Rocklinhs December 2015 flash3 by Rocklin High School Student Media

FLASH

the

Volume 2 Issue 1 December 2015 Rocklin High School 2015-2016

ACTS OF SERVICE

Rocklin High School staff member surrogate mom P.12

The Freshman are BIG- In Numbers P.6 AP Struggles- Why We Strive For The 5 P.7 Riley Hensley Is Tuned In P. 11 More Than A Teacher P. 16

FLASH

the

ro c k l i n h i g h sch o o l

December 2015 giving back through SERVICE

Sutter Roseville Volunteers

Music Service Trips

Surrogate Mom on Campus

Origin Volunteers

Military Service

Teachers who Serve

Students with Jobs

STAFF LIST Highlight story picture references photograph credits (above from left to right and top to bottom) Kaiulani Kawamoto; Caitlin Seggerman; Riley Hensley; Leigh-Ann Wheeler.Highlights since last issue (Below from top to bottom): Rocklin High School students participated in a spirit competition in the amphitheater, PC: Phoebe Alcala; The Storm released a cloud of baby powder at the game against Del Campo on September 9th, PC: Austin Michael.

Issue 1• The Flash •2

your story, your school

Deer Creek Farm

Dr. Dre’s career

Freshman Stampede

AP classes

Photo essay

Back Cover: Post Secrets

Co-Editors-in-Chief Ally Lent Courtney Harper Faith Holloway Katie Morgan Sarah Lovejoy Assistant Editor Jessie Valverde Design Editor Rachel MacMaster Cover Photographer: Caitlin Seggerman Assistant Designers Megan Bradbury Sofia Fernando Staff Writers Alex Ragan Allison Gerber Connor Bolli Julia Ella Justin Angellar Logan Bik Kaiulani Kawamoto Karl Danielson Tyler Blesi Lucy Peltz Megan Bradbury Nicole Kinser Riley Baldwin Sofia Fernando Photojournalists: Austin Michael Caitlin Seggerman Nicole Corsetti Karissa Newberry Ellie Russ Autumn Ruiz

editors note on theme located on page 8-9

your story. your school.

Family by Choice

BY: LU C Y PE LT Z

“HE WAS MORE LIKE AN HONORARY GRANDPA.” A person’s childhood can easily determine the type of person that child will grow up to be. The people in that child’s life can influence that child forever. For Sara Daniels, that special person is her grandfather-like figure, Mr. Rich Lechner. “He’s kind of my adopted grandpa. My grandparents passed away when I was four. He went to our church, and took us in as his grandchildren,” she said. Sara and her twin sister Rachel moved from a church in Grass Valley to a church in Auburn where she fatefully met Lechner, her soon-to-be adopted grandfather. She was only four years old and did not know him for very long.

RHS student forms close bond with fellow church-goer.

“He wasn’t really my adopted grandpa, we just called him that. He was more like an honorary grandpa.” The two created many memories together at his house in Forest Hill. Sara would spend many Wednesday and Sunday afternoons there after church, making conversation and playing games. She looks back on these times with fondness. “We used to play this game when I was little; he would turn off the lights in the hallway, and pretend to be a monster. It’s probably my most special memory,” she laughed. PHOTOGRAPH BY LUCY PELTZ

When Lechner became Sara’s honorary grandpa, he was not the only family she gained. Sara met all of his family; whom she considers to be her cousins. Unfortunately, last May, Lechner passed away. Thanks to him, however, she still has his family to lean on for support. Even though Lechner is no longer physically with Sara, he will always reside in her memories. She will always remember the positive impact he made on her life. “He made me think on how influential we could be on others, he was always there for other people.”

PHOTOGRAPHS BY NICOLE CORSETTI

“ My grandma always cooks breakfast, so I’ve learned to appreciate the little things that she does. The small things in life really are important.” Trenton Mebust, 10

“My Grandma just beat cancer, so I think her fight is pretty cool. She’s taught me to not give up easily.” Kate Hitlon, 9

“She lived in Tahoe, so she has inspired me to have a better respect for nature than most people do.” Nicole Cartan, 11

“My grandpa has taught me the value of good sportsmanship.” Jonathon McClure, 11

3• The Flash •Issue 1

New Farming Techniques PHOTOGRAPHS BY KAIULANI KAWAMOTO

Deer Creek Farm supplies fresh fruits and vegetables to five of their own food closets, the Placer County Food Bank, and the U.S.D.A. BY: KA I ULA N I KA WA M OTO

alifornia had an 8.9 percent unemployment rate as of 2013 and 16.6 percent of Californians couldn’t make enough to provide for their family’s basic needs such as food and shelter. The population then was 38.43 million. That means 3,420,270 Californians were unemployed and 6,379,380 were living in poverty. Deer Creek Farm, located at 5465 Pacific Street in Rocklin, supplies fresh fruits and vegetables to five of their own food closets, the Placer County Food Bank, and the U.S.D.A. Food drives generally conjure images of canned goods, peanut butter jars, bags of rice and other such consumables. Never do green veggies and vibrant colored fruits come to mind. Deer Creek Farm and other places are wonderful institutions that strive to decrease the lack of vegetables and fruits donated through food drives. It’s local, fresh and seasonal; all great aspects to look for in produce (it wouldn’t hurt to be organic, either, but can’t gripe too much about that considering what they do). According to their website, within the last year they have given “over 13,000 bags of groceries and other necessities to thousands of families.” This may not seem like a huge deal. Okay, fruits and vegetables. What’s the hullabaloo?

from top to bottom: Deer Creek Farm nutrition lable for an apple; McDonalds nutrition lable for one hamburger

Issue 1• The Flash •4

Well, many low-income families don’t buy a lot of fresh produce. It’s not because they don’t want to, it’s just that they can’t. Think about it. They could buy a pound of apples or kale for three dollars, but with the same money they could buy a whole meal at McDonalds. Healthy eating is expensive compared to fast food and is becoming an impossibility for poorer classes of the population. Delivering crops to these people can help raise the overall health of our population. They won’t have to rely so much on unhealthy fast foods and canned and preserved foods which contain chemicals like BPA. Places like Deer Creek Farm will ultimately improve the health of low-income neighborhoods. If institutions like this are set up in every town and city, then eating wholesome food will no longer cause financial strife and fast food will not need to be a daily or even monthly occurrence.

Diagnosis for Dre: This BEAT is sick BY: J U S T I N A N G E L L A R

Dr. Dre ends his legendary and influential career on a good note with a great album

r. Dre has been one, if not the most, influential figure in hip-hop of all time. His legacy as a hiphop pioneer stemmed from his internationally famous albums and his impact on today’s major artists. This year, he released a new album, Compton, in tandem with the motion picture similarly titled “Straight Outta Compton.” As a follow up to his acclaimed sophomore effort from 1999, 2001, the 50-year-old hip-hop icon had big shoes to fill to live up to his previous critical success as an artist. Dr. Dre is also a mentor to rappers and has brought big names such as Snoop Dogg and Eminem into the mainstream. With such a strong legacy behind him, the question on fans’ minds is whether or not his new album will maintain his outstanding reputation. Dre’s legacy as a central component of the hip-hop world is shown in this album with appearances from Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg and others. This demonstrates the sheer authority and influence he has in this culture for decades. Compton is a testament to Dr. Dre’s legacy and as such it is expected to leave a legacy of its own. Immediately into the first minutes of the album, Dre speaks about his hometown of Compton being the American dream.

A strong highlight of the album is the song “Issues”. With some of the best production of the album, the song sounds more smooth and electric as it progresses. Lines like, “Man this industry to me feels a little plastic, I ain’t heard nothing I can consider classic,” prove Dre’s lyricism is at its apex on this song.

“I went from hanging out down at the swap meet, to driving some of the hottest cars L.A. has ever seen,” this tells a story of how his struggle paid off. Although Dre doesn’t break much ground with his lyrical content, his writing is still fresh and interesting to listen to. Like a boxer, he strikes from different angles, frequently bouncing from subject to subject with his verses.

Compton is better than the sum of its parts for multiple reasons. It doesn’t sound like an album as much as a speech made by an aging icon of the rap industry, ripened with a nostalgic flashback of all he’s accomplished. Dr Dre’s finale, if not groundbreaking, certainly is grand.

Dr Dre, being revered for his production rather than his skills on the mic, creates amazing beats throughout the album. From the relaxed throwback sound of “It’s All On Me” to the orchestral booming of “One Shot One Kill,” Dre’s finesse shines with each track.

“Sunny California with the palm tree in the yard, the camper, the boat.” He then speaks of it morphing into the ghetto that initially made him famous.

Being 50 years old in the world of hip hop is normally a death sentence for rappers. Not only because young people lose interest in people so far from their age, but because of the usual disconnect of older musicians and what’s in at the time. Despite this, Dre still makes an album that sounds 2015 with hints of 1988, which balances out to a testament of how far hip hop has come.

Started as DJ in a club, recording Singles with DJ Yella under an independent record company

Helped Create N.W.A. and became nationally recognized, left N.W.A.

Collaborated with Snoop Dogg and 2Pac, creating successful albums

“Left” Gangsta rap, helped Eminem reach renowned attention

Found success with album 2001, collaborated with multiple artists and released Detox

Collaborated with different artists, final album, Compton, released with movie

5• The Flash •Issue 1

FRESHMAN OVERLOAD BY: T Y LE R B LE S I

ou may have noticed by the deafening screams and the almost overwhelming amount of squeaking freshmen crowding in and around the bleachers during rallies that the amount of freshman at Rocklin High School has shot up this year. Clocking in at 515 students, this year’s freshman class is the largest Rocklin High has seen since Whitney opened back in 2003. “It seemed like there were twice as many freshmen than seniors,” said senior Matt Hauptman. The freshmen are large in number, and they’re always blocking up the walkways in the school. However, with this number of people buying tickets to dances, football games and going to events, the school is going to make a lot of revenue off sales alone.

At the same time there are negative qualities of having a large school roster. More people means that there are more people to litter on the campus, and more people that are trying to buy tickets to events. This can lead to long “It seemed like there lunch lines and longer lines in were twice as many general.

freshmen than seniors.” -Matt Hauptman.

There is a growing amount of people that attend Rocklin High. The sophomore class this year is also abnormally large, clocking in at 490 students compared to the junior class, which has 479 students, and the senior class, which has 456 students. There are 1,941 students currently enrolled at Rocklin. Affected by the amount of freshmen on campus are health classes. More and more freshmen are taking health in their first year of high school.

Mr. Wagner’s 5th period health class has 23 freshmen out of a class of 35. This number is staggering because of health’s original designation as a sophomore class. The freshmen have also affected the curriculum, pushing back the driver’s ed portion of the class “They outnumber to the spring semester to allow some of us... there’s too the younger freshmen to “mature.” “There are so many freshmen in my health class, they outnumber us,” said sophomore Brayden Rios. “There’s too many to count.”

many to count.” -Brayden Rios

The administration was at odds at the beginning of the school year with the need for more classes to fill requirements of so many freshmen students. This resulted in many schedule changes, class changes, and changes overall for teachers in the beginning of the school year. Mrs. Michelle DeMaria was forced to teach a biology class to accommodate all of the new students, even though she has not taught a biology class for at least 10 years. The impact of creating a new freshman level class is that the chemistry classes and sophomore level sciences are overflowing with students. “I have a chemistry class that has 38 kids in it,” Demaria said. It was obvious from day one that the freshman class was huge. The welcome back rally was absolutely packed with people, and the seniors were squished into a corner of the bleachers in order to make room for the tidal wave of freshman students.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY CAITLIN SEGGERMAN

Issue 1• The Flash •6

AP Level STRESS BY: R E B E CCA M I C H A E L

t’s no secret that students at Rocklin are very stressed because of schoolwork. Between advanced and AP classes, sports, and extracurricular activities, students don’t have much time to themselves anymore.

Which begs the question, why do students want to take AP or advanced classes? When asked this question, most people said that the reason they take advanced classes is either for the challenge or because it would help them get into good colleges.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY TAYLOR RUIZ

“I take advanced classes to get more out of it and I feel that, in regular classes, I’m not learning as much as I should be,” senior Caitlin Silva said. “I do it partially for college credit, but mostly for the challenge.” Caitlin is not the only Rocklin High student that seeks out AP classes for the learning and educational rigor as well as the college benefits. “I take AP classes to challenge myself and to allow myself to reach my potential,” senior Danielle Jones said. Better environments are definitely a factor in why people take advanced classes. Danielle also believes that advanced classes provide a more productive environment to work in. “I think having good peers can also help to challenge yourself,” Danielle said.

So, why do people take AP classes? What is the appeal? There are approximately 35 AP, honors and advanced classes at Rocklin High and about 600 students take at least one advanced class during their high school career. This year, there are 1,402 AP exams that students have registered to take. “There are a lot of pros to AP classes. One would be giving good preparation for college, because it’s college level curriculum. You have the possibility of earning college credit, if you place a three or better on exams and the college admissions program is getting so competitive that you need to show them that you’re capable of college level work,” Counselor Lissa Morgan said. Taking AP classes has its perks, but this choice also comes with a price. “The cons can be that they are much more accelerated and go at a much faster pace, they’re more in depth. So, sometimes it can be overwhelming, especially if you take multiple AP classes. Our policy in the counseling department is that we advise students to take only three AP classes in any given year,” Morgan said.

People around campus have often said that, once you take an advanced or AP class for a subject, it’s difficult to go back to regular classes. Many students agree that this is because regular classes give out mostly “busy work” and that results in more homework for students. There are also a few less obvious factors motivating students to take AP courses. “I think it’s sort of a popularity contest, here, at least. People want to be like, ‘Oh, I’m taking this many AP classes, what about you?’ ‘Oh, I’m taking none.’ And, also, just because it does help you in college,” Caitlin said. Between the pressure of taking advanced classes, wanting to excel above your peers, and juggling other activities, students could be putting more stress on themselves than they should. Depending on who you are, that’s either good or bad. AP-induced stress can be a motivator to get things done, or it can lead to utter exhaustion. For better or for worse, it is the norm to take advanced classes at Rocklin High School. Whether or not that will change will depend on generations to come.

7• The Flash •Issue 1

PHOTOGRAPHS BY CAITLIN SEGGERMAN

Issue 1• The Flash •8

HELPING HANDS “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” -Mahatma Gandhi

For this year’s series of magazines, we have chosen to incorporate a central theme into every issue. These themes act as muses for our writing and interviewing process. We are focused on choosing themes that connect to high school and the world that surrounds us. The theme for the first issue of the 2015-2016 Flash is service. There is no greater way to teach than to lead by example. By serving our community, not only are we helping ourselves grow, but we positively shape surrounding lives. High school is a critical time to serve because we can learn lessons that will last a lifetime. These acts of benevolence can range from volunteering at a coffee shop, working a job, enlisting in the military or even giving a family the gift of life. We hope that you take this issue as an inspiration to touch the lives surrounding you. We are reporting on the students and faculty who take their time to serve, the people who demonstrate their care for others on a daily basis. These are the stewards of our school BY: A l l y L en t, C ou r t n ey H a rpe r, F ai t h H o l l owa y, Ka t i e M o rg a n an d S ara h L ovej oy 2 015 -2 016 F l a s h E d i t o r s

9• The Flash •Issue 1

Students Volunteer for Local Hospital Rocklin students explore career options volunteering, giving back at local hospitals. BY: S O P H I A F E R NA ND O

olunteering at elementary schools, pet shelters, food drives or simply being a homework tutor among your peers are all great ways to give back and earn Rocklin High’s 25 required community service hours.

Volunteer opportunities can be enjoyable and also broaden career interests. Sutter Roseville Hospital and Kaiser Permanente offer a variety of volunteer/ internship services for high school students who are looking into pursuing a career in the medical field or need community service hours. Sutter and Kaiser both begin their application process in the spring of each year. Kaiser is focused more on a paid internship during the summer than free volunteer work. Kaiser’s program lasts for eight weeks in the summer while Sutter has a one year commitment of volunteer work. Kaiser’s Summer Youth Employment Program provides high school students ages 16 and older an opportunity to prepare for a career in the medical field. On the other hand, Sutter is based mainly off of volunteer work for students who seek to make a difference and an impact in their community. Volunteers are able to aid patients by accommodating their basic needs, like grabbing them water or getting them some extra blankets. Admission into both volunteer services requires attendance at an orientation where interviews are held to further select distinguished candidates. At Sutter, however, each interview’s questions vary, depending on the hospital unit the applicant is most interested in. At Sutter, volunteers are able to work in different care units, such as pediatrics, SRI (physical rehabilitation), the emergency room, the information desk and outpatient recovery. Sara Dickerson, a student on independent study who frequently takes classes at Rocklin High, involves herself in Sutter’s volunteer program. Issue 1• The Flash •10

“I work in the Pediatric unit on Sundays, where my shift usually lasts for four hours. I help out the nurses, check on patients, and, my favorite part, playing games with the kids in the playroom area. I really enjoy volunteering at Sutter because they give me a chance to experience working in a hospital environment,” she says. Rocklin senior Jayde Berk, who works in the SRI (Sutter Rehabilitation Institution), explains a similar motive behind her volunteering at Sutter. “I wanted to work at Sutter Hospital because I want to be a nurse when I’m older, so I thought it would be a great opportunity to see if I really like the hospital,” Jayde said. While serving at the hospital, Jayde performs a variety of duties that help her gain medical experience. “On Thursdays 5-7, I assist the physical therapists in anything they need me to do. My duties usually consist of wiping down used equipment, such as wheelchairs, or bringing the meals out at dinner. Volunteering made me realize I love working and helping with patients, and it’s certainly something I’d like to do when I’m older,” Jayde explained. Senior Erica McNeill also volunteers at Sutter. “Every Friday afternoon I work in the Outpatient Surgery Recovery, or OSR, unit. My mom told me about the program so I decided to apply. In the OSR, I usually clean hospital beds and wheel people out to the parking lot,” Erica said. Although no Rocklin students have participated in Kaiser’s program in the summer, much positive feedback comes from volunteering at a hospital in general. Whether or not one wishes to follow a career in the health services, hospital volunteering creates a great opportunity to directly help others in need.

MissionRiley of Music Hensley BY: J ULI A E LLA a n d N I CO LE KI N S E R

PHOTOGRAPHS BY RILEY HENSLEY

RHS senior travels to Mexico to share her gift for music.

iley Hensley, a senior at Rocklin High, had the opportunity to visit Mexico and play the drums with different people from around the world through her church. “I was excited because I’ve never been to Mexico before. We were at this really pretty ranch right off the coast. When you drive, you drive through vineyards. It was a nice location weather-wise because of the ocean. It was truly a beautiful view,” Riley said. As soon as Riley left for Mexico, she realized no one from her church was going; in fact, she didn’t know anyone else there. However, Riley instantly made friends. Even though ¨there were people from all over, like Canada and Alaska,” Riley said she was able to make many friends. There were numerous churches from all over the world that sent members on the mission trip. Churches from Philadelphia, New York, and California played music at the camp. “I was mainly with the band while the other members on the mission trip were with their own church for a vacation Bible study,” Riley explained. While other churches went out to work with everyone, the band would stay in for practice. The band performed twice a day, at services in the morning and evening. Riley spent all of her time either performing or practicing. She plays the drums, guitar, ukulele, djembe and the cajon. Since drums were her instrument of choice for this trip, she got to work with a professional drummer that was at the camp to perform in the chapel. “[We had] two chapels a day. I played in one [evenings], and the professional drummer played in the other one [mornings]. So he would play, and I watched him, then we had rehearsals and one on one sessions, so I was playing all over,” Riley said.

The most difficult situation Riley found herself in, however, was the stress of rehearsals. She wasn’t used to being professionally lead, especially since he was more experienced than anyone she had ever played with. If she couldn’t play her part right, he would make her repeat it, 20 times in a row until she got it. To add to the stress, she was in front of everyone else in the band as she was learning. Many times, Riley found herself second guessing her decision of going on the trip. “The pro would play and I would think, ‘oh I could never play that’, but then I grew as the week went on.” She eventually realized that she could do all the things the professional taught her. The hard work that she had put into the week paid off. Although there were some difficult times for this young performer, she eventually let her personality shine through her music. One of Riley’s most memorable moments was the last day she played during the evening chapel. “At the end of the service, the lights were turned off and all the musicians were playing in the dark on the open ranch, looking up at all the stars with everyone around. It was a beautiful and heart warming moment,” said Riley. Overall, Riley enjoyed the week she spent in Mexico. As an artist, she was able to learn new things; as a person of faith, she was able to truly take all the experiences to heart.

11• The Flash •Issue 1

OUR HER BUN in the OVEN BY: J E S S I CA VA LV E R D E

Mrs. Amber Tillery shares the story that led her to to become a surrogate mother.

here are those who give and there are those who receive. To give a friend a present is thoughtful, but to give a loved one the miracle of life is a gift like no other.

Acts of service generally involve lending a helping hand to others in everyday life. Acts of service can be as simple as helping the elderly cross the street. But some step out of their comfort zone and go the extra mile to be at someone’s assistance. Ms. Amber Tillery, the college/career adviser at Rocklin High, is serving as her close family friend’s surrogate. Tillery’s husband was in the same fraternity as the soon-to-be baby’s father and they have remained close ever since. A surrogate is defined as a woman who bears a child on behalf of another woman, either from her own egg fertilized by the other woman’s partner, or from the implantation in her uterus of a fertilized egg from the other woman. “I am what is called a gestational carrier, so I have no genetic relationship to this baby. It was all done through in vitro fertilization, meaning the mom and dad’s embryo are transferred to me,” explained Tillery. As of 2011, agencies have reported that the number of children born through surrogacy has increased dramatically to around 35,000. This statistic is increasing due to the social acceptance in today’s society.

“I went through all the horrors of medical testing and psychological testing and it was quite a process, and legal contracts and everything else that had to happen before the process,” says Tillery. Tillery proposed the idea to her family shortly after discussing it with Stephanie. At first her family was unsure, but eventually they proved to be very accepting and supportive of her idea and agreed to the circumstances. “At first I thought it was going to be kind of weird, but then I thought it was really cool and I was excited because I know the family really well and they’ve been wanting kids for a really long time, and then I accepted the fact that my mom was gonna be pregnant,” describes Veda Lelchook, Tillery’s daughter. The common controversy on surrogacy involves the relationship after the child is born, deciding if it is appropriate to have a relationship with the child or not not. When asked if she would have a relationship with the baby or not, Tillery’s answer was confident and set-in-stone. “Absolutely, I mean we would be really close with their kid no matter how they got their kid because they are really close with our kids and our families are just like that.The relationship with this baby would be very similar with their relationship with mine. We would be a special auntie and uncle,” says Tillery. A related controversial topic is if the parent of the child should be honest and open about the unusual pregnancy as the child grows up.

Tillery took an interest to surrogacy at a young age. She knew that there were websites to sign up to become a surrogate, yet she wanted to volunteer herself for someone she loved and respected if she had the chance.

“Their plan is to be very open and let her know exactly about all the people that had to come together to make her happen, and all the love that everyone had to share. They also want to do maternity photographs together as both entire families and they also found some children’s books about surrogacy,” says Tillery.

“When I was in high school, my friend’s mom was a surrogate for her brother, and that was my first exposure to it. I thought it was really neat at that time, like what a cool gift to give somebody and it always kind of stuck with me. It was something I would like to do if the opportunity arose,” says Tillery.

Tillery and her family kept everything quiet until they were positive about making it out of the risky first trimester and all the genetic testing was available to be sure there were no possible birth defects in honor of the other family’s emotional privacy.

After trying unsuccessfully to have a child for many years, Tillery’s friends asked her to be their surrogate. Tillery had offered in the past to carry the baby, and her friend, Stephanie, later approached her at her daughter’s softball game.

Amber Tillery and her family exemplify acts of service as well as sympathy and compassion. Considering her profession which teaches the importance of community service, it is no surprise that Tillery would extend herself to such a selfless act.

“My friends whose baby it is have struggled for a number of years to get pregnant and have not had any success and I mentioned years ago to them that I might be willing. It was on my bucket list and early last fall they asked. It was kind of funny because they didn’t want to ask so they hinted around until I asked again,” says Tillery.

“Tillery gave birth to a healthy baby girl on November 5th. Her surrogacy went well, and both the mother and father are looking forward to starting their family thanks to Mrs. Tillery,” (@rocklinyearbook via Instagram posted by her daughter, Veda ). She will take a maternity leave through the rest of the calendar year, coming back in January when school begins again.

Tillery agreed to become a surrogate in November of last year, and began the legal process shortly after. She was approved after short testing and agreements with the other family.

Issue 1• The Flash •12

Who can become a surrogate mother? PHOTOGRAPH BY LEIGH-ANN WHEELER

98%

of women who apply in the US are rejected by screening organizations.

OPEN SURROGACY is often more successful than other forms of this arrangement because it allows all parties to stay involved with the child’s life.

90%

of surrogate mothers can concieve by third try. For most official programs that pair surrogates with couples, a woman must be between the ages of 18-35 and have had at least one child. Statistics found online “24 Rare Surrogate Mother Statistics.” Brandon Gaille.

PHOTOGRAPH BY VEDA LELCHOOK

13• The Flash •Issue 1

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTASY OF ORIGIN COFFEE & TEA

“I wanted to join and spread the awareness of human trafficking through a great nonprofit organization.”

Origin Volunteers

cause. Yeah, I am in a leadership position for this amazing organization, but it is because of the hard work and dedication of all of our volunteers that makes Origin successful.”

A handful of our very own Rocklin High School students devote their time to volunteering at Origin.

BY : A L L I SO N G E R B E R

20.9 million

at least

adults and children are bought and sold worldwide into commercial sexual servitude, forced labor and bonded labor.

rigin Coffee in Rocklin has become a hotspot for coffee and socialization. However, their popularity is deeper than meets the eye. Origin’s proceeds toward helping end sexual exploitation in third world countries, such as Africa. Origin Coffee partners with the Grace Network and Courage Worldwide, both of which help the homeless get off the streets while providing them with basic necessities and rehabilitation aid. Nobody behind the counters at Origin actually gets paid; they are all volunteers helping out on their own time for a powerful cause. This is one of the most ideal places for high school community service hours, as one can learn many different skills and lessons while on the job. The volunteers at Origin Coffee are so down to earth and they create a warm and welcoming environment. When customers enter, they are immediately greeted by volunteers behind the counter, who make customer service a top priority. “Ever since I first came to Origin, I have found a new appreciation for coffee. The environment is always so welcoming and the volunteers are so friendly. I come here almost every day and enjoy every minute of it,” says an Origin customer. The newly added manager, Steven Zantingh, has been at Origin since December of last year. He explains how much he appreciates everyone that helps out, “It’s very humbling to be a part of this

Issue 1• The Flash •14

If things continue at the rate that they are, Steven says, there is definitely potential in expanding the business, and plenty of room for growth.

“I wanted to join and spread the awareness of human trafficking through a great nonprofit organization,” Kiki Kubota, a junior, explained. “It is a very welcoming and relaxed environment which takes away that stress factor you can get from a standard job.” Junior Alex McKinley explains that the managers “really trust the volunteers, which also makes the environment more relaxing, because we are all here to serve for a greater cause.” She also said that workers are more friendly with the managers instead of feeling constantly monitored. Junior Morgan Farrell spent her summer days volunteering at Origin Coffee and said that working for a greater cause gave her a great feeling of fulfillment. “It was a good place to devote my time over the summer. I got to meet so many amazing people that all taught me so much,” Morgan said. In such an individualistic culture, everything people do is typically for their direct benefit. To be able to work for a greater cause is such a rewarding feeling to have. The cause that Origin’s selfless volunteers work for is both heartwarming and inspiring. They are always welcoming to both workers and customers, for each person they serve is one more cup closer to freedom.

SERVING MY COUNTRY BY: CO N N O R B O L L I

ROTC’s early learning experience provides students looking to enter the military with the training they will need. High school is an experience shared by nearly everyone in the United States. Afterward, nearly any path a person could think of following is opened. People who are truly passionate about serving their country often enter the military. However, this is a high standard. In 2014, roughly 71 percent of people were not eligible to join the armed forces, because of lack of either education or fitness, according to The Wall Street Journal. Additionally, the New York Times states that 65.9 percent of high school students head straight to college, which makes the pool of military-ready graduates smaller and smaller.

PHOTOGRAPH COURTASY OF CC BY DIANE ORSON

John, like some others in his family, feels a passion to support his country. “Part of it is tradition, but I’d say it is mostly just patriotism,” he said. “I just want to contribute to the country. It feels important.” John wants an education, but serving his country is a high priority. “I want to serve as soon as I’m done with college,” he said. Most people have some level of patriotism, but some go above and beyond to serve their country.

71%

One example if this is ROTC, or Reserve Officers’ Training Corps. Taking a school period to go to Whitney High and train to be in the military. Junior Connor Rainey is enrolled in this class, and hopes to go farther.

Despite this, one student that is not only qualified but also planning to join the military is junior Alexander Anderson. As soon as he’s finished with school, Alex hopes to join the U.S. Navy.

“I think ROTC lays a foundation of knowledge and helps get scholarships to join the military,” says Connor. “I want to join the military because I have a passion to serve for others.”

“I want to become a nuclear submarine officer. Once I leave the Navy, I’d like to be a nuclear power plant operator,” Alex said.

ROTC, while a rigorous program, draws a sizable following at Rocklin High. “We have around 160 kids in the program, and they are all dedicated,” said Connor.

Alex wants to serve his country soon after preparing his postmilitary future. He feels that an education is incredibly important. “I want to contribute, and the best way to do that is directly through the military,” he said. Alex isn’t alone. John Gist, a junior, also plans to head into the military just after he is finished with his college education.

of people were not eligible to join the armed forces in 2014.*

65.9%

of high school students head straight to college.**

They hope to do something to contribute to the whole, despite the fact that not everyone would be willing to sacrifice so much for their country. Those who do, however, often feel a drive to protect the United States and the citizens inside. They feel an obligation to protect those who can’t protect themselves.

*according to Wall Street Journal **according to New Yourk Times

“It’s sort of tradition. A lot of my family has been in the military, and I want to do that, too,” said John. 15• The Flash •Issue 1

getting to know BY: KA R L DA N I E L SO N

YOU

Staff members go out of their way to make the classroom experience special.

ith hundreds of students coming through the doors every day, it’s easy to get lost in the crowds. Some teachers will laugh and admit that they’re not very good with names, mixing up “John” and “James” half the year and only getting them right the rest of the time because of lucky guesswork. Others take the entire first day to mull over an agenda, proudly listing out the whole class’ names and matching them with their faces. But knowing a name isn’t everything, and taking the next step isn’t easy. Few teachers take the time to really get to know their students and to really try to help them on their way into the future. The teachers that do take that extra step, however, not only serve the Rocklin High community, but also end up changing lives for the better. One of the first steps a lot of teachers take in learning about their students is to start coaching. There’s plenty of sports teams on campus, and each year there’s usually one or two openings for a teacher that wants to help. This isn’t about getting paid: coaches are paid a set sum each year, and when the numbers get crunched and the decimals are all placed, most make almost less than minimum wage helping out the teams. So why do it? There’s a poster in the weight room with our own Rocklin High School football team on it that puts it best: passion. The teachers on our campus that

PHOTOGRAPHS BY ELLIE RUSS

Issue 1• The Flash •16

take the time to coach are genuinely passionate about a sport, and are also genuinely passionate about meeting with students and seeing them grow. Boys Water Polo Coach Mrs. Kristin Hamm doesn’t even know how much she’s paid to coach. To her, it’s all about “building relationships with the athletes.” Watching the kids she’s known since they were freshmen grow up and finally return and visit as alumni is a feeling worth far more than money. It’s this kind of passion that makes our teachers so ready to help out. Some teachers help their students through even more than coaching. Some teachers take the time to write letters of recommendation for college-bound students. Others, such as Mr. Tim Hurrianko, choose to push aside the state’s curriculum to make time to educate their students on real-world issues. Still others leave their office doors open for a few hours after school. Those extra hours of helping students don’t mean extra pay. Working through those few math problems with that one face out of a hundred serves no immediate benefit for our teachers. But they still choose to help out. There’s plenty of other ways the Rocklin staff go out of their way to aid students, too many even to list here.

PHOTOGRAPH BY LOGANN BIK

PHOTOGRAPHS BY MEREDITH MILAM

STUDENTS WITH BY: LOGA N B I K

jobs

Students learn what it means to be a part of the workforce while improving the community and contributing to society.

ith increasing pressure to excel in school and the outside world, more and more students have to be aware of every minute they spend.

Students have homework just about every night regardless of the classes they take. If a student plays a sport, has a social life AND a job then they are just about guaranteed to have their hands full. While the competition of college is growing, so is tuition, and having a job will prove that you are financially stable and that you know how to contribute to society. Jaimie Whitefoot, a senior on the varsity cheer team and a member of Friends club, works at Cold Stone Creamery. This is her first job and she started last March. Working four days a week with cheer practice two nights a week, her schedule can get pretty crammed. “Right when I get home I try to get a start on my homework and hopefully finish. Then from there I go to work for a few hours” explains Jaimie. While at work she can be serving the community, her friends and preparing for the “outside world.” Through her job, she is preparing herself to help others on a daily basis. After high school Jaimie plans to attend University of Portland and get her nursing degree to become a labor and delivery nurse. “My job at Cold Stone has helped me deal with impatient people. I know that while working as a nurse people could be rude, so this is good experience” Jaimie says. Jaimie feels like she has been a nicer person since having a job. She finds herself especially nice to retail workers and the average nine to fiver. “I have so much more respect and patience for workers because I know what it is like to be behind the counter” says Jaimie.

“I usually start my work shift at one and end at five allowing an hour for me to change, get something to eat and get to practice” Jaimie says. Among the many Rocklin high students who have to manage their time wisely is Colton Graves. Colton is a junior class officer for ASB and works for Chapel Hats. Colton, who is taking two AP classes, finds himself staying up a bit later than last year. Since he has only been working since July, he is still getting in the rhythm of work, school, chores and having a social life. Through his job Colton is learning how to manage his money wisely. After school, Colton plans to major in business or marketing, so being exposed to a job that requires time and money management will help him in the future. “Since having a job, I realize that money doesn’t just fall from the sky. I try to save most of my money and only spend a portion of my paycheck” says Colton. Colton can spend two hours a night on homework just about every night. By the time he finishes his chores and catches up with friends and social media, he doesn’t start homework until late into the day. “I usually start my homework around 8:30 and won’t finish until about 10 or 11 at night” adds Colton. Whether it be a club, sport or job, student participation in an extracurricular activity gives them an edge. It is easy to think that working is just about making money, but the lessons learned while working and serving others are worth a lifetime.

Depending on the week, Jaimie’s practice and work schedule could land on the same night. In cases like this, she has to make sure she does not procrastinate on anything. 17• The Flash •Issue 1

THINK PINK

1. After tearing his ACL during the game, Brendan Biggers gets his leg wrapped and iced by Lily Douglas. 2. During the first march of the year, Renata Peperkorn plays the bells with the rest of the band behind her. 3. After requesting to do so, Grant Leppek runs the “Thunder” flag down the sidelines. 4. The Storm makes a video for a Granite Bay special needs student, Wynden, in order to help get him on The Ellen Degeneres Show. 5. After remembering those who lost their battle with breast cancer including her mom, Kaitlyn Beard is comforted by her teammates.

1 3 PHOTOGRAPH BY AUSTIN MICHAEL

PHOTOGRAPH BY AUSTIN MICHAEL

PHOTOGRAPH BY LINDSAY STARK

Issue 1• The Flash •18

PHOTOGRAPH BY PHOEBE ALCALA

PHOTOGRAPH BY KIKI KUBOTA

PHOTOGRAPH BY PHOEBE ALCALA

6. Before lining up to go onto the field for pregame, jane Leegets her plume put in for the first time. 7. Ending their routine, the dance team shows off their pink gloves in support of breast cancer awareness. 8. During a formation change, the band prepares to begin playing again. 9. Just before kick-off, Olivia Kaempf sings the national anthem. 10. In the student section, Spencer Shaller, Colton Graves, Michael Foster, Ryan Guinn and Logan Bik PHOTOGRAPH BY PHOEBE ALCALA 9 cheer on the game.

PHOTOGRAPH BY MEAGAN LOVIN

PHOTOGRAPH BY AUSTIN MICHAEL

19• The Flash •Issue 1

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