PAGE 4&5
CHOIR RETREAT PAGE 3
CRAFT FAIR MAP
2012 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION
SEE INSERT
The Sentinel On Guard AN OPEN FORUM FOR STUDENT EXPRESSION SINCE 1982
My.HSJ.ORG/SLHS
VOLUME 32, ISSUE 2
NOVEMBER 2012
NEWS
One magical evening at SLHS My journey began on September 10th, when adviser Paula Misely held an interest meeting after school for any senior girls interested in trying out for Daffodil. I remember walking into her room and seeing almost a dozen and a half girls. With my soccer bag in hand, I timidly sat down and listened to Misley’s spiel about the requirements and obligations of the Daffodil princess. It seemed to be a long list, but I was up for the challenge. That was, until I saw the date Spanaway Lake’s princess selection was scheduled. I looked over at one of my fellow soccer players next to me, and she had the same look on her face. We both realized that we had a game for that night. Not just any game, but our last game, our last home game, also known as our senior night. With disappointment on our faces and a decision facing our mist, we left and rushed to practice. As soon as I told my coach my dilemma, he told me I had to choose. Soccer or Daffodil. I felt that if I did not choose to play with my team that night, I would be letting my coach down, but at the same time, if I did not choose Daffodil, I would be letting myself down. Ever since my sophomore year, I promised myself that I would enter the Daffodil Pageant. I knew that I would regret not doing it and I would miss out on a wonderful experience. Little did I know, choosing to do the pageant was the right decision. By the middle of October, everything judgment would be determined by our formal interviews with the judges. When Misley called us in the Monday before, I of the four girls. For one, I wanted to get it over with as soon as possible, and two, I dreaded the fact of missing more soccer than I already had to. I walked into the Career Center in my two and a half inch heels and sported a smile on my face. I got this, I thought to myself. Suddenly, I
in no time at all the interview was over. A week later, it was time for the dress rehearsal. At the same meeting that we established our interview times, we also established our escorts. I was lucky enough to get my very good friend Ryan Dix, whom knew that Ryan would keep me grounded and calm throughout the whole process,
Through it all he was an amazing coach. During the course of that day, I could not stop thinking about my speech, my answers, and how I was going to manage to walk in my three and a half inch heels. After school, my good friends Angela Albright and Laneesa Acfalle came over to my house and did my hair and makeup. I can wholeheartedly say that without them, I probably would not have won. They did such a phenomenal job and allowed me to be more
hear my heart beating from my chest. Somehow, as soon as I stepped in front of the microphone, all the nerves and anxiety from before just went away. I spoke with to keep that smile on my face that Ryan made me practice. I sat back down and only wished my impromptu question went as well as my speech, but unfortunately I stumbled a little. I shook it off, though; I was just relieved the worst part was behind me. It was over, and now we just had to wait to see who would come out on top. During intermission, the Music Company’s performance felt as if it went on for hours, but the moment of truth came. As we all walked back to our seats on stage and patiently listened to former Princess Jasmine Heindel’s speech, I could not help but wonder what was going through Sandra, Erica, and Brittany’s head. I am sure they were just as nervous as I was. As soon as we got the motion from Rosario Tatiano, one of the MC’s, then we all stood up and grabbed each other’s hand. “And the 2012-2013 Daffodil Princess my mouth in awe. I could feel the tears start to come as I choked out, “I would
PHOTO BY CHARLY WHITMAN
My palms were sweating, my heart was racing, but somehow, I found the strength to keep a steady breath. I was trying to avoid eye contact with the crowd, particularly with my mother. I just stared at the back of Jasmine Heindel’s head as she read the tiny little piece of paper.
realized I had little to worry about. The three judges were nice and polite, and I knew I could just be myself. I caught myself
AND THE WINNER IS: At this year’s SLHS Daffodil Pageant, Anna Kessner was crowned Daffodil Princess. on October 25. “Even though it was extremely nerve-wracking being up on stage, I wouldn’t trade how I felt that night for anything in the world,” said Kessner as she looks forward to her upcoming year.
and the night of dress rehearsal really proved my point. After we practiced walking in and announcing everything, Ryan stayed after with me to go over every possible impromptu question there was. He made me practice and practice until I had everything sounding perfect, and the entire time he made sure that I had a smile on my face. The next day in SST, the day of the pageant, he forced me to not only answer my questions, but recite my speech a couple of times as well.
Sandra Tiapula
Before I knew it, it was time to head to the school. My nerves were at an all-time high and I felt like I was going to be sick. The time had come for the pageant to start. When it was my turn walk towards the stage, I felt weak at the knees. Luckily, I had Ryan next to me making me laugh and carrying my weight. As soon as we set foot on stage, reality set in. Here we go. After the other contestants Brittany Brooks and Erica Cartwright presented their speeches, it was my turn. I could literally
Erica Cartwright
Brittany Brooks
ALL PHOTOS BY NICOLE CROSWHITE
BY ANNA KESSNER akessneronguard@gmail.com
“It seemed like a really good “The opportunity it offered “I wanted to do Daffodil opportunity to give back to and knowing I could better because I knew it would be people who have directly my community with activities a great experience and it would be a really fun way to step out of my comfort
From that minute on, a constant smile stuck on my face. The amount of hugs I got that night could honestly not be calculated. But I knew that I needed to sneak out of there as soon as I could. There was one place I desperately wanted to go. Art Crate Field. heard some of the parents shout from the My coaches and players on the bench saw me and attacked me with hugs and questions. My coach handed me a rose and a candy lay and hugged me. I think he and I both knew that I had made the right decision. I was so happy that not only did I get to go through this wonderful experience with Daffodil, but that I also got to share it with my soccer girls. Not only was I crowned Princess, I also got to share in my senior night. This experience taught me that in life you must make some tough decisions and but in the end everything will work out. I October 25, was a night I will never forget.
Op-Ed
NOVEMBER 2012
On Guard Spanaway Lake High School 1305 168th Street East Spanaway, WA 98387 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ..............................Nicole Croswhite EDITORIAL BOARD.................................. Bradley Dean ........................................................................ Anna Kessner .......................................................................... Ashley Leise ........................................................................ Sam Martinez ................................................................... Charly Whitman REPORTERS .............................................. Mollie Callies ....................................................................... Lani Camacho ............................................................... Jade Fotheringham .................................................................... Jacob Granlund ........................................................................ Kendra Green ............................................................................ Josh Haigh ....................................................................... Brianna Jones .......................................................... Mikela Leon-Guerrero ..................................................................... Leitara Mailoto ................................................................. Joerdan Mendiola ................................................................... Brycen Meredith .......................................................................... Mark Nation .................................................................. Turquoise Oreiro ........................................................................ Junilda Reyes ................................................................ Anthony Robinson ...................................................................... Nick Romanov ........................................................................... Ricky Smith ................................................................... Sydnee St. Marie ............................................................ Gabrielle Thompkins ....................................................................... Brandi Tucker .............................................................. Vanessa Valdobinos .......................................................................... Skylar Webb ..................................................................... Darrien Wicker 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,
THE ON GUARD | EDITORIALS
Dirty bathrooms stink up the school
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
What is your favorite type of candy? Fruity Sour Chocolate Gummy
in their lockers and some do not even properly throw away their feminine
BY CHARLY WHITMAN cwhitmanonguard@gmail.com
The boy’s bathroom has plenty of issues.
You all know that feeling; when you have to go to the bathroom so bad because you have been holding it until the end of the day. Most people try to avoid this moment at all costs, and they have good reason to. Many people, like myself, do not use the bathroom at school, because by the time you have to go, our very large student body has trashed the bathroom. You all know it happens, so how can we prevent this? Most of the issues I can cover pertain to the girl’s bathroom, because that is the one I use. Most girls look clean because they use perfume, wash their hair, and do their nails. We look like the cleanest things to inhabit the earth. WRONG. All of the girl’s bathrooms at our school
Fruity Sour Chocolate Gummy
clean up after they go, wash their hands, Cox.
3% 12% 34% 51%
*100 students are interviewed every issue for the Student Sound-Off.
POLL QUESTION FOR NEXT ISSUE
Obviously there are more issues than just little mistakes in the bathrooms, we have issues with just cleaning up after ourselves. The issues we have with the restrooms do not have anything to do with the staff in the school. The custodial staff cleans every evening and leaves the bathrooms spotless. Staff members use staff bathrooms. Students need to clean up after themselves. In order to deal with the issues in the bathrooms I have just a few simple tips. First, please throw everything away. Do not leave a mess. It does not matter if the custodial staff can get it later; make their day, if that. Next, a simple, kind rule, since we
have seen. The bathrooms at the fair are maintained better. “I have only been in the school Some bathrooms are worse than others. The bathroom by the Commons get and students entering the school. Those bathrooms have more mess and clutter than any other bathrooms in the school. Even the locker room has issues with cleanliness. “The girls locker room is just as bad Warren. “Girls leave their dirty clothes
What are you going to do over winter break? Visit http://my.hsj.org/shls and click on the article “Student Sound-Off” and submit your answer.
HEAD MAESTRO NICOLE CROSWHITE
A word from Alaska On September 20 at 1:49 p.m., I received a text that my life was about to change. My stepmother was in labor and I needed to get to the hospital fast. I arrived at the hospital and as I ran through the hallways ask where to go. When I asked where labor and delivery was, the hospital employee
waste have gone completely down the
PHOTO BY ASHLEY LEISE
opinion of the On Guard. The staff as a whole may 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,
Student Sound-Off
OPINION
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.
the staff.
my.hsj.org/slhs ON GUARD
PHOTO BY ASHLEY LEISE
2
for the person after you. They will greatly appreciate it. Lastly, this goes for all of you girls; please take care of your feminine products correctly. There are those little silver boxes for a reason. Feminine products do not belong in the toilet. A little courtesy goes a long way and this will help make Spanaway Lake a better place for all the germ freaks of the world.
Bring back Tolo BY VANESSA VALDOBINOS vvaldobinosonguard@gmail.com There he is on the corner of my eye. I walk up and ask him, “Will you go to the gone. Tolo is a school-sponsored dance which typically involves girls reversing roles and asking boys to a dance. The name ‘tolo’ is has been rumored to be a Chinook word Some people think Tolo is wrong. A girl should not ask a boy to a dance. People feel that it is a boys job to ask the girl to the dance. Others believe it will show empowerment for high school girls. Brian Mudd, a freshman at Spanaway Lake High School said, “I think Tolo would be a great idea. It would take Many guys say asking a girl is a lot of work because there is so much to worry about. Lisa Howson, Communication Arts teacher said, “There is a lot of pressure on guys, how they have to do a big production to ask out the girls. I think the guys would be refreshed, if the girls were to ask the Pressure is natural, it is just like being nervous. Sometimes, people are too nervous to ask somebody to a dance. Even You can think of a creative way to ask someone to a dance. Sophomore Leitara Mailoto said, “I
would make the class that he and I have together play heads-up 7-up. I would choose him and then we would have to explain why we chose them. I then would Asking someone to a dance creatively is a great way to show you care and this can make a great memory. Tolo does not occur as often as before. Schools typically focus on Homecoming and Prom. If they have a motivated student body, they may plan one more dance during the school year. A Tolo dance could help earn money that might go toward after-school activities or more dances. More money could help classes or the ASB purchase things that they would need. Also, it might help reduce costs of tickets for other activities. Students have a hard time paying for tickets to things like Homecoming and Prom because prices are too expensive. If Spanaway Lake had a Tolo dance, there is a chance for classes or clubs to make more money and put on a fun evening for students. Clubs could use the dance revenue to purchase things that they need; especially during these tough times with school budget cuts. Having a Tolo would be a fun opportunity for students and would give the female population of Spanaway Lake an opportunity to ask their favorite person to a dance. It also would be a great way to make money for extra curricular activities. Tolo should be a way to have fun, no matter who asks who.
of many comments that I was going to endure in the future with my little brother. It was then that I realized my baby brother would be the cause of many more questions to come. Today’s society is full of teen parents and it would have been no surprise to the stranger at the hospital if I were the one having a child. Anthony George Croswhite was born at 2:04 p.m. on September 20, 2012 of
complications,
he
was
in
the
I was there to see my step mom and him almost every day that they were in the hospital sometimes just to visit and sometimes to bring my step mom things she needed. I was bringing them the car seat and other necessities they would need before they could go home when I was faced with more judgmental people. As I carried the car seat through the hospital, I got nasty looks from almost every person that walked by me. This is when I started to realize that everything I do with my little brother from there on out, people would assume that he is my child. I usually do not care what others think, but being perceived as a teen mother was a reputation I did not want to have from anyone, including strangers. I have no issues with young mothers but I think it is clear that being a teenage mom is not socially acceptable in today’s society. Having a child at a young age can effect how your teachers view you, your chances of getting a job, and of course it will effect your college experience. Those are all things that I strive to have in my life and I am not willing to jeopardize that. As soon as Anthony was able to come home, I soon realized how much work a new baby was. Although I am not that parent, it was obvious to me how much work it is to care for a new baby. I have a new found respect for teen mothers that work just as hard for success despite them having a child at a young age. I am slowly accepting the fact that people will think what they want but he is my little brother and nothing should ever effect my relationship with him.
ON GUARD my.hsj.org/slhs
NOVEMBER 2012 3
News
Choir retreat helpful for SLHS Concert Choir BY CHARLY WHITMAN cwhitmanonguard@gmail.com Over the weekend of October 19 and 20,
are hiding on the inside and to show how other people see or think about that person. “It was really revealing emotionally,” said Lee. “We learned a lot about each other.” Some people learned more about their
twelve hours with international vocal Many new vocal skills were taught in this very short amount of time, such as new breathing techniques, different ways to make sound come out louder, and skills in intonation and resonance. With the choir being one of top in the state, choir retreats are very important to unify the choir and improve overall The students took many skills away from the experience as a result. “I learned about breathing and how life can be related to breath,” said junior where I have my placement with breathing and my tone.” Students also learned how to mature singers. “I learned how singing with presence makes the whole choir sound mature,”
PUT SPACE IN YOUR CHIMNEY: Vocal coach, Dr. Richard Nace leads the Spanaway Lake choir in a breathing activity. “I learned about breathing and how life can be related to breath,” said junior Justin Lee. The concert choir learned a lot during their twelve hour session.
great use to the students he teaches. But strangely, he has never written them down according to choir director Bernard
sound come out. “ ‘Putting your space up in the chimney’ is the way that students can help their high notes come out stronger and cleaner.
Making the choir’s voices more resonant a ding ding ding ding,” choir students put their focus forward helping their voices become brighter and heard better. like I just got novocaine from the dentist, I can be more resonant as I go to my lower
technical aspects, they learned about other people’s lives with an exercise called ‘I am, you are.’ Students got up in front of the whole group and said three things about themselves that no one really knew, and then the group was able to say positive things about that person. The purpose of the exercise, was to show what people
the retreat. The ‘sniff and taste’ technique helps choir student to breath without making a sound and raising their soft palette. The higher you breathe; the better sound you will have. techniques which he has found to be a
PHOTO BY CHARLY WHITMAN
little bit about every person in choir,” said A few selected students were also able to conduct the whole choir. “It was very empowering,” said Lee. “I can see myself doing something like this is the future.” “It felt magical; to know that a choir rests going to study music education when I get into college, I see myself doing this in the future.” before, but revisiting what I have heard him say before helped me see more. having them work with a musical genius. I want to make this a tradition.” Many students felt very empowered by the retreat. family,” said senior Arick Erechar. “To spend twelve hours with people that I consider as siblings was the greatest time growing tradition here at Spanaway Lake.
ROTC program grows with the school BY MOLLIE CALLIES mcalliesonguard@gmail.com The Spanaway Lake High School Junior has gained many more students this year as the high school has expanded their enrollment. By bringing in a whole new class of cadets, the program still helps teach young men and women the ways of the military. program teaches their cadets respect, how to be a leader, how to be independent, and how to be responsible,” said sophomore
example in everything you do, and people look up to you, My least favorite thing is not getting noticed, or getting lost in a sea of faces, because we are such a big battalion. Sometimes you question if you are really valued as a member, but in the long run, you know you are because we all work together as one big family.”
“I’m proud of my self because I stayed for over a year,” said Olsen, “I felt it started to get hard the later I was in, and I felt I was because, as I continued, I was having more fun and I felt more welcomed, and I realized it was meant to get us out of our comfort zone, to make us a stronger person.”
personally. My favorite part, by far, is drilling exercises. “This class is very fun, I enjoy physical training a lot, because everyone is able to do fun and challenging things and get to know each other, plus you remain
the military experience. It helps you with every day things and how to really conduct yourself as a leader. You set the
PHOTO COURTESY OF JIM SISCEL
9th grade.
one of his goals in the class is to become
PRESENT ARMS: The Spanaway Lake Color Guard under the direction of Erin Koohns present the colors at the September 24 Mariner game at Safeco Field. Spanaway Lake is one of many JROTC programs. selected every year to share this honor.
Junior Daniel Smith said, “My favorite activities that you get to do.” Something almost all cadets agree on something that takes you out of your comfort zone, makes you a stronger person, and pushes you to do your best. On September 24, 2012, the Spanaway Bobby Butters, Erin Koohns, Kristen Equall, Mikeal Velasquez, and Zachary VanderVelden, respresented the school and the batallion by presenting the colors at a Mariners’ game in Seattle at Safeco Field.
4
ON GUARD
my.hsj.org/slhs
Feat
Politic
With a view from the Lake
Good players in an ugly ga BY JERRED ERICKSON Guest writer Like many Americans, I am disgusted by the campaigns in this year’s election at all levels of government. Both sides, Republican and Democrat, engage in petty arguments, distortions of the truth, and a win-at-all-costs mentality that divides, rather than unites, our country. Independent interest groups can raise and spend unlimited amounts of money to support or oppose a particular candidate, all in the name of free speech. While many say our nation is at a critical tipping point with regard to national debt and social policy, I would argue we stand at an even more dangerous fork in the road over civility and decency in politics. What many fail to acknowledge is our good fortune in having two remarkable candidates for president. Few are willing to admit that both President Barack Obama and what is best for this country. Too often, these facts are lost on people whose minds are made up and are unwilling to engage in polite political discourse. As my good friend Mr. Rob Smith says, “they are blinded by their own bias.” The recent presidential debates are a good example of this problem. In the past, debates were a forum for candidates to face each other
directly and inform voters about what they would do as president. Instead, in this election, it is clear that viewers tune in to the debates not to decide who is the best candidate, but to root on their favorite. A once decent and honorable exchange of public discourse, the presidential debates have been degraded to an arena sport, where enraged living room fans scream for political blood like Romans watching a gladiator duel at the Coliseum. Like strikes from a spear, candidates rehearse “zingers” and one-liners to appease the crowd but rarely delve into details of important policy matters. temporarily caught up in the moment; my emotions heated as I watched my preferred candidate, instead of carefully listening to the issues. America can be so much more than this petty bickering that is disrespectful to our political process and our heritage. In 1787, a group of men gathered in Philadelphia to draft the single most
"...a 'Win at all costs' mentality that divides, rather than unites, our country." important document to our nation’s future. They did it by engaging their political enemies, listening middle ground on the most critical issues. Stubbornness did not forge our Constitution, it was collaboration and compromise. Our own media consumption habits brought us to this point of political hatred in our history. We spend too much time listening to talking heads, cable news, and demagogues who prey upon our ignorance. Too many Americans have lost the ability to think for themselves and instead turn to programs that mask as news shows, and entertainers who pretend to be journalists. Both political parties have agendas embedded into cable news programing which engage in equally vile distortions of the truth. Back in the 1990’s, the advent of the 24-hour news cycle had real potential. To dig into issues of public policy and
create a more informed public. Inst of news has resulted in a public that willing to compromise on critical iss the partisan bickering they see on T
goads politicians into more and mor just repeating talking points they he host. These arguments are often so that when challenged on their so-ca a hard time speaking beyond the slo hear. America can do better, but we m media, from our government, and fr Cable news and talking heads enj broad protections under the First Amendment, but that doesn’t mean we must listen to them. Go beyond t rhetoric and bumper sticker real news about real issues and become informed. Challenge your leaders to do the same. Jerred Erickson teaches AP Government & politics at Spanaway Lake and is a freelance writter. Check out his blog at www. SchoolhouseLab. org
NOVEMBER 2012 5
tures
ame
Where do you stand? Polls from around our school VERY IMPORTANT 50%
tead, the cheapening t is less informed, less sues, and simply mimics TV.
MODERATELY IMPORTANT 37%
re extreme positions by ear from their favorite TV o shallow and baseless, alled beliefs, they have ogans and sayings they
How important do you believe the election this year is?
Do you know who is running for Washington State Governor this year?
YES 50%
NO 50%
NOT IMPORTANT AT ALL 13%
Candidates tale of the tape
must demand it from the rom ourselves. joy
n the
BY MARK NATION mnationonguard@gmail.com debate, there was a lot of speculation on whether or not people’s opinions have been changed on the two candidates. After the debate, the presidential polls showed that Governor Mitt Romney still has a 6% lead on a social standpoint, but President Barrack Obama still holds a 45 point lead in national state support.
IIMAGES COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
social sentiment has slightly decreased, but is still holding strongly around 30%. Mitt Romney’s social popularity has barely moved up since the debate and is showing no signs of change in the future. According to a social opinion poll 26% of Americans that participated in that poll are still undecided and 4% have decided not to vote. Soon after the debate, social media sites Twitter and Facebook asked what their members thought about the candidates. The results showed that 40% of feedback for President Obama was positive, while 60% was negative. The top subject that has people giving positive feedback is the President’s healthcare plan, while all the negative feedback was pointed towards rising gas prices. If President Obama gets another term, he plans to more proportionally budget the American tax money so that
the money coming in can be put towards better use and to save $3 trillion dollars over the next ten years. He also plans to continue his ObamaCare plan and put forward acts to create more jobs for the American people The feedback given towards Governor Romney was exceedingly positive at a 52% pro feedback and 48% con. A majority of Romney’s positive feedback comes from his bipartisan viewpoints, while his negative attention comes from him being “out of touch” due to his wealthy background. Governor Romney plans to use budget cuts and tax reforms to spur more job creation. Romney also plans to seek immediate budget cuts and cap the government spending at 20% of the Gross Domestic Product. He also hopes to add a Balanced Budget Amendment to the constitution that will stop states from spending more than its income. Romney also would like to repeal Obama’s health care reform law and has said that he Romney’s budget cuts are not very popular among the public. One of the most discussed reasons is that he plans to cut the Public Broadcast Service (PBS) in order to lower the government’s spending. People seem to hate the idea because popular child educational television shows such as Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood and the
ever popular Sesame Street will no longer be shown on the network. A majority of the candidate’s opinions on subjects such as same-sex marriage and abortion rights seem to be almost complete opposites of each other. President Obama supports abortion rights and believes that abortion should be legal and used in many cases. Governor Romney believes abortion should be illegal and in no way be part of medical practice. Obama opposes same-sex marriage but says his opinion on the subject is “evolving”. Romney on the other hand says that he completely opposes same-sex marriage and believes that marriage should be between a man and a woman. According to Rasmussen Reports, as of October 31, Romney has 49% support from nationwide voters while Obama has 47%. Another interesting fact is 16% of white Democrats now support Romney. The public’s opinion is known to waver depending on how the candidates preform in the coming weeks .Sometimes in presidential elections the public can change their mind in the last minute and elect a completely different person than they originally planned. So in the upcoming days, both President Obama and Governor Romney hope to win over the country’s support using everything in their power. In this very close election, anything is possible.
6
Features
NOVEMBER 2012
my.hsj.org/slhs ON GUARD
The life of a soccer goalie
Being a goalie on a soccer team is one of the most intimidating positions a player can have. For Jade Franklin, being goalie is just a responsibility that she
PHOTO BY CHARLY WHITMAN
“Before any big play, I expect the worst so I won’t be mad. Then I just focus on the players’ feet to see what they’re going to do with the ball.” Franklin is a senior at Spanaway Lake High School and she has been here for all three years of high school. She has been playing soccer since she was years old and playing for her school was only common sense. Although Franklin is a dedicated player on the lady Sentinel soccer team, there is much more to her than just a goalie. She is one of the more responsible people in her family due to an event that happened 2001. “My dad got hurt really bad and I had to do a lot for my family. After he got hurt, I felt like I needed to step up because it’s only me and my sister,” said Franklin of her fathers’ accident. “There’s no boys in my house, so I just took on the role of growing up faster.”
Without her father, Franklin said she would not be the person she is today. Aside from her family, she has many close friends that are by her side no matter what. Senior, Alexis Jackson has been a friend too Franklin for four years. The two are best friends and you can
best of friends in the beginning but we’ve gotten closer over the years and I’m just glad she’s in my life now,” says Franklin. “She is exactly like me. I never have to go above and beyond for her. We are both simple people and we compliment each other very well.” Throughout their friendship, they have made many unforgettable memories and I’m sure they would both agree. “One time, Me, Jade, and Kayla went to go eat and we got drinks and I had to drop Jade off at her gate. She was getting out of her car and I thought that she was trying to grab my drink so I put the car in drive,” laughed Jackson. “The car was sitting on her foot for one minute and I didn’t know how to reverse. I told her to tell her parents that she dropped a weight on her foot if they asked any questions.” Franklin is very well known throughout the entire school for her radiant personality and positive attitude that make an impact on everyone around her. “When I was little I was really smart, outgoing, and nice, and I still am,” Franklin said. For anyone that knows her, outgoing is an understatement. Franklin is always energetic and has no problem speaking what is on her mind. There is never a dull moment with her around, and that does not change when she’s in her classes. She will admit that she has had her struggles but she will
STRIVING TO BE THE BEST: Jade Franklin may not have chosen her goalie position but she never fails to make her coach and team proud during games. Her favorite thing to fuel up on before a game is
the harder she works, the more it pays off. Rob Smith had Franklin in his class . to his mind when asked
PHOTO BY NICOLE CROSWHITE
BY NICOLE CROSWHITE ncroswhiteonguard@gmail.com
THE THREE BEST FRIENDS THAT ANYONE COULD HAVE: Jade Franklin, Alexis Jackson, and Rosario Taitano are a very tight knit group. Both Taitano and Jackson think of Franklin as someone that they can always go to no matter what.
about Franklin is ‘too legit to quit’. “She is intense but humorous. She will say something funny then stare you down like she’s going to jump you,” said Smith. She is generally a very upbeat person that can lighten any mood, but she does have a serious side. Franklin has made herself into a very responsible and independent individual. “There are special people in my life but I do everything for myself. My parents support me but ultimately I end up making my own decisions,” said Franklin. Senior, Rosario Taitano is another close friend of Franklin’s. “I admire how hard working she is and how on top of things she is in everything that she does,” says Taitano. U.S Army and later becoming a veterinarian. She plans to go to Washington State University for college. For someone that is still in high school, Franklin has been through a lot, but she manages to overcome every obstacle that faces her.
Freshman Class Officers
President Emily Oliver
Vice President Jeremiah Lehman
Secretary/Treasurer Brittany Valuckas
Class Representative Brooke Wilde
Sophomore Class Officers
President Shanelle Iglecias
Vice President Quavion Swazer
Secretary/Treasurer Kassandra Lehman
PHOTOS BY ANNA KESSNER
ON GUARD my.hsj.org/slhs
FALL MOVIE REVIEW
What all the talk is about
Argo Argo is not just like every other spy
PHOTO COURTESY OF GOOGLE
directs and stars in this movie as a joint CIA-Canadian agent whose mission is to Americans are producers and directors from a fake movie production agency in Hollywood and had to get past the
monsters, comes to the party, things will
PHOTO COURTESY OF GOOGLE
Hotel Transylvania
118, all she wants is to go out in the world and celebrate which includes throwing a party. But when Johnny, a human who
“Sports is what most of my hash tags are about. I support my teams a lot over twitter,” said Senior Sam
@
huge throughout society. Celebrities, students, and even politicians are using Twitter as a way to get their information out there. Throughout the timelines of tweets are trending topics. You can hear people in the hallways everyday screaming, “hash tag!” The hash tag represents the topic of the tweet, or an idea behind the tweet. Take
Here Comes The Boom In the comedy Here Comes the Boom, Kevin James plays as an apathetic biology teacher. Because of cutbacks, they threaten to take away the music program from the school. Scott Voss, played by James, volunteers to pay for the cutbacks
PHOTO COURTESY OF GOOGLE
The World Wide Web has hundreds of ways to get your personal thoughts to a place that anyone can read. The most obvious ways of getting your thoughts seen, is social networking sites. Leading the pack is networking mega Twitter. If you do not have a Twitter account, you might be a little out of the loop. Social media has become one of the main sources of communication between teenagers and young people today. Twitter,
topics. Occasionally, masses of people will use the same hash tag and share their thoughts on a topic that is being discussed throughout the “Twitterverse.” “I usualy say I’m tired a lot. I always hash tag what I am feeling,” said sophomore
Everyday, there are new “trending topics” that grow popular throughout the site. On any given day you can see people’s rants and raves and random thoughts. Trending topics are a way for people to connect and talk about the same things and can be funny, serious, or just random. They can also drive home the point of a tweet. Trending topics can easily be used to see other peoples tweets from all around the world that have the same hash tag. And the more you tweet using a certian hash tag, the more likely it is that your topic will trend. Twitter is growing more and more popular everyday. Stay connected, and follow what’s going on!
“I always hash tag what I am feeling.”
who has to bring the Americans home.
This animated movie tells the story of an overprotective dad, which many fathers can relate to. The famous Count Dracula runs a hotel for the sole purpose of a sanctuary for monsters, and to protect his
BY NICK ROMANOV nromanovonguard@gmail.com
baseball team. Somewhere in the tweet will be a hash tagged word or phrase, such as #gomariners. These are called trending
throughout his quest, Scott becomes a sensation.
movies that causes supernatural disturbance to the Hawke family. With names like Paranormal Activity 4 in theaters at the same time, Sinister can hopefull keep us guessing and on the
Don’t touch that razor Students take the no shave November challenge.
BY SAMUEL MARTINEZ smartinezonguard@gmail.com For the 30 days of November, some faces should be getting a little warmer, aware, and in case the name was not as shave November is when people embark on a month long fasting of shaving. This includes no haircuts. no cutting of any hair on your body, and most importantly, no shaving the face. No shave November may not be as pointless as you may think it to be. The annual act has no certain reason or history, but in 2004 , 30 men in Melbourne, Australia decided to grow moustaches for 30 days to raise awareness for men’s health issues such as prostate cancer and depression. The group later became the Movember charity foundation.
Movember is listed as one of the top 100 non government originations in the world and is growing rapidly every fall. The charity started in Australia but has spread to countries all around the globe. Canada, as of last year being the biggest contributor. In 2010, the united states alone raised over $7.5 million for the charity. Students all throughout our school are participating for various reasons, but most of the time it is for the pure sport of it. Regardless for why you grow that stubble, it will be interesting to see how people look come Thanksgiving. Two seniors decided to take part in the month long event and will be Guard just before Winter break.
NOT JUST FOR BOYS: Senior Kendra Williams
“Shaving my legs is my least favorite chore, so having an excuse not to do it is great.” - Kendra Williams
PHOTO BY SAMUEL MARTINEz
Sinister is a new horrifying thriller movie directed by Scott Derrickson. Ethan Hawke plays the role of a crime
PHOTO COURTESY OF GOOGLE
Sinister
PHOTO BY NICOLE CROSWHITE
BY ASHLEY LEISE aleiseonguard@gmail.com
A&E
NOVEMBER 2012 7
GOING ALL OUT:
“My goal is to look like Mr. Michner from last year. The itching will suck but I will hopefully have an fro by the end of November.” - Shawn Foster
Buy your Centurion yearbooks now! $50 w/ ASB $55 w/o ASB during lunch!
8
Sports
MAY 2013
ON GUARD my.hsj.org/slhs
PHOTO BY SAMUEL MARTINEZ
PHOTO BY SAMUEL MARTINEZ
Tennis team has a new look
PITCHING A WINNER: Senior Collin Stegner pitches the ball during a game, and Junior Joe Martin batting against Rogers. “To win you have to have a good mentality and teammates who will pick you up when you are down,” said Stegner. This is Stegner’s third year playing varsity baseball for Spanaway Lake.
Baseball breaks the streak It took three and half seasons and 54 games before the Sentinel Baseball
During the second inning, the Eagles scored again, but the Sentinel bats stayed hot, scoring another run and making the score 3-2 in favor of Spanaway Lake.
Federal Way Eagles on March 29th, 2013. Spanaway Lake won 9 to 7. “It’s been a long time coming,” said our
loaded jam in the third inning. With no outs, the Federal Way batter hit a ball to
Going into this game the team seemed more into it and also looked like everything was clicking. During the warm-ups coach Bryan Davis was hitting balls to all the players and there were no errors during their warm-ups. You could the pop in the glove. The game started well for Spanaway
up the runner trying to score from third. With runners at second and third,
4-3. In the fourth inning the Sentinels were shut down with no runs. The Eagles inning and took a 6-3 lead. The Sentinels began to chip away at the lead, getting runners at second and third with two outs. count to 2 to 2 and ripped a fast ball out to
“It’s been a long time coming.”
Sentinel’s bats that have been dead all year long and had only scored six runs in The Sentinels came back at the Eagles by putting up two runs and taking the lead. Senior Josh Tapasa and junior Joe
the next Eagle player hit a base loaded double. Spanaway Lake then made a play on the next batter that was a game-changer. Senior Tyler Kane made a spectacular diving catch on the next hitter. The Eagles runner thought it was a hit, so Kane easily threw the ball to second for a double play , but the Eagles took the lead,
Closing the season strong BY ZTEAVA APACHE zapacheonguard@gmail.com
This year the team has made a great improvement from other seasons by
“Winning is not everything,” said senior Logan Stegner. “But wanting to win is.” Soccer is a very competitive sport
Bethel twice with a score of 2-0 and 1-0. “This season as a whole went really well,” said senior captain Erick Tello. “The most memorable game was when we
importantly; team work to play a good game. This season, for the varsity boys team, they have improved drastically since last season. Last year there the team had three wins, twelve loses and one tie, this curent season they have won four games lost sven and tied once. Two wins have come against Bethel also beat Beamer and
This boys varsity team had six seniors who had to say goodbye to the team at Senior Night on April 30, 2013.
and high school soccer is that club soccer focuses on enhancing your skills as an individual,” said senior Arick Erechar. team aspect.” Overall this past season has been a great one for the boys soccer team with new players, younger players, and a new team mentality.
PHOTO BY ANNA KESSNER
“It is faster than playing select soccer cause the other players are older,” said freshman Kyle Rivers. “I have to work harder to keep up with them.” Rivers is one of two freshman on the team this year, he also says “Most of the other players are seniors and juniors so I have to work harder.”
for the team with more underclassmen trying out and making the varsity team as well as being on their own club teams in
CHASING THE BALL: Freshman Yacob Logerfo picks up the ball in a game against Federal Way. “This season was much shorter than ones I normally play,” said Logerfo. “On the last team I was on, the season lasted the whole year.” Logerfo is one of two freshmen playing on the varsity soccer team this year, and has kept up the pace with all the upperclassmen. “I felt very welcomed,” said Lofergo.
the score to 6 – 5. The Sentinels inched their way back into the game. Senior Ryan Towe came in to pitch the rest of the game.
sixth inning. In the bottom of the sixth, the Sentinels’ got their bats going again. The team scored four runs in the sixth inning and took the lead 9 – 6. Towe came out and struggled a little giving one run in the top of the seventh but got the job done and the win for the great triumph for both the team and the coaches.
It is not too late to purchase your 2013 Yearbook! Don’t miss out! $50 with ASB $55 without
tennis coach and he has played tennis from being a girl’s fast pitch coach at Spanaway Middle School when it was change for him. “Fast pitch and tennis cause I used to play tennis. I watch it all the time, and I used to play, so to coach because his dreams have always been to get back in tennis and it was a way to get back in to the game. is practice because he gets to see the players develop throughout the season. program, but head coach, Brendan Nadayag has made him feel very at home. “I am ecstatic that I am a part of the sentinels girls tennis team 2013,” This year’s team is very big compare to last years, and they have a lot of young players. Everyone is devoted to working hard and improving both individually and as a team. “I am extremely proud of how far we have come so far this season,” said senior great coaches, and I look forward to seeing my team every single day, we are improving so much and I do not want the season to end. We are all supportive of each other through everything.” The season has been a great experience for all the girls with the new transitions they have made having a larger team with younger people and a new assistant coach.
By Melanie Ning-Ngim
Track runs with passion BY LEITARA MAILOTO lmailotoonguard@gmail.com Track is a very competitive sport. You have to be very dedicated and you have endurance, Endurance is the key in track because you need to be able to push past your limits so you can improve your skills as an individual. When many people think about track, they think of exhaustion or speed and they do not sound too excited but the students in track enjoy doing what they do best, “ I really like track because it gives me an opportunity to see how I am against other people individually,” said junior Josh Bonds. The reason why most people in track enjoy the sport is because of the competition, they love to be competitive and love a great challenge. Also teamwork is a very great motivation and helps you push yourself above and beyond. “ I joined track because I wanted to stay in shape, and I like the teamwork along with the great competitions,” said sophomore Will Anderson. Some people have to work to gain the ability to do something while others have it come natural and it just runs in the family bloodline. “ I joined track because I wanted to follow my brothers footsteps and get into track and possibly go to state just like him and get a scholarship to the
MAKING HURDLES LOOK EASY: Junior Ugo Nnadi jumps the hurdles in a race against Bonney Lake.”This season went great,” said Nnadi. “The team made a lot of personal records and I am looking forward to a great season next year. This is Nnadi’s second year participating in track at Spanaway Lake.
PHOTO BY BRADLEY DEAN
BY STAFF
This year’s tennis team is very big compared to last year, and they a larger team than other years. All together the team has twenty-seven girls with eight playing varsity, along with many returners and new players alike. Everyone is devoted to working hard and improving both individually and as a team. The team also gets along well and is really close.
University of Washington Seattle,” said sophomore Derrick Anderson. “It is crazy though because I am pretty good at track, well thats what I hear from the coaches Even though track can be exhausting, it can be a pathway to greater success in life.