Ashland High School
201 South Mountain Avenue Ashland, OR 97520
May 5, 2010
Vol. IV Issue XII
Ashland, Oregon
Green cards: stirring up the pot Students gain access to legalized marijuana for medicinal reasons.
by Lucas Opgenorth
During an interview in early 2009, rapper Lil Wayne told CBS’ Katie Couric that the only marijuana he uses is of the medicinal variety for the purpose of alleviating pain from his chronic migraines. While this comment was met with noticeable skepticism from Mrs. Couric, in fourteen American states, Oregon included, thousands of patients are joining Weezy in medicating themselves with legal cannabis. Among them are several students at Ashland High School. One of these students who suffers from chronic pain, and who is to remain anonymous in this article, spoke with the Rogue News about his experience attaining a prescription, or ‘green card’ as it is colloquially known. As a patient, he can request any medication for which he has qualifying conditions, be it Vicodin or weed. After his doctor all but refused to write him a prescription for cannabis based on a personal ideological opposition, he sought out another clinician who is known for sympathies toward medicinal
marijuana users. After he paid $175 for the prescription, filled out the paperwork necessary to register with the State of Oregon for an additional $25 and
“We have been given very few guidelines on how to handle this because it’s such a new issue” Glenna Stiles
found a state licensed grower to provide him with medicine, he was fully cleared. Although he says that the process was relatively easy, that doesn’t mean that anyone can walk into a clinic and expect to leave with the legal limit of one-and-a-half pounds of ganja. “You’re not going to get it if you’re fine. You need to actually have qualifying conditions,” he emphasized. With at least two other students at AHS in possession of marijuana prescriptions, the high school’s administration is faced with a new loophole regarding its drug and alcohol policy. “When medicinal marijuana first started a few years ago, I knew of one student with a card. Last year
I knew of none and this year we have several,” said Dean of Students Glenna Stiles said about the recent proliferation of prescriptions. To make matters more confusing, the school receives no notification from state authorities about which students have the prescriptions. “I either hear about it from word of mouth, or the student comes in and show me. We have been given very few guidelines on how to handle this because it’s such a new issue,” Stiles said. But when the administration does get word of a marijuana prescription, Stiles is sure to firmly communicate the rules regarding the student’s behavior at school. Unlike other prescriptions, such as Vicodin, cannabis is not kept in a container with a label indicating the name of the prescription holder, the amount, the date issued, etc… Because of this, the school maintains an outright ban on marijuana. However, prescription holders do maintain the right to be as medicated as necessary while on campus. Although the thought of students being able to be legally intoxicated at school may be disconcerting to some, when asked if any significant problems have resulted from green cards, Stiles simply said “No,”
Schlecht’s response Be this as it may, Principal Jeff Schlecht has expressed concern regarding medicinal marijuana and his responsibility to ensure a positive educational experience for all students “The public school classroom is an American icon… For optimal teaching and learning to take place, the teacher should be highly trained and the students ready to learn. A student under the influence of marijuana cannot fully benefit from classroom instruction; allowing this circumstance undermines my role as guardian of the classroom,” he said of the patients’ right to be high at all times, “The medical field is wrong to prescribe marijuana to high school students… It is a bad idea to provide a teenager with marijuana and think that he will be a safe driver behind the wheel or engage in safe behavior at the workplace. My hope is
that the medical field and practicing educators can work together to successfully problem-solve the legitimate medical and educational needs of our teenagers.” Thus far, the small group of students has been responsible with their prescriptions, not something many would expect from marijuana users. “Sure, there are people who don’t use it for the right purpose and are just trying to work the system, but that’s the way everything is these days,” our cardholder said. Above all, Ashland High’s administration wants to ensure that students don’t begin abusing their access to the mostly illegal substance. “I’ve seen what happens to people when they smoke too much,” said Stiles “and I don’t want to see that happening to my students.”
Confucius says- AHS gets a classroom A Mandarin language course and Chinese studies will be offered next year at AHS.
by Elle Swarttouw Ashland High School will offer Mandarin language classes and Chinese studies for the 2010-2011 school year. Chinese representatives Huang Guanhua, Lu Qiaomei and Cui Yi gave a series of PowerPoint’s presentations summarizing the Confucius Classroom to Ashland High School freshmen on April 19 and 20. St. Mary’s School implemented the Confucius Classroom program in 2006, the second Confucius Classroom of its kind in the United States. The Confucius Classroom is a partnership with local high schools and Hanban, a department of the Chinese Ministry of Education that promotes Chinese language and culture, and has a Chinese teacher teaching the classes. AHS and Crater High School are the beneficiaries of St. Mary’s pioneering spirit. “If you look at the business world, learning Chinese is very beneficial. These kids have an awesome opportu-
A small portion of the texts donated by Hanban at St. Mary’s School nity,” SMS Vice Principal Jim Meyers said. Hanban graced southern Oregon four years ago, and has made our region unique to the rest of the country by providing the opportunity for middle school to high school age students to take Chinese 1-5, AP Chinese, and Chinese History and Culture. Hanban is an educational branch of the Chinese Government and an “international organization committed to developing Chinese language and culture…” as well as providing teaching resources and making its services available worldwide, according to their mission statement. Both China and the United States have benefited from this program. Hanban has tipped the scale of China’s positive relations with the US, while providing American students with, as Meyers said, “a cultural opportunity.” In addition to learning in the classroom,
devoted students will have the chance to take a trip to China and be “treated like VIPs” Meyers said. The trip is expense free with exception to the plane ticket. Yet the accoutrements don’t end there. In years past, Hanban has sent over a Kung Fu troupe on their international tour, as well as a music troop to SMS. Let’s also not forget that Hanban donated over five thousand resources to SMS, aiding students in their Chinese studies, from textbooks to talking posters. AHS will be receiving the same royal treatment. “What a thrill! In the time of such budget loss, it’s amazing. We’ll receive one or more full time teachers… this is a great way for students to learn about Chinese culture, their long history, and government,” principal Jeff Schlect said. Hanban offers a three-year package, then returns to boost momentum and evaluate the school before signing another three-year contract.
Rogue News
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May 5, 2010
The State of Debate Ashland High School Debate Team has retaken the state title in defining fashion.
Inbetween rounds at the 2010 state championships from left to right: Makka Wu, Lucas Opgenorth, Brandon Scheirman-Brown, Jericho Walker-Roberts, Jeremy Huard, Eli Youngs, Matthew Knudsen, Mack Conroy, Jake Gavin.
I am so proud to brag about these great kids! Not only did they win the 5A State Championship title, they beat the 6A State Champion school by almost double the points! A third of this State Squad are Novice competitors and I think it speaks so well of the Varsity competitors’ dedication to teaching and mentoring their younger counterparts. They truly came together as cohesive and supportive team and I feel so lucky to be their coach. A big shout out goes to our assistant coach, Mat Marr. He was key to guiding and coaching this team to the championship. -Wendy Werthaiser, debate coach.
Winners!
• State Champions, Parli Debate: Brandon Scheirman-Brown/Mack Conroy • State Champion, Prose, Dante Toppo • 2nd Place, Duo Interp, Emily Curty/Jeremy Huard • 2nd Place, Policy Debate, Dante Toppo, Ryan Mills • 3rd Place, Poetry, Tenaya Kenner • 3rd Place, Radio, Elise Chow • 3rd Place, After Dinner Speaking, Eli Youngs • Quarter-Finalist, LD Debate, Alexander Barnes • Finalist, After Dinner Speaking, Brandon Scheirman-Brown • Finalist, Expository Speaking, Maureen Page • Finalist, Dramatic Interp, Dante Toppo • Finalist, Poetry, Alexander Barnes • Finalist, Congress, Jericho Walker-Roberts/Matthew Knudsen
Debate Styles By Elias Opgenorth
After Diner Speaking Prose: A dramatic reading of (ADS): A humorous speech a piece of literature. about a serious topic that ends with a toast
Duo Intepretation: Two
people working together to inexpository presentation with terpret a piece of literature that visual aids on a subject of the is either dramatic or humorous. participant’s choice.
Expository (Expos): An
Poetry:
A dramatic reading of a collection of poetry on a theme of the participant’s pretation of a piece of literature choice
Dramatic Interpretation: A single person inter-
Student Congress Radio: Participants create a (STUCO): A mock parlia- mock radio broadcast and dement.
liver it as though it was over the radio
Rogue News
May 5, 2010
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Computer Conundrum
Hi, I’m Wilder, and Windows 7 was my idea. That’s right, I went to freaking Silicon Valley, and I personalized the heck out of my computer. Oh, what’s that? You use a Mac? Windows 7 wasn’t your idea? You enjoy using a boring computer that isn’t easily customizable and upgradeable? Oh, I’m sorry Justin Long, why don’t you go back to Live Free, or Die Hard and stop pretending to be a “real actor.” But I digress, all you have to do is watch the Dell lollipop commercial to realize which is the better product. As implicitly stated in the previous paragraph, I own a PC. However my friends, my PC does not own me. That’s not to say that if you go out and purchase a Mac; it will slowly take over your life and turn you into a young conformist with a wardrobe chock full of v-neck t-shirts. But it will. I mean, just look around you at all the white computer
toting drones, it’s enough to make us individuals puke up blood. I could go on and on for several minutes simply enlightening you on the various advantages of a PC. But I won’t. You could much better employ that time by setting down this periodical, powering up your computer and introducing yourself to a litte thing called Hardcore Gaming. For the true gamer, the choice in computer is as clear as the solitary light of a Hewlett-Pacard moniter illuminating an otherwise black room. This brings us to the name: PERSONAL computer. In this day and age, a computer is more than a handy-dandy technological gadget. It’s a companion. Roll over Beethoven, man’s got a new best friend. And if you’re going to have a Artificial Friend Unit (AFU), it might as well be compatible with YOU.
What are the most important factors that attract one person to another? After polling thousands upon thousands of randomly selected Southern Oregonians, the answers became obvious. At the top of the list we have physical appearance, followed closely by wealth, and finally, effort required to obtain said person. This is why, when asked to do an article about which is better, Mac or PC, I could not help but draw a parallel from my recent poll. The Mac is undoubtedly superior on all three fronts previously mentioned. First, let us examine the Apple’s physical appearance. There can be no question of the Mac’s incredible beauty. One might call it the Aphrodite of the Silicon Age. One glance at this modern marvel of engineering excellence brings
a small, yet emotionally engorged tear to my eye. Next we have the cost. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I believe it’s a commonly known fact that the more expensive something is the better it is. Mac’s are a more costly computer, no question about it, so I can’t help but deduce they are superior. Finally, I would like to bring up the Mac’s ease of use. It’s the computer for the common man. I like to sit down at my computer and be greeted with a helping hand. Nevermore will I hassle with multi-keyed mice or confusing keystrokes. If you decide to hassle with a socalled “personal computer”, it’s your funeral. I’ll just be sitting in Starbucks blogging about iRaq on my iMac. I’m sorry Wilder, but this time, iWynn.
“Some have greatness thrust upon ’em” by Ella Riley-Adams As the seniors of AHS prepare to embark into this new world, we are forced to wonder: do we have the necessary skills to fend for ourselves? Some may claim that college doesn’t count as the “real world,” but that it requires a sense of street smarts and self-reliance is undisputable. Mastering the art of laundry and attempting to avoid the Freshman 15 are some of the more standard expectations. There are other decisions that, as dependent high school students, we are accustomed to letting others make. Unlike conscientious parents, U of O doesn’t care what time you come home and will never wait by the door to see if you’ve been drinking. When you’re sick, Lewis and Clark won’t tuck you in and bring you soup. Time spent is now self-dictated. If you so choose, bedtime can be 8 A.M. and waking hour 6 in the evening. No diligent administrative staff will call Editors-in-Chief........................Anna Hume, Arthur Lawniczak, Ella Riley-Adams home if you miss a class. ...........................................................................................................Jackson Santee Front Page Editor..................................................Artie Lawniczak, Taylor Patteron Let freedom ring!
Editorial Board
News Editor.....................................................................................Jasper Raynolds Feature Editor....................................................................Wyler McAninch-Ruenzi In-Depth Editors...........................................................Anna Hume, Hannah Sayles Opinion Editor....................................................................................Jack Dempsey Sports Editors.............................................Mason Costantino, Grace Riley-Adams Backpage Editor........................................................Jacy Mairs, Ella Riley-Adams Photography Editor....................................................................Grace Riley-Adams Managing Editor.................................................................................Adam Pavlich Chief Designer...................................................................................Hannah Sayles Production Manager................................................................................Jesse Smith Business Manager…….…..….......................................Heather Case, Talen Heater Executive Editors’ Assistant................................................................AJ Bottimore
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.
Some argue that, as teenagers, we cannot possibly be ready for such a transition. In fact, our brains haven’t yet fully formed. The frontal lobe, which controls decision-making and situation evaluation, isn’t completely connected to the rest of the brain until our mid-20’s, according to an article from NPR. But whatever state our heads are in, the leap away from home and into the world is upon us. It is both exciting and terrifying. College is a chance for a clean slate, yet it is also an environment that significantly multiplies our opportunities to act erroneously. And there are no guarantees for a support system when the inevitable mistakes occur. Lest you begin to doubt the capability of AHS’ graduating class, or that of any other teen, remember that we have learned a thing or two in our time at this institution. “One of the most valuable things I’ll take away from AHS is how to communicate with my teachers,” senior Jane Eisenberg says. “Especially recently, I’ve learned what my limits are in regards to all that I’m doing,” senior Brandon Scheirman adds. Our brains may be fragmented and new challenges loom large, but as we learn to carry our own weight, we are also preparing to fly.
We all want to know who will b The competion is fierce, the claws are out. All 8 contestants are
What is Mr. Grizz?
For those few people left on the planet who still don’t know...
Grizz Quiz.
Which contestant are you? Take this quiz and find out! Circle the answer that’s most like you What’s your favorite drink?
by Mack Conroy
What is it?
An annual event, at AHS, combining charity, talent and pageantry for the purpose of supporting the children’s Miracle Network. Purchasing a ticket is an investment to save a child’s life.
Who’s in it?
a. Virgin Mimosa b. 2% milk c. Kool Aid d. Chocolate milk e. Formula 50 (50 cent’s Vitamin Water) f. Mug Root Beer g. Champipple h. Ovaltine
Who is your celebrity crush?
Two prime male representatives are chosen from each grade to participate. This year will be featuring seniors Arthur Lawniczak and Rafferty Swink, juniors Zane Pindel and Lee Dodds, sophomores Jonah Freedman and Garrett Johnson and freshmen Henry Robertson and Ryder Schless.
Who watches it?
Everyone who doesn’t have their head in the sand and arrives early enough before the tickets SELL-OUT!
Tell me more... This year’s theme is the “future” inspiring contestants to create some of the best viedo’s yet! Word on the quad is that there are great musicians planning performances as their talent.
What people have to say about it: “I enjoyed it, it was a valuable experience not just for the entertainment but for the community outreach” Former contestant Lee Owens-Oas said. “Don’t be a fool, spend a Friday night at school, see Mr. Grizz” Zach Marcovitch, AHS students said.
a. Gerald Butler b. Bar Refaeli c. Zooey Deschanel d. Nikki Minaj e. Katara (from Avatar) f. Brad Pitt g. Naruto h. Jennifer Aniston
What is your must have accessory? a. Fanny pack b. Ipod c. Guitar d. Auto-tune e. Anything from Claire’s f. To robbery g. Driving gloves h. Satchel (Indiana Jones has one)
a. Sacrifice your comrade- you don’t need to outrun the bear, you just have to outrun your friend. b. Kill it. Skin it. c. Reach down its throat and rip out its jugular d. Calmly explain that you, too, are a Grizzly. Upon hearing this news the bear would embrace you and you would go back to it’s Bear Cave and eat a meal. ( of the other contestants) e. Win. f. Get a new fur coat g. Paint it gold. h. Run.
What’s your favorite movie? a. Space Jam b. Stepbrothers c. Star Trek d. Slash e. Troy f. Kick-Ass g. Blazing Saddles h. Gladiator
b. Watching sports c. Raging face at BUMP d. Running in a 2-man wolf pack e. Watching reruns of Avatar: The Last Airbender f. Reading comics g. Riding bison h. Little League
Photos Sophie Thurston
from the
wise
What would you do if you were attacked by a bear?
Now look at your score and if you answered: Mostly A’s, you are Artie Lawniczak! Mostly B’s, you are Garrett Johnson! Mostly C’s, you are Jonah Freedman! Mostly D’s, you are Rafferty Swink! Mostly E’s, you are Zane Pindel! Mostly F’s, you are Henry Robertson! What is your favorite past Mostly G’s, you are Ryder Schless! time? Mostly H’s, you are Lee Dodds! a. Writing a Dracula musical
A word
Noah Kass, 2009 Mr. Grizz Champion photo by Azure Ginsberg
Artie Law
2009 winner of the Mr. Grizz Pageant Noah Kass shares his experience and advice for current contenders.
If you’re mostly A Arthur “Artie” Lawnic the age of four in 1996 a 1968 Chevy Thunder born to be wild. Left o an orphanage with a no birth, Artie’s life has b in a shroud of myster eleven he was visited b ter of Hogwarts Schoo and Wizardry, there he cal abilities. Tempted b however, Arthur was k he opened a Secret Cha ensued at the school. A tive nature only contin one of the most power of all time. An order for kaban was given when h and Arthur went into h of Arthur, formally kn Eaters” await his return rumors of his hiding in town in Southern Orego As of now, Arthur La life of seclusion and h precociously mischievo neither here nor there.
Jonah Fr
If you’re mostly C’s you are He is a 16 year old Ashland resid to his name but a dream and a ca up in the morning feeling like P. D takes a shower and begins to feel li Jonah’s typical Tuesday night consi the type of music that most of us d RN: What advice do you have for competitors? NK: You have to come in with an iron will, it takes the heart of a champion to rise above mediocrity and claim the crown of Mr. Grizz. RN: How many more girls were interested in you after you won Mr. Grizz?
NK: I’m the vic ladies
RN: Wa NK: We would I call i was dif to hang just fine
be the next ...
fighting their way to the top, for the title of the next Mr. Grizz.
Ryder Schless
If you are mostly E’s you are Zane Pindel! He starts his day off with a nice workout consisting of 300 push-ups, 300 sit-ups, and a brisk 12-mile jaunt through the woods. Normally he would go to school after but on weekends he cooks a feast and drinks rose water in his hot tub. Afterwards he enjoys a candlelit dinner with his baby girl.
reedman
Jonah Freedman. dent with nothing ardigan. He wakes Diddy but then he ike himself again. ists of listening to don’t like, but you
don’t know his story like he does. To walk a mile in Jonah’s shoes would be akin to ascending Mt. Everest with two peg legs, polio and no Sherpa. A lesser man would puke lobsters merely dreaming of shouldering this monumental burden, yet Jonah eats that for breakfast then asks for seconds.
m not going to lie, after ctory my status with the grew exponentially.
as that difficult? ell, there are some who call it a burden, but it destiny. Originally, it fficult, but you just have g in there. It worked out e…
on the detention room wall, the years passed slowly. In seventh grade he proved that a triangle was indeed a circle, and was immediately admitted to the Institute for Advanced Study at Princeton and was recruited by the NSA. In ninth grade his first girlfriend dumped him for someone with better taste in music. For the remainder of high school, he was a member of the junior varsity chess club (3rd string) and the Basket Weavers Association of the Southeastern United States (BWASUS).
RN: Which candidate do you think has what it takes to win? NK: Personally, I’d really like to see a spirited youngster put it out there and take the crown. But to be honest, I see the experienced elders as holding a particularly advantageous position due to their greater level of social exposure.
If you are mostly B’s you are Garrett Johnson. He was born in December and shortly after, abandoned in a park (naked of course) and picked up by galactic Lord Xenu of whom he later became an apprentice. He was exploring his Scientology ways when he met Sylvester Stallone. Sylvester took him from the arms of lord Xenu and saved him from the beliefs of Scientology at the tender age of 7. Stallone placed Garrett into his current family, the Johnson’s, with whom he is very happy. Since then Garrett has been living life like any other normal kid attending AHS.
Henry Robertson
If you are mostly F’s you are Henry Robertson! He was born in Ashland, OR and for the first few years of his life, he was mistaken for a 20 year old man who was trapped in a child’s body much like Benjamin Button. But soon enough, he was just a kid with a very deep voice. He is now 15 years old and enjoys reading comic books and studying. RN: Do you think Mr. Grizz was your 15 minutes of fame, or is there more to come? NK: The way I see it, Mr. Grizz only planted the seed of greatness in my blood stream. Greater things are yet to come from Noah Kass!
Rafferty
S w i n k
If you are mostly G’s you are Ryder Schless. Ryder likes to wake up, play monster truck and eat waffles. Do fun. Do happy. Do laughing silly. Then play monster truck more but with lemons and spoons. Then do sleepy cry time. Then do popsicle fun time, his favorite is lime. BIG TIME! Ha Ha. Funny. Play the wind chime for a month. Sublime. Then brine thine nine swine, for breakfast. He likes it when the pine tickles while he walks under. BLAW!!! But really, he’s a giant bear cat.
Zane Pindel
A’s you are Artie! czak was born at 6, in the back of rbird; Arthur was on a doorstep of ote describing his been surrounded ry. When he was by the Headmasol of Witchcraft honed his magiby the Dark Arts, kicked out when amber and deaths After his destrucnued, he became rful dark wizards r his arrest at Azhe was seventeen hiding. Followers nown as “Death n daily. However, n a small muggle on have surfaced. awniczak leads a has proven to be ous man. Artie is
If you’re mostly D’s you are Rafferty Swink! He was born in a tool shed in southeastern Alabama to a sheep herder and a flag seamstress. He didn’t speak until he was four, partially due to a rare genetic condition of the vocal cords and partially because he really didn’t have much to say. At the age of five, he entered the renowned Kindergarten of the Green Thumb and excelled in multivariable calculus. He was expelled for mistaking the sandbox for a litter box and himself for a cat. As he was acutely aware of each tick of the clock
Bio’s submitted by Contestants
Garrett Johnson
Lee Dodds
wniczak
contestants
Aloha. If you we’re mostly H’s, you are Lee Whitacker Dodds. Lee was born in Kona, Hawaii on the beauteous day of May 21, 1993. (The Mr. Grizz pageant is on his birthday.) He likes sports, especially ones that involve hitting balls with sticks. He likes to play in the tree of Pandora with his Navi companions. He’s an avid WOW player and a firm disbeliever in Farmville. He likes to spend his white days in the student tutor center and has made a lot of friends there. You may know him by his luscious trademark-golden locks. Aloha. RN: That about wraps it up; do you have any closing statements? NK: Well, to the competitors, a wise man once told me, “The heart of a Grizz is like the eye of a hurricane, even when storms rage all around, it beats calm and steady, knowing that, forever and always: the Grizz is what it Is.”
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May 5, 2010
Tobias Wolff reaches out to students by Nathan Harris
I recently met Tobias Wolff. That statement more than likely leaves no impression on you. I speculate that you might even consider reading a different article at this point now that you know the topic of this one; but I’m guessing your rationale has nothing to do with Wolff himself, and it shouldn’t. Tobias Wolff is an author with a pedigree few can claim in modern literature, a monolithic list of prestigious awards, and a mustache only rivaled by Burt Reynolds’. Logic would dictate that you should be at the very least intrigued by a man of such stature and body grooming panache. But I’m led to believe you- a member of not only the student body, but as a student in general- are wholly uninterested. I’m also led to believe that not only is that fact not surprising to most, it’s also perfectly okay- and I think I’d have to agree with such beliefs. Before meeting Tobias Wolff, I sat in the audience of a packed Mountain Avenue Theatre as the author gave a public reading. Besides the actual reading of excerpts from Old School, his newest book, Wolff also recounted his initial foray into writing, his experience with This Boy’s Life being adapted into a feature film, and other moments that made him into the writer he is today. Barring a moment when the women sitting in front of me impeded my vision of the stage, I can truthfully say I was entertained for the full runtime of the performance. And it really was a performance, I’d relate it to some sort of elevated, intellectual comedy routine. Stories had punch line endings and funny asides, and the whole event was no longer than an hour and a half.
Photo by Azure Ginsberg
Tobias Wolff lecturing in the AHS library But my observations of Wolff became a backdrop at points to the fact that there were more than likely (I have no concrete numbers here) fewer than twenty people under the age of twenty in attendance. Now that’s counting the kids who attended for extra credit in their classes. It should be noted that this event was for the public, but it should also be noted that the event had been promoted around schools in the Rogue Valley (especially AHS) with the same unrelenting vigor TBS uses when advertising “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne”. You’d think a few more people in our age demographic would’ve shown up. At one point Wolff spoke of “that” moment as a kid where you stuff towels under your door so your parents can’t see that the light was still on as you stayed up late
reading your favorite book. Nowadays there’s only one reason kids stick towels under their doors at night, and it’s certainly not light they’re trying to block from getting out. It all speaks to the well-worn observation about the differences in generations; the disconnect between the old and the young, in this case, how books have been replaced by new technology and how kids have no interest in going to a book reading whatsoever. It’s a subject I told myself I would bring up with Wolff the following day when we spoke in person. Wolff spent the next day talking to a group of students in the library. He was engaging, and gave off his usual air of a seasoned, sincere and intelligent professor. He answered questions asked by students (and teachers with the giddiness of schoolgirls) insightfully, and gave everyone a chance to speak. Afterwards, I sat down with Wolff and asked him a laundry list of questions. I eventually touched on how different his time growing up seemed in comparison to kids’ experiences growing up now. He seemed to disagree with my point, “Really? I don’t think kids themselves have changed at all.” It was short, concise, and all he chose to say on the matter. But maybe in so few words Wolff made a very clear point. Maybe the times have changed- but maybe kids never would’ve come in droves to a book reading. Maybe kids themselves are inherently the same as they always have been. But who knows. All I know is that the mustachioed scholar with the punch lines gave AHS – and Ashland as a whole–quite the show; while giving me a little bit of wisdom to boot.
Piercings: Much more than holes by Elle Swarttouw
Photo by Azure Ginsberg
River Vidonic showing off her piercings
For centuries, it has been man’s desire to pierce himself. Like many traditions, there is no scientific or logical reason for doing so. Yet this form of body modification has passed the test of time and carried through into the 21st century. Perhaps it is humanity’s desire for beauty, perhaps an inherent will to refashion the body into an art form. “I was inspired to get nape piercing (back of the neck) after seeing George Romero’s “Land of the Dead.” I really love it and try to show it off whenever I can,” senior Zoë Smolen said. Smolen has also had an industrial (double cartilage) piercing for four and a half years. Piercings are far from an anomaly at Ashland High School. Students sport jewelry on ear lobes, cartilage, nose and neck. AHS valPhoto by Azure Ginsberg ues diversity, and has no issues with students Senior Zoë Smolen’s unique piercings. expressing themselves in such a way. But not got my ears pierced, I cried,” Nick admitted. Like any practice all at AHS feel the same inclination towards of body modification, a bit of agony is expected. piercings, Piercings have ceased to be taboo among the millennial “I don’t want any piercings because I simply feel they generation, and are rather seen as an embodiment of art equal are not for me,” sophomore Will Small said. Junior Nick Geiger has had a lip piercing for three to jewelry or make up. In the words of Bob Dylan, “the times, years now; “It hurt for 2 seconds, like a shot. But when I they are a’ changing.”
Rogue News
May 5, 2010
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Say hello to Hanz Grizzly track is undergoing a familiar transformation. For the third year in a row, Ashland is welcoming in a new head coach; Hans Voskes. Voskes spent the last three years coaching Phoenix High School. He hopes to turn around a track program that has historically struggled with quantity not quality. Voskes will continue to generate interest in the sport to create a competitive group of Grizzly harriers.
Long distance running has been the staple of Ashland High School’s track during the last decade - this year is no different. Wilder Schaaf, the defending champion in the 1500 and 3000, leads the Boys; fellow seniors include Paul Schwarzer and Cord Walsh. Sophomore brothers Sam and Ben Jackson are the Grizzlies best in the 400 and 800, with Sam Jackson posting the best times in both. In the 3000 girl’s event, senior Camelia Mayfield claims the best time. Junior Hannah Ewing is the frontrunner in both the 1500 and 800 with Mayfield close behind. Senior Katie Schulenberger possesses the third best 400-race time in the state, and is one of the Grizzly’s best hopes for a state champion.
The youth movement has begun for AHS sprinters. The best times for the boys this year have been put up by sophomore Ben Mickey in the 200 and freshman Austin Chandler in the 100, while the top girl’s times in both events belong to sophomore Aniela Klinefelter. While it appears no sprint records will fall this year, the future is bright for AHS sprinters.
Boys
Records
100 - Ron Boyce (‘64) 10.6 Austin Chandler 11.90 200 - Celenca Schriner (‘74) 25.2 Ben Mickey 23.83 400 - O’Dell thompson (‘92) 48.7 Sam Jackson 52.0 110 Hurdles- Roger Hall (’72) 13.9 Ian Wurfl 17.34 300 Hurdles- Tim Rupp (’84) 38.6 Leland Sanchez 43.8 800- Tom McPowell (’72) 1:53.8 Sam Jackson 2:02 Top1500- John Pentland (’77) 3:50 AHS’s Wilder Schaaf 4:12 all- time 3000- David Morgan (‘05) 8:25 best Wilder Schaaf 8:42
Girls
BelowThis year’s Records best 100- Celena Schriner (’74) 11.9 Aniela Kilinefelter 13.76 200- Celena Schriner (‘74) 25.2 Aniela Klinefelter 28.4 400- Terry McClure (’75) 59.1 Katie Shulenberger 59.1 110 Hurdles-Carrie Dewitt (’91) 14.9 No competitors 300 Hurdles- Tami Reed (’80) 44.4 Katie Shulenberger 47.3 800- Jamie McCloud (’85) 2:13 Hannah Ewing 2:30 1500- Katie Brandy (’94) 4:34 Hannah Ewing 5:03 3000- Paris Edwards (’00) 9:58 Camelia Mayfield 10:53
Hurdles The Grizzles who have the guts to participate in the hurdling categories have performed well so far this season. Senior Katie Shulenberger is the lone girl hurdler, and has dominated in the 300 meters, posting the second best time in the state at the 5A level. Shulenberger joins distance specialist Wilder Schaaf as the Grizzly’s best hopes for an individual state champion. For the boys, sophomores Ian Wurfl and Leland Sanchez have produced solid results in the 110 and 300 respectively.
Field events can capture sports fans and hold the atmosphere of a meet. Running is too often circle after circle. Mastering the craft of field events, such as the pole vault, involves time, dedication, and immense athleticism. Forrest Kollar, just a sophomore, put up a teambest mark of eleven feet during the Bob Newland Classic on April 23.
In an event where technique can be just as important as athleticism, Sophomore Joy Harpham appears to have grasped the strategy. She is just four inches off the school record, and could very well break the school record, which has been in place for nearly thirty years.
While we’ve all heard of classes such as government and health, there are some that have managed to stay hidden from the public eye... Until now!
by Willis Plummer When students received a list of available classes for next year, they may have noticed “Fundamentals of Music,” the newest addition to Ashland High School’s music department. The class is going to be aimed at students who are interested in music and music theory but don’t have the musical training to take the more advanced classes. “It’s going to be a class for people who want to learn how music works but don’t have a technical background,” explained John
Chase, current music teacher who will be directing the class. “There’s going to be playing, reading, writing, and hopefully recording of music in the class,” Chase continued. “It seems like a really good idea to me; there are a lot of kids at Ashland High School who would like to get into music programs, but they are intimidated by the lack of classes aimed at beginners,” commented AHS Senior, Rafferty Swink. He is one of three Ashland High School students accepted to the prestigious Berkelee College of Music, and it is a testament to the quality of the program here. Hopefully, with the addition of the Fundamentals of Music class, AHS will send more students to futures making music.
(Video Production) by Erin Keoppen As I walk into the dungeon, the temperature drops a good five degrees, the air is stagnant and damp. A small cement staircase behind the lockers leads to Room Science 7, a location that is as little known as the third period class that lies within. I turn the icy doorknob and step into a room filled with chattering students. Vidoe Production teacher Samar Dawisha, with beaded earrings and a long, dark braid, smiles over from a glowing computer screen. “There are two video production classes,” Dawisha explains, “The first is held on the SOU campus in a live studio. Video 1, is a “Daily Show” type approach to film, meaning everything is taped live and there is no editing. Students write, rehearse, direct and record live shows together while utilizing the professional space.” However, the class I entered is Video 2. This is a film-making class, where the productions for the recent Ashland High School Film Festival were developed. The AHS Film Festival is an annual showcase held in April, where community members can watch and vote for the student films they like best. Students write their own scripts, and act in their own films. They are allowed to shoot around campus during class-time and then of course, edit the film. “[Video Production] is eye-opening; you get to film stuff and its fun, plus you get fed a lot,” Senior and future film-school student Kate Jensen said. Almost on cue, Dawisha offers me some of the magenta-colored popcorn. Harry & David’s Rockin’ Black Raspberry, the label reads. Dawisha elaborates that at the end of a set of finished films they have viewing days where they comment on the polished products. “It’s really not as weird as it looks,” she laughs.
(Intro to business and marketing) by Jackson Santee
Photos by Azure Ginsberg
Video Production, a class that was previously unknown to me, I now consider a unique branch of AHS curriculum. It is an opportunity to experience artistic and professional fields otherwise left untouched by so many students on campus. As I exit the dungeon into the sunlight and onto the bustling quad, Video Production seems like the perfect way to rejuvenate during a dreary third period. Plus, the Raspberry Popcorn is delicious.
Kiersten Rakestraw. Anika Rahlston, Moz James
It’s about time to register for next year’s classes, and almost every freshman, sophomore and junior has received the yellow sheet of paper listing the classes. The Social Science department is huge (of course) along with English and Science, but where are the business classes? They are scattered about the list under ambiguous (almost miscellaneous) categories. There’s Virtual Enterprise, promoting a competitive atmosphere of entrepreneurial thought. Next, we have Foods and Business; one of the most creative classes at AHS, meant to combine a business background with the food industry giving the basics for anything from opening a restaurant to the most marketable food product. These are the sole survivors of the downfall of the business department some ten years ago, and stand as reminders for what we have lost, but with the help of Karen Green, will soon represent what we have gained. AHS is back in business and it starts with one of the high school’s newest classes - Intro to Business. “Business is crucial in today’s world. In a time like this, the government is dependent on small businesses to help us out of this rut. Business classes let you apply all of your core classes such as math, reading, writing and even science, in one focus.” Green said Hopefully, this is only the tip of the iceberg, and the momentum gained from a semester-long introductory elective could lead to a yearlong in-depth course, reviving innovative thinking, and once again allowing business to be a part of the AHS community.
Graphic by Sarah Lochmiller
Ryan Harris
Kiersten Rakestraw. Anika Rahlston Photos by Grace Riley-Adams, Sophie Thurston