2016 17 issue 1 by Laurie Bender

VOLUME 41• ISSUE 1•FRIDAY, OCT. 7, 2016• KAMIAKIN HIGH SCHOOL • 600 N. ARTHUR ST. • KENNEWICK, WA 99336

Around the Campfire NEWS & FEATURE

FRIDAY, OCT. 7, 2016 The Tomatalk • Kamiakin High School

Sp tlights

Pizza-pockett lover: Troy Hatch By THOMAS METCALF ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Part of the freshman class of 2020, Troy Hatch. Photo by Thomas Metcalf

reshman Troy Hatch is an artist who enjoys drawing in his intro art class and also enjoys everything about science and especially Honors Chemistry. When asked what he likes about Honors Chemistry, Hatch said, “I’ve just always enjoyed science and technologies of what things do.” Hatch is not only smart and artistic, but also really enjoys running. “In the spring, I’m going to be doing track,” he said. Hatch also has liked his experience at Kamiakin High School so far and enjoys the freedom to talk to anyone. “I’ve definitely enjoyed it. The first few days, it was a little weird because I didn’t know many people.” Some of Hatch’s favorites are the color pink, the pizza pocket-like food, the calzone, and Honors Chemistry being one of his favorite classes. His favorite movie is the spoof of ‘Star Wars’ known as ‘Spaceballs.’ Besides Honors Chemistry, Hatch is also enrolled in AP Human Geography, English, weights, and geometry. He also takes an art class. When asked about what he wants to do in

the future, Hatch said, “I haven’t gotten it down exactly, but I’m kind of into engineering.” “You can know anyone here no matter where they’re at. In previous grades, middle school, elementary school, you know the people in your grade. Outside of it you didn’t know many. Half the people in my class right now aren’t freshmen, yet I can become friends with them,” Hatch said. Overall, Hatch is an artistic and very scientific freshman with big plans in the future and a big mind.

Music director and gardner: Mr. Russell JACLYN GAZEWOOD

By STAFF REPORTER

eith Russell is the director of the instrumental music program here at Kamiakin. He is the director for marching band in the fall months, and symphony orchestra during the winter and spring months. Throughout the entire school year, he teaches Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble and String Ensemble. Russell is a native Californian. He was born in Long Beach, Calif. and primarily grew up in San Diego, Calif. “I’m happy to be from San Diego, but I have no desire to go back there,” Russell said. He attended college at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah and Northern Arizona

University. Russell originally studied to be an engineer, but later decided he enjoyed music more and the aspects of teaching others. He plays saxophone and flute, along with a few more instruments. Before teaching at Kamiakin, he was a full time music teacher at Payson High School in Payson, Utah. Russell has been teaching music classes at Kamiakin for the past 20 years. “My favorite part about teaching in general, and at Kamiakin, is when I see students experience the same excitement and joy that I felt in making music,” he said. He enjoys building and repairing things and often fixes keyboard frames. “I’m usually able to take home one or two things from school that need to be repaired or built,” he said.

Russell also enjoys gardening and working in his yard. “My favorite quote would be the quote I say to students when they run into something, or drop something, which is “This is why we can’t have nice stuff,” Russell said. The next symphonic band, wind ensemble, and string ensemble concert is Oct. 27.

Mr. Russel posing for the camera. Photo taken By Thomas Metcalf

FRIDAY, OCT. 7, 2015 The Tomatalk Kamiakin High School

Around theNEWS Campfire & FEATURE

New teachers join the Kamiakin family By MADISON MORGAN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

his year the school faculty sees the addition of eight new faces. New staff includes history teachers Lisa Fleming, Jennifer Hildman, and Margaret McDonald; science teachers Justin Shrack and Brooke Smitha; paraeducators Deborah Fragozo and Lindsey Kamphuis; and migrant specialist Ana Rincon. Fleming made the switch to high school after eight years at Desert Hills Middle School. “There were three history positions open here and I applied to all three. I was at Desert Hills for eight years, and then I subbed for about 10 years as I moved around Washington State trying to figure out where I wanted to live. So I’m hoping that I can find a place where I can fit in here to show off my talents. I’m just changing my career a little bit and trying something new. I’m very excited about being here and everybody, the staff, the students, everybody is so nice, and it’s so nice to have such a welcoming staff. It makes it more exciting,” said Fleming. New to the science department is physics teacher Justin Shrack. Shrack, originally from Spokane, began teaching in 2007 in Uma, Ariz.

Physics teacher Justin Shrack. Photo by Madison Morgan

“I’ve been teaching in Spokane for the last few years; actually the last three years I’ve been in the Tri-Cities. I’ve been at Legacy Online High School. Before that though, I was in Spokane just teaching lots of different maths and sciences. I’ve been teaching a variety of different subjects, but physics is really what I love,” said Shrack.

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 tomatalkstaff@ksd.org, or go online at www.tomatalk.com and comment there.

Staff:

Adviser: Laurie Bender Editors-in-Chief: Madison Morgan and Taylor Hunzeker News Feature Editor: Taylor Hunzeker Sports Editor: Edgar Cazares In-Depth Editor: Madison Morgan Opinion Editor: Kathy Farias-Guerra Entertainment Editor: Thomas Metcalf Cover made by: Taylor Hunzeker

Staff Reporters:

History teacher Lisa Fleming. Photo by Madison Morgan

Shrack went to college with last year’s physics teacher Jennifer Tillenburg. “I went to school with Mrs. Tillenburg. We both went to Eastern [Washington University] together. And so that’s part of what helped me find my way into this position is that I knew that Mrs. Tillenburg was the previous teacher. And so that connection provided me a great opportunity to move over this direction, so that when the job came up, I had to apply for it because it was a wonderful opportunity at the best school in the city, teaching exactly the subject that I love at an incredibly high level: AP and Honors through the whole day. It’s the dream job for me. New faculty are also surprised at the standards students are held to. “Expectations are really high here. Students are expected to try their best. When students are struggling, parents interact with me and they ask for assistance. They provide me with feedback. It’s all those little things that make us a big community, that make me love being here. Now it’s been a lot more work because I haven’t taught this subject in quite a few years, especially not at this level, but it’s always worth it,” said Shrack. Shrack also welcomed the nickname Shrek, expressing that by now the name has become normal to him. “Everyone is always welcome to call me Mr. Shrek, just like the ogre. It’s fine. Most people do, and that’s fine by me. Truthfully, even outside of school most of the people that I interact with know me as Shrek,” Shrack said. As these eight new teachers take their places at school, students will hopefully solidify and verify the reputation that preceded the name of Kamiakin.

Tyler Ackert , Edgar Cazares, Kestra Engstrom, Kathy Farias-Guerra, Taylor Hunzeker, Thomas Metcalf, Madison Morgan, Marcee Prime, Emily Reynolds, Marcela Sanchez, Reagan Santo, Laney Torelli

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

Tribal Talk

FRIDAY, OCT. 7, 2016 The Tomatalk • Kamiakin High School

OPINION & EDITORIAL

Should students have to stand for the Pledge? Pro: Students should recite the Pledge of Allegiance in honor of America By TAYLOR HUNZEKER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Every morning, the Pledge of Allegiance is said across the campus by intercom. Some students stand and say the Pledge, but some do not. The Pledge of Allegiance is a symbol of America, a country where some have fallen to defend the ground it was built on. The Pledge of Allegiance was originally written by Colonel George Balch in 1887 and later revised by socialist minister, Francis Bellamy in August of 1992. It was officially adopted by the Congress in 1942, and in 1923 and in 1952 some revisions were made before the current Pledge was

finalized. Congress sessions and government meetings will open with the saying of the Pledge. Most schools will have the Pledge said at the beginning of the school day, but students are not compelled to say it and cannot be punished for the action of not saying it. Even though no one is telling students that they have to say the Pledge, it is still a sign of respect to the flag and to the country and should not be taken lightly. U.S. history and world geography teacher Rick Kirsch is passionate about America and its history. When asked what he thinks about the word patriotism he said,

“Support of your country.” He also explained how showing respect for the people who have given their lives to defend the U.S. is a symbol of patriotism. When asked why he personally stands to say the Pledge of Allegiance, Kirsch said, “Respect for the country.” Even though he does not agree with everything that the U.S. does, he still thinks that the U.S. is the best country out

there. There are many things that citizens of our country take for granted and other countries wish for. Kirsch ended saying, “There is a lot of important things to be thankful for.”

By saying the Pledge of Allegiance, it is a sign of reverence and respect to those who have fought for this country and for those who live around us and call themselves citizens of America.

Con: Standing for the Pledge should be optional By MADISON MORGAN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

or many American students, standing for the Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem are social norms, performed on a daily basis without a thought otherwise. But NFL player Colin Kaepernick of the San Francisco 49ers has recently been shown sitting down during the reciting of the national anthem. Kaepernick cites his reasoning as a personal protest against America’s treatment of African Americans, according to an article on nfl.com. Now a number of professional athletes have joined Kaepernick, such as Seattle Seahawks cornerback Jeremy Lane, and Megan Rapinoe of the Seattle Reign professional soccer team. While Kaepernick is allowed the freedom of expression, he’s received criticism for going against so-called “symbols of America.” If a person chooses to not participate in the Pledge or National Anthem, it is their choice. They shouldn’t receive abuse for a personal belief. “With Colin Kaepernick, the NFL

player who’s been sitting a lot, that definitely stirred up a lot of controversy. I mean, a lot of people don’t like what he’s doing, but if you think about it, the point of America is to allow someone the freedom of speech, whatever they want to do. So I mean I don’t necessarily agree with what he’s doing, but in the country that we live in, he has the right to do so, and for others to try and infringe upon that, I mean, I don’t really like that either, but, I don’t know, it’s kind of a messed up situation altogether,” said junior Dhylan Worster. Students shouldn’t have to participate in an idea they disagree with, and should not receive backlash from others if they choose to sit. “I know the thing with Colin Kaepernick, I know people joined him about that...but again, it’s just their choice to do what they want, and if they feel like that that’s the right thing to do, then they can do that,” said junior Isaiah Najera. A United States Navy soldier not long ago posted a video of her sitting during the playing of ‘The Star-

Students stand for the National Anthem sung by seniors Emily Taylor and Charlee Bethje at the Sept. 2 opening assembly. Photo courtesy of the Kamiakin Yearbook.

Spangled Banner.’ The soldier was reprimanded by authorities from her Florida base for actions others disagreed with. According to Principal Chris Chelin, students are required to stand for the playing of the National Anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance, or theycan wait in the office or a determined alternative location. Ultimately, it’s a person’s decision

whether they stand for the National Anthem or participate in the Pledge of Allegiance. No one should violate an individual’s decision if s/he chooses to do go against the norm.

FRIDAY, OCT. 7, 2016 The Tomatalk • Kamiakin High School

KaHS Editorial Board

Tribal Talk

OPINION & EDITORIAL

Madison Morgan & Taylor Hunzeker Editors-in-Chief Kathy Farias-Guerra, Opinion Edgar Cazares, Sports Thomas Metcalf, Entertainment 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.

A Black Lives Matters rally. Photo courtesy of patheos.com

What we think...

Why our school should employ the weighted GPA system “Too many people are getting 4.0’s who don’t deserve it , and then the people who take AP and honors classes don’t get 4.0’s because they’re working harder but they’re not getting the same grades, and so they don’t look as good to colleges.”

chools throughout Washington have employed the weighted grade point average (GPA) system. Weighted GPAs are school GPAs that can be above a 4.0 for students who are taking honors and advanced placement (AP) classes. These higher GPAs are used to reward students taking higher level AP and honors classes for their dedication and work. But the goal of a weighted GPA is to not make those who haven’t taken AP and honors classes feel lesser, but to distinguish the two types of students: those with college credit and those taking honors classes, and those without. Washington State University uses the unweighted GPA system and accepts students with an average GPA of 3.5. The University of Washington also works with the unweighted GPA system, looking for an average GPA of 3.5 as well.

But while a student may feel confident when applying to the country’s top universities with a GPA above a 4.0, colleges don’t really look at a weighted GPA. They can’t because too many high schools use different standards of grading. What colleges care about is if students have challenged themselves with rigorous courses, so they will pay attention to a student’s transcipt most of all. Ultimately the weighted GPA system encourages students to try harder and give more effort to achieve grade point averages above a 4.0. Is it fair to have a valedictorian who’s never taken an AP class, yet has maintained a 4.0 throughout high school stand next to a valedictorian who’s maybe taken eight AP courses and maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout school?

The problem with #AllLivesMatter

By JAIDA MILLER GUEST REPORTER

s there a problem with All Lives Matter? Is Black Lives Matter strictly a “black” thing? The answers to these questions are yes... and no. Brittany Packnett (Task Force on 21st Cent. Policing) said, “We live in a time and space that dictates that if we can’t prove with data, then it didn’t happen.” The facts don’t have to point to yes for this to be a pressing and troublesome issue. All Lives Matter is a “movement” that although with good intentions, ends up playing a harmful role in taking away the spotlight of true problems surrounding police brutality and the black community. Where is the morality, where’s the hurt for dying mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters? The ongoing police brutality is both despicable and extremely unnerving. Black, white, purple, brown or orange, police brutality should be an alarming problem to everyone. A common misconception behind the Black Lives Matter movement is that it’s solely a race thing. Despite what the name suggests, it’s not. Between the media’s skew of the movement and the telephone-game way that news seems to travel, it’s not easy to get to the root of real problems such as police brutality and the statistics and facts that are behind it. A study that Washington Post conducted came to the conclusion that black people are being killed at a rate that is three times higher than that of whites and other minorities, and the same study found that more than a quarter of the overall victims were

found mentally ill. Is this not grounds for anger? It seems that racism and inequity is as American as apple pie. The discomfort of the movement [Black Lives Matter] in the mainstream media is truly shocking. Injustice is happening under the noses of our own government with no action put behind the grieving hearts of the victims’ families. Mapping Police Violence found that 98 percent of the events led to no charges made against the officer. This goes far beyond hesaid, she-said. This is police officers abusing their power and burning permanent holes into the lives of innocent families (black or other). Again, I ask, is there a problem with the All Lives Matter movement? Yes, to simply state it. Black Lives Matter does not mean Only Black Lives Matter, but instead, Black Lives Matter, too. It is thoroughly established that white lives matter, but black lives, Hispanic lives? Black Lives Matter goes beyond its hashtag. It is a cry for justice in the black community, not only for black people, but for anybody who is a victim of an unjust and biased system. Do all lives matter? Yes, absolutely, but are we, as a people being treated as such? You cannot combat injustice with injustice. The All Lives Matter hashtag and progression attempt has not only skewed the true problems that loom ahead of us, but also hushed the tears of millions of outraged black people. Police brutality is not something only the affected should be filled with indignation over. It is a problem that all people should be concerned about.

Chief Legends IN-DEPTH

FRIDAY, OCT. 7, 2016 The Tomatalk • Kamiakin High School

Homecoming thro

1960s: Less skin was in. Girls wore long dresses with long gloves and often high necks. High hair was the style back then.

1970s: During the Disco Era, fashion trends were diverse. Women wore hippie looking clothes, but some continued to wear more feminine clothing. Some dresses were short and tight, some were long and flowy, and still others were flashy and sparkling.

1980s: This was a bold, flashy decade, and the dresses reflected it. Long dresses with puffy sleeves were in, and glitter, polka dots, sequins, leather, florals, ruffles, and bows were popular.

1990s: Long an lar. Simplicity w straps and neutr dresses of the 90 the decade befor makeup, hairspr

Charlotte McAllister 1968. Photo courtesy of Charlotte McAllister.

Christine Miller 1971. Photo courtesy of Christine Miller.

Jen Wright 1985. Photo courtesy of Jen Wright.

Sarah Robinson 1994

Preparing for Homecoming: A girl’s point of view By TAYLOR HUNZEKER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

etting ready for homecoming night can either be a hassle or an exciting experience. Senior Emily Taylor talks about her experience at homecoming in 2015 and about her preparations for this year. Last year, Taylor had bought her dress in advance out of nerves and excitement of being asked. She’s glad she did this. On the day of homecoming last year, she said, “I had already had my nails done and like my toes done and everything and then I did a face mask the night before so like I could have clean pores and everything.” Taylor would also try to be stress free on the day of homecoming to become prepared and to have her skin be nice and clean. The morning of homecoming Taylor made sure her hair appointment was all good. “Like if my date is coming to pick me up around 5:30, then

I would have my hair appointment around 1 p.m. and so it’s just ready to go,” she said. After her hair was pampered and ready, Taylor started doing her makeup. “I did my makeup by myself because I don’t like people touching my face… I make sure I can put my dress on without messing up my hair. If not I’ll have my mom help me,” she said. With her hair and makeup done and her dress put on she would also assemble her shoes and accessories. “I put on my dress and now I wait for my date,” she said. When asked what do you look for in a dress, Taylor said, “Something that is right on my waist, ‘cause I have a pretty small waist and nice hips, so if it like hugs my waist and kind a fluffs out on my hips, it makes me look really skinny.” While Taylor looks for a fit and flare look, she also looks for a dress that has the perfect color that goes with her skin and something that

doesn’t show too much skin. Also, while looking at dresses. She thinks about what makeup and jewelry would go well with it. When asked where and when she bought her dress this year Taylor said, “When: It was about a month ago on Amazon.” Taylor was able to buy a nice dress with a cheap price to go with it on Amazon and recommends girls buy their dresses from Amazon if they know what they are looking for. She was very happy with her dress choice this year. One thing Taylor is going to change about her preparations this year is staying in a less stressful mood. “It’s not all about going for the dance and stuff. It’s going with friends,” she said. She explains how her first homecoming was her junior year and she got stressed over if she would have a good time and if she would have a date, but she wishes this year to be less stressful and to not

have huge expectations. Homecoming is like a less than formal party with your friends, and she thinks going with that outlook, she will have more fun and will make more memories.

Emily Taylor posing with her 2016 Prom dress Photo by Taylor Hunzeker

FRIDAY, OCT. 7, 2016 The Tomatalk • Kamiakin High School

oughout the years

nd slim fit dresses were popuwas the style with spaghetti ral colors being the thing. The 0s were more comfortable than re, and girls in the 90s used less ray, and jewelry.

2000s: Every year, designers release daring and glamorous designs to cater to higher expectations. Homecoming dresses have continued to increase in price and style.

Chief Legends In Depth

2010s: The popular style is the two-piece gown. Many girls will probably appear at their dances sporting this popular trend this year.

Lindsey Kamphuis 2010. Photo courtesy of Lindsey Kamphuis.

4. Photo courtesy of Joe Mullen.

Megan McGrath 2004. Photo courtesy of Megan McGrath

Traditions of Homecoming have been fluid and varied depending on time, region of the U.S. By LAURIE ADVISER

BENDER

he first homecoming celebrations were held in the early 1900s to welcome alumni back to the school they graduated from and to invite them to a dance. Over the years, traditions have evolved, including something similar to the “promposals” that occur during prom in recent years. However, some traditions, like Texas’ mum,

Two girls proudly displaying their mums. Photo courtesy of yestotexas.com.

have changed little over the years. The mum has been a homecoming tradition in the southwestern United States since the early 1900s. It started in 1911 when boys gave girls chrysanthemums adorned with ribbons. The traditions evolved, and by 1970, mums were being adorned with school colors and other items. Now, the tradition consists of a large mum corsage decorated with three-foot long streamers in the school’s colors. Other decorations embellish the corsage, such as bells, charms, banners, plush animals, sparkly letters, and lights. The mum is worn in the middle of the chest with streamers flowing almost to the ankles. Boyfriends, parents, friends, or relatives may give the mum to the girl. Boys wear a smaller version of the mum on their upper arms. They have a sports theme, club theme, or something about their hobbies on them. Another interesting thing about mums is that they are expensive and heavy. They can cost over $100, depending on all the customization one chooses to make. They also can weigh over 10 pounds. As Homecoming approaches in our Washington schools, we can either be envious of this southern tradition or very thankful that it stayed in the South.

An example of the popular homecoming proposals. Freshman Cole Childers asks freshman Makenna Morgan to Homecoming. Photo courtesy of Makenna Morgan.

To watch a slideshow about homecoming tradition, visit www.tomatalk.com

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FRIDAY, OCT. 7, 2016 The Tomatalk â&#x20AC;¢ Kamiakin High School

Tribal Games SPORTS

FRIDAY, OCT. 7, 2016 The Tomatalk • Kamiakin High School

9 Jethro Questad: running towards success By EDGAR CAZARES SPORTS EDITOR

amiakin Braves senior running back Jethro Questad put up a 104 yard game with

Eastmont with a 44-0 win at Neil F. Lampson Stadium Sept. 2. Questad claims that his father is the reason he

Senior running back Jethro Questad at varsity football practice. Photo by Edgar Cazares

10 carries in the season opener versus

got into football and why he’s where

“

he’s at now as starting varsity running back. Be the best I can be, try my Questad’s personal goal hardest at all times. this season is to be the best he Senior can be, and to try his hardest at all times. As a team, QuesJethro Questad tad hopes to win the state title. Kamiakin has put up 86 points in just In the 2015-16 season, Questad has two games, allowing no points on cited making the all-conference team defense. for the Mid-Columbia Conference a Questad also says the biggest career highlight. When asked how the coaches have opponent for Kamiakin this season is themselves. He also says that after affected him during his four years being an athlete for all four years playing high school football, he said, during high school, he’s learned to “They taught me how to be a man, stay calmer and doesn’t get as many taught me the process of football.” butterflies as he used to. Questad Questad also talked fondly of also said that what he’s most looking Coach Kevin McAfee. “He’s a great forward to this season is, “coming out guy, pretty much the old uncle you have always telling stories and having strong like we did against Eastmont and make a run at state.” a good time,” he said. In a game versus the Lewis and Clark Tigers, Questad rushed for 97 yards on only 12 carries in a 42-0 game winner on Sept. 9. As of week two in the Mid-Columbia Conference,

”

Q & A with Coach Davis By EDGAR CAZARES SPORTS EDITOR

nglish teacher Tina Davis is the sophomore volleyball coach. Only in her second year, Davis has experienced two twinning seasons. Last year, the sophomore team had a record of 13-1. This year, they are undefeated so far. Davis had some interesting things to share. Q: Where we you born? A: Yakima, Wash. Q: Have you traveled anywhere outside the United States? A: Just Mexico. Q: Favorite type of food? A: Steak and potatoes. Q: Why did you decide to coach volleyball? A: I decided to coach volleyball because I played it in high school and I loved it then so I was hoping that I could share my knowledge and passion for the sport with the kids here. Q: What was your major in college? A: My undergrad from George Fox was a bachelor’s and business and management and organizational leadership, and my master’s was in secondary education with an emphasis in English. Q: Favorite hobbies? A: Anything outdoors: in the summer it’s all water sports and in the winter is snowboarding and kind of just being outside.

Q: Favorite animal? A: Orcas. Q: Favorite after game snack? A: Sour gummies. Sour anything. Q: Why did you choose Kamiakin? A: I think Kamiakin chose me really. I had applied at a different school, and this was my only second application I put out and luckily they decided I was going to be a good fit. I really feel lucky to been given this opportunity. Q: Favorite sport other than volleyball? A: Softball. Q: Would you consider the sophomore team to be a tough team this season? A: Yes, I think that we’re going to compete against all teams we play and have a really hard sophomore team. It’s going to be a tough year though. Q: How long have you been coaching volleyball? A: This is my third year. I volunteered here my first year and these last two Coach Davis warming up for sophomore volleyball Photo by Madison Morgan years, I’ve been a coach. Q: What do you expect from your girls this season? Q: Who do you think will be your toughA: I expect hard work. I expect them to come to practice est opponent this season? every day and work extremely hard, and I expect them A: Richland. They have a great program and respective to have a passion and want to get better every single day program. They come ready to play.

Tribal Reviews ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

FRIDAY, OCT. 7, 2016 The Tomatalk • Kamiakin High School

Pokémon Go: Better without the updates

By THOMAS METCALF ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

t seems as though everyone with a phone is playing the new Nintendo game, “Pokémon Go”. The app has skyrocketed to the top of both the App Store for iOS and the Google Play store for Android. The game places creatures called Pokémon in the real world. These Pokémon can be caught by using Pokéballs and throwing them to catch them with the phone screen. The game also uses the player’s phone camera to make it look like the Pokémon is right in front of them. Once the game came out, it always had problems loading. Almost every player could not get into the game at all and were instead greeted by the dreaded green screen which read, “Our servers are experiencing issues. Please

come back later.” Some players did not come back later and just gave up there. But for all the people who continued, the game had a few updates and soon enough, the green screen became quite rare. Bugs have been worked out and people are finally able to catch them all. The game itself includes not just catching Pokémon, but also battling them in gyms. Gyms appear at random landmarks around the town, such as parks, churches, and statues. Once the player reaches a certain level, they have a choice between three teams where they can choose to group up to take control of a gym from another one of the three teams. “Pokémon Go” is meant for walking. Eggs can be

obtained through going to landmarks that are marked as Pokéstops. These Pokéstops give free items like eggs, which hatch when the player walks a certain distance, and will not count in the distance measurement if the player goes faster than a certain speed; potions which heal Pokémon after battle; and even Pokéballs. Screenshot from the app. taken by Taylor Hunzeker Recently, “Pokémon Go” has had many updates which have that shows how close the player is from a Pokémon was made players both happy removed due to a glitch and and unhappy. The updates replaced by a new sightings made the game less slow and system. has decreased how often it “Pokémon Go” has crashes, but many game mebecome a huge social expechanics have been removed and replaced with some less rience. People are all over useful ones. A huge mechanic the place playing the game,

search-

ing for the adorable creatures. Even though there are great aspects to it, it still needs a bit more work to give a full experience. The game is free and has optional in-app purchases.

‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’: A disappointment to fans worldwide By MADISON MORGAN E D I T O R- IN- CHIEF

n 320 pages, J.K. Rowling manages to tarnish the book series she spent 19 years creating. Author J.K. Rowling chronicles the school life of Harry Potter’s youngest son Albus. Albus feels different than the rest of his family, and feels the idea is reinforced when he is sorted into the Slytherin house at Hogwarts. To show others he isn’t his father, he sets out to right one wrong from Harry’s past. Albus steals a time-turner from the Ministry of Magic and sets out to prevent the death of Cedric Diggory. Harry, who was known in previous books for his bravery and courage, is now portrayed as a clueless and lazy father suffering from a familial mid-life crisis. His relationship with Albus is severely strained and his marriage with Ginny problematic. Every chance Harry gets to mend his broken bonds with Albus, he takes the opportunity to argue

with him and distance Albus further from him. Towards the ending of the novel, Harry admits he does love Albus, a surprising change of personality, since all Harry ever does is yell at Albus because he’s mad his son didn’t turn out more like him. Ron and Hermione aren’t better off either. They suffer no major problems like the Potters, but Rowling writes the two more as siblings than as husband and wife. Hermione acts as an older sister to Ron’s little sibling personality. And when the two do show their more affectionate sides, such as kissing on Hermione’s desk when the world is in danger, it’s awkward and uncalled for. But throughout ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,’ Albus is shown to resent his father deeply. Then suddenly Albus embarks on an adventure to show that he too can be like his father. Why the sudden switch from hating Harry to aspiring to be like him? The book itself seems to be a giant contradiction. It’s as if Rowl-

ing said, “We’ll have Albus hate his father,” then halfway through writing, she decided to have Albus be Harry’s number one fan just because she could. Readers knew ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’ could never be as good as the original series, but still their expectations were high, leaving fans everywhere disappointed. There’s nothing special about ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.’ It’s just a book about a teen feeling misunderstood. That’s normal for teens. As for Albus separating himself from his father’s name, why? Harry Potter is one of the most heroic wizards in the Wizarding World. And what about Albus is cursed, assuming he’s the cursed child? He’s fortunate to live such an opportunistic life and yet all he does is complain. A more fitting name for the novel would have been ‘Harry Potter and the Whiny Brat.’ Photo coutesy of BarnesandNoble.com

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