May 25, 2018
VOL. MMXVIII, No. 3
RAM’S EAR R I O V I S TA H I G H S C H O O L
Rio Vista FFA Success at the Dixon May Fair
by Kalia Howell, Staff Writer
Courtesy of D.D. Preston
Every year, Rio Vista’s FFA members attend the Dixon May Fair with their animal projects. They bring their animals to fair on Tuesday, and for the rest of the week they either stay at the fair or go to school, but either way, they have to work extra hard to keep their grades up. When students in FFA raise a meat animal to auction, hours and hours of hard work are required, along with all the other FFA requirements. Animals need to be fed and worked with because they have to be a certain weight for auction and trained for showing. This year there were 13 pigs, seven lambs, seven goats, five steer, two rabbit pens, and three chicken pens from Rio Vista FFA at the Dixon May Fair. This year was successful for Rio Vista FFA. When asking FFA members how they felt about this year, Katlyn Langlois said, although she placed 1st in her market class, she wants to improve by working on showmanship more. She also reflected on her lamb, saying “This year I placed in market, but I had a smaller lamb. So, [I didn’t make] as much profit.” Elizabeth Webber
Wyatt Preston wins the Junior Rabbit Grand Champion with a rabbit from his breeding stock.
Leslie Diaz with her Supreme Grand Champion Market Goat.
said, “It was my first year doing a pig,” and she’d like to “do better in show next year.” This year, teachers and students came through the week to support Rio Vista FFA, as well as to enjoy the fair itself, and many people said this year was better than last. (Continued to next page)
Ryan McPherson: From Small Town to Small Screen and best content but also tell and write a serious story that can really impact someone and make a change in there lives, and to make them go do something that can change the world. Ryan wants to be the change in the world that he wants to see.
1. When did you graduate from Rio Vista High School? What sports and clubs were you active in, and what were your favorite classes? “I graduated from RVHS in good Ryan McPherson, Bryce Swink, and Liam Smith posing with McPherson’s Emmy award for his camera ol’ 2000. I was pretty much into anything work on “The Deadliest Catch” and everything at the high school; I loved languages. I took two years of Spanish and two years of French. Mr. Fulk taught by Liam Smith and Bryce Swink, Staff Writers civics, and I found myself hooked into the Ryan McPherson is a cinematogra- world of business, stocks, and speaking pher and a graduate of RVHS. He’s been a in front of groups. We used to get extra cinematographer for about 15 years. Some points for reading an excerpt from a book, shows he’s worked on include: Deadliest newspaper, or magazine article. The only Catch, Ice Road Truckers, Wicked Tuna, catch was that you had to climb a full-size Swamp People, American Tarzan, Yukon ladder in order to read to the rest of the class. The higher up the rungs you went, River Run, Swords: Life on the Line, Lone the more points you got! I can’t believe Target IRT Deadliest Roads, Live PD, Hehe got away with that! roes of Hell’s Highway, I was always into “What is the universe Born This Way, Port Propolitics and governtection, Swamp Pawn, really expecting of me? If ment, so I had to join and Game of Arms. you never take the chances the A.S.B. I served a full or say yes to the opportuniHe takes great pride ties (outside of your comfort term as class president in his amazing work. zone), you may never be my senior year, which Ryan McPherson was pretty cool considable to answer that came to the digital pubering my sister Cheyquestion.” lishing class earlier this enne was class presi-Ryan McPherson month and showed some dent the year before! of his amazing cinematography. He preWoodshop was a must, but I really sented a documentary that he is working couldn’t get enough of the art class taught on, which was amazing. He also showed by such a special guy: Mr. Pace. Mr. Pace his Emmy he won for his work. Ryan’s joined our school when I was a sophomain goal that he can possibly achieve more, and he immediately wanted us to through his work is that when he does a take ownership of our classes. So, when he story, not only can he get just the best shots mentioned that we could start a ceramics
Ryan McPherson taking a selfie while on one of the “Deadliest Catch” crab boats in Bering Sea.
course, I jumped right on that opportunity. He hooked up with a local gentleman that helped us with a constant supply of reclaimed clay. We just had to go after school and help do the recall process. It was hard work, but nonetheless, we got free clay to use on our projects before we had proper funding to buy our own. I started working with the gentleman after school in his ceramic studio across the river and learned how to throw on a wheel and make plaques and all sorts of cool variations of jars and coffee cups. The man, Scott Kauffman, had a Jack Russell terrier rescue that housed up to 20 Jacks at any given time, who were never shy to come busting through the door (in packs of 10) and “help” with the art. Those were good times. I was also heavily involved with the journalism class, (and of course, just
loved Mrs. Griffin’s vibe!!), and snapped a handful of our newspaper sports photos. I helped the audio vision department set up the filming for sporting events. As far as sports goes, I dabbled. I spent two years on the swim team, two years on the golf team, (the first two years it was offered as a high school sport), JV baseball for two years, track for four years (100m sprint, 200m sprint, long jump and pole vault where I made sections my senior year), and four years of football (running back, corner, safety, left tackle, and outside linebacker). I was planning on trying out for college football at St. Mary’s College in Moraga, CA, but I suffered a knee injury on the first game of my senior year that put me out for (Continued to next page)
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RAM’S EAR
EDITORIAL
Debate Over Air: Cost-Effective or Detrimental to Learning?
by Aiden Mayhood, Editor-in-Chief
As Rio Vista High School enters the hottest part of the 2017-2018 school year, River Delta Unified School District has taken control of the air conditioners of all of the schools in our locality. Instead of teachers and the administration of our high school having the ability to determine the safe and effective temperature of our learning centers, the district itself sets the temperatures of the classrooms. Craig Hamblin, director of maintenance, operations, and transportation for RDUSD, has control over the “smart” thermostats. Staff at RVHS have emailed Mr. Hamblin to request temperature changes in the classroom, receiving replies back almost a week later. After reading the district’s website, I noticed River Delta’s superintendent Don Beno had written, “The safety of our students, your children, is our top concern.” Does air conditioning and the heat of classrooms filled with 30-plus students not fall under ‘the safety of our students’? In an effort to save money, the district has made its priorities clear: the expenses of providing air conditioning takes priority over the comfort and safety of students and instructors alike in the classroom district-wide. On May 9, as my classmates and I sat through 4th period, the last period of the day, we began to feel the sweltering heat, glancing at the air conditioning controls from our desks. Shocked, we saw 79 degrees Fahrenheit appear on the digital screen, the room temperature, with the A.C. not kicking in (other members of the Rio Vista High School commu-
nity have even seen room temperatures reach the mid-80s in classrooms). With a fan in the corner of the room brought in by our teacher in an attempt to keep the room cool, I knew then that this policy needed to be changed as soon as possible. In an attempt to reverse the changes made to the rules of the air conditioning, an “Air Conditioning Committee” has been formed by staff of the district. This is only the first step in creating change. Recently elected as the Associated Student Body President of the Class of 2019, I intend to change this policy. With the help of students and the community, we can reverse this detrimental air conditioning system and make sure this never happens again. As members of the Rio Vista and Delta communities, I ask you to write to the River Delta Unified School District to voice your opinions. Only with community support can we create a coalition to alter the abuse of power by our school system.
The temperature in Ms. Stark’s Spanish class on Wednesday, May 9th.
Rio Vista FFA Success at the Dixon May Fair (Continued from front page) Goats Leslie Diaz - Supreme Grand Champion, FFA Champion, 1st in market class Leslie Diaz, Heather Stulke, Breanna Bettencourt - Champion Pen of Three Mason Cobb - 1st in market class Carson Spradling - 3rd in Senior Showmanship Aidan Frisbie - 4th in Novice Showmanship Swine Ariana Mandujano - 1st in market class Jesus Rivas - 2nd in Novice Showmanship Khaenani Mamea - 3rd Senior Showmanship Kaylenn Burgess - 4th in Senior Showmanship Elizabeth Webber - 6th in Novice Showmanship Michael Mason - 8th in Novice Show-
manship Sheep Macie Oglesby (independent) Supreme Grand Champion Katlyn Langlois - 1st in market class Caitlin Bowers - 2nd in Senior Showmanship Alyssa Groves - 2nd in market class Chase Ludlow - 2nd in market class Steer Lane Eggers - Reserve Champion, 1st in market class Mikayla Hagan - 1st in market class Poultry Kalia Howell - Supreme Grand Champion Meat Pen Rabbits Wyatt Preston - Supreme Grand Champion Single Fryer, 2nd in Senior Showmanship, 3rd in Senior Small Animal Master Showmanship.
RAM’S EAR Published by Rio Vista High School 410 South Fourth Street | Rio Vista, California 94571
Published by Rio Vista High School, Digital Publications Class (707) 374-6336 ext. 1224 email: rvhsramsear@gmail.com To be published, letters to the editor must have the author’s name, address, and telephone number.
Editor-in-Chief Aiden D. Mayhood Managing Editor Liam Smith Adviser Julie Griffin
Ram’s Ear Staff Bailey Adgate, Kiara Agan, Annalisa Avalos, Conor Cline, Mariko Dupuis, Samuele Francescetti, Kalia Howell, Brynae Martinez, Tillie McTeer, Brooke Okamura, Guadalupe Ruiz, Brianna Summitt, Destinee Stewart, Bryce Swink, Atziri Villasenor
May 25, 2018
Ryan Mcpherson: From Hometown to the Small Screen (Continued from front page)
the next five games of the season. Needless to say, I wasn’t in the same shape for that next level of football, so I ended up playing two seasons at Sierra College in Rocklin CA, where I studied business, art, and foreign language (German mostly). I thought that football was going to be my life, and at the time of the injury, it seemed like it forced me to give up my dreams of playing sports. I felt empty, like I lost my purpose. In all reality, that life changing event most likely led me down a different path, somewhere that football probably would have never taken me. Looking back now, in some strange way, I am thankful for that “fork in the road,” and I wouldn’t take it back for even a shot at “the pros.” 2. Why and when did you decide to become a cameraman? I started shooting family events with the old family camera and taking stills by the age of six or seven years old, so I guess in someway I’ve always had a camera in my hand. A big reason I started filming is because my dad mostly always had a camera in his hand, which is great to have those memories to look back on. After two years playing football at Sierra College, I had already got into white water kayaking and rafting on the South Fork, Middle Fork, and North Fork of the American River in Coloma, California. It was during that time in my life that I started to swing towards more film based sports cinematography, and I started kayaking down the river, filming their adventure. I would then edit the video before the clients could leave the raft company at the end of the day and show them the video, turning into a salesman all at the same time. I learned how to interview people, how to film in tricky situations and terrain, and I learned how to edit my videos “on the fly,” in analog form or ENG style. Aspiring film students, look that up if you don’t already know it. I learned sales, distribution, managing accounts, and I was basically self-sufficient from 6:30 in the morning until 7:00 at night when the clients left the rafting company. The hardest part was that you could go through the whole day, working your butt off for 12 hours, and nobody would buy a video for some reason or another. You just learned a lot about sales and making videos and working with all sorts of people, but you didn’t put a dollar in your pocket. They did give you three square meals a day, so you can’t complain, right? You just spent the whole day on the river! While in Coloma, I met two brothers that were both into kayaking and rafting, and it just so happened that they worked with some great shows on the Discovery Channel, History Channel and National Geographic. I trained under them for a couple of years. I would go out and film with a very basic camera and come back to them to get criticism and constructive feedback, to where, eventually, I felt, and they felt, like my skills were competent enough to start filming for TV shows. One show in particular that was very popular on Discovery Channel at the time was The Deadliest Catch. Sometimes, it’s about being in the right place at the right time and taking any opportunity that’s thrown at you. In those cases, you can say, “No, but thanks for the opportunity” or you can say “Yes, whatever it takes.” It seems like I ended up further than I ever could have thought, just by saying one word: yes! I said yes, took the opportunity, and never looked back. I was hired by Discovery Channel as a “utility” for The Deadliest Catch. I was in charge of all of the equipment and all of the cameras and audio gear that was to be set up on all of the crabbing boats for the show. We mount-
ed cameras, we slung cables, and tried to find the best angles to mount cameras that would be stationed on the boat for the entire season, making sure they were weatherproof. I made a short video of myself while setting up one of the boats and mentioned how cool it would be to someday get a chance to go on the boats like the rad camera guys that were going out there as soon as I was done rigging the boat. Little did I know that I would get that chance no more than two weeks later, when one of the cameramen couldn’t make it to one of the boats. They asked me if I could go and shoot because they knew I had the experience, or at least a little bit. Once again, my response was simple: “Yes.” I let them know that my bags were packed and ready for the boat. The rest is history. 3. Can you describe an average work week or project? Every project is so very different,from the locations, to the crew members, to the cast members, to the camera gear, to the work load. I guess you need to look at it from the perspective of fun versus dangerous and challenging. Honestly, that last word could sum up the production industry well: challenging, even though often times it can be the most rewarding. I almost enjoy being out of my comfort zone more than in it. I have found that the challenges we overcome throughout our lives shape us and really give us something measurable, as far as success goes. I personally don’t believe success comes with a dollar sign, or a fancy car, or a big title at a large corporation. Success comes when you challenge yourself to get out of that comfort zone, when you accept that maybe you have something to learn from it all, and when you get through it and come out better on the other side. I am a firm believer that the hardest things in life, the lows of the lows, the struggles, the strifes, and the failures are often the most rewarding. They teach us something about ourselves. They make us dream of dreams we never thought possible and push us to be the best version of ourselves. It is a heavy question to ask yourself: What is the universe really expecting of me? If you never take the chances or say yes to the opportunities (outside of your comfort zone), you may never be able to answer that question. 4. What goals do you have for your future? Wow. Again, that’s a difficult question. Let’s start with a 3-5 year plan and go from there: 1. Say yes more often. 2. Keep telling stories that impact the world somehow and make us think. 3. Finish an unresolved mission that I started in 2003, searching the vast wildlands of Brazil. 4. Work on the next list after this one is done... 5. Start a family, when the time is right... 6. Maybe teach someday!!!
May 25, 2018
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RAM’S EAR
Drama Spring Revue Wyatt Preston Prepares for Epic 2019 Hike Showcases Talent by Brooke Okamura, Staff Writer
Photo by: Mrs. Surla
Drama students performing a number from “Newsie’s” in the Rio Vista High School theater (from left to right): Mason Cobb, Austin Francis, Emma Bellante, Lillian Welbourn, Maria Segoviano, Jax Perez, Esmeralda Aguilar, Jeannie Perez, Ryan Hurley, and Nathan Hearn.
by Lupita Ruiz, Staff Writer
Once again the drama class and other interested participants put on a show for a Rio Vista audience. Songs from productions such as Beauty and the Beast, Wicked, Tangled and Rent were performed by high school students who wished to show off their great talent. Along with songs, Shakespearean monologues were performed. The Spring Revue is a student showcase that celebrates the expressions of the arts. Students from the drama class also benefit from participating in the showcase by earning a grade in their class. Along
go at the pace of his new puppy, Belle, he is going to take along with him. When asked on his inspiration for embarking of this hike, Wyatt explains, “I became inspired to do this hike when I was up in Buck’s Lake, and I spoke to hikers that were taking the trail and it interested me. I enjoy the community and atmosphere around the trail as well.” This is an extreme hike with multiple terrains, having only 2,607 hikers being able to claim to have finished the hike. With months ahead, Wyatt wishes to continue his training for the hike by training in the preparations of sleeping, eating, drinking, and walking for the lengthy duration of around five to six months. With blistering around the feet being highly susceptible, a lot must go forth to adapt to these conditions that are so hard on the feet. This next April c,heer fellow student Wyatt Preston on his embark of this famous 2,568 mile hike with his puppy and hope he becomes one to be added on the hikers that have completed this trail. Make it 2,608!
with the drama class, the art department also showcased their own pieces of art. Both of these classes did a great job in expressing what drama and art is about. Liam Smith was a participant in the Spring Revue, and he performed the song As Long As You’re Mine from the movie Wicked. Liam says his experience was “very rewarding, and I had a lot of fun. I was also happy to meet a lot of people.” The Spring Revue of 2018 was a great success, and a great experience for both the audience and participants.
March AprilBIRTHDAYS Birthdays MAYand & JUNE
Angelica Zavala June 7th Stephanie Aguilera June 10th Lizbeth Antunez Jesus Rivas Dominic Vieira June 11th Shelby Davis June 14th Jeff Contreras Yocelyn Corona Zachary Tyler June 16th Kimberly Broughton Tycen White June 17th Christian Reidmiller Kian Tobin June 19th Esmeralda Aguilar Cole Barber-Pender Caleb Eggers Samuel Sandoval Eric Vivanco June 20th Kendra De La Torre June 22th Samuele Franceschetti Kaitlyn O’Connor Montana Olson June 23th Page Baldwin Sierra Garrett Ricardo Lopez David Rutledge June 26th Brennen Bellante Valerie Rodriguez June 27th Cody Fuller Christopher Nunes Alex Tejeda June 29th Jaden Lira
Map of Pacific Crest Trail from the border of Mexico to the border of Canada
Photo by: Brynae Martinez
May 2nd Zachary Peters May 3rd Jennifer Oropeza May 4th Suheng Chiv May 6th Gabriel Sanchez May 9th Michael Carlisle Erick Jimenez Marduck Sanchez Anthony Ornelas May 12th Carson Spradling May 13th Katlyn Langlois May 14th Jose Vega May15th Kawika Makua Savannah Arias May 18th Janet Tejeda May 19th Anahi Gutierrez Benjamin Sisneros Marivella Torres May 21th Chase Ludlow May 23rd Julian Carpenter Lana Volkerts May 24th Justin Sanchez May 29th Hunter Apple Noelani Coffey June 3rd Austin Carlson Fallon Garrett Jason Mandujano Jason Mortenson June 5th Taylor Fitzgerald Darin Rasmussen
Rio Vista High School junior, Wyatt Preston, is preparing to take the journey of his life, the 2,568 mile Pacific Crest Trail that carries you across mountains, snowy paths across Lake Tahoe, redwoods that tower above all else, and across all of California, Oregon, and Washington. In order to complete this famous trail, there are ideal dates you must set off. The dates are expected to be in the middle of Wyatt’s senior year. In having this opportunity to set forth and take the hike of a lifetime, Wyatt plans on completing all his credits before setting foot on trail by his suspected days of April 1-5 depending on what type of permit he applies for. Wyatt, contemplating this decision for months and years on end, has everything planned out. When asked for his plan of the hike and what he wishes to gain from it, he stated, “My plan is to be on the trail for about five to five and-a-half months. I am hoping to gain a better appreciation for the things we take for granted everyday without even noticing.” Wyatt later explained his goal is to hike about 20 miles a day at the start and
Mrs. Davis Expecting Her First Child This Summer
by Brynae Martinez, Staff Writer
Mrs. Davis’s hometown is Sacramento, California. She’s married and expecting a baby to be on the way on July 9. When Mrs. Davis was younger, she loved to go horseback riding, a favorite activity of hers. The classes that Mrs. Davis teaches are Art 1, Art 2, Art 3/A.P. Art, and Ceramics. She has been working at Rio Vista High School for seven years. Mrs. Davis said if “she hadn’t gotten a job working at Rio Vista High School, she would want to be a mad scientist.” Over the summer, she plans on waking up every twenty minutes for the baby. Mrs. Davis has an eclectic taste for music. Mrs. Davis said that the hardest thing about teaching is the grading process, but the easiest thing about her job is that she is teaching something that she loves. She also says that her favorite art medium is pho-
tography. She would love to teach a digital and film photography class. Of the foods Mrs. Davis doesn’t have a taste for, cilantro falls into the category. Mrs. Davis said that her favorite class to teach is AP Art because she loves to see her art students grow and accept new challenges at such a high level. Mrs. Davis told us that she often changes some of the projects so she keeps things fresh and challenges herself as a teacher. Mrs. Davis said that her favorite art project is the gridded portrait because she gets to see her students build their self confidence and realize that anybody can learn to draw with the proper tools and a little bit of patience. She also likes to watch her students work through the artistic process much more than just grading the end product.
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May 25, 2018
RAM’S EAR
SUMMER FUN IN CALIFORNIA 16
Chico
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San Francisco
1 AFS Club students from Barker, New York, Lenoir, North Carolina and Rio Vista spend a day enjoying the views of San Francisco. Pictured are: Andrea Villasenior, Hunter Baker, Lily Chandler, Ethan Horton, Cade Wilson, Ingrid Gallardo, Makenzie Vassar, and Jennifer Oropeza (left to right)..
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AFS Kids California Dreamin’
Sacramento
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Monterey
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by Tillie McTeer, Staff Writer
On Wednesday, April 18, twenty-two American Field Service (AFS) students from Barker, New York, and Lenoir, North Carolina, arrived at Rio Vista High School. The students spent a total of four days with various RVHS families and went on many excursions. Barker kids came right when the school day ended, and Lenoir kids arrived at midnight. After a full day of traveling, the students were ready to get to know California. Day one consisted of a trip to the Pizza Factory and a scavenger hunt throughout downtown Rio, including a visit to the Rio Vista Museum. The AFS kids weren’t the only first-timers at the museum. Some Rio natives weren’t aware there was a museum. Everyone had a great time looking at past yearbooks and how the tiny town of Rio Vista used to be. On Friday, April 20, the group accompanied their host students to school and spent some time in California classes. Most kids from NY and NC were impressed with our outdoor campus, considering their schools were just one big building on a closed campus. Lenoir and Barker students appreciated sitting outside in the sun for lunch and said they will miss that when they go back home. After school, the kids had some free time with their hosts and then went to the Upham’s for a BBQ. On Saturday in San Francisco, students walked around Union Square and then rode the cable cars to Fisherman’s Wharf. At Pier 39, Adam Wagner from Barker, New York, ran straight into the bay and then ran right back out, not realizing how cold the water was. Later, the AFS group went to an Oakland A’s game and witnessed Sean Manaea pitch a no hitter with a 3-0 win. After a long and eventful weekend, the AFS clan packed up their bags and left Rio Vista bright and early Sunday morning. Both Barker and Lenoir AFS groups said the best part about California was San Francisco and they can’t wait to come back someday. Senior Ethan Horton said, “You guys have the freedom to roam around and have so many surrounding cities. I like how everyone in town is so close to everyone.” Many other students commented on the same thing and mentioned the variety of cities California has. Some advice from the AFS group is, “Join AFS because it’s super cool and you get to meet new people,” and, “Have fun and don’t be scared to meet new peo-
ple!” Remember, when you’re signing up for clubs in the fall, the friendships formed from AFS last a lifetime!
What’s the best part about California? “San Francisco was definitely the best part of California.” - Jill Moeller (NY) “San Francisco!!” - Grace Harris (NY) “San Francisco” - Ethan Horton (NC) “San Francisco, definitely.” - Hunter Baker (NC) “Fisherman’s Wharf!” - Kylie Miller (NY) Is there any advice for students wanting to join AFS? “Join AFS because it’s super cool and you get to meet new people” - Jill Moeller (NY) “Join AFS because it is a cheap way to see new places and you get to skip school.” - Grace Harris (NY) “Have fun. Don’t be scared to meet new people.” - Ethan Horton (NC) “Talk to the people you’re staying with, it helps you meet new people and allows you to practice socializing.” - Kylie Miller (NY)
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San Diego
by Samuele Franceschetti, Staff Writer
California is an amazing state with adventures around every corner. There are so many wonderful places you can visit without leaving California. This is brief list of the major attractions that you may visit this summer to have some fun with friends and relatives.
1- California’s Great America 2- Six Flags Discovery Kingdom 3- Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk 4- Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Concord 5- Aqua Adventure Water Park 6- South Cow Mountain OHV Recreation Area 7- Disney California Adventure Park 8- SeaWorld San Diego
9- Six Flags Magic Mountain 10- Legoland California 11- Monterey Bay Aquarium 12- Lake Tahoe 13- Yosemite National Park 14- Sequoia National Park 15- Joshua Tree National Park 16- Redwood National Park 17- Death Valley National Park 18- Napa Valley
Mrs. Montgomery’s
RECIPE
of the
MONTH
Snickerdoodles Ingredients
1 cup of butter or margarine, softened 1 cup of sugar 2 eggs 1 tsp vanilla 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. cream of tartar ¼ tsp. salt
Topping
2 tsp. ground cinnamon 3 tbsp. sugar
In a large bowl with an electric mixer, beat butter and the 1 ⅓ cups sugar until creamy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. In another bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt; gradually add to butter mixture, blending thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate 2 hours or more.
Brianna Summitt, Grace Harris, and Tillie McTeer before saying their goodbyes
In a small bowl, combine cinnamon and the 3 tbsps. sugar. Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then roll in cinnamon-sugar to coat. Place at least 2 inches apart on greased baking sheets, or use parchment paper. Bake in a 375 degree oven for about 12 minutes, then transfer to racks and let cool completely. Store airtight. Makes about 4 ½ dozen.
May 25, 2018
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RAM’S EAR
FFA State Conference a Mix of Inspiration and Fun Next Year’s Cheer
by Janet Tejeda and Itzel Aragon, Guest Writers
Can you imagine being surrounded by 7,000 FFA teenagers for four days? This is how 13 Rio Vista High School FFA members spent their week in late April at the 90th Annual State FFA Convention. The students attending were Michael Mason, Hannah Burgess, Destanie Rendon, Michael Arellano, Jessica Mingay, Lane Eggers, Kamren Robles, Mason Cobb, Ruben Silva, Aidan Frisbie, Carson Spradling, Janet Tejeda, and Itzel Aragon. On Sunday, April 22, the students departed early for Anaheim. Everyday, there was a new motivational speaker talking to the students about success and how you are capable of doing anything you set your mind to. One of the speakers was Jesse LeBeau. He explained to the conference attendees how he overcame being an “un-
derdog.” LeBeau is very big on basketball and encouraged students to get involved in all kinds of basketball tricks. “He was pretty inspiring,” expressed senior Michael Mason. There were also workshops to get students motivated to go to college. On Tuesday, April 24, all 7,000 FFA members were able to attend Disneyland California Adventures and have the entire part of the park to themselves until midnight. The final session of the conference was filled with an array of emotions. The conference welcomed the newly elected 2018-19 State FFA officers and said farewell to the 2017-18 officers. “I had a really good experience,” said Destanie Rendon. “I learned a lot and had a fun time.” “A lot of people that I usually go to
the conference with, including my sister, weren’t there this year,” commented Hannah Burgess. “It honestly brought me back to all the years before and made me realize how much I’m going to miss stuff like State Conference. Plus, having California Adventures open with only FFA members was really cool,” she added. If you are interested in attending next year’s FFA State Conference, get involved and go! It is a great experience to be a part of at Rio Vista High School.
Artist
of the month
May’s Artist of the Month is
Everardo Ordonez,
Rio Vista High school students attending this year’s State FFA Convention in Anaheim were (from left to right): Carson Spradling, Michael Mason, Janet Tejeda, Hannah Burgess, Jessica Mingay and Ruben Silva (top row). Kamren Robles, Mason Cobb, Michael Arellano, Aidan Frisbie, Itzel Aragon, and Destanie Rendon (bottom row).
a freshman in his first year of high school art. “ I feel swell, like I finally accomplished something I’ve wanted. It takes me about 2 weeks to finish a project. I think art is fun and the only class I plan on taking all 4 years of high school. I look at art as an escape, a mental escape… this class is my escape.”
Squad Announced by Brooke Okamura & Bailey Adgate
The Rio Vista High School Cheerleading Squad has went through many improvements. Just last year, the girls had their very own Competitive Cheer Team along with their Junior Varsity and Varsity Squad. With receiving awards at cheer camp for the hardest working and being honored for all-around best jumps at their cheer competition, the Cheer Team has high hopes for this 2018-2019 season. With tryouts taking place on May 4th, the girls prepared with two mandatory practices to learn the tryout dance, the tryout cheer, and lastly, but more importantly, the traditional Fight Song of RVHS and cheer that goes along with it. The girls trying out were scored on the sharpness of their motions, the knowledge of the dance and cheers, and the voice projection. After a week of anticipation, the list of soon-to-be cheerleaders were announced in the office. Although many cheerleaders are returning members, many new cheerleaders are being added to this RVHS program of school pride and ram spirit. Congratulations 2018-2019 Rio Vista High Cheer Squad! VARSITY Brooke Okamura, Ingrid Gallardo, Jaylynn Lacy, Andrea Villasenor, Montana Olson, Meagan Delancy, Symphony Weller, Anahi Gutierrez, Makenzie Vassar, Bailey Adgate, Zoe White, Savana Groves, Noelani Coffey, Mary Griffin, Emma Bellante, and Macie Oglesby. JUNIOR VARSITY Jessa Majors, Kylei Goodwin, Ashlee Weller, Atziri Villasenor, Liseth Mendoza, Savannah Arias, Tatum Carlisle, Lily Griffin, Dawna Coad, Lexie Steinbrook, Kylee Carlson,Clarissa Moore, Genesis Lopez, Stephanie Powers, and Skylar Silveria.
New ASB Officers Elected 4-H Club at the Dixon May Fair for 2018-2019 Year by Madison Myer, Staff Writer
Photo by: Mariko Dupuis
Next year’s ASB officers: Aiden Mayhood, President; Isabella Hernandez, Vice President; Meagan Delancy, Secretary; Jennifer Oropeza and Andrea Villasenor, Treasurers; and Ingrid Gallardo and Makenzie Vassar, Activities Directors
by Kiara Agan, Staff Writer
ASB stands for Associated Student Body, the political voices of schools around the nation. It is not an easy job, with members making hard decisions about what better benefits the school. There are five ASB positions: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Activities Director. The President’s duty is to oversee the school and is the face of ASB. The ASB President represents all students of Rio Vista High School. The job of Vice President is to be the backbone of the ASB and take over whenever President is not present. ASB Secretary is responsible for taking notes of the meetings: they also are responsible for running the meetings if both the President and VP are absent. Next, we have the treasurer who plays the role of dealing with finances. When clubs, sports or organizations requests money, it is the treasurer’s job to approve. Lastly, we have the Activities Director who plans school-wide activities.
This year, the school had three Co-Presidents who covered all roles of ASB: Kiara Agan, Kady Feliz, and Emma Wright. Tillie McTeer held the position of Activities Director. As for next year, there were four students running for ASB President: Brennen Bellante, Suheng Chiv, Aiden Mayhood, and Montana Olson. Next, there was Erick Galeno and Isabella Hernandez running for Vice President. Then, Jennifer Oropeza and Andrea Villasenor ran for Co-Treasurer unopposed. Ingrid Gallardo and Makenzie Vassar ran for Co-Activities Director unopposed. On Monday, during morning announcements, students read their speeches, and on Tuesday, they voted Aiden Mayhood as President, Isabella Hernandez as Vice President, Megan Delancey as Secretary, Jennifer Oropeza and Andrea Villasenor for Co-Treasurer, and Ingrid Gallardo and Makenzie Vassar as Co- Activities. Congratulations to next year’s ASB Officers!
Do you know what 4-H is? 4-H stand for the 4 H’s- Head, Heart, Hands, and Health. 4-H is a program in the community similar to FFA but not associated with the school. In 4-H, kids from ages 9-18 can make projects to enter into the fair, learn about a wide variety of subjects, or raise animals to show at the Dixon May Fair or Solano County Fair. Many students at RVHS raise and show animals through 4-H instead of FFA. Madison Davis, Sydney Saldana, Amber Griswold, Lily Griffin, and Madison Myer are all showing sheep. Christian Reidmiller, Hannah Reidmiller, and Jared Beechler are all showing pigs. Kian Tobin and Lacee Myer are showing goats. Caroline Upham, Trevor Gomes, and Ben McFarlane are showing turkeys. Each individual shows their animal in a showmanship class and market class. Showmanship is judged on how well the person can show their animal. Market is where the animal’s muscle and meat are judged. Placing at this year’s Dixon May Fair were the following:
Turkeys Caroline Upham: 6th and 7th in market class Ben McFarlane: 8th in market class Trevor Gomes: About 17th in market class
Swine
Jared Beechler: 5th in Senior Showmanship, 2nd in market class Hannah Reidmiller: 8th in Senior Showmanship, Market Ready Christian Reidmiller: Market Ready
Sheep
Lily Griffin:4-H Reserve Champion,1st in market class, 2nd in Senior Showmanship Madison Myer: 3rd in Senior Showmanship, 2nd in market class Sydney Saldana: 5th in Senior Showmanship, 5th in market class Madison Davis: 6th in Senior Showmanship, 4th in market class Amber Griswold: 7th in Senior Showmanship, 3rd in market class
Goats
Lacee Myer: 4th in Senior Showmanship Kian Tobin: 7th in Senior Showmansip, 1st in market class
Trevor Gomes with his turkey at the Dixon May Fair
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May 25, 2018
RAM’S EAR
RIO VISTA HIGH SCHOOL
ACADEMIC AWARDS
Athletes of the Month by Annalisa Avalos and Atziri Villasenor, Staff Writers
Valedictorian: Guadalupe Ruiz Salutatorian: Brianna Summitt Top Ten Seniors Guadalupe Ruiz Brianna Summitt Mariko Dupuis Kendra De La Torre Tillie McTeer
Bryan Cairo Emma Wright Caitlin Bowers Hunter Apple Austin Francis
Junior Academic Letters Aiden Mayhood Henry Rossi Brooke Okamura Montana Olson Suheng Chiv Jennifer Oropeza
Eamonn Drury David Forbes Fallon Garrett Wyatt Hagan Jaqueline Leal-Carrillo Anna Lett Fisher Lyon Zackary McLean Lacee Myer Devin Petersen Peter Rossi
Amaya Frisbie Benjamin Whiting Jacob Kinser Jameson Torres Cecilia Hernandez Meagan Delancy
Sophomores Madison Myer Stephanie Aguilera Rodriguez Caleb Eggers Valerie Rodriguez Brena Stovall Bailey Adgate Emily Bellante Kaitlyn O’Connor Sydney Saldana Zoe White
Juniors
Aiden Mayhood Henry Rossi Brooke Okamura Montana Olson Suheng Chiv Jennifer Oropeza Meagan Delancy Amaya Frisbie Benjamin Whiting Jacob Kinser Jameson Torres
Seniors
Guadalupe Ruiz Brianna Summitt Mariko Dupuis Kendra De la Torre Tillie McTeer Bryan Cairo Caitlin Bowers Samuele Franceschetti Cecilia Berti
High Honors (3.50 TO 3.99 GPA) Freshmen
Jeff Contreras Preston Ebert Hannah Eckard-Henderson Cody Fuller Kevin Jimenez Rosales Josie Preston Miguel Tejeda Jr. Caroline Upham Christian Escoto Fatima Sandoval Villanueva Alex Tejeda Garcia Arthur Weller Savannah Arias Jared Beechler Marivella Torres Nathan Torres Ashlee Weller Tyler White Jason Mortenson Aidan Rosen Carson Spradling Jason Tello Bryan Rish Marisol Segoviano Liseth Mendoza Macie Oglesby
Sophomores Per Anderson lll Ethan Medders Megan Ross Yocelyn Corona Deanelly Martinez Isabel Flores Elliott Hagan Samuel Sandoval River Billoups Aidan Walker Asucena Castorena Olivia Roberts Kaylee Kitchens Richard Zamarripa Lizbeth Antunez
Juniors
Cecilia Hernandez Brennen Bellante Cindy Torres Camacho Jesus Rivas Isabella Hernandez Andrea Villasenor Brady Bowers Robert Zamarripa Conor Cline Alondra Villalpando Ingrid Gallardo Camberos Bryce Ciaramitaro Mercedes Roberts Erick Galeno Kaytlin Preciado Gerardo Mandujano
Anna Ramirez
“For the month of May, Hunter is 11 for 16 at the plate, scoring 11 runs along with driving in 11 runs. Hunter has also pitched 5 innings, allowing 2 earned runs while striking out 6 batters and getting 1 win in the process. In addition to his performance at the plate and on the mound, Hunter’s leadership and steady presence in the field has been one of the major reasons for our success so far this year.” - Coach Corey Farrell
“Anna is one of the team’s co-captains this year. She has the abilThis I would likeon to the recognize Rivity ofmonth several positions field but erher Billoups. Not only is she a great athlete work behind the plate is remarkbut sheHer is very willing to help out in any able. ability to constantly inspire way possible for the benefit of the team. and always help out a struggling teamHer positive attitude makes her a joy mate is why she is my pick for May’sto coach forward to what she has in athleteand of look the month.” store for the future. - Coach Ann Reidmiller
Varsity Baseball
Highest Honors (4.0 GPA or Above) Freshmen
Hunter Apple
Seniors Emma Wright Hunter Apple Austin Francis Blaine Dart Mikayla Hagan Hadrian Valladares Janet Tejeda Page Baldwin Hannah Burgess Destiny Reynolds Alyssa Groves Liam Smith
Samuele Franceschetti Liam Smith Emma Wright Varsity Swim “One of athletes of the month for swim is Sam. He is a natural leader, has fun in practice, and works everyday. Liam works extremely hard and has made himself a contender for races by sheer will. He has fun constantly. Emma is just awesome---at everything.” - Coach Toni Tucker
Varsity Softball
River Billoups Jr. Varsity Softball
“This month I would like to recognize River Billoups. Not only is she a great athlete, but she is very willing to help out in any way possible for the benefit of the team. Her positive attitude makes her a joy to coach, and I look forward to what she has in store for the future.” - Coach Greg Lucas
CONOR’S SPORTS CORNER
Who’s Starting, Who’s Ending? NBA or MLB? by Conor Cline, Staff Writer
Honors (3.00 TO 3.49 GPA) Freshmen
Sophomores
Juniors
Seniors
Benjamin Sisneros Jesus Castillo Kawika Makua Lexie Steinbrook Nicholas Bowen Dawna Coad Ofelia Montano Trevor Gomes Lily Griffin Christopher Nunes Jose Chavez Aidan Frisbie Joseph Solis Karson Christianson Jessa Majors
Alicea Gonzales Stacy Gomez Esmeralda Aguilar Duran Kimberly Broughton Araceli Elisea Madison Davis Casssandra Steinbrook Bryan Romero Alexis Lackey Masne Yaneth Espinoza Mandujano Guadalupe Lopez -Manajarrez Maria Segoviano August Giannini
Anna Ramirez Katlyn Langlois Jennifer Ortiz Payton Carademos Avila Marlys Eckard-Henderson Elizabeth Webber Gladiz Chavolla Symphony Weller Monica Castillo Ortega Diana Bernal Chance Gentry Jayden Griffin Christopher Kimbrow Antonio Silva Ibarra Colton Merville Judith Chavez Wyatt Preston Destanie Rendon Martin Magana Jr. Carla Navarro
Heather Stuelke Kaylee Salomon Erick Jimenez Rosales Melina Majors Dillon Russell Yasmin Garcia Kiara Agan Ryan Murphy Jeannie Perez Ryan Racela Kady Feliz Madison Henry Justin Romero Trinity Gonzales Bryce Swink Michael Mason Katie Havens Khaenani Mamea Yessenia Santiago Itzel Aragon
The NBA season is coming to a wild end. As of April 17th, 2018, my prediction for the NBA finals is the Golden State Warriors beating the Toronto Raptors in five games. It’s a bold prediction by any means, but injuries ruined the Boston Celtics’s chances at adding another title to their historic organization. I am a big believer in the young 76ers squad, but then again, their star, Joel Embiid, continues his horrible luck of staying healthy this time with a facial fracture and a concussion towards the end of the regular season. He might return soon, and if he is healthy with no minute restrictions, they can make a run in the East. The Cleveland Cavaliers don’t have much of a team bond behind LeBron James. Without an amazing supporting cast, it still wouldn’t be much of a surprise if he carried them to the Finals for his seventh straight year. Everybody else in the East doesn’t stand much of a shot against Drake’s first-seeded Raptors. In the West, it will be much more competitive at the top. Everybody who follows the NBA is more than ready for the Golden State Warriors to go head-to-head with the Houston Rockets. It will be a very tough road for both teams to get there and
meet up in the Western Conference, but I believe it will eventually happen. The Warriors will win with a healthy Stephen Curry going off for 35 points a game and defeating Chris Paul and James Harden in game seven. The Finals for the Warriors should be an easy series. They will over-power the Raptors and win their 3rd title in the past four years. Baseball season is coming off of an amazing World Series in 2017. The Houston Astros defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers in seven games. I’m a big San Francisco Giants fan, but sadly, I don’t think they have much of a chance of winning the World Series or even making the playoffs. I don’t have a solid guess on who is going to win the World Series right now. I really like the moves the Angels and Yankees made in the offseason, and the Cleveland Indians are loaded with talent. Early on, the Yankees, Boston Red Sox, and Arizona Diamondbacks look like the most complete teams. Baseball season is a very long season with so many momentum shifts. It’s just too early to predict who is going to win the World Series. The 2018 baseball season should be filled with records and action!
May 25, 2018
Page 7
RAM’S EAR
Vermicomposting: Spring Sports Update The Future of Recycling by Conor Cline, Staff Writer
Rio Vista softball, swim, and golf have all come to a great end, while the baseball team is still advancing through in their playoff bracket as the number one seed. The Lady Rams softball team went 10-8 overall and 10-2 in league. They made the playoffs as the number six seed playing against the number three seed, Argonaut. They battled hard the whole season but lost the game 10-0. The swim team had another great season. They were league champs for the fourth year in a row! The golf team had two representa-
tives at the section championship, Wyatt Hagan and Blaine Dart. Baseball had a very successful season, going 17-6 overall and 10-2 in league. With that great record, the Rams won the league championships and were rewarded with the number one seed in the Sierra Delta League Division VI bracket. Rio beat the number eight seed, Le Grand, handily in front of a big home crowd 12-4. They advance to play Ripon Christian, the number four seed, at Sacramento State University. Hopefully, the Rams regular season success can transfer over to a section title!
Rotary Club 5160 Welcomes New Camp Royal Kids by Liam Smith, Staff Writer
One major source of waste that is produced by Americans is food waste, and it doesn’t get nearly as much media attention as it should. When most people think about ways to be less wasteful, they invest in a recycling bin, use canvas bags, and drink from reusable water bottles. While these methods are important for every household to do, reusing food waste is a fun, environmentally friendly, and cost effective way to cut down on waste (according to the NRDC, an American family of four tosses the equivalent of $2,275 a year). One method is called vermicomposting, and it is cheap and fun for the whole family. Vermicomposting is the use of earthworms to convert organic waste into fertilizer. The basic ingredients for starting your own food waste recycling system are simple and easy to find: a container (large plastic storage bin), bedding (newspaper, toilet paper, etc.), water, worms (found at any nearby bait shop), power drill, and regular food waste you produce every day. Your first step is to take the container of your choosing and drill 8-10 holes (depending on the size of the container), each hole ¼ inch in size. The holes are for the drainage of liquid “tea”, which is produced by the worms and is very good for plants,
so it might be worth capturing by raising the food waste container over another container. Next, you can apply bedding to the bottom of the container (newspaper is the most effective). The bedding should be thin enough to let the tea drain but thick enough to contain the worms. Once a firm, ½ inch thick layer is added to the container, wet it with water, just enough for it to be soft and damp. Now that there is a good bedding, you can put in the worms. You can add as many worms as you want, keeping in mind that the amount may triple in three months. Once they are added, you can put in the food waste (banana peels, apple cores, meat scraps, spoiled foods, paper towels and other thin paper products, etc.) and let the worms go to work. With a fully operational vermicomposting container, you can now drill holes into the top lid in order for gas to be released. In very few steps, using items that are cheap and easy to find, you can contribute to saving the planet and you will have very nutrient rich fertilizer you can use in your garden. Not only will you be utilizing food scraps you would have otherwise thrown away, but you are also saving worms from their imminent fish-related deaths.
Math Department’s Problem of the Month
Cannibals ambush a safari in the jungle and capture three men. The cannibals give the men a single chance to escape uneaten. The captives are lined up in order of height, and are tied to stakes. The man in the rear can see the backs of his two friends, the man in the middle can see the back of the man in front, and the man in front cannot see anyone. The cannibals show the men five hats. Three of the hats are black and two of the hats are white. Blindfolds are then placed over each man’s eyes and a hat is placed on each man’s head. The two hats left over are hidden. The blindfolds are then removed and it is said to the men that if one of them can guess what color hat he is wearing they can all leave unharmed. The man in the rear who can see both of his friends’ hats but not his own says, “I don’t know”. The middle man who can see the hat of the man in front, but not his own says, “I don’t know”. The front man who cannot see ANYBODY’S hat says “I know!” How did he know the color of his hat and what color was it?
Students attending Camp Royal this summer include (from left to right): Gabriel De La Rosa, Destanie Rendon, Brooke Okamura, Meagan Delancy and Montana Olson.
by Mariko Dupuis, Staff Writer
Camp Royal is a once in a lifetime experience that upcoming seniors throughout Northern California get to participate in. Rotarians from District 5160 sponsored about 140 seniors to go to this camp. Last year, the only five upcoming seniors who applied were accepted to go: Kiara Agan, Mariko Dupuis, Tillie McTeer, Brianna Summitt, and Emma Wright. During this five-day adventure, the girls who attended the camp made new friends and memories that they will hold with them forever. Some of the activities they participated in were ice breakers, listening to motivational speakers, eating tasty, homemade food, and taking part in the ropes course at the end of the week. Brianna Summitt says, “I loved taking part in the volleyball games during free time everyday. It was cool playing with people from all over Northern California.” Kiara, who is also president of the Interact Club, had the honor of helping the Rotarians choose the students who are
going to Camp Royal based off her interactions with them during the school year. Lots of students applied this year, which made it very hard for the Rotarians and Kiara to choose the students they thought were right for this program. The students who were chosen to go to Camp Royal are: Gabriel De La Rosa, Destanie Rendon, Jesus Rivas, Meagan Delancy, Montana Olson, and Brooke Okamura. These students have a lot to look forward to in their week of Camp Royal. When asked what they’re most excited about, Meagan Delancy answered, “I’ve watched a lot of the videos from previous years and I’m really excited for the outdoor activities like scaling the wall” and Jesus Rivas said, “ I have heard about the wall and the great opportunities to make friends.” Most of the students who are going were influenced by Mrs. Turk and by previous students who attended the camp to apply.
f o 2 0 s 1 s 8 a l C e h t s n o i t a l Congratu Mark, Christina, and Sam Esperson