On Guard
Spanaway Lake High School • 1306 168th Street East • Spanaway WA 98387 • Volume 30 • Issue 1 • October 2010
There’s no place like home An open forum for student expression since 1982
Op/Ed PAGE TWO • SPANAWAY LAKE HIGH SCHOOL • ISSUE ONE • OCTOBER 2010 • THE SENTINEL ON GUARD
Head Maestro King’s message of ‘Being Nice’ rejuvinates Sentinels BY SUNSHINE SORTONIS/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ssorntonis@journalist.com
As our class was called down to an assembly, my friends and I lazily took ourselves inside of the gym and had a seat. Standing near the teachers was obviously the man who was going to speak. As Ms. Ledbetter introduced him as a speaker that would give a lovely address towards the student body that would hopefully have an effect upon us later in life, I observed him longingly and tried to predict what he was to say before he could say it. From his stature, one could easily tell that he was a confident man who knew how to carry himself around a crowd. He looked healthy, too. “Could he be a cancer survivor?” I thought to myself. His name was Stu Cabe. He did not have cancer, and his jokes were incredibly corny. Yet somehow, he got through to the young men and women in the audience. Stu’s point did not come across to me until the middle of his speech when he told us the story of his daughter and the demise of her love for her “princess” crown that she adored so much. She came home one day, and told her Dad “crowns are for babies.” Stu’s daughter only mimicked what an older girl had told her earlier that day before school. He explained to us that the older girl who chose to make that smart remark probably forgot about it the next day, yet his daughter will never forget that moment in her life. I can sympathize with Stu’s daughter. At first, I thought I could sympathize with her for I have been in situations where someone hurt my feelings who tears people down as a hobby. Yet I came later to realize that I have been on both sides of the fence. I was Stu’s daughter long ago, but I have also been his daughter’s bully. What makes it so hard for anyone in high school to be nice? What really occurs in everyday life that makes some of us become so defensive and rude? I know that I have said rude things before without even realizing it because I got myself caught up in the humor where we need to make fun of people in order to laugh. I never thought I would be the girl who went from one side of the fence, only to jump to the other. Most girls, though, will agree that they, too, have been on both sides of the fence. There has been a time where a girl has been put in both situations, and it is hard to confront once you do realize that you are that girl. I have Stu to thank now and quite a few apologies to make to people. He was right. There was no way of knowing that the prissy girl’s --the one with the ugly extensions -- mom is dead. We never know what anyone is going through, so why are we not nice enough? I will be nice enough. Tonight, I am going to be able to sleep on my pillow without worry.
OPINION/EDITORIAL
Boundary change turns Braves into Sentinels BY NAASS’ON SALMON/REPORTER nsalmon@journalist.com
When you walk down the halls, would you ever wonder who came from different schools? Lots of kids from Bethel have transferred to our new school this year. Adrian Naputi is a junior at Spanaway Lake High School (SLHS) who attended Bethel High School last school year. His first impression of the school was it was really big, but at the same time, he said it was way too large. He also stated that it was pretty boring, but that school always is. Another transfer from Bethel was Breeana Hernandez. She said that she gets along with a lot of people here like Alana Oyama and Marlla Lam. “I like it better here a lot more than Bethel because [there are] less issues, and it’s a better environment.”
On Guard SPANAWAY LAKE HIGH SCHOOL 1305 168TH STREET EAST SPANAWAY, WA 98387 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF............. SUNSHINE SORTONIS EDITORIAL BOARD................... JESSICA APONTE .................................................. COURTNEY BERNETT .......................................................... ASHLEY BROOKS ..................................................... SYDNEY BUTTOLPH ........................................................ JACOB CHARLSON ............................................................ ANNA KESSNER ............................................................ CHRIS LINDSEY PHOTO EDITORS........................ JESSICA APONTE COPY EDITOR............................... SISSY BORGATTI ....................................................... JACOB CHARLSON BUSINESS MANAGER.... GABRIELLA WORKMAN REPORTERS......................... HANNAH BANGHART ........................................................... KYLIE BERTSCH ............................................................ HOPIE BOLTON ....................................................... SARAH BRAUNEIS .......................................................... MARIAH CELIRA ................................................................... DAVID CHO .................................................. SAVINA FERNANDEZ .................................................. SAMANTHA FRYMIRE .................................................. JOSH HENDRICKSON .......................................................... JUSTIN HOOVER ............................................................... KEISHA LAND ...............................................,....... TOMMY MCHENLY .................................................... BRANDON MULLINS .............................................................. JACOB NATION ............................................................ LYNNA NGUYEN ............................................................ DINOSKA ORTIZ .................................................... RACHAEL RAHNERT ................................................................ NADIA REYES ...................................................... NAASS’ON SALMON .................................................. SAMANTHA SKINNER ................................................................. EZARA THILL ..................................................... GABBY THOMPKINS ADVISER........................................... TODD KEISTER
That is one thing Sentinels definitely try to do is to welcome all students to SLHS. When asked how they would react if, after attending the same schools with the same people since elementary school, they were told that because of the boundary changes, they had to go to Graham-Kapowsin High School (GK), seniors Amber Veldman and Jacky Graham both summed it up about the same. Veldman replied, “I would feel upset because I’m a senior, and it would cause me to go somewhere totally new without anyone I know and have to basically start over new on my last year of high school.” Graham stated that she would be sad ‘out of her mind.’ “I mean, it is easy to make friends
but still, leaving everyone you have been with for over twelve years is crazy!” Boundary changes, causing students to switch schools, poses another problem. Would that student involve themselves in the school through sports or clubs? Veldman wasn’t sure, stating, “It would depend on how accepting I felt the team was. and if I felt like I could fit in with the new people.” Graham simply stated that she would still join soccer and lacrosse, regardless of knowing anyone on the team. Regardless of the boundary changes, any person who comes to Spanaway Lake should feel lucky to be called a Sentinel.
PRINTING INFORMATION The On Guard is printed seven times a year by the Chronicle Printing Division in Centralia, WA.
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.
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.
GOT OPINONS? SEND LETTERS TO: ROOM 215 OR EMAIL US AT TKEISTER@BETHELSD.ORG
Op/Ed THE SENTINEL ON GUARD • SPANAWAY LAKE HIGH SCHOOL • ISSUE ONE • OCTOBER 2010 • PAGE THREE
Welcome back soldiers and thanks for your service BY DINOSKA ORTIZ/REPORTER dortiz@journalist.com
I have personally experienced having a parent in the military that has been deployed, knowing the dangers that are overseas and the changes in the household left behind. It is a hard time for anyone. Take some time and place yourself in the shoes of a military brat. Annette Reyes, sophomore at Spanaway Lake High School, has experienced behavior changes. Through her eyes, so did her siblings. Her father, Talgin Lee Cannon, was deployed to Camp Liberty, Iraq from August 19, 2009, to August 29, 2010. His job was to assist with the reconstruction effort in Iraq. “Basically, we built schools, handed out humanitarian assistance, built bridges, provided medical supplies and equipment, as well as provided expertise and equipment for the Iraqi agriculture effort,” said Cannon.
When Reyes and her family found out that her father was going to be deployed to war, they were supportive and prepared for the next twelve months without him. “I just maintained a positive attitude and worked hard with my fellow service members in all the reconstruction projects we worked on in order to protect the Iraqi civilians,” stated Cannon. Back home, Reyes and her family tried to restore order in their house by keeping their minds busy and letting the time fly by. “I just tried to keep my head up high,” said Reyes, “and by doing so I joined soccer and did my best to help my mother out.” Though she tried to keep a positive attitude, Reyes knew she was not the only one affected by her father’s absence. Her three younger siblings were changing just before her very
eyes. “After he was gone, my siblings were very sad. They changed -- I saw my siblings were listening and paying more attention.” In all efforts to protect our country, we as children or even young adults are forced to see the bad and even good in the workings of war. Some good that Reyes recalls in her yearlong experience without her father was that she was able to talk to him whenever he had the chance. Cannon would use Instant Messenger or through phone. He would also use a webcam to see his family. “This was great during Christmas and birthdays since I could see my family opening their presents,” Cannon said. A soldier coming home is always something to celebrate. Annette and her family waited in the gym in Fort Lewis, Washington for her father to march in.
“My family came running up to me and we hugged a lot,” recalls Cannon. When he returned to his home in Spanaway, he saw an incredible sight. His family made huge banners. One said “WELCOME HOME SOLDIER” with the nicknames they called him such as “T,” “Daddy,” “Sir” and “Paps.” They also made a banner for his Brigade. Cannon has a family that is so proud of him and loves him. With the past year going by, Reyes has grown tremendously, as have her siblings. “I noticed all my kids are taller. Also, all of them have matured immensely when I was gone. Speaking more articulately and more knowledgeable on what is going on in the world. I still do not understand how they can text so fast,” said Cannon, with a sly smirk. Being a military brat comes with a price, but in the end the gift of family makes up for all the hardships. Cannon exclaims, “I am extremely proud of my family.”
BY JOSH HENDRICKSON/REPORTER jhendrickson@journalist.com
With the year ending and a new school being built, students were assigned to Liberty Junior High for the 2009-2010 school year. Feelings of the move showed unappreciative students with scarce good comments. Liberty was a brand new school that no one knew and we were asked to accomplish one task: to treat liberty like our home. The only problem was that it did not feel much like home and it really showed at the end of the last school year. Although the student body did uphold the expectations to make a difference by not vandalizing the school grounds -- for a while, at least -- it was inevitable that at some point things would change. The smallest of these problems that the students made to the new school was the writing on the walls of the building. This issue was easily fixed due to the accessibility to erase or paint over graffiti. Around second semester, problems
really started adding up. Writing started to appear on desks, gum under tables and chairs began to break. Although not horribly problematic, these issues were much harder to fix and replace than the minuscule writing on the walls. The biggest problem of all in Liberty was the floors. In the main lobby, the floor was laminated linoleum. Students had somehow managed to tear up pieces of the floor that had been secure in the beginning of the year. The fact that the floor was perfect at the start of the year shows that people had to make an effort to damage the floor. All of this shows that the students really did not care what happened to the place we were told to call home. Although the student body did not show much of an effort, I just hope that they will treat Spanaway Lake more like a home than just another school to trash.
PHOTO COURTESY OF STAFF
Dear Liberty: We’re sorry. Will you forgive us?
TEMPORARY HOME: A sign hangs over the front door at Liberty Junior High during the ‘09’10 school year. Spanaway Lake was housed at Liberty while the current building was remodeled.
OPINION/EDITORIAL
Op/Ed PAGE FOUR • SPANAWAY LAKE HIGH SCHOOL • ISSUE ONE • OCTOBER 2010 • THE SENTINEL ON GUARD
HOMECOMING: Dangers of Sexting Friends?
Dates?
BY SARAH BRUNIES/REPORTER sbraunies@journalist.com
BY SAMANTHA FRYMIRE sfrymire@journalist.com
The Homecoming Dance, a simple fall dance, which creates some not so simple decisions and choices having to be made. These choices are ranging from what color dress, where to eat and how to arrive to the dance? So the question to ask is have a date or no date? Though it is the more traditional choice, there can be pressure to go out somewhere fancy and spend a lot of money on a dinner, corsauge or dress. When interviewing senior Alexis Udstuen, she made it clear to me that you do not need to spend a bundle of money on this special night to make it memorable. “I prepared the day of, I borrowed a dress, shoes and just curled my hair, all of that was free. Nothing to fancy, but I’ll sure remember that night.” Udstuen describes her night in one word, “Amazing.” When going with a date there’s also the pressure that you will have to stay by their side throughout the night and for them to stay by yours. Going with your friend’s means that you can all show up together and then split up to do your own thing with no hard feelings of someone being left behind at the punch bowl. This night is all about you having fun and enjoying yourself, going with your friends ensures this. Though many will be going with dates to the dance, a lot of this going with a date excitement is just hype. Some claim that they will not go to the dance unless they have a date, but why? During the night everyone will end up out on the dance floor together, with or with out a date. If you don’t go just because you’re lacking a date, you’re only going to miss out on a fun night. So ladies go with your girls, and guys go with your boys. The Homecoming Dance will be a night you will not soon forget.
Most people feel that going with a date is better because they can spend time with someone special to them. However, some people also feel that going with friends is less drama and fewer things you have to worry about. Senior Marqui Makupson is taking Graham-Kawpowisn senior Amanda Spackman. Makupson says, “We are going to Olive Garden or The Rock pizza place. I would rather go with a date because you can hang out with friends anytime, but this is a special night. It means a lot more to [have] a date than just to be with friends. I will ask her on our three-month anniversary with a big poster in front of a lot of people at her school [as] a surprise.” Senior Drakkar Sweet says, “My date for homecoming is senior Keanna Harai. I do not know where we are going for dinner yet but it will be a good place. I would rather go with a date because it gives you alone time to get to know someone better and spend time with that ‘special’ someone. You can see your friends anytime. I plan on asking Keanna by setting up a scavenger hunt while she’s at work and having a poster and roses at her door when she reaches the end of the hunt.” The Majority of people think having a date is better, while the others would rather go with friends. “It is just less stress,” says junior Kendall Olson. What is your opinion? Going with a date and spending that quality time together? Or going with friends Maybe going with friends is less stressful because the boys do not have to worry about asking someone as a date, and if they are going to say yes or no. In my personal opinion, if you are in relationship you should go with your significant other as a date, if not, enjoy the time you have with your friends.
OPINION/EDITORIAL
BY SAMANTHA FRYMIRE/ REPORTER sfrymire@journalist.com ASHLEY BROOKS/ NEWS EDIDTOR abrooks@journalist.com
As if high school was not hard enough, sexting -- a new controversial topic among adults, teens, tweens and young children alike -- has become a rampant new craze that is sweeping through schools and communities. Sexting is defined as having a sexually explicit conversation via Internet chat, cell phone text messaging or picture messaging. A shocking poll -- involving both males and females between the ages of 12-25, done in 2009, shows that the sexting is becoming more common in the American population to date. Twenty percent of teenage girls, along with eighteen percent of teenage boys admitted to having either sent or posted nude or semi-nude photos of themselves. More shockingly, thirty-seven percent of teenage age girls and forty percent of teenage age boys admitted to sending or posting sexually suggestive messages. When the participants in the poll were asked why they had participated in sexting, most replied saying it was because they wanted to be flirtatious or because they felt pressured. Others think that sexting is the only way to get people to like them. Students around Spanaway Lake have their own opinions. One senior stated, “I think sexting or sending pictures is a bad idea. Most girls do it for attention,
but they do not realize the risk they are taking. The majority of guys, and sometimes girls, use pictures they have received like Pokemon cards; they share them with each other and sometimes send them to everyone else. I believe that people who sext have no respect for themselves.” Another senior said, “I would say sexting is okay if you are in a relationship with that person and share that special love. It is exciting with that significant other.” Pictures that you believe are private can easily become not so private. People can always forward messages to one another. Just as you would not want your parents to see something like that, your potential job employer could see them. If you are sexting, think about the consequences. Just last year, three female students in Pittsburgh were charge with manufacturing, distributing, and possessing child pornography. The boys who received the photographs of the girls were charged. Now all the students are registered sex offenders, the girls until their 41st birthday and the boys until their 43rd. People who become regestured sex offenders live with it forever. How would your parents feel? Would you want your future kids, in-laws or friends to see the things you have sent to people? Remember: In high school, nothing stays a secret very long. In other words don’t do anything that could hurt your reputation.
“I’m going with a friend, I think I’ll have more fun with a friend because with a date, you are more tied down, and with a friend you can just be you.”
Christina Park Sophomore
Izona Robinson Senior
“I’m going with a friend who is also my date, so I think I’m going to have the same amount of fun no matter what I did.”
Jamera Jones Junior
“It would be fun to go with a date and hang out with my friends at the same time, and not just secluding myself to one person.”
Op/Ed THE SENTINEL ON GUARD • SPANAWAY LAKE HIGH SCHOOL • ISSUE ONE • OCTOBER 2010 • PAGE FIVE
BY ASHLEY BROOKS abrooks@journalist.com HANNAH BANGHART hbanghart@journalist.com
It’s all around us, this pressure to be skinny, to be something you’re not. Eating disorders are dangerous, and they only add to a person’s stress level. According to research done by the Eating Disorders Coalition (EDC), it has been estimated that between 3.6% and 12.9% of the American population as a whole suffer from an eating disorder at some time in their lives. The most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, and bulimic nervosa. Anorexia is an eating disorder characterized by the refusal to maintain a healthy body weight. Anorexics have an obsessive fear of gaining weight due to a distorted image they have of themselves. The body weight they see themselves at is normally different from the reality of their body weight. This image causes the person to think badly of their body, and affects how they react to everyday things such as eating and exercising. Anorexia is a serious mental illness that causes negative repercussions to the victim’s physical health and wellbeing. Bulimia is also like anorexia in that it causes the person to have negative reactions to eating and exercising. The difference being instead of refusing to eat or eating very little, bulimics will
often binge then regurgitate their food, before it is fully digested. This action is commonly known as purging. Millions of girls and thousands of boys are diagnosed with one of, or sometimes, both disorders. Most of the females who have experienced the disorder say it was because of pressure to be thin. Mandy Spain a junior at Spanaway Lake High School is a veteran of both bulimia and anorexia. “I use to think girls who did that were pathetic,” said Spain. “I just couldn’t understand it. Trying so hard to mold themselves into what they thought society wanted, but then the summer before my freshman year, I suddenly started getting down on myself. I would look in the mirror and think, ‘Oh, my god. Why am I so fat?’ I would say things like, ‘I’m obese; I have thunder thighs, kankles and arm flab.’ I was only a size 4 at the time. I was desperate to be like the girls in magazines and on TV. Thin, beautiful, glamorous and popular. I wanted people to like me - I wanted boys to like me. I felt that the only way someone could like me is if I was a size double zero. I was eating close to nothing most days, and when I did let myself eat, I just threw it all back up. Every time I puked after eating, I got a rush, and I literally felt lighter, like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders.”
She shrugs, but sits up a little straighter, her smile still there but eyes more serious. “It’s not like I didn’t know that what I was doing was dangerous. I even thought about stopping a few times, but pretty soon it wasn’t just a way to lose weight it was an addiction. I think that’s the thing a lot of girls don’t understand -- this isn’t just some disease or mental illness, it’s an addiction that you can’t just stop. You’ll do anything to avoid food, and if you do eat some you’ll leave to go throw it up any way.” She looks down, “I’m getting help now. For any girl who reads this, you can’t fight this on your own. So reach out, get help, tell a friend. Even if you feel like you’re all alone, you’re not, I’m here, and I’d love to listen.” Spain is not alone in this battle against eating disorders. In the May 2008 issue, Self Magazine conducted a survey on eating disorders. The survey consisted of about 4000 women, ages eighteen to forty-five, from the United States. It shows that 65% of the women had an eating disorder while another 10% showed the signs BOTH SIDES OF THE FENCE: In the modern of eating disorder behaviors, such a society, it is no longer girls who are just self-conscious of binge eating, extreme calorie counting their bodies, but also boys. and over-exercising. This information be affected by an eating disorder. The concludes that nearly three out of best thing you can do for this person every four women in America have is to recognize the symptoms and get some form of an eating problem. them help immediately. This means someone close to you could
IMAGE CREATED BY JESSICA APONTE AND JACOB CHARLSON
Self-image: Dying to be thin
GPA or SAT: Which should I worry about more BY CHRIS LINDSEY clindsey@journalist.com
I have a 3.0 grade point average (GPA), so I must have an average SAT score as well, right? That kid a couple rows behind me who has a 2.5 GPA has to have a super low SAT score, too. That obviously what is meant to happen, or that is just what colleges think. For us seniors, we are swamped not only with schoolwork, but also with college and scholarship applications. Chances are at some point in our high school career some of us have messed
up, pretty much killing our GPA. When looking at scholarship and college admissions requirements, some will have a minimum GPA and SAT requirement. Take Pacific University, for example. PU is located just outside of Portland, Oregon. It is small school with less than 3000 students. For the Presidential Scholarship to PU, a student must have at least a 3.6 GPA and an SAT score of 1140 (math and reading). That is a $10,000 scholarship right there. Pretty much, what it is saying is that if you have a 3.6 GPA,
you must have more than an 1140 SAT score, like our GPA and SAT scores are programmed to balance with each other. What about someone like me? I got a combined reading and math SAT score of 1150, so I must have over a 3.6, right? Colleges and scholarship organizations do not seem to be really taking into account that we are human, and we mess up every occasionally. My sophomore year, I messed around and did not do my homework. I took my 3.4 GPA from my freshman year and
dropped it down to a 2.8 by the end of my sophomore year. I have worked my butt off, while still having fun, just to get my GPA up to a 3.0. All the while, I still feel like colleges will not even look at me, or think my scores were forged or something, just because my GPA is not up to par with what it should be. This is the time seniors. It is time to really shift it into high gear. Show those colleges that not all numbers correspond, and that we are all a little different, because we are smarter than we appear.
OPINION/EDITORIAL
Op/Ed THE SENTINEL ON GUARD • SPANAWAY LAKE HIGH SCHOOL • ISSUE ONE • OCTOBER 2010 • PAGE SEVEN
e s i t r ve d a ? o t d r t a n u G Wa n O e h t n i Contact the On Guard staff at 253.683.5750 or email questions to tkeister@bethelsd.org
Centurion Yearbook Don’t forget to purchase your 2010-2011 yearbook. Books are on sale in the ASB office. $45 with ASB $50 without ASB Purchase yours now before supplies run out
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NEWS
Features PAGE EIGHT • THE SENTINEL ON GUARD • SPANAWAY LAKE HIGH SCHOOL • 1306 168TH STREET EAST, SPANAWAY, WA 98378 • AN OPEN FORUM FOR STUDENT EXPRESSION SINCE 1982 • ISSUE ONE • OCTOBER 2010 • PAGE NINE
N EW STA F F S P OT L I G HT
Spanaway Lake’s New Staff 2010-2011
MR.THOMAS
SPECIAL ED.
SPECIAL ED.
I enjoy learning myself and making a difference in my students’ lives and to share my knowledge and skill in art.
MR. SODERBERG
MATH
CHEMISTRY
ART MS. CLAIRE
MS. ROLAND
MR. SALMON Subjects like math, English, History, World Studies, and flying interested me in teaching.
I grew up in a “family of teachers.” My parents were teachers and always placed a very high value on doing well in school. I thought I could help students decide to value school and getting a good education.
I enjoy learning and knowing that I am making a positive impact on the lives of others.
Positive attitude - “I can do this!” Come to class ready to learn and have fun everday.
I expect each student to be respectful of others, so that we can build a culture of learning where everyone feels free to share their ideas.
To try! Results are important but you can never get to the results if you do’t put forth any effort!
I expect each student Their absolute best to contribute to the effort! class by putting their best effort into every discussion and assignment.
What do you like most about Spanaway Lake High School and the community?
I enjoy the diversity and what each unique invidual brings to the class. I like the meeting the families.
Everyone is very helpful. People go out of their way to help each other. There truly is a sense of community.
All students and their families are treated with respect and valued by the staff at SLHS. The atmosphere here is very inclusive and positive.
The school is beautiful The great staff and and the staff has been student body. hospitable. I have been fortunate to get an awesome group of students who have contributed to a great beginning.
What is a motto that you’ve always believed in?
your “The secret to life “Work smarter, not “Do and always and happiness is harder!” forward!” giving back to others - we’re here for each other and making a difference.”
What do you expect from each student in your class?
WHO’S NEW at the SCHOOL
READING IN THE CLASSROOM: Jennifer Roland comprehends the story to the one of her students.
Every day is different. I’ve had jobs where you’ve had to perform the same task over and over, which gets very monotonous. Teaching is different because you get to constantly try new ideas.
What interested you in teaching?
“Teaching is the only major occupation of man for which we have not yet developed tools that make an average person capable of competence and performance. In teaching we rely on the “naturals,” the ones who somehow know how to teach.” ~Peter Drucker
best “Yesterday’s the “Do the best you can, move past, tomorrow’s the always! future, but today is the gift. That is why it is called the present.” - Bill Keane
MATH FEVER: Mike Thomas explains to his students the idea of multiplying exponents and fractions.
Every year, Spanaway Lake High School has the fortunate opportunity to welcome new staff as part of the Spanaway Lake family that has been brought together since 1981. This year, the high school is proud to welcome five new teachers that teach different subjects ranging from Chemistry, to Ceramics, and even Special Education. Among these new teachers are Paul Soderberg, Jan
Claire, Mike Thomas, Jennifer Roland, and Michael Salmon. The teachers were photographed while in their classes. Some teachers are very active while teaching and walk around. While others like to present themselves in front of the classroom and let the board do the talking. Here are some photos of Spanaway Lake’s very own new staff in action.
PRIDE IN HIS PROJECT: Senior James Sadler shapes his Ceramics project for Jan Claire.
“Teachers are expected to reach unattainable goals with inadequate tools. The miracle is that at times they accomplish this impossible task.” FINDING CHEMISTRY: Paul Soderberg shows Darnell Davis the Periodic Table of Elements in his planner.
GOOD VIBES: Michael Salmon jokes with his class about teaching.
~Haim G. Ginott
Features PAGE TEN • SPANAWAY LAKE HIGH SCHOOL • ISSUE ONE • OCTOBER 2010 • THE SENTINEL ON GUARD
What would you like to achieve for our school this year? How do you plan in using your position in achieving that goal? ASB OFFICERS
“I would like to achieve an increase in school spirit and plan a great Leadership Lock-In. I will do this by working extremely hard.”
“I would like to start a new leagcy at Spanaway Lake. I will do this by doing my best to raise student involvement and school spirit.”
Jacky Pagpaguitan, 12
Celina Graciano, 12
Vice President
President
“If it’s one thing I’d hope to achieve for our school this year, it would be to make it as fun and as memorable as possible for my fellow seniors, as well as leaving an impression on the underclassmen who hope to be in a leadership position someday. As senior class president, it’s my responsibility and duty to do everything I can to make all this possible.”
“This year, I plan to encompass the school with spirit. I want all surrounding schools and areas know that us Sentinels have an ovewhelming amount of pride for our school.” Fallon Stanley, 11
Secretary
“I would like to leave a mark to where I am remembered for something good and inspire people. I will be a good kid.” Dwight Santos, 12
President
Darren Langston, 12
Vice President
CLASS OFFICERS
“I would like to inspire people to be more spirited. I will do this by talking to people and being excited about school events when talking to them.” Sydney Patrick, 12
Treasurer
“I don’t plan to achieve much for SLHS. It’s such an amazing school already and there’s nothing I want to change about it. We have always had a strong sense of unity. I guess one goal that I would have for for the student body is to learn how to put our differences aside to grow in our unity. My leadership position is just that, a position. It doesn’t make me any better than other students; and I don’t believe that only I can achieve that goal. Our whole student body must continue to work together as one in order to achieve that Landry Desmond, 12 goal. I will have to start working toward this goal and must set an example for the Secretary/Treasurer rest of the student body.
On the Spot: BY ASHLEY BROOKS abrooks@journalist.com
Even though homecoming week is coming to an end, Leadership isn’t slowing down in the least. Sissy Borgatti said, “A lot of people think we stop working and just chill in our leadership class after homecoming week, but in reality we work just as hard to try and keep the Sentinel spirit flowing the rest of the year.” Chris Lindsey said “The atmosphere is ridiculously awesome! We all get along great, we are like a family. Of course there’s going to be little disputes here and there but we can solve them in no time.” Borgatti chirped “This year is going to be kablam-tastic!”
UNBEARABLE SPIRIT: Carl Hoseth’s 6th period Leadership class poses for the camera. ALL PHOTOS BY JACOB CHARLSON
FEATURES
A&E PAGE TWELVE • SPANAWAY LAKE HIGH SCHOOL • ISSUE ONE • OCTOBER 2010 • THE SENTINEL ON GUARD
Great food at Greek restaurant in Puyallup
Dog in the Night-Time good portrayal of autism
BY JESSICA APONTE/PHOTO EDITOR japonte@journalist.com
BY SYDNEY BUTTOLPH/FEATURES EDITOR sbuttolph@journalist.com
I was another girl’s night out together, and this time we decided to try a new place called “My Greek and Italian Restaurant.” The place had more of a modern feel to it. This was a nice change from all the other places we’ve been too. We were greeted by a hostess right away and seated. Skimming threw the menu the food looked great and sounded delightful. After a unanimous decision I went for the classic gyro meal. The meal was prepared the “old fashion way,” how it would be back in Greece. It’s a rotisserie roasted lamb or beef, your choice, thinly sliced inside a pita bread topped with tzaziki sauce, red onions, sliced tomatoes and two sprigs of parsley to top it off. I would have to say the meal was very authentic and full of flavor. And I’d have to say the best part of it all was knowing that most of my food was homemade and not just some preheated food. I’d consider going back there due to the fact that it had a delightful atmosphere and the service was just as great as the food.
Walking through the library, the novel’s title caught my attention. After reading a brief description on the back, I immediately checked it out and had it read twice over in less than a week. Written by Mark Hodden, the novel competely encompasses the inner workings of the autistic mind. 15-year-old Christopher Boone has both Asperbergers, Autism, and savant syndrome (meaning a person is exceptionally brilliant at one subject, and completely incapable of another). Told completely from Christopher’s perspective, the story is raw and heartwrenching. Based in Britain, the protaganist lives in a single parent environment with his father who is prone to temper tantrums. Christopher, a child who won’t eat his food if it touches other food on his plate, won’t talk to anyone if he sees too many brown cars on his way to school. Christopher, who also has a strict routine that can’t be disrupted, proves himself
difficult to raise, and unintentionally creates more problems than he solves. After his neighbors’ dog Wellington is found dead, Christopher, a self- declared detective, sets out to find the murderer. This sets off a chain of events that make this story dramatic, thrilling, fufilling, and saddening at the same time. Be peprared to shed a tear of both sympathy and happiness, because this story is a rollercoaster of emotion.
Gaga wows crowd at August Tacoma Dome Concert
PHOTO COURTESY OF HOLLYE KEISTER
BY JACOB CHARLSON/PHOTO EDITOR jcharlson@journalist.com
“Tonight we are the cool kids because I have locked all the doors and the freaks are out there!” exlaimed Lady Gaga at her concert in Tacoma, WA. This August, the artist known as Lady Gaga made a stop at the Tacoma Dome in Tacoma, Washington as a part of her 2010 Monster Ball Tour. My best friend Simone Triche, senior, and I got a chance to see the Queen of Glitter in concert. Waiting in a long line underneath the hot August sun was well worth it! Gaga’s concert started with lights out, and people screaming, waiting for their idol to emerge from the back of the stage. Instead, Gaga appeared on a screen as a shadow with a light behind her. As the fans caught site of her, the noise in the Tacoma Dome tripled in a matter of seconds. Gaga’s set list included songs from the hit album ‘The Fame Monster,’ as well as a little preview to her new album, ‘Made Like This.’ As she strutted her stuff across the stage, the people in the dome strutted their dance moves all over the floor. Speaking from experience, Gaga’s live performance at her concert caused me to get my boogie on! I believe that Lady Gaga’s concert tour will go down in history as MONSTER: Lady Gaga’s August Monster Ball Tour was filled with elaborate set changes, spectacular costumes and one of the craziest and best concert tours of all time. This is a concert amazing songs. Fans alike packed the Tacoma Dome in August to worship their “Mother Gaga.” I will never forget, and is a definite 5 stars!
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Sports PAGE FOURTEEN • SPANAWAY LAKE HIGH SCHOOL • ISSUE ONE • OCTOBER 2010 • THE SENTINEL ON GUARD
Girls golf ends a three year losing streak Now that the girl’s regular golf season is coming to an end, it is time to reflect on the closing season. One accomplishment stands out above the others. September 9th, 2010, will be a day they remember. On this day, the girl’s golf team defeated the Graham Kapowsin Eagles (43-40) at Tan Wax Greens. This is the first time that they have defeated GK. The medalist for this match was Haley Hendrickson (GK). She shot a 47, which is eleven over par. This win ended their three year losing streak and proved to them that with confidence, they can win. The moment the team found out they won, junior, Rheza Barbante said, “It feels amazing to know that we were the team that accomplished this. Nobody expected us to win, but we proved them wrong. When we broke the losing streak, everybody was jumping up and down.” Many of you probably do not understand how the golf scoring system works. If you have guessed the average number of strokes from each team, you are wrong. The scoring system is very simple if you play golf. If a player gets two over par (double bogey) for a
hole, the golfer will get one point. Two points for a bogey; three points for a par, and four points for a birdie (one under par). However, the point system is different with the boy’s golf team. A bogey is worth one point; a par is two points, and a birdie is worth three points. When the girl’s are done with their nine hole match, the coaches will calculate the total number of points hole by hole for every individual. The team with the highest number of points will win the match. The medalist is the player that scores the highest amount of points, or least number of strokes, out of both teams. This win was not the only win of the regular season. They also defeated Bethel at Lake Spanaway Golf Course (33-26) on September 16th. The medalist of this match was Rheza Barbante (SL). She shot a 53, which is 17 over par. But, with one more week left of the season, senior, Dallas Moore said, “I can visualize our team winning at least one more match. All of the girls are improving and we score more points every match.” Her statement was correct. On October 5th, the Sentinels defeated Bethel (4535) at The Classic Golf Course. Jenifer Layritz (SL) was the medalist. She shot
a 54, which is 17 over par. This win brought their number of wins to three, one more than the boy’s golf team. When the girls do not have matches, the team hits range balls, chip, or putt at their home course; Lake Spanaway Golf Course. The girls do not play on the course like they used to. In a way, this could have helped them mentally prepare for the competition. However, the girls would rather play on the course than have a range practice. Barbante said, “We used to play every Monday and Wednesday. Now we rarely go out on the course because we are sharing the course with other schools.” With range practice, Coach James Pitingoro can coach his team and fix any problems the girls might have. “The strengths on this team are that the girls have really improved on their drives. But, they need to focus more on their weakness – chipping;” said Pitingoro. Pitingoro is also impressed by this year’s performance. “The girls came in with a winning attitude and we were able to win a few matches. I also think that I will have a few girls make state this year.” The district/ state qualifier tournament takes place October 20th at Gold Mountain Golf Course, which
is near Bremerton. So, if you see any girls that are from the girl’s golf team congratulate and wish them luck.
The Spanaway Lake Cross Country team has reached a tremendous level of success this year in their season so far. On September 25, 2010, Spanaway Lake High School’s Cross Country team traveled to Portland, Oregon, for the 2010 Nike PRE Nationals. During this one-day competition, the team managed to bring home three medals for the top finishers. The Nike PRE Nationals does not mean what its name implies. The cross country race was actually named after Steve Prefontaine, a runner who once held the American 5000 meter race time record. Prefontaine, commonly known as “Pre” was from Coos Bay, Oregon. In high school cross country, athletes
compete in a rigorous five kilometer which is the equivalent to 3.1 miles. Most races involve obstacles and the PRE Nationals were no exception. The race involved a stretch of rolling hills, hay bales and sand. Jared Long, Zachary Bickford, and Teruhito Kondo were the three boys from Spanaway Lake (SL) who were able to grab the three medals. Many high schools competed in the Nike PRE Nationals, totaling nearly 110 teams. This means that approximately 3000 athletes attended. Among the senior boys from SL who competed in the events were Edward Pendon, Chris Lindsey, Dwight Santos, George Gay, and Lucas Davis. The senior girls from SL who competed consisted of Victoria
Albright, Jazmyn Carroll, Sarah Brauneis, Vanessa Thomas, Amber Veldman, Shirley Santiago and Ashley McKnight. Zachary Bickford’s time was 18:25, while Jared Long’s was 18:30.22. The only freshman on the team, hailing from Spanaway Junior High School, Teruhito Kondo, brought home a medal for being in the top forty in his race with a time of 19:10.10. Spanaway Lake is making a name for itself in cross country and as the season comes to an end this week, the team is ready to take on next year. They did a great job in facing other schools at the Nike Pre-Nationals. Coaches, parents, and teachers of the students are all proud of what they have achieved.
PHOTO BY JOSH HENDRICKSON
BY JUSTIN HOOVER/REPORTER jhoover@journalist.com
TEE OFF! Senior Dallas Moore hits the ball of the third tee at Lake Spanaway Golf Course at a match against Bethel.
SL cross country takes on the Nike PRE Nationals BY SUNSHINE SORTONIS/EDITOR-IN-CHEIF ssortonis@journalist.com
PHOTO BY TODD KEISTER
ZOOM! Senior runners Lucas Davis and Lindsay Hanes compete at Frontier Park.
SPORTS
THE GAME