azTeen

Power

at marcos de niza

HOOPValley DREAMS b-ball standouts

School daze:

paths to College vary

Plus gifts for your holiday wish list, can’t-miss music of ’08 and hot trends

December 2008

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azTeen

magazine Issue No. 7 Vol. 2 – December 2008 Holiday Issue

editorial Publisher Deb Rochford Editor-in-Chief Michelle Burgess Art Coordinator Veronica Sherbina

creative Art Direction s w ! t c h STUDIO

Photography Marcus Hoffman

Webmaster Tony Subia

styling Wardrobe Veronica Sherbina

advertising

Deb Rochford drochford@azteenmagazine.com 602-363-2139

liaison John Dolan Allison Adam Marcos de Niza High School

interns Becky Barber Arizona State University

Alexandra Levy Arizona State University

AZTEEN WORLD HEADQUARTERS 3219 E Camelback Rd, Suite 363 Phoenix, Arizona 85018 602-955-TEEN • azteenmagazine.com Myspace.com/azteen_magazine Facebook: azTeen Magazine

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For home delivery, subscribe on-line at azteenmagazine.com. If requesting delivery to your school or business, email drochford@azteenmagazine.com.

To order extra copies, send a check for $3 per copy to the address above and indicate which issue you are requesting along with your phone number. azTeen Magazine is published 7 times a year and is selectively distributed throughout Arizona. The entire contents of this publication is © copyright azTeen, all rights reserved, and may not be reproduced in any manner, in whole or in part, without written permission from the publishers.

“We believe that pretending these things don’t exist doesn’t make them go away.”

t

emperatures are dropping outside, but things are heating up here at azTeen.

Longtime readers will have noticed that recently we’ve been writing about some hot topics, such as teen fatherhood, drugs and partying. We aren’t trying to be salacious, but provocative? That’s another story. We do want to be provocative in that we want to provoke thought, discussion and debate between teenagers and their friends, their parents and their school communities.

We are committed to offering authentic coverage of things that matter, even if those issues are controversial. We believe that pretending these things don’t exist doesn’t make them go away, so instead we will shine

a light and hopefully get you thinking and get you talking.

Some folks disagree with our philosophy, and as a result you may have an increasingly harder time finding azTeen. Your best bet? Subscribe for free at azTeenMagazine.com. We’d also like to hear at what businesses in your area — coffee shops, gyms, salons, clothing stores — you’d like to see an azTeen rack.

One final thought for you as we say goodbye to 2008: Long past your teenage years, you’ll have people telling you that a little knowledge is a dangerous thing. Don’t you believe it.

Michelle Burgess Editor-in-Chief

Featured Contributors What would you like to be doing this New Year’s Eve? Gilbert junior Caitlin Cole is a Trends Editor this month, contributing to the dtk section. When not writing for azTeen, she is busy with Fashion Club and as secretary of the Eco Club. She is an avid runner and likes to travel, and do photography.

Caitlin says that “come New Year’s Eve, I’d like to be in Times Square holding my breath as the ball drops, then celebrating with a kiss from my boyfriend.”

A member of her school’s newspaper, yearbook, mock trial and ADL and an active thespian and environmentalist, Donnella Lincoln is new to the azTeen staff and writes this month about students whose college paths are sometimes non-traditional. Says the Greenway junior: “At midnight this New Year’s Eve, I hope to be getting my first kiss of the year from my boyfriend, Jeremy.”

A Xavier sophomore, Jennifer Na contributes to the magazine as both a writer and a photographer, this month shooting azHallowTeen photos. “Since my school doesn’t get a Fall Break, I’m especially excited for Winter Break,” she says.

“I don’t really care for big extravagant parties. As long as I’m with my two best friends on New Year’s Eve, that’ll be good enough for me.”

“This New Year’s Eve I will be snowboarding with my friends and doing what we do most weekends: getting crazy and having fun,” says Gilbert junior Samantha Fritz.

Sam is all over this issue, as a model in dtk and one feature and as an azHallowTeen and feature photographer. “The best thing about being involved in azTeen is getting to be on both sides of the camera,” she says. “They’re both fun but nerve-wracking in different ways.”

azTeenmagazine.com

Editors: Collegiate:

Rachel Rogala, Highland ‘09 Hotshots: April Fischer, Notre Dame ‘09 Trends: Alexis Gonzalez, Xavier ‘10 Caitlin Cole, Gilbert ‘10 Kaitlin Lang, Xavier ‘10 Carolina Lopez, Horizon ‘11 Rachel Stillman, Desert Mountain ‘09 Kelly Fleming, Saguaro ‘11 Special Projects: Lindsey Halfhill, Primavera ‘10 Music: Kayla Frost, Desert Vista ‘09

Writers:

Cassie Brucci, Coronado ‘09 Jennifer Na, Xavier ‘11 Donnella Lincoln, Greenway ‘10 Marissa Bond, Arcadia ‘09 Hayley Winterberg, Teacher Prep at Phoenix College ‘10

Correspondents Ashley Martinez, ‘09 Victoria Serrano, ‘09 Codie Haarala, ‘09

Photographers Jennifer Na, Xavier ‘11 Katie Egan, Hamilton ‘09 Samantha Fritz, Gilbert ‘10

december 2008

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20

22

41

17

32 Sections

Collegiate The Insiders What’s it like to have a roommate?

30

Turf Wars What do people do for fun around

your campus?

31

Most Expensive/ Best value colleges 31 College Credit Plastic is dangerous for many students’ financial futures

DEPARTMENTS

32

dtk/Down to Know

Territory

Music Telescope, Split the Enemy, Emerald Honor/Great in ’08: CD releases/The Buzz music calendar

08

azHallowTeen party pics/5 Questions/ Hot 100 nominations/He said, She said/ Reader survey/Hot products/Cool trends/ Great books/Holiday wish list 12

Spotlight

Hotshots Hoop Dreams: Valley b-ball standouts 20

Westwood teens encourage vehicle safety

Living with a mood disorder

Students pursue different paths to success

Marcos de Niza Diverse, tight-knit school community is known for performing arts and wrestling success

41

Are co-ed sleepovers innocent or trouble waiting to happen?

Last Word What was the best part of 2008, and what do you look forward to in ’09? 46

On the cover:

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A Week in the Life of… Farm kid Billy Stolins 22 Community

Features 34 Emotional overload 36 School daze Let’s spend 38 the night together

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24 azTeenmagazine.com

december 2008

7

music

TelescopeI

Strong vocals and introspective lyrics make for memorable music f you have been on the lookout for a talented local band that forgoes whiny, nasally vocals and vapid lyrics for true musical skill, insight and range, your search has come to a successful end. Telescope is working hard to create great alternative-rock music, combining a range of influences to forge its own unique sound.

“We listen, in sum, to genres from world music, straight pop-rock, alternative pop, urban jazz, and R&B,” says Mike Seitz, Telescope’s guitarist and a Desert Mountain ‘04 grad. “We love good song writing and melody and music that is compelling and conveys feeling and imagery.”

Trying, one of the up-tempo tunes featured on Telescope’s MySpace, is radio-ready and contains slight elements of pop. Fans of bands like Snow Patrol should listen to Stormy Weather, a beautifully sung piano-driven ballad. Telescope’s music is never pedestrian—every song is crafted with varying melodies and rhythms. Each tune sounds different and harnesses an emotional power.

“We want to play music for a living,” Mike says of his hopes for the band. “We believe in the music we make, and it becomes part of who we are. We are attempting to make our dreams reality, and are giving it a real heartfelt attempt.” Though music is what Telescope’s members hope to one day entirely support themselves on, they have to pay the bills somehow until then. “We have two baristas, a student and an architectural drafting/design professional in our band,” Mike says. “You can put jobs to faces; it is kind of a fun game.”

Besides Mike, Telescope is made up of Seth Holland on vocals, Seth Johnson on drums and Jason Holland on bass. Seth Holland and Mike also play the keyboard.

“Everyone graduated high school and has had at least some college under their belt,” Mike says, “but the only high school graduation of any consequence to your particular readership would probably be me.”

Mike can’t help but envision Telescope playing with big-time artists in arenas. “I personally would consider myself all set if we ever opened for Jimmy Eat World anywhere.”

Check them out at myspace.com/telescopemusic.

—Kayla Frost, Desert Vista ‘09

Split The Enemy

Hard work and passion for mestal leads to burgeoning succes

W

hen a band hears their own music on the radio, they know it’s a good indication that they’re on the right road to success. Since 98KUPD has been playing Split The Enemy’s music on Sunday nights for several weeks, in addition to a 12-week regular rotation of the band’s 2005 release, the metal band seems poised to hit it big. It’s a big accomplishment and a sign of things to come, but it didn’t come overnight.

“We work hard,” says Split The Enemy guitarist Zach Martin of the band’s work ethic. From daily practice to (almost) nonstop promoting, STE seems to be one of the hardest-working local bands around, and are reaping the rewards from their diligence.

The band has already had the opportunity to share the stage with metal favorites such as Devil Driver, 36 Crazyfits and Napalm Death,

8

december 2008

and will soon be playing a show with Five Finger Death Punch.

Split The Enemy, which also includes lead vocalist Nick Charles, bassist Landon Wiggs and drummer Skyler Martin, formed in 2003 and bonded over their love of metal. In 2005, the band began to see a steady fan base forming due to the release of their debut EP, Hope In Distance, which sold over 1,000 copies in its first week. Guitarist Mike Ellerbeck was added into the lineup in 2007, and this past August the band released its first full-length album, The Beast Manifests, soon to be sold in Hot Topic stores.

With all the radio and store promoting helping the band gain recognition, STE, each of whose members attended Gilbert, Dobson or Corona del Sol, still credits their live shows as their main ground for gaining listeners. azTeenmagazine.com

“Our following has grown over the years from our energetic live performances and always writing new music for our fans to enjoy,” Zach says. If you haven’t yet seen them live, stay tuned, as talk of a Southwest tour is in the works. And who knows? If the band keeps it up, they might be touring with Pantera or As I Lay Dying, two of STE’s biggest influences.

Check them out at myspace.com/ splittheenemy.

—Cassie Brucci, Coronado ’09

In My iPod “Right now I’m really into Sufjan Stevens, Third Eye Blind, Tegan and Sara, One Republic and the new Jack’s Mannequin. I just love everything about those bands. Listening to their music has definitely gotten me through touring these past five months.”

—Jess Bowen, drummer for The Summer Set

If you like blink-182, you’ll love The Bright Side

Making hard rock look easy

T

urn up the volume on Emerald Honor’s self-titled debut and it’s as if the quintet is playing a high-intensity show just for you. The CD, available as a hard copy or through iTunes, is like a rock concert — without the sweat and ear-drum damage. All of Emerald Honor’s members unite for a purpose — “making great music,” declares guitarist Aaron Harris (Pinnacle ‘05).

Emerald Honor can spawn torrential mosh pits when they rock with screamo acts like Greeley Estates and Blessthefall, but they also play shows with pop-rock groups like Eye Alaska. Though Emerald Honor’s music leans toward hard rock, except in new song You Don’t Know, the band’s members listen to everything from pop masters The Cab to indie-rocker Anthony Green.

New bassist Stephen Butler (Skyline ‘03) recently replaced Josh Applebach, who ended his music career to teach science and coach cross country at Mesquite. Butler says of his seamless entrance into Emerald Honor: “I played a few shows with them, hung out and got to be friends.” The band is rounded out by vocalist KC Barras (Mesquite ’04), Graham Orthmann (Pinnacle ‘05) rippin’ it up on drums and Marto Cordova (Gilbert High ‘03) on guitar.

Though the musicians cite the Dear Jack Benefit Concert in May as their favorite show, they were also ecstatic to play alongside Thrice and other alt-rock bands at Edgefest in September. But, if they could share the stage with absolutely any act, they agree on Journey or Led Zeppelin. Harris jokes that if he could magically join any group for a day, it would be Metro Station. “I want 4,000 14-year-old girls screaming my name,” he jokes.

The band members aim to create a “really solid album that everyone wants to listen to,” Barras says. Also on the agenda are “a national, possibly worldwide tour” and “getting signed to a label that loves us and we love them.”

Check them out at myspace.com/emeraldhonor.

—Kayla Frost

If you miss blink — and really, who doesn’t? — give a listen to progressive Phoenix alt-popsters The Bright Side. Their sound is more atmospheric than the San Diego trio, but the vocal and composition similarities can’t be denied. Check out these insightful up-andcomers at myspace.com/thebrightside.

Got what it takes to rock the TMF? The 2009 Circle K Tempe Music Festival is currently scouting high school and college bands for its SRP Garage Band Competition. Entrants must supply an MP3 of one song, a high-resolution band photo, 150-word band bio and photocopies of student IDs. For more info or an official entry form, email GarageBand@solutionsaz.

azTeenmagazine.com

december 2008

9

Say goodbye to

’08

Put simply, the members of Show Low band and azHallowTeen Bash faves Alaska and Me are incredibly talented songsters. Their brand-spankin’new EP, I Will Die in the West, is an indie-rock adventure. Slow, gripping songs like Last of the Breedcontrast with edgier and more upbeat tunes like Dust and The Electric Cowboy. Listen and find out more at myspace.com/alaskaandme.

There is nothing synthesized about Hotspur’s sound. In Beta Undressed, a more stripped-down version of 2006 release Beta, the Maryland quartet is raw and real, intertwining Joe Mach’s powerful voice with jaunty piano notes and percussion. Next time Hotspur swing by Arizona, hit up their show: their live performance is phenomenal and vigorous. Check out myspace.com/hotspur.

In their self-titled release, the members of Thrash Unreal bring the energy with dance-y beats and fun lyrics. Fans of All Time Low and local favorite The Summer Set will love this power-pop band from Las Vegas. Songs like Oh I Swear are comparable to This Providence, but have a twist of their own. Check out myspace.com/thrashunreal.

Since signing to Hopeless Records, Ahwatukee’s Anarbor has been busy recording and releasing its new EP, The Natural Way. The four tracks on this disc are edgier than those on Anarbor’s last EP but integrate the same buoyant, carefree aura that initially drew fans to love Anarbor. Plus, Slade Echeverria still rocks the vocals. Check out myspace.com/anarbor.

New listeners of Portland-based group Brightwood will realize what long-time fans have known for eons: Brightwood’s music, especially in its 2008 release Wake, is incredibly moving and soothing. Key songs from Wake like Swan Song are so relaxing that listening to them is like receiving a back massage from the world’s greatest masseuse. Sample some melodies at myspace.com/brightwood.

The Amorous opened for This Providence and Sherwood, and is scheduled to play the azValenTeens Bash in February.

All About Love is the quartet’s first EP, and around that release the band has built a fervent fan base. Listen to songs from All About Love at myspace.com/theamorousmusic.

10

december 2008

’s but not the yeares great CD releas

With eight diverse minds working behind Margot & the Nuclear So and So’s, the band’s new two-disc album Animal!/Not Animal have got to be creative, right? Right. Animal!/Not Animal is an indie-folk-rocker’s paradise that incorporates atypical instruments—think violins and trumpets along with traditional drums, guitar, bass and keys. Check out myspace.com/ margotandthenuclearsoandsos.

Ronald & Carson’s new EP, Marmalade, is as eccentric as the titles of the EP’s songs (like Quinn and Our Little Brown Brothers). The members of this indie-rock band are young and having fun, and just making music they love. The band plays continuous shows in Arizona, so check ‘em out and pick up an EP. For more info, visit myspace.com/ ronaldandcarson.

Brave Citizens is a soft-rock group emerging from California, a new release in tow.

Revolutions is a serene but never dreary listen that will intrigue fans of Coldplay and The Bravery. No wonder Brave Citizens was named one of thedailychorus.com’s top unsigned bands of the nation. Visit myspace.com/bravecitizens.

With strong vocals reminiscent of Nickelback, Phoenix rockers Five High delivers an eminently enjoyable, sing-whileyou’re-driving four-song EP with The Salt Sessions.

Introspective and catchy at the same time, Let Go is a highlight on a disc featuring four strong offerings. Listen at myspace.com/fivehighband.

Don’t forget to check out these local 2008 releases previously featured in azTeen: Look What We Madeby This Century, Ansible by Crash Coordinates, Are You Smiling Yet? by Mike Goodrick, Sound the City by Sound the City and Technicolor Dreams by Sketching in Stereo.

—Kayla Frost, Desert Vista ‘09

azTeenmagazine.com

buzz

the

Local Music

Dec 4 // The Rogue Thousand Yard Stare Dec 5 // The Clubhouse PJ Grinch Dec 5 // Marquee Theatre A Rocket To The Moon Dec 9 // The Sets Lower Definition, In Fear And Faith, I Am Abomination Dec 10 // Chyro Arts I Set My Friends On Fire, Karate High School Dec 11 // The Sets Fear Before, Heavy Heavy Low Low Dec 12 // The Clubhouse The Medic Droid w/ Hyper Crush, Chronic Future Dec 13 // First Christian Church Ronald & Carson w/ Small Leaks Sink Ships, Panda Steps In Chocolate, Yo Delay He Who, Brother Isle, There Is There Are Dec 13 // The Rock Good With Grenades w/ The Medic Droid, Hyper Crush, Chronic Future Dec 13 // Marquee Theatre The Aquabats!

Dec 16 // Plush Lounge Tracy Shedd Dec 17 // Rialto Theater Job For A Cowboy w/ Lamb of God Dec 20 // Modified Arts Zachary James Dodds Dec 20 // Marquee Theatre Authority Zero Dec 27 // Desert Ridge Marketplace Seventy Five Summers Dec 27 // The Sets K & Z Palooza (K & Z Entertainment) Dec 31 // Tempe Town Lake Seventy Five Summers –Jennifer Na, Xavier ’11 Local music listings supported by:

SHOP SNOW HOLIDAY IT UP. LET IT SNOW. azTeen

Tempe Marketplace

Presented by JCPENNEY Nightly snowfalls at 7pm November 28 - December 24 See tempemarketplace.com for more details

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LOOP 101 & 202

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party pics We had so much fun at the first-ever

that it was scary! Guests jammed out at Desert Ridge

Marketplace to London Airspace, The Loveblisters, Alaska and Me, Drew Alexander and RAINING AND OK; enjoyed food from Sweet Tomatoes, Rubio’s, CPK and Tang’s Asian Bistro; got their faces painted, their auras read and their costumes judged and won some pretty amazing raffle prizes. azTeen would like to thank the bands, the teen volunteers, the sponsors and all those who helped make the Bash a huge success. A big shout-out goes to Buzzberry, KISS FM, Cricket Wireless, The XR Games, The Art Institute of Phoenix, Vitamin Water/Vitamin Energy, Snowbowl Ski Resort, GradCity.com, the Tempe Music Festival, Haunt of the Living Dead, Live Nation, IQ Academy, Planetjill, Crackerjax, Brass Heart, The Sak, The Finish Line, Malee’s Thai Bistro, On the Border, Macaroni Grill, Ulta, Philosophy, Dolce Salon, Kohler Academy and Island’s Fine Burgers. We’ll see you again Feb. 7 for the second azValenTeens Day Bash at Tempe Marketplace. Be ready to rock!

Photos by: Jennifer Na, Katie Egan and Samantha Fritz

12

december 2008

13

5

Questions

for…

HOW DID YOU GET TO WHERE YOU ARE TODAY PROFESSIONALLY? Wow, it’s been a long, hard road. Just kidding … kind of. I got my degree from the University of Auckland in New Zealand. I worked in non-profit management for a few years, then in radio promotions and then for the Animal Planet series Animal Planet Heroes Phoenix. I finally took the plunge and created my own film event, where I brought out the stars of an old B-movie, two years ago. From there things have fallen into place through networking and being very persistent.

WERE YOU ALWAYS INTERESTED IN THIS SORT OF UNDERWORLD OF POP CULTURE? Yes, I’ve always been attracted to the quirky aspects of pop culture. I have always really been into film and music, but as the years have passed I have channeled my love of B-movies into a job. I still do enjoy mainstream pop culture, but it’s the retro underworld that really makes me tick! I just can’t get away from the B-movies of yesteryear. I find them so fascinating and infinitely entertaining.

WHAT’S THE COOLEST THING ABOUT YOUR JOB? Photo: Andy Hartmark

Andrea Beesley-Brown

Known alternately as The Midnight Movie Mamacita and Kamikaze Kiwi, this New Zealand native wears several decidedly funky hats. She books films, from blockbusters to B-movie cult classics, and does PR for Chandler Cinemas, hosts a weekly podcast called I Can Smell Your Brains and also skates with the Arizona Derby Dames.

READ THIS! Shimmer by Dallas Reed

Fans of Dean Koontz will enjoy this relatively quick read that is loosely based on the myth of Pandora’s Box. An added bonus is the setting: a small, isolated town in Colorado in the dead of winter. As you sweat through our desert December, immerse your imagination in this chilly, atmospheric thriller.

14

december 2008

Gosh, there are a lot of cool things about my job. But to narrow it down I would have to say doing something contributes to the landscape of Phoenix culturally and being able to provide a service for people. Our crowd varies (and could always be bigger) but it’s so rewarding to show these films and be able to provide people some escape from the reality of today. Whenever someone thanks me for what I’m doing, that really makes it all worthwhile.

ANY ADVICE FOR TEENAGERS? My advice to teenagers is to really enjoy your teens. It’s really a magical time to get out there, explore life, enjoy not having to be the head of a household and the breadwinner. Take chances, do a foreign-exchange program, volunteer, make the most of your financial security, because once you are on your own, it’s a whole different ball game.

WHERE WILL YOU BE AT THE STROKE OF MIDNIGHT ON NEW YEAR’S EVE? Oh, I’ll be in Hawaii with my four of my best girlfriends. We are coming from three different countries for a reunion gathering on the Islands. Mahalo!

Bring the

heat!

It’s time to start sending in your nominations for the ’09 Hot 100 awards. In its summer issue, azTeen will recognize students, coaches, parents, teachers, administrators and staff who stand out at and contribute to their Valley school communities in one way or another. Maybe your math teacher did the impossible and made you actually like math. Maybe your best friend is loved by everyone on campus because she smiles all the time. Maybe the parent who heads up your volleyball team’s booster club has been an underappreciated, overworked and vital part of the team for four years. Maybe it’s your principal, a security guard, the band director or a fellow student in the ADL. Whoever they are and whatever they’ve done to make you notice them, we want to hear about it. The process is easy: Just send an email to mburgess@azteenmagazine.com or a fax to 602-9440226 with your name and contact information, plus the name of the person you’re nominating, his or her school and why you think he or she deserves to be a part of our second annual Hot 100. azTeenmagazine.com

And the survey says…

In May, azTeen and New Amsterdam Consulting surveyed nearly 900 teens on our website.

Here’s what we learned about the 564 female readers who responded:

I my

car

94.9% consider yourselves to be

“happy” or “very happy,” but…

“I love my 1972 Datsun. Why? Well it is very small and very orange. Real men don’t need airbags. And it can go 210, way beyond freeway speed. On top of that, it’s special to me because it gave me and my dad some quality time fixing it up together.” –Jeff Knutsen, Brophy ‘10

Do the right thing

Now, don’t get us wrong — we love most things snarky and irreverent. But it’s the holiday season, time for good will towards our fellow man and all that.

In keeping with the spirit, we want to recommend ResponsibilityProject.com, a website sponsored by Liberty Mutual insurance that features a series of feelgood short films. Think of them as mini after-school specials, all three to 13 minutes long and centered around the concept of being nice to each other.

And really, shouldn’t that be a goal all year long? Peace!

He said/She said What do you look for in a gf/bf?

“I look for her to have natural beauty and a sense of adventure.

I want to be able to express myself freely with her and have common morals.”

—Adam Friedman, Desert Mountain ‘10

2

% believe you would be happier if you spent more time watching TV.

23.3 is the number of minutes you spend reading azTeen (or another magazine,

but why would you want to do that?) per day, but…

65.7 is the number of minutes per day you spend doing

homework. Fair enough.

46.8% have a computer in your room.

90.2% received or sent texts yesterday. $41.20 is the average amount of cash you have with you at any given time, and…

58.5% get your spending money from your parents.

21.3% most often spend your money

at Chandler Fashion Center or Scottsdale Fashion Square, and...

“What I would want in a boyfriend is a guy that is quiet, but is still talkative, funny, and takes me to places.”

3.4% shop for clothes two or more

—Lou Lou Durant, Saguaro ‘11

61.2% are happy with your schools.

22.5% made out with your boyfriends

times per week.

45% wish your teachers listened to you more, but…

yesterday, but…

Word of the Month

Guitarthritis (n.): Wrist pain from

49.5% are waiting until marriage to have sex. Yet…

5.1

playing too much Guitar Hero.

% have not spoken to anyone, including a parent, about sex.

“I can hardly text today. My guitarthritis is really acting up.”

9% report doing drugs and/or alcohol “all the time,” but…

68.8% have not had alcohol or drugs in the past month.

azTeenmagazine.com

december 2008

15

toe

-dacious!

I

These aren’t the toe socks that were all the rage back in third grade. Injinji (fun to say, isn’t it?) elevates the somewhat goofy toe sock to a unisex performance powerhouse with a snug fit and the use of CoolMax to wick away moisture. Runners and other endurance athletes sing the praises of these socks for their ability to banish blisters and actually increase dexterity and balance. Plus, the rainbow ones are really cute. $10 to $14, injinji.com.

my…

“…lavender dinosaur shirt.

Seeing this shirt for the first time is like seeing that really ugly fat guy with that really hot girl.

You can’t help but think, ‘Wow. I wish I was him.’”

—Kyle Underseth, Brophy ’10, who makes and sells his signature tees as part of the ONELOVE Club.

Calling Grandma is sooo

Spring 2008

Paper Towns

by John Green

Quirky, compelling and intelligent, Paper Towns is the story of Florida teen Quentin and his friendship with his nextdoor neighbor and search for her when she vanishes. This is Green’s third novel and, like his first two, is bound to garner a lot of buzz and accolades. It doesn’t talk down to readers and it is one of those books that stays with you when you’re doing other things during the day, waiting until the time you can pick up where you left off.

Actually, we want you to keep calling Grandma. But call Lexy, too. In case you haven’t heard, Lexy is an “innovative mobile audio content distribution platform … that is device- and carrier-independent.” In other words, you can call Lexy on any cell phone, regardless of your wireless company, and learn lots of stuff. Once you register at Lexy. com, you can create a playlist from choices like CNN news updates, NPR programs, podcasts from The Onion and other weird tidbits from 5 Awful Minutes, WootCast and sports, education and entertainment sources. Then just call in whenever you want and listen to the hodgepodge of listening pleasure you have assembled. It’s free, it’s easy and it gives you something to do when you’re on the bus or otherwise in possession of five extra minutes. Lexy.com 16

december 2008

READ THIS, TOO!

azTeenmagazine.com

What they’re wearing… …at Gilbert

This winter amidst all the sweaters, scarves and boots emerges a new trend at Gilbert in the form of intricate, detailed leggings.

They come in a variety of colors and can be found at stores such as Charlotte Russe or Forever 21. “They accentuate the legs and help elongate the body while still keeping me warm,” says Jazmine Montiel, ‘10. For the guys, the rage is Vans, DC and Nike shoes in brighter colors. “They’re just comfortable.

They’re me,” says Robert Kong, ‘09.

…at Northwest Community Christian

Tell the World:

Teen Poems from WritersCorps

The poems in this book are written by teens participating in the 15-year-old WritersCorps program and touch on universal themes such as hope, angst, love, place, triumph and identity. While it would have been nice to have more biographical information about the writers beyond their names, ages and hometowns, in most cases the poems stand alone as an insightful look into what makes teenagers tick.

Cinderella

story

Northwest Community Christian may be small, but the students know what’s up. The new hot trend for Hollywood “It” girls, not to mention Gossip Girl’s Serena Vanderwoodsen, are French braids that line your forehead where your bangs are. The girls at NCC are rockin’ it. Alyssa Ceraulo, ’10, loves this look because, “it’s simple and fun. I mean, it’s a cute way to get my hair out of my face.”

…at Horizon

Peace signs have been permeating the halls of Horizon for the past two years. These little symbols have been popping up all over the place, from necklaces and earrings to backpacks and socks. Some people sport these peace signs for mere aesthetic reasons, while others do it as a way to voice their beliefs. Krysta Sadler, ‘12, says she wears a peace sign necklace to “symbolize peace, not fashion.”

School dances are rights of passage, and for years afterwards girls can remember how it felt to find the perfect prom dress, to put on the winter formal gown that that made the night even more special, to see reflected in the mirror the Homecoming dress that makes her look like a celebrity. But some girls will never get to feel the magic of zipping up that sparkling gown before the big event because they simply can’t afford it. Now those girls whose closets are filled with every dress they’ve worn to dances since freshman year can help out the girls whose closets are empty.

Contact Secondhand Cinderella (SecondhandCinderella@gmail.com) to find out where you can donate a dress and help someone else experience the magic that comes with looking in the mirror and seeing exactly what you’d hoped to see.

Trends Editors: Alexis Gonzalez, Caitlin Cole, Kaitlin Lang, Carolina Lopez, Kelly Fleming and Rachel Stillman

azTeenmagazine.com

december 2008

17

The

g-ticket items Stocking stuffers andrrbiy and bright to make your days me

t s i L h s i W

Standup land paddling, anyone? It’s a safe bet that you’ll be the first on your street, and probably in your whole ZIP code, to own the Kahuna BigStick bamboo land paddle. $149 at

Jonesin’ for all Weezer all the time? No problem!

The G2 allows you to make your personalized radio station completely portable. $200-$250 at

KahunaCreations.com.

Slacker.com.

Smell like winter with The Coffee House gel set, three 6-ounce 3-in-1 shampoo/shower gel/bubble bath in café au lait, caramel mocha latte and eggnog latte. $30 at Philosophy.com.

You’re never too old to enjoy shooting foam darts at friends, neighbors, pets and smooth surfaces. Check out the battery-powered Automatic Tommy 20 with a “squeeze trigger for continuous blasting.” $24.99 at BuzzBeeToys.com.

There are simply no cooler snow goggles out there than those made by Dragon. Check out the colors and designs of the unisex, toric-lens Rogue, $130-$150 at dragonalliance.com.

Chic with any party outfit, whether you’re dressed to the nines or a little more casual. The Addison in pyrite foil metallic, $178 at ElliottLucca.com.

His-and-hers tees for couples who eschew the cutesy.

Affliction ‘Feather,’ $95; Sinful ‘Angel Wings’ with rhinestones, $72 at Dillard’s.

Girls, here’s one-stop shopping for gifts for your girlfriends: Replace their boring bra straps with adorned ones that have a little bit of personality. $6.99 to $16.99 at BraStraps.com.

Call of Duty: World at War is set on the Pacific front, is as bloody as it gets and features new multiplayer options and… wait for it … flamethrowers!

A lot like Cranium in that it’s fun for all ages, the Original Ultimate Spinner game is actually 12 games in one.

Gather all the cousins together on Christmas Eve and play nicely. $49.95 at RobbinsToy.com.

$59.99.

18

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azTeenmagazine.com

azTeen

Buzzberry

Hotshots Amy Patton, McClintock senior and Republic, Gatorade and Tribune player of the year last season; guard/forward who averages 21.2 points per game.

Royce Woolridge, Sunnyslope junior committed to play for Kansas; guard who averages 16 points per game; son of former pro Orlando Woolridge.

Photo: Marcus Hoffman, MarcusHoffmanPhotography.com Shot on location: Central Park in downtown Phoenix

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azTeenmagazine.com

Matt Carlino, Highland sophomore guard received his first college offer as a 7th grader and committed last season to play for Indiana.

Hoop Dreams:

Valley b-ball standouts

azTeen’s April Fischer talks with three of the Valley’s true basketball hotshots about what makes them tick.

azTeen: How did you guys decide that you wanted to play basketball?

Amy: I have an older brother and he’s the one that really got me started, along with my Dad, because they used to take me out every day to play.

Royce: I’ve just been around basketball all my life because my dad played in the pros and my godfather played… so everybody in my family plays basketball.

Matt: I’ve just been playing my whole life, and my dad played at ASU so I’ve been around it.

azTeen: How do you get ready for a game?

Royce: I listen to really like harsh, loud music, and my teammates and I jump around and get hyped and then we go play.

Matt: I don’t even know… I just usually shoot before games to warm up…

And I don’t talk to anyone. I, you know, get myself ready.

Amy: Well, I usually listen to slow music because I think it just calms me down, and at my school we have this thing called the Soul Chain Line, and we all just go through and dance and have fun.

azTeen: What do you think has made you so successful at this sport?

Amy: Just working hard all the time… Practice makes perfect, so that’s what I usually do. Oh, and I play with guys!

Royce: Just practicing, because I always practice and I’m always down to play basketball.

azTeen: So at school being a standout athlete, you must receive a fair amount of attention. What’s the best part of the “social life”?

Matt: Umm… the social life…

azTeen: C’mon, is it the girls? Something!

Matt: Yeah, the girls. The girls.

Royce: I don’t know. I guess the girls…. And just being known as a hooper is kind of tight.

Amy: A lot of people do notice you…. Especially a lot of the guys like to act like they’re better than I am, and I have to play them one-on-one to show them who knows how to play.

azTeen: How do you celebrate a win… and deal with a loss?

Matt: I celebrate a win like I’ve done it before. And to deal with a loss?

Well, we didn’t lose much last year. (laughs) But I just think about it, I don’t react much.

Royce: I don’s really celebrate wins, because (winning) is what you’re supposed to do. And for losses, I just go home and take a bath and contemplate what hAmypened and try to make it better.

Amy: With a win, the same thing, because you’re supposed to win, so it feels good. When I lose, I just go home and watch TV.

azTeen: Do you guys ever get sick of basketball?

Matt: No. Never.

azTeen: Never?

Matt: Sure. Never.

Royce: There was a point in time when I got sick of it, but I got over it quickly because I realized it’s what I love.

Amy: Yeah, there have been times when I want to just get away from basketball. I kind of want to vacation sometimes but I know I have to play in order to get better.

azTeenmagazine.com

december 2008

21

week in A _____ the Life of... a Farm Kid

This is one of the many small parcels of land for sale here in the middle of nowhere.

This was a co I participated in stume contest that during a horse show.

I’m riding my horse with no bridle or bit.

I have him spinning around in circles.

22

december 2008

The dirt road that I have day. It is defin to drive every itely a wild ri de.

Billy Stolins, 18, is a senior at Arizona Agribusiness and Equine School and comes from a traditional farm family

oof; nothing scares My horse is bomb-pr training. A friend my him. This is some of te our own horseand I own and opera N Horse Training. training business, B&

These are two of my ho rses. In the front is my old man, wh o is retired now, and the one in the back is my new horse that is in tra ining.

That horse food stored in those large bins, well that’s what my horses eat twice a day. Horses are an expensive hobby.

This is the eye of the animal that has a mind of its own and gives a different kind of adrenalin rush compared to riding a quad or dirtbike.

a Dodge guy This is my sweet rig. I’m y to go! wa er oth all the way! No

azTeenmagazine.com

The large containers here are what I store some of my horse food in.

This is my backyard; the mountains are just in walking distance.

The long dirt road that runs its way through my life is still goin’!

My goofy dog, Roscoe P. Coltrain. He is the biggest baby. He tried taking on a chicken, and well, it scared him. Haha.

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Forensic Science…The Film School…Nursing…Interior Design…Audio Production…Architecture…Education…

Computer Technology…Theatre Arts…Science & Math…Culinary Arts…World Languages…Justice Studies…and more! azTeenmagazine.com

december 2008

23

Community

Westwood teens safety help encourage vehicle

A

sk Karim LaRonde why he began volunteering in the Y Achievers Project ACES program and he has a simple answer: “I didn’t want kids in my community to get hurt.” Karim, a Westwood senior, was motivated to join the program by Andrea Murphy, the Service Learning teacher at the school.

Project ACES is a program that raises awareness about booster seats and seat belts to people of all ages in the community.

Westwood junior Karla Zazueta is in her first year as an Achiever and says that “when you help someone, it feels good and you change.” She adds that she wishes she could reach more people and raise more awareness about seat belts and booster seats.

Mrs. Murphy became involved with the grant project because her YMCA Community Initiatives Director brought her the grant application and asked if she thought their Y Achievers program on Westwood’s campus could do a grant project. The grant was accepted and they have been changing and implementing the project ever since.

“What I get out of it is the joy of watching these young adults develop a project that they can be proud of, and that is aimed at saving lives,” she says. “They are an amazing group of young people and I consider it a privilege to work with them, even when it is long hours.”

—Kelly Fleming, Saguaro ‘11 Photo: Jennifer Na

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december 2008

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the

insiders

What’s it like to have a roommate?

In each issue, a panel of college students gives advice to azTeen readers regarding what college life is really like.

Melinda Angulo ASU sophomore “Some people really click with their roommates, others don’t.

Just be as respectful of them as possible and most likely they’ll be the same. If they’re not, don’t be afraid to confront them. You live there too and pay the same amount of room and board.”

Nuku Latu Colorado State University

Dan Faetz UofA sophomore “Having a roommate is a weird compromise between having a friend over seven days a week and living with a sibling. They see you every day and know your problems, and vice versa. For this reason, I made a conscious effort to befriend both of my roommates and help them with their problems. Remember that rule of karma: ‘What you give is what you get returned.’”

Jessie Whitfield

Alyssa Fantin Cal Poly junior “I had never shared a room before I got to college, so living with someone else was a new experience.

Fortunately, I lucked out and had an amazing roommate my freshman year.

Just make sure you set out ground rules about things like cleaning, studying, food and visitors. That way you can avoid any arguments in the future, because you both already know what the other person’s needs are.”

ASU junior “Having a roommate can either be a blessing or a curse, depending on who it is. Sometimes you luck out and meet your best friend; other times your enemy. Whatever the case, the roommate doesn’t make the college experience, you do. If you find yourself stuck with someone you don’t care much for, the best thing to do is spend as little time as possible around them. If there is a way to find a happy medium, then do so. Usually there is if you are respectful and communicate well. Having a roommate is a one-of-a-kind experience. Make the best out of it.”

Sarah Schade UofA sophomore “Having a roommate is a great experience. It is a little difficult in the beginning to learn how to deal with living with another person, especially a random roommate, but everyone gets the hang of it. I grew so incredibly much from having a random roommate, and I learned a lot about myself.

I would recommend it to anyone.”

30

december 2008

“For me it’s been good. I’ve been very lucky, but you have to make sure that you pick the right roommate. If you don’t, at least at Colorado State University, you’re stuck with them for the whole semester.”

Michael Karger ASU freshman “I am extremely fortunate; my roommate is a totally cool guy from Hawaii. So I guess your experience of having a roommate depends on what your roommate is like. I never have any trouble getting to sleep at night or studying. Plus we both hang out together.”

Phillip Stensrud UofA sophomore “Having a roommate has its plusses and minuses. There is always someone there to hang out with or grab a meal, but they are always there and they have their own agenda. It is wise not to get on each other’s nerves so that your experience with a roommate is pleasant rather than disastrous.”

Nick Serrano NAU sophomore “No matter what, all roommates are going to get on each other’s nerves every now and then, but overall it’s a good experience and you learn a lot from it. The most important thing you can do for yourself and your roommate is respecting your roommate’s space and privacy.”

Whitney Adams NAU sophomore “Having a roommate can be tricky. I think the key is good communication. If you are having a hard time with your roommate talk to your RA. Make sure you are comfortable with the way you are living. You want to enjoy college and make great memories.”

azTeenmagazine.com

Mercedes Montford Binghamton University junior “Having a roommate is really fun, but it is also a lot of compromise. You have to be really respectful and find out what your roommate likes and doesn’t like and what’s OK and what’s not. You have to have open communication for both good things and things that are bothering you.”

Gotta get out of here?

If you’ve got a wandering spirit and just need to spe nd your college years somewhere outside of Arizona, you’ve got 49 other states from which to choose. Cost won ’t be your only considerati on, but in today’s economy, it’s bound to be a factor. So here are the 10 most expensive schools in the country, as reported by CNN.Money.com , and the 10 best college values accord ing to Kiplinger.com. Kee p in mind that the figures for the costly coll eges are tuition only, wh ile the best-value figures are total costs for out-of-state students. The best-value schools are judged on academic stre ngth in relationship to cos t.

Compiled by Collegiate Editor Rachel Rogala

turf

wars

What do people do for fun around your campus?

Osita Onyejekwe, senior

There are various amounts of sporting activities both club and professional. Along with Greek life and other activities, hiking and skiing at Snowbowl is also something a lot people do for fun around campus.

Costliest Colleges (annual tuition only) George Washington University (Wash., DC). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

University of Richmond (VA). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Sarah Lawrence College (NY). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Kenyon College (OH). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Vassar College (NY). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Bucknell College (PA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Bennington College (VT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Columbia University (NYC). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Wesleyan University (CT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Trinity University (CT). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$37,820 $36,500 $36,088 $36,050 $36,030 $36,002 $35,250 $35,166 $35,144 $35,130

Best Bargains (total annual out-of-state costs) University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

State University of NY system. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

University of Florida. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

College of New Jersey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

College of William and Mary (VA). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

University of Virginia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Texas A&M . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

UCLA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Truman State University (MO). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

University of Michigan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

65

%

$28,232 $21,048 $25,301 $27,165 $32,826 $33.868 $16,967 $45.953 $17,350 $37,941

Caitlin Simonson, senior

Around the University area there are a lot of neat activities to participate in, especially on University Avenue around football season — that’s where just about everyone hangs out to eat and celebrate. Other than that, people just hang out with their friends.

Ryan Auhl, sophomore

ASU puts on several events almost weekly for the students. Even though ASU is known as a ‘party school,’ it is a dry campus, so even if you aren’t into partying there are plenty of activities to keep you busy.

Creative Colleges: A Guide for Student Actors, Artists, Dancers, Musicians and Writers

by Elaina Loveland $19.95

Finding a great school at which to study journalism or business or engineering is easy, but aspiring creatives have had a tougher time learning what’s out there for them. The new guidebook Creative Colleges helps aspiring artsy types with selecting and applying to programs specific to their needs. It contains sample resumes and essays, info about auditions and portfolios and 200 profiles of schools that either specialize in the arts or have strong arts programs.

of college seniors expect to move back in with their parents after graduation.

Source: QuarterlifeCrisis.com azTeenmagazine.com

december 2008

31

College

Photo: Katie Egan

Credit

Plastic is seductive but dangerous for many students’ financial futures

C

ollege is filled with new opportunities, but that doesn’t mean that students should take advantage of all of them.

Clubs and intramural sports? Sign up!

Football games on Saturdays? Get your tickets early! Classes in subjects you’ve never tried before? Definitely give those a try! A new credit card or two in your own name?

Hold on a minute.

A 2006 study by the United College Marketing Service reported that students are bombarded with 25 to 50 credit-card solicitations each semester. The offers are tempting, promising low rates that seem so manageable. But the fine print tells another story, and before too long many students realize they are in over their heads.

Amanda Curtis is an ASU freshman who hasn’t given in to the temptation to get a credit card. Many of her friends, however, signed up their first week on campus.

“I have many friends with credit cards,” she says. “Many of them have one to gain credit for their future, and they only use their credit card when they know they have the money in a checking or savings account. Then they pay off the entire bill each month.”

And everyone else?

Amanda says that “there are others who use a credit card all the time and on things they don’t really need, just want. They don’t have the money to pay off the bill at the end of the month, and they end up with a huge amount of debt and their interest skyrockets.”

One friend in a long-distance relationship missed her boyfriend so much that on a whim she charged a plane ticket to New York and flew off to see him for the weekend. Romantic, yes, but now she’s rolling that $500 over each month, watching the interest multiply and her balance climb farther and farther beyond her ability to pay. Other friends, faced with confusing and restrictive parking regulations at ASU, don’t have the cash on hand to pay towing fees and end up using their cards to pay for these unexpected expenses.

32

december 2008

Most students start off with good intentions when they first slide that piece of plastic into their wallets. They vow to only use the card for emergencies, not for small or routine purchases, and to pay off the entire balance each month.

But, says Kristen Garrett of Advantage Credit Counseling Service, good intentions aren’t enough to ensure good results.

“The first day at college, most students are drawn in by being told that they are ‘preapproved’ and sign up for a credit card to get a free t-shirt in return,” she says. “What most kids don’t know is that some credit card companies charge an annual fee just for having a card with them, so even the kids who have a $200 maximum balance could be out $75 before they even charge anything.”

And that’s just the beginning. For many students, it’s just too tempting to use their card.

It’s so much easier to offer up a piece of plastic than to part with cold, hard cash. But using those greenbacks is exactly what Garrett says you should do.

“Cash is always your best bet, even compared to debit cards,” she says. “Chances are, if you can’t pay for it with cash, you can’t afford it.”

Debit cards, which most students get in high school, are good because they have no interest rate. But it’s easy to get overdrawn if you’re not keeping track of your balance.

Here’s one more stat from UCMS that’s worth considering: 6 percent of college students in this country drop out of school because of academic failure. Nearly 9 percent drop out because of financial failure. These figures were gathered before the current financial crisis; unfortunately, the number of college casualties attributable to money woes is likely to rise.

As for Amanda Curtis, she’s one of the estimated 17 percent of college students who refuses to get cards in their names. After seeing friends get into trouble so quickly, she’s content to wait until she has a steady income before lining her wallet with plastic.

“It’s just not worth it,” she says. azTeenmagazine.com

Though they likely won’t admit it, some college freshman sign up for credit cards because it makes them feel grown up, much like living on their own and experiencing other firsts in college.

For these students, Garrett offers some advice: • Make sure you are getting a low interest rate.

“If you have an interest rate of 19 percent, you are paying an extra $19 for every $100 you charge.”

• Always pay more than your minimum balance, preferably the full amount, each month. “You don’t want to be 30 and still paying for that pizza and beer you bought when you were in college.”

• Read the fine print, watching for annual fees, and make sure you know store policies at the places you use the card as well. “Some businesses put a hold on your purchase, so if you buy something for $100 and there is a 15 percent interest rate you are paying $115 plus the hold fee.”

• Read the stuff that comes with your bill or is sent separately from your credit card company. “Credit card companies are required to notify their customers of any changes. Most people throw away (those pages) and can easily overlook a paper noting an increase in their interest rate.”

• Remember, what you do now will follow you for years. “After you enter the working world, some employers look at your credit report as part of the hiring process. Even if you’re qualified for the job, you might not get it because of your spending habits in the past.”

• Consider a secured credit card, in which you put up the money beforehand so that neither your or the company is taking risk but you can still build your credit. “With a secured card, you take an insurance policy out on yourself.”

Now enrolling for Winter and Spring Sessions!

azTeen

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Overload: Living with a mood disorder

– Haley Winterberg, Teacher Prep at Phoenix College ‘10

“I

n my life, I have been surrounded by mental illness, substance abuse, domestic violence and homelessness. I just thought it was all a part of life. Several people in my family have mental illness. Also, two of my aunts were heavily using drugs throughout my childhood. I grew up in a very risky situation with domestic violence.

Due to this my mother and I became homeless on a couple of occasions. All of this has had a big impact on the person I have become.

Even though I had all of that dysfunction going on, I made school my top propriety and my safe place.

Because school was one of the only good things I had, I got excellent grades. I skipped fourth and sixth grade.

I was in Girl Scouts and cheerleading, and played soccer just to escape from my life at home. With me doing so good in school I never expected I could do something to change that.

Before I was diagnosed as bipolar, I would notice that some days I could sleep all day long and other days I would stay up all night to clean my house spotless. However, I didn’t really see this as any sort of issue; I thought it was totally normal.

About a year before being diagnosed things got worse. I started ditching school and doing drugs, and I got involved with gangs. I was in a downward spiral, but I thought it was all normal.

One day in eighth grade, I kicked a substitute teacher. As a result, the school considered expelling me. This was my rock bottom. The thought of being kicked out of school made me suicidal and I

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told my mother this. Shortly after, I found myself at children’s hospital behavioral health unit. I was there a week, during which time I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and I thought that was it, that I was crazy and that was all I’d ever be.

Once I was diagnosed, I lost several close friends because of the stigma around mental illness. People actually thought that there was no hope, so I began to think that to. It took about six months and then I realized that I wasn’t crazy.

I realized that I have a mental illness and that I can get better. Even though bipolar disorder doesn’t have a cure, I found out that with the right treatment and coping skills, I could be just like everyone else. I’d just have to do some things a little bit differently.

I began getting active in the community.

I joined NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) and through that organization I started public speaking. I now am a member of three youth groups: MY LIFE (Magellan Youth Leaders Inspiring Future Empowerment), Ground Zero and Arizona Youth Advisory Council. All of this has helped me get my voice out there and try to reduce the stigma about mental illness for other youth. I have found that there is hope, and now know that having a mental illness is no different than someone having diabetes except that mental illness affects the brain.”

Model: Haley Kay Burgess, Gilbert ‘13 azTeenmagazine.com

Magellan Youth Leaders Inspiring Future Empowerment (MY LIFE) is made up of youth, ages of 13 to 23, who have experience with mental health, substance abuse and/or foster carerelated issues. The group gives youth an opportunity to use their experience, talents and voice to make positive changes in their lives, while helping others to do the same.

Recently, the members of MY LIFE came together with the Arizona Department of Health Services/Division of Behavioral Health Services and Casey Family Programs, as well as a multitude of community sponsors, performers, musicians and corporate organizations to carry out MY FEST – a youthrun music, art, entertainment and youth involvement festival. In total, the event played host to more than 1,200 attendees and 58 different exhibitors.

For more information on MY LIFE, visit MagellanOfAZ.com.

By the Numbers:

20,000 teens in Arizona attempt suicide. (Teen Lifeline of Arizona) Symptoms of bipolar disorder include Each year, nearly

dramatic mood swings, from overly “high” to sad and hopeless, often with periods of normalcy in between.

(National Institute of Mental Health)

At least one

in five children and adolescents has a mental health issue, difficulty or challenge. (U.S. Department of Health and

Human Services)

About 5.7 million American adults, or about 2.6 percent of the population, have bipolar disorder. (NIMH)

ADVERTISEMENT

STRESS: YOUR BODY’S GIFT TO YOU ELIZA COLLINS, ARCADIA ‘10

Y

banner

Stress is something that will be around for the rest of your life, you might as well learn to compromise.

Managing your stress will not only decrease it, it will allow you to use the focus and energy to propel you through the upcoming storm. If you have trouble managing your stress, and notice stomachache or headaches, drowsiness, sour moods, panic attacks, eating issues, or feel the need to turn to alcohol and drugs, please call Banner Behavioral Hotline 602-254-Help or Teen Lifeline 602-248-TEEN for help.

Photo by Ben Arnold/Banner Health

of preparing yourself to take on whatever azTeen comes your way. If you can learn to control ou have tryouts all this week, your it, stress can actually help you get through research paper is due tomorrow, the event with ease. you have a math test Tuesday, and you’re Stress can be caused by the unknown. fighting with your best friend-- the world For example, not knowing what will be on seems like it’s crashing down. At some your math test Friday causes you to freak out point during the year, even multiple points, and study the wrong material, or in some this scenario will ring true. You are stressed cases not to study at all. However, if you ask beyond belief, but with a few simple stress for help, such as asking the teacher what management tips you can learn to transexactly you should study, you can minimize form that stress into a positive motivator to the unknown therefore decreasing your push you through the rough patch. stress. If you do your research on whatever Look “stress” up in the dictionary and event is coming your way, you’ll be prepared you will find it’s “a specific response by the and will be able to accomplish more. body to a stimulus, such as fear or pain, Being aware of your thought process which disturbs or interferes with the nor- is another great tool for managing stress. mal physiological equilibrium of an organ- Don’t think negatively because these ism.” However, to any normal human it thoughts will psych you out and increase can be defined in one word: awful. Your your chances of failure. For example, if body releases adrenaline which can cause before tryouts you think “what if I trip and rapid breathing, high blood pressure, fall?” at the actual tryout you’ll be a lot upset stomach, and in serious cases, a more likely to trip. temporary mental paralysis, such as loss The last and probably most imporof thought, confusion or a panic attack. tant trick in managing your stress is to With so many difficult symptoms, you take care of yourself. Hunger, fatigue, and may ask how stress can possibly help. The idleness can all increase your stress level. truth is stress is a good thing in a mislead- Make sure to eat right, get plenty of sleep, ing package. Stress is your body’s response and exercise daily in order to stay focused to a certain upcoming event; it’s your way to accomplish your goals.

Author Eliza Collins (left) with Sue Jantzen and Terri Price of Banner Behavioral Health Hospital – Scottsdale.

School not always psyched High school gradlsco llege path about traditiona

T

hirty years ago, high school students were asked “What are your plans after you graduate?” Today, it’s “Where are you going to college?” A Manhattan Institute for Policy Research study pegged the percentage of teens who go on to college at more than 76 percent, which is a lot different from 30 years ago when many young people were the first in their families to enroll.

But for some kids, college — or at least college right out of high school or without additional preparation— isn’t the right choice. Some need a break from school, while others never want to go back and are interested in fields that don’t require a degree.

Jeff Buettner is a Horizon ’08 grad who always thought he would go the traditional route and enroll in college right after high school. But in the summer following graduation, Buettner says he began to have doubts.

“It just didn’t feel right,” he says. “I had already spent a year at a real estate internship doing what I feel I want to do for a career. It didn’t make sense to me to invest countless hours and dollars into something I wasn’t 100 percent about while taking away from what I really wanted to do. So I decided to take a year off.”

Jeff says he knows he’s missing out on some things but believes that he had to “follow his heart” and ultimately made the right decision for himself. His parents and teachers were shocked, but they and all of his friends who are now in college came to support his decision. The fledgling Realtor acknowledges, though, that being so young in the professional working world can be tough.

“Get used to being called ‘Champ,’ ‘Chief,’ ‘Boss,’ ‘Sport’ and occasionally ‘Dude,’” he says. “It gets old fast, but you just have to laugh it off. Enjoy what you go into and embrace your decision.”

Like Jeff, many high school students get professional training while still in high school so that they can enter the working world right after they graduate or enter college with some real-world training.

At the East Valley Institute of Technology, high school students can pick from 35 occupation-specific programs such as cosmetology, firefighting, culinary arts, marketing and photography. They spend part of each school day at EVIT and the remainder at their home school.

Mesquite junior Amber Porter is enrolled in EVIT’s criminal justice program. She plans to attend college as well but says that “coming to EVIT has given me more hands-on work than I could find anywhere else.”

About 64 percent of EVIT students, like Amber and Chandler senior Junior Castillo, who is studying automotive technology, see EVIT as a training ground that will further enhance their college experience.

Others who are seeking licenses in their particular fields so that they can go to work right after high school, see it as a means to an end.

But not all students who are unsure about their college plans are ready to go to work right away. Jake Greathouse has dreamed of living in Sweden for awhile after he graduates in ’10 from Desert Ridge. Even though he does plan to go to college at some point, he feels that after going to school for 14 years, he needs time to “gather his bearings.”

While living in Sweden he wants to become fluent in the language and work in order to support himself. He says the negative reaction he has gotten isn’t about academics but distance.

There is always the constant sadness of leaving your friends behind,” he says. “My mom was not happy because she feels like we would never

36

december 2008

azTeenmagazine.com

Daz e “I’m really just hoping to walk away from this time in my life more aware of my wants and needs, what my goals are and where I would like to go with my life”

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October/November 2008

see each other anymore. Even though the goodbyes will be sad, I have not thought about changing my goal.”

Stephanie Dunn, Arizona Conservatory for Arts and Academics (ACAA) ’08, graduated two years early and was recently accepted by ASU but has also decided to take some time off before going back to school. She wants to travel to save up some cash and travel to the United Kingdom.

She believes that everyone should take a break if they are unsure about the direction in which they are heading.

“People that jump right into college often end up quitting midway through for a break,” she said. “Everyone grows up being told not to rush their life, not to grow up too fast, to just be ‘forever young.’ Since I graduated two years prior to my class, I felt like why rush things even faster than I already have? I rather just take the time now, consider all my options, decide and stick with them.”

Dunn never imagined herself taking a break after high school, but she feels

CAN’T FIND YOUR

…hope that parents who read our magazine will use the topics we raise here as openings to PGGFS UIFJS QFSTQFDUJWF BOE TIBSF UIFJS WBMVFT with their own teenagers.

TEENS WHO THINK POLITICS IS

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BORING

Subscribe for free at azTeenMagazine.com, and tell us at what businesses in your area (coffee shops, gyms, salons, clothing stores) you’d like to see an azTeen rack.

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like she’ll be getting a lot out of taking her time and considering her options.

“I’m really just hoping to walk away from this time in my life more aware of my wants and needs, what my goals are and where I would like to go with my life. It’s a learning experience on its own.”

Tanner Koch, Greenway ’08, agrees with the idea of needing time to explore other options. He has big plans for the future involving screenwriting/film and music, and although his motivations have always been the same, Tanner feels that a person’s desires and ambitions can quickly detour.

After high school, he says, you may find that something you thought you loved isn’t that important to you. Unfortunately, he doesn’t have the support that he would like to have from his friends.

“They hazed me every day about it and tried to tell me that because of this decision I will never go back (to college) and I won’t be successful,” he said. “It really pissed me off.”

Though Koch strongly believes that he will be successful, and he is going to do everything in his power to get there, he’s questioned his decision of taking this time off for two primary reasons.

“I was constantly reminded by everyone that what I am doing is stupid. It’s very frustrating,” he says. “That, and I realized it will take me longer to graduate than other people in my year, and when people go to college it seems to me they become very smug, like ‘Look at me. I’m the coolest person alive because I’m in college.’”

In Tanner’s opinion, if you’re absolutely sure that you’re going to chase your dreams and go to college, then that time lapse will not be missed.

“For 13 years of your life you are told what to do, where to go and how to do things,” he said. “When you get out of high school there is no more of people telling you what to do. You are completely on your own and you need the time to get your life together and figure out just what it is you want to do with your life.”

–Donnella Lincoln, Greenway ‘10, with additional reporting by Marissa Bond, Arcadia ’09

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azTeenmagazine.com

december 2008

37

overs Are co-ed sleepan fun good, cle ing or trouble waiten? to happ

M

ost of us have been going to sleepovers since we were 5 or 6 years old. We got older, but the general idea has remained the same: guys play video games, camp out in the back yard and eat pizza and Cheetos; girls paint each other’s nails, play Truth or Dare and talk about boys.

Stereotypes, but generally true nonetheless.

But over the past several years, a new form of sleepover has begun to emerge, that which includes both guys and girls and, depending upon who you ask are either booze-fueled, sexually charged, hard-to-supervise nights of teen misbehavior or innocent gatherings of teenagers who just like hanging out with their friends of both genders.

For some teens, there’s just no way it’s going to happen — at least not with Mom and Dad’s blessing.

“I’ve never actually had one, but I know a lot of people who have,” says Saguaro student Jessica Ludwick. “My parents would freak out.”

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december 2008

azTeenmagazine.com

Photo: Samantha Fritz

Theresa Fitsimmons, who is the mother of a 16-year-old, is one of those parents who is definitely not okay with the idea.

“I believe co-ed sleepovers are very inappropriate, even if the parents are home, because teenagers can be very sneaky these days,” she says. “It would be very risky.”

But many teenagers disagree. These days, they say, it is common for teens to have an equal number of friends of each gender. They say that kids who want to find trouble can do so whether it is three in the afternoon or three in the morning, and those who just want to hang out and have fun aren’t likely to exploit their parents’ trust.

“I’ve slept over at my guy friends’ houses all the time,” says Megan, a Horizon student who like some other students interviewed asked that her last name not be used. “It’s really fun and harmless. My parents have no idea, though.”

Even teens themselves are divided on the issue of whether sexual and other temptations make the idea of a completely innocent co-ed sleepover hard to believe.

“I think they can be bad, even though most everyone does it anyway by the end of high school,” says Desert Vista senior Lauren Enoch.

“My parents would kill me if they knew, but I do it sometimes when I have stayed out too late and can’t go home at like four in the morning. I think (boy/girl sleepovers) could be innocent, but that is really rare.”

But Carson has had a different experience.

She goes to a high school in Gilbert and has groups of guys and girls spend the night at her house all the time. Unlike Megan and Lauren, Carson does so with her parents’ blessing.

“My mom knows all my friends and she and I have a great relationship,” Carson says.

“She trusts me because I’ve never given her a reason not to. She can come downstairs at any time and see that we aren’t doing anything wrong. We jump on the trampoline, we swim in the summer, we eat a lot of junk, play Rock Band and watch movies. We don’t do anything different when guys are here than when it is just a group of girls.”

Carson says her mom would rather know what is going on than risk her daughter sneaking around behind her back, and she adds that she works hard “to make sure that neither me or anyone who spends the night does anything to hurt my relationship with my mom or make her regret giving me this freedom.”

Sam Lowy is a freshman at ASU who attended a lot of co-ed sleepovers when he was a student at Chaparral. He says that while there was definitely some hooking up that went on, there were some unforeseen positives about these get-togethers as well.

“Yes, there’s an underlying sexual vibe when you have a bunch of guys and a bunch of girls staying all night together,” he says. “But now that I’m in college, I can see that being in those situations also helps make you more mature and more able to handle relationships with the opposite sex.”

But Sam acknowledges that helping their teens learn to handle relationships might not be enough of an incentive for many parents to allow their kids to be in this type of situation.

Even though he was open with his parents on most subjects and close to both of them, they would never have allowed him to host a co-ed sleepover in their homes. When he went to a guy/girl sleepover, he always told his parents he was spending the night with male friends only.

Even parents who don’t issue a blanket “no” on the subject are often very specific about what they will and will not allow. Some parents take “baby steps” or have different levels of comfort depending on the situation.

“For my friend’s birthday one year she had boys and girls sleep at her house, and my parents were fine with that,” says Chaparral student Arielle Nagle. “But if I wanted a guy to sleep over he would definitely have to sleep in a different room, and my parents would have to know him pretty well, like he’d probably have to be a guy I’ve been dating for awhile.”

Similar to Arielle’s parents, Melinda Van Gasse trusts her daughters’ judgment, “I have certain restrictions, but I won’t rule out the concept altogether.”

Many parents are okay with large groups, especially on special nights like after school dances. Still others allow everyone to hang out together until two or three, then send boys to one end of the house and girls to another when it’s time to go to sleep. And others are particularly careful about the makeup of the group — no couples who are dating can sleep over, for example.

“My parents are okay with it as long as the boys sleep across the house from the girls,” says Dara, a Horizon sophomore. She adds that “if there is drinking at a party, like for maybe New Year’s, I think it’s better to have people sleep over so they won’t drive drunk or be in danger of other drunk drivers.”

—Yassamin Ansari, Chaparral ’10

azTeenmagazine.com

december 2008

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NIZA

101

stats

51

Guadalupe and Lakeshore, Tempe Mascot: Padres Colors: Brown and Gold Year Opened: 1971 Enrollment: 2,400 Highlights: Wrestling program is outstanding Baseball took state championship in 2007 Best Buddies Club was named Outstanding Chapter for four consecutive years Known for outstanding spring musicals and the fall plays Code of Conducts is what students live by at the school

Photos provided by: Marcos de Niza Yearbook Staff.

azTeenmagazine.com

Strong showing in DECA competitions Swim/Dive took state in 2008

december 2008

41

Performing arts is a ‘spirited’ endeavor at MdN

The Model Life

FAVORITE MEAL? My mom’s famous fried chicken.

arcos’s renowned spring musicals are often compared to professional theater. That’s impressive but not surprising considering how seriously students take the productions.

Every January, students from choir, drama, band and orchestra prepare for the rigorous audition and rehearsal process. For two and a half months, actors, musicians and techs rehearse tirelessly. It is often a draining process, yet students audition year after year.

“I have received phone calls from people who are not connected to the program in any way, even out-of-towners, who have compared the quality of our productions to local professional companies,” says drama teacher and director Patrick McChesney.

Laura Scotney is a senior who has performed in two MdN musicals and will audition for her third this winter. “I love the musical because you get the chance to be a part of something that everyone else cares

FIRST PURCHASE IF YOU WON THE LOTTERY? ’69 Camero, black on black.

No warm and fuzzy mascot for Marcos

BEST THING ABOUT MARCOS? The diversity.

W

Cameron Johnson, Marcos de Niza ‘11 WHAT DO YOU DO? Play football, basketball and baseball.

DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL LADY? WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A POTENTIAL GF? My mom is my special lady, and all potential GFs have to have her approval.

FAVORITE SONG? Three Birds by Bob Marley.

DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN 3 WORDS. Athletic, intelligent and mysterious.

WHERE WILL YOU BE ON NEW YEAR’S EVE? Hanging out and having a good time with my mom or my friends.

WHAT SUPER POWER WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE? Lightning speed so no one could catch me on the football field.

YOU’RE JUST A SOPHOMORE. ARE YOU WORRIED THAT BY THE TIME YOU’RE A SENIOR YOU’LL BE SO STUDLY AND GOOD-LOOKING THAT YOUR CLASSMATES WILL TURN ON YOU? Nah, the class of ’11 is a great class with great people.

42

M

about just as much as you do,” she says. “The work isn’t easy, but the payoff when everything finally comes together on stage is worth it.”

Incoming freshmen share the excitement and anticipation with veterans. Freshman Marlena Jeffery has witnessed all three of her older siblings go through the performing arts program at MdN and finally gets to be a part of it herself.

Maybe part of what drives Padre performers is the extra … well, something that shares the auditorium with the performers. Paco is the name of the ghost said to haunt the building and is believed to be the spirit of a construction worker who legend has it died during the auditorium’s construction in 1970.

So while most would rather avoid being alone in the auditorium after dark, even Paco cannot prevent late-night rehearsals and concerts. After all, for many performing arts students, the auditorium is a second home.

Though they grace the stage for a brief period and eventually move on, during their time at MdN, the memories they make last forever.

december 2008

hen students from other schools arrive on the MdN campus, they don’t immediately receive the warmest welcome. No, the Padres are not a mob of bullies. The Padre, however, has been known to intimidate his fair share of rival teams.

Pulling into the student parking lot, it is nearly impossible to miss the faceless hooded figure looming overhead. This mural, strategically placed on an outside wall of the auditorium, has earned the Padre the nickname “the grim reaper.”

“He’s so creepy,” says senior Gillian Grabowski. “The face is completely blacked out until you get really close. Even then, you can barely see the outline of a face. I think the mystery behind it is what makes our mascot so different.”

The Padre is conspicuous across the entire campus. One well-known appearance is the larger-than-life-sized bronze statue on the north side of the courtyard. This is prime territory in that every student finds him or herself in the courtyard at least once if not several times a day.

The courtyard is in the very center of campus and usually the most direct route from class to class. It is open and has plenty of seating and shade, perfect for hanging out with friends azTeenmagazine.com

—Ashley Martinez, ’09

before school, between classes, at lunch and after school.

The relaxed atmosphere of the courtyard appeals to senior Markus Rodriguez. He says, “When I don’t go off campus for lunch, I like to chill in the courtyard ‘cause it’s pretty laid-back.

Everyone is doing something different, but it doesn’t bother anyone. You can pretty much do whatever and everyone is cool with it.”

Be it hanging out with friends or scaring the bajeebies out of rival teams, Padre pride reigns supreme on the MdN campus.

—Ashley Martinez

Padres: Diverse but united M

arcos de Niza students are surrounded around people of all shapes, sizes, colors and religions. With so many students having different beliefs and ideas, you’d wonder how everyone gets along. Yes, there are those certain places people like to sit at lunch — the kids from Guadalupe sit by the big planter near the taco line and the gamers sit under the ramada – but everyone gets along.

“Diversity is important in high schools because school is a social learning environment,” senior Chris Gomez says.

He is right. There is such a wide variety of nationalities at Marcos that in one class you could be a part of the minority while in the next class you’re the majority. Being able to accept and work with people for who they are and not what they look like or believe helps you throughout high school and later in life.

Principal Frank Mirizio believes that people who have been surrounded by diversity will be less inclined to say ‘do it my way’ and more inclined to say, ‘Oh, you see it that way.’

“People who are thrust into more diverse situations adapt better later in life,” he says.

Principal Mirizio attended a high school that was very diverse for its time. He says he is very proud of Marcos de Niza and its ability to be so adaptable to diversity in sports and academics and on campus in general. Marcos is preparing people at a young age to work with all sorts of people.

Being a Padre has no definition of what you should look like or believe. We are one group of Padres that stand together; we’re just not all the same.

—Codie Haarala, ‘09

The sweet smell of victory

Y

ou hear chants and smell the surprisingly sweet aroma of sweat in the air and know that wrestling season has begun. Following several successful seasons, the love for wrestling on this campus is incredible.

You can feel it when you sit and watch a match, knowing that our boys are there to win. They know when to put their game faces on and when to have a winning attitude. “We are like Spartans,” says Taylor Jenson.

“We do not accept weakness.” This pretty much sums it all up as to how unbreakable he and fellow wrestlers such as Josiah Stotts, Ronald Gomez, Aaron Pavlenko, Michael Baca and Ricky Ruiz truly are.

Everyone around campus respects the teams and knows that they play with passion and devotion for what goes on the mat. Wrestlers put their backbone into all the work that they do, literally.

Like wrestling, sports such as football, girl’s soccer and cross country come together through the hard work of determined players. Everybody has something to bring to the table. For the 2007-08 school year, Marcos’s girls’ soccer team was named 5A II Pima Region Champs. Those girls worked hard to get where they got with dedication, determination and skill.

Girls’ cross country also placed first at Regionals, while the boys’ team placed fourth.

Clearly, many of the athletes at Marcos de Niza High School are driven to get what they want in life. It’s outstanding to watch them play with the utmost spirit that is within their soul. Because once a Padre, always a Padre.

–Victoria Serrano, ‘09

azTeenmagazine.com

december 2008

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december 2008

45

What was the best part of 2008?

What are you looking forward to in ‘09?

“The best thing about 2008 was learning that I don’t need to have a boyfriend in order to feel good about myself. In 2009 I’m looking forward to meeting a lot of new people.”

—Karina Hagen, Gilbert ‘13 “The best things about ‘08 were to graduate high school and attend college. I am looking forward to ‘09 because I would like to experience the college life a bit more.

Sometimes freshman have a rocky start.

Maybe a road trip. Who knows?”

—Marya Berruecos, Trevor Browne ‘08 “My favorite part of ‘08 was the time I spent with friends. We’re big kids now, we have fun, but most importantly we NEVER BACK DOWN. I can’t wait for ‘09. New year, new shenanigans...”

—Jameson Powell, Brophy ‘10 “Best part of ‘08: lacrosse. Best part of ‘09: lacrosse.”

—Dara Shefska, Horizon ‘11 “The best thing about 2008 was most definitely the summer, not because of the thousand-degree temperatures we have in Arizona but because of all the time I had to hang out with friends, play sports and volunteer. I can’t wait to get my permit in 2009 — that is, if my parents let me anywhere near their cars.”

—Leah Nahon,

Basis Scottsdale ‘11

“The best parts of ’08 were winning the J.V. state championship in hockey and meeting new people. And in 2009 I look forward to a new president and hopefully the war coming to an end.”

—Mark De La Fuente, Horizon ‘11

46

december 2008

“The best part of this year has been finding new friends and meeting new people. Next year, I’m very much looking forward to being a senior and livin’ the life.”

—Jeannette Hernandez, Gilbert ‘10 “Winning state in volleyball was the best part of ‘08, and winning state again will be the best part of ‘09!”

—Jared Morrison, Mountain Pointe ‘09

“The best part of 2008 was when I made a fool of myself by doing an interpretive dance in front of 200+ girls at Girls State as an attempt to be elected as a Supreme Court Justice (I’d be interpreting the law...ooh, clever! I lost, by the way).

I hope that 2009 brings more goodhearted tomfoolery, as I will finally be in college and finally 18; more (celebratory) interpretive dancing, anyone?”

—Lindsey Forry, Hamiton ‘09 “Best part of ‘08? I would go with FINALLY GETTING MY LICENSE. Something to look forward to in ‘09? Well, that’s easy... Everything college!”

—Akash Khare, Hamilton ‘09 “2008 was so much fun because of all the intense air guitaring/air drumming sessions with my brother in the car on the way to football games. In 2009 I look forward to working my butt off at cheer practice to win state (and hopefully nationals).”

—Alex Koziak, Xavier ‘11 “The best thing of ‘08 is just being with my friends and knowing that soon we would be seniors. For ‘09 I’m looking forward to graduating, prom and just having the most fun in my senior year.”

—Suheil Estrada, Gilbert ‘09 azTeenmagazine.com

“My favorite thing about 2008: making embarrassing choice with my friends.

The thing I look foward to in 2009 is becoming a senior so I can do what I want, including date younger guys.”

—Jessica Applefeld, Xavier 2010 “The fact that a woman ran for office as the Vice Presidential candidate was a huge highlight of 2008. Sarah Palin made history and set a precedent for future generations of women politicians.”

—Lindsey Halfhill, Primavera ‘10 “The best part of 2008 was my absolutely random, popped-out of nowhere prom date that I ended up dating for five months. The best part of 2009 is going to be hitting up college, hopefully at Notre Dame University.”

—Eric Anderson, Chaparral ‘09

“The beginning of senior year was such a rush and was the highlight of ‘08. I hope that in ‘09 I can take in everything that comes with being a senior.”

—Lindsay Hawkins Mountain Pointe ‘09

“Best part of ‘08?

Discovering ChaCha. Looking forward to in ‘09?

Graduating and going on to make a difference after high school.”

—Mandi Kimes, Highland ‘09 “‘08: Getting quoted in azTeen Magazine.

‘09: Hopefully getting quoted again in azTeen Magazine.”

—Sierra Palmer, Marcos de Niza ‘10 “The best part of ‘08 was when Desmond and Penny were finally reunited on Lost.

The best part of ‘09 will be that I’m one step closer to college.”

—Hilary Novatt, Chaparral ‘10

BATTERIES INCLUDED. NO ASSEMBLY REQUIRED. ONE SIZE FITS ALL. THE PERFECT GIFT FOR PARENTS...

TO GIVE.

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cricket MAKE YOUR LIST & CHECK IT TWICE TO MAKE SURE A SAMSUNG MESSAGER FROM CRICKET IS ON IT.

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Requires new activation & activation fee. Rates exclude taxes & Cricket Fees (including USF charge, regulatory recovery fee of up to $1.40 and surcharges for state/local fees that vary by market). These are not taxes or government-required charges. Available features will vary by phone/network. Unlimited coverage not available everywhere; coverage maps at mycricket.com. U.S. long distance may exclude Alaska. Terms, conditions & other restrictions apply. See store for details. © 2008 Cricket Communications, Inc.

azTeen

arizona mills

At Arizona Mills.

No one store can offer you the convenience and ease of shopping that you get at Arizona Mills. Because at Arizona Mills, you can choose from more stores and more brands than you’ll find anywhere else. And with more stores, it only makes sense that you’ll find more deals, special offers, and savings too. Bring your friends and make a day of it.

You’ll save time, save gas, and save money. It’s easy when you shop smarter at Arizona Mills.

2b bebe, 5 & Diner, Aéropostale, American Eagle Outfitters, Ann Taylor Loft, Claim Jumper, G by Guess, GameWorks, Gap Outlet, Harkins Luxury 24 Cinemas, IMAX Theater, Kenneth Cole Outlet Store, Neiman Marcus Last Call Clearance Center, NikeFactoryStore, Oakley Vault, Papaya, Perry Ellis, Rainforest Cafe, Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, Skechers, Tommy Hilfiger Company Store. Visit our Food Court for a wide variety of dining options.

Located at the Intersection of I-10 exit Baseline Rd. East and Hwy. 60 exit Priest Dr. South. 480.491.9700. arizonamills.com