March 21, 2012

Vol. VI Issue #VII

March 21, 2012

Pretty soon, people from around the world will be flocking the streets of Ashland, Oregon.

From independent film fanatics to Ashland High School students, the month of April falls nothing short of excitement. The explanation for the suddenly busy bakeries and crowded avenues; Ashland’s 11th Annual Independent Film Festival (AIFF), and the sixth annual Ashland High School Film Festival (AHSFF).

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by Halie Haynes Starting April 12, the five day Independent Film Festival kicks off. It will present 80 independent shorts, documentaries and feature films. “Our mission is to celebrate the art of independent films,” Wendy Conner, AIFF Volunteer Coordinator, said. The festival itself creates an irreplaceable experience as well; after watching the film, the audience can stay after to participate in a question and answer session with the director of the film they just watched. “It’s a very holistic experience,” Conner said.

Last year’s festival was the most successful in AIFF history, and this year looks just as promising. Ticket sales are expected to sky rocket. “Every year just grows,” Conner said. This is due to certain special guests like Julie Taymor, director of “The Lion King” on Broadway and the movie “Across the Universe.” Last year brought more than 7,000 visitors to Ashland.

Ashland’s film festival competes with over 4,000 other independent festivals in North America alone. Watch Ashland come alive to celebrate some of the most well made films in the world from April 12 to 16 at the Varsity Theatre on the downtown plaza. For more information on ticket information and the festival line up, call (541) 488-3823.

Volunteer Opportunities The volunteer tasks vary from ushering to collecting tickets at the door. Volunteers earn a t-shirt designed by Papaya, a name badge and a party at the end of the festival. “It’s really nice when we have the younger energy in here,” Conner said. Volunteers must work a minimum of 12 hours and attend a mandatory meeting at the Ashland Armory on March 14 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM.

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by Hanna Greenberg Imagine cushioned seats, buttery popcorn, smooth refreshments, booming speakers and pure talent being displayed before you. Sounds like a pretty perfect way to spend a Thursday night.

The Sixth Annual Ashland High School Film Festival is a student showcase and fundraiser put on by the Video Production Class to display student work, as well as to help the AHS Video Department earn money to upgrade to new equipment. This year, the festival will be held on April 26, at 7 p.m., in the IVC at AHS. “I’m hoping it will be a fantastic show, and it’s looking good,” Samar Dawisha, AHS Video Production teacher, said. Dawisha wants to extend a warm welcome to any AHS student interested in submitting a film, whether they are in a video production class or not.

“In class, we are usually just working on our own projects. It’s always a lot of fun to see what everyone else has produced,” 2009 Film Festival winner, senior Ryan Harriss said.

Interested in submitting a film?

All students at AHS are welcomed and encouraged to submit a short (less than six minutes), school appropriate film that was created this school year. Some examples of films that could be submitted are: animation, documentaries, parodies of TV shows, mockumentaries, promos, experimental films and trailers. However, any genre of film is acceptable. Film submissions need to be turned in before spring break; however, contact Dawisha if special arrangements need to be made for your film to be submitted.

Samar Dawisha: samar.dawisha@ashland.k12.or.us

Rogue News

Page 2

March 21, 2012

Presents

Battle of the Bands

by Sarah Kasiah

Chautauqua

Are you in a band? Do you like to perform?

If so, you are a perfect candidate for Battle of the Bands. Auditions will be held on March 19 and 21 after school in the Band Room, so make sure to check it out! Many students have enjoyed this experience. “Battle of the Bands is a cool chance to play epic music for people while battling it out against rival musicians,” senior Jonah Freedman said. The event will be held on April 6 at 7:30 p.m. in the small AHS gym. Admission will be $3; tickets will be presold at lunch on the quad, and all money will be donated to the AHS music program. illustration by Mia O’Doughtery

Resources Engaged Interested in an internship? Ashland High

School students now have the opportunity.

Sophomores, juniors and seniors are eligible to apply for local internships with the help of coordinating leader and AHS science teacher, Todd Hobein.

The internship choices are extensive, with jobs ranging from the medical fields to the liberal arts. Although many of the internships are unpaid, the time put into the work is worth it when college administrators view it on your resume. The internship program gives participants an opportunity to pursue a passion and provides technical skills. “Having an internship in high school is a great idea. You don’t even need stellar grades to do well in the program. All you need is

Internship availability Health Care Services Veterinary Care Park and Recreation programs and services Retail Services Film Festival production Environmental Education and Restoration

Legal Services Geographic Information Systems Services Early Childhood Education Services Wildlife Biologist Interior Designer Computer Services

by Hannah Borgerson

a good attitude and readiness to work,” Hobein said.

Students who have a desire to participate in a certain fields of work (see list below left) will have a great time in the internship program.

Megan Huggins, a junior at AHS, is passionate about animals, is enjoying her internship experience as an animal catcher with the Forest Service. “I am having a blast! It’s a great opportunity to get more experience in the field I want to pursue,” Huggins said.

Listed below are the available internships.

If interested in interning, contact Mr. Hobein at Todd.Hobein@ashland.k12.or.us to set up an appointment with him today!

AHS junior Megan Huggins shows her wild side

Inspire

Photo courtesy of Fellow Ficher Lover

Helping AHS graduate students succeed

by Hanna Greenberg

Located in the old Wilderness Charter school building is the Ashland School District’s transition classroom. The newly named INSPIRE Program consists of AHS Graduates, ages 18 to 21, who need additional support in achieving independent living skills. The INSPIRE Program works to equip qualified students in transitioning from the school atmosphere to the work community.

“By law, any student that has unmet transitional goals is eligible to receive services until the age of 21. So this program exists for the students who still have goals to meet and need

support in meeting those goals,” Kim Budd, Transitional Teacher, said.

Currently, there are five students in the INSPIRE Program at AHS. Each student receives specially designed instruction to satisfy his or her needs.

The curriculum focuses on four main areas including independent living, functional academics, vocational skills and leisure activities. “I feel like this is definitely getting me ready to figure out what kind of job would be perfect,” Inspire student, Eliza Littleton said.

The goal of this program is to give these students confidence and experi-

ence, teach them to be independent and match students with the needs of the employer. “It’s a lot like a family,” Inspire student, Siobhan Carolan, said. “It makes you feel comfortable, while learning life skills and fulfilling goals.”

By providing support and training while on-the-job, assistance in the transitional stage and a strong focus on the individual’s strengths, the Inspire Program hopes to create a positive image for these students and provide them with occupational opportunity.

Page 3

Rogue News

Tattoos: A question of morality

March 21, 2012

illustration by Zena Kanes

To tattoo...

by Grace Rogan

Imagine a huge, towering man enters the room. He has tattoos covering every inch of skin - from the tips of his toes to the peak of his brow. Do you automatically profile him as a criminal? Well, I don’t. I look at the stories and memories that are covering his skin and I am able to understand more about who he is. Tattoos are his way of freely expressing his creativity and sharing certain aspects of who he is. With the recent rise in tattoo popularity, this has become a common way to express one’s self, and society has become more accepting of it. However, some people cling to the outdated idea that humans are clones of one another and should not allow creativity to be openly shared.

It’s hard not to look at tattoos without making several snap judgments. This is something we are all guilty of, but the fact of the matter remains the same: it’s unfair. A tattoo doesn’t define the person, a person defines the tattoo. Those who have tattoos are the brave ones of the bunch. They are the ones that aren’t afraid to share their thoughts in a creative way. Whether they have a tattoo in remembrance of a loved one, a mark to identify them-

Or not to tattoo?

by Ariel Clark

selves as a member of a group or to express an image that represents who they are and what they believe, people without tattoos should take the hint. Those who are against tattoos need to step outside of their protective shells and ink themselves up!

Tattoos are a form of art. So what is society’s issue with them? Accessorizing yourself with body art is something that should be entirely up to the prospective tattoo client, and not dictated by society. Let people think Picture of their bodies as joura student nals and allow them w alking to document the the streets of moments they Ashland, arms, never want shoulders and neck to forget. plastered with tattoos displaying disturbing images of animals, symbols and sayings. Although some of the pictures permanently etched on her body could be considered offensive, she shows no attempt of sparing the public’s eyes of these horrible images. Do you find that attractive?

illustration by Mia O’Doughtery

The Piercing Truth

by Emily Odion Everywhere I go, my retinas are constantly besieged by the images of students with pierced skin, and the question that arises is always the same: why? Why do we feel the need to become living pincushions? When did puncturing small, meaningless holes into one’s body become normal?

And why would anyone want a piercing clear through their tongue?

After taking away the barbarity of piercing, there is only one suitable answer to these ques-

tions. Aside from ear piercings, which are generally accepted by society, body piercings can be seen as signs of rebellion or independence, which are highly coveted teen traits. Admittedly, the idea of a body piercing can be somewhat compelling, but that is only while disregarding things like piercing-induced sores, infections and unsightliness. Piercings should only be acceptable if you are a member of a cult or tribe. However, for students, adults and even teachers, getting a piercing isn’t

worth all trouble that it would undoubtedly cause.

This is my plea: don’t drill your skin open, especially if it is only for the sake of a conversation starter or as a change of pace. There are much simpler and cheaper options for those who are more daring with their style choices, such as stick on and fake piercings. Getting pierced is a regrettable choice.

You can save yourself and everyone you know unnecessary pain and visual offense by going without holes.

I certainly do not. According to http://people. umass.edu/aes1/statistics.html, 17% of people with tattoos regret getting them for many reasons: 16% of tattoos are names, 12% of people don’t like the way it looks, 11% of people say it was a stupid decision and 2% say the tattoos make it difficult to get jobs. However, the idea of looking unattractive and unprofessional should not be the only reason one should talk themselves out of the dreaded tat.

Did you know that in the state of Oregon, it is illegal to get a tattoo under the age of 18 regardless of parental consent? Not only is it illegal for underage people, the cost is outrageous! Just the sketch alone could cost hundreds of dollars! Although some tattoo parlors are cheaper, you have to ask yourself, how sketchy is this place? Are they as good as they say they are? It is necessary to understand that the ink is permanent. That means that there is no getting rid of it unless you get laser removal. According to cosmeticsurgery.com, it could cost $100 just to remove a small, single-colored tattoo.

I know that people are all about expressing themselves, but tattoos are not the way to go. There are other ways to show your uniqueness without using your body as a canvas. Write a book, or try a new, fun haircut, just don’t camouflage your body in ink. Respect your body and everyone else’s eyes. Lose the tat.

Rogue News

Rogue News is published by the newspaper classes of Ashland High School, 201 South Mountain Ave., Ashland, Oregon 97520. (541) 482-8771 ext. 195. The editorials written by the Rogue News express the opinions of the editorial staff on issues relevant to the staff, the school and the community.

Personal columns do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the entire staff and are written as the opinion of the individual author. Letters to the editor, which should be under 250 words, are encouraged. They can be dropped off outside of Room 202, put in Mr. William Gabriel’s box in the main office or emailed to RogueNews@ashland.k12. or.us. No letters will be printed without a verified signature.

Letters received in the second week of production will not appear until the next issue. The Rogue News staff reserves the right to refuse to print any potentially libelous or obscene material, anything that would invade the privacy of others, or anything that could cause a disruption of the school environment.

Editorial/Designer Board Editors-in-Chief.............................................Olivia Fidler/ Elias Opgenorth Front Page...................................................Hanna Greenberg/Bryce Rogan News Page...................................................Natalie Acheatel/ Megan Ganim Opinion Page........................................Ariel Clark, Emily Odion/ Ian Wurfl In-Depth page......................Emily Bestor, Delaney Swink/ Rhianna Terrien Feature Page......................................................Grace Rogan/ Megan Ganim Sports Page......................................................Allie Halprin/ Sofia Harrison Backpage...........................................................Haley Petersen/ Ian Smeenk Online Editors..............................................Erin Keoppen/ Jasper Raynolds ............................................................................./ Wyler McAninch-Ruenzi Business Manager……..….......................................................Christa Tapp

This is not Ashland... thi photo by Anja Harriss

Welco

Wheat grass

by Delaney Swink

Sign outside Hemporium shop.

Hemp

Outsiders of Ashlandia are aware of the liquids Ashlandians carry around in glass jars, from kombucha tea to matte to aloe juice to wheat grass blends.

This is a distinct feature of the Ashlandia scene.

One prime example is the Ashland High School volleyball team, whose coach, Robin Akpan, provides the players with weekly shots of wheat grass. “[Wheat Grass Wednesdays] make you feel really good because you know you just took a shot of a bunch of nutrients,” junior Madison Douglas said.

“You feel like a horse that ate a bunch of grass, but it’s so healthy and energizing. It’s a good bonding experience for the team.”

by Delaney Swink Hemp bracelets, bread, clothes, shoes, lollipops and the aroma of hemp that occasionally wafts through the streets of Ashlandia…needless to say, hemp makes up a vital part of the Ashlandian livelihood in more ways than one. There is even a Hemporium in downtown Ashlandia. “I wrap my dreads with hemp strings,” junior Robin Cross, whose hair is dyed a different color nearly every week, said. Hemp, an edible substance high in fiber, can also be worn or used more creatively. It is an important matter in a non-material scene.

Are you a true Ashlandian?

by Delaney Swink

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Do you believe Lithia water has healing powers?

Do you own at least one pair of Birkenstocks?

Do you ENJOY the taste of kombucha?

Do you participate in “Wheat grass Wednesdays” without gagging?

Do you annually attend the Fourth of July and Festival of Lights parade?

Do you possess the ability to recognize OSF actors as they enter Evo’s?

Do you own/have you owned at least four hemp bracelets in your

life?

***If you answered “yes” to over half of these questions, you are undeniably a true Ashlandian.

by Delane

You may have heard of the show P similar scene. Ashlandians are a very s possess distinctive characteristics, from style. Ashlandians are well known for c hemp wearing, kombucha drinking, spr

OSF

by Emily Bestor

Put yourself in a tourist’s shoes. You a town when all of a sudden masses of peo towards you, wearing nothing but their experience is the annual underwear para of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival’s H The Daedalus Project. OSF is another no the Ashlandia community.

Some locals take advantage of cheap t ers are unaware that OSF is known all States. The large retirement community pride in Shakespeare’s popularity, while play it cool and don’t make a big deal ou

illustrations by Am

Lithia water

by Maya Terry-Shindelman

What better way is there to introduce a visitor through th loopholes of Ashlandia society than by first making them try th sulfuric Lithia Water? An anonymous AHS student stated, “I thin it’s funny to watch the faces of those who first try the water.” I not all just a joke though. In reality, the Lithia Water was once destination for young and old alike to experience the numero health benefits. Only true Ashlandians will drink the Lithia Wat without immediately rushing over to soothe their nauseous tem tations with the clear and clean water fountain located right besid that of the Lithia Water. So, if you are a true Ashlandian, take yo turn at trying the Lithia Water once again, and experience the rej venation and youth that accompanies it. photo by Anja Harriss

Lithia water fountain on the downtown plaz

is is

Ashlandia

ome to

Halloween parade

by Maya Terry-Shindelman

ey Swink

Portlandia and it’s clear that Ashland has a specific tribe of Ashland inhabitants that m food and beverage choice, to attitude and customs such as fire dancing, panhandling, rout eating and patchouli smelling.

4th of July

by Delaney Swink Tourists and small children alike are always shocked by the loud blast of the jets that kick off Ashlandia’s infamous Fourth of July Parade. But on this sweltering summer day, true Ashlandians are prepared for an experience that energizes the crowd with patriotic spirit on the celebratory morning. The shocking start to the day is followed by an unrivaled parade that debuts everything unique to Ashlandia: the gay and lesbian community, belly dancers, bouncing wontons, small children, hippies dressed as deer, and dogs in wagons. The demonstration is tailed by the flood down to the plaza and Lithia Park as the henna tattoos and organic popsicles are enjoyed by all.

are walking downople start parading r underwear. This ade, which is part HIV/AIDS benefit, otorious feature of

tickets, while othl over the United y boasts and takes e true Ashlandians ut of OSF.

Stuff people say about Ashlandia

melia O’Dougherty

he he nk It’s ea ous ter mpde our ju-

za.

If not at any other time of year, Ashlandia is annually united for the Halloween Parade every October. During this event, onlookers can look out among their fellow Ashlandians and see a visual array of opinions arranged in a fashion not seen any other time of year. Led by a rainbow of colors making up the samba band, “Samba Like it Hot”, this event is incredibly unique to Ashlandian society. No true Ashlandian simply watches the parade; they all participate in costumes of great variety and enthusiasm, from ghouls and goblins to pop stars and satirical political figures.

Birkenstocks

by Emily Bestor If towns had an official shoe, Ashlandia’s would be Birkenstocks. The company boasts that they use sustainable raw materials, have little waste from production and package their boxes with 90% recycled paper. All of these qualities are prized by the Ashlandia community. Another great feature of Birkenstock sandals is that one can show off their drab colored wool socks.

Junior Elana Cooper said, “[Birkenstocks] are really comfortable, and last for a long time. Since you can wear them with or without socks, there are many styles.”

“Where are your shoes?”

“The hippies are juggling fire.”

“Your names are so weird.”

“Where is the normal food?”

“Why is that woman bike rider

naked?”

“Isn’t Ashland that hippie town

with the plays?”

“Look, that person has a piercing on their face.”

Stuff Ashlandians say “Oh, you have a little aloe juice on your face.”

“Hey! Recycle that!”

“She totally dresses like she’s from Medford.”

“Let’s go on a cleanse!”

“I’m a vegan. Except for chai lattes.”

“Is that gluten free?”

“My second home is the Co-op.”

March 21, 2012

Global Ties...

Rogue News

CHASE GANIM Snow worries at Mt. Hood Academy

Page 6

Kenzie Jackson

by Grace Rogan

photo submitted by Chase Ganim

Ganim racing at Mt.Shasta

What have you been doing since November? Well Chase Ganim, freshman skier extraordinaire, has been shredding the slopes at Mt. Hood Ski Academy. The academy offers several different training programs for alpine ski racers, ages 13 and older. Athletes of all levels of ski racing ability can find the right training program that fits their needs and assists them in achieving their goals. “I decided to come here because the academy enables you to ski five plus days a week and still get school work done,” Ganim said.

Training at least five days a week, skiing three to five hours daily, and then hitting the workout room, Ganim is unlike your typical teenage boy. “Finally after the day of training is over, we relax and hit up

“The U.S ski team is always a dream for ski racers. I am definitely on the right track towards accomplising such a high achieving goal and have been working towards that goal since i can remember.” -Chase Ganim

our local ski parks, and jib some rails in Government Camp, where our academy is located.”

Ganim has been annihilating his competition since the beginning of the ski season and is currently ranked 2nd in the Pacific Northwest Divison. At the end of the month, Ganim will pack up his skis, and head to Bozeman, Montana for the Junior Olympics, the biggest race of the year. Over spring break, Ganim will be travelling to Wenatchee, Washington, to participate in the Northwest Cup Finals, the championship for the Pacific Northwest Divison.

Keep your eye on this prospect; his name is one you shouldn’t soon forget.

Photo by Anja Harriss

Kenzie Jackson points to her temporary home in Tanzania. She will be gone for 25 days while she volunteers at an orphanage.

by Olivia Knox For 25 days, junior Kenzie Jackson and her mother, Nisha Jackson, will travel to Anisha, Tanzania with a volunteer group called Cross Cultural Solutions. The program brings volunteers together to help address critical global issues in countries with poverty.

“Volunteering is the ultimate thing to give back to all… I have been so blessed with my life,” Kenzie Jackson said. Nisha, a doctor in the Rogue Valley, will be treating

women with HIV/AIDS at a local hospital. While Mrs.Jackson works at the hospital, Kenzie will be at a nearby orphanage where she will spend time building relationships with the children of Anisha. Jackson is excited to experience a different culture. “I hope someday, someone can say they are where they are because of me.

Life is such a simple statement, but has so much meaning behind it,” Jackson said.

Kasey Baker: Mission trip to Mexico

by Olivia Knox Rather than spending the week lounging around at home, Kasey Baker, Ellie Mallory and selected Ashland High School youth group members of the First Baptist Church are going to Ensenada, Mexico, on a mission trip. On their 10 day trip, they will visit the El Sauzal Orphanage, where the group of 22 (12 students and 10 adults) will be spending their time with Photo by Anja Harriss

the children of the orphanage.

They plan on fixing up parts of the orphanage and participating in other humanitarian projects.

For Mallory’s senior project, she has been collecting clothing donations to give to the children of El Sauzal Orphanage. Baker and Mallory both participated in the mission trip last year and are really looking forward to another great experience. ”Going to Mexico has been a life chang-

ing experience for me because it’s not only about volunteering, but it’s about getting to know the children, too,” Mallory said.

“I’ve really realized how lucky we are here in the United Sates and it has made me grateful for the things I have,” Baker said, reflecting back on last year. To find out more about Ellie Mallory’s senior project go to www. theroguenews.com.

Rogue News

March 21, 2012

Page 7

Snowboarders ride to State Championship

and aerials that they hoped would dethrone the former champions, team Bonedeth of West Lynn. But as the day progressed, the single practice run was not enough for AHS’s Varsity A Squad who were unable to stay on their feet for the entirety of their runs.

Fortunately, the Varsity B Squad, led by senior Will Small in fourteenth place, was able to come through in the clutch and take the third place position.

by Rogue News staff After a weekend filled with powder, parks, progression and pain, the Ashland High School Men’s Snowboard Team was crowned the victors of the OISA State Championships held at Mt. Bachelor March 15 to 17. Despite undesirable conditions, insufficient practice time and disappointing performances by many key players, the Grizzly riders joined together as a team to assert their dominance over the much favored competition and bring the Sato Cup home to Southern Oregon for the first time in four years.

Halfpipe

Overcoming the Odds

As obvious dark horse competitors, the riders of the Southern League, including Ashland, overwhelmed the competition with consistency and skill. Southern League competitors are the only riders south of Mt. Hood who are included in the Oregon Interscholastic Snowboard Association and are at an obvious disadvantage due to Mt. Ashland’s size and annual snowfall compared to Mt. Hood.

Earlier this season, when Mt. Ashland closed for three weeks, the riders were left without a place to practice. But after the all the snow settled, the riders shredded the competition with pure talent and determination.

Individual Banked Slalom

Ashland’s first taste of victory occurred on Thursday in the Individual Banked Slalom where seniors Will

photo by Cody Morrison

The AHS Grizzly senior varsity snowboarders from left to right: Andrew Blocher, Marley Schwartz, Colin Downey, Will Small, Brendon Barber and Elias Opgenorth

Small and Elias Opgenorth placed ninth and fifth, respectively, among 90 of Oregon’s fastest snowboarders. With extra help from senior Andrew Blocher and sophomore Logan Kistler, who took the thirteen and fourteenth place positions, the varsity squad was awarded bronze as the third fastest team in the state; an impressive feat considering competitors were only allowed one opportunity to ride the course before taking their single competition run.

Boardercross

Following IBS came the Boardercross competition which follows an elimination bracket consisting of the top 64 riders from Banked Slalom.

Unfortunately, this format forced Ash-

land riders to go face-to-face with their teammates in a cutthroat four man race to the bottom. Many of Ashland’s riders advanced to the quarter and semi-finals, but only Elias Opgenorth represented Ashland in the finals where he placed fourth after a disappointing two man crash left him in the back of the pack.

Slopestyle

On the second day of competition, the sun showed its beautiful face on Mt Bachelor for the Men’s Slopestyle event where many of Ashland’s top riders expected to place. Despite having the smallest terrain park in the state for the shortest amount of time, the Ashland riders came prepared to throw down with an arsenal of spins

The final competition proved to be the most difficult for the Ashland team.

Without a halfpipe on Mt. Ashland, Ashland riders were only able to get in one day of practice in the pipe during the season before competing on the state level. Nevertheless, sophomore Henry Krant sent it big with clean airs out of the 18 foot walls that landed him just short of the podium in fourth place.

Junior Kelly Honsinger followed in ninth place with a run filled with technical spins and clean grabs to help the team take third place in Halfpipe.

Victory

At the end of the three day competition, consistency proved to be Ashland’s strongpoint. Three third place finishes were enough to bump Ashland to the first place spot in the championship, and to defeat the arch rival Team Bonedeth.

Matt Faurot

“Winning the Sado Cup just shows how strong our riders are because they can compete against riders with so many more resources and come out on top,” head coach Matt Faurot said.

A trip well-earned

Over this spring break, a new squad of student athletes will have the opportunity to travel out of state to play. After devoting nearly every day of the last two weeks to perfecting their craft, the Ashland High School Varsity Baseball Team is looking forward to a five day trip filled with hot sun over their heads and strong competition on the diamond.

The team leaves Ashland on March 26, they will drive to Sacramento and fly to Phoenix, Arizona. In the following three days, they will square

off against three competitive Colorado high schools: Boulder, Grandview and Brighton.

However, the fun really begins during the team’s down time, as they are scheduled to see not only an Arizona State-Cal State Fullerton college ballgame, but also a San Francisco GiantsTexas Rangers professional spring training game. “I’m a big Giants fan, and a scale of one-to-excited for this game, I’m at about a twelve,” joked senior left-fielder Cory Milgram. “But more importantly, this is a great opportunity to so-

lidify the team chemistry that is needed to become a truly great team.”

Trips such as these are few and far between for any program at AHS, as the money supporting the venture was raised entirely by the team itself. The players collected money by selling cartons of oranges and grapefruits, as well a fundraising car wash.

“It is very exciting for a team to get an opportunity such as this, because they are now able to compete against

some high level competition, in one of the best baseball areas of the U.S., What makes it even cooler, however, is that they fundraised the entire trip by themselves. The district isn’t paying a dime,” AHS Athletic Director, Karl Kemper, proudly stated.

The Grizzly ballplayers showed that through hard work and determination, one can ultimately accomplish what they wishes to achieve. The values exemplified by the baseball team are a testament to the principles that hold a team together.

Take a hike!

by Haley Petersen, Natalie Acheatel & Kyra McFadden Teen angst plagues even the best of us; Southern Oregon mirrors many characteristics resembling a twilight zone when one has endless free time. However, there are some surefire methods to make your spring break everything you wished for.

A source of transportation plus a strong ambition to seize fun opportunities will create everlasting memories. With activities ranging from hiking to arcades, these journeys will surely cater to any sense of adventure.

Oredson Todd Located above the Green Meadows neighborhood, the Oredson Todd Trail coils its way through forested terrain and ends at a pristine waterfall, perfect for a quiet reflection. As the trail winds towards the waterfall, quaint bridges cross the tranquil creek, offering a relaxed hike.

Fairy Ponds

Toothpick

The Fairy Ponds: Follow the faint path to the mysterious crystal-clear pools known as the “Fairy Ponds.” According to legend, you can see an alluring fairy woman residing over the pools among the branches of the trees. The Fairy Pond Trail allows you to quench your thirst for adventure while staying right here in town.

Past the busy streets and crowded neighborhoods of Tolman Creek, the Toothpick Trail twists through the forest providing amazing views of the valley and Grizzly Peak. The Toothpick Trail is perfect for a quick run or peaceful hike. Ending at an old logging road, the trail gives one the option of continuing down towards Lithia Park or turning back.

Illustrations by Amelia O’Dougherty

What kind of getaway do YOU need?

1. Which do you enjoy most?

a. Being surrounded by natural wonders; I am in my element. b. Loud laughter and each ounce of chaos that comes with carnival-like games c. A vintage lifestyle, dusty books and a small town feel.

2. You like to be… a. Everywhere outdoors, whether it involves standing beneath a pouring waterfall or in the canopy of a rainforest.

c. Enveloped in peace and silence.

You are fit for an outdoor expedition! With many stupendous geographical features nestled into the areas surrounding Southern Oregon, you have a variety of options for your day trip. Crater Lake, the Oregon Caves and the California Redwoods are all sights to see.

a. Science b. Technology

b.Consumed by games of all sorts.

If you were mostly A’s

3. What is your favorite topic to chat about?

c. History

4. What is your 5. Who is your fafavorite food? vorite musician? a. Trail Mix

a. The Tallest Man on Earth

b. Slurpees

b. Katy Perry

c. Gelato

c. Billy Joel

If you were mostly B’s It seems like you are a fun, energetic person.

The Family Fun Center and Lava Lanes are two main attractions for spontaneous nights out.

On Friday nights, cosmic bowling at Lava Lanes turns heads when the music blasts and blacklights glow.

If you were mostly C’s You may be in need of a quaint solo getaway. Treat your mind to a day of peace in Jackson County’s own Jacksonville. The town of just over 2,000 inhabitants is home to a handful of delicacies unique to the area, such as gelato from Mamma Mia Gelateria.