February 2018

February 2018

investigator

the

Vol. 27, Issue 4

see pages 10 -12

2280 S Jones Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89146

(702) 948-4999

Reiki Treatments Chakra Balancing Vibroacoustic Sound Therapy Crystal Healing

On the Cover December 2017

Sarah Fernandez

investigator

the

Vol. 27, Issue 3

see pages 10-12

Sexual harassment is a widespread issue that affects many victims. Take a look inside to see students’ viewpoints and experiences as well as the disciplinary procedures put in place against it.

in this issue 5

sports

This Issue news

18 Wrestling the status quo

Eight times is the charm

Wrestling team attain Regional champion title for the eighth time in a row.

feature

Student challenges gender norms in sports.

arts & entertainment

24 Here we go again Classical “Mamma Mia” musical debuts.

8 Sky high

Two seniors go above and beyond by taking flying lessons.

13 Glam and Glitz

Disputing the social norms of makeup.

opinion

28 Waterworks

The debate of the wetness of water surfaces.

editorial

31 No means no

Students examine issues with sexual harassment in society.

“

Sometimes balancing everything gets really stressful, but my coaches and parents are really understanding about that.

Madison Cox

Editor’s Note

pg.

14

Obstacles in a path may either lead to a disaster or change the course in a better direction. In developing this issue, those obstacles did not lead to a major distaster nor discourage our staff.

In our Features section, we discovered unique students who choose to pursue a career in the clouds as well as students who spend their days preparing for the next assembly. Also, in our Sports section, we unveiled athletes who break the gender barriers. In the world of Entertainment, we reflected on the play that had the entire school talking for weeks and old fashion trends that are making a comeback.

As you turn the pages in our 4th issue, we hope you recognize the effort and determination that our staff put into it. As a staff, we are proud to say that even after the numerous obstacles thrown at us during these past six weeks, we persevered and found a way to get the job done.

senior Isabel Madrid

Sections

Junior Emily Leal and Senior Shae White pose in their stylish clothing.

news

4

feature

7

sports

14

arts & entertainment

19

photo essay

25

opinion

27

editorial

31

NEWS in

brief.

QUOTABLE What was your favorite moment in “Mamma Mia”?

Students

By Anastasia Koulich

The month of November brought forth a controversial ordinance for the Las Vegas City Council to consider: whether or not pet stores in Las Vegas, such as Petco and Petland, should sell dogs, cats and pigs solely from shelters and rescue organizations.

O n c e Decem-

ber came around, the bill was repealed with a 4-3 vote by the city council.

Those opposed to the ban expressed that they do not support puppy mill breeders and acknowledged this as an issue imperative to discuss and resolve, but its resolution should not hurt local businesses.

Petland and Puppy Boutique have been accused by multiple parties of buying from puppy mill breeders. Similar complaints have accompanied other pet stores around the valley.

“Most of the big stores like Petland, where all the pretty puppies are, buy from puppy mills,” junior Kami Miller said.

Animal advocate groups expressed their worry over this repeal by stating that these animals are the one’s most in need of a home because of the abuse or extreme conditions they have suffered. This alone is one of the reasons why most potential pet owners will not adopt.

The goal of issuing a new future ordinance is to execute a ban that is in favor of both pet

SafeVoice provides ease of mind

“

“The end was my favorite part because everyone in the crowd was standing up and singing along.”

freshman Jacob Bowler

“

“My favorite part was scene right before the wedding. It was fun seeing everyone on stage dancing and having a good time.”

sophomore Kaitlyn Schoeffel

“

“Dancing Queen was my favorite part. Everybody got so into it and it brought back memories from my childhood.”

junior Mackenzie Gamett

Staff

“

Shelter pets on the back burner

“My favorite part was seeing my current and previous students do such amazing job with the production.” science teacher Jolie Glaser

By Casey Li

While almost all students at school appear to be content on the surface, many are facing underlying problems that may not seem apparent at first glance.

The silence of assault, abuse, and rape victims have been a long standing problem in schools throughout the nation.

Senate Bill 212 intends to solve this problem with SafeVoice, a website and application that permits students to report incidences.

SafeVoice uses a system that allows students to report threats or incidences anonymously.

This is intended to make it more likely for them to report threats in the first place.

Students can use this app to report tips to a professional

team using videos, pictures, documents, eyewitness accounts, or any other piece of evidence. A 24/7 professional team then responds to the issue.

Before, students would have to confront police or school administration, but now they can submit tips to solve pressing issues. There was also “Report a Bully” which was replaced by this program.

“Kids are more likely to report a bully on their phones quietly

rather than speak to a dean or teacher directly,” junior Maciel Lara said. “That way they don’t have to be seen walking into the dean’s office or have there name be out there.”

The intention of Safe Voice is to ensure the wellbeing of high school students and the community at large. While this is a system that still has yet to prove itself, it is a measure to ensure the safety and privacy of thousands of Nevada students.

Winter Olymics bring hope as well as controversy

By Casey Li Seven years ago, millions of people in South Korea celebrated after being elected for the highly anticipated 2018 Winter Olympics.

While relationships between North and South Korea have been very rocky for the past half of the century, the 2018 Olympics offers the opportunity to fix relations between the two sides.

North and South Korea both walked under the same flag during the opening ceremony and produced a Korean women’s ice hockey team. North Korea

has even deployed their “Army of Beauties” to cheer for both countries during the olympics along with several of their per-

forming artists to play in Pyeongchang and Seoul.

There still appears to be some bumps in the road; many South Koreans disagree with this cooperation and North Korea had a massive military parade (which would traditionally be

held in April) the day before the opening ceremony to show their new long range missiles.

The Pyeongchang winter Olympics was the first to address Russia’s doping issue by preventing the country to compete in the first place. Russian athletes unaffiliated with doping were permitted to walk under the Olympics flag, resulting in less than 200 hundred competitors from Russia entering the competition.

This addresses a long standing problem found in the Olympics and brings hope of preventing future efforts of doping.

news 05

Wrestling captures yet another Region title

By Meka’la Parker Sitting in 3rd place after the first day of the Sunrise Regional wrestling meet at Las Vegas High School on Feb. 2, the team’s chances of grabbing their 8th straight Regional title looked bleak.

However, the Gators stormed back on Day 2, led by junior Steele Dias, sophomore Jeremy Hoffman, sophomore Will Zernich, junior Justuce Scott and junior Desmond Bowers, who all claimed individual titles in their respectived weight classes. With hundreds of other wrestlers competing, the win was not as easy as it looked.

“I hadn’t wrestled in weeks so when I got back on the mat I wasn’t prepared until I got into the finals, I felt mentally prepared,” Hoffman said. “I think I wanted to win a lot more than the kid that I wrestled so I feel like that helped me win.”

Spending weeks practicing, the team has been preparing since the beginning for regionals. The consistency of this win has proven that hard work, dedication,

Wrestlers pose with their Regional championship trophy on Feb. 3.

and countless hours of hard work pays off.

“We push our wrestlers to their limit. I believe in every one of them that they each hold a lot more than they know,” Coach Jon Ferry said. “I’m proud that our team has won numerous times and showed what Green Valley is

about since not a lot of people can hold that title.”

This season offered many obstacles, creating a challenge for the wrestlers. Each had the motivation to claim champion.

“Going to finals is nerve-racking. Everyone wants to win and be able to say they are the best,”

Hoffman said. “Winning finals feels amazing because it really shows how good someone is.”

At press time, the team was preparing to defend their state title from 2017 at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas. The Gators have won the last 6 state meets, which is a state of Nevada record.

Vegas powers to the polls

Thousands upon thousands gathered at the Sam Boyd Stadium to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Women’s March and kick off the new initiative for 2018. Women, femmes, allies, men alike cheered on as guest speakers riled the crowd up.

“I enjoyed hearing the different perspectives that the speakers were providing about their experiences as it relates to the state, as well as why they were encouraging people to get out and vote,” senior Alex Safieddine said.

There were many different types of women as well as different issues that were discussed.

“It was a very diverse group, a lot of people interested in a lot of different issues. Everyone was supportive even if it wasn’t necessarily the thing they were into,” math teacher Lisa Beam.

This event for many allowed

them to voice their opinions and concerns in regards to many social issues. “[It’s important] so that people see it’s not a couple of people complaining, it’s a lot. It’s nice to see everyone come together. It’s

Many showed off their colorful and unique posters at the Power to the Polls March on Jan. 21.

“It’s nice to see women be

passionate and assertive and being like ‘hey, these are the things that are important to us and you need to pay attention to us because we’re getting a little cranky.’

Lisa Beam

“

By Sarah Fernandez

nice to see women be passionate and assertive and being like ‘hey, these are the things that are important to us and you need to pay

attention to us because we’re getting a little cranky,’” Beam said.

For sophomore Iliana Rios, the March provided a tangible movement she could see and believe, which thus inspired her.

“We often hear talk of ‘change’

and ‘making an impact,’ but no proceeding action,” Rios said.

“Attending the Women’s March and seeing action put in place filled me with a sense of hope. I believe the Women’s March was simply the beginning.”

06 news

Making over the makeup norm

By Skylar Jones The Animal Advocates club hosted a cruelty-free makeover on Dec. 19 to combat the makeup brands that utilize animals to test their products.

“Animal testing is never morally correct and we wanted to bring awareness to that with our program,” sophomore Penelope Chavarria-Mendoza said.

The participant, senior Jacquelyn Rusterholz, was chosen through a raffle and the winner also received a $20 Sephora gift card.

“I didn’t find the effort appealing before, but now that I think about it, looking for only animal cruelty-free makeup would be a very good thing to do,” Rusterholz said.

According to Humane Society International, roughly 100,000 to 200,000 animals are used to test cosmetics each year. The contributors to this include drugstore brands, such as Covergirl and high end makeup, such as Nars and Mac. “Even if you think ‘I have to have this one product,’ have your one product, but make all the rest

of them cruelty-free,” club advisor and science teacher Dr. Lesley Zamora said.

Although the cruelty-free label is not regulated by the FDA, and therefore non-cruelty free brands could potentially use it, the main combatants to animal testing in the makeup industry include the brands of Nyx, E.L.F and Hard Candy.

“I did this so people could learn about cruelty-free beauty and realize that you can be just as beautiful as if you were wearing Maybelline,” president, Melody Grover said.

The club discusses many ways of helping animals in trouble.

They have participated in other campaigns against puppy millsthe breeding of dogs that will eventually be sold.

“We raised nearly five hundred signatures against puppy mills. We wanted to help to shut down puppy mills, but sadly the bill was not passed,” ChavarriaMendoza said.

As stated by the Humane Society of the United States, there are approximately 10,000 puppy mills (in the U.S) that produce over 2 million dogs annually.

photo courtesy of Melody Glover

Senior Jacquelyn Ruster Holz (left) poses with make-up artist, Mandy.

“They are constantly kept in cages and often times the dogs do not receive appropriate medical care. For example, there was a dog within a mill whose leg injury was never fixed,” Chavarria-Mendoza said.

The club also regularly volunteers at a spay and neuter clinic in order to reduce the amount of unadopted animals in town.

“It’s a feral cat clinic, so all the cats are unowned,” Zamora said.

“Because of the overpopulation problem, we spay and neuter as

many as we can one Sunday a month. Typically, it goes somewhere between 200 and 500 cats a Sunday.”

The main objective of animal advocates is to raise awareness about the cruelty many animals endure, and to help them in whatever way they can through their club.

“I really want to help animals,” Grover said. “I want to educate and enlighten others on how to do so also. And this makeover is just one way to do it.”

Orchestra takes on Chicago The 71st Annual Midwest conference was held in Chicago, Ill. from Dec. 20-23.

Out of all the high school orchestra programs across the country, only five are chosen to compete in this elite conference, with over 17,000 attendees from all 50 states and more than 30 countries.

In order to attend, orchestras must audition a year in advance to even be considered. This is the second time that Green Valley has been invited to perform at this event.

“When we got accepted, it was an amazing feeling. I was so proud of my students and they did so well. It means a lot that

they were accepted after only one entry because that usually does not happen,” orchestra teacher Shelly Burger said. “I can defi-

“When we got accepted, it was an amazing feeling. I was so proud of my students and they did so well. It means a lot that they were accepted after only one entry.

Shelly Burger

“

By Gabriella Ghasserani

nitely say that this experience is something that will help the students to better their skills and

further the program.”

This conference is on the national level, which allows the school to be presented in a new way that brings more attention to the program.

“I would say our goal is to really create a name for Green Valley Orchestra and prove what we can do, which is exactly what we did in Chicago,” second chair of bass sophomore Samantha Amezcua said.

Orchestra had been preparing for this since the summer. Their performance lasted an hour long and one of the pieces they played was “My Shot” from Hamilton.

The pieces they performedwere all different levels, showcasing their versatility.

“We had improv pieces as well

as some jazz and classical,” first chair of violins sophomore Grace Wride said. “They are all different and unique to show our strengths. I think this trip will allow us to get to know what it is like and what it takes to be a real musician.”

At the clinic, they had the opportunity to take classes with reknowned conductors. The students were also able to meet some big names in orchestra and the writers of the songs they performed.

“Being there together was so much fun and we all did really well. It was a great experience being able to represent our school and I hope we can do it again soon,” fifth chair of bass sophomore Fred Reagan said.

feature 07

By Erinn Veach Student Council is what brings school spirit to the swamp. With a group of about 20 students from each grade level, they piece together energy-inducing activities, such as Homecoming, Boy Pageant and many more seasonal assemblies and themed weeks full of life. The behind the scenes work to make this happen, though, is much harder than the average student would assume.

Ran by English teacher Viviana Garner, council members spend countless hours putting together fundraisers and events to bring students together. The Stuco room is never quiet. There is always work to be done when it comes to keeping school a spirited place.

“There is always something going on. We do 58 events per school year. Those range from community service, assemblies, dress-up days, and things that individual classes do. There are fundraisers done by each class and zone and state conferences,” Garner said. “The hustle and

think about the next school year.

“We get so much done at retreats,” junior Jennifer Haberstock said. “Homecoming is right when we get back, so retreat gives us a jump-start for everything that we have to do. On top of retreat, we have work hours all throughout the summer. Which allows us to make homecoming as amazing as you guys see it is.”

This bond between members comes in handy due to the sheer

possible spirit days and activities.

“We have meetings about each major event, brainstorm ideas together, then tell the entire class, then do voting,” junior class president Olivia Weddell said. “We have parliamentary procedure, which is the way we go through our meetings. We all vote on the ideas and majority rules.”

After these meetings comes the work we all see. Students are divided into teams led by the se-

Thursday nights are spent preparing assemblies during event weeks. One would think all this time together would create tension between members, but in reality, it brings them closer.

“We’re able to work together really well. Being with everyone so long allows us to know each other better,” Weddell said.

“Since we’re all about leadership, we learn different ways to work with different people. We know Erinn Veach

“We have meetings about

each major event, brainstorm ideas together, then tell the entire class, then do voting.

“

Olivia Weddell

bustle never dies down. There is never a day when we are just twiddling our thumbs.”

In order to be a part of Stuco, students must apply during the previous school year. This process includes an application, teacher recommendations and a thorough interview. Once they are accepted, they go on a summer retreat with other members and begin organizing for the year.

Work is being done here before normal students begin to even

Junior Jennifer Haberstock making Sadies posters on Jan. 5, 2018.

amount of time they all have to be together. Being on Student Council is a full time job, including late night set ups, early morning decorating, and weekend events that require full attention.

“For our last winter week, we were here from 12 to 8 p.m. at night setting up the Sunday before,” Haberstock said.

Organization is key in making Stuco run smoothly. Before any work on the painted posters and assembly line ups can be made, they hold a parliamentary meeting to establish teams, vote on themes, and submit ideas for

niors with six other members.

Each group has different work assignments, therefore allowing the seemingly endless pile of posters and planning to be accomplished smoothly and efficiently.

“We are broken into groups and given assignments, like being in charge of a certain game. Team leaders break down what each member can contribute, so say I’m good at painting, and someone else at cutting out things, we get those jobs,” Haberstock said.

Fridays after school and Sunday evenings are dedicated to set up of hallways and the quad, and

who to go to for help.

Stress is guaranteed for Stuco members, but they wouldn’t have it any different. They enjoy the class and enjoy the job, even if it does entail holding the weight of school spirit on their shoulders.

Each event holds a different challenge they are excited to take on.

“Every assembly is different, like boyband and homecoming are more stressful,” Weddell said. “Somethings are more hectic than others, but in the end it is fun because we all chose to be there. We love being on the council and that is why we do it.”

February 2018

08 feature

Gators

flying

high

Seniors Samantha Shire and Quentin Ragan are future pilots currently training to be in the aviation field once they graduate.

Both had unique experiences that intrigued them to this field. For Shire, interests in this field came to her after an event she experienced when she was younger.

“I remember my dad taking me up to air shows at Nellis Air Force Base when I was little and I remember the excitement of seeing the airplanes, and that feeling came back,” Shire said. “The more research I did, the more I liked it and then I took my first flight. After my first flight, I was in awe and loved it.”

Shire decided after that moment to continue her interest in aviation. She began to receive lessons on the practice of flying airplanes.

“My first time taking off was scary but at the same time it was also calming,” Shire said. “It just felt right to have my hands on the controls and it felt great to lift off from the ground pointed straight towards the clouds. It was amazing.”

Once the plane is in the air

The InvestiGator t GVHS

there is only one thing left to do, land the plane.

Future pilots are trained to land just as much as they are trained to take off.

“I didn’t land for the first time for a long time. Landing is something that is very difficult and

“

My first time taking off was scary but at the same time it was also calming. It just felt right to have my hands on the controls and it felt great to lift off from the ground pointed straight towards the clouds. It was amazing.

Samantha Shire

“

By Sydney Lum

there are a lot of things that can go wrong whether you come in too low, too high, or too fast,” Shire said. “Although my first landing was not a great landing, they say any landing you can walk away from is a good one.”

While taking off and landing

require much focus, controlling and flying a plane while in the air needs just as much attention.

“The first time I was in the air I was really nervous because I had never done it before. I was constantly checking what altitude the plane was at to make sure I wasn’t dropping really low or going too high,” Shire said. “I was trying to impress the instructor to give off a good impression so he knew that this is something I love to do and that it is something that I am good at.”

The opportunity to fly a plane, especially as a teenager, does not

come around often. However, Ragan was given the opportunity from his dad who is a pilot.

“It was a good feeling the first time I flew and when I flew by myself it was a relief,” Ragan said. “I was a little nervous when I first took off because once you are in the air you, have to get back down somehow. Landing is the most difficult part, but once you get use to it, it is not that bad.”

A pilot in training has to make

feature 09

Senior Quentin Ragan descends to land his plane.

courtesy of Quentin Ragan

sure to practice on a regular basis. It takes as much work as anything else that is trained for, whether it is a sport, art or profession. Learning to fly a plane is a big commitment, therefore

my first landing “Although was not a great landing, they say any landing you can walk away from is a good one.

“

Samantha Shire

making time to practice flying a plane is crucial, especially for aspiring pilots.

“I practice three to four times a week and I plan on studying aviation in college,” Ragan said.

Practice and time is key since the task is quite difficult. Having comfort is pivotal to flying a plane.

“The first time I felt comfortable was on my Discovery Flight

at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Ariz. The Discovery Flight is where I go up in the sky with the instructor in the plane and I can fly the plane while the instructor talks to me about flying and going to the school,” Shire said. “Visiting Embry-Riddle was a great experience but I plan on going to the University of North Dakota to continue my aviation career.”

The field of aviation provides many career paths such as working for Major and Regional Airlines, being a Cargo, Law Enforcement and Military Pilot, and being a Flight Instructor. The options are limitless.

“I stayed away from being a Military Pilot because there is a ten-year service requirement and I want to become a Commercial Pilot as soon as possible,” Shire said.

Although flying requires hard work, there are times where it is a beneficial occupation because of the things a pilot can see and experience.

“I have flown to Bullhead City,

Ariz. This required me to fly along the Colorado River because the city is along by the Colorado River,” Shire said.

Training requires learning how to communicate with the air traffic control towers and other pilots.

“The air traffic control tower will tell me what to do and if I don’t reply right away they can get upset,” Shire said. “Not all

airports have an air traffic control tower, for example Jean, Nev. When I fly there I have to go on a frequency so I am able to talk to the other pilots flying.”

Learning how to be a pilot is a big commitment considering it involves one’s future career.

“When I took my first flight I was in awe,” Shire said. “I knew from that moment I wanted to fly planes.” courtesy of Samantha Shire

Senior Samantha Shire prepares for flight on Nov. 30.

10 feature

“What you and I might not think is ‘extreme’ is happening on our campus,” dean Christa Fialkiewicz said. “These sort of subversive, subtle ways of males touching females on our campus is mind-blowing.”

The issues of sexual harassment have long been a problem in a plethora of high schools. In fact, one in nine girls and one in 53 boys under the age of 18 experience sexual assault, according to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network, RAINN. These issues have propagated themselves within the lives of both students who have experienced them, as well as teachers and administrators who deal with these cases.

Usually, these occurrences involve kids who are acquaintances rather than complete strangers, according to Fialkiewicz.

“These are students who are like ‘yeah, I went to 8th grade with him. He went to Greenspun with me, or White with me. Then he started sending me pictures or asking me questions, wanting to date me,’” Fialkiewicz said.

In her experience, she has seen a pattern of individuals who are acquaintances involving one side that has feelings, which the other side does not welcome.

“More often than not it begins to escalate in these small, lad-

der-steps of: ‘do you have a boyfriend? How long have you guys been dating? Come on, can’t we just go on a date? Let’s meet up.

Do you sneak out of your house?’”

Fialkiewicz said. “Then it slowly gets to a point where the female has developed a friendship but is having difficulty pushing away unwanted sexual advances.”

Students who have endured

“It just doesn’t randomly

happen. It’s not unexpected. It progresses slowly. It’s small things and then it happens.

Tiffany Wilson*

“

By Sarah Fernandez and Shila Sherafat

these incidents have also experienced these sluggish progressions of harassment.

“It just doesn’t randomly happen. It’s not unexpected. It progresses slowly. It’s small things and then it happens. It slowly happens and you don’t know it’s happening until it actually does,” sophomore Tiffany Wilson* said.

The plethora of effects of sexual harassment perpetuate themselves in many aspects of students’ lives.

“For me, it has affected me in every facet of my life. My relationships with people changed a lot, my relationships with gener-

ally the world, my outlook and everything has changed drastically,” senior Lisa Warren* said.

The effects are not just limited to psychological repercussions; they are present in other facets of students’ lives as well.

“I think sexual harassment has dictated the way I dress,” junior Jenny Douglas* said. “Up until around sophomore year, for the longest time I wore loose, dark, baggy clothing because as soon as I started wearing a bra I immediately got so much attention from males, older males especially.”

Although much less commonly talked about, men are also victims of sexual harassment and or assault. From the ages of 4 to 7 senior John Richards* was molested by an older kid in his neighborhood. For him, the effects of his experience have made him more empathetic.

“I definitely treat women with more respect because going through that, you’re like ‘oh [shoot], that [really] sucks,’” Richards said.

These instances are also not just limited to physical contact, they can include many other unwanted advances.

Sometimes vulgar statements are made and the male or female doesn’t know how to respond to them.

“That is shocking to me, as an older woman I know the response: ‘no and please don’t contact me again.’ How difficult that

is for a 15, 16, 17, 18-year-old female is difficult for me to understand,” Fialkiewicz said.

For Warren, this harassment was an everyday situation she had to face.

“Especially when I was a lot younger, there were these senior guys who parked in senior parking and I had to walk all the way out there because I was a sophomore so I parked in the back,” Warren said. “I walked past them and they would catcall me every single day. It got to a point where others would see it and not do anything about it.”

Students don’t always recognize that they are by definition committing these acts, according to health teacher Erin Hill.

“I don’t think kids always know what harassment is because when someone walks into the classroom and they catcall, that’s sexual harassment,” Hill said. “So I think they need to be educated on what’s harassment and what’s appropriate and inappropriate.”

Others like Richards have also seen similar harassing behaviors in everyday school life.

“I have seen people slap [behinds] and whatever but that’s just normal high school banter, but I’m not saying it’s the right thing to do, but I mean, like, obviously there are going to be [rude people] out there in the world who do dumb [stuff] like that,” Richards said. “I mean, I

have seen it, everyone has seen it, it’s not the right thing to do, but it’s just like, [life] happens.”

Through her experience, Fialkiewicz has seen some trends when investigating these cases of sexual harassment.

“The most common situation is a friend of the victim comes into the dean’s office or to a counselor and then we have to deal with it,” Fialkiewicz said. “Very rarely do we have the actual victim come in.

That’s very rare because they’re nervous about what they’ve done.

Even if it’s just the receipt of an explicit picture, they’re nervous.

When I ask ‘how long have you been in contact with this individual?’ and they say ‘since the beginning of school’ and we’re four months into school, the shame immediately sets in.”

There is also a third instance where these cases are usually brought to the dean’s attention, which is much less common.

“This is usually the only time a victim comes to us directly, and

“Isn’t it the same

construct? You’re being disrespected as a human, and it’s about your body.

“

Christa Fialkiewicz

that is when it’s not an acquaintance. Catcalling, grabbing of body parts and stuff like that,” Fialkiewicz said.

These three main ways in which cases are brought forth serve as as a perplexing pattern to Fialkiewicz in her investigations.

“It’s interesting because, isn’t it the same construct? You’re being disrespected as a human, and it’s about your body. In all three instances they are being victimized at that same level but because one doesn’t know the perpetrator, they feel more comfortable coming in.”

After this happens and Fialkiewicz takes copious notes, the victim and perpetrator both come in to give written statements of anything they can recollect.

“Even the perpetrator gets to write down their account, it’s called due process,” Fialkiewicz said.

Based on the Nevada Revised Statutes, there are three different laws that constitute sexual harassment or abuse: open or gross lewdness, indecent or obscene exposure and lewdness with children under 16. Then when later reviewing these cases, there are two figureheads that oversee them.

“I represent CCSD and the school. Then we’ve got the police officer, he represents the police and the law. We try to determine if a law has been broken or not,” Fialkiewicz said.

“He doesn’t inform what I do and I don’t inform what he does, we are two different entities.”

Despite this, they work together to achieve one common goal.

“If we have a victim on campus, we make sure the perpetrator is off campus,” Fialkiewicz said.

For this to happen there is also a system in place. Usually, the school moves for expulsion.

“Expulsion doesn’t mean the kid is banned from CCSD. It usually means him or her will spend six to eight weeks at a behavior school and then be administratively reassigned to another high school,” Fialkiewicz said.

Often, a victim’s statement is enough to consolidate a case in the first place. If there are multiple victims, screenshots, texts, images, etc, then the case is even more sound.

“What is being communicated on phones, needs to be saved.

I know that sounds horrible. If a male sent you a picture of his genitalia, you don’t want to save that, but to save that is important because to have that is an automatic reaction of ‘we have a victim,’” Fialkiewicz said.

Technically there is a strict 48-hour protocol on sexual harassment or abuse cases as they fall under bullying, although, in

feature 11

The questionnaire was given to 334 students, which is about 10 percent of the total population. It was a seven questions in length and it was given directly to students by teachers. The responses are from all grade levels and genders.

Sarah Fernandez a regular bullying case the police officer isn’t brought in, according to Fialkiewicz. The process commences when the victim is brought in, questioned and asked for a statement. The deans and campus police collect as much information as they can, without alerting the perpetrator or their parents.

“Often what happens is that evidence is erased, they start creating stories, they start writing their own narrative. We cold-call them,” Fialkiewicz said.

Once the perpetrators are brought in, they often cave to what has happened.

“We see it almost every single time - the body language. Then you see the swallowing going on, the dry mouth, the flushed face.

We document all of that stuff.

Then they start backtracking,” Fialkiewicz said.

Fialkiewicz has also had instances in which the perpetrator is confronted and when asked questions about the event, they often say they don’t know or try to lie about the nuances of the event.

Douglas believes these ideals of believing what the victim is saying is what will help qualm instances of sexual harassment.

“As a society we need to believe women more, we need to take people’s experiences seriously, we need to act with empathy and understand that this can be a huge traumatic experience for so many women across the globe,” Douglas said. “We need to understand that minor things matter. So even if it’s something as

12 feature on sexual assault I think is very good. There is material on both healthy and unhealthy relationships and statutory rape in SexEd.” As part of the Unhealthy and Healthy Relationships unit in Sex-Ed, consent is taught to inform students right from wrong.

“The age of consent and sexual consent are absolutely covered.

My 18 year-old seniors always go, ‘she’s 15 and I am 18.’ That’s statutory rape, might want to stay away from that one. And they say ‘but it’s consensual.’ No, they don’t have the right to consent

“There are so many other factors that go into consent and good romantic relationships.

Jenny Douglas*

“

simple as a guy telling me ‘oh hey, I have the constitutional right to grab your [breasts] and I’m going to do it one of these days,’ that needs to be taken seriously.”

In the Health curriculum, there are five units required by CCSD: human sex-trafficking, bullying and cyberbullying, suicide prevention, CPR and Sex-Ed. Hill has taught the curriculum for 27 years and has seen the curriculum endure changes throughout her time.

“About two years ago, [the District] cleaned out all of the materials [we are] allowed to teach, some of them dated back all the way to 1977 and, we were like, ‘are you kidding me? We can’t use any of this anyway,’” Hill said. “Even if it is still accurate, which a lot of it is because, I’m sorry, the vagina doesn’t change, the rectum doesn’t change. But the bottom line, it has to have updated pictures. When [the students] see kids that look like it was from the 1970’s, they think ‘oh no, this doesn’t apply to me.’”

CCSD determines the materials allowed to show students in a database. Educators search through the database to find videos and materials they want to teach. If teachers fail to teach what is not listed, their job is put in jeopardy.

“At one point, there were only two approved materials, and one was the textbook. They did take out some really good stuff and they haven’t replaced it, but I know they’re getting to it,” Hill said. “The material they have

legally,” Hill said.

In Douglas’ opinion, these teachings of consent need to be more nuanced in the way they are portrayed.

“Even though consent might be taught in school, I don’t think it’s necessarily applicable. We are often shown videos from the 1980’s and it’s like: ‘if the guy hits you, leave’ but there are so many other factors that go into consent and good romantic relationships,” Douglas said.

Hill has seen the misunderstanding of more complex issues

in regards to consent in her classroom as well.

“When they are under the influence, that’s what really interests kids because when we do go over sexual assault, there is a time when a person doesn’t have the right to consent, and one of them is when they are under the influence of drugs and alcohol,” Hill said. “‘Oh really?’ ‘Yeah, really, even if they are over 16.’

Those are the kind of conversations we have in here and I think it’s vitality important that kids be involved in those kind of conversations, so that they understand.”

While many students choose to opt out of health class and take it online instead, these students may not be getting the same necessary education.

APEX teachers are required to record if they have added the five mandatory units to Apex health, yet there is no regulation of how in-depth these units are taught.

“This is a personal opinion of mine, yes they have added them, but have you sat and seen my voice? Have you heard the inflection in my voice? Have you sat in your group and heard what a young lady has to say versus a young man? Or did you check a box so you could pass the test?”

Hill said.

These online classes deprive students of exchanging opinions and essential conversations with their peers, according to Hill.

“I think the discussions that kids have with each other in here are meaningful. I think when you

Shila Sherafat

The InvestiGator t GVHS

can see a person’s face and hear a person’s inflection in their voice, look at their body language, you can learn a lot more than looking at a computer screen,” Hill said.

Warren thinks this education on harassment and assault is beneficial in many ways.

“It would not only educate them about the effects of their actions and statements but it would also help victims who don’t really know what’s happened to them come to terms and have a community to work with over what’s happened,” Warren said.

In regards to high school’s role, there are differing opinions as to what should and should not be done. Both Warren and Douglas think more school protections should be in place as they see rape culture perpetuated much too often in their daily lives.

“In high school especially it’s veiled, but extremely thinly veiled. It’s always there the systems of ‘damn, she’s a nine.’ You might not think that’s rape culture but you’re taking a woman based on her physical appearance and turning her into a number because you think that she’s attractive,” Warren said.

For Douglas, this exact objectification is what has caused many negative effects in her life.

“I immediately knew I had to go under the radar. I had to talk quietly, I had to wear looser things, because I didn’t want that sort of attention,” Douglas said.

“I wanted to be recognized for my voice, for my intelligence as opposed to what I looked like.”

As for Fialkiewicz, the teaching of these ideals in explicit forms is not taught soon enough.

“I think high school is too late.

We should be reinforcing not introducing these points,” Fialkiewicz said. “Middle school is when it needs to be explicitly taught.”

Despite differing opinions on the school’s role in these instances, at the end of the day, the students and Fialkiewicz agree that respect is the basis for solving the issue.

“As a broad sense, there needs to be an idea of respect,” Warren said. “Either it’s a man not respecting a woman, it’s people not respecting others’ boundaries, not respecting the word ‘no.’” *Student names were changed for privacy reasons.

Q&A

with

By Shila Sherafat

Q:When did you start doing makeup?

A: I started in December 2016.

What got you into makeup?

I had really bad acne and under eye circles so I just wanted to cover that.

What is your favorite makeup brand?

High end- Fenty Beauty Lower end- I really like E.L.F. for their brushes but I like Maybelline for their face makeup.

Do you watch any beauty youtubers? Who is your favorite?

Jackie Aina, James Charles but I don’t like him that much, it’s just we have the same skin type and skin tone, and NikkieTutorials.

What makeup product can you not live without?

My eyelashes, I need those.

What do you love most about makeup?

I love that I can use makeup to transform myself into so many different things. I can create crazy colorful looks on my eyes, change the definition and the shape of my face and so much more. Makeup doesn’t just glam you up, it can change you extremely which is so crazy and fun.

How has makeup affected your daily life?

Makeup has changed my daily life intensely! I get stares at the top of the stairs no matter where I go. I get lovely compliments from so many people. I get stopped and asked questions about my makeup and what products I use. It really has changed my confidence levels. I wasn’t confident until I started wearing makeup.

Do you want a future in makeup?

I would love a future in makeup.

My top two goals with makeup are my own makeup line and being a celebrity makeup artist.

I dream about doing Ariana Grande’s makeup every day using products I created. Some-

“

Diego Lopez

feature 13

on makeup controversies

Men definitely need more representation in makeup.

Junior Diego Lopez dusts highlighter on his cheek in a photoshoot on Jan. 31.

thing like that is something I definitely want to work for.

What do you think is a misconception or rumor that many people have about makeup?

I think the biggest misconception is people wear makeup because they’re insecure of what people think. Excuse me? I wear makeup for me and only me!

Makeup does more than cover insecurities. It shows your artistic skills, how different you can look and make you more confident. Never have I ever thought about someone and thinking I should wear makeup to impress them.

Do you think people are welcoming to you when they see you wear makeup?

I believe more people are welcoming of my makeup than not. I get so many compliments every single day. Tons of people stop me while I’m working or at school just to tell me that I look good. Of course there are unwelcoming people, but I don’t give them the time of day. If I’m really affecting them by wear-

Brynne Hilton

ing makeup, they have deeper problems to deal with.

Do you think men need to be represented more in the makeup world?

Men definitely need more representation with makeup. We have so many male youtubers who do get their recognition.

But there is still that misconception that makeup is just for girls.

That gender role is still embedded in so many people’s minds.

But, the people who deserve the most recognition are the POC (people of color) males. We have all these white guys on YouTube like James Charles who have the attention they deserve, but what about the POC? They’re just as amazing and talented, if not then more.

Advice for people who are starting out in the makeup world?

My advice for people who are just starting out- you are not going to be amazing right away.

You have to keep practicing.

When I started wearing makeup, I was so embarrassed at how bad it was. But, I kept practicing and

trying different things. Learn your face and your shades. Do what works on your face. And a little YouTube tutorials help.

Of the 1,000 U.S. men surveryed

by J. Walter Thompson Intelligence:

54% use skincare products 13% wax their eyebrows

29% get a manicure 10% wear concealer

February 2018

14 feature

Juggling it all

By Erinn Veach Senior Isabel Madrid has achieved the rather uncommon feat of playing three sports, and being a top player in all of them.

Since her freshman year, Madrid has dominated varsity soccer, flag football and track, along with playing soccer on a club team. Not only does she lead in sports, but is also the senior class president and has been participating in student council alongside athletics all four years. All these activities have led her to a quite busy, yet rewarding high school career.

Everything was set into motion when she found her love of soccer at the age of three. Since then, she has experienced nothing but joy in her favorite sport, both with her club and school teams.

“I am really passionate about soccer,” Madrid said. “It is my favorite thing to do. It never feels like a job for me. I always want to go to practice to see friends and just play the game.”

As she entered high school, both flag football and track were also on her list of sports she aspired to do. Being able to land all varsity spots was a pleasant surprise for Madrid.

The InvestiGator t GVHS

Brynne Hilton

feature 15

“I am really passionate

about soccer. It is my favorite thing to do. It never feels like a job for me. I always want to go to practice to see friends and just play the game.

me out a lot and I am so thankful for that,” Madrid said.

Time management and organization are two important skills she has also picked up thanks to her hectic schedule. Being con-

“Izzy was a really unique

player. As a freshman, she came in and was really focused and mature, and the hardest worker. She was ready to go, she instantly started playing for us right away. She wasn’t that freshman that just sat on the bench all year.

Catherine Davis

stantly ahead of the game allows her to never drop the ball on schoolwork.

“I do not know how this girl balances everything that she does,” Davis said. “All her sports keep her constantly busy and that forces her to always be focused and organized, and always one

bench all year.”

Making varsity in all three sports was not the only groundbreaking accomplishment she has made in her highschool career. She was racking up playing time as a starter for the soccer team, qualifying for track championships in her first year and every year following and holding multiple records in flag football such as most interceptions in the state.

“Us winning at our region championships then going to state this year was one of the accomplishments I think she is most proud of,” Davis said. “She also had the honor of having the Review Journal do a whole big profile on her talking about her achievements in soccer, acheivements in track and achievements in flag football. She has also been a state qualifier for all three years in track.”

step ahead of the game. She plans ahead and keeps everything so meticulous. From early on she learned that she had to have that busy schedule so she could balance all the sports and all the activities.”

The way she keeps up with academics and all her activities is an achievement in itself. It is no easy task to do all that she does with such efficiency.

“Her greatest achievement is probably being able to take the full load with student council, three sports, club sports and her academics. To be able to manage the time and balance everything is really very impressive,” Torrez said.

Now she will be graduating with 12 varsity letters and a full ride scholarshp to Cal State for soccer. While there, she will study environmental studies, technology and policy alongside playing her favorite sport. The hard work and time she put into her high school has definitely paid off for her, literally.

“It’s been really fun to be able to watch her grow through her four years and become this amazing athlete and young woman,” Davis said. “I cannot wait to see where she’ll go.”

Madison Cox

“

Isabel Madrid

The road to being great has not been easy, hard work and practice goes into mastering three sports and not all come naturally to her.

“Track is the most challenging of the three,” Madrid said. “Soccer comes naturally to me now since I’ve been playing it for so long. For track though, every race I have to try and every practice I have to push myself in order to get good placements.”

Participating in so many sports has been helpful for Madrid.

Things she learns from one sport transfers over to all of them.

“Different sports create different muscle memory,” flag football coach David Torrez said.

“That can be used to help in playing other sports. All the sports Izzy plays helps to develop her as an athlete overall.”

Plenty of stress comes along with the packed-full life she has chosen. Those around her provide constant support and encouragement to help her along her way.

“Sometimes balancing everything gets really stressful, but my coaches and parents are really understanding about that. My friends know that 95 percent of the time I am busy. They all help

“

“When I came into high school I knew I wanted to play flag football, and then I ended up making varsity my freshman year. Track I also just knew I was going to do,” Madrid said.

She was not the usual freshman on varsity either; she has been on the field playing since the start because of her skill and hard work.

“Izzy was a really unique player. As a freshman, she came in and was really focused and mature, and the hardest worker,” soccer coach Catherine Davis said. “Her experience was what allowed her to be placed on varsity as a freshman. She has been a part of top-level programs and has had amazing experiences at a very young age that allowed her to develop a lot quicker than other players. She was ready to go, she instantly started playing for us right away. She wasn’t that freshman that just sat on the

Senior Isabel Madrid recieves a pass while weaving away from the opposing team at Coronado on Feb. 1.

16 sports

Springin’ into Action Men’s Volleyball

Junior Devon Ainslie serves during practice on Feb. 2.

Brynne Hilton

By Madison Cox The swim team will be making a splash this coming season, as the teammates are eager to compete this season. Many of the athletes on the team have been swimming for most of their lives, and plan to use that to their advantage when it comes to big meets like regionals and state.

“I have been doing swimming since I was little. It is something I enjoy doing,” Navarro said. “People usually swim just for fun, but in reality, it is definitely competitive because everyone wants to win at this level.”

The boys swim team placed 12 athletes in honors competitions this year. In addition to this, junior Matthew Myers, placed 2nd

in his division, at a class 4A state level meet.

This year, sophomore Zaida Ascension will compete in honorsas well, but as the only female sophomore.

“Being the only sophomore competing in such a high leveled competition is a great feeling. It lets me know that all the hard work I put in pays off,” Ascension said. “It is a competitive sport and winning or just competing gives that rush of knowing I am doing what I’m supposed to do.”

The swim team will be practicing in order to face the challenges that lie ahead. With constant practices at the Whitney Ranch Recreation Center, the team is ready to take the state title to claim for their own.

By Madison Cox Men’s volleyball looks to return to the form that earned them the title of State Champions in 2016.

Seniors Zachary Fedarko and Cameron Hogan are several of the returning players who are excited for this upcoming season.

“I have been part of this team since freshman year and I think as a senior, this season will be the one,” Fedarko said.

As a team, a priority this season is to go to regionals and to win state again. The two rival schools to beat for the state title are Palo Verde and Shadow Ridge.

“We have a young team this year and they are all very athletic,” science teacher Emily Baracco said. “I am glad they are all gelling well together because it is going to help so much when we are tyring to beat Palo Verde and Shadow Ridge to win the state champin title this year.”

By bonding with the other members, the team as a whole works better together since they know more about each other.

“Everyone has a close bond with each other and I feel like this year, we are going to work harder as a team,” sophomore Kyle Webb said.

Swimming

Senior Eric Bendala practices his breaststroke on Feb. 2.

Maycee Labo

Men’s Golf

Senior William Casey putts the ball during practice on Feb. 7, 2017.

courtesy of Legacy Yearbook

By Madison Cox The mens’ golf team is swinging into the new season as it approaches. Most golfers take up the sport outside of school and use their skills to their advantage to compete in regionals and state. This season, captian senior William Casey looks forward to competing with his team.

“In high school there is a direct sense of competition, but when you play for fun, it is not as motivating. Our division overall is very good,” Casey said.

Golf is a highly concentrated sport. The golfer has to be focused and keep their eye on the

ball.

“I took over the boy’s golf team back in 2005 and they have only won a state title once since I took over that year,” coach Gregory Murphy said. “We’re developing golfers every day. We have a good mix of old and new golfers and we try to give them the basic fundamentals to compete in our division.

By having an equal mix of underclassmen and upperclassmen, the golf team has a more diverse set of players. This allows underclassmen to learn tactics from the upperclassmen that can come in handy after the upperclassmen graduate.

sports 17

Track & Field

Sophomore Luis Mendoza throws the shot put ball during practice on Feb. 5.

By Madison Cox Softball has had the goal to hang a banner in the gym, something they have not done since 2013. The team hopes that they can accomplish this goal in the upcoming season. With a strong core of letterman returners and a youthful group of athletes that continue to play year round the team seems primed for a winning season.

“We are expected to maintain a high intensity level while playing and keep the game fast paced,” junior Cynthia Garcia said.

The team may have not made it as far as they want in regionals last year, but four of their athletes were picked for the First

By Madison Cox

Mekala Parker

and Second All- Conference teams. Garcia and sophomore Olivia McClain were named Second All-Conference team and will be coming back this season.

“I’ve been playing both club and school ball because I can apply what I learned from each to the other,” Fabro said.

With most athletes playing softball year round they know what is expected and are able to learn more advanced plays. The teams can focus on hitting situation and specific defensive plays.

“We are a young team but I do not think it will be a disadvantage” assistant varsity coach Melissa Faber said. “The girls will be able to adjust to whatever comes their way.”

Baseball

Junior Garrett Nelson goes to field a baseball during practice on Feb. 5.

Track has honorable mentions in several divisions. Last spring, juniors Mia Smith and Emily Marcum helped clear a path for victory with their high scores in their respective categories at the 2017 Sunrise FAST Classic, held on campus.

“We are expected to focus on getting better each season. I struggle with the diet and wanting to eat bad food. My coach tells me to lay off the donuts,” sophomore Gabe Vargas said.

Each event has their own individual warm-ups and practice that is aimed for hard work and determination.

“During practice, we really emphasize warm ups to make sure no one pulls muscles or gets

Softball

Senior Savannah Fabro practices catching live balls on Jan. 24.

By Madison Cox

Brynne Hilton

injured. We all jog together and stretch in our separate groups.

My group incorporates hurdles in our warm ups to prep our hips,” senior Steffany Yang said. “The most intense days are interval days because we really work out and do a lot of sprints and hurdles.”

With intramurals under wraps, the season is beginning to roll in and bringing in new faces to the team. With over 200 athletes participating, this year will bring new excitement to the team.

“The team to beat for Regionals is definitely going to be Coronado for both boys and girls,” coach Vanessa Pike said. “We won Regionals in 2015 and have won the Sunrise FAST Classic - for freshman and sophomores - for the last seven years.”

Fresh off of a Sunrise regular season title in 2017, baseball hopes to take the next step this year by winning regionals and advancing to the state championships.

Their biggest rivals will be Coronado and Basic - who have won state for the past two years.

The varsity team will try to go for a state title, which has not happened since 2003.

“This year should have an interesting season in store for us,” senior Carter Gehlken said. “We do not have a lot of senior returners, so it is mainly just underclassmen.”

Brynne Hilton

In having a particularly young team, team traditions are usually passed on from upperclassmen to the underclassmen, so that these traditions continue on in the lives of underclassmen after each class of seniors graduates.

Gator baseball has eight state titles, seven regional championships and has apperared to compete at state 15 times.

By winning state in previous years, certain expectations are set for each player and the team as a whole.

“A lot is expected out of all of us, but I think it definitely motivates us to push past the limit,” Gehlken said.

February 2018

Brynne Hilton

12 feature Schools work with many schools across the Valley to provide certain supplies or food that kids might need.

“The philosophy behind Title I from the federal government’s perspective is that education is a mechanism to level the playing field for all students. It’s the silver bullet, if you will. If we can teach these kids to read and write and be successful in high school, then they can go to college and they can go get a job and that’ll end the cycle of poverty. It’s a long term view,” Roberts said.

“Whereas Project 150 and Communities in Schools come in as they’re solving short term problems, like it’s 30 degrees outside and this kid doesn’t have a coat.

They’re both serving the same block of students, but with different philosophies and in different ways.”

Families have to self-identify to be coded Title I. As soon as they do that, the office reaches out to them, according to Title I Coordinator Stacy Rosier.

“Rarely do we have to reach out to Title 1 forthat these things because new sports are typically male they work directly with the famidominated. lies“Inow. agoa we in don’tYears think girltook should everything and we them ‘weto ever be afraid or told intimidated need this, we need Rosier try something thatthat,’” typically isn’t said. done. I never expected to make The switch thebecause system Icame varsity but I in did tried after plethoramyself. of worries and inand apushed [Girls] just cidents developed from shell the need tothat break out of their old andsystem. try to break the stereotypes think a being lot might have to of“Iwrestling a male sport, do with making sure that people because anyone can do it,” Halwho steadactually said. need help get help, versus havingcoach people thatis Wrestling Jonsay Ferry they’re in a situation and having happy with his decision to put itHalstead not be that Rosier said. oncase,” his team this year As Roberts said earlier, someand is impressed with her skills. times the District says that they

cannot provide funding. In these times, Rosier and other schools go through other agencies for help as well. She also said how kids who aren’t Title I still receive help from the school if they are in need, and thus don’t have to be coded.

“A lot of the services that we give these people don’t come from Title I. I usually use them as a last resort because we have other places that give us things and they don’t have to be Title 1 to receive those,” Rosier said.

“We are blessed that we

have families that help and we have teachers that help and care. That’s not at every school.

Breaking Barriers A

s the clock starts, sophomore Abigail Halstead heads onto the mat and finds herself face to face with another male wrestler. She ignores the glares from the crowd and focuses in on her opponent.

Halstead is one among few. She is first girl to make the varsity wrestling team.

“Having a girl wrestler is actually pretty cool and as a team we treat her just the same as we would any other guy that made varsity,” sophomore Justus Scott said.

Halstead worked hard to get to where she is right now. Aside from wrestling at the school, she practices in her spare time at her dad’s Jiu Jitsu gym, Tenth Planet Las Vegas. She used to compete on his team which helped her train to reach varsity.

“It’s fun being on varsity, I never thought I would actually make it, so it makes me really happy that I did and knowing that all my hard work paid off. I was so happy, scared too, but I felt so accomplished,” Halstead said.

The team, coaches and other

The InvestiGator t GVHS

wrestlers at matches all treat Halstead with the same respect.

Her greatest achievement and favorite moment of wrestling is when she pins her opponent and the referee raises her hand in the air signaling the crowd that she won.

“Whenever I win, I feel so accomplished and proud of myself,” Halstead said. “I always get really nervous whenever I am about wrestle someone, but as soon as my hand goes in the air, it was all worth it. I worked hard and I earned my win fair and square.”

She competes at every meet and receives a lot of mat time.

The rest of the boys on the team treat Halstead like family and are very protective of her.

“We take care of her; she’s a part of our family. We treat her like every other teammate. We teach her, care for her, and protect her,” junior Steele Dias said.

Girls like Halstead are part of the reason wrestling is starting to become more popular among girls. In fact, thanks to girls wrestling being introduced in the Olympics and other major competitions, it has encouraged young girls to step out and try

“

By Victoria Rodriguez

Stacy Rosier

“We have other agencies that we can go through like Project 150.

I get a lot of food and stuff from them.”

“Abby has a great attitude, she Projectharder 150 is athan non-charitable works most, she’s organization thatthe provides assisthankful for opportunity tance to and several she has she schools has beenacross a very the valley. surprise They started in team,” 2011 pleasant to the after news of “It’s 150 homeless Ferry said. not easy kids for a atfemale Rancho made shockwaves. athlete to basically beat Soon after, theystronger started aboys chariout physically and table trust that was to varsity help she has emerged asable a true over 2,500Ferry homeless wrestler,” said. kids and kidsWith in need from coming 45 schools the season to an inend, the Halstead valley, according to to their continues folwebsite low herproject150.org. passion regardless of the Project 150By andbreaking other non-disstatus quo. this stetrict funded organizations help reotype barrier, Halstead proves the withcapable supplies, thatschool girls are of food doing and other services, when Title 1 anything. cannot provide such a service or

the for i “ scho ably 1 mo here we’r we that have call such year one them ered res

Ros ier “Be I s scho of o caus need Li I fu ally mid mad catio “E ally and dent they a bit othe Fo Bell elem kids year fam ent I m “L them fied but to T caus will them As and arou with dent “T year we s ing

a&e 19

By Nora-Jo Paramo Choosing a place to dine for sushi can be hard if someone does not know which places are the best to eat at. For avid-sushi eaters, these places are the best of the best.

Sushi Cafe is located on N. Stephanie St. and is only a 6-minute drive or a 30-minute walk from the campus itself.

Typically, high school students are not looking for expensive places whenever they are out to search for food, which is why Sushi Cafe is a great location to eat out at. Their prices are relatively cheap in comparison to other restaurants. A basic roll is $3.95, a specialty roll is $7.95, the deep fried/classic rolls are $5.95, a regular roll is $6.95, a bowl is $12.95, a box or a monster box is $9.95, appetizers can range from $2.45$5.95, salads are $2.45 and lastly a party platter can range anywhere from $29.95-$99.99.

The selections presented on the menu come with a lot of options, and the food is delicious and flavorful. There are varieties of rolls you can get at Sushi Cafe.

A basic roll comes in either a California roll, spicy tuna roll, spicy crab roll, salmon roll, cucumber roll, an avocado roll and many more. A specialty roll comes in either a rainbow roll, the “James Bond� roll, dragon roll, lemon roll, red dragon roll, a Hawaiian roll, and more. There are also the well-known deep fried/classic rolls and they are available in either the tempura California roll, tempura spicy roll, tempura Philadelphia roll, shrimp tempura, and more.

The Tempura Shrimp Monster Box was what I had while I was there and I would recommend it to anyone who loves Avocado, crispy noodles, crab, lettuce, with spicy mayo and eel sauce to top it off.

The wait to be seated and for the food to be made was not long at all. The service there was top notch so I would rate it a solid nine out of 10. The employees

tizers range from $3.50-$10.95.

If you come there for dinner, they have meals specifically made for time. Depending on whether you get chicken, pork, beef, or seafood, the price ranges from $9.50-$24.95.

When I visited Momo Sushi I ordered my favorite sushi roll to get there, Mexico City. Before I had this meal, I did not care for sushi and now that has complete-

ly changed. I would recommend anything off their menu but I highly suggest trying Mexico City.

The service is always a 10 out of 10 whenever visiting because the workers are always friendly.

I highly recommend these sushi places that are nearby campus to either students who love sushi or students who are willing to try it out. These will not leave anyone disappointed.

Nora-Jo Paramo

made sure to take care of any needs that I had and I really liked that the most about the restaurant.

Another nearby sushi place is Momo Sushi. Momo Sushi is located at 550 N. Stephanie St. C, which is a 17-minute walk from the school campus.

Like Sushi Cafe, Momo Sushi has relatively cheap prices for its food. Unlike Sushi Cafe, there is a larger selection to the menu.

A special roll can range from $12.95-$13.95. A deep fried roll can range from $7.95-$10.95.

A best seller roll ranges from $9.85-$15.95. Salads and appeNora-Jo Paramo

2017

a&e

21

By Jenna Ricciardi

THE YEAR IN REVIEW MOVIES “It,” based on the book by Steven Spielberg, was the highly anticipated film that hit the theatres in September 2017. Breaking box office records by earning over $125 million during its opening weekend, the film was a mega hit among movie enthusiasts.

Wonder Woman was released in June 2017, earning multiple awards such as a Teen Choice Award and a Critics Choice movie award for the best action film in 2017. The uplifting and humorous strong female character was loved by many.

FASHION TRENDS This year’s recurring fashion trends from decades before were certainly a blast from the past.

Fashion trends dating all the way

back to the 70’s found its way back into the wardrobe of many.

Tracksuits, colored sunglasses,

chokers and more were seen all throughout 2017. Checkered vans were all the rage and took the world by a storm. Vans’ Checkerboard Slip-Ons were the hottest shoe during the past year. This SoCal style and easy-to-wear shoe was rediscovered and popularized in summer 2017.

“I own a pair of checkered vans and I wear them all the time.

I’ve also seen most of my friends wearing a pair and I always see people wearing them around school,” junior Jada Isaac said.

MUSIC MEMES Trends on social media have also appeared all throughout 2017. Nurest Gökçe, also known as Salt Bae, shared his art of cooking and preparing meat and instantly became an internet sensation. His fame came from the viral video “Ottoman Steak.”

This video was viewed 10 million times on Instagram, after which he was known as “Salt Bae” because of his iconic way of sprinkling salt. The internet meme managed to turn his viral fame into a steakhouse chain and he has opened restaurants all over the world.

Other memes such as the “Cash

NEWS 2017 was a year of realization for many. Protests occurred throughout the country causing many to speak up for what they believe in. The Women’s March was a global protest that took place on Jan. 21, 2017. This protest was to advocate legislation and policies regarding human rights and other issues that derived from Trump’s election.

Protests such as the Charlot-

Me Ouss i d e ” girl, the Mocking Spongebob, the Snapchat Hotdog and guys wearing rompers have all been seen constantly throughout Twitter, Instagram, and other social media sites. It is unlikely that the legacy of these memes will be forgotten.

“The Snapchat Hotdog was funny at first, then it got annoying really fast because I would see it everywhere,” junior Katelynn Roderick said. tesville rally shook the nation after a woman lost her life.

In addition to this, for the first time in 99 years, a solar eclipse crossed the US from coast to coast on Aug. 21, 2017.

Anyone who was in the path of totality could see one of nature’s most remarkable sights. The moon completely covered the sun for only 7 mins and 31 secs making it the celestial event of the century.

The rapper Tyler the Creator's newest album “Flower Boy” was one of the hottest albums in 2017.

The album features guest vocals from a range of artists including ASAP Rocky, Frank Ocean, Lil Wayne, Jaden Smith and much more. Flower boy debuted at number two on the US Billboard 200, and recieved a 2017 Grammy Award nomination for Best Rap Album.

“Tyler the Creator is my all time favorite artist. Flower Boy is definitely in my top three favorite albums ever,” sophomore Cesar Lopez said.

Khalid received his big break after releasing his first album “American Teen” in March, 2017.

The album featured some trendy songs such as “Young Dumb & Broke,” and “Location” on Bill-

board's Hot 100.

Kendrick Lamar was on top of his game this past year and released his album “Damn” in April, 2017. This critically acclaimed album received the BET’s Hip Hop Award for Best Album of the Year. The album also received a Grammy Award nomination and won under the Best Rap Album category. Lamar’s “Damn” topped the charts and was announced The Best Album in 2017, according to Rolling Stone Magazine.

“Gucci Gang” by Lil Pump was released on soundcloud in August 2017 and peaked at number three on the US Billboard Hot 100. Pump released the music video for “Gucci Gang” Oct. 23, 2017 and received over 400 million views on Youtube.

22 a & e

Fashion Flash Backs

By Anastasia Koulich The crazy 80’s are back and it is no secret.

The 80’s pattern in today’s popular culture shows that America’s youth is stuck on synth-heavy pop music, Hollywood directors and producers are extending the Star Wars series, Stranger Things is the most raved about T.V. show of 2017-18, department stores are getting kicked to the curb while thrift stores are getting all the love, and men wearing makeup today is even more celebrated and admired than it was in the salad days.

While this all is making a comeback, the major revival goes

to the resurgence of 80’s fashion.

“Mom jeans”, fanny packs, funky fur coats, scrunchies, and wearing a belt to complete every outfit makes for a quintessential radical vibe.

If inspiration is lacking in the 80’s department, polaroids of your parents as young adults in blitzy attire should outbeat any supermodel or film from the decade.

“This time period has a lot of influence on the way I dress,” junior Emily Leal said. “I think it has a lot to do with the fact that my mom grew up in the 80’s. She has definitely made an impact on my style.”

Of course one can never forget

10400 S Eastern Ave Henderson, NV 702-531-5437

the influences of musical artists such as Prince and Madonna, to name a couple.

“I feel music has a big impact on how people dress and during that time there were many influences from the pop, flashy style to Cyndi Lauper to the dark, heavy style of punk,” senior Lorenzo Luna said.

The band Bananarama or Molly Ringwald and her brat pack from the film Pretty in Pink also serve a fantabulous vision.

“I’m a huge fan of 80’s movies also. I feel like they are timeless movies that are used as inspiration for fashion not only by young people, but by innovative designers as well,” Leal said.

One may cringe and ridicule the sight of a power suit or overthe-top ruffles, but in truth, 80s fashion does not always have to be a flashy statement.

“The kind of style I lean towards is more of an alternative style from, let’s say, The Smiths,” Luna said. “That style is very simple, but it’s that simplicity that makes it so gravitating for me.”

But an abundance of varied colors are always accepted either way.

“I always make sure I have some pops of color in my outfits because it says so much about your character,” senior Shae White said. “Primary colors were big in the 80s so I typically incor-

on the move towards becoming a more accepting society.

Despite what we may see in the wacky styles of the 80’s, they’re meaning resonates into the stitches of today.

With women and men strutting

“This time period has a lot

of influence on the way I dress. I think it has a lot to do with the fact that my mom grew up in the 80’s.

She has definitely made an impact on my style.”

Emily Leal

“

porate them into my style.”

Political slogan t-shirts with their bold lettering. and slogan tees in general, came alive in this decade and raised vital awareness through clothing, by the virtue of a woman named Katharine Hamnett.

“I think the best way to raise political consciousness is through these t-shirts. This is a loud message stretched across your body, so people can’t help but look at the lettering across your chest,” White said It comes as no surprise that “saying it with your chest” came into existence with the social discord and political upheaval that materialized during the reign of the Reagan administration.

America has seen a controversial, playboy, billionaire celebrity turned Republican politician turned “Leader” of the “Free World”, a striking parallel to the political offices appointed in the 1980s.

But who do we owe all of this to? The unspoken androgynous figureheads of the late 1970’s built the style of the 80’s that transcends boundaries and decades.

Individuals like David Bowie and bands like Culture Club set the stage for the soundtrack of a decade, their upbeat rhythms reflecting in neon shades of style.

The immortal nature of these musicians and styles are a testament to the movements that the 80’s bred as well.

The social changes that coincide with style created a brighter, more accepting world that was

today’s unique and bold patterns mixed with loud neon colors, the individualism and expressionism of the glam rock glory days is sure to prevail.

Sydney Lum

a&e

23

24 a & e

Here We G Again!

By Abigail Culpepper

T

he theater department put on an amazing rendition of an award winning movie. This time, Mamma Mia, a smash hit musical centered around the fantastic songs from the pop/disco musical group, ABBA, was performed by the cast in late January and early February.

Mamma Mia is a playful musical that follows the journey of Sophie Sheridan, a 20 year old bride-to-be, that just wants her wedding day to be perfect. She feels that wshe must find out the identity of her father in order to truly know who she is before her wedding. When Sophie finds the journal that her secretive mother, Donna, kept the summer that she became pregnant with her.

When Donna had discovered her past three lovers on an island,

the day before her daughter’s wedding she was thrown for a major loop. While Sophie tried to figure out which of the three men is her father, Donna was forced to relive all that happened with the three men, the good, the bad, and the terrible. Sam, one her true love, revealed that he was no longer with his wife whom he left Donna to marry some twenty years ago. When Sophie let in her friends on her secret, Donna also let in her two best friends and former Dynamos Tanya and Rosie, on the fact that she doesn’t even know who Sophie’s father is.

In the twenty-four hours between when the best friends and potential fathers arrived and when Sophie and Sky were set to walk down the isle, craziness broke out on the island of Kalokairi. The bar, maintenance and hotel hand/ Sky’s groomsmen Pepper and Tanya shared a

Meet The Cast With all the outstanding talent in the show, Sophie, one of the musicals main characters was dual casted. Senior Paige Rose and freshman Molly Martin will each play Sophie for three out of the plays six night run.

“It still hasn’t hit me that I actually got casted as Sophie.” Martin said.

Connections are essential when trying to accurately portray the shows numerous romantic scenes. Almost every main character has some sort of a ooey-gooey romantic scene with another character. The most obvious one is Sophie and Sky, the couple set to wed, but there’s also the connections between Sophie’s mother Donna and her past lover Sam. As well as between Donna’s former lover Bill

and her best friend/ her former Dynamo Bandmate, who’s also in town to help with the wedding, Rosie.

“Forming a connection with my co-star helps a lot. We have a connection outside of the show which makes the romantic scenes a lot easier,” Rose said. “It’s still a little weird to do those scenes though.”

Whether it is from a teacher, a director, or other cast members, auditions and performances come with intimidation.

“When the whole cast is there, I sometimes get super intimidated being a freshman as the lead.

However, when it’s just me and the other roles that were double casted then it’s just a normal day because we all get along super well,” Martin said.

heated moment throughout the song “Does Your Mother Know?”

The groomsmen also had a night of drunken fun, which didn’t go over very well with Donna. And Sophie struggled to determine who her father is, when all three men came to the same conclusion, they were Sophie’s father.

Whether it is from a teacher, a director, or other cast members, auditions and performances come with intimidation and intimidation was also very apparent in the plot. When all three men asked Sophie if they could walk her down the aisle, she panicked and said yes to all three.

On the morning of the highly anticipated wedding, Sophie finally realized that she needed her mother and went for her for help getting ready.

As the wedding began, and a nervous Sophie walked down the aisle, Donna, still not know-

ing that Sophie invited the men, felt she needed to tell Sophie that the three men could be her father before Sophie said I do. Once Donna reveals what she felt was her secret, Sophie finally confessed everything tbat she had done, and decides to call off the big wedding, and just elope and “hop on a boat to the mainland” to finally marry her true love, Sky. Since there was no way they could waste a wedding, Sam got down on one knee and proposed to Donna all after confessing all of his feelings and love that he had for her but had been bottled up for so long.

As the curtains closed, all was well and the cast offered a few more amazing performances that had the entire audience on their feet. Theater, you’ve done it again. Mamma Mia was a huge success and showcased all the amazing talent we have to offer.

Maycee Labo

a & e 25

Freshman Molly Martin and senior Tyler Cohen perform to the song “Lay All Your Love” on Jan 31.

Freshman Molly Martin, seniors Tyler Cohen, Emily Azelle, Erin Gold, and junior Sean Evans perform in Act I on Jan 31.

(Left to right) seniors Emily Azelle, Drew Freeman, and Erin Gold perform in the song “Super Trouper” on Jan 31.

Abigail Culpepper

(Left to right) seniors Erin Gold, Drew Freeman, and Emily Azelle perform in Act I on Jan. 31.

16 feature

a & e 17

Untitled-9 1

9/20/16 11:23 PM

Green KidsNV&Sings Coupons StudentsA andStorm teachers use their academic badges in order to avoid breaking the bank Up

M

Green NV, an acappella group, ost students do not realis a new twist on the movie ize that there are “Pitch many Perfect.” student and teacher dis“Green NV ishere our inacappella counts available the Valgroup.

We sing covers of different ley. songs, but are without instruIf shows yourany thing and ments.

It’stojust purewhile voices.

I’ve you want see one saving been in Green NV for three years some cash, then head on down now and this Sophomore year, I’m co-stuto The Strip.

Diana dent conductor,” junior Brown has recently takenHeather advanDrusedum said. tage of such deals.

The self-taught group has been “You can show up to the box selected to showcase their covers office at Treasure Island and in school concerts, acappellooyou can up reviews to a 35%and student zas, pop get show conventions across the valley. The group addidtionally performs for different gigs and events locally.

35% This year, Green NV has been invited to attend a workshop at OFF Disney. While there, the students will have the opportunity to train with a legendary contemporary Untitled-9 1

discount for the Cirque du Soleil acappella composer, Diek Sheron. show, ‘Mysteré’,” Brown said. coolbeen experience.

If“It’s you ahave waiting toYou see meet lot ofyou different people. a new a movie, are also in luck.

In choir, it is all also about perfect Local businesses offer disvowels, but in Green NV, there’s

10% to sing with a “I’m excited OFF

new group or people, and growing that bond with them.

counts to student and teachers.

Freshman Delaney Domingo MollyatMartin jumps the chance to gain a discount at the movies.

“If you show You up to thea larger ticket more free reign. have booth at the movie theaters with selection of songs that more peoID you can get 15% at a movie ple know and listen to, so it’s nice of your choice,” said. to see other peopleDomingo get excited to “You have to go to school all day hear us,” senior Anna McGovern so it’s nice to get a discount to said.

One of the most important as-

“

By Madison Cox

By Gabriella Ghasserani

pects of acapella is following the beat, which is the expertise of the vocal percussionist. The main help us out and it gives students priority in acapella is to replicate the chance to have fun.” noises of certain instruments and toTeachers help create thealso same effect spethat can receive instruments would cial discounts.

Mathgive. teacher Kel“This is has my had first the year in Green ly Wagner opportuniNVtobut I was in an acappella ty do so.

Wagner talked about group two teacher years in middle why shefor thinks discounts school,” freshman Ava Danko are so helpful. said.

“I’m excited “I use the very chance to get for 15% the off songs we are doing this year, beat Michaels and JOANN fabrics,” cause [Green is so different.

Wagner said. NV] “I spend so much The sound depends on you, money on my classroom that itthe is music and vowels fall on you. If nice to save 15%, which can add you mess up slightly you could up to hundreds of dollars worth ruin an entire song.” of savings for myself and my High schools around the nakids.” tion have started contemporary acappella groups and are working to gain recognition for their talent and hard work.

Most groups are self-taught, 15% meaning they have student conOFF ductors rather than teachers leading other students. Each individual singer has their own re-

sponsibility to ensure pitches do not fall flat.

For most, singing is not the only benefit and reason for joining these groups. Many groups 10% are tight knit and filled with the OFF same people every year, but invite new freshmen to join their groups make memories that Deals and are also offered at a lot of last after high school. different places.

“I’m excited to sing with new Subway, Burger King, andaTaco group of people and growing Bell all offer students 10%that off bond withpurchases. them. Acappella so on their Urban is Outdifferent from choir,” fitters, topshop, and freshman Charlotte Molly Martin said. “If you look at Russe also offer 10% off for those the two side-by-side, they are on showing a student ID. two completely different sides of Different discounts and barsinging. I’m excited to have those gains seem to when be offered everycool moments you are just where, from clothing stores to in sync with everyone.” world famous shows on the Las Green NV implements music Vegas Strip. into the lives of many and brings Before online students paying, together.check While a lot or of ask if isstudent discounts areconofwork required , students fered.

Youform might be surprised tinue to bonds between how muchgroups that student ID could multiple and push the end up savingto youlearn this weekend. participants on their own.

9/20/16 11:23 PM

EXPRESS CAR WASH 1630 W Sunset Rd. Henderson, NV 89014 quickycarwash.com

opinion 27

The final answer: Is water wet?

Today’s youth is strongly known for challenging the status quo. Throughout the years, waves of arguments have soaked the minds of many youngins.

The current wave that has been splashing the interest of millennials is water. Teens today are raving over whether or not water is in fact wet.

The fascination with wetness has started an uprising within students. We cannot continue to live our lives without the security of knowing the answer to this pressing matter. This is a life changing, do or die decision for all of those who take a solid stance on H20.

Students delivered strong arguments to the grave matter before us.

“Water is wet. You’re not the same as you were before you went into water. All your clothes soak up and collect the molecules,” se-

nior Shannon Cango said.

Moreover, Shannon adds more logic to his already strong argument.

“Yes water is wet. Ask me that after I throw your phone in the toilet,” Cango said.

Not only does Congo support

“This life changing, do or

die situation for all those who take a solid stance on H20.

“

By Hannah Serquina

the fact that water is wet, but so does sophomore Ana Companico.

“Yes, water is wet. Wet is used as an adjective, to describe something. It’s like saying, ‘Is a towel dry? Is Nevada Stupidly hot?’”

Companico said.

On the other side of the ocean, there are those who believe water is in fact not wet.

“No, water isn’t wet because it’s water. Something isn’t wet until water is on it. My jacket is dry and then water goes on to it, it’s now wet,” sophomore Christopher Lyons.

Not only do people believe water is not wet, but they are infuriated that people would even think it is.

“It honestly makes me upset when people say water is wet. It’s like saying fire is burnt. Water makes things wet. Just like fire burns things,” sophomore Nate Apostalo said.

A video on twitter showed two people having a serious argument on whether or not water is wet.

Guy A explains how it is not wet because it only has the capability of making things wet, but water itself is not wet.

In contrast, Guy B explains that water has to be wet because everything has an opposite. As an example, Guy B explains that when you’re surrounded by wa-

ter you are wet and when you are surrounded by air you are dry thus water has to be wet.

Both Guy A and Guy B were completely serious over this argument proving that this debate is not a joke and should not be taken lightly. This is a pivotal debate of our generation.

Water expert, AP Chemistry teacher Dale Striegle explains his studies on the important matter.

“Water is wet because of its polar bonding. It is able to attach onto other substances and those substance become wet because it soaks the water which makes it wet,” Striegle said.

The rational thinking of the water from AP Biology teacher Sarah Lillehaug is a lot different from Striegle’s explanation.

“In my knowledge of Biology the argument of ‘Is water wet?’ really comes down to a knit picky detail that doesn’t really matter.

It’s fun to argue about though,” Lillehaug said.

Happy Valentine$ Day

By Hailey Gross Expensive flowers, stale chocolates and ugly jewelry. These things all have one thing in common; they are all are overpriced gifts to commemorate this meaningless holiday. The holiday that falls on February 14, “Valentine’s Day.” To many, it translates into spending money they do not even have on gifts their significant other most likely will not enjoy. How does it feel to know money went to waste? Hard-earned money

could have been used for something practical, but that two hundred dollar Fitbit was obviously more important. That Fitbit will most likely sit in the package until mid-March.

Instead, surprise that love of your life with the gift of companionship and admiration. It does not require money and if they do not appreciate it, love yourself, create some higher standards and drop them.

To others, Valentine’s Day means fancy dinner and entertainment. There is nothing better

than sappy romantic movies with terrible acting. Not to mention, most of these films are incredibly predictable. Main character gets the girl, they fall in love and everyone lives happily ever after.

Lame. What about reality? That situation will never happen, so get rid of higher romantic expectations and move on. What is the point of spending money to sit in a crowded theater that smells like buttered popcorn? Just spend the night in and listen to the neighbors argue. Better them than you.

If Valentine’s Day was a real

holiday like Presidents’ Day, we should get the day of. Although this lovely holiday is held to the same magnitude as others like Thanksgiving and Christmas, it has no real, deeper meaning. Valentine’s Day is a giant scam. Yes. A scam. It is intended for those who are “drunk in love” to spend countless dollars on dumb materialistic gifts. Valentine’s Day is merely just a chance for token businesses like Hallmark to take money because someone is “in love” with a person they met last week.

The girls’ choice dance Ladies make the move for Sadies

By Brynne Hilton February is a big month for the women of the world; they get spoiled in chocolates, roses, jewelry, and other gifts from their significant other. For high school girls it means a few things, one of them being Sadies, the only girl’s choice dance. This is the opportunity for girls to reach out to the boys they like and have the night of their life.

One of the key parts to a successful Sadies is the proposal.

The girls get to show off their creative abilities and talents to prove to their date that they mean business. The topic that the girl picks is also a big deal. The girl needs to pick a topic that shows her date that she knows who he is and that she can get creative, so the poster has to revolve around sports he plays, food he likes or anything else he enjoys. If the poster consists of puns it is also a winner, and if it shows a lot of effort that will also get them brownie points.

There have been a few asks that have made it viral on the internet, which could make other girls jealous that they did not come up with that idea. The proposal is the lead-off batter, if it is not successful the whole Sadies experience will be ruined.

A key difference between Homecoming and Sadies is the outfit. Girls do not need to kill their feet by wearing heels or spend hundreds of dollars on a dress. It gives them the opportunity to show off their street style taste and show their fashion skills when it comes to planning an outfit that suits both the boy and girl. Neither date wants to be uncomfortable, they just want a fun night without worrying about their clothes. The outfit needs to consist of color and show off what the couple has in common.

Also, pick bright shoes and accessories to make the outfit different from the rest. For pants the dates do not need to match, the girl can

wear a jean skirt while her date wears regular jeans, or just settle on joggers, they are comfortable and available for both genders Now comes the fun part, the events the couples take part in.

Since it is not as extravagant as Prom and Homecoming the girls have the chance to show off their fun side. Some ideas can be all the rides on the Strip, hiking at Red Rock, or having a movie marathon. The girls get to show off their planning skills along with picking events that tie everything together.

“Sadies is also an

important dance because the girls get to wear the pants for once.

Another big difference between the other dances and Sadies are the pictures. Sadies pictures can be full of funny poses and do not need to be as formal as the other dance photos. Once again, the couples can show off their goofy side in pictures. The girls can get on the back of their dates since they are not wearing dresses and can have fun while taking these photos.

Another big difference is the setting, some places that photos can be taken at can

“

28 opinion

be Freemont Street, arcades, or anywhere that consists of bright color.

Sadies is not a cliche or a cheesy dance like Prom and Homecoming, so that means the students can have more fun with it and get to be more adventurous. They do not have to worry about expensive steak dinners, blisters from all the fancy shoes, and all the matching flower arrangements. Sadies is also an important dance because the girls get to wear the pants for once.

They get the chance to plan an unforgettable night.

Sadies is the only girls choice dance in Nevada, so girls must go all out. It may not be as romantic and fancy as the other dances, but that may be a good thing. It gives students the chance to have a more laid back fun night with someone they care about.

Nicholas Horrilleno

Cringey proposals are outdated As everyone probably knows, Sadies is just around the corner.

We all know that means having to walk around a campus ridden with sappy, meaningless posters with the most horrible puns painted on them. Unfortunately, the days of shyly walking up to your crush and asking them to Sadies are over, and are being replaced with the cringiest overtures done in “the name of love” and Twitter fame instead.

An exceptional Sadies all starts with an exceptional Sadies “proposal.” The fact that students are calling the act of asking someone to Sadies, Prom and Homecoming a proposal is a bit frightening.

Calling this a proposal makes students seem a little sad that they are missing out on the fun on having an engagement. Since it may just be a teensy-weensy bit early to tie the knot, these Sadies asks have been named “promposals.”

Sadies proposals typically consist of a poster board, with the big question of going to Sadies, which is typically formed into some mess of a pun, flowers, and some sort of fast food the proposer probably picked up last minute. This whole act of an elaborate proposal only makes me wonder how extreme their marriage proposal will be.

During the proposal, the person who is proposing has their trusted friend video tape the proposal, so they can post it on social media later. Twitter fame would result in the ultimate sadies proposals. It is said that once one has reached Twitter fame, one has ascended into some sort of Godlike figure. Assuming the date somehow says yes, even though the proposal was arguably the cheesiest thing a person has ever seen, the hype sort of ends.

It then morphs into some kind of underwhelming, and slightly awkward, “what do we do now?” situation. On the other hand, there is the polar opposite, which would be your date crying tears of joy, which might even be worse.

After the proposal, comes the

dance, which compared to the proposal really is not that relevant because no one gets twitter famous for the dance. Also, when the word dance is said, please do not think that mean these students actually go to the school to celebrate Sadies, for that is not the case.

“Remembering that one

night a couple looked like siblings is extrememly important.

“

By Maycee Labo

When the word dance is used, it means to completely ditch the dance and go out to dinner, and rent a party bus, give or take one activity. As if it could not get any worse, students typically spend hundreds of dollars on the party bus, dinner, and of course matching outfits. All for one night that could have been made simple, a.k.a going to the dance the school provides for them.

It is typical that one never actually step foot on school grounds.

That’s right folks, if one want to have a good Sadies it is vital that one never goes to the actual school dance, and spend a ton of money doing other mediocre activities.

The matching outfits that dates typically wear during Sadies are quite awful. They typically consist of some shirt bought from pacsun, some variation of khaki pants, and vans.

The khaki part should have major emphasis, as that seems to play a key role in most date’s outfits. Khakis may just be the ugliest pair of pants a human being can wear. Looking like a Target employee is not something anyone

aspires to be while on a date, but yet people seems to be a-ok with looking like that.

To make matters worse, these clothes are usually pricey. When the word pricey is used this means $40 for a cotton t-shirt that says Champion on it. These shirts are sold at Walmart for way less money.

Pictures are another necessity during Sadies, because remembering that one night a couple kind of looked like siblings while wearing the same outfit is extremely important.

All of the hype about Sadies is actually confusing because the only switch is the girl asking the guy, but then casual, matching outfits and not making an appearance to the school dance were added to the mix. To me it seems like someone was frantically trying to come up with an idea another school dance, and landed on a role reversal. Edgy.

Nicholas Horrilleno

opinion 29

30 opinion

Do you even VAPE Bro?

By Kaeli Britt

Ah, the art of vaping. Despite the fact that nicotine is still an addictive drug, smoking is considered “cool” as long as it is not a cigarette. By thoroughly shaming the practice of smoking cigarettes throughout society, vape pens have become the replacement for traditional cigarettes and are increasing in popularity.

Unfortunately, because the bad reputation nicotine had - in association with cigarettes - is slowly decreasing as companies like JUUL are marketing specifically toward teenagers by creating multiple flavors of juice to disguise the nicotine. JUUL as a brand has made a name for itself by including a variety of flavored pods including: cucumber, mango and crème brûlée.

The JUUL starter pack costs around 50 dollars and it includes the JUUL itself, the charger, and four flavored pods (cool mint, fruit medley, tobacco, and crème brûlée). Although you have to be 18 years of age to legally to buy a vape pen, there are still loopholes

“Hitting your JUUL a few

times a day will not give you cancer, but it definitely is not a justification to vape.

“

that are easy for underage teenagers to figure out and get their hands on a pen of their own.

Because social media has a strong influence on the current generation. Whether we realize it or not, seeing celebrities’ actions has an impact on one’s personal morale. However, knowing that other people smoke and that it is considered “cool” does not make it acceptable to start smoking.

The fact that these pens are so accessible for teenagers is part of the problem. A couple of years ago, when vape pens started really gaining ground, there was a controversy regarding what the minimum age should be for peo-

The InvestiGator t GVHS

Nicholas Horrilleno

ple to purchase these pens.

Many people were under the belief that these pods had no nicotine in them, just the various flavored vapors - which obviously was not the case. This led to allowing underage teens to be able to buy vape pens and by the time it was revealed that these pens actually contained nicotine, it was too late. There should be a more universal way to ensure underage teenagers do not have any way around the system and be able to have their own pens.

Of course, teenagers will find loopholes around the law to get things like alcohol and various types of drugs. With the help of things like fake IDs and buying things through older kids, these pens are accessible to teens.

This new generation follows

behind the misconception that vaping is better than smoking cigarettes even though it is not.

The reality is that one JUUL pod is equal to a single pack of cigarettes or about 200 puffs in total. The pod itself is 0.7 milliliters of juice with a 5% (0.035 mL) nicotine concentration.

To put this in perspective, the average amount of milliliters of nicotine in one cigarette is about 0.012, which is much less than the amount of nicotine that comes in one pod. In fact, when one buys pods directly from the JUUL site, there is a limit of 15 pod packs (four pods per pack) per month.

Limiting the amount of pods that one is able to buy in a month is to avoid people dying from a nicotine overdose. 15 pods per

month equates to about two pods per day (or smoking about 40 cigarettes in one day).

Even though JUUL pods have higher concentrations of nicotine than cigarettes, a JUUL does not have the same harmful chemicals that cigarettes have. Cigarettes have many carcinogenic chemicals - meaning they are cancer causing - including tar, carbon monoxide, ammonia and arsenic.

While nicotine is not cancer causing, it is a highly addictive chemical. So no, hitting your JUUL a few times a day will not give you cancer, but that definitely is not a justification to vape.

As a result of the nicotine going into your body, you may start to feel naseuous and dizzy. This sensation is called being “nic sick.” If you have ever experienced this, you know how uncomfortable it is - having stomach cramps, feeling like you’re on a bad trip, being dizzy, etc. Rather than putting your body through that, just avoid putting nicotine in your system at all.

If you want to continue taking pictures of youself blowing O’s and exhaling gigantic clouds for the clout on Twitter, you can - no one is saying not to or to stop.

The safest way for you to take these pictures is to just hold the vapor in your mouth and rather than inhaling it, just exhale it. In the wise words of John Green, “You put the killing thing right between your teeth, but you don’t give it the power to do its killing.”

The best thing to do, though, is to not risk anything and to not vape, use JUULs or allow nicotine in your system for any reason.

Fast forward to about ten years from now: you are stuck between paying for something practical that you actually need or buying more pods for your JUUL, but because it was cool to vape when you were in high school, you are now addicted to nicotine and surrounded by real life problems based off of that nicotine addiction. Be sure to keep that in mind next time you decide that having a JUUL is cool. Being a vape god is not really worth it.

The silenced majority

By The InvestiGator Staff No means no.

Many have heard this saying, yet few truly know all of its implications.

It is no secret that sexual harassment and sexual assault are widespread issues. Turn on the news and there it is, bright as day. One man gets accused, another, another and another. The list seems never ending.

Thanks to the women brave enough to come forward, especially in the entertainment industry, hundreds of predators have been outed; stripped of their power.

After a long investigation into the procedures and the culture in high school, sexual harassment seems to be just as adamant and widespread in our community.

This is a problem.

In fact, it seems to lie within the culture itself. From what we gathered, administration and new innovative reporting programs are trying to keep up with these incidents, but that’s not

where the problem lies.

The problem is that kids get to high school and they still don’t have solidified, set-in-stone ideas about what consent means. The issue is not as black and white as it is often presented. This is why the phrase “no means no” can fly over so many students’ heads.

No means no, but there are a plethora of factors and situations where students believe this saying doesn’t apply or can be skidded by. That’s not the case.

No means no all of the time. It doesn’t matter if one is illegally intoxicated, if one is acquaintances with the other person, if one is in a relationship; sexual harassment and assault can happen anywhere and at anytime.

By the time kids get to high school they should know these general moral rules. The issue is they don’t. We should not be introducing these concepts or teaching them in an extensive curriculum, but of course we have to if they haven’t received this education.

In reality, to change the culture

the education process must be shifted.

In the most appropriate ways possible, kids should be learning consent at much younger ages.

They should be getting taught the nuances, the ideals behind respecting others’ bodies. They should learn about the intersections of power and status in relation to harassment. They should be learning that statements and actions have profound consequences on others.

Empathy is key.

Education is key.

By the time kids are in high school these ideals should be reinforced, not introduced. Maybe if this happened, we wouldn’t have girls walking to their cars every day getting catcalled. Maybe if these ideals were already engrained within kids, there would be much less of these incidents.

A change in culture always takes time, it takes patience and dedicated people; we know this.

At the same time, this is no excuse to keep waiting. We need to push for these changes, now.

speak Student “ I don’t think people realize that it’s sexual harassment but I feel like they make a joke out of it. I just feel like people take things out of hand and they think it’s funny when it’s really not.”

“To a certain extent. I think we should start focusing more on males being assulted and harrassed because people are too focused on women.”

Trent Galicia, junior

Editors-in-Chief: Sarah Fernandez Shila Sherafat Editors: News: Anastasia Koulich Features: Kaeli Britt Sports: Meka’la Parker A&E: Maycee Labo Opinions: Sydney Lum Managing Editor: Erinn Veach Photo Editor: Brynne Hilton Reporters: Bethany Casall Madison Cox Abigail Culpepper Gabriella Ghasserani Hailey Gross Alyssa Hulse Skylar Jones Casey Li Nora-Jo Paramo Jenna Ricciardi Victoria Rodriguez Hannah Serquina Business Manager: Madison Cox

Do you think sexual harassment is a problem in today’s society?

Naya Jones, freshman

editorial 31

“Sexual harrassment has always been a huge issue.

I think right now more people are feeling comfortable coming forward which is good.”

Natalee Ahmaz, sophomore

Staff Managers: Abigail Culpepper Gabriella Ghasserani Victoria Rodriguez Advisor: Eric Johnston The InvestiGator is a student-run and operated news magazine. All opinions and views expressed within are those of the author and not of the student body or staff of Green Valley High School.

Letter to the editors or staff may be delivered to room 825 to Mr. Johnston or emailed to him at emjohnston@interact. ccsd.net.

“It’s a really large problem in society. I feel like even in schools a lot of sexual harrasment occurs, but people aren’t willing to speak up about it.”

Rushil Shah, senior

February 2018

32 gallery

INDEPENDENT WOMAN Senior Drew Freeman performs the song “Money, Money, Money” during the final dress rehearsal for the theatre production of “Mamma Mia” on Jan. 31.

ABIGAIL CULPEPPER | PHOTO