04.10.12 THE
MUSTANG EXPRESS
The student publication of Sunrise Mountain High School
Volume 16 Issue 5
http://mustangexpress.org
Mr. Nunez resigns, Mrs. Short steps up Emily Bridgewater Section Editor Sarah Gilmour Staff Reporter
On March 29, the Peoria Unified School District Governing Board accepted the resignation of Sunrise Mountain Principal Jerry Nunez. Assistant Principal Donna Short took over as principal on Monday, April 2. According to the press release sent out by PUSD, “Effective April 2, 2012, Sunrise Mountain assistant principal, Donna Short, will serve as acting principal through the remainder of the school year.” Short accepted the job
for various reasons. “One of the reasons that I agreed to take over the job for the short term is that I wanted [the school] to feel like we all knew the rules, we knew you, you knew us, and that way, we could have a smooth transition to the end of the year,” Mrs. Short said. Mrs. Short plans to keep the school running smoothly for the remainder of the year. “Sunrise Mountain is a fantastic school,” Mrs. Short said. “We’re going to keep running the way we were, doing the things that are right for students
and staff and make this a great end of the year.” A permanent replacement is being found, as PUSD Director of Public Relations Danielle Airey explained. “We will posting the principal positions and accepting both internal and external applications,” Ms. Airey said. “We hope to have a new principal to introduce to the community before the start of next year.” Rumors have circulated around school, including that Mr. Nunez was fired. Airey helped clear up the rumors. “Mr. Nunez was most
certainly not fired,” Ms. Airey said. “He submitted his resignation, and we respect that.” Another rumor circulating campus that Mr. Nunez resigned because of public scrutiny he faced over his decision to cut competitive cheer. However, Ms. Airey explained that the reason Mr. Nunez resigned is not being disclosed to the public. “All personnel matters are handled in our executive session, so unfortunately I will not be able to provide you with details regarding an employee’s resignation,” Ms. Airey said.
SMHS Under Mr. Nunez
Highlights from Principal Jerry Nunez’s time at SMHS: • Enforced new attendance policy to significantly decrease the number of student absences each year • Supported closed campus policy • AIMS Prep program, which resulted in district-high AIMS scores • Started Mustang Round Up for incoming freshmen and year-long freshman English classes • Instituted dance regulations and supported ID policy • Developed University High *2006-2012: Sunrise ranked an “Excelling” school List compiled by Megan McGovern
Mr. Nunez was the principal at Sunrise Mountain for six years. To formerly announce his resignation, the district sent out
a letter to every student explaining that he left on good terms and that they wish him the best.
Patrick Mayberry forever remembered Cheer places first at Nationals amid controversy Jennifer Soules Section Editor
Natasha Hossain Editor-in-Chief Adrienne Sebade and Gabriela Barge Staff Reporters
Since November of 2011, junior Patrick Mayberry has been fighting a battle against brain cancer. Unfortunately, on Monday, April 4, Patrick lost that battle. After several seizures in November, doctors believed that Patrick had a brain infection and attempted three different surgeries. During a later MRI, Patrick had a stroke, where doctors found that he in fact had Histiocytic Sarcoma. The disease then made him unable to attend school. Patrick soon started radiation therapy and was scheduled to soon start Chemo. He passed away surrounded by members of his family. But the Mayberry family wasn’t alone on this unexpected journey. Throughout Sunrise and the surrounding community, students, faculty and families came together to raise money, awareness and support for the Mayberry family. Student Council sold
bracelets at Sunrise at the beginning of March that read “Prayers for Patrick.” The bracelet sales also made their way to other feeder schools in the area. The sale raised more than $3,500 for the Mayberry family. Along with the bracelets, Student Council held a walk on Thursday, March 8. Participants circled the track for 45 minutes and had a candle-lighting ceremony for Patrick. There was also an opportunity to make a donation. Participants donated more than $2,400 with more than 400 supporters attending the event.
Jobs for Arizona Graduates (JAG) created and sold 150 T-shirts to Sunrise students and faculty. The club was able to give $948 to the family. Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) also helped out by fundraising $485 on campus. In honor of Patrick, school counselor, Jill Birt advises students to take away a deeper meaning from these events. “Just live in every moment,” counselor Jill Birt said. “Be kind to people around you. Worry about the big stuff and don’t sweat the small stuff.”
After a few controversial months and with their competitive future up in the air, varsity cheer attended the 2012 USA Spirit Nationals in Anaheim, California. They took 1st place in Super Varsity Show Cheer Advanced Division and were Group Stunt runners-up. In late February, Sunrise administration presented cheerleaders and parents with their decision to cut the school’s competitive cheer program. The meeting, held on Feb. 29, was filmed on a parent’s phone and uploaded to YouTube. The 29 minute video shows Principal Jerry Nunez and Athletic Director Christine Gutierrez informing those in attendance of the decision and the subsequent reactions. Controversy arose when, toward the end of the video, Mr. Nunez can be heard responding to a parent’s inquiry about the decision with the words “personal preference.” The “personal preference” in question became the main anchor point in the tornado of reactions following the decision, but it was not the sole justification provided. Mrs. Gutierrez can be seen in the video explaining that the program cut was stemming from the “prohibitive costs of the program, safety concerns and issues and limited space.” Mr. Nunez and administration made the decision to have cheer focus more on supporting Sunrise teams. “We would like to support our teams we have on campus currently,” Mr. Nunez said in the video.
” r e v e r o F f o s r ooth “Whispe snap b Friday, April 27 7-11 p.m.
variety of desserts
The Arizona Interscholastic Association article 36 defines cheer as a supportive role within the school, and explains performing as a secondary role to that. “Spiritline shall serve as a support group for the interscholastic athletic program within the school and, as such, play a very important role in the administration of athletics/activities contests…Performing is a secondary role of cheerleading/pom-pom and can effectively promote school spirit when included at appropriate times…” The cheerleaders’ reactions and the reactions of the student body were fast and furious. Shirts were made, students spoke out on social media and cheer took their story to local media outlets. “There was a lot of hate [about the decision],” junior cheerleader Tiffany Ford said. “Some of it was justified, some of it was not, but I think the whole situation could’ve been handled a lot more reasonably between parents and Mr. Nunez if there had been more communication.” The decision was later amended to allow participation in the AIA state qualifier and state competition. Administration will make a further decision based on various factors resulting from the latter. “They will be competing at the state level if they choose to,” PUSD Public Relations Director Danielle Airey said. “Then they will be re-evaluating based on the skill level of the team and the coach to determine what competitions will apply above and beyond the state level.”
Wigwam Resort 300 East Wigwam Blvd. Litchfield Park, Arizona, 85340
02
The Dispatch
04.10.12
Students compete in first annual Battle of the Bands Kelsey Shores Staff Reporter
Sunrise Mountain will be hosting the first annual Battle of the Bands on Friday April 13, at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium. The battle will be a contest between bands from both Centennial High School and Sunrise Mountain. The bands that will be featured are Karnage, Anima, and The Assaulted Peanuts. To be registered in the contest, students had to turn in their band applications to the orchestra and drama teacher Jacob Boyd by March 2. Auditions were later held on Friday, March 9. “[We] need to out attendance Centennial High School,” Orchestra teacher Jacob Boyd. Senior Randall Clifton is a member of one of the competing bands, Anima. The members of the band include Clifton and freshman Lynnae Zgurich. “I do the vocals and the bass,” Clifton said. “I just
“Technically we’re Christian death metal,” Clifton said.
Spring brings important dates for seniors April 13- Verify name on diploma list that is posted in all senior classrooms, bookstore, student store, guidance office and library. April 19- Mandatory senior meeting with principal and guidance counselors, 9:00 a.m., auditorium. April 23,24,26- Senior exit survey, electronic classroom, check with counselor. April 25- Senior honors recognition, Auditorium, 7:45 a.m. April 27- No school, Prom at the “Wigwam”, 7-11 p.m. May 4- Deadline for community service paperwork to counselor by 2:30 p.m. May 4- Student past debt clearance (bookstore and library) May 5- Senior breakfast, cafeteria, 9:30 a.m.- 12p.m. May 10- Senior check-out sheets distributed second period. May 11- Senior exams and book check-in: third and fifth period. May 14- Senior exams and book check-in: first and second period. May 15- Senior checkout at 8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m. May 18- Graduation Compiled by Amber Elison
started to play the bass this year.” That is not all that is new about this duo. “We just started our band this year, too,” Clifton said. “So I’m definitely nervous to compete.” The genres of the other two bands are variations of rock, but Clifton is a little more specific on his band’s style of music. “Technically we’re Christian death metal,” Clifton said. The grand prize for the winning band is a free recording of their live session. “It will be loads of fun,” Boyd said. The bands will be judged on their performances and the winner will be announced at the end of the night. Three people from the Phoenix music industry will be judging the contest. Hit it: This is the first annual Battle of the Bands show. It will be hosted at Sunrise Mountain .
Senioritis strikes seniors at end of year Amber Ellison Staff Reporter
For the senior class of 2012, time in high school is coming to a close, as the last quarter fast approaches. Just four years ago, they were freshmen without a clue. To put it into perspective, Barack Obama had just been elected as the first African American president, Twilight had just hit the big screen and Britney Spears had just had a slight manic breakdown, shaving her head and going on an umbrella swinging rampage. There is a common misconception about the last quarter of the year
that it is a time to let “senioritis” run rampant and to forget about high school altogether. However, the next nine weeks carry more weight than most would think. Photo teacher Maria Shiling graduated from Sunrise Mountain just 11 years ago, and fully believes in the impact of the last quarter. “I tried to attend almost all school events, all the football and basketball games and the assemblies,” Shiling said. “I was really part of a community and I wanted to have some sort of remembrance of what I was doing in high school.” Prom, senior breakfast, the awards ceremony, the
last exams and, finally , graduation all take place in the whirlwind expanse of just a few short weeks. And then, it is over. However, it is not easy to stay on track and not day dream about the next big step. “[When] I was in my senior year all I was thinking about was college at GCC and then going to ASU the following year. I was planning on making lots of money over the summer to save up for that,” Shiling said. Remember that of all the memories and experiences throughout those 48 months, the last two are sure to make a lasting impression. “I felt very nostalgic
and very sad and happy. I felt very wise yet at the same time I felt as though I knew nothing,” Shiling said.
Round Up 03 Students travel, go on Spring Break adventures 04.10.12
Jennifer Soules Section Editor
Sunrise students took off on various adventures this Spring Break, going everywhere from Lake Tahoe, to Hollywood, to exotic scuba driving excursions. Whether or not you went on a trip or stayed home and made it a “stay-cation,� here are some pictures of the different things some of our students did:
Junior Robert Geiger went skiing at the Heavenly Ski Resort in Lake Tahoe, California.
Senior Connor McBreen and friends went on camping trip to Payson, where the weather changed drastically overnight.
Junior Makenzie Middleton traveled to California with her family, where she went to Six Flags, Disneyland, and met Tom Hanks! Well, his wax figure that is.
Senior Stephen Levesque went on a scuba diving trip in Maui, Hawaii.
04
The Spotlight
18
Age
04.10.12
brings independence
Arianna Saenz-Ochoa Page Designer
It was when we all turned 13 that we could officially call ourselves teenagers. Turning 16 was the pivotal moment when our parents passed on the keys to the car, crossing their fingers that we would not crash. And then we finally turn 18. Taking on the title of being an adult, many have to part with their reckless and childish ways. “[You have to] view yourself not as that kid who was goofing off in your earlier years,” senior Jonathan Fajardo said. “You have to realize that your life can turn around if you make a bad decision.” English teacher Amanda Richard looks back on when she turned 18 and what the event meant for her. “It meant that I was an adult; it suddenly meant that I was responsible for my own decisions and my own successes and mistakes,” Mrs. Richard said. Once you turn 18, you are given the opportunity to vote in local, state and
national elections. With the presidential election coming up in November, most seniors will have the chance to vote. “It’s important for them to vote because they need to know that they are part of society, they live in this country, at least take on that responsibility,” senior Desiree Spencer said. Through the advice and support of teachers, parents and friends a teenager will slowly transition into the adult they will become. Senior Tommy Marino expressed that his father has guided and supported him to become the adult he is now. “My dad has influenced my life the most, keeping me out of trouble,” Marino said. “We golf and go to the gym together. He’s like my friend.” Being 18 carries vast amounts of new experiences and responsibilities. It is the time where one can leave the nest and start their adventure. [The best thing about being 18 is the] freedom because before [I] would have to get parent permission but now I can just do it on my own,” Fajardo said. “I am independent.”
Illustration by Katelyn Rey
Juggling it all:
How busy students stay sane Sydney Adamonis Staff Reporter
Photos by Gabriela Barge, Sarah Gilmour and Jennifer Soules
Fire science class offers unique opportunities for students Gabriela Barge and Sarah Gilmour Staff Reporters Jennifer Soules Section Editor
The three of us got the opportunity to experience a fire science class on March 15, to gain insight into what it was like to be a female student in the class. It never occurred to us just how hot, heavy and uncomfortable the uniforms could be. Watching the guys work in them on a regular basis had made it seem simple. It wears on you, though. There are certain built-in parts of the uniform that help make the weight on your body less strenuous, but after a good hour, you’re feeling the tug. Our first step was putting on the rubber boots, a heavy flame-resistant jacket and pair of pants, a hood to hold back our hair and an oxygen tank and mask. Then, the fun began. We tried (and failed) to beat open a door with a ham-
mer. Then we tried (and failed again) to poke a hole in an overhead sheet of plywood with a hook on the end of a pole. Quickly, we realized upper body strength was important as a firefighter. Even the firefighters assisting us sometimes had trouble, which was a good reminder that the fact we were girls had nothing to do with our ability to be firefighters. It’s a job that requires hard work and persistence regardless of gender. We then completed an exercise called “entanglement,” which was basically crawling through a mess of wires to simulate working through an attic with tangled wiring or crawling through debris – no easy feat with an enormous oxygen tank on your back. We got the opportunity to operate the fire hose, a welcome relief in its ease and simplicity.
There were other exercises we didn’t dare attempt, such as carrying a hose up and down the bleachers and dragging tires filled with sand. We were assisted by two firefighters, Matt Moore and Ben Bernes, who were extremely helpful and kept the mood upbeat. There was never a point where being a girl in the class felt like it would stop us from succeeding. We would definitely encourage girls not to be shy and to take the class if they have an interest in the field. Though it is probable that you will be outnumbered by guys, there’s no reason to be afraid. All of the guys in the class were kind and supportive. There was always an air of team work and positive thinking surrounding us, which made Fire Science a surprisingly pleasant environment to be in.
The weight of high school is usually a lot to carry, especially between classes, clubs, sports and homework. Some students have figured out how to handle the load while others are overwhelmed by the sheer size of their to-do list. “Well, I get up at 4:30 a.m. and go to swim practice at 5:00, and then I swim and then I get out and get ready for school, and then my friends mom takes me to school, and then I do the school thing,” freshman Sara Cosenza said. “And then I would have a baseball game after school, then I have to go to Diamond Dolls and then I go to swim practice again and then I go home, eat a lot, then do homework, watch some TV go to bed.” Often times students are already struggling to keep up with their classes and personal lives when they have to add on top of it the challenge of lack of sleep. According to The Free Library, only eight percent of high school students get enough sleep on an average school night. Studies show that nine hours is the optimal length, eight hours borderline and anything less is not enough. “I get at least four hours. Last night I got five or six,” junior Robert Geiger said. Teens learn to budget their time and homework whenever possible. “I stay up late, and I try to do everything during my lunch hour,” Geiger said. Cosenza gives advice to those stressed out with their busy lives. “Make sure you prioritize, school before sports, sports before other stuff,” Cosenza said. “Prioritize.” Students have figured out their own ways to cope with the pressure using sports, hobbies, or anything else that they love to do. “Swimming is my stress release, I just go to practice and it’s fun I get to see all my friends,” Cosenza said.
The Spotlight
04.10.12
05
Foreign languages give splash of diversity, culture Alexa Bailey Staff Reporter
Foreign languages serve as universal keys, pathways to different cultures, colorful splashes of diversity and a requirement for university enrollment and underneath each language lies a foreign language program. Sunrise’s foreign language program is comprised of Spanish I, II, III, IV and V as well as German I, II, III and IV. It recently underwent changes, and not all of them pleased students. German III and IV were moved to Centennial for the next school year due to low enrollment. The courses will require fourth hour release time so attending students would have time to drive out to Centennial for fifth period. However, release time lowers class rank. Junior and German
II student Natalie Kurtz shared her thoughts on the matter. “I think it’s kind of sad because Plombon is a really good [German foreign language] teacher and he should have the opportunity to teach [German] III and IV,” Kurtz said. “And it shouldn’t lower your class rank to take an advanced foreign language class. That’s not really fulfilling students’ needs.” Guidance counselor Jill Birt said that German III and IV have recently been relocated back to Sunrise’s campus. The classes will still be made up of pooled Sunrise and Centennial students. Yet controversy regarding the foreign language program remains among students despite German III and IV being kept on campus. Kurtz is one of those students who wishes there was a little more diversity
at Sunrise. “We only really offer two languages at our school,” Kurtz said. “So if you want to take something else, it’s like, ‘Too bad.’ It’d be nice if they brought other languages over here so we’d have more variety.” University High and Spanish I student Blake Boer agreed with this, as did junior and Spanish II student Nicholas Brookshire. “[The foreign language program would be better if they could] get more of a new language variety,” Boer said. Brookshire supports Sunrise’s foreign language program, but thinks it could use some work. “They should at least expand the program a little more,” Brookshire said. In Indianapolis, Indiana, freshman Kamielle Cargal from Perry Merid-
ian High School attends a school not lacking in foreign languages. She said over the phone that her school offers Spanish, German, Chinese and French; double the number Sunrise offers. “It’s good that they do that,” Brookshire said. “But it is a lot to choose from. [It seems] overwhelming.” Boer is also more accommodated with Sunrise’s smaller program as well as the languages within it. He says that even if Sunrise offered other foreign languages, he would still take Spanish. He also expressed that Sunrise’s foreign language program is convenient since it offers Spanish. “It’s another language that’s good for people in Arizona, especially with Mexico so close,” Boer said. Kurtz has loyalty toward the languages Sun-
130 students polled
rise offers, too. “I’d probably take them as well [if other foreign languages were offered], but I’d also definitely stick with German,” Kurtz said. In addition, it is important to take into consideration all the things that go into the foreign language program. Time, effort and
resources are put into each language. Sometimes foreign languages are limited to circumstance, such as whether there is a teacher available to teach the language. “We have a pretty good foreign language program because some schools don’t really offer anything,” Brookshire said.
Traditions, origins make class rings special Students help teachers in Maddie Riddick Staff Reporter
Around the world, high schools, colleges and universities are making it easier to commemorate the years spent at school, and the answer is simple: class rings. The class rings tradition was created at the United States Military Academy at West Point and they have continued to thrive long after. The class ring came into true fashion in the
1900’s. The ancestors of today’s class rings included a simple band and the school’s name carved into the gold or silver metal. As class rings grew more popular,
stones were added to the piece of jewelry to make it flashier, along with more detailed carvings and designs. Class rings are worn
by students who want to show off school pride and they prove as a diploma as well. Of course, class rings are much more portable. . . and fashionable. Class rings also symbolize the release into the “adult world”, signifying the end of the wearer’s school days; some people even like to look at their class rings as a sort of good luck charm. While you can wear class rings any which way you please, standard tradition is that while the
student who owns the ring is still in school, the insignia and design of the ring is worn so that the wearer can read it. When said person graduates, the ring is turned so that any onlooker happening to study the ring would be able to read it and see the wearer’s alma mater. Rings can be worn on any finger and sometimes are even worn on a chain around the neck for added emphasis. There is no specific place the owner must wear the ring.
Kony 2012 campaign goes viral, raises questions Braden Taylor Page Designer
On March 5, a 30-minute video letting the world know about a man named Joseph Kony went viral. The video spread quickly on the internet while trying to spread a simple message: Stop Kony. The video, created by the charity group Invisible Children, talks about how Kony is a “bad man” and how he needs to be stopped. The video portrays Kony as a man who kidnapped children in Uganda to turn them into rebel soldiers and forced them to do his will. It is not just something that happened in Uganda, but continues in parts of Africa still. It is also a call to action to stop Kony
forever in the year 2012. April 20, 2012, is the day where people all over the world are going to “cover the night” by putting up posters and spreading the word about Joseph Kony. This video spread all across social networks with people posting statuses, tweets, liking/sharing videos, etc, everything having to do with Kony 2012. Everyone suddenly became an activist trying to change the world wanting to do something to help the children affected by Kony. As stated above, the Invisible Children, is a charity group trying to raise money to stop Kony; not just spread the knowledge about him. This means one could donate to the Invisible Children campaign to help, but be
careful where you donate your money. The Invisible Children campaign has been around since 2005 when Kony was actually in Uganda. Since the time in 2005 it has had issues with its accountability. Also donators should be informed on how much of their donations actually go to the kids affected by Kony. An accounting agency found only about 30% of donations go to the kids and 70% of donations goes to Invisible Children and the management of it. Now Invisible Children is not a fake charity. Kony is real and is harming children in Africa, but those wanting to donate should make sure where they put their money is a place that will use all of it to help.
The spread of Kony 2012 has slowed down, but was brought back to center stage, in a different light, after the main director of Kony 2012 was arrested for vandalism, public masturbation and for possibly being under the influence. Not necessarily the type of attention the charity would like to receive.
classroom, improve skills Janie Schutte Staff Reporter
Students work as teacher assistants for various reasons including schedule changes, wanting to work with one of their favorite teachers and to help other students. Many senior students choose to be a T.A. because it is their last chance to do so. Senior Chris Seils works as a teacher assistant for social studies teacher Shauna Johnson. “I don’t want to take a lot of classes because I’m a senior,” Seils said. “I want to T.A. for a teacher I like.” Senior Madison Tidwell works as the T.A. in the COOP room for similar reasons to Seils. “It was an easy class,” Tidwell said. “I wanted to be in COOP again [and] be close to it.” T.A.s do different tasks depending on the teacher they work for. Junior Presley Wiora is a T.A. for Kristy Roschke in her Yearbook class. “[As a T.A. I] grade papers, pass out papers and go to the mailbox for the teacher,” Wiora said. Seils does similar jobs in comparison to Wiora, as the T.A. for Mrs. Johnson. “I do anything the teacher asks me to do.
Photo by Janie Schutte
I [also] do some soccer stuff for Mrs. Johnson,” Seils said. Students are improving their own skills while being a T.A. with tasks they do throughout the semester. Types of skills T.A.s gain includes social, organization and an early work experience. “It makes me want to talk to people more [and] be outgoing,” Wiora said. Social skills are an important part to being a T.A. to work cooperatively with the teacher and other students. Organization comes along with the work skills as a student learns how to file papers, pass them out etc. T.A.s can help keep a classroom orderly. For students wanting to be a teacher assistant in the future, Tidwell’s advice is to “always be prepared to work.” For more information on being a T.A. check with a school counselor.
06
04.10.12
If
If you like this, then you’ll
LOVE this...
Like it or love it, there IS a difference Anissa Saenz-Ochoa Section Editor
A few Sunrise Mountain students recently weighed in on why the acts of liking something and loving something can be two very different things. “Liking something is less than loving
because when you love something you’d do anything for it,” junior Nathaneal Rodriguez said. As the Merriam Webster dictionary defines it, to like is to “feel attraction toward or take pleasure in.” On the other hand, to love
means having a “strong affection, enthusiasm, or devotion for [something ].” Freshman Alyssa Schott agrees with the dictionary’s definition of loving something. “Loving is having an extreme care and passion for something,” Schott
said. “You can’t live without it.” While students like sophomore Hannah Glynn like to go shopping, what she truly loves the most is her family. “Liking is liking something to a certain degree and loving is like ‘oh my gosh this is so great’ and you put it on
a higher scale,” Glynn said. While most students may like sports, music and weekends, loving something requires more devotion and attachment than just simply enjoying it. “You can like a lot of things, but you can only truly love
a couple things,” Schott said. So what is the real difference between liking and loving? “When you love somebody or something, you’re able to do anything for it,” Rodriguez said. “You’d give up anything to have it or to be with it.”
If you like this MOVIE then you’ll love Alice in Wonderland --------> Mirror, Mirror X-Men Series --------> The Avengers Saving Private Ryan --------> Act of Valor Avatar --------> John Carter Anchorman --------> 21 Jump Street Letters to Juliet --------> The Lucky One
The Horseshoe
07
you like this MUSIC ARTIST then you’ll love
Obsessions unleashed Natasha Hossain Editor in Chief
The Killers --------> Fun.
George Strait --------> Easton Corbin
Snoop Dogg --------> Wiz Khalifa
Five Finger Death Punch ---------> Disturbed
Justin Bieber --------> One Direction Jay-Z --------> Lil Wayne Alan Jackson --------> Zac Brown Band Dr. Dre --------> Kanye
If you like this TV SHOW then you’ll love Friends --------> Happy Endings
Posters everywhere, figurines all over the counter and every existing piece of merchandise known to man- this is an obsession. Most everyone has one, but not all are so extreme. Senior Toni Miller owns every book, several posters, numerous shirts and even has a wand set. One could say she has an extreme passion for the Harry Potter series. “I was in the second grade when I went to go see the first movie and it all went downhill from there,” Miller said. “I just got really attached to the characters over the years.” Similar to Miller, senior Ashley Warda finds herself infatuated with reality television shows but more precisely reality shows involving “wives.” “Mob Wives, Basketball Wives and all seasons of Real Housewives…. I just love them,” Warda said. “Truth is, I know I am going to be a housewife when I grow up one day, so I am taking notes.” In general, people form these obsessions for numerous reasons whether it is to stand out, occupy their time or to just relate to friends. “It’s always a good way to connect with people,” Miller said. “It’s nice to meet with people and know they have a similar interest with you.” Warda believes obsessions are more of a personal thing. “When you find something you like, you consume yourself with that thing,” Warda said.
Must Reads
You can’t read one without reading the other.
Compiled by Rebecca Wood Staff Reporter
If you’ve read this...................then read this! Twilight by Stephenie Meyer Falling from Grace by S.L. Naeole The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
The Maze Runner by James Dashner
Lost --------> The Walking Dead Charmed --------> The Vampire Diaries It Takes Two ----> Switched at Birth Glee --------> Smash
Uglies by Scott Westerfeild Delirium by Lauren Oliver City of Bones
by Cassandra Clare
Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
The Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
Monk --------> The Mentalist Nick and Nora’s Infinite Playlist
Flash Forward --------> Awake Gilmore Girls --------> Parenthood
by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
Stormbreaker
by Anthony Horowitz
The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith
The Last Thing I Remember by Andrew Klavan
2 Cents
8
04.10.12
SMHS memes page bursts onto scene; students fear bullying
Rebecca Wood Staff Reporter
Hannah Mure Staff Reporter
Teenagers are cruel. That statement probably cannot be defined as a fact, but it should be. Teens hate, ignore, make fun of and beat up each other as if it’s a sport. Whoever is the nastiest wins the prize. Not sure what the prize is, but with the addition of the internet, bullying has evolved into a face-
less villain, where you can say what you want without ever having to face your victim. The SMHS memes page blew up the week of March 12, with crude memes being posted about specific students and teachers. Originally a meme is an idea that spreads like fire over the internet, sometimes reaching world-wide popularity within a few days. It can be a video, picture, website, hash-tag or word or phrase. This has been drastically changed in the realm of the school-orientated memes page. Students post photos with funny sayings written on top either about the school in general or, more controversially, about specific students or teachers. While most of the posts are light-hearted and funny, the page does offer a chance for
students to bully others, believing that there can be no repercussions. That is by far the worst thought process, seeing as the district’s anti-bullying policy does include the use of off-campus computers and if the bullying results in, “[a] substantial negative effect on the victim while on school grounds or at school sponsored activities, or when such acts interfere with the authority of the school system to maintain order,” disciplinary actions can take place. Just as a point of fact. In addition to the knowledge that what you post, whether at school or not, falls under the umbrella of the bully policy, posting crude and hateful comments about other students is just bad form. The general consensus seems to be that the page is a means to post funny comments about
the school, but not to pin point specific people. Too bad that is obviously not how it’s being used. Certain students have made it their personal responsibility to pick on others. The practice of posting on the Internet offers teens a chance to hate on others without ever having to face their victim. They believe they can get away with a clear conscience because they never had to look people in the eye and insult them, but it is just as hurtful and upsetting. Too many young adults have taken their lives because of the spiteful words written on the internet. Is that getting away scotfree? Teens must think about what they are saying and how it truly does affect others. Bullying is something that is brushed off by most kids as just kids be-
ing kids. But this mentality offers only a means to skirt around the problem, not actually fix it. Teachers, schools and parents can try as they might to end bullying, but until teens mature enough to understand actions have consequences and what you post on the internet is just as damaging as confronting someone in person, the problem will persist. Teens so often complain about not being treated like mature adults and demand more freedom, but that door swings both ways. ”With great power, comes great responsibility,” (yes I just quoted Spider-Man); the internet offers teens the world, a place to speak freely. It’s up to them to proceed with discretion and censor themselves; in short act like a mature adult.
Did You Know.....
6 out of 10 students experience bullying at least once a day More than half of teens are victims of or engage in cyber bullying About 25% of students are bullied repeatedly through their cellphones and the internet Statistics from: http://www.bullyingstatistics.org/content/cyber-bullying-statistics.html
What we don’t want to hear in the hallways Staff Editorial
On an average day, the hallways are filled with mean sayings, rude words and altogether unpleasant conversations. Most of the things we hear trivialize a more serious issue. There is no excuse for insulting serious issues by making a joke out of them. Perhaps the student next to you is dealing with depression or has a sister who is mentally retarded. For a basic rule of what you should say,
close your eyes and imagine addressing these audiences: your grandparents, the COOP kids, your baby brother or sister, your parents, your principal or your teacher. If you feel okay about saying what you are going to say, (and if your comment is still relevant after that), feel free to say it. But if it’s any of these phrases, think again:
1) “I’m going to kill myself.” or “I’m going to go cut myself.” Depression isn’t funny. If you’re serious about these, that’s another thing entirely. But if this is a
joke to you, remember some students deal with these thoughts daily.
2) “You’re such a Jew” or n-word. We’d like to believe that racism and persecution are things of the past. But if you’re saying anything close to this, it’s clear we have learned nothing from history.
3) “I got so high/drunk…”
4) “That’s so gay.” Unless you’re talking about a certain parade, we can almost guarantee that whatever you’re talking about is not, in fact, homosexual.
5) “Retard” or “That’s retarded.” The Best Buddy club can tell you even better why this word is unacceptable for jokes.
6) “I hate her. She was all Regardless of how bad like…”
drinking or doing drugs is for your health, it is also illegal. No one, particularly not Officer Ortiz, wants to hear that kind of talk.
Gossip rarely makes a person look good, either the talkers or the ones they’re talking about. If
you have a specific problem, address it. Keep your judgments of people to yourself.
have COOP kids on campus.
7) “Die in a hole” or “I hope she/he/you die.”
Whether you’re talking about someone’s shirt or artwork in the G, you shouldn’t be making comments like this. You could really offend someone.
Imagine saying this and having the person you were talking about die the next day. Remember to be courteous and don’t say things you don’t mean.
8) “@$^&*#@!” This includes anything from screaming the f-bomb to calling your friends something that rhymes with witches. We
9) “That is so ugly.”
10) “That teacher hates me” or “That class sucks.” If you’re having a problem with a teacher or class, even if the teacher does hate you or the class is hard, it is out of your control. It’s your job to react to the situation as best as you can.
Mustang Express Newspaper Staff Editor-In-Chief Natasha Hossain
Online Editor Kellie Reynolds
Section Editors Emily Bridgewater Anissa Saenz-Ochoa Jennifer Soules Gilliene Yap
Page Designers Braden Taylor Arianna Saenz-Ochoa Laura Johnson
Advertising Manager Alex Curtis
Staff Reporters Michaela Emrich Alexa Bailey Alyssa Sabatel Carolyn Corcoran Amber Ellison Alex Stephens Bayan Abubakr Kelsey Shores Rebecca Wood Sydney Adamonis Chelsie Atkinson Megan McGovern Maddie Riddick
Hannah Mure Samie Galindo Bryce Dudzinski Taylor Russell Gabriela Barge Brooke Schattner Josh Yodice Sarah Gilmour Adrienne Sebade Jessie O’Cheltree Janie Schutte Rylee Layton E’shai Williams
Adviser Kristy Roschke
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.
http://mustangexpress.org Facebook: SMHS Newspaper
2 Cents
04.10.12
09
The importance of being aware is a mouse click away
Rebecca Wood Staff Reporter
Pop quiz, hot shot: What country is currently experiencing mass protests due to a plan to cut public spending and raise taxes? What other country is experiencing a violent internal campaign demanding the overthrow of the repressive government? What country experienced an intensive campaign of civilian resistance that ended in the longtime president being ousted? Do you have the answer? Well if you don’t, I know of a place where you could easily find it. In the current age of the Internet, information is flowing from all sources, creating an interna-
tional network of voices. It is these yells of protest, running commentaries and news broadcasts that allow so many to be well informed. Information is vital in the modern world of today. Mass civilian uprising have been sparked on the government’s desire to ban the Internet, one example being the backlash to the emergency laws of Egypt. Why is it so important to so many? Because information and
its global reach is what creates change. A paper published online by APA’s Journal of Personality and Social Psychology in Nov. 2011, explained a study which found that the less people know about complex social issues, the more they want to avoid becoming well informed on the topic. People would rather let a third party, such as the government, handle the problem than face the
complex task. It is a sad statement that when information is literally just one mouse click or even screen tap away, many are willing to turn a blind eye to the issues affecting the world today. It is this mentality that someone else can handle the problem that allows crimes and social injustices to be continuously committed. Recently a video went viral, highlighting the crimes of a man named
Illustration by Amanda Briggs Joseph Kony. Heard of Internet and spreading him? Well that is most information was firmly likely thanks to the video cemented. People became which spread across the informed on a topic and Internet like wildfire. desired change. People became infuriated So many eyes have, with this man and his and can be, opened to the crimes, of forcing children world through just the to become prostitutes and spread of information; insoldiers in Uganda, and formation that can spark attention was finally given creative solutions to the to this topic. world’s most complex Although his crimes problems. As the old adgo back many years and age says: the ignorant may some might say this re- be blissful, but it’s the well cent video was too little, informed that will make a too late, the impact of the difference in the world.
Rise up against violence, stand up for world peace Books before movies; imagination is key
Photo Illustration by Sarai Schutsky
Jessie O’Cheltree Staff Reporter
Mahatma Gandhi once said, “It is better to be violent, if there is violence in our hearts, than to put on the cloak of nonviolence to cover impotence.” Gandhi wasn’t saying that we have violence in our hearts. He, as a pacifist, didn’t have any violent tendencies at all. He was making an observation that too many times humanity has used harsh, violent actions to deal with
their problems. But if that is how we, as humans, operate, then we shouldn’t fool ourselves into thinking that we are peaceful and stop the falsely placed protests for peace. It is better to show the truth than to have a façade that doesn’t reveal what is really in our natures. Violence isn’t the best way to deal with your problems. When someone is in your face and they make you angry, the first thing that usually pops into your head would be to hit them *POW* right in the kisser. But does that outburst of violence really solve the problem you had with that person? No, it just makes a bigger problem that leads to more excessive blows to
both your faces. As humans, we are always fighting with one another. It is a basic instinct; only the strong survive. But unlike our animalistic counterparts, we have the option to voice our issues in an intelligent way. In which case, we shouldn’t rely on the fact that we simply can kick someone’s butt to get our way but instead use our words like our parents taught us and voice our concerns. Fights don’t have to be physical; arguments are also a form of fighting. As is petitioning and following Gandhi’s example of silent protesting. Physical violence isn’t just limited to hand-tohand combat. Not everyone is a skilled fighter that
can change from a turtle into a ninja by climbing into a sewer. People use weapons and try to have the upper hand on their opponents. Fights don’t have to be fought. If there are two people who really want to kick each other senseless, and can’t find another way to work out their problems, then they should fight fairly. Weapons put everyone at a total disadvantage in a fight. Something as harmless as a feather can be turned into a deadly weapon if the right person uses it. “Imagine all the people living life in peace,” John Lennon sang in his song “Imagine”. Why don’t we all take that advice and live life in peace? At least as close as we can get to it, because punching someone to prove a point is the dumbest thing that someone can do. It is just going to make your face bloody and your body bruise all over. And when a bunch of people have crowded around to watch this fight, they will clap because Americans love to see people get in trouble and act like Neanderthals. So let’s have the violence simmer down and we can all get on with life and use our brains more than our instincts because that is what separates humans from animals; mind over matter. Humans are civilized, so act like it.
Alex Curtis Page Designer
Reading the book before the movie has always been the standard to go by when one is looking to get a good story. Today people often tend to see a movie before or without even reading the original
the movies, books, along side plays, were the main source for getting a story. Somewhere between then and the time that movies were created, a good amount of people skipped the book and went straight to watch the film. Reasons for this may be because it is quicker, and it paints the picture for people in their heads. Authors strive for their words to allow the reader to imagine and create a story of their own from the basis that they have created, or in other words, the base. A book acts as a base for a reader
“A book offers something extraordinary that a movie will never be able to offer to its audience...” story in book form. Modern society has nearly lost the feeling that can only be obtained from letting imagination run free through a written story. When a person hears of a story, they immediately think that they should see the movie, or that it is, in fact, only a movie, but that is not the case most of the time. A majority of stories that have been released in movie form originate from a book. In the years before
to trigger their imagination to go crazy and create something from paper with words printed on it. A book offers something extraordinary that a movie will never be able to offer to its audience. It offers the ability to make the story his or her own. A movie has the painting for the audience right in front of their faces, a book allows for the reader to run wild with the story and make what he or she wants of it.
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The Scene
04.10.12
Honor Society attracts fans with free new music Dystopian America living on in “Legend”
Rebecca Wood Staff Reporter Janie Schutte Staff Reporter
The pop-rock band Honor Society has brought back the Honor System, a way to give free new music to their entire fan base. The Honor System is used within social media websites for releasing each new song for free. The last time this system was used, the band used their official website to put out the new songs to the general public. This year, they have a different approach with the first new song releasing to Facebook. Just the word “free” is a great way to catch someone’s interest. “I would see that it’s free and view it to see that I like it,” sophomore Carly Dixon said. When bands give away free new music it reaches out to their fans and also helps in gaining new listeners. “I’d probably be even more of a fan,” senior George Teague said. “It’s kind of
like they understand people can’t afford things as much as they used to.” Bands that are giving out free songs can be seen differently from the public eye. Though these musicians help their fans in a tough economic time, some people may view a band’s free music in a different way. “They’re probably struggling with fans and stuff,” senior Andy Benavidez said. “They’re trying to get more new fans by releasing free new music.” Honor Society released their first new song for the Honor System after a live chat, titled ‘Obsession’ which was posted to their Facebook page for free download. Other musicians should follow Honor Society’s lead for different reasons. “If they want to get their name out there,” Teague said. “It’s a good way to do it.” Check out the band’s music on facebook.com/honor society and their website at honorsocietymusic.com.
You have read and reread The Hunger Games trilogy, and have excitedly watched the new movie; probably twice by now. But there is a void in your life; you crave more post-apocalyptic Americain fiction of course. Well there is a tasty new treat out on the book shelves to quell the craving. Legend, written by Marie Lu, hit the book shelves in November of last year and quickly gained recognition. It does not play host to a nation split into 13 districts, or feature a tournament that pits children against one another, the victor being the child left alive in the end. What it does present is one heck of a story line. Legend is set in what used to be the western United States is a military nation, The Republic. The Republic, separated into very strict classes, allows the rich to live in luxury and safety, while the depressed are ravaged by plagues and poverty.
It is against this backdrop that the reader is introduced to two characters. June is the prodigy of the nation being groomed into the perfect soldier, while Day is an infamous criminal perpetually being hunted by the government. Their stories unfold simultaneously in their own separate ways, until one fateful night when June’s brother, Metias, is murdered and all fingers point to Day as the culprit. Caught in a dangerous game of predator versus prey, Day is left desperately racing for his family’s survival, while June is desperate for revenge. But things are not as they appear in the “great” Republic and soon both characters will be faced with new discoveries about the events that brought them together and the sinister dealings of their country that will test their beliefs. Legend is a thrilling read filled with violence, intrigue, romance and the challenge of questioning one’s own country. The book is sure to fill any desire for action and characters to fall in love with, as well as seeing a future dystopian America.
Hit the right note, go to these upcoming concerts Jessica O’Cheltree Staff Reporter
From waving lighters in the air to an insane mosh pit, there are concerts of all types coming to Arizona this spring. Rapper Tech N9ne will be coming to the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix, Sat. April 14. The concert will also be featuring Machine Gun Kelly, Krizz Kaliko, Mayday! and Prozak. The show begins at 6p.m. and tickets are on sale for $30 for non-reserved seating. Reserved seating is $48. Also, Hotel California-A salute to the Eagles, will be playing on Wed. April 15, at 7p.m. at Desert Diamond Casino in Sahuarita. Tickets cost anywhere from $10-$20 for reserved seating. The Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash, a country music group, will be performing Thurs. May 3 at 8p.m. at the Rhythm Room in Phoenix. Tickets will cost $10.75. Pop/ blues rock artist, John Mayer, is returning to the Valley of the Sun, Sun. May 6 at the Comerica Theatre, at 7:30p. m. The tickets will cost $116.50. All tickets are on sale at Ticketmaster.com or you can call Ticket Master at 1-800-653-8000.
Rapper Tech n9ne April 14 at Celebrity Theatre at 6 p.m.
Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash May 3 at Rhythm Room at 8 p.m.
Hotel California
April 15 at Desert Diamond Casino in Sahuarita at 7 p.m.
John Mayer
May 6 at Comerica Theatre at 7:30 p.m.
The Scene
04.10.12
Students weigh in on favorite music genre, artists Megan McGovern Staff Reporter
It’s been said over and over again – teenagers love music. But what rules as the top favorite? When it comes to music, opinions can be very different. Genres can range from mainstream pop to heavy metal. Who is the greatest of them all? According to the students surveyed, Taylor Swift, Mumford & Sons and The Beatles were among the top favorites.
Christian
Brandon Heath Mat Kearney Tenth Avenue North Dave Barnes
Alternative Red Fun. Vampire Weekend Simple Plan
Rock Motley Crue The Beatles 3 Doors Down Switchfoot Framing Hanley
Hardcore Sleeping with Sirens Blood on the Dance Floor Have Heart Of Mice & Men
Rap
Metal
Indie
Pop
Country
Wiz Khalifa Lil Wayne Tyga Drake
Five Finger Death Punch
Bon Iver Florence + The Machine Justin Nouzka Mumford & Sons
Justin Bieber Demi Lovato Beyonce Honor Society
Taylor Swift Keith Urban John Mayer Civil Wars
The Plot in You Redeemer Defeater
Students set down remotes, pick up good books Sydney Adamonis Staff Reporter
Getting yourself involved in a good book can do more for you than some would think. “You’re engaging your brain,” English teacher Leslie Hunter said. “The fact that it can also help develop your vocabulary, your speaking skills; definitely students that read more are also better writers.” Freshman Taylor Selbach explains that being a book worm not only enhances your writing, but helps you in almost every other aspect as well. Even real-world math requires you to read. “You’re not going to get very far in life if you can’t read,” Selbach said. Often students are put into bad situations may make bad decisions because they don’t know or understand the consequences; books can solve this problem. “You can learn a lot of stuff about life, without actually having to experience all of the pain,” Ms. Hunter said. Reading is not only beneficial in the sense of school or life lessons, but offers an escape to students who are looking for a way to relieve some of their built up stress and tension. “You can emerge yourself in another world, and you forget stuff like driving tests, math, other school work, family issues,” Selbach said. “Everything you just completely forget and you just zone out with a book.” Most students who say they don’t like to read admit that a main reason is because they think it’s too “nerdy.” “It’s too bad that there’s so many other alternatives for entertainment now, that it makes reading less exciting, but it really can be just as exciting,” Ms. Hunter said. “Just give it a chance.”
Good reads recommended by librarian Mrs. Blackson:
Life’s Playlist Amber Ellison Staff Reporter
Whether you are reading this with a broken heart or simply pining for the good ole days, this playlist will surely bring a little more joy to your day or at least an encouraging push to rethink your iTunes library. So put down your “chunky monkey” ice cream, open a new tab and seriously consider deleting any traces of Nickelback from your recently played history.
Going through a break up: “Someone like You” by Adele for the “could-have-been.” “I Can’t Make You Love Me” by Bon Iver for the “this is it.” “Almost Lover” by A Fine Frenzy for the “you ripped my heart out.” “Marvin’s Room” by Drake for the “you could do better.” “Pictures of You” by The Cure for the “Ben and Jerry’s is all I need.”
If you a going out on a Friday night: “We Are Young” by FUN for the “live like there’s no tomorrow.” “Young, Wild and Free” by Wiz Khalifa feat. Snoop Dogg, for the “thank god I’m young.”
Adventure: Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick by Joe Schreiber Desert Angel by Charlie Price Ashfall by Mike Mullin
Realistic Fiction: (“Slice of Life”) Speak and Wintergirls by Laurie Anderson 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher Cut by Patricia McCormick Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
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“Last Friday Night” by Katy Perry for the “what happened last night?”
the morning.”
“Scary Monsters and Nice Spirits” by Skrillex for the “I’m going to be sore in
“Sorry for Party Rocking” by LMFAO for the “my grandparents would be ashamed.”
If you are planning a road trip: Comedy: Fault in Our Stars by John Green I am the Messenger by Markus Zusak
“The Cave” by Mumford and Sons for the “I’m using the steering wheel as a drum.” “Pumped up Kicks” by Foster the People for the “I’m going to pretend like I know the words.”
Manga: D.N.Angel by Yukiru Sugisaki Death Note written by Tsugumi Ohba
“Paradise” by Coldplay, for the “I don’t want this to end.” “Look at me Now” by Chris Brown, for the “I should roll the windows up.”
Romance/Chick Lit: The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks
“Home” by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes, for the “I wish I could whistle.”
Playing Field
12
04.10.12
Mustang track traces sport to Ancient Greece Kelsey Shores Staff Reporter
Since the dawn of time, man has been trying to outdo one another. Whether they prove their strength by doing more pushups than their competition or racing to see who can eat the most hotdogs, it is only natural for people to boast their athleticism to everyone. Track and field events have been around for thousands of years. The first recorded organized events date back to the Ancient Olympic Games in Olympia, Greece in 776 B.C. Here are a few events that have humble origins and some that have flat out silly origins. Perhaps this could provide the motivation for some of the track stars in their current season.
Shot-put/Discus The first noted stone- or weightthrowing events took place nearly 2000 years ago in Scotland but there were no deadweight throwing events in the Ancient Olympics. The competitions were held among men who wanted to prove their strength to each other. In the Middle Ages, these competitions became more modern when soldiers threw cannonballs instead of rocks. King Henry VIII was actually known for his strength when it came to hammer throwing in court competitions.
Hurdles Hurdles became popular in British competitions in the 19th century. They appeared in the first modern Olympics in 1896.
FACE-OFF: The athletes fight for control of the puck. The hockey team played at Polar Ice. Photo contributed by Evan Schrage
Secret revealed:
hockey team thrives despite lack of ice RUN, FORREST, RUN: The track team has their next home meet on April 18. Track as a whole has been having meets since the Ancient Greek time. Photo by Gabriela Barge
High Jump
The first recorded high jump events took place in Scotland during the 19th century but they do date back to the Olympic Games of Ancient Greece. Over the centuries, jumping techniques have improved and today the Fosbury Flop is a very successful method of high jumpers.
Pole Vault Poles were once used as a pragmatic way of passing over marshy wetlands in Europe. When the marshes were drained, a grid of open canals and streams were left behind. Poles were kept at every house in case one needed to cross a river without getting wet.
Long Jump
Long jump is an event that was present at the original Olympics in Ancient Greece. Crossing obstacles like streams and rivers was a common occurrence and eventually the act of passing over these natural hindrances became a competition. This event was often considered the most difficult because it required a lot of skill.
Relay Relay races and sprint competitions were recorded during the Ancient Olympic Games in Greece. The history of these relays most likely goes back to the very beginning of human athletic competition.
Athletes often get hurt; prevent this with safety precautions news. “I’ve never really gotten injured playEveryone knows how hard athletes ing a sport, bless my little heart,” Maswork, and the last thing they want to ters said. “I’ve been playing sports for a hear is that they cannot play due to in- while, but I’ve never really gotten hurt. jury. The worst that I’ve got is, I guess, a Freshman Natalynn Masters, a mem- strained muscle or something.” ber of the volleyball, basketball and However, even those injuries could track teams, is one of very few athletes have been prevented, according to Sports that have never heard any such dreadful Medicine teacher John Williams. “The most common injuries are pulled muscles, and it’s usually due to the fact that they are not warming up properly,” Mr. Williams said. Masters admitted to being guilty of those practices. “One time I pulled a muscle, [because] I didn’t stretch completely,” Masters said. Mr. Williams has more advice to offer for athletes. OUCH: Student athletes should practice safety “Listen to your coaches on precautions. Sports Medicine students learned how to proper technique. When your treat injuries. Photo by Amanda Briggs season is in the offseason, Sarah Gilmour Staff Reporter
do all your conditioning, [have] a good nutritional plan, and use proper equipment.” Mr. Williams said. Often, however, there is more cause for injury other than poor technique. “Just the nature of the sport, football is usually, I think the [sport] that is the most indicative towards significant injuries.” Mr. Williams said. This fact was proven recently by Saints head coach Sean Payton. According to Sports Illustrated, he was offering a $1,500 “bounty” for players knocking opponents out of the game. Injuries are an unavoidable aspect of sports, but there are certain procedures athletes should follow if they are injured. “If they’re injured, they need to report it right away,” Mr. Williams said. “A lot of times, small injuries turn into much larger ones, and they’ll miss a substantial amount of time. So any time they’re hurt they need to report these things immediately.”
Rylee Layton Staff Reporter
Peoria district high schools host an extra-curricular club for hockey players through their high school experience. It is created through the Arizona High School Hockey Association which combines many different clubs together. “I’ve played high school this last year,” senior Josh Dover said. “It was a pretty good season.” Many other schools such as Liberty and Mountain Ridge also host this new organization for students. “This year, it was molded into Liberty’s group,” senior Evan Schrage said. “Liberty had more people than Sunrise.” Hockey is a unique sport in Arizona. Because of the dry weather, ice rinks are not as local for students to play. Kids should pursue their interests just like Schrage and Dover. “It’s a lot of travel,” Schrage said. “The only rink around here is Polar Ice. If people are interested they should play. It’s not too expensive.” Although it is rare, hockey is a sport that many people grow up with in their families inspiring kids to continue playing. “My dad’s been in it,” Dover said. “I’ve been in it, same as my brother. I love the sport!” Being in such a hot state, hockey players have to go to various places in order to play. Not many schools in Peoria have hockey as a top sport but students find it special to them. “I’ve played hockey since I was five probably. I grew up with it,” Schrage said, “My parents are from the mid-west, so they’ve been around it all the time.” Students that are captivated by activities should follow their desire to continue playing and performing.
For more pictures of the hockey team and other sports, check out our website:
mustangexpress.org
Learn to watch sports like baseball as a ‘legit’ pro Alyssa Sabatel Staff Reporter
HEY, BATTER, BATTER: Senior McKenzie St. Clair pitches for the varsity team. The Mustang softball team was named number one in the nation. Photo by Alexa Bailey
According to a 2001 Gallup poll, only 60 percent of Americans know the basic rules of common sports such as volleyball, baseball and tennis. “Do it [learn the rules], it’s really fun, and the fans also help out a lot, talk to a coach, just anyone that knows it really well” encourages freshman Jacob Leonard, a member of the baseball team. A baseball team is made up of about 25 players. Nine players are placed on the field, and the players rotate out of their positions. There are nine fielding positions: pitcher, catcher, first baseman,
second baseman, third baseman, shortstop, left fielder, center fielder and right fielder. The pitcher throws the baseball from the pitcher’s mound toward the catcher to begin each play, with the goal of retiring a batter, who attempts to either make contact with the pitched ball or draw a walk. The catcher then must crouch down at the home plate and receive the ball from the pitcher.
For more information on how to watch sports and any Mustang sports updates you want, check out our website.
PLAY BALL: Senior Ryan Hawkins celebrates another win. The baseball team placed second in the best Best of the West tournament. Photo by Kellie Reynolds