Granger high school
Tri-Color Times An open forum for student opinion and expression
TRICOLORTIMES.COM
February 2012 LIV-5
School spirit may lead to personal success Opinion by Calvin Rankin GRANGER sucks. How does this make you feel? For many, it doesn’t feel very good. “It makes me feel like crap. It makes me angry,” Acea Spencer (12) said. For most, this is the initial reaction of Granger students when they hear these things. What about when people say Granger is “ghetto?” “Granger’s not ghetto, it’s a good school,” Michael Simonsen (12) said. So the question is, “Does Granger have school spirit?” Many students have pondered this question. “Yes, we do,” Nathan Saxton (12) said. This is how most students feel.
Many students feel that “We should have more school spirit,” Simonsen said. Why do we need school spirit? What does it matter? School spirit is the glue that holds a student body together. School spirit encourages students to work harder to get better grades. Students wouldn’t ever want to do anything to “shame their school” if they had school spirit. Many Granger students do have school spirit and lots of it. Though, many students have no school spirit or close to it. “Many people attend our sporting events.” Spencer said.
What can we do to increase more school spirit? Perhaps if there was more Granger attire available for purchase. “I wish we had more Granger gear.” Spencer said, any Lancers agree. Though some feel this way, others don’t. Our schools baseball team does not “slack off” when it comes to Granger attire. They make sure that Granger gear is readily available to those that attend their games. If we are going to have a school that has a good reputation, we need to increase our level of school spirit. If you see anyone
that is struggling in class or with their grades, help them. Don’t let them struggle. Let’s show love for our school by not vandalizing, or spitting your gum on the floor. As “daunting” as it sounds, let’s respect our teachers, administrators, and all other Granger High staff. They care about this school just as much as you do. We need to increase test scores and our school’s G.P.A. With good test scores comes pride in yourself. With pride in yourself comes pride in your school. School spirit is an essential part of school. People that have school spirit show that they care
for something. People that have school spirit tend to care more about grades and their education. Our nation needs school spirit because it needs people that care. These are the people that make our country strong. These are the scholars that pioneer research. We need these people to become the next generation of working class Americans and it all comes from showing that you care. School spirit is essential to student, school, and success. We need to do everything in our power to encourage school spirit. Let,s make Granger the best high school in the state!
Jordan Hernandez (12) waves his arms and shouts to get the crowd going. Basketball fans show lots of spirit. Regular seasson games are free with student I.D.
Gossip is another form of bullying Gossip isn’t always true. Don’t believe everything you hear
Opinion by Miranda Lopez GOSSIP is a ‘fun’ thing that everybody does. Whether someone’s talking about something fun that happened in class, or just flat out talking mack on a friend. Either way, everybody gossips. No matter who they are. It’s common nature; it is going to happen. However, even if anyone does gossip, do they ever stop to think about what they’re gossiping about? Or wonder who or what might be affected when they open their mouth? Probably not. I think that gossiping is a form of bullying. Whether anyone else likes to think so or not, it is. What a lot of people don’t realize is who they’re going to be hurting in the end. Some girls may do this on purpose to ‘strike out’ at some other chick they may not like. Whatever the reason, it’s still not right. Gossip tends to start rumors which usually lead to a reputation that may or may not be true. A lot
of the times other people will say, “I hate him because he’s a player” or “Oh, I hate her because she’s a slut” without getting to know the person. First of all, what gives anyone the right to say something about someone that they don’t know? They’ve got no right. This gossip trend seems to happen more often in high school than anywhere else. I say this because this is what it was like at my other school before I moved to West Valley, and started school here at Granger at the beginning of the semester. There were people who were absolutely terrified to go to school because they would get tormented over and over again. I always swore that I would never stoop down to their level. Not only did this happen at my old school, but I’ve seen the worst out of people here as well. There will be people walking around alone as if they were in search of a friend. There are also those famous girls who think, “oh
I’m better than you.” I personally think those girls need to get over themselves. Wouldn’t you think that this is a form of bullying? It happens everywhere we go. If you’re at work, school, or maybe even the mall when you’re passing by. I’m not saying gossip should be protested against anyone’s will. I’m trying to say that when people gossip they should watch what words that come out of their mouths. It’s hurting the people around you that don’t need to be treated like that at all. High school is supposed to be the best days of our lives, not the most miserable. Every student should be able to walk through the doors of Granger High confident, with smiles on their face. If there are students who can’t do that, there’s a problem that needs to be fixed. My point is, that if gossip was limited, every student would have a much happier high school life.
A winter without snow By Curtis Hughes WINTER isn’t the same without the snow. It is the symbol of the season. Utah is known for the greatest snow on earth, but only if there is snow to have. It is reported that we have only a quarter of the snow fall compared to last year, and only half of all the precipitation throughout the season. James Holland (10) said he isn’t worried. “I’m not sad there is no snow, I’m thrilled!” Holland said. “I am hoping for a quick transition to summer.” Winter is not Holland’s favorite season. He occasionally has to walk to school, and it is easier without the snow. Holland said he will miss going sledding with the snow, but he isn’t too distraught. “I hate snow!” Kylee Cutler (11) said. “I don’t mind the cold weather, but I don’t like the cold and wet rain or snow.” Cutler is not missing the snow, she is hoping that summer comes fast and we can get into the better
weather. “If water weren’t an issue, I wouldn’t be worried about a quick change, but I am a little worried,” she said Meteorologists have said we have nothing to worry about. Our state received enough precipitation last year that we have nothing to worry about, unless this happens again next winter. Utah is a state with unpredictable weather. It is very possible to have a late series of snow storms in the season, but we could go until October without seeing snow. Taylor Swedin (12) says he misses the snow. “If there was snow, I would be sledding, and ice skating, and all those things!” Both Blanca Zuniga (12) and Aubrey Jensen (12) agree that the snow is just a wet, cold bother. “I wish it snowed a lot in the mountains, but not down here. Then we only have it when we want it,” Jensen said. Sounds like winter needs to give up and let summer take its place. It’s what we all want.
Want more Granger High School news? Check articles at tricolortimes.com or add us on twitter.com/tricolortimes.
February 2012, page 2
VOL. LIV Issue 5
Mr. Bengaly’s Cataract Surgery By Viri Aguilera ONE OF our English teachers, Mr. Bengaly, has just had cataract surgery. A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye that worsens over time, and ultimately causes vision loss. Cataracts are very common and can take place in either one eye or both. It cannot spread from one eye to the other. In order for you to see clearly, light must pass through your lens into your retina. When you have cataracts the clouding of the lenses does not allow light to pass through to the retina.Your vision becomes blurred and this usually occurs to older people. The solution to getting your cataracts removed is getting surgery. This can occur because a lens is made up mostly of water, and when we age some of the protein and water clump up together and start to cloud up a small area of the eye. Researchers also think that
diabetes and smoking can cause cataracts. Wearing sunglasses and hats can help protect eyes from ultraviolet sunlight, and may help delay cataracts. Mr. Bengaly didn’t really notice any change in his vision at first, but gradually over time it got worse. “I failed to understand any warning sign which was not good,” Mr. Bengaly said. One day he was in class grading papers when suddenly he felt something in his right eye. “I thought it just might have been my glasses that were dirty, but it wasn’t,” Bengaly said. When he got home that night he was telling his wife about what had happened. As he was talking to her he could only make out the shape of her body and couldn’t really see any details on her face. When he told his wife that he couldn’t see her she got emotional and started crying. He thought that something was just in his eye and went to sleep thinking when
he woke up in the morning it would be gone. To his surprise when he woke up his vision was actually worse than the day before. He went to the doctor to see what was wrong with him, and they sent him up to the Moran Eye Center. While he was at the doctor’s office, they put drops in his eye so it would dilate and allow them to see clearly what he had in his eye. It took 3 hours for his eye to dilate completely. When the doctors told him he had a cataract, they said they needed to do surgery on him so he could see clearly. As he went in for his surgery the nurses prepared him by numbing his eye so he couldn’t feel when they were cutting into his eye lens. They removed his cataract and put a new lens in his eye, which was around 20 minutes. When he woke up the doctors just kept him there for about 15 minutes to observe his eyes. Afterwards they let him go home to recover. Bengaly was surprised with the results of the surgery. “My vision has improved 100%,” Bengaly said. He is very thankful for the doctors that did his surgery. “Having the surgery made me realize how important vision is to enjoy all the wonderful things in life,” Bengaly said. “Whenever I get a chance, I will donate to money to any foundation that is for vision, because vision is an essential part of life that everyone should enjoy.” assistedlicingct.com
Mr. Bengaly loves his cataract-free eyes.
Safety first -- don’t get a UTA citation by crossing TRAX tracks illegally By Jessie Cisneros USE CAUTION when crossing UTA TRAX rails. If you cross anywhere other than a designated area, there will be consequences. Even if it appears safe to cross on a non-designated area, it may not be. TRAX trains move quickly and many people have lost their lives already for not using designated crossing areas and disobeying signs. If you do, however, cross unharmed, you may receive a $100 civil citation. All citations must be addressed within 30 days of receiving the ticket. A civil citation from TRAX will not go on your criminal record, but failure to take care of the citation will result in trespass from TRAX and UTA affiliates. There are multiple ways to take care of a citation, especially for first offences. One example is attending a 30-minute safety class at UTA headquarters and a $25 fee. Another way is to complete 20 hours of community service on a project defined by UTA authorities. You can contest the ticket and appear at court, but if convicted it will appear on your criminal record. If you receive a citation through UTA and are under the age of 18, they have to inform a legal guardian that you are receiving the ticket.
They will take information such as; height, weight, age, date of birth, etc. and will have you sign the citation. Signing the citation is not admittance of guilt, but agreeing to call UTA within 30 days. You will receive a rough copy of the ticket with all the information listed on the back. “We have to be more careful next time,” Shawn Johnson (10) said. “You never know when cops will be on the train.” Be sure to always pay before taking the TRAX or you will receive another ticket for unauthorized use of public transportation. Always read the posted signs and watch where you walk. Stay behind the yellow line. UTA has a zero tolerance policy when it comes to running the rails. There have been too many
deaths and accidents due to improper safety measures taken by passengers. UTA police frequently check all the stations and trains to ensure proper safety measures are taken. Public safety is very important to UTA and the rules are enforced so heavily to prevent injury and fatality. “When I called UTA about my citation, they hadn’t even processed the ticket,” Jessica Griego (11) said. “It’s been a week.” UTA has a slow response system and it takes them awhile to process the ticket information. If you receive a citation, be sure to give them ample time to get your ticket processed, while allowing enough time to ensure you take care of it within the given time.
Crosswith care--TRAX trains are deadly
Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy
By Abby Cartmell HUMOR, thrills, mystery, magic, a deadly red right hand, and a talking skeleton with a huge ego. Derek Landy delivers a fast paced novel series of epic proportions! Skulduggery Pleasant is a nine novel series that is sure to leave you begging on your hands and knees for more. No word has come out yet on the last two books, but some information is bound to show up sooner or later. Hopefully soon, because the fans are going crazy. The publisher, Harper Collins, also released the unabridged audiobooks, read by Rupert Degas. A movie is being carefully talked about for 2013, as well, but the author is ‘too caught up…to even consider a movie right now.’ Skulduggery Pleasant is your average detective; stylish suits, a sweet ride, control over the elements and has a twelve year old partner. Okay, maybe he’s not the average detective. Skulduggery Pleasant is a skeleton- no jokeand his partner is twelve-year-old Valkyrie Cain.
Together, the two battle paper men, evil dark Gods, zombies, vampires and nasty sorcerers. But they have back up…sometimes. Tanith Low, Valkyrie’s ghost of an uncle Gordon, Fletcher Renn, Ghastly Bespoke, Mr. Bliss and China Sorrows have their backs. The last one is really suspicious, however. No offense, China, but it’s weird that everyone seems to fall in love with you. Skulduggery and Valkyire have one mission; save the world from the tyrannical evil gods, the Faceless Ones. They must also defeat those who serve the Faceless Ones; Baron Vengeous, Billy Ray Sanguine, the vampire Dusk and a group of rather incompetent zombies. Will Skulduggery and Valkyire win? Read the books and find out. “I thought it was hilarious!” said Brianna Clyde (12). “I love the characters, especially Skulduggery; he’s the best! If anybody hasn’t read these books, they’re missing out.” Sounds compelling, no? Well, if you’re not convinced yet, then you should know that Skulduggery’s car is a Bentley. Okay, sorry, Skulduggery! It’s a 1954 Bentley R-Type Continental, one of only 208 ever made, a car that houses a six-cylinder, 4.5-liter engine and is retrofitted with power locks, climate control, satellite navigation and a bunch of other stuff. Of course, you would’ve been happy with just, “It’s a Bentley.” Skeletons are apparently touchy when it comes to their cars. And for those who don’t know cars, that is a nice car! Keep reading Lancers!
Senior dinner party By Judith Rupay MANY students have been involved with the Senior Citizen Dinner. For the last eight years the dinner was held in Granger with the work of students volunteering to set up the decorations, serving meals, cleaning and making all the senior citizens feel welcome. Along with the West Valley Police and Fire Departments, Granger was able to hold the dinner every year. Unfortunately this year was a different story. The police and fire departments didn’t have enough funds, and it was canceled for the first time. Everyone was devasted by the news. Some students who were determined not to break tradition made the dinner possible. This is one of the biggest community service projects with over 100 students helping. Two students who were involved are Tania Perez (12) and Armin Fitozovic (12). Many of the clubs were a great help as well. “Armin and I wanted to bring the senior citizen banquet back and we decided to talk to Det. Randall, from there we learned we needed a lot of money so we
went to get help from the clubs,” Perez said. They did the talent show that was hosted by Maria Burgos and Carmen Flores and it was a successful outcome. “Our other helper besides the clubs is Carol Castaneda,” Fitozovic said. The feeling you get when helping out is unexplainable. “I feel glad to be able to be part of something big and I hope to see it happen. Working with many students is great,” Perez said They hope to have the dinner on March 17. There is $4000 left to raise before the dinner is possible. “I been volunteering for two years and during that time I’ve met and socialized with the elderly and had a great time. Last year I met two people who are from Guerrero and started dancing wit them so it was a lot of fun,” Perez said. They are glad everyone is very encouraging as well as with the help of the teachers, too. There next big event is Hollywood Connection on February 25 at 5:00 pm. Come and support the Senior Citizen Banquet.
February 2012, page 3
VOL. LIV Issue 5
Will you be CRUSHED or not
What if Cupid doesn’t strike Granger High School? grumpy because they didn’t re- that they care about them,” said By Karen Garcia Anderson. REMEMBER Valentine’s Day in ceive anything. Everyone does the same thing “I miss those Valentine boxes elementary school? -buys some big teddy bear, some we made in elementary because You bought Valentine cards and chocolates, and balloons. They everyone received something and candy for every person in your hope that their crush or sweetno one was left out. That’s why class, not just your crush or boyheart likes it. And what happens people liked it back then and evfriend/girlfriend. No kid was left when they don’t? eryone hates it now because they out, all the kids were included Ian Nelson (10) says he hated even if you didn’t like them. And don’t receive anything anymore,” his 8th grade Valentine’s Day Arevalo said. everyone received Valentines in because he had elementary, it saved up a lot was all a big of money to buy loving group. his crush a huge In high teddy bear, but school, if you then she didn’t don’t have a accept his gift. sweetheart, Nelson then your Valenended up giving tine’s Day is the teddy bear to going to suck. his friend so he In elemenwould give it to tary everyone his girlfriend. was eagerly “I usually like anticipating Hand holding is another way to show off a relationship. Valentine’s Day, the Valentines thet’re always good for me but Maybe if people still sent Valenparty. They even decorated little 8th grade wasn’t my year,” Neltine cards to everyone, they would mailboxes, and everyone would get into the spirit because they at son said. deliver little cards with candy. So it might be easier to focus on Kayla Steinman (10) remem- least have something to give. your friends or family more this Savannah Anderson (11) said bers those boxes. “In elementary year so you don’t have to go on that her last Valentine was really we always had a competition to hating this holiday. Mr. Kamaal bad because she didn’t receive see who made the cutest box,” said he enjoys Valentine’s day beanything from her boyfriend. Her Steinman said. “Gosh, when you cause he shows his appreciation boyfriend called her over to his were in elementary, you wouldn’t of his loved ones. house, have to worry about anything beHe says that he sends flowers to “I had done my hair, I got so cause you were for sure receiving his mom on this day. dolled up because I thought he something. Now you have to have “People shouldn’t feel bad if would have cooked dinner for me a date or it’s going to be lame.” they weren’t able to get a valenor something but it was just anMaybe that’s why so many tine but they should just see how other day for him, he didn’t even people hate this holiday now bethey can better themselves and say happy Valentine’s day,” Ancause sometimes there is nothing if you did everything you could derson said. to look forward to anymore. This year she believes it won’t then you just have to be patient,” Liseth Arevalo (12) said that be the same because her boyfriend Mr. Kamaal said. she misses the elementary ValenYou know your Valentine’s day treats her as if it’s Valentine’s Day tine’s Day because most people is going to suck if you are single. every day but she is still excited. here treat this holiday just like You even get the urge to send “Boys shouldn’t have to wait unany other day, and the only reason yourself some ‘Secret Valentine’s til Valentine’s Day to show girls they do this is because they are all
Pranked or pranker Pranks students have done
By Celeste Anguiano “OH NO! My house has been toilet-papered!” These are some words students might be using when their crazy friends pull a prank on them. Whether people do it for revenge, or just for simple fun, these pranks can really create a huge effect in a student’s life. “When I was in junior high, I would leave the class and leave my books on my desk, and then when I would come back, they would be gone. I knew it was my friends, I’d tell them you guys are my friends, it’s annoying,” Trevor Higginson (12) said. Two words, “Not cool… although I’ve gone toilet-papering in my cousin’s neighborhood,”
“I’ve only done one prank,” Margret Tonga (11) said. “It was so long ago, I forgot.” If she was to pull a prank, she’d “invite lots of students to help me trash a teacher’s classroom. Shh!” Students like Derik Dapp (10), have never really pranked anyone. “It will cause students to feel embarrassed, but if I were to do a prank, I’d probably turn off the power for a minute.” Others like Christopher Cahoon (12), have done too many to count. After all, most people find pranks very amusing. “I think light pranks can be fun, if you take them too far though, it could cause problems. My favorite was when I put shaving cream on someone while they slept.”
Christopher Cahoon (12) being silly with the reporter.
“There was toilet-paper in my front yard one time, I cleaned it up, and the next morning it was there…again!” Hannah Bingaman (12) said. “I never found out who they were.” While some students think pranking each other is annoying, some might be having the time of their life doing it. “I made a kid cry once, but I was too busy laughing.” Sepa Langi (12) said. Cool or not cool, pranks can sometimes affect your relationships with not only family, but with some best buddies too. “I think they’re fun…unless someone was to do it to me!” said Langi. It’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt-either mentally or physically. If people tend to be short tempered, it’s most likely they would get not only mad, but really mad. “I’ve been pranked on, like really bad,” Rosio Chacon (10) said. “They egged my car,” Keleni Valele (10) said. “I felt mad, but at the same time it was pretty hilarious.” It can be funny at times, but when it flares up, it can take control of any the situation. “I’m going to do the biggest prank for my senior year,” Langi said. “You guys will find out later on, but for now…it’s a secret.”
gift’ the school is selling so they deliver it to one of your classes and people will think that you received something from a ‘secret Valentine.’ Mary Valdez (11) didn’t have to do that because she enjoyed celebrating Valentine’s day with her dad. “I was so bummed out just sitting in my room on Valentine’s day until I decided to go to the store and get a teddy bear for my dad,” Valdez said. She decided to do that because she didn’t receive anything but then she decided to give, instead of receiving and she decided on giving it to the man she loves her dad. Sometimes even if your balloons or teddy bear are ugly and your chocolates are nasty, other kids see you and wish they could have at least received something. That’s why kids are going around saying they absolutely hate Valentine’s day and that it’s the worst holiday ever. Erick Quinonez (12) said that he misses Valentine’s day because he would get candy and cards from people he didn’t even like even though he would have to give them something back. “I hope this year is different, because now I have a date,” Quinonez said. In high school no one really sends those tiny cards anymore, but maybe it would be better to send lots of little cards instead of buying one expensive present for one person instead -- no one would left out. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Valentine’s day symbolizes love, and there can be more than one type of love there’s love you have for a crush, a friend, parents and siblings. Go buy some cards from the store and bring back the elementary tradition of giving lots of cards and slip them into lockers -it will make their day a lot better.
The ins and outs of PTC’s
By Adis Jasarevic PARENT-teacher conferences are right around the corner and students both seem nervous and confident about them. For most Granger students, the thought of even attending PTC’s is crazy, but the few that do attend are happy to hear good news their teachers have to give. “I am confident” MJ Singh (10) said. He has never missed a PTC and does not even try to hide it from his parents, either telling them himself, or his parents receiving the dreadful phone call, he plans on attending parent-teacher conferences throughout the rest of his high school career. “Minorities affect the amount of people who go,” Singh said. Being that he is from India, he says that he is expected to go and keep his grades up no matter what, do to his background. Other students try to do whatever they can to get their grades up last minute. “I just turn stuff in,” Lupe Perez (12) said. Students like these know they have to go to parent-teacher conferences, but sometimes their grades aren’t as high as the standards of their parents. Sometimes “sucking up” and asking for a little extra credit right before PTC’s might help you out with that one grade you don’t like, even though most teachers hate when students nag them about extra credit. Finally we have the students who don’t show up at all. They don’t inform their parents about parent-teacher conferences coming up, because they are either worried about their grades and they don’t want their parents to find out or they just really don’t care about PTC’s and school. “I don’t even go,” KC Williams (10) said. Just like most of Granger High School students Williams does not attend PTC’s. There is no single reason why most students aren’t showing up, everyone has their own reasons. Granger High School needs to do something to get more students to attend.
Tri-Color Times Staff Editor Aida Uzierbegovic Online Editor Brittany Edwards Copy Editor Alejandro Garza
Photo Editor Brooke Rigby Managing Editor Taylor Bailey Logo Artist Jose Olmedo
Journalists Viridiana Aguilera Salvador Armenta Briana Bauer Shanice Boyd Maria Camarillo Abigail Cartmell Gloria Castaneda Jessie Cisneros Tristan Cook Rosy Donoso Karen Garcia Alejandro Garza Maria Gonzales Cindy Govea Kevin Guzman
Journalists Selina Haro Curtis Hughes Adis Jasarevic Alan Lopez Miranda Lopez Monica Ortega Leslie Plascencia Calvin Rankin Judith Rupay Yasmin Salgado Rita Soto Anayeli Torres Brenda Valdez Erick Vargas Maria Zuniga
The Tri-Color Times serves as a student forum for student opinion and student expression. The views expressed herein reflect neither the opinions of Adviser 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 legality. Granger High 3690 South 3600 West West Valley, UT 84119 385 646-5320
February 2012, page 4
VOL. LIV Issue 5
tricolortimes.com
The importance of high school
By Kevin Guzman GRADUATION is one of the biggest yet hardest accomplishments for teenagers this century. Getting a high school diploma can be the difference between living paycheck to paycheck. Many teens don’t really see the importance of graduating high school. The difference that one document can make for your life, simply by stating that you were able to complete the challenges of high school. Seniors in high school this year are going to be entering the true life adulthood. There are two paths after high school, the graduate, and the non-graduate. “Yes, graduating is very important to get because you need to get a diploma to get a good job,” Jonathan Horteales (12) said. “Right now I’m kind of nervous because I don’t know if I’m going to graduate.” For most of us, we want our senior year to be the best year. It isn’t as easy as it sounds though. Most students slack of their sophomore and junior year. Although not every student, there are actually some that stay on track since the beginning of high school. “I’m feeling pretty good about it because I’m on track for graduation.” Ernesto Jimenez (11) said. “I’m going to continue my education and I’m going to the University Of Utah.” A plan that many students lack. Most of us don’t see what a huge
deal graduating high school is. Many even brag about how much they don’t attend class, or turn in work. “I think it all depends on the person if they miss school, it would only mean they don’t care about their graduation or education and only want to slack off and get away with it,” Lorena Espinoza (10) said. The influence of friends is a really big part of any teenagers’ life. It is most of the time the reason on how our decisions are made. Believe it or not, but friends are a big percentage of the decisions we make in life. At times, we let them control a little too much. “Because they would rather hang out with friends, sometimes they don’t get the full support they need from their family so they just don’t care, maybe they think that since their parents didn’t go to college or graduate they shouldn’t,“ Espinoza said. Could parents be a part of the reason why students tend to miss class, or not try and do well in school? Many teenagers find it hard to cope with life, school, parents, friends etc. We all have our problems that we each need to deal with to try and live through. Maybe just the thought that our life truly begins when we exit high school. Whether we graduate or not, this is where all the childish games end. There will be no more retakes, no more second chances. This is the gateway to adulthood.
Seniors questioning their voting status Will seniors vote in 2012 election?
By Brenda Valdez WHEN senior students are eighteen, they think about college, parties, work, or post-graduation plans. The last thing they think of is politics. The year 2012 has come and it is time for the presidential election. The big question is if seniors will choose to vote or not. Most eighteen year olds have no knowledge of the candidates and do not really care to vote, or think that it matters. It is very important to be informed and get up and vote. If those who did not care actually voted, the polls would go skyrocketing. There are about 44 million 1829 year olds in the United States, according to Completecampaigns. com. That is approximately 3.6 million 18 year olds, which would be a huge boost in voting polls. Only half of those 44 million young adults actually vote, which could easily change the outcome of who actually becomes president. Since seniors will be eighteen and legal just in time for the election, it is more important for them to know about what is going on. There are some juniors who turn eighteen before November, so they will have the chance to vote too. If a senior were asked who Mitt Romney or Rick Perry was, they would have a blank face. It is not only the seniors who are not informed but also juniors and pretty much all teenagers. “Not really, no I don’t.” Carla Ramirez (12) said, when asked
if she knew who the candidates were. Pretty much the same reaction applied to most people. That does not mean that all seniors are not informed. Those who are more informed are most likely the ones interested in politics. “Yes, I’m interested; the candidates are Ron Paul, John Huntsman, and Barack Obama.” Tania Perez (12) said. “Also Mitt Romney, Michelle Bachmann, and I think his name is Newt Gingrich.” Even though many are not interested, they still agree that voting is important and it should be taken seriously. “I think it is important to vote, everyone should choose who’s in charge.” Ramirez said. Perez’s opinion about voting was mutual. “Yes, it is definitely important to vote, it is our country’s leader,” Perez said. It would seem that seniors would not care who would end up as president. It is not entirely
true at all, but actually most of the people really do care. “Yeah I do, as long as it is someone who is trustworthy and know what they are doing,” Paloma Davis (12) said. Ramirez somewhat agreed to Davis’s statement. “In a way, yes, but in a way, no. I don’t care,” said Ramirez. Perez on the other hand was in total agreement. “Yes it is definitely,” Perez said. So the main question is will they be voting and who will they be voting for? “I want to but I should probably familiarize myself with the candidates,” Ramirez said. Davis was not exactly sure who she will be voting for but she will definitely be voting when the time comes. “I’ll vote for Huntsman if he ends up as the main opponent, GOP, if not then maybe Obama,” Perez said. Seniors are most likely voting in this year’s election, but the results will have to wait until November 6, 2012, Election Day.
Students debate the merits of various presidential candidats.
Booty calls can disconnect friendships
By Selina Haro HIGH SCHOOL is a time when teens feel a need to have some excitement in their lives. Relationships are not for everyone, and some people just aren’t ready for relationships. So they decide to have ‘friends with benefits.’ This is when you have all the physical benefits of a relationship, without the emotions and actually being in a relationship. Eddie Lopez (10) does not like having a girlfriend. “Keep your options open; don’t just go after one person,” Lopez said.
“You can’t say I love you if it’s not official, I love you has a big meaning and half the people who say it don’t really mean it, so why say something you don’t mean? I do my own thing I don’t rely on anyone. We’re young, let’s have fun!” Lopez said. What Lopez said is true. ‘I love you’ has a big meaning, and a lot of people do say it without even knowing what it really feels like. Some people say it just to make their partner feel good. Others really actually feel it, or at least think they do. You might
have a high school sweetheart, but you don’t really plan on getting married anytime soon. Jesus Felix (12) disagrees with Lopez. He thinks the compatibility between two people and the amount of love they have for each other defines a relationship. “Sometimes that’s when ‘friends with benefits’ can kick in.” “I think if you want to mess around like that, you shouldn’t really do it with your friends. However if you have a friend you really like you should take them out on a date or something,” Felix
said. Everyone has his or her own opinion about being friends with benefits. Some people start off being friends with benefits and lead into a relationship, while most would rather not take it to the next step. Niki Winters (12) disagrees with both Felix and Lopez. She says this is not a good idea, because someone ends up getting hurt. “You can’t control your heart, you will eventually grow feelings and it’s not supposed to be that
way because that’s why you’re friends with benefits,” Winters said. Although you might be attracted to each other, it doesn’t mean you see each other the same. As time goes by, you realize maybe they are not boyfriend/girlfriend material. The feelings you have towards each other should be mutual. What happens when they leave you for someone else. You can’t expect them to stay with you forever because they were never really yours to begin with.