EUROPEAN VACATION Comm. Arts Teacher Kelly Wheeler explores Europe With SLHS students, p. 4-5
WHO’S NEW?
FALL SPORTS BEGIN
Get information on new teachers and leadership members, p.6
Which teams have the best chance for postseason play, p. 7
The Sentinel On Guard AN OPEN FORUM FOR STUDENT EXPRESSION SINCE 1982
My.HSJ.ORG/SLHS
VOLUME 31, ISSUE 1
NEWS
SEPTEMBER, 2011
Slip Slidin’ Away
SLHS welcomes Sentinels back Class of 2014 begins their high school careers. BY SUNSHINE SORTONIS It is hard to imagine that summer is coming to an end. It seems like it was only just a week ago when rays of sunshine colored the town a beautiful sunny day. Today, students arrive at Spanaway Lake for their first day of the 20112012 school year, and the emotions that fill the hallways are palpable. There are currently 1,146 students enrolled at Spanaway Lake High School: 360 seniors, 378 juniors, and 408 sophomores. With a total enrollment of 1146 students, the building has grown by about one hundred students over the summer. Although the seniors lack in numbers, school spirit is a well-known forte of the senior class. Over the summer, many seniors have prepared and designed their spirit gear for the year’s pep assemblies. Bejeweled crowns, glittery leggings, and lots of teal are bound to show any underclassmen that 2012 is the perfect year to be a senior. “I’m really excited to be a senior,” said senior Crystal Quinden. “It’s my last year and I plan on making it the best. I’m ready to start my life.” “I am so excited for all the assemblies in store for this year, especially since it’s my last year,” said senior Alyssa Lein. “I want to go all out and make it count! I’m really pumped for the spirit days and showing off my sentinel pride. It’s a fun filled year and I’m excited for all of it.” Do not be too quick to count out the juniors, though. Being a junior is always a difficult position to handle because you are the unofficial “middle child.” With the attention of most of the staff going to seniors graduating and the newly arriving sophomores, who has time for that group? Yet the class of 2013 is handling the situation as cool and calmly as possible. “I’m looking forward to the spirit weeks and knowing that I only have one more year left until I graduate,” said junior Mark Yakubovich. “I’m excited for the games and pep assemblies because this year I feel like
PHOTO COURTESY OF TODD KEISTER
ssortonis@journalist.com
BEATING THE HEAT: Sophomore quarterback Joe Martin slides down the soapy slip-n-slide put together by the coaching staff to cool the players off after practice. The young Sentinel football team has been diligently working to improve. The team opens their season at Sparks Stadium against Puyallup on September 1st.
I can be more spirited. I’m excited for a new class to come in, and to meet new people. I’m excited for new classes, and most of all, planning for college.” said junior Courtney Grilliett. “I’m excited to see all my friends again and to see if I can handle all these AP classes.” said junior Jared Long. On August 31st, parents of new students and sophomores attended an orientation in the auditorium with principal Michelle Ledbetter.
Many parents hold concerns that the transition from junior high to high school is a difficult adjustment. Throughout the school year, sophomores will face pressures regarding school, and their social lives. Their work load in ninth grade will be no comparison to their assignments during sophomore year. As the work load increases, so do difficult decisions. “I’m a bit nervous, but I guess that’s to be expected,” sophomore Shannon Bagwell said.
Kris Coria, parent of sophomore Amanda Coria said, “I’m excited about the next step for her. She is the oldest out of her siblings and the first to go to high school. I hope she gets involved in sports because there is more to high school than a social life.” Whether it is finishing up a high school career, preparing to be a senior in the following year, or just starting a three-year adventure, students around the school are filled with excitement and anxiety.
ASB
CAMPUS
ADVISORY
SPORTS
The first pep assembly of the year will be held this Friday in the main gym at the end of the day. Students will be released from their 6th period to go to the gym by room numbers. Sophomores and juniors sit on the left side of the bleachers, while seniors will sit on the right side. Students should dress in their best spirit gear.
Lifetouch will be on campus, Tuesday, September 20th for picture make-ups. Students and staff who did not get their pictures taken earlier, need to report to have their photos taken. Students who want their photos retaken will have to wait until October 18th.
The first advisory date is set for Tuesday, September 20th. Classes will be on Advisory schedule and students will report directly to their Advisory classes after second period. Students should have already read their summer reading novels. Sophomores were to read The Uglies, juniors had to read The Hunger Games, while seniors read The Alchemist.
Tomorrow
Girls’ Golf @ GK, 3:15pm Boys’ Golf v. GK, 3:15 pm Boys’ Tennis @ Puyallup, 3:30pm JV Soccer v. Federal Way, 3:15pm Swim v. GK, 3:30pm Volleyball v. Annie Wright, 7:15pm
Friday Football v. Curtis, 7pm Soccer @ Federal Way, 3:30
2
Op-Ed
SEPTEMBER 2011
On Guard
EDITORIAL
Spanaway Lake High School 1305 168th Street East Spanaway, WA 98387
BY SUNSHINE SORTONIS
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF .......................... Sunshine Sortonis EDITORIAL BOARD ............................. Jacob Charlson ....................................................................... Anna Kessner REPORTERS .......................................... Brianne Ballard ......................................................................... Austin Blake ................................................................ Kelli Bumgardner ..................................................................... Damien Bunch ................................................................... Travis Burnham ...................................................................... Rebekah Caris ....................................................................... Bradley Dean ..................................................................... Danielle Dixon ...................................................................... Kiylei Fortune ............................................................................ Ashley Gill ........................................................................... Josh Haigh ........................................................................ Ashley Hollis .................................................................... Victoria Howell ...................................................................... Austin Jodzko ................................................................ Brandyn Johnson ................................................................... Virginia Klemm ........................................................................... Nicole Lees ............................................................ Joycalyn Manibusan ....................................................................... Justice Mann ...................................................................... Sam Martinez ................................................................... Jacob McKenzie ..................................................................... Lynna Nguyen ......................................................................... Miguel Scott ..................................................................... Amanda Spain .......................................................................... Jake Stokke ........................................................... Gabrielle Thompkins ......................................................................... David Yanez ADVISER ..................................................... Todd Keister
PRINTING INFORMATION The On Guard is printed eight times a year by the Snohomish Printing Company in Snohomish, WA MISSION STATEMENT 1. First and foremost, the On Guard stands to inform and entertain the intellect of the student body, we shall at all times cover all stories with accuracy, integrity, and fairness. 2. The On Guard stands to obey all laws set forth and abide by the On Guard Code of Ethics. 3. The On Guard stands as an open forum newsmagazine. All students who submit an article, photograph, or artwork that meets all of the standards for publication and fits the tone of the issue shall be considered for publication. 4. All journalists shall respect the school and community by reporting with objectivity, honesty and accuracy. 5. The On Guard shall strive to exceed the highest standards of high school journalism. 6. To ensure accuracy, any corrections that shall be necessary will be printed promptly and neatly. EDITORIAL POLICIES 1. Letters to the editor are accepted, and shall be printed if they meet the following criteria; submissions must be 50-250 words in length, convey a defined opinion expressed with details, and signed by the author with a signature and a grade level 2. The On Guard reserves the right not to publish any editorial submission for any reason. The On Guard may also edit to condense submissions that do not meet the given 50-250 word limit. 3. All opinionated publications must meet the same standards of fairness, accuracy, and integrity as all other submissions. 4. The Op-Ed page shall always give credit to all contributing staff members, in the staff box. 5. Staff editorials reflect two-thirds majority opinion of the On Guard. The staff as a whole may appoint a specific person to write the opinion of the staff. CODE OF ETHICS 1. The On Guard shall abide by all laws. 2. The privacy of all students shall be protected. For senstive information to be published of a minor, a student relase form with the signature of his/her parent or guardian is required. 3. In the event of a death of a student, the On Guard shall write an obituary including the name of the person, the birth date, cause of death (if public), date, time, and place of death; date, time, and status of the memorial services; the family survivors of the deceased person. 3b. The On Guard may also choose to run a story about the deceased person, cause of death, the life of that person, and any other information if deemed by the Editorial Board to be newsworthy. 3c. No opinionated article should be written about the death of the student, unless in the form of a letter to the editor. 3d. The immediate family or guardians of the deceased may request for any and/or all information to be withheld from publication, in respect to that family. 4. Never should any article contain information or dialogue that personally attacks another student, or specific member of the community. 5. Any material deemed offensive by an editor (in charge of that page) or the adviser shall be withheld from publication. 6. If the details in a publication are relevant to the material, they may and should be published, despite if the facts are offensive. The truth is more important than making sure that the person isn’t offended by the facts of the content. 7. To protect the integrity of the On Guard, the adviser and/or Editor-in-Chief reserve the “fire” any staff member for inappropriate or untimely behavior. The advisor and/or Editor-in-Chief also reserve the right to reject the entry of any student into the On Guard staff. 8. All ads are subject to the same standards of decency as all other news and editorial submissions. 9. The On Guard may reject the submissions of any advertiser, if the product is deemed offensive and/or harmful to minors. Advertising will not be allowed to influence news content. 10. What a staff member does in their personal life is reflective upon the On Guard. 11. Staff members should not accept gifts from news sources, as a matter of a conflict of interests.
GOT OPINIONS? SEND LETTERS TO ROOM 215 OR EMAIL US AT TKEISTER@ BETHELSD.ORG
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THE ON GUARD | EDITORIALS
Flash mobs turn violent ssortonisonguard@gmail.com
Flash mobs have gained fame throughout the last decade for its appeal in the element of surprise and sole purpose of entertainment for passers-by. AT&T has even satirized flash mobs in their often-repeated commercials. Flash mobs have been deemed entertaining for years, but the fad has recently taken a violent turn. For years, flash mobs have been organized by large groups of people through social media. People gather in a public place to perform unusual and pointless acts in order to gain attention from the audience of others around them. A perfect example of a flash mob was in 2009, during a Black Eyed Peas performance of their hit song, “I Got A Feeling” on the Oprah Winfrey Show. Another memorable moment was the Michael Jackson tribute in Montreal, directed by Studio Acromatik, which became one of the biggest flash mob dances in history. Due to a generation that is steadily dependent on social networking sites, one does not have to stall too long on a computer until they find a flash mob video. YouTube houses endless videos on popular flash mobs caught on camera that are gaining views by the numbers. While scrolling through an abundance of these videos, one will not fail to recognize that some flash mobs are not filled with dancing and laughing, but violence.
As recently as July 29th, groups of young people in cities around the country have taken flash mobs to a whole different level. In Philadelphia, kids as young as 11 have been reportedly attacking innocent bystanders in the Center City and University City areas. On August 8th, Mayor Michael Nutter announced a 9:00 p.m. curfew for minors in hopes to prevent future attacks. The violent “flash mob” fad received national attention after a group of thirty people stole $450 worth of goods from a local 7-eleven in Germantown, Montgomery County, Maryland. The surveillance caught the alleged thieves at 1:45 a.m. crowding the store and stealing from shelves while joking around and laughing with other looters. The incident took less than two minutes, but the emotional damage caused was enough for local customers to fear the worst for the future. “The kids seem to think this is a joke. That this is fun. That these are the activities they’d like to engage,” said officer Jeanelle Smith of the Montgomery Police. “The police do not see that as a joke.” This unusual fad is creating a lot of buzz around the country. Others will soon be inspired to choreograph their own flash mob, but the critical point is to keep it safe. Violence is never amusing. Even if it can be related to such a lighthearted subject as flash mobs.
OPINION
Ten years later: Adviser recalls fateful September 11th day BY TODD KEISTER tkeister@bethelsd.org
Ten years ago this Sunday, our country suffered one of the greatest attacks on our soil since Pearl Harbor. Not only did the terrorists take away our sense of security but as a country, we have made several changes in our lifestyles. I was there that day. Technically, I was there two days before. I was freshly out of college, working in my first “real job” that utilized my broadcasting degree from Gonzaga University. Working as a television coordinator aboard a Norwegian Cruise Line ship, my job was to record events on board during cruises. We left New York Harbor on September 9th, unbeknownst to us, never to return. On September 10th, we had a day at sea on our way to Halifax, Nova Scotia. We docked in Halifax on the 11th. The day was supposed to be exciting. A group of us had planned on going bottom fishing that day. When I got out of bed to get ready, I heard a commotion in the hallway. I opened my door and people were running up and down the hallway. One of my friends told me to turn on the television. When I did so, I saw the top of the first tower, aflame. My first thoughts were that the building caught on fire. Then, while watching the broadcast, I saw the second plane plummet into the second tower. I could not believe my eyes. I still did not have a full
grasp on what was happening. It took me a second, as I am sure it did with most people. Never in my deepest, darkest, nightmares did I ever think our country was capable of being attacked on our own soil. Needless to say, it was at that moment, watching the second plane explode, when I realized that our lives, as Americans, would never be the same. We eventually went out bottom fishing that day, and the whole time, we listened to CNN’s radio broadcast updating the events. Our first concern now was that we were stuck in a “foreign” country and were not able to return to the United States yet. Another concern was that since we had just left New York, several of our guests were New Yorkers and had family members either in or around the Trade Center. We were now stuck in Canada and they could not get home to the rest of their families. We finally were allowed back into the country three days later, thanks to an escort by the Coast Guard and a complete search of the boat by Navy SEALS. Although my personal account does not compare with many others, the events of that fateful day still are sharp in my mind. September 11th, 2001, was a date that will live in infamy. It reminds us that we can never let our guard down, it reminds us what is important in our lives and it reminds us what it means to be an American.
Student Sound-Off
What are you most nervous about for the school year? Grades 52% Teachers 18% Not nervous about anything 14% Social Life 10% Students 3% Team 3%
*100 students are interviewed every issue for the Student Sound-Off.
POLL QUESTION FOR NEXT ISSUE What are you planning on doing after the homecoming dance? Visit http://my.hsj.org/shls and click on the article “Student Sound-Off” and submit your answer HEAD MAESTRO SUNSHINE SORTONIS
Procrastination 101 Procrastination is a habit that can take years to master, and some say will take even longer to break. In my eyes, procrastination has never been a bad habit that could ruin a healthy high school career. The greatest planners can be the greatest procrastinators, which is exactly what high school molded me to be. One might ask, “How can this article even exist if you’re a procrastinator?” I must assure all the readers at this point that this article will be due in exactly 78 minutes, and the pressure for me to finish steadily rises with each minute that passes. Mr. Keister can be heard from behind me, already beginning his first few sentences on what is bound to be a five-hour lecture on responsibility. I’d like to label myself a PROcrastinator. At this point in my high school career, I have already mastered the tricks of the trade. For students who want to become the best procrastinator you can be, here are some critical rules to follow:
• Procrastination does not mean don’t ever do your work, it means do it later Students hold a perception that procrastinating means you are never going to do the intended goal, which is utterly irresponsible. Homework is homework and regardless of what you may believe, teachers will mark down a big fat zero in the grade book if it is not completed. One would be surprised by how much it can affect your overall grade. Do not settle for that, anything else would be better than a zero.
• PLAN, PLAN, PLAN
Before you set your way to Narnia, and hold off on starting that essay due in a couple days, you must plan. Planning means being prepared, and everyone knows that procrastinators are hardly ever prepared. This is what separates the big dogs from the amateurs. It is critical that you give yourself enough time to finish the intended project before it is due. It does not matter whether or not you finish a minute before it is time to be handed, just make sure that the work is completed by the deadline.
• Procrastination is only for those who do well under pressure
If you are not very good at taking tests or handling yourself calmly under pressure, then procrastination is not for you. Even the best procrastinators can break down at any moment due to pressure. If you feel like your best work comes out during stressful situations, then you have already accomplished half of what a great procrastinator hopes to achieve.
By using these easy rules on hard responsibilities you will soon be on your way to Procrastination Paradise. Unfortunately, my senior year will not be spent in paradise, but at Responsibility Resort. While staying there, I will spend every minute constantly planning my future and slacking is punishable by guilt. A great procrastinator will always know when to hang up the towel and this is my final hoorah. At least until my high school diploma arrives in the mail.
ON GUARD my.hsj.org/slhs
News
Music company starts off year on a high note BY SUNSHINE SORTONIS
ssortonisonguard@gmail.com
Music Company celebrated 25 years of production on September 3rd by holding a reunion for its current and past members. Director Barney Crouse created the production 25 years ago and it stands to be one of the most well-known things about Spanaway Lake. Twenty people are currently members of Music Company; 10 girls and 10 boys. Tryouts are held every year to be a part of the well-known group that performs about 40 times a year. During the summer, choir members traveled to Weed, California to the College of the Siskiyous Jazz and Show Choir Camp. Spanaway Lake students met fellow students from around the country that shared the same passion for music as themselves. Students attended rehearsals to learn choreography, and music for the culmination of a final performance at the end of the week. Recently, Music Company held a
practice performance at Spanaway Lake on August 18, 2011. They performed “Hello, Goodbye” for their opening number and an Earth, Wind, and Fire medley as their ending number. A notable performance was sophomore David Glessman’s solo, “Man in the Mirror” which was performed A capella. On Friday, August 19, the group also performed at Pacific Lutheran University for a new teacher’s breakfast. Music Company has an upcoming performance on September 11 at the Puyallup Fair. “Music Company has worked really hard this year because we only incorporated one song from camp into our set. We ended up having to learn nine new songs and new choreography for our upcoming performances. There are lots of new people so hard work is necessary,” senior Matt Cruz said. The production is getting an early start on practices and performances for the year. Their reputation to impress gives the audience something to look forward to.
Taniguchi’s abrupt departure BY: SUNSHINE SORTONIS ssortonisonguard@gmail.com
Students who are taking Japanese will no longer see Taniguchi written on their schedules, but Berends. The rumors surrounding Nina Taniguchi’s departure has been flying through the student body. Taniguchi had immigration issues surrounding her request to gain American citizenship, to no fault of her own. She made the difficult decision of returning home until the immigration issues have been settled. Taniguchi will travel to Germany and is planning to stay there for one year. After a year, she will return to Japan. Taniguchi split her time at Spanaway Lake teaching between Japanese and Art. She was also the head coach for the boys’ and girls’ varsity tennis
teams for the last ten years. Lia Berends will be the new Japanese teacher. The classes are scheduled for afternoons from 4th through 6th period. Brendan Nadayag is the head coach for the boys’ varsity tennis team. There is currently an op opening coach position for the head girls’ tennis varsity team. Many students enjoyed Taniguchi’s classes, whether it was Art or Japanese. She was also a memorable coach to her players Teachers and students alike will miss her. “I know that a lot of people are going to miss Ms. Taniguchi because she had a great influence on her students, especially me. She did a lot for her students whether it was being a good teacher or being a good coach,” said senior Ashley White.
SEPTEMBER 2011
3
summer’s top headlines
Amy Winehouse, dead at 27 On July 23, police were called to the scene of Winehouse’s home in Camden, London. She was pronounced dead shortly after the arrival of the Metropolitan Police. There are no known causes to the musician’s death, but toxicology tests reported that there were “no illegal drugs” in her system. A funeral was held by Mitch and Janis Winehouse in north London three days after their daughter’s death.
Gaddafi flees from Tripoli
Libyan rebels took control of Tripoli by surging the Bab al-Azizia compound, which was controlled by dictator Muammar Gaddafi. On August 23, rebels seized power over Libya and forced Gaddafi to flee from his the capital that he had ruled with an iron first for 42 years. In a recent audio recording released after the rebels breached into the compound, Gaddafi states that he had discreetly returned to Tripoli for a couple days. Gaddafi’s whereabouts are currently unknown.
Casey Anthony found not guilty In July 2008, the remains of Caylee Anthony were found near her home in Orlando, Florida. Over the course of the next three years, Casey Anthony would be tried for her daughter’s murder. On July 5, 2011, Anthony was found not guilty of murder, aggravated child abuse, and aggravated manslaughter of a child, but guilty of four misdemeanor counts of providing false information to a law enforcement officer. Anthony is currently serving probation in Florida.
Rupert Murdoch and his empire under fire Media mogul Rupert Murdoch faced allegations of hacking citizens’ phones and gave a testimony before a British parliamentary committee regarding the incident. On July 15, Murdoch met with the family of Milly Dowler in London, where he personally apologized for the hacking of their murdered daughter’s voice mail by a company he owns. His media empire is still under intense investigations regarding phone hacking.
Hurricane Irene strikes East Coast Throughout the summer of 2011, the East Coast was reported to be hit by a Category 3 major hurricane named Irene. The hurricane left extensive damages along the Carribean, and the United States East Coast. According to Associated Press, insured damages will range from 2 to 3 billion and total losses will likely be around 7 million. Irene has claimed 48 deaths so far, and widespread damage throughout the Eastern border.
ARE YOU AN ARTIST? DO YOU LIKE TO DRAW? The Sentinel On Guard is currently looking for students interested in drawing editorial cartoons and other needed images. Please contact Mr. Keister if you are interested, or report to room 215 to schedule a meeting.
ON GUARD
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Feat
BY JACOB CHARLSON jcharlsononguard@gmail.com
4
Memorial For Murdered Jews of E
Walking Tour of Amsterdam
Photo Courtesy of Jacob Charlson
Photo Courtesy of Jacob Charlson
The walking Holocaust Tour of Amsterdam was full of knowledge about the Jewish quarter of Amsterdam; not only during the Holocaust but in the present as well. The tour guide took us around to see historical buildings that have withstood the test of time. We were also shown some monuments, which were dedicated to the Jews from Amsterdam who lost their lives during the Holocaust, as the Nazis made their way into the Netherlands. One of the places we visited on the tour was the Dutch Theater. I never NOOIT MEER AUSCHWITZ (NEVER AGAIN AUSCHWITZ): One of knew the history behind the Dutch Amsterdam’s memorials for the victims of WWII. A glass pool represents Theater until I was actually there. the sky cracking due to the horror caused by the Nazis in Auschwitz. Before the Holocaust, the theater was just a regular theater that put on live plays. During the Holocaust however, the Dutch theater was used as a place to deport Jews to the concentration camps. Across from the theater was a “children’s day care,” which is still standing today and serving as a day care. I did not know the significance of the day care until the guide explained the story. During the Holocaust, while the adults were at the Dutch theater, their children were housed in the day care. Almost every day, German and Dutch citizens would come to the day care and ask to adopt the children in order to put them into hiding. The adoptive parents would come to the Dutch Theater to ask the biological parents if they could adopt their child. I do not think I will ever be able to imagine how it would feel to make such a decision. On one hand, saving your child by allowing these people to adopt them and put them into hiding would be hard, but then taking into account that they are giving their child to a complete stranger must have been even harder. We then made our way into a room adjacent to the foyer and there was a wall full of names. Each name was a family name. There were no first names, so one name could represent two or three families. From those two or three families, there could have been four or five people. Needless to say there were a lot of people represented on this wall. Plus, this was only representative to the Jewish people who were murdered from Amsterdam. Scrolling up and down each column, I suddenly stopped on the “L’s”, LUX. Lux is my Uroma’s family name. Whether or not there is a family relation, I do not know, but the possibility was enough to make me want to know more. My Oma has never felt comfortable speaking about the Holocaust. She says that she was a little girl and does not remember much. Yet with my new found discovery, I just wanted to know more. Stories like these from the Dutch Theater and trying to find my family’s history were my real reason for coming on this trip. As we continued on to many other memorials, I could not help but notice that a lot of buildings that housed the Jews were still up and strong today. All in all from the walking tour, I learned a lot A HOME WE ALL KNOW: Senior Jacob Charlson poses for a picture about how the Jews came to be in in front of the Anne Frank Huis. This is what the people on the street the Netherlands and especially in would see, the shop of Otto Frank, Anne’s father. The Secret Annex is Amsterdam. behind this in an alley.
One of the most amazing experiences I my journey through Berlin was at the Me for the Murdered Jews of Europe (pictured I had only seen pictures of the place before and knew that it would be something I woul forget. The columns were all different heights entering the columns, they were short. descended into the maze, the columns to get bigger and bigger until finally, y overwhelmed. The columns were only far for one person to go through. Wanderin gave me a sense of seclusion. While in the maze, I felt a little afraid. I re not know how to explain it. It almost seeme like. Every time I turned a corner, I cau back of someone else making a turn in a d direction, like ghosts. I then felt like I wa followed and there were 1,000 eyes on I began to run. Yet you are not allowed to eventually caught up with Ms. Wheeler and out of the maze. I was really excited to be able to exper feeling such as this when I entered the maz feeling was different to what I am used to was a feeling that I realized I would never f
Top Ten places To Visit in Berlin
1. Berliner Dom 2. Berlin bus tour 3. Pergamon Museum 4. Checkpoint Charlie Museum 5. Berlin River Cruise 6. Bode Museum 7. Bruck Museum 8. Jewish Museum Berlin 9. Alte National Gallery 10. Gemalde Gallery
SEPTEMBER 2011
tures
5
Europe
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s. When As you s began you felt enough ng alone
Photo Courtesy of Jacob Charlson
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Photo Courtesy of Jacob Charlson
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AN UNRECOGNIZABLE SWITCH: A woman from Ravensbruck Concentration camp, both before and after. The statues were created to show how being in the concentration camp strips one of their identity to the point of being unrecognizable.
Climbing The Wall In Berlin others were still standing being used today. As we exited the museum, we crossed the border into the political east where we learned that the National Bank was housed in an old fascist building, which can be recognized by the structure and architecture from it’s straight and 90 degree lines. We passed the building and I got the chills, especially when the tour guide said that because the building was so close to the wall, people would go to the top floor and try to escape into the political west. One family made it, but countless others met their fate while trying to escape for their freedom. As we continued onward we passed the Bundesrat, Berlin government building. I learned that while Berlin was the capitol of Germany, there is a city government as well as a national government. The Bundesrat is the Berlin Parliament and the Reichstag, which is located by the
Brandenburg Gate, is the German National Parliament. After passing the Bundesrat, we came to an apartment complex. The tour guide told us that it was the location of the Nazi Headquarters. Underneath the building was Hitler’s bunker where he committed suicide. The actual burial site of Hitler is unknown to the public because of the fear of martyrdom. We continued down the street and made our way to the Memorial for the Murdered Jews of Europe, which is something I have always wanted to see in person. That was a special moment for me. We then made our way towards one of the most anticipated locations on my list, the Brandenburg Gate. In its magnificent glory, I was shocked. I made it a point to join some friends and walk through the gate, which for the longest time was something that could not happen because of
Photo Courtesy of Jacob Charlson
Berlin, Germany, the once capitol of Nazi terrorism has changed a lot, or so I learned. Out of the countless things I did in Germany, one was very much full of knowledge; a Walking Holocaust Tour of Berlin. I was not very excited to go simply because it was raining and I had neglected to buy an umbrella. Unfortunately, that reason did not win me any sympathy points, so I was still required to go. I knew that if I was going to come all the way to Berlin, I was going to do everything I could. The opportunity might never come again. After coming to that realization, I was off. We started the tour at a new Wall Museum that was on the political west side of Berlin. In the museum, we gathered around a miniature of the city as it was in 1940. Some buildings were see-through and others blocked; clear buildings meant they were destroyed and the
the wall. After learning that the gate was stolen and then taken back, I was actually amazed that the gate was still in good condition. After I got my fix with pictures, we went along to Humboldt Universitaet, just a university to a naked eye, but there was history here. Humboldt Universitaet is where the Nazis took books on philosophy, sciences and the arts and burned them in the courtyard. There is a memorial that is a bunch of empty bookcases. After our tour, we walked around aimlessly until we saw the top of the Berliner Dom, a Catholic cathedral. We stopped to take pictures of the beautifully-crafted cathedral and just bask in all the glory that it was. Finally, we decided to go grab something to eat. I will never forget the places I saw or the things I learned. The trip is probably one of the most amazing events that I have ever been a part of since my birth. I can still recall everything I have learned and I hope to be able to share it with everyone.
A MESSAGE FROM THE PAST LIVES ON: A piece of the Berlin Wall that is still standing between the Museum on the West side and the Fascist government Bank on the East side.
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Features
SEPTEMBER 2011
*
NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK *A guide showcasing new officers and teachers at Spanaway Lake High School.
CLA
officers:
ASB and class officers were asked three important questions. What are your plans on improving the student body’s experience at Spanaway Lake? What would you like to achieve for our school this year? How do you plan on using your position in achieving that goal?
Amarachi Ejiawoko, 12 Senior Class President
“My plan to improve the student body’s experience is to make everyone feel that they are and can be a part of something big in our school. This year, I want to be that person that people can come to if they need anything. I want the students to have more energy and spirit. As seniors, we all have to get everyone pumped up with school spirit. I also want everyone’s voice to be heard. I plan on using my position to achieve my goals by being the leader and role model everyone wants to see in an officer. I want to make good decisions for myself especially since I am in a leadership position.”
Callan Powell, 12 Secretary/Treasurer
SB
A
Fallon Stanley, 12 ASB President
“As senior class president, my main focus is on the senior class, our needs, and expectations. To improve our experience, my officers and I really want to work on finding a way for the rest of our class to have more insight and involvement in what really goes on. We just need to have more “face time” directly with more people than just our friends. Our ultimate goal is to pull off a great Senior Ball. The proceeds from the events and fund raisers we put on mainly go towards the funds for prom. Being class president, I’m directly involved in making sure that we achieve that goal exactly. I guess you could say that ‘making sure our prom will be a good one’ is in my job description.”
Purchase your yearbook for the 2011-2012 school year at the ASB Office.
Molly Schibly, 11 ASB Treasurer
Prices will go up on November 14th Purchase now to reserve a copy.
Kelsi Woods, 12 ASB Vice-President
“At leadership camp, we learned many new ways to get students involved. We plan on being very spirited and welcoming. We want incoming sophomores and returning Sentinels to feel like they are home and that their opinions matter. ASB wants to know what people think about the school, and what we can do to improve it. One goal this year is more student involvement at games. We would like to start with fall sports and get people excited to come to the games showing their spirit! As ASB Vice-President, I want more school involvement from my fellow Sentinels.”
“Our school has a bad reputation due to misjudgments and rumors, and one of my main goals is to show that Spanaway Lake is nothing but the best. All of us in ASB have plans to make assemblies, the lockin and every day activities the best! One of the most important things is to make sure every voice is heard, we are all Sentinels and all of us can make it a great year together. I can speak on behalf of the ASB officers that we definitely want to pump up Sentinel spirit within the student body this year! Being a Sentinel is far beyond wearing the teal and silver, but to be committed to school in all areas, may it be academics, sports, or something else. Being a part of ASB holds a lot of responsibility, and among those many responsibilities is student leadership. The key thing in any goal is to be a leader and set an example for others, to reach out to your fellow Sentinels and make them feel at home.”
Lia Berends-Poole: Japanese
Alec Olshner: Chemistry/AP Chemistry
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Grew up in Oregon Attended University of Oregon Originally wanted to become a veterinarian Split teacher between two schools Recently married over the summer 5th year of teaching
Grew up in Colorado Attended Whitworth University in Spokane Recently married in Spokane, Washington Wife also a teacher at Clover Park School District First year teaching Traveled to Europe, Mexico, Central America
teachers:
Books are $45 with ASB $50 without ASB
Kadijah Robinson, 12 Senior Class Representative
Mya Punzanlan, 12 Senior Class Vice-President
“I plan to make the student body feel more welcome at Spanaway Lake, especially towards the newly arriving sophomores. My goal for this year is to get our student body more involved in athletic events and spirit days! I plan to use my position as historian to show everyone just awesome our school is and to be a good role model. You have to lead by example!”
YEARBOOK
“I plan to hear the voices of the students. For example, getting their opinions and thoughts on different decisions that we make. I want to make our senior class the best class in history. I want people to say, ‘If the world ends, at least it ends with the best!’ I want to use my leadership skills to influence my peers to make decisions that benefit themselves, others, and our school.”
“We are trying to increase student awareness and involvement. We plan on advertising events and encouraging others to get out and get involved within our community. We are definitely working hard to make Senior Ball amazing. Also, we are working on better strategies to increase student, mostly senior, awareness. We want to make sure that everybody is ‘in the know’. The other officers and I are trying to get permission to visit the senior advisories every once in awhile to keep them informed and answer questions to avoid misinterpreting or misunderstanding.”
“One of our goals in ASB is to show the community that Spanaway Lake is a place where all students belong. With improving the student body’s experience together, it will be easier to achieve excellence. We can all get there if we help one another out. After all, we are all a family--The Sentinel Family. One of the biggest things that I am looking forward to this year is an increased number of involvement and spirit in our school. With there being so many students attending Spanaway Lake, there is no reason why we can’t have students at each and every event and game. Every year, we get a chance to recognize students that are the most involved in activities in school. What we fail to realize is that their supporters play a significant part in their success. This year we plan to incorporate a system that will allow us to recognize those Sentinels that have been showing tremendous support for their Sentinel Family in sporting events, plays, concerts, and etc.”
Ashley Lopez, 12 Historian
SS
Andrea Jacobson: Algebra/Geometry
Meg Jameson: Marine Biology
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Grew up in Virginia Attended Thomas Dale High School Attended Christopher Newport University First year teaching Previously worked for mortgage company Has 3 kids Recently student taught at Emerald Ridge
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Grew up in Texas Participated in National Honor Society, Student Council, tennis, volleyball, band, choir, and drama during high school Recently a new mom Attended Texas A&M 5th year teaching
Sports
ON GUARD my.hsj.org/slhs
SEPTEMBER 2011
7
Fall Sports varsity Schedules GIRLS’ GOLF DATE Sept. 6 Sept. 8 Sept. 13 Sept. 15 Sept. 20 Sept. 22 Sept. 27 Sept. 29 Oct. 4 Oct. 5
VS. Puyallup GK Rogers Bethel Emerald Ridge Puyallup GK Rogers Bethel Emerald Ridge
GIRLS’ SWIM DATE
VS.
Sept. 8 GK Sept. 12 Eatonville Sept. 15 Bethel Sept. 23 Autumn Relays Sept. 29 Puyallup Oct. 6 Emerald Ridge Oct. 11 Rogers
BOYS’ GOLF VS. DATE Puyallup Sept. 6 GK Sept.8 Rogers Sept. 13 Bethel Sept. 15 Sept. 20 Emerald Ridge Puyallup Sept. 22 GK Sept. 27 Rogers Sept. 29 Bethel Oct. 4 Oct. 5 Emerald Ridge
CROSS COUNTRY
VOLLEYBALL
DATE Sept. 10 Sept. 17 Sept. 21 Sept. 24 Sept. 28 Oct. 1 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 DATE Sept. 6 Sept. 8 Sept. 13 Sept. 15 Sept. 19 Sept. 21 Sept. 22 Sept. 27 Sept. 29 Oct. 5 Oct. 10 Oct. 18 Oct. 20 Oct. 25
VS. Tahoma Annie Wright Graham-Kapowsin Auburn Riverside Bethel Federal Way Bonney Lake Emerald Ridge Graham-Kapowsin Curtis Todd Beamer Rogers Puyallup Bethel
BOYS’ TENNIS
GIRLS’ SOCCER DATE Sept. 6 Sept. 9 Sept. 13 Sept. 15 Sept. 20 Sept. 22 Oct. 1 Oct. 4 Oct. 6 Oct. 11 Oct. 13 Oct. 18 Oct. 20 Oct. 25 Oct. 27
VS. Graham-Kapowsin Federal Way Emerald Ridge Bethel Puyallup Rogers Curtis Graham-Kapowsin Emerald Ridge Federal Way Bethel Puyallup Rogers Todd Beamer Curtis ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF TODD KEISTER
VS. Tahoma Relays Ft. Steilacoom Invitational Todd Beamer/Rogers Nike Pre-Nationals Curtis/Graham-Kapowsin Curtis Invitational Emerald Ridge/Federal Way Puyallup/Bethel
DATE Sept. 6 Sept. 8 Sept. 13 Sept. 15 Sept. 20 Sept. 22 Sept. 27 Sept. 29 Oct. 3 Oct. 5
VS. GK Puyallup Bethel Emerald Ridge Rogers GK Puyallup Bethel Emerald Ridge Rogers
8
SEPTEMBER 2011
Sports
my.hsj.org/slhs ON GUARD
Underclassmen take charge on the gridiron
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT: (Top): Juniors Aaron Monzon, Raul Veliz, Tyler Evans, Ryan Towe, Kyle Pickering, and Ryan Dix run through a drill to prepare for their upcoming game. “I do everything I can to get better,” commented Pickering. Vigorous practices help better the team and their performance on the field.
BY ANNA KESSNER
annanicole9@hotmail.com
The 2011 varsity football team has an overwhelming amount of sophomores and juniors on the team. In fact, there are only a few seniors residing on varsity. The team will rely mainly on their strong underclassmen leaders. Juniors Ryan Dix, Tyler Evans, and Kyle Pickering, sophomore Joe Martin, and senior R.J. Lewis hope to lead the Sentinels to the playoffs for the first time in almost a decade. Confidence seems to be what carries this youthful team. “Being young and enthusiastic, I know we’re going to win,” said Dix.
“We’re building a program with not a lot of seniors on the team, which means next year our team will still stand strong.” Dix, along with his other captains seem to think they have it all in the bag. “We’re going to win league; no one’s going to stop us!” proclaimed Pickering with a smile on his face from ear to ear, and a giggle under his breath. The players seem to agree that the only things that need improvement are the team’s effort, execution, and attitude. By the looks of it, this team has no shortage of attitude.
The team has a tough road ahead of them. Crosstown rival Bethel has been picked to win the league, with last year’s division champion, Curtis, a close second. All of the underclassmen seem to be excited for the 2011 season; some are even talking as far ahead to next year’s season. For now, though, the team is looking to be going for the win. The Sentinels opened the 2011 campaign at Sparks Stadium against the Puyallup Vikings. Their home opener is this Friday night at Art Crate Field, against the defending league champion, Curtis Vikings.
WHAT A RUSH: Senior Marcus Thomas rushes the ball at practice.
FOOTBALL SCHEDULE DATE Sept. 1 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 29 Oct. 6 Oct. 13 Oct. 22 Oct. 28
VS. Puyallup Curtis Emerald Ridge Bethel Todd Beamer Rogers Mt. Rainer (Homecoming) Federal Way Graham-Kapowsin
SITE Sparks Stadium, Puyallup Art Crate Field Emerald Ridge High School Art Crate Field Federal Way Memorial Stadium Art Crate Field Art Crate Field Federal Way Memorial Stadium Art Crate Field
TIME 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00
Title wave of newbees BY ANNA KESSNER
annanicole9@hotmail.com
Football is not the only team lacking in the senior department. The Sentinel varsity volleyball team only has two seniors that hold a spot on the team. As captains, juniors Seirra Hoover and Brittany Brooks try their best to make sure the team feels strong and bonded as a whole. “With regards to our lack of seniors, we can build a strong team this year, considering we’ll have pretty much the same team next year. We’re bonding very well so far,” said Brooks with a confident grin on her face. With a sea of new sophomores on the team, Brooks commented that, “introducing the new sophomores to the high school game and getting them used to it should be the most challenging obstacle of the season.” “The game I’m probably most excited and nervous for would definitely be the GK game. It’s going to be a fun game,” remarked Brooks. Their first game is scheduled for September 6th against Mt. Tahoma.
NEW BEGINNING: Pictured top left, Brandan Nadayag, new head coach for boys’ tennis team. Top left, Jim Chaves, new assistant coach. Both of their main goals: for the team to become better people, not just better players.
Tennis welcomes new coaches
BY SUNSHINE SORTONIS
ssortonisonguard@gmail.com
SERVE IT: Sophomore Arlicia Ortiz practices her serving with the force to her teammates.
ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF ANNA KESSNER
With the departure of Nina Taniguchi as head coach, the boys’ varsity tennis team was rejuvenated with two new coaches and a hopeful attitude. Brendan Nadayag will serve as head coach, while Jim Chaves as the assistant coach. The main rules both coaches enforce on the players are conducting themselves in a respectful manner at all times and showing discipline within their work ethics. Since the small team is mostly filled
with beginners, improvement in the sport is a necessity. Coach Nadayag’s hope for his players are not only to become better tennis players, but also better people. “I’m most excited because the boys are so pumped up about the season. I can’t wait to see these boys improve both in tennis and their personal lives. To see the boys turn into men,” commented Nadayag on his hopes for the season. The first match of the season will be on September 6th against GrahamKapowsin.