Mustang Express April 13, 2011

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Featured in this issue: Dispatch

The Student Publication for Sunrise Mountain High School

USTANG EXPRESS Volume 15 Issue 5

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April 13, 2011

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myhsj.org/mustangexpress

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Inflicting Danger

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Photo illustration by Maddie Pado Modeling by Stormi Alvarez

The body says what words cannot

Sunrise Mountain has its own two National Merit Finalists, Katie Reynolds and Chelsey Schmid.

Spotlight

High school students continue their scouting career.

2 Cents

Check out the cartoon Dylan Kim contributed to the Mustang Express.

Horseshoe

Check out current gas prices around Peoria.

Playing Field

Read a Q&A with Brianna Gades about signing with the ASU gymnastics program.

Scene

Kellie Reynolds Online Supervisor In an alarming trend, teenagers and young adults are posting videos on YouTube and other video-sharing websites detailing self-harm techniques, such as cutting or burning.

Poetry on loneliness and pain is often paired with the graphic images of blood, which is not the ketchup in gory movies.

It may seem like another world to you. Certainly, no one at Sunrise would hurt themselves, right?

On the contrary, one in eight teenagers are depressed, according to a study by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. The study, “The Scope of Nonsuicidal Self-Injury on YouTube” found that 14 to 24 percent of young adults have self-harmed at least once. Additionally, suicide is on the rise with approximately 500,000 teens attempting and 5,000 succeeding every year in the U.S. Videos featuring subjects teaching techniques of burning or cutting are now frequenting the internet, most of which are available to the general public with no warning at all.

Why would someone post a video of a seemingly private moment of desperation? Psychology teacher Michael Welch offered his opinion.

“They’re just trying to bring attention to themselves- not necessarily that this is the way to do it but ‘Hey, look at what I can do.’ It’s the whole, you know, MTV factor,” Welch said.

If you or a friend is depressed, you are not alone. Depression is all around, but it is not the end of the world.

SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION Every teenager feels sad sometimes. But what makes depression different from the occasional blues? Welch advised to check if they are “deviating from their normal behavior.”

“There’s even points where you don’t see any symptoms at all,” Welch said. “But a lot of times, they tend to become more isolated… it’s not real cut and dry.”

Depression is not the same as merely feeling down, despite popular belief.

“Sadness is an emotion and depression is a mental state,” Welch said.

How can you tell if it is more than just sadness, then? Check for symptoms, such as change in sleeping or eating habits, complaints of headaches or other pains, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of guilt, anxiety or apathy.

“Inflicting Danger” continued on Page 5

Meeting You Was Magical When: April 22, 2011 7:00 to 11:00 p.m.

Reporter Janie Schutte interviews popular pop group All Time Low.

Colors: Deep Purple, Silver, White

Where: The Waterfront 5350 S. Lakeshore Drive Tempe, Arizona 85283 Song: “Enchanted”

by Taylor Swift

Cost: $50 per person, $100 per couple

-Flipbook photos will be available for $1 -Regular Photo Packages will start at $20 -Coat and Purse Checks will also cost $1

02 the D ispatch A pril 13, 2011

See how well you would do on the PSAT. Take this Quiz!

1) The practice of storytelling for

entertainment and instruction was at one time so widespread that it was virtually ---- .

(A) rigorous (B) universal (C) elevating (D) uncommon (E) unknown

2) If 0 < a < b < c < d < e in the equation above, then the greatest increase in S would result from adding 1 to the value of which variable?

(A) a (B) b (C) c (D) d (E) e

3) The novel’s protagonist, a pearl

Schmid, Reynolds score high on PSAT, eligible for National Merit Scholarship Natasha Hossain Managing Editor

Studying for days on end, staying up until midnight learning new vocabulary words, pulling out your hair while doing horrible math problems over and over again...these are the nights and days leading up to the big exam: the PSAT. The PSAT (Preliminary SAT) gives students an idea of what the real SAT will be like. But along with the experience, the PSAT also offers scholarship options to those who score exceptionally high. However, colleges and universities do not consider PSAT scores for admission.

The PSAT is offered to sophomores and juniors and tests students in reading, writing and math, each with the chance of earning 80 points.

“It helped so much to take the PSAT sophomore year,” senior Chelsey Schmid said. “Because then junior year I knew exactly what it was going to be like.”

diver, naïvely expects that the buyers will compete among themselves to pay him the best price for his pearl, 4) Gordon Parks is almost as skillful a writer as he is a but instead they ---- to ---- him. director.

(A) venture . . reward (B) pretend . . praise (C) conspire . . reimburse (D) refuse . . cheat (E) collude . . swindle

(A) almost as skillful a writer as he is a director (B) almost equally skilled, whether a writer or a director (C) of the same skill as a writer and as a director, almost (D) a skillful director, with almost as much skill in writing (E) skilled as a director and almost so skilled in writing

This year, two Sunrise students have scored high enough to be eligible for the National Merit Scholarship, seniors Katie Reynolds and Chelsey Schmid.

“I was really excited [when I found out I was a finalist],” Reynolds said. “It’s a really cool thing.”

The highest score one can get is a 240. Schmid earned a 215 and Reynolds a 228.

Being a finalist involves writing an essay, filling out an application and creating a list of achievements. Once finalists are picked, students have the chance for three types of scholarships: collegebased, corporate-based or a National Merit scholarship, which is $2500.

“I was so happy,” Schmid said. “I had already been a semi-finalist and was kind of waiting to see if I would be a finalist.”

Both Schmid and Reynolds are waiting to see if they are one of the finalists that will be picked to be awarded the scholarship.

5) If a and b are integers greater than 100

such that a + b = 300, which of the following could be the exact ratio of a to b ?

(A) 9 to 1 (B) 5 to 2 (C) 5 to 3 (D) 4 to 1 (E) 3 to 2

National Merit finalists Chelsey Schmid and Katie Reynolds pose for a picture. Photo by Tiffanie Riess.

6) If there is an error, select the one

underlined part that must be changed to make the sentence correct. If there is no error, select E. Sponsors of the Olympic Games who bought A advertising time on United States television includes at least a dozen international firms B C whose names are familiar to American D consumers. No error.

correct answers: 1) B, 2) A, 3) E, 4) A, 5) E, 6) B, 7) E

Questions from collegeboard.com

7) The addition of descriptive details to the basic information serves to ---- the book by producing a fuller account.

(A) invalidate (B) objectify (C) incite (D) celebrate (E) enrich

E

Plans underway to make Mr. Mustang a memorable event for student body Brandi Porter Copy Editor

The victorious senior of this year’s Mr. Mustang competition will be crowned King of the Jungle for his cunning charm and humor.

The competition is Thursday, May 5, at 6:30 p.m in the auditorium.

Any student can attend the Mr. Mustang competition.

Contestants include seniors Tony Troftgruben, Philip Nikola, Chris Gar-

cia, Ty Boulos, Ryan Gonzales, Seth Brimley, Marcos Lopez, Andrew Yanes, Andrew Vascassenno and Kyle Ziemer.

“We had over 20 people apply this year,” Senior Class President Brittany Bade said. “It was really hard [to choose].”

Each contestant is required to have a talent, make a video and participate in the group dance.

“Our group dance… [is] going to be really funny for the crowd,” Lo-

pez said. “They have some blind dating games, [I’m] pretty excited about that too.”

Student Council is planning and hosting the event and hopes this year’s Mr. Mustang will be even better than last year.

“The hardest part is keeping the boys in line, making sure they’re doing what they’re supposed to,” Bade said. “I think this year’s theme is funnier, and the boys will do a really good job.”

‘Magical Afternoon’ for the COOP kids Adrienne Sebade Staff Reporter

The fourth annual COOP prom is April 13 at high noon on the stage in the auditorium. This year’s theme is A Magical Afternoon.

Freshman Catalina Malavenda and sophomore Krista Kohlhase are in charge of planning the COOP prom this year and are excited for the kids. “[We’ll play] their favorite songs, and they’ll have little snacks, like cookies,” Malavenda said.

“Some kids get really dressed up.”

Malavenda said that she and Kohlhase have to make the invitations, set up and make the snacks.

The COOP Prom is a chance for the kids to get dressed up and have a fun day with their friends.

Kohlhase said that the COOP prom is a good way

“

Dances are fun, especially when you’re little and don’t have a care in the world.”

-Catalina Malavenda, 9 for kids to have a goodtime, along with interacting with each other.

“It can be a good experience,” Kohlhase said.

“They can remember it for a while and really enjoy it.”

Everyone loves dances, especially younger kids, and the prom is a good way for them to learn what to expect.

“I would have loved to have a prom [when I was younger],” Malavenda said. “Dances are fun, especially when you’re little and don’t have a care in the world.”

Kohlhase also wishes she had a prom when she was younger, because she would have had so much fun.

“We had a little sockhop,” Kohlhase said.

“But that’s not really the same.”

COOP prom this year will leave all the kids talking and wanting to come back for more.

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© 2011 The College Board

2C ents 03 A pril 13, 2011

Skins washes up on U.S. shore Carolyn Corcoran Staff Reporter

“The Office”. “Wife Swap”. “Skins”.

What do the three have in common? They all began in the U.K., later to be adapted

by American television producers and broadcasted across an American audience. The U.S. version of “Skins” first aired on January 17. Ten episodes later, “Skins” faces scrutiny among viewers, facing both child pornography accusations and explicit detail violations.

Viewers who have seen both versions will notice that the United States fails to stray away from the original. Episodes are occasionally scene for scene, almost word for word from the U.K. version.

However, U.S. broadcasting laws are

more strict than those in the U.K. Across the pond, you might here every word in the book. Here, you will hear a friendlier, monotone, boring, beep.

Some may say the newer edition consists of poor-quality acting skills. However, little may know the majority of the actors were casted during an open-casting call. This is extremely beneficial and a good call on the behalf of the creators.

New faces, raw material— all contribute to the overall feel of “Skins”.

The nine-member cast, the youngest being 15-years-old, is rapidly smothered by stereotypical scenarios occurring both in and out of the high school hallways. Their extracurricular activities include smoking (anything), drinking (everything), sex (with everyone) and drug abuse. Every episode features an in-depth (well, as in-depth as you can

get at this point) exposé on one character specifically. From pathological liars to Chlamydia cesspools, “Skins” attempts to cover everything, except for their cast.

After being locked out of his house in episode three, Chris (Jesse Carere) runs naked down his neighborhood street, fully exposing his entire backside (hello, child pornography charges).

Little to no parental control is observed (obviously), this being an ongoing theme. Any parents, or anything close to a parental figure, are as equally (or possibly more) botched than their offspring. The teachers are involved in inappropriate relationships with their students. Even the doctors are portrayed as non-caring, label-making egotists.

This is where the creators failed.

Sure, you can have relationships in your show which demonstrate the consequences of going too far and the annihilation of self-respect. Frankly, as a viewer, I find it highly amusing. It is okay that there is no direct correlation to the reality of an average teenage life (or at least mine). It is okay that they are trying to explore a different avenue.

“Skins” is not a reality show, nor does it try to be.

But even so, reality and primetime drama shows alike (think MTV’s “Jersey Shore”) feature grown, mature (debatable), adults perfectly capable of making their own decisions. Nonetheless, they are at least 21 (not 15).

By showing America that even adults are defective does not reinforce the show’s overall message— preventative measure. It is in no way helpful, and what I believe to be the worst quality of the show. This is what critics should really be up in arms about. Their kids are among those watching “Skins”.

What Do You Think About Skins?  I love the show.

I think the message is effective and a great contribution to primetime television and society.

 The show is okay.

Sometimes I will watch it if it is on.

 I cannot stand this

show. It is encouraging unruly behavior, consists of untrue stereotypes, and is an abomination to the teenage generation.

 I have no idea what you are talking about. I have never seen or heard of this show before.

Texting etiquette in the real world doesn’t work Emily Bridgewater Page Designer

Text messaging seems to be the best thing to happen since HDTV came about. Yet even something as godly as text can have its flaws.

Every day, I sit in class (don’t get me wrong I am guilty of this) and look around and see people texting. I think to myself, “how much am I willing to bet to see if that person is texting that person right in front of them?”

It is funny to me, but then I wonder.

Either that person doesn’t want to see or look at their face or they are just really socially awkward. Besides, texting in class is ridiculously annoying, so don’t do it. School policy clearly states that all phones need to be shut off during school.

Texting can help the world or maybe be the end of it. Why on earth do I need to text? Let’s see, maybe I need to talk to my parents or a friend to make plans.

When I don’t have something important to say or when I need to tell them I am going to my friends house that’s usually when I text my parents.

I do not want to have to tell my parents something important over a text message. Don’t deny it; we are all guilty of it. I do not want to have to tell my parents about getting in trouble over text.

That would break their hearts and mine.

Don’t text them important things. Man up and do it face to face! You will be more respectable if you say it to someone’s face and not over text.

People text their friends, parents and co-workers; sometimes that is the only way people communicate with each other. In reality, this is hurting the world’s youth because texting is making them socially awkward.

Texting can be dangerous while driv-

“Oh, no, someone just

tweeted me! I have to check it, Robert Pattinson might have said something important!” ing. I really do not like sitting in my car, trying to dodge the car in front of me because the teenager cannot take their eyes off their phone. I really feel

safe when you are coming into my lane when you are trying to say “I love you” to your boyfriend. Shut up. Do not text while driving and please do not text on the freeway. Maybe I just have bad road rage, but I don’t want to have my brains on the ground because of a fight you and your BFF had.

Why on Earth do people text while watching a movie at the movie theatre?

It continues to bewilder me… I don’t enjoy sitting in a movie theatre with little lights popping up below me. How rude!

Are people really that attached to their phones that they need to text during the movie? Oh, no, someone just tweeted me! I have to check it, Robert Pattinson might have said something important!

So what have we learned here today?

Texting can be a blessing, but know when and where to use it.

Visit

http://my.hsj.org/mustangexpress

to cast YOUR vote

The Mustang Express Staff Managing Editor Natasha Hossain Copy Editor Brandi Porter

Multimedia Editor Morgan Brewster

Photo Editor Kelsey Luft

Online Supervisor Kellie Reynolds Advertising Manager Page Designers Emily Bridgewater Tiffanie Riess Anissa Saenz-Ochoa Gilliene Yap

Jamie Warren

Adviser

Kristy Roschke

Twitter: @MustangExpress Facebook: facebook.com/mustangexpress

Staff Reporters Bri Shanley E’shai Williams Marion Chambrelin Carolyn Corcoran Janie Schutte Chelsey Schmid Adrienne Sebade

Members of:

Editorial Policy

The Sunrise Mountain High School Mustang Express is a student newspaper whose purpose is to inform the community of events that are relevant to SMHS and its surroundings, to interpret and analyze current events and to provide entertainment. The staff aims to be fair and impartial, accurate and responsible, and to adhere to the SPJ Code of Ethics. Letters to the Editor are printed at the discretion of the editorial staff and SMHS administrators. Opinions voiced in the letters do not necessarily represent those held by the staff or Sunrise Mountain High School. The staff reserves the right to edit all letters for grammar and content. Anonymous letters will not be published.

04 2C ents A pril 13, 2011

Presidential Scholarship at GCC gives students no excuse Young superstars Kelsey Luft Photo Editor

During my first two years of high school, I never really cared about scholarship opportunities.

Teachers, counselors and even my parents all mentioned scholarships to help pay for college, but I ignored their efforts.

When I finally realized the estimated total of living on my own and paying for college at the beginning of my senior year, I started working two jobs in the hopes of saving enough money for these expenditures. After months of working two jobs and attending high school, I was desperate for help in my financial situation. My brother came to my rescue when he mentioned the Presidential Scholarship at Glendale Community College.

The Presidential Scholarship is awarded to seniors who fill out the application form in the Honors Office (building LA-128) at GCC after tak-

ing the reading, writing and mathematical accuplacer (or placement) tests. To qualify for the Presidential Scholarship, the applicant must test into Honors English 101, Math 120 (or greater) and Reading Exempt. The scholarship gives the student $1,080 per semester, which basically pays for the classes the student takes and the registration fee. Textbooks may be an additional expense for the Presidential Scholarship students, but when the school gives you that much money every semester, who’s going to complain?

As a Presidential Scholarship (or Honors) student, there are always requirements that need to be met. As an Honors student, you must take at least one honors class at GCC with a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester and maintain a 3.5 Grade Point Average.

To graduate with Honors Distinction, the student must take five honors classes over four semesters (remember you must take at least one honors

class per semester) with different prefixes, meaning the honors classes must be in different fields such as English, Art History, Communication, Humanities, Geography, etc. The fifth honors class, however, can be a repeat prefix honors field, meaning you may take two honor humanities classes (or any other field that strikes your interest) within that category.

Students who use past grades and lack of caring as an excuse for not applying to scholarships do not have that excuse any more. My freshman and sophomore year was my ‘I just don’t care’ phase and I don’t necessarily have good grades on my transcript from that time, and yet I was still awarded the Presidential Scholarship.

For more information about the Presidential Scholarship at GCC either stop by the Honors Department on campus or speak to Debbie Albury at 623-845-3742. Visit www. gccaz.edu/honors/ for more information about the Presidential Scholarship as well.

The Honors Achievement Award at GCC If you did not receive the Presidential Scholarship at GCC, learn more about the Honors Achievment Award!

The Honors Achievement Award is offered to students who are enrolled in GCC and meet the following requirements each semester: require-

ments eacsemester: • Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher • Enroll in and complete with a grade of “C” or higher in at least 3 credits of honors coursework • Enroll in and complete the number of credits for which the student has received a partial fee waiver Students who are accepted will receive partial tuition-fee waivers based on the number of credits they have completed. credits they have completed.

Number of Credits 12 or more 9-11 6-8 3-5

Amount of Award $325.00 $244.00 $163.00 $81.00

Visit www.gccaz.edu/honors/ for more information.

Operation Odyssey Dawn: what kind of name is that?

Chelsey Schmid Staff Reporter

On March 19, 2011, the U.S. began military operations in Libya under the name “Operation Odyssey Dawn.”

Let us take a random A.D.D. moment to examine this choice of name. President Barack Obama and other highranking officials have expressed their hope for a short conflict lasting perhaps a few days. If this is indeed the case, then someone made a very poor choice when picking the name of the operation.

From the term “Odyssey Dawn,” we receive the connotation “beginning of an Odyssey.” So let us examine that for a moment. The Odyssey. A famous epic poem reportedly written by Homer, starring a man named Odysseus who takes an epic journey. A very long epic journey. His attempts to return to the

peace and quiet of his home fail for 10 years. Not your typical day trip. Whoever picked the name for the operation either has no idea what they are talking about or has a killer sense of humor.

In either case, I digress from the seriousness of the matter. The widely publicized protests in Egypt have heightened American interest in the Middle East. As authoritarian regimes have either collapsed or persisted, people have discussed what course of action they thought the U.S. government should take.

Some demanded immediate support for protestors and rebels. Others called for more isolationist policies. Now the United States is embroiled in a conflict in Libya, attempting working to NATO to enforce a no-fly zone for Moammar Gadhafi’s forces.

I am not going to attempt to discern the complex ins and outs of U.S. involve-

ment. I do know one thing, however.

With interference in a foreign country comes responsibility. Always. When the U.S. took a role in helping Kuwait in the First Gulf War, interactions with Iraq were affected for decades to come.

It made taking further action in 2003 easier with the beginning of the Iraq War. When the U.S. worked against the Soviet Union in Afghanistan, operations inadvertently helped lead to the rise of al-Qaeda.

Actions have consequences, and armed conflicts can set off chains of events that have effects for hundreds of years to come.

History has shown us that no struggle involving the Middle East has ever been quick, easy or clear-cut. There are always ramifications, always consequences. Unless the U.S. is willing to accept and deal with these consequences, this conflict is not for us.

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Editorial Cartoon by Dylan Kim

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famous too soon Janie Schutte Staff Reporter

Over the years, children have been placed in the spotlight from the point when they were just babies. The media has followed them since they were young, and there only appears to be a rise on young stars becoming famous in the blink of an eye.

Two of the world’s most famous twins were some of the first young stars to rise from fame as only babies. Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen appeared on the TV series “Full House” when they were one year old. Due to the Olsen twin’s young age, it was simple to swap them back and forth without viewers noticing. The Olsen twins were practically born and raised on the show; they were nine when the show came to an end.

Miley Cyrus was born and raised in Franklin, Tennessee, while her country superstar father Billy Ray Cyrus was working at topping the country music charts. When Miley was only a little girl, she would occassionally sneak on stage while Billy Ray was performing his hit, “Achy Breaky Heart.” She was raised in the spotlight, no matter what she knew her talents were to be. Miley went to public school as any other regular child would do, until the auditions for “Hannah Montana” approached.

She auditioned for the show at age 11, but did not get accepted for the role until she was 13. Hannah Montana put her on a path to fame very quickly, appearing on t-shirts at a very young age. It appeared to be too much, too soon when Miley began rebelling against her girly wardrobe.

Her clothes became more provocative as Miley tried to gain an image outside of her alter ego Hannah Montana. She changed her image by releasing music separate from Hannah Montana.

A new Disney Channel sitcom titled “Shake It Up” released in November 2010, follows two teenage girls and their struggles as they try to become professional dancers. Thorne is now at the young age of 13, with Zendaya only a year younger. Both girls are only at a young preteen age, but are already expected to dress and act a certain way.

The characters on their show are not decent role models for any girl, with their attitudes and their wardrobe. The girls both have attitudes that don’t set any right ideas for regular girls, due to the fact they come off as if they are better than everyone else. They might be chasing their dream in the show, but they aren’t setting the right way for normal girls to act.

Their wardrobe is more appropriate for a high school girl, rather than something a non-famous girl could afford.

These girls seem to be living under the watchful eye of society ever since they stepped in to the spotlight, and it’s a mystery to where their careers will truly go from now.

If normal children are raised in the spotlight, it is going to change their lives forever. They can go from playing in their backyard to the paparazzi chasing them down even at a young age. Every person deserves to live a regular childhood, not one consisting of prancing around on a stage in fancy clothes.

S potlight 05 “Inflicting Danger” from page 1.

WHAT IT IS LIKE TO HAVE DEPRESSION

Believe it or not, there are Sunrise students for whom depression is a real problem. One such student agreed to be interviewed about her experience in depression and self-harm.

“It’s kind of hard to list symptoms because it’s not like a cold you just get and notice right away,” she said. “It kind of sneaks up on you, and it lasts much longer than just like a mild cold or something.”

While she was unable to think of a particular incident that sparked the depression, she did describe her days of self-harm.

“I would flip out about how everything was like piling up around me,” she said. “I’d actually hide under a blanket sometimes just to try to get a hold of myself, [and then] I’d hit a certain point and just freeze… [and] I’d be really void, like I didn’t really feel anything. So, I kind of feel like I cut sometimes just to make sure that I was still alive.”

As to why she got in

A pril 13, 2011

such a low place, she figured, “[I’m] pessimistic, I guess. I tend to freak out about little things sometimes.”

WHAT TO DO IF A FRIEND IS DEPRESSED Finding out a friend is depressed or harms himself or herself is a difficult thing to deal with, but it is important to be there for support.

“If somebody is in a state of depression over an event or something that happened, just being there to talk to them really helps out a lot,” Welch said.

Insight was also gained through experience.

“You don’t have to act any different around them or anything,” the anonymous source said. “Just listen, I guess. Don’t try to compare it to something else. I hate it when people do that.”

“I know that I’m not the only one dealing with this kind of thing, but…” she said. “Comparing it makes it seem less important, as if they’re saying, ‘Hey, everyone else has the same thing. Get over it.’ And that’s not really what you want to hear at the time.”

As a friend, you may also want to help by giving advice, but this also is a tendency to avoid.

“You want someone who understands what you’re going through but won’t just lecture you on what you should do,” she said. “… I tend to just block them out if they do that.”

GETTING HELP If you are dealing with depression, it is important to reach out for help.

“I talked to my friend about it for a long time before I decided I wanted to get help…” the anonymous source said. “I got a lot of strength or something out of it. It really helped to just get it out there.”

After talking to her parents, she is now taking medication and going to therapy every week.

“You find your own right answer [in therapy].” Welch said. “Really, that’s what counseling is all about, anyway. They’re just trying to help you find your right answer because there’s not a right answer for everything. It’s whatever is right for you.”

Therapy can be a terrifying concept to teens.

“They might be afraid that there’s something

Sydney Tirella plays with pros Tiffanie Riess Staff Reporter

Senior Sydney Tirella is a talented viola player. She has been involved with orchestra since fourth grade and has played with members of the Phoenix Symphony and a professor at ASU for a concert. She has been a member of the SMHS quartet since her sophomore year and has been in a total of 14 concerts. So it might come as a surprise to know Tirella doesn’t want to continue with orchestra after high school.

“I’m not pursuing a music career because I had a realization this summer that that’s not what I want to do for the rest of my life,” Tirella said. “Realistically, I can’t see myself devoting all my time to music.”

Currently, Tirella is headed to ASU with her major set towards Anthropology.

“I wanted to do archeology at first because of Indiana Jones but anthropology just seemed better after I actually looked into it and all the glamour went away,” Tirella said.

As she moves on to bigger and better things she will remember her time on orchestra. Her proudest moment was when she played with the North West

Regional concert in February.

“I tried out for regionals all four years; you can only get into regionals through audition,” Tirella said. “Freshman year, I was second alternate. Sophomore year, I was tenth chair. Junior year, I was fourth chair. Senior year, I was sixth chair.”

A spot in the North West Regional is difficult to attain because all the schools in the North West are able to try out and chair placements are score based. The person with the highest score gets the highest chair.

She also enjoyed her time playing with members of the Phoenix Symphony.

“My private teacher recommended me to play with the Sustainable Symphony, which is comprised solely of volunteer musicians,” Tirella said. “At the concert I played with the Sustainable Symphony, there were a couple of Phoenix Symphony players as well. The featured artist was the professor of bass at ASU, Catilin Rotaru. It was fantastic playing this concert. At the time, I only had 8 years of experience as compared to my stand partner who had been playing viola for almost 20 years.”

As Tirella remembers, the experience was daunting but the musicians were very accepting considering she was only 16-years-old in a crowd of people that were double her age.

Tirella performed with the orchestra class at the district office March 24, and will also be performing at a wedding later in the semester.

wrong with them deeper than just a slight emotional disturbance,” Welch said. “With severe depression, counseling is really about the only way to overcome it… There’s some things that they can do to get medicated to help them out... before they start into really deviant behavior is kind of the key.”

Not everyone will feel that therapy is right for them.

“If nothing else, [talk to] a doctor,” the anonymous source said. “They can’t make you tell your parents or go to therapy.

It’s totally up to you.”

You can also talk to a guidance counselor at the school.

“I certainly would take it seriously whenever someone says they’re depressed,” Head Counselor Jill Birt said. “…[We would] delve into what’s going on and what we can do to make it better.”

GETTING BETTER “It’s hard [for me] sometimes,” the anonymous source said. “I get tired of talking about it. And especially now, with all the medicine and therapy, I sometimes feel more crazy now than I did

Photo illustration by Maddie Pado Modeling by Stormi Alvarez

before. But you just have to believe that someday you’re going to reach a point where it’s better.”

That being said, all is not hopeless. Just talking can lighten your load. “[Getting help is] a much bigger deal in your own head than it will be,” the anonymous source said. “So, if you’re struggling with the same thing, just find someone you trust and talk about [it].”

WORD OF ADVICE Depression isn’t cured

Students ‘Gleek Out’ with original songs Gilliene Yap Staff Reporter

Many students on campus find inspiration in songwriting.

Sophomore Ashley Hornsby is commonly known as a singer/ choir performer but also a songwriter since she was 12.

“I’ve gotten into perf o r m i n g and singing around fourth grade,” Hornsby said. “[My inspiration for my songs is from] experiences and other stories from other people- past stories and dreams.”

For junior Jessica O’Cheltree, she started writing pop songs as soon as she and her cousin started a band in eighth grade.

Though it failed, she continued her own songwriting describing its difficulties.

“The hardest part is having writer’s block and not having a beat to it,” O’Cheltree said. “[You just have to] think about what

happened in your life, just life experiences.”

Junior Rachel Passer looks up to artists like the Rolling Stones, Barry Manilow and the Beatles.

She writes about what is most important to her as other artists.

“I like to write about issues in the world and I try to give people hope,” Passer said. “The amazing thing is being able to set your thoughts out on paper.”

overnight, but with the right help you can manage it.

“I have bad days still where I’m so down I feel sick,” the anonymous source said. “I hate the pills I take and therapy I have to go to. Sometimes I avoid them. But you just have to hang on and trust that it’ll get better.

You just have to live for the things and people you love. That’s really the only thing you can do. That’s all you can ever do.”

Hornsby reflects upon her favorite song that she had written called “There’s Nothing More Than Loving”.

“I wrote that last year,” Hornsby said. “It’s basically about living life as an opportunity and it’s something you want.

There’s nothing more than loving and wanting to be happy.”

Passer also mentions her favorite song “Taste of Success” which is about encouragement and hope.

“It’s about getting through tough hardships in life and how it will be easier soon enough,” Passer said.

Kist explains that she h a s learned so much about herself as a songwriter over the years.

“I’m definitely more emotional and I don’t have as much barriers,” Kist said. “It gives a different take on the world and you get out more from experiences and relationships. It gives you an outlet to put your feelings into it.”

O’Cheltree is impacted by music such as others.

“They [people] can relate to music,” O’Cheltree said. “It touches people on a deeper level.”

Walking by our old front porch steps, wishing I never turned my back I don’t want love without you.”

-

- Jessica O’Cheltree, 11 Senior Rachel Kist has been writing songs since the age of five. Whenever she writes songs, she finds the bridge the hardest part to write about.

“It’s the most intense part and gives a different message and it gives a different feeling,” Kist said.

“Sometimes when you get into that place, you have to deal with the emotions you don’t really want to deal with.”

the H orseshoe 07 A pril 13, 2011

Gas prices throughout U.S. history Kelsey Luft Photo Editor

1970: Gas prices during this time were estimated to be under $0.32 per gallon.

1977: On average, $0.62 cents per gallon was spent at the gas pump.

1984: Roughly $1.21 was being spent on gas per gallon. The price spike during this year is probably related to the start of the Iraq-Iran war.

1991: Americans were spending $1.41 per gallon at the gas station.

1998: Gas prices on average throughout the United States dwindled to an estimated $1.06 per gallon.

2011: Because of recent events throughout the world, Americans are paying roughly $3.50 to $3.70 per gallon.

Information gathered from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Department of Energy and www.1970sflashback.com.

Photo by Emily Bridgewater

2005: During this time, gas ranged anywhere between a flat $2 per gallon to roughly $2.50 per gallon.

Gas prices in Peoria Jamie Warren Advertising Manager

The gas prices around Peoria were monitored the last week of March, according to motortrend.com. As of April 1, there were no major changes in prices, the lowest being $3.56 a gallon at Circle K on 83rd and Deer Valley. As of April 7, gas prices have increased. The biggest increase was the Chevron on Lake Pleasant Parkway, which rose by 8 cents.

1) Circle K: 83 and Union- $3.56 2) QT: 83 and Union- $3.60 3) Circle K: 83 and Deer Valley- $3.56 4) Valero: 83 and Deer Valley- $3.60 5) Circle K: 83 and Bell- $3.62 6) Chevron: 91 and Bell- $3.66 7) Chevron: Lake Pleasant Pkway- $3.62 8) QT: 75 and Deer Valley- $3.60

06 the H orseshoe A pril 13, 2011

Helpful ways for Sunrise drivers to save money at gas pumps Adrienne Sebade Staff Reporter

With the gas rising to nearly $4 a gallon, people need ways to save money at the pump. Here are some ideas to keep your change in your wallet.

Some of the shopping centers offer discount cards that you can use towards gas and groceries.

At Fry’s, the VIP Cards give you 10 cents off a gallon. This will save you money in the long run for gas and groceries.

As tempting as it may be, don’t race your friends down the street. For one thing, it’s illegal, and it wastes your gas. Try to stay at the speed limit so that you hit all green lights and aren’t pushing too much gas out of your

Photo from Wiki-Land Photo illustration by Kelsey Luft

tank.

According to fueleconomy.gov, aggressive driving can lower your gas mileage by 33 percent.

When driving on the highway, use cruise control. Cruise control keeps the car at a constant speed, thus saving gas.

Gas mileage actually decreases when you go over 60 miles per hour.

When you see the light turn yellow and if you are a ways off, be sure to coast. This slows you down before you stop and preserves your gas because you are not sitting at the light too long and wasting the gas.

According to the 23 car

maintenance tips on www. cartips.com, when you’re running low on gas, fill up at ¼ tank. This saves you money and keeps you safe.

If the gas tank gets too low, the dirt from the tank can get blocked in the filter and ruin it.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, to save gas, use the appropriate octane level for your car. The car’s manual will tell you which gasoline you need, and will specify otherwise if it is not regular gasoline.

Another way to save gas is to switch cars. Sure, this is not an ideal option, but if the price of gas be-

comes too high, you may want to consider an alternative fuel vehicles or hybrid electric vehicles.

The AFV’s use different forms of fuel, like methanol, ethanol, and other forms of fuel.

Hybrid electric vehicles combine gasoline engines and electricity.

A simple, final way to save gas: keep your car in shape. Be sure to get maintenance checks and clean your engines. Use the recommended grade of motor oil for your vehicle.

Go to www.fueleconomy.gov and www.cartips. com for more ways to save money at the pump.

Alternative Energy yd

and Environmental damages

e w r o p o r

arby h d into e t a Cre water power g n i ro ow f its . Hyd ng fl nessi .e. dams) ith 1/5 o on i w ( y ld fects energ s the wor ive side ef t can at ; i de provi Some neg can occur ation . y t u g n p o l ener vironme fish p n n o e t fec the an ef tats. have bi a and h

Green Stadiums The 2010 FIFA World Cup held in South Africa, had a carbon footprint eight times higher than the 2006 World Cup held in Germany. Qatar, the host of the 2022 World Cup, has vowed to lower the impact on the environment by incorporating solar energy, sunshading and a public transportation plan.

Revolts effect gas prices Marion Cambrelin Staff Reporter

From $3 a gallon to nearly $4 in the past month, Arizonans have become more aware of how much they need their cars. The real question is, however, how much are they willing to pay for transportation? As more and more rebellions have aroused in the Middle East, there has been a direct effect on our economy. We currently receive our oil from the countries such as Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, and the rest of the OPEC member countries. OPEC stands for Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and is responsible for 80% of America’s oil consumption. To Sunrise Mountain High School, this means higher costing means of transportation.

“I drive an F150 and it now costs me $75 to fill up my tank. A lot of my friends have to drive less because of how much it costs now,” said junior Hunter Wright.

Senior Cameron Coleman also drives an F150 like Wright.

“I pay over a hundred and yeah its more than usual but it really doesn’t affect my driving since I only drive to school, the gym, or nearby houses,” said Coleman.

Carpooling has also become more popular among many students.

Senior Ty Boulos said, “In the past month, I started carpooling a lot more of my friends. Whenever I go somewhere, I give at least two other people a ride.”

As prices are rising for gas, how often are you willing to drive?

Recyle d

O

D i d you know that engine oil can be recycled, re-refined and used again?

Did you also know, that in the U.S. wastes 400 million gallons of used oil.

il

H

Brandi Porter Copy Editor

Nuclear Meltdown

Biofuels Ethanol is the most popular form of biofuel. It can be made from corn and sugarcane. It is questionable whether creating ethanol is better for the environment because the entire process of growing the corn, harvesting it and turning it to ethanol consumes a lot of fossil fuels.

Since the earthquake in Japan, workers have been trying to cool of nuclear reactors to avoid a nuclear meltdown. They’ve been using sea water in order to cool it down. On Thursday, April 7, TEPCO (Tokyo Electric Power Company) took samples from seawater around a reactor; results came back that radiation was 5 million times the legal limit.

08 S potlight A pril 13, 2011

Scouts face increasing challenges with age

Sophomores Stephanie Hansen and Cheyenne Adamonis, senior Shannon Hansen and two eighth grade members of their troop pose during a camp they helped plan. Submitted by Shannon Hansen.

Chelsey Schmid Staff Reporter

“Be prepared”…to meet some of the high school Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts at Sunrise Mountain. Although scouting is a favored pastime for much of America’s youth, many students drop scouting as they get older due to scheduling conflicts, reorganization of troops or a simple lack of interest.

Some, however, including sophomore Cheyenne Adamonis and seniors Shannon Hansen and Seth Brimley, stick with it all the way to high school.

Adamonis has been in Girl Scouts since she was in first grade and is still going strong. She participates in many of the activities put on by her troop such as selling

cookies, earning badges and planning camps for younger girls. The camps are Adamonis’s favorite part of scouting.

“It’s so fun,” Adamonis said. “You get to interact with all the younger scouts, and… they’re always just so happy.”

Hansen is in the same troop as Adamonis and has been a Girl Scout since kindergarten. She is currently an “Ambassador” scout, the highest level before “Adult”. Planning camps is also her favorite part of scouting.

“When you go to camp everything comes together, and you get that feeling that you did something good,” Hansen said.

Both Adamonis and Hansen agree that scouting requires more respon-

sibility and commitment in high school than at the lower levels.

“You come together less often,” Hansen said. “You work on bigger thing, and you work on things on your own.”

Adamonis has to juggle scouting with her many other activities.

“You have to deal with the sports and all the clubs you’re actively in now,” Adamonis said.

“And sometimes you feel like you’re embarrassed to be a Girl Scout, but other times… you’re just like, hey, well not many people are in Girl Scouts so might as well just show.”

Seth Brimley is a Boy Scout through his church.

He has been involved since he was 12 years old and is currently a Life

Scout. He recently finished his application for his Eagle Scout rank. In order to earn the rank, he had to complete a community service project.

“I built garden boxes at Candeo Charter School,” Brimley said of his project. “[The school is] going to have the kids plant stuff.

They’re using it to…teach the kids about responsibility…gardening, healthy living.”

Brimley has participated in many activities while in scouting including archery, shooting, bo staff skills and camping.

“We’ve been doing kind of high adventure campouts,” Brimley said. “So our next one that’s coming up is…going to Lake Powell and camping out.”

All three scouts feel that scouting has helped to prepare them for life.

“We definitely earn responsibility and organization when dealing with Girl Scout cookies and sales,” Adamonis said.

“And planning events such as the camps and fundraisers, you definitely have to get out in the world and start planning.”

By sticking with scouting, these students have been able to participate in a fulfilling and unique recreational activity.

New members of National Honor Society to participate in induction ceremony Natasha Hossain Managing Editor

S

ophomores at Sunrise are ready to become a part of National Honor Society while the seniors are preparing to leave.

The induction ceremony will take place on April 19 at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium.

The audience can expect to see the new members introduced, the seniors receiving their stoles for graduation and the officers for the 2011-2012 school year for the first time.

“My favorite part is when the new officers speak at the ceremony and when the seniors are recognized,” Sponsor Erin Walton said.

To become a part of NHS, students have to meet requirements such as a 3.7 GPA or higher, demonstrate leadership skills, conduct service to the school and community and be a mature, responsible role model. Students must also be a second semester sophomore.

“The requirements are important because NHS students are required to do a lot of volunteering outside of school,” Sponsor Sheila Raleigh said. “Many NHS students tutor here at SMHS and at Frontier. Many community groups and neighboring elementary schools ask our students to volunteer at various events throughout the year.”

Requirements are important to the club to ensure the students are appropriate for the program and are role models at Sunrise.

“The requirements help the selection committee to know students are able to commit their time to volunteering,” Raliegh said.

After becoming nominated, students must fill out the application and gather teacher recommendations. If accepted, the next step is the induction ceremony.

Seniors say goodbye Students compete to be number one in class at annual breakfast Carolyn Corcoran Staff Reporter

Bri Shanley Staff Reporter

In just a few short weeks, seniors will graduate and begin their lives in the real world. In return for the four years they’ve spent with SMHS, Student Council has a tradition of hosting a few celebratory activities.

The annual senior breakfast on May 7 acts as a final, bittersweet gathering before graduation.

Any senior can purchase a ticket for $10 for the senior breakfast which is to be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the cafeteria.

The students are able to reminisce about their high school years over food and festivities.

This year, the meal is catered by Mimi’s Café and seniors are given fun awards such as “Best Dressed” and “Most Athletic.”

“We’re giving the people who won ‘senior best’ awards crowns and sashes and probably around twenty other awards like that,” Senior Class President Brittany Bade said.

In addition to the awards, Student Council shows the senior video, a montage of photos from high school seniors.

The video should contain all seniors and is being compiled from yearbook pictures, club presidents’ submissions, and the Facebook page “sunrisemtn2011,” where students can tag whichever pictures they wish to see using Facebook. Student Council also encourages submitting both high school and elementary photos.

Seniors who attend the breakfast will be the first to receive their yearbooks.

Books will also be on sale for $60. School debts must be paid before seniors get their books. Seniors not attending the breakfast will get their yearbooks Tuesday, May 10. “[The breakfast] is a time to get together prior to graduation as seniors and reflect on the wonderful memories and share those memories with friends,” Senior Class Sponsor Mark Faust said.

In a society based on numbers, everyone strives to be number one.

Many students at Sunrise Mountain are chasing that dream.

According to the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), the majority of high schools in the United States do not use or report class rank (College Board Online).

Thus, the use of class rank is not a standardized practice across the country. However, the Peoria Unified School District (PUSD) does use the class rank system. So when it comes to paying for college, some students find that their rank factors into their college options more now than ever.

Because class rank is determined by your Class Rank Index (CRI), not your Grade Point Average (GPA), receiving all A grades in all mainstream class will not seat you

“

at the number one spot.

Grades received, honors distinguished classes, additional courses and hours of volunteer service are what separates number one from number 51.

That being said, it is just as possible for students taking honors classes to fall well below num-

ferently] I would make [class rank determined]

by GPA,” Migliorino said. “[It would be] a harder competition [based on] extracurricular activities [as well].”

The importance of class rank is escalated senior year for those seeking acceptance and scholarships from fouryear universities.

“Class rank isn’t as important to me,” senior Sarah Quintal said. “If you’re going to a four-year university it’s more important.”

Quintal intends to go to GCC next fall, later planning to transfer to a university. Like Migliorino, she supports the idea of a class rank determined by GPA. “I took honors classes all last year,” Quintal said.

“While it helps you with doing multiple stuff at once, that’s all it does.”

Those students seeking university admittance may argue that the impor-

I take as many classes as possible and always know what other people are doing...It’s a competition.”

-Kelsey Stopkey, 11 ber 51.

“I feel that people can purchase their class rank [through] online classes,” sophomore Trever Migliorino said. “Being in regular classes puts you [in the] 25th position.”

Migliorino has received all A grades since freshman year, but has not taken any honors classes.

His class rank has fluctuated from 25 at its highest to the upper 30s, which he believes to be because of one B grade this semester. “[If I could do it dif-

tance of class rank begins well before August of their senior year, though.

Juniors Brennan Smith and Kelsey Stopkey, both ranked among the highest in the junior class, recognize the importance and competition among students in the race for class rank.

“Other people take it competitively,” Smith said. “I don’t know, I just do the best in my classes.

It doesn’t stress me out like it stresses other people out.”

Smith participates in the wrestling and weight training program throughout the year. While continuing his wrestling career in college, he plans on pursuing a degree in engineering.

Stopkey participates in orchestra, National Honor Society (NHS) and Fashion Club. She plans to attend an Ivy League school after graduation, but hasn’t eliminated ASU as an option.

“I take as many classes as possible and always know what other people are doing,” Stopkey said.

“It’s a competition.”

the S cene 09 A pril 13, 2011

All Time Low rocks new tour ‘Dirty Work’ on April 11 Janie Schutte Staff Reporter

All Time Low is a pop-punk band that has been rocking the music scene since 2005. The band members include Alex Gaskarth as vocalist and rhythm guitarist, Jack Barakat as a backup vocalist and lead guitarist, Zack Merrick as backup vocalist and bassist and drummer Rian Dawson.

In a phone conference with other high school students, we were given the opportunity to interview Barakat. It was truly an honor to interview Barakat because he answered the questions so thoroughly, and also appeared to be very down to earth. That was slightly surprising due to the stereotype that some musical artists appear selfish. There may be some people who would assume the fans went wild during the conference, but everyone acted very professional.

The band is performing at the Marquee Theatre in Tempe on April 11. The show is part of their ‘Dirty Work’ tour. The inspiration for this title was a record also titled “Dirty Work” by The Rolling Stones. The

actual album for Dirty Work does not have a definite release date yet due to a change in labels and some material being moved around for the album. There are definitely some great plans for the tour.

“You can expect a couple new songs, one of the best light shows we’ve ever had and hopefully a lot of crowd surfing, ” Barakat said.

The pressure from fans and the music industry can be stressful or a motivation to improve upon the music with every album.

“It’s definitely a mix of both,” Barakat said. “With every album it gets more stressful because luckily in our scenario for every album we’ve had more fans.”

The fans are definitely some of the most important people to All Time Low. “Every time we do a new record there’s a lot of pressure from the fans because you don’t want to let them down,” Barakat said. “It’s a big motivator because you have all these kids telling you how much they love your music, and you want to continue pleasing them.”

Britney’s comeback singles bring her back into the spotlight

WizKhalifa’s newalbumearns4outof 5 E’Shai Williams Staff Reporter

Wiz Khalifa’s album “Rolling Papers” is released on March 29th, 2011.

In 2007, Wiz Khalifa released “Say Yeah” and even though he disappeared for a while after that and came back with “Black and Yellow” people still didn’t know who the young Pittsburgh artist was. Before releasing his album, Khlaifa has done plenty of mix tapes; his latest one is called “Cabin Fever”.

Songs like “Phone Numbers”, “Taylor Gang”, and “Gang Bang”, featuring Big Sean has made that mix tape a big hit for the Pittsburgh rapper.

“Rolling Papers” has two singles, the single “Black and Yellow” aka “Pittsburgh Anthem” and “Roll Up” which is a love song for his female fans such as senior Brittney Bade.

‘Roll Up’ is my favorite song, I love it!” Bade said.

Students who are big fans of Khalifa are waiting for March 29th. Junior Au-

brey McCown said that he has been listening to some of Khalifa songs and when the album comes out he will download it.

“My favorite song from the album is “Top Floor”, it’s legit,” McCown said.

Khalifa is a rapper that took a break, but came back and took off like a rocket.

Junior America Freeman said Wiz is enjoyable to listen to and is very attractive and in the future she hopes to hear more of him.

The single “Black and Yellow” was very catchy but not anymore. Junior Kaleb Grau blames the radio for over playing the song.

“When I heard ‘Black and Yellow’ I liked it, until the radio got a hold of it and played it out, so now I don’t like it,” Grau said.

McCown said, “It was annoying at first but the remix is better.”

For some time now there has been some comparison between Pittsburgh

rapper and the New Orleans rapper: Wiz vs. Wayne.

Freshman Kayla Copley, who is deeply in love with lil Wayne, even had to admit that Wiz Khlaifa was a better rapper.

He explains his comment.

“Wiz is a better rapper because he has different styles in his music, like the “Kid Frankie” which has a funky beat to it and “Paper Callin” has a rock n roll beat,” Copley said.

Danger zone: music devices trigger permanent hearing loss

Gilliene Yap Page Designer

Adrienne Sebade Staff Reporter

These days most students cannot be found without a music device in thier ears, but some might not know that being exposed to music can trigger hearing loss and tinnitus, ringing in the ears.

Studies have shown and suggested that people should only limit themselves to 85 decibels (loudness of sound) because listening above this level for quite some time can cause hair cells in the ear to be permanently damaged. Not only music can do this, but other sounds like a chainsaw or a screaming child reported to reach as high as 110 decibels.

To avoid damage, wear earplugs when listening at or above 85 decibels on the Mp3 player or turn the volume down by 3 decibels to make sure there is a less risk of having hearing loss problems.

Look for earphones that block ambient sound, so there won’t be a temptation to crank up the volume. The Logitech Ultimate Ears Loud Enough Volume worth $40, limits 20 dB off of any sound, can be found at Logitech.com.

National Institute of Health advises to take 15-20 minutes breaks when listening in high volume.

With her new album Femme Fatale now out, Britney Spears released two new singles to get fans ready for the album. The two singles, ‘Till the World Ends” and “Hold It Against Me” were released earlier this year to get fans excited. This reporter has mixed thoughts on them.

“Hold It Against Me” isn’t typical Britney. I expected something better, and was disappointed by this song. The beat and words are not catchy and make me want to turn the song off. However, the message and the way she says the words to the song are catchy. Otherwise, there was nothing good about the song.

“Till the World Ends” is definitely a dance tune and is very catchy. I absoulutely like this song better than “Hold It Against Me”. This song is more Britney’s style, and I would totally buy this song off of iTunes. The words are mixed in great to the music, and the song shines.

I would recommend this song to everyone.

Britney seems to be back and I think we are all in store for a couple of surprises.

Are you listening to your music too loud? At 100% volume, you should limit yourself to 15 minutes when listening to your ipod. Check out the graphic for more information. Photo by Gilliene Yap

10 P laying F ield A pril 13, 2011

Spring Sports Update: 2011 season 1

SOFTball

TRACK

2 1.) RUNNIN’ RUNNIN’: Seniors Cameron Ford, Andrew Yanes, Cameron Coleman and Seth Brimley participate in a technique workout. 2.) HIGH STEPPIN’: Juniors Krista Kohlhase and Courtney Da Lee practice hurdles. Photos by Gilliene Yap.

1

1 VOLLEYball

2

2

1.) RUN IT HOME: Senior Erica Downing jogs across the softball field. 2.) HUDDLE UP: Varsity Coach Nick Rizer talks with seniors Karissa Haleman and Erica Downing and junior Anne Jordan. The team has had 17 wins and 1 loss.

Photos by Gilliene Yap.

1

1.) BUMP, SET, SPIKE: Junior Jonathan Fair prepares to serve in a JV game against Ironwood High School on April 6. The team has a total of 2 wins and 8 losses so far this season. 2.) DIG IT: JV boys fight to get the ball over the net.

Photos by Anissa Saenz-Ochoa.

2

gIRLS TENNIS

1.) MATCH POINT: Senior Haley Kent sends a tennis ball flying. Kent has been on the team since last year. 2.) LUNGE: Sophomore Natalie Kurtz serves during a match. Photos by Gilliene Yap.

1 BOYS TENNIS

2

1.) ACE: Senior Marcus Roberts serves a ball in preparation for a match against Liberty. 2.)

BREAK POINT: Senior Ryan Gonzales sprints across the court in pursuit of a ball. Photos by Emily Bridgewater.

Varsity baseball team invited to National Baseball Classic in California Bri Shanley Staff Reporter The varsity baseball team is traveling to Anaheim, California for the National Baseball Classic where they are compet-

ing against the best of high school baseball.

With a successful season thus far, the boys are excited to get the opportunity to travel to the neighboring state and play against different teams they typically would not get the opportunity to compete against.

“It allows us to play out-of-state teams,” junior Nick White said.

“It’s an invite only, so only the best teams get to go.”

The team is very excited to get the opportunity to compete in this particular tournament, not only because it is in California, but also because it is a great accomplishment to even be accepted.

“It’s hard to get in,” senior The varsity team congratulates each other in the dugout in a game against Dysart. Photo by Morgan Brewster.

Shane Johnson said. “You have to send in a resume of everything; your past few years’ schedule, who you have returning.

If you’re chosen, you know you’re a good team.”

The boys have high hopes for the tournament and expect nothing less than winning.

“We always expect to win but the experience of playing against what most consider the best baseball teams will only help us compete here in Arizona at the state tournament,” Head Coach Eric Gardner said.

The tournament is also acting as a sort of vacation for the boys considering they get to go to California and particularly the beach, but the boys are focused on the task at hand: baseball.

“The tournament will have an opening ceremony along with the home run derby on the first day,” Gardner said.

“We will have one day off where we will

attend a baseball game and probably have some free time at the beach. Otherwise it is pretty much baseball 24/7.”

Seniors Shane Johnson and Austin Byler are representing Sunrise Mountain in the home run derby.

“I was gifted with the ability to hit balls far,” Johnson said. “I’m really excited because I feel like me and Byler are going to tear it up.”

The tournament is April 16-22 beginning with the home run derby and opening festivities on the first day, and several competitive games spread across the next few days.

We regret the error

In Baseball prepares for season, hopeful for Championship from the February issue, senior Shane Johnson was mistakenly identified in the picture as senior Austin Byler.

P laying F ield 11 A pril 13, 2011

Jeffers earns soccer Tyler Crawford swings for the fences scholarship Bri Shanley Staff Reporter

Senior Jocelyn Jeffers decided to join the varsity soccer team this year, her final year of high school. Playing for 11 years now, she has mastered the ability to play the field to near perfection and has done nothing short of leading her team to a winning season.

With a total of 33 goals and 7 assists in the regular season, Jeffers not only contributed on an obvious skill level, but also through her character and personality.

“She has tremendous work ethic and therefore has exceptional ball skills and ability to read the field,” Head Coach Shauna Johnson said. “She is highly competitive, but still maintains her sense of humor.”

Many of her teammates, including junior Amanda Okani, agree with Coach Johnson.

“I feel like she is a really good asset to the team, not only points wise, but she brings everyone together,” Okani said.

“She is really encouraging, and she’s always cracking jokes. There is never a dull moment with her.”

Jeffers’ participation is a big plus to the girls’ team, considering this is her first year playing for the school.

“My parents and I had a deal that

“

I plan on playing all four years, and my dream is to win at least one NCAA Championship out of those four years.”

- Jocelyn Jeffers, 12

once I got a college scholarship, then I can play high school soccer, so that’s why I haven’t played in the previous years,” Jeffers said.

Her parents and peers were not surprised when Jeffers earned a full ride scholarship to Washington State in Pullman, Wash., where she will play soccer under Coach Matt Potter.

“I plan on playing all four years, and my dream is to win at least one NCAA Championship out of those four years,” Jeffers said.

Because she didn’t play on the school team, she has played on club teams for a long time which has allowed her to get a significant amount of exposure to college coaches. She now hopes to be an active member of the Washington team and lead them to success as she has for Sunrise Mountain.

“I’m confident that she will be a contributor at Washington her freshman year,” Johnson said. With the confidence and best wishes from her current teammates and mentors, Jeffers feels all will fall into place with hard work and determination. The fact that she is able to play soccer everyday is a mere plus.

“I get to express myself on the field through the way I play,” Jeffers said. “To me, playing soccer is a getaway from life, and I’m able just to be in the moment.”

KEEP ON RUNNING: Senior Tyler Crawford heads to first in a game against Dysart High School April 7. Crawford will be playing baseball at U of A next year. Photo by Morgan Brewster.

Sydney Oddo Junior Reporter

Tyler Crawford’s baseball career is looking bright. Crawford’s future after high school seems unreal. He has worked hard all his life, and it seems to finally be paying off, as he will be attending the University of Arizona to play baseball next year.

Crawford’s baseball inspiration is

close to the heart.

“My dad is my inspiration, he pretty much taught me everything and just kept me going through all the hard times,” Crawford said.

The team is like one big family. ”We’ve been together so long,” Crawford said. “We have been great friends since we all got here.”

The coaches and the players have a bond no amount of losses can sever.

“We talk to each other about everything; we have known each other long enough that we can be completely honest about everything,” Crawford said.

Crawford admits to his imperfections.

“I am not the fastest runner, that’s for sure,” Crawford said.

He also reflected on some areas he could improve upon.

“I could definitely get a lot stronger, add some strength to my frame, and that’ll help me throw faster, run harder, and do all that stuff,” Crawford said.

Crawford’s first team was when he was just three years old, still a certified toddler. It was something fun to do and he fell in love with it.

“I love the atmosphere of a close game, the competition,” Crawford said.

Crawford’s time at Sunrise has come to an end but not before he can go out swinging with one final season.

“I love my time here, and I love the guys; I’m going to miss them a lot,” Crawford said. “There is a different feeling this year, more like an attitude adjustment like we expect to win instead of hoping to win. It is pretty exciting.”

Head Coach Eric Gardner sees good things in Crawford’s future.

“Tyler Crawford’s been the guy for us, a good player for us for three years now and has always done well so I will expect him to do the same,” Gardner said.

“He’s a well accomplished player and is going to the University of Arizona, and with that being said I think every time he takes the mount he expects to win,” Gardner admits to some mistakes as molds his players, so his future team learns and grows from past faults and experiences.

“Last year we made a mistake of overlooking lesser opponents, and I think Tyler will tell you that and any senior will tell you that,” Gardner said. “We lost to Dysart last year and it cost us the first region championship.”

Q & A with Brianna Gades- ASU gymnast extraordinaire Morgan Brewster Multimedia Editor

Recently senior Brianna Gades was signed with the National Collegiate Athletic Association, NCAA, for the ASU gymnastics program.

Morgan Brewster: When did you start out in gymnastics? What team are you on now?

Brianna Gades: When I was four, and at Phoenix Gymnastics Academy.

MB: What is your schedule like right now? How often do you practice?

BG: Four and a half hours every day, five days a week. I do all four [events] a day.

MB: What are your personal goals for gymnastics in the next 10 years?

BG: Just go to college and do good at ASU. Maybe be a coach someday.

MB: Were you surprised when the NCAA signed you?

BG: No, I knew I was going to since I was a sophomore.

MB: If you could choose to go to any university, where would you go?

BG: Arizona State, [for their gym program] and it’s close to home.

MB: Have you had many coaches throughout your career?

BG: Six, but I only have four now.

MB: What do you want to study in college?

BG: Study in business.

MB: What is your favorite part of gymMB: What are you most looking forward nastics? to about the ASU gymnastics program? BG: Competitions, being able to travel, BG: Just doing good and having fun, and the team stuff. traveling and competitions and stuff.

MB: The least?

MB: Is there any competition that you’ve BG: Probably having to go 4 ½ hours competed in that you really enjoyed? every day of my life.

BG: Nationals, I got second in the na- MB: What is your favorite event? tion two years in a row on beam.

BG: Beam.

MB: When did you feel most accomplished as a gymnast?

BG: Probably when I signed.

MB: How do you balance school and sports throughout the year?

BG: It’s hard, but just do your homework and stuff.

MB: Favorite preevent meal?

BG: No, not really, just eat something good.

MB: What is the best sports advice you have ever received?

BG: Just keep trying, it’s all worth it CHEERS TO YOU: Senior Brianna Gades hugs her coach after signing with ASU’s gymnastics team. Photo contributed by Emily Bridgewater. in the end.

12 the R ound -U p A pril 13,2011

Japan suffers from massive earthquake, tsunami Meguni Sasaki, right, and her husband, Satoru Sasaki, both 36, return to their neighborhood to collect what few possessions they can find. One of the items was a couch. “This used to be in our living room,” said Meguni Sasaki. “It was so expensive.”

Carolyn Cole/Los Angeles Times/MCT

Emily Bridgewater Page Designer

As U.S. Ambassador John Roos addresses a group of earthquake/tsunami victims on Wednesday, March 23, 2011, at the Watanoha Elementary School in Ishinomaki, Japan, many were moved by his speech. Some 1,000 people are staying at the school after losing their homes to the disaster.

Carolyn Cole/Los Angeles Times/MCT

Damaged roads in the affected regions have made access to communities in need all the more challenging. This picture was taken outside Otsuchi in Iwate prefecture.

Japanese Red Cross Society/ American Red Cross

Japan has seen many devastating natural and man-made disasters, from the bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki to the recent March 11 earthquake and tsunami, and subsequent aftershock including a 7.1 earthquake on April 7.

Off the coast of Sendai, an earthquake of 9.0 magnitude hit causing a chain reaction of a tsunami hitting Japan and the Pacific Rim. According to Fox News, this earthquake was the biggest earthquake on record for Japan.

Because of the earthquake, there were tsunami waves up to 23.6 meters high. The water from the tsunami traveled six miles inland and damaged many roads, houses and nuclear reactors that are in Japan.

According to ABC News, the earthquake knocked out the power for the nuclear reactors in Japan. The Fukushima-Daiichi reactor built up heat induced pressure that caused evacuations. The damage to the nuclear reactors has caused problems because of the radiation in the air. Japanese citizens are not only dealing with the loss of their homes but also deal with radiation poisoning.

Normally, an earthquake that has a magnitude above 8.5 is abnormal to seismologists. The reason the earthquake had a magnitude of 9.0 was because a plate boundary and subduction zone had a crooked break. This proved to be shocking to scientists.

The tsunami not only damaged the Japanese coastline but also from Alaska to the Chile.

Although these were mainly small waves, the tsunami still made an impact on the coastlines.

Political unrest in Libya: Gadhafi refuses to resign, civilians protest Anissa Saenz-Ochoa Page Designer The events occurring in Libya near the end of February 2011 and throughout the month of March and April have included a series of anti-government protests and vicious attacks on civilians initiated by government officials.

Anti-government demonstrations have been occurring in many countries in the Middle East this year and after protests in Egypt and the surrounding country Tunisia, Libya’s civilians held protests of their own. On Feb. 16, protesters crowded the streets of Benghazi demanding that Moammar Gaddafi step down.

Gadhafi has been Libya’s leader since he led the Revolution of Libya in 1969, when he overthrew the King of Libya and established the Libyan Arab Republic.

Gaddafi has been in power for 42 years making him one of the world’s longestserving rulers in history.

NBC News provided a timeline of events in Libya stating that after the protest on Feb. 16, Gadhafi ultimately refused to step down. As a result, protesters continued to take action throughout the country. By Feb. 28, rebels of the Libyan government took control of the cities of Benghazi and Misurata and nearly Tripoli. The rebels proved it was possible for them to establish a transitional government by organizing a military and an executive committee. However, the Libyan Air Force and security forces attacked the rebels from the air and the ground. Gadhafi’s forces, more numerous and experienced, weakened the rebels and their rebellion.

On March 17, the United Nations Security Council approved military action against Libya, approving the task of creating a no-fly zone. Two days later, the U.S. participated in an attack initiated

by France.

So why did the U.S. get involved? CBS News quotes President Obama’s reason for U.S. involvement in Libya.

“Today, we are part of a broad coalition,” Obama said. “We are answering the calls of a threatened people and we are acting in the interests of the United States and the world.”

By March 21, the no-fly zone over Libya was considered a success. France, Britain, the United States, and some Arab countries are supporting the Libyan civilians and hope to prevent Gadhafi from furthering attacks on them.

Rebel fighters dance, chant and fire weapons into the air after being bouyed by a surprise visit from General Abdul Fatah Yunis at the front lines near Port Brega, Libya, on Friday, April 1, 2011. Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times/MCT

American Red Cross volunteer work makes a difference Kelsey Luft Photo Editor The American Red Cross association is known worldwide for their volunteer assistance to emergency situations, such as natural disaster relief efforts. Most recently, the American Red Cross offered assistance to the thousands of devastated lives in Japan after the earthquake and tsunami attack.

Founded in 1881 by Clara Barton, the American Red Cross is run solely by volunteers. The organization is designed to help save lives and to prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies, whatThe Japanese Red Cross Society is offering all ever the emergency may be. available assistance at the evacuation centres.

“Some four million people give Young people and the elderly can be particularly blood… through the Red Cross, making vuulnerable , which is why they need extra atit the largest supplier of blood and blood tention. Japanese Red Cross Society

products in the United States,” according to the American Red Cross official website.

The American Red Cross helps communities in need throughout the country while also helping the International Red Cross, which is made up of 97 million volunteers.

According to its website the American Red Cross, volunteer services provided 3.9 million people vital assistance from disasters and protect 63 million people against measles, HIV/AIDS and malaria in 2010 along with many other life-changing support systems.

The Red Cross announced that the general public donated $120.5 million for relief efforts in Japan on Tuesday, March 29.

“The money will go to … the Japanese Red Cross, which is providing direct emergency relief, medical services and emotional counseling to affected communities,” The American Red Cross website read. “The American Red Cross committed an initial $10 million in the early days after the disaster and will provide the Japanese Red Cross with another $50 million in the next few days.

The remainder of the funds will be made available as they come in.”

To see volunteer opportunities closest to Peoria visit http://redcross.volunteermatch.org. Volunteer opportunites are also available to view at the Grand Canyon Chapter’s website. Make sure to visit http://www.arizonaredcross.org for more information.