2018-19 Tomatalk Issue 1

THE

SEPTEMBER

Tomatalk

First Impressions VOLUME 43• ISSUE 1•FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2018• KAMIAKIN HIGH SCHOOL • 600 N. ARTHUR ST. • KENNEWICK, WA

2 Sp tlights

Around the Campfire NEWS & FEATURE

SEPT. 14, 2018 The Tomatalk • Kamiakin High School

Freshman begin making their mark Starting fresh is a fun adventure for two new freshmen girls

By MADDIE BRIGGS SPORTS EDITOR

A new school year has started and so has a new sense of adventure. Sonia Carballo and Marissa Asevedo will embark on an entirely new experience, high school.

When Carballo first walked through Kamiakin gates, she was not sure how to feel at first.

She felt mostly nervous but was also excited. She wanted to connect with her peers while attending Kamiakin.

With colleges being more demanding in wanting students to know what major they are doing before attending, Carballo is currently interested in being a cardiothoracic surgeon in the medical field. Carballo said, “I want to strive big.”

Carballo has a few strategies up her sleeve that will help her turn her dreams into reality.

Whenever she is stuck with

an issue or problem, Carballo’s formula to solve it involves a process. “I will reread it many times. Because once you start reading it more and more, you’ll start understanding it. I read it out loud for me to understand the problem,” she said.

When something comes up in a group project, Carballo likes to get everyone together and give ideas in doing the project.

Carballo loves English, but with all the rules it gets crazy.

With two weeks in school, Carballo feels more confident.

“I’m still in the same group of friends as in my old school. I want to branch out a little bit more and get to know people in my classrooms so I can work better,” she said.

With Caballo pursuing her dreams, Asevedo is also getting used to Kamiakin.

The first time Asevedo walked

through Kamiakin’s gates, she was very nervous, but after going to all her classes, she thought it wasn’t that bad.

Asevedo wants to experience the whole American high school experience “like football games, homecoming…”

Asevedo also has strategies which will make her high school experience more successful.

She plans to ask her friends or a teacher if she needs help. She With eyes focused on her goal, Sonia Carballo will be working enjoys helping her friends when hard to make her dreams come true. “I can’t read in my head they have a problem and come because I’m a verbal learner,” she said. Photo by Maddie Briggs. to her for advice. If a huge mistake comes up, she goes up to her teacher and tells them about the mistake. Any big problems, Asevedo is not afraid to tell the teacher about it.

Asevedo’s favorite subject is art. She is interested in photography or art. “I really like to draw,” she said. Two weeks in and Asevedo isn’t as nervous and knows where everything is now.

Filliom Virrveta, a freshman with multiple talents and potential

Ready to go--Marissa Asevedo will draw her way to survive her first year at Kamiakin. “I love art!” she explains enthusiastically.

Photo by Maddie Briggs.

By TAYA QUESTAD STAFF REPORTER

Freshman Filliom Virrvetta isn’t just a typical trombone player. Virrveta plays the trombone for Kamiakin’s marching band and symphonic band. His inspiration struck when his elementary school music teacher told his class that he played and gave them a demonstration. Virrveta’s favorite part about the trombone is the slide. “I like the slide because it looks cool,” Virrveta said.

Although Virrveta loves playing the trombone, he has another hidden tal-

ent. Virrveta is also a football player. He fell in love with football when he was younger because he always watched it.

Another inspiration for the game of football has been Virrvetta’s dad. His dad is always rooting for the Seahawks, so that helped strike his love for the game. He and his dad always watch games together, so for them it is a real bonding experiencefor the two of them.

Virrveta doesn’t play football this year because he wanted to take a break, but he is

thinking about doing it next year for Kamiakin’s team. Even though he doesn’t play, he still loves the game. When Virrveta played, he was a defensive lineman.

Virrveta is a man with two talents. He plays the trombone, and he plays football.

Regarding his experience with the trombone, he said, “I believe that I have gotten better and now I play really well.”

Virrveta is a dude with lots of confidence.

Filled with confidence, Fillion Virrvetta is ready for his first year at Kamiakin High School. Photo courtesy of Taya Questad

SEPT. 14, 2018 The Tomatalk Kamiakin High School

Scarlet Tide Marching Band

Around the Campfire NEWS & FEATURE 3

returns for another season

By THOMAS METCALF

T

If you would like to comment, write a letter to the editor, or

EDITOR IN CHIEF

he Kamiakin Scarlet Tide Marching Band is back for their 2018 season with a new show titled, “Español Oscuro.” The show is based on the Day of the Dead, a traditional Mexican holiday, and will feature new props, music, and visuals.

But Scarlet Tide is not just about performing a show.

It’s about getting to know people, working hard, and having something to show for it.

“I was worried because

I came pretty late and I’m a freshman and I don’t really know anyone here.

I was really stressed but they came up to me, and I’m kinda shy, but they were super friendly and introduced themselves and it was really easy to get along,” said freshman bass drum player Lia Scverson.

Scarlet Tide rehearses every Tuesday and Thursday night right outside of Kamiakin and works hard for four straight hours through practicing music, marching technique,

and memorization of a full, submit a guest article, contact us at: three movement show.

They even rehearse on The Tomatalk: Kamiakin High School, 600 North Arthur, Kennewick, some Saturdays for much WA, 99336, (509) 222-7015, email tomatalkstaff@ksd.org, or go longer hours. online at “It’s a lot of fun. It’s a www.tomatalk.com and comment there. new experience for me and I really just love being Staff: around the people and all Adviser: Laurie Bender the new opportunities I’m Editor-in-Chief: Thomas Metcalf getting,” said sophomore News Feature Editor: Maddie Briggs mellophone player Mirija Sports Editor: Jonathan Ziegenfuss Britton.

In-Depth Editor: Thomas Metcalf This season, Scarlet Tide Opinion Editor: Rucy Questad will perform at multiple Entertainment Editor: Alison Fellman football games and three Cover made by: Jonathan Ziegenfuss competitions this season, Staff Reporters: travelling as far as Auburn. Louis Barrett, Jeryca Engebretson, Addison Fountain, Jeremai Hernandez, Jorge Mun-

Hit and run driver seriously injures Kamiakin junior Kyle Marboe

For the Marboe family, Sept. 6 was like something from a nightmare.

That was when junior Kyle Marboe was found outside in his driveway, struggling to breathe after being the victim of a critical hit and run.

“I honestly don’t even know how I felt,” said junior Harper Mead. “I was completely shocked. I went kind [of] blank. I was obviously so worried and scared, but we didn’t have any details, so it was just so scary.”

Marboe was flown to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, where he has been unconscious ever since.

“I walked into school and a group of my friends were standing together,” said junior McKenna Buisic. “They walked up to me and told me what had happened and I was in complete shock. My heart dropped and [I] couldn’t even talk. I was so confused and immediately started to panic because there were so many unknowns. I then read the article that the news had written and just started shaking.

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

By MADISON MORGAN GUEST WRITER

guia, Taya Questad, Griselda Rivera Madrigal, Meriah Rodriguez, Imogen Santoyo, Nat Smith, Anna Solis-Garza, Tomie Stephens, and Vazgen Yedoyan

I remember sitting in class and just staring at the wall and not being able to focus on anything. All I wanted was to hear the words ‘He’s okay.’”

His accident has not only affected those nearest to him, but many members of the Kamiakin family as well.

“I think it’s brought everyone together and made us realize how much Kyle means to us and how we all always want to be there for each other,” Mead said.

Those with information about the incident are asked to call the Tri-Cities Crime Stoppers at 509-586-8477.

“We all love him so so much and are praying so hard for him to get better,” Mead said. “He’s the strongest person I know and no matter how hard this is, that we will all be there for him and can’t wait to see him when he comes home. If anyone could get through this terrible accident, it would be Kyle. He’s so strong.”

Marboe’s condition was upgraded on Saturday from critical to serious.His friends and family are hoping for a full recovery.

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Tribal Talk

OPINION & EDITORIAL

4

SEPT. 14, 2018 The Tomatalk • Kamiakin High School

Graduation credits Twenty-four credits could lead to

CON:

By JERYCA ENGELBRETSON STAFF REPORTER

I

lower graduation rates

n 2017, a high school credit increase was put into place. Freshmen and sophomores now have to receive 24 credits to graduate.

Juniors and seniors are still under the old system. They only have to have 21 credits for graduation. The idea at the state level is that students need more rigorous courses for acceptance to four year colleges, so they need to have full schedules with more math and science in them. However, this new requirement really isn’t good for everyone.

This sudden change has put more stress on younger students than there has ever been before. Many mixed opinions have been brought up in

this matter. An anonymous staff member said, “This is not giving freshmen the chance to make mistakes. They have to have the room to make mistakes to grow and learn.

Being a teenager is hard enough as it is, so putting this extra stress is almost too much, and only with six periods a day.”

Students and staff of Kamiakin have expressed their feelings on this topic. Some were positive, but a majority of the feedback was negative. Senior Louisa Herrera said, “I feel bad for the younger kids because it’s already stressful entering high school. I couldn’t imagine having more work to do.”

Band director Keith Russell believes that there will be a decrease in students joining music classes because of the extra criteria where students could fail and have less openings to add musical arts to their schedule if desired.

This also affects students with religious beliefs because parents of certain students want them in seminary, which does not count as a credit, causing them to either take summer school or a zero or seventh hour course. Not all teachers offer this, and these classes could interfere with extra-curricular activities, such as sports.

Teacher Angeline Hood’s ninth

grade honors algebra class believes that their graduation rate will decrease because of students dropping out due to higher expectations and pressure. For example, failing one class or more could put a rough dent into a student’s school career.

These reasons cause struggles and pressure for the students, which can lead to wanting to give up on school altogether.

All high school students struggle in school. With extra credits required, it could lead to high dropout rates and low graduation rates.

school diploma.

Freshman Kiara Wheeler said, “… now it’s like you can’t fail a class which you shouldn’t in the first place so nothing to worry about. You don’t want people failing classes because that’s just going to look bad on you and the school, so in the long run it’s just better if they have the extra motivation of them needing extra credits.”

The new generation will be very academically strong because they are being required to take more rigorous classes all the way through. During their senior year, most students will be required to maintain a full schedule. The new change is good because it makes our school district more

competitive and more aligned with other districts nationwide who are doing the same thing.

PRO: Extra credits require students to take school seriously

By NATALIE SMITH STAFF REPORTER

E

ven though freshmen and sophomores complain about their new 24 credit graduation requirement, really the new requirement is beneficial for them.

One reason these requirements are beneficial is that students will take their education much more seriously.

They won’t be able to mess around, thinking that it isn’t a big deal if they fail. They will have more motivation to pass classes the first time. This will lead to better attendance, which will solve another epidemic here at school. Last year, Kennewick School District reported an alarming number of absences with their students, and that includes Kamiakin. That is why parents were asked to sign an attendance contract that was sent home during the summer. If students realize the gravity of passing their classes the first time, they are more likely to be there.

Even though many teachers believe there are pros and cons to the new requirement, teachers here pointed out that the requirement will bring students to a realization of the real

world and how they need to stay focused when it comes to taking a career path.

A lot of people don’t realize the stress that students have on an everyday basis and of course it will bring stress with the new credit raise but either way, whether it’s 24 credits or 21 credits, there will always be a pressure in school because high school is the most important thing that can determine a student’s future career path. If students excel in high school, they can attend the college of their choice. If they don’t excel, their goals may take longer for them to reach. The credit raise will really not affect this situation. The students already exceling will continue to excel.

The students struggling will either have to step up and take their education seriously, or their end result will be the same as it would have been if they had only been required to take 21 credits. It doesn’t really matter. In other words, it is really the right mindset of the student that will cause them to continue to strive to receive that end prize of their high

THURSDAY, SEPT. 14, 2018 The Tomatalk • Kamiakin High School

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Tribal Talk

OPINION & EDITORIAL

Dress code: outdated and biased

ByIMOGEN SANTOYO STAFF REPORTER

M

any students and staff have controversial opinions about the dress code and how it affects them. Most teachers have their opinions backed up with common facts and safety reasons, while the students’ reasoning revolves around how apparel has developed since the rules were originally enforced many years ago.

The main attack to the dress code is whether or not it holds a bias against women. While it’s understandable that women have more to show and wear, why should the dress code unfairly restrict women from their freedom of wearing what they please?

One of the issues students complain about is that girls are forbidden from showing their bra straps. Vice Principal Mary Isley attempted to explain why the school has this rule. “We help our kids to be prepared for life outside of high school.” She said that showing your abdomen and bra straps isn’t exactly business attire and that you don’t see a doctor or lawyer showing their bra straps or abdomen.

But what about the bias? That is also a big concern. Is the dress code really biased toward women and girls. “I believe that the dress code is fair. that the school doesn’t make the dress code that-- the district does that, they just enforce it on the students,” said Isley.

As for the opinions these students have, an anonymous student stated, “Guys can wear huge cut-out shirts.”

The student said that it wasn’t fair that young men can wear cut-out shirts but young women

can’t have their bra straps showing.

Another student stated, “Bras should be acceptable to be shown.” This student felt that it’s the modern day and that bras and crop tops are the trend and should be accepted.

In addition, other school districts like Hanford have done away with parts of their strict dress code because they don’t feel it is enforceable anymore.

With the styles what they are, students find it difficult to shop for long enough shorts, long enough shirts, and jeans that pass the school’s strict requirements. Other school districts have decided it should be a decision between parents and children, not the school and the families.

With all these pros and cons together, it is still questionable whether or not these rules should be enforced.

Young women feel more targeted due to the fact that it is a more modern day and we as young women have trends such as crop tops, bralettes, distressed jeans, tube tops, mesh tops, camisoles, etc. We as young women feel the dress code should be more sensitive towards what we should be able to wear.

Photo By Rucy Questad

Chromebooks should be for all…or none

By ADDISON FOUNTAIN STAFF REPORTER

T

his year the freshmen have been issued chromebooks.

They are the first class at our school to be given this privilege.

But not everyone is happy about it.

Sophomores especially, who have to meet the new steeper requirements for graduation (24 credits), feel it’s not fair they are left out. Sophomore Veronica Contreras said, “All the sophomores have to take harder classes and have the 24 credits rule as well, but no one is giving us new learning tools!”

The pros to giving the freshmen chromebooks are undeniable, but it would make more sense if they applied these advantages to everyone.

For example, chromebooks allow less paper usage; they make note taking so much easier; all students can type their work which makes it easier for teachers to read; and since work is visible both at home and at

school, students no longer have the excuse that they forgot their work at home.

Since sophomores have even more

rigorous classes and even more complex writing assignments than freshmen, why aren’t sophomores given the same privilege of having a chromebook. Many sophomores don’t have their own computers at

home yet, so having a chromebook would enable them to do these writing assignments at home easier.

While the sophomores are fussing about not getting Chromebooks the freshmen are ecstatic. Many freshmen think it’s a great idea like freshman Ethan Knight who said, “I think it’s a great idea and I think it’ll make learning different and easier to keep up with!”

Interestingly, there is another side to it. Having chromebooks checked out to them make some freshmen

nervous. Freshman Max Jarvis said, “I think they’re too much responsibility for a new class in a new school to have.”

The transition phase is in effect and things are a little worrisome for the new computers. Computer crashes and forgetful students may make the process more challenging at first.

Freshmen are expected to have their chromebooks at school every day for all their classes. They are expected to have their chromebooks charged.

Even though parents can purchase insurance for the chromebooks, it will be interesting to see how many freshmen lose them or forget them every day.

The sophomore class is much more mature and old enough to know how to take care of the new computers. With all these positives for the sophomores, who should really get these new computers?

Chief IN-DEPTH Legends

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SEPT. 14, 2018 The Tomatalk • Kamiakin High School

First Imp

Exchange students share their first impressions of Kamiakin and America

By VAZGEN YEDOGAN STAFF REPORTER

E

xchange students come to the United States every year to share their culture with us and learn about our culture. They stay with an American family and are basically immersed into American life. Their first impressions can be both negative and positive…and sometimes a little mixed.

Hello, my name is Vazgen Yedogan, and I’m a foreign exchange student from Armenia. I’m very happy that I have an amazing opportunity to live in a host family in the U.S. and attend Kamiakin High School. My first impression was excitement. Here, things are much different than in my country, especially food. For example bread, it’s very different, and here people don’t eat it as much as we do. We eat bread with everything during the day. Here are a lot of strange meals for me. For example, I couldn’t imagine that people can eat meat with honey. When I heard about it for the first time, I thought that it was a joke, but after trying it, I understand that it’s one of the best things that I’ve ever tried. I also was excited about other students and teachers who were so grateful to meet me, especially when they know that I am

from another country.

But I’m not the single exchange student at Kamiakin. We have an international team of six students from Armenia, Finland, Georgia, Germany, and Turkey.

Our exchange students told about their first impressions at Kamiakin and in the U.S. They said that they were impressed with the wide territory of this county because everything in the U.S. is really big: stores, houses, even fruits and vegetables.

In the U.S. everything has a special taste . All of the students live here in host families and they mentioned that they love them and consider them the kindest and nicest people in the world.

These students also had first impressions about the school. They were impressed with the size of the school and the number of people here. School in most of their countries is quite different. Their campuses are not as big. They also have more than six classes, and their schedules are different every day. In their countries, the teachers change classes.

They have the same students in their classes all day. They said here, that makes it more difficult to learn everyone’s names. They feel like there are so

many students in all their classes. One thing they like about Kamiakin is that all the teachers are kind and helpful.

The exchange students are planning to have international education week really soon. That way students at Kamiakin can develop their first impressions about the students and their culture, hopefully a very positive one. During that week, the exchange students will introduce their presentations about their countries. Students who are interested in learning more about other cultures should listen for the announcements so that they can attend.

Photo credits to Thomas Metcalf

The impact and importance of first impressions F

By THOMAS METCALF EDITOR IN CHIEF

Photo credits to Thomas Metcalf

irst impressions can be very difficult to many, whether it be creating a good one or interpreting someone else’s. A first impression is what someone sees, hears, and learns about someone in the first minutes or even seconds of meeting them. These can be very important when making friends and meeting new people.

“It’s usually a good idea to have a good first impression with someone because right away that’s what you start thinking of them the first time you meet them,” said senior Payton Lee. “Like, if you meet someone and they don’t shake your hand or something, that could be disrespectful or something like that.”

Everyone has their own perspectives on what a good first impression looks like. For example, someone who is the life of a party could be considered very fun, cool, and exciting to some. However, others could see the person in a negative way as a risk to the health of others due to their recklessness.

“I think it’s always an important thing just because, you know, whether you like it or

not, people see people for the first time and if it’s a good impression they tend to have a good feeling about them as they move along. If it’s a bad impression, it takes a little bit to get that impression to improve a little bit, which can happen,” said teacher Scott Biglin. “But definitely first impressions are important.”

However, as important as first impressions are, there are some situations where first impressions don’t matter quite as much. One example of this is in the workplace.

“In the workplace it’s a little different because you know you will have to work with people no matter what and so I don’t think first impressions are that big of a deal in the workplace because you don’t get to choose the people you’re gonna be around so you gotta learn to adjust to different people’s personalities. I think you just take that first impression and you learn how to work with them respectfully,” said Biglin.

Nevertheless, many researchers and psychologists believe that first impressions are very important and can help us create opinions on others.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 14, 2018 The Tomatalk • Kamiakin High School

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pressions

Chief Legends In Depth

Kamiakin grads give first impressions of UW and the college experience

By MADISON MORGAN GUEST WRITER

Photo credits to Kamiakin Athletics

Photo credits to www.washington.edu

Kamiakin is the kind of school where everybody knows everybody else. For many students, they’ve grown up with each other.

But college is different.

At the University of Washington (UW), things are bigger, better, faster paced.

Myself, and several other 2018 Kamiakin grads going to UW this year, are going to be part of a larger family. At Kamiakin, enrollment was around 1,800. At UW Seattle, it’s closer to 47,000.

“My first impressions of UW when I first got here was how massive and breath-taking the campus was. I love the unique buildings and the gorgeous scenery,” said class of 2018 grad Rosa Carballo.

“The students at UW are a little bit more reserved than I thought, and people tend to get in their own cliques.”

Although the campus first left Carballo awestruck, she later admitted how problematic that was.

“Although UW is beautiful and massive, don’t be foolish like me and bring 20 pairs of heels because you will not be using them. Walking shoes are the way to go,” she said.

She also talked about getting to know people despite their reserved attitudes.

“It’s important to put yourself out there and find your own opportunities, because college is not like high school, where experiences and friendships are relatively easy to attain. You are responsible for your own success. And if you want to make friends, simply start a conversation. It never hurts to be the conversation starter because it can formulate into something amazing and worthwhile.”

As a final note to Kamiakin Braves, some of who are future college students, Carballo wanted to emphasize these points, saying, “Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and try new things, [and] save as much money as possible and find a meal routine that is reasonable and works in your best interest because once you’re an adult, every coin matters.”

First impressions shouldn’t define what you think of others

By RUCY QUESTAD STAFF EDITOR

F

irst impressions aren›t always accurate.

Many times they aren’t a good indicator of what’s under the surface. People are more complex than what you see on the outside.

The first impression you make on people will last a long time, and if it’s a negative one, it›s going to take longer to change the opinion of that person.

Senior Shureenia Weger’s first impression of her boyfriend, senior Caesar Salas-Gillaspie, was that he was funny and cute.

“When I first met Caesar I thought he was a cute class clown and I didn’t think he would take a lot of things seriously, but it turns out he’s really nice, really sweet, and we have a really solid relationship,” said Weger.

Salas-Gillaspie, on the other hand, had a different first impression of Weger.

“My first impression of Shureenia was that she was super cute and super funny, but we

met in middle school, so I was super immature [and] always picked on her,” he said. “I didn’t think she liked me, so I must have had a bad first impression on her. As I got to know her more and more and as I picked on her, she didn’t really mind it, so I guess that I did make a good first impression. As we...got [to know each other] more and more, one thing led to another. Now not enough words can explain her. Just the closer we got, the more I got to know about her and not necessarily she changed, but just my perspective on her changed.”

The bottom line is that all people and situations should receive a second chance…or at least a second glance. Otherwise, who knows what you might miss out on?

Seniors Caesar Salas-Gillaspie and Shureenia Weger pose for a photo. Photo by Shureenia Weger.

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SEPT. 14, 2018 The Tomatalk • Kamiakin High School

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THURSDAY, SEPT. 14, 2018 The Tomatalk • Kamiakin High School

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Tribal Games SPORTS

Football routs Southridge to head towards another successful year

By JORGE MUNGUIA STAFF REPORTER

O

ur football team has big goals for the year, and they hope to at least get as far as last year.

Last year, they made it to the first rounds at the state playoff games, finishing with a 9-2 record but losing in the first round of state to Timberline 26-22.

Even though a lot of our talent graduated last year, the outlook looks good according to some of the varsity players and the coach. When asked about the team expectations, team captain Caesar Salas said, “We plan on winning the conference and definitely show that we’re still holding

up a high mentality even though a lot of the talent graduated last year, but we still have high hopes and goals.”

The first game proved tough for the Braves. It was in Yakima against West Valley, and they ended up losing 9-17.

“That was just the first week. Everyone has a bad week, and it was our first game as a group. We’re all still super young. We play Southridge this week. It’s going to be a big game for us hopefully to bounce back after last week,” said Salas.

Although West Valley was a tough team, the game served as an eyeopener for coaches and the new players to get comfortable with each other

and where they need to be for the conference matches later on. “Last week’s game was a non-league game and we knew that going on to it. Win or lose, it didn’t matter to us as far as what our goals are. What we’re hoping it does is expose the young guys to the Friday night lights and get [them] acquainted to the speed of the game,” said Couch Scott Biglin.

Sure enough, the game with Southridge on Sept. 7 proved that the Braves can still reach their goals.

They routed the Suns with a score of 41-0.

With the conference in their sights, the team feels confident about this year and hopes to go as far as possible.

Courtesy of Evelyn Callister Varsity football team playing hard against the Suns

Boys cross country looks to return to state

By JONATHAN ZIEGENFUSS STAFF REPORTER

W

hether its football, cross country, soccer or volleyball, fall sports has to be one of the most exciting things every high school students is looking forward to.

Maybe you actually play the sport or you are in the stands and watching, but it still gets your adrenaline going.

Boys cross country had a phenomenal season last year. Off of the state win from last year, the boys look very promising this year as well.

“The boys’ team looks to be strong or stronger than last year,” Coach Matt Rexus said.

Out of the seven runners that made it to state, five of them are returning to the team.

Regarding the goals for the team this year, Coach Rexus said, “The boys would like to repeat as state champions, but we know that there is now a bullseye on our back. Everyone will bring their ‘A’ game against us [this season].”

we will need to had qualified for the national meetfocus on all the where only the top 22 teams in the little things that entire nation get to compete,” Rexus many people explained. don’t take the time to do.”

The team was very fortunate to have all seven runners from varsity healthy and at the state meet. All seven ran the fastest race of their life.

Courtesy of KamikinBoysXC On last year’s Boys cross country runs at Jamboree on Aug. 8, 2018 team, five out of seven runners on varsity went undefeated all the The team would like to get better way up until the championship. throughout the season and peak at “The same boys then qualified for state.

Photo by Jonathan Ziegenfuss the Nike nationals [and] finishing “We want to have every single run- second in the Northwest region Cross County runners (left to right) Kolter Lynch, Kaleb Durham, AJ Mcpherson, Collin Jackson, ner run faster than last season,” Rexus consisting of seven [other] states. and Thomas Dunlap waiting to go to practice said. “As a coach, that is always my It was the second time since 2012 goal for all the athletes [but] to do that that Kamiakin boys’ cross country

Tribal Reviews ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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THURSDAY, JUNE 1, 2017 The Tomatalk • Kamiakin High School

Book Review: ‘Born a Crime’ by Trevor Noah

By ALISON FELLMAN ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

‘B

orn a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood’ is an autobiographical novel written by Trevor Noah, most notably known as the host of the comedy/news program ‘The Daily Show.’ The novel recounts Noah’s memories of his adolescence growing up in South Africa and his relationship with his fierce, maverick mother.

Noah was born during the time of apartheid in South Africa, when Black and White South Africans were segregated, and a relationship between two people of different races was a punishable crime. Since Noah’s mother was a Xhosa woman, and his father was a Swiss and German man, Noah’s existence was essentially illegal.

Noah reflects on his childhood memories of never playing with other children, secret visits with his father, and times when his mother had to pretend he wasn’t her son. Noah expresses his experiences of dealing with his identity, as well as the way others reacted to his identity. A great

portion is dedicated to stories of Noah’s mother, to whom Noah attributes his views of free-thought, faith, relationships, and the world.

Along with several amusing stories of childhood mischief, the bouts of wisdom that are scattered throughout the pages of ‘Born a Crime’ are what make the novel outstanding and memorable. Noah’s gift for storytelling and attention to detail makes the novel easily-readable and engaging.

‘Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood,’ while largely comedic and anecdotal, deals with issues particular to South Africa, race, and above all, the relationship between mothers and sons.

‘Won’t You Be My Neighbor?’

By ALISON FELLMAN ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

‘W

on’t You Be My Neighbor?’ is a 2018 documentary film directed by Morgan Neville. It covers the life of Fred Rogers, also known as Mr. Rogers. He was the host of the children’s television show ‘Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,’ and was known for his soft-spoken, compassionate communication towards people, especially children.

The doc details the very beginning of the program, which first aired in 1968 on WQED, a PBS television station, to the very last episode. Most of ‘Won’t You Be My Neighbor?’ focuses on the personality of Mr. Rogers and his show, which often dealt with tough issues happening in the world in a way that kids would understand. The issues happening in ‘The Neighborhood of MakeBelieve’ would mirror what was happening in the real world. The topics included divorce, the death of a pet, assassination, and war.

One of the most touching moments in the film is when a puppet on the show, Daniel Striped Tiger, voices his worries of being a mistake. He sings a song of feeling like a mistake to Lady Aberlin, a friend of the neighborhood, who then sings a song to him about how he is fine exactly the way he is. Instead of being consoled by Lady Aberlin, Daniel sings his verse alongside her, turning the song into a duet. The duet delivers the message that worries and concerns don’t always go away easily, but having a supportive, reassuring voice alongside them can make a world of difference in how those feelings are handled.

The documentary reveals that Mr. Rogers’ passion for the communication of emotions stems from his own childhood years. He experienced bullying as a child, and had a hard time expressing his own feelings to others. He found he could convey his emotions through music and playing the piano. In ‘Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,’ Mr.

Rogers was thought to express his inner thoughts through the puppets, which were all voiced by him.

The conversations Mr. Rogers had with his audience of children surrounding these subjects were considered bold at the time. However his reasons for talking about these subjects served to encourage peaceful coexistence, a better understanding of children’s feelings, and of their view of the world.

‘Won’t You Be My Neighbor?’ is a beautiful documentary that is timely and needed. It is a reminder that kindness, compassion, and consideration of other people’s feeling should never go undervalued.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 14, 2018 The Tomatalk • Kamiakin High School

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Tribal Reviews ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Summer Video Games

By LOUIS BARRETT STAFF REPORTER

Summer is a time when many teens take time for leisure and entertainment. A common activity for many on-break students are video games. Companies and game developers take advantage of this newfound free time and come out with new games, along with major updates to already notable games.

NINTENDO HIGHLIGHT Due to this year’s release of the Nintendo Switch, many new titles were announced and released to capture the attention of those considering whether or not the new console was worth the purchase.

Games already released through platforms such as PC were also readapted to fit the style of the Switch.

A few titles consisting of these two categories include ‘Mario Tennis Aces,’ ‘Limbo,’ ‘Inside,’ and ‘Okami HD.’ As for more popular and strongly hyped content, what comes to mind is the announcement of ‘Smash Bros Ultimate.’ Planned to release in December this year, this announcement was made during June, at E3 2018. Later that month came the release for ‘Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion.’ In Nintendo’s first major paid expansion to the ‘Splatoon’ series, players get to experience a new, story driven single player mode. Fans of the series are rather fond of the expansion, and review websites such as IGN and Metacritic give the game an average 8/10. While summer may have been a good time for Nintendo to throw some new and old games out for their new console, there’s only more to come as the year carries on.

PC / STEAM HIGHLIGHT Another popular gaming platform is one’s personal computer. With many corporations that offer a wide catalog of games for a variety of computer types, such as the notable Steam, or Battle.net, you can easily find gaming entertainment without needing to purchase a Nintendo, Xbox, or PlayStation console.

‘World of Warcraft,’a game that has held a major user base since its initial release in 2004, came out with an update that had many devoted fans on the edge of their seats. Naturally, the bar was set high for their newest expansion—Battle for Azeroth. It holds up the themes of war and the flames of war between the notable Alliance and Horde groups. Many new in-game systems were added with this expansion, and keep the game ever so exciting, all in its best form.

Another update, this time for one of Steam’s most popular multiplayer and survival game to date, would be the Gorge event in Klei Entertainment’s ‘Don’t Starve Together.’ The event, being for a limited time, allowed a lot of players to launch the game and delve into a whole new game mode. Unlike the rinse and repeat experience of attempting to survive as long as you can, this mode required players to learn new in-game recipes and race against time to reach their goal. Many difficult achievements could be earned during this time period, along with new character skins. This one in a lifetime event lasted from June 14 to July 17. Near the end of this timeframe, they also announced a tournament, rewarding those who would obtain the highest scores.

While major game events and updates do attract fresh and old players alike, new games that made their debut on Steam or other PC outlets have the potential to create a new diverse and devoted fan base. The long awaited ‘We Happy Few’ and the polished RPG ‘Vampyr’ are two new releases that

OTHER RELEASES CRASH BANDICOOT N.SANE TRILOGY. (PC) ELDER SCROLLS ONLINE: SUMMERSET (PC, PS4, XBOX ONE) THE CREW 2 (PC, PS4, XBOX ONE) WARIOWARE GOLD (3DS) MADDEN NFL 19 (PC, PS4, XBOX ONE) THE WALKING DEAD: THE FINAL SEASON EP. 1 (PC. PS4, XBOX ONE) YAZUKA 0 (PC)

Entertainment

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Shenanigans

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By Evelyn Johnson - www.qets.com

Do not judge me by my success. Judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.

--Nelson Mandela

This is our new Shenanigans section. If you would like to contribute one of the following things, bring it by our December 1 deadline to room 314 or send it to Laurie.Bender@ksd. org.

You may contribute: Original poems Favorite quotes Art Pictures of art you have made (like ceramics, etc.)

Crossword puzzles or other games you have created