2015 16, issue 3 by Laurie Bender

VOLUME 40• ISSUE 3•DECEMBER 11, 2015• KAMIAKIN HIGH SCHOOL • 600 N. ARTHUR ST. • KENNEWICK, WA 99336

Around the Campfire NEWS & FEATURE

FRIDAY, DEC. 11, 2015 The Tomatalk • Kamiakin High School

Winter Wishes: granting wishes all over campus By STACI TRIVETT STAFF REPORTER

very year, ASB leads the student body in a way to help out our fellow Braves. Winter wishes and the giving tree are annual events organized as a way to help students who need things that they cannot afford. Students received slips in their homerooms in the middle of November, earlier than usual, to write what they truly need this year. They could also request a need for a friend to be fulfilled. ASB combed through the slips to try to fil-

ter out things that seem more like wants than needs. After this, ASB wrote the winter wishes on slips shaped like snowmen or trees and hung them on a tree located in the library. Students and staff are encouraged to pick a slip off the tree and give the gift that is written on the slip if they are able to do so. The gifts are then placed under the tree and ASB will either personally deliver them to the students, or present them at the winter assembly. These events have acted as a way to bring the student body together by helping each other out when we can. Parents and even Kamiakin alumni will call in and ask if there are any wishes that they can take to be able to help out the students. This is a way that students can get things they need like food, warm winter clothes, and even things for babies for the teen parents. If ASB feels like the student

may be embarrassed about not having money for the thing they will be receiving, they will give the gift to the student without any others around. For the larger, more memorable gifts, they will be presented in front of the school at the winter assembly. This allows the school to see how helping out a student and their family who cannot afford things that others can afford will help bring the school together. Librarian Lucy Razor said, “I feel like having winter wishes definitely is a great thing because I do feel like we have some students in need and it helps them hopefully without embarrassing them. I feel like it also gives emotional help to them having them feel cared for because we do care and try to help each other.” The Winter Wishes Tree in the library. Photo by Staci Trivett

Winter Is Here! Let’s Go Ice Skating! By TAYLOR HUNZEKER STAFF REPORTER

he days are getting colder and the nights are getting longer. That means winter is here. Even though the days are shorter, the fun shouldn’t stop. In the Tri-Cities, not a lot of snow

comes, but there are other things you can do instead of building snowmen and sledding. One thing that is well known for doing in the Tri-Cities is ice skating at the Toyota Arena. An hour or two at the rink with family members or a group of friends can make happy memories and smiles brighter.

Ice Skating. Photo courtesy of Pixabay.com

The Toyota Arena is a spacious building with snacks and drinks to enjoy while taking a break and watching people skate around the rink. Admissions are $6 and an addition of $2 for skates and is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is a family friendly arena and is a place that can be

fun for everyone. This winter should be fun, and ice skating is one of many things that can be done here in the Tri-Cities. Ice skating will have anyone spinning in happiness. This season should be full of enjoyment and the Toyota Arena holds the key.

Ice skate. Photo courtesy of Pixabay.com

FRIDAY, DEC. 11, 2015 The Tomatalk Kamiakin High School

Around theNEWS Campfire & FEATURE

Paxton Anderson: capturing the memories By EMILY BAER NEWS & FEATURE EDITOR

unior Paxton Anderson truly captures memories through the lens of her camera. Her love of photography began when she would look at Pinterest and then would try to take similar pictures on her phone. Her parents recognized the talent and passion Anderson had for photography and got her a Canon camera as a gift. This would revolutionize her photography experience. After a lot of practice in picture taking and Photoshop, Anderson quickly became a skilled photographer. She loves showing her perspective on different things through her picture taking. Opportunities have

arisen for Anderson because of her talents. Anderson now works for Northwest Construction Services. In her job she takes pictures of a house from start to finish. These pictures are then used to ensure that the builders are using all the money for materials and that certain tasks are done by the specific deadline for that task. “It’s very easy and gives me tons of practice behind a camera, and now I know more stuff about construction, too,” said Anderson. Along with her job at Northwest Construction Services, Anderson also takes senior photos. She enjoys making people feel good about themselves and successfully does this through

her skills in photography. Another hobby of Anderson’s is hiking. “I love hiking because it’s exercise that’s not like running on a treadmill, and I love nature and it’s just peaceful. I get to take photos, too,” said Anderson. Making memories through the pictures she takes, whether it’s during a hike, senior photos, with friends, or for a job, Paxton Anderson will have a great story to tell through her pictures about her high school years.

Junior Paxton Anderson posing for a photoshoot. Photo courtesy of Natalie Draper

Foreign Exchange Student: Hadyl Saker By AMBER PERRY SHENANIGANS EDITOR

adyl Saker is one of the many foreign exchange students this year. She came from Tunisia, which is in Africa, right underneath Italy. She loves swim, photography, the snow, and being here! Q: What is the strangest/funniest experience you’ve had since you’ve been here? A: That’s a hard one! I think what was the funniest was when people asked me why I wasn’t black- that was strange for me -people wondering “Why aren’t you like black? You’re African!” It’s like, why are you even asking? Q: What other languages do you speak? A: I speak Arabic, French, and I’m learning German. I’m taking the class in Kamiakin. I love languages! Was it easy? I think after the second one, it started to be easy. Q: If you could tell Ameri-

Hadyl Saker was really excited to see snow for the first time! Photo by Amber Perry

cans one thing about your culture, what would it be? A: We’re very diverse but we’re still human. Because some tourists look at us and think that we’re weird. We’re diverse. It doesn’t mean we’re wrong or right. We’re just different. Q: What have you learned as a foreign exchange student? A: Getting out of my comfort zone and meeting new people. I think of myself as a shy person, so it was difficult it at first because I got out of my comfort zone, but now I’m grateful for that because it made me a better person. Q: What about your country—what do you think would surprise Americans the most? A: We’re actually a normal country. We’re not dying and starving like people think we are! And we are very educated. Q: How is school different in your home country? Is it easier? Harder? A: I think it’s harder. I go to school from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and I take mandatory classes and I don’t get to pick classes like at Kamiakin. By the time you’re seniors, you have to take a lot

of science and a little bit of everything and four languages. I’m missing my sophomore year, so I have to go back and take it again. Q: Do you think a lot of students cheat in your school? A: No, I don’t think so. Not in my home country. I don’t think it’s about morals, but people have more self-respect so they care about the future, so they won’t cheat. Q: In Tunisia it’s predominantly 99 percent Sunni Muslim and 1 percent Christian. Was the big religious shift hard for you? A: Tunisia is a free country and predominantly most people are Muslims, but we respect the minorities. It was a fun experience to see diverse and different religions, and you don’t have to be the same to understand each other. Going to a Christian church with my host family was amazing. Q: Any last words? A: I’m very grateful to be here and be able to represent my country the best way I can, and I want to thank everyone for being so friendly and welcoming!

Around the Campfire NEWS & FEATURE

FRIDAY, DEC. 11, 2015 The Tomatalk • Kamiakin High School

Teacher Spotlight: Kelsey Buckles By RONNIE HENDERSON STAFF REPORTER

here’s a warm welcome to be given to a new teacher, and her name is Kelsey Buckles. Mrs. Buckles filled in for Chris Staton after he left right before the end of first quarter. Mrs. Buckles is a math teacher and she is teaching Algebra 3-4 and Pre-calculus. Mrs. Buckles grew up in the Badger Canyon area, graduating from Richland

High School but moved to upstate New York State when her husband was stationed there. In New York, she was a substitute teacher at different schools. Mrs. Buckles didn’t like it in New York. “I hated it. It was too cold there,” she said. She returned to Tri-Cities to be near family and friends since her husband is now stationed in Afghanistan. Mrs. Buckles’ favorite drink is Dr. Pepper and she likes to go to The Bread Store

that’s in downtown Kennewick, or Zips. Her favorite artist is Ozzy Osbourne, and her favorite color is green. Mrs. Buckles also has a Pomeranian and a husband. Her favorite movie is ‘Gone with the Wind.’ One of Mrs. Buckles’ favorite memories at Kamiakin so far is when she was showing a math video to her class and her students started to fall asleep. After a while she would repeatedly say, “My favorite part is coming up,”

and when the part came she screamed, “Woohoo,” and everyone woke up startled. When she first came to Kamiakin, Mrs. Buckles said, “It was a rough start, but I feel like I fit in now, and I love the school and how fun the kids are.” One thing she wants her students to accomplish is to be able to think critically for themselves. A pet peeve of hers is when her kids stand by the door waiting for the bell to ring.

Terrorism: are we really safe? By RYAN FOLTA STAFF REPORTER

riday, Nov. 13, terrorists attacked multiple locations in Paris, sending France into a state of emergency. At least 140 people died and more than 300 people were injured. The terrorists were reported to be wearing suicide vests and had bombs. Allies of France are giving support to them in numerous ways from sending them supplies, all the way to updating their Facebook profile pictures displaying the French flag, as well as posts in several media sites such as YouTube and Twitter.

By SHALANEY WOODWARD STAFF REPORTER

ave you ever considered how difficult it is to be deaf? Countless may not realize that deaf people have challenges we may not face. How do they communicate if someone does not know sign language? How often do people think of accommodating to the hard of hearing? The regular person may not think outside the box to accommodate those other than the physically disabled. Senior Hannah Monson said, “ASL in drive through would allow the business to grow in the amount of people they can cater to, and their business would feel the effects suddenly.” A frequent customer at a Starbucks in St. Augustine, Fla. posted a video of their great new technology. The video consisted of a deaf person coming up

Then last week, a couple killed 14 people in San Bernardino who were innocently attending a Christmas party. News sources revealed that the couple were terrorists, the woman recently pledging loyalty to ISIS. This has made Americans feel unsafe on their own soil, and it brings up a valid question to our minds: Are we prepared in case terrorists strike here in Tri-Cities? We have two protocols that staff carry out if there is an attack on campus. The first scenario is an off campus situation that is “violence in the community” and the goal is to keep the at-

to the drive through that activated two different types of greetings before activating a video link. After the greeting was done, an employee came up in a small square on the corner of the ordering screen. The employee, Katie Wyble, is fluent with American Sign Language so that she would be able to communicate effectively. Monson said, “When word gets out in deaf culture, it spreads like a rapid fire. [It] would also allow the deaf community to feel welcomed more, and feel accepted.” Wyble told WJAX-TV, “I think people need to know about what we’re doing because it moves customer service to a whole new level.” A number of employers would think that it is not a good investment to cater to the minority in each city. But in fact the business would thrive from accommodating to the minority because it

tacks out of the school boundaries. The second scenario is an on campus attack. These two scenarios will result in a modified lockdown for the first and a full lockdown for the second. When asked about attacks in our community or school, Principal Chris Chelin said, “We try to be the hardest target that we can be, and the reason why high schools aren’t targeted that much is because of how prepared we are. Terrorists typically try attacking somewhere else, and if it was successful, then they bring it here.” Even though the Tri-Cities are not

Kelsey Buckles has filled in for Chris Staton. Photo by Ronnie Henderson

major towns in Washington, there are still a lot of dangers that pose a threat in our region. Many people in the greater Tri-City area have asked these questions: How safe are we if Hanford has a nuclear meltdown? What happens if a terrorist takes out Bonneville or McNary Dams? What would happen if terrorists knock out the power grid? Are our schools prepared for an attack? All of these things are very real threats, and it is how prepared we are that will judge what would happen if a terrorist attack occurs. It could even be a matter of attack versus attempt.

Students Practicing American Sign Language with each other. Photo courtesy of Kristopher Skinner/ Contra Costa Times/MCT

would bring in more business. Junior Christy Craigo said, “It would make things more deaf friendly and benefits

the community, making the business well known and appreciated for its deaf -friendly environment.”

FRIDAY, DEC. 11, 2015 The Tomatalk • Kamiakin High School

Around theNEWS Campfire & FEATURE

November: National Diabetes Awareness Month By SHILOH BAGLEY STAFF REPORTER

iabetes: Everyone has heard about it. But does everyone know what it is? When people think of diabetes, they think of loads and loads of sugar or the Wilford Brimley video famously known as ‘Diabeetus.’ Jokes are always heard about this disease, but no one knows the seriousness of its condition. Diabetes is a carbohydrate metabolic disease involving the inadequate production of insulin from the pancreas. Insulin is what keeps your blood sugars from spiking through the roof. Too much insulin production can cause your blood sugar to be too low, while on the other end, if there’s not enough insulin being produced, your blood sugar will be too high. At both of these extremes, the person can end up in diabetic shock. Now that you know a little about diabetes, here’s another little fact. There are two types of diabetes. Type 1, also known as juvenile diabetes, is where the pancreas makes little to no insulin. Type 1 diabetics use insulin pens or pumps to regulate how much insulin is in their bodies. This is what they’re born with. Every year there are about 200,000 new cases in the U.S. Type 2 is when the body has a hard time processing the glucose intake. This is a lot more common, with about three million new cases every year in the U.S. and is usually developed when you are older. This one can be cured. The month of November is National Diabetes Awareness month. People all over the country organize walks and wear red and gray, the colors of the diabetes ribbon. Here in our tribe we even have a few diabetics of our own who have to go through needles and blood every day. One of them is sophomore Katie Selby who was diagnosed at the very young age

of 3. “I was really thirsty all the time and I got really sick as a child. I was really tiny for my age and since I was so small, I bruised easily and my parents thought it was something else,” Selby said. People usually don’t know they have diabetes until they get sick and are sent to hospitals. In fact, some people die from diabetic shock. Most of those who don’t have diabetes or aren’t familiar with it have this preconceived idea of what diabetes is and it can drive diabetics crazy. “[when people tell me] that I live off sugar, because I don’t. People say, ‘Oh since you’re diabetic you can eat sugar all you want.’ That’s not true, because if we eat too much sugar, our blood sugar can go high. The only time I eat sugar, really, is if my blood sugar is low so my blood sugar will go back to normal,” sophomore Myra Knight said. Taking care of their bodies and constantly getting blood sugar readings can really wear them out, especially during sports or after eating a lot of carbs.

“My mom has always had my back and helped me remember even though it’s not my fault, it’s a disease you are just born with, and they’ve helped me,” Selby said. Families and friends are great if you are struggling with finding confidence in yourself if you have just been diagnosed with diabetes. “You’re not alone. There are people that have it and go through the same thing. With me, I felt alone. When I met Katie Selby, I knew she had it,” Knight said. “People accept me for what I have and help me through it, too. So just find the right groups of people that will help you go through it.” There are still so many things that people don’t know about diabetes. ”I want people to know that diabetes isn’t a joke. It is a deadly disease, the seventh leading cause of death actually. So do not bully the kids that have it. We go to bed every night not knowing if we will wake up in the morning. Our disease is a joke in the public’s eye but it is our life on the line,” senior Sam Kester said.

If you would like to comment, write a letter to the editor, or submit a guest article, contact us at: The Tomatalk: Kamiakin High School, 600 North Arthur, Kennewick, WA, 99336, (509) 222-7015, email tomatalk@ksd.org, or go online at www.tomatalk.com and comment there or take a poll.

Staff:

Adviser: Laurie Bender Editor-in-Chiefs: Chloe Grundmeier and Andy Ha News Feature Editor: Emily Baer Sports Editor: Sierra Reams In-Depth Editor: Chloe Grundmeier Opinion Editor: Emily Aardahl Entertainment Editor: Andy Ha Online Editors: Rachel Soh Cover made by: Rachel Soh

Staff Reporters:

Alejandro Andrade, Shiloh Bagley, Ryan Folta, Veronica Henderson, Reuben Hopper, Taylor Hunzeker, Madison Morgan, Kacey Owsley, Amber Perry, Cassandra Welch, Shalaney Woodward, Kaylee Zuhlke MISSION STATEMENT:

The purpose of the Tomatalk is to inform, entertain, and further educate the students at Kamiakin High School and the surrounding community.

PUBLICATION POLICY:

Content is determined by the staff. Students are protected and bound by the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States and other protections and limitations afforded by the Constitution and the various court decisions relative to student publications. The Tomatalk has been established as a forum for student expression and as a voice in the free and open discussion of issues. The staff of the Tomatalk is expected to be professional, objective, truthful and accurate. The staff will adhere to Washington State Law (WAC 180-40-215) which prohibits the following material to be published: 1. Potentially libelous material 2. Malicious attacks on an individual’s character 3. Material which is excessively vulgar or obscene 4. Material which encourages illegal activity

EDITORIAL POLICY:

Editorials are the opinions of the individual members of the Tomatalk staff and are not intended to express the opinions of the administration, staff, students of Kamiakin High School, nor the advertisers in this newspaper. As a forum for student expression, the Tomatalk will publish letters to the editor. All letters are due one week before the next publication date. The staff reserves the right to edit or omit submissions as necessary. All letters must be signed by the student submitting them, However, if a student prefers his/her name not appear in the publication, his/her name may be withheld. All letters to the editor must be 300 words or less. In cases involving political or controversial issues, staff members are encouraged to solicit all points of view.

Follow us on Twitter! @KaHS__Tomatalk Senior Sam Kester, photographed at age 12, in the hospital when she was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Photo courtesy of Sam Kester

Around the Campfire NEWS & FEATURE

n most classrooms teachers dictate whether the student can or cannot use the bathroom during class time. There are some teachers who are suspicious of a student using the bathroom at such a specific time, but at least 35 percent of the school has a “pee schedule.” We asked 180 students in 10 randomly picked classrooms to take a survey to determine how much of our school has this “pee schedule” phenomenon. According to our data, 35 percent of students actually have a

dedicated time to use the bathroom and 64 percent believe this “pee schedule” to be real. The students also believe that they should have the right to use the bathroom whenever they need to use the bathroom when the time is appropriate. English teacher Tina Ross was surveyed on her own views and thoughts of students who have a habit of using the bathroom during class time. Ms. Ross believes that students should go to the bathroom after the lecture. “Students should go on their time and use their

FRIDAY, DEC. 11, 2015 The Tomatalk • Kamiakin High School

6 passing periods wisely,” Ross said. There are also many health problems that correlate with someone holding in their pee for too long. “Would you rather have them urinate in their pants, or hold their bladder and get a UTI?” Senior Connor Vanvalkenburg said. Some say that they should have the right to use the bathroom when they need to. “It is a normal human function and we should not be denied of this natural human right!” senior Marlee Briggs said. Senior Mason Wash-

burn believes the teacher should respect the responsibility of the student. “We are not in elementary school. It is our education and if we want to miss five minutes of class to pee then it’s our problem,” he said. In a more simplistic reasoning, “When you gotta go, you gotta go,” junior Seth Wolf said. 97.2 percent of the students agree that the teachers should let them use the bathroom whenever they need to.

By RACHEL SOH ONLINE EDITOR

Rolling on a Budget for Christmas By ANDY HA E D I T O R- I N- C H I E F

hristmas, what a wonderful expensive time of the year, spending hundreds of dollars on loved one as gifts. With how the economy is right now, most people are not able to spend as much money on materialistic items for the holidays. With only a matter of weeks away from Christmas, most people are barely getting to Christmas shopping, and they are most likely to be organizing their budget to make sure that everything is equal. Well fret not, here are some gifts that can be purchased for under $20.

A great gift to get a loved one that is affordable is a cell phone case. Almost everyone has a phone now and having a phone case will be a great gift considering that it can be gifted to anyone of any age. It can be bought in store or online, which is a huge convenience. It also doesn’t hurt one’s wallet, with phone cases ranging from as cheap as 99 cents on Amazon or eBay to $19.99 on Etsy or at Best Buy. Another amazing present to get loved ones is mugs. People love a great coffee mug. It can be a customized mug with personalized drawings on them or it can be of a favorite show or movie. Either way, it will definitely show loved ones that effort was put

into the gift, with custom-made cups or a cup of your loved one’s favorite show, movie, or artist. A custom mug costs $6.99 on vistaprint.com and can range from $9-$17 at Walmart. One last great gift to give friends and family is funny clothing accessories. Accessories have become a huge fashion trend over the years. Whether it is watermelon socks or a beanie with cat ears, the idea can be customized to each individual. This gift idea also leaves a little extra in one’s wallet to spend on themselves. The price range for these accessories go from $10-$20 at Zumiez and Tilly’s.

Custom mug courtesy of Etsy.com Phone case for iPhone 5, courtesy of Etsy.com

Watermelon socks courtesy of Zumiez.com

FRIDAY, DEC. 11, 2015 The Tomatalk • Kamiakin High School

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Tribal Talk

FRIDAY, DEC. 11, 2015 The Tomatalk • Kamiakin High School

OPINION & EDITORIAL

Should employees be required to work holidays?

PRO: By AMBER PERRY SHENANIGANS EDITOR

his Christmas, will you be wearing a Santa hat behind the counter of McDonald’s? It may not be the first entry on your bucket list. However, employees may fight to take your spot behind the counter for a myriad of reasons—just one being to glory in the revenue of a holiday bonus. “Working Thanksgiving and New Year’s doesn’t bother me,” senior Cassidy Rowe said. “I work at a coffee shop so I get extra tips!” Perks come with the rush, and having the right job at the right time pays off. Literally. At Burlington Northern-Santa Fe (BNSF) railroad, employees receive compensation of a time and a half for working holidays. On any given day, the workers could earn up to $350. Multiply that by 1.5 and “..if you’re working on Christmas you could earn as much as $900 that day,” BNSF train engineer Elias Arnold said. “You may just celebrate on a different day, and your whole Christmas could be paid for.” Pretty sweet deal, right? However, not everyone works for the railroad. What about locally? For senior Jacoby Jordan, working the holidays isn’t an option. “I work at Zumiez at the mall, so it’s closed on Christmas.”

CON: By KAYLEE ZUHLKE STAFF REPORTER

he holiday season: an optimal time for stuffing yourself with baked goods and catching up with loved ones. Whether the snow is falling, the turkey is cooking, or you’re dressing up for Halloween, these celebrated days are meant to be spent with personal, traditional enjoyment. Nationwide, many employers are stripping their employees of the joy of these annual traditions by forcing hours on days like Christmas or Thanksgiving. Much of this is done to maximize profits for the corporate level and appeal to those last-minute shoppers who failed to prepare themselves for the holiday at hand. Employees from all companies should be given the right to celebrate any annual holiday that pertains to them. If your culture doesn’t celebrate Christmas, that’s fine. Be with your family on Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, or whatever else it is that you hold as a family tradition. It is too often that employers seem to disregard the humanistic individuality of their employees. It almost seems as if these humans are just puppets on the corporate conveyor belt of the company’s success. Does it not seem unfair that employees low on

“

[W]hen people don’t celebrate a holiday it could be pretty annoying to have stores closed while they’re trying to spend an evening at the movies, a restaurant, or the library.

”

For those who don’t celebrate certain holidays, the hype may be a painful reminder, and so working is no big deal. In contrast, when people don’t celebrate a holiday it could be pretty annoying to have stores closed while they’re trying to spend an evening at the movies, a restaurant, or the library. College students far from family may see working on a holiday as a distraction from the grief of not being at home. But, if students are homesick, wouldn’t working make it worse? It all truly depends on their situation, culture, psyche, and morals. If all else fails and they do work on a holiday, they should just remember to not be discouraged. As Buddy the Elf would say, just “sing loud for all to hear, and be a source of holiday cheer.”

“

As a retail worker in an entrylevel, minimum wage position, I can solemnly say that working can take some of the joy out of the holiday season.

Many mall stores allow their employees to work on the holidays. This may help them afford much needed holiday gifts. Photo by Ryan Folta.

”

the company food chain scrape for cash at a job that pulls them away from their families as the CEOs and such are treating their own families to a luxurious week-long Christmas vacation in Cabo? As a retail worker in an entry-level, minimum wage position, I can solemnly say that working can take some of the joy out of the holiday season. Too many times already have I faced the undeserved wrath of a desperate and frantic middle-aged mother who CANNOT BELIEVE that we managed to run out of stuffing, on Thanksgiving Day. Or, God forbid, we have no tinsel for the Douglas fir tree that you finally picked up on Dec. 24. Holidays are a time for family tradition and merriness, not misery and detachment from the loneliness of a cubicle. Forget this “we’re only open till 5 o’clock on Thanksgiving Day – that’s good enough!” stuff. Any individual person deserves the right to enjoy a stress-free, workless, genuinely happy holiday.

Holiday is for spending time with your family, not with angry retail customers. Photo courtesy of homemydesign.com

FRIDAY, DEC. 11, 2015 The Tomatalk • Kamiakin High School

KaHS Editorial Board Chloe Grundmeier & Andy Ha, EICs Emily Baer, News & Feature Emily Aardahl, Opinion

Sierra Reams, Sports Amber Perry, Shenanigans Rachel Soh, Online EIC

What we think...

We’ve lost the true meaning of Christmas: bring back a sense of family, giving, and fun to this holiday season Imagine a Christmas where children are playing games and adults are conversing while drinking eggnog. Everyone has a smile on their faces and are enjoying each other’s company while sitting around a fireplace. But that Christmas feeling has slowly dissipated over the years. Christmas has become a day of getting presents and fancy luxuries that aren’t necessary. In this materialistic society, we have come to rely on gifts and objects that we won’t keep for more than a year or two. A materialistic Christmas is what is wrong with the holidays today. Christmas should not be superficial. The meaning of Christmas is family, selflessness, and helping others. Everyone has a different familial situation, but everyone has at least one person in their family or someone that they consider family that they love. That is who Christmas is all about. This one family member or friend is who makes getting together during the holidays wonderful and full of spirit. Another thing that brings back the true meaning of Christmas is the idea of being selfless. Christmas is the one time to be generous even if you are not generous every day. Most people worry about what they are going to get for Christmas and having their list ready so they can get what they want for Christmas. Instead of focusing on what you want for Christmas, focus on what

you want to give to your close ones, like your parents. Show them that you love and care about them before they aren’t in your life anymore. Christmas is also a time to help others. Whether it’s going down to the local shelter with blankets and old clothes, going and serving dinner to homeless people, helping mom prepare Christmas dinner, or just even being present at Christmas, one can experience a deep sense of satisfaction when they give back. People make posts on social media about how they went out and did something that they deem a good deed. People should worry more about being present with what they are doing to help, whether it is helping your family, friends, or just some stranger in your community. Be in the moment, which could probably be the biggest thing you can do to help this holiday season. The feeling of Christmas will return when the true meaning of Christmas is accepted. When the good times are focused on rather than the bad, Christmas gatherings will be an amazing experience. When your loved ones open the gifts you bought them, it will feel great to know you put a smile on their faces. When giving your old hand-medowns to a homeless child down at the local shelter, there will be a new level of appreciation for the things you have. Once all this happens, Christmas will return to the way it used to be – the most wonderful time of the year.

Tribal Talk

OPINION & EDITORIAL

Zodiac signs: Is it really all in the stars? By KAYLEE ZUHLKE STAFF REPORTER

“T

he study of the movements and relative positions of celestial bodies interpreted as having an influence on human affairs and the natural world,” or in simple terms, astrology: Is it all made up mumbojumbo or predictions made by an external predictor of destiny? As an Aries, zodiac charts label me as fun-loving, generous, and optimistic, with an enthusiastic strive for adventure and independence. Although I can agree with these descriptive terms, there are no confirmed scientific facts behind the validity of astrology. In the spirit of the holiday season, I suppose you could say astrology is a little bit like Santa Claus; you either choose to believe in it, or you don’t. “What’s your sign? That was an actual pickup line in the 70s,” career counselling advisor Debbie Smith said. “I think some of the traits they say online go with my personality. I still like to read my horoscope, too.” The history of astrology dates

back to the third millennium BC. Up until the 17th century, astrology was considered a scholarly tradition and helped drive the development of astronomy, the branch of science that deals with celestial objects, space, and the physical universe as a whole. Some of its concepts also influenced alchemy, meteorology, and medicine. Sophomore Parker Larson feels as if what he’s heard about his sign just doesn’t quite match up. “I’m a Libra, and that’s about all I know about astrology. I don’t really read into them, but I personally I think it’s kind of weird to have your personality predicted by a sign.” The academic standing of astrology declined in the later 17th century when its credibility was questioned scientifically. Popularity has since increased in the 20th century through mass media such as the internet and newspaper horoscopes. Even if you think it’s phony garbage, it’s sometimes quite interesting just how ‘coincidentally’ accurate your zodiac traits could be according to what you already know about yourself.

Should commercial drones be legal? By REUBEN HOPPER STAFF REPORTER

Drones are quickly growing in popularity as they become cheaper and more powerful. One of the biggest breakthroughs for commercial drones is package delivery. Amazon wants to be able to send anything smaller than five pounds to houses via drone delivery. This would allow someone to buy something online and, if it’s in the local stock, it could arrive at their house in less than 10 minutes. They have all the technology to do this but the only thing that is stopping them is the Federal Aviation Administration, making it illegal to fly a drone out of sight of the owner. But why do these laws exist? Drones form a big threat to privacy. Drones almost always have cameras attached to them and these cameras would be flying over homes and could spy on people. Drones can be shot out of the air, causing them to fall out of the sky and potentially injure someone. On Nov. 11, a drone ran into the

Seattle Ferris Wheel and landed on a table below. No one was injured and the owner has not yet been found. Even though there might be problems with drones, people shouldn’t let that fear stop them from achievement. When cars first became mass produced, people were freaking out about how dangerous they were. Some went so far as to say they should be illegal. Today, that is seen as a crazy idea. The benefits of cars are greater than the risks. In the future, society might view drones in the same way. Drones can search areas too dangerous for people, such as burning buildings or places really high up. They can quickly observe crops so that farmers know exactly what needs to be done. This technology allows filmmakers to tape shots that would have been impossible before. Package delivery was already mentioned and of course, they’re also quite an entertaining toy to play with.

Tribal Talk

OPINION & EDITORIAL

FRIDAY, DEC. 11, 2015 The Tomatalk • Kamiakin High School

Let’s start a trend: buy a cop a coffee By RYAN FOLTA STAFF REPORTER

ver the past few years, law enforcement of any kind has been under fire from numerous, persistent, rioters, protesters, and radicals. This has made the job of an ordinary police officer very hard and stressful due to the one-sided crowd that bashes police action that requires law enforcement to follow correct procedure, and use force. Society today sees any physical force that police use and label it police brutality. With the never-ending hate that any law enforcement officer has to endure, it makes them hesitate to take an action, even if it’s necessary. Kamiakin’s on-site officer Chis Buroker said that he was very thankful that people are willing to donate money for drink for police officers. When asked if his job has been stressful due to all the speculation to law enforcement, he said “media has made my job stressful lately, and it paints a grim picture about us.” Last year when the Pasco shooting occurred, Buroker said, “Media is publicizing police brutality. The Pasco shooting has made our jobs more difficult for all local agencies.” Buroker has been a law enforcement officer for 20 years and his goal has always been “to catch the

bad guys and keeping us safe.” This is just the effect of one officer. Imagine what is going through the minds of all the other law enforcers across the nation. Since the holidays are coming up and spirits are high, lets show compassion and thanks to our local police. Some people are trying to start a national trend called “Buy a Cop a Coffee.” The idea consists of going to a coffee shop like Starbucks or Dutch Bros. and putting money down on a gift card and telling the cashier or barista to use the money to pay for the police’s drink. The generous giving can even expand to buying drinks, finding an officer and giving it to them. Showing thanks and support to our local police would definitely be a good deed. It would be showing the people, that live to serve and protect you that you truly care about them. Good Samaritans all across the country should recognize how important the police is to a community because without them, our great nation would be in shambles. There is nothing better than doing a good deed, especially to those who keep the community safe. Together, everyone can make a difference. Just imagine how much a simple cup of coffee can do to make someone’s day.

Free coffe after donating $20 to law enforcement. Photo by Ronnie Henderson.

Even with the improving statistics for women in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers, the harrowing pressure of having to prove yourself is still stressful. There are many opportunities and careers available for female students who want to pursue a STEM career, but is there a gender bias? According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, a 2011 report shows that there has been “no [female] employment growth in STEM jobs since 2000.” (Forbes) Although this data happens to be outdated, there is still an important question to face: is the same trend happening in our school? According to the statistics taken from AP Physics this year, the classrooms are more male dominant in all of the classes. The overall average of girls in the classes is 36.4 %. AP Physics teacher Jennifer Tillenburg believes the gender demographics are slowly changing with more females in the classroom, however, she has noticed that her classes tended to be male dominant. She saw the same trend in her college experience. “In the small

classrooms with 15 people, there were about two girls,” Tillenburg said. In AP Biology, there are more girls present because of careers such as nursing so the bias isn’t as prominent. Allison Winward, an AP Biology teacher, talked about her own experience in college in her Calculus classes of 50 students. “There were about two women in the classroom. You had felt a sense that you had to do really well in the class. You had to prove yourself even more,” said Winward. The AP Chemistry teacher, Keith Duncan thought his classrooms to be pretty equal. “I treat my kids the same. And with my students that are going to college that’s not the case,” said Mr. Duncan. The classroom in his AP Chemistry class this year has predominantly female students – 68.75 percent of the class. Even if the statistics are improving, no one should be discouraged to join a STEM career field based on their gender and the distressing statistic should not discourage anyone from pursuing the career they want.

FRIDAY, DEC. 11, 2015 The Tomatalk • Kamiakin High School

Culturally different holidays around the world

By EMILY AARDAHL OP-ED EDITOR

In this day and age, it’s practically impossible to miss the holiday hype. Stores start setting out their Christmas decorations for purchase almost immediately after Halloween ends, and it isn’t completely unlikely to hear radio stations playing Christmas songs weeks before Thanksgiving. With all the focus of the season on Christmas (with a minuscule side helping of Hanukkah), it’s easy to gloss over or completely forget smaller cultural traditions across the world.

Berchtoldstag

A holiday that takes place in Switzerland and Liechtenstein, almost always celebrated on Jan. 2 on what is called the Rauhnacht, or Twelfth Night. On this day, people go out to eat and exchange wishes for the new year. In Switzerland, some cantons celebrate this holiday differently than others. Hallwil, in the canton of Aargau, holds a parade called the Bärzeli where participants dress up and wear masks that symbolize fertility, wisdom, and more. Some say this holiday celebrates Duke Berchtold V of Zähringen, who founded Switzerland’s capital, Bern, after he went on a hunting trip and successfully killed a bear.

Dongzhi Festival

This holiday generally takes place around Dec. 22, the Winter Solstice, which gives it its other name as the Winter Solstice Festival. Dongzhi is celebrated in China and East Asia. This is the last festival of the year, taking place just six weeks before the Lunar New Year. Many believe it is a turning point where everyone becomes a year older. During this holiday, families traditionally share tangyuan, which are balls of rice that symbolize reunion and often come in bright colors.

Nickanan Night

Originally used as an excuse for young children to run around and play practical jokes on their neighbors, this Cornish feast also came to represent mischief-making imps that find and display unguarded moments. Children would go around knocking on doors, with or without clubs, and run away before they could be caught. Some would also commit minor acts of vandalism by taking whatever was lying out around the property and placing it somewhere that everyone would see it the following morning. This would show that the occupants of the house lacked vigilance. This holiday takes place on the Monday before Lent, and is sometimes called Hall Monday or Peasen Monday.

Chief Legends In Depth

11 Thanksgiving: a time of family By MADI MORGAN STAFF REPORTER

hanksgiving is a time of family and giving thanks. Some are spent at home eating turkey, and others are spent fighting the chaos of Black Friday. “Last Thanksgiving I went to Black Friday. There was a lot of good sales,” said sophomore Rosa Carballo. “There was shoes on the ground and it was just nasty and I saved a lot of money that day. I got shoes, clothes. I think that’s pretty much it.” The Black Friday craziness was also apparent through various forms of social media. “The line at Target I saw on so many people’s stories [Snapchat] on Black Friday, it was all the way around the corner like down going to the street and I was just like oh

Lord, and how are you there? Like the people at the end of the line, what are you even doing? Go home. Be with your family,” said sopho-

people went shopping on Black Friday last year and $11,400,000,000 was spent according to Buzzfeed.com. Other families may

the Macy’s Day Parade, football, or eating a freshly cooked turkey. “We play ‘Phase Ten’ at my house on Thanksgiving, so

A wild turkey found in the Colville, Wash. Area. Turkeys, being the most popular meat served during Thanksgiving dinner, are a staple to the beloved holiday. Fun fact: the first Thanksgiving served fish rather than turkey because many different kinds of fish were more readily available at the time. Courtesy of Bob and Carol Lee.

more Rose Valiant. Almost 225,000,000

spend Thanksgiving together watching

and it has like a list of things you go through and the first person to get to the tenth thing wins. It gets so frustrating because every year my mom says, oh I never win and she’s the one that always goes out every time. She’s like, I never ever win and I’m like, you say that every year and you win every time. Then I end up leaving ‘cause I lose so bad,” said Valiant. “From its very beginning in 1621, the notion of the feast was to gather many in the interest of sharing what we had and what we liked,” reported the New York Times Nov. 11. “There is no more welcoming, inclusive holiday on the American calendar than Thanksgiving,” reported the New York Times Nov. 11.

that’s pretty crazy. It’s like a card game

Taboos in a different culture could be one’s daily routine By ALEX GRUNDMEIER STAFF REPORTER

Different cultures around the world have different beliefs; everybody knows that. This ranges from how people wash their dishes to what ingredients they use in their food. Taboos, which are customs prevented by social standing, are some of the beliefs that are taken more seriously. All countries have their own taboos, and share the same ideas (For example, don’t chew gum in public in Austria, Germany, Italy, or Malaysia). Some taboos in China revolve around Chinese New Year. On the first day of Chinese New Year, inauspicious words cannot be spoken. Some examples of this are break, spoil, die,

gone, or poor. Another belief is that things shouldn’t be broken or cut during Chinese New Year. When eating fish, diners should be careful to not break any of the bones. Noodles should not be cut and haircuts should be avoided. Don’t cry on Chinese New Year’s day. If a person does, it is said that they will cry all year. When somebody gives somebody else a present, it is best not to open it in front of them. Some more taboos are as follows: never toast with a glass of water. This one is shared among many countries around the world, including the United States. Lighters should not be shared among more than three people. A salt shaker should not be passed hand

It is said in multiple countries around the world to not toast with a glass of water, as it is said to bring misfortune. Photo by Alex Grundmeier

to hand-it must be set on the table for the other person to pick up. In earlier times, chimneys should have always been capped. If it were to be uncapped, it meant witches could climb down it. In Germany and the U.K., it is frowned

upon to spit in public. With so many countries around the world, there are so many beliefs and taboos that stick to those cultures. With so many countries around the world, one country’s belief or tradition could be another’s taboo.

Chief IN-DEPTH Legends

FRIDAY, DEC. 11, 2015 The Tomatalk • Kamiakin High School

Kamiakin’s crazy Christ

By RONNIE H STAFF REPO

A Jewish menorah for the Hanukka holiday. Photo courtesy of highpoint.edu

Hanukkah: another December tradition By STACI TRIVETT STAFF REPORTER

n Dec. 6, thousands of Jewish families across the world gather together for the first night of lighting the Menorah, a sacred candelabrum with eight branches and a central socket used in Jewish worship. This night marks the beginning of the Jewish holiday, Hanukkah. Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, is the eight-day festival that is celebrated on the 25th of the month Kislev on the Hebrew calendar. This day typically falls towards the end of December but this year it falls a bit earlier. The Jewish holiday is celebrated for the victory over the Greek soldiers and the rededication of the Holy Temple by Judah Maccabee’s Jewish army as well as celebrating the Miracle of Oil. The

story of the Miracle of Oil is that when the soldiers reached the temple, only one jug of oil with the high priest’s seal intact could be found. This jug would only have enough oil to last the soldiers one day, but the oil miraculously gave the soldiers eight days of light. The basis for the holiday is more emphasized by the Talmud, the body of Jewish and ceremonial law and legend compromising the Mishnah and the Gemara, on being celebrated for the miracle of oil, rather than the victory. On this holiday, families and friends like to spend time together doing activities like lighting the Menorah, singing songs, eating oil-fried foods, spinning dreidels, which some families will make themselves, and giving each other gold coins.

s a m t Chris 87%

In the United States, some families have even incorporated a little bit of Christmas into this Jewish holiday. Throughout the eight days, some families decide to give gifts each night of Hanukkah, and some may choose to decorate a Hanukkah bush. On the first night of Hanukkah, Jews will light the first candle on their Menorah, then light another on the second night and so on until the final candle has been lit on the eighth night. The eight candles symbolize the eight nights that the lantern in the temple was lit with the small amount of oil. Throughout the holiday, it’s traditional to eat foods fried in oil in honor of the Miracle of Oil. Among these foods are latkes, which are potato pancakes,

and sufganyot, which are jelly-filled doughnuts. Another customary tradition is creating and spinning dreidels. Dreidels are four sided spinning tops that are often made of wood or clay. According to legend, during the GreekSyrian dictatorship in Israel, Jews were banned from reading and would bring dreidels to study sessions so their oppressors would think that they were just playing instead of reading. This holiday has taken on some changes throughout history, but one thing that seems like it will always stick with Hanukkah is families enjoying themselves with their loved ones while celebrating their history and beliefs.

Hanukkah 6%

Christmas is a and happiness with family and Sometimes, Chris cur or s disasters Not everyo mas is a p Some of the s campus have d to share with ev Sophomor has a weird story spilled eggnog into and then made us eat My mom didn’t want Freshman Carolina story to tell. “It was win ma was walking down o steep and she fell down. T notice because she was goi after a while we looked out th ground. We starte was okay. It was fun Senior Jordan Cr story to tell. “I was sno and I was going 120 m my leg and my arm,” Cra Junior Ryan Folta has so ily and I were at my uncle’ people, and that made it ver ner which made the table a wa about an hour to clean up and Everybody was in a race to open it was over, the whole floor was c ping paper. It was a fun crazy nigh It’s that time of year when people sad and some are funny, but all that love. In this case, it’s being with other s

What celeb

FRIDAY, DEC. 11, 2015 The Tomatalk •Kamiakin High School

cuckoo and tmas stories

HENDERSON

ORTER

Chief Legends In Depth

An actor dressed in traditional costume performs in the Shenyang Palace Museum in Shenyang, China. Photo by Pan Yulong

Chinese New Year’s 23 days of celebration

a time full of joy coming of gods. ners called Spring Dinners com- and fireworks are displayed. s. It’s a time to be By TAYLOR HUNZEKER The second day is when marmence. Well known dishes like People will wear new clothes to STAFF REPORTER d other loved ones. ried daughters are able to visit Jau gok and Chinese dumplings symbolize new beginnings for very year, the Chinese stmas miracles ocwith their birth parents, close are served. the New Year. New Year is celebrated. sometimes friends and other relatives. On the eighth day, people preEach Chinese New Year, there Parades and festivals are happen. The third day is known as pare for the “Jade Emperor ritis a new animal to represent that spread over the span of 23 days. one’s ChristChikou, the “red mouth.” In the ual,” which is held on the ninth year. The years go through a The date is different each year beperfect story. 1960s, rural villagers from Hong day. Food offerings are made cycle of 12 different animals incause the Chinese calculate their students on the Kong called it the “Day of the to the Jade Emperor, a supreme cluding the rabbit, ox and dragyears by the lunar calendar, but different stories poor devil.” This is a day where god. on. 2016 will be the year of the the festival is always between veryone. everyone stays home. Papers are During the Chinese New Year, monkey. Jan. 21 and Feb. 20. re Gabby Montoya On the first day of the Chinese burned over fires as offerings for red envelopes are passed around y to tell. “My mom as gifts. Markets and fairs are New Year, elders are respected. the god. the mashed potatoes On the fourth day, big dinstocked with goods and are busy, This day is celebrated by the welt the mashed potatoes. to waste the food.” a Gonzalez has a funny nter time and my grandour driveway. It was pretty The rest of us inside didn’t ing to warm up the car, but he window and saw her on the ed laughing, but she would say it’s a holiday and culture which contribute One tradition they have By KACEY OWSLEY nny,” Gonzalez said. nothing more. So what is to building family, comis with candles. Candles STAFF REPORTER raig has an upsetting here are so many Kwanzaa? Who celebrates munity, and culture among are a major part of most owmobiling up in Idaho celebrated holidays it, and where does it come African American people as celebrations and Kwanzaa mph. I crashed and broke in the winter season from? Kwanzaa well as Africans through- has a set of seven candles. aig said. all around the world. Aside is a week long holiday cele- out the world. These values Primarily, there are three omething to say. “My famfrom Christmas, Hanukkah bration held throughout the are called the Nguzo Saba, green, three red and one ’s house. There were a lot of and New Year; Kwanzaa world’s African communi- or Seven Principles - unity, black candle, which are lit ry crazy. We had a giant dinis one of the most under- ty. This celebration honors self-determination, collec- every night of Kwanzaa, ar zone. It got so messy. It took rated but most celebrated African heritage in African- tive work and responsibil- representing the seven prind then we started to open gifts. holidays. If someone asked American culture. It starts ity, cooperative econom- ciples. This tradition is very n all their gifts first. By the time Kamiakin Students if they on the day after Christmas ics, purpose, creativity and similar to Hanukkah and covered with three layers of wrapcould explain what Kwan- and ends on New Year’s above all faith. These prin- their tradition of lighting ht,” Folta said. zaa is, most of them Day. This holiday was cre- ciples create a very strong the Menorah. get together to tell stories. Some are ated to reinforce seven basic bond for the family, espeNo matter what tradition, matters is being with the people you values of African cially during the holidays. whatever religion, it’s the students to be one tribe. love and caring that matters the most during holiday celebrations.

do you brate?

Kwanzaa: seven candles for the seven values of African culture

e l u Y 3%

Kwanzaa 4% Survey sample of 250 students

Chief IN-DEPTH Legends

FRIDAY, DEC. 11, 2015 The Tomatalk • Kamiakin High School

Christmas dinner around the world By KACEY OWSLEY STAFF REPORTER

hristmas is a holiday with lots of traditions. When thinking of a tradition, some may think of going with family to grandma’s house or opening gifts after dinner, but how about traditional food? That’s right, I’m talking about the best Christmas dishes prepared only for Christmas dinner, the one dish that is the best part of the meal.

So what are these foods? For many people, it ranges from their mother’s homemade pumpkin pie, to the actual turkey. The holidays are all about feasting. All over the world, people spend the holidays eating. While we know what we’re eating for our Christmas dinner, the holiday table may be quite different in other parts of the world. In Italy, The Feast of the Seven Fishes, ‘festa dei sette

pesci’, is the name of the Christmas Eve feast called La Vigilia. Celebrated with a seven course fish dinner, the Vigilia di Natale leads up to the midnight birth of baby Jesus. This Italian Christmas Eve celebration dates back to medieval times when Roman Catholics fasted from meat during holy days, making this a traditional food. France celebrates Christmas just like America but with a few changes to the menu.

Their dishes might include roast turkey with chestnuts or roast goose, but they have something different called ‘foie gras’. Foie gras, or, ‘pâté de foie gras’, is the liver of a specially fattened goose or duck. Prepared as the main course, it usually sits in the center of the table. In Lithuania, they eat pickled vegetables as a main dish, and even though it sounds strange to us, it is a tradition they have. In Romania, pork

and beef aspic (which is a jelly form that holds turkey, eggs, carrots, etc.) is the main course, just like turkey and ham are the most common in the U.S.A. We may be quite surprised at how good these holiday foods may taste, but tradition is tradition. Not liking turkey at the Christmas table doesn’t mean someone forces you to eat it. It just means that you and your family are upholding family traditions.

U.S. education vs. the rest of the world

By REUBEN HOPPER STAFF REPORTER

Caterina Malfatti - Italy

“In Italy there are many kinds of high schools, and each student can choose his own school on the basis of his interests. For example, there is the economic one, the architecture one, the artistic one, the computer one, and we even have professional schools. Thanks to them, students can learn a practical job, such as electrician, mechanic, plumber, or hairdresser.” “In Italy we are used to deepening the topics in philosophy and reasoning. We don’t just study our subjects. Teachers try to make us understand the issues that we study and how they could be useful in our life. Moreover, our tests are more difficult than yours and we study pages and pages, not just summaries, and we have oral tests as well that help us learn to talk in front of people and choose the best sounding words. I noticed that in the U.S., some subjects are taught in a too superficial way and so the students can’t open their mind. In Italy we learn about a wide range of world cultures, and we reason about the past to build a better future.”

Kaja Johnsen – Norway

“In Norway we have different classes every day, instead of the same six classes every day. In my school, we only have a maximum of four classes a day, but the periods last for 90 minutes. It took some time to get used to having the same schedule every day.” “Our grade system is very different, too. Only tests and presentations are graded, which means that I don't really have to do any homework. I usually spend my time studying for tests on my own instead. We don't have a system of points and credits, but we are graded on a scale from 1-6 where 6 is the best and 1 is failing. Teachers choose the final grade, and it's is not just based on an average grade, points, credits and percentage. Your final grade depends on the teacher's impression of your general understanding and participation in the class.” “What I miss the most of the Norwegian school system is our use of technology. All students get free laptops that we use every single day, in almost every class. It is really weird to take notes in a real notebook! All papers, and sometimes tests too are handed in online. It is funny how I need to print out my stuff to turn it in! Homework, assignments, announcements, grades and so on are all online, too.”

Abdul Hamid Dabboussi Lebanon

“First thing that anyone would realize after learning from both Lebanon and U.S. systems is that in Lebanon we don't choose our classes. Classes are given to us according to which grade we're in, thus, no need to change classrooms. We stay in the same room and teacher’s cycle between classes. Another thing is the amount of homework and study material we get. School here in America is easier than back at home because there is a lot less homework. Also worth mentioning is the schedule. In the U.S., you receive your one-day schedule of six classes and you have the same schedule every day. On the other hand, since we have more than six courses in Lebanon, more like 10-12, our classes are only 50 minutes long, seven a day. We use a oneweek schedule. This way courses are weighted. I might get seven periods of math a week but only two periods of history. If I were to continue, I could keep talking for hours. If I were to choose the "better" system, I wouldn't be able to because both have their pros and cons. However, I do believe that a superior system could be made by combining the good in both.”

FRIDAY, DEC. 11, 2015 The Tomatalk • Kamiakin High School

By SIERRA REAMS SPORTS EDITOR

Fall Sports Wrap-Up Boys Cross Country

Football

he Braves football team had a good streak this year consisting of eight wins and three losses, almost every game was a shut out. One of the losses happened to be one of the playoff games sending them home and making them ineligible for State. 9/5- Away @ Ferndale- Loss 35-34 9/11-Home- Hermiston- Win 54-6 9/18-Home-Southridge- Win 27-6 9/25-Away @Kennewick-Win 27-13 10/2-Home-Chiawana-Win 35-7 10/9-Away @ Pasco-Win 41-0 10/15-Home- Hanford-Win 41-21 10/23-Away @ Richland-Loss 27-14 10/30-Home-WallaWalla-Win 44-14 11/6-Home-Rogers-Win 47-15 11/14-Home-Lakes-Loss 53-34 Senior John Mantanona said, “It was awesome to play with my teammates, but it was weird knowing this was my last year playing football. So I made sure I enjoyed and cherished every moment I was on the field.”

Tribal Games SPORTS

Swim & Dive

his year’s Boys Cross Country team had a season record of 14-0. They went to state Junior Sam Perrins said, “We ran well. We didn’t do as well as we hoped, but we accomplished most of the goals that we made.” When the team went to state they got second overall. Although the 2015-16 team didn’t do as well as they hoped, they tried their hardest and came out with multiple successful accomplishments. They also worked together as a family and had each other’s backs throughout the year. Overall the Braves’ Boys Cross Country Team had a very eventful and successful year.

he Swim & Dive team had a wonderful 2015-16. A lot of the team made it all the way to state. The Mid-Columbia Conference record that Swim & Dive had for the season was 2-3. 9/15- Away @ Richland- Loss 56-130 Mid-Columbia Invite 9/24- Away @ Kennewick- Win 116-64 9/29- Away @ Hanford- Loss 81-105 Mukliteo Invite 10/8- Away @ Walla Walla- Loss 69-101 Tri-Cities Invite 10/15- Home- Southridge- Win 121-65 Sophomore Naomi Banuelos stated, “I think the swim & dive team did very well. A lot of girls are really good supporters. If you feel nervous, everyone has your back. They’re all super nice and care for each other like a good team should.”

raves Girls Soccer had a 12-4 overall season record and a Mid-Columbia Conference record of 9-4 making this an overall good season, with two shootouts throughout the season. 9/5- Home- Gonzaga Prep- Win 5-1 9/8- Home- Richland- Win 6-0 9/12-Home-Chiawanna-Loss 5-6 Shootout win 9/15- Away @ Pasco- Win 5-0 9/19- Home- Hanford- Win 4-0 9/22-Away @ Kennewick- Win 4-0 9/26- Home- Southridge- Loss 1-2 9/29- Away @ Walla Walla- Win 10-0 10/3- Away @ Richland- Win 3-0 10/6- Away @ Chiawana- Win 1-0 10/10- Home- Pasco- Win 1-0 10/13-Away @ Hanford-Loss 2-3 Shootout win 10/17- Home- Kennewick- Win 6-0 10/20- Away @ Southridge- Loss 0-3 10/26- Home- Kennewick- Win 5-0 10/28- Away @ Hanford- Win 5-1

Girls Cross Country

Volleyball

olleyball was one of the many sports that went to state this season with an overall record of 9-6 and the Mid-Columbia Conference Volleyball finished with a record season of 9-5. The Braves team went on to play Mercer Island for state. 9/8-Away @ Richland- Loss 0-3 9/9- Away @ Pasco- Win 3-2 9/15- Away @ Hanford- Win 3-0 9/17- Away @ Chiawana- Loss 2-3 9/22- Home- Kennewick- Win 3-0 9/24- Away @ Southridge- Win 3-0 9/29- Home- Walla Walla- Win 3-0 10/1- Home- Richland- Loss 1-3 10/6- Home- Pasco- Win 3-1 10/8- Home- Hanford- Win 3-0 10/13- Home- Chiawana- Loss 1-3 10/15- Away @ Kennewick- Win 3-1 10/20- Home- Kennewick- Loss 2-3 10/22- Away @ Walla Walla- Win 3-1 11/13- Away @ Toyota Center-Mercer Island- Loss 1-3

. . . s u n i o J

Girls Soccer

he Girls Cross Country team seemed to have a great year. With their 14-0 record for the season, the girls worked hard and played harder. Senior Lindsey Lowe said, “We had a lot of girls that were working hard every practice to achieve both personal and team goals.” When Lowe was asked how the season went she said, “Even though it didn’t end as well as we wanted it to as a team, we were all still very happy with our improvements over the season and how well we all worked together as a team.” The Girls Cross Country team went all the way to state and placed seventh overall.

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TRIBAL GAMES SPORTS

FRIDAY, DEC. 11, 2015 The Tomatalk • Kamiakin High School

Winter Sp rts

Nash Tompson Playing Chiawana during the 2014-15 Basketball season. Photo courtsey of yearbook

By RONNIE HENDERSON STAFF REPORTER

t’s that time of year again when the days get shorter, the temperatures drop, and school starts to slow down. But for students who have signed up to play winter sports, the hype is just beginning. The winter sports consist of basketball for both girls and boys, wrestling, and gymnastics. Sophomore Parker Larson is trying out to be on the wrestling team. The reason why he tried out for wrestling this year is because he has done wrestling for a long time. “The hardest part of wrestling is conditioning. It’s not fun,” Larson said. There aren’t any try outs for wres-

“

I can’t imagine doing anything better than playing ball Scott Larson Senior

tling. Instead a person can leave during the first week if they don’t like it. Larson’s favorite part about wrestling is winning. In addition to wrestling, gymnastics is another winter sport students can participate in. Senior Halley Gillen said, “I did club gym, and a lot of my friends are in gymnastics. I tried it last year and it was fun.”

”

Gillen’s favorite part is floor, one of the four events she competes in. Gillen thinks the hardest part of gymnastics is all the practicing and training. Along with gymnastics and wrestling, boys’ basketball is another winter sport. Senior Scott Larson is trying out to play basketball. “I’ve been playing basketball since I was a kid. My dad played and my sister played. I can’t imagine doing any-

thing better than playing ball,” Larson said. “My favorite thing to do in basketball is blocking people and scoring,” Scott said. Scott also thinks that the hardest part about basketball is footwork and stamina. Along with boys’ basketball there is also girls’ basketball for winter time sports. Sophomore Chanceler Williams is planning on trying out for the girls’ basketball team. “I tried out because I enjoy doing it,” Williams said. “I think the hardest part about basketball is getting to know your teammates and how they work and play,” Williams said. Williams’ favorite part about basketball is “getting buckets.”

Sports a major role in Anderson’s life By ALEJANDRO ANDRADE STAFF REPORTER

Coach Jordan Anderson has lived and breathed sports most of his life. Now he enjoys participating in sports and also coaching students. Anderson has experience playing sports and loves to compete. “My senior year I was a three sport captain. I played football. I was the captain of the football team, captain of the wrestling team, and captain of the soccer team,” said Anderson. Anderson is an English teacher during school hours and the wrestling coach in the evening hours. Anderson has been the head coach at Kamiakin for five years. He enjoys participating, watching, and helping others with sports. Anderson was offered a scholarship to play soccer and wrestling. “I ended up taking the one to wrestle just because I’m better at it and I liked playing soccer, but it was with the guys I was around,” Anderson said. As the athletes rotate from station to station, they encounter waves of exercises. Anderson is with the athletes in the weight room before school and after school. “Once the season hits, we have 6 o’clock morning workouts. I wake up at

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I love to compete and coaching is the way to compete without getting my body injured Jordan Anderson English Teacher/Coach

”

5:15 and I’m here at 5:45. We practice from 6 to 7. Then I’m in my class room 7:15 to 2:30. Then back to the wrestling room from 2:45 to 5 p.m.,” Anderson said. This season there is a lot to get done. Anderson doesn’t want to overwhelm the athletes. “There is a lot we want to accomplish, but the biggest part is taking it day by day,” Anderson said. They have some goals that they want to reach. “At the end of the season though, we want to finish top 3 as a team at state and get a lot of guys on that podium at state,” Anderson said. Anderson loves sports and is a very competitive person. He puts all of his time and effort towards this sport and the athletes in it. “I love to compete, and coaching is the way to compete without getting my body injured,” Anderson said.

Coach Anderson watching his team spar. Photo by Alejandro Andrade

FRIDAY, DEC. 11, 2015 The Tomatalk • Kamiakin High School

Tribal Reviews ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Holiday in Hollywood ‘Mockingjay part 2’: flaming end to series

By ANDY HA ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

‘T

he Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2’ is the grand finale to a spectacular franchise that had a profound impact on this generation. Every aspect of this film is nothing less THAN amazement. The acting performances, the direction, action sequence, and overall cinematography were superb. The last film of the series does not cease to awe its audience. Every actor in this film gave outstanding performances. Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, and Donald Sutherland who portray Katniss, Peeta, and President Snow respectively, gave the best performance in this film out of all the films in the series. Lawrences’ and Hutchersons’ chemistry remains undeniable and they did an amazing job being vulnerable and showcasing real emotions, while Sutherland

did a stunning job as a stone cold merciless president, giving a sense of realism in his performance. Liam Hemsworth, Jena Malone, and Julianne Moore also gave outstanding performances as Gale, Johanna, and President Coin. However Hemsworths’, Malones’, and Moores’ characters along with the rest of the supporting cast, had very brief appearances in the film, which took away from their brilliant portrayal of their characters. Along with the tremendous actors, Francis Lawrence, the director of the film, is nothing but greatness. Having directed the last three films of the franchise, he definitely outdoes himself with this film. His ability to capture Suzanne Collins words and imagination and create a world that captivates the audience is excellent. The viewers will truly feel as if they are in Panem in the midst of a warzone fighting

against the Capital. The action and overall cinematography was nothing short of a spectacle. Every explosion, gunshot, and attack will send a shot of adrenaline through the viewer. It is definitely a thrill. The sounds and effects will make the audience jump and feel as if they are in that exact scene with Katniss and the rebels. It will please those who were unsatisfied with the lack of action sequences in the previous film. The emotions and excitement that the viewer will experience while watching this film are exactly what makes this film one of the best films of the year. There is no better way to end this franchise. The only sad take away from the film is the fact that there will be no more films after this. Even though there is talk about potential prequels and future installments, there is still no certainty. The franchise is over, and it is the end of an era.

The Hunger Games Mockingjay Part 2 promotional Movie Poster. Courtesy of Lionsgate.

A Muppet Christmas Carol: a holiday classic By SIERRA REAMS SPORTS EDITOR

‘A Muppet Christmas Carol’ is an old school classic, made on Dec. 11, 1992. This movie is based off of the classic book by Charles Dickens. The original classic was written in the year 1843, and has been remade multiple times with various actors playing the infamous Scrooge. This classic story starts with The Great Gonzo, voiced by Dave Goelz, acting in place of Charles Dickens, the narrator. He then proceeds to tell the story of Scrooge, a mean old man not in the Christmas mood like everyone else in the movie.

Courtesy of rogerebert.com

The assistant of Mr. Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, played by Kermit the Frog and voiced by Steve Whitmire, then attempts to ask Mr. Scrooge for time off due to the Christmas season fastly approaching. Scrooge reluctantly agrees. Often times people don’t like musicals, but ‘A Muppets Christmas Carol’ incorporates a lot of songs and has an amazing story plot to go with them. What makes this movie even more interesting is the fact that not only is it a musical. It also incorporates a newish feel that brings the family together. After Cratchit convinces Mr. Scrooge to let everyone take the day off,

Scrooge goes home to find his dead work partners, Robert Marley and Jacob Marley voiced by Dave Goelz and Jerry Nelson, transformed into his doorbells. When Scrooge goes upstairs to bed, his partners come as ghosts telling him basically that he is in for a wild night. As Scrooge falls asleep, he encounters multiple ghosts of the past, present, and future. This movie is great for all ages. It has a little adventure and teaches that you should never take things you have for granted. Whenever Christmas comes around, this is the perfect holiday treat for anyone.

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FRIDAY, DEC. 11, 2015 The Tomatalk • Kamiakin High School

Around The block Reviving Ophelia: a revolutionary production By CHLOE GRUNDMEIER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

he Kamiakin Drama Club’s fall production of ‘Reviving Ophelia’ was an incredibly influential and relatable piece of art. The casting was fantastic, the emotion was riveting, and the selection of this play was just outstanding. Each character in ‘Reviving Ophelia’ had her own unique but realistic issues that were focused on. These problems are those that teenagers face every day, even 20 years after the play is set. Jill is a Lakota-Sioux girl adopted by white people who doesn’t fit in because she thinks she’s fat. Jill is portrayed by junior Esme Contreras, who did an exceptional job. Her tone during the monologue scenes was heartbreaking. Her body language to show how insecure she felt was incredibly obvious to the audience

Allie is a girl raised in an incredibly religious household who ends up questioning her faith. Junior CharLee Bethje brought Allie to life with what seemed like significant ease. She tapped into what it really felt like to question everything one is taught to know as they grow up. Lia is a girl angry after losing her mother at a young age who is later trapped in an abusive relationship. Senior Blake Britten plays the part of Lia in an incredibly ‘real’ way. Lia’s personality changed throughout the play from open and independent to closed off and hurt, and Britten did a great job at showing the drastic transition that comes with losing a parent. Dawn is a depressed girl who battles her mental illness by only focusing on her appearance. Sophomore AyJay Mulholland brings Dawn into the real world with a very realistic performance. She brought tears to the eyes of the play-goers in scenes where she

questioned whether her friends truly loved her. The four main characters were not the only incredible acting performances by the Braves. Junior Joe Pickard and senior Chandler James played Alex and Zach respectively. Alex, the abusive boyfriend of Lia, was the ‘bad guy’ of the story. One of the most intense scenes in the play happened between Alex and Lia and Pickard did an incredible job during this intensity. Zach, Dawn’s boyfriend whom innocent Allie has been pining after for years, is somewhat of a catalyst in the story. James’ performance made the audience’s skin crawl at how manipulative and ‘gross’ he was toward the girls. The mothers added much to the story as well. Senior Kayla Roles as Lia’s mom, senior Emily Fiske as Allie’s mom, and senior Brittani Stribling as Zach’s mom used amazing ‘mom’ voices, comforted their children, and

Top left: First grader Ophelia Rachel Mirium Levinskey Lerman (senior Blake Britten) struggles to state her full name. Bottom left: First grader Dawn (junior AyJay Mulholland) introduces herself to her class, mentioning how many luxuries she has. Center: Jill (junior Esme Contreras), Ophelia, Dawn, and Allie (junior Charlee Bethje) are introduced to the audience first as 21-year-olds looking back on their lives. Top right: Ophelia is pinned to the wall by her abusive boyfriend Alex (junior Joe Pickard) in this intense scene. Bottom right: Allie and her mother (senior Emily Fiske) sit in the parent/child book club they attend. Photos by Chloe Grundmeier

treated their children in only a way a mother could. The casting and characters were incredible, but the costume designer, junior Madison McClain outdid herself. Each character’s entire being was summed up into one color, which they then wore while sticking with the 90s style. The treatment of glasses as symbols were also incredibly unique. Allie removed her glasses while trying to flirt with Zach – which signified that she couldn’t ‘see clearly.’ Alex’s glasses were a symbol of innocence and joy which were lost when he was 17 years old and began abusing Lia. While most of the play was incredible, a few technique related issues could have been fixed. A few scenes were spoken too quickly, and the crying in a few others could have been better. These tiny little inconsistencies that are to be expected in live shows did not take away from the overall likability of the performances.

FRIDAY, DEC. 11, 2015 The Tomatalk • Kamiakin High School

Tribal Reviews ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Rise Against: punk rock with a social message By KAYLEE ZUHLKE STAFF REPORTER

unk is not dead. Through time, it will always live on by the inspirational vocals of Tim McIlrath, the singer and rhythm guitarist of the American band Rise Against. Rise Against started in Chicago in 1999 and remained in mostly underground success until 2004. Following that, they signed to Geffen, a major label, and released ‘Siren Song of the Counter Culture,’ their major label debut. A few notable singles from this album are “Give It All” and “Life Less Frightening.” This album’s “Give it

All” was also featured in the soundtrack for ‘Need for Speed Underground 2,’ a widely commercially successful racing game of 2004. Although many correlate studded leather jackets and ripped jeans with a bad attitude alongside punk rock, this is not always the case. Rise Against is known for their advocacy of progressivism, which is essentially asserting that advancements in sciences and other areas of study are vital to improve the human condition. They also stand for animal rights, and most of the members are straight edge. Straight edge refers to a subculture of

hardcore punk whose adherents refrain from using alcohol, tobacco, and sometimes stick to strict vegan or vegetarian diets. The albums ‘The Sufferer and the Witness’ (2006) and ‘Appeal to Reason’ (2008) followed in the band’s already prominent, successful footsteps. These albums went gold in the United States, similar to the previously mentioned album ‘Siren Song of the Counter Culture.’ Rise Against is still active to this current day and on tour through Australia. The band is similar to other groups such as The Offspring, Sum 41, and blink-182, among many more.

Rise Against performing at Budweiser Made in America in Los Angeles. Courtesy of LiveNation.com

Mai House: magnificent flavors, but mediocre service By CHLOE GRUNDMEIER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Mai House’s high quality ahi tuna served with incredibly seasoned roasted vegetables as the side. Photo by Chloe Grundmeier

Events around Tri-Cities By EMILY AARDAHL STAFF REPORTER

The Nutcracker: When: Sat. 12/12/15 at 2 P.M. and 7 P.M., Sun. 12/13/15 at 2 p.m. Where: Richland High School auditorium How much: $25; $18 students, $13 children Additional information at MidColumbiaBallet.org.

Mai House seafood and grill with its unique atmosphere, well sized appetizers, and impactful entrees has started its first year off of Hwy 395 incredibly well. After a five year wait to actually build the restaurant, the owner finally succeeded at creating his dream, and the restaurant is up-andrunning. The atmosphere was incredibly unique. The ornate lighting against the background of rustic brick walls was a pleasantly interesting decor. The one confusing factor to the otherwise lovely atmosphere was the music that was played - it seemed directed toward a significantly younger audience than the rest of the restaurant. There was a large array of well sized appetizers that could appeal to anyone. The A Holiday Celebration in Music: When: Tue. 12/15/15 and Wed. 12/16/15 at 7 p.m. Where: Kamiakin High School auditorium How much: Free! Performance of classic Christmas music by the band, orchestra, choir, acapella and drama group.

golden dumplings were incredibly flavorful as was the sauce they were served with. The bacon wrapped prawns were fairly ordinary but were saved by the super fresh and flavorful cabbage salad that they were served with. The rest of the appetizer menu ranged from a fiery shrimp quesadilla to crispy calamari. The rest of the menu wasn’t incredibly diverse, but the flavors were very impactful. The one steak that was served was a broiled flat iron, but the lack of options was made up for with how well this one steak was prepared. It had been cooked perfectly to order and had an incredibly flavorful rub. It was served with a fantastic pesto that was easily the highlight of the meal. The ahi tuna was also very nice. A few ingredients in this entree had been overused - like the amount of salt

in the rub and the amount of red peppers in the pineapple salsa on top - but overall it was a delicious dish. A high point of the entrees was easily the perfect sides they’d been paired with. Each plate was very cohesive and nothing was out of place. The food was all very high quality - the best ingredients had been purchased to make that meal as great as it was. Even with the high quality of each ingredient, the prices were not unreasonably high – everything was below $30. The staff was incredibly polite and engaged in some light conversation, but the service was fairly slow for the amount of staff just standing around. However, the slightly slow service did not detract from the overall experience.

Mid-Columbia Symphony: When: Sun. 1/31/15 at 3 p.m.. Where: Richland High School auditorium How much: $15-50 Presenting “Nationalism,” the third performance of their 2015-2016 concert season.

Free Verse Friday Open Poetry Night: When: Fri. 12/11/15, 12/18/15, and 12/25/15 at 7 p.m. Where: Catepillar Cafe in the Uptown, Richland How much: Free! Listen to oringinal poetry or read your own

Tribal Reviews ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

FRIDAY, DEC. 11, 2015 The Tomatalk • Kamiakin High School

ROCKIN’ REVIEWs

Magic Piano: dots, bubbles, and music By ALEX GRUNDMEIER STAFF REPORTER

ne of the main genres of apps in the App Store that has recently been gaining extra downloads is music games. Games about playing the piano and hearing good music that the player created. Magic Piano, not being extremely new, has recently been taking the spotlight over a large amount of music games. The player taps little dots on the screen when they pass a certain line. Some chords need to use up to four fingers to play. Judging by the speed

that the player taps, the speed can be bent a bit to fit the player’s liking. By changing the speed that they tap, the notes change speed as well. With over 1,400 songs and climbing, it is almost impossible to get bored. There are so many options to choose from, ranging from “Prelude No. 1 in C Major” by J.S. Bach, to “Let it Go” from Disney’s “Frozen.” Technically, there are triple those 1,400 songs because each song has an easy, medium, and hard mode. Sure, each song sounds the same, but they all play completely different. For ex-

ample, a song on easy mode may contain only one-dot notes, but the medium may have fourdot chords. The songs are also categorized by genre. Each genre has a different play style and generally a decent sized amount of songs. There are 510 pop songs, 201 rock songs, 253 classical songs, plus the free song of each day, and still more! A player of Magic Piano has so many options, there is at least 15 hours of gameplay. That is longer than a large percentage of PC and Xbox games.

App icon of Smule Magic Piano. Courtesy of Androidcommunity.com

‘The Wrath and The Dawn’: a classic fairytale Retold By EMILY BAER NEWS EDI TOR

‘The Wrath and the Dawn’ by Renee Ahdieh is a retelling of the fairytale ‘One Thousand and One Nights.’ This fairytale isn’t among the most famous in the storytelling community, thus resulting in the story being an unfamiliar one. It tells of the vicious King Shahryar, who after discovering the infidelity of his wife, has her executed. He then decides that all women are the same and begins to marry numerous virgins, but then executes them in the morning before they can betray him like his previous wife. The story takes a turn of events when Scheherazade, the daughter of the king’s adviser, volunteers to marry the king. On their wedding night, she begins

Courtesy of Goodreads.com

to tell Shahryar a story, but purposefully neglects to finish the tale. The king then postpones her execution because of his curiosity to hear the end of the tale. For 1,001 nights Scheherazade ends and begins a new tale to cause the king to postpone her execution. The ending of this tale varies through different telling, but often ends in a story of love. This specific retelling follows the tale of Shahrzad, who volunteers to marry the king, Khalid, after the death of her best friend Shiva. Much like the original fairytale, Shahrzad tells Khalid a story each night and fails to share its ending. Shahrzad’s purpose in volunteering was to learn the weaknesses of the murderous king in order to kill him as revenge

for the death of her friend. She slowly learns the truth about the deaths of the king’s previous wives, and as her love for Khalid grows, the mystery slowly unfolds to show a horribly tragic truth. A tale of love lost and love gained, this book is revolutionary to the fairytale retelling community. Ahdieh’s unique writing style keeps readers interested even through the dullest moments of the story. She brings a new twist to the story of ‘One Thousand and One Nights’ and adds a kind of magic that draws readers in until they simply cannot put the book down until they finish. This tale deserves more recognition, and Ahdieh accomplishes just that through her book ‘The Wrath and the Dawn.’

FRIDAY, DEC. 11, 2015 The Tomatalk • Kamiakin High School

The Arts

21 of Kamiakin

By AMBER PERRY SHENANIGANS EDITOR

Featured Artist Spotlight:

Erich Rieger

It’s hard to put a name to a face- but even harder to put artwork to an artist! This issue, we’d like to personally recognize fabulous talent here at our school- junior Erich Rieger. His comic, called “Imagemind” has been ‘aired’ for the past two years in our paper. “I started when I entered Journalism Club. It’s a neat opportunity to share my art because I don’t normally share it with people.” On what he likes best to draw Rieger said, “Lots of things, but mostly my own set of characters, which I’m pretty proud of. Only a handful of them are shown in the comic I make.” When given time, Rieger loves to play games, study astronomy, and draw. Out of all his characters, his mascot character is lovingly named Erichzilla. Although inspired by games he’s played and his admiration of Godzilla movies, “......he’s only four feet tall- it’s a long story! “ Overall, drawing is Rieger’s favorite relaxing pastime. To him, it’s not just art. “The characters I make are more than pictures on paper, I feel towards them,” he said.

Tribal SHENANIGANS Reviews

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FRIDAY, DEC. 11, 2015 The Tomatalk • Kamiakin High School

Chart credit to piktochart.com

Send a picture, poem, QR code to a song, website, anything to show us what you’re proud of! Bring to room 314, or email perryreader@gmail.com

FRIDAY, DEC. 11, 2015 The Tomatalk • Kamiakin High School