Sterling Cub Reporter: February 2016

FEBRUARY 2016

Passionate Performances Volume 2 • Issue 5

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February 2016 • Sterling Cub Reporter • 1

NEWS

Briefly Stated

Zero to

Have you ever wondered about all the cool stuff going on around SHS, and then thought of all the unfortunate stuff to happen? Here’s your guide to all the hot, and cold, stuff going on at SHS.

“High school is pretty fun. I mean, I still don’t want to be here, but I guess it’s not horrible.”

100 The girls basketball team took first place at the Sterling Invitational.

Junior Maddie Thrasher fully tore her ACL. “God has a plan for everyone.

Sometimes we don’t know what that plan is. We can either learn from it or run from it,” she said.

BRETT RIFFEL, a freshman, talks about his experience at SHS so far. “High school is a lot of fun, and you get to make lots of new friends and get to experience new things, but school work is not as fun,” he said.

90 80 70 60 50 40 30

This year at state debate senior Hannah Hendricks and junior Edward Weiner brought home second place and senior Alex Veliz and junior JJ Oden brought third place.

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Shots, Cannons, and Spirit Business teacher Eric Wenzel poses with “The Bleacher Reacher.” “The idea of the cannon is to create excitement. ‘The Bleacher Reacher’ plays right into the purpose. The students in the Marketing class have done a great job creating and carrying out ideas,” he said.

(Photo by Veronica Norez)

ABOUT THE COVER PHOTO

Junior Maddie Thrasher looks at coach Jill Rowland for an in-bounds play during the semifinal game at the Sterling Invitational. Moments after, Thrasher went down while playing defense. An MRI revealed a fully torn ACL, resulting in surgery and six months of rehab.(Photo by Baylee Maskil)

2 • Sterling Cub Reporter • February 2016

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Forensics seeks 24th state title LINDSAY GILMORE Cub Reporter

(Courtesy photo) Members of the state debate team pose with the trophies they won. Members include assistant coach Bekah Wagley, seniors Kaci Wilson and Brayden Hosman, juniors Maddie Wagley, JJ Oden, Edward Weiner, seniors Hannah Hendricks and Alex Veliz, junior Sierra Emery, and head coach Betsy Dutton.

SHS debate team takes on state ALEXIAS ROSE Cub Reporter

It can be said that Sterling high school students are known for giving hard competition in all aspects of sporting and academics, including debate.

“We have intellectually inclined and focused students on our team,” junior Sierra Emery said. “We have standards that we try our best to meet.”

In order to achieve the high standards that have been set, some of the debaters took on new methods of preparation for the state tournament.

“I’m trying to adjust my speaking style to improve our chances of advancing through rounds,” Emery said.

Others have looked into more personal forms of selfpreparation.

“I’ve been focused on how much sleep I get,” junior JJ Oden said. “I didn’t get much sleep last year, and that left me exhausted when it came time for tournaments.”

Along with the new forms of preparation some of the debaters took on, they noticed a slight change in the way debate head coach Betsy Dutton prepared them.

“I feel like she’s tried to work more on how she brings the content of the arguments to us,” Oden said.

With Sterling taking both second and third place out of 20 teams at the state tournament, the general thoughts about this year’s debate season, including the state debate competition, were positive.

“Overall I feel like it was a really successful season,” Emery said. “Our novices did well and so did our state competitors. I’m excited to see what next year brings us.” www.sterlingcubreporter.com

The Sterling High School forensics team, coming off of a second place finish at state during the 2015 season, has high hopes for this year.

With more than 50 students involved in forensics, coach Betsy Dutton, in her 34th year at the helm, will have a tough time narrowing down the best 16 events for the State Championship.

“I’m really really excited because we have a lot of great talent coming up this year. I can’t wait to watch the young ones shine.”

— Hannah Hendricks, senior “To qualify, each person has to place first or second at one meet, but because we have such problems with numbers we require that at two meets,” she said. “I have seven seniors in [The Amish Project] and most of them have done forensics, so that is where we will start with pieces.

There are also a lot of very talented freshmen, but if it comes down to a senior or a freshman, the senior will be chosen to compete.”

Senior Hannah Hendricks, who placed at the 2015 state competition, believes that Sterling’s diverse team of talents has a great chance at capturing the school’s 24th state forensics title.

“I’m really really excited because we have a lot of great talent coming up this year,” she said. “I can’t wait to watch the young ones shine.”

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NEWS

(Photo by Morgan Anderson) Senior Julie Carroll, who played Amish girl Velda, sits with her mother, played by sophomore Katie Comley, after getting a nail stuck in her hand. “It was lovely to play Velda. I really liked it because she was happy,” Carroll said.

Intimate setting makes ‘The Amish Project’ unique LINDSAY GILMORE Cub Reporter

The Sterling High School Theatre Program presented Jessica Dickey’s “The Amish Project” on Jan. 28, 29, 30.

The play, originally performed as a one-woman show, was written in 2011 and inspired by the 2006 school shooting in the Amish community of Nickel Mines, Pa., and the victim’s forgiveness of the perpetrator and his family following the death of five young Amish girls.

“The Amish Project,” which stars mainly upperclassmen who have only ever been cast in comedic roles, stretched the abilities of the actors.

“Going into [the play], it was really difficult. Obviously, I’ve never been in that situation before in real life, but it was kind of hard to even just imagine being in that situation to get into the character,” senior Jessica Ricker, who played the distraught wife of the shooter, said. “I’ve always been put into comedic roles, and so trying to get myself into such a dark and dramatic story was kind of interesting. I really had to think, ‘Okay, how would I feel?’”

Along with new types of roles providing challenges for the actors of the show, director Betsy Dutton decided to put seating on the stage, within four feet of the actors, in order to provide a more intimate performance of the play.

“At first I was not a huge fan of having the audience so 4 • Sterling Cub Reporter • February 2016

close to us, but a lot of our monolougue’s are more conversational. Having the audience that close makes it more ‘real’ for the actors as well as the people there watching,” Ricker said.

For senior Cristina Silva, her first lead role came when she was cast as the character America in “The Amish Project.”

“At first I was like, ‘Oh my gosh this is going to be so cool. I’m going to have so much fun.’ But as the show got closer, I started to think, ‘I don’t got this. This is a lot of lines that I need to memorize,’” she said.

In such a dramatic and heavy play, the audience reacted accordingly any time a character brought comedy to the performance.

“I got a lot of comments about how I was the one that lightened the mood a little bit. That makes me feel really good because outside of that role I really want to be the one that makes people happy and not sad,” Silva said.

A fairly large community of Amish is located less than an hour from Sterling, but even so, members of the cast were surprised when they saw up to 15 Amish folks in the audience on the first night of performances.

“I was really excited and honored that the Amish came, but I was also nervous because I didn’t want to offend them or portray them incorrectly,” senior Julie Carroll said.

However, many positive comments were made by the Amish after the performances. www.sterlingcubreporter.com

(Photo by Alexias Rose) Senior Baylee Maskil shows sophomore Lauren Schueren the progress she has made on her Senior Project.

Senior Projects get underway DALLAS LACKEY Cub Reporter

As your four years at Sterling High slowly come to an end, there will be at least one thing you have in common with everyone.

Doing a senior project.

“I like them because it gives the students a chance to do something that they want to for possibly the first time in the high school career,” teacher Brian Richter said.

Each senior project is different, but picking one is still a challenge.

“The hardest part was choosing one thing,” senior Baylee Maskil said. “Out of all the things I like, I had to pick one I was really passionate about, and somehow make a project out of it.”

Projects can be over mostly anything, and while some people like that, others find it challenging.

“It was really hard to find a project over something I enjoy,” Hosman said. “I wanted to do something outside the box.”

One of the main things seniors have to deal with as they start their projects is finding time.

“A problem I already see is coordinating schedules,” senior Brayden Hosman said.

Maskil agreed.

“I’m slowly realizing it takes a lot of time, and I need to think it through and make decisions on how I want everything to work,” she said.

Some people fail to see a point to a senior project, but others embrace it and do their best to make a good product.

“I want it to be done well because I want that for myself,” senior Emma Lambert said. “I am trying to act on the fact that it isn’t about what other people want, it’s about what I want and need for it to be.” www.sterlingcubreporter.com

There is not a set way to do a senior project, and that may lead to challenges for the seniors as the year ends up.

“Most importantly this teaches them how to plan something and then figure out how to do whatever they want to do,” Richter said. “In the process they are going to fail and overcome those challenges and realize that it isn’t failing until you stop trying.”

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February 2016 • Sterling Cub Reporter • 5

FEATURE

(Photo by Kylah Comley) Chad Farris poses with the guitar he bought right after his senior year of high school. Some of his favorite songs to play are “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Born on the Bayou” and “Ramblin Man.”

Farris reflects on days at SHS KYLAH COMLEY Cub Reporter You may have heard of the word “6th man” referring to the crowd and student section at sporting events. It’s more than one person supporting the team, but at Sterling, we have a “7th man” as well, who supports everything we do. And in this case, it is one person — Chad Farris.

Farris is an SHS alum and custodian in the high school and junior high buildings.

“I actually enjoy the cleaning. It’s a good job for me. I just make sure everything is always ready for the next day,” he said. “I like the faculty, the students and everyone I run into here at the school.”

But there is much more to him than

just cleaning. He is a southern rock guitar player, a die-hard New Orleans Saints fan and a friend to all who meet him.

When walking through the halls almost every student says “hi’’ to Farris.

“I think I can relate to the students on some things pretty well,” he said.

“I’ve been in their shoes. I’ve gone through high school, and I know what they’re going through.”

While he graduated in 2009, Farris has lived in Sterling for his entire life.

“My job has really kept me in Sterling. I was fortunate to get a full time job coming out of high school. I basically started my junior year in ‘08.

I worked three hours a day helping Minnie Myers, who was here at the time, and when I graduated I was able to get her position,” he said. “Plus it’s a

6 • Sterling Cub Reporter • February 2016

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good community. Everyone cares for one another.”

There has never been a day in his eight years of working at SHS that Farris has dreaded coming into work.

“It’s what I get paid to do,” he said. “There’s not a cleaning job that I hate doing. Somebody’s gotta do it, that’s just the truth. I just happen to be one of the guys who does it.”

Farris clocks in at 1 p.m. every weekday and clocks out at 9 p.m. if he doesn’t work overtime. He also works weekends if there are events taking place at the school.

“There are times when I will work a 12 hour day, but it’s not that bad.

The school year’s always busier than working in the summertime,” Farris said. “I normally only work overtime when we have games, during the plays, or when we have forensics or something.”

He finds time out of his 56hour week to ditch his vacuum and broom for his guitar, his 1989 Camaro, and his two nephews, a 1-year old and a 3-month old.

“When I have free time, I enjoy playing southern rock on my guitar, I like that style of music the best,” he said. “I’ve been playing guitar ever since I was a little kid growing up and recording music on my own.”

Farris didn’t learn how to play guitar on his own, though. He was influenced by many close family members.

“Almost everyone in my family either played the mandolin, banjo or the guitar,” he said. “My great grandfather was really good at guitar. I never did get to meet him, though.”

He is also restoring his car that he has had since high school in hopes of taking it to a car show.

“I’ve gone to quite a few car shows in my lifetime, but I’ve never entered into one and that’s one of www.sterlingcubreporter.com

the reasons I am fixing things like the exhaust, the paint and the interior,” Farris said. “Another reason is because I like learning how to do all of that stuff on my own, and with the help of my dad, it’s a way we can bond.”

Farris, also a loving uncle, always enjoys spending time with his nephews who live close by.

“The boys are an inspiration to me,” he said. “They are so much fun to be around, and they always put a smile on my face.”

The students feel the same kind of bond with their custodian.

Mopping

“I think it’s cool that he went to our school just a few years ago, so he understands and he got to know some of the teachers that we have,” freshman Mardee Thompson said.

“I also like how he’s so easygoing about everything and how he does a job that I don’t think many would want to do.”

Senior Shelbi Fenwick also says this about Farris: “He has a friendly vibe and chats with the students.

He never just walks through the hallways. He always talks with the students and relates to them. He’s an easy going guy, and I’m glad to say he’s my friend.”

Along with the bond the students have with Ferris, there is also a sense of respect and appreciation for everything he does.

“He is just overall a great guy,” senior Clayton Duft said. “There aren’t very many people who can clean up after people all day long and keep a positive attitude and come back to their job the next morning, and I admire that.”

The faculty also expresses their

Vacuuming Scrubbing

February 2016 • Sterling Cub Reporter • 7

“He is just overall a great guy. There aren’t very many people who can clean up after people all day long and keep a positive attitude and come back to their job the next morning, and I admire that.”

— Clayton Duft, senior gratitude toward all Farris does for the school on a daily basis.

“I appreciate how kept up our building is,” Robin Webb said. “One of the things we study in our education class is how the upkeep of the school affects the atmosphere. When things are clean, it creates a better atmosphere and people take more pride in the school.”

Pride in the school is part of who Farris is, and it was

evident to the faculty members who had him in class.

“I had Chad his senior year in drama class, and he is one of the nicest young men I know,” Betsy Dutton said.

“He was always willing to do anything, and I remember the day he got the job as a custodian. He was ecstatic. He knew that it was something he could do for a lifetime. He came and told me that he got the job, and you could just tell how pleased he was.”

His zest for the job bleeds into his relationships with everyone he encounters during his day-to-day duties.

“I see the students and the faculty at Sterling High School as another family to me. The students look up to me, which is awesome, and they are all such good kids. They’re always themselves, and they treat others like they want to be treated,” he said. “The fact that the students always look excited to see me and appreciate what I do makes me really enjoy my job, and that’s why I want to keep working here.”

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February 2016 • Sterling Cub Reporter • 9

NEWS

Whisler to take on new science position ALEX VELIZ Cub Reporter One of the most difficult positions to fill in the science department is that of a chemistry teacher. Luckily, one of our own teachers, Dan Whisler, has taken the initiative to teach this position next school year.

“At the beginning of this year, we put out an advertisement for a chemistry teacher for the coming year. I knew Mr. Whisler had that endorsement on his teaching certificate, and I asked him if he would take the position. He said he would think about it,” Principal Dr. Bill Anderson said.

“I really appreciated the fact that he took the position and he would be giving up biology and move into the chemistry lab. I think that it is admirable for him to take the position to ease the burden on the school in terms of finding a biology position over the chemistry position.”

Whisler has been a science teacher for more than 30 years and has the qualification to become a chemistry teacher, but, up to this point in his career, he has never actually put that part of his degree into practice.

“The biggest challenge with chemistry is I had a great high school instructor, I had a great professor in college,

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(Photo by Alex Veliz) Dan Whisler, Sterling High School science teacher, poses in the chemistry lab.

I just haven’t used that information as much as biology,” Whisler said. “I saw the equations that the workshop I was in gave us and realized that it has been a long time, but as I worked with my partner I started to figure out the arrangement so it will come back to me with the training.”

The transition will also allow Whisler to apply new teaching techniques and programs for chemistry this coming year.

“I have already looked through all the files. I have already talked to Mr. Ball,” Whisler said. “I can go in and use the technology like Vernier and bring them into the labs.”

Anderson brought the possibility of this change to Whisler because of his experience and dependability in past years.

“My concern in teaching positions is to maintain some level of continuity because it is hard for the students when change is going on all the time,” Anderson said. “Having someone familiar in the building move to that chemistry position will be good for a lot of juniors and seniors taking the class.”

With leaving behind one subject, Whisler hopes to organize himself and his current subjects in order to make the transition easier.

“I want to make the transition as smooth as possible, not only for me, but for whoever comes in to take over the biology responsibilities,” Whisler said. “In chemistry, I just need some time to get myself up to speed in terms of the sequence and the lab materials. I hope to make real world connections in chemistry as I have in my other subjects.” www.sterlingcubreporter.com

EDITORIAL

Winning with fewer days

Switching to a four-day school week would be very beneficial to the students and the staff. In fact, many schools have already switched from having school five days a week to only having school four days a week.

According to the Washington Post, almost 300 school districts decided to have their students attend school for only four days a week. The main reason the school districts have cut back their school days is because of cost.

AZCentral says that any schools that have decided to cut back their school days to four days a week have been able to save anywhere from $700,000 to $1 million depending on how big the school is. This is a good thing because schools have to spend a lot of money to be able to have running busses, feed students, pay for bills for electricity and heating, and so much more.

Along with saving money, the schools have seen their students performance improve. Studies have shown that students who attend school for only four days a week have been performing at a level significantly above the national average, which is about 49 percent.

Students are able to perform much better when having only four days of school because they know that there is a three-day weekend coming up. With a three-day weekend, students would be more likely to get all of their homework done and not be so stressed about it.

A four day school week could also promote responsibility to students. Having that extra day off from school can teach students how to manage their time responsibly.

During the extra day off from school, students could get all of their homework done and study for any upcoming exams. Then students can have all of their Saturdays and Sundays for hanging out with their friends or just to have free time to do what they want.

Having to go to school for five days a week can be very stressful for everyone. With a four-day school week the students and the teachers stress level will significantly decline. Students and teachers can catch up on their sleep as well as anything else that they need to without having to worry about not having enough time.

Students will do much better if we had a four day school week. They will be more likely to pay attention in class because they know that there is a three-day weekend coming. Paying attention in class will lead to better grades.

—The Editorial Board The Sterling High School Cub Reporter and all subsidiary publications are designated forums of free speech.

The print edition is published October through May of each school year by the journalism class at Sterling High School. It is distributed for no charge throughout Unified School District 376 buildings and the Sterling community.

The first copy is free. Subsequent copies will cost $1 per copy. For information about being added to the subscription list, contact Todd Vogts at 620-278-2171. Letters to the editor are welcome. Email them to editor@sterlingstudentpublications.com. All letters must be signed. Anonymous letters will not be printed. All letters subject to editing for legal, grammatical and factual reasons.

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Hardwork, it’s results I have recently been taught a new philosophy that can be applied to anyone, but in all the stress it is hard to perceive it as an option. It is the simple idea of planting a seed in one’s life and nurturing it to eventually reap its rewards.

As freshmen we are presented with multiple different opportunities to occupy our time in high school. The decisions ALEX VELIZ are either based on our internal desires or our external influences including our friends.

The first of the two is the one that should be chosen, but is the road less traveled. My sophomore year I was presented with the same options.

I chose debate, not because of other’s opinion of the program here at SHS, but because ever since my freshman year it was goal to be apart of the debate team.

Eight tournaments later in my sophomore year and I felt like a new man, but as I went into my junior year, I realized that after one year there were still many improvements to make.

With the promises of greatness, many people forget or refuse to acknowledge that before we can reap our rewards, we have to put in hard work and, above all else, passion.

I saw this effect my senior year at state debate. My partner JJ Oden and I used all of our teachings and determination to make it to semi-finals and eventually end up with third place.

Without the practice, and refinement of my partner’s and my skills, we would not have been able to make it to where we are today.

So even if you’re not on varsity sophomore year or have a jester in your possession before you’re a senior, remember that the rewards you reap later in life are completely dependent on the hard work you put in now.

Sterling High School

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STAFF Editor-In-Chief: Kylah Comley Reporters: Alex Veliz, Lindsay Gilmore, Dallas Lackey, Lexi Rose, Anna Tuszynski

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February 2016 • Sterling Cub Reporter • 11

SPORTS

Boys basketball faces tough tournament KYLAH COMLEY Cub Reporter As the 44th year of the Sterling Boys Invitational tournament rolled around, the Sterling Black Bears felt up to the challenge of their competition.

Hugoton, Southeast of Saline and Sterling were all ranked in the top 10 of their divisions coming into the tournament.

“There are a lot of really good teams who are big and play good defense in our tournament,” sophomore Kenan Comley said. “Having three teams ranked, including us, is really good for us to play against early in the season.”

Kicking off Tuesday evening play, the Black Bears faced seven-seed Hutchinson Trinity High School. They led 1711 at the end of the first quarter and never looked back, defeating the Celtics 85-63.

“A game can still be really exciting when you’re winning by 20,” junior Will Dutton said. “Whether you are out there playing at the time or working on your positive attitude and being an encouraging teammate from the bench.”

Due to poor weather conditions, two games were played on Wednesday, giving the Bears a day to scout their next opponent. Preparation wasn’t enough for the Black Bears as they fell to Southeast of Saline, 79-50.

“Our half-court defense was not at the level that it needed to be at during this game,” junior Kyler Comley said. “We just let them shoot way too many lay-ups.”

The 29 point loss placed the Bears in the third place game against the Beloit Trojans. After trailing 17 points in the third quarter, they rallied back to tie the game with four minutes left in play. Their comeback was left just short as they lost 54-53.

“Overall I think we learned what we are going to have to do to beat teams at that level,” sophomore Lucas Briar said. “The games brought out our weaknesses, and now we are going to work really hard as a team to fix them.”

(Photo by Veronica Norez) Sophomore Lucas Briar drives past a Beloit defender during the Black Bears’ final game in the tournament.

12 • Sterling Cub Reporter • February 2016

(Photo by Grace Rowland) Members of the girls basketball team celebrate their 72-47 win in the championship game of the tournament against the Hugoton Eagles.

Senior girls reflect on face-paced season ALEXIAS ROSE Cub Reporter

The Sterling High School Lady Black Bears basketball players have taken on this year’s season with strong hearts and strong minds.

“We’re definitely more open-minded this year,” senior Keena Schweizer said. “For example, I try to look at all the schools the same way, instead of focusing on the rivalry we might have.”

With this season rapidly progressing, some of the players are reflecting on their previous games, tournaments and seasons. Senior Sarah Stallings uses her feelings of last year’s season to motivate herself for this year.

“With the tournament underway, I’m trying to remember how our loss to Lyons felt last year,” she said. “I’m trying to use that as a form of motivation.”

Not only are the seniors trying to motivate themselves, but they’re also looking to push their motivation and positive influence out to the team.

“The seniors bring a lot of energy, experience and influence towards the team,” Stallings said.

As well as setting a good example, some of the seniors are reflecting on what it’s like to play their last high school basketball games.

“Knowing it’s almost over, it makes me want to work harder and influence and encourage the underclassmen more,” Schweizer said.

As this year’s seniors move on to bigger and better things, Coach Rowland considers what it has been like to coach them throughout their four years of high school.

“This is a very special group of girls,” she said. “They’ve been on varsity since they were freshmen, so it’s been really nice to enjoy them while we’ve had them.” www.sterlingcubreporter.com

Wrestlers challenge themselves to cut weight DALLAS LACKEY Cub Reporter When you think of wrestling, one of the first things you will think about is cutting weight. Cutting weight is a part of everyday life for the wrestlers here at Sterling High.

“It has to become a habit,” senior Zane Nichols said. “If it does, it is way easier because you cut two or three pounds a week and not ten.”

When most people think of cutting weight, they usually think of not eating, but that is not the case.

“People always think that we just stop eating,” junior Derek Boeken said. “When really we just eat less and stop pigging out.”

Regardless, eating less than what you’re used to can be a challenge for anyone.

“It’s hard not being able to eat what I want,” freshman Dylan Stewart said. “It doesn’t get easier either.”

As the season goes on you would assume it gets easier and becomes a habit, but some would disagree.

“You would think it would be easier each year, but it never gets easy,” Boeken said.

Just cutting a few pounds a week won’t keep you in shape

and ready for competition. Cutting weight is accompanied by plenty of conditioning.

“Conditioning is just part of it,” Nichols said. “It doesn’t bother me as much as it used to.”

Others have a more negative outlook on the conditioning.

“It sucks,” Stewart said. “I don’t think I will ever get used to doing all the conditioning.”

“Cheat days,” days where you eat whatever you’d like, would almost be a necessity for most people, and it is no different for wrestlers.

“I usually have one cheat day about every other week,” Nichols said. “But not very often.”

Some are a little more open about their “cheat days.”

“If I really want to eat something, I do,” Boeken said.

“But I have to really want it because I know I will most likely regret it.”

As the season goes on, it gets easier for most, but it’s part of doing something you love.

“It’s not as bad now, but I have had days where it is something I hate doing,” Nichols said. “But it’s not a big deal because wrestling is something I am passionate about.”

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107 N. Broadway, Sterling February 2016 • Sterling Cub Reporter • 13

INFOGRAPHIC

Valentine’s Sterling High School takes a look at a few of its couples and what makes them special.

“Wit h thing him, the o I cons experien nly ta c and a nt happin e is ff e fresh ection,” ss m San M an McKi ah iguel said.

Valentine’s Day Facts • Every year on February 14, American’s go all out and spend a total of at least $17.6 billion on their significant other just to show them how much they love them • Men go out and buy their lover some flowers, chocolate and a lovely card • Also, 20 percent of Americans even buy Valentine’s Day gifts for their pets • Only about 60 percent of Americans celebrate valentine’s day 14 • Sterling Cub Reporter • February 2016

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at Sterling Infographic by Anna Tuszynski

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February 2016 • Sterling Cub Reporter • 15

ENTERTAINMENT NOTE: Killer Serial Fiction is a part of Sterling Student Publications. It is the home of creative writing by Sterling High School creative writing students.

Stories appearing here are works of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental. These stories are presented for entertainment purposes only and are not intended to be read as being part of Sterling Student Publications news coverage. For more stories, visit www.sterlingstudentpublications.com/fiction.

A Dab of Disappointment

BY DALLAS LACKEY The entire family had been cursed since that day.

Dominic had ruined the Ortega name, everyone told him it wasn’t his fault, but he knew. How could he not?

Day in, and day out his parents would get gossiped about at work, his siblings picked on at school, all because of his mistakes.

But, before we get to the quick downfall of Dominic, we must learn about the rise of Dominic.

Dominic Esteban Ortega was a 6-foot-6, darkskinned, 17-year-old boy. Every guy in the school wanted to be him, and every girl wanted to have him. Basically, you could say he had it made at Crystal River High. All the glam didn’t end when the bell rang, though. Each day Dominic would get in his Baby Blue camaro and go home.

“Hi honey,” Esmeralda, the Ortega family’s maid, said.

“Hi, Esmerelda. How are you today?” he replied.

“Well, when you lovely kids have school, I’m always good as there is nothing to clean, Dom,” she chuckled.

“I guess that’s probably true. I’m glad you had a good day. Where’s my ball?” he asked, as it is usually sits on the table waiting for him each day after school.

“Just go out back already,” Esmeralda said as she tried to hide a smile.

Dominic went up his room, changed into some workout clothes, and eagerly ran outside.

“You think I’d work late on your birthday big guy?”

Mr.Ortega said.

Dominic was amazed by who was standing next to his dad, his favorite professional basketball player Kemba Walker.

“Anyway, he’ll be here to work with you for a couple hours. After that, get cleaned up and come to dinner to talk about the season starting. Happy birthday, son.”

Dominic had a blast playing basketball with one of the guys he crafted his game around. Even though the two hours seemed like two seconds, he said goodbye to 16 • Sterling Cub Reporter • February 2016

Kemba and invited him to the home opener in two weeks.

“Yeah, man, we’ll be in town that night. I’ll make sure me and some of my boys are there for you” Kemba said.

“Happy Birthday, dear,” Mrs. Ortega said as she passed out the cake.

“Thanks, mom. It has been a great day because of you guys. Definitely a good way to spend my last day off before practice starts tomorrow,” “No problem, Dominic. I hope you liked your dad’s gift. Mine is on your bed. Now get to bed soon, dear. You have practice tomorrow,” she said.

“I will, mom. Goodnight guys,” he said as he walked up to his room.

He was excited to see what was on his bed, even though he had a good idea. Sitting on his bed was the one pair of Jordans he had been trying to get ahold of for seven years now.

The Taxicab Jordan 12’s.

Anyone who was anyone hooped in those shoes, and now Dominic had a pair. Even though he knew they wouldn’t particularly go with North Carolina’s light blue uniforms next year in college, he could wear them for his senior year of high school, and he did exactly that.

Dominic had it made in life, and he knew it. He enjoyed every second of it. He hardly broke a sweat in practice because he was so much better than all the other players, but it is hard to compete with the #1 High School prospect in the nation.

Dominic went through his senior year averaging just shy of 30 points a game, at 29.3 a night, while leading the nation in assists with 12 per game. He was having the best time of his life as they marched into the State Championship undefeated. . . . To Be Continued www.sterlingcubreporter.com