SENIOR FAREWELLS
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The Sentinel On Guard AN OPEN FORUM FOR STUDENT EXPRESSION SINCE 1982
VOLUME 32, ISSUE 5
My.HSJ.ORG/SLHS
JUNE 2013
NEWS
ATTAWAY MR. WRIGHT, ATTAWAY: Harold Wright pictured above with seniors Taylor White, Kendra Green, Nicole Croswhite, and Norvonne Sutton. “Mr. Wright is a very supportive for all lof his students and looks out for us like we are his own kids,” said Croswhite. After twenty-two wonderful years, Wright will be leaving SLHS and retiring.
Leaving behind a legacy BY KENDRA GREEN kgreenonguard@gmail.com
Ask any person at Spanaway Lake High School who Mr. Wright is, and numerous responses would be given to you, but nevertheless, people would know. You may see him walking around The Lake patting students and staff on the back, saying good morning or afternoon, yelling “You ain’t mackin’! Are you mackin?” or just a simple smile to everyone he comes into contact with. For twenty-two years SLHS was honored to have a security guard like Harold Wright. “I feel like Mr. Wright shows students more respect than other faculty, and I feel like with him leaving, the students and staff would be losing a lot,” said senior Jacob Loomis. Loomis describes Wright as “chill with a sense of humor.” SLHS, administration was concerned about the discipline of the students. Wright immediately began looking at his military experience as the perfect way to the students discipline, but within he realized it was a completely different story. “These kids needed/need a different kind of discipline. The most challenging part of the job is when we get students in Spanaway Lake High School and have to teach them that this is no longer junior high. You much transform into a responsible, trustworthy, honest young adult. Teaching what they should have already been taught is challenging, but very rewarding,” said Wright. While working over the years, many things have changed in the school, as well as the district as a whole, that has an effect on everyone. Although Wright is wrapping up his last year working as a security guard, concerns still rise.
Wright plans to stay in the Bethel School District and become a part of the board. He believes, for future references, that the staff in schools have to diversify. He states that the Distract has to have more minority leaders so the kids can feel more comfortable, be as successful as possible, and reach their full potential. Wright, by far has had one of the biggest impacts on the students here at SLHS as a whole. Although his retirement time has come, the amount of success he is seeing from the students gives him peace of mind. “It’s tough leaving some of the students, but for others it’s okay. It’s easy because they will be alright. It’s the ones that need a little bit more love, dedication, and assistance that will be hard. When they get that, they will be okay too,” said Wright. Senior Aanisah Long has had many interactions with Wright, whether it was him getting her out of a troubled situation,
or just a friendly conversation. Like many other students, Long admires Wright to a high extreme. “I feel like he is uplifting. His personality just shines. He is really funny and knows how to put people in a good mood and interact with the kids. He made someone to look up to. I’ll miss him! He is the coolest security here,” said Long. Two and a half years ago Donna McCaskill, a Special Education teacher said ‘welcome home’ and I thought it was strange because I just got here, but I took it to heart because I did feel at home,” said McCaskill. “He has been a great support working with my students and a go-to person for them.” The biggest impact Wright has made on McCaskill’s teaching that has carried on to her life would be the patience he had to listen to both sides of a story without
judgment, or drawing conclusions before a solution for both parties so when they positive results. life. At home, at work, coaching, etc. It has enriched relationships and made them better, even outside of SL,” said McCaskill. Darrius Tuggle, the coordinator of the TRiO program, loves the fact that Wright takes the time to get to know and establish relationships with students. “I am going to miss his unique sense of humor. He gives such a sense of comfort,” said Tuggle. Longtime friend and colleague Gary Milbradt has worked with Wright for nine years. He described his time with Wright as a learning experience; he was always learning new things. “We were a good team combining to take challenges and turn them into little things,” said Mibradt. “He has impacted others just by building relationships with the kids, giving them someone to talk to because there is generally no one for them to talk to. As for me, he was a dependable co-worker and a friend.” Although Mr. Wright is retiring, a piece of him will always be here in the school. His daily goal of trying to talk to each student every day made him a man to be remembered. He can count on his students to carry on his favorite ’mackin’ statements and to put away their electronics and hats before entering the school so he won’t take them away and “call their mama.” Harold Wright will be missed so much, and there will never be another security guard like him. We can all agree that those said, farewell Mr. Wright and good luck!
2
Op-Ed
JUNE 2013
On Guard Spanaway Lake High School 1305 168th Street East Spanaway, WA 98387
THE ON GUARD | EDITORIALS
OPINION
Life after high school BY NICK ROMANOV nromanovonguard@gmail.com
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ..............................Nicole Croswhite EDITORIAL BOARD.................................. Bradley Dean ........................................................................ Kendra Green ........................................................................ Anna Kessner .......................................................................... Ashley Leise ........................................................................ Sam Martinez ................................................................... Charly Whitman REPORTERS .............................................. Mollie Callies ....................................................................... Lani Camacho .......................................................................... Hannah Coe ........................................................................ Sean Connors ............................................................................ Josh Haigh ..................................................................... Leitara Mailoto ................................................................... Brycen Meredith .............................................................. Melanie Ning-Ngim ........................................................................ Junilda Reyes ................................................................ Anthony Robinson ...................................................................... Nick Romanov ........................................................................... Ricky Smith ....................................................................... Brandi Tucker .............................................................. Vanessa Valdobinos .......................................................................... Skylar Webb 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 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, 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. opinion of the On Guard. The staff as a whole may the staff. CODE OF ETHICS 1. The On Guard shall abide by all laws. 2. The privacy of all students shall be protected. For sensitive information to be published of a minor, a student release form with the signature of his/her parent or guardian is required. 3a. 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, 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 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 10. What a staff member does in their personal life 11. Staff members should not accept gifts from
GOT OPINIONS? SEND LETTERS TO ROOM 215 OR E-MAIL US AT TKEISTER@ BETHELSD.ORG
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As we come to the end of the school year, seniors are in a rush to get their work done and do whatever it takes to walk at graduation. After cramming their brains for Four years of hard high school work is paying off at last. No one wants to stay another year and Everyone is going to go their separate ways and move on with their lives. Life after high school is a mystery for some, while others already have their future planned out. “I am going to go to Tacoma Community Vincent Bautista. “Then, I will join a two year transfer program at the University of Washington in Tacoma. I am excited to
Students like Bautista will be in no panic school. More seniors at Spanaway Lake High School need to take notes and be prepared for what is coming towards them. Rodgerick Klockeman. “I am going to go to Washington State University and room Now is not the time to goof around. Seniors need to focus on getting a diploma to be serious about it, but still enjoy your graduation. It is a very exciting time and memorable moment for everyone. “I am very excited to graduate high school because I will be able to start the next Tucker. “And I believe high school has prepared me very well for what I am about
Tradition or excuse BY SAMUEL MARTINEZ smartinezononguard@gmail.com After eleven years of public schooling, that is a bit different than that of their underclassmen peers. But, some of the senior activities are seen as questionable while others are a given. Take for example having a school year that is one week shorter than underclassmen. It is a privilege that in my opinion is earned.
out by students and is meant to bring seniors together for a day of celebration, but has it been twisted for an excuse to sleep in and miss out on school? “I do not approve of Senior Skip Day because in reality you do not have a skip As a senior, I walk around the halls at times and as I see underclassmen, I think of the gap in maturity. But who are seniors to talk about maturity levels
high school career and staying strong until the end. It seems like skipping school on purpose is in direct opposition to that idea, but I look at it differently. There will always be a time for celebration. If your grades are up, and your obligations are met, I think you should enjoy it while you still can. This is not an article about the endorsement of skipping but it seems if you were to take a day to celebrate the achievement of your past 12 years, do it right. Do not use the idea of Senior Skip Day as an excuse to stay home and play Xbox or sleep. Go out and do something you wouldn’t normally do with people you might not see after high school. Senior Skip Day is meant to be shared with fellow graduating seniors who want to enjoy their last moments together and create memories. Senior year is over and reality will soon be hitting. I can see both sides of the argument. Skipping is something that a responsible student should be above but in a way it is seen as tradition. Whatever you decide to do, remember that your Nothing you do on a day off of school
On the borderline BY ANTHONY ROBINSON arobinsononguard@gmail.com As the spring showers begin to fade, and the weather starts to get nicer here in Western Washington, people stop dressing to keep warm, as they do in the winter and autumn. There is a problem with this though. Students are dressing in short shorts, bro-tanks, and other clothing of that sort. Do you think these things should by viewed as a distraction by Spanaway Lake staff? I decided to take a step into both perspectives of both staff and student. “I see where the staff is coming from, but at the same time, tattoos are seen all around the school, and nothing freshman Darrion Parton. “I think that tats are more of a distraction than tank tops, because shoulders are not going to distract somebody from doing their work. Parton, new to the school this year,
What are you going to do over summer break? Work Vacation Sports Nothing Work Vacation Sports Nothing
wanted a chance to speak his mind about If the reason for these clothes are deemed inappropriate by the staff is due to them being a distraction, then what are odd body piercings, and exposed tattoos? Permanent distractions. “I think the dress code is pretty cool except that you cannot wear tank tops, which are very popular among teens. Otherwise I like it a lot, especially coming from Cedarcrest where they had a full uniform. I enjoy the privilege that is given to us by Coming from the staff perspective, it is easy to see why they make these rules, they want to minimize distractions during school hours, and that is reasonable, but if tattoos and piercings are acceptable, then should tank tops and short shorts be allowed also? Some clothing options seem to be completely out, while other things are on the border line. Only if it were up to us.
39% 11% 5% 45%
*100 students are interviewed every issue for the Student Sound-Off. Visit http://my.hsj.org/slhs and click on the article “Student Sound-Off” and submit your answer.
HEAD MAESTRO NICOLE CROSWHITE
A word from Alaska
if we take part in a Senior Skip Day?
The infamous Senior Skip Day...
given to underclassmen, and in some instances, are even easier. In addition, seniors get to do some stuff that freshman, sophomores, and juniors do not get to do. But on this list of senior activities is the infamous “Senior Skip
Student Sound-Off
aspirations
Thirteen years ago when I started kindergarten, I began a journey that would determine the course of my life. Just like many of my peers, I had dreams and from day one.
was to be a teacher. I wanted to be just like the adults that I spent every day with and looked up too so much. Over the years, my career choices changed from everything between being a lawyer and opening my own bakery. With every phase I went through, my dream job went right along with it. We all had crazy dreams for ourselves and have imagined nothing but good things to come after high school. Throughout middle school, we could not wait to be done. School was overrated, teachers were boring, and the kids were always full of new drama. As we got closer to our senior year were forced to make big decisions about college and what to do after high school. We have spent the majority of our lives in public school going through the same exact routine every day. We go to school every day at 7:50, get out at 2:20 and have every afternoon to do what we wish. We have extended breaks for summer, Christmas, and in the spring. During those, we can do as we please with our free time. Now that were at the end of our last year of high school, we have to make something of ourselves. Our breaks no longer consist of doing anything we please. Some plan to get a job right out of high school and we have been used to for our whole lives. We have dedicated most of our senior year to plan out our futures and make commitments to college or our future careers. There is no more time to waste, we are all close to or already adults and all the responsibilities our parents have taken care of for so long are no for us prepared or not, the time has come for us to grow up and branch out on our own. The support of our friends and family will always be there but it is time for us to take control of our lives and move forward with what we choose to pursue. All the time we spent wishing this would all be over, we are now looking back at and realizing that the last four years of high school were life changing and moments that we will never forget. Congratulations to the class of 2013 on making it this far. Enjoy the next chapter in your lives for all that it is worth and never forget the people that made you who you are today.
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Summer jobs
News
Last words from the Editor-In-Chief
BY MOLLIE CALLIES mcalliesongaurd@gmail.com While some teenagers are very interested in getting summer jobs so they can earn money, keep busy, or help around the house, others are not fond of the idea. They think the summer should be there time to relax and not have to worry about any type of responsibilities. Senior, Ike Emeche said, “I am not planning on getting a summer job
JUNE 2013 3
I want to have fun over the summer and not have to be busy with work. TAKING RESPONSIBILITY: Senior Taylor White has been If I was going to get a summer job working at Lake Spanaway Golf Course for a year now. “It gives I would go for making food in a me a chance to waste time instead of just sitting at home and I restaurant or something like that.” get to be busy all the time so I make more money.” Even if you do not have to get a job, it could be a nice option to keep summer. If I was older and I was able to get yourself busy or get some money a job I would get a job with something to saved up for school or other things. do with fast food, probably McDonald’s, or “I might get a summer job, I have if I could I would be a Wal-Mart greeter.” not really made up my mind yet, but if Senior Courtney Grilliett sets herself I do I am going to go for something in apart from her peers as she has had the fast food business, probably Little a job for a long time already and will Caesar’s,” said junior, Michael Bekken. continue it throughout the summer. “I would want to get a job so I can make “I have been working at McDonald’s money and help around the house.” for about two and a half years Regardless of your age, you can now so I am all set,” said Grilliett. Some students prefer to not have a business or for a family member or job so they can get the full enjoyment friend. There are tons of opportunities out of their summer while other may out their for students especially to choose to stay busy and get a job. take advantage of during the summer Almost everyone, who was getting a job months when they are available the most. or not, said they would go for something Freshman Storm Wickham said, in the fast food business, and money was “Yes I want to get a job early, I do not the biggest motivation for getting a job. really know what yet, but I will go for All together more people are deciding not something basic, and I want to get a to get a job over the summer. One person job yearly so it will be easier later on.” said they were, one person said maybe, one Colton Smith, a freshman as well said, person already had a job, and two people “No I am not getting a job because I am said they were not getting a summer job. too young and I do not want to be busy all
PHOTO BY CHARLY WHITMANN
BY NICOLE CROSWHITE ncroswhiteonguard@gmail.com
walked into my Journalism class not knowing what to think. The class was loud and obnoxious and it was obvious that there were cliques within the class. Getting to know the editorial staff was intimidating, but once I got to know them, this became more than the newspaper and yearbook takes so much time outside of class that you get to know the people you are working with like they are your best friends. friends that I had here at SLHS and they became like a family to me. Last year was almost an entirely different staff, but both years I have gotten so close with my staff members and we truly are all best friends. Every time we have a deadline, things get a little tense in the Journalism classroom. The editorial staff bickers about everything and anybody that is not used to it would think we all hate each other. Regardless of how tense things got, or how frustrated we were with each other, it took each and every one of the people on the staff to make the publications at this school possible. The last two years on the newspaper staff at SLHS have been great. I have met so many new people and it has been
a great opportunity. I have a bond with my staff that is unbreakable and I am going to miss them all so much next year. Anna, Sam, Bradley, Ashley, and Charly: Thank you all for putting so much effort into every issue. You guys went above and beyond to make sure things get done and I am so lucky to have you guys on my staff this year. for others that needed help. You taught yourself how to put together pages and never complained once about the amount of work it took for you to get your job done. Brandi, I am so impressed with how much you stepped up this year. You had to clean up the mess that was left behind but you did a great job getting the class together and getting the book done. This year had so many obstacles that we overcame together and I would not have traded my staff for the world. I am so thankful that I got to lead such a great group of people this year and I can’t thank you guys enough for all the hard work you put in all year long. My editorial staff became like a family to me this year and I just want to thank you all for putting so much work in this year and dealing with me through every deadline. Without you, this year would have been impossible to get through. I love you all and thank you for being such a helpful and supportive staff!
Men’s Ensemble competes at the state competition BY CHARLY WHITMAN
cwhitmanonguard@gmail.com On Friday April 26, 2013 the Spanaway Lake High School Men’s and Women’s ensembles competed at the state competition, representing the southern portion of the South Puget Sound League in their categories under the direction of Bernard Crouse. While singing “Lament of a Fisherman’s Wife” by ViJay Singh and “My Soul’s Been Anchored in the Lord” by Moses Hogan, the men put on a performance that gave them three superior ratings at the state level, which is the highest rating a group can receive. Junior Justin Lee performed the solo for “Lament of a Fisherman’s Wife,” and had a big role to play as fellow junior Ryan O’Neal performed the solo at the regional competition. “I only got the solo less than two weeks before the competition,” said Lee. “To say I was nervous would be an understatement. I would say I did well on my solo, I received many compliments on it.” Even the preparation the group took for the competition helped with their nerves. “We had a great group of guys,” said Lee. “Which helped me cope with the pressure of having to perform alone in front of a group of judges. This year’s performance for the Men’s Ensemble because they not only received three superior ratings, but they also received the title of Second at State in the Men’s Ensemble category just behind Union High School in Camas, Washington.
time they had placed in Spanaway Lake History. The last time the Men’s Ensemble placed in state was 2011. When the ensemble’s name was called, the whole group was excited. Even the Women’s Ensemble, who did not place this year, was very excited for the group. “I was ridiculously proud of them,” said senior Tori Casebeer. “I have never been prouder of a group of people before. They worked so hard for that title and the happiness I saw on their faces made me more excited than if women had placed.” After receiving their second place title at state, the Men’s Ensemble was invited to perform at Seattle’s Benaroya Hall about two weeks later on May 10,2013. The men got to see other groups perform as well as professionals. “Performing at Benaroya Hall was an enriching experience,” said freshman Liam Kerschner. “Performing on a professional stage really taught me what was needed for a performer.” Other members of Spanaway Lake’s choir got the opportunity to see the men perform at the hall as well. “The performance was short but powerful,” said senior Jodi Salisbury. “I could not help but smile at their accomplishments.” This is just the beginning of the Men’s Ensemble’s growth in competition since their third place win at state two years ago, and it will hopefully continue to grow with more placements at state and invitations such as that to Benaroya Hall.
ever placed second in the and the second
MENS ENSEMBLE TO STATE: “I feel like we did much better this year than last year in terms of attitude,” said junior, David Glessman. “This year we really did give it our all.” This is Glessman’s second year being in Men’s Ensemble.
A Letter to My Editors BY TODD KEISTER tkeister@bethelsd.org As another year comes and goes, the current state of the journalism program and the contributions that were put forth by several individuals. Comparing different journalism a new group of staffers each year, comparisons turn into apples and oranges because each staff is unique. With that being said, this year’s journalism staff was one of the most unique that I have had the chance to work with. I have not had a harder working group of individuals in my tenure as journalism adviser. At the same time, I have never had a group who stayed this far off task. I would like to take some time to thank some seniors whose efforts should not be overlooked. Nicole (aka Alaska): I thank you for your time and contribution as editor-in-chief this year. Your vision of what the On Guard should be is second to none. You always tried to put out the most professional newspaper that your writers would allow, and at the same time, had fun doing so. I also thank you for your tireless efforts in helping us piece together the yearbook. Sam: You were the rock that held the staff together. Without your efforts, the
paper would not have been what it is. I am impressed with your eye for design, I hope you continue to use that skill as you head off to Washington State. Ashley: From the beginning, I knew that you would be a special addition to our staff. Your people-skills transition well into journalism and you picked up design a lot faster than other editors I have had before. Thank you also for introducing us all to different musical genres throughout the year. Charly: As a photographer, your contributions to both the yearbook and newspaper helped portray Spanaway Lake in a positive light. You have a special eye for photography and I hope you get to use this skill to make money some day. Thank you for your efforts with the yearbook as well. We couldn’t Anna: For three years, I have observed you become the person who you are today and I am extremely proud of you. I believe now as I did three years ago, that you have a talent for journalism and I hope you go for with it. To the rest of my seniors: Thank you for helping produce two quality products this year. I hope you can take what you learned and apply it to your lives.
Centurion Yearbooks - $55 On sale at the ASB Office on a first-come first-serve basis Hurry and get yours before supplies run out
4 ON GUARD
Feat
my.hsj.org/slhs
eniors Depart With senior year coming to a close, it’s time we take a look at where some of our Sentinel seniors are heading off to. A chapter of our lives are coming to an end, and a new chapter is beginning. As the seniors make this new transition, we can only wish that they take all they have learned here at Spanaway Lake and wish them nothing but the best for their futures. Reality is about to sink in, and whether you take these steps with a timid step or an excited skip, moving forward is all you can do. Next week at the Tacoma Dome, your lives are about to change.
Sentinels across the Nation Aaron Monzon - University of Idaho Angela Albright -Art Institute of Portland
Beau Lucier - Montana State University Jongik Thom - University of Illinois
Edith Valdobinos - Concordia University
Kyle Pickering - College of Syskiyous
Brandon Vo - Arizona State University
Braxton Tucker - Salt Lake Community College
tures
JUNE 2013
5
To the underclassmen... “Be more involved in clubs at school, stay focused, and don’t stress too much.” -Paula Lansang
“Don’t give up on your passion and what you love to do.” -Ben Santos
“I’d like to give my underclassmen the legendary Alex Young-Salanoa hair.” -Alex Young-Salanoa
Sentinels across the state UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON Cassie Tudor D’Andre Williams Paula Lansang Brandon Bell Kennedy Caldwell Jacob Mckenzie
Moniqua Scott Sarah Kim Christina Park Brittney Robinett Tess Smith Michael Taylor
EASTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY Alex Young-Salanoa Arick Erechar Jade Franklin Sandra Tiapula Melissa Amsden
PACFIC LUTHERAN UNIVERSITY Arelly Puerto-Montes Quinton Teas Eryka Stiner Marchel Emmily Molio’o
WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY CENTRAL WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY Seirra Hoover Tyler Kane Jasmine Valentine Ryan Towe Collin Stegner Roanna Nam
Anna Kessner Courtney Grilliett Danyel Roberts Corey Patrick Jodi Salisbury
Brittany Brooks Nick Romanov Rodgerick Cayla Blakeney Klockeman Alexis Jackson Nicole Croswhite Ashley Leise Sam Martinez Zach Barlett Melanie Orr Jordan Mason Aidan Malalang Erica Palmer Gabby Thompkins Jared Long Ashley Kiehn Molly Schibly Ryan Dix
6 JUNE 2013
Features
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Salutatorian 2013 Erica Palmer
PHOTO COURTESY OF SARAH KIM
aleiseonguard@gmail.com
Class of 2013 Valedictorian BY NICOLE CROSWHITE ncroswhiteonguard@gmail.com Sarah Kim is the valedictorian of the senior class of 2013. Throughout her high school career she maintained a 3.98 grade point average. Her work ethic and determination have shown and all of her peers and teachers would agree that she deserved this spot. “It’s weird I guess because it has been my goal since I started high school,” said Kim. “It’s weird but kind of expected.” Between her academics and extracurricular activities, Kim stays busy. She has been on the varsity tennis team for three years, is a member of Family Career and Community Leaders of America, Nation Honors Society, Key Club, Heritage Club, and Youth Group. In everything that she does, her peers can see a leader in Kim and she is
always willing to help and make sure that everyone around her is also successful. “I have known her for the past four years and she has always been the kind of person that I’ve wanted to get to the level of academically,” said Charly Whitmann, one of Kim’s peers and previous teammates. “She has always been able to manage her work load because she does tennis and running start and she takes AP classes here at the school.” “I just did all of my work and got all A’s,” said Kim of how she accomplished becoming Valedictorian. “There is not much other than just get all A’s that you can do to become Valedictorian.” school, Kim plans to attend the University of Washington Seattle in the fall. She is a very dedicated scholar and is a great person to be representing the class of 2013.
Not many here at Spanaway Lake High School know their salutatorian Erica Palmer. Who is this girl who earned this title? It is not a surprise not many know Palmer, as she only attends one class at SLHS. Palmler is a nearly full time running start student at Pierce. Some of the classes she takes are mythology and archaeology. After receiving her AA this year at Pierce, she is going to attend Washington State University in the fall. “I want to major in biology, and then minor in anthropology,” said Palmer. . The salutatorian is going to be graduating with a GPA of 3.995 thanks to all her hard work. “I guess I have always challenged myself to do the best I can,” said
has been playing on the Tacoma Youth Symphony for years now, and she even rides motorcycles and dirt bikes for fun. Even though she does not know many people here at SLHS, she has still kept in contact with students here, like Senior Brittney Robinett. “I know she’ll succeed at anything she does in live because of her personality and work ethic. I am glad that she is being given this honor because she is a really hard worker. She is a really nice person too!”
prioritize your time effectively and set attainable goals.” Academics are not the only thing that takes up this student’s life. Palmer ran on the crosscountry team for the she also performs in the school’s orchestra where she plays the violin. She
On Guard seniors say goodbye BY SAMUEL MARTINEZ smartinezonguard@gmail.com It was August and link crew training was in full swing. During a training exercise we were asked a question, “If you could be any age what would it be and why?” Unlike most people’s response of 21 or 22, I said 7. For so long I wanted to go back to Camas Prairie, to when things were simple. I had no idea what the next ten months would be like and if was told
BY CHARLY WHITMAN cwhitmanonguard@gmail.com Working on the newspaper and yearbook my senior year was the last thing I thought I would ever be doing. I just wanted to maybe have a free period at the end of my day or a late start because I am graduating with more credits than I already need. But, I am very blessed to have had Keister ask me to join staff and go to camp with the rest of the editors. This year was very crazy but also very memorable from all that I have learned and experienced from being a sports editor and photographer. Being a part of staff was a crazy experience, but I am thankful that I had the experience with everyone on staff. So thank you to the staff, our adviser Mr. Keister, and the editors in chief of both the newspaper and the yearbook for a wonderful year.
in my sophomore year where I would be by the end of my senior year, I honestly wouldn’t believe it. My time in journalism gave my high school life a new dimension I never thought possible. Fifth period in room 215 was my family and gave me some of the best memories of my three years at this school. The friends I have made due to a shared love of writing as well as countless hours starting at the same screen I am looking at as I write this are people I will never lose touch with. Through the highest highs, the lowest lows, and everything in between, there is not a different group of people I would rather have by my side to face my senior year with. If there is one thing I can pass on to anyone reading this it is that you never know what awaits right around the corner. Enjoy your high school while you still can because before you know it, you will be writing a goodbye to someone and counting down the days until this chapter in your life is closed.
BY ANNA KESSNER akessneronguard@gmail.com
occurred here in newspaper. Here in room 215, the other editors and I became a family. We vented to each other, bickered like crazy, and depended on each other to brighten even our worst days. We all shared a common love: this paper. My journey to this family was a little rocky though. Most people do not know that the reason I am even here at SLHS is because of this newspaper. Back when I was a freshman, I had every intention of going to Bethel High School. That was, until I found out that Bethel did not have a newspaper program or class at their school. I knew back in junior high that I wanted more than anything to be a part of a high school paper, so in order to do so, I knew I had to go to SLHS. However, during my sophomore year, I had to drop journalism after just one quarter. Problems arose, and before I knew it I found myself in the Leadership class instead. Instead of being in the Keister’s class during my third period, and sat in his classroom in the corner and worked by myself. I was the sports editor my sophomore year, and although it was hard to communicate with the other staff, I pushed through and did the best I could. Fast forward to junior year, I found that I did not have room for journalism at all. My schedule simply did not allow it. I found myself having to come in after school to uphold my editorial duties and help the staff I wished so badly to be apart of. As the year went on, I found it harder and harder to keep up, and not being in the class really separated me from the other editors. I felt like the outcast. So, I had to tell Keister I could not do it anymore. Meanwhile, the editors grew close and familiar with each other. Walking into my senior year, being able
staff for the 2012-2013 year already knew each other and had bonded the previous year. I was the new girl that did not know any of the inside jokes or funny stories they all shared with each other. I was just Sam Martinez and Nicole Croswhite became my best friends my senior year. They taught me how to not take life so seriously and to laugh at anything and everything. Without them, I really do not know where I would be. Todd, you were always there when I needed to just escape the world. Your classroom became like a second home to me, and you were always there telling me to have a good day. Leaving high school can be a scary thing for some people, but the lessons I learned here in this classroom makes the next transition in my life that much easier. I learned how to lead, and more importantly, how to follow. As cliché as it sounds, life really isn’t about the destination, but the journey that leads to it. My journey in high school would Guard, and it’s truly amazing staff. Thank you guys for everything.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ERICA PALMER
BY ASHLEY LEISE
ON GUARD my.hsj.org/slhs
A&E
June 2013 7
SLHS school of rock
BY BRYCEN MEREDITH
The Northwest Music Scene BY JOSH HAIGH jhaighonguard@gmail.com The Northwest has always been reputed as having a diverse music scene consisting of many kinds of artists coming from many walks of life. So many different genres of music have come out of the northwest area, and they are not stopping anytime soon. In my time in a post-hardcore metal band, I have played alongside dozens of various musical acts in Tacoma and Seattle that have opened my eyes to the music scene that is occurring around me. I have seen Christian Death Metal bands, Anarchist Alternative Rock bands, and every other variation you could think of. Seeing a band play in real life is so much different from listening to them on record. You get to see them without the redo’s of talent. I am used to seeing metal bands play around here, and I think that one of the reason they are so common is because their music allows people to channel their anger and frustration of everyday life into something that is more peaceful then some other ways. I know most people that have seen a mosh pit would never associate them with being ‘peaceful’, but you have to keep in
mind that it is completely voluntary to be in them. It is part of the everyday culture of those tall dudes with 2-inch gauges in their ears to be able to express themselves by body slamming each other, and although most people don not understand why they do it, I think it is a much better form of expression then assaulting, or stealing from others as a form of ‘expression.’ The local music scene is so much more then just metal heads slamming each other though. We have alternative, punk, and even hip-hop artists coming out of here. Every time I turn on the radio I hear that “Thrift Shop” song by Macklemore, and even though it annoys me so much, I that a Seattle hip-hop artist was able to breakthrough and actually be taken seriously by people around the world. The last time we heard of a rapper from came out, and most people consider him to be a kind of a joke. has become as notable as it was since the music movement has been nationally reputed with the discovery of Bing Crosby in the 40’s, Jimi Hendrix in the 60’s, Heart starting out in the 70’s, Soundgardern in the late 80’s to start out the grunge, and then Nirvana and Pearl Jam in the early 90’s.
MOVIE REVIEWS
One more for Iron Man still packs a punch the Trekies’ BY MELANIE NING-NGIM mningngimonguard@gmail.com
BY BRADLEY DEAN
Iron Man 3 is one of the greatest movies this year in my opion. It is a movie based on the superhero from the famous Marvel comics that many people read. Robert Downey Jr. stars as Tony Stark, a rich man with a bunch of toys, who likes to tinker in his lab, and has a special place in his heart for blowing things up all the time, including his relationship with Pepper. It is a PG-13 rated movie and has a lot action and adventure, and some hints of
Four years ago, director J.J. Abrams rebooted the Star Trek franchise. The movie was all about how the Enterprise
that were very well done, and stellar performances by the cast. Gwyenth Paltrow plays as Stark’s love interest, and plays an amazing part as Pepper Potts. Don Cheadle plays as the “Iron Patriot,” using a suit that Stark gave to him. The main villian in this movie is Aldrich Killian, played by Guy Pearce. Killian asks Potts to join in on a project he has running, but she declines him for fear that he is going to use his work to hurt others.
is positioned as a prequel to the original
since it came out in theaters. Some said they like this movie but some said it was okay. Out of all the three Iron Man movies, I and has more action, and it was funnier than the last two to me.
about how Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto rose up to become those superheroes of yore, Kirk and Spock. Echoing the looks, voices, and personalities of William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy just enough, yet still making the roles their own. Now it is reborn in the movie Star Trek Into Darkenss
lifts elements from that sacred text, 1982’s Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. Kirk and Spock, each following his own nature, are usually at loggerheads, but even when they wind up coming to the same conclusion. They can’t stop arguing about how they got there, and that’s part of the movie’s texture of cocky oneupmanship. Zoë Saldana’s incredible Uhura, who’s in the middle of a lovers’ quarrel with Spock; John Cho as the so-stoic-he’scool Sulu; Simon Pegg’s frantically funny and resourceful Scotty. They all confront a villain who has been brilliantly the audience, off guard. This movie is perfect for both the casual movie goer, and the die hard Trekkie
Long story short...
Spanaway Lake High School is home to very creative and artistic students. Many students express it through music, and the award winning choir and band here at Spanaway Lake are only the half of it. Many students have outside bands and music groups. One of them is comprised of four seniors whose music roots all go way back to Cedercrest Junior High. Lexington High has been around since 2008, but as Zachery Bartlett puts it, “We didnt get serious until around sophomore year.” Michael Vargas and Brycen Meredith make up the backbone and rythm of the band on Bass and drums while Samuel Martinez and Zachery Bartlett are both on guitar. Vocals are covered by Martinez and Vargas. Ever since sophomore year the for can be found two or three times a week in Martinez’s garage after school and on the weekends. “We have a pretty loose practice schedule and usualy end up making plans to play the day of,” said Martinez. Since then they have played several shows around Puget Sound, like The Red Room, The Swiss in Tacoma, and recently The Live Room in Sumner. Their fan base is full of many students at Spanaway lake. “I enjoy watching them play live, and they seem to really enjoy what they are
doing. When they are on stage, they seem to be having a great time. You do not see that with a lot of artists these days,” said senior Ashley Leise. The band’s style has been compared to bands like The Strokes or Nirvana, an idie punk rock kind of sound. Not too hard but not too soft. One of the managers at a gig said they played with a “new, chill sound.” The band seems to keep getting bigger and bigger, each show bringing in more possible fans with larger crowds. The band has been trying to record some of thier music and can be found on a website called Reverbnation with two or three songs. Lexington High currently has around 12 songs they have written and are trying to record more to one day give out to friends and music groups. As far as bands go at Spanaway Lake High School, Lexington High is just the start. Bands like Static, Insuburban Avenue, The Fallen Traitors, and many more are all jamming out on afternoons and playing gigs around the puget sound. If you are a student reading this, know that about 25 years ago a certain someone went to your school. SLHS is known for students who have rocked in the past. Alice In Chians lead guitarist Jerry Cantrell walked the very halls you walk every day. who knows what one of our peers will become, or what stage they will be playing on.
ON STAGE: Spanaway Lake High School rock band, Lexington high, playing a show at Louie G’s in Fife.
“Arsenic and Old Lace” BY AMBER SHIFFLETT A 1944 classic comedy, Arsenic and Old Lace played by our very own Drama Club. “I feel like the actors did an amazing job in Arsenic and Old Lace,” said stage Manager, freshman Christian Smith. Seniors Jacob Loomis and Cassidy Steele play the lead roles Mortimer Brewster and Elaine Harper. The two lovebirds were set to get married. Yet unexpectedly, Mortimer discovers a body in the window seat. He Martha murdered not only one man, but 11 others as well! This play showed all the hilarious events that took place for Mortimer and his family. Not only is this play out standing, the students that were chosen for the characters was perfectly matched. The students showed their emotions through the characters. I give this play 4.5 out of 5 stars. I recommend going to the future plays at
Spanaway Lake, they are for all ages. The jokes in the script may be old timer and corny, but it can all make us laugh and smile. Anyone who missed out on the play does not know what they are missing out on. The students were loud and spoke very clearly, showed strong emotions to go along with their characters, and did not show any signs of being nervous or scared during the play. Another thing I enjoyed was Teddy Brewster, Mortimer’s brother (played by Loomis), showed his enthusiasm by playing Teddy’s crazy self excellently. “It was good, I liked the storyline and how the characters sticked to their parts the entire show,” said Freshmen Victoria Wheeler. Hopefully next year our Drama Club will have more members and more plays set up for us to be able to go and enjoy! It is a fun after school experience for all students at SLHS and their families. Thank you to our Drama Club for having this wonderful show.
CAST AND CREW Senior - Cassidy Steele Senior - Morgan LeBlanc Senior - Jacob Loomis Freshmen - Victoria Wheeler Senior - Kyle Garrett Freshmen - Tatiyana Mixon Senior - Hannah Coe Sophomore - Emanuel Tello Junior - Treyon Riche Freshmen - Alexis Holloman Senior - Danyel Roberts Freshmen - Alandra Creelman Freshmen - Chris Smith
8
Sports
JUNE 2013
ON GUARD my.hsj.org/slhs
Senior athletes take SLHS track to state their skills to college BY RICKY SMITH rsmithonguard@gmail.com
BY BRANDI TUCKER btuckeronguard@gmail.com
team at Spanaway Lake High School. Eight students made it to the 4A Track and Field Championships at Mount Tahoma High School. Junior, Quiana
“It feels good to know that I am a college bound athlete. I have never played a game in college. It is probably a higher level of competition. I have been playing my whole life. My IQ for the game has gotten way stronger since I started. Your dream is as big as your ethic.”
PHOTO BY CHARLY WHITMAN
Myles Springer Tacoma Community College
“I started playing basketball when I was 9. I wanted to play because my brother played. I motivated myself to play hard; I wanted to be the best and I knew that I had to strive for it. I know that I worked hard throughout my high school career because I broke records with my scoring and rebounding. In college, my main goal is to be bigger and better, to be the best I can be.”
PHOTO BY CHARLY WHITMAN
Braxton Tucker Unannounced
championships in the events of shot put and discus. “It has been a pleasure working with Tiki this year. She is very talented. Beyond being talented, she is a wonderful person. Her kind and friendly personality makes her fun to be around,” said Angela Remington, throwing coach at SLHS. “I was most impressed by her sportsmanship. She is always encouraging to others by cheering for and congratulating others success. She is rare, very classy individual.” Lawrence received fourth in shot put at state with a throw of 39 feet and 9 inches. with a throw of 81 feet. Her best throw of the season for shot put was 39.11’4 and 126ft. 6in. Karl Hoseth was the girls head coach and girls sprinting coach at Spanaway Lake. He is extremely proud of the runners performance at state. “It was the best year for girls sprints in SLHS history. I’m really proud of the improvement the sprinters and relay teams made over the year,” said Hoseth. “We have never had 5 school records broken in one season since I have been coaching, and many athletes crack the top 3 All-Time.” Junior, Arlicia Ortiz went to state for the 100-meter dash with a time of 12.49
along with 4 x 1 teammates seniors Sheila Piper, Nneka Nnadi, Kendra Williams, and sophomore, Linzie Stovall. “My goal was to get to state, which I didn’t expect to, and it was one of the greatest moments of my life. Indoor track starts soon and I intend on training to make top three next year,” said Ortiz. Ortiz is the school record holder for the 100-meter dash with a time of 12.20 along with her teammates who also hold the schools girls 4 x 1 record with a time of 49.17. “Going to state was an amazing opportunity, and I am so happy that I got to experience it,” said Piper. “My goal is to continue running track in college. Nothing beats the feeling of winning!” Jordan Faughtenberry is the schools record holder for pole vault with a vault of 13 feet. As just a sophomore, he has two more years to improve on his record holding vault. “This track season was very exciting. To be a sophomore and break the school record is amazing. I was so hyped to go to state; especially with there only being one other sophomore there,” said Faughtenberry. “I cannot wait until next years season. My goal is to vault 16’6 at state to win it.” Lastly, Ricky Smith made it to state for triple jump and received twelfth place with a jump of 41 feet and 4 inches. Smith’s best mark of the season was 43 feet and 9.5 inches. “Very hard worker, intense competitor, easy to coach, listens good, and works hard at improving his skills,” said Whit Baker, head coach and jumping coach of Smith’s work ethic.
1 college athlete’ and that I have achieved my goals and dreams. I am blessed and thankful.”
GIRLS RUN THE WORLD: This years track team had a great turn out and they accomplished a lot this season. Eight of this years track participants got the opportunity to compete at the state level. They worked their hardest to make thier school and team proud. PHOTO BY CHARLY WHITMAN
“It feels great to know that I am a college bound athlete! Honestly, I have been looking forward to this day since I began playing ball. It is a great feeling to know that I am an athlete playing at the collegiate level. It is a high level of basketball that I cannot wait to be apart of. I
PHOTO BY BRADLEY DEAN
Nneka Nnadi University of Great Falls, Montana
“I started playing in 5th grade and I started to make my dad proud of me and to prove to him I could do it and to hang out with friends. It has always been my dream to play; growing up I always watched college football on television and said that I want to be just like those guys. I feel like there is a lot of pressure on me from my family and friends and I feel like I love to push myself harder to be ready for college.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE FOOTBALL TEAM
Ryan Towe Central Washington University
Lacrosse plays like a team
BY VANESSA VALDOBLINOS vvaldoblinosonguard@gmail.com “Our team worked very hard together but we had never been in sync that much, even if had only won a game we put all our effort together. We practiced hard to improve our scores,” said freshman Delynnia Woitt. Lacrosse had not been on it’s best game but practiced hard and in any weather so they get all the practice they needed. The girls worked on their weaknesses. Once in a while they divided into teams and practiced different positions just to learn new skills. Their manager, senior Brandon Vo, was there helping the girls during their practices. “I liked helping the team, lacrosse is my favorite sport. And I had been manager for two years so I already knew the coaches. The girls sometimes did not get along but during a game they ended up putting things aside and played like a team,” said Vo. As manager, he took the scores at the end of the game and helped the coaches during them. The girls that had been on the team the longest gave the other members advice and talked about how the team worked last year. And what they did to improve. “Not many of the other girls had been playing that long, most had barely joined are even started playing. We seemed to be a little behind from the other schools. But our scores had
improved we were actually scoring. Which I think was a great improvement,” said junior Rashaunda James. Most of the girls that played this year were not seniors and were improving for next year. The girls were supportive during each game to get positive energy during a game. After each practice after a game they would talk about what they could improve on and give each other tips. was fun,” said freshman Erin Garner. “The team is just full of different types of people it is sometimes something I looked forward for all day.” Sometimes the girls had far games and they had to be on a bus together for hours traveling to games. “I liked the long rides to games, the bus rides were like bonding time. I really am going to miss it next year,” said freshman Astrid Cedeno-Pinto. The girls as a team over came many things together. Got through problems, with the help of their manger and coaches. The team ended strong this year even with only one win. They tried there best and still did a great job. They all improved throughout the season and the girls who are returning next year are excited to do better with the things they learned this year. The coaches are ready to train the girls more and focus more on the weaknesses. To start off next year the coaches are hoping to have more practices and plan on having the girls improve their scores.