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Teachers talk of starting school later Many students deprive themselves of sleep michealla foules
photo by Annamarie
Rodriguez
Junior Mitchell Woodbury sleeps in his AP U.S. History class.
As his first period class begins, junior Mitchell Woodbury already starts to rest his head on the desk. Throughout the day, he sleeps through the lectures. Anyone who has Woodbury in their classes isn’t surprised. He does this often. “We’d be happier if we’d start (school) later,” said Stewart Jacoby, social studies teacher. During a meeting with the Leadership Team, Jacoby proposed an idea to start school later for the next school year. The community should decide together — teachers, parents and students — whether it will happen, he said. Departments discussed Tuesday the possibility of starting school next year at 8 or 8:25. Sleep is one of the most important aspects of a person’s life. After a day’s work, sleep is a natural way to repair the body and mind. On average teens should get a minimum of nine hours of sleep. According to a study in the Journal Adolescent Health, only 8 percent of high school students are getting the right amount of sleep. Too many students aren’t aware that lack of sleep can affect their performance in school and will also increase health issues. One of the common reasons why students aren’t getting the right amount of rest is because they stay up doing homework.
Junior Raven Ramirez has countless nights of staying up late just to finish and keep up with her homework. “I don’t really have a set time going to bed, but I sleep at around 11.” The nights before she has her Advanced Placement classes, she stays up even later. “Sometimes I sleep at 2 in the morning,” said Thuy Tran, a junior. “Other days, I’ve went home right after school, slept until 1 a.m., and start finishing my homework from there until school starts.” A study on sleep deprivation among high school students, showed that students who don’t get enough of sleep, will have academic problems the next day. However, another unrelated study conducted on a high school that started later showed not only academic improvement, but improvement in overall test scores as well. Even if they stayed up studying. Staying up late can also cause headaches due to added stress on the brain. “I like that idea of starting school later,” Woodbury said. “I can actually eat breakfast.” Many students think that the time change would be a great idea. “Time would be more flexible,” Ramirez said. “It would help a lot for AP students.” Her usual morning goes like this: she wakes up at 6, gets ready, walks to school, and arrives at around 7, so she gets to school as soon as the bell rings. “It’s a good idea.”
are you SAFE?
The mass school shooting in Newtown, Conn., has caused people to ask questions about just how safe we are in school. Since not all situations can be prevented, it’s up to students to be aware and know how to possibly protect themselves in case of a crisis.
What is your ‘mental conditioning?’
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“Mental conditioning” is your awareness of what’s going on around you and how well you’re prepared in a time of crisis. Keep in mind that most young people are unaware of their surroundings and few people will actually take action against a threat. It’s best that you’re in the yellow because it’s when you’re most aware. unaware
WHITE
You’re in the white when you walk into a room and pay more attention to a phone instead of what’s around.
YELLOW relaxed/aware
You’re in the yellow when you walk into a room and know what’s around you and have a plan in case something happens.
ORANGE
You’re in the orange when you notice that something around you isn’t right and you’re waiting to possibly take action.
RED
You’re in the red when there is a sure threat around you and you have to execute your plan in order to survive.
potential threat
‘fight’s on’
You’re in the black when you’re scared or shocked at a situation and can’t think overloaded mentality straight. You’re frozen and in danger.
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If we prepared for shootings like we prepared for fires... Paul Maurino firearms/tactics instructor
What to do in the event of a crisis If you can evacuate, then evacuate. If you can’t evacuate then stay away from large crowds and secure yourself indoors while remaining quiet. Have a plan and if you’re found or attacked then take action and do what you have to in order to survive.
Reanna Rodriguez and Victorious Gemma
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2.1.13 Vol. 56 No. 5
Amos Alonzo Stagg High School 1621 Brookside Rd. Stockton, CA 95207
Boys basketball
There will be a home game tonight against the Tokay Tigers. The varsity game begins at 7 p.m. Tickets will be sold at the doors for $4 for students with an I.D.
Financial aid
March 2 is the FAFSA deadline for seniors. Counselors are encouraging students to start the application early.
INSIDE the ISSUE
Opinion pages Editorial supports new PLUS program Students share opposing opinions on gun issue
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Opinion
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Editorial
2.1.13
PLUS could have a positive impact
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round campus, many of us have been receiving invitations for the PLUS program, clueless of what PLUS really is. Peer Leaders Uniting Students is what the acronym stands for, and it is going to be hitting our campus soon. The invitation mentions a meeting on Wednesday that explained the program’s goal. For those of us who are still unclear, PLUS is a way to bring students together to resolve problems on campus. Those who are interested are urged to apply and attend a seminar to get a feel of what participating will be like. Hosting about 60 to 70 students, eight to 10 elite leaders will be chosen to operate the future forums. The idea is that this program will be run by students, for the students. Diversity is a key concept in the discussions we will have. We will be resolving issues and coming together in a positive way. Everything the PLUS program has mentioned will take place this year and carry on to the next, such as forums, training and other activities. Most of the focus will be put on problems that have yet to be solved, or something a majority think should change. The issues that are brought up will be analyzed
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and taken into further consideration together as a whole. We agree with S3 grant coordinator Linda Roberts who says that students trust each other. We feel that this concept will prove itself true throughout the many planned forums. Of course in the beginning it will be a little tough to open up, but that is what Roberts wants to see happen.
Music inspires hope and security in life
nspirations. become the person I am today. It may be an elder, teacher, But there are more band memfriend, celebrity, or even a bers who’ve had an impact on band member. me as well. Wait, a band member? Why Mitch Lucker, the front man would anyone want to look up of Suicide Silence, who just to them if some of them are passed away at a young age “satanic”? about three months ago, taught Oh, the nerve of some me to live and appreciate life people. Just because these band like there’s no tomorrow because members don’t fit the image of one day there won’t be a tomorwhat society calls “normal” they row. get looked down upon. And that’s what he did his Their music, singing, and whole life, and died at the age of looks are different, but do these 28. alexus plascencia differences really determine if Hayley Williams, the lead they’re a positive influence or singer of Paramore, taught me not. to appreciate everything that happens to me - the My answer is no. good and the bad - because it’s all for a reason. Band members seem to be the only people who Austin Carlile, the vocalist for Of Mice & truly understand me, who can actually help me Men, taught me to never lose hope or never give get by. But how can I feel that way if they don’t up, because life always gets better. He taught me even know I exist? to always be myself despite what others think or Well, it’s simple. Through their music and say. interviews. With every song lyric they write, they I could continue and make a list of all the pour emotion into every line. They make you dig other inspirational band members that got me deep to find the true meaning of what they’re trywhere I am today, but that would be never ending to capture. ing. An example? My point is a role model can be unconven Let’s take Christofer Drew, the lead singer of tional. It just depends on the person who decides Never Shout Never. to follow in on their footsteps. They can either I’ve always looked up to him. He taught me so take a person’s words and turn it into something much about love, life, peace, and even myself. positive, or not. He showed me that life isn’t always going to be “Keep listening to music. It gets you through a happy place, but you have to look on the bright everything, I promise.” side and have a positive attitude. Those words said by Mitch Lucker will always Because of him I was able to overcome the stick to me. insecurities I had about my physical appearance. Because every single song written by these He taught me to love myself for every flaw and band members has gotten me through the last imperfection because they make us just as beautifive years of my life, and they will continue to ful. throughout the rest of my years to come. I can honestly say he’s greatly shaped me to
Amos Alonzo Stagg High School 1621 Brookside Rd. Stockton, CA 95207 (209) 933-7445 ext. 8487 The Stagg Line newspaper is a member of the National Scholastic Press Association and the California Newspaper Publishers Association. Awards and recognitions include the following: XX 19 consecutive NSPA All-American rankings XX NSPA Hall of Fame, 2005 XX NSPA First-Place Best of Show five times XX NSPA Newspaper Pacemaker seven times XX JEA Impact Award, 2002 Stagg Line student journalists have won many awards and scholarships over the years, including California Journalist of the Year, National Story of the Year, and National Photo of the Year.
art by Alyssa
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She would like to eventually see us all work together and be able to communicate on a more comfortable level. With all the news about shooting in schools and other violent crimes taking place, it is perfect timing. In order to reduce the chances of these types of crimes occurring on Stagg’s campus, bringing the school’s community together as one is a mighty idea.
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Since the PLUS program is merging members of every group, or clique, then it will be much easier to resolve conflicts with solutions that best suit everybody on campus. Those being referred into this group, should take advantage of it. However, many people are beginning to dismiss the program, before they completely understand. Unlike Conflict Mediators whose information is between the program and the involved participants, PLUS will not be focused on any individual. In fact, that is looked down upon by Roberts and other staff members who promote joining the program. The goal is to be one, to highlight the sense that we are all equals, so there will be no need to work alone. PLUS does contain a lot of positive promises that we hope will not be as hidden, but it all depends on the participation of the students. This is why we support the impact PLUS is trying to bring and enforce. If all the students who received the letter put it into consideration, then we can all work to make PLUS successful and create more of a family atmosphere.
Soccer makes up for past regret
y pastor announced it! Any girls interested in playing My heart was beating soccer for Stagg come out to the fast. I never explored a meeting Jan 14. I had always new country most certainly not been interested in soccer yet Guatemala. This was something never really had the guts to step that I knew I wanted to do. out and do it. It was something I dreamed I knew I had to because this of doing my whole life. To be would bring fulfillment from able to travel far away from previous regrets.This was the home to help someone less chance to make up for not going fortunate. It was decided I had to Guatemala. to go, because this trip would I wanted to play soccer beguide me further into the spiricause of the passion and excitetual aspect of my life. ment both the fans and players The only thing that was had after they scored a goal. stopping it was me. My parents, I had always wondered what blanca mendoza given that it was church event, that feels like to be a victoriagreed to let me go, even though ous player, but I knew soccer they did not feel completely comfortable with it. wouldn’t be easy. This made me think twice. After all, it was a running sport and running Should I even go? and I aren’t exactly “best friends.” What if something happens? And suddenly all This sport would require hard work, dedication the hope and excitement was burned so swiftly and major discipline. I was definitely not used that it felt as if it was never there. to. The opportunity was there and no one was It was a week later that I declined the offer and stopping me from doing it. I had all the support the feeling of regret soon washed over me. I knew I needed. It was all up to me to choose if I was I had made the wrong decision and from there it willing to do it or, if this would be another regret. has always been in the back of my mind. What if Of course I had to do it and I did. I had just gone on that trip? Although it was not easy for me in the begin There have been multiple times when I have ning I have stuck through it all, the physical and denied myself experiences that could have made a mental conditioning. Being able to be a part big impact on my life. These choices I have made of something bigger than my self is definitely a weren’t always what I wanted to do, but they were reward. what seemed easiest to do in the situation at the This choice has been beneficial to my life in given time. various ways it has helped me to really enjoy what It seemed easier for me to stay in my comfort life has to offer and learn to take opportunities. zone and regret, rather than step out and have I think taking the step into doing something fun. After all, what did I have to lose? new and positive is always the right choice. Al I carried this mentality until the beginning of though there may be some obstacles I always take December 2012. It was then that I came face to time to ask myself did you do what makes you face with my first big decision. I heard it on an happy? announcement. Now I am finally able to say yes, yes I did.
Annamarie Cunningham Editor-in-Chief
Nicole Lawrence Editor-in-Chief
Don Bott Adviser
The Stagg Line newspaper is published monthly and distributed free of charge to students and faculty. Our newspaper is a long-standing open forum for free student expression. Student editors and reporters make content and style decisions with the adviser offering guidance. Editorials reflect the view of the entire editorial board and therefore are unsigned. Opinion columns reflect the view of the writer. Readers are welcomed to write letters to the editor. We will make every effort to print any letter as long as it is not libelous. Letters longer than 250 words may be edited. Unsigned letters will be printed only in unusual circumstances, and only when we know who the writer is. Letters may be brought to the newspaper room, A-8, or emailed to dbott@stockton.k12.ca.us
Reanna Rodriguez
Dellanira Alcauter
News Editor
Nuvia Cervantes
Jessica Mangili Opinion Editor
Michealla Foules
Gabriella Miller
Victorius Gemma
Features Editor
Marcella Hawkins
Adrianna Owens Entertainment Editor
Allison Ho
Brian Walker
Jada Johnson
Sports Editor
Miranda Maurino
Fe Valencia Graphics Editor
Blanca Mendoza
Annamarie Rodriguez
Alexus Plascencia
Photo Editor
Alyssa Rojas
Chao Xiong
Rebecca Romero
Web Editor
Damon Heine Blog/Social Media Editor
Veronica Vargo Devin Wickstrom
Opinion
2.1.13
New regulations are necessary to keep guns safe
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Giving up guns will reduce violence rates across country
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ach of us has our opinchase a gun. e have been taught to think that violence ions, but that’s not what’s Currently, those who want to will keep us safe. We wrong. The problem we buy a gun can do one of two believe that owning a gun, or are currently facing is that there things: purchase from a gun is a huge mass of people all waitshop and undergo a background any kind of weapon really, will protect ourselves and our family. ing to share their thoughts on check to wait on their order to But if you just think about guns and gun violence. be valid or buy a gun from a it, it’s not that hard to realize We all have a solution, but vender at a gun show and leave how backward that is. Promotnobody is willing to comwith it the same day. ing violence isn’t going to keep promise. And this is why the With no background check. problems our nation is facing It’s just hand over your money us safe. I say violence because guns bring with them a potential still continue. and walk out with a firearm for violence. Allowing private Everyone has their own that is ready to be a part of a citizens to own and use guns opinions on the subject of gun mass shooting that will leave the isn’t the way to stop or even slow owens annamarie adrianna control. Everyone has a possible country distraught. the homicide rate. I feel that if solution. Here’s the problem Luckily, the president has kept we citizens want to keep people with that: there is no solution. in mind how terrible it is to safe -- our families, our friends, With this debate, there are purchase firearms at a gun show, or even the strangers we meet in two extremes. One is to take so in his executive orders, this is the supermarket -- it’s time for away all guns and make people addressed. us to relinquish our right to bear hand them over to the govern Ultimately, we need to make arms. ment. like we’re friends and find some It’s time to give up guns. The other is to leave everycommon ground. I believe that Frankly, they’re dangerous thing as it is in the Constitucitizens should keep the right to and their numbers are increasing. According to data released tion. With the public having carry guns. access to guns. Just the way it is But I also believe that pro-gun from firearms manufacturers in 2010, there were at least now. activists and anti-gun activists 300 million guns in circulation However, after the Sandy need to work together to find a around the country, or nearly Hook tragedy and even going compromise for the good of the back to Columbine, America rest of the country. What people one per citizen. Alarming, right? Like I said earlier, they prohas come to the point where it need to realize is that this road mote violence instead of peace, doesn’t have the capacity to take isn’t going to be easy. any more hurt. And whatever path the govern- and statistics have proven that People have suffered enough because of the lack ment decides to take, we need to be ready to work people who own guns are more likely to be killed by a gun. Very possibly by their very own. of gun control. with them. And that’s why it’s time to remove them as a When talking about the solution to this terrible problem, one needs to factor in many different elements. A gun doesn’t fire itself. It takes a person to pull the trigger. As cliché as that may sound, the truth to the saying still holds. Guns are not the root of all evil; it’s the people that hold them that are corrupt. But even though there are terrible acts that can be committed when you hand someone a gun, Americans should be able to have guns. And by guns, I mean, a single-shot handgun or some form of shotgun that isn’t semi-automatic or automatic. A single-shot is one that you would have to reload with every shot, while a semi-automatic reloads for you with each pull of the trigger until you are done with the magazine of bullets loaded in the gun, that can hold 10 rounds, at least in California. And even more alarming are automatic guns that load and fire until you take your finger off of the trigger. Luckily, automatic firearms aren’t legal, in some states. However, semi-automatics are legal while they shouldn’t be. If there were a tighter restriction on the type of gun a citizen could own, there might be less violence. President Obama has been working on moving toward a plan with 23 executive orders that will be rooted in solving violence affiliated with guns. One of his orders is to have mandatory backSOURCES: guardian.co.uk, law.cornell.edu, and firearms/ tactics instructor Paul Maurino ground checks for anyone who is going to purGraphic by Rebecca Romero and Jessica Mangili
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variable in our society. Sure, guns do police or special forces some good, but how often do average citizens need to use a gun to defend themselves from a threat? How often is there actually a threat worthy of brandishing a gun? I am not naive to the dangers that exist in the world, but I think that with a modicum of common sense and a whole lot of awareness, those situations can be easily avoided. And they can be handled without the use of a gun. cunningham We’ve all read about innocent people who have died because of lax gun laws, we’ve all seen the aftermath. There are other countries whose homicide rates are much higher than ours -- Honduras for example, with the United States somewhere in the middle -- but since 1966 the United States has had 266 mass shootings, the latest in the long line being the shooting in Newtown, CT. Literally hundreds of people have died who had their whole lives ahead of them. It’s time to stop waiting. A serious change needs to be made and it needs to be made now. I know that guns will likely never be completely illegal to own in this country, and I doubt the gun laws will change fast enough to keep everyone happy. There will, of course, be the people who are angry with any compromise we hopefully reach, and there will be those who can content themselves with it. I have my ideals, and as much as I would love to see those fully realized, I can content myself with the fact that the president is putting forth a real effort to keep the people safe. Propaganda released by pro-gun activists claims that the president is trying to dismantle the rights we are so lucky to have as Americans, starting with making guns illegal. And as a journalist I can understand worrying about losing a right issued to us by our forefathers. I would be angry if someone tried to take away my freedom of speech. And I admit that outlawing guns is an extreme measure, as I’m sure the president and government would admit as well. But when the alternative is a continually growing number of American homicides, how extreme is extreme? It’s hard to prove that taking away guns makes people any safer because of all the other causes of homicides. Logically it makes sense, though: take away the weapons and it gets harder for people to hurt you. The thing is we need everybody to realize this. We need everybody to reach some kind of decent consensus regardless of their stance on the issue, so that our people can feel safe when they go to the mall, or walk onto a school campus. Maybe that does mean being a law abiding citizen, but it’s time for peace. And giving up our weapons is only a start.
Literally hundreds of people have died who had their whole lives ahead of them. It’s time to stop waiting. A serious change needs to be made and it needs to be made now.”
However, after the Sandy Hook tragedy and even going back to Columbine, America has come to the point where it doesn’t have the capacity to take any more hurt.”
Guns in America
Ranked No. 1 in the world for gun ownership Ranked No. 28 in firearm murders
88.8% of the population owns at least one gun 60% of homicides are by firearms 226 School shootings since 1996
Second Amendment: A well regulated militia, being necessary
to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.
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Fast food has stolen health of America’s kids
f you had asked me 10 years ago what my idea of a perfect day was it would go like this. I would wake up in the morning and have a big bowl of Coco Puffs. I would then proceed to watch cartoons all morning until I grew tired and took a nap. When I woke up I would beg my father to take me to Taco Bell for my fix of soft tacos and cinnamon twists. After a filling meal I would then play video games until dinner time when my hunger brian walker returned. This time I would beg my mother to make a stop at McDonalds for my beloved happy meal. She would return, I would have gotten my food and cheap toy and I could go to bed a happy child. Back then I wanted fast food all the time. Back then I was considered by doctors to be overweight and at risk of diabetes. Now I realize that the only reason I wanted fast food was because they wanted me to want fast food. I was brainwashed. Fast food corporations purposely target small children through social media. Their goal is to establish a connection with the youth so that they grow up with and feel comfortable with the company and become a lifelong customer. If you were to watch an hour of Nickelodeon today chances are you will be barraged with nothing but commercials for McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Burger King and various toys. Using tricks of propagandists they convince kids that they want to go to their establishment. They want to eat their unhealthy food and later, they want
to come back for more. With their enticing cheeseburgers, tempting milkshakes, mouth-watering french fries, and of course the irresistible, all powerful, wait for it… toy! What child would not plead to their parents to get these items? Corporations are wrong for their marketing towards children. They are molding the minds of the young to think that fast food is a healthy everyday thing. Marketing towards today’s youth is the easiest way to make money and they are right to want to do that. But corrupting the minds of children is not the most morally just thing to do. Fast food is unhealthy. It is filled with fat, sugars, sodium and very high in cholesterol. It is arguably the reason that Americans on average are so much larger compared to people from other countries. Knowing that, I still eat it. I still have my cinnamon twists every now and then and am prone to eating an occasional McChicken and I am a perfectly healthy teen. The thing that has changed between now and then is frequency. With moderation fast food is nothing but a speedy option to fill up your stomach. Being older I realize this, but no 5 year old will ever understand. They will just want, want, want until they end up in a hospital bed. If companies would stop targeting children and aim towards an older audience, than children would be less exposed to these junky foods and be more healthy.
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Features
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2.1.13
The other Stagg High
School in Palos Hills, Illinois shares same name devin wickstrom
Students slowly enter campus wrapped in warm sweaters, beanies, and scarves to protect them from the cold winter breeze, greeting each other with smiles and the occasional snowball is thrown at a friend to -- Wait, snowball? Sorry, but this isn’t the Stagg High of Stockton, but the Stagg High of Palos Hills, IL. High schools share a lot of similarities including their colors and mascot, though the Stagg here and the one in Palos Hills share a name, obviously; but they were not named after a president or civil rights leader, but after a football coach. In fact, there are only two schools in the nation that share Amos Alonzo Stagg High as their label. But still there are many differences, and some similarities, between the two schools. Here, Leadership plans almost all of the student activities on campus while Palos Hills has a club called the Charger Nation.The two groups both do similar jobs yet they have different tasks and one difference is that any student can join the Nation at any point throughout the school year whereas a student must enroll in the Leadership Class. “We definitely have a strong pride in our school,” said Salma Manaa, senior. “Every Friday students wear orange and blue to support our Chargers.” The Stagg in Palos Hills is a lot like the one here in ethnic diversity, except instead of students being from both Central and South America and Asia, students there are from countries in Europe like Poland, Germany and Sweden. Palos Hills has a club called MECA, and though it may sound similar to our MESA group, they have
nothing in common. “The Middle Eastern Culture Ambassadors Club is used to expose our students to new cultures,” said Liz Panella, senior. The Gay-Straight Alliance, or GSA, was just started this year and students said that, like MECA, the club tries to expose students to different ways of life. The alliance is trying to teach students that people are different and shouldn’t be treated any different from others because of their personal lives. Both Manaa and Panella are members of the newspaper staff in Palos Hills, and unlike in Stockton, only seniors are allowed to be on the staff though they do have other writing programs for lower classmen. Here in Stockton, students are exposed to a number of different sports, but if one were to take a trip to Palos Hills, they would be introduced to some different choices including bass fishing, bowling, powerlifting, special olympics, and swim guard. As for clubs, Palos Hills has a number of unique groups, each with its own goal. The Business Club’s aim is to help students apply for jobs and also explain to them what the work world would be like. They also have a Debate Team, Cinema Club, and Color Guard, for students; this could also help them with certain types of careers. Like the Freshmen Academy, Palos Hills has a freshmen class which aims to help students in the grade become accustomed to the new school. But here the students do not stay in the academy after their freshmen year as opposed to Palos Hills where each grade level has their own club such as the freshmen class, the sophomore class, and so on. Not only are the two schools different, but the
MARDI GRAS preparation “
Every year the French classes come together to celebrate the French tradition of Mardi Gras. This year they’re doing it differently because instead of reenacting plays, they’re actually making their own films. Here are the words of some students involved.
It’s my first time directing, but I’ve always wanted to be a director. Trying to handle everyone’s schedule is the biggest obstacle, but it’s coming together.”
Cliniah Tevis senior
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It’s really shocking because I’m a cop and they’re supposed to prevent bad things from happening. But it’s good because it adds an interesting twist.”
Photo courtesy of Stagg High School, Il.
The Stagg Room is a dedication room that holds memorabilia of Amos Alonzo Stagg who coached at the Univeristy of Chicago located near Palos Hills. cities are quite the opposite of each other. During the winter in Stockton, the temperature can go down to the 20’s while Palos Hills can get below 10. In fact, yesterday’s high for Palos Hills was 19 degrees with a low of three. Maybe the two schools can learn from each oth-
er by adding new clubs or sports or even changing something about them. By just observing, they can learn new ideas and combine them with their own; and even though they are separated by thousands of miles, they still share something unique and rare that keeps them connected: a name.
Donating blood, saving lives adrianna owens To some people, the thought of giving blood is terrifying. However, for Trenton Raney, it is something that makes him feel wonderful. This junior takes giving blood as a serious part of his life. It is a key factor as to why he is so proud of himself. “The first time I gave blood was when my grandma was in the hospital with cancer,” he said. Distraught, he realized that he could help people just like the person that had helped his grandmother get better. From what was such a tragic time in his life, Raney had turned it into something that he could learn from. And now, he is determined to make it a part of his entire life. “My goal is to donate 10 gallons of blood,” he said. He is at two liters. It’s easy to think that he would give up after a few visits to the blood bank, but he has already scheduled days in which he will return and hopes to keep going back until he has reached his goal. And because he wants to be committed to giving blood, he has started to donate to a little girl named Emma Jane Young, who has leukemia. His mother and her mother have been friends since their high school years, but Raney still hasn’t met her. However, he plans to soon. He wants to be there for her and help her in her time of need. Because of his experience with his grandmother, he finds it necessary that he gives to a greater cause, but he says that he doesn’t necessarily
need to meet the little girl, but that it would be nice if he could. He tells people that he likes knowing that he can change someone’s life by giving a part of himself, and that because he can give blood, he will. “The fact that a total stranger can change someone’s life is wonderful,” he said. He wants to give a part of him to help someone overcome a hardship and he looks at blood as a part of his body that he has enough of to share with others. Because his goal is so high, he finds it a little bit scary, but knows that he can do it if it means that someone will benefit from it. “I do it because I want to help people,” he said. “I want to be there when others aren’t. I understand how long it will take to reach my goal, but I am committed to helping Emma.” Besides the fact that others benefit from his donations, he benefits as well. Each time he gives blood, he receives a shirt or two and on rare occasions, he ends up on television. “I was interviewed and got a chance to be on TV for a KCRA blood drive,” he said. “It made me feel important, like I was fixing the world in the little ways that I know how to.” His brother, Trevin Raney, has also given blood from time to time, and says that it isn’t something he would like to do again, but wants to find some other way he can help people. The two twins go to blood banks together, and even when Trevin doesn’t give blood, he sits there in support of Trenton’s donation, taking pictures and videos to document each and every trip they make.
Joseph Goodwin sophomore
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My character is solving a mystery on who is selling artifacts and then captures them. Salvador doesn’t want to be captured, but I have to bring him in.”
Ryan McLaughlin junior
Graphic by Dellanira Alcauter, Fe Valencia, and Victorius Gemma
Photo by Adrianna Owens
Junior Trenton Raney has donated two liters of blood over the last year and hopes reach his goal of 10 gallons.
Features
2.1.13
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Brothers John and Jim Harbaugh will face off in the 47th Super Bowl this Sunday. Many will be watching to see Ray Lewis in his last stand and to root on the home team, the Niners. There are other aspects of the Harbowl that people look forward to including the multimillion dollar commercials that last less than a minute and the halftime show. No matter the outcome, this is definitely a game to see.
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I want to see Kaepernick and the entire offense really perform but I want to see the Ravens and Ray Lewis get really physical.” Raymond Rodriguez junior
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All I know is that my baby Kaepernick is going to take the win. Point, blank, period.” Alexus Raquel senior Graphic by Victorius Gemma and Gabriella Miller
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I want to see Beyonce’s performance because that’s my girl. This is the only football game I watch because I know it’s super big.” Da’Majgion Burnett sophomore
Identical twins share same style and dreams alexus plascencia It’s twin day during spirit week and everyone’s dressed the same. The next day is a new theme, and yet two girls are still dressed alike. Oh, that’s right. Twin day is every day for them. Seniors Adriana and Maria Oseguera Guizar are the most well-known twins here on campus. They’re constantly wearing the same outfit, have the same hairstyle, and of course the same face. Since they were younger, their mom has always dressed them alike. And with growing up one would think a twin would want to be her own person and go her own ways, but not for these two. They find joy in always being able to look the same
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It’s really fun to dress alike but it’s hard when we like something and can’t find two of each.” Maria Oseguera Guiza
and having the same outfits. When shopping together for the same clothing, they are constantly getting stares from the others around them. “It’s really fun to dress alike, but it’s hard when we like something and can’t find two of each,” Maria said. “If we see something we really like, and there’s not two of each, we don’t get it,” Adriana said. Though the majority of their life they’ve always dressed the same, during their freshmen year they decided to switch it up and start dressing different for a while. Up until midway of their sophomore year they got back to wearing the same outfits because they were used to it.
Adriana and Maria always seem to agree on everything. They get along all the time, they say, and hardly come to any disagreements. Some might think they both are actually the same person. Maria is often told that she’s more quiet, and shy, while Adriana is louder. “Our attitudes are really different,” Adriana said. “Maria is more demanding. She likes to pick out most of our outfits.” But, like most twins, they like to have fun every now and then, and pull pranks to confuse others to who’s who. They’ve had plenty of good memories doing so. Especially when they confuse their own mom by pretending to be one another until she gets frus-
trated. Adriana and Maria are always doing everything together and never leave each other’s side. They consider themselves not only sisters but best friends. “My life would be very different without her. I’d be lonely,” Adriana said. After high school, they have plans of going to the same college. Maria hopes to become a dance teacher, and Adrianna a math teacher. They also plan to live next door to each other and get married at the same time “I think getting married to twin husbands would make everything great.” Maria said. “And it would be really cool to even have twin kids.”
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Our attitudes are really different. Maria is more demanding. She likes to pick out most of our outfits.” Adriana Oseguera Guiza
Photos by Dellanira Alcauter
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struck by ightning Movie shines light on experiences of the unpopular student annamarie cunningham Happiness, success, all the things that make our lives bearable, they’re like lightning. They strike and our lives are suddenly filled with energy. This is the case for senior Carson Phillips from “Struck by Lightning,” written, directed and acted in by Chris Colfer (“Glee”). Some might call it a coming of age drama, or maybe even a comedy. But I call it an accurate portrayal of life. Especially life as a high school student. The sassy remarks, the urge to escape your hometown, the film is as accurate as could be, down to each and every little heartbreak. And that’s what Colfer wants it to be: an edgy film about life as a social reject in high school. Colfer stars as Carson, editor of his school’s newspaper, editor of the writer’s club, and the most underappreciated kid in his small-town high school. As the school “nerd,” a name earned by his involvement in the literary arts, Carson is the recipient of a continuous barrage of taunts, insults, and pranks. But he never lets anyone walk over him. His sass is one of the great attributes of his character, not to mention it allows for a break from the constant masquerade that is high school. Besides the great comedic moments, the film offers some real life advice. Carson asks a classmate, “what grade do we stop believing in ourselves? I mean, someone has to be a Nobel Peace Prize winner; someone has to be a ballerina.” The
surprising thing is that the movie is full of lines like those. And that’s something I really appreciate about it. Movies about high school or high school students are so often centered around one thing; and that is finding yourself in the crowd. While there is nothing wrong with that, because people are always going to need help finding themselves, this film brings a different angle. Life is more than just high school and the friends we keep. Life is the happy moments, the sad moments, and every single moment in between. Carson’s best friend, Malerie Baggs, played by Rebel Wilson, spends the majority of the movie filming the goings on of high school on her camera. When asked why, she replies, “what isn’t worth remembering? With good memories come bad memories.” Chock full of witty one-liners and the more meaningful statements about life, “Struck by Lightning” is definitely something to see. In a special interview conducted in a video chatroom by several high school journalists, including myself, Colfer explained the film to be something he had been fostering for many years, something that meant a lot to him. One journalist asked why Carson met such a sad end (I hope I’m not giving away too much) and he said “I always hoped that (the audience) saw all potential that he was robbed of, and I hope that helped them find all the potential in themselves.”
From the interview... In a Skype interview, Annamarie Cunningham collected the following quotes from Glee star and SBL star, Chris Colfer.
Q: What is the biggest similarity
between you and your character? A: “Biggest similarity, we were both ambitious kids, annoyed the hell out of people.”
Q: How does it feel to see a book ff Good: Colfer’s writing is clever and
keeps the audience entertained most of the time. ff Bad: The movie, for all its great moments and one liners, gets stereotypical and generic at times. ff Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
you wrote come to life? A: “It’s amazing. It’s kind of like holding your child, but with less fluid.”
Q: How did your high school story
end? A: “Rather than dying, I just thought, oh! This would make a great movie!”
Backpacks show personality and creativity Anthony Jimenez is a senior who has also transformed his backpack. It was once black, but now there sits a monkey pushing aside two clumps of trees that are miniscule in comparison. The monkey is his own creation and accounts for more than just looks. Jimenez said, “When I was younger, I was always running wild in the streets, so my father called me Monkey.”
Sometimes, paper just isn’t enough. It can be decorated and drawn all on to appear amazing, but it is still just a sheet of paper. Bland. Plain. Boring. Paper can crinkle, crumble and tear. If it gets wet, you’re done for. So instead of paper, what is there to scrawl the outrageous images in your mind on? The walls? The desks? Other people’s hands? Well, how about a backpack? It’s always with you at school, and everyone can get a chance to admire the artwork on it. Joann Sagaral is only a freshman, but the seeds of creativity have already sprouted in her mind. She used acrylic paint to design two people onto her backpack, one screaming at the other. “Sometimes, the mind’s creativity leaks and you just get bored of writing on the same material, paper.” The characters are truly hers from a story she wrote that started off as an essay for a school writing prompt. She later extended it, formed two characters, and then brought her characters to life onto her backpack.
Photos by Adrianna Owens Information compiled by Nuvia Cervantes
Senior Keysha Massey’s backpack is decorated with so many bright colors that it’s hard to tear your eyes away from it. The colors help tell the story of her fun and bubbly personality. The backpack originally had colored check marks on it, but when Massey saw another girl with the same backpack, she decided to change things up. “I wanted it to be colorful, something I can see every day and not get tired of looking at it,” she said.
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Wins create more confidence miranda maurino
Photos By Annamarie Rodriguez
(Top) Senior Veasna Samol takes the ball down the court in a game against Edison. (Right) Senior Sarah Jones makes a jumpshot over the opposing defender.
Four wins, three losses. That’s the girls basketball league record as of Jan. 25. The girls basketball team has improved astoundingly this year. After struggling to even win a game all these years, why the sudden success? Senior guard Veasna Samol says it’s because “We’re more like a team now.” Everyone now equally contributes to bettering the team. Samol, who averages 9.7 points per game and 3.1 rebounds, said that since the seniors on the team have improved and now that some of the juniors are stepping up they’re more like a team. She also said that the new additions to the team like junior power forward Alijah Turner who averages 10.3 points per game and 7.3 rebounds, from Hanford High have been really good for the team. Turner, who came from a basketball team that was ranked 27th in the state, has been a big part of the team’s success. She joined the team after her move to Stockton. Her step dad talked to the coach, and after attending a few practices was able to play in the games. She said that she enjoys playing on our basketball team because the teams over here are evenly matched, whereas in Hanford one team was good and all the others were mediocre. “I like it better over here because it’s more competitive.” Junior guard Miranda Miner, averages nine points per game and six rebounds. “It’s good to know that I’m contributing to the team,” she said. She also thinks that the team’s recent success is due to the fact that there is more communication and chemistry. “We’re being smarter with how we play.” She also acknowledges Turner for the team’s success. “Alijah’s really good, she’s a big help to our team.” Her faith in her team has grown as the team’s success has grown. “We just have to get our mind set that we’re go-
Star shines on the court from outside 3-point line
jada johnson Class clown. Mr. Athletic. Ladies’ man. There are many phrases to describe senior varsity basketball player Curtis Bernard. But who is he really? “He’s the leader of the team,” junior and teammate Anthony Wimmer said. Bernard is said to be the glue that keeps the team from falling apart when times get tough. During the game against St. Mary’s, Bernard hit three 3-pointers in a row. As the crowd roared with excitement, a sudden silence among the fans was painfully realized. Bernard fell to the floor with a bruised sternum after a physical battle on defense. His teammates and opponents kneeled, then clapped in respect when Bernard returned to his feet unsteadily. He was escorted into the locker room and never re-entered the game. The energy in the gym didn’t die down. His teammates didn’t give up. The game continued with enthusiasm. Bernard admits he often gets
the team pumped up and keeps their adrenaline going when the game gets a little flat. However, he doesn’t take full credit for the team’s success. “Whether I’m there or not, they play as hard as they can.” He cheered and made sure they never stopped fighting. “You know,” he said, “there are times when I crash and they pick me up. It’s a team thing.” “He’s a humble kid,” Rathea Sreiy said. The junior plays alongside Bernard every game. Sreiy appreciates Bernard’s skill because it makes him easier to work with. Bernard believes he has a lot of responsibility when it comes to the team. “It’s like if I go downhill, we all go downhill.” When Bernard was a junior, no one got to see the “skilled” player that he is. He was benched for not making grades. He admits to slacking off last year and now he regrets it. “I could’ve been even better this year if I had played last year,” he said. “I know basketball can take me further with grades,” Bernard said. He would be more than happy
if his entire life revolved around basketball. “If I made it to the NBA, that would be fantastic,” he said. However, he has a backup plan that may come as a surprise. “I want to be a nurse.” Bernard enjoys helping people and believes nursing is a fitting career for him but he still has a
passion for basketball. “I’m going to play until I can’t anymore,” he said. “Of course the NBA is the dream, but I’m happy if I can just continue to play through college. I want basketball to take me as far as possible.”
Photos By Annamarie Rodriguez
Senior Curtis Bernard inbounds the ball in a game against Edison. Bernard is the varsity teams leader in points per game.
ing to win.” Already the team has won 11 games overall, more than they’ve won in six of the last seven seasons. In three of those seasons the team did not even combine for 11 wins. But win or lose, Miner always has a positive outlook on playing the game. “It’s more fun to win, I mean nobody wants to lose, but we have fun either way.” Samol also keeps a positive attitude no matter what, “I don’t go in the game over confident, I’m humble about it. We just all look at each other and say all we have to do is our best and we’ll be fine whether we win or lose.”
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marching band returns Seventh period adds to music program marcella hawkins
photo by Annamarie
Rodriguez
Jonathon Ivy, sophomore, learning how to play the quints, which is five drums connected together, during practice.
Walking into the music room, one can hear songs like “What I’ve Done” by Linkin Park being played on the piano and the song that plays right before Michael Myers slaughters someone being played on the marimba. While waiting, one can hear the clamor of people laughing and talking. However, when 2:30 hits, students get out their instruments and set everything up for the new marching band this year. It has been five years since Stagg has had a marching band. Joseph Updegraff, music teacher, has brought it back. “Every healthy high school should have a marching band,” he said. He wants to give students another fun experience. They practice on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 2:30-3:45 and it also counts as physical education credit. “I joined because I’m very passionate about music and it counts for P.E. credits,” said Jonathon Ivy. This sophomore is a member of the marching band and is practicing to be a tenor drum, or quints. Quints are five drums connected together, strapped onto your shoulders, and hung in front of your stomach. There are different parts to marching band: the drumline, color guard, where people spin the flags, the pits, which consists of instruments like the marimba, and the horn line. Marching band originated from traveling musicians and is based on some military traditions. For example, the calling of the commands is done in a way that is very loud and firm, and the way that the band stands is tall and proud as they wait for commands. “This isn’t an instant goal. We will go as slow as they need to build their skills,” Updegraff said. It will be a slow process because he is teaching students who haven’t played an instrument before where to
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For now I just want to perform with the other schools at showcase in May, but I want to see us on the field next football season. Jonathon Ivy sophomore
place their fingers, how to blow into the mouth piece, and how to keep up with the rhythm that Updegraff sets for them. He talks about how long it’s been since Stagg’s had a marching program, which is more than six years. The difference between marching band and a marching program is all the extra time, money, and a lot of participation from students, staff, faculty, and the administration. The students, however, have different ideas on how soon they’ll meet their goals. “Well, for now I just want to perform with the other schools at showcase in May, but in the future I want to see us on the field next football season,” Ivy said. The environment of the room is described as being open and accepting. You hear the rhythmic beats of the drum and the stomping of feet hitting the ground from marching. “Marching band requires patience and discipline and some music experience,” sophomore Elizabeth Magaña said.
Delta Blood Bank visits Stagg to receive blood donations from willing students Students are called into the gym. Each person lines up, filling out forms and waiting for their turn to donate blood. By the looks on their faces, some are eager to give blood for a good cause, while others are dreading the moment when the needle is injected into their arm. Lying on the table, one student clenched her fist open and closed around a ball to get blood circulating while the nurse prepared her arm. Once the needle was inserted, blood rushed into the bag until it filled up to a pint. Afterwards, she was given a bandage of her choosing, a snack, a T-shirt, and was sent off to her next class, knowing that she had just accomplished a good deed.
(Clockwise from top left) Senior Yael Castillo gets his pulse checked to see the rate his blood is flowing; the school donated a total of 54 units of blood from its 61 donors. The donations can be used to help up to 162 lives; senior Deante Chambliss shows off his arm after he has just given blood; Castillo gets his arm wrapped up to stop the blood from flowing; junior Ana Ortiz lies down as she donates blood.
photos by Annamarie
Rodriguez, Nicole Lawrence, and Chao Xiong
graphic by
Nicole Lawrence
SPIRIT, PLUS programs promote unity
damon heine
It’s not every day that a government agency gives a presentation at a high school. But on Jan. 15, that’s exactly what happened. Teachers attended a faculty meeting and saw two PowerPoint presentations that were similar in message but different in the way that they will affect the student community. The Department of Justice has brought in the Student Problem Identification and Resolution of Issues Together, better known as the SPIRIT program. Since 1964 it has been an effort to control student conflicts and bridge relations between Stockton high schools and the community at large. Their main goal is to quell racial tensions in high schools
across the country. And while some may say that such a problem does not exist on this campus, the program is also setting out to improve student relations with each other as well as Stockton itself. “SPIRIT is more about tying our school to the community,” Linda Roberts, S-3 Grant coordinator, said. Student interaction will take place over the span of two days where they will engage in discussions of school problems and then set out to find solutions to the problems. Peer Leaders Uniting Students or PLUS is similar in that it brings students together to better themselves and the school. As a part of the S3 grant, this program puts an emphasis on students banding together to fix important issues, and giving stu-
dents identity in their school and less on community relations. “It’s meant to create a positive environment for our students,” Gamal Salama, assistant principal, said. “We want to make kids feel like they belong to something bigger.” The SPIRIT program will be here for a limited time only as it is just a two day workshop. However, the school is putting their efforts into PLUS as a new student based program. As of now, the details of PLUS as well as SPIRIT have not been fully explained to the student body as a whole. Though some select students have had letters delivered to them inviting them to be a part of PLUS. Jannetha Thon, junior, received a letter a week ago. “The program could have the ability to bring students together to solve
problems,” Thon said. “But I think that the people will make the program.” Student diversity is what the PLUS program has also been stressing as it tries to appeal to a wide variety of students. “We try to think outside the box in terms of student choices,” said Roberts. “Students who can be seen as natural leaders from all groups on campus.” While SPIRIT is a onetime thing and will likely only stay with Stagg students for a limited time, administrators are hoping that PLUS will have a bigger impact on student progress. If the programs start is successful, it will become an ongoing program of involving students year round. Perhaps it is still too early to call if these two programs will achieve the goals they set, but only time will tell.
photo by Annamarie
Rodriguez
Gamal Salama, assistant principal, discusses how the key to making a school better rests in the students’ hands.