THE FLASH Be Greater Together Review of “Spider-Man 2” (page 19)
BEHIND THE LENS A LOOK AT HOW STUDENT PHOTOJOURNALISTS CAPTURE MOMENTS THAT MATTER.
THROUGH NATURE’S LENS CURIOSITY CAN SAVE THE PLANET. (page 25)
V O L U ME 3 1 PHOTO BY OLIVIA ALI
|
ISSUE 2
(FULL STORY ON PAGE 5)
CONT (FULL STORY ON PAGE 13) (FULL STORY ON PAGE 15)
TA BL E O F
03. Behind the Lens Story by Ashley Kim, Editor-in-Training
05. My Food, My Culture
Story by Saraswathi Murugan, Editor-in-Training
07. Food Waste
Story by Radian Hong, Editor-in-Chief
09. The Archives of
15. Teen Xperience
Story by Tristan Gurkin, Staff Reporter
Staff Reporter
Rocklin
11. Just Roll with It
Story by Lexi Booras, Staff Reporter
13. We are Dedicated: Rocklin’s New Sports Program
Story by Beatrix McCrea, Staff Reporter
Story by Brady Kretzmer,
17. Top Shots
All photos courtesy of PhotoJournalism Students
19. Be Greater Together
(Review of Spider-Man 2)
Story by Cole Broumas, Editor-in-Training
(FULL STORY ON PAGE 21)
TENTS (FULL STORY ON PAGE 25)
21. Girlhood, Motherhood, Sisterhood
Story by Olivia Cruz and Abilgail Clarke, Staff Reporters
23. Giddy for Ghibli
(FULL STORY ON PAGE 27)
27. Cross Country
Story by Maggie Smith, Staff Reporter
29. Power of Nostalgia
Story by Kaelyn Cunningham, Editor-in-Training
Story by Jason Cardanini, Editor-in-Training
Story by Sophia Love, Staff Reporter
01
THE FLASH
25. Through Nature’s Lens
BEHIND
THE LENS E R U T
2013 660B
2014 810B
2015 1,000B
2016 1,100B
BUSINESS INSIDER
The creative process of these young photographers begins with observation. They get taught to look for stories in everyday life, whether it’s a fleeting expression on a fellow student’s face, a powerful moment during a local event, or the subtle beauty of their surroundings. The students often venture into their community to document stories that matter, exploring themes like social justice, the environment, and human connections. All students can start down the Photojournalism Career Technical Education (CTE) pathway, regardless of experience. RHS junior Liz Bennett said, “The only reason I got introduced to [photojournalism] was just because I thought it would be fun to do it for FLOCO, and then from there
C I P
TH O
A
2017 1,200B
A
Number of digital photos taken worldwide
The photojournalism program at Rocklin High School (RHS) has been running for over 20 years now and has become a hotbed for nurturing creative talents. These budding photographers are not just capturing moments; they are showcasing their unique perspectives, blending artistry and reportage in a way that leaves a lasting impact.Media advisor Joshua Rubenstein encourages students to use their cameras as a powerful tool for storytelling. The students are not just taking pictures; they’re telling stories that reflect their world, their lives, and their dreams.
U SA
IS WO RT H
“Not knowing what’s going to happen makes photography exciting,” - Liz Bennet
I just wanted to do it more and more.” One of the most inspiring aspects of this program is the emphasis on capturing school events. Students are encouraged to practice with their cameras on the football field, in club meetings, and at dozens of sporting events. Whether it be through candid portraits, street photography, or photo essays, their work is as diverse as the personalities behind the camera. Equipped with state-of-the-art camera gear and editing tools, these high school photojournalists have all the resources they need to excel in their craft. The program also introduces students to photo editing software and techniques, helping them refine their storytelling abilities and professionally present their work.
These young photojournalists are not getting confined to their high school’s walls. They also regularly showcase their work to a broader audience in Rocklin Media’s magazine, The Flash, where their images have the power to inform and engage readers. They are an integral part of the school’s journalism community. Their work is a testament to their dedication and ability to bring a fresh perspective to the world of photojournalism. By: Ashley Kim, Editor-in-Training.
THE FLASH
S E L I AN D M
KATHERINE EVAN
03
My Culture, My Food. Reclaiming my Plate, One Story at a Time.
Top: A blend of spices to make a cup of Chai.
Right: A plate of white rice with Sambar (a lentil-based vegetable stew), garnished with oranges and radish.
The f luorescent lights f lickered multiple times before returning to shine their yellow-brown color into the small kitchen. Small chunks of potatoes were on the cusp of burning just as fumes of smoke rose to the ceiling from chai spilling over the lips of an ancient metal pot. She quickly reaches for a handful of cumin seeds and a few curries leaves from a cupboard to mix into the side dish as the chai gets transferred from the stove to a small tumbler. As the potatoes cool down, my mom packs my lunch for the day: A bowl of curd rice (which refers to rice mixed with unsweetened probiotic yogurt) is rapidly spilled into an old Tupperware box, topped with a hefty side of roasted potatoes. She reminds me to finish my lunch at school, slowly sipping on the freshly brewed tea
she made for herself in ten minutes. Once again, I do not pick a fight today about not having an “American” lunch and resign myself to eating lunch alone. To my mother, the curd rice would taste heavenly; the small bursts of sweetness from the pomegranate and cashews would complement the small chunks of green chili and ginger. However, opening my lunchbox to me would act as a repellent to those sitting next to me, promptly encouraging them to get up and leave when I didn’t open a packaged Uncrustables or fruit snacks. My parents refused to feed me this way. No matter what the dish was, the aroma of my food would carry itself through the lunch room and effectively build a wall between my peers and me. So widely related to, in 2016, the term “Lunchbox Moment” was coined to describe the shared experience of people of color or children of immigrants bringing lunch to school that is “non-white.”
Cook seasons a bowl of vegetables, soon to be ground into a paste to make Chutney.
The encounters in the school cafeteria marked the onset of my assimilation into the unspoken intricacies of American Culture, grappling with rules dictating what is deemed acceptable and what is not. Beyond the simple desire to stand in line for pizza in a cardboard box and some watered-down chocolate milk, these interactions made me resent the culture that defines my identity. I embraced the mainstream white culture as the default, failing to recognize it was not the norm I had to mold myself into. So, as I slowly started to throw the home-cooked meals away at school, I was truly just shoving down my throat ways for myself to become more palatable to white culture (and some very dry bread). The subconscious acceptance of these norms and stereotypes would only
A Traditional South Indian Thali, is served on a freshly harvest banana leaf.
If you’ve ever tuned in to an online cooking tutorial, you’re likely familiar with the meticulously organized table adorned with countless small bowls, each holding precisely measured ingredients. My mother’s culinary approach stands in stark contrast. There are no measurements when cooking her food, more of a pinch of everything in our kitchen cabinet and Anjara Petti (translating to 5-compartment spice rack in Tamil), expertly eyeballed to perfection. My mother’s cooking can’t be reduced, to just fuel for the body, mere sustenance. Her recipes are a living testament, a narrative etched in every f lavor, bridging the gap between this land and her home. At times, family dinners involve meals served on freshly harvested banana leaves from our backyard, a common practice in South India. The f loor becomes your new dining table, and you savor heaps of white rice with Sambar
Shilpa Vijay recieves Prasada, offerings after prayer in the palm of her hands.
A seven compartment spice rack.
Vegetable Korma, garnished with raisins.
(a lentil-based vegetable stew), Rasam (a soup-like dish), multiple sides of fried or sauteed vegetables (Poriyal), and some kind of desert like Kesari or Payasam. Most importantly, these foods are savored without using utensils; in-
stead, our hands, specifically the right hand, serve as the ultimate culinary tool. Far from being bizarre and primitive, these practices are customary in not only Indian culture, but the preferred way to enjoy a meal in parts of Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. According to my mom, Mythili Murugan, “Eating with our hands is a sign of respect to god, and the host providing the food. More importantly, ancient texts believe that each finger represents the five elements of Earth.” From the Ancient Health System based on the Vedas, Ayurvedic texts suggest that the nerve endings in our fingers boost digestion. The practice, however, was widely deemed “improper” during times of colonization, deemed uncivilized by Anglo-American cultural practices. It is in my mother’s kitchen where I found myself shaping who I am to fit “American” culture, but it’s also where I found the courage to challenge ethnocentric judgments through food. My parent’s unwavering indifference to mainstream, White culture allowed me to realize that the only culture that I had to mold myself into, was the one I created for myself. Best said by Dietitian Maya Feller, “Learning to respect the intersection of food, culture, and history means respecting and acknowledging that cultures that exist outside of whiteness are valuable.” In a country that cherishes diversity as its cornerstone, nobody gets to decide that my lunch smells too strong, is too different, or too much. By: Saraswathi Murugan Editor-in-Training
THE FLASH
lead me to inadvertently measure my worth against a standard that didn’t inherently include or acknowledge the richness of my heritage. Judged, through a narrow lens of presumed superiority, foods outside of the mainstream culture have been deemed unhealthy. Of course, until it becomes the new trend, the new exotic food to try and post on Instagram. Don’t get me wrong–I’m all for people experiencing cultures outside of their own, but having to wait until a cultural practice or food gains trendiness or acceptance in mainstream culture to be deemed ‘normal,’ is just disrespectful.
05
Uneaten fruits and vegetables are heaped by the dozen on ledges and in trash cans, jetsam from the lunch line. As lunch goes on, the piles only grow. Each day at Rocklin High School (RHS), pounds of food are taken from the lunch line only to be immediately discarded. To someone unfamiliar with the regulations surrounding school lunches, this might seem like a puzzling and unnecessary source of waste — why do students take food they don’t plan to eat? The answer is in the law. First passed by congress in 2010, the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act requires students to take at least one half-cup of fruit or vegetables for a meal to be reimbursable. Rocklin USD nutrition services director Charles Douglas said the reimbursements are his department’s primary revenue stream. “If we’re in an audit year and the auditor comes out and they literally stand here and watch every kid get served, if they see a student that doesn’t take a half cup or fruit or vegetable, that meal doesn’t count. We don’t get paid,” he said. Put in place to combat childhood obesity, particularly in low-income communities, the law has led to an uptick in food waste, according to Mr. Douglas. “And that’s what I like to call the unintended consequence, because we want to encourage [students] to take food and vegetables,” he said. “But at the same time, you’re forcing students to take things that they don’t necessarily want. And as an unintended consequence, what do you see? You see a lot of waste.” A Harvard study frequently cited in support of this law found that the requirement to take at least one fruit or vegetable did not in fact increase plate waste in a sample of low-income elementary and middle schools. The study concluded that it accomplished its goal of increasing consumption of fruit and vegetables without the negative consequences that nutrition services directors across the nation had feared. While all this may be true, RHS, a relatively high
income secondary school, clearly lies far outside of the narrow scope of this study. Though Mr. Douglas has observed a positive impact on fruit and vegetable consumption among elementary school students as a result of this policy, he cannot say the same about high schoolers. Nevertheless, he recognizes that there isn’t much he or the district can do to change the status quo. Whether or not this policy has a positive overall effect nationwide, it is clear that, for the time being, it is here to stay. But it is also clear that, policy or no policy, food waste remains a significant issue in school cafeterias nationwide. According to the same Harvard study, even before the new regulations, students discarded sixty to 75 percent of vegetables and 40 percent of fruits they were served; according to Mr. Douglas, RHS alone serves over 1100 meals a day. If RHS students discard anywhere near the same percentages of fruits and vegetables as the students in the study, this translates to an enormous amount of waste. So far, the school and district have implemented several strategies to reduce the amount of food waste generated each day. USDA permits the use of a
share table to reduce food waste and encourage consumption of fruits and vegetables. RHS nutrition services lead Christina Thurman estimated that roughly 80 percent of what is left on the share table after meals is added back to the inventory, significantly reducing waste. However, not all food waste makes it to the table in the first place, said Mr. Douglas, and it is difficult to know how much of an impact it has. Still, Mrs. Thurman said, “There are students here that do not have three meals a day at home. The shared table has helped those students.”
60% (consumed) 40% (wasted)
School cafeteria plate waste ranges from 27% to 53%, according to a Pennsylvania State University study
According to Mr. Douglas, part of the reason that the policy has had a greater positive impact at the elementary school level is that there they can offer salad bars. “Typically when you get into the secondaries, middle and high school, salad bars typically don’t work there,” he said. Mrs. Thurman has identified serving fruits and vegetables that students like — sliced and bagged apples, grapes, bananas, and carrots, for example — as a way of combating food waste at RHS. “I believe we are finding a solution to food waste by offering fruits and vegetables and food that [students] will eat,” she said. By: Radian Hong, Editor-in-Chief
“If they see a student that doesn’t take a half cup or fruit or vegetable, that meal doesn’t count. We don’t get paid.”
07
THE FLASH
“You’re forcing students to take things that they don’t necessarily want.”
The Archives of RHS
A deep dive into the 1990s and 2000s of RHS Many aspects of the campus, such as communication, activities, and sports, have changed throughout the years since Rocklin High School (RHS) was established in 1993. Many teachers who have been here for a long time have experienced how things have changed over the past 30 years at RHS. The level of communication has increased since the 90s, when smartphones and social media weren’t around. RHS activities director John Thompson said, “For instance, when I need to communicate with you guys, I can hit you with a reminder text almost immediately.” Back then, there was only an intercom to talk through, and signing up for activities was mostly in person. However, social media’s impact has also drawn people away from what’s happening in the real world. “It affects you when you get blasted on social media for a threesecond video that isn’t really who you are. It affects your willingness to come out of your shell and engage. Whereas in the 90s we had to beat people away,” said Mr. Thompson.
90s
At first, the campus lacked features. There were no trees and no football stadium. There was an all-time low of 325 students who were all freshmen. There was no parking lot since none of them could drive. Mr. Thompson said, “The evolution of how the campus evolved as a physical plant was fun to see.” This campus was built from the ground up, and so many improvements have been made
regarding the trees, infrastructure, and more. Building a culture for the school was much more of a challenge.
But a rose always has its thorns, it affects you when you get blasted on social media for a three second video that isn’t really who you are.” - Mr. Thompson However, adding rallies into the school culture brought RHS together. Many students from other schools would show up to the rallies to emulate what we already have. However, back then only 50 kids would decide to opt out of the rallies but now, it’s around 300. According to Mr. Thompson, social media has engraved fear into students’
minds about participating in school activities. In the past, it was the opposite — students were competitive and people had to be beaten away because everybody wanted to be a part of the activities and games. Sports have always been a hot topic for high schools. Many high schools try to build the best sports teams they can by creating a hard-working and experienced program. Most of the time, high schools try to surround their focus on one or two sports, whereas Rocklin has become successful in having a variety of success in all its sports. RHS hires coaches who are very passionate about what they do and will excel in it. Coaches like Stephen Taylor — the varsity boys basketball coach — have been here since the beginning. He has been a part of all of the success
Rocklin High School Football Game circa 2006
Rocklin High School Club Rush Event circa 2007
Education at RHS has changed since it was first established. Hurrianko said. “They had something called the clearing house, which was a place students could go to clear all four years of classes,” he said. So if a student failed their freshman class, they could go into this clearing house in their senior year, take a test, and clear the whole class. This is similar to Victory High School, which is right down the road from RHS. High-quality education programs incorporate career-oriented elements, helping students develop the skills and knowledge needed for various professions. RHS has been very successful in that aspect of our campus. By: Tristain Gurkin, Staff Reporter
9
THE FLASH
2000s
when it comes to basketball. Varsity boys golf coach Tim Hurrianko said, “We’ve always been good at sports. That’s one thing about Rocklin that is impressive.” Having a good sports program is good for a student’s discipline and time management. Student-athletes learn to balance their academic and athletic life. This fosters good habits that can lead to success in many areas of well-being.
ROLL WITH IT J U S T
--a sushi review--
“The best sushi roll I have ever had in my life...”
I decided to put it to the ultimate test and tried a few sushi restaurants nearby. While the Sacramento area undoubtedly has amazing sushi places, it is not convenient for everyone. So finding a good sushi restaurant in or around Rocklin was my goal. I examined every detail down to the taste, price, staff, and cleanliness of three different restaurants. I kept the same order for every restaurant to get a fair comparison, a Rainbow Roll and a Sunomono Salad.
Oki Sushi
Located in: Rocklin Shopping Centers: Rocklin Commons & Rocklin Crossings Address: 5406 Crossings Dr Ste 104, Rocklin, CA 95677
Crazy Sushi
Located in: Blue Oaks Town Center Address: 6696 Lonetree Blvd, Rocklin, CA 95765
Tang’s Sushi
The first sushi restaurant I went to was Oki Sushi, which is located across from the Rocklin Commons. Beforehand, things I have heard about this place is that “they give a good portion of food” and I will say, this statement is 100 percent correct. The staff was amicable and welcoming. The food came out quickly and, for the amount of food I got, the price was exceptionally good. I wish the Sunomono Salad had more topping on it because it was plain. However, it was not bad at all, and that is just my personal preference. The roll was extremely fresh and I had a burst of flavor in my mouth. I will definitely be back here in the future! I give this restaurant an overall rating of four out of five.
Located in: Blue Oaks Plaza Address: 1426 Blue Oaks Blvd #100, Now heading in the opposite direction, by Roseville, CA 95747 Blue Oaks Movie Theater is Crazy Sushi. I am unfamiliar with this restaurant since I have only been here once a while ago. The ambiance of the restaurant is chill and dark. They were short-staffed so it took quite a long time to get my food. The staff was extremely welcoming and gave
me a free Sunomono Salad because I had to wait a long time. They gave a small portion of food and it was overall okay. The roll was super small and did not fill me up. I was not a fan of the Sunomono Salad. It had too much of a vinegar taste to it and was EXTREMELY small. I would say it was not worth the amount of money it was. I might give this a try one more time, but overall I was not impressed and would give this a rating of three out of five. Just down the road from Crazy Sushi is a good sushi restaurant called Tangs. I took my friend Erica Villegas with me to review the food. When we first walked in, the restaurant had a very modern vibe to it and we were welcomed by the hostess. My friend Erica got the Fish Lover Roll and some Gyoza for an appetizer. I, of course, stayed with my original order. Our food came out quickly. My Sunomono Salad was amazing! It had a light vinegar taste to it and was topped with some spices. The roll was enormous and filled with spicy tuna and avocado and topped with an assortment of seafood. This is by far my favorite place! Villegas said that the roll she got was “the best sushi roll [she] ever had in [her] life. The gyoza has a nice crunch to it and the side sauce gives it that finishing touch.” The price was a tad bit more expensive than the other restaurants, but it was worth it. This restaurant was amazing, therefore, I am rating this a five out of five. I strongly believe that Rocklin has some of the best sushi restaurants (obviously it differs on the menu item you get) and you do not have to travel just to get sushi. Ultimately, if I had to rank them, I would say Tangs is number one, Oki Sushi is number two, and Crazy Sushi is number three. By: Lexi Booras, Staff Reporter
11
THE FLASH
LOCATIONS:
I have loved sushi since before I could remember. I loved trying new types of sushi and places that serve it. Sushi is a big part of today’s culture and there are some amazing sushi restaurants out there. I have tried some notable sushi restaurants, and that made me wonder if I can find a better restaurant here in Rocklin.
we are
DEDICATED
Rocklin’s first-ever flag football team has sparked excitement in a community eager to embrace the fast-growing sport that is set to make its Olympic debut in 2028. “This year alone, our section hosted over 65 teams, and we’re looking at well over 100 next year,” said head coach Ryan Spears. “It’s a testament to the sport’s burgeoning appeal and the community’s enthusiasm.” Caroline Wuelfing, one of the team’s prominent players, recognizes the significance of her role on and off the field. “I’m here not just to play, but to inspire, particularly the girls who’ll come after us,” Wuelfing said. “We’re not just building a team; we’re building a tradition for Rocklin flag football.”
The Thunder’s roster began with 27 dedicated athletes, a mix of old players and novices to the game. Forgoing tryouts in their first year, the team welcomed every interested student. “This season was about inclusion and laying the groundwork,” Mr. Spears said. “Next year, as interest surges, we’ll introduce a more selective tryout process to continue elevating our game.”
SIMI SOOD
The coaching staff are focusing on skill growth and players enjoying the game. Paige Knight, lauding the coaches’ efforts, remarked, “They’ve been incredible, ensuring that while we strive to win, we also cherish every moment and learn from it.”
Learning the fundamentals has been a shared journey for the team, starting from square one. “From the proper way to throw a football to understanding the intricacies of defense, we’ve covered it all,” explained Mr. Spears. “It’s been about nurturing not just players, but well-rounded individuals who appreciate the sport.” Marcela Simone, who has swiftly adapted to multiple positions on the team, relishes the new experience. “There’s something special about being part of the first team,” Simone said. “It’s about more than just the game; it’s about being pioneers.” As the season unfolds, the Rocklin Thunder isn’t just chasing victories. They are laying down the roots for a legacy that will influence Rocklin High School’s athletic culture for years to come. Each game, each play, is another stitch in the fabric of a tradition that’s just beginning.
KAYLA PLOG
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Rocklin’s New Sports Program The story of flag football mirrors that of many sports starting from humble beginnings and growing into a phenomenon. The sport of flag football originated on bases during World War II, where soldiers would play for recreation. From these unofficial beginnings, the sport gained popularity in the United States in the second half of the 20th century as a safer alternative to tackle football for players seeking non-contact play. The simplicity of flag football — minimal equipment, easy-to-learn rules, and inclusivity — allowed it to flourish. Parks and recreational leagues began to feature flag football, and it wasn’t long before schools and colleges followed suit.
SIMONE OBERG
speaks volumes about its evolution and enduring appeal. This rapid ascent is reflected in the story of Rocklin High School’s own flag football team. Just as the sport started with small steps and grew into a competitive and respected game, the Rocklin Thunder has taken its first steps in what promises to be a journey of growth, community, and sporting excellence. Just like the sport they play, the Thunder is sure to leave a lasting mark on the field of athletic endeavor. By: Beatrix McCrea, Staff Reporter
Its growth was not confined to the United States alone. The international community took notice, and the sport spread globally. Now, flag football stands on the precipice of global recognition with its inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics — a milestone that
SIMI SOOD
13
THE FLASH
SIMI SOOD
Teen Xperience A Review of Ken Caron’s Album: “A Great Chaos”
distorted 808s that go on throughout the whole song nonstop. Although fitting to the name and story of the song, it makes for a very forgettable and skippable track. Later on, another notable song appears, “Paranoid,” returning to the reliable duo of Destroy Lonely and Carson. The beat, made by producer F1lthy, packs a soothing 808 pattern, with medium-paced, high-pitched sounds that make for a beat you can only understand by hearing. A few songs later, Lil Uzi Vert makes his only appearance along with Destroy Lonely in the track “Like This.” This track rotates between artist verses at a fast pace, making for a fun and revisitable listen.
Ken Carson, also known as Teen X, is a 23-year-old artist from Atlanta Georgia, who in recent years has torn up the SoundCloud scene and underground. He started making music in 2015, but rose to fame when fellow artist Playboi Carti signed him to his Opium label in 2019. Carson would release his debut album “Project X” in 2021. Lots of mixed opinions circulated about this project, but, since then, Carson has certainly improved his material, and he prominently displays it with his recent album “A Great Chaos” (AGC). AGC is a mixture of genres ranging from rage-inducing, rap, trap, and even genres people can’t define yet. I like to describe this album as a sound garden. AGC has many unique synths, booming 808s (bass), and minor pieces that make every beat feel complete. This album had limited features, with only two other artists: Destroy Lonely, who appeared in three songs, and Lil Uzi Vert, who appeared in one. Despite hearing the same voice for
nearly all 18 songs on this album, there’s still such a sense of variety and every song is distinctive. The lead track, “Green Room,” has buildups and different waves that alter the listeners’ mood. It’s a melodic track about Carson explaining how his life changed from before he was famous to after. Green Room comes off as an exhilarating track to lead off, and quite different from what we’ve heard from Carson in the past. Overall it serves as a great way to start the album and solidifies its place as one of the top songs off the album. This trend continues as the next three songs come along. The first feature by Destroy Lonely appears on the 4th track, “Singapore.” This song keeps a steady rhythm throughout its entirety and this duo never seems to disappoint. The most questionable and probably worst track, “Lose it,” comes next. This track takes its name to heart — the second it starts you are blasted with
As the album goes on, more songs to note like “Vampire Hour” and “Nightcore” come along. Finally, the 18th and last song off the album, “i need u,” ends it with a bang. This song was the only one released before the album came out. It has accumulated over 30 million streams and is arguably what many fans consider one of Carson’s best songs. Overall, what makes this album so good is its variety when it comes to production. It creates such a fun listening experience. This album is a high point in Carson’s short career that shows how much he has grown. We can only expect more shortly, as it seems Carson continuously blows expectations away. However, this project is receiving mixed emotions. Popular Youtuber and music critic Anthony Fantano said, “So getting what Carson is doing and where it’s coming from is not rocket science. In fact there’s only a thin layer of surface level differences separating it from a lot of other trap out there today.” In the end, Anthony Fantano gave the album a three out of ten and called it “a slight improvement.” While Carson’s material will likely always receive negative backlash, I’m sure many fans of his are pleased with this project. By: Brady Kretzmer, Staff Reporter
THE FLASH
15
TOP SHOTS of
October
through November
All photos taken by the amazing Rocklin Media students in photojournalism. If you love photography and are interested in being a future photojournalism student, you can contact jrubinstein@rocklinusd.org
HUYNH DANNY
JEVEN PAUL ALBANO
KIANA BARNES
TAYLOR LUIZ
BENJAMIN SACKINSKY
TAYLOR LUIZ
17
THE FLASH
TAYLOR LUIZ
BeReview Greater Together of Spider-Man 2 The Spider-Men swing back into action in the video game Spider-Man 2, paving the way for the future of superhero games. Created by Insomniac Games, the highly successful game was expertly crafted by Bryan Intihar and Ryan Smith. Released on October 20, it sold more than 2.5 million digital and physical copies within 24 hours. The game follows Peter Parker, voiced by the returning Yuri Lowenthal, and Miles Morales, voiced by Nadji Jeter. The two Spider-Men strive to protect the city from two villains, Kraven the Hunter and Venom.
a host to survive, giving a whole new story of Venom bonding with Peter’s best friend, Harry Osborn. Kraven the Hunter’s main goal in this game is to move to the city of New York to complete the “big hunt” of many characters involved with Spider-Man. This game introduces a never-before-seen story, new side missions, and unique suits from comics and movies. Overall, the game was very successful with fans giving the game a 9.3 out of 10. IGN gave the game a rating of 8 out of 10 while giving the other two games much higher ratings.
This game was a highly anticipated follow-up to Spider-Man (PS4) and Spider-Man Miles Morales, which were both nominated for Game of the Year. The first-ever trailer of the game was released two years ago and gave the world its first look at Venom and hints towards Kraven. The character Venom is one of the most well-known Spider-Man villains and is a sentient alien symbiote that bonds to
Spider-Man 2 is a game-changer for superhero-related games. Switching between Miles and Peter gives players a variety of missions to complete and a more in-depth story. The main story of the game does a phenomenal job of making the player feel connected to Spider-Man, showing the difficulty of living two different lives of an ordinary person and Spider-Man. What makes this game so special is how both Spider-Men go through a roller coaster of emotions. As seen in the trailers, Peter bonds with the Venom symbiote, becoming a Spider-Man who starts to lose control of himself and begins to forget about the people who care for him. Miles too starts to lose control due to the villain Mister Negative, or Martin Li, who was one of the main villains in the first game who killed Miles’s father. In the current game, Mister Negative has escaped and is nowhere to be found. This takes over Miles, and he starts to become fixated on only finding Mister Negative, which almost makes him forget his duties as Spider-Man. As with almost every story-oriented game, there are side missions to complete giving the player a variety of different stories to experience. With Spider-Man 2, the side missions didn’t have anything too special about them and were
just OK. This was the only disappointing part about the game; though some side missions were entertaining, most fell far from expectations. Overall Spider-Man 2 had one of the greatest main stories in video game history but still landed short in side missions. With Spider-Man 2 being a follow-up to the first two original games the developers took what was good and took out what was bad about the previous games.
“There are certain missions where I was just jaw dropped.” Though many features returned from the previous games, new special attacks, suit advancements, and new skill trees brought the game to a whole other level. The new special attacks for both Spider-Men were more advanced and visually amazing. With Peter, you get to have symbiote special attacks where the player can use the symbiote to execute various attacks. Suit advancements like the Iron Spider arms also elevated the game, allowing for more special attacks. The suit advancement that everyone was looking forward to though was the web wings, which allow players to soar and glide through the city. With the addition of the web wings, web tunnels were also added, which allow the player to glide through the city at high speeds. A skill tree is a set of abilities or advancements in the game that you can unlock as you progress in the game. The skill tree in the game was
WEB OF VILLAINS Sandman
Myestrio
THE LIZARD
Mister Negative
upgraded compared to the last games; it affected all aspects like combat, health, traversal, focus, and web swinging. As the player levels up and continues through the story, they can unlock all-new abilities that were not in the original games. A total of 71 suits can be unlocked by completing side missions and the main story. Suits range from suits from movies like Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man played by Tobey McGuire, Andrew Garfield’s suits from The Amazing Spider-Man 1 and 2, all of Tom Holland’s Spider-Man suits, and even suits from the Into and Across the Spider-Verse movies. Many of the suits were also somewhat customizable with the ability to change the color and look to fit the players’ likeness. Though many well-known and loved suits were added, the game’s new suits were very disappointing and did not fit with what the fans were hoping for. Most of the suits were basic and had little to no design. Miles’s suits were the most disappointing
Venom
coming from the most stylish character. Senior Nick Ryan said, “I loved it. I have to say, I liked the story of the first game more, but I still really liked this game a lot.” Ryan played the game the second it came out and said he completed the main story in less than 24 hours. “There are certain missions where I was just jaw dropped. I was just like, what is happening? This is awesome,” he said. Ryan still had some critiques to give. “The web wings are really cool. The only thing I don’t like about the web wings is the web tunnels. I feel like I’m just flying. I’m like Ironman at this point. It should be more like a gliding mechanic but it’s still really cool,” he said. While reaching the end of the game, Miles gets a new suit that is questionable, some like it and some do not. “The Miles suits were so bad … I won’t spoil anything but he’s like Miles’s original. And I was like, bro put that back in your closet.” Ryan gives the game an overall score of 6/5 expressing
that his love for the characters and story outweighs all that he disliked. With that being said I give the game 4.5/5 stars because the story and characters were amazing but the side missions and suits make the game short of perfect. By; Cole Broumas, Editor-in-Training
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THE FLASH
Kraven
Girlhood Through the Ages
Experiences and memories through the eyes of mothers, daughters, and sisters.
Putting on makeup in the morning, putting on lotion after a shower, painting our nails, shopping for hours, and cute pajamas. These experiences are some of the classic events girls go through. Thanks to the new Barbie movie, many girls all over have started to become more aware of what girlhood is and means. Rocklin High School girls, including sisters and a mom, share their experiences with girlhood. “Shopping with my friends, all the girly stuff,” said Ashlyn Penny, a junior at Rocklin High School. Being a member of the Rocklin Dance Team is her favorite community to be a part of. “Having common passions and getting ready together and just growing up together are memories I’ll always love,” said Penny, highlighting that the small moments and actions that build each other up are what girlhood is all about. “Lessons that have stuck with me have been not caring what other people think and being yourself,” said Penny. Remembering some lessons her mom taught her to remember throughout her life. “Some of my favorite memories are definitely when me and my sister would go hide from our dad and we would try to be so quiet and just running around together,” said Penny. Girlhood is what shapes us into who we are and how we treat others today. “Look back on some memories you have — whether it’s a one-time conversation, a
“
favor you asked, or a strong connection you hold — and find the positive in it,” said Penny. “Having a cozy home, lots of food, and lots of friends” is how Mrs. Penny describes girlhood. Now that she’s taken the role of a mother, her girlhood experiences have changed. ”I think when the girls leave the house, those will be the memories I think of, like all the friends being over here.” Now that she has her daughters, she can’t imagine life without them. “Telling the girls to always have integrity and be a trustworthy friend is so important and ultimately letting them find their moral compass and help guide them in making decisions” are some lessons she wants her daughters to remember. Being open and honest with each other helps build their relationship in the best way and creates an environment of trust and comfort, which is exactly what girlhood is surrounded by. Evan and Ariss, juniors at RHS come as a package. “I think we do have our rough patches but overall we always
Girlhood creates a sense of community for all girls” — Ariss Peterson
will love each other,” said Ariss Peterson. Through the ups and downs, Ariss had someone she could count on, “Having a sister made me never feel alone, I always had someone with me.” Evan Peterson agrees and says she felt more comfortable doing things because she had someone there with her. Going to football games, going out with friends, and going on dutch runs are some memories they share. “When you think about it, girls’ experiences are so fun when you look back, like stressing about hair or nails and getting fun food and drinks is so much fun.” Girls share this sense of community that is such a significant part of our lives. “I couldn’t imagine being a boy and not getting to experience stuff with all my friends and the small moments.”
“I am grateful that I was able to have friends over and have the freedom of being a kid. My mom has given me the ability to live life to the fullest.” — Ashlyn Penney
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By: Olivia Cruz and Abby Clarke, Staff Reporters
Giddy for Ghibli The films that have viewers spirited away
THENERDPATROL
“Life is suffering. It is hard. The world is cursed. But still, you find reasons to keep living.” That was a quote from Hayao Miyazaki, an animator, filmmaker, and co-founder of Studio Ghibli. His and Studio Ghibli’s works are widely revered for their masterful storytelling, animation, and ability to connect filmgoers. Studio Ghibli’s movies such as Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, Grave of The Fireflies, Howl’s Moving Castle, and Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, have all gained recent attention due to Studio Ghibli Fest, a movie festival rereleasing the films to theaters including in Rocklin. Studio Ghibli’s films have garnered widespread appeal by tackling heavy topics such as war, loss, love, and compassion. This helps make Studio Ghibli one of the most celebrated animation studios in history. Studio Ghibli is an animation studio located in Japan. Founded in 1985 by Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, and Toshio Suzuki, the studio’s purpose is to make high-quality animated movies in Japan. Over the 30 years following its founding, the studio has created many films, some of which are credited as masterpieces and have even won awards.
These films have been highly praised for their directing, art style, storytelling, and ability to connect people through different topics. Frederick Bardwell, a former student of Rocklin High School (RHS), said that “it’s a breath of fresh air.” The way the films are presented has significantly contributed to what makes them so famous. One reason these movies are widely revered is the variety of concepts explored
“It feels like a real, living place even when you’re not there.” in them. The films created by Studio Ghibli cover a broad range of ideas, from nature to war. In Princess Mononoke, for example, one of the main themes is the inevitable conflict between nature and human expansion. Abby Zeibert, a senior at RHS, said ”They have consistent logic… and there all of these inner workings
with the nature spirits…that they feel like their own community… it feels like a real living place even when you’re not there.” The films’ power to identify major issues, pose hard moral questions, and gain emotional reactions from filmgoers is a major contributor to why Studio Ghibli is so well known and loved. There are other examples as well, with Porco Rosso exploring the aftermath of war, Howl’s Moving Castle about not running from your problems, and many more. Because there is such a wide range of themes explored in these films, Studio Ghibli’s works can resonate with everyone on some level. Even as the movies explore different themes, one big concept — change — is prevalent within many of them. This idea of change is a central concept in many of these films, especially Hayao Miyazaki films. Porco Rosso, for example, deals with the aftermath of WW1 and displays how the war affected people in the aftermath of WW1. In Spirited Away, when a main character is transported to a new world that is foreign and alien, we see that character adapt to change. Through these films, we also see the positive side to change by being a part of
Hayao Miyazaki Filmography 1984: Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind 1986: Castle in the Sky CRAIG DUFFY
There is one other central theme in Studio Ghibli’s movies that connects people, and that is loss. The exploration of the effect of losing people you care for or your valued possessions is a huge factor into why people adore these films. Spirited Away deals with loss in that it portrays the loss of one’s comfort in the familiar. Grave of The Fireflies shows us how badly people have suffered in the war and lost so much, which pulls on the heartstrings of those who can identify with that kind of loss. But there’s the side of understanding and empathy that comes with loss, with many characters in
LONGPLAY
these films going through development and improvement that is often spurred by loss, like in Proco Rosso, where the main character comes to accept and deal with his trauma of losing his comrades in war. Pawni Tawari, a junior at RHS, feels that
loss “resonates a lot more … to see a movie relatable in terms like loss ….” But the reason why Studio Ghibli is still relevant in people’s minds is because of Studio Ghibli Fest. Having started back in 2017, many people have been able to see and experience the true wonder of Studio Ghibli in theaters. Zeibert believes that “it’s great that they’re in theaters, it’s a really different experience …. Having the big screen where it takes up your
1988: My Neighbor Totoro 1989: Kiki’s Delivery Service 1992: Porco
“T0 see a movie Rosso relatable in 1997: Princess terms like loss ...” Mononoke entire vision and the sound takes up your entire body, it’s such a great way to watch the movie.” Many people have also been introduced to the world of Studio Ghibli through these films, with Fredrick saying “Studio Ghibli films being shown in theaters will make it more accessible ….” Through the theatrical release of Studio Ghibli’s movies, many people have been introduced to the mysterious and wondrous world of anime. By: Jason Cardanini, Editor-in-Training
2001: Spirited Away 2004: Howl’s Moving Castle 2008: Ponyo 2013: The Wind Rises 2023: The Boy and the Heron
THE FLASH
that change, like when Zeibert says the movies show us “standing up for what you believe in and trying to make a positive change in the world.” By learning and accepting change is an inevitable part of life, you learn you can work with and help make the change you want to see.
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THROUGH
NATURE’S
What do you think of when you hear the word “nature”? Perhaps a thick grove of towering trees with a dense canopy and fanning leaves. Or maybe you think of a delicate flower swaying in a gentle breeze. Maybe an elephant, a desert, a cactus – the specific thing doesn’t matter. What does matter, however, is how you think about that thing. Particularly in quite an urbanized area such as Rocklin, it is easy to forget how much we can learn from nature, from the tallest trees to the tiniest microbes. Most people do not think too deeply about how things “work” in nature, and that is okay. It is there for us to enjoy as leisure, to reduce our stress levels, and to provide a home for animals and insects and producers. But, this typically means that if you pick up a leaf, it is doubtful that you would endeavor to decipher why it is structured a certain way or what benefits a given attribute accomplishes. Most people might not care why a leaf looks or functions a certain way – but more and more people are committed to showing the world why it does matter. They are known as biomimics: people who look to nature to solve many of the issues our planet is currently facing.
These aforementioned biomimics are appropriately named for studying or embracing the science known as biomimicry. Biomimicry is probably an unknown word for the majority of the population. However, when broken down, its meaning is quite clear: the prefix “bio” means “life”, and “mimic” means to imitate. Put them together and you get “imitate life,: which gives you a pretty adequate understanding of what this term means. Beth Rattner is the executive director of The Biomimicry Institute, a non-profit organization dedicated to using nature as a guide for design. Dedicating years to the field of biomimicry and simply having a deep love for nature, she reminds us that “everybody already has some relationship to nature. Biomimicry is just basically
LENS
saying, there’s this whole other way to learn from nature that you don’t even know about yet.” As it stands currently, there is some disconnect between nature and a typical man-made lifestyle. Rattner said that “the sooner that we start to build a bridge between those two worlds, the better off we will be.”
The fact is, we are surrounded by nature-inspired solutions every day. An excellent example of biomimicry is something that is widely used: Velcro. It is on our backpacks, shoes, and it even helps to keep our school-issued Chromebook cords in place. This you already know, but what you might not know is that Velcro was invented by a Swiss engineer named George de Mestral in the 1940s. While hiking with his dog in the mountains of Switzerland, a burr (a prickly casing for seed) became stuck to his dog’s fur and his pants. Mestral’s curiosity ignited passion, inspiration, and design, which, in turn, led to development – a development that, perhaps, is currently used to fasten your shoes. As Rattner explained, “Biomimicry is really important because it puts people of all ages back into the driver’s seat as solvers. I love that. I think that’s such an important part.” Biomimicry is rare in that it isn’t necessary to have an exceptional understanding of the inner workings of nature or science or math to grasp the overall concepts at hand. You just have to be curious, willing to ask questions, and open to learning from an unconventional kind of teacher. Rattner said that “it is accessible to everybody. It doesn’t matter if you think you’re a designer or an engineer or not, it doesn’t matter if you think
CURIOSITY CAN SAVE THE PLANET. you’re an artist or not, it doesn’t matter if you think you’re going to be a chemist or not. It’s worth it to just be inspired by the world again.” For five years, the Biomimicry Institute has encouraged this curiosity and inspiration-seeking mindset through their annual competition, the Youth Design Challenge (YDC). The YDC is a way for middle and high school students to “design bio-inspired ideas that can provide solutions to critical real-world problems,” and it has been quite far-reaching in its scope; over 12,000 students, 37 states, and 21 countries participate. The goal of this initiative is to encourage young scientists to create solutions to implement in the future. In addition to the YDC, the Biomim-
icry Institute has created a comprehensive database of all things nature, appropriately named “AskNature.” You can type any question regarding bio-inspired design on the website, and it will provide you with multiple articles and examples of how that design functions. This database further encourages curiosity, prompting people to think unconventionally about things that might seem basic. “I think that the best part about nature-inspired design,” Rattner said, “is that it puts that wonder back into your life. It lends itself to curiosity.” Taking a moment to appreciate nature and its wonders would be beneficial for all of us. In today’s fast-paced world of ever-advancing technology, artificial intelligence, and industry, looking to nature becomes a clearer, more sustainable, healthier solution. Nature has known how to exist and flourish for millennia. So, it only seems fitting that humans could take a page out of nature’s book when it comes to learning how to thrive ourselves (we should just be careful taking out that page, though – if it is fastened with Velcro, it might be hard to remove). By: Sophia Love, Staff Reporter
THE FLASH
BIOMIMICRY INSTITUTE
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Endurance Beyond Miles Exploring the dual terrain of mind and body in cross country
ANDERSON WANG
ANDERSON WANG
In the world of cross-country running, it’s easy to assume that it’s all about putting one foot in front of the other. However, the sport is a complex tapestry of physical and mental challenges where athletes test their limits and push themselves to achieve remarkable feats.
ANDERSON WANG
ANDERSON WANG
Leo Lomugdang, a senior varsity cross-country runner, said, “Cross country has a real physical toll on your body.” The toll is not limited to race days alone but is a daily struggle that demands unwavering commitment. As Lomugdang puts it, “having to commit yourself every day” is a significant part of the athlete’s journey. However, the mental aspect of cross country is where the sport truly separates the extraordinary from the ordinary. Lomugdang acknowledged the solitary nature of long runs, stating, “It is really tough mentally if you’re by yourself.” Running alone requires mental resilience as athletes grapple with self-doubt and push themselves to continue. Likewise, Allie Harman, a sophomore varsity cross-country runner, emphasized
ANDERSON WANG
the importance of body awareness during the arduous races. “I really pay attention to how my body feels throughout running,” highlighting the need for constant self-assessment to perform at one’s best. But the biggest factor in success is consistency. “Consistency is key,” Lomugdang observed. The daily grind, the persistent training, and the ability to show up and give your best each day contribute to long-term success in cross country. However, running is not just an individual endeavor. “There’s people around you that are pushing you to keep running,” said Anderson Wang, a sophomore varsity runner here at Rocklin high school. Wang said that it’s a reminder that even during the most challenging moments,
ANDERSON WANG ANDERSON WANG
ANDERSON WANG
cross-country runners are part of a team, drawing strength and motivation from their peers. But the biggest factor in success is consistency.
ANDERSON WANG
Wang, a sophomore varsity runner, said, “Every runner faces the challenge of giving up, and everyone has different strategies for overcoming that. Personally, I’ll just keep my eye on the person in front of me.” By: Maggie Smith, Staff Reporter
ANDERSON WANG
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Moreover, the relentless nature of cross country is evident as Wang points out that In cross country, there are no timeouts or substitutions. Runners must keep going, regardless of their physical or mental hurdles.
The Power of
NOSTALGIA
Kaelyn Cunningham
Sophomore Gabe Tavares - “Tahoe makes me Nostalgic because I used to go there with my family every winter”
Kaelyn Cunningham
Sophomore Evan Keeney: “Old musically videos make me nostalgic because I grew up off of those songs and sounds and whenever I hear them it brings back memories”
Psychological Factors We can all recognize nostalgia by the warm feeling we get from hearing, seeing, or even smelling something. The brain takes a bunch of enjoyable core memories and creates a highlight reel when something triggers one of those memories, and we feel reminiscent of simpler times or a specific person. We all feel nostalgic when we see our favorite TV shows from when we were young or our very first childhood toy. Though nostalgia often seems connected to childhood memories, it can also be tied to a person who reminds us of happier times.
One major trigger of nostalgia are photos. Rocklin High School Positive Psychology teacher Scott Bergemann said, “Smells, sights, pictures, memories … anything that will trigger a familiar memory that can help bring [back] that nostalgic memory, but pictures I think tend to be a really good one that we have access to these days.”
Nostalgia gives people that warm and fuzzy feeling, but it also promotes a person’s well-being. If you are ever feeling down, dipping into nostalgic memories can help alleviate those negative thoughts temporarily.
Nostalgia is a highly social emotion that connects an individual to others. Everyday Health said, “reminiscing with family and friends, watching home videos, or viewing photos from the past can help you feel closer and more connected.”
Kaelyn Cunningham
Sophomore Crew Jameson: “The lake makes me Nostalgic because I went there as a kid and it was a lot of fun.
Kaelyn Cunningham
Sophomore Rylee Brown: “My childhood show Liv and Maddie and it makes me nostalgic because I used to watch it everyday when I was little.
The Triggers Nostalgia can be triggered in many ways, ranging from pictures to memories. Usually, nostalgia is triggered when life gets overwhelming and people long for simpler times. Rocklin High School AP Psychology teacher Eric Sturgeon said, “It’s kind of like the brain’s way of telling you, ‘Hey remember when things were awesome? They can be again.’” Nostalgic memories involve family and friends who remind people of where they belong. Sturgeon said, “[it] reinforce[s] our sense of belonging. When people feel isolated or lonely, those warm and fuzzy memories remind us that we
have people who care about us — even if they’re not right in front of us at the moment”. Although nostalgia is primarily a positive emotion, it can bring spirits down. Rocklin High School’s Positive Psychology teacher Scott Bergemann said, “[Nostalgia] could be potentially overwhelming …. People could have an issue processing those nostalgic feelings. Wanting the past to be the present when it can’t be.” This is a potential downside of stressing individuals out more than before.
Rocklin High School Rally circa 2009
Nostalgia helps people move forward as well. It gives a positive emotional boost and helps make people feel optimistic about the future. Rocklin High School’s Positive Psychology teacher Eric Sturgeon said, “This can serve as motivation to seek out more meaningful experiences, pushing us to achieve new goals, or deepen current relationships.” Nostalgia is a bittersweet emotion that is experienced when reminisc-
ing about old memories and relating them to the life we are currently leading. Nostalgia is present in our everyday lives even when we do not realize it. University of Southern California psychologist Devid Newman and his colleagues did a study in which they had participants download an app that would ping throughout the day and the participants would have to answer a series of questions. Psychology
Today, a magazine focused on human behavior and psychology stated, “People felt more nostalgic when they were with family and friends or when they were eating than they did when they were at work or school.” Newman also performed a time-lag analysis to see if they could find a connection between nostalgia and mood. Psychology Today stated, “they correlated each instance of nostalgia with mood later that day or the next day.” The mood they
found tended to remain low throughout that period suggesting that nostalgia is ineffective at boosting moods. Another reason behind this could be similar to when we get the flu and take cold medicine it relieves the symptoms. When someone is sad, and they think nostalgic thoughts it does not suddenly make them happy, they still will feel sad, just not as bad as before. By: Kaelyn Cunningham, Editor-in-Training
THE FLASH
What is nostalgia...
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