THE
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A STEP IN THE NEXT DIRECTION
Rocklin High School | Vol No. 24 Issue 4 | June 2017
Spring 2016 | Rocklin High School | Volume 24
WETELLYOURSTORIES ROCKLIN HIGH STUDENT MEDIA JOIN US NEXT YEAR: FLASH MAGAZINE/WEB TONITRUS YEARBOOK PHOTOJOURNALISM FOLLOW US: @ROCKLINYEARBOOK ON INSTRAGRAM @RHSFLASH & @RHSSPORTS ON TWITTER
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Express . Connect . Discover Rocklin High’s student led Journalism program encompassing school culture and lifestyle
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The Staff Editors In Chief Jessie Valverde Allison Gerber
Assistant Editors Ka'iulani Kawamoto Samuel Michael Photographers Riley Baldwin Lauren Cole Alyssa Goyhenetche Mikaela Noble Kohana Ramirez Taylor Ruiz Staff Writers Shane Atkins Marley Bauer Nikki Bhatia Connor Bolli Caitlin Caffrey Megan Campbell
Design Director Sofia Fernando
Media Editors Logan Bik
Megan Campbell Caitlin Caffrey Megan Campbell Isaiah Garcia Grace Gaumer Ashley Hay Maria Hudson Courtney Langstrom Raymond Matthews James Murphy Naeirika Neev Ashley Pfaff Hannah Shows Katelyn Suggs
Room M5 w ill alw ay s be in our hearts... 2 | The Flash
We’ve reached the end. The end of the school year. The end of our high school career. The final magazine. It’s strange to think the four years we’ve been at this school have lead up to this moment. Room M5 will always have a special place in our hearts. This class is so much more than just producing the best magazine and stories. We will always look back on this class and the lessons it has taught us. This class has taught us how to defend our first amendment rights, helped improve our communication skills in person and on paper, inspired us to push both ourselves and classmates to create the best quality products and most importantly TO NEVER USE AN OXFORD COMMA (look it up). While some were indifferent toward Nichols’ long speeches and lessons, we as editors, believe it was an integral aspect of this class. His daily talks brought awareness to current events and taught us how something happening across the country, or even the world, can be relevant to our campus and student body. What most don’t understand are the countless hours our class has put into each and every one of our magazines. Starting in April 2016 at the Los Angeles journalism convention, we began mapping out the plans for the 2016-2017 school year. We brainstormed the first few weeks of class along with the four themes for our issues. We wanted to start off the year with a bang, releasing our first issue with the intent of raising awareness of several controversial topics. By titling the issue “Over the Edge”, we covered issues such as gun control, politics and LGBTQ+ rights. In our second issue, “Outside the Box”, we covered students and staff on campus who act outside societal norms. Some of the stories included students who have tattoos, unusual sports and interesting activities teachers do when they are not in the classroom. Our third issue, “Behind the Scenes”, gives the well-deserved light to those who go above and beyond to make Rocklin the amazing school that it is. From the tech theater class, broadcasting crew and to our outstanding teachers, reading this issue will give you an entirely new appreciation for our RHS community. Now, as you are reading this note you have in your hand, our last Flash magazine of the year. We thought “A Step in the Next Direction” would be the perfect theme for a last issue as we finish up this year and prepare ourselves for new beginnings. To quote the song made famous by RHS senior rallies: “every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.” So as we end this school year and finish our final magazine, we begin the search for new beginnings and will always look back on RHS student media and be appreciative of all that we’ve learned from it.
Co-Editors-in-Chief 2016-2017 The Flash Express . Connect . Discover
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senior
GOOD BYES Graduting seniors share what they have learned throughout their high school careers or in the journalism program. “I’ve learned that if you’re not controversial you’re probably not being yourself. -Raymond Matthews
When you are passionate and invested in something, it’s always worth it to lose. Don’t let a fear of failure paralyze progress and exploration. -Hannah Shows
"The people around are the ones who make you, just make sure they’re good ones or you’ll end up being a sucky person." -Courtney Langstrom
“Don’t be afraid “Don’t even to do new things. bother with being You’ll never get worried about anywhere in life if what others think. you aren’t willing It’s a waste of the to screw up a time you could be few dozen times, using to do what and learn from makes you happy. your mistakes. Also, time has Unfortunately, no meaning at 3 this has led to me repeatedly making a.m. Stop staying up so late and treat important." very dumb decisions. But I learned. yourself.” -Taylor Ruiz And that’s what matters.” -Ka’iulani Kawamoto - Marley Bauer Sometimes it’s important to do things that you don’t really need to do. -Ashley Hay
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“High school is a chapter of your life, not the plot.” -Kohana Ramirez
"I learned that I will never stop growing." -Riley Baldwin
"Keep your eyes open and don't let opportunities pass you by." -Logan Bik
“It’s not wrong to live your life in your own way. You’ve made it through plenty of years of anxiety and change; you’ll make through plenty more.” -Connor Bolli
"It’s all perception based anyways and this is why the world lacks balance. Open your eyes, open your mind. Remember what’s
“Life is too deep for words, so don’t try to describe it, just live it.” -Angelina Tappero
“Get experience with what you love. Qualifications will get you to the interview but experience and passion will get you further.” -Alyssa Goyhenetche
“Don’t focus all your time on one small thing, because you could miss out on something great. And never forget that meme work makes the dream work.” -Sam Michael
“Just remember that whatever happens here won’t matter in 5 years.” -Mikaela Noble
The act faced clear opposition from the poor and unemployed, people who have depended on socialized medicine for years. However, many Republican-leaning members of Congress defended the act, saying that it would reduce federal spending and help reform the Medicare system. After being debated in Congress, it was withdrawn at the end of March for a lack of support.
*Information accurate as of April 30th
PC: Creative Commons
Our new president’s healthcare plan received similar treatment upon its introduction to Congress. Named the American Health Care Act, it aimed to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act passed by Obama.
25 40% 54% 4.5% 59+
Depending on how the vote comes out, Trump’s executive order and the wall may not come to fruition. Either way, it is a major step towards a change in the American immigration policy.
While Obama gets well-deserved vacation time, visiting the British Virgin Islands and moving to a new home, Trump’s time in office has only just begun. Change is the name of the game, and Trump’s first 100 days have shown nothing but change. From foreign affairs to social rights, America will look very different four years from now, for better or for worse.
anti-Trump Protests
Both America and Congress are divided on the topic, leaving the wall unbuilt for now. A majority of Democrats and even some Republicans have been fighting against the wall, mainly for its high cost and impact on foreign policy. However, the Republican group that supports the executive order claims that it is necessary to decrease illegal immigration. Both sides have valid points, leaving Congress deadlocked.
However, saying that all minority groups are anti-Trump would be an over-exaggeration. There are millions of women and people of color who voted for President Trump because they thought that he represented their viewpoints. While many people continue to protest, these silent groups are just as fascinating in their acceptance of the president.
unemployment rate
Though the plan for a Mexican-American wall was little more than a joke for many Americans, it has become a reality through Executive Order 13767. True to Trump’s promises, the executive order commissions the construction of a wall along the Southern border, as well as strengthening the US border guard.
Acts that disagree with these groups face strong opposition, and it is plausible that this opposition will last throughout Trump’s term. Though all presidents have been the subject of marches and protests, President Trump has faced an overwhelming amount. This will prove to create a political dynamic unlike any other.
disapproval rating
The first 100 days in a president’s term are always important, setting a precedent for the next four years. From FDR’s New Deal to Obama’s energy memorandum, a modern president is often defined by their first 100 days. President Trump is no exception, following through on many of his campaign promises.
In the Women’s March on January 21st, some marchers carried signs with slogans like “Hey Trump, women are people too!” and “My dog would be a better president!”, clearly protesting the election of a president who they see unfit to hold office. Significant protest has come from other groups, like immigrants and members of the LGBTQ+ community, who fear possible removal of their rights.
approval rating
True, the season of campaigning is over. While this means that there are no more commercials and posters, this hasn’t stopped this from being an exciting time in politics. There is just as much news about President Trump now as there was before, and for a good reason.
Trump has been a steadfast enemy of abortion, putting him at odds with the modern feminist movement. He is pro-life, while the women’s movement is heavily pro-choice. Combined with comments he made before the election and his other political views, he became the human embodiment of anti-feminism for many women.
executive orders
The ballots are already in, the electoral votes have already been counted, and the new president has already been sworn in. For many people, the political season is over. However, as Trump’s first 100 days come to a close, politics have never been so active.
By
The real political season has just begun.
The Affordable care Act is not the only Obama-era piece of legislation being attacked by Trump. In Obama’s first 100 days, he made an executive order that allowed American funding of foreign abortion nonprofits. Right at the start of Trump’s term, on the other hand, this act was repealed, blocking American funds from reaching foreign abortion clinics.
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By: Kate Suggs
Numbers
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There is not another health care act to vote on yet, but odds are high that President Trump will be drafting a more neutral healthcare plan that looks more like Obamacare. There will still be a reversal, however small it is, in the socialized healthcare that has defined America for the past eight years.
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Women of the
What’s New with the Great Mixing Bowl By: Naeirika Neev and Maria Hudson
Women. The feminism fighting force that conquers worldwide. The soldiers. The lovers. The workers. The life-givers. The list stretches on for countless miles. Now surrounded by chaos, women have been standing up more than ever before, going down in history. Ms. Pilar Padilla, a language arts teacher at RHS brought into light that, “the equal rights happened in the 70’s, and so everyone [thinks we’re done]. But now it’s really about waking people up to the reality that it isn’t really done.” The feminist movement was taken up generations ago and slowly crawled its way forward. In 1848, a small group of abolitionist activists gathering at Seneca Falls, New York sparked this movement. What has been revealed recently by the support of the new president in 2016 is that women are yet to be undermined by the rest of society. But in a world of fierce women running the resistance and much of the world, backlash is but a minor obstacle. The protests in the U.S. soon ignited a fire that set the rest of the world aflame. Signs stating boldness and justice were brandished in countless languages, countrie, interpretations and colors. Women once again enveloped the world in all their might. Though there are some issues in the movement yet persisting. Of course, as with many other social changes the feminist movement contains flaws that need to be polished. One of the components that it lacks greatly is being intersectional in the sense that modern feminism doesn’t always include women of color, transgender women, or women of different religions. This generation may be the one that takes the big step in ending this exclusion. The diversification of these protests is a newly sprouted root in the media. The lack of equality in other regions has been an enormous force holding societies back. But women of color fighting for rights have risen and we have now seen its face and its power. With transgender women too, little is done in the grand scale of this ongoing battle to offer protection and recognition, but it is necessary to change that as these women need just as much protection, if not more. Will this movement gain more ground or die out? Ms. Padilla concluded that. “as [Trump] continues to do ridiculous things he will keep us [wanting to fight] for his entire presidency...Feminism isn’t anti-male. It’s for men, too. It’s about the feminine, that empathy, that caring, that has been relegated to women when it’s really for everybody.”
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Ready to Spring Clean Your Closet? Here’s some new looks to keep an eye out for. By: Courtney Langstrom
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avish Business Life RHS Sophomore Ryan Rockey Opens His Own Studio For YouTube Channel The Starbucks right down the street from Rocklin is a well-known hangout
for many Thunder students. It is a great place to relax, grab a bite to eat and maybe meet up with some friends. However, less than a block away, another friendly face is moving in, this time at the other end of the counter. Ryan Rockey, a sophomore at RHS has been interested in business from a young age. “My whole life I have really been into business. When I was nine I started my own E-bay business, where I flipped and sold lego sets, and from there, it just kind of grew,” he said. Now, Ryan and his business partner Brandon Gillespie, (also an RHS sopho- Instead, Spencer also puts a lot of time into his own business, one in more) have been operating a successful YouTube channel, as well as managing which he sells a plethora of different goods on Ebay a computer business named “Lavish PCs.” In fact, the former is becoming so successful that Ryan is renting out a unit for a studio next to Starbucks. “There’s other ways to [find success],” he said, “There are people that are making a ton of money right now without any sort of education… “Basically, we’re all going to have our desks and our computers there, which If you want to take the less traditional route you have to teach youris where we edit, and we also have a film area and a set,” Ryan explained. self.” As far as the content of their channel is concerned, Ryan and Brandon focus mainly on creating videos that feature politics, financial advice and a tech channel for the Lavish PCs they sell. In the future though, Ryan hopes to expand his business to reach even larger audiences.
So, to answer the question of how well colleges might view such young entrepreneurship, the answer might not actually leave its mark in the grade book at all.
Instead, Ryan said: “It gives you a foundation, kind of like what to “I am really hoping this will just give me the chance to establish a business expect in the real world.” that is successful and profitable, and from there it is kind of like a small step towards the bigger goal of starting an app company, which would be my end And that simple statement might carry what can be so easy to forget goal,” Ryan explained. - that there really is no substitution for experience. One can only accumulate so much knowledge from books, and after that, the only way to Lavish Studios was opened March 2, 2017 but Ryan still credits the people achieve what they want is by actually doing. who gave him business advice along the way as being essential to his success. “[My dad’s boss] runs a business too so he gave me a lot of feedback on what The process may start with something as simple as lego sets, and there to do and how to implement certain things, so I can say for sure without him will be mistakes along the way, but when one just goes out and gives it our business wouldn’t be anything.” a try, they might find something that truly is - yes, lavish. One might imagine a teenager running his own business would look, to say the-Jimmy Murphy least, mighty swell to colleges, but Ryan has noticed that there might be more to it than that. “People I know that are really successful, like my friend Spencer, their focus isn’t completely on getting straight A’s,” Ryan said.
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e t
Feeling the Summer Vibes
Rockli n High students discuss the interesting activites they have planned over the summer
The date is June 8, 2017. The long sound of the dismissal bell roars through the campus of Rocklin High and a sea of students rush out of the classrooms. Immediately after, students are off to their usual summer plans of sleeping in, consuming vast amounts of junk food and enjoying the relaxation of summer break. However, there are several students who have planned certain summer activities that the majority of the student body usually don’t do. Some are doing these summer plans for community service, vacation or just pure entertainment. For sophomore Laura Chaney, she is spending time with teacher Stephanie Arino and other students by attending the Europe trip. Students involved in this trip get to experience the magnificent countries of France, Germany and Italy.
Laura commented, “I’m very excited to go on the trip and I can’t wait to see new places and have new experiences with traveling. I decided to go on the trip because I’ve been wanting to go to Europe for the longest time. I’ve always wanted to try the food and visit tourist attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and Coliseum.” Junior Will Dowden has participated in multiple plays and musicals here at Rocklin High. However, he is beginning to further his theater career by taking part in one of the community’s musicals. “This summer I’m auditioning for Legally Blonde at Rocklin Community Theatre. I’m beyond excited because this is going to be my first show outside of Rocklin High and I can’t wait to experience a new environment and branch out even more,” Will exclaimed. In addition, sophomore Allyson Weubbe is traveling to Washington for a missionary trip. “I go on mission trip with my church every summer, and I love it. We all bond with each other and get to know each other better while receiving the opportunity to help others in need. Last year, we went to San Diego and volunteered at the senior home, a poor local school, a women's center for domestic violence, food banks, and homeless shelters. It is such a rewarding experience, and I recommend everyone does it for you will not be the only one to get something out of it." Students all over Rocklin High are not doing the norm. They are devoting some of their time over the summer to do interesting plans. Rocklin High School is very unique for their students who involve themselves in diverse, unusual activities. By Isaiah Garcia
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APOverload Students have decided to load up on the weighted courses next year
Freshman, sophomores and juniors have recently planned out their classes with their counselors and are thinking carefully about what classes they should take. Rocklin offers a wide selection of courses, with over twenty of them being AP. Some people like to take it easy with little to no weighted classes, while others challenge themselves by taking two or three. A select few, however, go all out, and more than half their classes consist of APs or honors.
“I compete in track and field, although I have also done two years of cross-country. In addition to that I would normally be training in Taekwondo competitively, but I am currently recovering from an injury and have taken a break,” Alex explains, “I am a part of the school’s Science and Biology Olympiad clubs, and a lot of my reading goes towards studying for competitions. My extracurricular clubs really make my high school life colorful and give me something extra to strive for.”
Lorin Danielsen, a sophomore, has decided to sign herself up for six APs for junior year. These classes include AP English Language, AP Calculus AB, AP US History, AP Physics 2, AP Chemistry and AP Computer Science A.
“I enjoy learning anyway, so studying for me is seen as a time for me to relax and think instead of as a chore,” adds Alex.
“The main reason I have decided to take these classes is that I am very interested in all of the subject materials and I enjoy being in challenging learning environments with like-minded people. I’m not really concerned with my mental health because my high school schedules have never been very rigorous and I think I am prepared to handle more challenging classes,” states Lorin. Another sophomore ready to take on a tough schedule, Alexander Way, is signed up for five APs - AP Calculus AB, AP Statistics, AP Biology, AP Physics 2 and AP English Language. He has discovered that his classes currently are not challenging him enough in math and science, which happen to be his favorite subjects. Along with all of his academics, Alex participates heavily in extracurricular activities, such as track and Science Olympiad.
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Megan Lie, a junior going into her senior year, has chosen to take four APs and one honors class, even though seniors have the opportunity to take only six classes. Megan finds herself being skilled in math and science, so she is up for the test of taking these rigorous courses. “I’m really good at math and science, and I would really like to challenge myself by taking a lot of APs, even for my senior year. Also, my GPA and grades are important for me and I want to get into a really good college.” Rocklin has a wide variety of classes, from laid back electives, to time consuming APs. Though the recommended maximum amount of AP classes that one should take is three, these kids are pushing way past the limit. Keeping up with all these difficult classes will be a lot of work, but these students seem to be up for the task. -Nikki Bhatia
NEW! Teachers on Campus The new staff members must take another step to ready themselves for next year. Many students relate to being the new kid on campus, but what is it like to be the new teacher? Not only having to get to know hundreds of students, but also being a part of a new and unfamiliar staff. Rocklin High School is known for its academic success and has some of the most dedicated teachers in the district, so it’s no secret that a new teacher here on campus might feel pressure of overwhelming expectations. “Being surrounded by so many great teachers, it can be tempting to compare oneself to them, but don’t! It takes time to be great, so I might as well trust in my abilities and enjoy the developmental process!” explains Mr. Scott Bergemann. Although it may be intimidating for new teachers at times, RHS is very accepting and love including new people in our big family. Fortunately for RHS, there has been lots of new faces this year in the form of new faculty and staff. One of these new faces is Mr. Bergemann, who teaches both English and Geography. Before working at RHS this year, he was a water polo coach for Woodcreek and Sacramento Water Polo Club. He was already familiar with the school because he filled in as a substitute for Mrs. April Kenitzer when she went on maternity leave.
Mr. Bergemann, English & Geography Mrs. Tippets, Integrated I & II
The new teachers on campus have been greeted with acceptance and kindness from not only our students, but staff included. “I really enjoyed getting to know the staff and students at RHS. I love the positivity that this campus emits, and I enjoy coming to work everyday,” says math teacher Mrs. Jaimie Tippets, who is also new the RHS this year. One thing that many new teachers coming from different schools say that RHS has something special. Not only is our school seem to be more focused but the campus seems to have a friendly atmosphere that other schools sometimes lack. “The students here are simply incredible. Their passion, commitment, and maturity made this year by far the best year I have ever had as an educator,” new english teacher Mr. Michael Cahill expressed. It was clear the new teachers enjoyed their first year here as part of the RHS staff, but what is the next step for them in the coming year. “I would like to try to incorporate more of the mindfulness activities in class. I began to in the beginning of the year, but with the time constraints it just seems to get left in the dust,” admits Mrs. Tippets. “I think next year I need to start going to more games/concerts/plays here at RHS. I have some seriously talented students, and I feel like I missed a lot of opportunities to see them shine outside my classroom,” Mr. Cahill explains. One thing for certain is that RHS is truly a unique school that always strives to included new people in our big family.
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IS 95765 THE NEW
90210?
High school is an elusive, mythical beast if you’re an eighth grader. With the only exposure to high school being a combination of Nickel-
odeon shows and stories told by older siblings simply to invoke horror, expectations are nothing short of grandiose. “Are there Freshman Fridays? I heard that’s when seniors beat up the freshmen,” one eighth grader asked a short while into the interview we held at Granite Oaks Middle School. And the questions the others asked about the reality of high school did not stray far beyond this idea. High school is an entirely new frontier for these kids in the height of pubescence. If movies and shows like Mean Girls and Victorious are supposed to prime students for the reality of high school, it’s no wonder these students began sweating the moment two upperclassmen holding car keys and wearing hoodies arrived in their class. However, when we assured them that we weren’t there to pummel them in the parking lot after class or to add their names to the Burn Book, they seemed to open up to us. They each had varying views on our campus and how they’d fit into it. Many of them were excited about joining the variety of clubs and sports RHS has to offer and many were looking forward to taking all the AP courses our school offers. One student was even excited to be a senior, so he could, “just walk around the halls and say ‘Sup?’ and go to class and put [his] feet on the desk”. It’s fair to say that there were a pretty even mix of responses; many were truly excited about high school and taking advantage of every single activity our school offers, while some were worried about being hunted down in a high school Hunger Games. However, those of us who’ve experienced the kind of school RHS really is know that the reality is somewhere between these two extremes. If you look in a thesaurus to find synonyms for “suburbia”, the first phrase that pops up next to it is “Rocklin, CA.” So why do these kids seem so fearful that they are about to enter Degrassi High? Why does this new class of freshmen seem especially fearful when discussing potential interactions with “the big kids”? The honest answer is that this is no new fear. Since there has been high school (or at least, since there has been 90210), freshmen have always been afraid of upperclassmen. Throughout middle school, teachers, parents and peers alike build students up to the wonder that is high school, and having high school become a looming reality is--quite frankly--terrifying for anyone in such a position. As such, we decided to clear a few things up for these incoming freshmen: 1) The upperclassmen really, truly care less about the doings of underclassmen. Upperclassmen are swirling in a dystopia of colleges, APs and extracurriculars; their self-centricity blinds them to whether a freshman dabs unironically or not. 2) 9 out of 10 times, anything you “learn” about high school from television is dead wrong. Unfortunately, that also means that high schoolers do
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not get little cartoon characters discussing their innermost feelings with them as explained by “Lizzie McGuire.” However, to some extent Bitmojis could serve this purpose if you really wanted them to. 3) Surviving freshman year is like a human entering a swarm of bees. If you don’t want to get stung, don’t give them a reason to sting you. Similarly, if you exude confidence and mind your own business, you too, can survive freshman year. There is no right way to go about it and there is no one perfect student, but there are a ton of great ones, none of which spend their Fridays beating up freshman. Our campus encourages individuality and we encourage students to pursue what their true passions are and build on them in order to create a diverse campus, in short, “You go Glen Coco!” - Megan Campbell and Raymond Matthews
Tips for Freshman:
1. Dabbing doesn’t matter.
2. Television/social media/older siblings are not a reliable way to learn about high school. Also, bitmojis. 3. Freshman year = a bee attack
class AND weight + EIGHT
Why are some juniors taking eight or, in some cases, more classes for their senior year?
O
ne of the perks of becoming a senior is acquiring what is known as “senior privilege”, the best part of which is, arguably, the ability to take six classes at minimum. However, there are those that refrain from taking the minimum, despite the counselors’ advice to take senior year easy. Junior Kelly Brandt is one such student who plans on taking eight classes, four of which are AP courses. It is common for seniors taking full loads to pack their schedules with AP’s as a way to prepare for college and get ahead.
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“[I’m taking] band, AP Calculus, AP Literature, AP Economics, AP Biology, Virtual Enterprise, yearbook or photo journalism so I can graduate and peer teaching for special education.” Virtual Enterprise is one of many new courses being offered next school year. “I might want to study business in college, and this class would provide me [with] basic knowledge and [allow me] to see if I really want to pursue business in the future,” said Kelly, “I want to take AP Econ for the same reason, econ and business sort of tie together,” she added. She does not know which college she would like to attend, but it remains a factor in her decision to take a heavy load. Another junior taking a full load next year is Cinthya Jauregui, who is taking nine classes her senior year. “[My motivation is] after school clubs, so I figured I might as well stay here. I’m not driving, and even if I drove my parents wouldn’t get me a car. So, I figured I might as well stay,” she said, “and I figured it would be better to continue my education since it’s free education, and what else am I going to do [if I get out early]?” This is another good point as to why some juniors are taking eight classes or more next year. Many students take AP classes to earn college credits, so they may have the chance to bypass class expenses. This allows students to graduate earlier, as there are less classes they are required to register for.
Tips for Students: 1. Take classes you’ll enjoy. Meaning, don’t take a class just because “everyone” is taking that class. 2. Learn how to be kind to yourself. Breaks are okay, taking the day off is okay and leaving that homework assignment undone is okay.
Taking eight or more classes next year is something Cinthya is a bit apprehensive about, but she also believes next year will be a easier than this one, as she is currently taking seven weighted classes. The pressure of the upcoming year, apparently, remains high for many students. Hopefully the incoming seniors of RHS can survive the infamous “senioritis” while juggling classes, SAT’s, college applications and more. - Ka’iulani Kawamoto and Sam Michael
3. Keep the big picture in mind. High school will not define your future. The Flash | 13
Expectations About Becoming an Upperclassmen The journey to the top
By: Caitlin Caffrey
PC: Caitlin Caffrey
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PC: Caitlin Caffrey
Everyone looks forward to different parts of high school. For some, it is the sporting events and other school activities. For others, it may be something as simple as being able to say that you are at the top of the school.
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“You don’t really realize it but once you’re an upperclassmen, everyone kind of just looks up to you more and it feels good because when you’re an upperclassmen, you gain more respect from teachers and the younger kids,” said Dominic Hyde, a junior here at RHS. Being in high school can be difficult because you are not an adult yet, but you’re not necessarily a kid anymore either. It’s hard to gain adult-level respect from teachers when you aren’t an adult. When you become an upperclassmen, you become more mature and you find yourself being viewed differently by teachers, staff members, and even your peers. “I hope that it’s a lot easier than freshman and sophomore year and that we get more leeway. I don’t know I just feel like everyone will be more mature and we won’t feel like kids anymore,” said sophomore Aiden Bomgardner. When entering high school, freshman tend to be nervous because they don’t know what to expect. They aren’t used to the classes, the daily routines or what is expected from them. The upperclassmen act as their role models and set an example for them throughout the next few years of high school. “It’s all about confidence and self respect. As you become an upperclassmen, you become confident with who you are and school, so you approach it with a little more swagger. You have an end in sight. The lower classmen are just nervous about everything. They don’t know if they are really cool or if they aren’t cool. They don’t know if this outfit looks good or if it doesn’t look good; they’re insecure. That’s the difference between the upper and lower classmen.” explained Mr. Depue, a PE teacher at Rocklin High. Becoming an upperclassmen gives students a glimpse into the real world; the maturity, the responsibility, and the hard work. Being respected more gives students the confidence they need to work hard and stay focused, as well as prepare them for life after high school.
Rocklin Highschool Students with Athletic Scholarships By: Shane Atkins Applying for college. It's a daunting, nerve wracking, emotion-filled rollercoaster, laying out the rest of your life.
Ryanne Millington has received a scholarship to the University of Nebraska Omaha for softball.
PC: Kassie Bigley
But for some students at Rocklin, they are entering college through athletic scholarships from their hard work and talent at sports. Ryanne Millington, a junior at Rocklin, and Wyatt Walsh, a senior, have already acquired athletic scholarships through their sports.
“It’s been my dream ever since I was a little kid to play softball at the Division one level and I feel like Omaha is the perfect school for me,” Ryanne said.
“I had an offer from Monterey Bay as well as Dominican, I really liked the location of Dominican. It’s far away from home but it’s still close enough to where I can come home and visit. It’s also a small school and I really enjoy the small class sizes,” Wyatt said.
PC: Alyssa Goyhenetche
Ryanne has been playing softball for ten years and she is excited to be able to pursue the sport that she loves for four more years, but Ryanne is not the only Rocklin student who will be able to attend college on an athletic scholarship; senior Wyatt Walsh has received a scholarship to play division two soccer for the Dominican University of California as a goalie.
Wyatt has been playing soccer for 11 years. He found his passion in the sport when he started training competitively and focusing on his future in soccer. Although Wyatt and Ryanne are some of the students who have received sports scholarships they are not the only ones.
“I committed on December 19, 2016. After I committed I was really excited because I loved the school and coaches. This was the school that I really wanted to go to,” Taylor said.
PC: Kassie Bigley
On December 19, 2016 sophomore Taylor Fitzgerald committed to UC Davis to play softball.
Ryanne, Wyatt and Taylor are just a few of the many athletes that have committed to pursue their sports on an athletic scholarship representing the level of the hard-work, dedication and commitment that Rocklin athletes unveil when working towards their dreams.
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PC: Kohana Ramirez
JUMPING
the
GAP
Seniors explore uncommon post-graduation options College. That mythical titan that looms at the end of high school. An insurmountable challenge that faces every student even before they graduate. Where will you go? How much will it cost? Can you pay for your education? What even is the FAFSA? These questions haunt seniors every night, as they plead endlessly for more time.
to college as well, but it is important to consider every option rather than feeling like the only option is going straight to a university. All we ask is that students consider all of their options - and not attempt to climb the mountain that is college without a plan. - Connor Bolli and Marley Bauer
But what if they had an entire year to sort it out? One alternative to going to college right away that is being explored by some seniors - the gap year. This is pretty much exactly what it sounds like - taking a year off before attending college. While some may consider it to be a strange option or an interruption to the transition into college, there are many benefits to taking a gap year. The first is rest. At this point in their lives, students have been attending school for thirteen straight years, with short summer breaks in between. They are probably more than a little burnt out, and relieved to be done with high school. A gap year can give students time to really think over their future without the worries of school. Some much needed rest (and maybe a vacation or two) can give students a fresh perspective on college and their future. Another benefit is that a gap year gives students a chance to get some real life experience. They have a chance to work, gaining job experience and some money while they’re at it. This is valuable because it gives students a chance to live a different way from the academic life they’re used to. Despite the benefits, it goes without saying that a gap year is not for everyone. While the name may imply a break, the most important element of a gap year is the free time it allows. This time is fantastic for a part-time job or developing life skills, but can easily become a few unproductive months rather than a time for development. Weighing the benefits of a gap year against the problems is vital to anyone’s decision. There are benefits to going straight
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PC: American Gap Association
LOOKING
BACK IN TIME. All too often, we find ourselves working with tunnel-like focus toward our goals. While we are encouraged to buckle down and work through stress, healthy reflection is necessary to effectively reach our goals. After four years in high school, seniors have extensive experience with this balancing act: juggling a heavy workload and mental wellness.
As incoming freshman, we are inundated with warnings and wellwishes from adults; we are informed high school grades matter for college admissions (even freshman year) and what we do now will affect the rest of our lives.
PC: Kohana Ramirez
Escaping the bubble that is Rocklin, California.
However, specifically, there are some things students can do to ease the stress of balancing multiple activities.
Contrary to popular belief, navigating the pressures and pleasures of the Since his freshman year, senior Liam Tufts has modern high school experience “learned how to manage time between school doesn’t require color-coded and sports.” But he admits it took a lot of trial everything and meticulouslyand error before he finally learned to “focus on organized notes. But it does require school [more] than sports.” Liam also found taking a step back, being open to new that using his planner helped a lot. experiences and finding a healthy balance between activities. “What you remember Senior McKenna Crowe also has some advice to share: most from high school “Don’t take every single hard Senior Lauren are the fun memories class. I know you think you can Parker says that as handle it, but it’s not worth the a freshman, she you make and the suffering.” wishes she knew people you meet.” to “not take things It feels great to be challenged and so seriously.” receive that extra weighted grade, but, as Lauren said, it’s easy to lose ourselves “It’s really easy to get caught up in in the “Rocklin bubble.” the Rocklin bubble,” she says, “and to constantly put your attention and - Ashley Hay and Hannah Shows energy into grades, how many AP classes you take, GPA, SAT scores, et cetera. But in the end, what you remember most from high school are the fun memories you make and the people you meet.” Senior Clayton Barnack has similar advice. “Open up,” he says. “There’s more to school, there’s more to life than you probably think there is right now.”
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Alyssa Goyhenetche
Taylor Ruiz
Delaney Walatka
Sarah Saldana 18 | The Flash
Laura Maranta
Shayla Roberts
Michaela Noble
PHOTOGRAPHY SPOTLIGHT
Michaela Noble Shayla Roberts
Jadyn Breien
1YEAR @ ROCKLINHS
Austin Michael The Flash | 19
What’s One Thing You Wish to Accomplish Next School Year? “Be alive.” -Aaron Schroeder “Before the end of senior year I hope to sing the national anthem at a varsity football game.” -Miranda Crowley
“I want to be accepted into UC Berkeley.” -Emma Silva
“A new me.” -Zachary Miller “Party hard.” -Sweta Parija
“Write an album, make an album.” -Ben Walsh “I want to work at Disneyland.” -Elena Morrill “I want to join a college wind ensemble and chamber choir.” - Jared Peterson “Find the building that they used to film The Office.” -Lisel Ballmer
“I hope to acquire a job in which I can achieve maximum focus.” -Merrick Cole “Next year I am planning to get my scuba diving certification. Also, I am planning to get a job.” - Siena Tom
“I’m going to follow in the footsteps of Sarah Lovejoy and get a haircut on January 21st at 2:30 pm.” -Marie Navarro “I want to have a verbal commitment to play softball in college and make a full video game.” -Carlee Gonzalez
“Next year, I want to grow physically and mentally. I also want to get straight A’s.” -Chris Riker
“I want to participate in as much as I can because it will be my last year.” -Cydnie LeClaire