profiles
October 1, 2010
Page 13
MTV show inspires positive interaction by Crystle Dewolf staff writer
Challenge Day is a program designed to probe students to harbor tolerance of others’ differences. During these inspirational and life changing six and a half hours, students take part in games and ice breakers before divulging their secrets and troubles with their fellow peers. MTV’s If You Really Knew Me raises the question, “Could my school benefit from a Challenge Day?” Steep expenses—$100 per student and $350 per adult— and a limited number of participants, 100 maximum, prevent Challenge Day from transpiring on this campus. According to Laura Ilardo, social worker, cliques and bullying are existent on campus; however, she is not sure if it can be considered a “problem” yet. Advice Ilardo gives to students going through a tough time is, “tell an adult.” Ilardo’s office, room 116, is open everyday. Just walk in and schedule an appointment, e-mail her, or ask a teacher. Unitown is a program provided on campus similar to Challenge Day and is coordinated annually by Ilardo for students. “Unitown completely altered my life, I’m much more involved in charity now,” said Brock Vowell, junior. Vowell was labeled an “emo kid” and a “scene kid” because of the way he looked and dressed. When asked about the labels he’d been given, Vowell said, photo by cristina teran
“I dislike them, they create social boundaries.” In the television show, student Mathew, sophomore, said “If you really knew me, then you’d know that, school isn’t the only place I feel alone.” Matthew was categorized as a “nerd” at his school simply because he’s different than everyone else. Paris High was filmed for MTV’s If You Really Knew Me after the conclusion was made that their student body was in desperate need of an attitude adjustment. “To me, one of the main issues at Paris High is simply the fact that adolescents are very self-centered little creatures.” said Sandra Storm, an English teacher at Paris High. Challenge Day was enlisted to unify the students of Paris. One particularly emotional Challenge Day activity is known as “the power shuffle.” “The way it works is, we’re going to call out different categories or situations and if what we say applies to you, we’re going to have you cross over the line.” explained Jennifer Wilson, one of 22 Challenge Day leaders. The students who crossed the line learned how wrong they were about being in this alone. Students who did not cross the line showed respect for those who did by throwing up the universal sign of love—“I love you” in sign language. If people really knew you, what would they know? If You Really Knew Me airs Tuesdays at 11 p.m. on MTV.
news editor
He’s been musically talented since birth. When he was in fourth grade, he began taking piano lessons, and in college, he started receiving singing lessons. One of the most versatile teachers at the school, Dana Graybeal is the music coordinator who teaches choir, vocal ensemble, guitar, piano and orchestra. He attended college at Grand Canyon University and earned his masters degree in music composition. He has been teaching at this school since 1995. Outside of the classroom, he still makes music a huge part of his life. “I was in the Phoenix Symphony’s chorus for five years and then I decided to take a year off,” said Graybeal. During that year off he planned to join the Phoenix Opera,
Male cheerleader finally fulfills dream of becoming Spirited chief by shea sullivan
tone his muscles and to become a stronger performer. He also enjoys pep rallies and home The strength of a male cheerleader is the games. When asked why he decided to become strength that will carry the entire team. a cheerleader he stated, “Buffy the vampire Micah Hillier, senior, is the first male slayer was a cheerleader, and she was my hero cheerleader at this school for at least the past when I was growing up.” five years. Hillier tried out for the squad two Nikki Olsen, senior, recalls a time in third previous years, and on his third try, he made grade with fellow student Hillier. She has the team. This brings more meaning to the known him since she was a little girl. term, “third time’s the “I have movies of charm.” him dancing and havWhen presented ing a good time in third with the news of being grade. He is always the selected for the cheerone to make people leading squad, Hillier laugh and [he] enjoys said, “I screamed into making up dance routhe phone. I was so tines,” she said. overwhelmed and I Olsen also states, couldn’t believe it was “When he found out true.” that he made the team, Although everyhe called me on the thing seemed to be gophone screaming, and ing smoothly, Hillier then he came over to states, “Cheer camp my house and jumped was one of the most on me!” disappointing experiJennifer Kekic, photo by shea sullivan cheerleading coach said ences of my life. They have expectations of Newest addition to the cheer squad, Mi- Micah is making great what I should do, and cah Hillie, practices his technique, while progress. He’s working I had to stand in the also showing his Chief Pride. on his tumbling, and back, while all the girls also working out. were all dancing and Hillier is a very talcreating new routines.” ented and spirited male cheerleader. He adds Hillier is optimistic about performing this flavor and spice to the team, and keeps a posiyear on the spirit line. He often works out to tive and upbeat attitude. staff writer
“If you really knew me, then you’d know that I love munching on ice, I’m a mutt, and I love dancing in the rain with my friends.” – Angelina Moy, sophomore.
“If you really knew me, then you’d know that I have over half of my body tattooed.” – Aaron Brayer, math teacher.
“If you really knew me, then you’d know that I ride horses.” – Lindsey Hoffman, junior.
“If you really knew me, then you’d know that I speak Russian.” – Michael Nekatlov, senior.
Versatile teacher delights his students by cristina teran
Teacher Dana Graybeal conducts his first hour orchestra class in preparation for their upcoming concert.
“If you really knew me, then you’d know that I love to dance.” – Aaron Bird, freshman.
but then he received a call from a friend in a band called “Fall Away” and he joined the group as one of their three singers. “We do a lot of corporate gigs,” said Graybeal, “casinos and such.” When asked why he teaches instead of practicing his music full time he replied, “I didn’t like traveling really, it got old really fast.” He was the principal cellist for the Phoenix College Orchestra for 12 years and has been the conductor for four years. After retirement Graybeal said he will continue to teach privately and continue with the Phoenix Choir/Opera. Over time, he has developed talents such as learning to play all instruments but claims “not to be good at all of them.” Catch him in action at his next choir/orchestra concert on Oct. 7 in the school auditorium at 7 p.m.