Granger high school
Tri-Color Times An open forum for student opinion and expression
TRICOLORTIMES.COM
MARCH 2012 LIV-6
Student vs. faculty basketball game
By Brianna Bauer/Takia Owens
GET READY guys for the most intense basketball game all season! Although basketball season is technically over, they have planned a special surprise for all of Granger. The boys and girls basketball teams are going to take on some of the most athletic teachers here at Granger. Mr. Pace who is one of the few guy teachers on the faculty team says he is not nervous at all. “Even though we faculty members haven’t really had that much practice, we will hopefully not embarrass ourselves that much,” he said. One of the teachers who will sadly not be playing is Mrs.
Drage. “If I were playing, I would definitely say that I’m not one to be nervous for a game at all.” In high school, she was AllAmerican in basketball, scoring a whopping 22 points every single game! “Ha, I’m not nervous at all; we are going to kick their butts,” Ms. Bradshaw said. She is hoping that their age and higher brain development will help them beat the students. “I’m more of a volleyball or baseball type girl, basketball really isn’t my game, but hopefully we have some good players that know what they are doing,” she said. Bradshaw thinks that if faculty wins that they should be able to have a victory party to celebrate
even though they are teachers, they still can deliver a butt whipping! Mrs. Smith is very confident! “We’re going to dominate in all areas of the game! We didn’t even need to practice, we’re that good. We’re going to trash all the students!” “If we win this game I’m going to make sure we rub it into everyone’s face,” she said. That is some big talk coming from a faculty team that hasn’t even practiced. Ms. Berrett says “I’m psyched! It’s payback time. Students should be in fear, even though we may seem weak -- don’t underestimate the strength of the faculty!” “We are still young but a little more mature. We haven’t really had much practice as a team but
I trust my teammates and I know they are amazing!” Ms. Berrett also said, “We are all spokes in the wheel of excellent athleticism!” On March 9, 2012 Granger’s boys varsity team played against the teachers and faculty. Throughout the four quarters, the boys and girls varsity teams got a chance to go against the teachers, while the last quarter was a nice surprise. The last quarter was captain’s choice, and that was where everyone on the team mingle, but they are separated into equal teams with Ms. Berrett and Ms. Green as coaches. In the end, students won every quarter against faculty and Ms. Berrett’s picks Ms. Green’s picks.
Granger teachers took on all of the basketball teams in one giagantic fund-raising game, and they failed epically.
Decision: Go to class or McDonald’s?
By Calvin Rankin “CLEAR the halls! Get to class!” The Granger High School administration says as the bell rings. Many students head to class. Some of the students head elsewhere. “Well, they’re not in class…” Nathan Saxton (12) said It is a distinct possibility that they are sluffing. “I go to IHOP, McDonald’s or home,” Autumn Archuleta (12) said. “Most people get food,” Saxton said. “When I was in high school, I sluffed to go to breakfast with a pretty girl,” Mr. Dimas said. During the school day, the restaurants surrounding Granger are hopping with the business of sluffers. But for some, sluffing isn’t just
about hating class or the teachers or even food. They just need a break and want to have fun. “Sometimes WE go play video games.” Saxton said after making an emphasis on ‘WE’ (“We” being Saxton and friends). “I never sluff alone. That’s awkward. “I just don’t like being in class. It’s so frickin’ long dude! Plus…I get tired of hearing my own thoughts,” Saxton said. “They don’t like classes or teachers. They don’t care about school,” Juergen De Leon (12) said. Juergen has never sluffed and says that he never would. “I have good grades because I care about my education,” De Leon said. “Sometimes I just don’t feel like going, or people are really annoying, or I just need a break
from school,” Archuleta said. Would this make sluffing a good thing or bad thing? That depends on who you ask. “They’re ruining their own future. It’s their fault,” De Leon said. He said that people sluff because they don’t care about anything. “People that sluff do care,” Archuleta said. “Sluffing is not a good thing, but it is something that you should try at least once while in high school.” “It depends on what and why you’re sluffing. What if it’s a life altering thing you’re missing?” Saxton said. Mr. Dimas feels that “as long as you do make-up work and don’t do it in excess, you need a little freedom.” “I had good grades,” Mr. Dimas said.
“Sluffing affects your grades because you’re not there to do the assignment. This is a bad thing. But it’s still worth it,” Saxton said. Some people think that if you care about your grades, you don’t sluff. “I have good grades and I care about education. That’s why I don’t sluff,” DeLeon said. “I don’t sluff as much as I did in my sophomore and junior years,” Luis Vazquez (12) said. He said that he is realizing how sluffing is affecting him in a negative way. Many students care about their education, but it can’t be forced. “Education has to be wanted. I didn’t care what I went to school for, I just wanted that paper [degree],” Mr.Dimas said.
9th graders in new Granger
By Brianna Bauer THE NEW Granger High is going to be accepting freshmen from nearby junior highs to come be in the high school instead of the junior high starting in 2013. If you believe you’re going to be a freshman around the time of the new school being finished then you’re lucky! You get to be one of the first Granger Lancer Freshman! Shantel Martinez (8) said she is happy that the high schools are allowing the 9th graders into the school because now that she knows that, she isn’t scared to go to high school and grow up as you say. She goes to Valley Junior High. “I think every high school should be like that in every part of the valley because I may move away so I still want to be able to go to high school even if I only am a freshman,” Martinez said. Along the East Coast, they have it so that freshmen are automatically put into high schools instead of being in the junior highs. I think it shows them how to experience high school faster and easier than just hearing about it in junior high. In high school, you learn who you are and who you want to be in life. So the freshmen being in a bigger and more influential system will help them when they move on from high school to higher education. It seems to junior high students that high school looks like a big bad place, but in reality it prepares them for the real world of college and becoming an adult. Cody Booth (8) who also goes to Valley Junior said “I am going to Taylorsville High so I won’t be able to go to a high school where they put the freshmen into their buildings. I wish I could, but I live too far from Granger, and plus I like Taylorsville,” Booth said. Granger High School is only going to accept freshman from Valley Junior High and West Lake Junior High.
Want more Granger High School news? Check articles at tricolortimes.com or add us on twitter.com/tricolortimes.
March 2012, page 2
VOL. LIV Issue 6
Things students must do before graduation By Adis Jasarevic FOR MOST Granger seniors, high school is almost finished. A few more months and their lives begin. For those not graduating in 2012, they still have a few more years to complete their high school bucket list. There are many students who believe that there are things high school students need to do before they graduate or they will regret it for the rest of their lives, things that can only be done in high school. “Play a sport,” Michael Simonson (12) said. Before graduating, students should get involved. They should play sports they really love; no matter how bad they are at it because they will only get the opportunity once. “Go to a school dance,” Simonson also said. Every year, Granger has many school dances and many students don’t even attend them. The school dances cost money and are supposed to be a fun ex-
perience for Granger students. but many people feel they are boring and a waste of time. The thing they don’t realize is that this is their only opportunity to come to one, because after high school no more school dances. “You should get more school spirit,” Nathan Stephens (12) said. Most Granger students come to school every day completely ignoring the fact that they go to Granger High School. Those who believe that this school is the best school in Utah have tremendous school spirit. Before you graduate, put down “more school spirit” on your bucket lists. From painting your faces to wearing all red, Granger students need to get involved with more school spirit. There is not a better feeling than driving home with friends after a football victory. Some students believe that losing your virginity in high school is almost a must, but students
who are still virgins as they go to college should not feel “inexperienced.” “I feel losing your virginity is not a high school requirement,” Autumn Archuleta (12) said. No student should be pressured into losing something they want to keep, even though sometimes peer pressure makes students feel like they need to lose their virginities. That is not the case.” Finally, every year seniors talk about pulling the classic “senior prank.” Talk spreads around the school about what it will be, and it seems like it is never done. “What kind of senior does not pull a senior prank before graduation?” Archuleta asked. It seems like it’s all talk, and a major senior prank will never be done. Maybe this year will be the year of the senior prank. From just getting involved to pulling the dreaded senior prank, high school has its requirements. Students need to realize that high school only happens once.
Spring Break its way
By Maria Camarillo SPRING break is right around the corner! Whether you are going out of town or staying here, it is still exciting to get a break from school for at least a week. After stressing out for getting all work in for the end of the quarter everyone finally gets a break. Teachers will even be excited for this as well, after grading a lot of papers for the end of the quarter, they deserve it. “I am most likely going to be working, going out with my friends, and for sure, spend a lot of family time,” Yvonne Coreas (12) said. “And I will definitely enjoy the time I have at home and out of school.” Most of the people already have plans to go out with friends or just spend some time with family. Even if it is cold outside, people don’t care what the weather is, they’ll still go out and at least do something fun for the whole week to enjoy some of their spring break. Most students don’t want to waste their spring break on just staying home or doing nothing, they want to do something new
Looks like someone is ready for the break.
and fun like going out of town or just doing something random. If the weather brings snow, Lancers will go sledding. If it brings sunny warm days, they will go swimming. One thing is for sure they will not stay home all day. Jazmin Xinaxtle (11) said, “I am going to spend time with my baby and get her used to the hot weather. I’ll spend time with my family and friends. But most likely, I’ll enjoy my whole spring break with my beautiful daughter Aaliyah.” Some of the people are also going to be busy getting ready for prom. For some Lancers, spring break means one week closer to graduation and they’re preparing everything to get ready for graduation
day and getting all of their stuff organized. “I’m ready for spring break to come because that means we can do other stuff other than waking up early and going to school.” Habacuc Alfaro (12) said. A lot of people are really just excited sleep in and most likely enjoy the weather outside if it’s good. “I am also going to party hard, hangout with the G’s, and record at my studio with Jose Garcia, aka Baby G or just do whatever comes up.” Alfaro said. Eduardo Lopez (10) is just as excited as everyone else. “For spring break, I am going to go out to the lake and camping with a few of my friends. We are also going to make ‘smores and a little camp fire.” Lopez said.
Keeping up with wealthy friends
Where does all their money com from?
By Viri Aguilera MOST students have that type of friend who always has money on them. They’re always the ones who are like, “Let’s go out to eat,” or “Let’s go to the movies.” Most of the common excuses used are “I have to babysit,” or “My parents won’t let me because I’m grounded.” Sometimes these aren’t just excuses but most of the time they are. When kids make up these excuses, it’s usually because they don’t have money to go out. They just don’t want to come out and say it. It’s easy to assume that kids with lots of money also have lots of attitude. “I think that people with money aren’t necessarily cocky or stuck-up, it just depends on the way others see them,” said Crystal Gutierrez (10). Gutierrez likes to save her money. She gets her money from her parents and family. She spends her money on clothes and shoes. Usually kids feel like they have to keep up with their wealthier friends because those friends always have new things, and they don’t want to feel left out. The kids who have more money are usually the ones who think they are better than everyone else, which is not a good thing because it makes others feel bad. Kelsie Morandy (10) doesn’t consider herself wealthy, but she doesn’t consider herself poor either. “I don’t always have money on me, because I save most of the money my parents give me,” said
Morandy. When Morandy has money, she usually spends it on food. When she goes out to eat she likes to go out with her friends and they have a good time. Kids usually get money from their parents, but others work a job for their money. The kids who work for their money think twice about spending it, because they know how hard it is to earn money. “I don’t consider myself wealthy, but I always have some money with me,” said Bryan Line (11). He works a part time job after school. Just because kids have money doesn’t mean they feel better than everyone else. When Lines has money, he likes to go out to the movies with his friends. Teens spend the most money when they are hanging out with their friends. Going out to movies, taking a boyfriend/girlfriend out to eat, and shopping are some of the common ways that teens spend their money. Suggest other things to do that don’t cost a lot of money. Don’t feel bad if you don’t have the money to do something, the best way to go is to save your money. If you feel the need to keep up with your friends, talk to them about maybe not going out every weekend, and stay home and watch movies instead. If they are your true friends they will understand.
Want more Granger High School news? Check articles at tricolortimes.com or add us on twitter.com/tricolortimes.
March 2012, page 3
VOL. LIV Issue 6
Granger’s very own biggest loser club
By Karen Garcia GENERATIONS coming struggle more and more with eating habits and obesity. As you look around Granger you notice that everyone mostly gets a ride to school or has their own, no one really ever rides bikes or walks here anymore. Students can barely catch up in their physical education classes because they aren’t used to all of the working out, and when they do exercise, they get very sore. That’s why Granger decided to start a new club: “The Biggest Loser,” to help kids maintain good physical health. This club is a little like the show, but the only difference is
that it isn’t so dramatic with all the crying and screaming used to make the show more ‘interesting’ to watch. In this club you set a goal for yourself on the exercise you are going to do or the pounds you want to shed within a certain amount of time. “It makes me feel better and at the same time it helps me reach my goal,” Shanice Boyd (12) said. Students now get really lazy and lose their breath while coming up our stairway and it’s not always because of bodyweight, it can just be because of lack of physical strength. “I just want to get stronger,” Jamaal Brooks (12) said. This club
doesn’t only help your weight but it can also help you gain more muscle and physical strength. Teens often complain about how they are overweight or weak, but they don’t do anything about it. They don’t even change their eating habits. If they were to join the biggest loser club, they could get motivated to stick to a plan and accomplish some fitness goals. “I thought it would be nice to lose just a few pounds,” Boi Tulgamaia (12) said. The club had been going strong for weeks but then suddenly, it started to slow down and people stopped showing up. The club
members all of a sudden wouldn’t show up as often as they should. “I haven’t been going lately because I’ve been really busy,” Rita Soto (12) said. Some members said that they only stopped showing up because of midterms and needed to catch up a little more on their grades, so they don’t have the time for the club anymore. Liseth Arevalo (12) is one of those students who has wanted to go but doesn’t have the time. She says she has to go straight home after school to help her mom babysit younger siblings. “I want to go to just get a little fit, but it seems that I never have
time with school, babysitting, and looking for a job,” Arevalo said. She also said that she isn’t doing it for the looks, but for health and she wants to get a little stronger. The Biggest Loser club isn’t actually for ‘losers’ it’s for people who have motivation. You are the one who is going to set your goals and decide if you want to stick with it. This club isn’t just for students who are out of shape and want to just lose weight, it’s for people who want to get healthier and stronger. So in the end, the biggest Loser Club actually makes you a bigger winner.
Shanice Boyd (11) is a member of the biggest loser club.
Little changes can make a big difference
Opinion by Miranda Lopez CHANGE is something that regularly occurs. Whether it’s a change to yourself , or a change in your life style. Sometimes though, even the smallest changes can help you. Little changes can help us just as much as big changes; but I’m sure that you’ve heard the saying, “Little things can take you a long way.” Meaning that you can do something some so little and it can still make a huge impact without you even realizing it when you’re going to do it. I’ve decided to sort of conduct an experiment with myself, in-
volving changes that occur in my life. During this, I decided to make a few changes to not only myself, but also in my lifestyle. So here’s what I’ve changed about myself: Text less, get out more, and be more open about myself. In the end, I found myself learning more about me than I had ever even realized. I learned that I had been hiding from the world, as well as, wanting to be let out of my shell. This all lead to me seeing that I’ve also been untruthful with myself and who I wanted to be. Even though I used small changes with myself an experiment, I
also created a new me. It seems almost as if this was my time to help me find myself. Even if it lasted for only a few days, it felt like a long journey. Finding ourselves is a big challenge in our lifetime. It’s when we take precious time to find who we truly are. It’s also an exciting and good thing. Maybe if we took more time to ourselves with questions and a few changes, we’d come up with answers we may or may not have expected. It’s good to see who we really are inside because we can make better decisions for ourselves and our lives.
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 Oscar Arriaga-Valentin 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 Selina Haro Curtis Hughes
Journalists Adis Jasarevic Alan Lopez Miranda Lopez Monica Ortega Takia Owens Leslie Plascencia Calvin Rankin Judith Rupay Yasmin Salgado Rita Soto Anayeli Torres Brenda Valdez Erick Vargas Shelby Wilson 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
March 2012, page 4
VOL. LIV Issue 6
What you’ll need for prom night
By Abigail Cartmell PROM. It is the night of all nights. Girls are excited, boys are anxious and dresses and tuxedos are on sale! This may be your first prom ever or even your second or third! Either way these tips can help.
Ladies: • Find the dress before anything else. • Find the date. It’s totally okay if it’s just a girl’s night! • Order the boutonniere. (That’s the flower guys wear on their jacket.) • Tell your parents about your plans. • Look through magazines and websites to find the hair style you want. If it is going to be professionally done, make two appointments- so there’s little room for error. • Schedule a manicure and pedicure the day before prom. • Break in the shoes so you don’t get blisters! • Bring cash, just in case. • Don’t forget a camera! Wacky things tend to happen! Gentlrmen: • Order your tuxedo. A dark-colored suit is okay, too. Find out what your date is wearing so you can coordinate colors, flowers and accessories. • Find a date. Even the most plain-looking girl can be the coolest lady in the room! Ask her out in a creative way, that way she’ll
never say no! • Order the corsage at least two weeks before prom and get the tickets. • The ride is important. Check with your buddies and see who will drive. Limos are great for style points, but they are expensive. • Pictures will be available, and it is the gentlemanly thing to do to pay for them. However, it is perfectly alright if your date chips in half. After all, you’re not made of money. • Dinner. Go whenever your date wants to go before or after the dance. Find out beforehand what she likes and dislikes. • Talk with your parents about your plans for prom. • On the day of prom, pick up the corsage and check with your date and confirm when/where you’ll
meet. Don’t be late! Flowers are a tradition for prom. Corsages usually range from $20 to $60 while boutonnieres are close to $5. Limos charge by the hour per person. Limos.com can tell you exactly how much the limo costs and a availability. Men’s Warehouse has rental tuxedos on sale for as low as $59.99. You can even visit their website to build your own tuxedo. Prom dress can cost as little as $40 and as much as $2,000. Figure out the budget and look for sales before buying anything. Prom sends you on your way to adulthood and into the world beyond. It may only last a night, but you will remember it forever.
A nice example from homecoming.
Lancer pride prom prep party
By Judith Rupay LANCER pride points have been given out a lot this year, and every week we hear a student’s name over the intercom, and they win such amazing prizes. “There’s a lot of research that shows students are getting more involved in activities that their school does,” assistant principal Gatti said. This year Granger is trying something new. They would like to see results in how it affects in students, and in the future. Everyone has heard about the pre-prom party that was mention in our last assembly, the biggest prize for prom. The prize package includes: breakfast, lunch, and dinner, flowers, a digital camera, one pair dance tickets, LifeTouch pictures, a tuxedo, credit towards a dress, $40 female accessories, and even an afternoon and night activity. The prom package is worth $750, and the only way you can be eligible to win, is by sending a video of asking your date to prom. The pre-prom party will be held on March 30. It doesn’t cost anything to get in; all you need is a lancer pride point. The grand prize will no t be the only things giving out that day, there will be many other prizes that you can win. By the end of the night, they will announce the winners of the grand prize. Throughout the pre-prom, prizes will be going away, and you
will be able to vote for who you think should win the prize. The way you vote is through a text, just like American Idol! Once voting has been done, the votes will be counted by the committee, and the winner will be announced. “I think it’s a great idea about having the grand prize and it motivate guys to be more gentleman like,” Pedro Jurado (11) said. Many students have their own opinions about the prizes, they agree or disagree on the things that Granger is changing this year. “I don’t think many guys will ask, and find a cute way to do it,” Anela Alagic (11) said. With Lancer pride points being handed out like crazy, there will be teacher standing in doors, watching students do special things, and also our student government will be handing those pride points as well. “It’s a good idea giving out pride points, and it will motivate students to do better thing,” Stephanie Sepulva (12) said. The pre-prom is something brand new to Granger, and could be a tradition to continue in the new school. There will be many expectations towards Prom this year, since they have decided to combine Junior and Senior prom together. Our actual prom will be held in April 21, in the Utah Cultural Celebration.