The InvestiGator

March 2019

investigator

the

Vol. 28, Issue 4

2000’s Kids, Remember This?

see pgs. 10-11

6 feature

a & e 17

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insideissue this

on the cover

News

5 imagine gators

The band Imagine Dragons films a music video on campus

Feature

7 band together A look into what it is like to be a part of Girl Band

12 write it out

Reflecting on the benefits of bullet journaling

Sports

A&E

18 happy place

Discussing the negative effects of excessive technological use on today’s children.

A review of the new Henderson location of SkinnyFats restaurant

Opinion

21 I dare you

Explaining the threats that peer pressure places on youth

Kaeli Britt

Maycee Labo

Editorial

16 connections

Sports teams explain how they bond

27 what about us?

Examining the childhood the older side of Gen Z had.

One of the first pg. 18 things I noticed when I stepped into the restaurant was the atmosphere.

Hailey Gross

Editors’ Note

pg. 14 Brynne Hilton

In this issue we bring you an array of stories. In the news section, we report on how Vegas-born band, Imagine Dragons, filmed a video on our campus. We also bring an update on the building of the Raider’s Stadium. For our central feature we bring a look into how our generation remembers all the same things 90’s kids did. A spotlight is also put on the Special Ed program’s students, teachers, and the runnings of their classroom. In sports, we take a look at how Gator sports teams bond. Moving into entertainment, we review the newest restauarant to pop up by Green Valley: SkinnyFats. We close out in opinion, where we take a look at the detriments of portraying abusive relationships in the media.

We hope that as you turn the pages of our latest issue, you feel connected to each and every one of us on staff.

Thank you, and enjoy!

pg. 05

04 news

The news in brief.

County championship makes it 25 in a row

By Erinn Veach On Feb. 23 and Mar. 1, the Speech and Debate County tournament was held at Desert Pines High School. In total, 22 students placed in their respective categories, and 7 captured first place, helping to secure Green Valley’s county win for the 25th straight year.

“The students really own their streak, they feel like it is their responsibilty to keep it going,” Speech and Debate adviser Michael Lamb said.

County brings all the schools in CCSD together to compete for qualifying spots for the state tournament, which then leads to districts. Students are chosen to compete based upon merit and responsibilty. There are only four available spots for each event, so it is a competitve environment to get the chance to go to County.

“Who goes is based on how well they’ve done in the events they have done, their activity and consistency, and their grades and performance in class,” Lamb said.

Those that got first, or the County champions, were senior Kimberly Halliday in informative speaking, junior Kareem Safieddine and junior Sherry

Lui in policy debate, sophomore Jordan Ranck in Congress, senior Kevin Leong and senior Benjamin Khoh in duo, and senior Aditya Subramaniam in humorous interpretaion. It was a major accomplishment for everyone who broke due to the time, effort, and dedication involved in being a part of the program.

“There is a lot of pressure surrounding county and it’s amazing to see all your hard work pay off when you break in your events,” Halliday said. “I am proud of everyone who broke because we all worked so hard to get where we are today.”

Preparation for County is not much different than how the team prepares for all their other tournaments in terms of preparing their speeches and debates. The team tries to incorporate a bit of fun motivation to lift tension, though.

“The students help each other prapare by listening to and critiquing each other’s pieces and helping eachother research. There is a lot of performing in front of classmates to perfect their stuff,” Lamb said. “In the week leading up though, we did some fun, motivating activities.”

The winning streak that the team

Add ‘em up - Members of the Speech and Debate team celebrate another County championship while showing off their trophies at Desert Pines HS on Mar. 1, 2019.

courtesy of Kimberly Halliday

holds is all thanks to their own attitude toward the program.

“I think part of the reason we [hold the title] is our students’ willingness to compete and prepare to make their performances as good as they can. They really want to compete, they have such a drive for it,” Lamb said.

Aside from motivation, the students themselves realize the teamwork it takes to win.

We have 25 years at County because

we always end up pulling together as a team and we bring our most competitive students,” Halliday said.

Because of their domination, there is a high energy of competitiveness at County, which only makes it even more enjoyable for the team.

“Every school there tries to beat us.

It’s a competitive atmosphere,” Halliday said. “I wouldn’t change it though, I think that is what motivates us and makes us want to keep on going.”

HOSA club helps careers

By Bethany Casall In the path towards a career in health, many individuals have the initiative to begin their motives in high school. With the new club: Health Occupations Students of America, also known as HOSA, students can explore the importance of this field and start to formalize their passion. Introduced this year by president junior Shoyun Oh, many look forward to the various events, tests, and competitions that will be greatly beneficial towards college and overall knowledge in the health professions.

“I am interested in going into the medical field. Green Valley previously did not provide a club alike HOSA so I wanted to start a club that will help prepare me and others for our future careers,” Oh said.

Having this addition to the multitude of clubs available for students to join furthers the diversity in educational learning outside of the school setting. Extension towards the real world bridges what one can learn though team efforts with students who collectively believe in the same point of view.

The InvestiGator t GVHS

“We believe in having a strong team because even though a lot of the events are individualized, support for each other is quite important,” junior Radhika Shah said.

With the events being primarily independent, the meetings take on the role of getting together to collaborate on information that needs to be retained and learned for tests.

Meeting every other Tuesday in room 917, the 30 minute gatherings allow for many to confer with one another whether it be the knowledge tests themselves or support in any aspect; even college applications.

“HOSA is known internationally so any college you go to will know that you are really involved,” Oh said.

Being a popular career for many students to go into, health occupations reqjuire a well rounded studious background. HOSA is welcoming and open to all individuals whom have any interest in going to college.

“This club will definitely benefit students who want to go into the medical field because it will get them involved in an early age but we welcome all students to join,” Shah said.

Icy roads cancel school

By Brynne Hilton

On Fri., Feb. 22, school was canceled due to weather conditions involving the snowfall the Valley received. Las Vegas has not had significant snowfall since 2008, so teachers and students took advantage of this day to enjoy the snow.

“Snow is such an amazing phenomenon,” science teacher Audrey Yurtinus said. “If students have the chance to see it, they should.”

The snow started falling on Wed. night, but school was still in session the next day. That evening, parents received a phone call from CCSD stating school had been canceled along with all after school activities due to unsafe driving conditions.

“They should have given us that Thursday off, even though it was a little bit of snow,” Yurtinus said. “We do not

see the snow often and we need to enjoy it.”

Las Vegas receiving snow concerned students and teachers. Some believed the snow was a result of climate change.

“The weather was below freezing two weeks ago and now, we are starting to reach 70 degrees, we should be concerned,” Yurtinus said.

Some students went to Mount Charleston or drove to Summerlin to participate in “snow day” activities.

“I took my kids up to the mountains to play in all the snow,” Yurtinus said.

People took this day off and built snowmen and had snowball fights, while others used it to voice their opinion on climate change. Some students might have stayed home to finish homework from the night before. Either way, it was a rare occasion that all staff and students enjoyed participating in.

news 05

IMAGINE DRAGONS TAKE OVER THE SWAMP

By Hannah Serquina

W

ith over sixteen million views on YouTube, Imagine Dragons filmed the video for their hit single ‘Bad Liar,’ on campus on Dec. 21, 2018.

Out of all the public high schools in the Valley, Green Valley worked out well for the band and their director.

Assistant principal Raymond Ortiz was thrilled to find out that Imagine Dragons was coming to film on the school’s campus.

“Mr. Roberts had asked me to come into his office. He said ‘Hey there’s a band that wants to film a video on campus,’ and I go, ‘Okay cool.’ Then he said ‘IMAG-’and as soon as he said ‘IMAG,’ I freaked out,” Ortiz said.

The Nevada Film Office had asked Principal Kent Roberts if the school was available to film for Imagine Dragons. This request was made by Ryan Reichenfeld, director of the music video. He has filmed videos for artists such as Justin Timberlake and Tyler the Creator, as well as commercials for Nike, Levis, Minute Maid and Adidas.

Reichenfeld’s style is not typical or one deemed as ordinary. His unique style is ultimately what got Imagine Dragons to choose him as their director for the music video.

“They always like to do something a little out of the box and that is kind of my style. I don’t really do ‘normal music videos’. They reached out to me and luckily they liked my idea the best,” Reichenfeld said.

Throughout the video, a young girl dances with a boy as he seems to be suspended and drifting.

Reichenfeld envisioned for the music video to be set at a high school in a 1980’s movie.

“It worked very well for my idea.

The idea is basically a girl danced with a boy and he’s floating. In order to create that effect we had to hang him from a crane. We hung this boy up from this crane and moved him around. My idea, originally, I wanted to shoot it in a school, out of a 1980’s movie, with a bunch of lockers going down a hallway or something like ‘Back To The Future’,” Reichenfeld said.

The school did not fail to bring his idea to life. Due to effective high ceilings, Reichenfeld and his crew were able to suspend the actor. The public school fit perfectly for the vision for the film.

“In order to do that you need to have height. You guys have these really special, high ceilings where

In the mix - Imagine Dragons record the music video ‘Bad Liar’ in the main parking lot on Dec. 21, 2018.

courtesy of Raymond Ortiz

your lockers are, upstairs by the library. That’s where we filmed.

The ceilings are giant,” Reichenfeld said. “You could see the lockers. It could not have gone any better.”

The process of making a film is far from simple. Music videos can be costly and difficult to put together in such a short amount of time.

Reichenfeld and his team were able

When I saw the photos of the school, I was like ‘No way, I know this school.

This is crazy’.

Ryan Reichenfeld to bring his idea to life despite the variety of variables that make the process of creating a video difficult.

“They reach out to some directors. Directors submit their ideas and if the record label and the band like their ideas then they figure out how to make it work for the time, schedule, the resources and the money,” Reichenfeld said. “If you can figure all that out then you get to make the film. Luckily we were able to figure it out for this one because it was a really, really, really tight schedule.”

The relationship between Green Valley High School and Reichenfeld began before his career as a director. Prior to pursuing film, Reichen-

feld was a pro skater at a young age.

“My story with Green Valley High School is that I actually went to the high school, just not as a student. There was a pro skater named Vinny ‘Vegas’, his full name was Vinny Gambardella. He was sponsored by Birdhouse, which is Tony Hawk’s skate company. We met him and a few other guys there, ” Reichenfield said.

One of Reichenfield’s first ever skateboarding clips was taken on the school’s campus.

“There used to be a set of stairs behind the school, I think there’s a new building that takes up where those stairs used to be. I landed a frontside flip. They were filming for this video called “City Boardshop” and that was one of the first ever video clips I got as a skateboarder. I think I was in 8th grade at the time,” Reichenfield said.

Little did Reichenfeld know, he would be at that same school years

later filming for Imagine Dragons.

Reichenfeld vividly remembers the green scenery of GVHS and could not believe that his career as a director led him to the same school he had skated at as a teenager.

“When I saw the photos of the school, I was like ‘No way, I know this school. This is crazy.’ This is such a weird coincidence. It was very weird and interesting to see the school. It was very distinct.

That green color. When I front side kicked on the stairs, it was exactly the same color,” Reichenfield said.

Ortiz needed to make sure the campus was cleared out. Cancelling after school practices and getting rid of students in order to film were some of the aspects that had to be dealt with while filming on a school campus. Additionally, the knowledge of the filming had to be top secret. story continues on page 6

Caught on camera - Security footage shows dancer Autumn Miller and the crane that was used in the production of the video, ‘Bad Liar.’

March 2019

06 news

CCSD INTRODUCES NEW RESORATIVE SYSTEM

By Bethany Casall

A

s of the 24th of August, 2018, the Clark County School Justice Partnership has been established to be the so-called gatekeeper within the school-to-prisonpipeline that has recently been of great concern. This, as defined by the American Civil Liberties Union, is a disturbing national trend wherein children are funneled out of public schools and into the juvenile and criminal justice systems. Additionally, the methods in which students

We simply lose a kid more through the punitive system.

We’re able to hopefully reflect with the restorative justice system.

Christa Fialkiewicz are dealing with in terms of discipline have found themselves to be dismissed from classrooms. With this

lack of education, it is one of the crucial aspects towards the continuity of the misdemeanor occuring.

A new justice program has been implemented to try to assist with the issues in a manner that keeps the students in the classroom.

“The whole idea of restorative justice is a program we just started second semester. It’s a jury of one's peers who try and provide restorative activities instead of punitive punishments,” Dean Christa Fialkiewicz said. “As deans, we do punitive punishments. We made kids sit out a few days of school if they get into a fight.

If they cyberbully, we make a student serve a couple days of in-house, or suspension. We take them away from the classroom. What restorative justice is, is the restorative activities are meant to be more driven by reflection about their behavior rather than punitive and terminal.”

By having this restorative justice program, it can help cope with student behavior problems, which can statistically help diminish the misdemeanors from occurring in the first place. With the lack of education being one of the issues with a traditional method of intervention, one can note that rather than dealing with students from a perspective in which they can understand, many schools directly resort to the student’s dismissal.

“One of the issues we have is when a student gets in trouble, we pull

www.ccsd.net

them out of school for any time, even if it’s in-house suspension or an out of school suspension, all we are doing is setting the student further behind academically, therefore having a greater chance of disenfranchisement between them and the school, anger towards adults at the school, their grades go down, attendance is affected, etc. and it’s harder for them to get back into school” Fialkiewicz said.

Statistically speaking, students who take a step into this school-toprison pipeline have the tendency to be pushed further into it due to the manners that policies dictate. Similar to a court system, intervention can be discretionary.

“We simply lose a kid more through the punitive system. We’re able to hopefully reflect with the restorative justice system,” Fialkiewicz

said.

With the mindset of attempting to eliminate the problem from being present at the institution, students are not given the assistance to focus on what can be essential: education.

By pushing them further away from classrooms, their desire to enhance their knowledge goes away with them: away.

In the perspective of a student, it can be a different world. Students who have walked the path of the traditional scope, have had the experience of being taken away from classrooms.

This can deter the desire to try alternative methods. However, with the new method in place, there is a way to keep students close to their education but still be able to learn from their actions and understand consequences.

It’s just a matter of trials.

‘Bad Liar’ filmed at GVHS Raiders’ stadium taking shape story continued from page 5

“[Mr. Roberts] let me know about the video filming here and the areas that they wanted. The director and some talent folks came out and scouted the locations, the cafeteria and the gym. We had to cancel a few events like cheerleading practice in the cafeteria and volleyball practice in the gym,” Ortiz said. “I basically told the coaches for those sports, ‘I need to cancel your practice and I can’t tell you why.’ We were told we had to sign confidentiality agreements and non-disclosure agreements and stuff like that.”

Ortiz also had to be responsible for locking the school down as well as keeping track of a variety of equipment that allowed for the video shoot to go smoothly.

“As the school and district representative, I showed them where things were. I opened doors for them, took out the center poles for the equipment to come in and out, turned lights on and off, approved certain things that they were hang-

The InvestiGator t GVHS

ing. They hung some stuff from the rafters on the gym. They borrowed some of our equipment to hang some stuff,” Ortiz said. “We took down our banners in the cafeteria. Basically I was making sure there wasn’t going to be fireworks or pyrotechnics on campus. I coordinated with their production company when they were on campus.

They were driving our golf carts to get to and from the shooting. A big crowd had developed out front and we snuck them out the back way.”

If anything, Ortiz and the rest of Green Valley has incredible pride in their school. Other public high schools in the district do not have the satisfaction of their school being displayed in a music video that has been viewed by millions.

“I’m very happy for Green Valley High School. That video has been seen hundreds of thousands if not, millions of times. Every school in the district knows that their campus was not picked and I love that. So just another score for Green Valley High School,” Ortiz said.

By Zachary Schauer

The Raiders in 2020 will have a new home and it will be here in Las Vegas. Las Vegas got a football team and it was long awaited. They will get a brand new stadium and a practice stadium. The Raiders got 31 out of 32 votes to move to Vegas and the one team that said no was the Miami Dolphins.

The Raiders broke ground on November 13, 2017 and was a big deal for Oakland, the Raiders and the city of Las Vegas because they have been playing on a baseball field though will now have their own stadium. Las Vegas showed that they cared about their sport teams. The challenge will be how crazy the locals be at the games.

The Raiders stadium will cost $1.8 billion to build. It will have all new technology in the stadium. The stadium right now has a live video of

it being built on the raiders website.

“The stadium from what I see in the preview will look futuristic because it will have new tech and new restaurants inside,” sophomore Justin Payette said.

The NFL draft will be here on April 23rd through the 25th, the draft will be held and on those days, 487 college football players will go into the NFL. Once the Raiders play two seasons in the new stadium, it will be eligible for a Super Bowl to be played in. The stadium will also bring big shows to Vegas and more people will be able to attend since there will be 65,000 seats plus floor standing at shows and concerts. “[I’m excited to] go to some of their games,” sophomore David Moreno said.

The countdown until 2020 continues as many await its summer completion.

GIRL BAND: BEHIND T HE SCENES ByAlexis Ladd

Freshmen:

Whitney Roderick: Q: What made you join girl band?

A: I don’t play any school sports, so I thought it’d be fun do something involved with the school.

Q: What do you rehearse during practices?

A: Mostly the dance, there isn’t much tumbling involved.

Q: What’s special about your group?

A: All of us are dancers so it makes choreography easy for us, two are gymnasts and one is a cheerleader.

Q: What piece in the music are you most excited for?

A: There’s a clip of Single Ladies by Beyoncé that we are all looking forward to.

Q: What grade are you looking to beating the most?

A: We are hoping to beat the juniors, because the junior boyband won this school year so we are expecting the same outcome for the girls.

Q: What are your overall expectations for your first performance in an assembly?

A: I’m not expecting too much excitement from the crowd just because we are freshman and the crowd mostly cheers for juniors and seniors.

Q: How will your group make sure the performance is up to standards against the other grades?

A: We have an idea of what a good performance looks like so I expect us to do well but most of us are also really nervous.

In the Moment - Whitney Roderick performs for her class with a smile on her face.

Brynne Hilton

Just Dance - Daejah Raymond brings her moves to the dance floor representing her class.

Brynne Hilton

Sophomores: Daejah Raymond: Q: What motivated you to join girl band this year?

A: I am a dancer and I thought it would be fun to perform at an assembly because this will be my first time.

Q: What is the most exciting part of your groups performance?

A: I think the most exciting part will be during the song “Better With the Lights off” because the lights will go out and there will be glowsticks.

Q: Will there be tumbling involved in your performance?

A: Our performance will mostly involve dancing because only two of our girls can tumble, one of them is a cheerleader and the other is a gymnast.

Q: How well does your group work together during practices?

A: The most difficult part is working together in sync just because everyone’s schedule is always so busy, however we all get along pretty well.

Q: How do you guys manage the routine and choreography?

A: I usually lead the group, as I create the dance and teach the other girls.

I dance for Playground Las Vegas on a competitive team so I have experience with dancing.

Q: Have you taught the girls that cannot tumble, any new tricks?

A: We taught one of the non tumblers how to do a back handspring.

Q: What will be the biggest wow factor within your performance?

A: I think our stunting and walking onto the mat will be the best part of our performance just because that is when everyone will be most excited.

feature 07 “I want it, I got it” - Mackenzie Gamett strikes a sassy pose to fight for the Girl Band win.

Juniors:

Olivia McClain: Q: What aspect of the performance do you think will result in winning?

A: Every part of our performance is great. All of us are important for the performance in different ways.

Q: Does your group have experience with tumbling?

A: Six of the eight girls in the group have experience, they are either cheerleaders or gymnasts. Those who can tumble are throwing crazy passes across the mat.

Q: What makes the group so confident of winning?

A: All of our girls get along and when we are at practice, it is as if we aren’t at practice but more as just hanging out. As a group we work together efficiently.

Q: What’s the biggest challenge in putting the performance together making sure it is perfect?

A: We all have trouble paying attention to instruction of choreography because we are all having fun and getting distracted.

Q: How did your group ensure the performance would be perfect?

A: Each of us combined our ideas and agreed as a group. We definitely have the winning skills among all of the other grades.

Q: What type of mindset do you have towards the possible win?

A: We hope to win and outperform the seniors because they expect to win every year.

Q: What will be the most exciting song piece for the crowd?

A: We have a lot but one of the most exciting will be the beat drop in the song by Ocho Drippin.

Tuckin’ it - Olivia McClain brings the heat with a standing back-tuck to represent the juniors.

Brynne Hilton

Brynne Hilton

Seniors:

MacKenzie Gamett Q:What are you looking to gain from joining girl band?

A: I have made closer friendships with the girls in the group and I also wanted a fun memory to look back on in a few years, while this is also my first year doing this.

Q: What experience do you have that will contribute to a good performance?

A: I cannot tumble but I have been dancing since I was a little girl so that definitely helps the routine look better.

Q: What kind of skills do the girls in the group obtain?

A: There will be a lot of tumbling in the performance along with stunting from the girls that have cheer experience.

Q: What will contribute most towards a possible win?

A: At the end we are turning the lights off and doing a look back from freshman year to now and will be celebrating the fact that we are seniors with a slide show and our caps and gowns.

Q: As being part of the senior girlband, are you expecting to win?

A: All of us hope to win, but if not we know it was just an experience for fun and a good memory to look back on.

Q: If another girl band group performs better, do you still think seniors deserve to win?

A: If seniors do not win, I think we will be upset but most of us understand it is not that serious and the winners should be who performed the best.

March 2019

08 feature

SPOTLIGHT ON SPECIAL EDUCATION

Brynne Hilton

S

By Hannah Serquina

pecial Education is on the rise due to inclusiveness towards their program and students.

This program is a prime example of how students feel like they are embraced within the the Green Valley populous. The growing number of special education classes such as life skills, and functional life skills demonstrates the school’s desire to strengthen special needs kids as individuals and as students.

Bernadette Hawkins, assistant principal and supervisor of the Special Education Department, is a key factor in the way the Special Education Department is run. The Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for each student is a plan to help students accomplish their goals.

Hawkins elaborated on the inclusiveness of the school and the interaction between general education students and special education students. The focus of the department is to support the needs of Green Valley students so that they are academically successful.

“I’ve worked at a lot of schools.

In this department, teachers really care about their students. They want to see them be successful.,” Hawkins said. “This past year, we implemented a Best Buddies program. I think it’s done great things for our school as a whole.”

The programs offered at Green Valley vary and help students in skill from all areas. Whether it is about learning basic skills for simple jobs or helping the community, the Special Education program is incredibly diverse and helps students learn in different ways.

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Lead the way - The Cheer and Dance teams cheer on students as they take the field before their soccer match.

“We have Autism classes, which are self contained. They rotate each period, throughout the day. Then we have programs like the FLS program.

It’s called functional living skills program. They work on a lot of independent living skills such as doing laundry, learning about job skills and helping in the cafeteria. And we also have just a life skills program. They both go to Walmart every week and stock shelves. There is a lot of community based instruction,” Hawkins said.

Leah Romero, an autism teacher in the Special Education Department explains how there is no reason for students in the Green Valley Special Education Department to be concerned about feeling apart of the school. The mainstream population breads acceptance towards special education students and desires to make them feel included.

“We have a lot of teachers that are interested in our students. They know a lot about who our students are.

They look forward into making sure that we’re also front row in assemblies. They are very supportive when we take them out on First Friday,” Romero said. “We really enjoy that we’re able to put our kids on GVTV during the holidays and sell goodies. I think that we’re unique together and we collaborate well together for the Special Education program.” .

An incredible example of inclusiveness can be seen through the Best Buddies program as general education students aid those in Special education.

“The Best Buddies program is where students can apply to be student tutors. They go into the self con-

Jakob Reber

tained programs and assist with the students. Some of them might go to walmart with them. It’s great because when everybody is in PE together or what not you have more bonds and connection. The student would get an elective credit for it. I would say about 30 students are doing that right now.

And we’d like to see it grow.

In actuality, there is no separation from special education kids versus the kids in general education. Students within the Special Education Program just need a little extra help and support. Opportunities are given to any type of student, no matter where they fall.

On top of feeling included through teachers and staff, opportunities are available for students both on and off campus. These opportunities vary

It’s called functional living skills program.

They work on a lot of independent skills such as doing laundry, learning about job skills and helping in the cafeteria.

Bernadette Hawkins

Unified - Teachers and students receive acknowledgement of their achievement as a Unified Champion School at the Sadies Assembly.

from social interaction to learning life skills.

The off campus activities include going to the local grocery store and bagging groceries. In contrast the social opportunities include gathering together and eating ice cream.

“We have done social activities.

We have this entire hallway where kids have an ice cream social. We scoop the ice cream and ask the kids what kind of toppings they want.

They all sat together out here,“ Romero said.

There is a larger picture when working with the special education students. There is one major aspects of special education that is a catalyst for after high school. Independence.

By teaching special education students Independence it decreases the likelihood for them to live in facilities but instead capitalize on opportunities.

“For my students, we try to prepare them for outside work. Even if they are not able to hold a job steadily.

They’ll be able to work independently for opportunity village. Those are things we try to consider. We want to create as much independence as possible,” Romero said. “So that way, when they leave high school, they’re not stuck living in facilities. Like, being able to take direction from us or other people. We try to create that opportunity where they understand that they need to work and there’s also rewards for that work.”

Academic success is demonstrated within special education students.

These students set goals and have the capability to accomplish them.

Although these students may need a little bit of help accomplishing their individualized plan, they do not fail.

“Absolutely they show academic success.They all have goals that they are working on, in their individualized plan,” Hawkins said.

Just like in any program at a high school, there is always room for improvement. Specifically, Ms.Hawkins would like to see more staff in order for Special Education students to have more teachers. In other words, it would not help to have more support.

This is difficult to accomplish due to a lack of funding.

“We could always use more staff.

I think that just having teachers and aids there that support students, however they need to be supported.

Whether it’s in the cafeteria, or in a classroom. But that’s a funding issue,” Hawkins said.

An addition of staff would just add to more individualized attention for students. If the program could build upon anything, they would build upon an extra set of eyes in order to give more guidance for the students.

“If you have an extra set of eyes in the classroom that always helps, or if a student is struggling the teacher can provide that additional support,” Hawkins said.

All in all, inclusiveness, independence, and togetherness are incorporated within the Special Education Program. The students demonstrate academic success and have a strong, helpful support system that allow them to succeed.

“I think that special education is just a support system for kids. Many kids you don’t even know have an IEP and they’re academically successful.

And I hope we continue to do the best buddies program for years to come.

The kids are gravitating towards supporting each other and creating a more inclusive campus for all,” Hawkins said.

We really enjoy that we’re able to put our kids on GVTV during the holidays and sell goodies. I think that we’re unique together and we collaborate well together for the Special Education program.

Leah Romero

www.nces.ed.gov Kaeli Britt

March 2019

feature 10 10 feature

Only 2000’s Kids Remember This

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By Kaeli Britt

ost people know the saying “only 90’s kids remember this.” It refers back to the idea that only people born in the 1990s can remember their lives before society became the technological realm that it is now. 90’s kids are not the only people to be able to recall what life used to look like back then, though. Kids that were born between 1995 and 2003 should be categorized as Gen Z kids, but those born after 2003 should be considered the iGeneration. Today’s teens are considered to be part of Gen Z and definitely reminisce on some of the same things that are supposedly kept in memory by “only 90’s kids.”

Although every generation has different experiences than the previous ones, this technological epidemic is different than something as simple as a generational gap. Kids, up until now, have always enjoyed playing outside as a common and universal pastime, but, unfortunately, those days are now over.

Even today’s teenagers can fondly look back at their childhood and can confidently say that they enjoyed their time riding bikes, playing tag, going to the park, etc.

“My favorite thing about playing outside when I was younger was the sense of freedom that existed. I wasn’t stuck inside waiting for someone to answer my messages, I was outside playing with friends and cre-

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ating ridiculous games,” senior Bella Flosi said.

However, long gone are the days where kids would constantly play outside every day of the week - rain or

If you’re bored, there are thousands of things to keep you occupied through technology. Kids these days are losing that use of imagination and it’s truly unfortunate.

Isabella Flosi shine. Today’s kids are immediately exposed to various forms of technology whether it be a television, tablet, computer or phone. This early introduction can hinder a child’s development, especially on the social level.

“I think that three years old is reasonable [for kids to first be introduced to technology]. Those first three years of life are crucial to development as children learn about their

surroundings,” Flosi said. “Keeping them distant from screens, other than children’s TV programs, would allow a child to develop in a more real world environment and create a basis for early childhood learning that is not based around technology.”

According to Thrive Global, the excessive use of technology alters the way that children socialize. It lowers the frequency of face-to-face interaction with their peers which can cause children to miss social cues and make it more difficult for them to create meaningful relationships with others throughout their lives.

“I feel like kids have technology in their hands so early. I see babies playing with their parents’ phones or iPads and I don’t think that’s a good thing,” English and psychology teacher April Williamson said. “That seems like something that has a negative impact. [Babies] might be losing the human bond that they should be making with their families.”

In addition to this, Psychology Today says that when school-age kids are exposed to technology in excess, their social development could be interrupted and, worst-case scenario, develop into electronic screen syndrome (ESS). ESS can present itself in children through things like poor sportsmanship, being “controlling” or “bossy” or being overly competitive.

“I don’t think that there has been definitive research that shows that technology directly causes negative effects. But, we’re using screens in-

stead of people and as a result, we aren’t understanding the full capacity of social interactions when we only look at things like text messaging,” Williamson said.

While the assimilation of technology created more outlets for communication (email, text, social media, etc.), these new methods of communication and socializing aren’t necessarily better than the communication methods that were established before technology.

“It’s become so easy to not use your imagination, if you’re bored there’s thousands of things to keep you occupied through the use of technology, but it used to be that if you were bored, you’d have to come up with something to do yourself,” Flosi said. “Kids these days are losing that use of imagination and it’s truly unfortunate.”

The bridge that connects boredom and entertainment is what prevents today’s children from learning how to entertain themselves.

So, rather than preschool children making friends with or talking to everyone to see, they are watching cartoons on TV or playing games on tablets.

“Imagination and creativity are things that are really hard to teach,” Williamson said. “If they aren’t fostered early on, [kids not being imaginative and creative] would overall be damaging to society.”

15 years ago, technology was not as prevalent and integrated into culture as it is today. This means that

feature 11 children then were more likely to go outside and play a game that they made up in their heads while today’s kids would just complain about being bored rather than figuring out how to entertain themselves. “[Kids now] don’t know what to do without a device in their hand and don’t even know the joy that comes with playing outside with your friends. It’s sad that the only thing they know how to do is stare at an iPad or other screens,” senior Hector Ballez said.

Exposure to technology also means being exposed to the content that’s displayed through technology on social media or media platforms in general.

“I can’t imagine having my middle school self see Instagram, I feel like that would’ve been really harmful for me. School is hard enough, but to then have more layers of pressure and feeling overwhelmed by social media,” Williamson said.

Though, like all things, technologyical advancements come with both pros and cons.

“I think technology helps us in a lot of ways, but I don’t think it helps when it comes to socializing,” Williamson said.

Today’s teens stand with one foot in the “90’s” era and another in the early 2000’s when they were actually born. This age group should be considered the transitional generation since they were alive and old enough to recall famous implementations of technology in society.

“I can remember using VHS tapes,” Flosi said. “When Netflix would send DVDs, square Gameboys, book fairs, playing MASH, the giant parachute or scooters from gym and so many more things that are considered to be part of the ‘90s generation, but also happens to include us.”

Unfortunately, even though most of today’s teenagers are able to remember society before it became centered around technology, they are still grouped in with the younger generation who were just born into the era of preestablished entertainment and iPhones.

Overall, the use of technology is meant to be advantageous to its users, but it’s used at one’s own risk.

“It’s not that we can’t connect nowadays, it’s just harder for us to disconnect. We’re connected to each other all of the time and because of that, we don’t truly know how to be alone with ourselves,” Williamson said. “You see everyone else using technology, so you want it too. This makes it harder on someone who feels left out of the social atmospehere. Especially since we use technology to communicate (like through social media) and socialize with one another.”

Timetoast Timelines

Kaeli Britt

March 2019

12 feature

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By Alexis Ladd

unior Michelle Yang has explored a new and innovative way to vent her inner thoughts and be creative on paper. Starting last year, bullet journaling had become one of her hobbies, then later developed into an essential activity to aid in keeping her mind clear. Bullet journaling consists of spilling ideas, thoughts and feelings onto paper and even doodling to create a page of words and art.

Bullet journaling may be a hard concept to understand at first. It is

i

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in your head all day can be found as therapeutic to many once you finally write it down. As well as being able to express feelings or personal thoughts without physically or verbally sharing with anyone but yourself.

“I mainly write about my personal life. My journal is similar to a diary.

For example, I would journal about my experience at regionals for track, and the next day about missing my sister away at college. I also organize my plans and goals. It really depends on what I feel like writing about that day.” Yang said.

Bullet journaling is more than

The art of

bullet journaling the perfect combination between a diary and a planner, or more of either if you desire. It’s an easy project for anyone to start.

“To bullet journal, you have to figure out how it works for you, for me that is reflecting on my day, keeping track of plans, listing what I am grateful for, and to think about the future.

While I am busy it is a way for me to take personal stock of myself. I think the journal should be more personal than productive to be effective to an individual,” English and philosophy teacher Sydney Venable said.

Yang found inspiration from senior Emily Marcum to record her thoughts and more on paper.

“It was spring of 2018 and track season had just ended. I didn’t do too well during regionals and I was getting tired of being unmotivated and basic, so I decided to start a project that would satisfy my emotional health and heighten my character development,” Yang said. “Journaling has helped me understand my emotions and it is really nice being able to flip back to a certain date and see how I felt and what I did that day, or if I met the goal I recorded at that time.”

Organizing everything that lingers

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something similar to “writing in a diary”, as it requires your own style and creativity. Yang’s journal matches her personality in many ways.

“I didn’t have a specific style of journaling at first. I just went with what felt right and that happened to be the original style of black ink on vintage paper. I was never a big fan of colorful fonts and styles, so I instead went with a unique style of different fonts and sizes,” Yang said.

Journaling can be seen as a stress reliever as well as a hobby. It is often thought that it is not easy for people to speak openly about their feelings, but a journal is a perfect way to rid oneself of worries and thoughts while reflecting as well. It is also found to be therapeutic since one is able to visually see plans, goals and daily routines.

The art of a bullet journal makes it almost irresistible to anyone who loves playing with colors or drawing small and creative doodles.

“Journaling is an exceptional way of recording my memory and experience, which is why I journal when something adverse or exciting happens. Or even when I feel like I need to update the current goals, ideas and overall chapter of my life,” Yang said.

s

CHAMPS!

sports 13

Grant’s late heroics lead to first State title for Flag Football

One to remember - Flag football swarms the State championship trophy after their come from behind, 14-13 win vs. Bonanza. The Gators scored in the final minutes to capture the program’s first ever State title.

courtesy Hannah Serquina

By Erinn Veach Finally.

After several years of being on the brink of a state title, the flag football team finally found a way to ensure that they were all alone at the top when the season clock hit zero.

On Feb. 25, 2019 at Cimarron Memorial High School, GVHS defeated Bonanza HS in thrilling, come from behind fashion, 14-13. After a 38 yard touchdwon by senior Deborah Grant in the final minute pulled GVHS within a point, junior Jazlyn Camacho caught the game winning two point conversion from senior quarterback Jennifer Haberstock.

Haberstock credited the defense with keeping the team in the game and ultimately giving them the chance to win.

“Bonanza took the very first drive down the field and scored,” Haberstock said. “Our defense held them from scoring until the fourth quarter.”

Grant evened the score early in the 4th quarter with a trick play with her at quarterback. Grant pump faked the ball then took off, beating two girls on the outside to tie the game at 6.

“We made that play that got us our first points just a week before State.

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We hoped it would bring Bonanza to the right side of me so I could get through, and it worked,” Grant said.

Bonanza got the ball back with an interception and scored a touchdown, moving the score to 13-6, setting up the dramatic finish.

“Deborah scored a TD so then we were dwon 13-12,” Haberstock said.

“Then we went for two. We never go for two, ever, because every time we have we haven’t made it. But this time

We practice our plays over and over again to make them perfect and in that moment I did it.

Jazlyn Camacho we did.”

“It was for the game winning point, it was so amazing in that mo-

ment to be able to catch it,” Camacho said. “We practice our plays over and over again to make them perfect and in that moment I did it.”

Head coach David Torrez was exceedingly proud of the team and the play they made in the final seconds.

“I am most proud of the two point conversion at the end of the game,” Torrez said. “It was a great throw by our senior quarterback Jen, a great catch by Jazz Camacho. To win state was just phenomenal.”

This was a long awaited win for the flag football team. For four seniors, the road to winning it all was a personal one. Even with perceived setbacks they were able to come through with a win.

“Going through this program and constantly seeing girls’ seasons cut short was disappointing. Last year we came just inches from State, so this win is sweet,” Haberstock said. “We are all so super involved. It was so special. After we lost our star starter, Christina, when she tore her ACL, we thought the season was over but everyone stepped up and made this season special.”

Overall, it was the strength and attitude the team has as a whole that got them to this title.

“I think it was resiliency that got them through. They had a lot of close

games, a lot of games where they were down, and a lot of games were they had to score late. They stayed determined all season though. I am really so proud of the senior leadership and most of all the resilience they have,” Torrez said.

Selfie! - Coaches Kellen Bush (left) and David Torrez take a picture with the State trophy after defeating Bonanza on Feb. 25.

courtesy Hannah Serquina

14 photo essay Ready for take off - Junior girlband launched Michelle Yang into the air during the assembly.

RHAPSADIES WILL ROCK YOU Play that song! - Kayla Walsh represents the senior class as she competes in an air band competition.

Work of art- The Ricardo Arts creates a painting before the assembly on Feb. 15.

Show Off - Senior, Grant Schenkle flaunts the spirit stick that the seniors won during the assembly.

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Under Pressure - Senior, Spencer Lewis and his band “Sock Check” show off their rock n’ roll skills during the Bohemian Rhapsadies assembly.

Hoopin’ around - Freshman girlband dances in a circle with 7 hula hoops during their performance.

Brynne Hilton, Hailey Gross & Jakob Reber

sports 15

WRESTLING PINS DOWN NINTH STRAIGHT TITLE

4 individuals win championships at State as dominance continues

By Jenna Ricciardi

W

ith a winning score of 202 at the Desert Region tournament, four individual State champions, and a runner-up at State, wrestling wrapped up their season on a high note, even if they fell short of their ultimate goal.

Wrestlers from all over the Valley hit the mats at this year’s two major tournaments. After a succeseful regular season, wrestling was ready to show off their skills at Regionals and State.

The action began at Clark High School on Feb. 1-2 with the team in search of their 9th straight Regional title.

With this streak on the line, the team began preparing for these tournaments early in the season.

“To prepare for the tournaments, I did yoga classes about once a week to prepare myself mentally and physically. I also ran a lot on my off time to get my cardio in and I also would go to wrestling practice everyday,” junior Justus Scott said.

One new element that the team ran into was the formation of new regions by the NIAA (Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association).

Unfortunately for the rest of the newly formed region, this did not slow down the 8 time champions from cruising through the tournament en route to another trophy.

Eleven Gators advanced to the semi-finals, scoring 56 points as a team to take the overnight lead over rivals Spring Valley (50) and Foothill (43). When the Desert Region tournament concluded, wrestling sat on top of the scoreboard with a total score of 202 points and championship number 9.

One of the six Gators to win a title at Regionals was Scott, who consecutively claimed the title for the third year in a row.

“It felt good winning my third regional title, ” Scott said.

The five other finalists who won individual titles at regionals included senior Steele Dias, junior Will Zernich, junior David Kalayanaprapruit, junior Derek Recktenwal and senior Desmond Bowers.

For nearly a decade, wrestling has dominated Regional and State tournaments. The challenge tends to grow each year, as the target on their proverbial backs grows larger with each title.

“This was one of the best times we

Another one - The wrestling team celebrates their 9th consecutive Region title on Feb. 2 at Clark HS.

courtesy Vicki Temple-Hoffman

have wrestled in a long time. They made the realignment, so we had some different and tougher teams in there. Our athletes had the attitude that they were not going to lose, and that mentality worked. We were fortunate enough to win our ninth straight regional title, and that was one heck of an accomplishment,” varsity head coach Jon Ferry said.

Once wrestling passed all other schools in the Desert Region tournament, wrestlers turned their focus to the state tournament. In addition to the individual regional winners, two others finished in second, with a total of nine wrestlers advancing into the 4A State Tournament which was held in Winnemucca, Nev. on Feb. 8-9.

Wrestling kept up their momentum and were enthusiastic to dominate in the state tournament. Day 1 consisted of great performances on the mat, narrowing it down to seven wrestlers who moved into the semifinals. These wrestlers included Dias, Zernich, freshman Caleb Uhlenhopp, Recktenwald, junior Jeremy Hoffman, Bowers, and Scott.

“I trained harder with my partner Justus to prepare for state, I went harder in the room and we spent a lot of hours at practice just preparing for

the big tournament,” Bowers said.

At the end of the first day, Dias, Zernich, Scott and Bowers all advanced into the finals.

“Going into the first day of State, I felt confident in myself and in my team, I just went out there and did what I had to do,” Zernich said.

On the second and last day of

Going into the first day of State, I felt confident in myself and in my team, I just went out there and did what I had to do .

Will Zernich State, wrestling had four champions who finshed first in the finals. Dias became a three-time state champion with a 9-4 win against Spanish Springs. Zernich significantly claimed his title in the final, defeating

Shadow Ridge for his second consecutive title. Two-time state champion, Scott, cruised through his final vs. his opponent from Cimarron-Memorial 13-1. Bowers captured his second championship by beating Shadow Ridge in the third period.

“The layout was a little different than last year’s state final. The lights were off in the room and they had one spotlight on the mat, so I was pretty nervous for my final match, but when I went out there, all my nervousness went away. When the match was over, I felt really good winning my second state title,” Scott said.

Ferry hopes that the runner up finish to Spanish Springs inspires his team to focus on winning another state championship next year.

“At State, we definitely won more than we lost. We placed six and had four champions this year, so in two years we had a total of eight state champions. That is very hard to be disappointed with. We didn’t get a ton of help from other teams throughout state, and as far as the team title goes, we came up a little short. It’s something we need to take into the off season and not fall short by ten points next year, we want to get back to where we want to be,” Ferry said.

March 2019

16 sports

BUILDING THE BOND SWIM

Swim is a really hard and pressured sport. You feel as though if you mess up, you cannot take it back and you will disappoint your whole team. Swim, it can make or break you, and you need your teammates there for the support to keep you going. Which is why the closer the team, the stronger they are.

“All the seniors are really close, knowing each other for four years. Obviously the freshman are not as close as the rest of us, but we all practice together, we see each other every single day so we get really close as time goes on.” senior Hunter Mecham said.

While the underclassmen and upperclassmen are not as close to one another, the swim team does a good job at making everyone involved. There biggest thing is while, yes they are not as close,

By Victoria Rodriguez

they make sure no one is excluded, no matter how close they are or not.

“We’ll be there own personal coach if they need it, give them advice, and just include them in everything we do, we don’t want them to feel left out.” Mecham said.

A major time the team gets to bond and becomes close is in Walnut, California at Mt. San Antonio College for a major swim meets.

They compete against some of the best teams from California and Nevada, just to have a fun time together.

“It isn’t just practice and swim meets where we hang out. We have all the guy swimmers and girl swimmers get together and we’ll have one big picnic together, which is coming up. We also love to go to UNLV and watch dive meets and all just hang out.” Mecham said.

courtesy of Rainssa Gavino

DANCE

courtesy of Asia Siv

Cheers! -The dance team celebrates a the holidays through their anual Christmas potluck.

Dance team brings 16 girls together to create an unbreakable bond between them where they can bring out the best in everyone. They always work together to push each other to new limits and are there for each other threw everything “We try to have bonding events at least once a month, they’re normally potluck style and we have them over at someone’s house and just all hang out and have a good time.” dance team captain senior Kathrina Santos said.

Out of the 16 girls on the team, ten of them are seniors so an im-

portant thing for them is making sure the underclassmen feel just as close to the seniors as they are with everyone else. The seniors have been together on this team for three to four years so they make it a point to include all of the new comers and make them feel as important and involved as the returners.

“They are just like my little sisters, we feel just as close to them as we do with each other. Building this bond makes it so we can trust each other and we know we always have each others backs,” Santos said.

BASEBALL

Dive out - The swim team celebrates the season at the swim 2017-18 banquet.

courtesy of Dakota Cook

CHEER A bond between a cheer team is one of the strongest bonds a team could have. They continually have regularly scheduled bonds to grow as a team and become closer.

“Our cheer team is like a sisterhood, everyone is so close to each other and we have constant love and support for one another.” cheer team captain senior Sabrina Swiontek said.

Aside from having a bonding event every month during the off seacourtesy of Kayla Walsh

Cheese! - The cheer team is posing for a team picture while at Disneyland for Nationals.

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sons, when competition seasons rolls around they make it priority to have a team dinner before every competition.

“We bond about once a week during comp season, and it’s important to us because during practice you don’t always get that during practice. You have to focus a lot, and have a very athletic mindset.

When you bond, it keeps the connection closer.” Swiontek said.

Together - The baseball team gets ready to break a huddle prior to taking the field during a game.

The baseball team is really good friends with each other and they all get along really well. There are plenty weekends where they get together and hang out and play basketball.

“As a team being closer helps our performance aspect because we know that if we make a mistake we still have each others backs.” senior Gavin Amelburu said.

They do have some underclassmen on the team and while they are not as close to them as the rest of the seniors on the team, they do try to make them feel apart of the team.

“I’m getting to know them and how they are as people. It’s not like we’re

strangers out there, we just aren’t as close. I try to talk to them and help them feel more comfortable so we’re all on the same page.” Amelburu said.

Being a senior,they have a lot of responsibilities to make sure their team is connected and everyone is getting along so they are all on the same page.

“I just have to talk to them to let them know there’s no pressure when playing, it takes a lot of learning and they’re not perfect and that nobody is. You have to correct their mistakes and learn from them.

You have to help them understand that being a gator is something to take pride in.” Amelburu said.

“Continue the sport you love to play. Try your hardest at all times.”

- Senior Garrett Nelson

Alexis Musial attempts to get over the bar during pole vault practice on Feb. 19.

TRACK & FIELD Senior Katrina Ramos pitches a ball during practice on Feb. 25.

“Try your best all the time in everything you do.”

- Junior Maaliek Duncan

Senior Cristian Dugger gets into position to field a ground ball at practice on Feb. 19.

BASEBALL

SPRINGING INTO ACTION Brynne Hilton & Hailey Gross

design & quotes by Gabriella Ghasserani

“Whenever you get knocked down it is important to remember to keep going.”

SOFTBALL

- -Junior Junior Sydney Sydney Rood Rood

“Every day you either get better or worse. No matter what give it your all.”

- Senior Gabe Weber Senior Maciel Lara swims butterfly during a practice on Feb. 19.

SWIMMING

Sophomore Thomas Anderson drives a ball during practice on Feb. 19.

“Stick with it. No matter what it is, it is important to continue to due what you love. ” -Senior Carlos Velasquez

“I fell in love with volleyball freshman year and haven’t stopped.”

GOLF

-Senior Grayson Boyce

Senior Chase Johnson practices his jump serve in practice on Feb. 26.

VOLLEYBALL

March 2019

18 a&e

Maycee Labo

Smiling At SkinnyFATS

By Maycee Labo

S

kinnyFats, is a healthy and happy restaurant located at Stephanie Street that is trendy, creative, and most importantly, unconventional. The restaurant is known for its dual menu, one side containing health conscious foods and the other having “happy” foods (which consist of burgers, chicken tenders, pancakes and other foods that would not typically be considered healthy). SkinnyFats stands out from all the vast selection of places to eat in Vegas because of its positive attitude towards living both a happy and healthy life. Skinnyfats promotes healthy eating, but also encourages indulging and treating one’s self.

One of the first things I noticed when I stepped into the restaurant was the atmosphere: SkinnyFats seems to be keeping its customers and employees happy, as everyone in the building was enjoying themselves. There was also a plethora of murals that cover the walls, one of which included a giant happy face, which describes the restaurant perfectly. The eatery is a sit down restaurant, but instead of having a waiter/ waitress for your table, you order your food at the front, and they bring it to your table.

In addition to a favorable atmosphere, the restaurant’s food quality is just as excellent. I ordered the

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“Teriyahi” which included seared tuna marinated in teriyaki sauce with coleslaw, in between two slices of nine grain bread. Considering seared tuna is not fully cooked, I was a little worried that I would get sick due to an improper handling of fish. However, the food was properly cooked considering neither me nor my sister (who accompanied me) got sick.

I paired my sandwich with a SkinnyFats house salad which was basically a caesar salad with thinly sliced apples and roasted garbanzo beans.

Although the caesar salad was unconventional, it tasted great and I think the roasted garbanzo beans were a daring addition to the traditional salad. My sister ordered the “T.A.T.S” sandwich (a BLT with turkey bacon, spinach and “spicy yo” on nine grain bread). This sandwich was elementary, but if that is what you are looking for, then it is a good option.

Another thing the Instagramfriendly restaurant is known for is its quirky food combinations. Putting seared tuna on a sandwich, filet mignon in a breakfast burrito and breakfast mac n’ cheese is not exactly playing it safe. The fact that SkinnyFats is able to keep both healthy and regular eaters happy, while simultaneously still branching out with daring food combinations is what makes their restaurant shine amongst the others.

One of the most crucial items that

I like SkinnyFats because the restaurant caters to basically everyone, if I’m feeling healthy I can get avocado toast, but if I’m not I can get a burger.

Carolina Defuria

Food The food at SkinnyFats is unique as it involves bold combinations. In addition to this, the healthy/happy menu sets the restaurant apart from others.

Atmosphere

SkinnyFats’ Atmosphere is filled with positivity, wellness, and fun, especially since a smiley face is their brand.

Pricing

In all honesty, SkinnyFats should price their food higher, because of its quality and healthiness.

Overall

As a whole, this restaurant is the perfect place to stop for a quick bite to eat, and is convenient because it caters to almost all styles of eating: healthy and happy.

determines if a restaurant is good or not is the quality of the coffee served.

For example, if a restaurant serves instant coffee, I would say that the restaurant does not pay attention to detail, but if the coffee is brewed in house, it shows that the eatery puts more care into the little things. In this department, SkinnyFats would get an A+, as they served the brand Mothership coffee. Once I saw this on the menu, I knew I had to order a latte. As expected, my almond milk latte, with two pumps of vanilla, exceeded my expectations, as did my sister’s.

Besides having good food and coffee, the restaurant’s prices are reasonable and are not expensive considering the quality of the food.

The average meal costs about $10-11, but the catch is the coffee, which is priced at $5 a cup. Although the coffee is amazing, I think $5 a cup is a bit much. The “Teiryahi” sandwich I ordered was $10.95 which I felt was acceptable. The fact that you can get healthy food for a relatively cheap price is revolutionary for the health world, since healthy food is typically very pricey.

“I like SkinnyFats because the restaurant caters to basically everyone, if I’m feeling healthy I can get avocado toast, but if not I can get a burger,” sophomore Carolina Defuria said.

“I like the positive attitudes that the workers and restaurant have because it always puts me in a good mood.”

NOW SHOWING:

a&e 19

REPRESENT ME

By Bethany Casall

I

n the light of the progressive era, representation in media has been on the rise. With on screen diversity, such as Crazy Rich Asians, Black-ish, Grey’s Anatomy and more, accurate cultural portrayal is slowly becoming the norm. Heavily influenced by the growing open mindedness of individuals around the world, it can slowly be seen trickling its way into the media.

Proven to be influential for many, it allows the focus to steer away from the long hailed eurocentric norm and begin the age of representation. Many shows and movies have leads who racially identify as white. Having this be prevalent in society pushes the under representation of people of color.

“I think it is essential to have representation in the media especially in today’s age. Seeing people of different backgrounds in different areas of the media lets people see the progression that is happening in the world today.”

Junior Sameer Hussain said.

Throughout the history of media, especially in Hollywood, years of misrepresentation continued to become part of the norm within the world of movies, tv shows, and even advertise-

Rebecca Orozco

ments. A little over a century since the first person of color actor was seen on screen, the media has come a long way since black and yellow

Seeing people of different backgrounds in different areas of the media lets people see the progression that is happening in the world today.

Sameer Hussain face. This is considered to be one of the most detrimental aspects of the media in terms of representation has been altered with the times; the progressive era.

“It is really nice to see people of different racial and ethnic backgrounds, even though it is just the

start I can see a good future for many different people.” Senior Amal Anilkumar said.

Though many shows have yet to provide certain levels of diversity, many enlighten P.O.C. to focus on their lives; especially focusing on the different cultures that can be seen throughout the world. Merely 1.4 out of 10 lead actors are people of color, all of whom are casted mostly to play movies that correlate with their racial culture. Being a stepping stone to have equality in the casting of lead roles, it can be indicated to have an inclining statistic ratio.

One of the largest minority groups, Hispanic-Americans, making up 17.8% of the US population, had only 3% of speaking roles in films, Asian-Americans 3.7% and In more recent years, African-Americans have fared better with 7%.

All similarly underrepresented, there is more to representation than race. Anything dealing with gender, age, ethnicity, national and regional identity, and even social issues, are all important factors that come into play when discussing a public view of identifying features. Minorities in all of these categories aren’t given enough light to have equality, rath-

er, minorities are far from equity.

Understanding the ratio in relation to all of these variables, it is easy to indicate the statistics do not align to display each group equally. Though with the numbers, equity can be easily established through proper representation.

Understanding the way in which people and groups are represented. it all depends on the way in which it is embodied. In all areas, it is key to consider proper portrayal of people and cultures to correlate it as close to the truth as possible.

“Having representation is so important because most of the time, people, especially minorities, are under-represented,” Senior Kimberly Halliday said.

From movies to television, media is consumed in a multitude of ways and with representation, it can be a way to connect to a widespread audience. Having diversity spread across the spectrum of groups to represent, can not only allow for quatitative equality but also a sense of equity.

Moving forward in generations, lives are enriched with the information surrounding daily consumption. Only time can determine the future of further on screen diversity.

Bethany Casall

March 2019

opinion 21

Under pressure

By Vivien Liebhardt

“If your friends jumped of a bridge would you do it?” This phrase is typically used by parents to help teens realize they must learn to think for themselves and stop being a follower.

This situation tends to piggyback off of being peer-pressured.

The thought of peer pressure is often associated with drugs and alcohols, which is a correct assumption since, approximately 3.6 million middle and high school students are current tobacco users. It is not common for high schoolers to feel easily peer-pressured especially since the one to be persuading may be someone of “higher status” thus may have a student feel obligated to do so, for the manner of being seen or having their status get boosted as well.

According to lovetoknow, a website that gives people advice, their statics show that on average, 90% of students have been influenced by peerpressure during their high school career. Not only that, but an estimated 28% of students agreed to giving into peer pressure, which they said brought an outcome of having a higher social stature and then nearly 14% of the 28% became the one to peer-pressure just by being influenced by a friend to start persuading others.

High School students have many responsibilities such as homework, clubs, sports, work, etc. This causes them to feel overwhelmed and stressed with all the expectations. Peer pressure can make high school an even bigger obstacle. It can cause depression, anxiety, and a huge amount of stress. There are several types of peer pressure that can affect each individual differently. This includes making a person feel bad for not doing something, so that they eventually will, pressure by threatening to end a relationship or a friendship, seeing all your peers doing something or wearing something can be a form of pressure, but lastly the most common form of peer pressure is making a person feel bad for not doing something, so that they eventually do it.

The most popular device that tends to become involved in peerpressure is a Juul. This trendy device

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has become consistent in average high schools. They are perceived as stress relievers, and more convenient for the misinterpretation of it being safer than cigarettes. It is a common misunderstanding: the belief that a Juul is “safer” or ‘healthier” than a cigarette is incorrect. The Juul is an e-cigarette that delivers a powerful nicotine hit equal to the to the amoount in a pack of cigarettes.

Students not having the full understanding of the dangerous and long term effects of things such as alchol use, drug use, and even things that may come off as little and harmless

such as cheating or ditching could have major effects, and certanly being caught doing any of these things can have drastic effects. It may not be that students do not know the effects, they may deny it and push it aside in order to be more comfortable doing such things. Making light of the activity is usually the reason that students give into peer-pressure. It causes it to come off as not being a big deal and something completly normal to do since it is not stressed constantly.

Peer-pressure is something that causes conflict. The feeling of not fitting in, not being good enough, and not being a part of the “group” takes over the mindset off a regular teen.

It’s the main reason students start to get into bad habbits since it may come of as “trendy” or “cool.”A easy maxim for peer-pressure is

monkey see monkey do, since that is exactly what tends to happen. Peers are not the only reason teens may involve in bad habits, students may have grown up with family members smoking or consuming large amounts of alcohol. Thus students are not the only reason why they are put in dangerous habits but they’re influenced by our parents or family members, even though they may not persuade you to do so and most likely will tell you it’s bad we still see them do it and since teens love rebellion we go against what they say because one if they are doing it why can they not.

Academic dishonesty, or ditching are also known to be caused to peer-pressure. Honestly we have all cheated on an assignment or even a test, but how does it usually start?

It tends to begin when a friend or the person next to you asking you repeatedly for the answers and they are indeed pressuring you into it.

Saying things like “Come on please it’s not a big deal” or “I didn’t study and I can’t fail,” is a way of persuasion to guilt you into helping them cheat. You know it’s wrong but they pressure you into doing it by coming off as innocent or extremely helpless that you feel almost obligated to give them an answer or two.

Saying no to peer pressure is difficult. You may feel outcasted or looked down by other students if you do so. It can be hard since maybe they are your friends and you do not want to find other people because they may be good people, just have some bad habits you do not want to become apart of. There is ways to avoid it such as asking questions about what you are getting yourself into, reply with a positive statement such as if it is to smoke reply with “I like my brain the way it is, thanks.” You could also get a buddy who also shares you perspective so you can back each other up, but one of the most effective ways to say no is talking to leader of the group personally and they may help you out since there is always that leader of every group no one speaks against. The hardest way to say no is just by saying no, but it is effective if you become repetitive since your peers will just get annoyed and tired of asking you and eventually the peer pressure will stop.

Alexandra Estrada

nvesTi22 GaTOr pro/con

OpiniOn

RISE OF THE

Pro/Con March 2010

Rideshares provide a great alternative to classic travel options for the public

eep students protected with condo A

rate is cheaper even if the driver does a service like Uber or Lyft instead of offers many different branches. The cheapest option being UberX. Having not end up picking up another rider. drinking and driving not only protects twist on taxis, trams and buses only a certain selection of car types, it Although, if they do, the order of the member’s life, but protects every is revolutionizing the country is perfect for one to four passengers. drop-off is dependent on whichever other life on the road. ajchel the embar- in that situation, gress is trying to pass bills that condom than face receive condoms at school.

It right before society’s eyes. The UberX falls into the curb to curb location is first, not who entered first.

In big cities like Las Vegas, parking not always rassment buying wouldmeaning make doctors giveto out would reliefsection for students use of rideshares like Uber be andaLyft Very similar UberBlack, UberSUVof tends to bethem more onatthe difficult side. thinkin of ubers services, have skyrocketed the past fewwould you get picked dropped off without is one of Uber’s luxurythe services and Whether it be Downtown, on the sequences.” store. birth control a preto know there be an easyup and e is nothing more over years. Their affordability and ease right where you need. UberXL, being is typically SUV or would Strip ornot evenhave just atto a mall, parking Right isnow, scho “Students thecarlast resort a black barrassing than way for them to receive pro- scription; it is the lure in people from all aspects of life. luxury sedan. usually scarce and many lots charge go from buy city themselves condoms tection king intoThose Walgreens, who are in the businessfrom world,school. Students that many students For have, those and traveling to park. Of course one authority could drive to advi travel often, go to know concertsthe or even tofind go asee be embarrassed by them. reasons why using it should be available.” p a box of condoms, to city for work andand in need of around aimlessly until they freea doctor justtogoing and from dinneris important. transportation,conrideshares appealwould parkinguse lot, tothem,” avoid having pay, but and gi ofto agency Students Unlike contraceptives, control g to wait those in line be tobirth have the option to order a car and in the aspect that they can be chances are, the free lot is not close to the astudent.

This said Barry.

“Idifficulties really do ut. not worry about all the of think students doms are not prescribed; called anytimethey to anywhere.

Many the desired location. Taking Uber because I give the abstinence train at just about than dodriving. this, stu- would use it, I know I would can be purchased companies even give out coupon or Lyft usually endsof up being cheaperonce th One plan of the biggest codes for different pick-ups. a lot of andcredit. more convenient.

Just tell pregnant or recei grocery storehotelthought have,”appeals saidof senior Kelsey any pharmacy or ide to go with a rideshare company is the ease Another worldly problem thatand over Another hassle of scarce parking there is very little kids over again that without having to have proof Pinkul.

“If there was more ected andof dangerous ordering one. In this day and rideshares hope to end is the all is the unpredictable weather, having to reverse it. bad. That worked 21 sex information sible solution to this age, almost everyone either has aabout it [sex], I of a certain age. tooThere active are drinking and isdriving to parkhas far may not seemdone like such a or does not students leave the would take it states with schools “Mostly really abstinence-only thatBuses, maketrams think would besmartphone for schools epidemic. and well cabs forhassle but anything more than short all I c the second cheapest option, seats have all been a help in lessening the walk can end up ruining the rest of house without who has because more seriously it is a them available to their stu- supporters, just look at Sarah fer students to an e contraceptives to someone between one and six passengers. It amount of drunk driving. However, the day. Wind, rain and heat can make one. On a smartphone, you simply helpSothem, so grandson.

Hence, weevencan big responsibility.” is most ideal for curbdents. to curb service people still steer awayPalin’s download the app for whichever from those those long walks feel longer. for a slightly bigger group or when intransportation company you and create an treatment,” said that “Condoms schools eventhat teens r, the district haschooseAdvocating servicesare due stuck to theirwith whyteens not avoid theare walk and charge to UberBlack This involves linking your unpredictability and safety all together?

Rideshares give this with family plann taughtissues. not topark have sex, and tually could happen if it reshould have sex istraveling not the with sameluggage. ed the account. distribution is another branch that is more Public transportation means anyone perk: curbside drop-off systems. credit or debit card and enabling being dent comes in an enough and support from then they act without saying shouldDrivers be ceived orms of birth control luxurious. for UberBlack location services. asOnce thisthat is they everyone can use them, when Overall, rideshares have almost pregnant, prepared. said someone Ebert. “It they choose that t is has completed, to be premust haveroute. a bit more parents,” experience then you are safe able toifset a pickhas has consumed alcohol all perks. They are convenient, cheap, I have t theyin do support for UberX or UberXL. One is able to are is the not district the safe decision to use students and safe. have They help who her are parents to tell “I think un-people not been okayedit by Students who y a doctor.up location and time.

UberPool is a fairly new service public transport. Using a rideshare traveling without a car, those looking set their current location and if they Face it, studen protected sex because it is and would only be if it was of school distribution do not uldn’t give out the that gives Uber users the opportunity are an UberX member, they can set a service offers not only a private car, for a safe ride home and even those and convenient. isgoing hardouttoforpresomething parents came that it promotes sex,This butservice use it is specific a prescripto carpool. is mostly justthatbut pick up timethink for later. all drivers must go through a Itjust the night.

Bothwill Ubercontinue effective for those not in ainrush and of,background Another perk ofinstead rideshares that is the contraceptives The best option is for, thereand areLyft a lot hor- their out favor and rightcheck, nowandpare d school nurse Robyn the car being haveofproven efficiency who looking to save money.

The that used they must would pass safetymones,” tests. Using time and“There time again. said Ebert. are the tools that wil I don’t think canUber prevent what is are unavoide are notversatility allowedoftothem.

By Abigail Culpepper

They help people who are traveling without a car, and even those just looking for a safe ride home.

ny medication that is d by a physician.” s need the ability to

able.

“It is sad but necessary,” said junior Jordy Barry. “Con-

appreciate it.”

Students would be more likely to use a school provided

a lot of feelings going on at the time they would be in a relationship with someone or be

safe and have th prevent mistakes life-long conseque

illustrations by J

tudents learn two different methods for protecting themselves in a sexually active world.

Abigail Culpepper

rth control is not appropriate at sch The InvestiGator t GVHS

OpiniOn

esTiGaTOr

RIDESHARES

Pro/Con March 2010

pro/con 23

For students, risks outweigh the benefits when hitching a ride in the Valley

ep students protected with condom M

By Tyler Bonnette

ost students are aware of apps like Uber, Lyft and othersreceive that allowcondoms Rideshar- at school. It chel ing at a certain price. be These apps for students would a relief operate 65 percent more efficiently to know there would be an easy s nothing thanmore taxis, according to an analysis way offorthethem to receive prorassing by Todd thanSchneider Taxi and Limousine Commission.

They have tection from school. Students g into Walgreens, become increasingly in reknow popular the reasons why using box of condoms, cent years, especially to students who o wait in line to be birth control is important. lack their own transportation.

“I really do althink students Ridesharing, however, is not use wave it, Iofknow I would an do this, ways stuthe best would option. The theseplan apps’ popularity had negahave,”hassaid senior Kelsey to go with tive effects on Pinkul. traffic in urban “If cities there was more ed and dangerous like New York, Atlanta and Las Vegas. le solution to this information about it [sex], I Moreover, there is always some kind think students uld be forofschools risk involved for both the driverwould take it contraceptives to more seriously because it is a and the passenger.

big responsibility.”

Advocating that teens the district has should haveit’s sex is not the same the distribution If the parent says ms of birth control as saying that they should be okay then it should s has to be pre- safe if they choose that route.

Students who are in support doctor. be okay, but they n’t give out the of school distribution do not should know what it is a prescrip- think that it promotes sex, but hool nurse Robyn they areinstead getting that into contraceptives re not allowed to can prevent what is unavoidthough. medication that is able.

“It is sad but necessary,” y a physician.” eed the ability to said junior Jordy Barry. “Con-

Lily Ortel

gress is trying to pass bills that would make doctors give out birth control without a prescription; it is the last resort that many students have, and it should be available.”

Unlike contraceptives, condoms are not prescribed; they 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

condom than face the embarrassment of buying them at the store.

“Students would not have to go buy themselves condoms and be embarrassed by them.

Students would use them,” said Barry.

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

of these apps require a minimum age Car accidents were common long of 18. With this, only adults can hail a Though mainly intended to make before Uber and Lyft services were driver to their location and use their transportation easier without the available for use. However, studies services. A mere age requirement is use of a taxi or one’s own vehicle, the done by the University of Chicago in certainly not enough to prevent the system in place can be detrimental to metopolitan areas such as San Franissues from occurring, however. It traffic in already packed cities. This sisco have shown that the number of is easily bypassed, and many drivers is shown by a study done by Bruce traffic-related deaths were decreasing still pick up minors despite it being Schaller, a traffic and transportation from the years prior. This changed against the rules of the apps. analyst. Traffic is measured by the in 2010 - the year Uber was first reOften times, drivers make the final combined total miles driven by every leased. These numbers continued to choice on whether they should drive a car on the road over time. The study climb after the release of Lyft in 2012. minor. Even if it is technically against done found that ride-hailing apps There is also a chance of having . the rules of most apps, a driver may becoming more commonly used led a driver with wrongful intentions in still accept a minor’s fare simply for to an increase of 5.7 billion miles in mind. Several cases have been rethe pay. The age requirement is pracurban areas - a 160 percent increase. ported of a criminal masquerading tically useless in this regard, as the This is coupled with the potenas an Uber driver. In the past three driver makes the final decision. tially unsafe conditions of utilizing months, there have been six robber“If the parent says it’s okay then these transport methods. There are ies that involved people pretending it should be okay,” junior Lily Ortel safeguards in place for these kinds of to be driver of the ride-hailing app. said, “but they should know what issues, but there is always the chance Furthermore, a student in St. Louis, ents learn of two different methods forinebriprotecting themselves in a sexually active world. they are getting into though.” having an incapable or even Missouri, was reported to have been Some suggest that further safeated driver. From the driver’s perscammed out of $1,500 during an exguards should be in place to prevent spective, a rowdy or distracting paschange with a fake driver. these issues from happening. The senger could lead to an accident.

Upon creation of an account, most

in that situation, a not always thinkin sequences.”

Right now, scho authority to advis to go see a doctor o of agency and giv the student. This i because once the pregnant or receiv there is very little done to reverse it.

“Mostly all I ca fer students to an can help them, so treatment,” said E with family planni dent comes in and pregnant, I have to to tell her parents.

Face it, student and will continue The best option is t the tools that will safe and have th prevent mistakes life-long conseque

current safeguards certainly help, but in many scenarios, there simply is not enough to prohibit the worst from happening. Without something in place to prevent these issues from happening, these useful apps remain potentially dangerous for each passenger. This is especially true for minors, as they may find themselves in the same car as one of these manipulative drivers.

“As long as you know what they look like, you should be fine,” Ortel said. “Still though, there should be something extra, like a code or something that you could scan.”

Ride sharing seems simpler and maybe more effective than the use of a taxi or one’s own vehicle, when illustrations by Je it really brings several issues to light.

The increased traffic and probability of encountering danger make apps like Uber or Lyft less beneficial to the urban areas where they are used.

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

March 2019 The average co of three condoms

h I

opinion 25

TOXIC TV

By Tyler Bonnette

n the years spanning from middle school to high school, most students are not well experienced with romantic relationships and are still becoming acquainted with the idea of such. Around this time is when students begin to become individuals and form views on the world as they know it - the opinions and ideas formed now help shape one’s personality for years to come.

As teenagers grow and form their own opinions, exposure to abusive relationships may affect their outlook on all relationships, not just romantic. When popular media, such as television shows like You or 13 Rea-

When popular TV shows or movies show negative traits being glorified in relationships, it can affect students when they are at their most impressionable age. sons Why on Netflix, depict or even glorify these kinds of toxic relationships, it has the potential to harm the worldview of teenagers who are growing up and finding themselves.

Studies have shown that students from elementary to high school are incredibly impressionable since the experiences they have will impact them for the rest of their lives. When popular TV shows or movies show negative traits being glorified in relationships, it can affect students when they are at their most impressionable age. Normalizing these toxic behaviors make them even more prevalent in teenage relationships, and makes future relationships even more difficult.

The Netflix original series, You is one of these mediums by which students are potentially subjected to negative behaviors. The main plot centers around a character whose infatuation with a girl becomes an ob-

session, which leads to stalking and an overall unhealthy relationship.

Inevitably there are abusive tendencies as he partakes in more drastic measures to keep her.

Though the show makes it known that the main character’s obsessive and compulsive nature is wrong, it may not be perceived this way by viewers. The show romanticizes the actions while still showing that they are inherently wrong.

Another example of these abusive traits being glorified is in the controversial Netflix original 13 Reasons Why. The show revolves around the abuse, pain and suicide that the main character, Hannah Baker, goes through as a result of these toxic traits.

In the show, the abuse ranges between physical and emotional, like the ones seen in these negative relationships. All of the worst behaviors traits are shown, such as characters hitting or yelling at one another. This subconsiously adds to the rape of the main character and the emotional toll it had on everyone else.

In a similar fashion to You, the show makes it known that the abusive relationships being shown are in fact abusive and negative. However, several points in the show glorify traits that are incredibly harmful in relationships. This can be detrimental to the show’s target audience, teenagers, as they begin to form their outlook on romantic relationships.

Several other popular shows have main characters that exhibit abusive behaviors in relationships, but play it off as a “quirk” of some kind. Even if the characters argue with and verbally abuse each other, they are still romanticized. In reality, relationships of these kinds are far worse than they might be depicted.

Though physical abuse is more often reported, emotional abuse can be common without anyone knowing. These kinds of relationships are incredibly detrimental to one’s mental health, and can have adverse effects on teenagers and adults alike.

Even when there is no hitting or slap-

JESSIC

A

E C Y R B

ping, there is still lingering guilt and bullying. Often times, the partner that is subjected to the abuse will be convinced that they are in the wrong when, in reality, they are the victim.

The abusive partner may berate them and put them down severely, but still apologize and buy gifts in an effort to make their partner stay.

These kinds of relationships will often have the heaviest mental toll on the victim. The dominant partner may try to convince the other that they are pathetic or weak, which becomes cemented in the victim’s mind.

This makes it so much harder for the victim to leave; the partner will show-

er them with love despite actively abusing them and apologizing for it.

When this kind of dating is glorified on TV, it can lead to viewers believing what they’re seeing, even if the relationship is not a realistic depiction of a healthful one. This is especially damaging to the impression left on teenagers during the years where dating is a major factor in everyone’s life.

Normalizing toxic relationships has major potential to ruin a teenager’s perspective on relationships, and affect how they view proper and improper treatment of one another in romantic affairs.

March 2019

editorial 27

BEYOND THE SCREEN

By The InvestiGator Staff Ah, the 90’s - the 1990’s to be exact. This was a time where crazy outfit trends made such a significant statement and where iconic cartoons and sitcoms also emerged. Now they are making reappearances among today’s teens: scrunchies, high-waisted jeans, overalls, windbreakers - just name it.

However, aside from all the fashion and pop culture, this decade was also ground-breaking in regards to the technological shift that was rapidly implemented into society which took off from there.

Teens today, those born in the late 1990s and early 2000s, experienced the benefits of having a unique childhood. For example we got to play outside and gradually moved our way up as the technology improved.

We became the generation that saw technology establish its prominence in society today. But, we also did not have to worry about technology interrupting our social development at an early age like kids who were born within the last decade.

Those who were born recently (2010 and later), unfortunately, do not have those same childhood opportunities as the older half of their generation. Technology has created a culture where people expect etertainment through technological advancements rather than having to entertain themselves. Smartphones and tablets are examples of devices that prevent

the current generation from connectin with one another. As a result, kids are becoming less imaginative and more lazy as their parents sit them in front of a screen to be left unbothered for hours on end.

Since the older tier of Generation Z (17-24 year olds) can remember what life was like before technology appeared everywhere, we are better equipped to live side by side with technology, but also know how to not let it consume us. There is a difference from using technology for liesure and using technlogy as a crutch. Generation Z can understand that technology is not something to be relied on.

This age group should be separated from their younger counterparts and be known as the transitional generation between the time that technology (TV, computers, smartphones, tablets, etc.) became popularized and now, where technology has became another aspect of culture and society.

The teens born in the early 2000’s compared to those born post-2010 can only help the younger generation come to the understanding that the technology we have today is not everything. There is more to life than typing behind a screen, posting pictures for likes, tweeting for retweets and the latest YouTube video. Rather than depending on the advancements of technology, we should depend on one another to come to the realization that the best moments in life are the people around us.

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

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

Student speak

How were kids born in the 2000’s childhoods different than those born in the 2010’s?

“Things have changed like society in general. I feel like kids today are exposed to things that were not as acceptable when we younger like race and sexuality.”

Jayden Chang , freshman

“I feel like we all just had different upbringings. Now kids spend all their time on the phone watching YouTube or they’re on social media.”

Anna Beajow, sophomore

“I used to read a lot and we did not have technology to constantly be on. I think the tv shows have gotten worse too. The culture has changed too.”

Shria Ramanathan, junior

“There was the rapid rise of technology in our generation and the kids born in 2010’s were born into that, while we were raised with it.”

Ryan Almazan, senior

March 2019

28 gallery IT’S LIT LAS VEGAS ARTIST THE RICARDO ARTS FIRES UP THE CROWD AT THE BEGINNING OF THE SADIES ASSSEMBLY ON FEB. 15, 2019.

JAKOB REBER | PHOTO