The InvestiGator by The InvestiGator

February 2019

investigator

the

Vol. 28, Issue 3

got

health? pg. 10-12

reen NV Kids &Sings Coupons

teachers use their academic badges in order to avoid breaking the bank pdentsAandStorm 2280 S Jones Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89146

discount for the Cirque du Soleil composer, Diek Sher(702)acappella 948-4999 on. show, ‘Mysteré’,” Brown said. coolbeen experience. If“It’s you ahave waiting toYou see en NV, an acappella group, ost students do Reiki not real-Treatments meet a lot of different people. a new movie, you are also in luck. w twist on the movie ize that there are “Pitch many Chakra Balancing In choir, it is all also about perfect Local businesses offer dist.” student and teacher disvowels, but in Green NV, there’s een NV is our acappella s available here in Vibroacoustic the ValSound . We sing covers of different Therapy but are without instruhows yourany thing and .ant It’stojust pure voices. I’ve 10% to sing with a I’m excited see one while saving Crystal Healing n Green NV for three years

By Madison Cox y Gabriella Ghasserani

cash, then head on down and this Sophomore year, I’m co-stue Strip. Diana conductor,” junior n has recently takenHeather advandum said. f such deals. self-taught group has been u can show up to the box ed to showcase their covers at Treasure Island and hool concerts, acappellooan up reviews to a 35%and student op get show conns across the valley. The addidtionally performs for ent gigs and events locally. s5% year, Green NV has been d to attend a workshop at OFF y. While there, the students ave the opportunity to train a legendary contemporary Untitled-9 1

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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-

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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 places. high school. different “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,” freshman fitters, topshop, and 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 acappella groups and are workVegas Strip. into the lives of many and brings ing to gain recognition for their Before online students paying, together.check While a lot or of talent and hard work. The Las Vegas Disc Golf Club is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness of the ask if student discounts are ofMost groups are self-taught, work is required , students con15% sport of Disc Golf. Our mission includes developing and maintaining disc golf courses, holdfered. Youform might be surprised tinue bonds meaning they tournaments have student coning organized and charity fund-raising events, to and promoting communitybetween awareOFF how that student ID could ductors rather than by teachers and the ness of Disc Golf in general educating new andmultiple existingmuch playersgroups in the Official rulespush and etiquette of thestudents. Sport of Disc Golf, as put forth by participants the PDGA. Regular events include a on monthly end up saving youlearn this weekend. to their leading other Each in“BagTag” event on the first Saturday of the month, alternating between Sunset park and dividual singer has and their own reown. Mountain Crest Park, monthly tournaments, both PDGA sanctioned and non-sanctioned,

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

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News

6 a holly, jolly week A look into the annual Winter Week and its festivities

Feature

7 making music Students form a band of their own

8 stage lights

Junior performs with his family as part of a Jackson Five revival

Sports

16 in the ring

Vol. 28, Issue 3

January 2019

investigator got

health? pg. 10-12

A&E

18 a year to remember

Looking into modern teens’ health habits and the detriments they may have.

A review of the events and trends of 2018

Opinion

29 obtaining the grain

Erinn Veach

Breaking down the newest Internet slang

Editorial

Boxer lets on to the life that comes with the sport

on the cover the

insideissue this

Brynne Hilton

31 conscientious

Students examine how they can keep their New Year’s resolutions

I’m motivated, but I also have a little fun with it. -Nagid Martinez

pg. 16

Editors’ Note pg. 23 Erinn Veach

The best part about theatre is performing with your friends on stage. It’s great to share the experience with others. - Sean Evans

Throughout the making of this issue, our staff was able to push through and find motivation again after our long break. We all switched into overdrive and worked together, with more efficiency than usual, to finish this issue, one we poured our sweat and tears into. Our news section highlights the group of Japanese foreign exchange students and provides a look into a politician’s recent visit to GVHS. In our feature section, we went behind the scenes into the lives of various people who are all students by day and performers by night - one in a band and one on a stage. Winter sports previews - flag football, basketball, wrestling, etc. - made an appearance in the sports section. Arts and entertainment did a review of the year 2018 as a whole and delved into theater’s production of “Matilda.” The opinion section addresses topics like the ‘Let’s get this bread’ meme as well as the significance of women in STEM. As you turn the pages of our 3rd issue, we aspire to recognize the meaningful stories that may not be easily seen. As a staff, we are honored to have the chance to cover the amazing and ever unique stories of the students who walk the halls of GVHS.

04 news

The news in brief. A good cause - T-shirts For Charity members discuss design ideas for the upcoming month. Solve it - Seniors Umi Nakoa and Xavier Gathy work with chemical equations.

Bethany Casall

By Max Ghasserani For the last three years, during Winter Week, Green Valley has received a group of Japanese exchange students. These students are housed by students from all around campus, mainly by IB and AP students. For the week, the Japanese students and those housing them tour the city and the exchange students

are introduced to American culture. The Japanese students experience school from the perspectives of Americans and get to better their Englishspeaking skills through being surrounded by it 24/7 in the time they’re visiting. The students were also able to travel across the valley to indulge in American culture - eat burgers - and to see the sights, like the Grand Canyon.

Bethany Casall

By Max Ghasserani Every Friday, after school, in room 804, a new club called T-shirts For Charity meets. T-shirts For Charity sells their own designed t-shirts across campus and gives all the profits to charity. “Each month, we design a new shirt. The front has our logo on it and the back has a new design for each month. Then, we sell them for about $10 each and when a student buys a shirt, they get to vote on which charity it goes to.

The winning charity, overall, is where the money goes to,” senior Rochelle Tucker said. “The shirts are on sale for only two weeks before they are ordered and then, a new design is already ready to come out. The shirts are unisex and come in a range of sizes.” Anyone can get the t-shirts from teachers and staff, to students and parents. The shirts are sold by club members throughout the school day. The club also has a booth during First Friday where shirts can be purchased.

Inspiration - Senator Jackie Rosen discusses going into technological and science fields to the club, Girls who Code on Dec. 7, 2018.

Maycee Labo

By Maycee Labo Jackie Rosen, Nevada’s representative for the third year in a row, made a visit to the school on Dec. 7, to talk to the club, “Girls Who Code.” As a woman who used to code early in her career, Rosen was able to offer a different perspective on coding. “Specifically, there are not enough women working in technological fields. Whether it’s computer coding, science, math and I think that the narrative is that girls feel a lot of times ‘I’m not going to be good enough,’’ Rosen said. “We need to change the narrative so that we can have seats at the table, but whatever you do, whether its art, or music, or something else, having a good

The InvestiGator t GVHS

logical background, understanding how to do that, that's what a good STEM education, that’s what learning how to code teaches you.” The message that Rosen had wanted to get across to the several teenage girls during the meeting was that they should feel validated just as much as men and anyone else while coding, and to never give up their dream of coding, or technology. “The important thing that I want to tell young girls especially is to understand that you’re enough; but don’t let anyone stop you just because there’s not anyone doing it or maybe aren’t as good as it. That’s not true, maybe it’s not a question of being good, it’s a question of being different,” Rosen said.

Show spirit - Gator Gear poses for a picture with their Counselor’s Scholarship check on Jan. 16, 2019.

courtesy of Gator Gear

By Max Ghasserani In the cafeteria, new store manager senior Serena Robbins opened the brand new Gator Gear store. Starting now, the Gator Gear store is open for customers during both lunches from Tuesday through Friday. The store also sells their merchandise during special events like football games, homecoming, First Friday and more. Gator Gear used to be set up with just a table and a cart on the side of the cafeteria, but now, they have two full

display cases with glowing lights. Gator Gear took its profits from last year and put them together to get their new attention-grabbing set-up for this year. “I felt like as a club, we could do a lot better with the store and we had a lot of new ideas to show the school and new members to teach,” Robbins said. The Gator Gear store is run by the GV business class which gives them a chance to explore the entrepreneurial world. They learn how to run a business, good marketing and promotion skills and how to talk to others.

news 05

CCSD introduces new backpack search policy By Diana Brown

ue to the overwhelming 11 weapon confiscations CCSD has made so far this school year, a new weapons search program was established this year. The district worked on finalizing the policy after a tragic shooting at Canyon Springs High School, which led to an 18 year old students death. This policy occurs through a computer system that randomly selects schools, classrooms and students to be searched. When a school is chosen, the district goes to the school and chooses a random amount of students. For example, they could choose 2 out of every 10 students. “The straw that broke the camel’s back was the shooting at Canyon Springs High School, but in totality it was the number of weapons confiscated by the district this school year,” principal Kent Roberts said. The past few years, the school district felt that administration was doing an outstanding job of checking students they found to be suspicious and making sure that schools were safe. It was not until this year that the

District determined that threats and weapon confiscations had become pervasive throughout the Valley and that a new policy needed to be put into motion. CCSD decided that more

When I heard about the new random check that our school was going to be participating in, I felt more safe and knew it was a good idea because of the recent events going on in CCSD. Kameron Griser precautions needed to be taken when

Just looking through - Junior Victoria Rodriguez gets her backpack searched by dean Margo Torea.

Bethany Casall

dealing with school safety. “When I heard about the new random check that our school was going to be participating in, I felt more safe and knew it was a good idea because of the recent events going on in CCSD,” sophomore Kameron Griser said. The way the random search policy works is through a computer system. All of the schools are put in and the

computer will randomly select a few schools to be checked. Once the name of the school is shown it will choose the type of search that will be conducted. It can be a point of entry search or classroom search and will pick a random amount of students or classrooms from the school. After the search occurs, the students or classroom will return to their daily routine.

students recognized for being great gators By Zachary Schauer The Great Gator program is a new program that highlights the students who step up around campus. They get pulled out of class and get a picture taken which is posted on a board for all students to see. The prize is a

I think it’s a good way to show that teachers are watching and see what we do around school. Brianna Bush school stadium cup and a discount at the Gator Gear store. Occurring once a month the way to recognized be a Great Gator, one must be spotted by a teacher when doing something kind or helpful. Then in a random drawing out of all the students that also get recognized

for being a Great Gator, four winners are chosen. “At first I was shocked it was me because I don't usually get anything for doing things around school,” past winner, sophomore Brianna Bush said. Begun by math teacher Ms. Wager, she helps students put together the gifts to be brought to the students and also scheduling. By ensuring to catch these Great Gators while they are in class, these students are able to her praise from their fellow gators. This brings about a domino effect that can enlighten others to do the same as well. This program highlights the students that are kind and helpful, acknowledging how they make this school positive. All teachers keep a close watch to catch Great Gators. “I think it's a good way to show that teachers are watching and see what we do around school,” Bush said. This program not only encourages students to be positive by making Great Gator an incentive, but also a “pay it forward” movement. By suprising students in their classrooms, they get recognized for the work they have done to make

a positive difference in school. The students who help run the program come bearing the gifts with a guest, the school mascot. They then take a commemorative photo to highlight the student for others too see. This photo is posted around campus to show others who the Great Gators of the school are.

The Great Gator program for students can help bring about a positive attitude around school on a daily basis to help encourage others. Though it is the start of the program, many students have received this award and there are many people out there looking to find more Great Gators around campus.

Great job - Will the Gator strikes his signature pose while cheering on fellow Gators around him.

Bethany Casall

February 2019

06 news

Boyband Takes Over Winter Week

Down the line - Sophomore Kasandra Santos and seniors Hana Sasaki, Asia Siv and Miranda Yusi perform at the Winter Week assembly on Dec. 14, 2018.

Brynne Hilton

By Abigail Culpepper

inter Week is one of Green Valley’s most iconic and long-awaited events. To most, Winter Week means exams are close and the coveted two week break is coming up. However, to a few students from each class, Winter Week means boyband. Boyband means putting hours of time into rehearsals, choreography, choosing music and mentally preparing to perform in front of more than 3000 people. “Boyband, to me, means going through a bunch of YouTube videos and watching Just Dance dances. We had revelations about our flips and that’s how we came up with all of those,” junior Kyle Webb said. Boyband is not just dancing to a song, it’s a routine done to a 3-4 minute mash-up of today’s hits, throwbacks and, of course, holiday music. The routine usually consists of trendy dances, flips, tricks and sometimes, even a few promiscuous moves. Boyband members tend to start working towards the start of November to ensure they get their dance down perfectly. “We actually started later then we did last year, so we kind of rushed alot of our rehearsals,” Webb said. The performance is not just about the boys, though. Each grade also has other students to help with everything from costume changes to choreography. These helpers go to most practices and assist the boys with whatever they might need. Each group also gets help from a choreographer. “Three girls in our grade choreographed basically the whole thing. [They] came to the practices, taught us and made sure we were actually working instead of just messing around,” Webb said. Some huge aspects of boyband

The InvestiGator t GVHS

routines are the flips and tricks. Most tricks are choreographed, which makes the dance even more intense. In order for the routine to look clean and pristine, each member has to be in the right spot at the right time or it could throw off everyone else, leaving the crowd and, more importantly, the

a few aspects that make sure certain students are prime contenders for Boyband. Each member should be full of personality, know how to follow a dance and be willing to do whatever it takes to win. “As an SBO (student body officer), we don’t really have a hand in choosing the boybands. We give guidelines to all the class presidents or whichever class member is in charge of it and they usually find the boys,” Student Body 2nd Vice President, Cassidy Newberry said. In previous years, as performance day neared, each grade level had to do a sort of final dress rehearsal in front of members of administration. However, starting this year groups had to perform in front of administrators twice as an extra precaution. The first check took place only a short time after rehearsals began and the final check was done during the week of the performance. “So, this year we had two admin istrator checks but we all felt like they were kind of pointless,” Webb said.

The administrators are there to ensure their dance moves, costumes and music is all within school guidelines. “This year the admininstrators were strict with the music. They wanted to make sure nothing explicit was being played. The second check was just to reassure the administrators that the boys were ready to perform in front of the whole school,” Newberry said. Boy Band isn't the only part of winter week that requires countless dedicated hours. The school decorations, the dress up days, the lunchtime activities and possibly the most work of all, the assembly. “Planning an assembly consists of many parts. You have to make a script that has clear instructions on games and cues. You also have to plan the games while thinking of what will get the student body involved,” Newberry said. “You also have to make sure the band, choir and the sports know what to do, but the outcome is always worth the work.”

Boyband, to me, means going through a bunch of YouTube videos and watching Just Dance dances. We had revelations about our flips and that’s how we came up with all of those. Kyle Webb judges disappointed. The crowd goes wild and the judges give points for everything from a small somersault to a double full. “Most of our boys knew how to flip going into it last year, but this year we went to Gymcats a couple times and got better at a lot of our flips,” Webb said. Not only do the judges have it hard. Student Council members are faced with the tough decision of who exactly will be in boyband. Some classes host tryouts, some follow “first come, first served,” and some, just choose who they think are the best of the best. However, there are

Spiced up - Junior Ilai Macaggi dances in front of the crowd at the Boyband assembly.

Brynne Hilton

feature 07

courtesy of Dalen Lutes

KNOCK YOUR SOCKS OFF By Alexis Ladd

he most famous band groups everyone knows about began just the way SockCheck has. Simple friendships, created spontaneously, turned into a band with a passion. With hopes to be pursued by each of the members; senior Dalen Lutes, senior Spencer Lewis, senior Wolfgang Phillips and Matthew Maskevich who graduated in 2017. After some discussion about creating a serious band, the boys compromised and thus SockCheck was born after their first rehearsal last year on Oct. 2017. Dalen and Spencer have had the longest friendship, in which Spencer introduced him to the other, current, band members. “I introduced Dalen to Wolfgang first and then Matthew, but we all met up one day and started playing together before we had really known each other. Right away we developed a great relationship through music,” said Lewis. Finding others with the same passion, go to the same school and seem to be individuals that you could create friendships with sounded like the ideal situation for the boys to create a band. “I’d compare us to an English

group called Catfish and the Bottlemen, they’re just a group that really loves to play and they’re also very unique, along with Arctic Monkeys, we look up to them,” Lutes said. The group was not inspired by anything spontaneous or specific to build the band, rather takes in many aspects as motivation and inspiration. “Every musician and music lover pushed us to keep creating. Connecting to others through music happens everywhere which is what inspires us to make music of our own along with icons performing in arenas and someone so young pursuing their passion,” Phillips said. Only one year after establishing the band, the group still has experienced a variety of changes. “SockCheck has tremendously impacted my life,” Lutes said. “Before playing the drums, I had never connected with music or had found a passion. I want to play the drums for the rest of my life because of the band.” With balancing school and working to build a successful band, the group practices together whenever they get the chance. “We are looking to buy our own studio right now, so we can have our own work after high school since we

are staying in town, so everyone will definitely see more of us. We all work together really well and sometimes come upon conflicts that are never

SockCheck has tremendously impacted my life. Before playing the drums, I never connected with music or had found a passion. Dalen Lutes personal, but rather, about choices within decisions to make our music better. We’re pretty good with distributing time to both school and the band,” said Lutes. Time management between school, family and other activities is not the only difficult effort that is put into the band for the group of boys. Working together to create music

that will sound good and vibe well is not as easy as musicians may make it seem. “Everyone has amazing ideas for all the music we play and getting those ideas to come across clearly is a challenge. Communication stands the strongest between us when it comes to compromising,” Lutes said. “Limiting ideas through communication is necessary but also a daunting task. There’s only so many minutes in a song.” Once the pieces of compromise and hard work are put together for a great tune, SockCheck posts most of their work on Instagram (@sock_ check) where they currently go live occasionally. The band will also be releasing more on Soundcloud. Along with that, they plan to book future gigs and continue their local performances. “We love to play live anywhere we can. Parties are always fun for us as well as school and community events. Anywhere we can show the fun and love we have for music,” said Lutes. In future years look to come keep your eyes peeled for SockCheck. The group plans to make it big by performing around Las Vegas and around the entire country one day, as this is every newly formed band’s dream.

February 2019

Hailey Gross Sing! - Junior Princetaharka (left) Braggs performs with other members of the “Jackson 5” during a show on Nov 17, 2018.

16 feature

Untitled-9 1

Green KidsNV&Sings Coupo StudentsA andStorm teachers use their academic badges in Up 2280 S Jones Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89146

discount for the Cirque du Soleil composer, Diek Sher(702)acappella 948-4999 on. show, ‘Mysteré’,” Brown said. coolbeen experience. If“It’s you ahave waiting toYou see Green NV, an acappella group, ost students do Reiki not real-Treatments meet lot of different people. a new a movie, you are also in luck. is a new twist on the movie ize that there are “Pitch many Chakra Balancing In choir, it is all also about perfect Local businesses offer disPerfect.” student and teacher disvowels, but in Green NV, there’s “Green NV ishere our inacappella counts available the ValVibroacoustic Sound group. We sing covers of different ley. Therapy songs, but are without instruIf shows yourany thing and ments. It’s just pure voices. I’ve 10% to sing with a I’m excited you want to see one while saving Crystal Healing been in Green NV for three years By Madison Cox By Gabriella Ghasserani

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 con-

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OFFor people, and new group 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 moviethat theaters with selection of songs more peoID you can get 15% at a movie ple know and listen to, so it’s nice of see your choice,” said. to other peopleDomingo get excited to “You havesenior to go Anna to school all day hear us,” McGovern so it’s nice to get a discount to said. One of the most important as-

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MOTOWN EXPRESS

Hailey Gross

By Hailey Gross

outside work done outside of school,” Braggs said. Being on top of the game and getting things done ahead of time, gives Braggs time to multitask, making it easier to get the best of both worlds. “Our musical director is Felton Pilate who did MC Hammer’s ‘Can’t Touch This’ original track, so that’s pretty cool,” Braggs’ father, Ausar Braggs said. Getting professional help from a musical icon is one of the coolest things a young performer can get. Help from specific people in the business can help shape a career for a younger generation. Also a part of the Motown Extreme show is Ausar Braggs. “I get to work with my family which is cool,” Ausar said. “We’re all involved in something we all love and when we travel we get to go places together.” Some would think that working with your family would drive you insane, but the bond between the Braggs family proves people wrong. With a more than welcoming cast, this show is perfect for people of all ages who enjoy a little rhythm and groove. “My favorite song to perform during the show is Marvin Gaye’s, ‘Let’s Get It On,’” Ausar said.

“

ventions 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

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U felia@Radiant Glo nlike most students in high school who are flipping burgers at McDonalds and hanging t-shirts up in department stores, junior Princetaharka Braggs works at the Hooters Casino as Marlon Jackson in the Motown Extreme show. The Motown experience is a mix between a live concert and a broadway musical which goes through multiple performances from the Jackson 5, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and Diana Ross. Braggs stars alongside of his family who play various roles in the show. “I definitely think my job is much cooler than everyone else’s job,” Braggs said. “They can get fired, but I’m basically my own boss.” Being your own boss can be very exciting, it can also be a way to express yourself creatively. “It’s really cool being in the show because I can go from school then go straight to the show,” Braggs said. Balancing school and work can be hard for many students, especially when you are in a show in the heart of the Strip and trying to stay above the stress that school produces. “I balance work and school by getting my school work done at school and that leaves time for me to get my

Go Gators! The InvestiGator t GVHS

09 feature

ONE RAD WAY TO BE AWARE By Bethany Casall

With great emphasis on the wellbeing of others and making a difference in the community, junior Radhika Shah has started an organization to assist and bring light to kids with autism. Formally defined as a mental condition, present from early childhood, characterized by difficulty in communicating and forming relationships with other people and in using language and abstract concepts, many know of it but don’t truly understand. In Apr. 2018, Shah began an organization to benefit the community and families in need of assistance. R.A.D. blossomed into a high functioning non-profit organization. Inspired by her younger brother, Amar, Shah started up an organization: R.A.D. Standing for “making a Real Autism Difference”. “My brother and I are only a year and a half apart, so we have always been extremely close,” Shah said. “He's always been my best friend. Growing up, I’ve always done what I could to help him” . She contributes every aspect of it in the drive to a “positive impact in the lives of individuals and families with autism every day.” A multitude of events are established to bring the community together and have individuals join

others who wish to make a positive difference in the community. Events such as 5k runs and 1 mile walks are simply one of the events that occur to assist families and friends to raise awareness for autism. Though this organization has been established for quite some time, Shah has been working in the field to help others even before R.A.D. “Helping others has ranged from

I wanted to use my position and perspective to help others. Radhika Shah me working in special education classrooms, to Best Buddies, special olympics, other volunteer opportunities in our communities as well,” Shah said. “I wanted to use my position and perspective to help others. This first started oas me furthering other organizations but the more I started to do this, I felt that there was a missing puzzle piece.” In Nevada, there is a lack of respite care to help families. Respite care is an institution where families and caregivers can have a place where

they can allow their child to have an enjoyable safe time. “Many of these children require 24 hour supervision and it’s difficult for parents to run simple errands and complete simple tasks. There isn’t an afterschool program in Southern Nevada specifically that is available in other states,” Shah said. Having a facility that can provide programs and services such as a gym, adaptive recreation, mobility training and family workshops, R.A.D. has it all. With external services such as out-of-state camps, it can provide a fun and family friendly accessible recreation. Many individuals can take part in this to contribute to the awareness. Expanding throughout the community, there are many ways that one can get involved with R.A.D. They are a non-profit organization, so one could donate. All proceeds acquired from this go towards the children and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Las Vegas area. There are ways in which one could also provide assistance to others on a monthly basis. Going to the website and setting this up, is a quick and easy way

to provide assistance to a deserving organization to help members in the community. Volunteering and fundraising are also beneficial ways to give back to an organization that stands for a good cause. Shah has spread awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder throughout her school, community and around the world. Featured on a TEDx talk, she was able to inform others on a large platform about the organization and what one could do to benefit their own communities. “I started my public speaking journey because [autism] was a cause that I wanted to talk about. I was able to speak to more community members in a philanthropy form and had the opportunity to spread my message,” Shah said. R.A.D. continues to grow to positively impact the society and bring further assistance to those with autism and are directly affected by it. The vision to have a community where every individual with autism has access to education, care, activities and medical resources is focused on, R.A.D. provides a bright path to be followed.

radlv.org

February 2019

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AS U P ERS ZED PROBLE

“Obesity is obviously on the rise, we have more of an issue now than when I was in high school which was just ten years ago.”

By Erinn Veach

n Stephanie St., just a short 15 minute walk from school grounds, is what Henderson locals call “restaurant row.” It is a fast-food-foodie’s haven, with countless quick choices such as Chick-fila, Arby’s, Cafe Rio, and Blaze Pizza. Desserts are in no shortage either, a Yogurtland making its home there and a Dairy Queen residing closer to the school on the corner of Arroyo Grande and Warm Springs. With so many deliciously greasy and sugary options, it is no surprise that obesity is on the rise among adolescents. “Obesity is obviously on the rise, we have more of an issue now than when I was in high school which was just ten years ago,” psychology teacher Jennifer Tuttle said. According World Health Organization, obesity is defined as excessive fat accumulated throughout the body resulting in elevated risk for severe health problems. These include an increased chance of stroke, heart attack, cancer and diabetes, all of which are life-threatening. This problem is not outdated like the early 2000’s food pyramid videos shown in health classes. Obesity is a real a growing issue among America’s youth. Based on a study by the

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Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 20.6% of high school-aged children are obese, a 4% growth from 1999. Not surprisingly, this trend matches statistics in the food industry. Ac-

[Businesses] want to produce the fastest, cheapest, most plentiful sources of food they can. Erin Hill cording to the New York Post, one of the fast food industry’s most “supersized” culprits, McDonald’s, enjoyed a 3.9% growth in revenue in just one quarter. Exorbitant intake of fast food is not the only factor in the epidemic, though. Sedentary lifestyles are becoming more prevalent as well, teens spending less time being active and more time eating and sitting. Accord-

ing to Time magazine, 19-year-olds spend the same amount of time inactive during the day as 80-year-olds. Who is to blame though? There are a plethora of culprits to point at, a few being parents, big business, and the lifestyle of the modern American student. Fast food restaurants are notorious for making unhealthy foods cheap and quickly accessible. This makes it the perfect option for working parents and insatiably hungry kids. “Parents contribute [to the problem] by choosing the fastest and easiest way to feed their kids,” health teacher Erin Hill said. “Everyone is busy and will not necessarily have enough time to cook and clean, so they take short cuts by neglecting meal prep. Parents certainly also play a part in the portions. Obviously there are hereditary traits as well.” This lack of time parents have to focus on their children’s health is largely due to working hours. As reported by Market Researchers OnePoll in partnership with Welch’s nutrition program, the average American mother works a 98-hour work week including their job along with household chores. If possible though, setting boundaries in place even while away can drastically help the diets and health of adolescents.

“Parents can help very much by doing just the opposite [of buying quick meals] and making sure their children are controlled in the means of diet, the time that they're on their video games, and the time they're in front of the screens. In being cognizant of that, and being cognizant of the exercise they're getting on a daily basis, they can help improve their children's’ health tremendously,” Hill said. Parents can only function so much around the confines of society and big business though. Companies are smart advertisers and intelligent sellers, pushing their products to young kids which then stays with them as they age. “Having fast food restaurants close to the school is smart on the businesses’ end because kids are good consumers,” Tuttle said. “Corporations make cheap food unhealthy and healthy food expensive and that’s an issue.” Along with being good marketers, chains are also notoriously talented at hiding what is in their food. There are hidden calories, ingredients, chemicals and sugars, all of which make it impossible to be mindful while eating. These restaurants don’t often accurately display the calorie counts in a meal. A study from Harvard Medical school shows that teens un-

feature 11 derestimate the calorie count in their combo meal by 34% on average, with the typical meal being 756 calories. That one carbohydrate laden meal monopolizes 42% of the daily recommended calories. “[Businesses] want to produce the fastest, cheapest, most plentiful sources of food they can. It's really unfortunate because you really have to do your research on where your food came from and whats in it, there is a multitude of preservatives and stabilizers that you wouldn't even know what they were unless you did your research on it,” Hill said. “It falls upon the consumer to know what they are eating.” Unfortunately, fast food restaurants are not the only ones that have mysterious caloric contents and questionable ingredients. The school system has long been a culprit of serving students sub-standard options. “I'm a firm believer in the laws they have instituted as far as their recommendations for what type of food should be served, but unfortunately they are not being properly implemented. I was listening to a group of people being interviewed and they were so happy that the sweet rolls that they were serving kids in the morning

were not corn based anymore, now they were potato base. I thought, ‘are you kidding me?’ It still causes their blood sugar to spike. It’s quick and easy, it's a huge industry,” Hill said. Even the “healthy” school lunch

Having fast food restaurants close to the school is smart on the businesses’ end because kids are good consumers. Jennifer Tuttle options come with an unexpected nutrition report. The recently added salad bar is not all that nutritious, despite the school’s good inten-

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but there is walking between classes and moving around at lunch, so it is only a small part of the day. The problem is that students go home and sit around, many of them aren’t active after school hours. I don’t believe school is the problem.” Apart from exercise, as stressed before, diet is a large factor in health. Most students are not well versed in knowing the detriments and benefits of different foods. “I know that you have to give people choices and for the most part, if you give someone a choice between french fries and broccoli, they're gonna choose the french fries,

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tions. “Frankly a salad bar isn't necessarily a healthy option depending on what you put on that slaad. In a cobb salad, you could have 1100 to 1200 calories alone, which is more than a burger and fries,” Hill said. At a point where all the facts are not in favor of adolescent healthiness, it comes down to students themselves to be responsible for their own nutrition. Unfortunately, the responsibility is not all there. Modernday teens spend more time sedentary. Even though school does make for a large block of time spent sitting, students are not taking advantage of time after school to get moving. “I think teens in general are beginning more sedentary lifestyles,” Tuttle said. “School hasn’t changed, but obesity rates have. Sitting in a desk for six hours is not ideal,

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unless they really truly understand how the broccoli is gonna benefit them and how the fries are gonna be detrimental because it is all about taste for a lot of people,” Hill said. This leads to the conclusion that educating oneself is crucial in order to help alleviate the growing epidemic of obesity. From matters of portions and food make-up, to the ways of making a habit of exercising and caring for oneself. “The first step is educating yourself as to what you are putting in,” Hill said. “There are a lot of great books and a lot of great meal tracking apps so that you can document what you are putting in. It’s not necessarily just the calories themselves either, its the things in the calories. Everyday you’re on your daily diet. Don’t look at it like it this four letter bad word. Also, meal prep is key and it is all about portion control. It takes an effort to change, 21 days to break or make a habit.” Apart from education on how to change lifestyle for the better, the way the world views obesity also needs to change. While people must always be positive and love their bodies, they also must be conscious that their health is a separate and equally significant issue. The separtion between the concepts of body poitivity and health are crucial to solving the epidemic in America. “I really hope that people start to care more about their health,” Tuttle said. “Of course body positivity is a

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good vibe but the bottom line is obesity is unhealthy. Obesity is a health issue, not a body positivity issue.” Making this change is possible for everyone. Senior Logan Hampton is

It is important to find a form of exercise you enjoy. One of the worst things you can do while trying to become healthy is do something you don’t enjoy, because then it becomes a chore. Logan Hampton a prime example. As a teen he was able to take his knowledge and shift a lifelong practice of unmindful eating. “From the time I was born until about my freshman year I struggled

with weight. By [freshman year] I was about 240 lbs. I was [so unhealthy] because I had no self-control. I would wake up in the morning and have an unnecessarily large bowl of cereal, then come home from school and have two bowls of ramen then I would snack until dinner. I would have 2 or 3 helpings of dinner and then have a big dessert afterward, and then I would do it all over again. There was no exercise to supplement that. I was constantly taking in all these calories,” Hampton said. “I went to get a physical before a boy scouts trip and the doctor told me that if I didn’t do something drastic really quickly about my health, I was going to have life threatening issues.” What got him through the tough journey to healthiness was finding an activity that he loves: MMA. Alongside helping him lose weight, he also found such a passion in it that he is pursuing it as a career. He urges anyone in the position he was in to find something they truly enjoy too. “It is important to find a form of exercise you enjoy. One of the worst things you can do while trying to become healthy is do something you

don't enjoy, because then it becomes a chore, and nobody wants to do chores. Swimming, riding your bike, running are all good forms of exercise. Just do anything that will get you moving,” Hampton said. Patience is also a virtue on the road to becoming and staying healthy. It can be done. “Understand that the day you plant the seed is not the day you get the fruit,” Hampton said. “It's about being patient and consistent with everything you’re doing.” In the end, though, it comes down to education and staying on top of ones own body. Its completely possible to become a healthier society, but it falls on everyone’s shoulders to fix the urgent problem. “For society it is urgent because we have to get our act together,” Tuttle said. “I think we should be talking more about the problem public educations wise and we need to encourage more movement. Helping these kids as they grow up is imperitive.”

Arms up! - Seniors Lexi Nelson and Asia Siv reach to the audience.

photo essay 13

Music to my ears! - Senior Ethan Elam warms up before the start of the second assembly on Dec. 7, 2018.

Green Valley Fine Arts Week

He’s a natural - Junior Craig Turley plays the clarinet during the second assembly. Play that chord - Juniors Damian Ruedas (left) and Jesus Ramos (right) play their piece ‘Kalimba.’

Hailey Gross & Brynne Hilton

Lookin’ sharp! - Senior Bailey Stephens plays the trombone during “America the Beautiful.”

Groove it- Senior Tyjai Pierce does a step to the side during the dance performance.

14 sports

Winter sports tip-off By Gabriella Ghasserani

Order on the court

ith 1st year head coach Reynaldo White at the helm, women’s basketball is in position to capture their first conference championship in almost a decade. After 7 years of running the program, former coach Eric Johnston stepped down at the end of last school year and White, who had been the varsity assistant the last two years, took over. Junior Julia Clark has been on varsity since her freshman year so she has been able to see how the program has progressed over the years. “Coach White knows how to motivate us to do our best and to help us to be prepared for the upcoming season,” Clark said. The Gators have started off strong with three wins under their belt in conference, beating Coronado and Foothill. The win versus Foothill was

the first time that Green Valley has beaten them in conference play in eight seasons. “Beating both these teams was definitely a fight, but the fight still isn’t over,” Clark said. “We have to play both these teams again and in the meantime we will be preparing for the next battle.” Even with the inspiration from the wins, it will come down to hard work. “I know my teammates and my coaches and I just know that if we really want to go far in playoffs and make it to regionals that we have to be willing to put in a lot of hard work and if we do this we will have a great season and show people what we can really do,” Clark said. The Gators currently sit at 10-10 overall and are 3-1 in conference with three weeks remaining in the regular season.

For “3” - Sophomore Lusi Soifua shoots during a drill in practice.

Hailey Gross

Slam dunk it

Hoops! - Senior Kendall Nether makes a contested layup vs. Desert Oasis.

Brynne Hilton

The InvestiGator t GVHS

Crossing over into season, men’s basketball program is coming back more determined than ever. Senior Kendall Nether has been on varsity for three years and is looking forward to see how the season turns out. “Last year we had a young team who was learning the game and how to play it,” Nether said. “Now that we have had time to grow and become even more of a family I think this year we will be a team that people won’t forget about.” Coach Lorenzo Jarvis is known for pushing his players to the max and holding his players to a high standard. This is one of the team’s best pushes for becoming better as a whole. “Jarvis definitely pushes us to be the very best players we can be be-

cause he sees the potential we all have and wants us all to succeed as a team and as individual players,” Nether said. Basketball is a sport that requires everyone to work together to achieve one goal. This makes cooperation and communication between teammates crucial. “We are all a family no doubt,” Nether said. “We play for each other and no one is selfish.” That family aspect of the team will be what hopefully pushes them into a successful season. “I think once our team really develops and we take our trip, have time to bond and get to know one another a bit more, our team and program will come together ready for the season,” Nether said.

sports 15

Pin it to win it

ith the start of a new season, bowling is anxious to see how it will play out. Senior Jade Borjas is excited that more people are coming out for bowling and showing respect for the sport. “I think bowling is an unpromoted sport and it is a shame,” Borjas said. “I didn’t even know there was a bowling team until the day of tryouts my junior year.” For Borjas, this year seemed to have the biggest turnout for tryouts. “I feel like no one really cared about bowling or considered it a real sport and now this year students are seeing that bowling is a fun sport

where you get to make freinds and I think that bowling can only continue to grow from now on,” Borajs said. Bowling may be an individual sport, but that doesn’t mean that the team is not close and that they don’t help each other out. “I think the best way to help out the new players on the team is to be supportive and encouraging,” Borjas said. “I know personally I like to be encouraged and I believe that if we pushed and encourage each other to get them out of our comfort zones it would help further our team’s scores and encourage more people to joinbowling.”

Brynne Hilton

Hike! - Senior Jennifer Haberstock prepares to through a pass.

Strike! - Senior Isabella Smith rolls the ball down the lane during a tournament.

Brynne Hilton

Unfinished business After last season of being regional runner-up, flag football is eager get back on the field to work hard and even more eager to play one of their rivals, Coronado High School. “After losing to Coronado last year and being inches away from state, I know my team is ready to work hard and show people that Green Valley is not to be messed with,” senior quarterback Jennifer Haberstock said. “I don’t think Coronado is our biggest rival, but just a team to compete against and someone that will give us a good fight, but a fight we will win.” Haberstock has been on the team

since her sophomore year and is ready to lead the team to state this year. “This year we only have like five or six seniors on the team so we have to want to get back to where we were last year and make it our goal to get to State,” Haberstock said. Overall, State is in the team’s sights. They want to take the title and make their mark. “Our motto this year is unfinished business and to me that means we need to work hard if we want to have another shot of getting to State this year,” Haberstock said.

Ready to rumble After getting 2nd in State last year, wrestling is eager to get back to the mats and claim the championship title this year. Junior Will Zernich has been on varsity since his freshman year and is anxious to see what the season will hold. “I think we are going to be a strong team being that we have four returning state champions to help us get back to state,” Zernich said. Getting to state is a difficult thing to do, but getting back will be harder. “We all get along really well and I think that is going to help us too. Plus this year we have more people in our heavyweight division so I think we will be just fine getting back to state,” Zernich said. In conference last year, wrestling

was undeafeted until they got to State and have high hopes to do it again for the current season. “Being a previous wrestler, I hope to show the new people what it takes to be part of the top wrestling program in the state,” Zernich said. Wrestling got a new room this year which should aid their program and improve their skills overall as a group. “I think that having this new room with the new equipment will definitely help us to better our skills and help us win State,” Zernich said. “I know everyone says they want to get to State, but the difference with us is that we know how to get there and are willing to work for that championship state title,” Zernich said.

Tap out - Senior Desmond Bowers pins a teammate to the mat while sparring.

Brynne Hilton

February 2019

16 sports

Nagid Martinez

By Maycee Labo

Q: What made you want to do boxing as a sport? A: I didn’t like soccer, I wanted to try more of a tough sport. Q: Did playing soccer help prepare you for boxing? A: I played soccer my whole childhood and it only slightly conditioned me for boxing, I am still not that conditioned. Q: What makes boxing such a tough sport? A: The training and sparring, you have to fight while everyone else wants to rip your head off. Everyone is kind of meanfaced. Q: What does a typical boxing practice consist of? A: Shadowboxing, where you practice in front of a mirror. We also are in the ring and move around and punch. I jump rope, hit the speed bag and the bags, then I’ll hit mitts with my coach. Q: What was the hardest boxing practice you’ve ever experienced? A: When I went to Mt. Charleston for altitude training, I had to run up the whole mountain. Then, we trained and did a regular practice at the top. We ran from the bottom to the top. I didn’t know it was altitude training until I did it. Q: How did your boxing tournament go, being that it was your first one? A: It got cancelled because you actually have to have a couple fights in to attend it, so I couldn’t compete. Q: How is your mentality towards losing? A: No one likes to lose, but I don't know, I have never gotten beat up. Q:How would you describe your mindset towards/outlook on boxing? A: Serious. Every now and then, I try not to be lazy. I’m motivated, but I also have a little fun with it. Q: What is one piece of advice you would give to other boxers or people that want to try boxing? A: Stay committed, don’t do anything outside that might influence the inside. Don’t go out and do drugs and stuff like that, because then it will slow you down inside. Just work hard. Q: What separates boxing from other sports? A: A lot of sports are more team sports, this is more individualistic and it’s more on the person if they win or lose. Q: What was the scariest experience you’ve ever had in boxing? A: When I first started, I got beat up, that was the only time I really got beat up. It was by a guy who was already in the sport for three years. We were sparring and then he decided to get angry, [but] I got him back later on. Q: Have you ever been injured in boxing? If so what happened? A: I’ve had a couple black eyes, but that's it. Q: Has an opponent ever approached you outside of the ring in an aggressive way because they wanted to fight due to a loss? A: I’ve had a couple people from this school ask me to fight them. I always turn them down. I never like to do that unless they want to go to the gym and spar. Q: Does the fact that students from our school want to fight you make you feel weird? A: Yeah, because first of all, I don’t know most of these people and they’ll be asking me to fight.

sports 17

Tread Ahead By Brynne Hilton

his is not the type of polo that involves horses or Ralph Lauren; instead, it involves a pool, swimsuits and sophomore Kayla Szczublewski. Szczublewski has been involved with water polo for the past nine years. Her origin story is different from some athletes, she did not each out for the chance to play the opportunity was given to her by a coach. “I was at the pool with some friends one night and this coach came up to my friends and asked if we wanted to give water polo a try, I shrugged my shoulders and said why not,” Szczublewski said. “However, I wish it was a bigger part of my life when I started and took it more seriously.” All people have someone they look up to for inspiration. Szczublewski’s are her coaches and her fellow teammates because of her strong bonds with them and how they push her to the limits. “I’ve never really had a bad experience with my teammates or coaches, the coaches just put a lot of pressure on us because they want the best for us and we know that,” Szczublewski said. One of Szczublewski teammates includes her own sister Madison. Both sisters started polo at the same time and have been in the pool together since. “From playing polo together it definetly has made us a better sister duo. We learned to communicate with eachother in and out of the pool,” Madison said. Sometimes though siblings that play the same sport may bump heads. This could be due to one getting more playing time or one isn’t practicing enough. “We definitely get on each other’s nerves sometimes. We also will go in each other faces and taunt about one getting more playing time over another but it think it motivates us,” Szczublewski said. Even though they may argue the Szucublewski sisters have enjoyed their time together in the pool are are proud for the athelte they have become. “I always have those moments of ‘that’s my sister!’ Especially when she scores. I would tell her though to stop

hesitating when she is about to score. She is a great at scoring and I think she needs to reazlize that more,” Madison said. Water polo is not a sport that necessarily involves positions, section of the pool are numbered off and the athletes both play defense in the spot or offense and try to score. “I play with a defensive mindset most of the time, there aren’t really specific positions,” Szczublewski said. During polo, everyone moves until the game ends they are not allow to stop at any time. Athletes are not allow to touch the bottom of the pool or the walls. The girls are constantly treading and staying afloat, more likely than not athletes have drowned and had to stop the game to make

I feel like I am in my prime right now. I’ve been working hard and have seen a lot of improvement so from here on I think I am only going up Kayla Szczublewski sure they are okay. You don’t stop in polo, people are grabbing at you and you’re underwater. You’re basically fighting for your life,” Szczublewski said. Most of the action in water polo happens under the water, suits are being pulled and there is a lot of kicking and pulling. With most of the action of the game happening underwater people get confused on what’s going on. “My parents think it is crazy confusing! They don’t have a polo background and my friends ask if I play with horses,” Szczublewski said. Even though Szczublewski parents maybe confused by the sport they have enjoyed having their daughters play together.

“They like the fact that they only have to drive to one practice and tournament. They don’t have to go back worth between events and miss anything important,” Madison said. Like every sport, water polo athletes need to practice. These practices are up three hours a day and includes swimming warm ups along with conditioning practices that are outside and in the water. An athlete involved in water polo can spend on average twenty hours a week at practice or in tournaments. With twenty hours of practices if could be hard to balance it with schoolwork and projects. “It definitely interfered with school having practice going till 9:00 every day; it’s hard to do work. However, this year I have worked on balancing the two out,” Szczublewski said. Szczublewski wants to play in college if she has the option to, with water polo being an uncommon sport coaches are constantly looking for athletes who play polo. “I would definitely play in college, there aren’t many girls who play water polo so there’s a chance I can get looked at,” Szczublewski said. There may be at a point that when athletes may want to call it quits and it could be for many reasons, they need to focus on school, they are tired or they are just burned out. However, some push through that slump and continue playing. “I don’t think I ever wanted to quit quit. Water polo has been such a huge

part of my life and I don’t know what I would do without it,” Szczublewski said. Szczublewski team has won a different array of tournaments, from traveling to Utah and being back-toback champions along with winning tournaments in California and being local champions in state. Individually though, Szczublewski had the chance to being on the Junior National team in Texas with the Rivercats. “My first Junior Olympic tournament is something I will never forget, I learned so many different things that I wouldn’t have learned from my other teams,” Szczublewski said. From her experience at the Junior Olympic tournament, the sisters made sure to also have a balance of work and fun. From jamming to music with teammates to sleeping as team on the floor they made sure to make memories out side of the pool. “We dfinetly know how to put the fun back in polo. Sometimes you just need to relax and do something fun,” Szczublewski said For now, Szczublewski sees herself practicing more and just making progress. With hardwork she only hope to get better and win more tournamnets and possibly play water polo at the college level. “I feel like I am in my prime right now, I’ve been working hard and have seen a lot of improvement so from here I think I am only going up,” Szczublewski said.

Make a splash - Sophomore Kayla Szczublewski retrieves a pass from a teammate during a match.

courtesy of Kayla Szczublewski

February 2019

18 a&e

2 0 Year in Review 1 8 By Abigail Culpepper

m a j o r movies

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food fads

oughnuts with fun fillings are a new twist on a classic. Some of the new flavor infusions include candy bar and cake flavors. Naked layer cakes are another twist brought from a classic. This trend was as basic as it could get, yet when done neatly, could look elegant enough to be at the palace. All you had to do to execute this is, take a cake layer straight out of the pan and put some frosting in between each one. The soft serve is yet another common food with a new, modern take. This year brought us endless Inspects tagram of acapella is following and Snapchat posts the of perbeat, which is theand expertise the fectly swirled colorfulof soft serve. vocal Many percussionist. The inmain posts were taken beautiful help us out andcities. it gives students destination priority in acapella is to replicate the chance toalternatives have fun.”also caught noises ofMeat certain instruments and the ofcan many in the previous toTeachers helpeyes create thealso same effect thatyear. receive speNot thatwould the vegans and vegetarians instruments cial discounts. Mathgive. teacher Kelof the world haven’t been using meat “This is has my had first the year in Green ly Wagner opportunisubstitutes for years on end, but this NV Imany was in an acappella ty tobut do Wagner talked about usyearso. more people started group for two years in middle why she teacher discounts ing thinks meat alternatives in their healthy school,” freshman Ava Danko are solifestyles. helpful.

a & e 17

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Green KidsNV&Sings Coupons StudentsA andStorm teachers use their academic badges in order to avoid breaking the bank Up “Black Panther,” was one of the War.” The movie quickly became year’s most awaited releases. The viewers all time favorite or least first trailer was revealed in the sumfavorite due to the loss of many bemer of 2017 and fans had to wait unloved characters. Bringing in a total til February of 2018 the movie to Las of $2Vegas, billion worldwide, “Infinity 2280 S for Jones Blvd, NV 89146 premiere. “Black Panther” not only War,” left its mark on the world. discount for the Cirque du Soleil acappella composer, Diek SherBy fans Madison By Gabriella left in Ghasserani awe,Cox but it made its mark Fans also took to social media to on. show,create ‘Mysteré’,” on the movie industry as well. BringendlessBrown memessaid. of Thanos, coolbeen experience. you have waiting toYou see Greening NV, an acappella group, ostinstudents do not real-in all, itIf“It’s close to $900 million or a as social media has dubbed him, meet a lot ofyou different people. a new“the movie, are also luck. is a newbecame twist on movie thethe third fastest National dogiant purple grapein that kills ize that there are “Pitch many In choir, it is all also about perfect grossing things.” Now, viewers wait to see Local businesses offer disPerfect.”mestic student and debut. teacher disMarvel Studios leftValaudiences what’s in, “Avengers: Endvowels, but toincome Green NV, there’s “Green NV ishere our inacappella counts available the starstruck for a second time with the game.” Hopefully there will be less group. We sing covers of different ley. heart wrenching “Avengers: Infinity tears. songs, but without instrumarvel.com If shows are yourany thing and

(702) 948-4999 Reiki Treatments Chakra Balancing Vibroacoustic Sound Therapy ments. It’stojust purewhile voices. I’ve 10% to sing with a I’m excited you want see one saving Crystal Healing 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 con-

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

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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 tothisisinsider.com sing with new Subway, Burger King, andaTaco group of people and growing said. “I’m excited “I use the very chance to get for 15% the off Bell all offer students 10%that off songs we areand doing this year, bebond withpurchases. them. Acappella so at Michaels JOANN fabrics,” on their Urban is Outcause [Green is so different. different from choir,” Wagner said. NV] “I spend so much fitters, topshop, and freshman Charlotte The sound depends on you, Molly Martin said. “If you look at money on my classroom that itthe is Russe also offer 10% off for those the two side-by-side, they are on music and vowels fall on you. If nice to save 15%, which can add showing a student ID. you mess up slightly you could two completely different sides of up to hundreds of dollars worth Different discounts and barsinging. I’m excited to have those ruin an entire song.” of savings for myself and my gains seem to when be offered everyHigh schools around the nacool moments you are just kids.” where, from clothing stores to tion have started contemporary in sync with everyone.” world famous shows on the Las acappella groups and are workGreen NV implements music Vegas Strip. ing to gain recognition for their into the lives of many and brings Before online talent and hard work. students paying, together.check While a lot or of The Las Vegas Discare Golf Club is a non-profit organization to raising of the ask ifdedicated discounts are ofwork isstudent required , awareness students conMost groups self-taught, 15% sport of Disc Golf. Our mission includes developing and maintaining disc golf courses, holdfered. Youform might be surprised meaning they tournaments have student continue bonds ing organized and charity fund-raising events, to and promoting communitybetween awareOFF how that student ID could ductors rather than by teachers and the ness of Disc Golf in general educating new andmultiple existingmuch playersgroups in the Official rulespush and etiquette of thestudents. Sport of Disc Golf, as put forth by participants the PDGA. Regular events include a on monthly end up saving youlearn this weekend. to their leading other Each in“BagTag” event on the first Saturday of the month, alternating between Sunset park and dividual singer has and their own reown. Mountain Crest Park, monthly tournaments, both PDGA sanctioned and non-sanctioned, 9/20/16 11:23 PM

throughout the year. More information can be found on our website at www.LVDGC.club.

a & e 19

legends live on By Tyler Bonnette

As 2018 came to a close, many looked back upon the many stories and events that came with it. The year unfortunately brought with it the deaths of legendary people across the country. Everyone was touched by at least one of the several legends that passed away this year. Each impacted the world in their own unique way. In March, we lost the great mind of Stephen Hawking, the legendary theoretical physicist who contributed several ideas to the scientific community. Despite battling Lou Gehrig’s disease, he remained a brilliant and strong man. His passing brought the many members of the scientific community together in memory of his influence. 2018 also saw the loss of several amazing artists, such as Avicii and Mac Miller. Both created some of the decade’s most popular songs, and were beloved by thousands of fans. Their deaths affected their fans deeply, and their lives were honored through their music. A majorly touching loss was of marine biologist and Spongebob creator Stephen Hillenburg. He spent

his days creating the cartoon that would become an insanely popular household name, with its creative and unique humor of its time and lovable characters. Another creative mind lost was Stan Lee, the creative mind behind the Marvel Universe. His extensive and well written stories of every legendary superhero is known by practically everyone in the nation, and beyond. The two are responsible for stories that have touched the hearts of many. Few politicians influenced the hearts of the American people quite as much as John McCain and former president George H.W. Bush. Contributing to the country in plentiful ways, the loss of both politicians shook the hearts of the American public, no matter the political leanings. The influence of the two legendary men is to be remembered for years to come by all of America. By the end, 2018 saw many lost lives, all of which influenced everyone in at least one way. The world was forever changed by these legendary people, each with their own legendary contribution.

ood or bad, 2018 was full of historic and political moments, most revolving around Trump. One memorable move made by Trump was the movement of the U.S. embassy in Israel. The embassy was moved into the city of Jerusalm, and Trump told the media it was all part of keeping his campaign promises. Another agenda item accomplished for President Trump was pulling the U.S. out of the Iranian nuclear deal. In different news outlets, Trump stating that he was simply keeping another promise. However, more than half of Americans were in favor of staying in the deal, so when Trump pulled out, many citizens were left confused as to who Trump aimed that promise to. Mr.President also made history by beginning relations with N. Korean leader Kim Jong Un. In 2019, America hopes its president takes more steps towards resolving issues with N. Korea.

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Cup, they made history with the deepest run in the tournament ever. In February, we saw the Eagles make a name for themselves by taking home Super Bowl champs. This being their first Super Bowl win, fans everywhere were through the roof with excitement. In the next year, sports fans of all teams hope to see their team come out on top.

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Memorable Music

2018 was full of musical masterpieces. The public was pleasantly greeted with some of the most memorable years of albums in the oast decade. This year brought us emotional albums like “Sweetener,” and “Swimming.” Determining the top albums of the past year was most likely a difficult task for the critics at Billboard. 1. “Sweetener” Ariana Grande 2. “Invasion of Privacy” Cardi B 3. “Golden Hour” Kacey Musgraves 4. “Daytona” Pusha T 5. “Dirty Computer” Janelle Monae 6. “Black Panther” Various 7. “Astroworld” Travis Scott 8. “Camila” Camila Cabello 9. “Vibras” J Balvin 10. “Everything is Love” The Carters

Sports

he past year, like many others throughout history, we saw great accomplishments from a wide variety of sports and athletics. In September, we saw Naomi Osaka win against Serena Williams during the U.S. Open. In July, we saw France overtake Croatia and bring on the World Cup Champion title. Despite Croatia not taking home the

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2018 also brought iconic songs. Many artists appear on both lists. They not only had the best of the best individual songs but a more then amazing overall album. 1. “I Like It” Cardi B, J Balvin & Bad Bunny 2. “Sicko Mode” Travis Scott 3. “Boo’d Up” Ella Mai 4. “Thank U, Next” Ariana Grande 5. “Nice for What” Drake 6. “This is America” Childish Gam bino 7. “Shallow” Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper 8. “My, My, My” Troye Sivan 9. “High Horse” Kacey Musgraves 10. “The Middle” Zedd, Maren Mor ris & Grey

February 2019

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ONE SHINING By Jenna Ricciardi

ach generation has its own timeless spin of the well known movie, “A Star Is Born.” Well known actor Bradley Cooper made his directing debut and headlined a well known artist, Lady Gaga, to be the leading lady in the fourth remake of the film “A Star Is Born.” Each of the remakes of the movie relates back to the story of two lovers on dramatically different paths: consisting of a

A Star Is Born is an incredible movie that has an amazing soundtrack and shows important issues and spreads awareness of substance abuse and mental health.

Jazmine Perez famous man who is spirling down to the bottom of the social hierarchy and an aspiring singer who is climbing to the top. As well as directing the movie, Cooper also participated in vocal and guitar lessons to perfect lead role as the infamous character, Jackson Maine. Jackson Maine (Bradley Cooper), is a well-known country singer who deals with inner struggles because of his battle with alcohol and substance abuse. Gaga’s ability to transform into her leading role took many by surprise, her elaborate wardrobe and flamboyant behavior was all stripped away for her character Ally, who played a down to earth waitress and singer-songwriter. Gaga’s acting was impeccable, especially considering that it was her first time in a starring role.

Her portrayal of Ally and the emotions that Gaga had put into the character was awe-inspiring. Both Gaga and Cooper’s powerful vocals in the movie deliver strong emotion throughout the characters’ performances making the soundtrack replayed by many. Jack and Ally first meet in a drag

bar. This is where Ally sings in the evenings after her day shift as a waitress. Jackson Maine stumbles into the drag bar after a gig and sees Ally perform the beloved old classic ‘La Vie en Rose’. The two instantly connect and Jack invites Ally to sing with him on tour. Ally is being “born” through Jackson and her rise

to fame occurs because of his dedication to showing Ally her own talent. Jackson then does his best to make sure that her talent was shared to the world. Ally eventually goes solo, becoming a star who shortly turns away from Jackson and places him into the shadows of her own success. In the movie’s heartbreaking final act, the couple’s passion and devotion are replaced with tragedy. Maine is unable to overcome his personal demons and kills himself while Ally is mid-concert. This fourth take of the film sets up the suicide in a different way than past versions to heighten suicide awareness. “A Star Is Born is an incredible movie that has an amazing soundtrack and shows important issues and spreads awareness of substance abuse and mental health,” senior Jazmine Perez said. Cooper’s most brilliant choice, other than placing none other than Lady Gaga in the cast as the leading lady, was his original take on the well known classic movie. Cooper’s adaptation is fresh and new consisting of a whole new soundtrack that is favored by many. Cooper gathered some of the greatest country, pop, and American songwriters that are in the music business in order to create an impressive list of songs that not only tell, but accurately portray the love story that turned into the tragedy of Ally and Jackson. “Shallow,” the original theme song of “A Star Is Born,” proves to be Ally’s peak in the movie in addition to her ticket into stardom further down the road. Both Gaga and Cooper’s vocals were incredible throughout the movie, as well as the lyrics of the songs they wrote. Overall, along all the songs are beautifully written and feature lyrics that are able to perfectly describe the painful and aching heartbreak of Jackson and Ally. Not only this, but, the soundtrack also contains songs that convey Ally and Jackson’s great love story.

February 2019

22 a&e

Practice makes perfect - Senior Sean Evans performs an act from â&#x20AC;&#x153;Matilda: The Musicalâ&#x20AC;? in rehearsal on Dec. 26, 2018.

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BehindThe Curtains

Peeking

A look into theater’s preparation for upcoming production Matilda: The Musical By Tyler Bonnette

The Green Valley Theatre department is well known in the district and has been requested time and time again to perform their productions. Toward the end of January of each school year, the department puts on their annual musical, which is the largest theatre event of the year. This year, students will be performing Matilda: The Musical, which presents the story of an intelligent young girl facing ignorance and prejudice by adults despite her extraordinary abilities. It is one of the many grand musicals that have been performed, each one even larger than the last. Many students, teachers and parents come to see the department’s musical each year, although some are unaware of the effort put in beyond the stage of a play or musical. Both onstage and behind the scenes, there is much more happening than meets the eye. “Before I got into a musical, I never thought about how tiring it was,” senior Sean Evans said, who will be performing the role of escapologist in Matilda. “Now I know it’s exhausting, but definitely a lot of fun.” The musical is unique in the special effects that will be used for the show. It will also, however, be unique due to the amount of younger actors that will be joining the high school performers, as Matilda tells the story of younger children rather than teenagers. This is not the first time that the theatre has seen younger actors performing on stage. Other musicals and plays, such as

Music Man in 2013, have featured younger actors. The theatre teacher teacher, Jennifer Hemme, has experience from elementary or middle school actors because of Green Valley’s previous shows. The Music Man, Mary Poppins, and several other shows in the past have all seen young actors participating among the high

The hardest things to do for each tech are usually building the set and getting the mics set up for the actors. Kaseem Harris school students. “When the younger kids are involved with the musical, it’s a bit more stressful,” Ms. Hemme said. Matilda’s requirement for child actors gave middle school actors the opportunity to audition for the musical, and develop as actors. With this chance they can work with experienced actors and further their career both in theatre and potentially in Green Valley performing arts programs. “The middle school actors are actually doing really well,” Evans said. “They’re always really prepared for rehearsals.”

Through Matilda: The Musical, student actors get insight into the process of developing a play. The show’s rehearsals begin with vocal practices, such as memorization and working through songs with each other. This leads to blocking, which is the long process of laying out every single step taken by the actors on stage. From then on, every moment of the show is polished and cleaned until every choreographed moment is fantastic. “It’s important for each student to put in effort,” Ms. Hemme said. The process of rehearsing is often long and tiring, but almost always pays off in the end. The students and the teachers cooperate to ensure that the show is polished and ready for the audience to see. Meanwhile, a lot is going on backstage with the technicians in order to make the show run smoothly. Early preparations include the set building and sound cues. Completing these early makes the later stages of rehearsal, like blocking and cleaning, far easier. Further into rehearsal, props and light cues are incorporated. Light cues give focus to certain actors and props make the show more understandable to the audience. “The hardest things to do for tech are usually building the set and getting mics set up for the actors,” junior Kaseem Harris said. The offstage workers of a show have a firsthand look at a show’s production. The deck crew sees all of backstage and the sides of the theatre, where actors prepare to go on. The light and sound crew stand in the

booth above the audience with a bird’s eye view of the show. Being unseen is an important part of being a technician. Sporting dark and tight clothes, technicians move around the theatre silently. Due to this, however, some students and even actors don’t realize the difficulty of being a technician, simply because they go unnoticed. “I would say that the technicians put in a lot of physical effort to make the show perfect,” Harris said. Technicians and actors alike work incredibly hard, but it isn’t without worry. All members of the show’s cast and crew are under pressure to do their part and contribute to the show in order to uphold the department’s yearly quality. Past shows, like the more recent Mamma Mia, all had hours upon hours of effort put in. This year is no exception for the department. Matilda: The Musical will be a very unique show, featuring props and special effects that the theatre department loves to showcase. Teachers, technicians, and actors young and old are putting in so much effort to make the show incredible to see for the audience. The moving parts that aren’t always seen are solely for audience enjoyment, to keep the musical faithful to the broadway counterpart. “There’s always worry during rehearsal that it may not uphold a certain standard,” said Sean Evans. “The best part about theatre is performing with your friends on stage. It’s great to share the experience with others.”

February 2019

24 opinion

A digital classroom H H

ave you ever felt left school already provides computout or maybe even emers in the library. Classrooms have barrassed for out notorhav-Chromebooks for students to work ave you ever felt left even IPhone embarrassed ing maybe the latest or theon. Teachers most likely already not having the latest newforSupreme product? Imag-give students time to work in class, iPhone or the new Supreme prodif this is not the case peoine not having access to yourhowever uct? Imagine not having access to ple always have access to local liown orletlet alone a com-braries,” sophomore Rafielle Reyes your ownphone phone or alone a computer at home? With thesesaid. puter at home. With all theseall new technologies being developed every new technologies being devel- Yes, not having technology can day,oped students mayday feel as if they aremay make things difficult, such as not every students not being accepted into society if being able to keep up with current feel as if they are not being acthey do not acquire certain devicnews and making it difficult to subinto students society ifmay they don’tmit assignments since most of it es. cepted Low income feel certainis devices. likeacquire their reputation demolished Low-is done online. Students may have along with their education possibly income students may feel likeaccess to technology, but do these being at risk. their reputation is demolishedlower income students always have With the abundance of technoloit available to them? The school lialong with people theirmayeducation gy in this society, think brary is only open untill 3:00 and beingto atany risk.devices some students may not be able to thatpossibly getting access By Vivien Liebhardt

the abundance technoloshouldWith be relatively hassle of free. In stay after school for a varying numin this society, people thisgygeneration students havemay theirthinkber of reasons. Some stuedents that getting access school’s technology, libraries, to anyand deviceshave to catch the bus or make it to even a friend that has hassle some sort should be relatively free. Inan after-school job. There are many of technology they could use. have Ac- thesmall factors that could make it difthis generation, students cording to the Pew Research Cen- andficult to access the easy use of public schools technology, libraries, ter,even nearly of Americans own a sortlibraries that many of us may think a 77% friend that has some smartphone, whilethey seven out ofuse. ten Ac-is just an excuse since we have easy of technology could arecording on social andResearch half ownCen-access to a vehicle. to media the Pew a computer tablet. Records like ter nearlyor77% of Americans own a “For a school’s library to only be thissmartphone, can make itnearly seemseven unrealistic out of tenopen for just a little over the end of forare people not have access to any on to social media, and half ownthe school day is absurd. There is sort of technology. a computer or tablet. Records likeno time for students to use the tech“I do not think [students] are at nology they don’t have at home, at this can make it seem unrealistic for a disadvantage at all because the school,” sophomore Austin Herpeople to not have access to any sort of technology. “I don’t think they’re at a disadvantage at all, because the school already provides computers in the library, and classrooms have Chromebooks for students to work on. Teachers most likely already give students time to work in class, however if this is not the case people always have access to the local library,” said sophomore Rafielle

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nandez said. Schools are already trying to provide students with classroom technology such as graphing calculators and Chromebooks. But, what else can schools really do to help these lower income students? Due to the fact that these students may not have the technology at home, it may interfere with their education at school. This is true because those who do not have graphing calculators are at a disadvantage (in regards to standardized testing), however if they do well without a calculator, it may make up for the score they get in the calculator section. The same thing can go for those who do have a calculator. Students may rely on the calculator too much to the point where they may struggle more on the non-calculator section of an exam. If they do well on the calculator part of the exam, it will make up for their score in the non-calculator part of the exam. This case may not be applicable to everyone, however graphing calculators are convenient during math, and sometimes science, exams. “I believe this is something that needs to be addressed to their teachers. They may be able to work out a different due date for the assignment or find an alternative as-

signment that does not require the use of a computer or phone,” Reyes said. There are only so many schools can do to help provide for lower income students. They may be able to assign lower income students a Chromebook. It is cheap and still very advanced enough to do anything the school requires you to do at home, but that could also start tension with the staff and parents since it may not be seen as fair that only some students are offered such things. The school already tries their best to give students whatever they can afford such as Chromebook as it started along with free lunches for low income students. Teachers at Green Valley High School are relatively understanding, so if you are having these difficulties, talk to one of them and surely, they will give you an extended due date or let you stay after school, before school or even during lunch to come in and use a Chromebook. Students are exposed too much technology everywhere they go that it should not be a struggle to have access to a device it just depends on the student and what they are willing to do to help their education.

Staring Down the Scale a&e 25 opinion

High school students struggling with eating disorders are not receiving the proper help and are facing tragic results

By Victoria Rodriguez

hances are, if you take a look around you, at least one of your classmates suffers from an eating disorder, or has at one point in their life and you have no idea or never even noticed that they were suffering. Many teens go through their lives suffering from negative body image, anda lack of self confidence and most of them suffer in silence. More than half of the teens you see every day have attempted to starve themselves at one point in their life in order to lose weight and be “accepted” in our society. Over 2.2 million students, between the ages of 13-18, suffer from eating disorders. Of those 2.2 million, 10% of girls actually get help to try and fix the problem and that is only because a very slim percent of people notice that something is wrong. As a society, we are not able to recognize when something is severely wrong. Hundreds of people might notice something is off, but then, they brush it off with, “oh it’s just their teenage hormones”

Rebecca Orozco

or, “it’s just phase, they’ll get over it in a week.” But, that is definitely not the case for thousands of teenagers across America. The lack of care and concern that parents, teachers and students pocess, therefore allowing these teens to suffer, is unacceptable. Part of the problem is not caring and pretending like an eating disorder is nothing, but the other part is that people are uneducated on how to recognize serious, life threatening problems. CCSD needs to do a better job at educateing their staff and students. They also need to open up places for these kids to go to get help. Anorexia is the third most common chronic illness for females in America. Eating disorders among schools are just as common in schools as drug and alcohol abuse. 8% of teenage girls admitted they had problems with drugs and alcohol abuse, 7.8% had problems with eating disorders. Teenagers are very good at hiding things, that is for sure, but that does not give the adults in our society an excuse to ignore the problem. The most basic and common symptom

to look out for is weight loss-it is the whole reason these kids are starving themselves, to look skinny and to try

Having an eating disorder is not a lifestyle choice. You cannot control if you wake up and have depression or anxiety, those are not lifestyle choices. to “fit in.” Other symptoms include refusing to eat, going to the bathroom right after eating to force themselves to throw up the food (this is known as bulimia), exercising excessively, wearing baggy clothes constantly to try and hide the weight loss, mood swings, depression and insomnia or poor sleeping habits.

Parents, teachers and other teenagers need to learn to see these symptoms and realize that something big is happening that should not be, because by doing so, you can save a life. No one in our society cares about these teens, many of them feel abandoned and alone. If, as a society, we do not make a change, millions of other kids will continue to suffer. Anorexia and bulimia are not the only two eating disorders teenagers across America face. The most common eating disorder faced by the world is binge-eating. Most the time people throughout society leave out the fact that eating a lot of food is more than just making yourself obese. Binge eating is as much relevant as Anorexia and bulimia. Another common mess up among our society is thinking that an eating disorder is small. It is not small, in fact it is just the opposite. Thousands of people think the only side effect to an eating disorder is making someone extremely skinny or overweight. That is not the case. Not only do more physical problem go on during extreme weight loss and weight gain, there is also a psychological problem. The definition of an eating disorder is known as “someone who starves themselves to lose weight to look skinny.” The official definition is “a range of psychological disorders characterized by abnormal or disturbed eating habits” according to Google Dictionary. Having an eating disorder is not a lifestyle choice, another common assumption made by society. You cannot control if you wake up and have depression or anxiety. Those are not lifestyle choices. An eating disorder is the same way uncontrollable. Like depression, it can be treated, maintained or controlled if caught early enough. Even though it can be treated, it has to be caught early enough in order for someone to make a full recovery. Mental situations are hard to recover from, most victims suffer for their entire lives. In order to help these teenagers make full recoveries, or to not suffer in general, society needs to no longer brush it off and pretend it is nothing, because this is a big problem that thousands of people face across the country. Parents, teachers and classmates need to learn and understand that by not saying something, you could be helping someone ruin their life.

February 2019

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26 pro/con

OpiniOn Quantity over Pro/Con March 2010

Quality eep students protected with condo

likely become reliant on cheap and Donald’s because I know that it will run out of the house every morning easy meal choices - fast food. taste good, but also because it would before school. s high schoolers, everything The Food Research and Action be filling. Coming from the perspective of a around us is fast paced, so Center says thatItlower-income com- to pass Asidebills fromthat the factcondom that there than is high who understands ajchel in that situation, faceschool the student embargress is trying receive condoms at school. our eating options match that munities rarely have fresh produce a healthier route students can take, that the struggle is, indeed, real, not always rassment of buying them at would make doctors give out would be a relief for students lifestyle, but to help fight the battle and when they do, it is poor quality. those options are not readily avail- splurging money on the dollar menu thinkin the store. birth control pre- Grabbing know there would be an e is nothing more of obesity, schoolsto need to provide If it was me,easy and I had to choose be- without able aroundacampus. a bag fast-food a couple times asequences.” week on a healthier and moreway affordable break- totween a bruised or McDonchips from the vending “Students machine is would tasty meal will to keep meRight full for now, a scho notthat have scription; it is ofthe last resort for them receive pro-banana barrassing than fast and lunch options to students. ald’s breakfast, I would choose Mc- also helpful for those who practically few hours is worth it. authority to advi go buy themselves condoms that many students have, and tection from school. Students king intoThis Walgreens, way, those options still stand and be embarrassed by them. to go see a doctor know the why using it should be available.” p a box of condoms, when clubs or organizations sell reasons fast during Unlike contraceptives, con- Students would use them,” of agency and gi g to wait food in line to lunch. be birth control is important. Starting in elementary school, stuthe student. This “I really do think students doms are not prescribed; they said Barry. ut. dents - for the most part - had access

By Kaeli Britt

than do this, stu- would use it, I know I would ide to go with plan have,” said senior Kelsey ected and dangerous Pinkul. “If there was more Grabbing a bag about it [sex], I sible solution to this information students would take it would be for schools of chipsthink from the e contraceptives to more seriously because it is a vending big machine responsibility.” Advocating that teens r, the district has is helpful for those ed the distribution should have sex is not the same students who that they should be as saying orms of birth control if they t is has to be pre- safe practically run out choose that route. Students who are in support y a doctor. of the everydistribution do not of school uldn’t give out thehouse that it promotes sex, but use it is a prescripmorningthink before d school nurse Robyn instead that contraceptives school. e are not allowed to can prevent what is unavoidny medication that is able. “It is sad but necessary,” d by a physician.” to cheap, reliable options providsaid junior Jordy Barry. “Cons need the ability to food

can be purchased at just about any pharmacy or grocery store without having to have proof of a certain age. There are 21 states with schools that make them available to their students. “Condoms in schools eventually could happen if it received enough support from parents,” said Ebert. “It has not been okayed by the district and would only be if it was something that parents came out in favor of, and right now I don’t think that they would appreciate it.” Students would be more likely to use a school provided

ed by the school. In high school, the equivalent of this is when on specific days, some fast food chains sell their products to everyone on campus during the week. While these foods are not always the most nutritious, it is what is available to the masses of students who can only afford to spend a couple dollars on food. In 2015, 41% of children with a family of four were living as low-income - living their lives below the poverty line by making less than $48,072 annually, according to the National Center for Children in Poverty. Kids who live in low-income families are more likely to grow up independently and will quickly learn to take care of themselves. Although their parents could be giving them money from time-to-time to compensate for night-shifts or coming home late, teens who grow up in this Rebecca Orozco environment often are responsible tudents learn two different methods for protecting themselves in a sexually active world. for feeding themselves and will most

I give the abstinence train of thought a lot of credit. Just tell kids over and over again that sex is bad. That has worked really well for abstinence-only supporters, just look at Sarah Palin’s grandson. Hence, we are stuck with teens that are taught not to have sex, and then they act without being prepared. “I think students have unprotected sex because it is convenient. It is hard to prepare for, there are a lot of hormones,” said Ebert. “There are a lot of feelings going on at the time they would be in a relationship with someone or be

because once th pregnant or recei there is very little done to reverse it. “Mostly all I c fer students to an can help them, so treatment,” said with family plann dent comes in an pregnant, I have t to tell her parents Face it, studen and will continue The best option is the tools that wil safe and have th prevent mistakes life-long conseque

illustrations by J

rth control is not appropriate at sch The InvestiGator t GVHS

OpiniOn

esTiGaTOr

cValley Pro/Con Fuels Obesity ep students protected with condom March 2010

pro/con 27

eaten by students as the restaurant health and its importance in relation to no nutritional benefits and can sehas sponsored many club fundraisers to what one eats is discussed. This verely harm a student’s overall sucand athletic team dinners. contradicts the actions of fast food cess in school activities. Many studies he generation today has placed chel in that situation, a is trying that condom the embarreceiveoncondoms In all 28It yearsgress that Green Valleyto pass being bills sold. As a student favorite, than this face have proven the correlation between an importance living a at school. not always rassment of buying them at would make outto discuss a relief for hasstudents been educating students, healthdoctors can begive difficult though is food consumption and student per- thinkin healthy would lifestyle be reminiscent is a requirement for gradu- without important ensure athe highstore. standard formance. When studentssequences.” eat healthy of that mindset. this in mind, birth control a topreto With know there wouldeducation be an easy s nothing more ation. Inproa unit studied, individual set for all students. has little would food, they betterto on tests,Right have less individuals now, scho “Students notdo have scription; it is the last resort Fast food wayand forfamilies them do to receive rassing manythan stress and benefits overall cognitive initiate a significance in the desire to authority go buy themselves condoms that many students have, and tection from school. Students g into Walgreens, ability. In addition to student poten- to advis live a healthy life. Understanding that to go see and be embarrassed by them. thewith reasons why using it should be available.” box of condoms, tial, a student’s overall well-being cana doctor o health not onlyknow correlates one’s agency use them,” birth control is important. Unlike contraceptives, con- Students would o wait in line be but be significantly affected of through the and giv own to biology, also outside factors, consumption of harmfulthe foods and there is one major“I aspect that isdo a part student. This i really think students doms are not prescribed; they said Barry. beverages noted fast food. of life stuthat is quite essential: because once the I give the abstinence trainasof would usefood. it, IAl-know I would can be purchased at just about an do this, Connected to obesity, life threatthough personal taste in food varies pregnant or receiv credit. Justand tella comprehensive senior Kelsey any pharmacy or grocery store thought a lot ofening to go with diseases from plan person tohave,” person, it said is statistithere over again of that “If everythere was more without having to have proof kids over and understanding ed and dangerous the little to nois nu-very little cally precise toPinkul. indicate that tritional within it, done one cantounreverse it. hasvalue worked of a certain age. There are 21 sex is bad. That le solution toone this one, way orinformation another, eats. about it [sex], I derstand that fast food is “Mostly not good all I ca As studentsthink spent an average ofwould take it states with schools that make really well for abstinence-only students uld be for schools for you. Fast food is packed with reseven hours school aseriously day, they are look at Sarah fer students to an because it is a them available to their stu- supporters, just contraceptives to atmore fined carbohydrates which cause your bound to eat at least once or as regucan help Palin’s grandson. weto fluctuate dents. big responsibility.” blood Hence, sugar levels rap-them, so lated and required by CCSD. Stated treatment,” said E teens that “Condoms in schools even- are stuck withidly. teens the district hasCounty Advocating If your sugarare levels dip to a very by Clark School Regulation that level,sex, it can and cause anxiety, R-5157 sectionshould XIII, constituent withconfufamily planni have have sexD,is not the same tually could happen if it re- taught not to low the distribution and fatigue. With high content of schools will least 20 dent comes in and without being asdesignate sayingatthat they should be ceived enough support from then they act sion ms of birth“All control sugar and fats, you tend to eat too fast for each student to consume pregnant, I have to safe if they choose that route. parents,” said Ebert. “It has prepared. s has to minutes be preand too much to satisfy your cravings. the lunch meal.” Understanding that to tell her parents. “I think students have unStudents who are in support not been okayed by the district doctor. Regardless of convenience that a it, student because breakfast it is couldFace n’t give out the of school distribution do not and would only be if it was protected sex McDonald’s provide, . is easier access literally, andcontinue and will is hard to precame convenient. It nothing it is a prescrip- think that it promotes sex, but something that parents beneficial anoption is t Thethan best are abiologically lot of horhool nurse Robyn instead that contraceptives out in favor of, and right now pare for, there more apple. Like they say, an apple a day the tools that will “There are re not allowed to can prevent what is unavoid- I don’t think that they would mones,” said Ebert. keeps the doctor away but stay away safe and a lot of feelingsfrom going on at the appreciate it.” medication that is able. the Happy Meal. The latter have th rela-ad libprevent Students would be more time they would “It is sad but necessary,” y a physician.” partbe mayin be aslightly however it mistakes great truth. someone or be life-long conseque eed the ability to said junior Jordy Barry. “Con- likely to use a school provided tionship with holds Nonetheless, this option will bring up questions about accessibility. Something quite prevalent in all fast foods; although, for about $1, one could purchase a whole pound of apples and for less than $0.50, a pound of bananas. One could have a wonderful week’s worth of refreshing and nutritional breakfasts. The perspective taken determines how this everyone is subject to the ability to go “convenience” is targeted. A single eat lunch, it is highly recommended egg McMuffin breakfast meal is $5. a to do so because food is the fuel for Now, in terms of convenience, qualthe human body. In terms of what ity, and getting a bang for your buck, . one is fueling their body with, many fruit wins in every aspect. tend to go the quick and easy route. Taking in this knowledge, it is up However, the fast option may not to the schools, administration, and always be the best option and in most even students themselves to recoginstances, can be the most detrimennize that these fast foods that are betal to one’s health. The desire for this ing sold, vending machines, and conconvenience is seen in many high venient stores aren’t readily available illustrations by Je schools across the Valley, though can in relation to a lookout for health. It is greatly referenced to at home. ents learn be two different methods for protecting themselves in a sexually active world. up to the consumer to realize that and In recent years, the sales of “Raissometimes it requires an acceptance ing Cane’s” chicken, bread and french with full cognisant responsibility that Victoria Rodriguez fry filled boxes have been praised and one is a byproduct of the food eaten. By Bethany Casall

The fast foods that are being sold, the vending machines and the convenience stores are not readily avaliable in relation to a look out for our health.

th control is not appropriate at sch

iglioli

tice the abstinence they teach you in health classes.”

Now you have a pregnancy or have contracted an STD,” said

physical consequences that can come from having sex at a

February 2019 The average co of three condoms

28 opinion

STEM Education By Hannah Serquina

he role of education has evolved throughout the existence of civilization. Socrates and Plato, founders of Western philosophy, believed that the aim of education was to attain knowledge. Expanding on that idea, they also believed that the attainment of knowledge was necessary for both the interest of the individual and the society. Thus, the purpose of education is intended to produce productive members of society, but is this true today in the 21st century?

STEM is important becuase it it the future. The amount of information we can learn in STEM in the next few decades exceeds any other field. Sherry Liu There are varieties of aspects that contribute to the faulty education system of modern day society. There are two main reasons as to why the education system remains broken. Firstly, CCSD is underfunded. Second, there is a lack of participation in STEM. “The flaws of education today is that we are understaffed, underfunded, there are not enough girls in STEM, not enough focus on learning interesting subjects and too much focus on getting grades,” junior Sherry Liu said. As the statistics continue to prove, STEM programs enable students to

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learn not only about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, but also about the future of our society and economy. This is imperative because Fortune Magazine informs that four of the eleven million unemployed U.S workers could potentially fill unopen working positions— most of which are in the STEM field. “STEM is important because it is the future,” Liu said. “The amount of information we can learn in STEM in the next few decades exceeds any other field, and it’s just cool.” Although STEM is evidently important, not all young high school students understand its significance. According to www.advanc-ed.org, only 16 percent of high school students are interested in STEM-related careers; while 28 percent of high school freshmen declare an interest in a STEM-centered field, more than half of these students will lose interest by the time they graduate. “Yes, there is a lack of participation on STEM education; we don’t have an emphasis on STEM. So, our students are underprepared for careers and majors and life,” Liu said. Not only is there a lack of participation in STEM but there is a large gender gap, which discourages girls to participate. Essentially, young girls are rarely encouraged to pursue math and science. This is problematic because although girls are motivated to close the gap, it is incredibly unfair that females must work twice as hard to prove that they are capable of excelling in stem. “I think it is both encouraging and discouraging; encouraging because you want to be one of those girls who close the gender gap,” Liu said. “But discouraging because you have to try harder to prove yourself and show you’re smart. Instead people naturally assume [men] in STEM are smart.” In order to succeed in the STEM program initiative, society must first recognize the importance of e STEM programs in order to increase the reach of STEM education in our nation.

opinion 29

Rebecca Orozco

By Hannah Serquina

atthew 6:11 writes “Give us this day, our daily bread.” The urban dictionary explains this statement by defining the bread as ‘dough’ which is a common slang term for money. More analytically, the urban dictionary writes that the term”let’s get this bread” is more loosely defined as a sort of battlecry in a sense, calling upon the will of the person(s) to succeed, not necessarily in just gaining monetary funds.” “‘Let’s get this bread’ means to acquire the ‘dough’ also known as any goal you have; basically meaning bread is the goal and you got to get it,” junior Sammi Lopez said. The means to acquire said bread is crucial. The individual must do whatever possible to attain the bread. Essentially, the bread can be interchangeable with the word ‘goal’. The youth of contemporary America have invented this term in order to motivate themselves to achieve the goals in their life. “Young people are saying it because it’s honestly just a more funny and better way of saying ‘let’s get this stuff done’ and it’s just more appealing overall,” Lopez said. “Bread is like your goal, you got to get the bread however you got to get the bread, it’s your bread so you got to do what you got to do to get your share of it.” With that being said the work required to gaining bread is far from simple. Strong efforts must be made by the individual and the only way to attain the bread is to want it bad enough. “To get said bread it’s not going to be easy because it’s not meant to be. It’s going to take time and effort, sort of like how it takes a while to make bread from scratch,” Lopez said.

Depending on the day, gaining bread can be a breeze or a struggle. “Bread is both easy and difficult to get because every day is a new day,” sophomore Aliyah Sigala said. Additionally, there are a variety of ways to say, “let’s get this bread.” Tired of ‘let’s get this bread,’ instead, use: ‘lets yeet this yeast,’ ‘let’s win this wheat,’ ‘let’s gain this grain,’ ‘let’s secure this sourdough,’ ‘let’s cop these crumbs,’ and ‘let’s receive this rye.’ “My favorite version of ‘let’s get

Bread is like your goal , you have to get the bread however you got to get the bread. Sammi Lopez this bread,’ would have to be ‘let’s get this toast,’ or ‘let’s get this pan dulce,’” Aliyah Sigala said. Others may argue that the saying ‘let’s get this bread’ is silly and pointless. Those who do not understand the saying do not understand the power it holds for the individual. ‘Let’s get this bread’ is more than just new slang that the generation has come up with. ‘Let’s get this bread’ is an empowering phrase for young people to accomplish their goals and dreams. Without ‘let’s get this bread,’ it would be impossible for students to get through the day. “The saying relates to my life because everyday I wake up and want to grind and work hard so I can get that bread,” Sigala said.

February 2019

30 opinion

By Nora-Jo Paramo

ociety agrees that some ideas are worth debating while others are not. The idea of a spherical Earth falls into the category of nondebatable issues. If anyone wants to argue that the world is not a sphere, their argument is completely overlooked and disregarded without a second thought. It does not come as a surprise that almost all people firmly believe that the Earth is shaped like a sphere. To the majority of the human population, the Earth being round is a universal truth. We have been taught the Earth is round and have never questioned it because of the evidence we were given. However, there is a small population that is expanding and they identify as flat Earthers. Famous flat Earthers include NBA stars Kyrie Irving and Shaquille O’Neal and rapper B.O.B. Flat Earthers use the design of the United Nations flag as the model for the flat Earth map. Just like the UN logo, flat Earthers put the North Pole in the center of their map with the continents surrounding it and has the South Pole as an ice wall along the disc’s circumference. Flat Earthers believe the Earth is shaped like a disc and is guarded by a 150-foot-tall ice wall, which would be Antartica. They also believe we never see the curvature of the Earth, no matter how high up in the air we can be. Although “flat Earth” is in the name of the conspiracy, the Earth being flat is not what the conspiracy is mainly about. The conspiracy revolves around NASA being in on a plan to shield us from the truth that the world is not round, and how NASA could possibly be faking space travel and exploration. Conspiracists think NASA employees guard the arctic wall around the rim of the Earth in order to avoid anyone from climbing over it and falling off our disc shaped world. The reason they believe that NASA is in on guarding the ice wall is because of the Antarctic Treaty. The Antarctic Treaty was signed in the late 50’s by nearly all the countries

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with power to not let anyone go into Antarctica without supervision. Another interesting fact conspiracists bring up is that planes never fly over Antarctica and have to fly around it. Knowing that, it can make one wonder why are there such strict limitations on Antarctica if the Earth is truly round. Flat Earth conspiracists do not believe in the photographic evidence of the round-shaped Earth because there has never been a camera in outer space that was far enough to capture the world in one shot. All the pictures of Earth, according to NASA, are taken by scanning the planet with cameras attached to satellites and then later assembling them together like a puzzle. Within those images of our planet, there were repeating patterns of clouds showing that we do not have an accurate way of piecing images of Earth together according to conspiracy theorists. NASA admitted that we cannot take a picture of the Earth in one shot and says that the cloud repetition is simply because clouds move. They are not altering the pictures of Earth, otherwise they would make sure those cloud repetitions did not appear. One could argue that if NASA wanted to pull the wool over our eyes, they simply could make sure the cloud repetition does not show. The mere fact that they leave this evidence to NASA’s supporters confirms the belief that NASA is being truthful and is not trying to alter any pictures. On the other hand, flat Earthers assume that NASA has been untruthful ever since the moon landing. They also believe that NASA is sloppy with their photographs because they assume that everybody does not doubt for a second that the Earth is round. Since they are not worried about getting caught, they make mistakes exposing the cloud recurrence in Earth scans, according to conspiracy theorists. They believe that the flight industry is also in on keeping Earth’s flatness a secret. You can track flights on certain websites. Flat Earthers point out that if you monitor a plane in the northern hemisphere you will

be able to track it during the duration of the flight. Flat Earthers also have monitored flights that head into the southern hemisphere supposedly and monitoring them is impossible. They are only trackable at takeoff and right before they land. Therefore they believe that they are not flying over the countries that they think they would be. So, their flights are not traceable during the flight. Not all flat Earthers have a religious take on their beliefs. Some Christians believe we are living on a disc that has a firmament which is mentioned in the bible. In order to picture this, think of a snow globe. The bottom part of the snow globe is completely flat so you can rest it on a surface while it has a dome protecting the items inside. Christian flat Earthers say this is how Earth is. In other words, they think we eventually reach the top and feel the dome. Flat Earthers say there are many reasons for this conspiracy. Some believe it is to make us believe there is no God. That Earth is just a random planet with life for no reason whatsoever, according to people that believe in a spherical Earth. They do not want people to think that they are special and being protected by a God. Other flat Earthers think that they need to keep this conspiracy of a round Earth to keep many scientists employed. From the opposite point of view, the people that believe Earth is round usually do not question the moon landing, the space stations or NASA. One of the first examples that contradicts flat Earth is the Earth’s shadow on the moon. It is always round shaped. Round Earthers also believe that it is gravity that keeps us on this planet. Flat Earthers do not believe in gravity but conclude that what is holding us on Earth is the Antarctic ice shield. Both round and flat Earthers have environmentalists that are worried about the polar caps melting. Round and flat Earthers both have people that deny climate change. Hopefully the environmentalists can set aside their differences and unite on environmental issues. If that happens it is good for all of us and it would not matter which side one is on.

One big flat lie

editorial 31

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS By The InvestiGator Staff

As the new year descends upon us and we continue to write “2018” on our papers by accident, New Year’s resolutions are being played out everywhere. However, the most common aspirations from American citizens are health and fitness related, but most people also drop their resolutions by February. So why do we suddenly feel motivated at the beginning of the year, but do not follow through with our goals? It may be easier to go with the flow and decide to make out-ofreach goals for ourselves if everyone else is doing it too - we shoot for the moon. These “allor-nothing” goals are just setups for failure; we make big goals before realizing how much work is necessary to fulfill them. Having the initial desire to have a goal is not even close to enough to push that goal through until the end - you need drive and motivation. Health and fitness related goals can be anything from “I will go to the gym at least twice a week” to “I am going completely vegetarian starting tomorrow!” No matter how “dedicated” you think you are to your goals in

that moment, future you is going to be half angry and half disappointed that you made these goals in the first place and the fact that you cannot keep up with them. In order to maintain your overall resolutions, be honest with yourself and understand what steps need to be taken to achieve a reasonable goal that you are motivated about. Stay away from big commitments that are too far out of reach to avoid stress later. Focus on a single goal that is relatively achievable rather than making multiple goals to avoid ending up not completing any of them. Resolutions that are health related should be kickstarted with small steps towards the ultimate goal. So if one wants to transition over into a vegetarian, start by cutting out types of meat - chicken, beef, pork, etc. Find recipes that you will enjoy both making and eating as a way to reward yourself for not eating meat. This will keep you accountable to your goal. The biggest contender in keeping New Year’s resolutions is accountability. Keeping yourself accountable brings motivation and drive to not only reach your goal, but accomplishing it.

Editors-in-Chief: Kaeli Britt Erinn Veach

The InvestiGator is a studentrun 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 johnsem1@nv.ccsd.net.

Editors: News: Bethany Casall Features: Hannah Serquina Sports: Gabriella Ghasserani A&E: Abigail Culpepper Opinions: Victoria Rodriguez Reporters: Tyler Bonnette Diana Brown Max Ghasserani Alexis Ladd Zachary Schauer Advisor: Eric Johnston

Student speak

How can students improve their current lifestyle to make it more healthy? “Students should get more than eight hours of sleep. I think students don’t realize how important sleep is.”

Essence Evans, freshman

“The most important thing is to make sure you are getting enough sleep. Secondly, students should watch what they’re eating.”

Lara Ostler, sophomore

“Don’t follow students who have established their own bad habits. Focus on yourself and your own habits.”

Design Editor: Maycee Labo Photo Editors: Hailey Gross Brynne Hilton Business Manager: Vivien Liebhardt Staff Managers: Nora-Jo Paramo Jenna Riccardi

Aldo Avila, junior

“If students were more organized and had a balanced lifestyle it could improve thier [mental] health.”

Patrick Neenan, senior

February 2019

32 gallery

IN SYNC

Junior Boy Band members perform part of their dance routine during the annual Winter Week Assembly on Dec. 14.

HAILEY GROSS | PHOTO