level math and science courses. Students can enter the program as soon as freshman year and follow the program throughout the rest of their high school career.

Some believe that the STEM program’s focus on preparing students for after high school is why it is so successful. Rather than merely aiming for success in high school, the program directs its attention towards the future of each student’s life. Greene commented,

Senior Averie Scholz is one of 70 STEM students set to graduate this spring; 2016 will be the first graduating class for the STEM program.

“I think we are innovative here, I think we tend to look more toward when the kids get out of high school.”

The STEM program at Perry has received media recognition like this on several occasions in

the past. STEM has been featured on Channel 12 EVB Live, the San Tan Paper, and will soon be in the East Valley Tribune and the Arizona Republic. All these prestigious media outlets recognizing the Perry STEM program bring to attention what benefits Perry has to offer.

Greene stated, “we’ve hit five media outlets just the last few months.”

Being on KTAR Radio is another time STEM got to tell their tale of success over the media.

Scholz, a member of the program and a student at the top of her class explained, “I think it’s really special to me. I just think it’s pretty cool to be recognized by the [media].”

Being recognized by a widely renowned radio station goes a long way and it is an effective way that the program and Perry to get more attention. Principal Dan Serrano claimed, “it gives us a lot of attention. We do attract a lot of kids from out of district to come to this school.”

The wide-ranging success of the STEM program has provided an extra motivation for students to attend this school.

Milan Bhattacharya, enjoys this freedom to explore technology.

“My favorite part of Robotics Club is the [First Robotics Competition] FRC challenge release. The excitement we all get [when] finding out what our robot will have to do and knowing that we have only a few weeks to design and build it.”

Through this hands on approach, students are led by advisor and physics teacher Andrea Strock. Her expertise leads students in the right direction to create powerful robots.

“Watching the students go through the process and even

though it is stressful at times, watching them get it done [to] ultimately see their passion [makes it worth it].”

On Jan. 9, FRC will have the challenge released and the teams will have until Feb. 23 to design, build and modify their robot. Once the robot is completed, it cannot be modified. The regionals at Grand Canyon University include unique challenges like basketball, frisbee and climbing to challenge.

With the new challenges presented to the team, the collaboration of students will achieve greatness with the challenges presented to them.

from SHIN

Orchestra director Dr. Alex Zheng echoed his praise of Shin’s talents. “[Since his freshman year, Shin was] twice selected for All State.

That is a big deal because it is all based on audition,” Zheng said. “If he would have been here, it would have been his third time.”

Ann Kim knows that this is a stressful time for Shin, but she offered him a bit of positive advice.

“I told Daniel to take this time to learn about his roots in Korea, to learn how to write and read Korean, and to meet his father’s friends and family.

“Daniel has been very curious about his father’s life in Korea [because] he passed away when Daniel was 13. His situation will be beneficial later in life if he comes out a better, more rounded, more experienced person.”

continued from page 1

are AP classes online, some of [Daniel’s] classes are not available because he has some super high level classes.”

Mann also noted that a student in Shin’s situation is dropped from the school due to the absences, which is a CUSD policy.

Shin and his lawyers anticipate his clearance back into the United States to be around early January, just in time for the beginning of the second semester.

Despite his situation, several teachers were able to recognize the hard work and perseverance in all Shin does.

Math teacher Linda Moon said “I notice that he seems to take on a lot of stuff ... but he really works hard to try to manage it all.”

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b

! e r e eh

4 || opinions Staff Editorial

Veterans Day more than just a day off

november || 2015

the precedent || phsprecedent.com

#VeteransDay

By Natalie Eberhard

O

Corrections We always strive to be as factual and credible as we can be, and we acknowledge mistakes in our previous issue.

In the Oct. 2015 issue, we called Four Square Club, Kick Ball Club in the preview on page one. Also, in the A&E section, in the Four Square Club article, we misspelled the names of Nick Maddox and Zack Lovvorn.

We apologize for any inconveniences that this incorrect information may have caused.

the SmithDiscord

‘Opt-out’ alternative never held merit in AZ LUCAS SMITH

the precedent

C

an Arizonans opt out of state standardized tests?

This is a question that has plagued families in our state for nearly a year, and now we have an answer, thanks to the state’s attorney general: no. Opting out is not an option, and according to Arizona law, it never was one.

So where did the idea come from that students could opt out of a mandatory Common Core assessment test?

Groups like the Common Core Freedom Fighters, among others, are collections of adults who believe that it is the parent's right to say whether or not their child can take a standardized test.

A good argument against the AzMERIT exams, which were introduced last spring, is that there has not been any field testing of the exams. The problem with that statement is that last year’s exams were a pilot test, and the state made no bones about it.

It was not a secret, the tests did not count

for graduation or a grade; the exam was a first attempt at creating a more rigorous exam to give educators an idea whether or not students are going to be ready for a college or a career after high school.

Much to the chagrin of groups like the “Freedom Fighters,” they do not make the policies that schools are required to follow.

Earlier this summer, Attorney General Mark Brnovich sent a letter to Superintendent of Public Instruction Diane Douglas stated: “while parents may have the fundamental right to decide whether to send their child to a public school, they do not have a fundamental right generally to direct how a public school teaches their child.”

Brnovich explains that parents never had the chance to opt their children out due to laws A.R.S. (Arizona Revised Statutes) § 1-602 and A.R.S. § 15-102 (1-602 being the parents bill of rights when it comes to education and 15-102 being parents involvement in schools). These groups think that they have the power to mandate what happens, when in reality they do not.

Let’s be honest: I am not a big fan of tests like the AzMERIT, SAT, ACT, AIMS - you name it; I have a dislike for standardized tests because there is so much pressure on just one

test.

However, I accept the fact that these tests are needed to see how schools perform in comparison to others. This is the fundamental way for districts to allocate proper funding.

As Principal Dan Serrano said, “[Opting out] is not an option. It is our responsibility in mind to give all students this test. It is important to [the school] that our school's rating is based on those scores.”

In addition, he noted that “Our school scored higher than the district average and the state average,” which should be a sign to students and the community that PHS is doing things right.

In the end, with the new incentives for taking the AzMERIT, why would students not take it?

The chance of not having to write Writings on Demands (WOD’s) senior year and waste a school day instead is the clear advantage in why one would take the AzMERIT. If that is not enough to convince one to take it, then students should have fun drawing flags on the test and being bored out of their minds. The test is going to be in front of students anyway, so why not take it?

Fla. high school policy cuts parents safety net MICHELLE BOLDEN the precedent

I

magine forgetting your heavily-weighted English assignment or gym sneakers on a day in which you need them the most. Now imagine not being able to text your mommy to come and bring them to you. Scary, right? You’re probably breaking a sweat right now just thinking about it. Well, a simple fact of life is that some schools are changing their practices so that your beloved mommy will no longer be able to bring you those sneakers or assignments.

Several schools around the U.S., including Lake Mary High School in Florida, have adapted their practices, disallowing parents to drop items off for students. According to an article from Scary Mommy, hung high in the front office like an omen, signs read “Attention students and parents, we do not accept items for drop off such as lunches, backpacks, homework, sports equipment.

Precedent

the

ftentimes in our society it has become easy, and dare we say habitual, to neglect the various national holidays celebrated in America. Some people who get the day off of school or work may think that Veterans Day is insignificant.

However, after losing almost half a million soldiers since World War ll and having many veterans struggling today, the importance of Veterans Day should be recognized by every individual.

Veterans Day was created as a time to celebrate the bravery of the former military men and women. From folding a flag correctly to going up to shake the hand of a past-soldier, a multitude of things can be done to show our appreciation towards our veterans.

It seems that the holiday has evolved from the highest level of admiration for America’s veterans to a sense of irreverence shown through a retweet or a “Happy Veterans Day, where’s my day off?” post. There is a certain level of respect that these men and women deserve for putting their life on the line for freedom. A simple retweet or favorite on social media is just not doing it.

Those who have been affected by the acts of a veteran, regardless of age, have a heightened appreciation for what Veterans Day is really about.

Chris Spelts, who made the transition from student athlete to United States Marine after graduating in 2011, said the holiday is easy to misunderstand.

“Before, I just saw it as a day off from school, and then I got in and I realized what it was actually for: it was for the ones who fought for us and the ones who served with us.”

There are many other individuals on campus that have been affected by veterans in their life. For security guard and veteran Wayne Glashagel, fighting for freedom feels all too familiar.

“We celebrated [Veterans Day] by putting the flag out in the cemetery,” Glashagel reminisced. “‘It wasn’t ‘party’ time; it was taken seriously.

That’s something I wish people would do nowadays” Glashagel and Spelts are right; even if we have not been emotionally affected by a veteran, we should at least celebrate as if we have been.

These proposals are a great start, but as a country, we should not only promote, but also act on these recognitions of heroic feats.

Wouldn’t seeing flags waving on school campus or shaking a hand of a hero make you feel a sense of happiness?

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

480-224-2820 fax

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

photo by Maddie Esch

Unlike Lake Mary High School, Perry allows parents to drop off homework, lunch, etc. for their student.

Please plan accordingly.”

Principal Dan Serrano does not necessarily agree with this practice. “If you go into the attendance office, people drop off food, water, books, clothes, baseball bats, soccer shoes because kids forget stuff.” He adds, “If I was a parent and I wanted to drop something off to my kid, why couldn’t I?” While many are opposed to it, this is not a bad idea at all. Such practices force adolescence to become more responsible and take control of their lives. Kids need to learn

|| News Editor || Sarah Lankford || Opinions Editors || August Bowers Erik Yates || A & E Editors || Nathan Tucker & Valerie Burgess || Features Editor || Madi Montoya || Sports Editor || Mia Irvin

quickly that they will not always be able to rely on their parents. What better time to start practicing independence than now in our high school years?

Besides, many teens complain about not being taken seriously or still being treated like children by their parents and other adults.

First of all, whining about it will not help anyone’s case. Furthermore, what makes them think they will be taken seriously if they are still so reliant on their parents? What do they expect if they are not showing that they can be independent? Some believe there should be more leeway for kids. "I think that we're creating robots," parenting expert Melissa Gerstein says, adding "I think that we have to be a little flexible," however, that is not the case. Students should not be taught to be dependent on others all the time.

People inevitably make mistakes and forget things, but we learn from experience.

It is important that teens prepare themselves for life and possible consequences. Of course nobody is perfect, but we all learn lessons in making mistakes and that's something to be said for.

staff information || Photo Editor || Ellie Wendt

|| Social Media & Web Editor || Cassie Nielsen || Staff Reporters || Michelle Bolden Sarah Campbell Ernesto Chacon Aja Diffin Karson Hentges Caden Johnson Zach Klein

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

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.

november || 2015

s u p m OnCa Hayden Keegan freshman

“No, I do not believe that any of the running candidates are of importance or good.”

opinions || 5

the precedent || phsprecedent.com Are you watching any of the presidential debates?

Gannon Hill sophomore

“No, because I had soccer and spots, and I didn’t have time.”

Kyndra Kessler

Ivy Li

“No, because I didn’t know about them.”

“I watched the first one because I was forced to, because it was extra credit.”

senior

point | counterpoint:

senior

photo by Robert Gauthier

Polictical debates inspire discussion among next generation voters Democratic debates stay on track Republican debates more passionate NATHAN TUCKER

the precedent

I

t is an understatement to say that the Democratic debate was better than the three fiascos the Republicans have broadcasted in as many months. It falls into the category of gross understatement, the “only a flesh wound” kind of understatement, utterly ignoring what a low bar the GOP candidates have set.

Not to say that the first Democratic debate was free of embarrassing contenders.

Even the most devoted Dem would squirm when asked to defend the capability of Jim Webb or Lincoln Chafee. Webb haggled with the moderators for time like a ten year-old asking Mom to stay up past bedtime; Chafee, meanwhile, claimed to be “a block of granite on the issues” before asking for amnesty on a controversial vote because “it was my first.”

Where these Democrat clowns are different is simple honesty. Webb and Chafee both resigned within two weeks of their debate performances; both were willing to admit they did not have what it takes. Meanwhile, Republican polls are led by two amateurs who are given frequent opportunities to showcase their political ignorance and have actually made it the centerpiece of their campaigns.

While CNN’s framing of the debate and the questions delivered were out of the candidates’ hands on both sides, the Democrats managed to avoid getting trapped

by them. Clinton is an old pro at the art of redirection, Sanders knew his best bet was answering with the economic ideology he has been road-testing; both created opportunities to talk policy from their podiums instead of waiting for one. If Ted Cruz truly wants to be asked more serious questions, he would do well to follow the approach of his opponents across the aisle: deliver responses worth listening to.

Even more refreshing was Sanders’ refusal to go for the easy attack on Clinton’s e-mail.

The senator’s claim that this move “may not be great politics” was faux modest; it played great to a Democratic base sick of smear tactics and shifted the conversation back to the issues. Republicans can talk about Reagan’s 11th commandment all they want, but the Dems are actually following it.

If there is any legitimate complaint the Democratic primary has registered, it is the lack of debates themselves: there are only five more scheduled before March, compared to Republican plans for a total of twelve.

But that may just be a blessing in disguise.

Who really wants to slog through 27 more hours of debate, especially coming from the scintillating orators last seen on CNBC? The Democratic debate featured candidates who do not support the deportation of millions, do not champion tax cuts that fail to account for the federal budget, and are not intent on pandering to their audience. Even if the only major candidates are Clinton and Sanders, at least they are viable options. Even with fifteen candidates, the Republican Party has not offered the public anything near that.

ABBIE MURRAY the precedent

T

o say that the CNN primary debates went off without a hitch would be nothing short of an exaggeration.

Conflicting opinions are bound to occur during the debates that help decide the fate of the nation as a whole, or at least the fate for the next four years. Running for president is prestigious, usually only the most intelligent or the most political savvy are able to even attempt this feat. It is not only a competition between political parties, but a competition for the popular vote of the candidate’s own political party.

Keyword: competition.

A competition that was between eleven people from the Republican Party, meanwhile the Democratic Party only had five people in their debates. Although the Republicans may have gotten off track constantly trying to one up each other, there were nearly twice as many of them making it harder to get a word in edge-wise. The moderators could have stepped in and stopped it at any time. Instead the politicians were allowed to keep at it. Even at the beginning of the debate, Governor John Kasich stated that if he was “sitting at home watching this back and forth, [he] would be inclined to turn it off.” Why? Because the moderators were not insuring that the politicians stayed on topic as they should have.

Meanwhile, the Democratic debate’s

moderators seemed to interrupt the candidates and actually speak up in order to insure that they stayed on track. One such instance would be when the moderator asked about how former governor of Maryland and presidential candidate Martin O’Malley could run the nation with the policies that were implemented, causing riots in the areas that he ran. And before the candidate could avoid the subject he stepped in to highlight a specific example of a policy that contributed to the riots.

Let us not forget that the Democrats neglected to comment much on education and avoided directly discussing certain issues, instead choosing to speak in roundabout ways. Although both Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders brought up the issue of education, they were both rather brief about it. A fellow debate watcher teacher and blogger Steven Singer pointed out that even though Clinton did mention implementing better schools she “neglected to say what those good schools would look like.” These two examples are not the only time that the Democratic debaters remained rather vague on issues. Clinton even admitted as much to the audience while stating, “I never took a position on Keystone until I took a position on Keystone.”

A little bit of rowdy behaviors between the candidates is inevitable, especially if they are truly passionate about what they are debating and want to answer in the most straightforward manner. The main difference between the debates is not just the number of people involved, but how willing the candidates were to speak out and defend their candidacy.

YatesHates

Abstinence-only sex education not realistic ERIK YATES

the precedent

T

here comes a time in every student’s life where changes start happening to their bodies. They may not find the answers in Chandler’s comprehensive health classes. Instead, confusion could arise leading to more questions and even fewer solutions in sight.

The comprehensive health class has sex education or abstinence courses. The course consists of nonsensical analogies and games with scare tactics disguised as lessons. The lessons are laughable in all honesty.

The district does not even allow the

respective comprehensive health teacher to teach this. “It’s a district policy. [...]It’s a district decision,” comprehensive health teacher Louis Nightingale said. Abstinence speakers, brought in by the district, make the topic of sex sound like an unfair gamble, something of Sex Game of Chance. Like a three-sided spinner. Two sides, one saying pregnancy and the other saying STDs, take up most of the spinner. A small fraction for “safe” sex is tightly crammed between the two. Did that analogy make sense? Probably not, but neither do the analogies or “games” presented in abstinence.

Despite sex being a sensitive topic in school, students will have questions.

However, the abstinence teacher seems to constantly deflect any logical and genuine questions asked by students. They will skirt

around questions like “what if I don’t want to get married?” By acting as if it is a moral duty to find a spouse. Some students may not be interested in marrying someone or, for all I know, might be interested in an open relationship. It is impossible to know in this day and age.

While it is important to talk about the dangers of sex, it should not be the sole topic of abstinence. Despite teaching about , they do attempt to teach about having a healthy relationship, except it is hard for the instructors to convey anything outside of the realm of cut-and-dry style relationships.

Instead of making a point to avoid the mysteries of sex and sexuality, the comprehensive health classes should be a way to learn more about sex instead of the oh-so dangerous Sex Game of Chance.

Photo by Sarah Sharp

Students working in Louis Nightingale’s Comphrensive Health class. Students take an abstinence lesson in the class.

6 || veterans day

the precedent || phsprecedent.com

the precedent || phsprecedent.com

november || 2015

november || 2015

veterans day || 7

Celebrating Veterans Day 2015 Strong military ties show legacy of fearlessness, especially for Pumas

By Aja Diffin the precedent

W

a l k i n g through the administration building, visitors and students will pass a wall

photo by Dayna Miller

Senior Jon Allen salutes the American flag just inside John Wrenn Stadium. Students in the ROTC program learn vital lessons for future careers in the military.

dedicated to former students who have entered the military.

A folded flag is proudly displayed next to the portraits of various alumni, and the entire wall exudes a feeling of respect.

Oftentimes, a history of military participation in a family encourages someone to join the military; this was the case with recently graduated Madi Gloss. With an Air Force pilot as a father and various family members with experience in the military, she saw the importance of service and chose to follow in the same footsteps.

“Growing up around [military life] and seeing my other family members because I saw what a great life they were having and wanted

to have the same,” Gloss explains.

Gloss chose to enroll in the United States Military Academy where cadets are taught to be leaders. According to the Academy receive a “career as an officer in the world’s most proficient air, space, and cyberspace force.”

When she left for the Academy, her sister Kati Gloss had to get used to having Madi absent most days. Madi can only visit home during the holidays as opposed to the additional option college students have to visit home periodically in between breaks.

However, Kati had a sense of pride for her sibling for taking this step toward military life.

“It makes me feel proud of her that she made the decision to serve her country for a living,” Kati says.

Madi’s decision has inspired Kati to consider enlisting herself, because it strengthened her patriotic ideals “There has always been a sense of patriotism in our home,” Kati explains, “but after she decided to go to the academy it has made me consider joining the military to serve my country as well.”

Along with Madi Gloss, 2011 graduate Chris Spelts went the military route straight out of high school and enlisted in the United States Marines.

“I had a buddy from when I went to Perry that was going to join,” Spelts explains, “and he kind of took me under his wing and took me to the recruiter.”

During his high school career, he had a love for baseball. He played for the team for all four years, however, he did not want to try out for college sports because already had his heart set on enlisting in the military.

After serving in the Marines for his full four years, Spelts plans on going to college for criminology. This is made possible by the GI Bill, which gives financial aid to people who serve in the military. “[The army is] not easy at times, but it’s worth it as far as the benefits go;” Spelts explains, “in four years you have a hundred percent [of your] tuition paid for college.”

Principal Dan Serrano also saw his son, DJ Serrano, enroll into the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York.

According to the United States Army Recruiting Website, cadets who go to the Academy in West Point experience a “military-oriented environment” while “gaining an unparalleled undergraduate education and leadership skills through a rigorous curriculum.”

Having a family member or friend in the military or at an academy can change the ideals of patriotism. After sending DJ to West Point, Serrano’s awareness and patriotic feelings only heightened.

“I’ve always thought I’ve been patriotic, but now I’m more in tune with what’s going on in the world,” Serrano says regarding his different outlook on the military after his son chose to go to an academy.

Students interested in joining the Air Force are given the option of joining the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC).

The program helps high school students

“[Serving is] not easy at times, but it’s worth it as far as the benefits go. In four years you have 100 percent [of your] tuition paid for college.

”

Chris Spelts, 2011 Graduate U.S. Marine

pursue their dreams of fighting for their country. It is offered for Basha and nearby Perry students at Basha High School from 6:15-7 a.m.

One of the most important things trainee Jon Allen has achieved from the ROTC program is the people involved. “You have a big family that will always be there for you,”

Allen adds.

For Allen, his role in the program will help in his transition into a position as an airman. Allen states, “hopefully by the end of this year, I will be a United States airman.”

Joining the military is a serious decision one must make; men and women in the service often lay their lives down daily for their country, and make sacrifices for the citizens they are sworn to protect.

Madi knew long before making her decision that a strong patriotic spirit and desire to defend the country is necessary for anyone considering enlisting in the military.

“You can’t join because you think you will be treated better or you feel pressured from family members or friends to join;” she says, “the military is not for the weak hearted.”

Kendall MacGregor contributed to this story

Military: differing duties, one main goal

By Savannah Ostler the precedent

T

here are five different branches of the military, the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy. They all work together to protect our nation’s safety and freedom, but they do not have the same purposes.

The Air Force is known as “the nation’s source of air and space power. The primary mission of the USAF is to fly planes, helicopters, and satellites,” according to military.com. Their mission is to protect our country from the air, space, and even from cyberspace threats at times.

The Army is the oldest branch in the

military and is considered the dominant land power. The Army protects the U.S. resources and interests and, “generally moves into an area, secures it, and instills order and values before it leaves. It also guards U.S. installations and properties throughout the world,” as stated on military.com.

The Coast Guard mainly deals with the domestic channels and water routes, yet they have many purposes. They work with canals and ports along the United States. “The Coast Guard does rescues, law enforcement, drug prevention, and clears waterways,” as found on gocoastguard.com.

The Marine Corps is the fastest reacting branch of the military and is notorious for its ferocious soldiers. The Marines work

extensively with the Navy because, “they are trained to fight by sea and land, and usually are the first ‘boots on the ground,” according to military. com.

The Navy focuses on the dangers at sea, but they are also trained to fight by land and air. “It secures and protects the oceans around the world to create peace and stability, making the seas safe for travel and trade,” as seen on navy.com All the branches have different functions but they all work together under one main goal: to protect our nation, our rights, our freedom, and sacrifice their lives for ours.

Careers in military provide unique options 41% Army Navy Air Force Marine Corps

Total: 140,954 24%

18%

17%

2014 Active Military Branch Recruitment From ROTC Breakdown

Army National Guard Army Navy Air Force Marine Corps Air National Guard Air Force

Total: 103,160

2014 Reserve Military Branch Recruitment From ROTC Breakdown

There are 273 ROTC programs throughout the 50 states, including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. There are over 1600 Junior ROTC units.

SOURCE: U.S. Army Cadet Command (http://www. cadetcommand.army.mil/)

ROTC University and high school programs have a total enrollment of 35,000.

There are over 274,000 cadets.

60 percent of the second lieutenants who join the active Army, the Army National Guard and the U.S. Army Reserve and more than 40 percent of current active duty Army General Officers participated in ROTC.

infographic by Dayna Miller

B

By Sarah Campbell the precedent

ecoming a part of the armed forces is a dream of many high schoolers and it requires a great deal of hard work, dedication and discipline. ¶There are several different paths a student pursuing the armed forces can follow after graduation, and they all result on a road to one of the most highly respected institutions in the country.

Academy:

Military academies are some of the most prestigious schools in the country, offering the best possible training for those pursuing careers in the armed forces. Each of these academies is home to a different branch of the military.

There are currently military academies for the Army, Coast Guard, Navy and Air Force in select locations across the country.

Attending one of these schools before enlisting gives an individual a much higher chance of becoming an officer and having many other opportunities once enlisted.

According to the Air Force Academy, a graduates’ starting salary will also be increased.

Recently graduated Madi Gloss currently attends the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She explains the great impact the school has had on her, “I have learned several things while at the academy... teamwork, trust, leadership, moral courage, and self-discipline.”

Not only does an academy teach the basic principles of the military, but it gives students a chance to decide if the armed forces are right for them before they commit to enlisting, especially at such a young age.

Though attending an academy is useful, it extends an individual’s service time. A graduate will enlist after college, making their retirement date further away than if they had enlisted straight out of high school.

Nonetheless, an academy thoroughly

educates and prepares a person for the challenges they will face in the military.

Gloss claims the academy helped change her for the better, “As an individual I definitely have changed since high school with being more assertive and willing to try new things.”

The lessons taught at the academy have also given Gloss a new view of veterans; “I am certainly more respectful to the people who have come before me and died for this country.”

Active Military:

When many hear the term ‘active military’ it is assumed to mean fighting, driving tanks, and more fighting. In reality, an active duty soldier is open to hundreds of more career paths; many of which do not involve any physical combat.

According to the U.S. Army, there are over 150 different career options for active duty soldiers. The Army offers jobs in the fields of medicine, science, computer design, and much more.

Enlisting in a branch of the military following high school offers several benefits for a recently graduated student; one of the biggest being a finishing your service early. Enlisting immediately provides an earlier retirement, so soldiers have more opportunities to pursue another career after their service.

2011 Perry graduate Chris Spelts explains his decision to enlist in the marines after graduating, “I just wanted to get on with my

life and start something right out of high school.”

Spelts describes another plus to enlisting young, “if you serve for four years, you get the GI Bill.” The GI Bill is one that has been aiding veterans since World War II and provides many benefits to those who have served.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs explains the purpose of the bill is to provide veterans with funds for education, home loans, and unemployment pay. A student wishing to attend college after serving will be rewarded with the benefits of the GI Bill, making a college education essentially free.

While immediate enlisting has its perks, there are a few drawbacks to the choice.

Going straight to the force prohibits someone from going to college right after high school and missing many things their friends will experience. It does not give them the time to decide if the military is right for them before they fully commit in a way such as enlisting.

Despite its cons, those who join the active military come out with a new sense of responsibility and maturity that will stay with them the rest of their lives.

8 || arts and entertainment

the precedent || phsprecedent.com

“Solacers” sparks new compassion

History teacher narrates Emmywinning documentary

By Lauren Neilsen the precedent

Arion Golmakani’s memoir “Solacers” recounts his cruel childhood in 1960’s Iran. Despite his harsh tales of suffering on the Iranian streets as an unwanted child, Golmakani manages to deliver a humbling message of forgiveness and hope.

I read his life-story for AP English as a fallbreak read, and the usual feeling of dread that follows the beginning of a school-mandated book ensued. However, what I received was the complete opposite; “Solacers” is now ranked at the top of my most memorable reads.

Golmakani’s memoir starts with a summary of his father’s divorce from his mother. The divorce caused both sides of his family to regard him, and the name Alireza, with disgust. His mother got custody over Alireza, but then found a new suitor to marry, a man who states he could not care for another man’s child while the other man still lived.

With that, Alireza was returned to his biological (yet estranged and abusive) father.

Yet instead of living with him, Alireza was forced by his father into a world of unfamiliar foster homes. From there, Alireza was forced to mature quickly; he begged and scavenged for food at the age of six and was put to work within several foster homes before the age of ten.

Although his story sounds depressing, Golmakani found a way to persevere through it. Along his challenging journey, he met many people who treated him with kindness- calling them his “solacers.”

His story makes for a very emotional read, exposing both the harsh and comforting environments Golmakani experienced all before he was an adult.

Overall, if given the chance to read it in a class, choose “Solacers”; not only will you be moved by the unbelievable perseverance of Golmakani, but you will gather a more humbled and grateful outlook on everyday life.

Gomez’s “Revival” transforms her sound for better

By Ellie Wendt the precedent

In life people always must face challenging obstacles; it is how one chooses to deal with them that truly can make a person bitter or better. Selena Gomez is one of these people, who took her adversities and crafted them into song. Gomez’s new album Revival is everything the title proclaims.

Gomez’s journey started as a young Disney star and has now blossomed into a singing/ acting career as her fifth studio album was released Oct. 17. Gomez declares this album to be yet another transformation setting her apart from her child star reputation. As she proudly proclaims “its my time to butterfly” in her introductory ballad “Revival”, the album centers itself around the central theme of transformation and renewed sense of individualism.

Songs such as “Hands to Myself ” and “Body Heat” hint to her transformation from child pop star to adult indie singer with more mature concepts of love. Whereas “Me & the Rhythm” and “Me & My Girls” proudly declares Gomez’s sense of self-happiness and individualism.

“I dive into the future but I’m blinded by the sun” Gomez sings in “Sober” which ironically is her most sobering of songs on the track. While instituting fun and a sense revival, Gomez also dives deep into her personal struggles along the way in songs like “Perfect” as she continues to shake her reputation from simply “Justin Bieber’s ex girlfriend” to independent female musician.

While the recurring theme serves as a good style of crafting an album, the lyrics and tune can be viewed as repetitive. Gomez stresses her desire to transform to a point of exhaustion in the fourteen tracks that make up Revival.

Nonetheless, this albums serves as a proud testimony for the singer and no doubt will provide encouragement to young fans aspiring to pursue their own chance to butterfly.

november || 2015

screenshot from “The History of Chandler Schools” John Prothro narrates “The History of Chandler Schools” in period costume. The documentary won three Emmys: Michael Holland in the category of Director, an Emmy for editor program non-news, and Tim Wong in the category for Graphic Arts, Art Direction.

By Cassie Nielsen and Kylie Vacala the precedent

Principal Dan Serrano calls him the “voice of Perry.” His colleagues call him inspirational; his students call him their favorite.

History teacher John Prothro loves his job.

He teaches history classes throughout the day, runs the public address at home, sporting events at night, and was a part of an Emmyaward winning team.

After three years of production, the third part, “Summary of a Century” of the documentary, “The History of Chandler Schools” , was a finalist for six Emmy awards this October.

According to CUSD “Staff Reporter”, head of Chandler education television Michael Holland won in the category of Director, for post production as well as an Emmy for editor program non-news. Tim Wong , a current staff member at Chandler High, also received an Emmy in the category of Graphic Arts, Art Direction.

“There was an email sent out three years ago to every person in the district for auditions for this project,” Prothro explains.

“I said ‘I’ll give it a shot’ and I went and practiced all the male parts. They selected me to be the narrator.”

Once Prothro received the role of Narrator, he had to squeeze in studio time within his life as a teacher.

“When I went in for recording, I went after school, I teach all day then I would go record,” Prothro explains.

“I ranged from 30 minutes to 90 minutes mainly because Mike Holland, he knew I [had] been teaching all day.”

Prothro talks about using the opportunities around him to expand on his passion for narrating and broadcasting, “I enjoyed that whole experience. [It was] something I will never ever forget, never ever ever forget.”

Being narrator for an Emmy-winning documentary is not all Prothro has been apart of. “He is the voice of Perry in most sports,” says Sorano.

Prothro covers football, mens and women’s

basketball, men’s and women’s volleyball, softball, baseball [and] unified sports football.

“Those are fun games but I love doing that ,” states Prothro on announcing at games His passion for broadcasting and narrating lead Prothro to opportunities starting in college.

“I had a college radio show. I was a DJ on KLA Los Angeles. It was UCLA Radio Station,” Prothro states on his other involvements with broadcasting. “[Now] I do some volunteer radio work, for Sun Sounds of Arizona. What that is, it’s a radio station for people who are visually impaired. They receive special radios and there is 24 hour programs. What I do is that I go in and go record a show every week.”

Wherever Prothro goes he is telling history. During the day he follows his career and teaches world history to his students, at night he is reporting Perry games play by play and letting his passion lead him to new opportunities towards his love of broadcasting and narrating. Prothro is an all around history enthusiast.

Club Feature

Ukulele Club strums past stress from high school

By Kendall McGregor the precedent

The average high school student longs for an escape from the stress and responsibilities of reality and what better relief than a musician’s best friend: the ukulele. The club has recently gained popularity and has become something to look forward to during Tuesday conferences; it allows a break from members’ uptight schedules to rehearse, practice, and learn more about the ukulele.

Currently, the up and rising club has around twenty members and is welcoming to anyone with a ukulele and the passion to play it. Club president Kelli Ferre was inspired to start a club just because of her sheer love for the instrument. She stated, “well I’m obsessed with ukuleles, it’s like my favorite thing in the world.”

But the ukulele club is more than just an in-school event. “Each week we assign songs, like about three songs and everybody goes

photo by Chrissy Feller Kane Hudson strums a tune on his ukulele during a club meeting. The club meets every Tuesday during conference period and currently has 25 to 30 members attending.

home and learns them,” Ferre continued, “Then the next week we come back and play them altogether.” A few of the songs played have been “Heart of Gold” and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”

School clubs centered around music have been gaining popularity, like the Perry Pipes.

“With the talent of kids here musically, I’m surprised there’s not more music related clubs,” added Principal Dan Serrano.

Talented ukulele players are not the only members of the club, it is also an opportunity

to learn how to play the ukulele. “Some people don’t know how to play,” Ferre mentions. Her and other experienced members also teach ukulele to those who are inexperienced.

The club can help students learn about ukulele skills from peers. Senior member Fletcher Milloy picked up the ukulele fairly easy from being a guitarist. He adds, “the best way to learn music is by just practicing with other musicians.”

Milloy ends with, “I just love having a place to hangout with my friends and learn music.”

the precedent || phsprecedent.com

november || 2015

arts and entertainment || 9

A&E Corner

By Bree Wade the precedent

Lights, camera, A-C-T-I-O-N

Photo provided by Brooke Miller

Perry choreographers and dancers unite to empower domestic violence victims for the City of Phoenix Domestic Violence Campaign.

By Michelle Bolden the precedent

Art, in all forms, has the ability to encourage, enlighten, and empower. Senior dancer Brooke Miller experienced this when she choreographed a dance featured in the Paint Phoenix Purple youth dance contest to help raise awareness for worldwide domestic violence.

Founded by the City of Phoenix Domestic Violence Campaign, Paint Phoenix Purple’s “main goal is just to spread awareness about domestic violence,” Miller explains, and the contest is one way to get the community involved.

Miller choreographed a contemporary dance entitled “Escaping the Control” that would be performed by dance teacher Farah Sadler’s improv class. Sadler introduced

Miller to the contest and encouraged her to choreograph a dance.

Miller was intrigued about this particular contest because “[the campaign] wanted to spread awareness through dance.”

Junior Erinn Salewski, one of the 14 dancers to perform “Escaping Control,”really appreciated the significance of the event and “getting to dance to something with such a meaning.”

“It was a really cool experience and the environment was uplifting. I’ve never done something like that and it was good to share our [dance] with others,” Salewski says.

This winning piece took time to construct.

Miller began choreographing the routine towards the end of August and the group rehearsed repeatedly in class for a month.

The dancers performed the finished piece on Oct.15 at Phoenix City Hall.

Nocturne

“Even though [the event] was really small and there weren't very many people there, it was still just cool how we could just represent our school and help spread domestic violence awareness,” Miller says.

“Escaping Control” was choreographed to mirror domestically violent relationships.

“We basically have partnerships,” Miller describes. “In the beginning there’s the honeymoon phase and they start out and they’re very happy but then one thing will happen so they’ll push them or they’ll hit them but then everything will be back to normal.”

She explains that the relationship “progressively gets worse and worse…until the very end where the victims stand up for themselves.” In the dance, the “victims” make a hard decision but ultimately leave the toxic relationship, which is an uplifting lesson that everyone can take away.

Band marches on with dark show, bright outlook

By Nathan Tucker the precedent

It takes dedication to show up for hours upon hours of rehearsal in the best circumstances. On a hot October afternoon, immediately after class, with a mob of 107 other sweaty teens? That is unusual dedication.

For the Puma Regiment, that is just Thursday.

“It takes a lot of determination and patience,” says band director Brandon Kiesgen as he surveys his students. “In this activity, the more you give, the more you’re going to get.”

For their 2015 season, the Regiment has been performing “Film Noir,” a threemovement show playing with the classic film genre of the Forties and Fifties. Big band jazz, Bogart-esque detectives, and femme fatales all play a role.

“The movies and the genre has a very distinct feel to it,” says Kiesgen, who notes that the theme, “gave us the opportunity to educate the students about this genre and everything that they might not know about.”

“It started off as a complete joke,” percussion tech Taylor Willis-Highers recollects. “Someone was like ‘why don’t we just do a jazz show’ and we were like ‘no.’

Then we just developed it a little bit more and it ended up being something that we kind of liked that we saw was kind of iconic.”

Film noir shows have been done before, but the Regiment has worked hard to put a unique twist on their version. The ballad features a member singing a pop standard over a trumpet solo. The colors are also a shade brighter than the traditional noir, with bursts of color popping out in the uniforms, flags,

photo courtesy of Perry High School Bands

The Perry Theatre Company Cast aims to please with their most recent production “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.” The play is an audience-interactive comedy and musical that opened November 5th and continued until November 7th.

Shawna Marquis, drama teacher and instructor commented, “[We had] three weeks that we put the show together in. We’re working in class everyday, we’re working some after school, a little bit on Saturday’s, and the Advanced Tech class [built] the set for it.”

The show consists of six “spellers” and four other spelling bee participants who will be chosen from the audience. Senior and cast member Ryan Dunn expressed, “I think the audience will really like it, I’m really excited, I really hope there’s a big turnout because I think they’ll enjoy it.”

After the show opened at Perry, the cast plans to showcase their work in a condensed version of the play in the upcoming State Festival. Rhea Johnston, a junior and cast member stated,“We’re putting a lot of hard work into it...and the whole program is involved... so not just the people who are on stage, but everyone who is in theatre is really actively involved with the show.” “[The audience] should look forward to energy, lots of energy, fun dance choreography numbers, laughter...They’re going to connect to the characters.” Marquis added, “[The students] are hard workers, I expect them to bring it at their best. They’re going to make the audience love them.”

Culinary Arts appeases palate

Art isn’t limited to drawing, painting, or even playing an instrument; art is the act of taking a passion and perfecting it. In this case, art is food. Culinary students and aspiring chefs, Ashley Hwang, Justin DeVos, and Dallen Slade desire to master this art form through exposure with the help of the Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP).

The C-CAP Program held the second annual Harvest Moon Dinner on Oct 27. The Dinner was held at Hope Springs Organic Farms within the Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Goodyear.

Angela Stutz, Advanced Culinary Arts Instructor and teacher, states, “these were people attending the event who were investing in these students. They were buying the $100 ticket to attend and bidding on mystery baskets...so I really wanted them to have a polished professional experience coming up to [the student’s] table.”

The event featured the creations of culinary students across Arizona, as they showcased both their cooking and plating skills to interested attendees. Dallen Slade a junior culinary student who participated in the event states, “When we went...we set up our own little place, lined up against other chefs that were there and other students from other schools. We got to serve desserts to a ton of people there.”

The annual event aims to provide students with college financial aid towards culinary oriented careers using the proceeds earned.

Justin DeVos, a junior who also participated in the event expressed, “I want to be a chef...I want to go and work in an Italian restaurant.”

Stutz also added, “I just believe they all want to be in that industry...from taking my class I think they got some exposure...Not like they always wanted to be a chef.”

Ashley Hwang, a senior and participant, gave her thoughts on the event: “It was fun and it was a good experience... if I had the chance I would do it again.”

Senior Connor Maxwell plays the show’s trumpet solo during the Campo Verde show on Oct 11.

and color guard costumes.

“Everyone’s really excited about the show,” says senior Connor Maxwell. “The concept is something everyone can agree on.”

That optimistic feeling is crucial for a band: if members do not believe a show is worth the effort that attitude can quickly become a selffulfilling prophecy.

“We’re trying to always stay positive with each other,” says junior Savannah Bowers, “and give each other positive critiquing in the most kind ways.”

“They’re not putting all their emphasis on trying to be number one,” Kiesgen notes.

“They’re putting their emphasis on some more attainable goals, which has helped keep their attitude up.”

That shift in focus is a crucial morale-boost for a band thatnever really had the opportunity to compete against its peers. The Regiment has 107 members, which logistically places it in the top bracket of ABODA, the state’s band competition coordinator. The problem is that this bracket also includes bands with 160 and even 180 members, which, in the past, has left Perry crowded out of the top ten qualification for State Championships.

“There’s a little bit of bias,” says Maxwell, “towards bigger band, bigger score--the more sound you get out, the more competitive [you are].”

This year, the Regiment has remedied this by competing in a new circuit, the Arizona Marching Band Association, in addition to

ABODA. Founded this year, AZMBA believes that “consistent and quality adjudication that follows national standards and trends will develop the marching band activity in Arizona.”

“We compete with people like Sandra Day O’Connor [High School, a 160-person band] in ABODA and we come ten points behind; we compete with them in the AZMBA show and we’re only behind by four points. It evens the playing field for bands like us,” says Maxwell.

As of print date, the Regiment’s latest ABODA placing was seventh at the Mountain View Invitational, with a score of 75.21. On the AZMBA circuit, they most recently took third at Campo Verde, with a score of 70.45.

10 || sports

Our Take It is unquestionable that the locker space here at Perry is limited. At any given point during the Emily day, there is Narducci up to three the precedent different classes changing in one small space. Not only is this crowded, but it can also pose a safety hazard. Especially in the women’s locker room, it is a frenzy of changing to make it to class on time. There needs to be an expansion to the locker rooms to optimize the space, and to help the students in these classes be more time efficient.

Coach Jolene Boone, a weights and conditioning coach here at Perry, shares that the locker rooms were not intended to be as cramped as they are currently. “The facilities were built with the expectation that we would have about half of the enrollment that we have had.”

Though the locker rooms are crowded Boone takes an optimistic approach. “[The cramped locker rooms] shows we have a lot of students that are involved in athletics, phys[ical] ed[ucation], and the sport weight training classes.”

november || 2015

the precedent || phsprecedent.com

One student’s life-long hobby has evolved into something more valuable

By Ernesto Chacon the precedent

photo published with permission by Marquez family Matthew Marquez poses with one of his successful catches. Marquez has been fishing since the age of five.

Patience and passion; two character traits one might need in order to enjoy fishing. Senior Mathew Marquez has mastered these characteristics.

Chances are you have seen Marquez at school walking around in his outdoorsman inspired clothes; his fashion mirrors his passion.

M. Marquez can easily be spotted on campus with a bass pro hat, and a smile that does not lie. This smile can be caused by his passion; fishing. M. Marquez has been fishing since he could remember, “I was five when I [first] went [fishing] at Black Canyon lake,” said Marquez.

He fell in love with fishing and has not lost his devotion for it.

“He loves to go fishing at Veterans Oasis park but he gets very excited when he is able to go to out of state [fishing] trips,” explains life and skills teacher Nora Boettcher.

Marquez’s passion for fishing extends beyond the lake as well, “he enjoys every aspect of it, from picking out and buying his fishing pole, getting the worms and/or power bait, the thrill of the catch, the cleaning/gutting and eating it!” explained Mathew’s mother, Traci

Marquez.

This excitement is also what makes him good at what he does, “he caught 24 fish while on fall break in Colorado two weeks ago,” recounted T. Marquez.

One of his most successful catches would have to be a rainbow trout that was 3 lb. and 2oz, which is quite impressive considering it was caught with his smallest pole and a 4 lbs. line.

With such passion and almost obsession for the sport it may seem that M. Marquez would have trouble separating his academics from fishing, but he actually uses it to his advantage. “[When we] practice communication skills... [fishing helps] get language from matthew in a helpful and purposeful way,” explained Boettcher. Fishing has also helped M. Marquez focus since it has allowed him to understand that,”He has to do this before he can [fish],” said Boettcher. “[fishing has] taught him to have patience, perseverance, and discipline.” said T. Marquez.

Matthew hopes that one day he will be able to work at his favorite store; Bass Pro shop, or to be a master fisherman.

With his perseverance and passion for the sport, M. Marquez will accomplish his goals.

Girls volleyball bands together state-wide

By Emma Kline the precedent

Upcoming Events Girls Soccer

12/1 V. Desert Ridge 6:00pm

Boys Soccer

12/1 V. Cactus Shadow

Wrestling

11/25 V. Westwood

Girls Basketball

12/1 V. @ Boulder Creek

Boys Basketball

11/24 V. @ Casteel

Sports Brief High School rivalries occur in many ways. Most schools have a rivalry school, Perry’s being Basha High School.

Every year, the debate of “who runs Val Vista” is presented. Having recently ended the Basha week, the pumas are feeling the rivalry.

Such rivalries motivate teams to try their hardest. It can be even more defeating for a team if they lose their rivalry games.

Even though there is support for one team, there still is a certain level of respect that a student section needs to uphold.

It is okay to have competition, but when the competition crosses the line to disrespect, something needs to be done about it.

Rivalries are a typical part of sports, and without them, the competitive aspect of would be non-existent. They are what makes the competition the way it is.

Volleyball player and student Taylor Knoll is fighting against the odds while supporting her father who is in a giant battle of his own.

Taylor’s father, Brian, is suffering from cancer in his esophagus, pelvis, hip, and spine, making it difficult for her to concentrate on anything but her father’s health.

But that doesn’t mean she will not persevere and still dominate on and off the court.

Taylor uses the situation as motivation to do well.

“It has made me work even harder and play harder because I’ve realized that it can all be taken away in an instant,” Taylor explained,

“My dad is my biggest fan and this season has been for him.”

The team’s support has helped the Knoll family in a large way.

“Every day we become closer and closer as a team,” Taylor shares about the support and help she has received from her teammates and coach while her and her family go through this trying time.

“The support hasn’t stopped since he has been diagnosed and it’s helpful because my family knows we aren’t alone in this battle.”

Not only have the Perry staff and players shown massive support, but other schools have as well.

“The teams have honored my dad in their volleyball programs, tournaments and fundraisers along with teams buying shirts that are

being sold,” Taylor Knoll added.

When facing off against Highland,every player, parent, and coach wore shirts supporting the Knoll family.

With 20 pills a day and an injection every three weeks for the next five months, this battle will be no walk in the park but it won’t be anything Brian can’t handle, and the added support surely helps.

“The support from so many has been amazing. The Perry volleyball family has shown such great support from buying the HOPE shirts, sending dinners, cards, HUGS and love,” Brian explained, “great support from neighboring schools like Gilbert, Highland and Mountain Pointe has been wonderful as well.”

Williams Field could hear screaming. “We were on the fifth hole. We hit our tee shots, and then we heard some lady screaming,” Pottle said.

At first, it did not seem serious or uncommon, but when the screams began to get desperate, and even explicit then the golfers took action.

“We almost left, but then she started saying things like the ‘f ’ word, like ‘someone [explicit] help me,’” Pottle explained. “I was like, ‘Oh we should … go over there.’”

The golfers armed themselves with clubs and entered the bushes.

As they rounded the corner, what they saw surprised them. “We were expecting a mountain lion or that she was getting raped, ... but we turned the corner and there was a [man] hanging himself in a tree. So we went over and picked up his feet and then I left because no one was calling 911 and so I went to go find an adult,” elaborated Pottle.

After they got the man down from the tree, the group of golfers returned to their match. “I didn’t

know that I had a chance to win,” Pottle admitted. “I was so overwhelmed with the fact that this [man] just tried to hang himself.”

A police officer found them a couple holes later, and told them the man was stable. “The cop came out on my 13th hole and [told us the man was fine and] he was in a mental hospital.”

Pottle ended up receiving second place but did not know about it until his coach, John Lowery, told him at the end of the match. He may have ended up getting second overall but the real reward was saving the man’s life.

“The biggest thing is the kids reacted in a manner without thought,” Head Coach Lowery said. “They saved a man’s life.”

Perry golf has been impacted by this event and in response, they are holding a Suicide Awareness ryder cup at the end of the year against Hamilton.

The cup is in the beginning stages right now, but the idea is, “We’re going to play against Hamilton but our goal is to do a

Having people to back you up is always helpful when going through tough chapters of life; but having a multitude of people, some complete strangers, to show support must be uplifting.

“It’s amazing to have the support because it reminds me of how strong my family and I are.

It’s a reminder that there is still happiness in life and there is always always, always hope,” Taylor shared.

Brian shows it is important to never take a day for granted by making the best of every situation explaining, “This experience has reminded all of us in the family to really live each day to the fullest, tell those close to you that you love them every day and don’t sweat the small stuff.”

A routine golf match turns one PHS golfer into a hero

By Savannah Ostler and Mia Irvin the precedent

Most athletes prior to any game, prepare themselves for the battle ahead. Whether it’s reviewing their shot motion-for-motion, going over their technique step by step, or practicing their swing over and over.

That is normally how athletes get themselves mentally ready for their game.

Senior golfer Brad Pottle is no exception. Before his match Saturday against Williams Field and Hamilton, Pottle was simply thinking about one thing: golf.

However, there are certain things, no one can not prepare themselves for.

Pottle teed off at the first hole just like he would any other game.

The second hole was normal too.

In fact, the third and fourth were nothing out of the ordinary either. It was at the fifth hole that everything began to change.

Pottle and some other local golfers from Hamilton and

photo by Allison Moyers Senior Brad Pottle walks to his shot in a golf match. Pottle and two golfers from other schools helped save a man’s life in match on Saturday.

fundraiser, not only for our golf teams, but we’ll give away 50% of our funds to one of two different groups that we’re working with, it would either be Suicide Prevention or for families that have lost someone,” clarified Lowery.

If you or anyone you know is struggling with suicide, please do not hesitate to call this number: 1-800-631-1314.

sports || 11

the precedent || phsprecedent.com

november || 2015

THE KARATE KIDS:

Competing in Martial Arts fuses athleticism, discipline, and mental growth.

Students Nikki Galvez, Andrew Dillingham and Lincoln Luse pose in their typical uniform. All students have been competing in Martial Arts for the majority of their lives.

By Lauren Neilsen the precedent

The martial arts have been an ancient and prevalent practice essentially since the beginning of time. Even now, they are still thriving.

Perry students Andrew Dillingham, Nikki Galvez, and Lincoln Luse are a few of the many who continue to participate in the various forms of the time-honored exercise.

And while their high school grade levels and forms of martial arts differ, they all unanimously agree that participating in martial arts has positively impacted their lives in a way no other sport could; it has taught them life-long lessons on focus, self-defense, and self-

confidence.

Sophomore Lincoln Luse admits she would be lost without martial arts in her life. “I don’t know who I’d be without [martial arts]. It’s kind of made me into the person I am.”

Luse currently is a fifth degree black belt, and plans to get her sixth degree in Feb. However, that is easier said than done. “It’s a 12 hour test, and you have to run four miles in forty minutes, and then three hours of conditioning, and three hours of kickboxing, and then you do your curriculum. And then if you pass, you get your next black belt. I’ve done five [of these tests],” Luse stated.

While this test may seem extreme to the general majority,

“I don’t know who I’d be without [martial arts]. It’s kind of made me into the person I am.”

Lincoln Luse sophomore

”

many other martial artists alongside Luse have completed it. Senior Andrew Dillingham and junior Nikki Galvez are also martial artists who have reached the title of black belt; Dillingham as a third degree and Galvez as a second degree.

Through their difficult tests and demanding practices, Dillingham says it’s his teammates who help fuel his determination, “I know if I didn’t have the teammates that I had to push me through, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

Though teammates are there to help assure any doubts in selfconfidence, Galvez states, “when it comes down to it, it’s about your own personal journey and having confidence in yourself, and being able to one day protect yourself if anything happens.”

Luse agrees with Galvez, and drew the analogy, “it’s kind of like track, like it’s a big team, but you do your individual things.”

When asked if the martial arts should be added as a sport or club at Perry, again, all unanimously agreed yes.

Both Galvez and Dillingham have separately thought about starting a club for martial artists to join and teach different aspects of their tailored form, but neither

photo by Ellie Wendt

advanced in their plans.

Galvez’s mother, AP Calculus AB/BC teacher Amanda Galvez, feels like a club -when led by the right instructor- is the perfect opportunity for fellow martial artists. “[the leader of the club] would have to be an expert, a master, so that [the students] would want to be a part of it.

I think it would definitely be interesting.”

With as many students as there are involved in the martial arts, hopefully an experienced master can create a welcoming club where students can take a break from learning about calculus or english, and instead study the richer and worthwhile aspects of life; focus, self-defense, and self-confidence.

Seniors give football a season to be proud of

By Zach Klein the precedent

The first game in the midst of the cheering student section, the first homecoming game, the drama and wordless emotion inside a young player’s mind as he races off the field at the end of that first season.

Being a varsity football player puts these talented young men at the center of

a stage.

On a night dedicated to the 17-18 year old young men who wear the Puma crest for the last time, a heartbreaking loss brings agonizing sadness to everyone involved. That’s the easy ending to this story. Two big flaws with that sentence: the use of the words “easy” and “story”.Puma Pride involves neither.

Head Coach Preston

Jones was quick to point out the obvious successes, the “efficiency...our offense did really well moving the ball.”

Senior receiver Dallas Kreil believes the team’s regular season record of 4-6, “doesn’t really reflect on how well we’ve been doing”.

This opinion is shared by senior Gabe Tomaszewski.

The versatile quarterback was quick to recall the bittersweet loss at Brophy Prep, saying,

Brett Mullenaux

“I don’t want to say it was a moral v i c t o r y, but it shows that we can really run with

the best of them.”

Senior Brett Mullenaux remarked, “I don’t know if it’s just one

person, but it’s mainly the team. We’ve been working really well together”.

Coach Jones summed it up in that perfect, concise way only a coach can. Prior to playoffs, he stated, “these seniors are hungry; every game...is potentially their last one.”

Records and standings show mathematical success.

The support and pride from the students, staff, and

players, involves nothing less than a family bond and determination.

That is what should be taken away by everyone involved in this year’s football season, whether they be a devout fan, a dedicated mother, or the players who made them all proud from the first steps in John Wrenn Stadium, to the last teary smile as that locker room door closed one last time.

“[The team is] definitely talented enough regardless of us winning or losing.”

worked really hard.” says senior Lauren Kater. This brings hope to the future of Badminton’s success.

In reflection, Johnson states, “the best thing about the season is that we have friendships and memories that will last forever.”

Johnson pays tribute to, “Lauren and Laike, they were great leaders for the team, they were great role models for the girls.”

In return, Kater complimented Coach Johnson by saying, “I would want to thank Coach Johnson, she is like a mother to us honestly, she is such a good person and spends so much of her extra time.”

With a hard-working, dedicated coach and a growing number of players who care, the Badminton program has a promising future with a good chance of a state title.

Badminton season ends unpredictably in semi-finals

By Rylee White the precedent

photo by Maria Amador Senior Lauren Kater and Laike Reeder prepare themselves for a point during one of their matches. The badminton team lost in the semifinal game.

Badminton did not win their semis against Red Mountain despite their 14-0 undefeated regular season.

They fought hard though, ending up at second in doubles as well as defeating the competition Sandra Day O’Connor and Skyline.

“We were on the defense most of the time. We played very well defensively. We moved around the court very well and showed a lot of improvement that way, but we never really got to play our offensive game.

That was the difference in the outcome,” Coach Lerina Johnson reflects about the match.

Even though the loss is disappointing, Johnson has a positive attitude about her team’s performance and

Lerina Johnson Head coach

”

took the loss as a learning experience. “ [The team is] definitely talented enough regardless of us winning or losing. They played as hard as they could play.”

Looking forward, there is a growing number of hardworking underclassmen ready to take on the competition next year, which means the fight for state will not be ending anytime soon. “We are really grateful that we had such good girls this year, especially the underclassmen, they

12 || sports

november || 2015

the precedent || phsprecedent.com

Golf plows through their state matches For the first year in Perry history, both golf teams will be competing for the state title and the pressure is just beginning.

By Sam Nabaty the precedent

photo by Maria Amador

Brady Hatten takes a shot during one of the boys matches. The boys team competed in the state tournament from Nov. 4 and 5.

Boys golf has had a successful season so far, hoping to continue into the battle for state.

Brad Pottle expands on how hard they’ve been working to get to state, “We all practice for the team and we all try to play in our own tournaments.” Almost all of the boys play on their own time, bringing their skill back when they play for Perry.

Senior Brady Hatten has high hopes for the upcoming battle.

Hatten thinks that Perry definitely has a chance at the title for the first time in school history, “The closest we have ever been was second place.”

With all the outside practice and matured talents, Hatten hopes for individual champions and team champions.

Going into state, the team has high expectations but do anticipate quite a battle to come, “Our biggest opponents right now are definitely Desert Mountain or Hamilton.” The team hopes to continue their success at state playoffs to wrap up their season.

Head coach John Lowery is very proud of his boys, “I think it would be disappointing if we were less than top five.”

Boys golf worked their way up

to the top and showed that at state on Nov. 4th and 5th at Aguila Golf Course.

Girls Girls golf qualified as a team for state for the first time in school history.

The team is currently 4th in section II and 15th overall.

Sophomore Dakotah Kreil, 9th in section II, explains how they improved from previous years as: “Our team is very young. We had a lot of freshman and sophomores that worked a lot over summer that came back ready to roll.” Kreil hopes the next few years will be steady and that they keep up how they are doing now.

Senior Emma Fernandez was beyond-belief about qualifying for state. “Qualifying for state was such a big deal...just being there is such an amazing experience.”

Head coach Brian Bernier is delighted with the girls’ progress this season.

He has guided and encouraged the girls to get better and to work towards this ultimate goal.

“My goal for state is to finish in the top 10. Honestly, state is a completely different animal than the regular season.” Bernier wishes for the girls to continue their hard work and to have fun and finish the season on a positive note.

Swim, divers achieve personal goals to accomplish team success in 2015 season

By Nikki Soto the precedent

The swim and dive season ended strongly, girls winning 10677, and the boys winning 122-61 at their last meet against Basha.

The team was able to maintain a winning record, and swimmers from both the boys and girls side qualified for state.

Principal Dan Serrano attended many meets and was very pleased

with the outcome of them all.

“Win or lose, the swimmers are great athletes. I watched them beat Basha and I was very proud.”

Not only did the team win their meet against Basha, but they kept a high amount of wins throughout the duration of the season including victories over Skyline, Westwood and Queen Creek.

Sophomore Celeste Llona reflects on the season, and how they work together as a whole.

“We are a very hardworking team,”

she says. “We show up to practice everyday ready to improve and make the team stronger.”

Llona had a personal triumph this season, and made Perry Dive history. “At a meet against Hamilton, I broke the record for the highest sixth dive score,” she explains.

Many other divers achieved their goals as well, numerous athletes qualifying for state. “All of the girls qualified for state, and two of the boys qualified as well,” dive

Coach Murrish says, “that was a big goal for us.”

Although this season the group lost a fairly large number of seniors, the returning athletes have kept the team strong. Both the divers and the swimmers have put forth a lot of effort, and it is paying off. “I’m really happy with everyone and the work we put in,” says Coach Murrish, “this season has gone really well for us.”

“The divers this year have really shown me that they are strong and

ready to work,” Murrish elaborates, “there is a lot of talent every year.”

While it is sure that the team has led a strong season, they still have one last hurdle left to face: the state meet at Skyline. It is set to begin on Nov. 6th.

The swim and dive team has had a very successful season, and the coaches and athletes are very confident that their hard work and determination will lead them to victory at state.

Get to know your Perry athletes Favorite One Direction Member?

BRAD POTTLE

Polar Pop order?

Favorite pre-game song?

If you could play any unusual sport, what would it be?

Harry Styles

Mountain Dew

Classic Man// Jidenna feat. Roman GianArthur

Curling

TATE SPEAKER football sophomore

Zayn Malik

Half Mountain Dew Voltage Slushie, and half Mountain Dew Voltage soda.

Power// Kanye West

Croquet

LAUREN PALMER swim freshman

Harry Styles

Cherry Slushie

Eye of the Tiger// Survivor

Water Polo

golf senior