Gra nger High School
Tri-Color Times Youtube sweeps
an open forum for student opinion and expression
the nation and so do Granger kids
A NEW fad is sweeping the nation, scratch that, the whole entire world! Youtube.com is a place where anyone with an opinion and a digital recorder can broadcast opinions and ideas into the World Wide Web. Kids and adults everywhere who can get their hands on a camcorder or webcam are entertaining the world via Internet. “I just like to entertain people,” said Tyler Moore (12) while typing away on his Mac,
On t h e 02- 0 3 04- 0 5 06- 0 7 08- 0 9 10- 1 1 12
showing his iMovie editing process. He is a Granger student who caught the video fever -- his friends like to get together to create movies. His recently uploaded The Purple People Eater around his neighborhood, and recruited his friends Natalie Hendriksen (12) & Ashley Marstella (12) as co-actors. “It features a gross monster created from poisonous grapes-she’s pretty terrifying,” he states. Moore would also like to broaden his recording horizons. “Vlogs are very interesting to me, aside from doing my random short story videos I would love to start vlogging, I want to talk about the news and what’s going on in the world,” said Moore. Jason Le (11) is also an avid Youtuber. “I make a lot of short movies, parodies, anything that entertains me in my free time,” he said.
Making people happy is his goal when producing videos. “It’s so crazy to think that people from other countries are watching my videos!” Le said. Aside from making videos, our junior class president also likes to design web pages for his blog and make artistic designs for the school. Popular searches on this website bring up recent events, new music videos, and most viewed channels as well. When visiting this website, you have the world’s creativity at your fingertips. “Look up disneykid1, community channel, or livelavalive for some random entertainment. They all influence me to make more videos,” Moore said. With such easy access to amazing films, there’s no excuse not to start filming. To view these students’ films, look them up on youtube.com under the screen names: jamestyler1220 (Moore), Senorjayyson (Le), and radnat.09 (Hendriksen).
I n s id e : Ta ke a Look! O p in io n : La n cy’s L e t t e rs a nd St a ff E di t o rials S tu d e n t Lif e : St yl e , Sc hool a nd Money S p o r ts : S p r in g Sport s i n Ac t i on C o lla g e : S a d i e Hawki ns Phot o Spe c t a c ul ar F e a tu r e s : S ir Je l l y Be a n’s Adve nt ure Beg ins E n te r ta in me n t: She Sa i d W ha t ?
March 2009
My-Pod EVER since portable music players have been around they have been banned from schools. They distract the teacher and can be stolen or lost, which causes only unwanted headache drama. Now the little earphone buds can be hidden when placed in the ears and are so discrete, that only the stupid look on the listeners face gives them away. Although iPods and other devices are indeed distracting during lectures, I think iPods can in fact make a student concentrate better after considering all the distractions at school. Such distractions include annoying little things like tapping pencils, whispered conversations or snotty sniffles. These generate feelings of aggravation that build up and up and up! They just won’t go away, unless, calmly soothed by peace and quiet. Conversations can distract from the work at hand. Students also talk to friends and lose precious class time. Sometimes iPods can eliminate these distractions. Music playing in a student’s ear will make them shut their traps most of the time, for they indeed can not even hear their friends trying to strike up a conversation. And those few students without iPods can work without distractions caused by talking students. It could be said that music can be a disturbance, though the contrary, it blocks out the disturbances! If iPods were made legal at school, there would be fewer angry parents who have to go in to retrieve their harmless child’s belongings. It’s an easy solution, really. All a teacher has to do is ask that music players be turned off during lectures. During individual project time, they can go ahead and put in their ear buds, and in turn, the students will perform. The response will be a lot smoother if they are asked nicely people get angry when they are embarrassed by say, getting yelled at. If iPods were allowed at school, life would be a lot easier for everyone. Just ask a student!
Volume LI, Issue 8
2 S ta f f a n d
O p inio n
Dear Lancy
Do you have a problem, or just need advice? Let Lancy know. Just write to Lancy, place it in locker 931, and she may answer you in the TriColor-Times Dear Lancy My beanie was taken away during lunch when I innocently walked in from outside’s chilly weather and forgot that I had it on. I thought this was super silly because I am a nice person, I’m a respectful, and I would have never deliberately broken this dress ‘code’. Upset and very, very angry, I began looking around at all the people who had headgear on and not being pursued for doing such an ‘unruly act’. We saw hats, bandanas, headbands, of course we thought that we could not count the students that wear headgear for their religious beliefs. But why not? Why can’t we count them? Why isn’t their religion separate from school like everyone else? (The seminary building is off school campus and is written as ‘home release’ on the schedule.) Why are some people an exception to ‘the code’ on the basis of religion while everyone else has to follow ‘the code’ or else they lose their headgear until their parents come and pick it up? It’s almost like we are being discriminated upon. I think that headgear should be banned all together, with out exceptions. Or better yet, allowed for every single student. What do you think? Signed, Confuzzled Dear Confuzzled, I know how you feel about the outside
headgear factor. When leaving on a cold day, the administration pursued me and told me to remove my beanie. Some things I find are ridiculous about our dress code, did you know we are not allowed to wear pajama pants or death memorial shirts? Dress code is a rule though. Sometimes they are too hard on us, but believe me they treat us all equal, no one is favored. As for students who wear scarves as a religious sign, it’s to show respect, just because seminary is on the outside of school does not mean that anyone of the Mormon religion aren’t allowed to show their respect for their religion. They can wear CTR rings, just as Christians can wear crosses. Jewish men here would be allowed to wear Yarmulkas and Muslims are still allowed to fast during Ramadan. You also learn about religion in school, in history, and if you take Humanities, you learn about every religion. There is not discrimination against any religion at our school, at least there isn’t by our administration. Signed, Lancy
Granger High School Tri-Color-Times
Unhelpful teachers
I KNOW I’m not the only kid in the world with problems, but sometimes at Granger High I begin to feel that way. It’s hard to believe teachers when they say, “I have many students with family problems.” They act as if they just blatantly don’t care; it’s almost as if they’re too busy to care. At the beginning of the school year, I learned a very tragic truth about my mother shortly after she had given birth to my now adopted little brother. The machine that they used to address breathing complications during labor detected the unthinkable -a disease that’s almost completely incurable and results in grave illness even with treatment. My mom was diagnosed with cancer. Not just any kind of cancer. The worst kind in my opinion: Lymphoma. The doctor said she had “a tumor the size of a grapefruit in her chest blocking her airway.” As you could imagine, this was shocking and devastating. Unfortunately that was nothing compared to the news I was about to receive. I will never forget sitting in the waiting room waiting to find out my mother’s fate, or the way my heart sank as he began to explain in detail that my mother only had a 38% chance of recovery and only a 54% chance of survival through treatment. I then learned that her road to recovery required many treatments that included variations of chemotherapy and radiation. After that day my life changed completely forever! You see, my mother and I
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live on our own. Once she was diagnosed, I had no choice but to become the sole caretaker in our household. When we looked to our relatives for help, we learned we weren’t as loved as we had once hoped. I never thought that my family could really turn their back on us the way mine did, it was entirely unexpected and just when I thought things couldn’t get any worse. They did. My school year started fabulously until my life seemed to fall apart little by little. I’ll describe my experience to validate my opinion. As time went on after my mother’s illness was discovered, it began to get harder and harder to maintain my grades and attendance at school. I sought help from my counselor Ms. Mills, who, by the way, was very helpful; she proceeded to e-mail my teachers to explain my situation. This was after I had gone to each of them asking for some form of negotiation or at least an understanding. Only a select few of them were responsive to the e-mail but no one really seemed to believe it. One in fact practically told me to my face that I was a liar. I was so offended! I couldn’t believe that someone could think I or anyone for that matter would lie about something so serious. Although only a couple of my teachers seemed willing to help, I still did what I could balance care for my sick mother with going to school whenever possible. Somehow it just wasn’t good enough -- teachers still didn’t believe my effort, and my grades continued to suffer. Meanwhile, my mother wasn’t responding well to her treatments. Things just got harder and harder for me. At the beginning of all of these challenges, I really thought I could handle it, but who was I kidding -- I was only sixteen, and under all of that intense pressure, I cracked. I fell into a deep depression and couldn’t seem to get a grip on life. Just when I would try to work something out or get back
on my feet it felt as though I just kept getting the ground knocked out from underneath me. That first quarter I seriously gave it all I could I did everything I could do with the amount of time and energy I had. Unfortunately I felt I had little to no support and no one cared especially when that quarter ended and grades came out that proved to me that I was on my own and almost no one cared. So I began to get discouraged and lose sight of my dreams because they seemed so out of reach. By second quarter my life was a complete disaster and I was getting nowhere. My mother’s mind capacity due to the combination of treatments, stress and illness was that of a toddler. She needed supervision practically 24/7 which limited my ability to succeed in school to a minimum, which caused me to fail additional classes. I went to teachers to ask for help. Again, they claimed, “There’s nothing I can do to help you,” which in my opinion is a common cop-out. In reality there’s a few things I know some of them could have done to help me. The fact of the matter is they just didn’t want to. And now because of them I have to kiss most of my dreams goodbye. To this day I don’t understand why teachers can’t see that a child’s high school career is the foundation for their entire future I’m a bright, intelligent, capable student who had the potential to fulfill her dreams of earning a fullride academic scholarship. Now, because of something entirely out of my control, that dream is almost entirely unrealistic. I want to thank the teachers who are so understanding and so caring. I want you all to know I really appreciate all you’ve done to try to help me. My mother is doing much better now and expects a few more years of life. I’m continuing to care for her, so I dropped a few classes from my schedule in which I felt I was going nowhere -- where my situation wasn’t understood.
Moon Boot Day!!! Wednesday April 1st Get out your Moon Boots for the last cold day of the year.
The Tri-Color Times serves as a student forum for student opinion and student expression. The views expressed herein reflect neither the opinions of Advisor John Carlisle and Granger High School, nor those of Granite School District. The Tri-Color Times invites and publishes letters to its editorial board; all letters will be edited for taste, length and content. < Granger High School 3690 South 3600 West Valley, UT 84119 > < 801 646-5320 >
March 2009
Volume LI, Issue 8
Granger High School
o p in o n 3
In our opinion
Tri-Color-Times
Avoiding? No, I’m not avoiding anything.... YEAR after year, the Utah State Legislature votes no to teaching comprehensive sex education in schools, and says yes to abstinence only education, which teaches ideas of absolutely no sex out of wedlock, and rarely covers contraception or any form of birth control. A major factor in choosing this type of education is because Utah happens to be a republican and fairly conservative state, meaning that the majority of the state believes sex should be talked about with the family behind closed doors, not openly in the classroom, due mainly to their religious beliefs. This would be great if parents or guardians always taught their teens about sexual activity, or even the risks behind it, but often times this topic is brushed off the shoulders of parents that are too trusting, resulting in a pregnant child, sexually transmitted infections, or in some incidents even
incurable sexually transmitted diseases. The ideas behind this form of education basically covers good morals from abstaining sexual intercourse, how drugs and alcohol can lead to sex, and how sex can lead to sexually transmitted infections and/or pregnancy. I understand the principles, but I do not understand why we are not taught how to protect ourselves from any dilemmas that could occur if we do not choose abstinence. Mark D. Regnerus, an Assistant Professor of Sociology at the University of Texas, discovered that religious parents are not as likely to talk about and explain sex and birth control with their children as they are to talk solely about the morality of said acts. Another obscurity in abstinence only education is contraception is typically mentioned only when discussing the failure rates of the “so called protection”, opposed to explaining what good may come from actually using it. Janet E. Rosenbaum conducted a study on the “virginity pledge”, a pledge that until wedlock, one
THE 8th season of American Idol started on Jan. 13, 2009. So it is no wonder that when the Utah State Legislature got together on Feb. 26 hardly anyone was paying attention. The Utah State Legislature gets together once a year. They meet for forty-five days to discuss, pass and defeat (mostly defeat) laws and bills. Although some of the laws and bills that getting passed – and even the ones still under discussion – could possibly change our lives and how comfortably we live, most of us could care less. Some of us were just not informed because, instead of mentioning the legislature or even some bills that may be passed, half of the news concerns American Idol and who may have gone on to the next round. This is especially true when the contestant is from our small state. It is extremely common and almost expected to see American Idol on the news. However, I find it repulsively unnecessary with so much going on. Everyone tells me that American Idol is on the news because a lot of people watch the
show and they want a recap or because nothing exciting happens in Utah and there is nothing else to report on. These are very poorly thought out excuses for keeping the public blind to the goings-on at Capitol Hill. First of all, I miss lots of shows but Fox 13 News never recaps on the Office or Grey’s Anatomy. Second of all, there are a million things going on right now, right here in Utah. The legislature is passing laws on education, civil unions, vehicle registration, texting while driving, and they are considering possibly removing the “Zion curtain.” Those are just a few of the bills that have been passed or discussed. You can’t tell me that not one of those few affects your life in some way. Don’t be ignorant to the things around you. Don’t become that one kid who always asks, “When did we get that?” or “When did we pass that?” or complains, “I didn’t have a say.” You have a choice and a right to be informed. Yes, for the few of us who still have rabbit ears, the news channels aren’t exactly the cream of the crop, but with things like the internet, books and newspapers you don’t have to go uninformed. Start noticing what happens in your government.
False idols
March 2009
will not perform sexual activities. Shockingly, she proved that the rate of the teens taking part in sex was the same. Those taking the virginity pledge were just as likely to have intercourse. The only positive was that those taking the pledge had 0.1 fewer sex partners over the five year study than did those who did not take such a pledge, which is obviously not a great difference. The truth of the matter is just because we are told to not have sex, does not mean we will not. Teens might be rebellious, or have a curious itch they are just dying to scratch that no form of education will help prevent or intervene. The Utah Legislature needs to seperate health and religion and begin to instruct teens on what they need to know if they choose to be sexually active. If they cannot receive such an education from their parents or family, where else might they have the opportunity to learn this information? In a classroom where scientifically accurate information is presented in an open and honest environment.
Value of education
WHY, to me, school is just getting more and more unwanted. Though schooling is valued highly by the world, (including even you,) the amount of lazybones seems to outnumber the number of diligent students. In consequence driving the question, “Why don’t some students value their education?” I think it is mainly because of boredom. I will state many of common excuses given to teachers and others and why I think they are extremely lame. “I have my job and the money gives more of a return that school does.” Money is just an object, as are the extra’s received from it. Education, on the other hand, is used every day in life (you are reading this aren’t you?) “Class is boring; I would rather go home and hang out there.” It’s true doing bookwork can be dreary. Achieving that ‘A’ and learning something new, nonetheless, is super exciting! “I don’t even know what I want to do for my future career! School
isn’t for me.” Going to school helps find peoples interests that can be used to determine a career for the future. And education isn’t only to get a good job either. It is also to gain a better understanding of the world around you. ”I want to be a construction worker (or other job that doesn’t necessarily require a diploma.)” Well for one, a low skill job can lead to a job that requires a lot more skill. Sticking with the construction worker theme, you could advance to a superintendent that deals with numbers and geometry all the time. And if you want to be an owner of a construction business, you need to know a lot of algebra also. Everyone values education. Even the laziest slacker who “couldn’t care less” about education, values it. Respect is given to educated people much more than to those who are not educated. The advice from a doctor has more value, if even it is the same advice from say…a neighbor. Being bored is not much of an excuse to give up on education. If not for the money, respect or parental appreciation, it should be endured for the personal satisfaction of actually graduating.
Have an opinion? An Idea? Write a letter to the editor, and deliver it to room 216
Stalls don’t measure up THE other day during English class the urge was beginning to bubble from within me; the use of a restroom facility was essential or my body would surely explode with bodily fluids! Okay, so that is quite a bit graphic. However, that was literally the feeling wiggling throughout my limbs. Let me just state that I had to use the restroom almost immediately or I would have to be sent to phone my parents because I had embarrassingly wet my pants. Thankfully, Dr. Miller allowed me a bathroom break. After Dr. Miller’s approval, I rushed down the hall faster than Black Beauty – it was most definitely a slaughtering track record of some kind. I flung the door open, ran to the nearest stall and,
well, any person located on planet Earth should know what goes down in the bathroom. Following my bathroom business, I positioned my torso vertically correct, turned to flush the toilet and suddenly I noticed that a student in the neighboring stall was staring straight at me. Glancing from the stall wall to this student acknowledgment rushed through my blood; the stall measured below my shoulder! It was that precise moment that I began to ponder why in fact Granger’s bathroom stalls are overly short. It is well-known that Granger was built many, many years ago. However, were students back-inthe-day actually that short? My mother, who attended Granger many years ago, is actually a whopping 5’2” so this could possibly be true. I beat my mother’s height at 5’4” which is not an overly tall height. And yet after taking notice, Granger’s bathroom stalls just do not measure
up. Students’ heights at Granger range from at least 4 feet to over 6 feet. The bathroom stalls seem ridiculous after considering these measurements. I could not possibly imagine how the tall students feel about this situation. Everyone enjoys a little privacy now and then and these bathroom stalls come off just a wee bit too short for anyone’s liking. Over a short period of time, I have discovered three great solutions to this problem. One: use the restrooms in the locker rooms because the stall doors actually reach above your head. Two: hold your bathroom urge until you are safe in your own home bathroom. Three: during the lunch period travel to Albertson’s, a gas station or any type of fast food restaurant and use their bathroom facilities. Moreover, it is my greatest hope that when the new Granger High is built the project will include taller bathroom stalls.
Volume LI, Issue 8
4
S t u de n t l ife Underpa id a nd over worke d
at Albertsons. And honestly, I don’t like working there. It gets really tedious and annoying, and I sometimes wonder why I’m even there.” Something that I have noticed about the majority of teenage workers: we all hate our job. We not only have to work hard to balance the stress of high school and our crazy schedules, but we also have to pretend to love working, and most of the time are yelled at by either our boss or annoying customers. “Yeah, there are a lot of ornery customers.” commented Ruiz. Is it worth it? If we all hate our jobs, then why do we stay at
them? For most of us, quitting is not an option. “I really need to get a job, because I really need money! There are just so many things we as teenagers need to pay for, along with the athletic teams I am involved in” said Adam Kirk (10). So here is my message to all those out there struggling at their difficult job. Hang in there! Sure, your job may be tedious to you right now, but you will need the experience when you begin to find your career. Find a way to make it fun, and let it be an opportunity to meet new people. You’ll need these skills in the future!
Tri-Color-Times
The advisory we wanted and the advisory we got
THE latest debate at Granger is about the advisory/study hall period next year. Many teachers disagree about how many days a week advisory should affect and what period of the day it should be. Granger students are voicing their opinions, too. Keila Akers (10) said, “It doesn’t matter if we have advisory everyday because homework is homework, you don’t need a study hall to get your homework done or to work on your CPA.” That is true, students shouldn’t need a study hall class to have good grades and be reminded of their CPA. There was no study hall in elementary or Jr. High, so it shouldn’t make high school any different. High school students should be responsible for their own homework and attendance. Advisory doesn’t help Samantha Simpson (10) maintain her GPA or CPA. “Not really, I do it on my own,” she said. Most students think advisory is a waste of time, we only spend about 30 minutes every Thursday sitting in a class being reminded of our CPA and PTG (progress towards graduation). Students will soon find out that Advisory will be a part of an everyday schedule. Mr. Snarr was asked about how much credit
will be received for advisory as a part of the daily schedule; he says that it will most likely be a whole credit. That is some good news for students who are not on track to graduate or for students who even want to graduate early. There will be a few different options teachers can vote for to decide the advisory period: -Option 1: after 2nd period from 10:13-10:53 (40 minutes), -Option 2: after 1st period from 8:52- 9:32 (40 minutes), -Option 3: after 3rd period from 12:09-12:49 (35 minutes) -Option 4: after 2nd period from 10:23-11:03 (40 minutes) In a poll of what the students would like, most said that they would prefer option 3 for their advisory schedule. The unfortunate thing about option 4 is that the school day will be extended by 20 minutes, so students won’t get out of class until 2:30. No matter what, advisory will be an everyday thing for the upcoming school year.
Samantha Simpson
HSNPA520
ALONG with getting your drivers’ license, going to dances, and being on teams for your high school experience, many students have to get part time jobs as well. Picture this: You know you are scheduled to work on yet another day that your friends were going to hang out. You grudgingly make your way to your job, clock in, wash your hands, and start your 4 ½ hour long shift at a job you despise. The customers are annoyed that someone older isn’t helping them, and automatically figure that you are going to make mistakes. But, because you are supposed to, you do what you have to do with a forced smile on your face. Sound familiar? Students all have thir different reasons for needing a job, especially in this economy. Some need to work for phones, cars, or just some extra cash. So why is it so hard to work at these jobs? Common places that teenagers work at are food service places, clothing stores, or restaurants. Most teens don’t picture themselves going into a career and supporting a family with that job, but we all have to start somewhere, don’t we? Maggie Ruiz (11) said “I work
Granger High School
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March 2009
Volume LI, Issue 8
s t u de n t l ife 5
Granger High School Tri-Color-Times
Calling all Mr. Grangers
HERE ye, Here ye! It is almost time for the annual Mr. Granger competition! This time of year is always an exiting one for students who would like to audition to be Mr. Granger in 2009. The Mr. Granger Assembly is one of the most exciting and energetic assemblies throughout the year, and is definitely one that you don’t want to miss out on. The Mr. Granger Competition
has several guys show their stuff through several rounds. They each will show a talent, and also go through a questioning round where they will answer questions about the history of Granger High School. They have one lifeline, usually a teacher who knows a lot about this school. Mrs. Woodward was last year’s lifeline for the questioning round.
The people who judge this competition are usually alumni of Granger High School. They will judge on which guy has the most school spirit, and whoever it ends up being will be crowned Mr. Granger for 2009. “It is fun to see your friends up their on stage, all trying for the title of Mr. Granger! It’s definitely an exciting assembly
PANTS can only go to the point where it shows a tooch. Many kids at Granger High sag pants. Most are boys; very few are girls. Girls, if your behind is showing when you sit or even walking at all, I would consider that sagging. Come on girls pull em’ up. Boys sag a lot. My guess would be that about 90% of boys in our school do a lot of sagging. Some you can’t see, because
their shirts are too long, and it covers it. You can tell a sagger by the way he walks. Have you noticed that most boys have their own style/ swag and lean/walk with their sag? A lot of boys have their own way of walking to pull off their saggy pants. Some of the boys walk holding the front buckle of their pants. Other boys walk with one hand in their pockets. “I do it for a sense of comfort, not because I’m in a gang or whatever,” said Jose Corona. Richie Martinez said, “Yeah I sag, but I don’t try to show my butt like other cool guys.”
Anel Dervisevic and Armin Kadic agree that sagging shouldn’t be illegal. “No, that’s dumb! It’s how people are,” said Kadic. It really is how people are, because it’s a trend for boys. Derisevic said, “Banning people from sagging would be stupid! And they might as well dress us, if they’re going to make it a law.” Just make sure you don’t show too much when you sag. It is a trend, and for most people, a sense of comfort. Be sure to make it modest and appropriate. Dress not only for yourself, but for others because most people do not want to see your butt.
to be at.” said Inoke Tonga, Mr. Granger 2008. He had to answer questions in each round, show his talent on the stage, and compete against other guys who were also trying to win. It was an exciting experience for the school when the judges revealed that he won. This assembly is also a great way to encourage school spirit. The audience can also guess along with the questions that are asked. It is a positive way to view this school, and the good times that you can have here. Tryouts for Mr. Granger will be on March 24-25, in room 16. Get over there to audition.
Saggin’ and baggin’
March 2009
College not in your future?
SENIORS of 2009, the year is almost over and it’s time to make a choice. Don’t get stuck at a fork in the road wondering which path to take. Many seniors are unsure of what to do after high school. Many seniors want to go to college or to a university to learn more stuff and start future careers; however, a majority of the seniors don’t know what the best options are for additional education or job training. A few will be joining the Marines, Army or Navy, but are still unsure of what career to pursue after they are through serving. It’s important to have a plan. “Education is valuable these days,” said Jody Bridges, a student teacher. “There is no good excuse to not go to college; you will need further education to support your future family.” Today’s graduating class has been encouraged to plan for the future after high school since 9th grade and people just put it off until the last minute. That last minute is now. Graduation is two months away and some students still need to catch up on credits. The ones that are caught up on their credits might not have the required CPA to graduate. Assistant principal Murdoch has been trying to find all kind of opportunities for students to raise their citizenship to at least a 2.0 by offering citizenship make-up classes set up at 6:00 a.m. or after school helps students raise their CPA to be on track for graduation. Ms. Paskins’s night forums also count for citizenship make-up credit. Not knowing what to do after high school is more of a problem that not even bothering to walk with the graduating class by not making up credits and CPA hours. Rachel Adams, college advisor, helps students figure out how to get to college who are dealing with almost any situation. “The advantage of going to college is that you will be making more money, being more aware of what is going on in the world around you, being passionate about a career, and having more respect in a lot of social situations. Some kind of training after high school is so helpful in this economy,” Adams said. Take any questions about applying to college or getting financial aid to Rachel Adams in Room 101 or to Mr. Jenkel in the Career Center.
Volume LI, Issue 8
6 S p o rts
Granger High School Tri-Color-Times
Sports Base buddy IF YOU are a student that would like to be a Lancer athlete, then you should have tried out for baseball, it’s an awesome sport and gets most people into really good shape. Issac Modes (12) is a Lancer athlete at Granger High and he’s been doing great. “I have always loved the sport since I was a little kid!” Modes said. He has played baseball at Granger for two years and enjoys being a part of a Lancer team. Practices take up a lot of time, but for Modes it’s just another daily activity. The coach, Mr. Clark, is close with the baseball team. Modes said that he sees Mr. Clark as a second dad, not just a baseball coach. He also likes Mr. Clark
because he pushes him into his academics and how to be a better person. Throughout baseball season, Modes brothers (Ruben Barela and Marcos Barela) have inspired him. Modes’s older brothers both played for the Granger Baseball team. On his free time, not only does he like to play baseball, he also likes to play basketball at the gym. The team is strong and works hard and isn’t just sitting around doing nothing during practices. They don’t go off and do different things; the whole team takes things seriously. Sometimes there are injuries, but that’s part of a sport and it doesn’t mean you have to quit. You play, you get injured and you win or at least try. Modes says that his team mates are the greatest bunch of guys he knows and the hardest working team players.
Baseball player Isaac Modes
Super sporty AFTER basketball season was over, Aldijana Bjelosevic (10) didn’t want to quit playing sports. She “wanted to try something new and fun,” so she tried out for softball. Practices take up a whole lot of time. One thing that Bjelosevic’s participation is competing with is homework. She recalls that she has homework everyday and has time to do her homework. Playing a sport for your school is a great challenge, but it shouldn’t give anyone and excuse not to do their homework or not to have time for everything. Bjelosevic was questioned if she liked her coaches and her team mates. She said “Yes, I
do. The coaches are awesome and they help us out a lot.” The coaches don’t keep their eye on one athlete; they take care of the whole team. Two of the known helpful coaches of the softball team are Coach Parker and his helper Coach Brittney Heaton.. Bjelosevic does not only play Softball for Granger High, she also played Basketball as well. Two of Bjelosevic’s friends Palepa and Suva influenced her to play Softball. Most people like to catch up on sleep when they have a busy life like Bjelosevic, but in her free time she likes to hangout with friends and catch up with the family. Not only that, the gym is where she also goes in her free time as well. For most people it’s easy to say, “I love trying new things,” but is it easy to actually do new things? For some people like Bjelosevic it is.
Softball player Aldijana Bjelosevic
March 2009
Volume LI, Issue 8
S p o rts 7
Granger High School Tri-Color-Times
Soccer men run wild SOCCER is the most known sport all over the world. Samir Palavra (11) has been playing soccer ever since he was a little kid. When Samir was asked why he decided to play for the soccer team he said “I wanted to stay in shape. Also since I am one of the oldest and biggest guys on the team, I get to push freshmen and sophomores around. “Yo Opie is tight, yo. He’s a funny guy and a good coach.
Soccer Player Samir Palavra
Other coaches are pretty chill too.” said Samir. He has played soccer since he was little with his friends. He got into other sports throughout the years but he and teammate Anel Dervisevic (10) “used to tear it up when we were little, then I kind of started playing other sports but now I am getting back into soccer.” They haven’t had a game yet this season for soccer but their first game is coming up on March, 9th against West Jordan. When he was asked how he thought the team might do he said “We’re gonna whoop them son!” Anybody can try out for soccer. It’s a fun way to get into a school
activity and be with friends. The coaches are really nice and on top of that you can be getting great exercise. The practices are held everyday after school from 2:30 to 5:00. Samir says “Soccer doesn’t get in the way of anything in my life because I know how to manage my time.” Samir is playing soccer just for fun but when asked if he ever might be interested to play college soccer he said “Shoot, you never know what might happen. Maybe. This is his first year playing for Granger, but if her really turns out to like it he will be continuing on to play for next year too.
Running Leaps THERE are many students at Granger trying out for the track team this year. Mr. Pace, the coach for this year’s track team said, “Many students like to come out and try out for track. We only accept about 300 but anyone is welcome to come out and try. I am mainly coaching track to get people motivated and in shape”. Eddie Stinnett, the guy you usually find yelling at students to get to class, and Mr. Cousins are
both helping Mr. Pace coach the track team. Julie Halton (12) likes the fact that Mr. Pace is the coach this year. She said, “Mr. Pace is really nice. He helps kids accomplish what they are going for and he doesn’t give up. He motivates the kids to do better.” She also likes the people on the team. Everybody shows up for practice which shows that they are serious about the team and are movivated to win. Halton has been running track since 9th grade. She said, “The best part for me is when I win. I like it” Her sister, Maria Halton inspired
her to run. One time when Maria needed a forerunner to run with her, she chose Julie. Ever since then Julie has loved running. Julie’s sister Maria won a State Track Record which motivated Julie even more. “Track is just one of the things I have in my life. It doesn’t get in the way because I enjoy doing it. Practice is held everyday after school for a couple of hours, and I don’t mind it because running for the track team is fun,” she said. The tryouts are already over, but if you really enjoy running or being a part of a team, the track team is what you should try out for next year. It is fun, energizing and it helps get you into shape.
Track athlete Julie Halton
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March 2009
Volume LI, Issue 8
8
Granger High School Tri-Color-Times
Sadie Hawkins
Granger High School Tri-Color-Times
feat u r es 9
s â&#x20AC;&#x2122; y k S e h T t i m i L e h t
10
Feat u r es
Granger High School Tri-Color-Times
Sluffing, what a life Pep band back END of school fever. We all have it! We can’t wait till summer, but we have at least 4 months left. The year is closing, and sluffing has increased. Note: Because these students value their privacy regarding sluffing, no names will be mentioned. “I think kids are just tired of school. No one wants to be in school all day,” said one student. Another said, “People just have gotten used to sluffing. If you do it often enough it becomes addicting.” “The easiest classes to sluff for me would be my electives. It’s not hard to make up work in
those classes,” a student said. “To me, Tanner’s class is pretty easy to sluff. He doesn’t even notice when you leave his class. You can do your work and when you’re done you can leave,” said one of Tanner’s students. “Assemblies are easy to sluff. Before they usher you all in you can leave and it lasts for an hour,” said other students. “The best places to sluff are friend’s houses. If you go to big places like the mall there are cops that could question and ticket you.” “The library is a good place to sluff. There are lots of kids there sometimes and you can blend in.” There are lots of kids who sluff but still do well in school. A few students have shared their secrets. “The way I get good grades,
even if I do sluff, is by getting sick notes and then doing the make up work,” said a junior. A sophomore said, “I just don’t sluff very often, maybe once a week or once every month. You can’t get too bombed with work if you don’t sluff too much.” Sluffing may seem fun at times but you want to remember that all fun has a price. If you’re a senior with credit that needs to be made up or you just have one too many sluffs, it can ruin your citizenship. You won’t be allowed to wak with your senior class. Sluffing can be addicting, so before you get talked into it think about your future. Does your summer really want to be spent by summer school or having fun? Do you want to walk with your senior class? It’s up to you, only you can control your life.
You may have heard the pep band playing up beat music at basketball games but do you really know the down low on the pep band? The pep band isn’t an after school activity every year. It comes together from the will power of all the students who want to be apart of the extra possibilities offered here at Granger. “I love supporting the school but I didn’t want to participate in a sport.” Says Daniel Brown (12). The pep band shows that you don’t only have to be on athletic team to be involved
with the school. Although it’s not a athletic team you still need some skill to be part of this group. You have to be able to keep a steady beat and be able to change the speed of it if needed. Unlike the other teams at Granger the only requirement to join the pep band is to have some experience with an instrument. “It’s an excellent way to exercise our talent,” says Liana Tan (10). Something you may or may not have known is that as the cheerleaders are cheering, the pep band is playing the upbeat music to their movements. If you’re interested in being involved in this band Mr. Moore is the man to talk to you can find him in room 106.
Raves: Fun filled? Just dangerous.
The Adventures of Sir Jelly Bean Part 1 of a short story by Jessica Knight
O
nce upon a time, Harry Hoobert discovered a delicious green bag of jelly beans seated upon his desk in English class. There was not a note upon the bag. However, he declared it must have been for him. He carefully untwisted the tie from the bag and gazed inside. Marvelous jelly beans of every color and size were present. Harry licked his lips; he had to eat at least one. He pinched a tiny orange jelly bean between his thumb and index finger, raising the jelly bean towards his hungry lips. Suddenly, Ms. Woodward yelled, “Harold Hoobert, put that candy away immediately!” Surprisingly struck by her comment, Harry accidentally dropped the tiny orange jelly bean and slid the green bag of beans into his jacket pocket. The tiny orange jelly bean rolled across the classroom floor. Colliding with the wall, the tiny orange jelly bean made an “umph” noise. That is quite correct, for this jelly bean was definitely a British jelly bean that sprouted tiny arms, legs, eyes, a mouth and a mustache. Also, upon his sugary noggin
March 2009
was fashioned a hat, such as the one found upon Robin Hood’s head. This jelly bean was widely known as Sir Jelly Bean of Knightengale Jelly and happened to be one of the most respected jelly beans of his time. Without a second thought, Sir Jelly Bean brandished his wee little sword and began to make his way through the classroom, slicing and dicing at anything crossing his path. He began to climb upon Harry’s backpack strap as quickly as he could, for Sir Jelly Bean was a fast little bugger. Before he could reach his destination to slice Harry’s neck, the bell began to screech. Harry snatched up his belongings, thrusting his backpack onto his back, and scurried out of the room. Sir Jelly Bean flew into the air, across the room and out the classroom window into a bird’s claw. The bird soared high above Granger High School and Sir Jelly Bean was absolutely angered at the fiend. “Unhand me you scoundrel!” He yelled at the large black bird, “I am in search for my family in a large green bag and you have crossed my path at the
wrong time, bird!” The bird paid no attention to the tiny British comment until Sir Jelly Bean sliced his sword into his mighty claw. The bird quickly released Sir Jelly Bean and he descended towards the icy pavement below. Before he
reached the rock-hard cement, he took hold of a dangling shoelace and was dragged back into the school in search for his family, in the green bag that Harry possessed.
TO BE CONTINUED…
RAVES are so dangerous to be at! Why is it that people even go to them? People are always going to raves and don’t realize what they’re getting into when they go. What is it that attracts people to raves? Is it the lights? The music? The biggest question is whether or not a rave should even be considered fun? “I don’t know” says Arnela Cutuk (10). Why would anyone want to go to a rave? Why is it that raves are brought up as a major drug/alcohol problem for so many people? Is it because teenagers show up or is it because no one can stop what’s coming into the raves? How long is it till the cops usually tend to show up? How loud does the music usually tend to get? At raves all people tend to do is party all night or party till the police get there. What would drive people to want to go to raves? What’s up with the glow sticks as well? People always want to go to raves! Why would people want to go to raves when they know they can get into trouble? Most people think that since other people go to raves it’s just fine. Also why would people want to go in general? Going to a rave is like going into a alligator pit, it’s not smart at all! People don’t just go for the music; they go for the drugs as well! The reason people only go for the drugs at a rave is because in the articles of magazines, they never include anything about the music.
Volume LI, Issue 8
FEATURES 1 1
Granger High School Tri-Color-Times
Tattoos, Are They a Mistake? Katie Rubio (12) said, “I used to want one so bad because I thought it was so cool, and so I did it behind my mom’s back.” Don’t be in such a rush, TATTOOS seem to be the here are some things you major hype now ‘a days. Almost anyone can get a can consider: hold of a tattoo gun and give somebody a tattoo, it doesn’t -Think about what you want matter if you’re a good artist to get for a while before you get the right design. or not. Sara Satterfeild (11) regrets her first (and so far, only) -Get something little rather tattoo of a lightning bolt and than something big if it’s going to be your first. two stars on her wrist. She said, “You should wait and think about what you -Maybe put it somewhere want to get because it’s on appropriate and where it can be hidden for future jobs. you forever.” -Get your tattoo professionally done. Don’t go to just any artist. -Look carefully and compare your tattoo to other artist’s portfolios.
What makes for nice teachers USUALLY within the first few weeks of school, students have a pretty good idea of what teachers are like. During this time, building a good or bad relationship with a teacher determines how well the year is going to pan out. Most students agree that a good teacher is one who practices respect, honesty, politeness and offers individual attention. Politeness and social niceties are the most important aspects of conversation to some students. “Smiles and compliments are the most important part of talking to someone that produces a positive result, and it’s just the opposite for a negative one: frowns and insults,” said Tina Tran (10). Others think that individual attention matters most. “When a teacher is chill, the students are more likely to like them. If a teacher acts like they are your friend but still teaches you, then that will be a good teacher,” said Omar Castanon (10).
March 2009
Many think that bad teachers are disrespectful, distant, have double standards, and are phony. Phony teachers instill mistrust in students -- affecting perceptions of all a student’s future teachers. “Teachers aren’t nice, they are only nice because they have to be, it’s their job,” says Tran. Tran feels that some teachers’ methods aren’t effective at all. She hasn’t learned very many things in one of the classes she’s taken. “She’s just like “make it,” as if I know what to do with clay” says Tran regarding her least favorite teacher. Other students don’t approve of the teaching techniques that their teachers use. A bad teaching method can create an entire classroom environment filled with chaos. Some students feel unchallenged or bored by the teaching techniques. “I don’t like teachers who are boring and have lame teaching methods,” said Jessica Salaz (10). There are many teachers here at Granger who have dedicated their lives to helping students succeed. Although there may be uncooperative and rude teachers, the good by far outweigh the bad.
¿Sabes que es Spanish by Marios Palacios English by Rocio Ruiz un oficial de Do you know clase? what a student body officer is?
¿Alguna vez te has preguntado ser oficial de derechos de clase? ¿Sabes que es un oficial de clase? Bueno esto es lo que tienes que saber: Los oficiales de la escuela representarán la clase que son juntas de mesas redondas y reportarán decisiones hechas por el grupo para el resto de las clases respectivas. Ellos harán propuestas, sugerencias y serán sometidas al grupo de estudiantes para considerar las propuestas. Existen cuatro tipos de posiciones Las cuales son presidente, vicepresidente, secretaria y representativo. Cada uno se organiza para hacer lo que le corresponde. EL PRESIDENTE: se encarga de supervisar todas las actividades especialmente relacionadas con su clase.
VICE PRESIDENTE: en cada clase asistirá el presidente y si el o ella falta se pronunciara oficialmente como presidente ella o el actuara como oficial de enlace entre su clase y los estudiantes publicistas. LA SECRETARIA: se encarga de anotar todos los minutos de las juntas y apuntar todas las actividades patrocinadas por la clase y estos apuntes serán entregados a la secretaria posterior. EL REPRESENTATIVO: se encargará de trabajar por cada una de las clases con el grupo estudiantil y las actividades del vicepresidente y el lancero tribunal. Estos son los deberes de los representativos: ellos tendrán que mantener las actividades en el calendario que probablemente incluirá algunas o todas las actividades u otras actividades diseñadas para beneficiar las vidas de la Organización Asociada de los Lanceros (Associated Lancer Organization). Para más información hay una reunión el primero de abril a las 2:40 P.M. en el salón 209.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a Leader of Rights for your class? Do you know what a Leader of Class is? Well this is what you need to know: The Leaders of School will represent class meetings with the Round Tables and will report decisions made by the group for the rest of the class They will make considerations, comments and will be presented to the group of students to make decisions of the considerations. There are four positions: Which are President, Vice President, Secretary and Representative each one of these will be organized for what is needed to do. President: Will be in charge of all activities especially relations with his/her class. Vice President: In each class he/her will attend to the President and if the President is absent, the Vice President will take his/her place as President. Secretary: Will be in charge of counting down the minutes for each meeting and taking notes of all activities made by the class and these notes will be turned in. Representative: Will be in charge of working for each class with the groups of students and all the activities of the Vice President and the Lancer. These all are the duties of the representatives. They will have to maintain activities in the calendar that will probably include some or all activities design to benefit the associated Lancer organization. For more information there’s a meeting: April 1st, 2:40 in room 209
Cualificaciones por el puesto del estudiante oficial
Artículo XII: Tener derecho y cualificaciones por el puesto del estudiante oficial. Sección 1: Candidatos prospectivos para el grupo de estudiantes y clase oficiales deberán tener un cumulativo de 3.0 por mínimo de promedio de notas por 3 cuartos anterior de cada elección sin una ninguna clase reprobada. Deberán mantener una nota de 3.0 promedio para cada cuarto durante el plazo del puesto. No se permite ninguna clase reprobada durante el período de que está en el puesto.
Sección 3: Candidatos prospectivos por la organización del gobierno de los estudiantes y el oficial de clase, Sir Lancer (Don Lancer), Song Leader (Líder de canción) o Varsity, J.V. and Sophmore animador deberán tener un mínimo cumulativo de la nota de ciudadanía de 3.0 promedio para cada cuarto durante el período antes de la elección por 3 cuartos sin ninguna nota de cero. Mantendrá esta norma durante su plazo, incluido el cuarto en lo cual esta nombrado o elegido. Sección 5: Todos los estudiantes que obtienen posiciones elegidos
y nombrados deberán ser registrados como estudiantes de tiempo completo a Granger High School durante su período en lo cual está en el puesto. Sección 6: Cada oficial de los estudiantes será miembro de la clase del doce grado. Sección 8: Ningún estudiante conseguirá más que una posición elegida o nombrada del gobierno de los estudiantes, incluido organizaciones de los animadores, durante el mismo año.
Volume LI, Issue 8
12E n t e rta in me n t
Granger High School Tri-Color-Times
What did they just say? Guess who’s
Do you hear weird things in the hall? I hear them all the time. So with that for motivation, I started recording the strange things I heard. I now cruise the halls, quietly eavesdropping on many conversations, collecting the most random comments here for your enjoyment. It was two nights ago! I can’t believe he threw up that much! I cleaned that for weeks!
It was cracked when I got here. It hurts dude, owie. I totally lost my banana in the hall the other day!
When I jump, Jessica says how high.
My pregnant sensor’s not working. I wouldn’t touch that with a poke stick. Are you still sore from that?
I took off my shoe yesterday and my sock had a hole in it. We are going to splash the water swim team style! Heh, heh. A girl! I hate eaves droppers. Did you really just eat all of that?
Did you know that if your hands are bigger than your face you have cancer? Did you do your hair this morning because it doesn’t look like you did? You look like a pig. Help me help your mother make a movie. My Sobe cap said “quick one” If it wanted to get into me then I think it completed its mission when I drank it. I totally slipped on a banana peel the other day!
comin’ to town Upcoming events in West Valley City March 31 @ Energy Solutions Arena Lil Wayne w/Gym Class Heros, Keri Hilson, T Pain 7pm
April 13 @ The Great Saltair Fall Out Boy w/Cobra Starship, Metro Station, All Time Low, Hey Monday 5pm
April 1 @ Kilby Court Tenn out of Tenn Tour Featuring: Griffen House 7pm
April 14 @ In the Venue Parkway Drive w/Stick to your Guns, MyChildren MyBride, Embers Rise Tuesday 6pm
April 4 @ The Great Saltair Kottonmouth Kings w/La Coka Nostra, Blaze Ya Dead Homie 6pm April 8 @ In the Venue Lily Allen 8pm April 11 Murray Theatre The Presets w/The Golden Filter, Hyper Crush 7:30pm April 12 @ In the Venue Atmosphere w/P.O.S, Attracted to the Gods 6:30pm
Horoscopes “Yeah I’m an Aries! Be jealous!”
AriesMarch 21- April 19 You aren’t the type to follow the crowd. You move at your own pace and move to the beat of a different drum. If you like being that way then so be it, but don’t let your uniqueness get in the way of you making friends. The world is always a happier place when you have a friend to enjoy it with. Taurus April 20 - May 20 Sometimes when you get angry you like to shut people out and give them the cold shoulder leaving a strain on things that you have to deal with later. Try to talk things out when you’re angry.
March 2009
Featured Aries… Tanner Garland (10) April 13, 1993
GeminiMay 21- June 21 A new challenge will be sent your way soon, if it has not already happened. Don’t let this throw you off or make you take your eyes off your main goals. Handle the situation to the best of your abilities and get back to your goals. Cancer June 22- July 22 You have the habit of telling people how it is, sometimes you say things that should not be said at all. Try using a more tactful approach when letting people know your opinions.
Leo July 23- August 22 Your emotions tend to go crazy sometimes. You can go from feeling happy and on top of the world to extremely depressed and forgotten in a matter of minutes. Don’t let this get to you and don’t listen to what other people think about it. That’s just how you are and as long as you’re happy with yourself its all good. Virgo August 23- September 22 First impressions are always important, but when people first meet you they tend to forget your name quickly. You are shy and reserved and you like it that way, but try to be a little more out there and make people want to remember your name. Libra September 23- October 22 You enjoy helping others, it makes you feel good. You don’t mind having people ask you for advice or help, but you need to pay more attention to your
own problems instead of letting them get bigger by the day. Take sometime to find solutions to your problems, and then go back to being the wonderful helpful person you are. Scorpio October 23- November 21 Your noticing that these past few months you have established a distant relationship with your parents, you are not very open with them. Try talking more to your parents and let them know what’s going on in your life, they’re always interested.
Sagittarius November22- December 21 You always do thing last minute, and the results are sloppy. Learn to plan things out and do things with time.
April 14 @ Kilby Court Mirah w/Tender Forever, Lake Mary 7pm April 16 @ In the Venue Jagarmeister Music Tour w/Pennywise & Pepper 6pm April 18 @ The Great Saltair Tech N9ne w/Murs @ Illumini 7pm April 21 @ The Great Saltair Franz Ferdinand w/Ruffians 6:30pm
Capricorn December 22- January 19 You are always trying to control everything around you; you don’t like the feeling of instability at all. You need to learn to not be such a control freak all the time and be more relaxed about things.
Aquarius January 20- February 18 You are a headstrong person and don’t let very many things discourage you, that’s a good thing. On the other hand you also tend to tear people down, that’s bad. Its ok if everyone is not as headstrong as you, help them become better, don’t tear them down. Pisces February 19- March 20 You are shy around new people, but when you’re in a group of old friends you feel more comfortable and are more willing to be more out there. Try and learn to show everyone who you really are, not just people who have already gotten the chance to see you out of your shell.
Volume LI, Issue 8