November 18, 2016 Vol. XI Issue III
It’s Not Rocket Science ...Oh Wait, it is by Tia Wilhelm Is rocket science really rocket science? Although it may seem like a fantastical and far-fetched career, it is a real job that real people do. So, what does a rocket scientist do exactly? Rocket science refers to the development of all aircraft and spacecraft. As such it encompasses dozens of engineering fields, a few of which include electro technology (the study of electronics within technology), fluid mechanics (the way fluid flows around objects including wind over wings), and avionics (overseeing the programming and design of computer system on board the aircraft). Late October, Principles of Technology (PT) classes were visited by Dean McKay, a systems engineer who contributed to the Apollo 11 mission that put man on the moon in 1969. You may be familiar with the names Neil Armstrong or Buzz Aldrin. Well, they are only two out of the 400,000500,000 people across the United States who were working on this mission. McKay personally worked at the Cape Kennedy space center in Florida alongside 100,000 other engineers, and said that during his time there, they launched 2-3 dozen other rockets. “We would test one of these rockets for a
couple years before we launched it,” explains McKay. Since then, McKay has continued work in commercial technology areas. “I love it,” said McKay with a smile. “I’m never going to retire really,” he added with a chuckle. McKay stressed the importance of technology today and connected his work in various areas to current day applications. “Get interested in the math and science whether you want to be a technologist or not.” Having guest speakers come in to classes is a great opportunity for students to gain a better understanding of how what they’re learning is applicable in the world beyond high school. Guest speakers also allow students to better understand key concepts by presenting material in a new light. “It’s a lot easier to grasp the concepts we’re trying to learn,” Jack Kleen, a current PT student said. “It transfers material that we learned into something more interesting.” Rocket scientist or not, shoot for the moon because even if you miss you’ll still land amongst the stars… but if you’re really talking rocket science, test your rocket a lot before even thinking about the moon.
The Science of Fall by Ana Ferguson Out of the four seasons, fall is arguably the most beautiful. The crisp air, changing foliage, and shorter days are all different aspects of autumn that add to its appeal. Every seasonal change can be seen as an opportunity to rejuvenate, and fall is no exception. While the features of fall are enchanting, they can also be explained by science.
Oregon is one of the lucky places in the world where the leaves change with the seasons, and the approaching autumn weather is delightfully expressed in an array of colors. The types of colors that can be seen in trees can be scientifically explained by the different categories of pigments present: carotenoids and anthocyanins. Carotenoids produce the yellows, oranges, and browns of fall leaves, while anthocyanins produce the color red. The decrease in sunlight means trees stop producing chlorophyll (the green pigment in leaves that is essential to the process of photosynthesis). Anthocynanins and carotenoid are always present in leaves regardless of the season, but when the production of chlorophyll is stopped, the different pigments are visible.
arkwork by Mouminatou Thiaw
Another characteristic of fall is the dark, short days. One reason why the days of autumn are shorter is because of the tilt of the Earth’s axis. As the Earth orbits around the Sun, different points become closer to the light while others move farther away. This means that during fall and winter the tilt of the Earth’s axis creates shorter days.
Speech & Debate
BACK ROW: Mat Marr, Sam South, Karl Moeglein, Carson Berry, Dylan Kistler, Sequoia Jacobson, Eugene Mandell FRONT ROW: Gracia Dodds, Sienna Scoggin, Kate Joss-Bradley, Bella Mannray, Hazel Richards
photos courtesy of Kleya Dhenin
Early Season Success by Liv West and Uma McGuire
Success is not unusual for Ashland Speech and Debate and this year is no different. Ashland has started off strong in the numerous tournaments that the over eighty Ashland High School students have participated in. On October 8, the AHS team competed at the South Coast Invitational; this was the first major tournament for the group. The team began the season on a high note, with the top five students in extemporaneous speaking coming from Ashland. LincolnDouglas debate mirrored this result with Ashland taking five of the top six positions. The Speech and Debate team travelled to Willamette University in Salem on October 21 and 22. Thirty-one schools attended and competed in 20 different speech and debate events. Cleveland, the defending 6A state champion, won the team sweepstakes with 93 points. AHS placed second with 91 points. Two impressive performances
included Lilli Morrish and Sarah Aaronson, who both took first place in their first speech and debate tournament. Aaronson, along with Karl Moeglein and Carson Barry, advanced to elimination rounds in all three of their events. Ten debaters competed in the National Parliamentary Invitational at the University of California, Berkeley on November 12 and 13, where all five teams advanced to elimination rounds- the best that Ashland has done at a California tournament in years. Two of the highlights of the tournament were seniors John Ropp and Rob Stallman making quarterfinals in Varsity, and junior Alex Webb and sophomore Hannah Doyle earning first place in Junior Varsity. Ashland Speech and Debate will continue competing at a national level with approaching tournaments in Chicago, Salt Lake City, and Oakland before the calendar year is up.
pictured: Kate Joss-Bradley (left) and Gracia Dodds (right)
Marr Raises the Bar by Madison Fung
There are many changes that are occurring in the world of Speech and Debate. One of the most significant changes is the team’s new Speech and Debate coach, Mat Marr. Marr is a former Speech and Debate competitor for Ashland High School under coach John Tredway. In fact, many alumni here at AHS, including teachers Jamie Hirsh and Nikki Thommen, were involved with the program. Marr stated that they were a “strong team that supported each other.” They had many successes including the Speech and Debate championships through the ‘90s and early 2000s. Marr hopes to create a team environment similar to the one that he was involved in. His goal is to create an overall respectful, positive, high quality team. The larger debate community is endorsing Marr’s goal as well. He stated that “the overall quality of Speech and Debate in Oregon is the highest I have seen. Some of the rounds at Willamette were just phenomenal.” The Speech and Debate programs in Oregon are working together more. Marr explains that when he asked a Cleveland team for the public forums cases that they used at the Willamette tournament, they were happy to share. The local schools in the valley have changed over these past few years as well. For example, Phoenix High School hosted a tournament on November 5. When Marr was in high school, Phoenix didn’t even have a Speech and Debate team. Besides other local competitions, this
pictured: Sienna Scoggin (left) and Dylan Kistler (right)
year the Ashland Speech and Debate team is planning on going to more competitions in California and will even travel as far away as Chicago. Another change that occurred is that the team members are required to compete in additional events that they might not normally compete in. This encourages students to explore other possible strengths. For example, Alex Webb, a junior, stated
that “there’s a lot more stuff that we all can do…. For example, last year we brought 70 people to this one tournament called Willamette. We were all entered in one [event]. This year we brought 36 who were all entered in three different things. We did almost as well [as the previous year].” This change allows the debaters to become more versatile in the Speech and Debate program and the cross training encourages the participant to become a well-rounded debater and speaker in the program. In the past, in order to compete in competitions, students had to be enrolled in the Speech and Debate class. Marr hopes to expand the Speech and Debate program to students who are not enrolled in the class. That way, students who are unable to fit the class into their schedule would still be able compete. Also, students who want try the program can decide whether they want to commit to the class in the future. The Speech and Debate program has long been exceptional at Ashland High School, but these new changes have the potential to allow the program to improve and grow. If interested in joining Speech and Debate, email Matt Marr at Matthew.Marr@ashland.k12.or.us or visit the team’s Facebook page: Ashland Speech and Debate.
photo by Liam Dunleavy
C LU B S TED TALKS AND TEA by Sophia Wiencek and Ava Hearn
You may have heard that Ashland High School has a new club on campus. On Tuesdays at lunch in English-9, students with mugs of tea gather around a table to watch selected TED Talks. TED Talks and Tea creates a comfortable space where students can come together and learn about interesting topics that are not usually taught in school. There are over two thousand TED Talks that feature a variety of topics from quantum physics to ballroom dancing. TED Talks give students a chance to explore things they are curious about and approach education in a way that caters more to their individual interests. “We want to make education fun and [feel] like less of an obligation,” explained co-president Bea Walker, “Education is about engaging in what interests you.” So far TED Talks and Tea has been met with very positive remarks and the club is growing rapidly. “At our first meeting we had ten people. By our third meeting, that number had almost tripled,” said co-president Cora Stonewood. In their first meetings, TED Talks and Tea is focusing more on comedic TED Talk speakers and funny anecdotes in an attempt to recruit more members. A talk they watched recently was by David Blaine, magician and stuntman who holds the world record for holding his breath underwater for seventeen minutes. TED Talks and Tea ensures that they represent club members by leading discussions after each to talk to find out what students like and which topics they want see. TED Talks and Tea is continuing to grow and get students engaged in a different way of learning.
photo courtesy of Dale Fulton
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE CLUB by Ava Hearn
Southern Oregon is a place full of natural wonders that are begging to be explored. Sometimes people get so caught up in their busy lives, they forget to find the time to appreciate the beauty around them. Outdoor Adventure Club is a perfect way to get out and experience nature. Last year, Ashland High School students teamed up with the Southern Oregon University (SOU) Outdoor Program to create a club that would get high schoolers outside. “Everyone who knows me knows that I am pretty much obsessed with the river,” said club president and founder, Dale Fulton. “I grew up with a love for the outdoors and a huge respect for nature. I created this club so that I could share this love with my peers.” Outdoor Adventure Club is completely student-run, and all the trips are guided by student leaders. “There is lot of work to be done to organize outings. I have to collect dues, set times and hand out liability release forms. I’ve learned a lot of skills and made a bunch of connections by leading this club,” said Fulton. The Outdoor Adventure Club meets every Wednesday to discuss and organize trips. They go on weekly hikes around the area, some backpacking trips and do lots of river rafting. Last year, they went on a midnight hike up Table Rock, watched a meteor shower from the top of Mount Ashland and went on over 5 summer rafting trips, in addition to other amazing outings. “As a generation, we are very absorbed into our technology and this club encourages us to get outside and enjoy ourselves,” said club member Nicole Locklin, stressing the importance of outdoor education. In this recent year, Outdoor Adventure Club has moved away from their relationship with SOU to focus more on the high school outdoor experience. Fulton hopes to have guest speakers come in to teach wilderness skills and incorporate outdoor education. Outdoor Adventure Club has proven to be successful in getting students interested in the outdoors and discover new hobbies, hopefully an interest that will extend even beyond high school, as both the Pacific Northwest and the rest of the world have many beautiful places to explore.
artwork by Sophia Wiencek
SCHOOL SPIRIT CLUB by Sophia Wiencek
This year, Ashland High School’s student section has gotten louder and more students are showing school spirit. During football games and volleyball games, Ashland has stood out for its rowdy and supportive crowd. School Spirit club has been encouraging students to have more spirit since they started a year ago. “Having school spirit is important because it creates a little community within our school and it brings the students together by supporting other classmates,” said Kyra Smith, president of spirit club. Every Wednesday during lunch in room 206, School Spirit club gets together and thinks of different ways to create and encourage school spirit. To make the student section even better, they make signs, pompoms, balloons and get blow horns. Along with the pompoms and balloons, the club threw colorful chalk into the air for the last few football games. The club is also trying to get students to go to more basketball and baseball games, since fewer students typically attend those games. The club has a couple fundraisers throughout the year, such as trick or treat gifts for Halloween. They were sent out during second period on October 31. The money raised went to buying more supplies for the games. “The best part about being in the club,” said co-vice presidents Myla Norvell and Julia Senestraro, “is that we get to see the impact we have made at a school level and... how many more people go to the games.” School Spirit Club wants as many people as possible to join. They are always welcoming anyone who wants to help out with school spirit. “It is a lot of fun to participate in school activities and not just pretend that you’re too cool for school and not join in with the fun!” said Kyra Smith.
photo by Jackson McRae
Karl Kemper has even said that this has been the best student section he has seen in almost 20 years. Coming together with other students and cheering our athletes on has helped out our sports teams and creates a great community at Ashland High. School Spirit Club has significantly helped our school with encouraging more students to support our sports teams. Go Grizz!
THE
IT’S A CHANGIN’
By Dylan Kistler and Zaida LaRose On October 13th, Bob Dylan became the first musician ever to win the Nobel Prize for Literature. Not everyone is pleased to see the rebellious folk hero slouching next to the likes of Hemingway, T.S. Eliot, Steinbeck, and Solzhenitsyn. Of these awards given annually to a writer whose work is deemed “in the field of literature the most outstanding work in an ideal direction,” controversies have been the norm. Winston Churchill received the award in 1953 for his work in autobiography and oratory – styles which many do not consider to have intrinsic literary merit. Moreover, in 1964 Jean-Paul Sartre refused the award to not show particular preference for Western culture during the Cold-War era, although with the passage of a few unfruitful years Sartre would petition in vain for his unclaimed prize money. At its heart, the controversy is about what people in the world today, not just the Swedish Nobel Prize Committee, wish to honor as meaningful writing in the canon of human creation. Literature is defined by the Oxford Dictionary as written works, especially those considered of superior or lasting artistic merit. The joys of music and writing have always been intertwined, and as the secretary of the Swedish Academy said, “the work of Homer and Sappho was not only meant to be read aloud, it was often accompanied by music.” Many people today would say their most frequent encounter with writing (specifically that which they regard to be profound and impactful) is through poetry in musical compositions. Certainly there is an irreplaceable experience to be cherished in good books or collections of poetry, but the question of whether professors and critics are willing to acknowledge the most commonplace medium of literature today warrants serious attention.
“All I can do is be me... whoever that is” -Bob Dylan, 1965
photo courtesy of Seattlepi
photo courtesy of Wikepedia
All he can do is be Dylan, whoever that is
Regardless of one’s individual perception of what merits a literary work, many argue that the flaw in this year’s Nobel Prize for Literature is the Laureate himself. Many of Dylan’s critics assert that there are other musicians whose lyrics are better crafted, make bolder statements, but remain deprived of sufficient acknowledgment due to the influence of already well-known artists like Dylan. Yet, in the past, many Laureates have been lesser known writers who have emerged from the cracks because their statements have been more powerful than those who already have the sway of fame. Others refute that, while countless rhetorically talented artists, authors, and musicians deserve more recognition for their work, there are a few like Dylan who have gained their popularity because their words convey so much meaning. This year, Dylan’s supporters say that the prize goes to someone whose voice has resonated in the lives of many for years, and whose poetic diction and strong political influence deserves to be recognized in full. Many find that the trouble with the 2016 Nobel lies in the maintenance of tradition. For such a momentous and time-honored award, it is crucial that genres are maintained and music remain distinct from literature. According to Anna North of the New York Times, despite his skillful lyrics, published work of prose and poetry, and popular autobiography, “Mr. Dylan’s writing is inseparable from his music.” However, others believe Dylan’s lyricism makes him all the worthier of receiving the prize, as it demonstrates that music and literature can be inseparable - it is the message and structure of the work that should be judged. “I like it. Literature is large.” says Teju Cole, author of the novel Known and Strange Things. Certainly, the definition of literature is being greatly challenged, and speculation continues in terms of whether this shift should be welcomed or shunned.
Don’t think twice, Bob, the prize is all right
“You just kinda wasted my precious time But don’t think twice, it’s all right”
Following the announcement of Bob Dylan’s Nobel prize, the “voice of a generation” stayed notably mute on the issue. After a manager updated his website to mention the prize in a single sentence, Dylan had this taken down as well. Conjectures abounded, labeling Dylan as anything from a conceited rock star who never lost his attitude, to a folksy purist, whom Don Mclean called “a voice from you and me” in the song American Pie, and who surely wouldn’t humor an elitist rabble of critics by thanking them for their conclusion. Some even proposed that Dylan, known for haranguing militarists with acrid words such as “you who build the big bombs, you who build the death planes...” “I hope that you die, and your death will come soon” (from Masters of War), would never condone the award created by Alfred Nobel - the man responsible for the invention of dynamite and every explosive thereby inspired. One could easily forget the Nobel Prize in Literature is awarded not only for “outstanding work,” but also that which is “in an ideal direction” and exemplifies the potential that the human race struggles to become. This quality is immediately manifest through Dylan’s extensive engagements with themes of peace and civil rights, but therein arises the question of whether the artist must disredgard his own distaste for military industry by acknowledging an award in memory of Alfred Nobel. Nearly three weeks after the announcement, Dylan quieted a disgruntled Nobel Committee and apprehensive public by accepting the award - although the Committee maintains he would have been recorded as this year’s winner regardless. “Isn’t that something?” Dylan said of having won. 75-year-old Dylan told The Telegraph he would “absolutely” attend the award ceremony this December “if it’s at all possible.” When pressed about the meaning of lyrics that may have resulted in his winning the honor, Dylan merely said “I’ll let other people decide what they are. The academics, they ought to know. I’m not really qualified. I don’t have any opinion.” Thus the freewheelin’ artist preserves his legacy of straddling the line between visionary lyricist - one who changed his name to that of poet Dylan Thomas - or “more of a song and dance man” as he described himself in 1965 when pressed about whether he was a writer or a musician. Apart from how Dylan has felt or chooses to publicly portray himself, the Swedish Academy has boldly shown support for the profound literary work that Dylan gave the world.
photo courtesy of Pintrest
Fall Bucket List Movie Night with Hot Cider Ingredients 10 apples ž cup white sugar 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon 1 tablespoon ground allspice Directions Put apples and spices into a large pot and cover with 2 inches of water. Add sugar and boil for 1 hour. Reduce heat and let simmer for 2 hours. Strain mixture then strain cider again. Refrigerate and enjoy!
Bake a Pie
See page 11 for recipe
by Raisa Rich
Jump in a Pile of Leaves Collect Leaves Some methods of preserving the vibrant colors of the leaves in fall are using a book, covering them with wax, drying them in a microwave or using wax paper and an iron.
Make Baked Apples
Ingredients 4 large apples 4 tablespoons butter 1/2 cup brown sugar 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 cup chopped pecans Directions Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Wash and core apples. Leave enough core at the base to contain filling. Combine ingredients in a small bowl. Roll log shapes of the butter mixture and place in apples. Fill a baking dish with 3/4 cup water. Place the apples upright in the dish. Bake for one hour or until apples are soft.
Go on a hike Grizzly Peak Trail Mount Ashland Trail Hobart Bluff Pilot Rock Lithia Park Oredson Todd Woods
Make a Scarecrow
Carve a Pumpkin
Spend a weekend with your family carving a pumpkin and roast the seeds inside. A few designs you could carve into a pumpkin are the original jack-o-lantern, animals, logos and your favorite super hero.
Make Candy Apples Ingredients 15 apples 2 cups white sugar 1 cup corn syrup 1 1/2 cups water 8 drops red food coloring Directions Lightly grease cookie sheets. Put craft sticks into whole, stemmed apples. In a saucepan on medium-high heat, combine sugar, corn syrup and water. Heat to 300 to 310 degrees F. Remove from heat and add food coloring. While holding the apple by its stick, dip in syrup. Place on sheets to harden.
artwork by Nicole Sagal
Indiginous People’s Day by Uma McGuire and Bella Mannray
In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue. This mnemonic device, which is a well-known childhood phrase, encourages Americans to remember a man who has forever stirred the waters of American history in both positive and negative ways. Columbus Day was initially established as a national holiday by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1937 after the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic fraternal benefits organization, lobbied for his recognition. Since then, Columbus Day has been celebrated every October in remembrance of the Italian’s discoveries in the Americas. In many Latin American nations, because of controversy surrounding Columbus, the anniversary of Columbus’ landing has traditionally been observed as the Dìa de la Raza “Day of the Race,” a celebration of Hispanic culture’s diverse roots. In 2002, Venezuela renamed the holiday Dìa de la Resistencia Indìgena, “Day of Indigenous Resistance.” Latin American nations have altered the cause for celebration, so why hasn’t the United States? Discussion involving the controversy of Columbus Day began around 1977, when the International Conference on Discrimination against Indigenous Populations in the Americas was held to address a possible shift in what is celebrated. This opposition to Columbus Day was accompanied by anti-immigrant groups in the U.S. rejecting the holiday due to its Catholic roots and association. Native American groups have protested the holiday and expressed that it indirectly supports European colonization and the overall oppression of indigenous peoples. As historians continued to analyze Christopher Columbus, evidence of his actions began to become more present in the media. Change did not formally reach action within the U.S. until 1992, when the city of Berkeley, California formally replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples
Day. It was celebrated with a free pow-wow thrown by tribes native to the area to commemorate their culture and history. Since then many communities, and five states including Alaska, Hawaii, South Dakota, Vermont and Oregon have traded celebrations of Columbus for acknowledgment of the Native peoples that preceded him. Even the time period in which the controversy arose is contentious. Ashland High School’s AP U.S. History teacher, Paul Huard shared, “[It was] around the 500th anniversary of European first contact with the New World.” Fellow humanities teacher Nikki Thommen suggests that, “Columbus Day has always been controversial, it’s just whether or not the voices who were first really saying ‘this is not okay to celebrate this person’ were heard at all in the political consciousness.” The push for Indigenous Peoples Day is a result of the belief that Columbus Day indirectly supports colonialism, oppression, and genocide of indigenous peoples. The exploitation that the natives experienced including enslavement by Columbus and his men, was for a long time overshadowed by his “discovery.” Columbus also served as Governor of Hispaniola, where he imposed barbaric forms of punishment such as torture. Implementing an Indigenous People’s Day would rally people to recognize and celebrate the suppressed history of indigenous resistance. Thommen explained that one of the benefits of adopting Indigenous People’s Day is that it would allow more people who have been ignored in the past to speak their truths as they see them. Raven Potts, a sophomore at Ashland High School, has heritage from the Pit River and Maidu Native American tribes. Potts feels that accepting their history as opposed to concealing it will help change the future for the better. She commented, “[We must] let indigenous people know that they are acknowledged and [that] their own history and culture is
just as important as any white person in America.” In many communities across the United States, Columbus Day has evolved into a celebration of Italian-American heritage. Local groups hold parades and colorful street fairs with music and Italian food. Huard explained, “If we were living on the East Coast, where there is a large Italian presence, Columbus is considered to be a very respected individual.” Huard feels that there should be room for both Columbus and Indigenous Peoples in discussion of the topic today. The Native Peoples, as well as Columbus, “are a part of the story. I don’t want to see any of them erased.”
The History of Thanksgiving by Gabby Ogier and Kiara Hills
Due to the usual craziness of life, the reason we celebrate Thanksgiving is often overlooked. In the eyes of most Americans this holiday is simply a time to pin hand turkeys on the wall and fill the house with the smells of pumpkin pie, but to the people of the first Thanksgiving, it was a symbol of the peace between them and the Wampanoag, a local native tribe. The first Thanksgiving was a three-day long event that took place in the Pilgrims’ village of Plymouth in the fall of 1621. Even though this history of Thanksgiving is widely known, there are also many details that are unknown to most. In 1620, the Pilgrims left Plymouth, England on a 66-day voyage across the Atlantic to the New World on the Mayflower. It was a harsh and dangerous journey, yet many believed that they would find a sort of sanctuary in which they would not be persecuted for their religious beliefs. Others believed that they would find a new home that was rich with new opportunities. Because it was winter when they arrived in the New World, the majority of the Pilgrims were forced to remain aboard the Mayflower. Due to confined living quarters and harsh weather conditions, many fell ill, and only half of the original 102 Pilgrims survived to see spring. When the remaining Pilgrims disembarked, they were greeted by the Wampanoag. Squanto, one of the Wampanoag, already spoke English because he had been captured by English explorers. He would become a translator between the two peoples and help the Pilgrims learn to survive in their new home. Squanto also helped the two groups form an alliance which would last for fifty years. This alliance led to the first Thanksgiving, which occurred directly after the Pilgrims’ first corn harvest. Americans might be curious to know that there are only two surviving documents that describe what food was actually found on the first Thanksgiving table. They reveal that only only sure that three foods were guaranteed to have been served at the
feast: corn, venison, and wildfowl. This is quite different from what is typically served on most Americans Thanksgiving tables. Although some of the foods that were present are not considered the traditional Thanksgiving foods of today, there are other clues that point toward there being some traditional foods, such as turkey. Still, historians believe that it would not have been the centerpiece of the Pilgrims’ table. There is also a suspicion that the two groups may have eaten lobster, eels, and other seafood. Many of the crops that were found on the first Thanksgiving table were most likely from the Pilgrims’ gardens, which were filled with crops that the local Native Americans had taught them to grow. Despite the fact that most Americans believe that a Thanksgiving without pie is no Thanksgiving at all, in truth historians do not believe that there was pie on the first Thanksgiving. This was likely due to the dwindling supplies in the Plymouth Village. Another often forgotten piece of the Thanksgiving story is its journey to becoming a national holiday in the U.S. In the years that followed that first celebration, the people of New England celebrated Thanksgiving on an annual or occasional basis. However, Thanksgiving would not be celebrated on a widespread basis until after the American Revolution, when the Continental Congress issued a “day for thanks.” During George Washington’s presidency, he called for the first national Thanksgiving in the hopes that the people of America would take a day to be thankful for the conclusion of the country’s war. John Adams and James Madison also continued the tradition during their presidencies. Even though many presidents had issued “days of thanks” in the past, before 1817 no states celebrated Thanksgiving as an official holiday. Led by New York, many states in the north adopted the holiday. But the South wouldn’t follow suit until president Abraham Lincoln designated Thanksgiving as a national holiday in 1863, due to Sarah Josepha Hale’s 36-year
campaign to turn Thanksgiving into a national holiday. At this time, the U.S. was embroiled in the Civil War, and Abraham Lincoln hoped a great number of Americans would use this day to think of those affected by the war. In 1941, President Theodore Roosevelt moved the holiday to the fourth Thursday of November, where it has been celebrated ever since. Although many people celebrate Thanksgiving, few would know that there is also a contingency who are unsure whether the narrative usually taught in schools is accurate. For example, there are historians who believe that there may have been other Thanksgivings that occurred before the one at Plymouth. For instance, there was a dinner that was held by Pedro Menéndez de Avilé, to which he invited members of the local Timucua tribe in St. Augustine, Florida, in 1565, for the safe arrival of him and his crew. Another example is in 1619 when a group of British settlers held a similar “day of thanks.” This event occurred on the banks of the James River in Virginia. Also, some have a problem with the way that the Thanksgiving story is presented. They believe that the way most Americans think about the first Thanksgiving covers up the truth of the racist and brutal treatment of the Native Americans at the hands of the colonists. In 1970, groups of people began gathering in different places across the U.S. on Thanksgiving to hold a day of mourning for the Native lives that were lost in the colonial days. Thanksgiving is a holiday with a very rich history, but its mysteries and controversies are overlooked by most Americans. Perhaps, this time of year, we should pause to consider the holiday, what it stands for, and why we celebrate it. That way, when you’re stuffing your face with your favorite holiday food, you can truly understand the meaning behind what you’re eating.
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Random Student Features Evan McLennan As Thanksgiving approaches this November, Americans across the United States have the chance to think about what they are thankful for. From money to love, almost everyone can find something in their lives to be grateful for. This year, Evan McLennan, an Ashland High School tenth grader, is thankful for his family. McLennan is thankful for his family partly because he knows a lot of people don’t have the best situations at home. McLennan finds happiness in being engaged at home. “I just think we get along really well,” said McLennan about his family. This is amazing considering he has five siblings, four of whom are adopted. McLennan is the second oldest child, with an older brother that is seventeen years old and four younger siblings, the youngest of whom is ten. Every other year for Thanksgiving, his parents and siblings go down to their Aunt’s house in California to spend time with their extended family. “[I’m] not really ever bored. There’s always something to do,” said McLennan. He likes having so many siblings, though he admits it can be both frustrating and confusing at times. Despite the conflicts that siblings inevitably have with each other and their parents, McLennan enjoys the benefits of a large family as well. Having so many siblings creates a support system that is very important to him. He can go to his older brother for help and likewise his younger siblings can go to him for that same helping hand. He is able to provide support and be supported, which, to him, produces a very fun environment. This is unique considering how boring many teenagers find their families, no matter how thankful they are for them. The sort of “team” that McLennan is a part of with his family is also the sort of team he is grateful for in sports. He plays basketball and baseball, and loves being part of the large group of individuals that these events bring together.
JD Miller
by Amani Mussell
photo by Jackson McRae
McLennan says that if he could help someone be thankful for something this time of year, he would tell them to be thankful for what they have, because when one puts things in perspective, usually one has a lot more to celebrate than it first appears. Things like friends and family, for example, or any other sources of support or happiness are sometimes taken for granted. Thanksgiving is, after all, the best time of year to give thanks for the things one has.
by Adara Peppercorn and Jade Bromley
As October ends and November begins, many take time to reflect on what they are thankful for as they realize the opportunities they’ve been given. JD Miller, a junior here at Ashland High School (AHS), has chosen to appreciate the friends and family that have blessed her in her life. Friends are the family that one chooses, and JD’s friends are pretty great. They support and motivate JD, and in turn she supports them. She said that her friends are a large part of the reason that she comes to school and plays sports. High school is hard enough as it is, and without them, it would be even more difficult to get excited about the mundane and ordinary. Good friends can turn a bad day good in minutes. JD said that her friends lighten the mood and help her change her perspective and learn to laugh when things get rough. Looking at the big picture, it’s not as bad as it seems. Each of her friends are completely different from each other, but they all support each other’s individual interests, such as JD’s art. Art is a central part of JD’s life. It calms her and serves as a therapy of sorts. Without it, she wouldn’t be the same person. The art program allows her to work on her art at school. Support and encouragement from her friends helps photo by Liam Dunleavy foster that love and belief in herself. Along with her art, JD is also passionate land. However, her dad lives in Alaska and works as a math teacher. Living so about science and she plays tennis. Tennis is usually private and expensive, but far away from a parent can be hard, but her father lives in Ashland in the sumAHS offers a free team, which JD has acknowledged as a privilege many do not mer, so she gets to see him then. have. JD attributed these opportunities to the AHS philosophy. She said, “I feel JD said that sometimes we “forget how privileged we are and how awesome like sometimes in other places, for being different, you’re not accepted, but here our town is”, which is important to remember as so many go without such opthey embrace whatever you’re into.” portunities. Although Thanksgiving is a great time to appreciate all the things Friends may be family you choose, but the family you’re born with is forever, that one has, like the ugly sweater from Grandma that makes a comforting rainy and luckily, JD is as close with them as she is with her friends. When JD and her day cozy, or Mom’s awesome mashed potatoes, time should be taken to give two older siblings were younger, they would do everything together. They share thanks wherever and whenever possible. Life is good, and there is much to be a classic sibling relationship, where she hated them but loved them more than grateful for. anything, and even when they fought, they were family. Her brother and sister are in college, and she misses them a ton. JD lives with her mom here in Ash-
Design Board
Editors-in-Chief.....................................Lili Smith, Karl Moeglein, Lucas Searcy, Frankie Mora, Zaida LaRose, Maisie Roberson Front.........................................................................Ian Rinefort Debate......................................Sequoia Snorgen-McGinnis Clubs.....................................................................Garrick Kosct Bob Dylan.............................................Aaron Yan, Lili Smith Fall Bucket List......................................................Ayla Prusko In-Depth................................................................Nicole Sagal Random Student Features.............................Lucas Searcy Voting Age..........................................................Dawson Abel Mystery Rooms...................................................Taylor Hanks Pie......................................................................Lillian Witnauer Back............................................................................Lily Annen
Lowering The Voting Age
For
Against
by Jade Bromley
In 2008, Obama was elected the first black president of the United States of America. Even as an eight-year-old, I could understand the importance of that election. It was a true progression of us as a people, and I wanted to be a part of it. I had believed that the 2008 election was the most important election of my lifetime, but this year I’m proven wrong. The 2016 election is the most important election my generation has seen, and as a 16-year-old I’m not eligible to participate. It has never felt so urgent that I be able to vote. It is my future that is being determined, my rights being debated, my country, and my president. Why shouldn’t I be able to have a say in who leads it? People who are against lowering the voting age argue that 16-year-olds are not mature enough to make such a decision. We spend too much time on the Internet, are easily influenced, and our brains aren’t finished developing. However, maturity is not accurately measured by age. A senior can vote and a junior can’t, but each can be as mature or immature as the other. There is not enough of a significant difference between the ages to use that as a reason to not lower the voting age. Although those that say your brain is not fully developed at 16 are correct, the truth is the average brain isn’t fully developed until the age of 25, but that doesn’t mean that we should revert the voting age back to 25 or that 18 year-olds aren’t capable of making clear headed decisions. Teenagers spend 2.5-7 hours a day on various social media sites. The downside of that is we are less tuned into real life, but we also have a specific connection to each other over the Internet. It is the platform for teens to voice their opinions and have debates on the political state of the world. Furthermore, just as teenagers can be easily influenced and uneducated about important issues, so can adults. On the news, we are presented with adults who, when asked why they’re against Clinton, merely say she lies, but can’t give any examples nor concrete proof. Trump’s economic promises are interpreted by some adults as economically sound, even though 370 economists have said that his claims are baseless and would result in an even deeper dept. These so called “mature adults” are making decisions based on the media influence and biased sources. Though some teenagers can be influenced by the media, we are constantly absorbing knowledge from all sides. Our classroom environment educates us on the logistics of government and allows us to form our own opinion. What is the mark of maturity? What determines someone’s right to participate in their government? Is it a set number of years or a desire to shape their future and an understanding of the consequences? As a junior I am actively shaping my future. I’m thinking about my life and the opportunities I want to have. I feel the best time to change the system could be now, so that when I get there it’s better. The person who leads our country is certainly a big part of that. For the next 4 years, my rights and opportunities have been decided by others, people who may not even be here to feel the effects. As a citizen of this country, I should have a say in the leader of the 4 most crucial years of my adult life.
“I should have a say in the leader of the 4 most crucial years of my adult life.”
by Ellie Carter
With coverage of the 2016 election on every news station and social media platform for the past year and a half, it’s hard to not form opinions, especially as a high school student. Although I’d consider myself relatively politically engaged and up-to-date on many current events, I’ve found that this election has served as a sort of crash course for my friends and me – to watch debates, test our opinions and form our own conclusions. For some of us it feels like we were ready to vote in this crucial election. Nevertheless, lowering the voting age may call into question other federal age restrictions and fail to change what it intends to – getting young people active in politics. Those that favor lowering the voting age to sixteen argue that eighteen is an arbitrary measurement of adulthood. They say there aren’t enough differences between those two years to rule out lowering the voting age. It’s true that eighteen is a completely arbitrary number when it comes to voting, but it’s also the arbitrary number we’ve picked in the United States to determine when citizens become adults. On your eighteenth birthday, you can not only cast a ballot, but you can sign a contract, get sued, make a will, and enlist for the army. If there’s no reason to not lower the voting age to sixteen, what’s to save us from lowering the drafting age as well? After all, the voting age as it exists now stems from the passage of the 26th amendment of 1971, when eighteen-year-old men being drafted into the army demanded the voting age be lowered from twenty-one to eighteen. If you support lowering of the voting age because there’s no good enough reason not to, consider all the other regulations that would have to shift back as well. Some sixteen-year-olds seek “youth suffrage” because they believe that their generation isn’t being represented in local or national politics. They say that if the youth demographic was allowed more votes, we might see benefits for younger people just beginning to interact with their government – or increased political interest as their classroom studies begin to overlap with civil duty. In fact, the eighteen to twenty-year-old voter demographic has always had the lowest voter turnout of any age range in any year. The truth is that young people tend not to vote, no matter what generation, and there’s no evidence to support the claim that 16-year-olds would vote more than their older counterparts. If young people want their voices heard, their first step should not be adding more voters to their demographic, but getting existing voters to vote. Furthermore, voting is not the only way to become politically involved. There’s no restriction on age for those volunteering on election day or on behalf of a campaign, and if there is an issue that youth feel passionate about there’s no reason they can’t make their voices heard to those that are voting. It’s incredibly important to use this election to test yourself on the skills you’ll need to vote in a few years – and to practice getting your news from credible sources, rather than from Facebook or Snapchat. Read measures, watch debates, follow current events and form your own opinion – so that when you can vote in two or four years, you’re prepared to make a decision you’re proud of.
“What’s to save us from lowering the drafting age as well?”
NEW SAW SAVES HANDS by Laila Borden
Ashland’s artisan community offers many unique opportunities to Ashland High School (AHS). For around 15 years, AHS’s woodshop has had the privilege to work with the Siskiyou Woodcraft Guild. This non-profit provides many services to the woodshop class including demonstrations, mentorships, and now, a donation of a new SawStop cabinet saw, donated in September. This saw is a great asset because it is safer than many other saws. It has active technology to sense when any flesh is near the blade and immediately stops and drops through the table to ensure the worker’s safety. According to Mark Miller, this greatly reduces the risk for injury within the shop. He says the program is extremely happy to have such a “good, active partnership” with the guild. Tom Phillips, the Siskiyou Woodcraft Guild’s president, says that the guild is always looking for opportunities to support woodwork education. In past years, they have helped to fund AHS students’ tuition to woodworking workshops and provided assistance to students with specific questions and projects. The guild in itself is a resource for woodworkers in the community to collaborate, ask each other for advice or refer clients to other workers that can better fit a client’s project needs. Phillips says they are thrilled to be able to continue working with students and hope to inspire them to keep doing woodwork throughout their
lives. The Siskiyou Woodcraft Guild puts together an annual woodworking showcase in Ashland where artisans can display their work and admire the work of others. This photo by Tia Wilhelm year, the 37th annual show will take place during Thanksgiving weekend at the Hay-Patton Rehearsal Center (30 S. First Street) on Friday from 10 - 7, Saturday from 10 - 6 and Sunday from 10 - 4.
Mystery Rooms By Nicole Mullen
The sprawling campus of Ashland High School (AHS) is intricate and often mysterious, even for the most veteran members of the school community. The seemingly endless supply of oddly shaped doors and dark hallways evoke an adventurous curiosity that can only be fulfilled through exploration. The 200,000 square foot AHS campus holds over 60 rooms currently used for teaching purposes by various teachers and staff. However, there are many more rooms than those solely occupied for conventional education purposes, and many students are barred from or unaware of these “other” rooms. In the spirit of discovery, Rogue News set out to investigate what lies behind closed doors in some of the most obscure and often unknown corners of the AHS campus.
Lights, Camera, Action Tucked away on the top floor of the theater building, the lights and soundboard control room, also known as “the booth,” is an eclectic and intriguing room. Dried roses, thirteen in total, adorn the slate gray walls of the booth. After the final show of each play, the senior stage manager is given a rose that is later hung as a memento to the cast and crew. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) members Chris Jossy and Garrison Briggs are in charge of organizing and maintaining this relatively obscure room for the benefit of the Ashland High School theater productions.
English Supply Closet Located in the English building near the IVC and Student Tutor Center, the English supply closet houses textbooks, pens, pencils and curriculum binders for all English teachers in the English Department. Nancy Martin, who teaches various Humanities courses at AHS, described the supply closet as a “peaceful place to sit and think about your curriculum,” while being “inundated with dust,” and lots of it. But the mystery doesn’t end when you step into the closet. Nearly hidden above the towering shelves of books are two doors, painted white and closed. Inaccessible and locked, these doors beg the questions, “where do these lead, and why are they there?”
Mannequin’s Perch Above the booth, more mystery and strange things lie. Poorly lit and only accessible by ladder, these small storage rooms above the booth hold props from theater productions of years past. The mannequin featured in the photo, one of the more disturbing and unusual props discovered, is a valued addition to the annual theater haunted house.
The Dungeon Below the science building, next to the rows of orange lockers in the freezing basement, lies the infamous Dungeon. Justly named, the Dungeon is a long, dank, empty hallway that rests under the library near the tech classrooms. Unbeknownst to many students and faculty, student records, some from more than 30 years ago, are stored here. To preserve and protect the validity of the documents, students and faculty are barred from entering this area.
Science Junk Drawer The science department is another story. When asked about his own investigations of the inner rooms and hallways of the science building, chemistry teacher Jesse Stonewood exclaimed, “Yes, I just found a new one!” These inner rooms, many connecting nonchalantly to the main classrooms, store anything from toxic chemicals and soil, to incubators and gigantic boots. The concoction of oddities stored in the numerous storage rooms in the science buildings surprise even the teachers themselves. Becky DeSalvo, a science teacher at AHS, described numerous cramped and chaotic rooms filled with every type of scientific instrument imaginable, some of which were purchased nearly 40 years ago. Pounds of chemicals and various preserved parts of human and animal anatomy were some of the more bizarre items. However, there are currently no deceased snakes in jars resting in the corners of the science building. Most of the archaic supplies were disposed of 5 years ago with the help of a hazardous waste disposal team. photos by Henry Cook
All About Food photos by Jade Bromley
Chef Showdown with a Twist by Jade Bromley
The Ashland Culinary Festival is a wonderful event where the chefs of Southern Oregon come together in a four-day food convention at the Ashland Hills Hotel and Suites. There are food tastings, fresh products, cooking demonstrations, and workshops. For 9 years, local chefs have competed in a Chef Showdown to prove they are the top chef on the Ashland food scene. This year, the Ashland Culinary Festival hosted a firstever Junior Competition comprised of Rogue Valley high school students. Four of Ashland High’s students had the chance to participate, as well as four students from South Medford High. This unique opportunity shows how lucky the young chefs of this region are to live in a place that is so invested in the area’s students. The professional showdown had 12 local chefs, 4 rounds, and 1 top chef. The junior competition was composed of 4 teams, 2 from Ashland High and 2 from South Medford. The winning team earned a chance to shadow the esteemed judges of the Junior Showdown the day after the competition. Each team consisted of 2 people: a head chef and a sous chef. Ashland’s 2 teams were Gabbi Livni and Rose Eschtrutch Harrison, and Shea Scott and Eve Kempe, juniors and seniors involved in Ashland High’s culinary program. In preparation, these young chefs practiced within the time constraints and with a variety of ingredient limitations after school leading up to the competition. On November 6, the 4 teams had 1 hour to create an impressive 2 course
meal for the judges. In the competition, they had a secret ingredient, which ended up being tuna, and access to other fresh ingredients with which to cook. They then had to compose an appetizer and an entree without the assistance of a recipe. Amazingly, the winning team members are both vegetarians and had never worked with tuna before. The “celebrity” judges decided the winner with a point system based on originality, technical execution, flavor, textural components, presentation, and cleanliness of work station. Those with the highest number of points were the winners. The winning team was Eschtrutch Harrison and Livni, and Scott and Kempe were the runners up. The competition was also a kind of practice, as the chefs plan to go to Skills USA, a network of competitions and opportunities on skilled labor, in April.
artwork by Mouminatou Thiaw
Contest Winner: Sierra Repp! by Mouminatou Thiaw and Ivy Amann With fall in full swing, the Rogue News figured it was high time for pie time. We reached out to the students and staff of Ashland High School to find the best pie in the land. After much tasty contemplation, and over many submissions, we came to a decision. The Pecan Pie proved to be the champion of all champions. We would like to thank everyone who participated in the competition. Until next year!
Sierra Repp’s Homemade Pecan Pie -6 eggs -2 tbsp flour -2 cups dark corn syrup -2 cups sugar -1/2 cup rum (any, dark, light) -1/2 cup butter, melted -2 tsp vanilla -2 cups coarsely chopped pecans -2 9” frozen deep-dish pie crusts, unbaked
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In large bowl beat eggs with wire whisk. Add flour and continue to whisk until it has been incorporated. Add corn syrup, sugar, rum, butter and vanilla. Stir in pecans. Evenly divide the mixture between the two frozen pie crusts. Bake 50-55 minutes or until an inserted knife comes out clean. Lastly, let it cool at room temperature and enjoy! photos by Liam Dunleavy
What does the color of your hydroflask say about you? by Frida Graumann and Sophia Wiencek
GREEN You love the enviroment and are very upset that this is made in China, even though you want to be a part of the fad.
CHROME Your Hydroflask is really your secret rocket ship to the future.
BROWN You would go to Raw everyday with your friends if you could afford it.
PINK Your favorite movie is Mean Girls and you always match your Hydroflask on Wednesdays.
ORANGE You love to stand out and be in the center of attention.
WHITE You most likely color coordinate your closet and your whole instagram feed matches perfectly.
RED You are always full of energy and never put off tomorrow what you can do today.
PURPLE You are a free spirit and a sensitive soul.
BLUE You can always be found by the water and hope to live by the ocean.
BLACK You had an emo phase in sixth grade.; now you are a night owl whose favorite meal is a midnight snack.
Do you have stickers on your hydroflaSk? YES You think of your Hydroflask as your canvas for life, and the stickers document your adventures.
NO You either love simplicity or are just too lazy to get any stickers. Do you have more than one of these personality traits? Maybe a customized Hydroflask is the best fit for you!
artwork by Kip Parowski, Lily Annen and Sophia Weincek
comic by Kip Parowski