Talisman vol 51 iss 4 march 16, 2016

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TALISMAN a student-edited newspaper

Pageant Time River drowing in litter page 7 Sheldon High School

Invisible for a day page 11 vol. 51│iss. 4│March 16, 2016

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Mar. 16, 2016

Technology

the Talisman

What exactly is St. Patrick’s Day? to his efforts. Patrick was most certainly a hero to Ireland.”

Bailea Nance staff writer

St. Patrick’s Day is a day for celebrating and having a good time. The holiday was originally a celebration of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, devoting his life to God. Now, many people do different things to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, like spending time with their family or friends and wearing green. According to celebratingholidays.com, “In the early church, local Christian leaders were the ones to affirm celebrations of ‘heroes of the faith’ once they died. Likely, at the time of Patrick’s death, nearly every Christian in Ireland would attribute their faith

The first time St. Patrick’s Day was celebrated in America was by the Irish immigrants in Boston in 1776. As time goes on, so do traditions. Senior Makenna Crossley said, “St. Patrick’s Day used to be the best holiday. [It was] before spring break and everyone used to have barbecues, [but] now it’s just a random holiday that people don’t enjoy anymore.”

Nowadays people generally go out and party on St. Patrick’s Day, but that’s not what it was intended to be about. In fact, according to techtimes. com, “Pubs even closed on March 17 in Ireland every year until the 1970s.” techtimes.com also stated that America is the reason why people celebrate on St. Patrick’s Day. So, in reality, it’s not just the holiday that changes over time, but the people who change it.

Illustration by Gracie Thompson

Technology’s effects on future generations Claire Lehnert staff writer Technology is a huge part of our daily lives. It’s all around us, from cell phones to cars, and it reaches nearly every aspect of life. Over the years, technology has become more developed, sophisticated, and beneficial to people around the world. One of the most important places that technology is used is at schools.

Technology at school is extremely useful. It can make education more accessible and efficient, be used to address multiple intelligences, and provide alternative learning methods. Freshman Gabrielle Lehnert commented, “The computers [at school] are very helpful, especially for students who don’t have access to that kind of technology at home.” This is a valid point, because, as of 2013, 16.2 percent of American homes did not own a computer. Having readily available computers at Sheldon allows these students to be successful at school despite the disadvantage of not having a computer at home.

Besides computers, many other new technological additions have been made to Sheldon in the last several years, including iPads, SMART Boards, and the water bottle filling machine. Junior Kylie Reese said, “I think the [water bottle filling machine] is great because it saves plastic water bottles and the water fountains taste bad.”

Besides being exciting and different, new technology is important because, in the words of librarian Ms. Kunz, “Old technology inhibits learning, but this new technology facilitates it.” Of course, technology is always changing and progressing, so its availability at school can be expected to change, too. Commenting on types of technology that the school could benefit from, Kunz said, “I think we could use more by way of assistive devices for special ed

Illustration by Olivia Barnhart

students. For students who are learning English as a second language, there are probably some technology tools that they could use that might not be available to them right now.”

Bringing new technology into our school is a work in progress that will happen gradually. Assistant principal Beth Richardson commented, “We’re moving away from the idea of having separate, static spaces such as computer

labs that classes visit and instead will focus on how to incorporate technology that students already have, such as cell phones and other more mobile technologies, into supporting the curriculum and fostering student engagement.”

With progress like this coming, the future of Sheldon technology looks bright. Even though Sheldon may lack some tools, the amount of technology we have gained in the last several years is remarkable, and we can expect even more progress in the future.

Sports

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Mar. 16, 2016

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Eugene rugby interests Harrison Nabors student spotlight editor It is a commonly-held belief that sports were invented to replicate battles, or to train warriors for battles. One could infer this from the sport rugby. Rugby has been deemed one of the most violent team sports in existence today - especially by those who play. “No pads, super intense. That’s what makes it fun,” said sophomore Wyatt Sidell. The 2016 Olympics will be the first Olympics to host rugby since 1926, and progress is being made to encourage more American youth to play the seldom played sport.

Sidell provided more insight: “Sometimes I’ll have track practice or football practice in place of rugby practice because it’s [played] at school. I definitely don’t feel inclined to rugby as much as football.” Sophomore Tristyn Silva, another rugby player, said similarly, “I would say it’s my favorite sport [but it] would be my primary sport [if it was at school].”

Rugby has had a momentum of growth in the past years in America. TV viewership has grown and numbers of attendees has greatly expanded. When New Zealand’s national team, the AllBlacks, toured the United States, at Soldier Field in Chicago, there were record numbers of attendees at 61,500, filling it up 92%.

Senior Alexander Shiroma expressed interest in the sport: “I’d be up to play and get into [it].

Even if I got injured it’d be fun. You don’t need equipment besides the ball.”

Lesser-known sports at Sheldon Hayden Brooke staff writer There are some odd sports at Sheldon that some people don’t even know exist. One of many is Pétanque. This game was invented in 1910, in La Ciotat, Provence, France. It’s a weird sport that consists of rolling metal or hard plastic balls. The objective is to either get the ball as close as you can to the ball or bag, but not touching. The game is played on a softball field because the game is supposed to be played on hard dirt or gravel.

After the Romans, the stone balls were turned into wooden balls and by the 19th century, in England the game had become “bowls” or “lawn bowling.” In France, it was known as “boules” and was played throughout the country. The proper pronunciation is (Pa-tonk).

In the south of France the game evolved to jeu Provençal (or boule lyonnaise); the game is quite similar to today’s pétanque, except the playing area was longer and the players ran three steps before throwing. The game would usually be played on square playing areas and in the shade of trees.

Pétanque is extremely simple and almost exactly like horseshoes. Anyone can play this game- age, strength, or speed don’t matter. The game is almost all luck; it doesn’t even need to be played with metal or wooden balls. It could easily be played with quarters, marbles, paper clips, etc. When people play this game they can easily be ahead of their opponent, but then suddenly lose. While the game can be played on any kind of surface, the normal playing area is 12 feet by 39 feet long.

There are two teams that play against each other, each team consists of one, two, or three players. When throwing one of the metal boules, the player must stand in a certain circle that is 50 centimeters in diameter. The game begins with a coin toss to decide who plays first. The team who wins the coin toss gets to throw the jack, or small wooden ball/target, and gets to throw the boule first and also places the small circle where they like. There are rounds to Pétanque, also called ends. Whoever gets closest to the jack gets to throw the jack somewhere else and start the next end. The game is won whenever one team has the most points after all the rounds.

Photo manipulations by Kenadie Kucinski

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Opinions

Mar. 16, 2016

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Most things taught in school are useless Will Thomas staff writer Many adults have expressed their frustration about the things they were taught or not taught when they were in high school. Mrs. Coffee, a retired Portland computer teacher said, “I didn’t even know how to write a check or pay bills when I graduated. There were so many things that I needed to know how to do that I didn’t know how to do!”

She later noted, “I spent so many years of my life learning things and taking classes that did literally nothing to help me in my adult life and my career.”

Even current high school students want to be able to take

classes that teach them better life skills. Sophomore Lexi Brigham said, “I am already nervous for after I graduate college, mainly because I have no idea how to do the necessary things that I need to do to be even remotely successful.” Brigham later added, “I think we all would be much better off learning how to be successful than stressing over our core classes because we forget most of the things we learn in those classes anyway.”

A lot of students don’t understand how to get a job or pay taxes. Some don’t even know how money works.

It seems a little bit scary that our lives depend on the grades we get in classes that don’t help us become better adults.

A lot of the things that we learn in school are things we

won’t use in our adult lives. We stress ourselves out over classes that teach curriculum we forget soon after we learn it. Freshman Katelyn Foutz said, “After I’m done taking a class, more than half the time I forget everything I was taught.” She also said that she is constantly worrying about how she’s going to pass classes that she knows won’t help her later in her life. Foutz stated, “It’s the case with so many other people I talk to. Lots of people are always stressed or worrying about classes, but in the back of their heads they know they won’t use any of the stuff they’re learning as an adult.”

Students are not being taught the way they should be.

Schools need to start teaching things that will actually apply to our lives.

When stressed out, go to your safe space Ryan Fields and Maddie Gibson staff writers Although there are situations when it could be widely used, most people these days have never heard of safe space. A safe space is a place where you can go to feel better when you feel offended or attacked, or if you just feel like you need to take a step back. It could be a physical place or just somewhere in your head you can go. Sophomore Chad Simon said, “I’ve never heard of safe space before, but if I had one, it would probably be either my game room, [my] bedroom, or [the] family room in my house.”

Making students feel safe in and out of school is very serious and important. Having a politically correct (PC) society would stop people getting so easily offended. Sophomore Jack Gibson said, “I strongly would encourage a PC society to stop all the hurtful words.” Gibson

later added, “Instances in school where I might get an answer wrong, and the teacher says ‘you got the answer wrong’ really offends me.” Teachers can even be blamed for some of this epidemic.

Sophomore Robert Whitney said, “In my opinion, safe space is the biggest epidemic facing our nation.” It is quite evident other students see this as a rising problem, as well. We can only hope as time passes, we can find a solution to this problem, and that activists like Whitney can make a change.

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A safe space can be a physical space like the beach or an imagined space in your mind.

Student Spotlight

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Mar. 16, 2016

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Mr./Ms. Irish: bustin’ moves for little dudes Rachel Bang & Jacob Williams staff writers Every year at Sheldon High School, seniors set out to raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network as part of the “Kids Helping Kids” program. Select students who wish to participate in this are required to dedicate many hours of their time in volunteering, raising money, and practicing and preparing for the final pageant. “Mr./Ms. Irish is like a sport, in the sense that it’s a huge time commitment,” said senior Alex Engstrom, a contestant in this year’s pageant, “but it’s all worth it in the end,” he noted.

To see who they raise the money for, the contestants and coordinators have the opportunity to tour the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit). There, they see the babies whom they help and are told about the equipment they raise the money for and that help save lives. “Going to the NICU and seeing how much the equipment is gave me an understanding of why we raise so much and why it’s so important that we do what we do,” said Engstrom.

Being a part of Mr./Ms. Irish can also be difficult. Senior Marin Radloff is one of the head coordinators of the program. “By far the most challenging part is being one of the head coordinators,” said Radloff; “It’s really hard telling your peers what to do.” Being involved in Mr./Ms. Irish also has its advantages. “It’s fun getting to know people I normally wouldn’t have the chance to hang out with, especially my partner Alex [Engstrom],” said Radloff.

The participants also learn valuable lessons and take this experience with them throughout their lives. “I have [learned] that there are fun and creative ways to raise money for local cause because it takes a lot of money, equipment, and effort to save baby’s lives in the NICU or pediatric ward.”

Mr./Ms. Irish this year was full of willing and active contestants who all came together causes,” Radloff said. She also added, “The Children’s Miracle Network is such a great with a common goal: to raise money and save the babies! Senior Taylor Carman shared, “I chose to be a part of Mr./Ms. Irish because it is a great cause and everyone who has been in it in the past has had a great experience.” The most challenging part is definitely the time commitment, but Carman stated, “I have made lots of new friends [because of it].” Although it may be challenging at times with the dedication and time required, like Carman, many others have said, “It’s so worth it.”

Eventual pageant winners Emily Potucek (far left) and Garrett Peters (second from left).

Photo by Lily Moorhead

The pageant that took place on March 5 was very successful. With four months worth of time and work put into it, donations of over $35,000 went to the Children’s Miracle Network. The babies are what push this program to do what it does and with willing participants like this year’s, lives were changed and saved. Garrett Peters and Emily Potucek took the title of Mr. and Ms. Irish while Bennett DeLong and Emma Peters won Mr. and Ms. Congeniality.

Sheldon students living with diabetes Tyler Coombs staff writer Diabetes is an ailment which affects many people across like country some of whom go to Sheldon. Sophomore Devante Allensworth lives with type one diabetes.

Allensworth was born with diabetes and over the years has learned how to treat his ailment. He doesn’t like checking his blood sugar level at school because students give him weird looks and call him names like “Diabeto.” Allensworth does not think his diabetes affects his day-to-day lifestyle and activities. Some people in Allensworth’s classes don’t even know he has type one diabetes; Allen-

sworth says he likes it this way. He prefers just being treated like a normal high school student.

Type two diabetes is a little more severe. Payton Shultz is a junior at Sheldon with type two diabetes. Payton does not like to talk about her diabetes because she feels embarrassed. She tries avoiding taking her insulin at school as much as possible. She said all of her friends at Sheldon are very nice and comforting when she has any problems involving her diabetes. Diabetes can make life hard but a warm and healthy environment like Sheldon makes it a little bit easier.

Illustration by Gracie Thompson

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Sheldon Spotlight

ASB funds not accessible to all clubs Maisey Schering & Santiago Spradling staff writers Associated Student Body (ASB) money is raised by the students, for the students, and because of this there is controversy over how this money is used. To avoid this, a student council is elected to guide the school in relation to student power. This system is a tradition, so it is rarely questioned or changed. A student must be a member of ASB to participate in student council, as well as many other things around the school. This effectively leaves any students who cannot afford the ASB member ship fee out of the loop.

Student involvement in things like sports and clubs are often preferred by colleges when weeding out the crop of prospective students, so why should these clubs be restricted to only those who can afford them? Jose Alonso stated, “I personally believe all students should be given equal opportunity…some cannot afford ASB… those students have the same right as the rest.”

There are many clubs and student organizations at Sheldon for students to participate in.

However, these clubs and groups need funding in order to operate. Athletic Director Matt Binkerd stated, “Clubs do not receive any funding from the school. Money may go toward coaches for sports teams, choreographers for dance team, etcetera.” Binkerd added, “Clubs may hold fundraisers to gain their money.”

When a club needs money there aren’t a lot of options. They can hold their own fundraiser, or create a petition to use ASB money, but there›s a catch. The petition will be rejected if too few of the club members do not possess the ASB sticker.

ASB money can be used for a number of things within the school. The general breakdown is like this: there are two accounts. One is for general ASB funds and one is for the students. The student accounts are divided into four groups, one for each class.

The ASB account may be used for activities, sprit, student involvement, and a few other things dependent on the circumstances. The student account carries the total funds from

each class in a separate division. This money is also used for many different expenses such as sophomores paying for homecoming. Student money is also used to decorate the halls, buy staff appreciation gifts, and even give supplies to students in need. From both accounts the money is, as Voss stated, “used for the betterment of Sheldon and its students.”

According to Voss the freshman currently have no money, but they will raise money and that money will follow them to the next year. That way, in their junior year the class can pay for Homecoming. The money will continue to follow the students to cover one expense or another until they graduate. This includes Prom, senior breakfast, and many other expenses.

Voss added, “When the seniors graduate and they have paid for the senior breakfast and they have covered all of their bills they also hold a drawing during the senior breakfast. During this drawing they draw things like backpacks, skateboards and microwave ovens, things for dorm rooms for college. After the gifts are drawn at the breakfast and the bills are paid and the gifts are taken care of, if there is any money left over it goes into the general ASB fund.”

ASB can and should be seen as a double edged sword. One might argue only those who paid for ASB should have access to the money, while another argument can be made that all students should have access to the money. After all, not everyone has the money to purchase the ASB sticker, which leads to many problems for some students. Both arguments are valid but only one can be policy, so the question is are old ways solid or is it time to make a change?

New prom location breaks the tradition Jared Godin & Lindsay Kitzel staff writers Earlier this year, the location where prom has been held in recent years, Studio 5, was closed down. It is up to leadership to pay for a new location. According to Michael Voss, “Leadership exists to provide activities for the school.” Voss later added, “If leadership does not raise enough money, there will be no prom.” Voss added, however, “Leadership never falls short when it comes to prom. Prom is the biggest event of the year.”

Marist is going to have the same theme as Sheldon, masquerade. Sophomore Emily Shaefers said, “Marist and Sheldon are having the same theme, and having prom on the same day, April 30.” Due to some people wanting to go to both the Marist and the Sheldon prom, Marist is trying to move their prom to a different day so that people can still go to both.

Prom this year will likely be more expensive due to the change in location. According to junior Tia Spath, “Prom will be held at Venue 252.”

Leadership always rises to the challenges they are faced with. There is little doubt that leadership will raise enough money for prom.

Illustration by Olivia Barnhart

Community Spotlight

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The positive feeling of volunteering Olivia Barnhart artist

I am helping.” There are things that can be learned from donating time, too. Ulm commented, “Volunteering teaches me to be responsible and selfless… it teaches me to be grateful for what I have.”

Volunteering and community service hours are required for many students in Oregon, especially for those in programs like Honors or IHS. Though it may be hard to find the right place to volunteer and the time to do so, many students who volunteer find it gratifying.

Junior Maya Dickinson said, “It’s really rewarding to have the opportunity to be able to help others. I would recommend volunteering because I think it’s a cool way for people to give back to the community.” Volunteering at any local center will show that you’re willing to help others, which reflects positively on both you and your community.

Freshman Rachel Ulm, volunteer at Hosea Youth Services, said, “I like to volunteer because it feels good knowing that I’ve helped someone. It’s fun getting to know the people that

Freshman Nathan Benson, a volunteer counselor at a kids’ summer camp, said, “I do recommend volunteering [although] it’s a lot of hard work… it’s a great way to have a great time.”

The benefits of volunteering go beyond meeting school requirements. Not only does it help one gain community service hours, but it also helps those who are in need of your time.

Sip tea, munch cookies, and talk about death Cassidy Logan staff writer Research shows that Death Cafes are a new uprising sensation. Death Cafes were created by Jon Underwood.

The very first Death Cafe was created in Eastern London, in September 2011. Underwood is a British web designer; people call him the “Death Entrepreneur.” He developed the idea from the writings of Bernard Crettaz, a Swiss sociologist who says talking about death leads to authenticity. A Death Cafe is a small restaurant where people gather to discuss life and death. They serve tea and cake, because food comforts people and helps them discuss their feelings. The Death Cafes are open to anyone who wants to discuss death.

The first Death Cafe in the United Kingdom was in Underwood’s own house in Hackney, and was run by his mother, Sue Barsky Reid, a psychotherapist. The objective is

to raise awareness through open conversation about a topic that remains hushed in our society. Death Cafes are operated on a non-profit basis. Most Death Cafes are held in confidential areas. It›s more of a grief session than therapy. As of today, 560 Death Cafes have been opened worldwide. Underwood and Barsky Reid went on to produce a guide to running your own Death Cafe, which was published in 2012. Since then, hundreds of people have been hosting them around the world.

Eugene recently got a Death Cafe on March 9, 2014. It’s located in Springfield, and is currently open from 7:00p.m. 8:30p.m. It is a place to listen and heal.

On the internet, Death Cafes get really good reviews. Many people said they are comforting places to be. On DeathCafes. com, Underwood said, “Talking about death can only be a good thing: not only does coming to terms with your own mortality mean you’re more likely to live life to the fullest, being open about it means we can support each other, our families and ourselves when death has an impact on our lives. It makes for a healthier, happier community.” Underwood later added, “There aren’t many places where talking about death is okay. We want to provide that environment, and help lead the discussion. Underwood concluded, “We just want to create an environment where talking about death is natural and comfortable.

Many people agree that talking about death needs to be more normalized. Underwood is shocked by how many people actually feel comfortable talking about death with a group of strangers. The group of people bond over weeks; opening them-

Willamete River drowning in trash Sam Lawson variety editor Keeping Eugene clean has been a struggle in our community for the past few years. Piles of garbage have been seen everywhere, especially near the river and the homeless campgrounds. Most of this garbage has come from the increase of homeless people who have been camping in Eugene. Unfortunately, some of their camps are near the river and many camps have trash that was once stolen from homes or vehicles.

Aaron Baker is one of the first people to realize how bad this problem is. Having 3,000 subscribers on YouTube, Baker decided to start making documentaries on this issue. “The trash was piling up so high along the Willamette River that you could see [the trash] through the trees during the fall.

Something had to be done quickly before the winter flood washed [the trash] downriver affecting all Oregonians,” Baker stated. This issue gave him and a couple of friends who realized how bad the issue was the idea to make a documentary.

Before the documentary began, most homeless people camping out near the river thought that storing all of this trash wouldn’t cause any problems. They thought wrong, and when Baker and his friends started filming the documentary,

the homeless didn’t seem very happy with the accusation. Baker admitted, “For the most part the homeless were non-confrontational. Most of them did not want to be on camera and constantly asked what we were doing [at their campsite]. They gave me the feeling they didn’t want us down there.” Once the documentary was uploaded, it started to go viral. Eugene Weekly had a well-written article on the documentary and Mayor Kitty Piercy has seen it.

According to Baker, “Eugene Weekly put more time and research into their article than many of the other media outlets in Eugene.”

Wade Lawson, one of the few people to help with the documentary, had more to say about the matter. Lawson explained, “I feel bad for the homeless, but [I’m] also upset that we have so many in our small town [who are] sleepPhoto by Wade Lawson ing and camping everywhere, bringing our property prices down, and [bringing] the crime rates up, which is making our communities unsafe.” All the trash that has been seen - stolen or not stolen - started out in one area by the river, but eventually the campsites moved to different areas. Lawson added, “All sorts of trash have been seen along the river. Drug paraphernalia, stolen garbage, bikes, televisions, clothes, anything you can think of.”

Mayor Kitty Piercy seems to be allowing all of this trash to pollute the Willamette River. According to Lawson, it isn’t right for the mayor to not enforce any of the laws the homeless haven’t been following. “The mayor and city council are making this issue worse, by not enforcing the laws Eugene has and by giving the homeless free stuff,” Lawson commented.

Eugene Weekly’s article on the documentary states, “The video also highlights a wider societal issue.” This is true, but like Lawson said, the article doesn’t talk about how to fix this issue. Eugene Weekly later added, “Piercy responded to the video, saying that it isn’t city land,” then finished the sentence saying, “the Eugene parks department would contact property owners ‘to try to get this tended to.’” Until Kitty Piercy and our community strive to help the homeless to live cleaner and to help them fix this issue, this problem will continue to go on.

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Teachers

Mar. 16, 2015

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#Problems (with teachers) Sam Fox co-editor-in-chief As unfortunate as it is, students often have unresolved issues with teachers – especially in high school. It is a common theme often presented in movies and books and is probably something the reader of this article has either struggled with or seen before. However, very few people know what to do in these situations, besides complain to the people around them. Social studies teacher Mary Youngblood-Lee said that when students have issues with teachers, they “complain about the teacher/staff member, but don't talk to them.” She added, “[Students should] talk to the teacher during common time! [Teachers] have around 160 other students and probably have NO IDEA what your issue is, or how big of a deal it may be for you.”

According to the 4J 2012 Revision of Student Rights & Responsibilities Handbook, found on the 4J website, “Students who believe they are victims of harassment or discrimination are urged to report the incident to a teacher, counselor or administrator, or by using the report and complaint process.” The handbook then goes on to explain how to handle different situations, though the general idea is that students need to report issues to the principal.

Senior Ryann Baimbridge commented, “I think having an issue with a teacher is probably one of the hardest things you can come across in high school.” Baimbridge later added, “I feel that students [can be] the bigger person in [that] situation… Address the teacher and the situation in a calm manner, or go tell another [authority figure] so they can help.”

Photo by Fiona Turney

Senior Tate Edmundson being scolded in class.

So many students, so much grading Kenadie Kucinski sports editor Many students may not realize how much time teachers devote to grading students’ work. Some teachers find that they have more time to grade students’ work at their houses. Math teacher Scott Wright stated, “I do my best to get tests back to students as soon as possible. After a day of testing, I either grade tests at home or come in early the next morning to grade them.”

Spanish teacher Christopher Engstrom also takes his personal time to grade tests. Engstrom said, “I have energy and like to get work back to students the next day. I like the challenge and students like to get feedback right away, so it is a win-win situation.” Teachers who make an effort to quickly return tests to students have great time management skills and are very responsible. Teachers who do that should be more appreciated than how much they are now.

However, some students do notice their teachers’ quick grading habits.

Sophomore Stephanie Mueller stated, “I really appreciate when a teacher grades assignments and tests quickly so that I know what my grade is in that class.” More students should try to notice their teachers’ grading efforts and start to appreciate their teachers’ grading priorities.

Photo manipulation by Melissa Berry

Photo by Fiona Turney

Junior Matthew Land with Mrs. Youngblood-Lee.

Eugene History

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Mar. 16 2016

The history of Sheldon High School Fiona Turney and Melissa Berry staff writer & teachers editor

Today, Sheldon High School is known for their athletics, technology, and kind reputation. However, very few students know about Sheldon’s history: who Henry Sheldon was, the importance of our school’s reputation, and how this reputation has become a positive one over the years.

Technology plays a big role in our school today. Sheldon’s scheduling clerk Michelle Phillipo, a Sheldon graduate, stated, “With less technology, the students had to work harder when I was in high school to get their resources… It made me stronger as a student because I learned more by getting my resources through books rather than having all the information I needed through the internet.” It’s true that having access to resources through the internet is convenient, but the students were able to develop stronger learning skills when they didn’t have access to technology at all.

The history of Sheldon is important because it is the foundation of our school. Our school’s founder, Henry Sheldon, decided to call us the “Fighting Irish” because the Notre Dame Fighting Irish was his favorite team. Choir teacher, Nancy Anderson, stated, “I think students should know about the Irish people because our school’s founder chose them as our mascot.” This year marks the 100th anniversary of the eastern uprising, which is the independence of Ireland. This is important to the knowledge of students here because it promotes the school’s promotes of being well rounded in academics and athletics.

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The school is well-known around the state for our athletics. After years of hard work we’ve achieved an outstanding reputation; however, it hasn’t always been that way. “The Sheldon football team started to get better around the turn of the century,” said Matt Binkerd, Sheldon’s athletic coordinator. This led to a successful future for the Fighting Irish football team.

Football is a very popular sport around this school, but what other sports and classes has Sheldon offered? Sheldon once offered an international food class, and even gymnastics. Sheldon also offered more hands-on classes, such as bicycle repair class. Some teachers think that having a more hands on approach is effective for student’s busy minds. Sheldon ceramics teacher James Lanier commented, “Hands-on classes should definitely make a comeback.”

With every year that comes and goes, Sheldon High School has more and more history to add to the books; but tradition will remain strong throughout the years.

Dutch Bros.: the Rebels are coming Gracie Thompson variety editor Dutch Brothers has been an extremely popular coffee joint around Sheldon.

Every time people walk down the hall, they always see at least one student carrying a familiar Dutch Brothers cup with one of their vibrant straws. It’s a convenient, fun, and delicious way to enjoy your favorite drinks. Apart from their popularity, Dutch Brothers has quite an interesting history, as well.

Photo by Fiona Turney

Senior Isabelle Richard commented, “I think that Dutch Brothers already was a popular place to buy coffee because it is so close to the school and easy to get.” Richard added, ”I know that it was a coffee shop localized from the Pacific Northwest.”

Junior Meridien Howe stated, “The employees [are my favorite part of Dutch Brothers] because they are always super nice and funny.” Howe later added, “Dutch Brothers originated from Grants Pass, Oregon. I know there are huge walk-in Dutch Brothers in different cities.”

One of the many things Dutch Brothers is well-known for is their famous straw-theory. Rumor has it that their straws mean something. Each color represents a certain rating that’s allegedly given by the barista to the customer. By the theory’s rules: green is unsightly, orange is mysterious, strange, or weird; yellow means average; blue means rude, and finally the color most people desire - pink, which means cute or pretty. Howe commented on the famous straw myth, “Yes, I believe in the pink straw theory because if I saw a cute person pull up to the window, I would give them a pink straw, too.”

Senior Emma Johnson said, “On the gift card holders, it tells a little bit about how it all started.” Johnson stated, “The people at Dutch Brothers are so friendly and they always compliment me and make me happy. The drinks are always good, too!”

There is no doubt that Dutch Brothers is a very popular place among the Sheldon community and beyond. They have funny myths and a local history right here in Oregon. But most of all, Dutch Brothers represents friendliness, kindness, and of course wonderful drinks.

Photo by Santiago Spradling

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Variety

Mar. 16, 2016

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Vape Squad: the new generation Kobe Mitchell and Aidan Acord staff writers Teenagers often find themselves attempting to defy rules set by any form of authority; it’s just what we do. But some things done in an attempt to defy authority can seem unreasonable and dangerous. But that’s part of the fun, right? Well some of these dangerous activities lie within the Sheldon community. Vaping is the action of taking an E-cigarette, vapor pen, or mod, and inhaling a smoke-like vapor into one’s lung. Nicotine is then absorbed and gives the user a head rush. Sophomore Samuel Meire stated, “I personally don’t vape, but I do know a few people who do. I typically choose to not be around them when they do it, and I have no intention to try it anytime soon.”

Sophomore Reece Canizares, who overhead Meire’s interview, added his input to the

conversation. Canizares said, “Vaping is bad; nothing that involves inhaling chemicals is good, though.” Canizares also said, “I know some of my friends vape. They don’t say it, but I know they do. That doesn’t make them bad people.” Canizares continued, “Just because you do something others don’t doesn’t make you a bad person.”

You may be thinking, “Where’s the special vape squad member interview?” Well unfortunately there is none because those who choose to be in vape squad like to remain anonymous. This is probably because those who are in vape squad are ridiculed by those who don’t agree with their hobbies and activities. Those who defy the rules set by society and chose to vape just want to be left alone to do what they want to do.

Mayoral Candidates set the stage Ayla Bussel co-editor-in-chief

The 2016 mayoral race is currently underway in Eugene. With five candidates competing for the same title, it’s shaping up to be an intense race.

If elected, Lucy Vinis, Mike Clark, Bob Cassidy, Scott Landfield, or Stefan Strek, will take office in January 2017, for a term lasting four years. The general election will be held on Tuesday, November 8, 2016, and the primary election will be held on May 17, 2016.

On Thursday, March 3, the current mayoral candidates gathered for a forum hosted

by Lane County Strong Voice in which they discussed issues such as homelessness, mental health, the economy, the environment, human rights, and minority communities in Eugene.

Eugene City Councilor and single father of two teenagers Mike Clark stated, “I came here [to Eugene] to attend the University of Oregon and I never left… My heart is in it. I want to do this because I want to serve the community and I want to see it stay the kind of community I decided to stay in and I’d like to see it become better.” Clark concluded his statements by adding, “I’m in my tenth year on the city council and I believe that experience matters in the process of serving as mayor.”

25-year-old University of Oregon Housing at Carson Dining employee Stefan Strek said, “I believe in traditional American values… I really do believe that we have the best city in the world.” Strek discussed issues of property rights, the right to sleep unless illegally trespassing, and the rights of business owners.

Eugene Water & Electric Board commissioner Bob Cassidy stressed the need for “a minimum wage that is fifteen dollars at least… What we should be doing is paying our workers a higher wage than the state wage.” One of the questions the candidates were asked was, “Do you support the decriminalization of homelessness?” to which Cassidy responded, “Dealing with the homeless is a complex problem; it needs to be addressed with urgency.”

General Manager of Tsunami Books Scott Landfield made it very clear that he is not raising funds for this election and he encouraged his fellow candidates to follow his example. Landfield added, “I’m not spending any money on this election. I’m not running to win. I’m making a statement about political fundraising.”

On the topic of homelessness in Eugene, ShelterCare fundraising director Lucy Vinis stressed the need to find “legal places for people to sleep.” She also addressed the importance of minorities in the Eugene community when she said, “Minorities are disproportionately and adversely affected by our failure to fund our public education system adequately…” Vinis concluded her statements with this: “As mayor I see my role as making sure that people who need to have an advocate and need to have a voice will be heard… I have spent my lifetime working on community issues. I have done that work through nonprofits and I believe that that work is great preparation for public office.”

Each of the current mayoral candidates brings something different to the table.

In any election it is important to educate yourself on each candidate’s background, goals, and plans before making your decision. Then it is crucial that you get out and vote because as an 18+ citizen it is your responsibility and right to voice your opinion in your community and the world around you in order to keep Eugene a growing and thriving community.

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Variety

Mar. 16, 2016

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imagine being invisible for a day Isabella Bratland technology editor

that you wouldn’t think would be ethical without the [invisibility] ring anyway.”

Some people said they would do illegal things and say they want to do something fun, exciting, and adventurous in their life. Washburn also added, “Well maybe that’s who you are as a person and you need to explore [legal ways]

that are fun and exciting and that’s the way to get to the heart of who you really are.”

The opportunity to be invisible is an idea that relates to who you are as a person. What stops you from doing what you really want to do without being invisible? What stops you from doing what you really want to do in real life?

Imagine that one day, you are invisible. Now imagine that you could do anything you wanted. What could you accomplish? What sly behavior might you execute? These questions elicited many surprising answers from Sheldon students and staff.

Sophomore Maddi Zbinden stated,“[I would] get on a plane and fly somewhere I have never been and kiss lots of cute boys.” However, Zbinden added she would never do that in reality because, “boys don’t like me and it costs lots of money [to fly].”

Junior Rachel Barnhart said, “Honestly, I would probably mess with my younger sister. Also, I would maybe sneak into Disneyland or go to the movies all day and watch them for free.”

Many people who are asked this question will give all kinds of answers, but the comeback question is why do you have to be invisible to do these things? English teacher Mr. Washburn said, “Are you not living the life you want to live? So it gets to all of these issues of [whether or not] society’s morals are holding you back from who you want to be or is it because you, yourself, lack the will to do the things you really want to do? It’s really a way of getting at who you are as a person and how you can become more of that person.” Ethically speaking, Mr. Washburn said, “You shouldn’t choose to do anything

Photo manipulation by Ben Ely (guest alumnus editor-in-chief)

Weird holidays people celebrate Brad Wilson and Kai’li Matiaco staff writers

Throughout the year, many people look forward to celebrating their favorite holidays. Sophomore Chad Simon said, “My favorite part of the holidays is spending time with my family because during the holidays everyone in my family joins together.” There are many common holidays, such as Presidents’ Day, Thanksgiving, and New Year’s Eve that many people are familiar with, but there are also a lot of unusual holidays that not many people have heard of. Almost every day of the year we have an abnormal holiday. For example, March 22 is Goof Off Day. According to Webster Dictionary word, anniversary

is defined as, “A date that is remembered or celebrated because a special or notable event occurred on that date in a previous year.” Sophomore Logen Bonine stated, “An anniversary is not a holiday because not everyone celebrates the same anniversary.” The definition of anniversary explains how holidays are anniversaries, but how anniversaries are not holidays An abnormal holiday is Create a Vacuum Day. This day recognizes the day the vacuum was made. Another weird holiday is Umbrella Day. It is the day that the umbrella was created and it celebrates all useful inventions related to the umbrella that have been created. Sophomore Jack Gibson said, “Umbrella Day is a day that celebrates the importance of the umbrella and how it helps us daily.”

Overall, holidays are all around us. There is almost more than one every day. Some are unheard of, and others are commonly celebrated.

Either way, celebrations are fun for everyone.

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!

Run by students, for students.

Managing editor & co-editor-in-chief Ayla Bussel Features editor & co-editor-in-chief Sam Fox Technology editor Isabella Bratland Sports editor Kenadie Kucinski Opinions and Eugene history editor Bailea Nance Student spotlight editor Harrison Nabors Teachers editor Melissa Berry Variety 10 editor Gracie Thompson Variety 11 editor Sam Lawson Social media editors Rachel Bang & Sam Lawson Artists Gracie Thompson & Olivia Barnhart Photographers Santiago Spradling & Fiona Turney Guest alumnus editorin-chief Ben Ely Staff adviser Greg Cantwell Staff writers Aidan Acord Hayden Brooke Tyler Coombs Ryan Fields Madelyne Gibson Jared Godin Lindsay Kitzel Kenadie Kucinski Claire Lehnert Cassidy Logan Kai’li Matiaco Kobe Mitchell Maisey Schering William Thomas Jacob Williams Bradley Wilson

cover photo: Greg Cantwell

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