Talisman vol 53 iss 2 nov 30, 2017 issue

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TALISMAN a student-edited newspaper

Darin Henry’s thoughts on education page 2

Caffeine Addiction page 5 Sheldon High School

LGBTQ+ page 9 vol. 53│iss. 2│November 30,2017

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November 30, 2017

Around Sheldon

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Darin Henry and Jose Alonso on eduction Alyssa Mathews staff writer Is school important to you or sacred? Darin Henry expressed that it’s important to brush your teeth and count your change back, but education to him is sacred because man is in charge on this planet. “We can make the world a better place and education is our most valuable tool.” He said K-12 schools should be funded today like they were in the 60s. He also said that college should be free for everyone who wants to go because an educated public makes for better-informed voters and for a populace that can better take care of themselves.

Henry had his share of problems growing up. He was going to work in his father’s sheet metal shop until he could take over the business. Then when he was sixteen, his dad died. Henry’s family was sued by his father’s shop’s landlord. Over night they went into debt and his mother took a job for seven dollars an hour. Henry’s brother started what would become, a 35-year drug addiction..

Life changed in the blink of an eye. Working in the shop was no longer an option and Henry found himself at Long Beach State by the skin of his teeth. Only a C student at Venice High School, it wasn’t long before he was on the dean’s honor list in the School of Illustration and Fine Arts. Henry is very grateful for his decision to attend college and Photo by Hadley Jellesed Campus supervisor Darin Henry looks back now saying, “Oh my god, I almost tory to know what’s happened. didn’t go to college.” He feels that what he According to Henry, Sheldon classes should offer a more diverse education. He learned from his college experience has made him a much more aware person: explained that everyone would take a Multiculturalism class. The Multiculturalaware of history, art, politics, business, astronomy, psychology, geography, etc., ism class would break down the barriers of that person whether he or she is black, even though his bachelors was in fine arts.

Mexican, gay person, or it that person has right-winged politics, for example. With Henry worked in L.A. as an illustrator for ten years until L.A. got too crowded. this class, students would learn to accept other people’s ideas, even if they don’t He also got lonely working all alone in his studio. He loves his job now helping agree with them because everyone can change. It’d be about listening to other the educational process of human beings, even if he would do some things difpeople and not judging them, most importantly. Students learn a person’s episteferently. mology from the time they’re born to now that has shaped them “The opposite of an educated populace is an ignorant “I don’t want to be tolerated; into the person they are and their opinions. Students learn to populace,” Henry said. If elected officials keep skimpaccept that person for who they are. Henry would also add a I want to be accepted.” ing on education, Henry worries that “mankind will Motivational class. Teaching why history is important and why suffer a slow, poisonous, painful, stupid, unnecessary geometry is important and why the arts are important because -Darin Henry demise. That doesn’t have to happen.” without the arts you lose the creativity and the discipline as to Multicultural educator Jose Alonso also agrees with why everything is important.

Henry on this. Alonso acknowledges that every stuAlonso taught a multiculturalism class at Sheldon for eleven years. He would have dent has another life apart from school. He understands that not everyone can students bring something important to that person and present it to class. One time go to school and turn off what’s going on in their lives and be little robots when Alonso had a student bring a belt buckle and the student started to cry because the it comes to learning. Alonso expressed that it’s good for every student to have a belt buckle was his grandfather’s who had passed away. Alonso expressed that the favorite teacher or counselor to talk to on bad days and let all the at-home crap class was meaningful because of what people realized: “Whoa, this person is an off their shoulders, get back to school and be able to focus a little better than actual human being and isn’t the stereotypical person I thought he was.” Another before. one of Alonso’s students came in and laid a confederate flag right on the table. The Education is important to Alonso, but he expressed that sometimes school is class was thinking, “What?! Why is that guy just putting that racist thing up there?” irrelevant to education. He said that schools use old factory models and need Alonso would have to explain to the class that it was because the flag is part of the a change. It needs to be set up so students can learn on their own terms with student’s positionality and epistemology. The kid then had to explain to the class breaks because the teachers burn out too. Classes should be relevant to what why it was important to him rather than the class telling him to get it out of the students want to learn for what they want to be. He suggests that there be social class. Alonso called it harmony in debate. He explained that that was a big way of classes and science should be for the students who plan on dealing with science changing things. when they’re older. There also would need to be math, writing, reading, and his-

Athletics

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Theft at Sheldon Jon Trefethen and Sophia Calevi staff writers Theft is a problem that occurs at high schools all around the world. Freshman Jackson Wiles thinks that theft at Sheldon High School is a major problem.

He thinks that the most popular thing to steal is money. He thinks that it’s the easiest thing to steal, and if you don’t get caught, it can be worth it. Wiles said, “I got $30 stolen from me a few weeks ago. They let one class go into the locker room before the other.

That allowed the thief to do whatever they wanted without getting caught.”. Wiles believes that there should be better security at Sheldon. If the school gave everyone free locks, then there would be less of

a chance of people stealing things. Unfortunately, Wiles is not the only one who has gotten their belongings stolen.

Freshman Gunner Robinson believes that the school is not responsible for theft if it was the victim’s fault. He had sixty dollars stolen from him in the locker room. Robinson recognizes that he could have locked up his locker better. He says that if the thief confessed, he would forgive them. Robinson said that jealousy plays a big part in why thieves steal.

“They’re jealous of what others have, so they want to have it, even if it means committing a crime.” Now, he keeps his belongings safe with a better lock and always makes sure to put his valuables away. Although some students get large amounts of money stolen, money is not all that gets stolen.

Several other items are popular among thieves. Freshman Cardin Haffner had his headphones stolen, along with fifty cents. Although that doesn’t seem like much, it’s still consid-

November 30, 2017

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ered stealing. The office is a good first step when telling someone that your items have been stolen. “I think they would look out for the person and keep a closer eye on theft at Sheldon,” Haffner said when talking about what the office would do. Interestingly enough, things were only stolen from boys. However, theft shouldn’t happen to anyone.

Overall, stealing is something that is relatively common at high schools. There are ways to prevent theft, like fundraising for better security or making sure to lock up your valuables. Students could also look out for thieves during the school day.

If you ever see something being stolen, be a good person and report it right away! November 30, 2017

Irish girls basketball!

Hadley Jellesed and Lauren Englet page editor and staff writer

Sheldon girls basketball is a well-respected sports team in the area with a lot of up and coming athletes like sophomore Lainey Brancato, whose favorite memory so far is “When [sophomore] Kathryn Clark bit my arm during a basketball game.” For Brancato it was a funny memory of her freshman season with Sheldon.

Before a game Brancato said, “I listen to a very inappropriate song by Kanye West because it gets me pumped up.”

She is not alone in that tradition because many other athletes find it helpful to listen to upbeat music before a game.

Brian Brancato (Lainey’s uncle) is the head coach for Sheldon girl’s basketball. Brancato stated, “I try to find a way each year with my team to teach them to compete at a high level.” He continued, “To go through how to navigate hurdles and turn things that don’t feel like a success into a success later on.”

Athletes are also students which can make things difficult for coaches. Brancato said, “The most challenging part about coaching at Sheldon is kids are busy, involved in a lot of activities, play multiple sports, [and have] school work.”

His favorite part of the program is the people: “There’s a lot of good kids, a lot of good families, good colleagues.”

“Playing with my teammates and winning are my favorite things about Sheldon basketball,” said senior Macie Reinen.

Going into her last high school season, Reinen has a positive outlook about the Irish team and all that they will accomplish. She said, “I’m super excited and confident that we will do well. We have girls on the team putting in a lot of work.”

The season started November 13 and goes for about four months, bringing trueness to the statement that ball is life.

“The grind never stops!” Reinen concluded.

Photo by Holly Reposa

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November 30, 2017

Health

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How to get clear skin Jaiden Cook and Marissa Rinen staff writers Many people have their own opinions about what to do and what not to do when you’re having acne or going through a breakout. Sophomore Gage Caudell said, “I wash my face once a day, because I want healthy skin.”

He also thinks that the amount of sleep you get can lead to acne because less sleep creates stress and stress causes acne. Caudell said, “If you have acne and you put makeup on it, it could just make it worse and clog your pores.”

that sweat does cause acne, because the sweat will clog your pores even more than they already are. He thinks that over washing can create more acne because over washing leads to dry skin and dry skin could lead to more acne.

Strong said, “I think if you have acne you should lay off the makeup, unless you have a certain type of makeup that you can put on with acne, but

According to the website MarieClaire.com, you’re supposed to be washing your face twice a day so that you can get all the dirt and oils out of your pores. Verywell. com says that makeup is okay even if you’re breaking out.

You just need to make sure you are using the right type on foundation for your skin type and always make sure you’re washing your face before you go to bed. Caudell was correct about not getting enough sleep causing acne. When you sleep your skin secretes more sebum which Google said, is an oily secretion of the sebaceous glands.

Senior Kyle Strong states, “Eating certain types of food doesn’t affect me personally, but I’ve heard that fatty foods and chocolate is sic. a cause of acne.” Strong said

Sophomore Sara Campbell

only on certain spots. Just not a full face of makeup.” He said that if you have oily skin you should still moisturize your skin after you wash, so you can have naturally moisturized skin. Also, use good moisturizing products and don’t use products that have oil in them because oil is bad for your skin.

Sophomore Valentina Frank said, “If you have dry skin you should lean more towards oily products and don’t over wash.” Frank also said, “You know your skin type is combination if you’re oily in your t-zone and everywhere else on your face is dry. You may want to pay attention to your skin type, because it can change over time.” She said that acne medication works if its prescribed. According to webmd.com acne medication does work. A dermatologist (skin doctor) can help getting the right acne medication for you. Acne medication could come in cream, lotion, gel, or soap. Frank said “I think that the amount of sleep does cause acne, because you’re not letting your other acne heal while you sleep and you’re more stressed.” Frank said that if you have acne or you’re breaking out, then its fine as long as you take off your makeup at night.

Photo by Jaiden Cook and Marissa Rinen

How to avoid getting the flu Ben Bratland editor

Flu season is here and many students don’t know how to prevent the flu. Flu season typically lasts from October to May. One easy way to help prevent the flu is to get a flu shot. A flu shot helps 48% of the time, which means even if you have the shot, it doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t get the flu. “One way to prevent the flu is to simply wash your hands after using the restroom or before you eat,” said senior Gracie Robinson. If you wash your hands well, then

99.9% of the germs on your hands will die.

The food that you eat is a major factor for preventing the flu and getting over it faster. Foods that have probiotics like yogurt or cheese are great for your immune system. Other foods may hurt your immune system like sodas, fried foods and sugary snacks.

Keeping away from the flu is very hard to do at school when you are sick, limit yourself from contact with others unless you are getting medical care or other necessities. Senior Carter Helikson said, “I go to school even when I’m sick because of sports.” Exercising while sick may hurt you even more and could get your fellow peers sick along with you.

Sharing drinks can spread sicknesses to you or anyone who drinks from your cup. Even if you think your friends are clean they could still have the flu.

The drinking fountain contains lots of bacteria. A simple way to get around getting water from the drinking fountain is to bring your own water bottle or buy it from the store, just to be safe.

Kristy Winnor, the school nurse, stated “I don’t go to school if I think that I am contagious.” Coughing, sneezing and touching things that other people might end up touching spreads sickness also. People are able to infect others one day before symptoms to seven days after the sickness. If you find yourself sick it might help to get more Vitamin D. Vitamin D helps joint pain, builds stronger bones, and is good for your brain.

Illustration by Grace Foltz

the Talisman

Students

November 30, 2017

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Sheldon shows holiday spirit! members and leader, Vern Cedarland. In order to collect the clothes, they accept donations of socks, hats, gloves, etc. from Key Club members and anyone who wants to help through a process which takes several weeks.

Cedarland stated that they have been volunteering at the Burrito Brigade for about three years, but “the clothes donation is a one-time idea to combine with a burrito.”

Jasmyn Jensen and Kenneth Mitchell staff writer Every year Sheldon does a little something to help out families in the area during the holidays. This year the National Honor Society (NHS) and Key Club have chosen to do Thanksgiving baskets. Although it is run by Sheldon, there is not much students can do. Julia Girod, the financial advisor states, “We have a donation letter that will be solicited to local merchants such as Safeway, Albertsons, and Market of Choice. In addition to that, we are working with one of the local churches that will provide the turkeys for us.” In the letter there are specific items that are needed to complete the ideal Thanksgiving dinner for a family in need.

After the baskets are complete, it does not take long for them to get delivered. Girod stated, “After they are finished we contact the families and ask them to come in and pick them up. If that is not convenient for them we will make alternate arrangements for them so we can get the baskets to them.” Students will sometimes make basket runs and deliver it to the family at their home.

Another way Sheldon helps care for the community is collaborating with the Burrito Brigade to distribute winter clothes and burritos throughout the holidays. The

Sophomore Daphne Malpass, is in Key Club and is participating in the Burrito Brigade. Malpass said, “Helping others always makes me feel good. Knowing that I can help people make their lives better is great.”

She really enjoys helping others so she believes all the things Sheldon does to help during the holidays is amazing. Malpass also said that Key Club is so fun and the environment is great.

Illustration by Jasmyn Jensen and Kenneth Mitchell

Burrito Brigade is a nonprofit volunteer-based community group which gathers every Sunday in the kitchen of First Christian Church to prepare and distribute burritos to the local homeless. Sheldon’s addition to this effort (providing warm winter clothes) is lead primarily by the Key Club

Malpass feels that Sheldon should continue to participate in these activities, “Yes 100%! Getting kids out into the world helping others while hanging out with friends is so fun. I would recommend anyone to join Key Club.” She really enjoys spending a little extra time with her friends on Tuesday meetings.

Sheldon does a lot to help out during the holidays.

Whether it’s passing out burritos, turkey baskets, or winter clothes, you can always find a caring soul at Sheldon High school.

A latte of caffeine addiction?

Jared Godin and Laura Mladenich editors Junior Jacob Eddy, a soccer player, drinks on average one caffeinated beverage each day. Eddy stated that he began consuming caffeine in middle school. However, Eddy does not feel as though caffeine controls his current life. As for Eddy’s preferences, his favorite caffeinated beverage is Mountain Dew and he prefers Starbucks over Dutch Bros. Because caffeine doesn’t control Eddy’s life, he only spends around five dollars each week on caffeinated beverages and maintains an average of eight hours of sleep each night.

drinks around one to two caffeinated drinks each day and also takes caffeine pills every other week. Even with his consistent caffeine fix, he does not feel that it is a necessary part of his lifestyle. His preferred caffeinated beverage is Coke and

would rather have Dutch Bros over Starbucks. Generally, Carnevale will spend around $5 a week on caffeinated beverages. He believes that he drinks more caffeine in the summer compared to the school year. Caffeine tends to give him more anxiety depending on how much he drinks.

From another perspective, senior Jordyn Hamilton drinks around two caffeinated beverages each day. As an IHS student, Hamilton states that she drinks more caffeine during the school year. As a student who prefers Starbucks, Hamilton’s favorite beverage is an iced caramel macchiato. Hamilton started drinking caffeine when she was in middle school and now, as a senior, she feels as though it is necessary to keep up her lifestyle. Hamilton spends over twenty dollars on caffeinated beverages each week.

From a third perspective, junior Gabe Carnevale

Photo by Laura Mladenich

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Sheldon

November 30, 2017

What makes a good teacher?

Zoelle Ranstand and Meghan Mcmahan staff writers Most teachers are good, but there are some specific qualities that make a teacher great. Some of these include being flexible, creating a safe environment in the classroom, and getting to know their students. Many students admire Talon Nansel, the band teacher at Monroe. When Nansel was in grade school, he didn’t like the classes and the teachers he had. He then realized that he wanted to be a teacher who did things right. His AP English teacher was his inspiration to be the teacher he is now. That teacher took the time to learn about his student’s likes, and brought them into the classroom for a better learning experience.

Throughout college, Nansel also learned about the importance of believing you are beautiful. He painted a quote on his classroom wall that says: “Love music and love yourself.

I am BEAUTIFUL.” It is one of his goals as a teacher to make his students realize how important they are.

From a student’s perspective, having a bond with your teacher is very important. This will help them understand the class better. It is also important to feel comfortable

around your teacher so that you can ask questions and bring up problems without feeling awkward or nervous.

According to freshman Cameron Craviotto, “Feeling comfortable around my teachers has helped me get through school a lot during these last couple of years.” When students don’t feel comfortable around certain teachers, it can prevent them from learning and fully understanding the topics those teachers are covering.

Teachers who challenge their students tend to teach them more when compared to ones who just present material. However, it is also important that teachers make the subject they’re covering fun and something you actually want to pay attention to and learn about. Freshman Gus Bock says, “My favorite teacher teaches in a way that is interesting while getting stuff done.” This is really important because it makes students want to engage in what they are doing.

Another goal that most good teachers seem to have is inspiring their students. Although teaching students the material they’re supposed to learn in that class is the main reason teachers are there, inspiring students to do well in life and accomplish their goals and dreams outside of school helps students a lot, too. According to Craviotto,

IHS vs Honors

they see themselves after high school. Sheldon provides a few options for them to decide on when they enter the school as freshmen. There is not much information for students about what the other programs are learning that they might be missing. Each program gets told that their Allyssa Elledge and Grace Foltz choice will look better on applications, help them in the staff writer and editor future, or create a better high school experience. However, there are very few resources for students to directly When entering high school, there are many decisions compare and contrast the effects of their program. that students are faced with. High school is the time when Sheldon offers three different program options. students need to start planning their future, and choosing Sophomore Morgan Williams is in IHS. She chose this their education style is part of the process. Their choices program because she heard students would have to do a are IHS, honors, and a classic high school program. Each lot of coloring, and she really enjoys coloring. She thinks one emphasizes different strengths. Some students want the biggest benefit of choosing this for her high school to prioritize one subject over another depending on where experience is that she will be getting an additional diploma.

Williams does not think students outside of this program get the same class discussions that she does. The one thing she wishes she had is “more variety of people in your classes instead of the same people.” Williams appreciates that the students are not required to do a lot of difficult work at this point, but knows including Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield, full IB takes much Pacific Source, VSP, Eyemed, Providence, Moda, Trillium/OHP and many that more effort.

Senior Hannah Lake more. chose to be in the Honors program. “I was going to do IHS, but it conflicted with choir, so I did Honors instead,” she said. Lake really loves the teachers within this program. Her least favorite part is the amount of homework she is expected to complete,

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“My favorite teacher was always a hard worker and he told me too follow my dreams; I respected him very much.” When teachers gain students’ respect, they don’t have to work as hard to get them to listen and it makes the classroom a much more pleasant place to be.

Mr. Konolis’ 11th grade Spanish immersion class. and the constant pressure put on her to be the best. However, she believes she will benefit from this the most when she reaches college and already has credit. Lake wishes she had the kind of connection to other schools that IHS gets so she could collaborate with the other schools’ programs.

Senior Delaney Bishop used to be in IHS, but she dropped it to become part of the classic program. She dropped because it was a lot of work. She wanted to give college applications priority, as well as get a job. Her favorite part of the classic program is the lack of homework and all the free time she has.

One thing she misses about being in IHS is her classmates.

“I miss the people in it because you become a family after a few years,” she explained. Bishop doesn’t feel like there have been many challenges after the switch. She is glad she made the decision because school has been much more enjoyable.

She likes how her GPA has risen, as well as the ability to take the classes of her choice. Bishop worries that colleges may favor students in other programs, but there is not anything she would change about the program she is in now.

Each program offered has a different core purpose. Honors aims to provide challenging and advanced placement classes.

These students get college credit that they can use after high school. The IHS Mission Statement says, “As global citizens at Eugene International High School, we aspire to value diversity, ambiguity, and discovery and act with responsibility, integrity, and compassion.” This program has an emphasis on global curriculum and sense of community. Lastly, the classic program is for students who want to focus on earning a regular high school diploma and a respectable GPA, which can be a key aspect in getting into colleges of choice. They also have more freedom to choose their classes each year. It is up to the individual student to decide which skills they value the most, as well as how they want their college applications to look.

There is no one way to be successful in high school, and therefore, Sheldon students are lucky to have the ability to make decisions regarding their education. Many students take pride in the educational path they’ve chosen, but few take the time to examine how other students’ experiences vary from their own. Different programs provide benefits that produce unique individuals, who turn into unique citizens in college and beyond.

photo

Sheldon

New Spanish teacher: an update

November 30, 2017

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Grace Foltz editor

In early October of this year, Elena Delgado-Vazquez got an email from 4j Human Resources telling her that her work permit had expired and her work visa hadn’t been issued yet. She was in limbo. She was not allowed to work to any extent, be it teaching her classes or sending emails to her subs, without her work visa. At that point she began living day to day, with no steady income, waiting to see if her work visa would arrive before her 60day grace period expired, at which time she would be forced to go back to Spain. “It was awful,” stated Delgado-Vazquez. She described the terrifying reality of not knowing how she was going to pay for groceries or even the flight out of the country if her work visa did not get issued in time.

Delgado-Vazquez said it is crucial for everyone to know what she went through and why. She feels situations like this are directly affecting us and people we know and that this issue is extremely pertinent because of the recent election. Delgado-Vazquez points out that a lot of our news now comes from social media and is mostly numbers and statistics. She said, o by Ben Bratland “That way of informing detaches us from reality. We need to connect the abstract with reality.” For her students her absence was very real and definitely connected the abstract with reality.

Camille Clark, a sophomore in Delgado-Vazquez’s class, talked about how much of a shock it was to her and her classmates. “We didn’t know [her work permit] was going to expire and the subs didn’t explain it. We didn’t know what had happened until a few days before she came back,” said Clark. She is very glad that Delgado-Vazquez is back because it means that there will be a steady presence in charge of the class, someone who knows what they are doing. She believes that it is an important issue because having multiple subs makes it challenging for students to learn.

Sophomore Taylor Johnson, from one of Delgado-Vazquez’s classes, voiced some of the same concerns. He thought having so many subs was particularly difficult because the students didn’t know exactly how they would be graded. On top of that, he was worried about Delgado’s situation and wanted her to come back. He said, “I don’t think she should have had to go through that, but bad things happen and I’m just glad she has gotten past it.” Johnson is one of many students who is glad to have Delgado and her enthusiasm for teaching back at Sheldon.

The first thing Clark and Johnson thought when they found out Delgado-Vazquez was gone was that she had been deported. Actually, Delgado-Vazquez was not deported. The Trump administration has slowed down the process for getting a work permit or visa which can lead to deportation. It didn’t go that far in Delgado-Vazquez’s case, though.

To get her visa, Delgado-Vazquez had to get her application randomly selected from a computer-based lottery program and also had to pay lots of money to get certified documents about her located, translated, and sent to the United States from Spain. It was a hassle, especially because in Spain the concept of ‘certified and sealed’ documents is non-existent.

The ordeal was made even worse when the presidential administration suspended premium processing last April. They then made requests for more evidence in addition to the papers she had already submitted initially. She was frustrated about this mostly because the US government was not investigating her qualifications or experience, but rather requesting clerical

photo by Grace Foltz Spanish teacher Elena Delgado-Vazquez helps one of her students. paperwork.

Fortunately for her, the work visa was issued before her 60-day grace period ran out and she was allowed to return to work here at Sheldon. However, that is not the end of it. In three years, when her current work visa expires, Delgado-Vazquez will have to again go through the same process she went through to get the visa issued in the first place. This is a change from the past when renewing one’s visa was much easier. Regardless of the change in the rules, it is still Delgado-Vazquez’s goal to get residency, which is her next step.

Delgado-Vazquez hopes that this doesn’t happen again, but stated, “They are changing things and anything could happen.” For now, her students are glad to have her back.

School dances and their value Cade Higgins and Cass Egbert staff writers

play at the dances; give the kids what they want.

Junior Katlyn Stewart said that Sheldon should have school dances. Stewart also believes that school dances are “fun and important.” Stewart also said that seniors should be in charge of the school Senior Skyler Karch stated, “I don’t think Sheldon should have school dances; they dances and that the school should have a better DJ and allow more trendy songs even if they contain are a waste of the school’s money.” Karch also said that if Sheldon is going to have foul language. Stewart said, “The kids at the dances should pick the songs on the spot and play the school dances they might as well let all grades go. Karch also said that the school type of music that everyone is feeling and is having a good time to.” dances would be better if the school elected people to run the school dances, that Senior Haley Bergstrom said that school dances are fun events that the school should continue way it would be more fun and have much more school spirit. He also said that people to host. Haley said that the school spends the right amount of money on the dances and that they should not be pressured to go to school dances; “It’s like a weird vibe that makes should not spend any more. Haley said that prom should stick to being just seniors and juniors. Haley people feel like they have to go if they want to fit in and be popular, but that’s not true.” also feels that the school should continue to have the dances off campus and at nice places. Haley said Karch also said that there should be no limitations to what kind of music they should that everyone should go to at least one school dance because “if you don’t, you will regret it later.”

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November 30, 2017

Chess and Recycling

Chess injuries can happen Devante Allensworth and Brayden Smith staff writers It is that time of the year once more. The time of the year where people of all ages put everything they have on the line in order to be the best. Heartbreak, depression, and regret are all steps along the way to becoming amongst the elite of the school. It time for the annual Sheldon High school chess tournament.

Harrison Nabors, a previous winner of the chess tournament and last year’s runner up, gives insight on the struggle that is necessary to be a champion “I can remember it like it was yesterday. The endless hour of grueling chess, practicing every free opportunity I had.

Whenever I couldn’t go against another person I would spend the late hours of the night, grinding against the computer until the checkered bored was engraved into my mind. Once chess ruled over my life more than I did, was I prepared to make a run at being the best.”

Even with the countless hours Harrison poured into his passion he still believes he has much to learn before he can return to his sport. Currently Harrison is being forced to sit out of the tournament this year due to political turmoil and grueling injuries the athlete has yet to overcome. Maybe, if given time, Harrison can return to his dominant chess performance we all used to admire.

Despite what most people think the sport of chess is riddled with devastating injuries. Obviously troubled, Darren Henry vividly describes the traumatizing

experience of how his life was changed due to his first ever chess injury “I was playing with my brother, and he threw a pawn which hit me in the eye. I was okay though.”

After hearing this heart wrenching tale it is hard believe that Henry would ever return to such a violent sport, but he didn’t let this deter his love for the game. Henry now is the Host of the chess tournament and is changing the game into an organized sport instead of just meaningless bloodshed. Compared to Harrison’s injury, Henry’s dark story seems like a fairy tale “It was when I was still learning the game”, Harrison tells wiping a tear from his eye, obviously troubled by the memory he was unearthing “I moved my rook across the table from one side of the board to the other. As I got halfway, I felt a strain in my arm as I extended it as far as I could.

But I am a warrior and I wouldn’t let anything stop me from moving my rook: So foolishly I kept trying.

After a long struggle I moved my rook and got the checkmate but there was a cost. My wrist has felt funny ever since and honestly the feeling has never gone away. It doesn’t hurt but it just doesn’t feel the same as it used to.” This truly is one of the most horrifying chess injuries ever heard of and it still effect Harrison’s ability to this day.

Garbage and recycling Beau Niemi staff writer Sheldon High School has many garbage cans and recycling containers all over the school. The Sheldon staff do their best to make sure the school is clean, and make sure their garbage and recycling cans are used for their proper purpose.

Freshman Morgan Wagers stated, “Yes, I do use garbage and recycling.” Wagers said using garbage helps build the landfill, and using recycling means to reuse something.

Wagers said that her friends use garbage and recycling as well. Wagers said that she would pick up garbage and such off the ground when she sees it, and will use garbage and recycling every day, as she has been.

Wagers also knows where all the bins are for garbage and recycling so she knows what is nearby and where she can throw away her trash. Wagers said, “Using garbage and recycling is good and [helps] the environment.”

Wagers contributes to others using garbage and recycling by sometimes throwing away other people’s trash for them, to show them what to do and help the environment herself. One way that Wagers contributes to helping the environment herself is gardening and composting. Wagers knows to use garbage and recycling properly. Wagers’ teachers also help when they make sure they have garbage

bins and recycling bins in their classrooms.

Junior Hunter Freeman uses garbage and recycling, and said it is beneficial to, “Get rid of waste, and to reuse things.”

He also said that his friends and people he hangs out with use garbage and recycling cans. Freeman said he uses garbage and recycling all of the time. Although Freeman does not know where all the cans in the school are, he said, “The garbage and recycling cans in the school are not hard to find.” Freeman said that using garbage and recycling is good for the environment. Freeman tries his best to encourage other people to use garbage and recycling. Freeman throws away his trash and recycles all the time, and his teachers help encourage it as well when they put up signs pointing to where the garbage and recycling bins are in their classrooms.

Most students at Sheldon use garbage and recycling, and if they don’t, there are other people who will for them.

The students think it is good to throw away garbage, and it is good to recycle the recycling. Which really helps our environment, and creates good habits.

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Today the horrors of chess have been made apparent though that hasn’t stopped the many players competing in the chess tournament this year. With every game there is the risk of losing it all but only the most skilled and brave can advance far enough to feel the joy that comes with winning. There have been generations of chess player at Sheldon Highschool and very few have felt the sensation of victory but with no clear favorites, another fortunate soul is destined be crowned chess champion soon.

Opinions

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November 30, 2017

9

Ducks or Beavers?

Paulina Nunez and Jampal Gohler staff writers In Eugene, the Oregon Ducks are a huge part of the culture. People get really into the football games, but the Ducks aren’t the only football team that represents Oregon, there are also the Beavers. We asked a few students at Sheldon what their opinions are about the Ducks and the Beavers and we got some interesting answers. Vivi Vargas, a sophomore, hates the Ducks with a passion. Vargas said, “I like the Beavers more because all the jocks at school like the ducks.” Vargas doesn’t really care about football and doesn’t really like to watch it but she always routes for the beavers during the Civil War. On the occasion that she does watch football, she gets really excited about the beavers “beating their butts” as she said.

When the two Oregon teams play, he hopes they both win because they both represent Oregon. “I hate when the Ducks and Beavers play each other because I don’t know who to root for,” Hiller said. Sometimes when he watches football at home his siblings have to tell him to be quiet because he cheers so loudly! “Football is my favorite sport” Hiller said “That’s why I will never be able to choose between the Ducks and the Beavers.”

Taylor Brown is a freshman and she is a huge Oregon Duck fan. Her family goes to lots of the games because they got the season passes. She dresses in all duck gear when she goes to their games and the tailgate parties beforehand. Her favorite tailgate party she went to was on where she met a dog named Star and she would bark every time someone would say “go Ducks”. “Star has been in my memories ever since I was little, I wish my dog could learn to do that!” said Brown. Sometimes when she can’t go to the games, or it’s just too cold, she dresses up and watches from home.

VS.

Sophomore, Brayden Hiller, Doesn’t choose between the Ducks and the Beavers. He calls himself a “platypus.”

Illuatration by Jared Godin

LGBTQ+ community Grace Ashley staff writer Many might think that with the growing number of LGBTQ+ people that there are, that there might be problems at school for many of the children and teens who are in the community. But honestly, Sheldon has done a pretty good job at welcoming and supporting the kids that we have here. Sophomore Isabel Estrada said, “Although there might be people who disagree with the idea of LGBTQ+ kids at the school, I haven’t seen any hate towards the community.” Though there might not be visible hate towards the LGBTQ+ community at the school, it still exists and is sometimes in the community itself.

An ongoing issue in the community is using the correct pronouns. Many people ask that they be called a certain pronoun and it honestly isn’t that

hard to respect their wishes but there are some people, and some teachers, who refuse to do this small kindness, even in school and that can often be an issue. Sophomore Terry Gates said, “Teachers should respect the student’s wishes of being called by specific pronouns. It can cause severe dysphoria or depression; some people just have different opinions and beliefs.” It would help a lot of people if the preferred pronouns were used and doesn’t take effort to make happen.

There are unrecognized sexualities in the community as well and many of them have never been heard of by people outside of said community.

Because of this, many people identifying with one of these sexualities are ignored, discredited, or told that they aren’t valid, even by other members

in the LGBTQ+ community. Why people feel the need to be so harsh on these people could be for many different reasons. Sophomore Jaden Lambert said, “They are not exposed to people who are of these lesser-known sexualities and don’t know any better because they were never taught about them.”

Because some people don’t know much about these lesser-known sexualities, such as asexuals, they often put it off as someone being confused and that can be hurtful, especially to young teens who are still trying to figure things out in life.

Being told you are invalid can hurt and make things harder, especially in school.

10

Conspiracy Theories

November 30, 2017

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What theories do you believe in?

Chase McCord and Paityn Miller staff writers There are many different conspiracy theories people believe in, don’t believe in or make up. Senior Tessa Evans believes in multiple theories, including aliens. Evans state “The universe is so big, who knows what could be out there?”

Evans has also had weird dreams involving aliens which have even made her beliefs stronger. Although she believes in aliens, Evans and her friends don’t discuss the topic much, but also, she doesn’t share about it on social media.

Senior Megan Robinhold also believes in conspiracy theories, but a different kind. At Sheldon there are many students who have thought of things using their experiences. These include the courtyard is haunted, a couple teachers are aliens, and two certain teachers are secret lovers. Robinhold said, “They’re always together enjoying each other’s company; it makes total sense.”

but instead, he ran away. Although some people think its stupid and do not believe her that doesn’t change her opinion because “there’s so much evidence. How could it be true?” There are many kinds of conspiracy theories that people believe in because of evidence.

Some so much to the extent that it affects how they live and what they believe.

Many believe Martin Steven haunts Sheldon. No one knows how this conspiracy theory arose. The lure goes that he was bullied, had things stolen from him, almost every day. He never forgot about these interactions. Senior Jesse Christofferson states, “His unrested soul gains revenge by stealing from others in the locker rooms!” Many have seemed to be victims of this “ghost” of Martin Steven. Overall there are many different beliefs of theories.

Whether you believe in them or not is up to you.

Freshman Destiny Branch believes in conspiracy theories as well. One she believes in very strongly is that 2pac didn’t die, Illuatration by Jasmyn Jensen

Is the Sheldon auditorium haunted?

Michael King staff writer Is the auditorium haunted? As it turns out, some people in theatre believe this tale is true. Sheldon junior Sriyani Gunarathne believes the auditorium is haunted. Gunarathne suspects that a gentle spirit inhabits the school auditorium stating “It hasn’t caused any issues so far”. The story that a ghost was haunting the auditorium started a few years ago and has been perpetuated ever since. When Gunarathne was in theatre last year, she would feel chills and unease when alone in the auditorium. Many in the theatre group have started rituals to appease the spirit, the most common of which is shining a light upon the center of the stage, which is called “The Ghost Light,” Some students presume that the spirit is playful, as the only proof students have is that the spirit hasn’t behaved in an aggressive or violent fashion. However, there is no concrete proof of the spirit’s intentions. One student, junior Liv Barnhart claimed the ghost talked to her once when she asked the ghost’s name. However, these stories vary, as Gunarathne claimed the ghost does not talk.

Barnhart deeply believes the ghost exists, as she goes into the auditorium very often. She also believes the ghost is not a violent one, and she accepts the ghost’s presence.

Barnhart stated, “We just live with it.”

Junior Annie Huie said that the ghost is very real. Huie said that she has seen auditorium lights flickering on the side of the stage. The ghost was given the name “Natasha Gandhi” by the theatre group. Unlike Gunarathne, Huie

Backstage at the Sheldon theatre. hasn’t felt chills or a sense of unease in the auditorium, though Huie has heard rumors that a series of small tunnels exist underneath the auditorium. This does raise the

Photo by Jasmyn Jensen and Kenneth Mitchell

question if there is more to this than just a ghost. Overall, people generally accept the ghost existing as an aspect of theatre. As Huie stated “Keep calm and ghost light.”

Trending

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November 30, 2017

11

Are Hydro Flasks worth the money?

Hydroflasks are one of the highest quality and most purchased water bottles in our local community. They are a great type of water bottle and come in many different sizes and colors. The thing that makes a Hydroflask different from a normal water bottle is how it is very efficient for keeping a beverage or food hot or cold, and that makes it great for going on hikes, bike rides, or other outdoor activities that can take a long time. It does this with its double layer it has that acts like insulation, and sustains the temperature of what is inside of it. Sophomore Jack Coleman said, “I prefer Hydroflasks over other water bottles because it can keep my drink cold for about eight hours.”

Hydroflasks cost about forty dollars at most stores, but the price can vary. Some stores can sell them at about forty or forty-five dollars, while at some other stores, like Market of Choice, you can buy a Hydroflask for twentyfive dollars. Taylor Parker, who is a sophomore at Sheldon, stated, “I think that a Hydroflask should be sold at about twenty five or thirty dollars.” The cost can differ depending on the size that you purchase. A smaller size will cost less than a larger size, since a large one can hold more than the small one. There are also more than just water bottles, they also sell thermoses, and also even more lids for your bottle.

If you are going to buy a hydroflask, make sure to look at the different places that sell Hydroflasks if you want the best price for one.

A Hydroflask is a great brand of water bottles, and they do their job well, even for about eight hours.

They can be improved upon in a few ways, though.

Sophomore Jonah White said, “Hydroflasks could be improved by being lighter.”

They can break and dent easily too, which could also be improved. If you don’t like unscrewing the lid to open it, you can get a lid with a straw or a pop-open cap for only ten or fifteen dollars. They are meant to keep cold water cold for a long period of time, and can be bought in different sizes, colors, and come with different lids, and overall, are

Photo by: Jasmyn Jensen

Austin Yancey staff writer

The newest and best shoes Tyler Coombs staff writer

More students have started wearing Adidas’ new shoe comfort technology “Boost,” According to the running site jackrabbit.com, “Boost is Adidas’ most innovative cushioning technology using a material called thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) that compresses under pressure for better shock absorption and instantly bounces back to its original shape.” So basically, the material is very comfortable and stays comfortable all day long. Junior Jacob Williams said, “I own serval pairs of

shoes with Boost in them and they are my favorite shoes because they’re so comfortable.” The material has also gained popularity because of Kayne West, who is a big promoter of the product and serval pairs of shoes with the material in them.

Shoes can also be about style and fashion.

Shoes and streetwear are becoming more popular and creating a wide fashion trend worldwide. Streetwear brands like Supreme, Bape and Off White have grown enormously the past couple of years from their incrased popularity.

Sophomore Brandon Hort stated, “I’ve seen shoes and streetwear gain huge amounts of popularity over the past couple of years.”

Photo by Jasmyn Jensen

The shoe culture at Sheldon has slowly been evolving for the past couple of years. This year we have seen a large increase of students taking part in this culture. With large influences from hip hop celebrities and social media promoting the shoe industry, it is no surprise to see this growth. There are many reasons students may decide to wear nice shoes. Junior Chase Corrz states, “I wear Jordans every day because I think they look nice and they always get looks while walking through the halls.”

Run by students, for students.

Cover Editor Hadley Jellesed Around Sheldon pg.2 Editor Hadley Jellesed Athletics Page 3 Editor Laura Mladenich Health pg. 4 Editor

Grace Foltz Students pg. 5 Editor Grace Foltz Teachers pg.6 Editor Ben Bratland Sheldon pg. 7 Editor Ben Bratland Chess and Recyle pg.8 Editor Jared Godin Opinions pg.9 Editor

Jared Godin Conspiracy Theories pg.10 Ed. Jasmyn Jensen Trending pg.11 Editor Jasmyn Jensen Backpage Editor Laura Mladenich Staff Advisor Greg Cantwell Staff Writers Paityn Miller Devante Allensworth Kenneth Mitchell Grace Ashley Beau Niemi Sophia CAlevi Paulina Nunez Jaiden Cook Zoelle Ranstad @typicaltalisman Tyler Coombs Marissa Rhinen Cass Egbert Brayden Smith Allyssa Elledge Jonathan Trefethen Lauren Englet Austin Yancey Jampal Gohler Cade Higgins Michael King Alyssa Matthews Chase McCord cover photo by Alyssa Mathews backpage photo by Laura Mladenich

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