by Hanna Greenberg What is it?: 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is an empathogenic drug of the phenethylamine and amphetamine class. It can induce euphoria and mild psychedelia. Molly is advertised as the purest form of MDMA - but rarely actually is. The dangers: MDMA is a man-made drug, which allows for other drugs such as cocaine, PCP, amphetamines, Ritalin and even meth to be added without the knowledge of the user. When the pill contains these other substances, it boosts overall profits and increases addiction among users. The common side effects: Muscle tension, nausea, blurred vision and increased heart rate and blood pressure. In certain cases, overdose can occur and lead to death. Additionally, severe hangovers and lasting depression are common once the euphoria has ended. Overdose Symptoms: Side effects often include, but are not limited to: rapid heartbeat, overheating, excessive sweating, shivering and involuntary twitching. Legality: If a student is found on campus in possession or distributing Molly, it is considered a Schedule I Controlled Substance and results in automatic expulsion and prison sentences- even for minors. Unlicensed use, sale or manufacturing of MDMA are all criminal offenses, and can also lead to exstensive jail time.
by Cass Christopher “Has anyone seen Molly?” This was the question superstar Madonna asked her audience at the Ultra Music Festival in Miami, 2012. This was only the start of the huge Molly infestation that has taken over our concerts, music and culture the past couple years. Created in the 1970s for treating certain psychological disorders, the abuse of Molly has led to 22,498 MDMA-related visits to Emergency Rooms in 2011, a huge number compared to previous years. If you’ve never heard of Molly, think again. Miley Cyrus, Jay-Z, Kanye West, 2 Chainz, Rick Ross, Madonna, Skrillex and countless Electronic Dance Music (EDM) artists have made references to Molly. Now that you know how invasive the drug is, listen to your favorite songs a little more closely and see if you can find Molly. EDM festivals and Hot 100 songs aren’t the only place Molly likes to hide. Molly has become a very common drug all over the nation, including Ashland, Oregon. Though it may not seem like the drug’s impact has hit us so hard here in Southern Oregon, Molly is becoming more and more of a problem each day. “There are anecdotal reports that parents are becoming aware of Molly,” AHS Dean of Students Russ Johnson said. “We [the staff] are learning and educating ourselves as well.” Molly is all over the media and is portrayed as a simple party drug, which it isn’t. If we start to believe Molly is harmless, however, there may be an issue in Ashland as well. Reflecting on the drug’s dangers, AHS Principal Ms. Zundel stated, “We want students to graduate with all their brain cells and their full potential intact. Using this or any other drug gets in the way of that.” Dominating the iTunes charts, attending almost every music festival and gradually appearing at more and more high schools and colleges every day, Molly is making her move and we need to be aware.
by Bryce Rogan, Gabe Young and Hanna Greenberg Another school year is upon us, and with it comes yet another changing of the guards here at The Rogue News. As this year’s EditorsIn-Chief, we are delighted to be captaining this ship, and what a wonderful ship it is! Each year since it resurfaced in 2006, the Rogue News has improved at an astonishing pace. Working with the foundation set by the legendary Bill Gabriel, while merging with the fresh new ideas of Allison French, it is safe to say that this newspaper is the best that it has ever been. And yes, while the waters photo by Katy Barnard are calm most of the time, it is our The three editors-in-chief Bryce Rogan, Hanna Greenberg and responsibility to notify the student Gabe Young, from the left. body of the ripples and waves, a job that we thoroughly enjoy. Being involved in many other programs besides the newspaper, we are aware of the opinions, attitudes and actions of the vast majority of the students at AHS. Working with our excellent staff, we plan to produce a paper with important content that is appealing both visually and intellectually to our readers. So sit back and relax as we set sail upon this new year. Bon voyage.
by Rogue News Staff
Who: All of us. Every student is required to have a Student-Led Conference What: Each student has to bring their parent or guardian to a conference to talk about transcripts, classes and every other school type thing. Where: Your advisory class. When: Thursday, October 10, all throughout the day. Why: So students can take charge of their education by setting goals and planning for the future.
Should homecoming proposals be simple or elaborate?
Elaborate
Simple by Bryce Rogan
photos by Katy Barnard
Homecoming is one of the most memorable and recognizable events of a high school career. The football game, the spirit week, the king’s court, the dinner we pay for with our parents’ money and, of course, the dance. Notice how one seemingly important part of the homecoming experience is left off. Oh wait, you didn’t notice anything? That’s right. This is because the proposal is not enshrined in the upper level of homecoming moments. However, I have noticed an unsettling trend in the last three years of dances. Homecoming proposals are getting bigger, and bigger and bigger. This benefits absolutely no one. Trust me.
GUYS
I’ll start with the guys. Philosophers have argued for years about whether mankind is inherently good, inherently evil or inherently neutral. All of these are false. As of now, I deem myself a philosopher and state that mankind is inherently lazy. Well, at least high school mankind. Deep down, no one really wants to go all out when they’re asking someone to a dance. We only do it because we have to at this point. People have ruined the pure proposal. DON’T BE THAT GUY. Really, you needed to bring an entire orchestra into your potential date’s advisory? Did you actually have to do a plane flyover? Was there no way to ask someone other than organizing a flash mob? Or lighting 3,000 candles at the same time? How did you even do that? Anyway, we’re all in the same boat; we’re all equals here. Stop trying to go all Animal Farm on us and prove that you’re somehow “more equal.” Don’t be that guy.
GIRLS
Girls, what more do you want? There are literally no ideas left. We would have to go to the twenty-fifth page of a Google search to find an idea that has never been done before. I don’t even know if it’s possible to look through that many pages of Google without going insane. Yes, guys Google their homecoming proposals. It has gone that far. I know it probably sounds awesome to be swept off of your feet by Prince Charming and carried off on horseback into the sunset, but there are a couple flaws with this idea. One, there are no princes at the high school. I know, it is Ashland, but even if you refuse to respond to any name other than prince, you are still not a prince. Flaw number two is that horses are scary. I think that pretty much sums things up. So I propose a new theme for this year’s homecoming. Communism. As in communism of proposals. Guys, just go buy one (ONE!) flower, ask a girl if she’ll go to the dance with you and you’re good. We will all do this. No fireworks; no trumpets; just straight awkward high school romance. What’s better than that?
Editorial/Designer Board Editors-in-Chief................................Hanna Greenberg/Bryce Rogan/Gabe Young Front Page.............................................................Hanna Greenberg/Bryce Rogan News...................................................................................................Bryce Rogan Opinion Page...........................................................Hanna Greenberg/Gabe Young In-Depth Page.....................................................Hannah Borgerson/Seve Bortman Feature Page .................................................................................Cass Christopher Sports...................................................................Hanna Greenberg/Seve Bortman Back......................................................................................................Gabe Young Online Editors.........................Grady Killeen/Nathan Markovich/Riley Richmond Managing Editor...........................................................................Cass Christopher Business Manager…......…..…...........................................................Anna Epstein Photo Editor........................................................................................Katy Barnard
by Gabe Young
When dealing with romance and relationships, progression is most often brought about by means of a proposal. Whether it is as simple as asking another on a date, or as profound as asking another for their hand in marriage, proposals are important in interactions between two people. While marriage propositions are few and far between within the realm of AHS, a different kind of proposition takes center stage each October, as hundreds of adolescents feverishly search for a Homecoming date. Now, don’t get me wrong, a date to a high school dance is not by any means a binding marriage of two people for eternity. Yet, I do believe that the action of asking someone to Homecoming draws many parallels to the action of asking another for their hand in marriage. Allow me to explain.
HISTORY
Traditional marriage proposals vary from culture to culture. Yet one thing is certain: like nearly everything (thanks Darwin), they have evolved over time. At one time, men would simply kidnap their desired brides from her family home and take them away to begin their new lives. Somewhere along the line, as humans became more civilized, someone decided to give brides-to-be a choice to say yes or no (sorry guys). It then became a matter of asking a woman as convincingly as possible, so that she could not conceivably say no.
PRESENT
But proposals kept evolving to the point where they now have become extravagant, theatrical ordeals. Many would attribute this to the so-called “lofty expectations of women;” however, I think we can logically come to the conclusion that these expectations are simply fueled by desire to be treated as they have seen others treated. They see other men pulling out all of the stops for another woman, and wish the same for themselves. So this rise in extravagance and elaboration of proposals is really only the doing of the men. Seemingly making things harder upon themselves, this is a result of the competitive nature of men, as they attempt to outdo all others who have gone before them. Many men would gripe and complain about the situation that they have been cornered into, but I would instead choose to embrace it. Go all out in your proposal, have a little fun with it, and be the best suitor in the history of mankind. Satisfy man’s primal need to “mark his territory” by making a public spectacle of it (or at least making sure it ends up on every social media imaginable). Hold nothing back and be as grandiose as possible and the reward will be tenfold. Yes, I do realize that this challenge concerns me as well…so game on.
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 Allison French’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.
By Hannah Borgerson You think you’re too cool for spirit week? Well you’re not. It just so happens that if you have not planned out your themed outfits then you have some very serious decisions to make this upcoming week. Spirit week only comes around twice a year, so take advantage of it when you can. How often do you get to wear the exact same outfit as your best friend? Or dress up as your favorite super hero without being judged? In a perfect word we should be able to wear whatever we want without receiving critical stares. Unfortunately, our world is not this ideal. We must wear clothes that follow certain rules, norms and styles. However, spirit week is the time
to let all these preconceived fashions statements go. It is time to wear your SpongeBob pajama pants to school, your grandma’s red knitted sweater and your space camp T-shirt you got in sixth grade. Let AHS set an esteemed goal: the quad, starting on Monday 14 and ending Friday 18, will be filled with crazy dressed students and teachers. Let the spirited games begin!
October 9, 2013
The Rogue News
October 17 7:30pm
Mountain Ave. Theatre 201 S. Mountain Ave. Ashland, OR
Juan Felipe Herrera, renowned writer, playwright, educator and California Poet Laureate will read and discuss his poetry on Thursday, October 17th, 2013 at 7:30 pm in the Mountain Avenue Theatre at Ashland High School. The latest guest of the Chautauqua Poets and Writers Series, Herrera will be conducting educational workshops with students, teachers and the public. Herrera is a professor of creative writing in the Department of Creative Writing at the University of California, Riverside. He is the recipient of the Guggenheim Fellowship in Poetry and the winner of multiple awards such as the National Book Critics’ Circle Award for Poetry; PEN USA Literary Award for Poetry/Beyond Margins Award; and the Americas Award.
Reserved...$20 www.showtix4u.com General...$15 Bloomsbury Books, Bookwagon, Oregon Books & Games Student...$12 Available at AHS
We Got Your Back, Jack! by Ryan Case
A few weeks ago, Jack Dorr started his first day of 4th grade. Like most of us, he would rather build worlds in Minecraft or read Harry Potter than tackle the night’s homework. Starting school is stressful for most kids, but it is much harder for Jack when he’s not feeling well. In January, Jack was diagnosed with Astrocytoma cancer in his spine. Astrocytomas are tumors that grow in the central nervous system (the brain and the spinal cord). They press on areas of the brain, causing those areas to function abnormally. Due to his tumor’s location, Jack, who likes to spend his time playing with Legos and his dog, is left without full function in his right hand, but that doesn’t prevent Jack from engaging in his usual activities. “He’s been adapting beautifully, and continues to play strong and work hard,” Jack’s mother, Trish Dorr said. He is also a “great reader and has been able to lose himself in books to help pass the time when he doesn’t feel as well.” Jack also has the support of his close family. They’re planning a week-long trip to Hawaii together in October; as a Helman schoolteacher, that’s something Trish would have never done before. “We continue to be close, and to express our love frequently to each other. We stay focused on the positive and on living life fully right now—each moment has become more precious, and we are taking advantage of these days when Jack is feeling well,” Trish said. Jack has received an outpouring of community support. This
Jack Dorr in the arms of his loved ones
photo submitted by Becky DeSalvo
summer there was a Jack-A-Palooza celebration and fundraiser at ScienceWorks. Local businesses and the Ashland High School main office have been selling bracelets that read, “We’ve got your back Jack”. “When Jack sees them on people, he feels buoyed and supported, and thinks it’s great that even strangers would take time to send him good wishes,” Trish said. Jack, his mom and his sister live just up the street from Ashland High School. Sometimes they wave to the athletes that are forced to run up Mountain Avenue as a part of their athletic conditioning. Jack is part of our community in Ashland, so let’s be on the lookout for upcoming ways to support Jack and his family! For now, swing by room 202 at AHS to pick up your own bracelet for a donation.
Mason Montgomery (2) excels on both offense (left) and defense (right).
Athletes of the Month by Olivia Butler, Ellie Case and Skylar Zundel
“We work hard every day. We strive for perfection every time we hit the field,” senior captain, Matt Hedges said. With five consecutive wins and no losses so far this season, coupled with the title of Pacific Rim Bowl Champions under their belt, the Ashland High football program is stepping up their game. It is going to be an exciting year. Towards the end of the summer the team went to Japan and played the Osaka all-star team, earning a 32-30 victory. A few weeks later, a 23-7 win over rival Marist, was one of the highlights for Hedges and fellow senior captain Mason Montgomery. The Grizzlies had never scored a single point against Marist in previous years. These guys are sure to make things exciting, because they bring something very special to the table. Hedges first started playing football during recess with his friends in elementary school and he further pursued the sport with Pop Warner when he turned seven years old. As a wide receiver and cornerback, he has scored four touchdowns and caught ten passes for 255 yards, ending up with a twentyfive yard per-game average for the start of the season. Football was Hedges’ main
sport for quite some time, but when he decided to start swinging the golf club on the side, things changed. Now as a senior on both varsity football and golf, Hedges says his future is in golf, and he is being recruited by many colleges for it. Montgomery’s introduction to football came very early, as his father has always been a football fanatic. Even as a child, Montgomery was too combative for YMCA soccer. Pop Warner was a humble beginning for Montgomery, who says he used to, and still likes to, hit people. This makes him a perfect individual for the positions he plays: fullback and linebacker. Montgomery has thirty-three tackles, one sack and one interception so far this season. His other passion is wrestling, which incorporates the aggression and focus of football. Montgomery says he may be recruited to play football in college next year, but he has to see how the season goes. “It’s going to be a great season!” Montgomery said enthusiastically. Ashland football has always had a reputation for excellence and this season is no exception. The team aims to defeat all obstacles in their path and continue on to victory. These senior varsity members are key players for the rest of the season. Hopefully we’ll see them representing AHS at the OSAA State Playoffs.
Matt Hedges (5) catches a ball in stride as he breaks away from a KU defender (14).
photos courtesy of Larry Stauth @ rocksolidgallery.com
Offerings: Cafe fare; sandwiches, coffee drinks Time: 7 mins. Crowd: Cost:
Offerings: Typical grocery store; deli Time: 6 mins. Crowd: Cost:
Take a look at this map to find some great lunch spots within walking distance of AHS.
illustrations by Sonora Mindling-Werling
Offerings: typical menu selections Time: average one-way walking time from AHS Crowd: crowd level ( ) Cost: price level ( )
Offerings: Tamales, doughnuts, fresh produce Time: 9 mins. Crowd: Cost:
Offerings: Asian cuisine; lots of rice Time: 8 mins. Crowd: Cost:
Offerings: Burritos, enchiladas, quesadillas, tacos Time: 7 mins. Crowd: Cost:
Offerings: Pastries, foccacias, smoothies, coffee drinks Time: 6 mins. Crowd: Cost:
Offerings: Sub sandwiches Time: 6 mins. Crowd: Cost:
Offerings: Pizza, sushi, snacks, coffee, smoothies Time: 5 mins. Crowd: Cost: