Tri-Color Times 2007-03

Granger High School

Tri-Color Times

March, 2007

Volume XLIX, Issue 04

Preparing For The Future

March Thursday, March 01

Parent Teacher Conferences

Friday, March 02 No School

Tuesday, March 06

Drill Clinics and Tryouts

Wednesday, March 07 Sterling Scholar Finals Drill Clinics and Tryouts

Thursday, March 08 Drill Clinics and Tryouts Region Jazz Festival @ Cyprus

Friday, March 09 ACT Registration Deadline Drill Clinics and Tryouts

Thursday, March 15 Vocal Solo and Ensemble Festival @ Cottonwood Madrigal Region @ Cottonwood

Friday, March 16 Soph. Assembly pm Aud. Many students' wallets are empty like Lisa Barcelons'

Saturday, March 17 Sadie Hawkins Dance

Article By Joe Fatani

''I

started working about three weeks ago,” said Refija Kavazovic, a sophomore who has just started working. “It’s been a new experience. I have to learn to be responsible and stuff like that you know. When I told people I have a job, all of my friends started laughing. They think I’m really irresponsible. But I’m not; I have good grades and everything. But I still dread the day I get a bill for something. I usually spend a lot of my money.”

Refija is not the only student like this. Students all over the school are lost when it comes to how to manage their money. Either they are big money spenders or just don’t know what all the terms mean. But since the addition of Financial Literacy or Adult roles as required classes to graduate, students are more prepared for the future. Adult Roles is a full year class, while Financial Literacy is a semester class.

Those aren’t the only classes that can set you up for the future. Future Business Leaders of America or FBLA help you gain confidence and business skills. FBLA is open to all students who have a 2.5 G.P.A. Still, not a lot of people attend this club. “I really wish I had more students.” said Mrs. Drage. “In 2008, we are sponsored to go to Tennessee. I would really love to fill the bus, or plane or whatever. I really like the students that do come though, because they choose to come to this class. They chose to improve their future, so it really inspires me to teach them.”

Are students really ready for life after school? A lot of students just say that they’ll go to college after high school hoping that their grades are enough. But only a few of them actually seek out financial aid or go the extra mile to go to college, attending clubs and sports so that their application looks good. Some other students just hope to find a great job and work from that. There are also those students who say that they’ll just take a few years off of school and then go to college. But do they actually follow through?

Students need to prepare for life, and that means becoming independent. Make your own choices in life. Create goals and rely on yourself and your abilities to accomplish them. Get a job to create your own source of money. Make school part of your life and not just a b-side to your social life. Participate and create ways to give back to people. By doing these simple things, you can find yourself and grow as a person.

Another thing to do is to be all that you can be. A lot of people say this, but no one really thinks about it. No matter what you want to do, be the best at it. If you want to work at a fast food place, than do it. But strive to be the best at it. Climb up the ranks and become manager. Or if you want to be a plumber, than do it. But make your company the best plumbing business out there. By doing this, people will respect you and know that you care about your life.

INSIDE

INDEX

BROKE STUDENTS

BAD SIDE OF PROM

Do you work hard to make Prom special, only to be dissapointed?

– page 06

Are you spending to much money on lunch? Find out how else you could be spending that money.

– page 04

Congratulations to Will Thorup, Rosey Basset, Jacob Squire, and Maria Halton.

They are the Sterling Scholar finalists from Granger High.

Are albums dead?....................................... ..02 When do teachers leave?..............................03 West side gets a little help..............................05 Early graduation.............................................06

2 NEWS

Tri-Color Times March 2007

Are Albums Dead?

Article By Dominick Prospero

It is known that our generation is one infatuated with what we call music. For a long time, music has defined generations. The counter-culture, anti-conformist movement of the sixties let plenty of excellent sound seep through the subsequent activism and decline with drug abuse. The seventies and eighties pop and disco was layered with decadence and music for the sake of feeling good and dancing. The nineties consisted of underground punk brigades and the unfortunate fame of Nirvana. But when did we stop listening to the artist’s complete statement, the album? Modern youth has grown to neglect the album and has resorted to downloading the single hit songs.

There can be many reasons to explain why this depravity has grown prominent in our generation.

One of them is the fact that we don’t have time to sit down and actually play the entire album. Some simply have no time between school, work, and their social lives to go through an hour of music. “I listen to mixes on my CD player,” said Chanell Bitsue, a junior, “so I can listen to

purchase eighteen songs and only listen to three of them, that’s like buying fourteen cows and leaving a dozen of them to wander the hilltops freely while you ferociously milk and slaughter the others for nourishment.

The problem may, however, be the technology we use to listen to this music. Having the opportunity of being in an era of vinyl records rather than the compact discs that are prevalent today, Mr. Juett thinks that the new outlets are part of the problem. “With records you had no choice but to let the sides play through, whereThe only place you will find albums these days is in a book. as now you can skip songs just by the good songs.” Perhaps it’s nies only want that one song that pressing a button.”

Whether you listen to the quality of music, from this kids will get stuck in their head. shuffles of hit songs or complete point of view. If there’s time Unfortunately, this is what gets enough to listen to compila- the consumer’s to buy the album, albums, music will always be tions and for extended periods for those one or two songs that dominant in each of our lives. on an Mp3 player, there’s also have climbed the charts. “It’s not Music runs in our veins. “When enough for a complete record. worth the money you’re spend- I was growing up it was the Bea“The artists today don’t even ing if you’re only going to listen tles,” Mr. Juett reminisces, “then write their own songs,” Chanell to those few songs,” says Chris it was Beefheart and later on jazz added, “So the complete album Speters, who listens to complete and classical. Taste for music is statement isn’t even theirs.” records, “I’ll only buy a record if always progressing.” A correct Modern music has be- I know five or six good songs on way to listen to music is like a come a battle for the hit song. it and I’ll still listen to the entire correct way of prayer, everybody will make the ritual their own and Producers and record compa- record.” It’s not rational to there’s no absolute way to do it.

Mystery Meat Article By Jackie Salm

School lunch has many reputations. On TV shows we see school lunch as unhealthy gross slop. And we cannot forget the mystery meat, but is school food at Granger good or bad?

Amber Austin, a junior, says “School food is so gross and unhealthy that no one eats it”. Some students say that the food is gross, but they eat it anyways so they do not get hungry in class.

You may not be hungry, but what about awake, and aware of what the teacher is saying? Studies show that fattening and greasy foods can cause people to feel slow, tired, and sluggish. But not all school food is like that. We are given options; we can get salad from the salad bar, or fruit from the lunch line. So what do students say about the healthy food offered here at granger high school? Marianne Carlson, a senior, said “The healthy food looks unappetizing, it makes the unhealthy food look good instead of bad, I think they spend more money on the unhealthy food rather then the healthy stuff.”

While looking for information on the school lunch food like calories, fats, and sugars.

I had no luck; however, I did find a list of the school lunches carbohydrates. But how do we know if they are good or bad carbohydrates? The best way to tell is if it is junk food or not. For example, soda, fries, pizza, and chips are all bad carbohydrates. These bad carbohydrates are the ones that have a negative effect on your body.

The carbohydrates you would want to have are in apples, wheat bread, vegetables, and orange juice. These carbohydrates are the ones that are healthy for you and give you energy.

So how do you get good carbohydrates at Granger High school? Try replacing soda with water. It is much healthier for you and keeps you awake at school. If you think soda does the same thing, that’s known as false energy; it gives you a burst of energy then slowly slows you down.

Unlike water that will keep you going, it may take a while since your body is not use to it, but it will help.

Also you do not have to eat the school food. You could always brown bag your lunch.

Or you can use your lunch money and walk

What exactly is he eating?

over to Albertsons to get some healthy items to eat. If you are stuck at school or on fee waver, do not worry, there are solutions for you too. Instead of regular chips try getting baked. Get water instead of soda. And regular milk instead of chocolate milk. And some of the vegetables in the salad bar look safe, so try to replace your fries for carrot sticks, or a side salad. I’m not saying stop eating junk food entirely but try not to eat as much. Even if the school food looks and taste bad, or if it is too unhealthy, remember there is always a solution to stay away from it.

NEWS 3

The Tri-Color Times March 2007

When Do Teachers Leave?

Article By Malerie Phillips riod and they had to share lockers and park in the drivers ed range.

Ms. Turner said there weren’t any relocatables when she went here and the student body was larger.

They had about 2,600 students at that time compared to our 1,700. She says she was a good student, but did sluff a lot. She wants every student to “be proud of where you come from and don’t cave into any labels about Granger. Many good people have graduated from here”.

Going through her brain and bringing back memories from when she came here, Ms. Reese recalls their wasn’t a Math and English building, those classes were located were the dance and pottery room is now.

The choral room was where we now have our counseling center, and we have a bigger auditorium now. “I was an average student, not great but average. I participated in the Madrigals, sports, and I was a cheerleader for one year. I think students need to realize how important a high school diploma is and stay focused, work hard and be kind to each other” Being the coach for Cheer is Ms. Carlson’s career here at Granger so it was no surprise to find out she had been an Excalibur, cheerleader and was in Dance Company for 3 years. She was a good student and received a sterling scholar for music. “I think students need to be more active and more involved in school activities. There was more student involvement when I went to school. More people attended the dances as well. Students should always work hard and start having some fun.”

Mr. Clawsen said “So many things have changed between now and then, we have a more multicultural school now, all the styles have come and gone and some come back again. Students used to be more involved in the school activities.” He says students have so many more classes to choose from then when he went to school. The Math and English Building was called the “New” Building” since it was just barely built. But even with all these changes one thing has stayed the same, the carpet color. “Dances used to be

These former students returned to Granger as teachers

just one day, including some after party activities.

Now, its pre-this and pre-that: The pre-pre-breakfast and the after-after party. Dances shouldn’t last 5 weeks long and they were much less expensive” Clawsen was a “studly” student, he was on the basketball team, tennis, and was captain of the football team. When I asked if he had any advice for us students today he replied “Get some sleep. A select few of students are taking advantage of everything the school has to offer and ‘burning’ themselves out and the rest aren’t doing anything and aren’t motivated. Take calculus and continue with your math education. It comes in handy a lot. Challenge yourself, don’t take the easy road. You can have fun and learn at the same time. Oh, and math club rocks!”

Next time we think we don’t have anything in common with our teachers, think again, there may be more than what you believe. Who knows, maybe one day you will be a teacher here yourself.

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The students of Granger High have got the idea that teachers live at school. Their beds are hidden in the closets they keep locked and they never leave.

That’s the myth we all had as children. We are in high school so we don’t really believe that now, but you’d be surprised at how many teachers really never have left, at least from being a student to having a career here. That’s right, at least six teachers we have here at Granger were students as well. They sluffed class, were tardy and participated in school activities and clubs. We all knew someone who had parents go here or maybe even grandparents. My cousin actually had a teacher who had her mom as a student here also. During parent-teacher conferences they would reminisce and take trips down memory lane. Have we ever gotten to know our teachers to find out we might actually be sitting in the same class room they sat in years ago?

Ms. Robinson actually went to school here in 1988-1990. She was a sophomore and a junior at the time. Ms. Turner, Ms. Reese, Mr. Kjar, Ms. Carlson and Mr. Clawsen all graduated here, although some more recently than others. Mr. Kjar graduated in 2002, Ms. Carlson in 1999, Mr. Clawsen in 1983, Ms. Turner in 1982, and Ms. Reese in 1972. That’s 4 different generations of students. You would think they were all completely different but in reality they are quite alike.

Mr. Kjar, who is now a student teacher, was involved with the athletics department. He was on the football, basketball, and track teams. Although he thinks the athletics department has dropped quite a bit, he hopes “things will change in the upcoming future” He was very shy but at the same time very outgoing and says, "he is the twister champion". He wants the students to “enjoy the high school days because you don’t see many of your friends after you graduate and have fun with the extra curricular activities that you’re involved in.”

Ms. Robinson says now that she’s an adult, she notices a lot more than when she was a student she believes that “their isn’t as much school spirit as their used to be” She says she was always tardy to first pe-

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4 NEWS

The Tri-Color Times March 2007

Empty Wallets

Article By Malerie Phillips

Lunch, a time of friends, laughter, food, and money. What should be a joyous occasion right?

Wrong. If you think about how much money you spend in a year on lunch you can see how much is wasted.

Say you buy $3 worth of food every day of the school year, which is 180 days. $540 wasted by the end of the year, and what do you have to show for it? Not much. $540 could buy you an iPod, 35 CD’s, 26 months worth of cell phone bills, or even a new cell phone.

I had 55 people fill out a survey, out of those, twenty students spent between $0-$1.99, fifteen students spent $2-$3.99, and twelve of them spent $4 and up (7 of them did not know how much they spent). The students who spend the most money end up leaving campus. Coincidence?

I think not. But what do you expect when we have Sconecutter, Carl’s Jr., Subway, and Beans and Brews right by our school? These places make their money off us students.

Lunch is usually their busiest time of day. How can we resist the tempting aroma and the great taste? Many students don’t have a car and lunch isn’t long enough to leave so students spend their lunch time in the halls or in the cafeteria. Victoria Tuaone says she can’t leave for lunch because “I don’t gots wheels”. The money she could be using to buy the car goes to the food she buys at lunch. It’s a winlose situation.

Here are some cheap options for lunch so you can start saving up for whatever you want: make your own lunch and bring it or the McDonalds dollar menu.

Many of us could spend much less at lunch but don’t, although some us spend as little as we can but it is still too much. One source says that “I could if they lower their prices, especially for one piece of pizza, $1.50 is a lot for a small piece of pizza.”

So moral of the day, spend less or work more to make up for what you do spend. If you don’t work for your money and get it from your parents, buy them a really nice gift on their birthday, or Mothers/Fathers Day. They spend a lot of money on you. For those lunch moochers out there, buy your friends some really nice presents for their birthday to make up for all the hard earned money they use for the food they buy themselves, that you end up eating. Make up for whatever you spend.

Danny Record

Article By Brin Nelson

“My name is Danny Record. I am 16 years young. On April 23, 2006, I was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a fast-growing cancer of the white blood cells. When I was diagnosed, I didn’t know how to feel. I was just like, ‘Wow, I have cancer.’ I had no idea what leukemia was until the doctor sat down and talked with us and now I know it’s a blood cancer.

Ever since I was diagnosed, I’ve been positive about it, and that is how I’ve been getting through it.”

Danny never thought about cancer except when his Grandmother died from brain cancer. He never expected that he would get it himself. But then one morning he woke up with a temperature of 104°.

Eventually tests led up to the realization that he had cancer. The hit was hard, but Danny was able to be positive through it. Because of that, his family and friends were able to get through it with him.

“I’m still a student at Granger High School but I’m in a program called Home and Hospital where the teacher comes to me for 2 hours a week. Before, I didn’t really want to go to school. Now I do because I miss seeing my friends.”

Danny may not be able to actually go to school, but Home and Hospital makes it possible for him to still learn all that he needs to. Mrs. Fockel is his teacher. For the two hours a week, she goes over things he needs to learn, and he does the rest for homework. Danny still likes to wrestle and play the drums, but how he spends a lot of the long hours at home is watching TV. His doctor says that he will be able to

come back to school for 4th quarter this year and all of next year.

He looks forward to when he can wrestle again.

“Two months into my treatment the doctor told me I was in remission. Remission is when you have no signs of cancer cells left in your body: however, I still have three more years of chemo to keep it in remission. With my family’s and my positive attitude I will get through these years. Stay strong it works!”

This is the story of one of our own.

A peer to all and a friend to many here at Granger. He has gone through a lot, but he’s been able to pull through quite well, and students at Granger have some part to be thanked for that.

Make a Wish Foundation gives to terminally ill children something that they wish for; a special gift to help them through such hard times. For Danny, he wanted to go to Australia. Make a Wish Foundation provided for plane tickets for his whole family to go, but didn’t cover the Visa’s.

With all the medical bills, Danny’s family wouldn’t be able to get the $500 they would need to get the Visa’s.

In a matter of two days, LAT gathered over $600 from the students at Granger. One kid donated $40. It is incredible how much the students of Granger care for someone they can reach out to, even more to someone in their own community. LAT and those in need are grateful for all the help that students give to help others.

The Tri-Color Times Staff Editor-In-Chief RaShonda Miles

Staff Writers Dahn Carlson Brin Nelson Marianne Carlson Malerie Phillips Tacara De Tevis Dominick Prospero Joseph Fatani Jackie Salm Robyn Green Valentine Tinofili Ashley Jorgensen Selina Tran RaShonda Miles James Wallis

Advisor

John Carlisle The Tri-Color Times is a student forum for student opinion and student expression

NEWS 5

The Tri-Color Times March 2007

West Side Gets A Little Help

Article By RaShonda Miles

Every year, Gus in their community. “We Paulos Chevrolet has given gave the money directly to Granite School District four each principal, instead of thousand dollars. The district the district this year” said would filter it to the schools, Mr. Franks. “We don’t care and the amount each school what the schools do with would receive was very small. the money, as long as it This year, Barbara Paulos, helps the students.” With Gus’ wife, wanted to directly our share, Granger is going help her community. Instead to put it into the student of giving funds. the mon“ T h e ey right student to the disfund is in the trict, she red. We decided are goto keep ing to it close put this to home. money One thouinto the sand dolstudent lars was Barbara Paulos and John Franks donated to Granger handed funds to help get us back in the over to Granger from Gus Palous Chevrolet. Not only black” said Mr. Cox. “It’s all about benefiting the stuGranger, but Hunter, Taylorsdents at Granger High”. ville, and Cyprus were also given a thousand dollars each.

Mr. Franks is hop“We have worked hard and ing to build on this prowe are fortunate enough to gram. They would like to help others” said Mrs. Paulos. eventually be able to give “This side of the valley needs even more money to more more help, and we like to supschools. “We aren’t doing port our community.” this for any media or atBarbara and Gus went tention. We love kids, and to Cyprus, and John Franks love helping them. That’s (who helped Gus get started) what we’re all about, helpwent to Granger so this year ing kids.” they wanted the money to stay

Financial Aid

Teenage Homelessness

Article By Dominick Prospero

Homelessness is something that will, invariably, be looked down upon and frowned at as a disgusting insect of society. But, fortunately, there are people who empathize and understand that the homeless, especially that of the youth, should be helped and is indeed not their own fault. Sharis Mohamud thinks that they should be given a hand, “It’s sad. Some adults can’t afford living life and the children are just dropped by their parents, it’s not their fault really.” Aman Kaur has had experience with seeing homelessness in her homeland, India, and she thought she would see some changes when immigrating to America. “I didn’t think there would be any homeless,” she said, “And there’s money we spend on stupid things like war that we could be spending to help the homeless.” When I asked her if it was society’s or their own personal fault in getting into the situation she responded, “It doesn’t matter, people make mistakes and they should be helped.”

In the case of teenage homelessness, it is not rare in any sense. There are 800 displaced students on book in the Granite school district but according to people who have an acquaintance with displaced high school children, the number is at least double. Unfortunately, it’s against the policy of the school to identify any displaced teens, but the Granite School District liaison, Ms. Sherri Jacobson, understands people in this situation and had many things to say on the matter.

Some specific teens that she could recall included one who had her father commit suicide and her mother overdose on heroin causing her to become displaced and considerably disturbed, obviously. Despite these catastrophic hardships, this woman held nothing against her mother and her grades actually went up, proving that she was able to remain oblivious to the unfortunate pains of her world. Sherri Jacobson, the granite school district liaison, worked with this woman and had many things to say on her behalf,

Article By RaShonda Miles “I got to play football because of my fee waiver,” said one student.

Another student was able to take chemistry, art, and Drivers’ Education. When I was interviewing students for this article, I asked one kid if he was on fee waiver.

“Do I look poor to you?” was his response. Being on fee waiver doesn’t necessarily mean you’re poor, but that is the ignorant attitude towards it. A fee waiver is not permanent; you must reapply every year since financial circumstances can change. Maybe your parents get a divorce, or a serious health problem comes up and money is a little tight. A fee waiver can help you get back on your feet.

You may not know what a fee waiver covers. Well, if you have a class or lab fee, a fee waiver will cover the costs.

If you’re in a shop class, the fee waiver will pay for the materials, but you will not be able to keep your projects. If you are on

a team, a fee waiver will pay for the uniform, but you will not be able to keep it. Vandalism, lost books, dances, games, and library fines are not covered by a fee waiver.

Since it takes money to run a school, and about half our students are on fee waiver, Granger has a hard time running financially. Class fees are what sponsors the programs we have, and if only about fifty percent of the students are paying those fines, the school has a harder time running those programs. Granite School District reimburses Granger at the end of the year, but they only give back about seventy percent of the money.

If you feel like a fee waiver would help you and your family, it’s not too late to get one. At this point it won’t pay your fees from first semester, but it will take care of second semester. Applications are available in the office, and they are also mailed to you with your registration packet in the summer.

“It was amazing how she remained so positive,” she said, “it goes to show that if you stay in school and out of drugs and gangs, life can get better.”

I got the chance to encounter a displaced man for myself at a homeless shelter in Salt Lake City who had been flourishing scholastically despite his disadvantages. He takes occasional classes in psychology at the University of Utah; yet he also was a heroin addict. This addiction of his held him back a bit, he confessed, “It keeps me from doing much you know,” he explained, “it’s one thing to be homeless but another to be a slave to a narcotic piled on top of that.” As he spoke his shaved head would wilt and nod like a flower petal too weak to resist the wind anymore. But he happened to be quite intelligent, we chatted for an hour about authors and the restraint of drugs and other sorts of narcotic that all of us inflict ourselves with. “We all handicap ourselves in one way or another,” he slurred his philosophies through his chapped lips like a genius drunken poet, “it’s a defense mechanism. ‘Reality’ is too antisocial and crude to face all the time.”

Sherri Jacobson works with hundreds of these displaced children. She makes sure they have free lunch passes, transportation, clothes, and tutoring. Although schools don’t participate, “Most schools have numerous displaced children whether they are aware or not,” Ms. Jacobson says. The children have a difficult time and often become discouraged or unfocused but Ms. Jacobson loves her job because her helping hand makes a significant impact on the lives of these children. “Whatever it takes to get these people to strive on and succeed is worth it.”

So whether you believe it or not, there are displaced youth’s walking with you in the halls and struggling with things that you may not know about.

6 NEWS

The Tri-Color Times March 2007

Think Outside The Corsage Box Opinion By Selina Tran

What exactly is he eating?

Junior Prom and Senior Ball are known to be the biggest dances of the year. It’s a night to remember according to Hollywood. Movies such as Never Been Kissed, Drive Me Crazy, and She’s All That emphasize Prom to be an experience that will stay with you forever. Being a generation that is influenced by Hollywood, my expectations of prom were heightened. I thought Junior Prom would be this great event last year, but my expectations were so big that I was only set up for disappointment.

Here in Utah, school dances are put together in a very unique way. It’s made to be fun, but all the extra stuff that’s expected can be bothersome. You can’t simply go up to someone and ask, “Hey, you want to be my date for the dance coming up?” No, you have to ask and answer in a special way. I’ve gone to such pains as planting an alarm clock in a guy’s room so he could get woken up at 3 a.m., only to find a note saying “I thought it’d be a good time to ask if you wanted to go to the dance with me.” It was really funny and all, but I had to go through a lot of trouble trying to get the whole thing set up. Girls usually plan these extravagant ways to answer or ask boys to dances, but through my experience all the trouble is not worth it. Most guys that have asked or answered me to dances, the things that they have done were usually lame. It makes me not want to try coming up with creative ways to ask or answer guys to dances. Not only do you have to ask or answer in a special way, but you have to have a day activity, and post dance activity.

Most people think that Prom has to be this big deal. Prom can be just as memorable if it weren’t for all the extra stuff. Guys can be cute and creative without spending too much money. All the stuff that’s supposed to be “fun” has just become an excuse for guys to not want to ask girls to dances. They think that it’s too bothersome, but it doesn’t have to be. Honestly, I would be just as content if my day activity were hiking in the mountains compared to going to Boondocks. Or if a guy asked me to a dance sincerely instead of coming up with a lame way to ask me. All the extravagant stuff really is unnecessary. If prom weren’t so built up then there would be no reason to feel stressed about planning it or disappointed when it isn’t the “magical” experience that those teen movies say it will be. It’s a dance and it should be fun, but it shouldn’t be the greatest time of your life.

Graduating Early Article By Tacara De Tevis Graduation is a reason to celebrate. However, the next time you hear some one say, “I’m graduating early.” Consider a slap on the wrist in place of a congratulation.

Since freshman year I’ve heard hopefuls speaking of early graduation. “I want to get a head start…” says Senior Elaina Ek. Elaina graduated at the end of first semester. Why not congratulate her? Well that “head start” she wanted could have been found here at Granger. As for college there are about a dozen concurrent enrollment classes offered here on the Granger campus alone.

Not to mention the many more at the GTI building. “Only taking two classes a day, so four classes a semester, you can easily earn 12 credit hours for college with out paying a dime of tuition! You’d only have to pay for books. And the $500 scholarship you’d get for early graduation wouldn’t cover the cost for those equivalent classes taken in college.” Rationalizes Mr. Jenkell of the career center.

Maybe you are like Shelby Boyce whose reason for planning to graduate early was to, “escape high school drama.”

There is always the option of taking classes solely at the GTI building. That way you are still enrolled as a high school student (Therefore, not paying tuition

Article By Brin Nelson

fees.) but you would effectively be experiencing college. All of the basic required classes are offered in concurrent form along with the technical classes. Your senior year could be completely “high school drama” free.

Mr. Anthony doesn’t denounce early graduation entirely, “It really depends on the individual’s goal.” Perhaps you are planning to attend a school that doesn’t accept Concurrent Enrollment credit, such as BYU. In that case there are still reasons for which I would recommend you stay in high school. High School is a unique environment that you only have one chance in life to experience. High school is a place where you can be a dancer-writer-cheerleader-CNA or a Peer leader-musician-tennis player all in one.

As one example of why high school is the ideal place for such things, taking dance lessons from a studio outside of school will cost you upwards of $40 a month for a typical two hour session twice a week. Then if you were to take music lessons it would run about the same as the dance studio if not more.

Now imagine if you wanted to do both and you’re also working a full time job or going to college (think of the homework).

Not so easy. School takes the place of that time you’d spend at a job and you can enjoy several

exciting opportunities that become rare and expensive after high school.

You may want to just go get a job. Most students don’t turn 18 until late in senior year or after graduation.

That leaves you with the option of fast food or retail. I know, you’re excited already.

You can make anywhere from $5.25 to$7 an hour. Woo Hoo! From experience I can tell you those jobs are hardly worth it just working part time. They wouldn’t pay enough (or leave you with enough energy) to take those dance classes, and music lessons. And you’re not old enough to join that country club with the nice tennis courts. Once you’re 18 a variety of jobs open up to you and you’re likely to find a job you like. Many jobs become available that start pay anywhere from $9 to $12 an hour.

So do yourself a favor. Stay in high school. If you want to go to college, get an early start with out paying tuition. Enjoy the opportunities available to you. Join a dance class, try a sport, get into ceramics, fix up a car, learn to cook, or build up some muscles.

As Mr. Jenkell says, “If you take full advantage of high school you’ll have no reason to graduate early.”

Planning Prom

You may not recognize how much work goes into getting a dance ready.

Probably the biggest dance of the year is Jr. Prom.

What goes on behind the scenes of, to some, such a magical night?

As makes sense, the Junior Officers plan Jr. Prom. So their planning starts as soon as possible, right when they were elected almost. During the summer months, they were working hard on getting things done. They had

All the Jr. Officers hard work paid off for this couple.

to find a location, get a D.J., agree on a theme, choose backgrounds for pictures, fundraise, make and put up decorations, plan the assembly, get security, plus all the other things that the rest of us do to plan Prom.

Theme is a big part of Prom. It decides what Prom is going to be all about.

Our Junior Officers sat for hours and hours listening to music, trying to narrow it down so they could decide.

A couple other themes that came up were Starry, Starry Night, Moonlight Masquerade, and When You Say Nothing at All. But instead, they decided on A Knight for a Princess.

Getting a place is practically everything. First, they had to make sure that it would be in budget. They checked out several places,

but after visiting Hale Center Theatre and seeing the staircase that was perfect for the traditional promenade, it was decided that the Theatre would be the place.

Planning Prom was a great stress to the Officers, but they still pulled it off. They’re glad they learned how to work as a team, and they liked that they got to make Prom how they wanted it to be.

After all the planning, the Officers were able to enjoy the fruits of their labors and go to Prom for free.

So whether Prom turned out as a night of perfection or not, you have to admit that the Junior Officers did a good job with all that it takes. If you think Prom was a stress for you, just try planning it.

NEWS 7

The Tri-Color Times March 2007

Class of '07: What Will You Miss?

“My most memorable times throughout my high school years were my volleyball times. Having practices throughout the school year and the summer time were hard, but very fun. I had fun times with my teammates.

I will never forget it and I am sure they won’t either.”

-Angela Kaisa

"I will always remember my days playing soccer" -Sergio Reyes

"I will always remember my involvement in drama, and all the hard work was put into it.”

-Will Thorup

“I will always remember Pep Band. The very first football game I played for Pep Band"

"I will miss the classes. I like Ms. Marr and I won't see her anymore" -Sarah Funk

"I'm going to miss my friends and just being in high school" -Eliza Prater

"High school was my life. I pretty much lived here" -Colton Silitoe

"I will miss my friends. They are my whole life" -Danielle Baker

-Israel Godoy

"I'm going to miss kickin' it with my friends" -Frankie Rico “I will miss Granger because of all the girls on drill. I'll miss all of my other friends" -Nicole Hill

"I'll miss tennis if I don't play in college" -Brett Thomas "I am going to miss all my friends" -Tiffany Mondragon

“I am going to miss all of my friends, and favorite teachers. My social life will be shot! Going to the real world will be scary, but I will just smile.”

-Shealynn McCormick “I will miss high school, mostly just being with friends. I will miss Dance Company, the last 3 years were a blast! But I am looking forward to college.”

-Brittney Archuletta

“I am going to miss the ability to slack off. I am also going miss my friends.”

-Chris Johns

"I'll miss the people. High school was my social life" -Cassidy Pons

8 NEWS

The Tri-Color Times March 2007

Behind The Scenes: Aida

Article By James Wallis

Few things can match the excitement of a musical, or the determination of the cast members. Since the practices began they have made the musical their life, going to the practices for three hours after school. They have sacrificed their time, energy, and some have had to quit their jobs.

They have also had a hard time keeping up with their schoolwork. A lot of the time you could see cast members sitting in the wings and doing their homework between their scenes during practice.

It isn’t easy juggling school, play practice, and homework, and it just got harder a week before the performance when the practice time went from two thirty to five thirty, to two thirty to nine But it isn’t all just hard work and no time. “Just cause you’re working doesn’t mean you can’t have fun.” Said John Wallis 11 and fun isn’t too difficult to have in a musical. “A lot of what we work on feels like goofing off anyways so it’s not that hard to enjoy yourself,”

Some are looking at a career in theater. “I want to teach drama, hopefully at Granger.” said senior Jacob Squire (Rademese). “I want to get into drama at either the U or SUU.” Said Cassidy Pons (12). “It’s something I have a passion for.”

Why is it worth all the hard work? What do they get out of the musical to prompt such devotion? “I like it allot, because I get to kiss Jacob five times.” Said senior Megan Neilson, (Aida) “Because its something I love to do.” Jacob said. “I liked the Challenge it presented. And it gave me new experience in a different aspect of theater.” So it’s the drama of drama that keeps them going.

“Its fun, when I’m on stage I feel alive, and like I can do any thing.” Said Cassidy Pons. “Its hard. But I love every minute of it.”

So why did they do it? Why did they spend so much time and energy on a production that would only last three nights? The answer is simple.

Maybe even ridiculous to some of you. They did it for fun.

Girls' State Article By Selina Tran

Last year I was chosen to go to Girls’ State. I wasn’t really sure what to expect. I just knew I was going to be staying at SUU for a whole week with a bunch of girls I didn’t know. When Mrs. Atkin advertised Girls’ State to my class she stressed how amazing the experience would be. A whole week to learn about our nation and government didn’t seem too exciting, but getting college credit in just six days seemed like a good idea.

The cost of Girls’ state is almost $300 which includes the bus, food, college credit, and other costs. It seems pricey but the experience you will receive is priceless.

Going into Girls’ state, I was a little weary. A whole week with girls and no boys seemed extreme. I wasn’t allowed to talk to boys or use my cell phone. I also had to wear a skirt at all times unless I was in the dorms.

The days went from 7 a.m. to ---? . They consisted of lectures and hands on experience of how the government works. To make the experience more realistic Girls’ state is divided into cities, counties, and one state—Girls’ State. One city would consist of about 20 girls— these were who you would live with in the dorms. A county was made up of 3 cities. We would go through nominations, elections, and voting on a city, county, and state level. If you were running for office you had to make campaign materials to pass out and a speech to present in front of your voters. These things were fun but the real experience was the people that I met at Girls’ State.

Even though we were all from Utah, there were girls from all different spectrums: The city girl, the small town girl, and the suburban girl. It felt like I was meeting girls from different states of the nation because of how different we all were. I even met a girl that lived in such a small town that she aspired to be a farmer. I didn’t even think that I would become friends with any of the girls.

Turns out, the girls that I met were some of the coolest people. This may sound cheesy, but we seriously all bonded and became such good friends from this experience.

We all helped each other any way we could.

Girls’ State is one of the best experiences ever. It’s almost been a year since I went to Girls’ State, but I still keep in touch with a few girls and once in awhile think about all the good times that I had.

You will get college credit and this will be something that will look good on your resume. Girls’ State is a prestigious national program that takes place in every state of our country. There’s even a chance to go to Girls’ Nation in Washington D.C. if you are elected to a high enough office. Girls’ state is an amazing program. Because of Girls’ State I have such a bigger appreciation for our nation and government. Not seeing boys for a whole week was worth it for the experience that I received. If you are interested in going to Girls’ State or Boys’ State applications are now available. For more information talk to Mrs. Atkin.

The Four No's Article By Dahn Carlson

While getting your Driver’s License, you were most likely told the word “no” many times. No eating, no drinking, no cell phones, and no smoking while operating a vehicle.

Did you honestly ever listen?

I’m sure we have all given into the pressure many times. Taken a bite of that cheeseburger, or munched on a few fries while leaving the drive thru. Maybe just clearing a dry throat with a refreshing drink. Well, that opportunity you’re used to could now become a crime.

Have you ever been lost in the middle of nowhere and needed directions while driving? Sending a text or making a call never hurt anyone, but now it could be hurting your driv-

ing record. Cops are turning on their lights and cracking down on these simple daily routines.

So is it unfair that we are now not able to do our simple daily routines in the car? Or is it safer? When asked this question Suzy Solyom (11) Said, “I don’t think the law should be passed. I am always hungry when I drive. But it would be safer because then I wouldn’t be distracted.” A slight difference in opinion with Mrs. Judy.

When asked the same question she replied, “Well since I don’t do any of those things in my car, I don’t have a problem with the law being passed. I think it’s a good idea. If people were paying attention to what they were supposed to be do-

ing, there would be fewer accidents. Plus, eating in your car makes your car messy and smelly.”

If you’re not distracted by anything else while you’re driving, you are more focused on the road. Maybe it’s a great idea for some, and a bad idea for others. Either way, it will get those distractions off the road. While driving and texting, I myself have almost gotten in an accident, and I can text without looking at the phone screen. Despite what Mr. Folster said about never using cell phones while driving, I thought I could. Eating and Drinking is hard not to do while you’re driving along with drinking, we are used to

it. Your mind gets distracted on other things, and while you may be looking at the road your mind is in another place. It’s unsafe, even if you can multi-task. But whether you think you can have a cell phone in one hand and a wheel in the other, police think differently, and no longer will the 4 No’s be a choice of yours.

They will be the law.