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Flash The
April 2008
In Issue 3:
Passions
Inspirations
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t’s the excitement, the intensity, and the intensive string of emotions that rushes through our minds and into our souls. Nelson Mandela said, “There is no passion to be found playing small - in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.” It’s what we call passion. A teacher shares his opinions on animal rights, a senior teaches a few dance moves, two women guide students to their futures, an opinion about religions on campus provokes controversy, a moped rage steals the hearts of several students, a junior voices his views on politics, a senior strives to save the oceans, a junior fights against global genocide, and a student shares the art of ping pong. This issue is for those who want to be INSPIRED.
April Contents 4: The secret life of Sturgeon Mr. Eric Sturgeon and his passion for animal rights
6: Dance Dance Senior Elizabeth Sheets and her devotion to dance
8: The College and Career Center Ms. Cutts and Ms. Randazzo share their knowledge
10: Once school under God? The separation of school and religion
12: Road Gnomes Students enjoy those “long sensual rides”
14: Power of the people Junior Jon Ogata and his love for politics
16: Save the ocean! Senior Megan Heinz’s enthusiasm for the environment
18: Taking a STAND Junior Victoria Wilkinson’s need to stop genocide
20: Ping Pong Passion “David Ho is Rocklin High School Ping Pong”
22: Post Secret The secrets of students’ passions
Staff Writers: The Flash Staff
The Flash is produced by students for students in an attempt to inform and entertain its audience. Journalism students have the final authority for any content found in this publication. The Flash Staff encourages letters regarding content to constitute a constructive avenue for student opinion. Letters should be directed to the newspaper’s email, rhsflash@yahoo.com
Editorial Board: Alexis Coopersmith, Co-Editor-in-Chief Mallory Valenzuela, Co-Editor-in-Chief Mandie Martinez, Design Editor Casey Nichols, Adviser
Michelle Ahronovitz, Lauren Bloemker, Megan Cardona, Amber Diller, Nathan Dudley, Cheryl Ford, Jimmy Gibbs, Julie Griesmer, Amanda Holpuch, Asia Larkin, Kailee Loughlin, Tyler MacKanin, Rebecca Nitz, Caitlin Reilly, Lauren Rygh, Justine Sandoval, Kimberly Schneider, Christian Soares, Ashley Sorci, Shannon Stowers, Megan Taaffe, and Melissa Toppings
The secret life of Sturgeon Passion about animal rights shapes a lifestyle
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t is common knowledge that teachers have lives off of that urge us to buy animal products (“Got Milk?” familiar?) school grounds. They have political views, families, and for our own good are just the products of capitalism that most importantly, opinions. They also harbor passionate have brainwashed the general public. views about causes that they find to be wrong in this world— Sturgeon specifies, “[The companies do this by] ignoring issues that they believe need change and awareness. our natural human tendency to be compassionate and A prime example of a teacher with a view is Mr. Eric humane. Just ask anyone if they want to see where their Sturgeon, teacher of Health and Family Life as well as AP food comes from in the beginning. They don’t want to hear Psychology. Among his various activism efforts, all worthy about it, but they still eat it. Talk about a serious state of of attention is his specific passion about animal rights. denial!” “A good definition of animal In fact, as part of informing rights would be, ‘rights protecting those around him, Sturgeon animals from perceived abuse or urges the recognition of misuse,’” said Sturgeon. misleading slogans, such as The common argument is that the body requires milk Sturgeon strongly encourages for calcium. However, how can it be explained that the the popular “Got Milk”—which complete independence from world’s greatest consumers of milk have a higher rate he guarantees has very little animal resources. He explains of osteoporosis compared to that of societies that don’t truth at all. that this includes killing or consume milk? “When you think about it, A Harvard Nurses Study raises alarming facts: mistreating animals for industrial the act of one mammal drinking Breast milk produces different proteins than those that testing purposes, hunting for are found in cow’s milk. Those in cow’s milk are called another mammal’s milk is just leisure, furs, and in situations bovine beta casein, also production of a specific protein anomalous (unusual). Nowhere such as factory farms, where BCM-7. in the animal kingdom will High levels of BCM-7 in accordance with greater milk animals are raised in “restrictive you find this type of behavior consumption can be associated with neurological disorand inhumane quarters.” except with humans; and it is ders such as autism and schizophrenia. Sturgeon’s passion about not natural,” said Sturgeon. Make you want to rethink those slogans, doesn’t it? animal rights began with his wife, Behind this opinion is not who, when he met her, had been only fact, but a plethora of a “long time vegetarian and supporter of animal rights.” evidence found in the most looked-into of studies. “Through lengthy conversations and arguments, I As Sturgeon elaborates further on this topic, “[Cows] became less ignorant. My passion grew out of too many produce the right mixture of ingredients for their offspring, years of ignorance,” said Sturgeon. not us. But you ask, ‘what about the calcium?’ ‘Don’t we Sturgeon doesn’t just say it, either. He lives according to need the calcium from milk?’ And my response is this: if his views. He has been a vegetarian now for 13 years, and the calcium in milk makes our bones so strong, then why, he’s perfectly healthy. He makes it a point not to financially as the world leaders of milk consumption, do we have the contribute to any of the various businesses that treat highest rates of osteoporosis (bone brittle disease) on the animals in a way he doesn’t agree with, and believes that planet? Why do societies that don’t consume milk have little in our modern day and age, we need animals for nothing if any documented cases of osteoporosis? The answer is more than companionship. clear; because the calcium in milk does not necessarily “I try to listen to others before I try to get them to listen “do a body good.” Don’t just take my word for it; read the to me; people will only change when they want to,” said Harvard University Nurses Study II; It’ll make you angry.” Sturgeon. “When there is curiosity and the willingness to One thing is positive about Sturgeon’s depth and learn, I will inform anyone who is interested that the human dedication to this cause—it is real and it applies to our body does not need animal protein to survive (or any animal everyday lives. As the planet runs out of resources, we by-product for that matter).” need to look deeper into how we, as humans, affect it. As Sturgeon also has made it clear that we don’t Reducing our utilization of animal resources can make a hle need to live like our primitive ancestors anymore huge positive impact on the world around us. yS or either—we aren’t in any way dependent on We should all look into it. ci animal resources. He believes that slogans
GOT MILK?
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Flash The
Feature
April 2008
5
If you can’t run
SWIM
Knee injury changes format for athlete By Victoria Clark Staff writer
O
n any single day of the week, students walk around the Rocklin High School campus and notice that it seems painted in vibrant royal blue. Most of this blue radiates from various student’s bright colored club t-shirts and athletic gear. It is easy to fall into the trap of believing that every person fits in this one-dimensional, athletic stereotype: that being athletic is a simple walk in the park. In the case of Karin Oxenham, this is not the case. In spring Oxenham is dedicated to the swim team, but her road there has been much rockier than simply walking up to tryouts. She has been playing sports since the age of five. These sports have included softball and soccer including recreational, select, and competitive. Her first major obstacle appeared a few years ago. She started having knee problems. When she went to the doctor they could not figure out what was wrong. With these new problems she could not run and the day after strenuous activity it would hurt so much that she was even challenged by walking. Thus soccer became out of the question. Not only was soccer out of the question, but other athletic opportunities as well, such as pe. Although she had to deal with a lot from her knees, she came to Rocklin last year determined. A few knee problems would not stop her from pursuing athletics. Fall of last year she went out for the water polo team and made it. And come spring she did swim as well. Two and one-half years later, her knee problems began to ease, enabling her once again to pursue soccer. “I played water polo in the fall then I tried out for the soccer team. I hadn’t played since 2004, so I worked really hard to get back into it, but I got cut,� said Oxenham. Being cut from a team was not the end of the world for her. It would not be the first challenge she has overcome in her life to remain athletic. Now she is on the swim team as a sophomore enjoying it. “I do it for the exercise, to help with water polo, and to have fun with my teammates,� she said. She leads a very busy life and is dedicated to all aspects such as school and her church leadership team. Although
she finds her self in the midst of a lot to balance, she manages it. No matter how many challenges Oxenham faces in life, she remains dedicated and determined and it shows. “I admire Karin for her good self discipline and determination that she has committed to her sports, school work, and other activities,� said Camille Clark, freshman. Like the royal blue of Rocklin High School, Oxenham’s attitude radiates.
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Dance dance
drill team co-captain dances up a lifestyle
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nchulfa, Feather Step, Inside turn, Lock step, Cabbage On February 24, 2008, Sheets attended a dance Patch, Chasse, Kick-ball change, Chainé, Arabesque. convention with judges from hit TV show “So You Think You To the normal person, this is gibberish. To a dancer, Can Dance?” and other talent scouts. it is artwork. To senior “The choreography Elizabeth Sheets, it’s life. was fierce,” Sheets said. As an avid dancer and “I was in a packed room co-captain of the drill of amazing dancers. team, Sheets leads a host “I dance at home. I just stand there and start Everyone was trying to be of talented performers to twirling, not professionally or anything. I also noticed.” glory under the lights and to Dancing is not all success on the hardwood. go to school dances.” Sally Nguyen serious business for Drill team is one of the Sheets, however. One of most appreciated groups “I dance in my living room with techno music her favorite activities is on campus and flourishes blasting for hours. I think I have amazing dance “drill down”, a technical under the leadership of skills.” Catlin Graham game involving military Sheets and fellow captain style and technique. For Alyssa Fahey. the last two years at a “It’s the best of both summer camp held by worlds: pumping up the “I dance in the shower.” Matt Kilbourne UC Santa Cruz, she has crowd and technical taken second place out of dancing,” said junior hundreds of competitors. Connor Bank. “What’s not While known for her “I danced out of the womb and haven’t to like?” moves on the dance floor, Four years on the drill stopped since.” Wayland Whitney Sheets expresses herself team has given Sheets through more than motion. a true appreciation for She has been an the comradery and “sisterhood” that the team enjoys. essential part of the Rocklin High’s Orchestra through her Performing in front of the school brings the girls together in talents on the violin and she is major help to fellow students a unique way. as a Peer Counselor. Sheets’ life has been full of motion for a long time. Her While dancing has always been a celebrated part of enthusiasm for dance began not long after she learned human nature through which people express themselves, to walk, and it hasn’t faded for the last fifteen years. Her people like Elizabeth Sheets take the art to a whole new passion has led to considerable progress since the first level. time she attempted a plié.
Where do you dance?
Na
p e st by st ep
tha
nD
ud
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Elizabeth Sheets models her dancing skills
Flash The
rhsflash@yahoo.com
April 2008
Stealing the Spotlight
y Caitlin Reilly & Megan Cardona staff writer ocklin High School’s Katie Taylor Memorial theatre has been home to many actors over the years. Seniors Scott Taylor and Hannah Sturges steal the spotlight on stage with their overflowing enthusiasm. At only eight-years-old, they began to live their dream by performing in a play for an audience. “We both acted in our first play ‘Oh My Dear’ in third grade,”said Sturges. Ever since they first stepped foot on stage, these two friends have continued their passion through countless plays. Not only has Rocklin High’s theatre program given them the chance of a lifetime, the city of Rocklin has also provided more opportunities. “Rocklin High has benefited my acting career immensely. I have also done a lot of plays for the city,” said Taylor. Throughout the Hannah Mae Sturges entire school year, Rocklin High is constantly hosting plays, giving all actors the chance to broaden their acting abilities. Performing arts extends further than just plays. “It’s cool how I can participate in plays the whole year and be able to sing the national anthem for the
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R
Senior Scott Taylor plays Horton the Elephant in ‘Seussical’
“We both acted in
community,” said Sturges. With all the numerous plays they have acted in, they ironically enjoyed being part of “Seussical” the most. “I usually enjoy playing a serious role, so at first I wasn’t too excited but it was so much fun,” said Sturges. If they could be any actor, Sturges is torn between Ellen Paige and Reese Witherspoon. On the other hand Taylor would be the comedic Will Farrel. The journey doesn’t end for these two childhood friends. They have both been accepted to CSU Fullerton, and are still waiting from east coast schools in which they auditioned for.
our first play ‘Oh My
Dear’ in third grade,”
Eva Mendez
What Johnny Depp Celebrity Tarzan Actor Carmen Electra Would
Andrew Greenhalgh
Y OU
Be?
Halle Berry
Taylor Garrison
Kyle Lybrand
Mr. Craig Kaylor
Brandon Odion
Jack Nicholson
Mr. Brent Carlson
George W. Bush
Chad Davies
Jessica Alba
Matt Kilbourne
Hannah Sturges performing in “Ever After”
The College and Career Center:
A portal to passion
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t’s like stepping into a Peanuts comic strip, but with college and career at the center of attention. With no pun intended, the College and Career Center is a portal to students’ passions: by not only finding up-to-date information regarding specific interests, two passionate women also run the room with superior grace and skill. The right wall is covered with college flags and emblems, and SAT review books line the wall. Information is truly an abundance. Ms. Cindy Cutts and Ms. Sally Randazzo are the champions at their game and their passion for helping students drives them to carry on year after year. “I’ve been here since 1993, right when it opened,” said Cutts. “I first worked as the attendance clerk and was hired for my name, “Cutts”. They thought my last name would be able to intimidate the students.” The experience both Cutts and Randazzo is extraordinary, with Randazzo also working for her ninth year. Although it may seem repetitive to be asked the same questions about college, scholarships, and careers day after day, Cutts and Randazzo choose to take a different approach. “The answer to each question might be the same, but the student responses are different,” says Randazzo. “It keeps it fresh.” Cutts is a problem-solver. At a time when students need support and guidance, Cutts believes there needs to be a central place for all the information from the community. As a result, the room has become a comfort for many, holding the answers to college and everything that comes with it. Randazzo, as well, wants students to be successful. With two daughters who have already graduated, she wants the best opportunities for them as well as for all students. Cutts said, “My job is multifaceted, and with ten bosses, time management is the hardest part. [But] the best part [is] to see the effects after students are accepted to their colleges.” Randazzo believes that students should leave all their options open. “I actually have a degree in fashion merchandising and I grew up in Michigan and moved to California when I got married,” said Randazzo. From fashion merchandising to college guidance, flexibility has been key to Randazzo’s success. Having visited 23 California State Universities, all the University of California schools, as well as others, Cutts has been on the campus of close to 100 colleges Ma in total; Randazzo has been to at least 20. Their llo ry knowledge about these campuses shows when Va len hosting the college fair, the workshops, and zu ela
the presentations throughout the year. “You have to get out of your chair,” said Cutts. “I listen when representatives [from colleges] give presentations and sit at my desk and take notes. But sometimes I have to
Heart and soul of the College and Career Center, Mrs. Sally Randazzo and Mrs. Cindy Cutts. Cutts is an original RHS staff member.
get of my chair and learn for myself.” Randazzo considers herself to be dedicated, hard working, and a Type A personality, which are qualities that are necessary to deal with the demands of the college and scholarship environment. In the end, the students seem to always drive her passion to come back to school every Tuesday and Thursday. Randazzo says, “I hope I touch the lives of some students and help them in a positive way. I’ve always said that I’m here for the students.” It’s a satisfying feeling knowing that someone can move the future of a student in a positive direction. When reflecting back to her past ten years at Rocklin High, one student’s story seems to stay fresh in Cutts’ mind. “In 1999, I brought the Number One Student overnight on a Cal Poly trip,” said Cutts. “He fell in love with the campus, and he went on to become a rocket scientist for Boeing. He built one of the rockets. He was a goofy student, but look where he is now.” Her optimistic nature reflects the advice she gives to many students who walk in anxiously, not knowing that they are in good arms once in sight of the Peanuts characters. “Take charge of your destiny,” said Cutts and directed to all the students. “Create your own opportunities.”
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Flash The
every 15 minutes
by Amber Diller staff writer
Dear Mom and Dad, Every 15 minutes someone dies as the result of an alcohol related collision. Today, I died, and I never got the chance to tell you...
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ife’s lessons are best learned through experience. The Every 15 Minutes program offers this firsthand. Every two years RHS puts on the program to convey the serious ordeal of drinking and driving. The entire school is affected, but 20 students go through a life-changing process. The process began in December. “We had over 90 applicants, which was unbelievable. It broke my heart to cut so many people, but it would have been impossible to keep everyone. A committee eventually narrowed it down to 24,” said coordinator Mrs. Cindy Cutts. Students were notified over winter break by letter. Receiving this letter marked the beginning of an extremely long and emotional journey. Cutts’ goal for choosing cast members was simple: She wanted a cross-culture group. This way, the program could affect as many people across campus as possible. She made sure there was an athlete, a cheerleader, a dancer, a drama member, a yearbook nerd, etc. I was thrilled to be accepted. I missed it freshmen year, so I had no idea what I was getting myself into. “I didn’t think it was that big of a deal two years ago. But now that my friend was in it and always talking about it, it seemed a lot more real,” said junior Amanda Sword. The night before the crash came quicker than any of us expected. I talked to my mom about not being home the next day and made sure she wasn’t going to freak out when she was notified that her only daughter was dead. Six-thirty the next morning, we gathered in the Career Center talking excitedly and anticipating the day to come. I was scheduled to die at 11:00 and I was freaking out. By 12:10, the crash scene was underway. It was hard to watch my friends die. I HATE car crashes, partly
April 2008
The “living dead” watch the lunch time scene.
because they are just downright devastating, mostly because I was in one when I was eight-years-old. Being 10 feet away from one was clearly difficult, even if I knew it was fake. However, I didn’t cry. I sat in silence with my “One Less” sign and watched the reactions of those around the amphitheater. Of course, there were a few people not taking it seriously. We were told to ignore them. At the close of lunch, everyone was going somewhere else. Students went back to class, Jon Ogata went to Sutter Health by helicopter, Michael Valverde and Hannah Reese went to Sutter Health by ambulance, and Alyssa Martinez was headed to the morgue. The other cast members walked up Thunder Hill and placed a plaque dedicated to Emmett Jensen at his crash scene. It was very moving because we all had the chance to experience going up the hill and being ALMOST to the top. All 24 cast members then met at the Howard Johnson hotel to get settled in and clean up. Our next stop was the Placer County Jail. I thought I was going to pass out when they told me that we would see actual prisoners and to ‘ignore anything they yell at you or any rude gestures.’ It was incredible to see first-hand how
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people are forced to live because of a mistake as silly as trespassing. After witnessing this, we all walked to the Rocklin Cemetery to honor Officer Matt Redding and Emmett Jensen. Officer Brad Osborne and Mrs. Christy Crandrell gave us insight into the deaths of both wonderful people. The rest of then night was spent at a hotel. As a group, we bonded. No one was afraid to speak their mind. Mr. Tommy Doyle spoke for us that night. We had heard the typical tragic drunk-driving story over and over through. His was much different.“I’m here to tell you a story from another perspective. I was not the victim of a drunk driving crash. I was the drunk driver,” Doyle stated. He went on about the night that he killed his best friend. For the first time all day, I cried… and I couldn’t stop. I no longer wanted to be there. I wanted to go home, be with my mom, and sleep in my own bed. Luckily, Cutts became our second mom through the process of the program, and she was there to calm me down. At midnight, we were finally able to go to our rooms and try to get some rest. Of course, with four girls in a room, rest is not simple. My roommates and I were up until at least 1:15 talking. By 8 a.m Wednesday, we returned to Rocklin High. We were hanging out in the theater until the assembly was scheduled to start. Finally, the music stopped and we walked down the aisle to place a rose on the casket. The best part of my entire experience was watching the people who I thought would be least affected by the assembly completely bawling as Mr. Jeff Jensen spoke, and the video played, and as we were reunited with my family. Seeing my parents again was WAY more emotional than I could ever had imagined. I never appreciated what I had more than at that moment.
One school under God? Opinion
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n the time it takes to reach the end of this story, another person will have died. Not from old age, not from disease, not from natural causes, but because of what another person believes about God. The endless battle of the existence of God has been fought for hundreds of thousands of years, a concrete answer never found to satisfy all. Religion is personal, it is sensitive, and it undeniably sparks emotion. In an environment that should be kept neutral on the subject of faith, where by law it may only be taught and not influenced, religion seems to find its way slithering onto the Rocklin High campus. In the RHS library, a collection of various informational books on religions are available for students to check out. Among the books, multiple copies of the Bible are found in the non-fiction section. However, the only other religious text is the Koran. The Book of Mormon and other texts were once in the library, but they have been “lost” over the years. The amount of time missing is unknown and no replacement is on order. Not all religions are adequately represented, as if some faiths take priority over others. Each school day begins like every other day. The school stands united and is led in pledging an allegiance under God. Pledging an allegiance to an idea, to a theory not everyone believes in. It may not be mandatory for students to recite, but how is this, under any standards, not an influence of religion? How does this keep state separated from faith in any way? It doesn’t. Yet every day, Monday through Friday, schools across the United States recite the pledge as a morning routine. Millions of people make an oath to their country and to their God every single day. For many, they are merely speaking empty words that make heavy Ale xis promises never given a second thought. Co Youth Alive “One” shirts can also be seen op ers mi hovering around campus, promoting the th slogan, “One life. One chance.”
The club is accepted as every other club is on campus, just as it should be. However, it seems ironic that the only religion club on campus is one of the Christian faith. Religions in minorities have not started their own clubs. And if they did, would it be as accepted? A club on Hinduism would be out of the norm in the boundaries of Rocklin High. A club on Atheism would cause whispers in the administration. A club on Satanism would create uproar on campus, merely because they are minorities, merely because they are stereotyped and misrepresented. Around the holidays a buzz about Christmas sweeps over campus. Christmas trees, Santa Claus, and other Christmas figures are painted on the windows of the cafeteria. A Christian holiday is portrayed as a school holiday, ignoring the fact *Survey taken from 302 students that 38% of the student body does not follow a Christian based religion. While religious ideas do lead to actions that are beautiful and necessary, morality of the human being is reason enough to be a good person. Leading a life with morals and ethics should not be an obligation of faith, it should not be to qualify for paradise after death, but it should be a personal desire, a need to live a loving life. Religion, however, is causing a downfall on not only the RHS campus, but on the entire world. Holy wars are being fought every day, an oxymoron that has continued through centuries. The differences that faith creates between people are monumental, building barriers that cannot be broken as long as there is certainty in one’s religion. As stated by Sam Harris in The End of Faith, “Intolerance is the natural concomitant of strong faith. Tolerance grows only when faith loses certainty. Certainty is murderous.”
Religion at RHS
35% Christian 23% Catholic 4% Mormon 2% Muslim 1% Buddhist 2% Judaism 10% Atheist or Agnostic 19% Don’t follow a religion 5% Other
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Flash religious perspectives
“Don’t let you faith limit your mind.” -Garth Keffer Wesley McNair “Why should I be restricted to one main belief? It’s like politics, don’t vote for a party, vote for the candidate that represents you.” Will Matsuoka “I am a Jew and proud of it!“Jessica Skalet
The
April 2008
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“Technically I’m Mormon because I was baptised, but I disagree with all of the things they believe in and teach.” Paige Chandler
“I am Buddhist but I’ m very secular.” Andy Chung “Religion is Brainwashing. It’s a way of making you think a certain way and I believe a person should choose for themselves what they believe in.” Ashleen Singh
“I celebrate the different holidays according to the lunar cycles. Also, I participate in the different meditative techniques and use candles and herbs to help me relax.” Ashley Batista “Islam is a way of life and it is intertwined with one’s daily life, it’s not just a weekly or monthly worship.” Kenza Elhonsali
Curb your enthusiasm
by Charde Stewart Staff writer
Dealing with a lack of passion in an overly passionate school
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hopping for Junior Prom dress…isn’t that three months away? Rowdy Rooters… is that a band? Why exactly is he holding that lightening bolt again? Not everyone can be enthusiastic about everything that comes with being in high school. Some students have trouble remembering the day of the week, let alone what spirit day it is. Finding something to be passionate about can be difficult and high school can understandably be a less than inspiring atmosphere. “High school is a lot like work and work is not fun.” said Corie Heisler, junior. “It’s really routine.” It is improbable for every single high school student to be a school colors-wearing, face-painting, rally-attending enthusiast. So, what separates the two? Maybe it’s a matter of hours of sleep or Red Bull consumption. Maybe some people have less down-time than others. Or maybe it is simply a matter of taste. “We don’t care about sports,” said Jessica Whalen about her and her calculus friends. “There isn’t a whole lot else to be passionate about.” Sports aren’t all Rocklin High has to offer, though. Isn’t feeding the passions of the student what Club Rush is all about? “Last year there was an anime club and it was big but they never met up,” said Whalen. “[We] have a five-person club but we meet regularly.” Perhaps it is difficult to find a passion worth sharing with other students but school spirit is school wide. It is easy to be proud of going to a school like Rocklin High and some events don’t even require money, a corsage or even blue
hair dye. All rallies require is attendance. “There are always a group of people sitting so it’s not really worth cheering,” said junior Rachel Leung. Unfortunately, that fact isn’t exclusive to just the Class of ’09. To be fair, it’s practically a work-out sitting down and standing up sporadically like that. That alone is enough to explain the cafeteria full of spirit-impaired students during what must be Mr. Thompson’s favorite days. Nothing is mandatory and no one gets sent home if they accidently show up wearing red and gold. Nonetheless, passion should not be left out of anyone’s life. Pursuing one’s niches or hobbies is never a waste of time no matter how bizarre or unpopular. These should seem like the fastest four years of your life, not the longest.
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Road Gnomes
The moped passion that keeps on rollin’
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hey throw the bird at unsuspecting cars cruising by, but not the kind of bird you’re thinking of. The late bird sign is what they flash as they motor by in their mopeds. The bird can be described as an interlocking of the thumbs with the right hand in top of the left and the fingers straight out or fluttering for the ultimate bird effect. Brendan Linnane, Brad Mills, Ryan Srp, and Nick Bertucci created the unofficial moped gang, known as the Road Gnomes. They aren’t your average moped gang, that just cruise around Rocklin. They ventured off to the rally Total Letdown in Sacramento hosted by the Landsquids gang, as well as Flock Yeah in L.A. put on by the Late Birds themselves. “Long sensual rides,” is how Linnane puts it. They enjoy their group rides to Auburn as well as Yuba City, Sacramento, and San Francisco. They plan on going out of state eventually. As for the next rally, they plan on attending iin San Francisco with Creatures of the Loin. The dates are Sept. 26-29, so mark Ma
nd
ie
Ma
rti
ne
z
your calendars and go out and purchase yourself a marvelous moped if you’re feeling the vibe. But to get into the Road Gnomes gang, Linnane said, “You have to ride for two weeks straight, no driving, no walking, and just straight moped.” Now, that is an initiation you could strive for. To get in touch with the gang, you can visit their myspace, www.myspace.com/roadgnomes, and reel in the stickers, t-shirts, and sweatshirts they have with Brad Mills design as their logo. Sunshine days are the epitome for the perfect days to ride. And as for the gangs’ heroes, Creatures of the Loins’ Graham and Lee are their top two favorites due to their passionate riding skills. The two rode to Panama, Chile, and Brazil which took them five months to do so. Linnane aspires to do that one day in the future. To “live fast and drive slow,” is how Linnane lives his passionate life of riding behind the moped.
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Flash The
April 2008
13
two heads are BETTER than one Tinkering, fidgeting, creating, exploring, exploding, erupting, creating, completing...
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hese words describe Rocklin High School’s (RHS’s) very own pole vaulting, patriotic, photo shooting, ping pong playing Simmons twins – Robbie and Cale. “It’s our past time,” both Simmons commented. Inspiration can make a lasting impact on anyone during early adult years; inspiration to go the distance, inspiration for motivation, inspiration to tinker with old patio wood? Exactly! What else could be better then to scrounge up semi-usable parts from an old weathered patio deck. With access to such material, Robbie and Cale first used their rotting stash of wood, along with creative minds, by the age of ten. On December 19, 2001, the first of The Lord of the Rings trilogy was released into theaters as an action and romance movie. Little did the producers know, this movie would become true motivation towards two ten year old twins. Robbie commented, “Our dad gave us some good ideas for fidgeting with, but watching that movie really set us off on the right foot.” Cale continued, “You know Frodo’s hobbit house? We made the same one in our back yard with grass covering the top and everything.” Sophomore friend and fellow pole vaulter – Mollie Herlocker – is an eye witness to this Lord of the Rings lookalike hobbit house. “To tell you the truth, it’s sweet! I wish I had one growing up.” Also within the movie, motivation to research intriguing Roman “siege” Robbie and Cale are... tools were next on their list: the “Crazy and insane! But in a good trebuchete. way. They are probably going to Excitedly be the next Wright Brothers.” Cale explained, Kris Han “It fires heavy projectiles “I love watching them do back capable flips off tress and crazy stunts of mass over cars! Talk about taking a destruction! Not really. In walk on the wild side.” our case, just Lou Maninang milk jugs filled with water.” “The coolest children I know in The the history of the world – the Simtrebuchete is a mons twins.” Tyler Traynor large ancient
Rob, Bradford Loebs and Cale Simmons experiment in Mrs. Lee’s room.
catapult originally used for storming castles, armies, and cities. The Simmons twins however, use their reinvented trebuchete to catapult milk jugs into the middle of their court aimed for a trash can. Each trash can made is one point ahead of the opponent. With time, the trebuchete broke so the Simmons transformed it into a ballista, a giant cross bow that fires spears, or bamboo sticks aimed towards targets such as plywood with circles drawn allowing the skilled to aim for a bull’s-eye. Besides large reinventions, creative ways for passing the time too, are a Simmons specialty. During the wet season, the gutter in the center of the Simmons’ court mysteriously becomes clogged thus leading to a small flood and hours of street surfing. Cale said, “We’d get our skim boards and surf across our court.” Robbie continued after, “But only for a little while, or neighbors yards start to flood.” According to junior Cassandra Trickett, “These boys are truly creative. It’s amazing to see how they put their ideas in play.” From athletics to photography; patriotism to young engineers, Robbie and Cale Simmons have made lasting impacts on Rocklin High School’s campus. As Cassandra commented, “they are outstandingly unique individuals!” By Rebecca Nitz & Christian Soares staff writers
Power of the people Junior Jon Ogata voices his opinion on the pressures of politics
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e has an opinion about being an opinionated person– enthrall him so much. “On certain topics, mainly things that are overlooked, “We’ve been best friends since sixth grade, and we’ve but that should be at the forefront of everyone’s lives.” gotten into hard-core political quarrels since our political Jon Ogata is a junior at Rocklin High, and is actively views are on opposite sides of the totem pole,” said involved in clubs and programs on campus that fit his Rebecca Nitz, a junior at Rocklin High. interests, such as the Progressive Youth League, Mock “We’ll sit on the phone and talk for hours, debating Trial, and the Multi-Cultural Club. over politics. We’ve gotten to the point where even the “[The most important] interest that I have is in politics,” occasional verbal and physical battle erupts between us,” Ogata said. “Everyone seems to just observe politics, but said Nitz. the power comes from the people. We “But, just as fast as it starts, it ends,” must remain active to maintain the said0 Nitz. “The bell rings and we say ‘Call balance in government; it’s the most me after school and we can hang out’.” important thing to do.” “I’ve always known him to have books In his Honors English class, he on inspirational and patriotic quotes,” said is giving a speech on the political Nitz. “He’s always fascinated with America involvement in America’s youth. “I think and he knows it’s his duty to understand that my speech will convey the necessity how our government works – By the for being active in the process that people, for the people.” protects our liberties,” said Ogata. Elizabeth Hirsch, a senior at Rocklin, “[It is important to vote], especially said, “I met Jon this year in AP Government. with the elections now. There’s the We share the same political views, which enormity of the possibilities of the first is helpful because it’s someone to discuss woman or the first African-American and debate with.” president. People have the chance to “We also have Tech. Theater class be involved, and to write a chapter in Preparing for a Mock Trial competition at together, so any discussions we have in history books,” Ogata said. AP Government carries on to that class,” the Sacramento Courthouse, Jon Ogata To accentuate his interest in this works as an attorney for the team. continued Hirsch. subject, he is also taking AP Government, “He’s very smart and passionate,” said which is typically a senior class. “I’m taking all of the Hirsch, “which makes him fun to talk about things with. He social science classes that I can at Rocklin, including AP will make an amazing lawyer or politician.” Microeconomics and AP Psych next year. I’m also taking Ogata’s enthusiasm for politics push him to excel in [AP] statistics so that I’ll be able to analyze data.” His future the field, and give him the determination to succeed. Jon career is intended to, “revolve around something to do with Ogata has drive, he has dedication, but most of all, he has law, politics and history.” passion. Ogata’s friends know where he stands, and why politics
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PEace of art R
ocklin High is full of talented athletes, dancers, actors, musicians, and vocalists. Rocklin athletics have won countless games and section titles. The Drama Department’s shows always sell out. The school takes time out of class to hold mini-rallies and sponsors a club solely devoted to supporting Rocklin sports. However, the school is also home to many talented and overlooked artists. Junior Cameron Hobbs is in Art II/III at Rocklin and has been drawing comics for fun since third grade. “My teacher at Kid’s Junction, Mr. Danny, got me into drawing. I was pretty hyper, so to calm me down I’d just sit there and draw with him.” Hobbs said his comics and drawings help him focus and calm down when he is stressed. His art features all kinds of subjects, but Hobbs especially enjoys drawing people. “People have so much detail, and I enjoy the challenge. I draw everything I see when I feel like I need some practice. I try to copy pictures out of books and I’ll look at people’s photographs and draw them in my own style.” Hobbs carries his notebook and a sketching pencil in
April 2008
15 Finding stress relief by carrying sketch pad
by Julie Griesmer staff writer
his backpack all the time. It is filled with portraits, comics, and still life drawings. Although he would love to pursue his passion as a career, Hobbs has some other plans for the future. “I don’t really want to be a starving artist, so I’m going to major in business so I’ll have a good foundation and minor in art when I go to college,” said Hobbs. Hobbs enjoys spending time in and out of class drawing and painting. Hobbs also sometimes takes weekend trips to Sacramento to attend Comic Conventions, where fellow artists, along with producers and vendors buy, sell, and see what’s up-and-coming in the industry. “Conventions are really fun. There are tons of booths with merch (merchandise) and you get to see all the stuff that hasn’t come out yet. There are also a bunch of producers who walk around and they do a presentation on what their job is like. That’s kind of how I knew that I wanted to do something like this for a potential career.” Whether it be to calm him down or jump start his life after schooling, drawing and art will always be an important part of Hobbs’ life.
Save the oceans Study at Humboldt State awaits dedicated senior
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t constantly surounds us, yet most of the time we pay no mind to it, taking for granted its very existence. Fortunately “most of us” does not equal all of us. Meghan Heinz, an 18-year-old senior, knows just how important the environment and its condition is to the world’s survival. A particular concern to Heinz is the ocean, and the disintegration of its natural and healthy state. Scientists are expressing their concern but few are listening. “The level of pollution leading to vast ‘dead’ sections of the ocean is shocking. French Undersea Explorer Jacques Cousteau estimates that ‘the vitality of the seas, in terms of fish and plant life, has declined some 30 percent to 50 percent in the past 20 years.’ That is directly the result of the idea that our oceans are just giant trash dumps.” Heinz’s concern for the environment does not stop short of going the extra mile. “I’m planning on studying environmental science at Humboldt State next year so that’s why I started reading/learning about it because I didn’t want to show up to college completely clueless.” It is more than just a subject, it is a passion. But keeping up-to-date on the issues our environment takes more than just turning on you local news. “I read articles about environmental issues, watch e2 on PBS, and occasionally listen to Grist, a podcast about environmental news.” For Heinz, forgetting that we are a part of the earth too is not an option. “Everything is connected. What happens in the oceans affects us on land. There are a lot of truly amazing and beautiful things in this world and it would suck if we destroyed them by not taking care of our planet.” So what if a few coral reefs die, right? Wrong. Heinz clarified how all of the pollution is contributing the decline of important sea creatures. “The Phytoplankton in our oceans account for 50-90% of our Earth’s oxygen source. So if the oceans die from all our careless pollution, we all die.” But honestly how much trash could possibly floating around in our oceans? We must not pollute that much. Unfortunately it is worse than one could imagine. “There are two giant “Trash Vortexes” in the oceans. As ia The currents of the ocean bring the trash (mainly La rki plastics) to these two spots where it all builds n
up. The vortexes are both about the size of Texas and hundreds of milions of tons and growing,” said Heinz. She continued to explain the effects of these “vortexes”. “What’s scary about this is that plastic isn’t biodegradable. It just breaks into smaller pieces. If you consume, plastics they will kill you, and the same thing happens when plankton consumes plastic. Without phytoplankton the Earth’s oxygen supply is devastated and we die. So if we keep using our oceans as a trash can, we’re going to end up killing all the phytoplankton eventually.” Her information for the environment and the ocean, is unmatched by her actions towards fixing it at the source. “I limit the amount of plastics that I use and I’m pursuing a degree in Environmental Science next year so I can study it and help find solutions to our environmental woes. I also don’t eat fish because of the effects of over fishing on the oceans.” “People need to realize they don’t live in a bubble. What they do affects everyone and everything because we’re all connected and living on the same Earth.” Heinz’s desire to limit and eliminate the affects of human life on the environment that we live in is a tough challenge to face, but that will not deter her from her goal, her ambition, her passion. Four Strategies to Reduce the Environmental Impact of Plastics 1. Reduce the use Retailers and consumers can select products that use little or no packaging. Select packaging materials that are recycled into new packaging - such as glass and paper. If people refuse plastic as a packaging material, the industry will decrease production for that purpose. 2. Reuse containers Reuse can lead to a substantial reduction in the demand for disposable plastic. Container designers will take into account the fate of the container beyond the point of sale and consider the service the container provides. 3. Legislatively require recycled content Requiring that all containers be composed of a percentage of postconsumer material reduces the amount of virgin material consumed. 4. Standardize labeling and inform the public The chasing arrows symbol on plastics is an example of an ambiguous and misleading label. Significantly different standardized labels for “recycled,” “recyclable,” and “made of plastic type X” must be developed.
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Flash The
April 2008
17
Young Life...
It’s an addiction
by Cheryl Ford staff writer
S
ome people are addicted to heroine. Or chocolate. Or diet coke. Others have good addictions. Or obsessions, if you will. Laura Shank and Michael Valverde are obsessed with Young Life. Young Life is a program that teaches youth that being a Christian can be fun. They focus on Jesus Christ and how His teachings relate to youth today. It was started by Jim Rayburn in 1941. Wow, this guy was definitely a genius. His program has created a teen phenomenon across the country, dedicated to a good cause. What more could you ask for? Valverde is an avid member of Young Life. His dedication to the club and Christ shines through in his personality. Young Life members gather together every Monday night for an hour or so. Valverde said, “The first half hour of club we sing songs. Some are religious but most are Christian Rock. After that we do a game. They’re usually dumb but they’re used to bond with each other. We make them fun. After that we have a short lesson on Jesus Christ.”
Young Life Members participate in a Russian Roulette game with eggs.
Carley Porter and Michael Valverde
Valverde invited us to go with him, and it was great. All the kids were having a great time with their leaders and they concluded it with a speaker talking about Christ and how he can help us with our trials. We sang songs such as Can’t Buy Me Love by the Beatles, Allstar by Smashmouth, and other Christian songs. Everyone felt at ease with each other and was having a great time. In between all the singing we played a Russian Roulette game with eggs. Smiles and laughter were widespread. Young Life has a positive influence on teens because it teaches them how to live a Christ-centered life with good morals. “They usually focus on our relationship with Him and how we should live our lives,” said Valverde. Christian or not, it is easy to realize that having a positive influence during your teen years is a great thing. It yields goals and a motivation, which is sometimes hard to find during high school. That’s why young life is so awesome. Jesus Christ becomes their friend and role model. But Christ isn’t the only friend that member’s gain. “The biggest thing I’ve benefitted from Young Life is friends. I have made so many friends through Young Life. Last summer I was able to work at a Young Life camp for a month. I made friends from all over the country and also Australia and South Africa. It was really a great experience and I still keep in contact with the friends that I made,” Valverde said. Young Life has connected people with a common faith to people with different homelands. This connection is great. It broadens members’ views of the world and teaches them about different cultures. Valverde said, “I got involved with Young Life freshman year and have loved it ever since.” Then there’s Laura Shank. “I’ve been in Young Life ever since I was born. My dad works for the group and actually gets paid as a leader, so it’s basically just always been a part of my life. Anyone can come to Young Life. We’d love to have more people attend.” This is the overall attitude of Young Life, accepting with a fun spirit and a desire to share Christ with others. So, are Michael and Laura obsessed? Perhaps, but with a postive addiction.
taking a STAND
junior strives to end genocide
“M
en, women, children, and babies being killed, tortured, and raped for reasons they can’t control. I imagine being in their situation and I feel like it’s my duty as a human being to help them,” said Victoria Wilkinson who strivz to end genocide across the globe. Everyday, thousands of innocent people die all over the world in result of genocide: the extermination of an ethnic, racial, religious, or national group. “I think everyone deserves the right to live life freely in the way they want to, without being persecuted,” said Wilkinson. “I want to do what ever I can to save them. I’ll do what ever it takes.” She joined an organization called STAND, which is a student anti-genocide coalition devoted to stopping genocide everywhere. “We are constantly calling the government and trying to convince President Bush into forcing UNAMID (United Nations African Union Mission in Darfur),” Wilkinson said. To find out more about genocide, and what she could do to help, she recently went to a three day long convention at UC Davis, hosted by STAND. At the conference, she heard about the Peace Corps: an independent United States federal agency dedicated to promote world peace and friendship. She learned about what they have done, and what they are going to do to end genocide world-wide. Hearing about this group, Wilkinson has been thinking about joining the Peace Corps in the future to do even more to contribute to ending genocide. “It told me exactly what I could do to contribute. [Now I can] raise awareness and become a better advocate for ending genocide.” She not only joined the organization STAND, but she started club of her own here at Rocklin High School, called Peace within Borders. “We’re devoted to contributing to the end of genocide. Next semester we are organizing events to get money to donate to other anti-genocide organizations that have more power to help end the atrocities.” She was influenced to create this club because during her sophomore year, her history class did a unit on genocide. “It made me want to end it. So, I asked Mrs. Ka Douglas what I could do about it, and we started a ile eL ou club.” Wilkinson had never heard of genocide gh lin before learning about it in class that year.
She also became even more fervent about ending genocide when she watched Hotel Rwanda. A movie that depicted one of the worst atrocities in the history of the world that took place in the country of Rwanda that went almost completely unnoticed by the rest of the world. “I told myself, ‘this has to be stopped.’” said Wilkinson. She was shocked to learn that a topic of such importance was not being publicized more. She was shocked to learn efforts to end genocide were minimal. She was shocked to learn that students had not learned about it until their sophomore year in high school. “Genocide in foreign countries don’t affect us directly, but affect us in the way that innocent people just like me and you are brutally slaughtered for reasons beyond their power. How could you not want to do something?”
Genocide Count Rwandan Genocide 800,000 people in 100 days Darfur Genocide
500 people every day
Armenian Genocide
26,800 people suffered
Cambodian Genocide
200,000,000 people
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Flash The
April 2008
19
different look, a different dream
W
ith an obsession for body art and expressing herself through modeling, Jasmine Fischer is one avid human being. Each marking portrayed on her skin represents something she loves, and isn’t just there for looks. She has two tattoos, and two facial piercings – along with her ears. One of her tattoos is a small Buddhist symbol behind her ear. It can be interpreted in many different ways but its main meaning is “the sound of god” and is called an Aum. Her other tattoo is the word “Apocalypse” on the inside of her bottom lip. It represents her obsession with end of the world theories. Her ear piercings hold a significant meaning as well. “I like gauged ears because indigenous people used to stretch their ears, and it’s kind of a throwback to native traditions.” Fischer has even bounced the idea of being a tattoo artist, because she finds the culture fascinating and wants to learn more about it. She’s quite a tough cookie, actually. Fischer has pierced her own septum, and claims it barely even hurt. “There is this soft spot you can pierce through that makes the whole process almost painless,” she said about the piercing. She owns her own tattoo gun, and practices for fun on fake skin but has never actually tattooed someone before. Fischer has a craze for modeling as well. Along with some of her friends, she is starting her own modeling company called “Grindhouse Girls”. So far, it consists of five female models and is on the verge of growing bigger. This company mainly focuses on models with piercings and tattoos, similar to Suicide Girls, a modeling company comparable to Playboy, but with girls who have a more alternative look. However, Fischer’s company is boycotting Suicide Girls on account of their suing people they respect. For instance, a man named Phillip Warner whom Fischer describes as; “one of the most talented photographers” was sued by Suicide Girls for undisclosed reasons. With crazy hair, wild tattoos and tons of piercings, these girls pose for photos and put them on their website to spread the name of the company. “We break into old cars
by Lauren Rygh and do shoots in them. It’s stuff like that”. staff writer Fischer, or “Bully”, her modeling name, has big dreams to fulfill in the world of body art and culture. Dominique Mook, a model in Fischer’s company and close friend, expressed her attitude as, “driven…she’s really serious about it and wants to make it a career.” Mook’s first photo shoot is around the corner, but isn’t sure on the location or theme quite yet. “No one really decides on the little details. We all kind of collaborate and throw ideas out there on what to do” Grindhouse Girls is not only a company made for modeling, but for other visual arts as well. “Jasmine’s really into hoola hooping, so we might get into that a bit more too” Mook said. This growing career, however, is just a fun thing to do on the side for her. She has other ambitions that she wants to follow other than just modeling. “I will always model for the website, but I want to do other things too,” said Mook. With a plan to pursue a career in this business, Fischer puts her heart into what she enjoys doing on her spare time and is very serious about it. She is a perfect example of what hard work and passion can create.
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Ping Pong Passion
David Ho, President of the Ping Pong Club, loves the game and is excited about the future of the club.
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t Rocklin High School, students are passionate about for the members of the Ping Pong Club. However, with what they love to do. There is a vast variety of activities everyone doing sports and students’ busy schedules, at school that people care about. Some students love it has been hard to find a perfect date in which to hold dancing, others are into acting, and the tournament. It was originally even more kids are passionate about slated to take place at the end different athletics. A large amount of of February, but has since been kids have different or unique hobbies postponed until further notice. “I like Ping pong Club because i like to play that they believe are special. “We are going to try to have David Ho’s hobby combines ping pong, and there are other good play- the tournament, probably about uniqueness and athletics to form one ers there to give me a challenge instead of three or four weeks before school awesome game. Ping Pongis David the noobs at my house.” Will Johnson ends so that everyone who is Ho’s passion. playing a spring sport will be free “David Ho is Rocklin High School “I like the noise that the balls make when to come out and play. I’m hoping there is 40 people playing at once. It’s like for a good turnout.” Ping Pong,” said David Sur. Ho recently became the President pop, pop, pop. Yeah...” John Gildea Even though Ho is all about of the Ping Pong Club at Rocklin High ping pong today, it wasn’t “I like Ping Pong Club because I get to ex- always like this. His love for School. “I have a lot more responsibility now press my anger on the ball by smacking it ping pong started suddenly that I am President. I have to come up to the opponent.” Anthony Scisio about seven years ago. with the whole design for the T-shirts “The main reason I started using Photoshop and it has already playing was because my dad taken two months. It’s pretty difficult. As president I also bought us a ping pong table to play with.” have to set up everything that has to do with the club,” Ho loves to play the game with different strategies, “I said Ho. really enjoy playing because I get to hit things really hard Even though being the president of one of the most and trick out my unique paddle. When I play I use some popular clubs on campus is time consuming and filled with different techniques. I like to loop it a lot forehand and responsibility, Ho still loves playing at Ping Pong Club and backhand from pretty far away, and I have some killer the comradery that comes with it. serves.” “I like that I get to play against different people that As long as there is a Ping Pong Club at Rocklin High come every week. I also like the fact that I get to meet and School and people still show up to play, Ho will be there mingle with people that I normally don’t talk to.” playing the best table tennis he can. A major role of the president is planning ahead for future events, like trying to put together an all school tournament
Ping Pong Players
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She’d rather not run, so she’s
April 2008
21
spinning in circles
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hrowing is harder than it looks, but senior Jennifer Brothers has it down. Brothers has been doing track and field for five years, starting in seventh grade, but skipping a year in 8th grade. “In all honesty it was the only non cut sport in the spring, I had originally planned on running but I hate running in circles,” said Brothers. Now, instead, she’s spinning in circles. “The most challenging thing about my event is being able to control your body. We have to be able to have the athleticism to be able to jump into a 3 foot circle turn with balance twice, and then toss a discus or metal ball really far. It requires usage of a bunch of different muscle groups that don’t normally get a lot of use.” said Brothers. She is the only senior girl thrower, and does both discus and shot put, and hammer outside of school with teammates. Her personal bests are 85’ 2.5” for discus and 25’ 9” for shot put, which she achieved recently this year. “When you throw you get a mini adrenaline rush; your best mark is dependant upon you.” It’s harder than it looks, and it takes practice. For a typical practice “throwers run ¾ of a lap, we then do plyometrics, stuff like skipping and karoke. From there we break into JV and Varsity to throw either shotput or discus depending upon Eckman’s plan for the week.” The only disadvantage: “It’s hard to be feminine because it’s a male dominated sport, but more females are joining,” said Brothers. Track and field is a big part of her life, which “basically revolves around
track.” She practices both in and out of school. Over the summer she attended Iron Wood, in Washington, the largest throwing camp in the United States, where she was coached by several Olympic medalists. Over the years she says that track and field has also shaped her as a
By Katie Nihen staff writer person. “I am no longer this heavy girl that just hangs around the house and eats pizza all day. I scare myself sometimes how strong I am. Also I’ve learned to let things go. My coach and my teammates joke around a lot so I had to learn to not take everything seriously.”
hot as h c su akes pain rs. It m e I lik y finge hed on m omplis e u l g acc feel me
We asked several students on campus what their secret “passions” or “obsessions” are. We have made the conclusion from the several entries that students at Rocklin High School are quite interesting...
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Flash The
April 2008
Fun and Games
Tic-Tac-Toe
23
Honor Guard 2008
Spring Spirit Week Sadies Safair April 7-11
Evan Karkazis- Ultimate Frisbee Club, pianist for choir “Hard work makes life easier”
Monday Denim Day “Someone out there has a denim vest”
Cherly Ford- varsity girls soccer, CSF, Sports Med, Journalism, ASB publicity commissioner “Don’t let the muggle get you down”
Tuesday Tacky Tourist Day “See Mr. Kirk’s vacation photos for inspiration”
Mallory Valenzuela- NHS Presdient, Key Club President, CSF, Perr Counelor, co-Editor-The Flash “Your work is to discover your world, then with all your heart give yourself to it”
Wednesday Safari Day “Bring your pet Tiger”
Thursday
Laura Fortier- Wrestling stats “A champion is someone who gets up even when they can’t.” Brittany Huggis-CSF, Math League, Vice Presidet of NHS “To the world, you may only be one person, but to one person, you may be the world”
Class Color Day “Class Color….Sr = green Jr = red Soph = pink Frosh = Orange Staff = white” • ASB election speeches
Friday Savage Spirit Day
Rachel Leung- NGS, CSF, Key Club,Textle Arts Club,
“School colors, face painting”
Link
• Rally Schedule
“Stand up for what is right, even if you are standing alone..”
• Sadies Dance 8 p.m. – One of the final
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chance for classes to
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earn big points in spirit AS
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Flash The
January 2008
x