The Pepperbox
October BOX BRIEFS
October 19: Homecoming parade at 1:20 October 19: Homecoming game October 19: Homecoming dance at 9 October 20: Silent film @ FAB at 2 October 27: ACT November 19-23: Thanksgiving Break Want to advertise or buy a mail subscription to the Pepperbox? Email Business Manager Hannah Pereira at pepperbox@nohum.k12.ca.us !
EDITORIAL STAFF Jacquelyn Opalach Editor-in-Chief Caledonia Davey Managing Editor Jazmine Fiedler Feature Editor Lindsay Rimmer Sports Editor Mira O’Barr A&E Editor Jack Taylor Opinion Editor Alef Mitchell Photo Editor Haley Hill Online Editor Mercy Arnold Online Editor Fiona Murphy Editor Abroad Hannah Pereira Business Manager Kaylien Ownby Art Director
REPORTERS Jj Anaya Emily Cook Odin Huff Bailey Ives Tri Jensen-Dougherty Dakota Kalvaitis-Heffernan Grace Mitchell Aidan Nickelson Mark Salamunovich Trinity Smith Eva Villamor Stella Walston Isabella Welch
CLUB REPORTERS Grace Talty Haven Fricke-Smyth Kai Hansen Andrew Mettier Alyssa Pedicino
The Pepperbox would like to thank Western Web, based in Samoa, for printing at-cost. Western Web supports student journalism throughout Humboldt County and has made publications like the Pepperbox possible for decades. We appreciate their dedication to Western Web keeping print media alive.
IN THE BOX PBX Special . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Recount . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7. Population . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8. . Measure N . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.. . New Teachers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 ... Black Student Union . . . . . . . . .12 Nurse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 . Bocce Ball/Boxing . . . . . . . . . . . 14 .. Fall Athletes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 ... Tiger Chariots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Teacher HoCo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Run, Hide, Fight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 . Exchange students . . . . . . . . . . .21 Clubs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 . Flowchart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 . Homework . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 . Arcata gun ordinance . . . . . . . .26 . The Beatles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 28 . Dresscode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 . Saltbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 ..
Questions regarding editorial content of the Pepperbox should be directed toward its editors. Opinions expressed in this paper are not necessarily those of Arcata High School.
Advisor Danielle Witten
Behind the Cover T
o embody the festive yet chaotic energy that seems to resonate in Arcata High during Homecoming week, the Pepperbox chose to snap a photo of Senior and AHS BSU President Lavender Weburg navagating her way through the densely populated hallways of Arcata High for our cover. This involved recruiting stray bystanders to just “walk and look natural” in front of the camera (an action that recieved a look or two from admin), but ultimately we had to wait for the true turmoil of a passing period to attain the photo we wanted. Finally, with a few modifications here and there by Pepperbox’s very own Photoshop Master, Alef Mitchell, our first cover of the 2018-19 school year was born. Read about the bursting student population on page 8, and Arcata High’s very fist BSU on page 12.
It’s not too late to regester to vote in California! Remember that you can pre-regester as young as 16. Regester here:
Did you know that anyone can write for the Pepperbox?! Come to room 104 on Tuesdays at lunch to see your name in print.
Editor’s Box A
feeling of Newness is in the air. New teachers haunt the classrooms; new students roam the hallways; and new clubs bring fresh ideas to life. In our first issue of the 2018-2019 school year, the Pepperbox staff has worked hard to provide both the crucial and catchy details of all these new additions to Aracta High’s growing comminity. While all this new stuff is grand in almost every way, the start of the year has been a little messy, which is why the Pepperbox staff decided to hop on this trend of newness by introducing the “Saltbox,” a little collection of what issues are truly importatnt to us (read about them on page 30). Also be sure to check out our center spread to see all of the Homecoming nominees! The Pepperbox wishes everyone a fun, safe homecoming and a fantastic year at Arcata High. - Jacquelyn Opalach, Editor-in-Chief
Quotable. “People did this by hand, BC. Before Calculators.” -Mr. Bagnall discussing math history
“Sometimes puberty hits late, and that’s okay.” -Mr. Pinkerton in reference to his squeaky voice during a lecture
“The stegosaurus is my favorite. It’s spicy!”
Kai’s Komics
-Ms. Witten on her hall passes
“Don't put that in the Pepperbox!” -Mr. Peters
“Come here little homie. Fist bump.” -Spencer Garrett greeting Rango the Lizard Kai Hansen/PEPPERBOX
FROM THE ARCHIVES Homecoming has come a long way . . .
Arcata High has certainly changed since 1972. The innocence of “hat day” and “bike day” contrasted with a “slave sale” may make modern-day readers queasy. Along with making casual and comedic references to slavery, the school also participated in a very gendered competition (see above).
Karen Nordstrom, homecoming queen of 1972 after a “semi-traditional kiss” from her escort.
1972 students at the “slave auction” watch the bidding.
Homecoming parade of 1972.
The football cheerleaders of 1962.
The Pepperbox | Page 6
PBX Special
Friday, October 19, 2018
Welcome to the Pepperbox Journalism and Me . . . Fiona Murphy EditorAbroad
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s some of you know, I am abroad in Spain this year. But, knowing me, I am still going to work on Pepperbox because I love it and its editor too much to leave. This year, I have been on a roller coaster when it comes to my voice. Over the summer, I went to a twoweek program with the New York Times to learn about investigative journalism. I was learning from insanely talented humans who I plan on becoming one day (shout out to Caitlin Dickerson). I was on top of the world. Then, as I mentioned before, I am on exchange in A Coruna, Spain. In the time I have been here, I’ve been amazed by how lost and helpless I feel without a voice. By the frustration I have with myself when I cannot find the words to say things as simple as “I’m full” or “I don’t care.” It is this experience that has brought me to the zenith of appreciation for my voice and has caused me to look back on how I gained this truly beautiful position. Journalism brought me to my true potential. I have always been opinionated and argumentative, but I lacked the courage and the words to fight for my opinions. Journalism forced me to learn. I’ve had to strip myself down and let the world see me without worrying about reactions. Journalism has taught me dedication. I have spent countless hours hunched over a computer, running on nothing but Newman’s Os and stress to finish layout. For god’s sake, I’m currently writing this in a stranger’s house in a strange country with a strange language while
on the verge of tears because I can’t imagine leaving Pepperbox. I have allowed journalism to take hold of my life and drag me down a path I would have never considered. Two years ago, I couldn’t have imagined myself yearning to be writing in a war zone, I was the classic eighth grader who went to the mall and complained about dirt. But now, I want to run toward what people are running from. I want to tell the story of those who are most vulnerable, despite what it may do to me. I have been able to write passionately about subjects such as school shootings, politics, and consent. I have learned to argue with logic and a calm mind. But, journalism has taught me something even rarer and more important: to set my opinions aside. Those of you who know me also know I talk incessantly, usually about myself and my opinions. However, I am now forcing myself to listen more, to ask questions. Because finding and using my voice means nothing if I silence others. While this whole article has been about my voice in journalism, there are countless other ways to create a voice and a space for yourself. Mine happens to be a newspaper, but yours could be music, speeches, teaching, creative writing, politics, art, or anything else. And while I encourage you to chose a newspaper, it is not my job to tell you anything besides this: find that voice and let it flow. Because we have incredible power to be heard and change everything about this world. We are the next generation to be great philosophers, writers, and advocates. We are the next to be taught in school as those who changed the world. All we have to do is stand up, clear our throats,
Journalism and You . . . Hannah Pereira Business Manager
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any people may say that journalism is a dying art, that it’s being rapidly replaced by casual social media posts, and that there’s no longer a need for it’s outdated, slow style. This is a dangerous state of mind for our country. Strong links have been formed between democracy and journalism on the basis of the First Amendment. It is essential to exercise this right to freedom of speech and the press, meaning freedom of expression and access to information. As soon as we stop utilizing these rights, or these rights are restricted from us, the foundation of our country will crumble. Founder of The Lost Coast Outpost, Hank Sims, justified this concept by explaining that “Journalism is there to remind us that we’re free people . . . Our job as journalists is to make people care.” A crucial aspect of journalism is legitimacy. Journalists have a responsibility to deliver the truth in an untainted and objective way while pursuing that truth by the most ethical means possible. In an effort to compete with the unbeatable speed of breaking news on social media (often being haphazardly posted by the public and laced with fabrication and distortion) news publications jeopar-
dize their credibility by axing traits specific to their craft. These practices include background research, conducting interviews, fact-checking, and extensive copy editing. Without these measures, reporting can be extremely damaging and is something we need to be wary of. Just as journalists have responsibilities, so do we. Our duty as readers and American citizens (who vote for measures and politicians) is to know where our news is coming from and to have an understanding of potential biases associated with that source. This publication has been accused of bias. However, ethics and seeking the truth are at the top of our list when reporting. Our staff is, and always has been, a fusion of students with various backgrounds and perspectives. Our goal is to bring variation and originality to every issue, while presenting that material in the most relatable, informative, and often comedic ways possible. The Pepperbox is a publication by the students for the students. It provides a platform for not only the Pepperbox staff, but any local student, to voice their opinions. In the words of an Arcata High alumni, and past Pepperbox editor-in-chief, Forrest Lewis: “Now more than ever student press is crucial as a vehicle to rebirth the individual and societal horizons of today’s youth and activate the voices of our future.”
Journalism is there to remind us that we’re free people ... Our job as journalists is to make people care. - Hank Sims
News
Friday, October 19, 2018
The Pepperbox | Page 7
Recounting Homecoming Caledonia Davey Mira O’Barr Jacquelyn Opalach
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n Thursday, October 11th, Arcata High administrators Dave Navarre, Jim Monge and Mark Salhberg announced the last-minute inclusion of three homecoming nominees: Hannah Pereira, Kevin Aultman, and Jenna Furtado. The addition of these seniors occurred after the administration conducted a recount. The recount took place a week following ASB leadership’s release of the list that included the initial senior nominees.
“I’m just confused about what even happened,” Senior Izzy Villareal said on the topic of the vote recount. Administration provided information on the issue of the added nominees. Principal Dave Navarre said, “There were quite a few ties.” Assistant Principal Jim Monge, who counted votes during the recount confirmed multiple ties. Hiccups experienced in the voting process are not completely out of the ordinary. Senior and initial nominee Hunter Lewis described the incident as “just very odd.” According to ASB advisor, Jennifer Coriell, handwritten nominations created difficulty when
it came to counting the votes. “Handwritten nominations can get messy,” Coriell wrote in a statement given to the Pepperbox editorial staff. “For example, we had submissions of first names but not last, nicknames or abbreviations.” It is unclear exactly how ASB counted the initial votes. Former Leadership Advisor Wendy Zamboni explained her counting process in prior years. “It was just me [counting out the votes]. At the time, I had fifth-period prep so it was very easy. Take the box back, spread it all out,” she said. There has yet to be an exact explanation as to why the recount was conducted. Principal Navarre repeatedly explained, “It
really wasn’t that big of an issue.” He added that there was not any particular reason for the administration to conduct a recount, except that they “want everything to be transparent.” Because of the inconclusive nature of physical ballots, those involved decided that future elections, including today’s homecoming queen and king vote, will be done electronically. “The voting of these nominees for homecoming queen and king will take place in a google form administered by faculty,” wrote Coriell. “Leadership and ASB are working so hard to make homecoming amazing and memorable,” concluded Coriell.
The Pepperbox | Page 8
News
Friday, October 19, 2018
952 Students, 57 Teachers, and 42 Rooms: You do the math Stella Walston Reporter
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ou or someone you know might have rushed into a room, prepared to ask your third-period teacher a question, and then rushed back out awkwardly when you realized that the same room you use for your third-period class was being occupied by someone else. Sharing classrooms is a situation that many teachers face this year due to overcrowding. Scenarios like this require patience; it’s evident that they aren’t going away anytime soon. 952 students are currently enrolled at Arcata High. Many students and teachers believe the growing population is becoming a problem. “It is definitely a situation where, as the number of students has increased and the need for teachers has increased, that it has become a bigger issue,” Wendy Zamboni, math teacher at Arcata High, said. The student population of 2018/19 saw the largest overall
class size in the past 11 years. Since 2011, the population has seen nothing but enrollment growth, and has now increased by 138 students since 2011. Enrollment may have increased because of inter-district transfers. Arcata High offers a range of oppertunities. There are 470 inter-district transfer students out of a total population of 952- which constitutes 49% of the school. “There is something for everyone at Arcata High, and it pulls from a lot of different schools,” English teacher Susan Clark-Luera said. When Sophomore Sebastian Hasselquist was asked why he chose to come to Arcata despite living outside of the district, he stated, “I came to Arcata mostly for the music program, because I really enjoy it, and I just like the atmosphere of Arcata better.” Other students expressed similar opinions. Freshman Lemonie Hutt had simply heard good things about Arcata High. Sophomores Natasha Hanck and Megan Lorenc both liked the arts program, and Sophomore Lisa Ott thought, “Everyone here was more friendly.” The range of classes, clubs, sports teams, arts, and extracurriculars
The freshman and sophmore classes at the first assembly of the year.
draws some students to the school, which, in the context of overpopulation, is a double-edged sword. “In a way, it’s really exciting; we get to hire more staff, we’re growing, [there are] more kids to be a part
In a way, it’s really exciting; we get to hire more staff, we’re growing, [there are] more kids to be a part of our school, and we have a terrific school here, but it does have an impact on how we get more phone calls, more this, more that. - Dave Navarre of our school, and we have a terrific school here, but it does have an impact on how we get more phone calls, more this, more that,” Principal Dave Navarre explained. “Probably the hardest part is when the person who is sharing
your room is there during your prep period,” biology teacher Cindy Condit said. Classrooms that are normally empty for a teacher are now occupied by students during the one hour that teachers have to mentally and physically prepare for their students. “I can’t do any of my prep for any of my classes during the time of day that I am paid to work. I have to do all of my prep on my own unpaid time,” Condit stated. This isn’t to say that the teachers who use classrooms during prep periods are being inconsiderate; in fact, it’s quite the opposite. “It’s much more inconvenient for the moving teachers because they’ve gotta pick up all of their stuff and move to another place in five minutes and be ready to teach,” math teacher Kay Wozniak said. To illustrate, English 2 CP into second-period Mythology, both take place in room 205. Ken Klima, who uses the room first, has to pick up and leave the room fast enough to get to the next classroom he uses, while Athina Lazaridis has to be able to get into the room, set up, and get the class started before the second bell rings. Senior Ben Narwold said, “The fact that they share
Lindsay Rimmer/PEPPERBOX
The Pepperbox | Page 9
News
Friday, October 19, 2018 a classroom inhibits my learning experience because it takes us much longer than it should to start class.” It’s not only the number of classrooms that are becoming an issue; there’s also the matter of class sizes as well. A student from the biggest class in the whole school, Jeff Mielke’s second-period economics/ government class of 38, was asked about what his experience has been with larger class sizes. “It’s not that different for everyday schoolwork, but it can slow down things like class discussions,” Senior Seth Barrera said. Mielke said, “A large class size, just the physical geography of it, is kinda what I would say is the challenge.” However, classes like Mielke’s and others, such as the Mythology class of 35, are outliers. The class average for econ/gov classes is 31 students, and the average for all English 4 classes is 28 students. So what’s next for Arcata High? We have more students, more teachers, and not enough classrooms. “It’s complicated. I wish there was an easy answer,” Clark-Luera said. Some teachers suggest experimenting with the master schedule. “I wouldn’t be surprised if we see more people sharing rooms, and
perhaps that would push the district to look at some alternative scheduling as well,” Zamboni predicted. Will out of district transfers continue to be honored? There’s no way to tell, at least in the near
There is something for everyone at Arcata High, and it pulls from a lot of different schools. - Susan Clark-Luera future. “It’s become the school of choice,” Navarre admitted. While the admin looks into possible options, there’s nothing to do but wait. However, one thing is for certain“There’s just not enough space for all of our teachers and our support staff,” Clark-Luera said.
Other (17)
Eureka city schools (162)
How Measure N could impact AHS Andrew Mettier
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Club Reporter
he Northern Humboldt Union High School District Board of Trustees voted in favor of putting another bond measure on the November ballot. Measure N is a $24.0 million general obligation (G.O.) bond program that aims to fund modernization and renovation projects on the high school campuses in our district. Over the last several months the staff, teachers, parents, community leaders, and the district architect have prepared a School Facilities Needs Assessment. Our district operates five high schools. Those include Arcata, McKinleyville, Six Rivers Charter, Tsurai and Pacific Coast. Both students and teachers alike have opinions about Measure N. “I think the building that the CoLab is in should have more electrical outlets since there isn’t enough in here for everything we do,” said Maker's Teacher Jason Sidell. “It would also be cool to have the school operate more on solar and wind power.” Students had visions of improving the school’s appearance, as well as other potential improvements. Student Katherine Zeigler said, “I think we should use an Uno Reverse card to not have the FAB building cost a lot over our budget
and I think the campus should not look so much like a prison and all the classrooms should have a few more windows in them.” Similarly, student Denali Brown said, “I think it would be nice to add more comfortable items to the school. More benches, tables, less concrete, nice plants and less dead grass that makes it look like a prison**.” While these ideas for school improvement are diverse, they are all possible results of the bond. Specific types of projects identified are as follows: • Repairing or replacing leaky roofs • Updating inadequate electrical systems • Repairing or replacing deteriorating plumbing and sewer systems • Making health, safety, security, and handicapped accessibility improvements • Modernizing outdated classrooms, restrooms and school facilities • Implementing energy efficient systems, such as solar and HVAC ** The former architect loved the look of prisons
McKinleyville (239) Stella Walston/PEPPERBOX
The amount of inter-district transfer students from each district.
5648, 1603 G STREET
(707) 633 - 6187
The Pepperbox | Page 10
News
Friday, October 19, 2018
New teachers join AHS staff Alef Mitchell
Jack Taylor
Photo Editor
Opinion Editor
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eff Mielke is one of Arcata High’s newest history teachers. He has been teaching for four years; before he was a teacher he had all sorts of jobs like working at restaurants, warehouses, and doing construction. Mielke’s hobbies include golf and hanging out with his three children. He went to Eureka High, then College of the Redwoods where he “chased the baseball dream for a few years”. Mielke’s goal for his students is for them to be thoughtful, analytical, and “independent learner, lifelong thinker, you're set.” It also seems very important to him that his students feel comfortable around him. “I want to be somebody that they can relate to,” he said. He seems to be a genuine man who cares for his students and their education, and he is a welcome addition to the Arcata High teaching staff.
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en Klima’s name may sound familiar to some; he used to teach at Arcata High school as a long-term sub and his wife, Eileen Klima, is the crisis counselor. Klima teaches English for two periods a day before he goes to teach at McKinleyville High. He said, “It’s a little bit of a pain” when asked about what it’s like to travel between Arcata and McKinleyville for work. In terms of his goals as a new teacher, Klima shared that “the real goal for me is that they learn to think deeply, and beneath the surface,” in reference to his students. Klima said that if his students can apply this same kind of thinking to other areas of their lives he will feel like he has been successful. Before he became a teacher, Klima owned a bookstore and was a magician. As a magician, he performed magic shows at schools. Although it’s not his first year teaching at Arcata High, this is his first year with a permanent class.
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alking into Ms. Condit’s biology room can produce a feeling of slight dread to some Arcata high students, as the room is known for its famously hard science class. However, a new face on campus is taking on the challenge of teaching this infamous subject. Adam Canepa is a new teacher at Arcata High but has been teaching at McKinleyville for the past two years. Canepa teaches a College Prep Biology class and a Biology Community Life class. Canepa came to Humboldt to attend Humboldt State University. After HSU, Canepa worked as a fishery biologist, monitoring local fisheries. “I counted fish populations in the Smith, Klamath, and Trinity rivers, and also Jacoby Creek,” he said. After five years, Canepa got his teaching credential and began teaching part-time in the Northern Humboldt Union High School District. Outside of teaching, Canepa enjoys spending time at Humboldt's mountains, rivers, and lakes.
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ringing a fresh perspective from overseas, but an understanding of Arcata High from his time as a student at the school, Owen Moore is already making a large impact on the history department of Arcata High. Moore is a new teacher at Arcata High, having returned after 13 years of teaching abroad in Europe. He graduated from Arcata High in 2002 and attended UC Davis. After this, Moore traveled to Europe, finishing his masters at (the oldest university in the world), the University of Bologna in Italy. Moore has taught English Language, English Literature, French, geography, geology, and now teaches U.S. History at AHS. Moore teaches because he is “concerned with the direction of the country, and people need to be educated.”
The Pepperbox | Page 11
News
Friday, October 19, 2018
bringing the fresh and familiar Mira O’Barr
Dakota Kalvaitis-Heffernan
A & E Editor
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dam Pinkerton teaches government and econ to seniors at Arcata High, and he seems to be fitting perfectly into our subcommunity. Most have probably already heard of Mr. Pinkerton; from the second anyone walked out of his class they obsessed over his amazing teaching skills and awesome personality. At the kickoff assembly, he got one of the loudest cheers from the crowd, following that of the overpopulated underclassmen. “I really like the idea of being able to continue to learn and help students learn about the history of the past and how they are a big part of developing politics and the future of the country,” Pinkerton said. Hopefully, most of the senior class will graduate high school ready to vote and well informed about how our government works, which are the best two things we could ask for.
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ack States is a new addition to the Arcata High family; he is a new resource teacher here at Arcata High. He has a warm and inviting personality and an even more inviting classroom. He has white Christmas lights all over the room, a good desk arrangement, and other decorations that make the room more welcoming than any other, especially for students that need the extra help States provides. He shows genuine excitement for his job and has good intentions in his motivation to teach. “I really really like helping kids be able to succeed in classes . . . that they didn’t necessarily see as strengths for them” States stated. He already seems to be executing this difficult job perfectly.
Reporter
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nown previously to only elders of the school, Alex Kantner returns from a two-year break, back in action and excited to resume teaching. Truly eclectic as a person, Kantner is a student to many different philosophies from Buddhism, to classical western literature, to rock and roll. “What I am seeking is to be content where I am at, rather than always looking for something else,” he said. Whether he is playing bass in the Jim Lahman band or talking about books in class, Kantner remains a truly passionate person. “He references Lord of the Rings a lot. I think he’s very passionate about teaching,” Freshman Nesta Boroughs observed. He spouts quotes from famous western poets and eastern philosophers in concurrence with an infectious attitude of excitement. And often, a sweet strumming of a guitar can be heard flowing through the halls from his classroom.
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rcata High has a long list of goofy, amiable substitute teachers. From the ones that hail from remote Pacific islands to the ones who can’t read names or lists, the subs here are well known and well loved. One of these, a particularly loveable, kooky sub, has found his way into a more permanent position. Bodhi Waller was hired for his very first year of not subbing at Arcata High School, and now rather than haunting the halls as an awkward substitute teacher, he haunts the halls as a slightly less awkward Math 1 teacher, whilst still subbing around campus. “Teaching is a lot more work than subbing,” Waller said. “Within the first five minutes [of teaching], I knew that that's what I wanted to do.” Apart from life on campus, Waller practices a variety of unconventional hobbies. He has practiced Capoeira, a Brazilian art form that combines martial arts and dance, for 15 years. Continuing with the Brazilian theme, Waller is also a student of the art of samba drumming and dancing. There’s more to Bodhi Waller than meets the eye.
The Pepperbox | Page 12
News
Friday, October 19, 2018
It’s about time: Black student unions started Caledonia Davey Managing Editor
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oth Eureka and Arcata high schools have founded Black Student Unions this year. The Black Student Unions, or BSU’s, are designated safe places “for all of the African American students [and their allies] to come together and just talk about how we are being treated in the community and how we can make a difference in the school,” Senior Lavender Weburg, Arcata High BSU president and founder said.
tion. Because of this, many black students feel as though they do not have a community or a place where they belong. “I grew up in a much more diverse place where at times I could be uncomfortable being the minority, and I feel like that is how our African American population feels every day around
much around the halls.” If every school integrated a Black Student Union into their extracurriculars, Sativa believes there would then be less adversity within the African American population. “I feel like black people would stop being so negative toward each other because there
I felt it was important because [high school] is a big community filled with little communities that create it, so I felt like Black Student Union should have its own community. - Ayana Watson “I felt it was important because [high school] is a big community filled with little communities that create it, so I felt like Black Student Union should have its own community,” Senior Ayana Watson, Eureka’s Black Student Union president and founder, stated. Humboldt County school halls are predominately white. Eureka High student body is 53.8% white and only 2.3% black. Arcata student body is 67.7% white and only 1% black, according to the California Department of Educa-
This logo represents the reclaimation of black power. here, and I wanted to make a big- are a lot of black people who are ger community so they feel like negative to their own race. With they have more people around these clubs in these schools, that them that know their struggle,” would change and there would said biology and environmentals be less hatred toward ourselves,” science teacher, Ms. Kresge, who Sativa said. triples as the faculty advisor for Sativa presumes that this conArcata’s BSU. flict within the African American Sativa Younge, a member of community is due to the fact that Eureka High’s BSU and an Afri- “people are ashamed of who they can American student, explained are. Since they can’t [hate] themhow being in the club showed selves, they do it to other people.” her that “[black students] are out The BSU's not only open their there, which you don’t see so arms wide to any black students,
but also every student no matter their ethnicity. In fact, many allies, students of other ethnicities who join a Black Student Union, attend the BSU weekly meetings. “There are a lot of white students [and] students of Asian descent. [There are] all different types of students that come together,” Ayana said. Senior Zachary Poyen, an ally of Arcata’s BSU, said that allies “kind of get, like, a better perspective of how [black students] feel when you’re interacting [with each other].” BSU's exist nationwide at all different levels. Just in our very own county, we have BSU’s at both the high school and university level. Humboldt State University has the largest BSU in our community with an estimate of one hundred members. “All schools should have Black Student Unions because if you have black students at your school, it’s something that makes [studets] feel like they have a place and makes them feel like they aren’t outcasts,” Ayana concluded. Because it is a newborn club, the AHS BSU has run into a few issues, the biggest of which being that they have no money. They plan on joining Eureka and HSU in several upcoming fundraisers; such as a booth at Eureka and Arcata Arts Nights, car washes, bake sales, and maybe even a carnival. Another main problem our BSU is facing is that there are not enough members joining. They plan on alleviating this issue by making meetings fun as well as educational and creating a better advertising system. So, if you’re looking to join a new club, no matter your ethnicity, be sure to stop by Room 403, on Wednesdays and join the AHS Black Student Union.
News
Friday, October 19, 2018
The Pepperbox | Page 13
A lot to tell about Nurse Kell Jacquelyn Opalach Editor-in-Chief
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urse Kell’s blue scrubs match his blue eyes. A ratted copy of Gray’s Anatomy (the book, not the soap opera) rests on the corner of his tidy desk, a stethoscope hangs from his wall, and, luckily, the unpleasant antiseptic smell that occupies most medical offices is absent in his. The nurse’s office is camouflaged among academic counselors, making it kind of hard to find - despite the sign signifying his presence above the door. Early in the interview, Nurse Johnny Kell expressed the unpredictable nature of his job, which was quickly proven evident as the 40-minute conversation was interrupted twice by students seeking medical assistance. “Sometimes it’s really hectic. Sometimes it’s ten students before 10 o’clock,” Kell said. “And then sometimes I’m able to focus on responding to emails, writing plans, and looking at documents until 10 without any interruptions.” Kell doesn’t seem to mind all the visits - that is his job, after all. In fact, he actually seems to like the teenage group (crazy as that may seem, considering the subpar social experience he expressed to have had in high school). “Kind of not having a great time in the high school I went to gives me a lot of interest in trying to create a positive environment for people here. It’s not easy to be in high school every day and not have support or feel like you don’t belong.” It is clear that Kell greets every student with welcoming energy. Acceptance in life and in work seems to be his mantra. “When you walk around the campus, you just don’t know, you can’t tell who is dealing with anxiety, or fear, or shame, or a situation potentially
medically linked, that they’re just not able to share,” Kell said. “Medical issues can happen to anybody, and when you’re in them you can feel really isolated.” Kell dove into a number of “issues” that qualify as significant, including menstruation, sexual health, drugs and addiction, and basic “aches and pains.” Such range highlights a main message: any medical worry is worth seeing him for. An underlined goal on Kell’s agenda is normalizing women’s periods. For him, the stigma that surrounds menstruation is both a medical issue and social issue. “I think it’s ridiculous that widely, feminine hygiene products just aren’t available. As available as toilet paper. It is so much more than a woman’s issue,” he said. While he hasn’t observed the possibility of this from an economic perspective, Kell shared that he would like to see designated areas around the schools where free products are available. But until then, he hopes that people will learn that it’s okay to stop by the nurse’s office when in need for a tampon or pad. Overall, Kell believes that social change in terms of the shame around menstruation is overdue. “Both male and female bodies have different functions and different looks, but hey - we’re all in this together,” he said. Kell has a background in reproductive care, as he worked with Planned Parenthood’s Eureka clinic for five years earlier in his career. With this experience behind him, Kell said that he feels prepared to have conversations with teens about safe sex. However, sexual health products, like condoms or other forms of birth control, aren’t available at school. “I can at least give really solid information and really solid guidance, and try to destigmatize a ton about sexual-
ity and what taking birth control is, and what taking the Morning After pill means and how to access those things,” he said. Students can visit the nurse for an informative conversation about sex and a number of pamphlets covering topics such as birth control choices, dating safety, STD/STI facts, and how certain drugs impact sexual health. There’s not much Kell can offer students in terms of actual birth control; for that he refers students to the Teen Clinic or Planned Parenthood. In terms of drug abuse among teens, Kell stressed that his No. 1 goal is about safety, and highlighted that his job is not disciplinar. “This is not a detention zone,” he said, with serious and sincere tone. “I just want people to feel like there is a place on campus that they can go and not be accused and not feel that rath. I just want people to be healthy and safe.”
In the event of an emergency, one concern is nurse Kell’s singularity; he is the only nurse in the Northern Humboldt Union High School District, meaning he tends to five schools total. Kell said that he does sometimes feel a little spread thin, but pointed out that his medical presence somewhere is better than nothing. “The rest of the day you guys are out and about in the community and someone else has their pulse on you, so I just have to try to not worry in those situations,” he said. “But since I have young kids of my own, I can’t help but kind of always feel a little nervous that something scary could happen to you guys.” Johnny Kell is clearly very human; very caring. He is married to Alyssa Kell (Arcata High’s physics teacher) and has two kids. “I think having fun is really important in life,” he said. “Having fun and being kind.”
Jacquelyn Opalach/PEPPERBOX
Nurse Kell is located in main office, near Counselor Elieen Klima.
The Pepperbox | Page 14
Sports
Bocce ballin’ Mark Salamunovich Reporter
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occe Ball. The one sport played in the Halloween-ish month of October. It begins with the toss of a bocce ball flowing through the air and hitting the sandy ground, sending sand and dust flying into the polluted sky. The tournament starts in the blink of an eye like a sudden flash of light. Students play at Larson Park right by Arcata Elementary near the tennis courts. A big playground stays still waiting for people to play on it. There’s the shady hut with a banner that says “Northern Humboldt Bocce Ball Tournament.” Arcata High competes with Fortuna High, McKinleyville High, and Glen Paul School. More than fifty players have gathered for this tournament. We check the list on the table in the hut to see who we are playing and then we move to the playground to meet our opponents. We all gather together and say the Special Olympics oath; now the games can begin! We play three
games sometime during the day. Between those games, we have breaks so we have time to enjoy ourselves on the play structure and eat lunch too. After the three games, we stand in line and cheer while we get medals. Then it’s time to go back to school. Wyatt Wheetley, a bocce ball veteran from Arcata High, tells me his favorite memory from previous tournaments: “Playing with my friends at the park,” he said. It seems that this is a common sentiment. First time participant, Jayd Milton exclaims, “Excited!” after being asked about how he felt about playing bocce ball for the first time. “I really like to see my old friends from the different high schools,” interjecs Mr. Rowe, one of the Arcata High teachers in the SDC Life Skills program. He mentors students that participate in the exciting tournament. If you see us competing against other schools, enjoying the bocce ball tournament, cheer us on. It begins with the toss of a bocce ball flowing through the air and ends with happy smiles and the gleaming of medals glistening in the sun.
Name/PEPPERBOX
Bocce ball players Wyatt Wheetly, Mark Salamunovich, Patricia Macdonald, and Sierra Kerr after the tournament.
Friday, October 19, 2018
A gentleman’s sport? James Richards Guest Writer
James Richards/PEPPERBOX
Sebastian Powell yips and cheers as David Elsa and Jasen McGoldrick throw fists.
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hen I first heard from my good friend David Elsa that he was planning on boxing, I thought to myself, “What a total idiot - what is he doing?” And when I heard that my other good friend Kevin Aultman was going to compete in a boxing match, I thought to myself, “What a buncha idiots - what are they doing?” It all started when Seniors Kevin Aultman and Logan Koppenhaver placed bets over who would win in a boxing match against each other. Neither had any experience in boxing at all beforehand. It was agreed that the loser would have to either practice wrestling this season or join the Marines for six years. With both punishments equal in magnitude, the stakes couldn’t have been higher. News of the competition between Aultman and Koppenhaver spread over the next two weeks, and others, like myself, became interested in the event. It was no longer only a fight between Aultman and Koppenhaver, it was now a full-fledged series of fights with both boxers and spectators. I arrived at Elsa’s house on the
day of combat with my fellow interested colleagues Jasen McGoldrick and Spencer Garrett. We found the fighting ring by following the sound of yelps and cheers of a brawler’s crowd, hopping a fence to get there. And lo and behold, two minutes later, I was cheering Aultman on as Koppenhaver pummeled his face in. In total, there were around 10 people. I stuck around for three more fights. What struck me was the respect and courtesy exchanged between friends punching each other. While violence, of course, is the never the answer to life’s problems, it often does apparently become the answer to life’s problems. There is awe in the companionship to be found in boxing, especially in a match entirely organized by students with no proper or legal adult interference. This was in no way a “fluke” occurrence. Both Aultman and Koppenhaver promised more fights to come in the future and, according to Elsa, the aspiring boxers are “doing a fight night now too [laughy face] [skull].” I, and many others, am looking forward to it.
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Sports
Friday, October 19, 2018
Autumn athletes are at it again Lindsay Rimmer Sports Editor
Nikki
Gwyn Stratton
Leiker Height: 5’7’’ Age: 17 Favorite Color: Gold
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ikki is hardcore into cheerleading, and very determined in her work. She is whimsical and enjoys performing. Nikki is laid-back and kind to everyone she meets. She cares about teamwork, “The team is like a puzzle, and everyone is like a puzzle piece. You need all of the pieces to make it work.”
Height: 5’1” Age: 17 Favorite Color: Tiffany Blue
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wyn is a center back on the girl’s soccer team. She is loud and sassy, but determined. Gwyn is very involved around the school, helping however she can. She likes spending time with her teammates and seeks to better herself as a player. “Monster status.”
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iley is a member of the cross country team, a sport which she chose because “...my family has a lot of runners in it, so they kind of encouraged [being on the team].” During a race, as well as in her everyday life, she is kind hearted and determined.
Height: 5’6” Age: 16 Favorite Color: All of them
Riley Martel-Phillips
issandro is a running back on the football team. While he is laidback in life, on the field he puts his relaxed demeanor away and gets down to the hard work. He is always trying to be the best teammate he can be. Lissandro likes hanging out with his friends and “going to Philly Cheese Steak with the boys.”
Height: “5’7” Age: 18 Favorite Color: Maroon
Lissandro Carrillo
2018 HOMECOMING NOMINEES: Tigers take a road trip
Our nominees (from top to bottom, left to right): Audrey Shelton, Sarah Jensen, Kai Pajares, Matt Jioras, Lucas Homan, Jasen M Gwyn Stratton, Sophia Belton, Nayelli Zechman, Francis Ford, Nikki Leiker, Logan Koppenhaver, Jenna Furtado, Emerald Van
McGoldrick, Kevin Aultman, Thea Norlund, Spencer Garrett, Hunter Lewis, Wyatt Wheetley, Izzy Villarreal, Hyrum Dieker, n Bebber-Wiest, Andy Miranda, Lindsay Rimmer, and Hannah Pereira.
The Pepperbox | Page 18
Feature
Friday, October 19, 2018
Tiger Chariots: Parking lot pizazz J.J. Anaya Reporter
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Aidan Nickelson Reporter
riving into the wet, gravely parking lot of Arcata High School, you won’t notice anything special, a few nice trucks, maybe two fast cars and a ton of Priuses. You’ll probably see a few older, rusty cars, but other than that, it's a mundane parking lot with a lot of ubiquitous late model vehicles like you would expect in any other high school parking lot. At least the trees make it look a little nicer than the wide lineless blacktop feeling of the Mckinleyville parking lot. You can always feel safe with Monge and Sahlberg pretending to look at the same bush every day while patrolling and looking through your windows. When you drive through the same place every single day, it's easy to forget the small details and special things that make it unique. This is the purpose this article: to highlight the unique cars in our parking lot.
Ian Davison 2004 Toyota Prius 0-60: two minutes With a dent
Emilie Silk 2001 Automatic Honda Accord with a sweet custom paint job 0-60: 8.2 seconds
Bradlee Cabalzar 1984 Ford F350 custom with a 7.3 IDI diesel swap Five speed manual
“When we got it we called it Sparkle. Now that its dented from being a rowdy child so we call it Crinkle. I’m proud to be saving the environment.” Ian’s favorite thing about his car it is that it’s fuel efficient and saves him money that he can spend on videogames. His mom bought it in 2006 because their old car was terrible. As he grew up, Sparkle was a family car, and his favorite Sparkle memory is the road trip he took with his family to Canyon Creek Lakes in the Trinity Alps to backpack. Ian thinks his car is unique in the Arcata High parking lot because “the speaker in the driver side door is blown so the
Emily used to have a sweet convertible Mitsubishi Eclipse, but she gave it to her brother in exchange for her bright blue Honda Accord due to the fact that she felt bad for him because he doesn't take good care of his vehicles in general and he let the accord get into bad shape in the first place. It used to have a peeling clear coat on black paint and several spots of rust. The unique bright blue color is interesting in and of itself, but the story behind the car is just as interesting as the car. Since the car was given to her in bad shape, Emily helped to fix it up and paint it, and the blue color was actually chosen because it was the cheapest paint on hand.
The F350 was passed down through generations first belonging to his grandpappy, then his to mother, and finally, it was given to him. Bradlee replied to the question of how many animals he has killed in this truck with a very cool “enough” along with the kind of look that indicates he probably didn't want us to interview him. Nevertheless, Bradlee elaborated on the trucks impressive 7.3L International harvester engine swap, although a quite gutless powertrain in comparison with most trucks today, it has a nice sound and it will definitely get work done, but you definitely can’t expect it to work.
door rattles when I play Lil’ Pump.”
The Pepperbox | Page 19
Feature
Friday, October 19, 2018
Students then, teachers now: Everyone’s home Mercy Arnold
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Online Editor
omecoming. An event widely known and honored in high school. Most of the time we don’t think of our teachers as having lives, but some of them also went to Homecoming here at Arcata High. Years and years ago, they were in our shoes filled with excitement and anticipation. Neil Kalson, the culinary teacher at AHS, enjoyed Homecoming the most during his senior year in 1989. “I was nominated for Homecoming King with Kristi Roberts. Rode in the parade, threw candy, good times,” Kalson commented when describing his HoCo experience. Today, Homecoming at Arcata High is very casual and laid back. At Kalson’s Homecoming, he dressed up a bit, but the dance wasn’t very formal. He states, “Whatever we wore, I’m sure we looked super fresh.” Jennifer Coriell, Social Studies and Leadership teacher at Aracta High, was a Senior when she
went to Homecoming in 1998. “It was semi-formal, it wasn’t booty shorts and tank tops,” she said, comparing her high school experiance to modern-day Homecoming culture. “It was a big deal,” she said. Owen Moore, one of the two World History teachers at Arcata High, also attended an AHS Homecoming in 2001. He was vice president of the student body and they focused mainly on the parade. “We felt the team wouldn’t win the homecoming game so we wanted to have a fun parade.” He doesn’t remember his Homecoming being formal but noted, “I always dressed up because I like dressing up.” Both Kalson and Moore mentioned that the Homecoming we attend today is pretty much the same. Kalson stated, “Seems pretty much the same, always some kids who are more involved than others.” Homecoming has always been a time for a school to come together as a whole and celebrate school spirit. So, just remember, during Homecoming, our teachers are coming home too.
Blast from the past: A PLAYLIST
1989- Kalson’s Time Lost In Your Eyes by Debbie Gibson Like A Prayer by Madonna
1998- Coriell’s Time Too Close by Next The Boy is Mine by Brandy & Monica
2001- Moore’s Time Eye of the Tiger by Survivor Bittersweet Symphony by The Verve
2018- Our Time In my Feelings by Drake God is a Woman by Arianna Grande
AHS 1989 Yearbook
Neil Kalson in 1989.
AHS 1998 Yearbook
Jennifer Coriell in 1998.
AHS 2001 Yearbook
Owen Moore in 2001.
The Pepperbox | Page 20
Feature
Friday, October 19, 2018
When students are put in the crosshairs Kaylien Ownby Art Director
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nce, teens watched the news about school shootings, saw death tolls and sobbing families, and comforted themselves by thinking, “That would never happen to me,” But with the occurrence of school shootings on the rise, the news seems to get less and less far away, less distant. It’s not, “That would never happen to me,” anymore. Now, it feels like, “What would I have done if that had been me? Would I have survived?” Schools all over the United States are now required to practice the new active shooter protocol, and though some people were left feeling more anxious rather than less after watching the CSU Active Shooter Safety Training video in their fifth-period classes September 6th, many weren’t overly phased. “I don’t think it’s ever going to happen here, so it doesn’t really matter,” Junior Benji St.Onge said. “I feel like school shootings are just a normal reality now these days,” Senior Jianhong Hiedman said. “I'm not scared or anything. It's just a normal thing. Part of reality is that there are scary people in the world, that's just it.” This indifference seems to be fairly common among the student body at Arcata High, and many people agree that this is a needed change. Freshman Harrison McDonald said, “I think it’s stupid that we have to worry about this stuff now, but I also get that if something happens, we need to have a protocol.” “I wish we didn’t have to have a protocol to make school safer; I
wish that wasn’t an issue, but in this day and age it is. You never know when it’s going to happen or what school it’s going to happen to,” Senior Emerald Barlotta said. Though showing active shooter protocol videos is now mandatory at many schools, President Trump has publicly disapproved of these drills. In a press conference, he stated, “If I’m a child, and I’m 10 years old, and they say we’re going to have an active shooter drill, I say ‘What’s that?’ ‘Well, people may come in and shoot you’ - I think that’s a very negative thing, to be honest. I don’t like it.”
These new times require new protocols . . . I think that because they’re such drastic changes, we need to spend more time practicing and talking about them because it’s raised more questions than it’s answered. It’s a difficult situation, and we’re being forced to face it. - Johanna Mauro The implication that at any time someone you know may try to kill you during the school day is what separates these drills from standard natural disaster drills. Some have expressed concern that exposing children to this idea is psychologically damaging because the brain is still developing during adolescence; some worry that teaching young kids to fear and suspect their peers may lead to a deeply ingrained sense of anxiety and distrust in adult life. Recent studies show that pre-
paredness drills such as these raise the perceived level of risk, and thus result in heightened stress and anxiety. However, the general consensus is that these drills are needed in these new and troubling times. Since the Columbine massacre in 1999, the burden of prevention has begun to fall on schools, and they have become blamable. “These new times require new protocols,” said teacher and AAI Chair Johanna Mauro. “I’m very happy that we’re coordinating with our local law enforcement, but I think that because they’re such drastic changes, we need to spend more time practicing and talking about them because it’s raised more questions than it’s answered. It’s a difficult situation, and we’re being forced to face it.” One of the biggest changes that have been made is s new fire drill protocol. After the mass shooting in Parkland, Florida during which an active shooter pulled the fire alarm to get students out of class, many schools began to make changes to their fire drill procedures. Now instead of leaving the classroom and walking out to the school’s soccer or football field, it’s up to the teacher to determine if there truly is a fire or not. Changes like this, though needed, put a lot of pressure on our educators the decision they make could kill someone. “I think the changes in fire drill procedure are logical. It makes a lot of sense to me,” said Physics teacher Alyssa Kell. “I hate that we have to plan for these types of events, and while I hope that we never have to put these plans into action, I understand that the best chance for survival in an active shooter situation, involves individuals - teachers and students making choices, determining the best course of action.”
Lockdown drills are different now, too. If the school is in a codered lockdown due to an active shooter, and you are out of class, you are encouraged to run rather than look for the nearest open classroom, and they have even
I feel like school shootings are just a normal reality now these days. I’m not scared or anything, it’s just a normal thing. Part of reality is that there are scary people in the world, that’s just it. - Jianhong Hiedman amended the instructions suggesting that students grab their phones before fleeing. We are also now encouraged to fight the attacker if there is no other option available. Lockdown drills are no longer simply “Hide,” Now they are “Run. Hide. Fight.” “It’s a depressing reality that we have to face in this current education climate. It’s a fear I think we all have to a certain extent,” said AP Government and Economics teacher Adam Pinkerton. “It’s definitely given us a chance to think about it and think about what we would do, but there’s no way to really prepare for something like that.” Though there’s no way to truly know what it is like to be in an active shooter situation until you are in one. We can still try our best to be ready in case it happens. Next time you’re in class, think. What would you do if it happened right now? Would you be ready?
Friday, October 19, 2018
Feature
The Pepperbox | Page 21
Exchanging exchange stories Dakota Kalvaitis-Heffernan Reporter
Dakota Kalvaitis-Heffernan/PEPPERBOX
Tri Jensen-Dougherty Reporter
Tri Jensen-Dougherty/PEPPERBOX
Haley Daisy Hill Online Editor
Haley Hill/PEPPERBOX
Rwimu Baro India
Thea Norlund Sweden
“My host family eats dinner at 5:30, so that was very surprising to me because we eat dinner around 8 to 11 o’clock. I thought it [American food] would taste good, but now that I taste it, it’s so bland. I don’t know why you don’t put so much spices.”
Pau Font Melendez Spain
One of the things Thea doesn't like is how people think she is Swiss when in reality Switzerland and Sweden are 1,013 miles apart, as the crow flies.
“Well, the weather is not what I expected. It’s weird because it’s still eighty or ninety degrees back there. This is perfect for me.” During his time in Humboldt, Pau has also seen “people smoking weed in the street.”
Dakota Kalvaitis-Heffernan/PEPPERBOX
Finn Grewe Germany “It’s really nice that the beach is so close to Arcata. Also maybe surprising was the sharks and the bears, in Germany we don’t have anything.”
Tri Jensen-Dougherty/PEPPERBOX
Mira O’Barr/PEPPERBOX
Marcellina Urmersbach Germany Bernardo Rodriques Santanna Brazil
“I thought I would eat more McDonald's.” “There are more people in my city, and it is Marcellina brought her tennis skills to very hot; here it’s cold.” He enjoys the change America all the way from Germany, and in scenery and appreciates the community overall, the US is everything she thought it in Arcata. would be.
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Feature
Friday, October 19, 2018
Looking into club culture on campus: Grace Mitchell Reporter
AAI Club Art ranges from music to photography to writing and everything in between. AAI Club’s president, senior Nigella Baur, made this clear when discussing her club. “Those that have attended would say it’s fairly entertaining and open. I want to create an environment where everyone feels welcome and loved, because that’s really the vibe of the theater community to me,” Baur stated. It’s apparent that AAI is a unique atmosphere for students to express themselves on campus. TUESDAY 507
Behind the Record Music: a uniting subject that all of us love. The new club, Behind the Record, was made to bring music-lovers together. In the future, they plan on discussing music and supplying school functions and dances with music! Anyone and everyone who loves music are encouraged to join the club. MONDAY 202
Bike Club The Arcata Bike Collective is a place where those who enjoy riding bikes come together! Junior Tommy Robinson shares his ideas for the future of his club. “This is a group of people who ride bikes and have bike parties,” Robinson said. He hopes for enjoyable bike rides with sweets and decorations. If you don’t have a bike, don’t worry! You can still join Bike club. They have extra bikes and helmets! WEDNESDAY 104
Book Club Calling all readers of Arcata High! The people of book club welcome you! The club president, sophomore Avery Arbaugh said, “I wanted to promote reading in my community.” This club represents that mindset by meeting every week to discuss books. They discuss books, and they fundraise for the people as well. “I hope that we continue to raise money and watch movies related to books. I also want to participate in the battle of the books this year,” he said. EVERY OTHER MONDAY LIBRARY
Chess Club If you love chess, you are welcome to Chess Club! The Chess club president, junior Jason Tuermer-Lee, invites all. “We come and sit down and play chess, it’s very mellow. Also, about twice a year we have a tournament,” Tuermer-Lee said. WEDNESDAY 303
Culinary Club Bakers and wannabe bakers, there is a new club for you! Culinary club, new to Arcata High this year, is perfect for you! Club president, senior Sky Pinto, shared his ideas for his club. “We go over recipes and throw ideas off of each other. We have fun, and hope that others will get interested in Culinary Arts too.” THURSDAY 302
Fashion Club To those who love design and making clothes, a new club has arisen, all thanks to senior Sky Meggers. “For incoming seniors, this spreads awareness for FIDM, Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, and we can have fun. We can also get scholarships for FIDM,” Meggers said. “We could make shirts, and just have some fun team building with each other,” Meggers added. If you would love to join Sky with fashion design and the chance of getting into a Fashion school, stop by this new and creative club! EVERY OTHER WEDNESDAY 507
Film Club Film productions are huge in our daily lives as the world becomes digital. If you love film, then go to Film club. Sophomore Andrew Mettier, the Film Club president, expressed his love for film and hope for others to express theirs. “I wanted to bring out the inspiring content creators within people who want to inspire others and create good content.” If you would like to learn more about film, and potentially create a film, then come join the club! MONDAY 507
French Club Throughout lunch in room 101, students will have diverse conversations, but one thing they might all have in common is French. The French Club President, junior Alexis Renelli, has created many opportunities in this fun club. “Last year we volunteered at the Fortuna Ice Rink which was lots of fun! We host tons of potlucks and movie lunches as well,” Renelli said. This is the place to spend your lunch in a relaxing environment where you can expand your French vocabulary. THURSDAY 101
German Honors Society People at Arcata High believe you have to speak German to be apart of German Honors Society, but the club president junior Thalia Godinez refuted this idea. “We are more of a culture based club rather than a language based club,” She stated. The future of the German Honors Society is bright as Thalia’s description of their plans. “I’m sure that there’s something great to come, and I want to make it a great year,” she said. So if you know German or not, this could be the club for you. TUESDAY 407
Interact Do you want to make a mark on the world? Do you want to positively impact people’s lives? Join Interact and be able to partake in good deeds for our community. “For one, the environment created within Interact is super positive and uplifting; everyone is there to just help others out. And then when you actually go to the events, everyone is so thankful and so kind because high school students are not expected to be helpful volunteers,” Junior Caledonia Davey, and second year Interact Volunteer, said. Interact looks so good on college applications, and if you want to counteract every stereotype placed upon millennials, join Interact and enjoy a nice slice of pizza! FRIDAY 101
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Feature
Friday, October 19, 2018
A guide to finding your lunchtime niche Woman’s Advocacy Club
SAGA
Stereotypes are all over the world, and lots of them are directed toward feminism. Many people may think that the message is “women are better than men,” but the Women’s Advocacy Club president, sophomore Alyssa Pedicino, thinks otherwise. “ think that it’s a giant misconception! I want to make it clear that we are a club that is accepting to all! We are trying to fight for equality for both men and women globally,” Pedicino said. If you support the beliefs stated here, join Women’s advocacy Club. All are welcome! EVERY OTHER THURSDAY 103
In this day in age, the LGBTQ+ community has been spreading throughout the world, and becoming more accepted. Sophomore Avery Arbaugh, the club president of SAGA at Arcata High, expresses how he believes in spreading a safe environment for people. “This club was made to give a safe space for the LGBTQ+,” Arbaugh said. Not only that, but they also do events. “We always participate in the yearly pride festival. This year we will be a part of Redwood pride,” Arbaugh added. WEDNESDAY 107
Makers Club
Snow club president, senior Josh Horan, is leading some students to a trip to the snow for some fun! “The inspiration for making this club was to get people together to go on a fun trip that could be affordable,” Horan said. To get the money needed, lots of fundraising is a must. “Right now we do car washes for the fundraising, but it’s only the beginning of the year,” Horan added. Snow club’s goal is to get more people to join their club and participate, so stop on by! TUESDAY 502
Maker’s Club represents their ideas through 3D printing and wooden objects! Maker’s Club President, senior Zachary Poyen, made it clear that making things is not the only thing that they might do. “We volunteer and help kids learn how to code and computer related stuff. We are broad when it comes to that,” he said. If you like to code and volunteer, then Maker’s Club should be on your list! TUESDAY COLAB
Math Club If you enjoy the feeling of doing math, come to Math club! Math club president, Senior Annika Mauro, said, “We have social events and participate in math competitions and events.” The positive environment of Math club is always open to new people. To all who are intrigued by math, this is the club for you. MONDAY 211
MUSE The Muse: the club that does not have meetings, but does everything online. “The Muse is on the webpage, and I would love for students to know it’s there. Once you publish in the Muse, you are on the Arcata High Webpage!” English Teacher Susan Clark-Luera said. The type of art that goes into the Muse are drawings, photography, poetry, and even essays. To all who love any type of art, you should consider adding your piece to the Muse! ONLINE!
National Honors Society If you love to volunteer for the community, then stop on by National Honors Society! The club President, senior Claire Monge said, “This is a student-run organization that chooses out what volunteer work they want to do!” Many students love to do something for the community, but just don’t have the right resources available. Volunteering is never a bad idea, because it applies to and benefits everyone. WEDNESDAY FAB
Pepperbox Club Pepperbox Club: A place where you can express your opinions for others to see! Pepperbox Club President, senior Jacquelyn Opalach stated that “Exercising our rights to free speech is something super important that a lot of teenagers take for granted.” It’s a fun, safe, and professional platform to share your thoughts with the student body. TUESDAY 104
Snow Club
Spanish Honors Society Some people enjoy parties, fun activities, and socializing. If you are one of these people, try to join the Spanish Honors Society. Club president, senior Eibar Romero welcomes all. “It’s worth it to stop on by, it’s not a club that meets every week, therefore, it won’t take up a lot of your time, however, it is fun when we meet!” she said. They also hold bake sales and volunteer once in a while.
Ukulele Club Sophomore Carly Lankarani is a member of Ukulele club, a peaceful place to get to know others. “We bring our ukuleles and we sing along with the songs on the board, it’s really fun!” Lankarani said. To those who enjoy playing their ukelele or want to learn how to play, come to join the Ukulele Club. FRIDAY 203
Veterans Aid Club To those who are interested in volunteering for veterans at the Veterans Hall, the Veterans Aid Club welcomes you! “Join it to better your surroundings and country one step at a time,” the club scribe, Senior James Richards, said. Anyone who would like to help should come to the club’s meetings. 108
Zine Club If you are interested in art but don’t have enough time in your schedule for an art class, come to Zine club! One of the club presidents, senior Mira O’Barr, explained what a “zine” is and why you should join it. “People don’t know what a zine is so they are hesitant to join the club,” O’Barr said. A zine is a small magazine including drawings, animations, poetry, writing, and photography. If you enjoy any of these art forms, consider joining Zine Club. THURSDAY 104
The Pepperbox | Page 24
Feature
Friday, October 19, 2018
Should you go to the homecoming dance? Haley Hill Online Editor
Are you peaking in high school? Yes Do you enjoy the scent of mixed body odors?
Yes Do you want your teachers to suffer through watching you grind on your peers?
No.
No.
Maybe
Yes Don’t go. It’s moist and yeasty in there.
Do you want to peak in high school?
Good for you. Go to homecoming.
No. Too bad. Go.
Don’t go. Spend time with your cat. Call your grandma. Meditate.
Do you want to lose your sense of hearing?
Yes
No.
You would probably have no interest in going.
Quality alternatives to homecoming:
No. Good choice.
Yes Go to homecoming you sicko.
• Work on a Halloween costume. • Actually stick around at the game and support our football team. • Enjoy the greenery of Humboldt County. • Egg a friend’s house. • Place shelled hard-boiled eggs inside a friend’s house (it’s more jarring). • Literally anything else.
Friday, October 19, 2018
Homework :(
Feature
Mira O’Barr
Eva Villamor
ince the beginning of time, people have received homework in some way, shape, or form. Whether it was chores, taking care of family, or education. But in today’s world, homework for students has blossomed into a constant ritual full of torment. This torment is one checkmark on a check marked list if you will; one small thing has been completed off a figurative list containing literal tasks. Are you one of “the list” people, feeling some sort of necessity to maintain an off-the-chart GPA? Or, do your parents just have high expectations?
According to the site U.S. News, studies from 2014 show that high school students have 3.5 hours of homework on average per week, yet some teens spend up to 17.5 hours on this homework each week. The site Good Schools’ Guide clarifies that having homework benefits one’s time management skills, promotes classmates engaging with each other, and makes teachers able to keep track of student progress. But homework takes up valuable free time, it can lead to “burned out” students, and the assignments themselves tend to not be very valuable.
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A&E Editor
The Pepperbox | Page 25
Reporter
Grade horoscopes Mira O’Barr
Eva Villamor
A&E Editor
Reporter
FRESHMEN Now that those feelings of excitement for a new school have faded away, you see high school in a different light. You are feeling bored and tired almost all the time, and you find that those around you may not be the right people for you. You want the fresh beginnings you had fantasized about last year: a cooler style, a new reputation, and friends that fit your personality better. Our advice to you is to wear those new pants! Build up the reputation you always wanted! And by all means, meet new people! As for feeling bored and tired, we can’t help you much there. You will most likely feel tired for the rest of your young adult life. Buckle up freshmen, it’s gonna be a bumpy ride!
SOPHOMORES
ior Sen
JUNIORS
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Meaning “wise fool” for a reason. You can be rather cocky, or at least overly glad that those freshman days are over. But remember now, you aren’t particularly special; you are still getting into the grind that is high school. But you’re not even halfway there! You’re probably not gonna have a great year; mediocre at best. Just get through it. Try to be open-minded toward new experiences and attempt to be remotely optimistic. Avoid over-analyzing, caffeine addictions, peer pressure, and unhealthy snacks. Just go with the flow; this year is just one spec of meaningless dust in a dustpan (it’s going in the trash anyway). Also, try to not grow up too fast, you’ll have responsibilities soon enough - so take this time to be a kid.
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Sen
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/H AP
/H AP
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You still have time, don’t worry, things will work themselves out . . . hopefully. You either feel really done with school at this point and/or feel stuck in the quicksand that is your childhood. You are all at messy, unsure places that feel like a neverending rabbit hole. You either feel as though your lives are ending or beginning; there is no in between. LAUGH at the things you can laugh at please, because life is hard enough as it is--and you’ll realize this before you know it. Junior year will come and go, so take everything as it passes, just like your grades! (haha but don’t overstress about grades; mentality over GPA, people). Just get on by through this strange time.
SENIORS
Mira O’Barr and Eva Villamor/PEPPERBOX
# of days of homework per week
You are slowly but surely losing motivation. The pressure of this year to be the best year of your life and simultaneously the year when you decide what to do with the rest of your life weighs heavily on your conscience. You are all-too-familiar with the faces here on campus. Our advice to you, seniors, is to reach out to those unfamiliar faces, chances are they will be excited to meet you. As for the societal pressure, sit down in nature, or the comfort of your home (away from your phone) drink tea, and brainstorm about all of the amazing things you could do with your life. Conventional or not; plan to make the most of it.
The Pepperbox | Page 26
Feature
Friday, October 19, 2018
The compromises of Arcata’s new & Jazmine Fiedler Feature Editor
Two local teens spearheaded an ordinance that would require gun owners in the City of Arcata to follow stricter gun saftey laws. On Wednesday the 17th, a city council meeting was held to provide a public forum for comment as well as a space for the Council to discuss the consequences of enacting this ordinance. Many people showed up to this meeting and the majority of them spoke against the ordinance. The council refused to make a decision at that time. The ordinance previously stated that firearms must be stored in a locked container or have a trigger lock on them at all times unless they are in direct contact with the owner’s hand. By the end of the meeting, the council was considering adjusting this to arms length and it was suggested that the firearms may only need to be locked up when the owners are out and about. “This idea actually was brought to us by high school students.” said Pereira. NPA Sophomores Olivia Joachim and Eva Shwartz thoroughly researched what other cities were doing to create a safer space and brought it to the attention of the council. They have also brought many of their peers to the past council meetings. Although many people support the idea, Pereira explained that some community members oppose it. “It’s a public process so it doesn’t bother me that people are paying attention . . . We’re not trying to do this in the shadows.” Pereira made it clear that she doesn’t want to take away people’s rights when it comes to guns. “I believe that most gun owners are responsible gun owners. I grew up in a household where we had guns and they were stored away in a
locked container. “ She later added that the ordinance formalizes such safety measures. “If you are going to have a firearm in your home, it should be properly stored away or have a trigger lock on it so that it doesn’t accidentally get into the wrong hands and get used in the wrong way.” NPA students, Eva Schwartz and Olivia Joachim, who first brought this proposal to the Arcata City Council, agree. “I think, a lot of people think that owning a gun is a right... which it is but they feel like we are taking that away from them which is not what we’re trying to do, we’re just trying to protect other people,” Eva stated.
ly focused on keeping guns out of the hands of children. “When we originally brought it forward we thought it would be preventing kids [from getting a hold of guns]. It was brought up at other meetings though, “What if it’s not just kids? What if it’s people who don’t know how to use a gun? What if it’s people that have some kind of mental illness or physical disorder that causes them to not be able to use it properly or forget that they have it unlocked or something? There’s so many different scenarios that this ordinance could help prevent,” Joachim explained. At the meeting, during public comment, the students concluded
If you are going to have a firearm in your home, it should be properly stored away or have a trigger lock on it so that it doesn’t accidentally get into the wrong hands and get used in the wrong way. - Mayor Sofia Pereira The students first came up with the idea of an ordinance during a class discussion. “Right after the Parkland shooting, we were having a discussion with our class about the way that we, as civilians, students, and minors, could help protect people from guns,” Joachim said. “We were supposed to be doing community projects because that’s a part of what we do at our school… we were like ‘Oh! Well, it would probably be really helpful if gun owners were required to keep their guns in locked containers so that their kids can’t take their guns.’ It just makes sense,” Schwartz said. The student activists original-
by exclaiming, “We want to thank the Arcata City Council for their support, as well as our teachers and classmates. We hope that you will do what is best for our community by passing the safe storage ordinance.” This is a rural community. Residents of rural areas cite unique reasons for gun ownership such as being far from law enforcement, keeping live stock safe from predators, and protecting themselves from human and animal attacks. Or they like hunting or going to the shooting range. “It’s still upholding people’s rights to own guns but regulating them in a way that makes sense for
our community,” Pereira stated. The Firearms Policy Coalition, a nationwide organization attempting to protect Second Amendment rights, as well as the California Rifle Pistol Club have been paying close attention to the actions being taken in Arcata, Calif. The California Rifle Pistol Club sent the city of Arcata a letter and The FPC created a video on Arcata’s Sept. 19th council meeting. Co-owner of Pacific Outfitters, Aaron Ostrom has also been very involved in the process. “What Arcata is doing is not common. It’s unconstitutional,” Ostrom said. He has been to the past council meetings and has been in touch with council members about his views. “If your being attacked, with an immediate threat, to prevent bodily injury, you should be allowed to protect yourself. Nothing should get in the way of that,” Ostrom stated. He explained that he has been involved in gun safety for a long time. He sells guns and owns many of his own. “You still have got to be responsible and that’s why there are laws out there that will hold you criminally liable up to a felony.” He advocates for people to lock up their guns when they are not home. “People generally wait for you to leave, so lock up your guns when you leave. People know to look in shoe boxes, in nightstands, under mattresses and all that. We preach locking your guns up when you’re not there,” said Ostrom, but he also believes that “No matter what size you are, what gender you are, what age you are, or where you live, that’s a fundamental right to be able to protect yourself … Maybe there’s a person living a rougher neighborhood that’s more susceptible to crime. Maybe she’s a female. Maybe she’s a single mom. Generally, an attacker will be a male coming in the house.
The Pepperbox | Page 27
Feature
Friday, October 19, 2018
controversial gun storage ordinance No matter what size you are, what gender you are, what age you are, or where you live, that’s a fundamental right to be able to protect - Aaron Odstrom
Your gonna tell her that she cannot use equal force? Ostrom exclaimed. “Right now we have our head sheriff saying that we could expect ten to fifteen mins on average for response time if we have an emergency situation. In an emergency situation, you don’t have fifteen minutes so it’s on you to protect yourself and your loved ones. He has never had to defend himself with a gun.“I have a fire ex-
tinguisher in my house that I hope I never have to use. It’s the same thing... I don’t want a fire but if I have one, it’s right there. I should be able to address something as it’s happening.” Although the ordinance may be changed, it seemed that both opposers and supporters of the ordinance were happy their opinions had been heard. The new ordinance might be a happy medium, a compromise for our more liberal and more conservative communi-
Guns: Where do we stand then and now? Should guns be more or less monitored?
More
Less
Same
Do you have a gun at home?
Yes
No
Is there a problem with the way guns are used today?
Yes
No
Two years ago, the Pepperbox published an article about student opinion on gun control here at Arcata High School. Pepperbox took a poll to determine whether these stats have changed since 2016. Results from two years ago are on the top, with the corresponding statistic from this year below.
A
ccording to CNN, of the 35 deadliest mass shootings in US history, 5 have occurred in the past two years. 58 killed and over 500 more injured in Las Vegas. 49 people killed and over 50 injured in Orlando. 26 killed during a church
service in Sutherland Springs, Texas. 8 students and 2 teachers killed at Santa Fe High School in Santa Fe, Texas. And, as we all know, on February 14th, 2017, 19-year-old Nikolas Cruz shot and killed 17 students and teachers, injuring over a
dozen more. This school shooting hit home for the student population of the United States. The gun control movement was sparked when a small group of dedicated Parkland students felt wronged, victimized, and yet rec-
ognized the power they had. These students organized two unprecedented nationwide events pertaining to gun control. On March 14, 2017, one month after the Parkland shooting, there was a nationwide school walkout. Over 300 Arcata High School students left class at 10 AM to walk to the Plaza, signs in hand, shouting “We Call BS!” This energy was resonating around the entire country. Ten days later, a nationwide march was organized, again by high schoolers all over the US. Last year, Arcata March for Our Lives organizer, Mira O’Barr exclaimed, “We are planning this march to spread our views on gun regulation because we don’t want to die in school!” Mayor Sofia Pereira stated, “I personally was very honored to be invited to be a speaker at the March for Our Lives... There were definitely well over a thousand people there, of all different ages supporting students so I think that was a really good sign saying that our community wants to back up our youth and make sure they can feel safe going to school and living their lives.”
The Pepperbox | Page 28
A&E
Friday, October 19, 2018
A day in the life of a Beatles fanatic Eva Villamor
C
Reporter
lose to eight years ago, my Michael Jackson phase was coming to a close; it was the end of an era, and my Beatles obsession had not yet been born. It was a regular day for a rascal third grader: carefree outfit to go with a carefree spirit, paired along with some slightly scorned sunflower Marie Jane shoes and a somewhat choppy bob haircut. On this day, my music teacher was introducing my class to the fun sing-along song Yellow Submarine. I can still re-live and re-experience this marvelous epiphany; the catchy tunes were invasive of my third grader thoughts, and the lyrics were quite youthlike (hence the appeal). I found myself connecting with my classmates through the creativity of the simple upbeat song; the song put us all on an adventure together, on our very own yellow submarine ride; a journey through waves of bliss. I still have my original “sheet music” (doodles and
lyrics). Not that I’m living as just a Beatles fan, but my fondness for them is one layer of my intricacies, one layer of my being. Posters and t-shirts and albums (the list goes on) are engraved into my life… along with lyrics, guitar solos (I can’t play worth a dime but I can hum) and the overall essence of their music. So many things that can’t be accurately articulated into words are spinning around and around on an infinite loop in my head, for a small segment of me is devoted to them entirely, attaching all other thoughts together to formulate a massive blob of Beatles fananza*. Let me try to explain: there is usually at least one Beatles song stuck in my head at almost any given time. Also, whenever I think about one of their jokes or interviews (any reference really), I can literally hear their voices in my head as they speak (I don’t consider this to be a factor for my craziness). They are relatable and connectable through me in their music, as well as their personas; they just stick to me, I can’t ex-
Ella Villamor/PEPPERBOX
plain; they are the glue that makes everything in me Come Together. My favorite Beatle (although I absolutely adore them all) is George Harrison. You can’t go wrong with favorites though; they are all worth loving. George--oh man I could talk about him for hours--he was and is (rest in peace) a truly good moral and musical soul. Even looking at old photographs or videos of him smoking cigarettes makes me start to tear up (he died of lung cancer; don’t smoke folks). Afew people may wonder why the Beatles music still resonates, not just with me, but with countless fans. My answer simply is: their music is timeless and uplifting, an escape from hopelessness and close-mindedness, and it just so happens to be beautiful beyond explanation. So, these guys weren’t downers; they knew how to make you smile. “They were and are beautiful musicians, and I love their perspective of friendship and love,” my
twin sister Ella Villamor stated. They weren’t afraid to scream and have fun and do things differently. “[They were] musical geniuses,” Tanis Otting commented. Whenever I feel completely and utterly alone their music is always there; their music transforms a bitter atmosphere into sheer serendipity. The Beatles were young when they set out to make their dreams a reality. They give people of all ages hope, good memories to the old, inspiration to the young, and endearment toward anyone and everyone in between. They provided and continue to provide satisfactory moments and awesome mix-tapes that can be blasted for any moment, big or small. But who else is in this universe with me? Who is Across The Universe? I’m curious to know--my geek self is curious to know. *Fananza: a nonword which I may have made up, meaning “pandamonium” or “chaos.”
Sandman brought us a dream Eva Villamor Reporter
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ritten and directed by superb Senior student Mira O’Barr, the amazing minuscule-yet-monumental musical Sandman astonished the Arcata community in just one weekend of performances. “I felt really excited about it, it wasn’t enlightening but I felt like this could be something I could really do. It was a really cool experience,” Mira O’Barr said very enthusiastically. The musical aspect of the show can be attributed to Ella Baur, the masterful music director, in which the making of this musical would not have been possible. “Everyone worked really hard…teamwork with Mira was very effective…
student art should continue to be supported,” Ella Baur said. Sarah McKinney, the adult advisor to the show, said “It’s important to cultivate a culture where young people are given the opportunity to try out different forms of artistic expression. Sandman was truly a community event from the way it was created to the way it was received.” To those who didn’t have the honor experiencing the singing thriller, it was purely entertaining. This hilarious, creative production showed off the young talent here locally during a half hour of an uneven ratio of murder to happiness, totally tubular 80’s attire, fabulous songs to match the aesthetic, as well as an all teen cast and crew!
Friday, October 19, 2018
The Pepperbox | Page 29
Opinion
Let’s address the dress: Contrasting conceptions of the code Grace Talty Club Reporter
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’m going to make this article short, but not as short as some of the clothes I see at this school. Most students at Arcata High don’t care about the dress code because they’re in high school and want to go to the beat of their own drum. Other students don’t know about the dress code because it’s never enforced. Many students have forgotten about it, so if you are unaware of the AHS dress code, here it is: • Students will come neat and clean to school • Some form of footwear must be worn • Clothing must be properly covering the person- no bare midriffs (stomachs) and backless shirts • No reference to alcohol, drugs, tobacco, violence, or sexual themes • Gang-related apparel will not be permitted • Pants are required to be worn on waist- no short skirts • Students are not permitted to wear any article that may threaten there safety You get this dress code at the beginning of every school year in the Parent Packet they mail home. So this is what I don’t get: Why isn’t the dress code addressed? I’m not trying to be a fashion police or anything. Since you’re in high school you should get to express yourself the way you want to, but you should consider how others feel about what you wear. I understand the administration has bigger things to worry about, but you should know if what you’re wearing is something that DEFINITELY doesn’t meet the dress code.
I’m not trying to target just the girls; boys, don’t think you have a free pass. There are boys who wear pants so low that you can see their underwear. I decided to ask some students what they thought about the dress code if they agreed or disagreed with the dress code. Freshman Chanel Mcfarlend said: “I didn’t know there was a dress code.” Another freshman said, “No one follows it, but why follow the dress code if no one is going to enforce it?” Biology teacher Cindy Condit had some strong opinions about the dress code too. “The dress code should be more enforced. Administrators need to be more consistent. It isn't about you expressing yourself. School is a professional, learning environment. Sometimes I say something if its a super low cut top or something. Or someone's underwear is completely showing. But if it's spaghetti straps and a modest top I don't usually say anything. It's also really distracting. If someone is wearing something offensive or violent I will immediately send them out.” It’s not just students who think this way. I don’t think the dress code should be enforced by adults but by you. Express your dress except to the point where YOU know it should be addressed.
Haven Fricke-Smyth Club Reporter
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hink back to your favorite moment. Got it? Now think about what you were wearing. It could have been shorts and a tank top. It could have been sweatpants and long sleeve shirt. Or it could have been a bathing suit. People are happy in all different types of clothing, and as long as you are comfortable, you shouldn't have to change what you’re wearing to meet someone else's expectations. That's exactly what dress codes do, they force people, especially girls into a box of what is “acceptable” to wear. I understand that dressing for the occasion is important, but it's not more important than being comfortable and wearing what makes you feel the best. If other people tell you that what you are wearing is making them uncomfortable, it’s their problem, not yours. Freshman Ayden Villatoro said, “It can be distracting when a girl is wearing something like a super low cut top, but it doesn't keep me from doing my work.” It seems the school targets some students more than others when
enforcing the dress code. Freshmen Lily Hopkins said, “Dress code is smart but it’s not enforced unless it’s a girl with curves.” Enforcing the dress code on girls is often unfair and humiliating. “Dress code objectifies girls and sexualizes them. Boys can wear whatever they want,” Freshmen Harmony Tryon said. Girls are shamed for wearing something like shorts and spaghetti straps in unhealthy manners that end up affecting their ability to learn. “It's not fair, girls will get dress coded for wearing a crop top, but guys can go shirtless in PE,” said sophomore Cheyenne Lough. Measuring clothes in front of a class and taking a girl out of class to have her change is incredibly embarrassing and distracts the rest of the class. Also making girls wear a big gross t-shirt that was left in the lost and found does not help her self-esteem. Nor does it discourage her to not wear something like that again. Another big question is if the dress code should be enforced. It’s not always easy to enforce the dress code. Ms. Olsen, the guidance counselor said, I do enforce it, I want students to feel safe coming to me. Others should enforce it more consistently.” Things are being done about this unfair treatment of boys and girls in learning environments. Alameda High has introduced a new and improved dress code. Students must wear bottoms, tops, and shoes. They may wear sportswear, clothes that cover the head, and expose midriffs, along with shorts bottoms. Students cannot wear violent clothing or visible undergarments. This dress code allows students to be themselves while still dressing under reasonable guidelines. *Art by Haven Fricke-Smyth
The Pepperbox | Page 30
Opinion
Friday, October 19, 2018
The Saltbox
Use the re-usable option W
Things we’re salty about
Hannah Pereira Business Manager
hat is the number one most important thing we always make sure to bring with us to school? To some of our more organized scholars it might be their planner. To other students (who might not be as interested in their education) it might be their earbuds. As for me, it’s my water bottle. Regardless of if it’s my Klean Kanteen, Swell, or Tempercraft, it’s my school day essential. Not only is water just good to always have available, but think of the health benefits. Feeling like you’re coming down with one of those nasty schoolwide colds? Drink water. Did you drag yourself out of your beloved bed early this morning to hit up the gym for some gains, but now soreness is plaguing your body? Water. Maybe you ate astonishing amounts of pizza today at lunch, drink away. Stay up late to regrettably finish that one assignment you had like three days to complete, yet didn’t even start working on until 11pm the night before it’s due? Gulp that bad boy down. Water is the most understated beverage of our generation. Too many people at our school are obsessed with Dutch Bros, Jitter Bean, and other pricey, caffeine-infused coffee beverages and energy drinks. My dudes, just go out and get yourself a snazzy sustainable water bottle. Not to mention, bringing a water bottle to school, and refilling it at our multiple hydration stations is completely free. And for those of you who are concerned about drinking tap water and impurities tainting your pristine agua, ya’ll must not realize how incredibly fortunate we are to have the water that we have here in Humboldt. Not only do we have one of the better tasting tap water systems compared to other areas in California, but there are literally so many people around the world who don’t even have access to potable water. Speaking of water and environmental matters, it’s highly important that when you do make the intelligent switch water, that you utilize a reusable water bottle, and cease/limit your purchasing of plastic bottles. Plastic water bottles take centuries to decompose, most don’t even end up getting recycled, and in most cases the water within them is bottled from municipal sources and purified. So save yourself and the environment the expense, and invest in a reusable water bottle. My personal recommendation is to find one that is metal (I prefer insulated), sometimes plastic reusable water bottles can have harmful chemicals in them that can leach into your water, especially if left out in the sun. Sidenote: another perk of having your own personal water bottle is you can decorate it with all kinds of fun stickers! Happy sipping folks!
Trash Talking JC’s?! Mira O’Barr A&E Editor
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’m a senior, so the majority of my peers and I are looking into colleges. So many people are driven to go to prestigious UC’s or private colleges, and I have no grudge against that. The thing I’m salty about is people not even recognizing that Junior Colleges exist! College is unaffordable no matter where you go for most people, so I would guess that people are trying to do things in cheaper ways. But no. Whenever I bring up JCs, everyone around me usually ignores the proposition of getting your general education over with before burying yourself in debt. I’m not saying everyone should go to College of the Redwoods--in fact--I urge everyone to get out of Humboldt while they still can. I’m simply saying keep your mind open to the idea of going to a JC. You’ll thank me later.
Take caution; Our roads are not safe
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Fiona Murphy Editor Abroad
ll right folks, gather round. It’s time for me to impart to you some issues I am currently having with the world, more specifically the roads in the world. I recently got my drivers license and I have noticed something truly devastating about the conditions of the streets of Arcata, especially J Street, which I happen to live on. We all know where: leave the AHS parking lot (turning left), turn right at the stop sign, and drive down. There, you will encounter a terrain rival to the surface of the moon (though the moon is probably less bumpy). This stretch of road has been slowly degrading ever since I moved to Arcata. At first, it was bearable, then it was annoying, and now, it is downright insulting. Especially due to some recent work done on J St. Mind you, when I saw the “road work ahead” signs I expected actual road work. But no, the city decided to do some work on the sewers, tearing up the road even more. They then left, leaving the road EVEN MORE BUMPY, GRAVELY, AND DISGUSTING THAN IT WAS BEFORE. Trying to get a pick-me-up before school? I hope you like drinking coffee with a straw cause that’s the only way you can on J St. Want a milkshake? put some milk in a cup and drive that road, it’ll definitely shake it up for you. And I haven’t even mentioned tires yet. You know what happens to tires when they are constantly being bumped around on awful roads, scratched with chunks of asphalt that has escaped the street, bombarded with potholes? They get pretty worn down. And ya know what happens when tires get worn down? You either have to buy new ones or pray you don’t get a flat. And let’s be honest, no self respecting teenager has enough money to replace worn out tires. So one day ,they will all pop and Arcata High will be overrun with dusty, broken, lopsided cars. So hey Arcata, PLEASE FIX THE DARN ROADS THEY ARE DANGEROUS AND ANNOYING.
The Pepperbox | Page 31
Opinion
Friday, October 19, 2018
Learn to use the bathroom correctly!
Tri Jensen-Dougherty Reporter
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sing the bathroom. Such a simple thing to do. As a young man growing up I would pee in the toilet without lifting the seat. I would miss and it would go everywhere, and I didn’t care. I realized the importance of bathrom etiquette when I had to go number two and there was piss all over the seat. It has reached the point here at Arcata High where I am feeling the urge to physically put kids in the toilet. People around here choose to turn their heads and be squeamish over dumb things like bathrooms. I have never seen a kid turn his body to use a urinal until I moved to this cesspool called Humboldt. People need to grow up and use the bathrooms properly and stop turning a blind eye. When will I be able to take a sh*t without looking through all the bathrooms for a clean toilet? A clean bathroom in Arcata is like a white whale. If it’s not the toilet, it’s the pool of piss on the ground. There are Literally puddles of piss everywhere. I could literally swim in the piss on the floors.
If action is not taken, I will take it.
Teachers: Please don’t assume I know anything Caledonia Davey
Apples are underrated Jacquelyn Opalach
Managing Editor
Editor-in-Chief
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e all know that feeling. The cold sweat that begins at the nape of your neck and travels down until your whole body is covered in the wet, clamminess of pure terror. The flutter in your chest as your mind races in circles trying to figure out how to fix this situation. But it appears as though this race has no finish line. Or maybe it does have a finish line but you’ve taken so many wrong turns and have no possible idea on how to get to where you should be. This is what it feels like when your teacher begins talking about the material you have never once learned in your life as if you have spent thirty years intensively studying it. The assumption that in some other class these students have learned this material that has been shoved into their faces, is one of pure laziness. To say “you all have already learned this” is to say “someone has already done my job for me and, therefore, I can take a load off.” Well, sir, you may not take a load off. Not every student has been given the same curriculum. With different teachers, different schools, different states, different countries, students learn different information. True, for most schools in this country, we learn the same basics, but we do not learn the same details. And thus, it is inconsiderate and frankly ignorant for one to assume the opposite. If you want to talk about a certain topic in your class, please make sure that every student is comfortable with said topic. Otherwise, you risk an audience that has no idea what you are talking about.
Air dry your hands
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Dakota Kalvaitis-Heffernan Reporter
ach day, as I go to the bathroom to do the necessary duties that I do do there, I lose faith, once again, in my generation. This isn’t because of the obvious drug deals that happen during every bathroom trip, the immature graffiti in the stalls, or the inch of piss on the floor. The problem that crushes my soul each time is the paper-towel use. I find it increasingly hard to maintain an optimistic attitude as a teenage environmentalist when I see the sheer amount of paper towels that are being wasted. Wasted! After washing your hands, you don’t need to pull paper towels from the dispenser for five minutes before you have enough to dry your hands. Everybody does it. You do it. Don’t do it! Just air dry your hands for god’s sake! Trash can after trash can of slightly damp paper towels are carted off each day; and with each one a portion of the world’s forests disappear. Some people fancy themselves environmentalists. I fancy you akin to an oil plant, pumping out a river of black sludge and immense clouds of toxic fumes. So I call this to my brothers and sisters who share my sentiment! Air dry your hands! Don’t be the river of sludge everybody else is.
C
lassic is classy, and nothing is more classic or classier than apples. These beautiful fruits are not only a meaningfully historical symbol of knowledge and lust but are also mega delicious. Allow me to elaborate. With 7,500 varieties to choose from, it’s hard to go wrong with apples. Nutritious? You bet. Sweet? Up to you! Sour? If you’re into it. There’s a 50% chance there’s some type available in your favorite color, and, on top of that, they’re round. And why is this spherical nature of apples so beneficial? You may be wondering. The fact is, a study conducted by John Hopkins University in 2010 found that round objects create a feeling of calmness and relaxation in the human brain, likely because we have evolved to associate the shape with positive things like eating and mating, whereas sharp or pointy objects (such as the Cheez-It’s you ate yesterday) likely subconsciously remind us of danger. Worried about the ever-increasing size of your carbon footprint? You should be, but your apple consumption doesn’t need to contribute, because you can buy local. Just saunter on down to the farmers market and cram your basket full of stunningly round apples. Take those bad boys home and use ‘em to whip up all sorts of things. You can toss them in a crispy salad, bake them whole, slice them and slather said slices in peanut butter, or tap into that American spirit and cook up an apple pie that’ll make the whole neighborhood jealous. Truly, apples are massively underappreciated. We, as a culture, have heartbreakingly fallen into a trend of taking apples for granted, maybe because they’ve been around since Adam and Eve. Don’t be that person. Eat an apple and appreciate it goddamnit. You’re a lucky soul. The bottom line is this: apples are the only thing that can both make a teacher’s day and keep the doctor away - seriously, what more could you ask for in a simple snack?
Framing Homecoming.
Three football players execute a difficult cooperative dance move
Oh Seung Kwon and Andrew Pedicino intensely look down
Milo Mateer sings Yellow Submarine for his fans
Spirited Students get spirited, and comfortable Izzy Villarreal and Wyatt Wheetly sing a duet
Lissandro Carrillo gets boosted into the air by his fellow men
Lucas Homan and Audrey Shelton hype up the crowd
Tie dyed students create tie dyes in a sea of tie dyed people on the lawn All photos by Aliyah Hinckley/PEPPERBOX