LANCER
EXPRESS
Taking a look at....
2 MIND 10 BODY 19 SPIRIT
CARLSBAD HIGH SCHOOL CARLSBAD, CA DECEMBER 2017 VOLUME 31, ISSUE 2
EDITORS-IN-CHIEF
Mitchell Scaglione Amy Coval COPY EDITOR
Jacqueline Penn DESIGN EDITOR
Tatum Maston
NEWS EDITOR
Zachary Cayaban OPINION EDITOR
Aja Ward
FEATURES EDITORS
Frankee Costan Maxwell Ward
SPORTS EDITOR
John Mayberry
PHOTO EDITOR
Nicholas Beith
MULTIMEDIA EDITOR
Kelsey Beekman WRITERS
Briget Boka Evelyn Freeman Gracyn Gambill Roland Lujambio Alex Marre Jamie Mullen Dominick Shrewsberry Olivia Sklenka Erin Smith Riley Sommers Madelyn Waumans Kristen Young PHOTOGRAPHER
Kathryn Zaloom Dailey Sparks ARTIST
Karinne Burgess
LETTERS FROM THE EDITORS fter another hard month of school and a well deserved break, we are excited to A bring you the second issue of the year: Mind, Body, and Spirit. Even though we are tired of the turkey, we are looking forward to yet another break. However, before
we get too ahead of ourselves, here is a recap on the last month and a half. For seniors, many college apps have been submitted. There have been some early acceptances and even commitments. For those of you, congratulations! Wherever you go, your Carlsbad schooling will take you far. For those of you who are still waiting, patience is key. Be confident in your abilities and hold tight until Spring. Football has ended, meaning that rushing to the field at 2:30 has become a thing of the past. However, as the most spirited student section in Southern California, (thanks to Socal Sidelines) it is our duty as Lancers to maintain this enthusiasm and bring it into basketball season. For those of you who are competing in winter sports, we wish you the best of luck, and we encourage our Purple Pit to go out and support all winter sports. Finally, Choir had their first show. Every year, our many levels provide us with a holiday show to kick start the winter season. We applaud you for your hard work and wish you luck in the shows to come. The day the Lancer Express is supposed to submit the magazine to our printer, wildfires break out in the San Diego County. The skys above our campus became heavy with smoke, leading to a bit of chaos. With our readers in mind, we prevailed in order to bring you the second issue of the 2017-2018 school year. Flash forward to now, and we are on the brink of winter. Although this means slightly colder weather for us southern Californians, it also means something else: Finals. They may seem far away, but with a two week break and early release Mondays, they will sneak up on you before you know it. Make sure to buckle down on your work, Lancers. Ensure that you are in a stable place to get the grades you want for semester one. Now we would like to provide you with further detail into our theme of this issue: Mind, Body and Spirit. Proper care of all three of these elements is crucial, especially in the coming months. We wanted to take apart each aspect of the theme by disregarding our standard sections in order to really look and the mind, the body,
DESIGNER
The Lancer Express aims to credibly inform the public, entertain, and inspire change through free expression and diverse perspectives. Student journalists strive to present all issues with fairness, impartiality, maturity and journalistic integrity.
BUSINESS MANAGER
This magazine is written and edited by the students of the Advanced Journalism class. All content and editorial decisions are made by the student editorial board. Opinion articles do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the entire staff, Carlsbad High School or the Carlsbad Unified School District. As a public forum for student expression, Lancer Express welcomes letters to the editor but reserves the right to refuse inappropriate or anonymous letters. Both sides of any issue are welcome here. Letters must be directed to room 3104 to the Editor-in-Chief or by email to chslancerexpress@gmail. com. Letters may be edited for grammar and/or length.
Caleb Amory Robert Casey ADVISER
Danielle Ryan
LETTER FROM THE EDITORS | DECEMBER 2017
LANCER STORIES
EXPRESS Mind, Body, Spirit
The Varsity Football team cheers as the National Anthem Plays before the start of the game. The Lancer went on to prevail over Vista during the Neon Game 42-14.
Photo by Daily Sparks.
MIND 4
War of the Words A quick look at Academic League and Mock Trails
5 Stress on the Mind 6 Q&A: Daniel Turner 7 Behind the Scenes of a Musician
Sophomore Justice Guevera talks about his passion for Music and the bass guitar
8 9
Shooting Down the Opposition Bouncing Back
How girls Varsity basketball player Rae’hijah Cooper returns to season from injury
BODY
13 14
No Rest for the Stressed How sleep deprivation affects all aspects of student life
SPIRIT
21
Taking the High Road? A look into how Marijuana disables the student mind
16 Staying Healthy
22
During the Holidays
17 Livin’ like Larry
A day in the life of Carlsbad’s athletic trainer, Larry Duesing
24 25
Cover Photo Illustration:
Rejuvenating the Lancer Spirit A public service announcement concerning underclass-men’s behavior on
A Field Divided by More than Yard Lines A pro-con commentary concerning the recent NFL protests
Spirit of Giving What Happens Underwater, Stays Underwater
Mitchell Scaglione Carlsbad High School 3557 Lancer Way Carlsbad, CA
DECEMBER 2017| TABLE OF CONTENTS | 1
MI ND
2 | MIND |DECEMBER 2017
The mind. The most important part of the body, however, also an extremely component of a person’s spirit. The mind drives everything we do, and like everything else, needs to be taken care of. Many things stimulate the brain, from academic clubs to things like stress. However, both activate the brain, meaning the must be maintained in order to perform. The mind enables students to be aware of the world around them, which is why the Lancer Express decided to take a deeper look into it.
DECEMBER 2017 | MIND | 3
WAR
MEANINGFUL MAKEUP
OF THE
MINDS
THINKING FAST WITH ACADEMIC LEAGUE
Art by Karinne Burgess
by Evelyn Freeman
T
eens should not feel the need to wear makeup for confidence. Instead, it should be used on special occasions for a presentable, individualized look and when wanted. This would limit the amount of teenagers relying on make up in attempts to match the current image that defines beauty. Makeup may seem to be an easy option to automatically look great; however, going with a natural look will further individual confidence and give individuals comfort in their everyday appearance. Teens who wear makeup everyday often spend a large amount of time applying everything from foundation to full winged eyeliner before school. In a survey of 129 students, 31 percent spend 15 to 30 minutes to do their makeup. This could make a student lose 10 to 20 minutes of sleep every morning. Although this seems like a small amount of time, it adds up to a loss of 100 hours of sleep per year. This leaves students more tired, stressed and less prepared to learn. Instead of using these products to create a mask, makeup users should explore different uses for colorful products. Makeup can be a creative way of self-expression, because some people view makeup as an art form. This allows individuals to express themselves without feeling the need to hide their natural look. Some makeup can damage natural skin, depending on the brand. Additionally, users may experience different reactions, such as breakouts or dry skin. Makeup users should read into what make up contains before applying it, as well as knowing what is suitable for certain skin types. What teens fail to realize is the simplicity of avoiding these negative effects of makeup. Sleep deprivation can lead to dry skin and acne breakouts. So, 10 to 20 minutes of more sleep per night can significantly improve the condition of your skin. Whether or not you choose to wear makeup, it is important to have confidence in your natural beauty.
4 | MIND| DECEMBER 2017
After slamming on the buzzer, junior Sophie Zane answers a question at the Lori Peacock Memorial Academic League Tournament on December 2. Fourteen teams competed in the annual event to help fund the Lori Peacock Memorial Scholarship. photo by Mitchell Scaglione
by Zachary Cayaban
S
weaty palms. Nervous legs bobbing up and down as the students try to come up with the answer against the clock and the other team. Then, the student realizes the answer, slams the buzzer and hears the satisfying word: “correct.” On Saturday Dec. 2, Carlsbad’s Academic League team faced off against 11 other schools in a competition to see who knows the most. “The best part of academic league is hanging out with my teammates and participating in the competitions,” junior Finn Corrigan said. “Even though you may be nervous that you might get the wrong answer, when you are right it feels amazing.” During the season, the team competes against other high schools from around the county, answering questions ranging from
math, science, history and language arts. Filled with all the academic knowledge and current info they can muster, the teams compete to out think their opponents in Jeopardy-style competitions. “You just have fun, answer trivia questions and solve math problems,” junior Dane Lee said. “Its a perfect way to meet new people and all you need to bring is your brain.” Meeting Thursdays at lunch and after school, Academic League members scrimmage against one another and answering questions for points. “In academic league, you are opening the door to the opportunity to meet new people and experience new things,” Lee said. “All you have to do is try your best and have fun while doing it.”
COMPETITION IN THE COURTROOM E very Wednesday, Mock Trial club meets after school to practice law in a simulated “mock” courtroom. Acting as judges, defendants or even witnesses, these students rehearse their case, gaining experience and preparing themselves to compete against other schools in court through a mock trial. “The best part of mock trials is watching all the hard work pay off,” senior Matt Gonzalez said. “We work hard all year to get our work done and we spend a lot of time as a team. Just watching all that hard work pay off in competition makes it really worth while.” Competing in functioning court rooms, Mock Trial club members argue as both the prosecution and defense in cases handcrafted by acting attorneys. In court, members get the opportunity to test
theories and compete against other schools to experience what it feels like to be in a real legal case. “I really enjoy being the attorney, because it is all about thinking on your feet,” Gonzalez said. “You get to actually ask the witnesses questions during competition and can object to the other teams questions to throw a wrench in their operations.” This February, the team will be competing against all of San Diego at the downtown courthouse, clashing with other students. “My friends like to joke about it, calling it real life Law and Order, but it really is,” senior Sam Gonzalez said. “Mock trials allows us to go to court and deliver a case like real attorneys. If you are interested in law, it’s a really cool club.”
Art by Karinne Burgess
by Alex Marre
W
hen it comes to the topic of stress, those affected may believe they are alone and couldn’t possibly be understood but, in the last few years an increase of 34% of students experienced stress due to the pressures of school. With the rate still climbing students’ mental health becomes a larger priority. Recognizing stress and finding ways to handle it are important in keeping a healthy mind. Here is how some students coupe with the stress of their daily lives.
9
The adjustment of a new campus and schedule can be a daunting experience, making the change for new students more stressful than originally expected. “Learning how to balance school, work and, sports is definitely difficult because I always put so much stress on school and on my sport,” freshman Grace Mills said. “Last year I did not have much school work, so it’s new having to balance that.” For some, stress is a burden that they can never seem to escape. The American Psychological Association explains that stress can even lead to health problems, both physically and mentally. Long periods of
10
stress can cause side-effects, including severe headaches. “For me, I have chronic migraines,” Mills said. “If I stress out, they get worse. It is a vicious circle that goes around and around. ” Although it can be quite the struggle to balance school along with a personal life, Mills and other freshman continue to prioritize their mental health and push forward instead of letting stress control the year. “I’ve always gone a hundred miles an hour. Fast, fast, fast. Just get it done.” Mills said, “I’m beginning to learn to slow it down and not worry about things.”
Being a bit more comfortable with campus in sophomore year helps students make an effort to involve themselves in clubs and extra activities or challenge themselves by taking more difficult classes. “Outside of my academic classes, I’m in CHSTV, Speech and Debate,and I’m on the varsity tennis team,” sophomore Shayla Eslampour said. “I have felt pressure in every one of my classes because I feel the need to do well.”
Time Magazine found that having strong social connections and focusing on personal pleasure can help relieve stress. This has become Eslampour’s way of surpassing the overwhelming parts of the year. “I’ve learned to cope with stress by finding fun activities to do on the weekends that I can look forward to during the week,” Eslampour said. “Another way I deal with stress is by listening to music, talking to my friends or watching a really good show on Netflix. It really gets me through stressful times.”
Knowing the future is an impossible task, but many students feel pressure to figure out their plans. Junior year acts as a reminder of the up-and-coming stress of senior year and beyond. “The most stressful part of being a junior is the unknown,” junior Nina Accardi said. “I don’t want to disappoint my parents in the future and I think that’s a big issue juniors stress about. They are scared of letting their parents down, especially when they are trying so hard and there’s only so much they can do.” The act of disappointment is a reaction to rejection which
according to Psychologists, can have a major effect on a person’s emotions. This can lead to issues such as anxiety and depression. Addressing depression has become a priority, due to the fact that suicide and depression rates have risen to an all-time high in the last thirty years. However, learning to deal with stress can help people avoid depression. “I go home and nap,” Accardi said. “I know it sounds crazy, but it allows me to clear my mind. With so much going on, it becomes hard
With college ahead and pressure from applications, it is easy for seniors to become overwhelmed. The Mayo Clinic states that being optimistic is a beneficial solution many students should turn to. Approaching challenges with a positive mindset leads to a healthier and more productive life. “I stress about if colleges will have a cafeteria that offers those chicken breaded sandwiches or will they go back to the non-breaded ones,” senior Ezra Player said. “It’s all the small problems: they add up to the big ones, until your life is one unbreaded chicken sandwich.”
Throughout the high school years, many students are faced with a variety of challenges. By looking forward to future goals, students may be able to conquer the stress that comes along the way. “I recommend to anyone who faces stressful events to take a step back and realize this is high school” Eslampour said. “You should work your hardest, but don’t overwork yourself. Try to have fun through it all.”
11
12
to do it all to my best capability.”
DECEMBER 2017 | MIND | 5
DANIEL TURNER
SPEAKING SUCCESS
OF
by Riley Sommers and Madelyn Waumans
S
enior Daniel Turner is a part of Carlsbad High School’s Speech and Debate team. Recently, he has been named #1 in the nation for expository speaking. Here, Turner tells us a little about his journey. Lancer Express: How did you get interested in speech and debate? Daniel Turner: I got into speech and debate because I had a speech impediment when I was in middle school. This pushed me to try something that was out of my comfort zone. I also had a fear of public speaking, so going into high school I decided to do something completely challenging. I choose speech and debate to learn new skills and meet tons of fun, friendly people. LE: What influenced you to get into expository speaking? DT: Expository speaking is an event where you get to use visual aids or props to help with your speech, which requires artistic design. I always thought I was a pretty creative person, so expository seemed like the right event for me because of the visual aids. Right now, I am ranked first in the nation. LE: How did you overcome your fear of public speaking in order to perform your speeches? DT: I still definitely have a big fear and I get very nervous whenever I am in front of a crowd. I don’t think you can get over it; you just get used to it. I have never gotten over it - I’m still terrified. You just get more prepared and you learn how to handle it better. LE: How long is your preparation process and what do you need to do in order to be prepared? DT: My preparation process is pretty extensive. It requires me to write a ten-minute speech that usually is about 6 pages double-spaced. Then, I have to memorize it all, which is the hardest part. If you do expository, you have to make your own visual aids. Mine are typically more in-depth and it typically takes me around thirty hours to make all of them. It’s insane, but it’s so much fun. LE: How do you come up with your topic for your speech? DT: The topic that I chose this year for expository was lies, including the history of famous lies and the psychology behind lying. It’s something that I find interesting, it’s my topic all year long. I knew it should be something that I would be interested in talking about for the entire year.
Senior Daniel Turner poses with a
first place Speech and Debate trophy.
6 | MIND | DECEMBER 2017
Photo by Dailey Sparks
BEHIND THE SCENES OF A MUSICIAN A STUDENT’S PASSION FOR MUSIC
by Olivia Sklenka
M
any students embrace music by wearing band shirts or going to concerts. However, sophomore Justice Guevara showcases his love for music by playing in the local band, Small Town Heroes, which use a variety of instruments to achieve a rockabilly sound. This is only one of the bands Guevara participates in. “I’m in a couple of bands, but the one that really gave me my start is a group called Small Town Heroes,” Guevara said. “The members of that band really gave me a platform to share my music and do what I love.” Guevara, a stand-up bass player, has been playing in the music scene for over 10 years. The musician believes his love of music can be attributed to growing up around groups such as The Paladins, an American roots rockrockabilly band since his dad, Dave Guevara, opened up for them in the late 90s to the early 2000s. “The bass player for The Paladins, Thomas Yearsley, is a really cool cat to watch perform and perform with,” Guevara said. “He has a really unique style and that inspired me to try and form my own.” Rockabilly, the genre that Guevara enjoys •
On average, Guevara plays 10 to 20 gigs per month. •
Guevara has performed at 107 different venues. •
Graphic by Tatum Maston
Due to the numerous performances, Guevara has memorized over 1,000 songs.
playing the most, is a type of music that originated in the southeast region of the US. The music itself became popular in the 1950s and is best known for its combination of rock and country. “I love to play Rockabilly because it makes people want to get up and dance,” Guevara said. “Knowing that the tunes we play gets people going and gives them a good feeling is really cool.” Guevara’s band mates are not the only people who have taken notice of his musical abilities. A few of students attend Guevara’s gigs, whether it be Powershake, the band he founded, or the band he joined, Small Town Heroes. “I like going to see Justice play,” junior Jaden Santini said. “I’m into older music, so seeing younger people help keep it alive is cool. He has a way of getting the crowd going.” Having been exposed to music from the age of three and playing for over 10 years, Guevara has learned a few lessons. While many rock stars in past generations got their starts through ads in papers found in bulletin boards at school, Guevara has taken a different approach. “The people that have influenced me the most have formed my outlook on the way the industry works,” Guevara said. “If you want to be unique, you have to look in unconventional areas.” Due to this, Guevara found that the public school system acted as a creative outlet he could use to form Powershake, an all student band. Soon after, Guevara realized that the musical instrument itself would become the actual outlet he could channel his emotions through. “There have been times where I have been Sophomore Justice Guevara jams out on a bass guitar with really bummed, whether it be because of the rockabilly band Small Town Heroes. Performing at school or something personal, so I’ll just play,” local venue Witch Creek Winery, the band played for two Guevara said. “Music has become a form of hours, creating a unique atmosphere that drew people in. Photo by Olivia Sklenka self-expression and a release for me.” Not only does music provide an escape, but it allows Guevara to express himself in a way that words do not. Guevara believes this is why songs have the ability to change a person’s @smalltownheroes.official mood. “Playing music has always been and will @powershake.band always be a part of who I am,” Guevara said. “I wouldn’t want to do anything else, even if I could. It has a way of connecting people and Graphic by Caleb Amory getting a person through hardships.”
DECEMBER 2017 | MIND| 7
PASSING THROUGH THE OBSTACLES
AFTER LOSING SOME TOP ATHLETES, THE GIRLS’ SOCCER TEAM MUST LEAR TO WIN WITH NEW VARSITY MEMBERS
by Kristen Young
T
his season, some girls’ soccer players who were expected to return for the season will be missing from the field. Many of these players are instead taking part in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy. Approaching the 2017-2018 season, the program released a list of the teams who were accepted - LA Galaxy San Diego was one included. This is the first year that the Development Academy is having a girls program. “The Development Academy is a new program for girls who want to play soccer at the collegiate or higher level,” junior Emma Snow said. “It’s a higher level of soccer and girls have to stay more committed, which means they are not allowed to play for their high school teams.” Those who are able to return to high school soccer this season understand the difficulties they will face during the upcoming season and how important it will be for them to stick together. This year the players will be ready and more focused than ever. “We all need to be determined, because we want to have a good season,” sophomore Marisa Bubnis said. “Even though we will be missing some key players, if we work as a team we will be able to have the season we want.” Although the team is losing many experienced players, new players will be getting the chance to step up and play on a higher level. The newer players are able to develop their game and gain experience from playing at the higher level. “The program is losing some players, but this will open up some spots and create a great opportunity for some underclassmen and girls who were not on varsity last year to play at a higher level,” Snow said. The team will focus on developing the newer players’ skills and rebuilding the new team’s bond. The players want to keep a positive and determined mentality while approaching the season. “Since we are having a bunch of new players who aren’t familiar with each other, we need to bond as a team,” junior Gabby Enciso said. “We are aiming to do well in CIF this year and we are aware of what it will take to do this.” The pressure to have a successful season is large, but the players are up for the challenge. With new players stepping up, the challenge to do well can be overwhelming. However, the team is ready to develop through the season and to reach its goals. “Even though some of us are feeling the stress over losing the Academy players, we are going to stay positive. We know that there are still very good players eager for their shot at the varsity level,” Enciso said. With the challenges they are facing, the team plans on staying determined to reach their goals and working together through the season. The players are looking forward to another season of playing for their school and with their teammates. “This year I’m excited to get to know all of my teammates and to get more experience in games that are more important,” sophomore Juliana Vanderbyl said. “This will prepare us for future seasons and all in all make us better as a team and program.”
8 | MIND | DECEMBER 2017
In their home-opener, against Mission Hills sophomore Juliana Vanderbyl focuses on the game. The team won with a score of 7-0.
Photos by Dailey Sparks
Sophomore Marisa Bubnis throws the ball into play. The team is off to a good start, also winning 3-0 against Bishop’s high school.
BOUNCING BACK HOW RAE’HIJAH COOPER STEPS BACK ON THE COURT AFTER A CRUSHING
by Erin Smith
A
fter an athlete has been cleared by a doctor or trainer to return to full practice and competitions, they must overcome the mental challenges that restrict them trying to return to a sport. When Rae’hijah Cooper injured her knee in October of 2015, this process was no different. “It was definitely hard, because there was a realization that this was a complicated process” Cooper said. “I wouldn’t be able to play basketball for a long time, since I would be recovering.” Cooper unfortunately locked her knee while practicing by herself and thinking that she was okay, continued to play for three weeks. When she went to the doctors they took an MRI and it showed that she tore her ACL. The injury requires a healing process approximately six to eight months and this resulted in Cooper’s absence from the team. “I had a year to recover and I was definitely sad. It was really upsetting but it made me work even harder” Cooper said. However, within a month of being cleared to play, she tore her ACL for the second time during a game. It was the same knee, same injury - same consequences. “The first time I got injured, it sounded like a crunch and my knee just kept on giving out,” Cooper said. “The second time it happened, I was playing in a game and I remember the minute it happened. It didn’t hurt as much, but I cried when it happened because I knew what was happening.” Cooper looked on the brighter side, which influenced her to work harder and improve her mental and physical strength. When she was out of the game Cooper acted as a team manager at games and practices and was soon able to go from watching and helping to occasionally participating throughout the season to maintain her basketball skills. “She was still very into the game and I feel that she was really helpful,” senior Morgen Gilblin said. “She really knows and understands basketball and she was able to give critiques and help the players.” Her mentality during her injury helped her develop a mental toughness that helped her through the months of recovery and this also impacted her team as well. “Last year was a big deal, everyone was so excited because she was finally back and we were finally getting to play with her,” Gilbin said. “I feel like the team broke down, because we really needed her and it was really hard on all of us. I knew she was frustrated, because I have known her for so long but she didn’t really show it when something bad happened.” Although Cooper was not able to play, she found an alternative way to help and be a part of the team. This allowed her to be a part of the sport she loves and bond with her teammates and friends throughout the season. “I love her coming back,” Gilbin said. “It’s so amazing and she is the best I have ever seen her. I’m really excited to see where the season takes her.” All the struggles that Cooper faced have helped her grow both as a player and as a teammate. Cooper is excited to once again become a contributing member. Being out of the game gave her the determination, passion and ability to come back better than ever“I’m always knocking on wood and I made it to tryouts, I got on varsity, which is great because I should be out there playing basketball,” Cooper said. “Knowing how much I love basketball and how hard I’ve been working, I am hopeful that this season goes well and I’m able to progress and make up for the time that I missed.”
H o w
Junior Rae’hijah Cooper protects the ball against La Jolla High School players. The Lancers dominated with a 44-34 win on November 27.
Photo By Mitchell Scaglione
DECEMBER 2017 | MIND | 9
B O D Y
10|BODY| DECEMBER 2017
Our bodies are extremely important to maintain, especially in the winter season. However, sometimes we do things that harm our bodies more than we might realize. Our bodies are the framework for the mind, so it becomes crucial that we treat them well. Maintain a healthy body goes beyond a good diet and exercise, it becomes a matter of what you do aside from those things that will make an impact. Whether it is use of a drug like marijuana or playing a competitive sport, both pose threats to the body. Self care can become easily neglected with the schedule of a busy high schooler, which is why the Lancer Express decided to take a closer look into the body. Photo by: Sophia Stonebrook
DECEMBER 2017 | MIND | 11
12 | AD| DECEMBER 2017
Sleep Study
NO REST S
FOR THE STRESSED
tudents spend many late and silent nights looking to go the extra mile and study just an hour longer for the big test or add the finishing touches to their big essay. If you pull aside almost any teenager, they will say that sleep is a problem. The question is whether or not the fault lies in the students, the teachers or society’s expectations. While academics might seem an obvious culprit for students’ lack of sleep, sports, clubs and outside activities also play a crucial role in limiting student shut eye. “During swim season, I am expected to do both high school swim and club water polo,” junior Davis Oas said. “If it is an even day, it is an hour of weightlifting before school, two hours of swimming in aquatics PE, two hours swimming after school, and two hours of club water polo from 8-10 at night. That is 7 hours of working out. A lot of people say homework keeps kids up at night and that they are doing homework all night, but for me it is also extracurricular activities.” Struggling to juggle school life, extracurriculars and a social life is a endeavor that many students face. As a result of this constant source of work and stress, students find themselves staying up into the latest hours of the night. While maintaining all of these is not always necessary or required, many students find that engaging in extracurricular activities and working their best in AP classes is integral to being successful later in life. “Sometimes, it is hard to find time to sleep with the work we have,” senior Maeve Murphy said. “I’ve gone to bed at 2:00 a.m. before and then I have to wake up at 5:30 for water polo. I really want to succeed and get into a good college and I know if I do not do all of that I won’t get into a good college.” While taking on AP classes and multiple extracurricular activities can become a challenge that keeps students up late, many believe students have some responsibility for maintaining a healthy sleep schedule. Staying up late for fun is an integral part of being a teenager, but what is the cost? “Even if we go to bed at the correct time, we are sauced and need more sleep,” senior Christopher Weedman said. “Teens in general are more occupied, we have a lot of stuff on our plate. I procrastinate way more
by Max Ward
than I should and I think every kid procrastinates, which is why we are doing our homework at midnight.” Sleep deprivation affects performance and as a result many under perform the next day in school. Mixed in with this is Circadian Preference, which is the sleep cycle that has us wanting to go to sleep and wake up around the same time. “For many adolescents, your body wants to go to sleep later and wake up later, so you are not necessarily sleepy at 9:00 or 10:00,” Psychology teacher Mr. Shinnefield said. “You might be sleepy closer to midnight but then your body would want to sleep until 8 or 9. As we age, this preference tends to change. We tend to get tired earlier and then wake up earlier, so someone old like me might go to sleep at 10 and wake up at 5 or 6, and that is normal. Then we have the school day the way it is, starting at 7:30: an earlier start than we would want for teenagers.” People like sophomore Nick Francis feel the pressure put upon them is less the fault of the students or the teachers, but more the expectations that they must do more than enough work both inside and outside of school. “I think that workload and time management is putting a lot of pressure on students,” Francis said. “Sleep deprivation makes me feel more lethargic at school and I’m not as creative. I don’t really think outside of the box. I think it is expected that students have to put their best foot forward everyday, when really sleep is more important.” Despite some students feeling that working hard and staying up late is a requirement to be successful after high school, they feel that some of the fault may actually lie in the student’s inability to stay on task and understand that staying up late sometimes is the cost for being successful. “I could definitely just go to bed early, fail all my classes and be happier but in the end I think all the work will help,” Murphy said. “I don’t think sleep deprivation is a problem that necessarily should be solved, because there are things that you can do to get more sleep and for the most part students are doing it to themselves; if you want a good grade, it is going to be hard. It isn’t going to be easy.”
A study done by the National Sleep Foundation shows that teenagers need approximately eight to ten hours of sleep a night to function effectively. Lancer Express polled 181 students to see how their sleep habits stack up.
How many nights a week do you get less than 5 hours of sleep? 6.3 29.5
52.6
11.6 1-3
Never
None 4-6
What would you blame your lack of sleep on? 19.7
19.1
7.5 13.7
39.9
My teachers give me too much homework Too much expected of teens; I’m always busy I stay up late doing other things
I got enough sleep I procrastinate
About how many hours of sleep do you get a night? 9.2 8.1
42.8
38.2
6-7
1.7
8-9
3-4
5-6
10-11
graphics by Tatum Maston art by Karinne Burgess
DECEMBER 2017 | BODY | 13
TAKING
T H E
COMMON EFFECTS OF MARIJUANA ON THE BODY
LOSS OF CONCENTRATION
IMPAIRED LEARNING/ MEMORY LOSS
STUDENTS THINK THAT SMOKING MARAJUANA IS A HARMLESS ACTIVITY, BUT THE LONG TERM EFFECTS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED.
DROWSINESS BURNING MOUTH PHLEMGY COUGH/ BRONCHITIS LUNG DAMAGE ACCELERATED HEARTBEAT
ALTERED TIME AND SPACE PERCEPTION
WHOLE BODY EFFECTS DECREASED MOTOR COORDINATION WEAKENED IMMUNE SYSTEM WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS
Graphic by Tatum
14 | BODY | DECEMBER 2017
ROAD?
by Briget Boka, Frankee Costan and Amy Coval
T
he start of high school involves the opportunity to create new friends and new experiences: some good, some bad. The mature feeling of becoming a high schooler can lead to curiosity and often peer pressure into using drugs, the most frequent being marijuana. However, this youthful curiosity poses more risks to teenagers than they are aware of. Some people think smoking marijuana carries no risks. However, scientific research shows that there are risks, especially for teenagers. In order to fully understand the effects this drug has on the brain, here is a basic overview of what happens when using it. The body contains its own natural chemicals, along with receptors in the brain. THC (the most active ingredient in marijuana) acts as a transmitter to these receptors, which slows down communication between cells. “I think marijuana has an even bigger effect on teenagers than adults because our brains have not fully developed yet,” senior Lia Ran said. “This could cause damage to our minds in the future.” Although students might hear many positive things about the substance from their peers, medical professionals reveal that the drug truly has serious consequences. “Marijuana has endless side effects,” nurse Gabe Sabadin said. “Anxiety, hallucinations, short term memory problems and even the risk of having a heart attack.” Although many teens do not intend to become marijuana smokers in their high school careers, there are common pathways that push students into using the substance. Peer pressure is a good example of this. Although many people will advocate it as “safe” or fun, the risks are never included in this conversation. “I think that many students do it because their friends do it and they want to fit in,” senior Sofia Stefanovich said. “It starts off as a smaller group and then more people want to fit in, so they will do it to get with a certain group.”
Safety is not something to ignore when using marijuana. It may not only have negative effects on your body, but it can also be laced with dangerous chemicals when you get the drug from an unknown source. “Producers and sellers could infuse marijuana with other drugs and chemicals that they won’t tell you about, which is really sketchy,” senior Luis Carbajal said. One reason people begin using marijuana is curiosity, but a one time use of this drug may lead to consistent use. According to drugabuse.gov, people who begin using marijuana before the age of 18 are four to seven times more likely to develop a marijuana addiction than adults. “The long term effects are that emotional growth stops at first usage. If you are a 14 year old, your emotional well being will not will not move past adolescence,” CEO of Present Moments Recovery Mark Gladden said. “Your capacity is stunted; it is held back. Then, you are stuck in the 14, 15 or 16 year old mind.” Marijuana has costly risks that not all users are aware of. Influence from friends or peers could lead to false information about the true risks of the drug. Also, spending time with these sorts of people could lead one to make poor decisions. “If all the friends you hang out with smoke, then it is only going to influence you to continue using marijuana,” Ran said. “If you want to stop smoking, you should hang out with people who spend their time doing other activities.” Although teens should be free to develop themselves as people, they should be wary of the risks that come with their decisions. Some may think that smoking marijuana could just be a one time thing, but as teens continue to use, the consequences become more serious. “Over time, you can become less engaged in school activities; there could even be a decline in grades and certain friendships,” Stefanovich said. “It certainly does not help with high school growth.” Although the type of kids who smoke weed usually have stereotypes around them, the drug itself does as well. From claims that it is not addictive to the belief that it does not harm the lungs, people establish their own stereotypes about marijuana in order to justify doing the drug. “When you are doing it, you are supposed to be having a good time, but it is actually the opposite,” Stefanovich said. Because of marijuana, lots of time and money goes up in smoke. According quitmarijuana.org, smoking every week of the year for two years would cost you around $5,408. For a substance that is not only illegal, but harmful, this money could be put to much better use. “I would say I don’t think it has a positive influence on high school students,” Stefanovich said. “The effects of it during a time when you are supposed to be studying and experiencing different things within your school does not have best influence on students.” High school is supposed to be a time of great learning and growth, and use of drugs could prohibits these kinds of experiences. Decisions to use marijuana could also lead to more serious problems down the road. “I do believe [marijuana] is a gateway drug, because eventually, you are going to want something more,” Gladden said. “You are going to want elevated feelings then what the marijuana can give you. It has to do with the emotional wellbeing of the user that dictates it.”
Graphic by Amy Coval
Graphics by Amy Coval
DECEMBER 2017 | BODY | 15
HOW TO BE HEALTHY DURING THE HOLIDAYS DURING THE HOLIDAYS By Kathryn Zaloom
A
s winter creeps closer, Carlsbad residents are going to lean towards staying in more and eating more. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle during the holiday season is as simple as knowing what to do and where to go.
Exercise
Rock climbing can be done outdoors on actual rocks or indoors on artificial rock walls. The Vital Climbing Gym offers 24/7 access for its members, but for the public the hours are 11am - 9pm throughout the week. “It’s a challenging activity. It [can be] kind of exhilarating... like an adrenaline rush,” senior Sierra Sanderson said.
Climbing can be an effective alternative workout, as it is known to increase flexibility and aid in weight loss diets. “Rock climbing is a different approach to exercise in general,” Sanderson said. “It’s very taxing on your muscles. It’s something different and unique.”
Relaxation
Exploring the many local hiking trails is another option for light exercise in the winter months. Hiking can be done alone or with a group or pet. “It’s good for all ages and animals,” PE teacher Mr. Tomkinson said. “There’s a great mountain you can climb, and I hear the sunsets and sunrises are amazing.”
CONDITIONING AND HOW IT AFFECTS ATHLETES
by Dominick Shrewsberry
C
onditioning: some students use the term “Hell Week.” During this period, Athletes are set to do extraordinary amounts of conditioning. Even though some athletes dislike these exercises, it can benefit them. Instead of being fatigued easily from running or swimming, they will be physically ready to play. Here is how some of our teams go about conditioning Q: How do you think conditioning benefits athletes physically? Football Coach Mr. MacNeal: “Conditioning gives athletes the ability to play at a high level.” Volleyball Coach Mrs. Tomkinson: “Conditioning helps them get in shape for the season. It makes athletes physically fit for the long season and they need the stamina for long and extra set games.” Cross Country Coach Mr. Mancillas: “Coaches need
to make sure that they [athletes] are prepared to compete and play for the season.” Q: Is conditioning a consistent thing you do during practice or do you and the other coaches decide if conditioning is a once a week thing? Coach MacNeal: “We try to make our practices very rigorous, therefore we do not condition extensively during the season.” Coach Tomkinson: “We focus more on conditioning during the preseason and bring in a little bit of the conditioning drills during practices.” Coach Mancillas: “Conditioning includes continuous cooperative stretches, weight lifting and may vary from the offseason to the regular season.” Q: Why do you, as a coach think it’s necessary to do conditioning? Coach MacNeal: “A coach has to evaluate his team and
Local vendor selling produce at the State Street Farmer’s Market
There is a wide range of trails to choose from in Carlsbad, including Calavera Mountain Hiking Trail and the Batiquitos Lagoon trail. “If you look at a map you can follow the trails to other parks that are located in Oceanside or Vista,” Tomkinson said. “I believe it’s a protected zone, with some good wildlife as well.”
Food
Fresh, organic produce is grown without pesticides, so it’s better for the environment and the consumer’s
1.
determine the appropriate amount of conditioning needed for that particular sport and group of athletes.” Coach Tomkinson: “I think coaches for the most part push their team enough where it is not a risk of injury but, it pushes them to not quit. Not only to build agility and stamina but to also build the strength to play.” Coach Mancillas: “I think it is necessary because it enhances the athletes personal expectation to play.”
1. The Water Polo players perfect their aim with shooting drills. Water Polo have a very complicated schedule from weigh-training to practices each and everyday. 2. The girls’ basketball team focuses on one of their many drills. They practice to be a good team with skill and chemistry.
16 | BODY | DECEMBER 2017
health. The State Street Farmer’s Market has a large range of organic produce, with roughly 51 vendors each week. “People here shop for local produce, and that’s what they want,” said vendor Michael Clark. A lot of effort and time is put into making their products ready to sell. “We have to deal with health regulations and the department of agriculture. We have to make sure no one has allergies, that sort of thing,” said Clark.
2.
LIVING LIKE LARRY
As he finishes preparing for the athletes to form outside his office, Larry Duensing waits for the students to come inside and help them with whatever they need.
A look into the daily life of Carlsbad High School’s athletic trainer, Larry Duensing. By John Mayberry
For the students who have injured themselves during the season, they get to know who Larry Duensing is and what his importance is at Carlsbad. However, for those who are fortunate not to get injured, or don’t play a sport, they may never have seen or heard of Duensing before. This is Larry Duensing’s day in the life. 2:00 pm-3:30pm Duensing arrives, prepping his room and getting ready for the day ahead. After filling up the various water bottles and organizing the different types of athletic tape, he is finally ready to receive the numerous athletes in need of his help. “When I get here, I instantly am wrapping and taping athletes that need the help. I help anyone else that comes in here. This can usually take me an hour to about an hour and a half,” Duensing said. While it can get pretty hectic during this rush hour of oncoming athletes, Duensing just sticks to his experience and training to get all the work done. “I am a worker. I know what has to be done, so I do the things I have to do. What keeps me calm is just going from person to person. After I get done with helping someone I calm down a little more, and from there it’s just a piece of cake,” Duensing said. 3:30pm-5:30pm After Duensing gets all the athletes the help they need, he is finally ready to sit down and begin his online work. He reads his emails, records any major changes in injuries and makes sure there is nothing else to do. Then, Duensing patroles the field, helping all the athletes who get hurt and makes sure practice is going smoothly. By the time everything gets completed, football practice is over, and the crowd of students come through the doors again. However, Duensing doesn’t let the onslaught of people stress him out. “As far as stress levels; I don’t have them. I really don’t get stressed too much. I do what I can do, things are the way they are, and injuries are injuries,” Duensing said. “I just try to get people well and working right so they can go out and play and do the things they want to do.” 5:30pm- 6:30pm As the athletes come in after practice, Duensing does whatever he can to help. He treats every injury with the seriousness and focus it requires. Duensing does his job
Larry’s Helpers
“Larry is so calm all the time, he always knows what to do. I think his professional experience contributed a lot to how calm he is, and he always knows what is going on and what the consequence is if that injury does not get fixed.” - Trinny Liu, 11
with passion and finishes the job no matter how long it takes. Whether it’s staying an extra thrity minutes on school nights, or hours after games, he always does his job with the same passion he gained for the practice when he was in college. “I wanted to become an athletic trainer because I wanted to help people,” Duensing said. “I was in athletics for all these years in high school and college and I wanted to get on the other side of it and I wanted to try to help and heal.” 6:30pm- 8:30pm “I think what sets Larry With all the athletes fixed up and all the records up apart from all the other to date, Duensing begins to clean up his office. He scrubs athletic trainers is his down the benches, pours out the water jugs and picks motive for being a trainer up the pieces of athletic tape. After he is finally finished is only to see the athletes with all of that, Duensing is ready to go home. Being an get back on the field. I see him walk around and talk athletic trainer for over 20 years at the professional level, it’s clear that Duensing takes his job very seriously. Unlike to all the athletes to check on all of their injuries. He some athletic trainers, Duensing uses the skills and tricks he learned at the professional level to better his abilities at has personal connections with all of them.” Carlsbad High School. - Ari Pagan, 11 “I think what makes Duensing so different from other trainers is his experience,” junior Rae’hijah Cooper said. Duensing wraps “Not to say other trainers don’t have the experience, senior defensive tackle David Baek’s leg after but he’s was in the MLB and seeing those type having complications with of injuries, he’s just super knowledgeable in the his knee. Larry made sure to whole thing. He always knows what’s best for act quick, as Baek would end up tearing his meniscus. them.”
Photos by Dailey Sparks and Nick Beith
DECEMBER 2017 | BODY | SPORTS | 17
S P I 18 | SPIRIT | DECEMBER 2017
R
I
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Here, we are known for our school spirit. However, spirit may refer to many things. How we interact with others and our response to situations define who we are. Our spirits help differentiate us as people, as they are all unique. It is important to take care of our spirit, as having it damaged or dirty prohibits productivity. The spirit is the seat of emotions and character, so the Lancer Express decided to take a deeper look.
Photo Credit: Cole Ferguson, @coleferguson DECEMBER 2017 | SPIRIT| 19
Yearbook prices are going up after Winter Break!
Current Prices: $75 With an ASB Sticker $85 W/O an ASB Sticker After break, prices will be: $85 with an ASB sticker $95 w/o an ASB sticker Yearbooks are available for purchase at the ASB Finance window. The finance office accepts cash, check, and charge for all purchases.
SEE YOUR AD HERE! Why should you advertise with Lancer Express?
Lancer Express would like to thank our generous 2017-2018 donors. _____________________________
Gold
1. We distribute to approx. 2200 students. 2. It’s a great way to suppport the high school. 3. Draws in a teenage crowd to your local business.
Jennifer Mayberry
How much does it cost?
Steve & Lauren Sklenka
1/4- $100 1/2- $200 Full page- $300
The Boka Family
All ads are in full color
How do I buy an ad for my business? Contact us at chslancerexpress@gmail.com or visit
thelancerlink.com/support-us/donations-subscriptions/ 20 | AD | DECEMBER 2017
Purple White
Intro
Irma Maston Sabrina Locke RJ Sklenka Don Young Elizabeth Young Taylor & Jeremy Weisner Mary Ellen Scaglione Esther Groves The Scherner Family The Melgoza Family
PSA
Rejuvenating the Lancer Spirit
by the editorial board
T
he seasons of giving and thanks are an enjoyable time of year, however, we often forget to practice the qualities of giving and thanks in our everyday lives. Carlsbad High School is a place where teachers, coaches and administration promote kindness and foster healthy relationships of respect. Although the school encourages students to actively take this approach in their everyday lives, proper behavior has been lacking around campus lately; the culture of common courtesy had been less than prevalent this school year. As upperclassmen, it is easy for us to look back on our freshman selves and think of things we would have done differently. However, because we are seniors, we now understand how Carlsbad works and the expectations placed on us as representatives of our school. The phrase “treat others the way you want to be treated� has mostly likely been drilled into your head since you were old enough to understand it. It is not a phrase to blow off. It is important to realize this is a global truth, and many students are forgetting this basic standard of respect that they are expected to uphold as a Lancer. All Carlsbad staff members, whether they are administration, teachers or coaches, deserve the respect from their students. We are lucky to come to school every day in such a safe, kind environment. It is outrageous to think that some people are abusing this privilege by destroying classroom materials and talking disrespectfully to teachers. It seems that a culture of respect has been lost somewhere along the way. Administration has also noticed this change, noting a decline
photo illustration by Mitchell Scaglione
in the Lancer Spirit that was prevalent with previous classes. Perhaps one of the more important problems is the way students are speaking to one another. Words that hurt others are ones that should never be used, especially racial words that have a significant negative historical context. These words are and never will be tolerated, anywhere or anytime. Administration has no tolerance for these words, and would like to reiterate the ramifications of using such language. Using and condoning this kind of verbiage fosters a negative environment. No student, adult or anyone for that matter is ever permitted to say these words in any context. Every school has their own ideologies and behavior expectations but administration has stressed the fact that they have seen a marked change in the actions and attitudes of our student body. What has changed in the past two years that has led to a culture of rudeness and disrespect? Although there are many speculations from social media to the culture of American news/politics, the million dollar question still remains. What is causing this new behavior? While there is not one definitive answer to this questions, there are things we can do to stop this epidemic. Even though individual students will be held accountable for their own actions, administration and teachers should not be the only ones to establish behavioral expectations. Upperclassmen play a large role in combating this problem as well. When we see students acting inappropriately, it is our duty as juniors and seniors to speak up. Although it seems all
we can do is model proper behavior, there are conversational ways to get students to realize their behavior does not fit with our expectations. Every student is a representative of Carlsbad High School and it only takes a few bad decisions to reflect poorly on our entire campus. When you misbehave, you affect our reputation as Lancers. Lancer Spirit is something that we take very seriously. Because of this growing issue this year, we wanted to take a moment to remind everybody the principles of being a productive member of Carlsbad High School. As Lancers, we treat our peers, our teachers and our administration with respect. Along with this, we strive to maintain the beauty of our campus by picking up after ourselves after all breaks. We remember that regardless of whether or not we are on campus, we are constantly representing Carlsbad High School, and we do our best to make sure that we do this with kindness and maturity. These things have been second nature for upperclassmen, as we have been following the culture of those who came before us and we hope to pass those same expectations on to future Lancers so they can adopt the Lancer Spirit into their own behavior. It is important for students to notice how their actions are affecting their peers and those above them. All in all, students want to feel proud of where they go to school, and a change in behavior would make a huge impact in the dynamic of the school. As you go about your time here at CHS, please make an effort to demonstrate Lancer spirit, and don’t be afraid to say something to help others do the same.
= DECEMBER 2017 | SPIRIT | 21
A FIELD DIVIDED BY
Football, a uniquely American, once unifying pastime, has become a divisive force in our politics. In the 2016 NFL season, San Francisco 49ers player Colin Kaepernick began protesting the national anthem, citing racial injustice. In this year’s season, protests reignited, due to President Trump’s calls to fire players that chose to protest. As a result of the division regarding this issue, football has evolved into a battleground for the soul of America and the meaning of patriotism today.
Against NFL Protests During the National Anthem by Aja Ward
T
What are your thoughts about the protests? Survey by CBS
he once enjoyable game that meant tailgating and predicting the Super Bowl winner has turned into yet another dividing factor for Americans. After talking to the media, Collin Kaepernick explained that his protests were a way of expressing his belief that America has not been living up to its fundamental ideals of equality and freedom for all. He stated that he would not stand for a country which allows for racism and seemingly disregards every citizen’s rights. While other sports players have joined the series of protests, we must realize what sitting down stands for. This method of expressing Should professional athletes use personal opinions is disrespectful to our flag and our country. The bring attention to issues such as American flag represents our democratic roots and the National Anthem gives honor and thanks to our armed forces. Sitting down Yes, only on their own disregards those who are fighting to further the original foundation of our country drafted in the Constitution. This makes Kaepernick’s form time - 41% of protest hypocritical, since our constitutional rights to freedom of Yes, always - 32% speech and the right to protest are protected by our military. No - 27% Furthermore, the protests are perceived as counterproductive by the general population. In a Sept. 2016 Reuters poll, 72 percent of Americans found Kaepernick’s behavior unpatriotic. If people are distracted by disrespect, they are unable to receive the message. NFL protesters stated numerous times that they were not trying to disrespect the military but instead claimed they were exercising their first amendment rights in order to spread awareness on an important topic. However, sitting or kneeling during the National Anthem portrays acting out against America as a whole, rather than a specific aspect of the country. For Americans to recognize Kaepernick’s purpose, he had to make multiple statements regarding the reason for his actions. Kneeling during a sporting event does not serve as an effective form of protest against police brutality because it is indirect. Along with this, NFL players’ First Amendment rights shift as soon as they set foot on the field. Keith Whittington, a political professor at Princeton University states, “The NFL is constrained in how it treats players by its own collective bargaining agreement, but the First Amendment to the US Constitution is specifically designed to limit government officials and not private businesses. From a constitutional perspective, the players could be sanctioned by their employers for exercising their right to free expression.” Opposing arguments often include bringing the First Amendment to question, however NFL players’ rights comes specifically from their contracts, not only the Constitution. This can be seen in Kaepernick’s case, when the 49ers gave him the decision of either opting out of his contract for the following football season or releasing him from his position. Through these different viewpoints, the importance behind meaningful protest must be realized. NFL players already stand on a large enough platform to spread a message. As famous athletes, they should advertise their opinions in a different setting without interrupting a major sports event. Protests should be conducted appropriately and with a direct message. This method will reduce division over a topic and provide a clear purpose to witnesses. With these ideals, America will be able to return to simply arguing over which team will win the Super Bowl, rather than which controversial topic will be debated next.
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Disapprove - 52% Approve - 38% Unsure - 10%
their position to these?
MORE THAN YARD LINES
In Support of NFL Protests During the National Anthem by Jacqueline Penn
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ince America’s founding, we have made tremendous strides toward putting this nation’s history of racial oppression in our past. However, as indicated by white supremacists’ Charlottesville rallies in August and again in October, the attitudes that cause racism remain deep-seated in our culture. Put simply, America has not yet fulfilled its promise of “liberty and justice for all.” Kaepernick justified his protests by stating, “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color.” According to Congressman Cedric Richmond, leader of the Congressional Black Caucus, “For African Americans, it is not about standing, sitting or kneeling for the National Anthem. It is about unarmed African Americans lying in a grave who were shot and killed by police officers. It is also about a justice system that says that encountering a Black person is enough reason for a police officer to fear for his or her life.” According to Time Magazine, African-American individuals are three times as likely to be killed by police as Caucasians. Protesters are not anti-police; quite simply, protesters are proaccountability. Holding individual police officers accountable for their actions on the job does not equate to a hatred of the police force nor condemnation of its commitment to protect and serve the public. Rather, notable killings of African-Americans at the hands of individual officers have led to justified calls for reform within the system. The act of kneeling does not intended to serve as a gesture of disrespect. In youth sports, players kneel out of respect when a teammate has been injured. Likewise, NFL players - three quarters of whom are AfricanAmerican - kneel to pay their respects to fellow People of Color who have been harmed by the current state of American race relations. Yet, as the movement grew, opponents attempted to silence the protesters by labeling them “Anti-American.” Disputing these claims, Kaepernick said, “I realize that men and women of the military go out and sacrifice their lives and put themselves in harm’s way for my freedom of speech and my freedoms in this country and my freedom to take a seat or take a knee, so I have the utmost respect for them.” An open letter signed by 35 U.S. veterans stated, “there is no finer form of appreciation for our sacrifice than for Americans to enthusiastically exercise their freedom of speech.” Indeed, refusing to speak out against injustice would be taking our rights, protected by the military, for granted. Nothing is more patriotic than exercising the rights our constitution grants us with. Criticism of American institutions is not unpatriotic.
Rather, working through activism to make America a more equitable nation demonstrates true patriotism. Opponents claim that protesting during the national anthem distracts viewers, thereby making the demonstrations counterproductive. However, these protests serve as the most effective way to spread the players’ message. Any other form of protest would not have drawn nearly as much attention to the issue, or led to nearly as much change. The Colin Kaepernick Foundation has pledged to donate $1 million plus proceeds from his 2016 jersey sales to “fight oppression of all kinds globally, through education and social activism.” This past September, when President Trump suggested that players should be fired for protesting on the field, approximately 180 NFL players protested his remarks by kneeling or locking arms during the anthem in Week 3. In response, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said, “The way we reacted today, and this weekend, made me proud. I’m proud of our league.” Due to backlash over the protests, though, NFL ratings have fallen. As a result, Goodell stated, “we believe everyone should stand for the National Anthem,” only a month after making his previous comments. Due to the influence of money, Goodell turned his back on his own league. According to Sports Illustrated, the game operations manual states, “During the National Anthem, players on the field and bench area should stand at attention, face the flag, hold helmets in their left hand, and refrain from talking.” Therefore, standing is merely a suggestion and not a requirement. Additionally, Politifact found that primetime football games only began to require that players be on the field for the National Anthem eight years ago. Prior to 2009, players would stay in the locker rooms as the anthem was sung, because of timing concerns for television networks. Protests are not meant to be comfortable. This issue concerns our nation’s morality - we must not allow ourselves to be distracted by claims that these protests come at the wrong time. The right time will never come if we continue to avoid addressing the core of this issue - racial tension. Protests intend to make us think critically about the issues facing our society, and facing tough moral questions naturally causes discomfort. Regardless, we cannot sacrifice morality for convenience or comfort. Few nations grant their citizens the same degree of freedom of speech as the United States. Regardless of your belief on this issue, do not shy away speaking out if you feel compelled to do so. By exercising their rights, protesters are working to facilitate a conversation about race relations, thereby recognizing that diverse perspectives only serve to make our country more equitable. In discussing divisive issues, we must listen to those we disagree with and keep an open mind; doing so serves as the only way to heal the ideological divide within our country.
Do you believe the protesters intend to/ do not intend to: call attention to racism?
Yes - 73% No - 27%
Survey by CBS
disrespect the military?
Yes - 33% No - 67% photo by Mitchell Scaglione graphics by Tatum Maston
DECEMBER 2017 | SPIRIT | 23
THE
Spirit OF GIVING
A
How the Mitchell Thorpe Club and Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is preparing to give during the Holiday Season.
s the holiday season pushes on, the spirit of giving is on everyone’s mind. At Carlsbad, there are clubs and individuals that practice the idea of giving throughout the whole school year. Students participate in clubs for the SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), and the Mitchell Thorpe Club. At Carlsbad, there are also students who give back to their community without being involved in the club. The SPCA club has a specific goal to protect the well-being of animals. This club finds ways to benefit animals and supports the central idea of making their lives better. “We as a club have a goal to help animals even if it is in a small way, and we have been pretty successful so far,” junior Gordy Nipper said. “I have always had pets growing up and really loved animals, so this club makes it a lot easier for me to help them in a direct way.” Taking an interest in the well-being of animals embodies the spirit of giving, and gives students a way to apply
Top: A Mitchell Thorp’s Adopt- A- Family reciprocrate with his gifts from the organization. The Foundation’s youth leadership program gives many families similar joy by working together and fundraising. Middle: Two Mitchell Thorp participants fill boxes full of gifts and goodies to bring to their “adopted” family. Bottom: The Carlsbad community comes out to the annual Mitchell Thorp 5k to raise money for children with life threatening illnesses. Photo courtesy: Tatum Maston and the Mitchell Thorp Foundation
24 | SPIRIT | DECEMBER 2017
their love of animals to a club. Recently, the club set up a drive for products to help animals in shelters, and their work paid off. “Our club made boxes with posters on the front asking for supplies such as leashes, toys, and other things that we could give to the animals at the shelter,” Nipper said. “I know what we are doing may seem like a small effort, but doing this work and knowing we are making a difference is very gratifying.” The idea of helping animals is one of the many areas involving the spirit of giving. Other students choose to help those in need. This is another way the spirit of giving can continue throughout the whole year. Senior Kelsey Davis is finding ways to give back to the people on his own. “I’ve lived in Carlsbad my whole life and it’s a beautiful area, the people are nice, and it’s so close to the beach” Davis said. We are very lucky to live in such a nice area and I feel that we all need to contribute to the community in one way or another, whether it be a large drive to give clothing to the homeless, or just throwing away your trash in a trash can”. With a strong sense of determination, Davis has given back to his community continuously, and feels strongly about helping the people in the place he lives. He enjoys the sense of responsibility, and knowing his actions lead to good things. “Most recently, I ran a clothing donation drive cleared by the city library that benefits a homeless shelter in North County. We had a great turnout and received thousands of shirts and pants,” Davis said. Davis has taken his own initiative and given back without any ties to a club. For students who do not have the same initiative as Davis, there are clubs that can make this attainable. The Mitchell Thorpe Club focuses their attention to families with children who have disabilities. “The Mitchell Thorpe club does an “adopt a family” program around the holidays, which is a good time to try and make their lives easier,” Youth Leader Council member Olivia Bernat said. “We collect toys and some gift cards so the parents have something to open as well.” This club aims to make life easier for families who struggle, and they continue their giving even when the holiday season comes to an end. This club also helps in organizing the annual 5K run/walk in February. “The 5K is an event that happens once a year with a goal of raising one-hundred thousand dollars for children with disabilities,” senior Charlie Dywer said. “This event is always a good time and shows that the community likes giving back.” The spirit of giving continues though the whole year with the work of students at Carlsbad High School. “There’s really nothing stopping you from getting out there and doing good. I love to help out the community because it keeps it in check and forces me to show initiative,” Davis said. “I look at it in the way where if you aren’t giving back to your community, then what are you doing?”
WHAT HAPPENS UNDERWATER, STAYS UNDERWATER HOW WATER POLO AFFECTS THE PLAYER’S SPIRIT
By Brett Johnson
Water polo has been proven to be one of the most dangerous sports you can play. According to a study conducted by Dr. Steven Small and James Hicks with the department of Neurology and University of California, Irvine’s Sport Sciences Initiative, they find 36 percent of players had experienced a concussion in their career. Despite the danger that is involved, water polo still attracts many students who love the game. For some players it can be extremely difficult to switch from a game mindset back into daily life. “What makes water polo so violent is that most of your body is underwater, so no violence under the water can be seen. It’s basically free game down there and it can get pretty rough,” senior Bennett Kienast said. “I’ve seen a lot of water polo, including visiting Croatia to watch. They take water polo more seriously and they are more aggressive when they play. I saw some gnarly fistfights. I can’t imagine how they can fight someone and leave it in the pool.” Water polo is one of the few sports that Photo by Sophia Stonebrook
athletes have to use their whole body at all times to play. Being a swimmer requires the use of every muscle in an athlete’s body. Knowing this, it is easy to understand why players can be extremely tired and frustrated with each other, even after playing only one quarter. “Due to the time commitment that water polo requires it leaves me with little time and energy to do homework,” senior Jake Lippert said. “We have to be at weight room at 6:30 in the morning and have to practice two hours during school. Then after school, we have another two hour practice.” It is common for sports to affect people differently. For Lippert, he has to focus on academics. For Kienast, he had to focus on how it affects his mood. Kienast has done a great job with being positive and having fun. “Water polo does not change my mood in the day, unless we lose a match. It may alter my mood for the day but even then, I try to look at the big picture and focus on the future,” Kienast said. Overall, water polo has been positive for
players in and out of the pool. However, this does not mean that the players did not go through hardships. Senior Graham Asalone reflects on one particular practice and how frustrating it was for him. “The most frustrating moment I had in the pool was during practice when we couldn’t execute our 6 vs 5 man power. It did not affect me outside the water. I always try Left: to leave it all in Senior the pool”.
Jake Lippert reaches toward the ball in a attempt to steal it from the opponent. Carlsbad had played Vista and lost the match.
Right: Coach J.B Feaster huddles with his players during a timeout. Coach Feaster led his team to a 16-7 record this season.
DECEMBER 2017 | SPIRIT | 25
Recaping Fall Sport’s Progress
by Roland Lujambio
Six students playing this season for our fall sports talk about how their year went. Expressing their views on how the team has advanced, struggled, and overcome the obstacles they are faced with. Joel Lazaro speaking for football, Bennett Kienast speaking for boy’s polo, Paayal Desai speaking for girl’s tennis Fiona Schmidt speaking for girl’s golf, Olivia Bernat speaking for girl’s volleyball, and Taylor Shaffer speaking for cross country. Lancer Express: What was your biggest challenge this past season? Football: “The biggest challenge was injuries. We had a lot of injuries and that’s what brought us down the most.” Boys Polo: “We had a big tournament planned [at Stanford] that got cancelled. We didn’t play which hurts our rankings but we came back from that stronger. We had a team bonding trip so that was good. We are super close which helps a lot.” Girls Tennis: “Winning. A lot of girls had a hard time, their moral was low because they were all losing cause we are in a tough league.” Girls Golf: “Biggest challenge was having a lot of commitment issues this year. Sometimes someone wouldn’t show up and there was a lot of pressure to make up for the missing teammates.” Cross Country: “Personally my biggest challenge was not being able to run. As a team, the most challenging thing was proving ourselves to other teams and beating them.” LE: Do you think the team will be ready for the challenges next season? Football: “There’s a lot of young students on varsity this year. I think they will be capable of taking on the challenges.” Boys Polo: “Carlsbad water polo has always had a strong tradition that will carry on. We help the younger kids which I hope will continue in the future.” Girls Golf: “My partner won’t be here next year. I don’t know how well I’ll work with the new girls. The beginning of the season is always hard for me.” Girls Volleyball: “I believe in our team. I think they are really good athletes and if they really work hard that they can accomplish more in CIF. Cross Country: “I’m going to be training some students over the summer and getting them ready. I think they’re going to do really well. I’m excited to see how it goes.” LE: What was the most memorable point in the past season? Football: “I would say winning against Saint Augustine was the most memorable point. It’s been about eight years since we last beat them.” Boys Polo: “There was this one tournament we got second place in and that was probably the most memorable thing we did.” Girls Golf: “We played in a match against SDA and I made an eagle which is two strokes and a par. It was the first time I had ever done that Girls Volleyball: “The most memorable point was when we won our first CIF game because it was the first CIF game that we have won in six years.” Cross Country: “My last cross country race which was the only race I got to do because of my injury. It was cool to come back for the last race. ” 1. Senior Chandler Paterson prepares the team for a game against Vista high school. The football team went 6-6 this season and made it to the CIF semifinals. 2. Riley Crats plays defense against... The water polo team finished the season at 16-7 and fought hard in a close CIF semifinal. 3. The girls tennis team huddles before a match against...The tennis team finished 6-15, although the team is in a tough league they are hopeful for next year. 4. Senior Kate Neveille sets up to tee off in a match at the La Costa golf course. Girls golf finished the season strong...? 5. The cross country team starts a race at Gaujomie Community Park. The cross coutry team struggled this season, finising 9th in CIF for the Girls and 10th for the boys. Not pictured: girls volleyball
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