Stagg Line 2017-2018 Issue #5 by Stagg Line Newspaper

02.02.18

Amos Alonzo Stagg High School 1621 Brookside Rd. Stockton, CA 95207

Vol. 61 No. 5

the

WHAT’S ON YOUR PLATE?

Scholarship program to open doors

Cafeteria food may not be loved by all, but it meets nutritional guidelines

SaraAbdeltawab

StephanieJimenez

“SCHOOL FOOD IS GROSS,”

freshman Marisa Reyes said. Senior Jordan Santos calls school food “disgusting.” Such comments are commonly heard in the cafeteria during lunch. To some, school food might look “unappealing,” but are students aware of the ingredients of food they’re consuming everyday? Portioned chicken breasts with rib meat, water, PHOTO BY KEVINGUTIERREZ isolated soy protein, chicken stock, silicon dioxide Junior Jason Carr eats the lunch provided by the school almost every day. and potassium chloride are only some of the ingreHe describes it as “gross” and “unappetizing.” dients of a spicy chicken sandwich. These ingredients and others ensure every teenanger will become “healthy adults,” Comprehensive high schools like Stagg are “all places where food according to Child Services Acting Director Joni Isturis. is prepared on site,” Isturis said. Meals such as spaghetti and tacos are All ingredients used in meals are “American sourced,” meaning all some plates prepared in the cafeteria. “We want to prepare desirable products are purchased through local reputable vendors with the ex- items that meet the federal guidelines and are desirable to our stuception of bananas and pineapples. Ingredients bought are approved dents.” by the Food and Drug Administration. Cynthia Smith, a food service assistant, has worked here for two Also the United States Department of Agriculture is involved in years. “We make Spanish rice, chow mein, pizza,” she said. deciding what ingredients and products are used in meals. The USDA Some food is prepared on site but it is heated once it arrives, Isbased the new school meal standards in 2012 on “expert recommen- turis said. dations from the Institute of Medicine to ensure kids are being fed Although many complain about the repetitive menus on camhealthy food while they’re at school,” Isturis said. pus, not many are aware of the 12 entrees at high schools. Still, it’s Food products are received from the USDA, local distributors, inevitable for students to compare from one district to another when local farmers and the Stockton Unified School District warehouse, it comes to school food. “At my old school, school food was organic. which serves as a “walking” freezer or refrigerator. Fruits and vegetables were grown there,” junior Emily Watterson said. Meals and drinks served during lunch are strictly based on laws She lived in Oregon her freshman and sophomore year. passed by Congress. In 2010, Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act was At the moment, SUSD is developing more menu options to “betpassed to “help reduce America’s child obesity epidemic,” Isturis said. ter serve students,” Isturis said. She assures feedback is always welThe purpose of this law is to minimize the health risks for American comed from students and parents. Her phone number and email are children and to ensure schools are providing balanced meals. available on the SUSD website on Child Nutrition and Services. Despite these standards these students often wonder where school Food is specifically chosen to provide a nutritious meal without food is made. “I think school food is just warmed up or comes out cost for all students. “We want to contribute to the district goal of of a machine,” sophomore Deston Sanchez said. In reality meals are providing nutrition and health education and assist in the developprepared on school grounds. ment of healthy lifelong habits,” Isturis said.

Coding provides opportunities MariaCastillo

offer,” Sherman said. To understand what programming is, students will learn Python, an integrated language that deals with the basics of programming and is part of the C++ languages. These languages, Sherman said, “allow computer programmers to make everything you use. Cell phone apps, video games, animations on TV and in mov-

GRAPHIC BY KEVINGUTIERREZ & SOLOMONJUAREZ

With all the core requirements and electives, students have a lot to think about. The time to make these decisions is now. When going through the list, students who are interested in coding may consider joining the new class: Introduction to Computer Science. In the class, students will be

introduced to computer science through coding. The class will meet an a-g requirement and it will count as a math elective. Science teacher Marcus Sherman along with Principle Andre Phillips attended a similar class at Lincoln High School. There they used a program called Edhesive. “The teacher encouraged us to use that program because of all the packages and plans that they

ies… it’s all done through computer coding.” Only sophomores, juniors and seniors can take the class, and they have to have passed algebra. “You pretty much have to study how to talk with numbers,” senior Christopher Beaty said. Unfortunately for him, he won’t be able to take the class, but he would strongly encourage students to take it. “Technology is on the rise and it’s going to be a good money making field in the future.” Sophomore Erik Cazares agrees with Beaty. Cazares plans on signing up for the class because he believes that it can open up doors for him in the future. He said, “Because of the age we live in, it’s important to know how to work computers. If you’re able to create something and sell it, it will be beneficial in the long run.” If there is enough students who sign up for the Introduction to Computer Science class, it will expand to higher level courses in the future. Phillips said, “It’s creative and innovative. You have to do a lot of critical thinking and it’s relevant to what kids are doing now.”

It’s October — you’re applying for colleges yet you’re only applying to ones you’ll be able to afford with money saved up, financial aid and any scholarship money you could get. The idea of living on your own and having to support yourself plagues your mind with thoughts like “it’s too expensive.” Yet, starting with the Class of 2019 those thoughts may be old news. During a citywide presentation Stockton’s Mayor Michael Tubbs announced a $20 million project that would help send students in the Stockton Unified School District to college. Tubbs refers to the program as Stockton Scholars. After announcing it, Tubbs took to Twitter and said “10 years ago, I was stressed out, trying to pay for college.” His stress from 10 years ago is what motivated him to make sure students would go beyond a high school education. Stockton Scholars is committed to give those who will be attending a fouryear university $1,000 for each year they attend school, and $500 for those attending a community college or trade school. During the presentation, junior Gene Lewis had the opportunity to be on stage with Tubbs while he announced his program. Lewis said when first arriving at the seminar he thought it was going to be boring and just a bunch of paper signing for college yet, after hearing Tubbs’ announcement his mood changed. “It’s really going to help put a lot of people,” Lewis said. “It’s going to take the cost off you and your parents.” Lewis went on to say that he is planning on going to college after he graduJake ates but he feared how he would pay for Marceleno it. Now with the Stockton Scholars program he’s not as worried. Lewis explained that a lot of people he knows weren’t planning on going to college due to the cost, but now the program could change their mind. “You look at a $1,000 and don’t think of it much,” Lewis said. “But over four years it could really help with paying for at least books.” Lange Luntao, SUSD board clerk, said that he and Tubbs have been working on this for a while, almost seven years. “We want students to know that their community is here for them,” Luntao said. He explained that the program should take off the following June when the class of 2019 graduates. Some of the requirements are still being worked out, according to Luntao, but as of right now he says things like being a resident of Stockton and going to a public school. He says the GPA requirement might change but as of right now the minimum is a 2.0. Luntao said that before applying for the Stockton Scholars students must submit a form for FAFSA and apply for two other scholarships. “This is just the start,” Luntao said. “Hopefully we could reach $100 million and help more students in Stockton.” The money is here for the students but it’s up to them to push through high school so that they are able to use it, Luntao said. Jaynetta Lewis said that Tubbs’ favorite line to use is “Did you hear about the rose that Williams grew from the crack in the concrete?” This program is hoping to help these roses grow.

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These scholarships allow people to have more hope about attending college.”

junior

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Without scholarships, people’s options become limited to what they can afford.”

junior

Check out staggonline.net — Gene Lewis on scholarships

BottomLINE Students in Prevention Students in Prevention allows juniors to present about drug prevention to students in grades 4-6. Sophomores wanting to do this next year should visit Healthy Start to apply.

Spirit week Next week is spirit week. Monday: I Woke Up Like This Tuesday: Twin Day Wednesday: We Wear Pink Thursday: Sports Day Friday: Stagg Wear/ Class Color

Decision Medicine 2018 Decision Medicine 2018 is a two-week program for incoming juniors and seniors 16 years or older interested in careers in the medical field. Brochures are available in Healthy Start.

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OPINION

Amos Alonzo Stagg High School

02.02.18

the Stagg Line

STAFF EDITORIAL

Stockton Scholars benefits many STOCKTON SCHOLARS SCHOLARSHIP S tarting with the Class of 2019, the chances of being able to go to college without completely breaking the bank have just increased. Mayor Michael Tubbs has recently announced Stockton Scholars, a new organization that gives scholarships to local students. This new plan is not only brilliant but also generous. With scholarships of up to $1,000, one’s college costs have just been reduced. Yes, we know that $1,000 won’t cover all of the tuition or other fees, but it would be more than enough to buy our books. Scholarships like these can add up, covering the majority or even all of one’s expenses and possibly contributing to tuition. Stockton Scholars is the plan Stockton deserves. Now, we’ll have an actual chance at making our expenses cheaper, especially since the scholarship is directed specifically toward us. As of right now, the scholarship will only be open to students who attend schools in Stockton Unified School District. For those who decide to go to a two-year college or trade school, an amount of $500 is given. Fortunately, these scholarships are renewable. However, the money will not be handed to us just like that. There are requirements, which include having a grade-point average of at least a 2.0, living in Stockton for the past four years, completing your FAFSA application, and applying to at least two other scholarships or grants. If we really think about it, anyone is capable of getting that scholarship, except for those who are new to Stockton. For those who are on the borderline of getting above a 2.0 GPA, there is now hope that might give them that little push to boost their grades. That one extra hour of studying each week could bring these borderline students one more step closer to college.

For those hoping to attend a four-year university, you will receive $1,000 each year, a total of $4,000. For those wanting to go to a junior college or trade school, you will receive $500 each year, a total of $1,000. However, these are the requirements you must meet.

Have a GPA of 2.0 or higher Attended a school in SUSD for the past four years Completed your FAFSA application Applied for at least two other scholarships SOURCE: STOCKTONSCHOLARS.ORG

GRAPHIC BY JULIAROSETE

The Stockton Scholars program wisely includes a requirement that makes sure we apply to at least two other scholarships or grants. This will potentially help us get more money, making the cost of college a lot cheaper. With this new program, there is now new hope for us. Especially for the ones who have long believed they couldn’t attend college because of their financial issues. This new hope will lead us on the path to college, securing a future career and a bright future.

Learning politics from Racism taught theater advocacy by society at an early age W

hen you want to see changes made, you have to be prepared to lay it all on the line. On Oct. 26, while preparing for our music concert, the 43 students in the orchestra, including myself walked into our venue only to be met with a stage absent of even minimal lighting. While setting up, we looked out to an audience of broken chairs, one marked out with black duct tape to warn audience members of its poor condition. We debated how we were going to be able to perform, let alone see the sheet music on our stands. It was during this time when I decided enough was enough. I did everything I could to get the word out about the theater’s pitiful state. Yet, I was not prepared for the amount of time and effort it would take to actually get a reaction. Despite what some may think, it takes an army to see change. Drafting petitions and contacting local media outlets got the word out, and having this support was the first step in reaching our goal. However, the people I expected to be fighting with me not only weren’t by my side but seemed annoyed that I dared to speak up and ruffle a few feathers. At this point, many people would have given up. But that’s not how the theater got new house lighting and a fresh coat of paint in the lobby. The next thing to do was confront the district directly in the one way I could: speaking at a board meeting. In that speech, I called out the district for continuously changing the date for when repairs would be made, the obvious safety hazards that remained untouched, and how basic maintenance has not been a priority. On top of that, I took pictures that same day and compiled several of the issues into a flyer, which was given to the board members before I spoke, emphasizing what little has been done since the theater was built 42 years ago. Finally, the district began to listen. Challenging an institution and asking tough questions are a taste of what someone would expect to see in the political world. Someone tries to address an issue, and politicians will smile and shake your hand. They hope this minimal kindness will make you stop talking because they don’t want to come across as the bad guy. But smiling doesn’t fix broken stage lights that have caught fire before.

hen I was a child, probably 6 or 7 years old, I learned a lot of

Julia Rosete The local school board represents families that live within the district. The people living in the different areas of the school district elect people who take a seat every other Tuesday night to vote on different issues and be the voice for the people they represent. Yet, the man representing our area criticized my approach to advocacy and acted rudely toward someone whom he is supposed to be representing. This is what politics is, fighting for your rights and doing more than most would to only get denounced for it. The saying goes that people in the education field are supposed to do what’s best for the students, but when it came to solving these problems that affect an entire campus of over 1500 students, the torn, mold-ridden curtains of our theater were shut. Still, the people standing behind those curtains refuse to give up and let any bureaucrats tell us what is and isn’t important to our education. Every moment that has gone into trying to improve the dilapidated structure we call a theater has not been wasted. A few issues have been dealt with, and we had temporary lights at our winter concert so we could see our music and the audience could see us. But those lights were only there for three days, a bandaid that did nothing to really fix the problem. Fighting for this cause will be an endless struggle of speaking at board meetings and asking for support from the school and the community. We refuse to let it end with another slap on the wrist.

STAGG LINE Staff & Policies STAGG LINE

Amos Alonzo Stagg High School 1621 Brookside Rd. Stockton, CA 95207 The Stagg Line is a member of the National Scholastic Press Association, whose awards include the following: ff All-American: 22 times ff Hall of Fame ff First Place, Best of Show: 6 times ff National Newspaper Pacemaker: 7 times Stagg Line journalists over the years have won many awards and scholarships, including California Journalist of the Year, National Story of the Year and National Photo of the Year.

things. I learned how to tie my shoes. I learned how to ride my bike. I learned how to fear an African American person. At that age I was naive to the world. I was unaware of what racism was or what it meant. The adults around me showed me what was right and wrong in their opinion. These beliefs were often twisted and ignorant. But at that age I didn’t know any better. This fear haunted me until I hit an age of conscience. When I realized what was implanted in my mind was morally incorrect. I intentionally avoided eye contact with black people. If I ever encountered an African American person on the street, I would always cross to the other side. In my household, at the

time, black people were portrayed as dangerous human beings. In their eyes, they were delinquents. Although I wasn’t belittling a black person for their color, just the fact that I was afraid of them is unbelievable to me now. I even remember hearing that I should never have interest in a black man. As if it was unholy. I now reflect and realize that what was taught to me was absurd. I don’t blame nor do I resent the individuals that influenced my views of the world at such an early age. They grew up in a society filled with prejudice, misconceptions and ignorance. Unfortunately in those days, it was normal to be racist. In the 17 years I have lived, society has dramatically changed into becoming a more accepting world. But it’s still not perfect. Racism hasn’t been eliminated. It has only evolved.

Stephanie Jimenez

White supremacy, racism, sexism and homophobia is still seen, even in the White House. It all starts at home. As I continue to age, I plan to pass on what’s right to me. And that is a code of ethics for all living human beings. When it’s time to have children I certainly do not want my kids to have the same mentality I had. No one is born racist, sexist or homophobic. It is taught. It seems to me that every next generation is less racist and more tolerant. Something that should persist. Contribute to society, don’t make it worse.

ART BY SERINASIENG

EDITORS

REPORTERS

The Stagg Line newspaper is published monthly and distributed free to students and staff members. Our website staggonline.net is updated regularly with online exclusives.

SaraAbdeltawab & StephanieJimenez edi-

ShannonBradberry

The Stagg Line is a long-standing open forum for free student expression. That means, student editors and reporters make content and style decisions with the adviser offering guidance.

AngelVasquez news editor

The staff editorial, which appears at the top of this page, reflects the opinion of the entire staff and therefore is not signed. A personal column is signed and reflects the writer’s point of view. Readers are welcome to submit letters for publication regarding any story published or any school issue. We will make every effort to publish any letter that is not libelous, obscene or inflammatory. Letters longer than 250 words may be edited for length. Letters may be given to any staff member, delivered to A8 or emailed to dbott@stocktonusd.net.

tors-in-chief

DonavinCollins AidanDanforth CarlosDavalos

SamanthaBaker opinion editor

SolomonJuarez

StephanieMatsumoto features editor

OleediaHarris

LeslieCoronado entertainment editor MariaCastillo sports editor

BriannaRodriguez NicholasRosete SerinaSieng

JuliaRosete web editor

AlbertoValencia

KevinGutierrez photo/graphics editor

HannahWorkman

DonBott adviser

Current and older issue PDFs are available at issuu.com/staggline

02.02.18

Amos Alonzo Stagg High School

OPINION

the Stagg Line

Legal pot is a mistake Trump insults

those from ‘sh*thole countries’

ART BY SERINASIENG AND KEVINGUTIERREZ

President Trump attacks immigrants seeking better life

eed, pot, cannabis, herb, whatever you call it, marijuana is pretty well known. While it used to be an illegal substance, times have changed and so have the rules. Though Proposition 64 had already made marijuana legal for personal use on Nov. 9, 2016, the second part recently came into effect. On Jan. 1, 2018, the use, sale, and cultivation of cannabis is officially legal in California. This not only makes us the sixth state to allow sales of recreational marijuana, but also the most populous. While there are still many restrictions on buying, growing, and using the drug, is legalizing it in the first place a good idea? Legal marijuana in California has some benefits, but the negative impacts would hurt many more. Looking at Colorado, the first state to legalize marijuana, there have been many repercussions due to those that have become addicted to the drug. Because it’s legal, people think it’s okay to use it anytime in their everyday lives and have it easily accessible for all. This causes problems such as a rise in car crashes under marijuana influence. Another risk is kids accidentally poisoning themselves by easily accessing marijuana in their households and mistaking them as candy. Marijuana exposure towards younger kids in Colorado increased by 34 percent compared to the rest of the U.S. between 2009 and 2015 according to a published paper from JAMA pediatrics. If a kid finds and eats a potentially fatal drug that looks like candies, the fault would be on the person who carelessly put it in a child’s reach. People can argue that this happened even when it was illegal, but the change in attitude regarding smoking marijuana can have an impact on how often it happens. When something is legal, it’s more easily accessible due to people not having to hide it from the law. While adults over the age of 21 should be the only ones who use it and only under certain circumstances, the specific parts of the law don’t get as much attention. Some people only see three words: “legalized recreational marijuana.”

Already, I hear students cheering about the legalization and how it automatically means they can smoke whenever they feel like it. They don’t understand what the proposition actually means and their minds automatically go towards smoking being a normal thing to do. Teenagers and young adults alike can ruin their minds and lives over something they shouldn’t have had their hands on in the first place. I totally understand those who use marijuana for medical uses such as seizures or nausea from chemotherapy; however, that was legal in California before the proposition passed. One positive thing coming out of the recreational use is that prices for medical purposes will no longer be as expensive due to the high taxes from regular usage going towards those expenses. I don’t agree with legalized marijuana in California or anywhere, but my opinion isn’t your choice. Will getting high with friends be worth the time and money you waste on something trivial like that? Hopefully not.

Stephanie Matsumoto

Check out staggonline.net for Villalobos’ opinion.

or many years there have been people feeding on the idea that “America is the land of opportunity.” Individuals from many different countries that come from generations of different colored skin and religious views have immigrated here. These are the same people who work hard to benefit their well being as well as those around them. However, what happens when certain people are allowed to immigrate to America without having to face the prejudice of the president, but others cannot? What happens when the country where you seek opportunity is the same country that refers to yours as a “sh*thole?” When discussing the “bipartisan immigration deal” President Donald Trump said many negative things about certain countries. Trump, who’s supposed to shine light on America and make good decisions, decided to shine darkness on others. During the conference Trump argued that he would not protect immigrants from Haiti, El Salvador and African countries by ending their protective status. Not only did he say that, but, according to the Washington Post, he went on to say “why are we having all these people from sh*thole countries come here?” As an individual who has family from one of the “sh*thole countries,” as well as friends who do, I find the remarks made by the president very uncalled for. To single out certain countries and say such negative things, especially coming from a president, is horrendous. Those who voted for him should be disappointed because they voted for someone to represent America in an unpleasant way. Trump has an enormous platform in which he knows anything he says will be held against him; so I ask why say something so disrespectful toward those countries that may offend those people who live in them?

Sara Abdeltawab To make matters worse he went on to tell lawmakers that people from Haiti should be left out of any deal they come up with. Haiti, just like the other “sh*thole countries” is filled with individuals who live in poverty and just want a better life for themselves and their family. Why is the president taking that opportunity away from them? Trump also said he would rather have immigrants from Norway and Asian countries because they would help the United States economically. Where you come from shouldn’t define what you could do for a country. To call yourself the President and continuously be in the news for negative reasons should say something to not only him but to the people of America. This isn’t the first time Trump has been talked about in a negative way because of something he said or did to offend someone else. I ask when will he stop and actually start making decisions that will benefit people instead of hurting them? When will he stop breaking apart families because of where they come from? As a president you should be pleased that people from outside of the country want to come to place under your government. Yet, he turns them away because they come from sh*thole countries.

Hannah Workman

popular slogan that is often brought up in the conversation regarding sexual consent is “No means no.” While I once viewed this as a simple but powerful statement, those three words now seem to carry no weight to me. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become increasingly aware of rape culture and all its harsh realities. Being exposed to the darker side of sex has made it apparent to me that consent is far more complex

than a one word answer. The recent firestorm of assault allegations in business, entertainment, and politics has led to widespread discussion among men and women alike. What used to be considered a taboo subject to speak out about is now done so openly. As the scandals continue to make headlines, an important question arises: What does it mean to give consent? After reflecting on stories I’ve read that were largely shared by women and intimate talks I’ve had with friends about their experiences, I was able to find a common tie that binds many of these individuals together. Several people found themselves frightened by what the repercussions would be if they said no. Though the stories I heard were recounted by women of varying ages and races, a number of them had unfortunate similarities. Perhaps the encounter was consensual, but she changed her mind at a certain point. She tried to express that she didn’t want to continue, but her wishes

were ignored for one reason or another. Maybe she was coerced to keep going, even though she had let her lack of desire to be known. Others were afraid to vocalize their discontent. It was feared that if they tried to back out, their partner would no longer have interest in pursuing a romantic relationship or, even worse, possibly get violent. A fairly large amount of girls grow up being told they can’t go out too late or wear skirts that are too short. Often times, these comments are made by family members who wish to protect us. Still, it seems as if the underlying message is the way boys interpret our actions matters more than our actual wants. As if the length of our skirts determine how willing we are. From an early age, girls are conditioned to please others. We are made to believe it is cruel to reject the advances of boys and feel guilty when we are not particularly interested because of it. We are taught to put the needs of others in front of our own.

ART BY LESLIECORONADO AND SAMANTHABAKER

Consent is body language, not just ‘yes’

Meanwhile, society teaches boys to be dominant, and many grow up thinking they are entitled to a woman’s body. When women feel the need to give in or lie about being on their period because they’re worried of what may happen if they object, something needs to

change. We have to teach girls that it’s okay to put their desires first. We have to teach boys to be respectful of their choices. The conversation has to go beyond “No means no.” The notion that a two letter word is the only way a person can show

discomfort and a lack of consent is ridiculous. There’s a difference between wanting to continue and reluctantly letting it occur, but some still struggle with finding the distinction. Until they are able to separate the two, this problem will persist.

Amos Alonzo Stagg High School

FEATURES

the Stagg Line

02.02.18

CRASH COURSE After-school time helps EL students SamanthaBaker

PHOTO BY STEPHANIEMATSUMOTO

Jaime Saucedo, a junior, practices his maniacal laugh as Rastupo, the Prime Minister of Nargot, during a rehearsal in English teacher Phillip Seibel’s classroom. The play takes place on a space station in another galaxy.

Drama Club revives play performances Students and new club advisor rehearse for an upcoming play called ‘Space War 2000’ Opening scene: the Communications Center within the War Department of a space station in another galaxy. In order to put an end to their continuous interplanetary feud, Princess Monadine of Armagon and her trusted aide, Blee, board the space station, seeking to negotiate peace with Queen Delandrea of Nargot. Yet they are soon thwarted by Nargot’s prime minister and megalomaniac Rastupo and his hidden agenda. A sci-fi comedy play produced by the Drama Club and directed by the Drama class teacher Phillip Seibel, “Space War 2000” is set to premiere sometime in April. Auditions for the production were held on Jan. 16 and were open to all students on campus. The characters have since been cast and the group has been rehearsing after school. A lot of work has gone into getting the production of the play off the ground. Vice president of Drama Club Meredith Ramirez, a senior, notes that it took a while for the play to get approved, which interfered with their plans to start the production earlier in the year. “It wasn’t as easy as we thought it would be,” Ramirez said. The Drama Club had the choice between two plays, the other being “Alice in Zombieland,” but “Space War 2000” won the vote. Seibel had participated in a showing of “Space War 2000” while he was in high school as well. As for the costumes students sketched what their vision was for them, and Shoual Chang, an English teacher, will construct the costumes based on the sketches she receives. The background design will be created by Randall Pombo, another English teacher. Playing the role of Rastupo’s android aide Cregio, Nicolas de la Cruz, a senior, joined the club his junior year, motivated by a friend. De la Cruz decided to audition for the play in order to end his senior

SamanthaBaker

year off doing something exciting. “Might as well go out with a bang,” he said. He has grown to appreciate acting, liking how he can transport himself to other worlds and/or scenarios and become immersed in them by acting as a different person. De la Cruz believes that the character he acts as for the play is well suited for him, his monotone voice matching well with the emotionless demeanor of the android. While acting he dives head first into the character, not worrying about any technique. “I just go for it, I don’t really go in there with a plan or anything, I just go with the flow,” de la Cruz said. Wanting to join a school club that piqued his interest and introduced him to new people, Jaime Salcedo, a junior, chose the Drama Club. He aspires to be a voice actor, and decided to join the school play thinking that acting is similar enough to voice acting to help him in the future. Salcedo was cast as the villain of the play, the prime minister of Nargot, Rastupo. Not only will acting prepare Salcedo for his plans in the future, but it also helps him to break out of his shell and make connections with those he might never have. “My favorite thing is creating an identity for myself, because that’s something I’ve never really done because I’ve always felt that if I don’t say anything no one will pay attention to me,” Salcedo said. When acting, Salcedo follows his own technique, and invests himself into creating a believable character. He considers what his character might say, how they would say it, what they would think in order to really become the person he is acting as. “I feel like acting is a really great way to show off what you can do, the different strengths you have, the characters you like playing, and just to throw yourself out there,” Salcedo said.

“I like to get them talking to each other in a place where they Coming to a new country, are comfortable, and where they it is difficult to assimilate. don’t feel like they’ll be ridiculed,” Learning and understanding Juarez said. the culture and customs of the Because 72 students have land can prove overwhelming, been reclassified as proficient but it’s only made harder if you in English this year, the aftercan’t effectively communicate school class is not getting great with others outside your family. attendance. At this time the class Not only can this affect your is at the beginning of its cycle. social life, but it can affect your Junior Christian Rivera education. attended the after school classes An English Language since freshman year to improve Learners class is offered to his English. Spanish speakers who struggle “I barely knew how to talk,” with, or know little English. The he said. class is taught by Homar Juarez, Now he has been going since an ELL and ELL history teacher, his freshman year, and says that after school on Mondays, the classes have enabled him to Wednesdays, and Fridays from learn a lot more English, not just 2:20 to 3:20. He spends his talking and pronunciation but time after school offering extra also reading and writing. assistance to those who are either Although the computer really struggling with English or program Rosetta Stone helps who are just beginning to learn him a lot he appreciates having the language. an actual teacher by his side to “Whenever something like guide him, especially through the this comes up I like for our aspects of English he struggles students to take advantage of it with the most. so at least they can practice their “The writing was hard survival English,” Juarez said. because of all the nouns, verbs, Laura Rodriguez, head and and object things,” Rivera said. EL counselor, and Shoual Chang, Seeking help from the class EL teacher, typically refer the for a year now Nelida Sanchez, students to the class. a junior, just barely understood Students who come after the language. She has seen school to improve their reading, the improvement in her skills, writing, and speaking use the and now enjoys how she can computer program Rosetta Stone understand and pronounce and the help of Juarez to practice. English words well. The computer may show “I learned how to understand them a photo of an object and it better and how to write it they must match it to the word better,” Sanchez said. it correlates to, or they may have The ELL class and the to say long sentences aloud as extra support of Juarez have they advance through the levels. helped students struggling to The students will also practice understand, speak, read or write through grammar activities and English across campus, to the participate in conversations with point where many are now fluent one another. in the language.

PHOTO BY JULIAROSETE

English Learner teacher Homar Juarez assists junior Enrique Godinez with a speaking and listening activity, practicing phrases that gradually become more complicated.

Phillips recalls his time at Olympics DonavinCollins

Forty-seven seconds before a gold medal was a feeling of nausea. That’s what Principal Andre Phillips recalls about the moments before the race that brought him to glory 30 years ago at the 1988 Summer Olympics in South Korea. The Winter Olympics will be returning to that country starting next week. Despite the nausea he felt at the starting block, Phillips was actually welcoming of these feelings. “You have to be nervous, because if you’re not nervous then something’s wrong. It means you don’t have a passion for it.” On a more relatable level Phillips compared his emotions to a student’s emotions on the day of a big test. He said, “Even if you know you’re going to ace your test, you’ll still walk in with a little bit of nerves.” Even though it’s been years since his 400 meter hurdle race, Phillips says he would do it all over again if he had the chance. “For me, there’s nothing like competing, getting a lane where it’s just you and the rest of the runners,” he said. “It’s just you against them, validating how long and hard you’ve practiced.” The road to the Olympics was nowhere close to easy, he said. “For one of the Olympics, we weren’t able to go since the president boycotted. Another time, I didn’t make the team because I missed the qualifications.” It was always a dream since a young age for

“

It’s just you against them, validating how long and hard you’ve Check out staggonline.net practiced.” AndrePhillips to watch Andre Phillips talk Principal about his time at the Olympics him to go compete in the Olympics. “From the time I was 16, I knew I wanted to go to the Olympics.” At that age, he had even qualified to participate in the Summer Olympic trials.The first step in accomplishing his dream was to have a qualifying time. “Once you have a qualifying time, you are invited to the Olympic trials.” During the olympic trials, he went through a series of races, competing against the best runners in the United States. “After that, they pick the top three that get to go compete in the Olympics for the United States.”

Once he made it to the Olympics, things changed for Phillips. During his journey, he looked up to Edwin Moses as an inspiration. Moses was the premier runner for the United States team, and also the favored winner. Now, Phillips made it his goal to beat the man he had looked up to. He went into his final race full of confidence, believing he had an actual chance at winning. “I told myself, ‘Okay, I have a really good shot at winning the race. Whoever beats me is going to have to really run because I felt really good after the semifinals.” All of his practice and dedication had finally been put to the test. The gunshot was heard

by the runners, to which they ran as fast as they could. Phillips came out on top, finishing the race milliseconds before the runner-up. “The very first thing I thought was that I beat Edwin Moses,” said Phillips. Never once had he beaten Moses in a race. “And then I realized that I also won the gold medal.” Even though the race was years ago, he says, “I remember the race like it was yesterday.” Surprisingly, not even he is the only one who remembers the race as he still gets fan mail to this day. “So many years after the Olympics, I’m surprised people still remember me.”

02.02.18

Amos Alonzo Stagg High School

FEATURES

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AVID creates service events

As part of their grade, students find different ways to give back LeslieCoronado

AVID is not just about what happens in the classroom. It’s also about doing things that benefit your community, which is what the service learning project is about. Assigned to the senior students in December, the project requires the students to organize and hold a community service style type project. The service learning project is supposed to be reminiscent of the long gone senior projects and requires the class to pick from different topics that would benefit their community. It’s also an incentive for the students to create their own types of community service instead of reaching out to organizations for community service hours. Since the AVID advisor is serving as an acting administrator at another school, the student’s project has been pushed back to the end of the year. This is also when the students will present their individual projects to the class. They’ll talk about what they did, how they did it and how it benefited the community. Senior Margarita Thomas decided to do a project for other students on campus, namely the underclassman, so that they would be able to improve their study habits early on and not fall into the pitfall of procrastination. “I created a packet with study tips and advice,” Thomas said. Brandon Alonso-Ramos, a senior, is currently organizing a community service event that would go around Stockton and focus on cleaning heavily polluted areas with groups of volunteers. After recycling the trash, the money earned from it would be donated to an environmental group. PHOTO BY KEVINGUTIERREZ However, Alonso-Ramos is still looking for a good organization to donate to. Helpers of the first Super Smash Bros tournament sit and spectate the semi final match of the day between Toon Link and Dark Pit. Junior This isn’t Alonso-Ramos’s first experience with Julian Moreno commentates the match while the others conentrate on what is happening. community service, however. When he was growing “It was chaos,” Grace said. “I had to do all the up he did a lot of it because his parents worked something that would benefit the students. for future field trips. However, his would mostly be fore the gaming Although most of the paperwork for the event rules, plan for the worst case scenarios, and work for a community service organization, making it community. was handled by the AVID Club, making it less with others,” Grace said. easier for him to organize the event since he was so He organized a Super Smash Bros gaming stressful for Grace, he still had to deal with the The event was successful, despite the lack familiar with them. tournament in the small gym with a cash specifics such as the place of the tournament and in gaming participants, since a large amount of “In the beginning it can be kind of a burden, prize reward. Students who were interested in the game played. spectators came to view the tournament. Another but as you go on with it, it gets kinda fun because participating in the event would be able to enter by The rules had to go through a lot of changes, event is currently being planned, with both Mario then you actually start getting into it.” paying a small fee. Any money collected from the especially after playing through the game several Kart and Super Smash Bros to be played at the same Dylan Grace, a senior, also decided to do tournament would be donated to the AVID Club times. time.

Students use free time Diabetes has to help the community an impact OleediaHarris From waking up at times people would normally be asleep to sacrificing free time, students volunteer. They say that volunteering helps build a better character while also teaching them a lot about life in general. For senior Ciera Wallace, volunteering has changed her outlook on life. She has been volunteering at Kohl Elementary since November. “At first I was doing it because I wanted to go to University of the Pacific through their Community Involvement Program.” She said that even though she has decided that she will not attend Pacific, she will still continue to volunteer at Kohl. “I go from 2:30 to 5:00 for three days out of the week and help with the after-school program.” Wallace has reinforced life lessons that she has learned when volunteering like having more patience and becoming more self aware. “The whole experience has impacted me as a person by helping me become open to better experiences, and patient.” She said that working with kids has sparked her interest into becoming a teacher. Wallace is now planning to do more volunteer work. “I plan on

doing other things like helping the less fortunate.” She doesn’t regret anytime spent at Kohl, but rather appreciates all that volunteering has helped her learn about giving back. Senior Kevin Phan, president of the National Honors Society, is proud to say he gives back to his community. He rejoices on giving back but has the best memories about a couple of events. “I have been in involved with many events, but most memorable would have to be tutoring at the library, and the annual Coastal Cleanup.” Phan said that volunteering gives him satisfaction by spending his time doing something productive and helping others. He is involved with a program called Homework Helpers. The program takes place more in the beginning and ending of each school year. When it’s active it takes place at the Margaret Troke Library from 4 to 6 on Wednesdays. Phan helps by assisting students from kindergarten to sixth grade. “I help students in English, math and basically any subject that they need help in.” A NHS member must have a minimum of 30 hours of community service a year. However, he is currently working on getting more. “I have about 40 hours of community service right now but I’m trying to get over 60.” Sophomore Kassidy Chhoung-Sun is also in NHS, as well as Key Club and Interact Club. Chhoung-Sun says her parents have always told her to be thankful for what she has. By giving back through volunteering she gets a good feeling. “After helping with an event I always get a sense of accomplishment and it puts me in high spirits.” Meeting new friends from other schools and sometimes even other cities has made Chhoung-Sun love volunteering much more. “I’ve made more friends than people would think at events.” She said it’s always good to see other students sacrificing their own time to give back to the community. “I would recommend volunteering to other students and just people overall.”

PHOTO BY STEPHANIEJIMENEZ

Senior Ciera Wallace volunteers at Kohl Elementary on Mondays and Thursdays. There she spends her evening interacting with kindgarteners and elementary students. Wallace often plays games with the kids such as Simon Says or freeze tag.

on all lives ShannonBradberry It’s something most people dread hearing about and it’s something most don’t have much knowledge of. It affects 29 million people in America and many students are impacted by this whether it affects them directly or they watch a family member struggle with this condition. Diabetes comes in two different types. Type 1 is something you’re born with and type 2 is something you can develop over time. Mia Rojas, a sophomore, watches her father battle with Type 1 diabetes every day. “Helping my dad with his insulin and checking his blood sugar is something I did daily as a child,” Rojas said. “Whenever we would go out to eat we would have to get my dad something different and healthier because he was never able to eat what we would eat.” Rojas is worried because she could become a partial victim of diabetes. She’s watched her father go through weight loss and surgerys all because of his high blood sugar. She doesn’t want to have that risk of losing sight and limbs affect her when she’s older. The idea of it is so terrifying to her and she wishes more people understood how severe diabetes can become. Junior Moses Gaxiola’s grandmother has Type 2 diabetes and he explained how it affects him and his family. “We always have to be careful with the food we make at family gatherings,” Gaxiola said. “You never know, every little thing can make my grandma weak.” Diabetes also runs in Gaxiola’s

“

You never know, every little thing can make my grandma weak.” MosesGaxiola Junior family and he understands the risks it could place on his life and the life of his family. “I try to stay fit and eat healthy because I don’t want to go through that,” He said. “Having to pay closer attention to my health and inject myself with insulin isn’t for me.” These people aren’t impacted directly but they fully understand all the restrictions diabetes puts on one’s life. Having diabetes forces one to change their whole lives styles so they won’t be at risk of major health issues such as stroke, heart attacks and possibly losing toes and fingers.

Amos Alonzo Stagg High School

ENTERTAINMENT

MUSIC

the Stagg Line

02.02.18

from

OTHER LANDS Students enjoy learning about different cultures behind the music they like NicholasRosete

When walking through the hallways of our campus, it is common to see students listening to hip-hop or rap songs. At the same time, it is not uncommon to hear students, or even teachers, listening to foreign music. Whether it’s Asian, African, or even German, numerous fans of these genres can be found around school. Sophomore Chana Moeur has grown up around Cambodian music ever since she was born. Moeur enjoys Cambodian music because of the content of the songs and says that the ideas and history behind the lyrics, songs, and music videos are what attract her to this genre. She says she prefers Cambodian music because the content is more meaningful to her than the lyrics of American music. “It’s different from American music because with Cambodian music, the songs really talk about the history of the country,” Moeur said. Across the east and south seas of China, Korean pop, better known as K-Pop, has developed into a genre that is listened to all across the world. It has also been gaining more popularity over the years. Junior Nadia Dutra has been immersed in K-Pop since she was a little girl. She enjoys listening to K-Pop because it’s something different from what you normally hear around school or on the radio. “It’s in completely different language, so it’s refreshing to hear things like in foreign languages

such as Korean or other languages after listening to American music,” Dutra said. “It’s also really fun to watch the music videos because they have lots of awesome dances.” Dutra likes K-Pop because she feels as though it takes her down a road less traveled than some other students at school. “I feel like everybody wants to learn Spanish or French or something, but when it comes to K-Pop, Korean is such a different topic so I feel like it’s different from other countries’ music.” From Korea, traveling 7,000 miles across the entire continent of Asia and most of Africa, will bring you to West Africa. Sophomore Yalie Ceesay’s parents were born there and she grew up surrounded by the music of this region. Ceesay likes that when she’s with family and this music comes on, they are able to connect with it since it’s music from where they came from. “Every time we would go to a family gathering, they would always have the music around and it sticks in your head,” Ceesay said. “It’s fun to see them singing and dancing to the music when it comes on.” Ceesay says that the music differs from American music that is often about women, drugs, or alcohol. In African music, on the other hand, they talk more about the cultural aspects of Africa such as food, dancing, and parties.

ART BY SERINASEING

Music teacher Joseph Updegraff enjoys listening to and teaching students about all types of foreign music ranging from opera to German rock. He believes that it is important for his students to learn about and appreciate foreign music so that they can get an understanding of how different countries interpret music. Updegraff says that if you are casually listening to music and a song comes on that you haven’t heard, you will try listening to what the words are. He says that one of the good things about listening to music that is in a foreign language to you is that you don’t have to worry about trying to understand what the artist is saying in the song and can instead focus on other things that might of been hidden.

Check out staggonline.net — Yalie Ceesay discusses music

‘Black Mirror’ explores future of technology

Best streaming service?

HannahWorkman

SOURCE: SURVEY OF 50 STUDETNS

Why? More shows overall More ORIGINAL shows Favorite show is on service More popular among friends

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92%

“You get to listen to the true beauty of the music that’s being performed rather than trying to understand the words that they’re saying,” Updegraff said. “You get to feel the passion and emotion when you aren’t worrying about what they’re saying.”

Dark. Eerie. Horrifying. These are just a few words that are commonly associated with “Black Mirror,” the controversial anthology series created by Charlie Brooker. Set in a sci-fi universe and priding itself in tackling timely issues, “Black Mirror” has drawn comparisons to “The Twilight Zone,” with many considering it to be the classic’s modern version or spiritual successor. The fourth season, which consists of six episodes, was recently released on Netflix and fans didn’t hesitate to devour each and every installment. While the show has a lengthy history of sparking debate among viewers, this new batch of episodes seemed to stir up more controversy than ever. Episode four, “Arkangel,” caused an uproar when writers equated emergency contraception with abortion. Although most are no longer surprised by the divisive characteristics of “Black Mirror,” others couldn’t help but react in a more sensitive manner. This is only one incident that joins a long list of heated discussions started by the series. Controversy aside, the writers of “Black Mirror” are nothing short of imaginative. Depictions of DNA scans, memory machines, and robotic guard-dogs are present in the ever-expanding narrative. The show’s spin on the rapid advancement of technology is perhaps its most terrifying aspect. Considering the current state of technology and how it’s predicted to progress in upcoming years, it’s possible these scenarios can soon begin to occur in the real world.

That’s what startles audiences the most - the fact that none of these ideas are too far out of reach. Many suggest “Black Mirror” presents a preview of our inevitable future and warns us of what our lives may become if we continue down the path we’re on. While technology is a focal point of the series, “Black Mirror” mainly serves as a commentary on the human condition. It delves into our deepest fears, completely and unapologetically, spotlighting the more off-putting side of humankind. This season retains the reputation of those that came before it. Though it is filled to the brim with exquisite scenery and sweeping visuals, viewers are cautioned to not be fooled by its glamorous appearance. The actual contents of the show are far more darker than its

exterior lets on. Intense feelings of dread and paranoia loom over characters, constructing a dismal setting. Casting is essential in any production and anthologies provide an interesting storytelling opportunity for those who are involved. It’s no wonder why so many actors are eager to be a part of this medium. The ones who are featured in these episodes, namely Jesse Plemmons, Douglas Hodge, and Georgina Campbell, continue the longstanding tradition of stars delivering fine performances. It’s very likely that you would be turned off by hearing some of the show’s wacky plotlines, but the way the creative team handles these outlandish tales with ease and sophistication is what truly makes “Black Mirror” must-see television.

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02.02.18

Amos Alonzo Stagg High School

SPORTS

the Stagg Line

Varsity: Make it or break it

Boys basketball needs victories in order to make it to playoffs

BriannaRodriguez

Last year’s boys varsity basketball team won its first league championship since 2009. Starting the season in hopes to win another league title, those hopes have now dwindled. Now merely to make the playoffs, they must go undefeated for the rest of the season. Unfortunately for the team, that isn’t going to be an easy task. With Bear Creek leading the SJAA conference in wins and Chavez having the same record as the Delta Kings (as of Jan. 30), the varsity team must figure out how they can finish their season with a winning record. Instead of relying on themselves to be the only factor in trying to qualify for playoffs, they also need the help of their competitors. “To have a shot at league and to make playoffs we need to win the rest of our games but we also need help from other schools,” junior Enekyo Sakata said. “We Having the utmost confidence need someone to beat Bear Creek in their abilities senior Richard because their record is 5-0.” Aguirre believes their hard work Hoping to recover from a and dedication will get them to recent loss to Chavez, players say where want to be. they are more driven than ever to PHOTO BY SARAABDELTAWAB At the beginning of the season defeat every team they face. the team as a whole set a goal. In Lack of focus and good de- During the Jan. 17 game against Franklin, the first league game of the season, junior Esteban Rivera (right) is being order to achieve that goal Aguirre fense, non productive offense, helped back on his feet by teammates senior Jahbar Beard (left) and junior Kenyon Pierce (middle) after falling from block- says everyone needs to play their and a loss of composure; the ing an opponent. Stagg won, 65-40. role on the team, from sitting on boys found themselves leading “Whether it’s playing time, shots attempted, on some things. the bench to dropping 20-plus the game against Chavez to quickly falling behind. playing defense, or not playing, they need to be “This year’s chemistry is a lot better since we are points a game. “We focused on one person, Dailen Victor, cheering on their teammates,” Berg said. pretty close with each other,” senior Kaleb Carter “Our goal is to win the league championship instead of the whole team,” junior Kenyon Pierce In order to get back to where the basketball said. The 6’6” center, Carter, says how the team’s and go far in the playoffs,” Aguirre said. said. “We were up the first half and got lazy the program was a year ago the team needs to redis- work ethic needs to improve in order to end the Putting all his trust in his teammates and second, it cost us the game.” cover the components they had that made them a season on a positive note. coaching staff Aguirre is certain they will make a To change the current culture the team needs championship team: leadership and sacrifice. “We have to word harder since we lost a couple good run in playoffs. to take initiative. Leadership and unselfishness are Despite losing some key players that made a guys from last year and we have a few seniors that Learning from their mistakes from the Bear two things coach Ryan Berg preaches to his players big impact on the varsity team from last year, the need to step up,” Carter said. “We need to come Creek game they choose to take that loss as a learnbut hasn’t been displayed lately. team has some returning players and has improved together as one for the rest of league.” ing experience and motivation to win more games.

Check out staggonline. net — Carter talks about team’s drive to win.

SAFE HANDS

Soccer strengthens Saucedo family bond MariaCastillo & ShannonBradberry

PHOTO BY CARLOSDAVALOS

Senior Bryan Turcios-Medina practices blocking shots kicked to him by his teammates as they warm up for their game against McNair. Stagg went on to win the game, 3-2.

Bryan Turcios-Medina adapts to his new position as goalie StephanieMatsumoto

Though soccer is a team sport, not all on the field are running from one side to the other chasing after the ball. In fact, one of the most important positions doesn’t get as much attention depending on which goal the ball is near. For senior Bryan Turcios-Mejia, who is the boys soccer team’s main goalie this year, the cleats he had to fill were essential for the team’s success. Turcios has played soccer either with his friends or on a recreational team since he was young. However, he has little experience in playing as a goalie before the season started and mostly played as a defender. While he was a surprised that he was chosen to be the goalie, he gladly accepted it. “Coach had a vision of me playing goalie this year and then he asked me if I wanted to try it out since they didn’t have a goalie.” Before he became the goalie, Turcios would practice the position and found that he was good at it. The position is different from what he was used to but he found advantages such as playing well with his feet. However, being a goalie is not something Turcios was trained to do from the beginning and had to learn quickly for this season. “Growing up I’ve always played soccer as a defender

and it’s way different than goalies,” Turcios said. “When you’re a goalie you’re not always part of the game, but when you are you have to make a lot of saves and dives.” Teammate Ulices Contreras, a junior, has known Turcios since they were kids. The two first met on a soccer league team called “Jarritos” and while Turcios has only been playing on the Stagg boys soccer team with Contreras since junior year, he still shows dedication to the sport. “He’s a good player, shows leadership, and is athletic.” While Contreras knows that Turcios was excited for the position, he remembers how nervous Turcios felt during their first game of the season due to the responsibility held solely on his shoulders. “When we lost against Tokay he felt like a lot of it was on him but it’s a team sport so the blame couldn’t be placed on just him.” Turcios still gets nervous before big games, but he’s learned how to better control his nerves. After he gets into the game by making saves, Contreras knows that Turcios will pull through for the team. “Since he plays as goalie he has a big responsibility but he still likes to keep everyone positive, like if the other team scored on us he would try his best to keep the team motivated.”

People can find joy through anything. Some people write, play an instrument, or dance, but for senior Alejandra Saucedo it’s soccer. Saucedo has spent the last 13 years of her life committed to this sport. She started playing when she was 5 years old along with her brothers in a co-ed division. Her family is also passionate toward the sport. Their three favorite teams are Mexico’s Chivas, the Mexican National Team, and Spain’s Real Madrid. When she was about 9 years old, she started questioning if soccer was truly something she wanted to do. Because of her doubts, she stopped playing the game for a while, but the sport was still in the back of her mind. “I really thought about it,” she said, “I started playing again and then I realized that I wanted to keep doing it.” As her love for the sport rekindled Saucedo realized the important role soccer plays in her life. The way it connects her and her family on a deeper level makes her more fond of soccer. She believes that in order to improve, practice is key. “If someone doesn’t attend practice, how do they expect to get better? I get that it can be tiring, but you have to push through it.” Whenever there’s been times when she feels like she can’t do it anymore, her family is there to push her through it. “My family encourages me to go to practice,” Saucedo said. “Put in the time, and play the best that I can.”

Not only does she have support from her family, but she also keeps a positive mindset. If a game isn’t going as planned, she tries to settle her doubts and stay calm. “I don’t let it get to me. If I do then I lose my mind and I start playing horrible.” During her years of soccer, she has had sprained ankles, pulled hamstrings and other injuries that she has overcome. She’s been able to conquer these obstacles because of her love for the sport. “I do get a little nervous before a game,” Saucedo said. However, once she get on the field, the butterflies turn to adrenaline igniting the flame inside of her. Positivity is something that Saucedo tries to spread among her teammates. As team captain she has to

have a lot of leadership, but one of her main responsibilities is to reassure her team after a loss. “I try to motivate them and remind them that they did good,” she said. “We played our game and we put our hearts out there.” Her hopes of pursuing soccer in college aren’t high as of now. Saucedo said, “I was planning to continue playing soccer but it’s hard to manage my time with school and I also want to work.” Although she isn’t sure about soccer in her future, it’s something she will treasure for the rest of her life. It taught her self discipline, how to be part of a team, but most importantly it was one of the ways her and her family came together.

PHOTO BY CARLOSDAVALOS

Alejandra Saucedo, a senior, practices taking shots during a drill. She plays as a forward but is open to other positions.

NEWS

Amos Alonzo Stagg High School

the Stagg Line

02.02.18

Eating disorders still common HannahWorkman

Junior Alustra Dominguez-Meyer’s issues with food began in middle school and manifested as a result of her worsening depression. She kept it to herself for quite some time, before admitting to her physical education teacher that she hadn’t eaten in three days. “She sent me to the nurse’s office and they called somebody to pick me up. They had to carry me to the car because I was too weak to stand on my own two feet.” She is not alone. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 5.4 percent of children between the ages of 13-18 will suffer from an eating disorder during their lifetime. For several students on campus, this detrimental illness hits close to home. After the incident, Dominguez-Meyer’s family took her to a clinic, where she was diagnosed with anorexia. The diagnosis had come as a shock to her mother, who believed that she couldn’t have the disease as she was at a healthy weight. “I understand why people may have those beliefs, but it doesn’t matter what your weight is,” Dominguez-Meyer said. “If you’re not eating, your body is going to shut down on you.” The worst thing she had to deal with was taking physical classes, such as music. “I would sit down and try to hold my instrument, but my body wouldn’t allow me to,” Dominguez-Meyer said. “My arm gave out whenever I tried to hold my flute for an extended period of time.” There wasn’t a day in which she didn’t face challenges. Even carrying out the simplest tasks put a strain on her. “At my old school, I had to take the staircase to go to several of my classes. I reached a point where I couldn’t take it anymore, so I had to

#NEDAwareness

NATIONAL EATING DISORDER AWARENESS WEEK: Feb. 26-March 4 Symptoms & habits

Ways to help

Constant dieting

Talk openly & honestly

Hiding food/food wrappers

Take time to listen

Self-induced vomiting

Be patient & supportive

Excessive exercise

Call the eating disorder hotline: (800) 931-2237

Laxative use

SOURCE: NATIONALEATINGDISORDER.ORG

get a doctor’s note to allow me to use the elevator.” She experienced other symptoms, including an increase of hair on her arms, which was her body’s way of attempting to keep her warm. After months of trying to keep up with school while battling her eating disorder, her family made the decision to put her in independent study. “I couldn’t go to school because they couldn’t trust that I would eat while I was away,” Dominguez-Meyer said. This was the first step in her recovery process.

Recovery isn’t easy and she has faced many setbacks. “There are days when it doesn’t bother you as much, but there are also days when you’re in total relapse mode and haven’t consumed a single calorie.” While the journey has been difficult, having the support of her best friend, who is also dealing with an eating disorder, has made it a bit more bearable. “She’ll text me and ask me if I ate. If I say no, she’ll come over to make me food, but the deal is she has

Not all teenagers live in traditional households AidanDanforth & BriannaRodriguez

more likely not to be a part of a student’s life. For senior Alyzea A recent poll confirms what Deputron the survey holds true. many would already guess: The With her father lacking a traditional family is anything but high school education he had common. difficulty finding employment, The Pew Research Center making him dependent on poll indicates that a quarter of faDeputron’s mother. Unwilling to thers are absent for the majority provide for his financial needs, of their child’s life, a statistic that her father chose to stay out of is likely true for students at Stagg their lives. Being abandoned by High School. her father at an early age, Depu Junior Isabel Pich was forced tron and her mother faced fiby her mother to take a leadernancial issues. With high home ship role. Having never met her mortgages and expensive rent, father she was left being raised by her family became homeless. Una single mother for most of her able to find work here in Stocklife. Only having her mom and ton, Deputron’s mother had to younger siblings, Pich was in conleave her and her siblings to find stant arguments with her mother a job in Arizona. about raising her siblings. “She “My mom used to bounce made me feel like I was the othback and forth from here and Arizona but now she just lives % of parents of children younger than age 18 and there,” Depuhow much time they say they spend with their children tron said. Trying to betAll Parents ter her life, 7 46 47 Deputron stays in StockFathers ton to receive a 4764 45 36 All higher educa47 50 3 Bachelor’s or more tion than her father while 4769 45 31 Some college or less taking care of her younger Too little Mothers siblings. Aside 53 12 35 All from educaThe right 56 5 39 Bachelor’s or more amount tion she stays Too much in her home52 14 33 Some college or less town to have a

Key

SOURCE: PEW RESEARCH

er mom in the house,” Pich said. Dealing with school and family issues, the stress overwhelmed Pich, making her leave her family to find peace at another student’s house. “Looking back, I wish I didn’t move out but I know nothing would change.” Comfort in a different household made Pich come to terms with the difficulty of living away from her parent. Despite having issues with her mother and the tension within the household, Pich sometimes feels like a burden when it comes to living in her friend’s home. “ In the same survey, education played a major part with fathers. A father who lacked a college or high school education was

GRAPHIC BY ALBERTOVALENCIA & SOLOMONJUAREZ

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place to live. “I told my mom I’ll stay here and finish school while you do what you have to do to provide for us,” she said. Now living with a friend, she is grateful for a roof over her head but still burdened with the stress of having to pay various bills and maintain her school work. “I have my moments where I start to break down and cry,” Deputron said. “If my dad was around and was a good dad my life would be way different. We would probably have a house here and I would probably be a normal teenager.” Not having either of her parents around, Deputron had to grow up fast. Similarly junior Alyssa Cervantes had neither parent by her side and struggled to stay in Stockton. She dealt with what she described as an inefficient mother and an absent dropout father. She was in the foster care system but was then was placed into custody of her older sister. She realized her situation and the importance of higher education. “I just figured out that I had to get over, I couldn’t hang on to what they did because it was their choices,” she said. Unlike her parents, she continues her progress towards a high school diploma. With her older sibling helping Cervantes can see a better life. “I want my life to be better in every way.”

to eat too.” Senior Maria Acevedo was diagnosed with bulimia in middle school and is still suffering the consequences. “Whenever I get sick, I throw up because my body is so used to throwing up,” Acevedo said. She started displaying bulimic tendencies when she was in sixth grade. This came as a result of constant bullying from girls who belittled her appearance. “I started purging after I ate every other day.” Now when Acevedo thinks back to her youth, she regrets listening to what the other children said. “I don’t understand why I would do that to myself.” Acevedo still struggles with negative thoughts and knows there is the possibility of slipping into old behaviors. “At any moment, I could go back to it and be that person again, but then I also know that I could change. I have people who are here to help.” She credits her doctors and counselors for guiding her through the recovery process. Holly Agundes, a therapist at Healthy Start, says she sees a lot of students who are ashamed of their bodies, which is often the precursor to an eating disorder. When she knows of students who are grappling with these thoughts, she makes sure to keep them on her radar. Agundes believes eating disorders are less about the food and more about self-esteem or past trauma. “It has to do with some kind of hurt the individual is carrying around that is showing up in that way. For every symptom, there is an underlying reason.” To students who wish to seek help, Agundes says Healthy Start is the perfect place to come. “We have connections to so many different resources and a lot of outside services who come here for the students.”

AVID program up in the air with coordinator gone AngelVasquez

Bored, confused, and upset -- with the temporary loss of senior AVID teacher Deborah Spector, students have been plagued with these feelings daily. In December, Spector was asked to temporarily hold the position of assistant principal at Madison Elementary. Since then, Spector’s class has been being taught by a numerous substitute teachers. For seniors such as Lizeth Barajas, this situation is frustrating and stressful. “We’re currently working on a project, and without her I’m lost,” Barajas said. Currently, students and substitute teachers are relying on a written out calendar provided by Spector. Although this is sometimes helpful, there are some days when instructions are PHOTO BY STEPHANIEJIMENEZ so vague for the substitutes, AVID seniors are given the task of researching according to colleges and what fields they would like to students, that study when lesson plans do not fill the time. the class ends up doing “busy work.” This includes researching dates for application deadlines, colleges students are interested in, or working on their projects. Senior Brandon Alonso describes his current experience as “sitting around and basically doing nothing.” According to Alonso, some of the lesson plans have not changed, but for the most part there is no learning going on whatsoever. Alonso also finds it hard to get work done, seeing as most of the time the substitutes are also at a loss. As of now, there is no set in stone date for Spector’s return.