Granger high school
Tri-Color Times
An open forum for student opinion and expression
TRICOLORTIMES.COM
December 2013 LVI-4
Winter has arrived and with it comes Christmas By Melany Rivera WINTER break is the main thing Granger students are thinking about right now, that and being around family on Christmas day. Christmas is one of the most favored holidays of the whole year. There are many ways Granger students like to celebrate this special day like having a huge party or going on a vacation to a warmer climate, and some just like staying home and spending time with family. “My family gets together on the twenty-fourth of December. We wait until the clock strikes midnight, and than we start celebrating Christmas,” Jenny Vega (10) said. Not everyone has Christmas as one of their favorite holidays; some simply just don’t enjoy it. Some prefer to watch a movie or
have a simple dinner with their family and then enjoy some alone time. “I usually like being alone, but I will go and eat whatever my family makes for us,” Brenda Valenzuela (9) said. Besides just celebrating Christmas, some students actually have some Christmas traditions in their families that they eagerly wait for every year. “Every Christmas Eve, my dad takes me and my sisters out to watch a movie or just out anywhere,” Marina Ricks (9) said. Other students like to stay true to the more common Christmas traditions like staying up late with their younger siblings to wait for Santa Claus or waking up early on Christmas day and opening presents or sharing a kiss under the mistletoe with that special
Marina Ricks hopes to go to Florida this holiday break.
person or maybe just sitting by the fireplace while eating cookies and drinking milk. “I love putting the Christmas tree up with my family; it’s my favorite part of Christmas, because I get to spend time with them,” Alejandra Vazque (9) said. Many students have a favorite part about Christmas. There are a lot of things to love about Christmas time like when everyone hands each other presents and when the family gets together and others are extremely happy for when it’s time to dig into all the food. “My favorite thing about Christmas would have to be the food because it’s so good. My favorite food is the enchiladas my family makes,” Jennifer Sepulveda (9) said. Utah has a very cold climate
during winter and some students hate the cold and decide they’d rather have some time in the sun than be covered up in five layers of clothing. They pack up and take a family trip to a warmer place to enjoy a Christmas that includes sunscreen and bathing suits. “I usually stay here, but when my family wants to get away from the cold, we take a trip to California once in a while,” Lizeth Ramirez (9) said. From staying here and enjoying the cold weather to going on a sunny trip, from staying true to Christmas traditions or creating new ones, Granger students are counting down the days to Christmas break. They’re ready to spend time with their families and eat all that amazing Christmas food.
Christmas images by Rebecca Bramall
Lizeth Ramirez will be laughing all the way to the beach this break.
Good books don’t always make good movies By Gage Winters HOLLYWOOD has been basing a good amount of recent movies upon books that were, until recently, just books. The books that have been made into movies range widely from genre to author, from perspective to length, but they all share the fact that the movie industry has made an effort to adapt what is on the printed page to what is on the silver screen. Movies and books are obviously different mediums of entertainment, but people still believe that if a book is made into a movie that it should hold true to the original. Although they don’t always get it right, many people agree that the second film in the Hunger Games series, Catching Fire, is
worth watching even if it’s a favorite. “I think they did a great job with the movie of the Hunger Games,” library secretary Ms. Judy said. “They got a lot of the main points in the book, but Katniss’s interactions with Gale and Peeta seem like they mean more and feel more emotional in the book,” Ms. Judy said. Catching Fire had a $300 Million dollar opening weekend. The third book, Mockingjay, will be split into a two-part conclusion. “Mockingjay doesn’t really need to be broken into two parts, it is about the same size as the rest of the series, but they could be trying to elaborate on the ending,” Ms. Judy said. Many Lancers conclude that
when the author is involved in the making of the motion picture depicting the book, the movie is represented and nurtured better than without that advice. “I think that when authors are involved in the movie, it makes a world of difference. Suzanne Collins was a producer for the Hunger Games, and I think it made it more accurate,” Ms. Judy said. One of the positives of movies is that they give easy exposure to some literary works that otherwise would seem too intimidating, because they require such an investment of time. “I saw the Lord of the Rings movies first, then I finally read the books, because I figured that they were worth reading and giving a shot,” Preston Neilson (9)
said. The books can mean more to people, because books have more time to introduce characters, and utilize readers’ imagination, which creates an intimate connection with the book and story. “I got more out of the book than the movies, because the books had more time to build characters, although the movies did give them more of a humanity and personality than the book did,” Neilson said. Whether it’s reading and analyzing the pages of a book, or watching the depictions on screen, there’s a lot to take from books, and there’s ideas that can’t fit into movies. And with books, the amount of effort put in makes the book more rewarding.
Want more Granger High School news? Check articles at tricolortimes.com or add us on twitter.com/tricolortimes.
VOL. LVI Issue 4
December 2013, page 2
Lancers react to Tardy Tickets By April Cabrera HERE AT Granger something new has come and it’s tardy tickets. There’s lots of conflict for these tickets. “Yea, they should be used because lots of kids are failing,” Rose Lopez (9) said. Therefore, she thinks these tickets will hopefully decrease the number of students getting tardies. These tardy tickets aren’t to just make Lancers pay fees; it’s to keep everyone on track. Getting to class is important, and graduating means attending all classes and passing. However, there are lots of students that don’t think it’s necessary to have these in the school. “I don’t really like them, because most kids won’t go to class just because they’re going to have to pay for being late,” Ashley Ailua (9) said. There are two different sides for tardy tickets, students either like the idea and or they don’t. Just because they’re passing out tardy tickets, doesn’t mean not paying is an option. Prices for these tickets are three to five dollars. “I think they should lower the prices because they start adding up a lot and sometimes you can’t be early all the time or you can’t pay them that moment,” Diana Moreno (12) said. She asked why does it have to be that much for just a tardy ticket, not a parking ticket? She thinks they should lower the prices for these tickets. Other students said it should be a dollar, because they’re paying three dollars just for being late to class. At some point, tardy tickets become important here at Granger. However, the school shouldn’t be so strict about them. Winter is here, and it takes time to come to school, but it shouldn’t take to long to get to class. Lots of students don’t come to school just for these tickets. “No cause there dumb they need to give us a break,” Will Sika (9) said. Seeing many kids being called over when they enter the door in their classrooms, that’s not a problem. Therefore, tardy tickets have both good and bad comments. It is just Granger trying to get more students to their classrooms to help them to graduate and get into good colleges in the future.
International fans and local Lancers love soccer By Nicole Garcia SOCCER season is still months away, but some of the most talented boys seem to never give up on training. All year long, the Granger High School soccer boys practice, condition and get ready for the hard work they need to put in to bring home a trophy. Soccer is a beautiful sport played worldwide. It’s entertaining to watch and fun to play. Whether a hobby or a passion, soccer brings nations together during this time of year. Every country has fans watching the games and cheering on teams before the World Cup that will be hosted by Brazil. Some fans are so passionate, they will reserve tickets months before to fly to Brazil and support their country in person. It is no wonder that some of the Granger High students are so passionate about soccer. “What I like the most about soccer is how I get to play with all types of different people from different places in the world,” Aureliano Rubio (11) said. It’s crazy how completely different cultures can leave all their traditions and different views aside and come to the field where every country plays with the same ball by the same rules. A lot is said about Granger’s team, which is a strong team
full of talented players. Everyone seems to wonder why they haven’t been champions yet. “We need good sportsmanship and better control of the ball,” Angel Rivera (10) said. It seems that it’s a communication problem among the players “We need to talk more to each other,” Luis Lucena (11) said. They are great, talented players who don’t trust each other. It’s exactly why coming to con-
coaching Granger for ten years. “ I like coaching because it is easier than teaching a class -- they love the sport,” Okeson said. He is a really strict coach according to the players who already assent to conditioning. “He is really strict when it comes to grades. He is strict, but for a good reason,” Kevyn Robles (12) said. Others think that he is not strict and more of a laid-back coach. “I think he is out-going,” Daniel
Thomas Hereida has a lot of enthusiasm for the soccer team.
ditioning, tryouts and practices is so important. Whether to build trust, strengthen bonds, and gain friendships with the rest of the players. Behind every great team there has to be a great coach. The boys soccer team is no different. Coach Okeson is a very talented soccer player and teacher who has been
Anguiano (12) said. Something that a lot of the players look forward to is playing with their friends “I like how everybody gets along. Some of us play on the same team outside of school, too,” Brandon Blanco (11) said. Soccer has helped them create bonds and friendships that will
last and reflect in their gameplay when the team shows trust and confidence. Playing for other teams outside of school can help for the upcoming tryouts. Being ready for tryout is something that the players work on all year long. They go to the gym, go running, and do all kinds of workouts to make sure they are pushing their bodies to the max. “I play for another team, go to the gym and I also go running,” Rivera said. Everybody expects this season to be a great one, all the players are motivated and excited for what they hope will be the year that they win region champions. “I think the hardest team to play against will be Hunter, they are really good and won region last year. They have really good players that have been playing together for a long time,” Thomas Hereida (10) said. Tryout dates have not been announced yet but they will be some time in February. All the students that are trying out should try to start getting in condition to be prepared, make sure they have good grades at least a 2.0 GPA and good CPA. “We are going to be region champions this year. I GUARANTEE!” Anguiano said. With so much confidence in the players, this season will rock.
Many think Freshmen are too young to date
By Lucia Urcino HERE AT Granger, students like to date starting from freshmen up to seniors. There are some students and teachers that think that the freshmen are too young to date. Trust health teachers to be cautious: “Don’t date, have fun. The younger you date the more situations you’ll go through,” Ms. Turner said. Ms. Mills also thinks it is a bad idea to start dating that soon. “Stick to friends or group dates, and don’t get too serious,” Mills said. Teachers think that the freshmen get too serious too quickly and they are too young to be dating. The freshmen here at Granger have their own opinions. “Freshmen are too young to date because
they still act like little kids,” Daisy Tovar (9) said. “I believe freshmen need to focus more on school. Also since we are young, we tend to make mistakes as teenagers,” Noe Garcia (9) said. Still, some freshmen at Granger are dating seniors. “Them saying, ‘Age doesn’t matter when it comes to love,’ is an opinion, but in reality age matters. If a freshmen girl gets too attached to her senior boyfriend, it may cause her to lose focus in school and other important things as well,” Garcia said. “It’s wrong for seniors to date freshmen because they’re older and take things serious,” Junior Garcia (9) said. Some freshmen fight for their relationship or for someone. Stu-
dents don’t think its worth to fight for someone that is not worth your time. “Why fight for some one who’s not worth it? There’s someone one out there better,” Lisbeth Perez (9) said. Freshmen date because they know, or think they know, about dating. If freshmen haven’t started dating yet then they should wait a little bit longer. If they have dated in the past, then they probably know a few things about relationships. Freshmen should not be pressured into a relationship; they should make their own decisions and choose who they want to be with. Some freshmen parents are not OK with their kid dating. Some students find themselves having to lie to their parents just to go on
a date. “I believe that we shouldn’t lie to our parents about dating. Dating can get serious if you don’t know what you’re getting yourself into. Our parents are older and wiser, so we should take the time to ask them questions to be sure about any doubts we have,” Noe Garcia said. Some advise for the freshmen has been given by kids their own age. Maybe it is advise that everyone should try to follow. “My advice to all freshmen out there is: if you’re going to be dating, make sure you know that person as well as you know the back of your hand,” Noe Garcia said. Granger has done a great job of welcoming the freshmen, now it needs to make sure they know how to succeed in high school.
Making relationships work takes compassion By Aide Hurtado SOME SAY young love isn’t true and that it doesn’t last very long, but these students have proved otherwise. Luis Avila (12) and Nancy Ramirez (10) said they have had their ups and downs, but in the end they can always make it work. “All our fights that we have been through only make our relationship stronger,” Avila said. They advise other couples not to get mad over little things, because a tiny thing can create big damage in a relationship. They also said not to lose hope after every fight. “We never get bored of each other because we keep our relationship fun,” Ramirez said. They go dancing, to the movies and
they cuddle. Avila said he loves when she cooks for him. When they do fight, they both agreed that Luis is the one who tries to fix things, but she is mad and he keeps on trying to fix things. She doesn’t budge, so he gives up and by then she is happy and he is mad. “I don’t like Luis buying me stuff, I’d rather he take me on a date or hug me because money doesn’t buy love,” she said. Another couple that has been together for quite a while is Vicente Lucena (12) and Leslie Oropeza (10). They’ve been together for three years and three months. “I think we have lasted so long because I love being around him and spending time with him,” Oropeza said. She said that when
they fight, she is usually the one who tries to work things out. He just wants to drop it and forget it, but she wants to talk it out. Lucena’s advice is: “Make it fun don’t let it get boring, and don’t let jealousy get between you, but most of all trust each other.” Oropeza’s advice is: “Treat each other well, because one of you might get tired of getting treated badly. Treat each other with respect and love.” For fun, they play soccer, go to the gym and go to the movies. She says he buys her necklaces because she doesn’t like flowers and she buys him chocolates, shoes, shirts and sweaters. Then there is Edgar Yaret Nunez (12) and Jennifer Portocarrero (10). For both of them,
this is their longest relationship. “Our relationship has lasted as much as it has because we love each other and we believe in each other and they don’t believe what others have to say they have trust in each other,” she said.
Nunez has advice for boys just starting relationships. “Love her and show her you love her as much as you can. Treat her like a princess, and don’t let anything or anyone get between you and her,” he said.
Luis Avila and Nancy Ramirez might fight, but their relationship stays strong.
December 2013, page 3
VOL. LVI Issue 4
Granger’s automotive students visit Weber State
By Yohnathan Rivas THE WEBER State University Automotive Competition is held once every year. To enter, students must first complete a written test. After the tests are finished, the students tests are scored then put together with every other student from the school. Once all the scores are in, they will know if their school qualified. Jonathan Mejia (12), Chayton Petersen (12) and Yohnathan Rivas (12) had the top scores, so they are the students that will attend the hands-on competition. Surprisingly they all received the same score. Over 150 schools were invited, but only 24 schools were chosen. After they find out if their school qualified, only the two top scoring students are able to compete in the hands-on competition. Before December 5, the day of the written test for Weber State, Mr. Ballew was doing his best helping the Granger students qualify for the competition. The students were practicing with old tests from past competitions. Students also studied
in their free time. Granger automotive students did their best to qualify for this competition, and students studied as much as possible to make Mr. Ballew proud. Mr. Ballew was confident that the Granger students were going to qualify. He was confident in his students because he knew that he trained them well. In the past, Granger has approached qualification for the hands-on competition for Weber State, but has not had success. This year was different, and Granger went to Weber State with confidence, because everyone knew that Granger would qualify this year. They arrived at Weber State University and walked straight into the automotive room. They were all separated and put into rooms to take the written test. Once everyone was finished, all the students met together and went to the food court. Mr. Ballew bought every student a hamburger meal. “The food here is amazing! I wouldn’t mind going to college if it was with all of you guys,” Riley
Carlson (12) said. After all the students were finished eating, it was time to enter the assembly room. During the Weber State assembly, students were put together with their schools. The assembly started and they started naming the schools that qualified for the hands-on competition. The schools that qualified were called
in alphabetical order. Waiting for the announcement was an intense moment for the Granger students. “YES!” Mr. Ballew yelled after Granger High School was announced. All the Granger students were happy. They were clapping in excitement. “Once they called Granger High School, I was so happy that
I zoned out from everything else, and I wasn’t able to hear anything else for a minute or two,” Chris Lopez (12) said. Now that Mr. Ballew knows that Granger qualified, he must train the top scorers who will now enter the hands-on competition. Mr. Ballew is teaching them as much as he can to prepare them for February 14.
After many disappointing years, Granger’s automotive students passed written tests at Weber. Then they ate burgers.
Getting to school in the snow
By Samantha Lopez Some students have a hard time Many students depend on a LIVING in Utah in the winter getting to school with no ice on school bus to get to school. The means a lot of snow. Many have the ground and clear roads. With bus should make them feel safe a hard time driving in snow, and the snow just starting and students and secure to be on it even when it usually is very scary. Going to not knowing what could possibly it is snowing, but that’s not alschool in the snow also can be happen on the road, it just makes ways the case. scary whether walking, driving, it harder to get here on time. “The bus is a little scary when or even taking the bus. Students it’s snowing, the ground has driving usually are getting to black ice and there’s also a lot school in a rush, which isn’t of students on the bus,” Yovani very safe when driving in the Avilla (10) said. snow. When there is snow on the For many students, this may ground many drivers go slow. have been the first time driving They know that there is a possiin the snow, which can also be bility that there might be black scary for them and other people ice on the ground, and that can on the road. result in bad consequences if “This was my first time drivthey aren’t careful. This also ing in the snow and I slid while results in more traffic on the pulling out,” Nicole Garcia roads. (12) said. Traffic is usually caused by While some Lancers are accidents that happened. Acciafraid of black ice and slipping dents can be scary to be in and on the snowy roads, others are also witness when driving on scared of the drivers. “I prefer scary roads. “I witnessed an acwalking rather than driving, I cident while driving. It scared don’t trust drivers — especialme so much that I almost got ly high school students,” Mr. into an accident myself,” MeliQuist said. sa Saxton (12) said. Utah has a reputation for havThere will be a lot of snowy ing some of the worst drivers, days this winter. Be carebut with snow on the ground ful when out on the roads — they get even worse. Traffic whether driving, walking, or gets backed up, and drivers all even taking the bus. slow down to 10 miles per hour. Drivers need to drive slowly For some people, the snow Icy roads create dangerous driving conditions. and watch out for pedestrians. barely affected them. Students should be responsible “I was okay driving in the “It took me ten more minutes to while they are on the bus, and not snow; it didn’t do much to me get to school today then on nor- be a distraction for the bus drivers than it did most people,” Cheymal days when the roads are bet- who are trying to keep everyone anne Riley (12) said. ter,” Michelle Bueno (11) said. safe.
Enter to win exclusive items from SLUG!
LIKE
FREE STUFF? I LIKE FREE ... STUFF
Mag’s advertisers at slugmag.com/promos
Photo: Weston Colton
Tri-Color Times Staff Editor Kelly Sanmiguel Online Editor Kaitlin Cluff
Managing Editor Summer Judd Photo Editor Nathan Hubner
Reporters Brenda Aguilar Yamilex Apocada Maria Avila Daryan Bauer April Cabrera Naz Camacho Yuriti De Leon Victoria Espinoza Yessica Estrada Angel Figueroa Fernando Garcia Shannon Garcia Nicole Carcia Misty Garlick Tina Huynh Cassidy Hunter Aide Hurtado Halina Johnson
Reporters Dominique Josphes Samantha Lopez Rigoberto Lopez Yaqueline Lopez Antonio Loredo Taylor Molis Adilene Montelongo Brenda Nguy Jennifer Ochoa Yohnathan Rivas Mariana Rivera Melany Rivera Maria Tavares Marisol Torres Aaron Tuchawena Lucia Urcino Gage Winters Lyndsey Xa
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 School 3580 South 3600 West West Valley, UT 84119 (385) 646-5320
Want more Granger High School news? Check articles at tricolortimes.com or add us on twitter.com/tricolortimes.
December 2013, page 4
VOL. LVI Issue 4
Granger Lancers go big,
VOL. LVI Issue 4
December 2013, page 5
and they don’t go home.
December 2013, page 6
VOL. LVI Issue 4
Kids like to participate at G-house after school
Manuel Herrera knows that flowers are always welcomed as a gift.
How to ask a girl out By Shannon Garcia ASKING a girl out should be easy. What guys have to do is ask, but it is not that simple. Guys get nervous or shy. Other guys are like that because they are scared of what the girl is going to say. They don’t want to get rejected by a girl that they like, and maybe they don’t want friends to make fun because she said ‘No.’ And some guys don’t just know how to ask a girl out. Well, here is some advice. Write a note asking her out and put it in an envelope with her name on the front and then tape it to her locker or put it inside her locker or can give it to her and wait for her to open it and wait for her to give you an answer. “I would let her know how I feel by telling her, ‘You know, I’ve been wanting to tell you something very important, and well honestly, I think you’re such an amazing girl, and you’re beautiful and unique in your own way,’” Omar Diaz (9) said. It doesn’t always have to be romantic or a cute way to ask, but then sometimes a girl will like it when a boy asks her in a cute way. All the girls would like that, but some girls don’t get asked out in cute ways. So it’s not a big deal. A cute way to ask a girl out is bake some cookies then decorate one of the cookies saying, “Will
you go out with me,” then give it to her. Make sure she gets the cookie. This is probably not the cutest or the coolest way, but it is sure to get a ‘Yes.’ “I would go up to her, then I would ask her if she wanted to be mine. If I like know she would say ‘yes’, then I’ll take her some flowers,” Manuel Herrera (10) said. The best way for a guy to ask a girl out would be in front of her friends because it shows he’s not scared to be with her. But those guys that are nervous or shy can pull her away from the group and start talking with her and bring up the question casually. Before a guy asks a girl out, he should get to know her first. He could ask her to go somewhere with a group of friends like to the movies, hangout at the mall, go double date as friends, go out to eat. Whatever plan works. Then he should just spend time with her and get to know her. If it doesn’t work, he shouldn’t hate her or stop talking to her because later on she is going to notice that he at least tried to go out with her and she might see that she is missing out. It’s best to be friendly, because there’s no way to know what will happen in the future. He should just take it one step at a time.
By Mariana Rivera GRANGER High School has many things to offer before school and after school, too. There are a lot of things happening after school like practices, dances, clubs, plays, games and night school classes that the school offers like guitar classes, English classes etc. Some of the sports that have practice after school are swimming, drill, basketball, wrestling and many more. There are sports like wrestling that practice every day after school (when they don’t have meets). “Wrestling practice goes from 2:30-4:30. The coaches are attentive and the wrestlers are dedicated and hard working. I see our boys going to state,” Nafanua Pa’u Leota (10) said. “One fun part of being a wrestling manager is you get out of class early and go to competitions with them. I keep the score and support them in any way possible,” Pa’u Leota said. The wrestlers are committed to their teammates. “Wrestling builds character, it teaches you how to work as a
team because you wrestle alone but you support your team. It’s the hardest sport I have played and probably the hardest out there. Anybody who hasn’t tried wrestling should come check it out. It’s a team sport, but also an individual one, too,” Jordan Mortensen (11) said. Swimming is also one of the sports that practices every day after school if there isn’t a meet. “We have a good team this year. I really like it. Everyone is really friendly, and we are more than just a team. We are a family. During the practices coach Mary makes us work hard so we can be prepared for the meets, she helps us with everything we need to work on. Our competitions are held after school from 3:30 until we finish,” Jayde Holloway Brown (9) said. “This year we are doing something new for the swim team. Coach Mary made like a chart on where we have to run a mile every day. She is really fast on track, and that motivates us to do our mile too,” Brown said. There are also different practices. Not just sport practices, but a dance practice too.
Latinos In Action is one of the clubs that is also a class because they have become so popular among the Latino students. They practice a dance to show at the L.I.A conference that is going to be hold in Weber State. “The dances we see each year are good, and this year is my first year that we are going to perform in the conference. The dancers put excitement into their dances, and they give everything to bring out their culture in them and to show the moves. We prepared really hard and practice every Tuesday and Thursday from 2:15-3:15. We always try to work as hard as we can and give our best in every practice,” Guadalupe Orozco (12) said. That’s not the only thing that Latinos In Action does. When they don’t have dance practice they do community service after school. They translate if parents or teachers need help, and LIA goes to events that happen after school and do as much as they can to help their community. Granger has so many activities after school that anyone can join them or try for the teams. Other activities will start later on.
Jordan Mortensen recommends wrestling as an after school activity.
Woods students take cabinet making tour By Antonio Loredo STUDENTS interested in cabinet making or any woodworking job should consider the cabinet making tour is for you. The cabinet making tour visits three places: SLCC’s wood shop, Fetzer’s furnishing company and Crown Cabinets. They each show their skills in wood work like furniture, tables, cabinets, etc. Girls who admire woodworking and have a burning desire to make great furnitire and other associated stuff, then don’t be afraid to join. “At SLCC, 20% of the wood working classes we have are filled with women,” SLCC’s wood shop teacher said. That may not seem like much, but it actually is considering how many women actually go into woodworking. “Most women in woodworking excel in certain things,” SLCC’s wood shop teacher said.
SLCC’s wood shop is great in many ways. Their equipment is both old and new. The college also has a 3D printer and a laser cutter. They have many great machines, and if students want more, then they’re just going to have to join. Now students who want to work for a great wood furnishing company should work for Fetzer Inc. It’s a hundred-year-old company started by Kaspar Fetzer, a German immigrant who came to America with no money. He built a multi-million dollar company, which is run by the third generation of Fetzers. “In Fetzer HQ, there is over $22 million worth of wood,” Fetzer’s spokesman said. He also showed touring students around the facility of Fetzer Inc., which had big industrial equipment, lots of wood and furniture. “Fetzer is one of the most expen-
sive wood working companies, but you will get the best quality,” Fetzer’s spokesman said. Granger’s veneers come from Fetzer, which is known for it’s veneers. For those who don’t know what a veneer is, it is a thin sheet of wood which would usually be glued on top of a wood panel. So Granger gets the best veneers in the country from Fetzer. The next place they visited was called Crown Cabinet, which is know for cabinets, of course. It’s a local company that sells and makes cabinetry for kitchens, bathrooms, and such. “We have nothing but the highest quality cabinetry in Utah,” Crown’s spokesman said. They have a wonderful store and factory, which has great equipment and devoted workers. These are all great places to visit and the tour was a great experience for future woods workers.
Woodworking students enjoyed their whirlwind tour of shops in Salt Lake.
December 2013, page 7
VOL. LVI Issue 4
Safe drivers buckle their belts
Davion Jones keeps safety first while riding with his seat belt locked.
By Rigo Lopez THIS WINTER, Lancers will be driving to school and can expect all sorts of dangers on the road. “Don’t drive stupid,” Michael Manu (12) said. This is why it is important that Lancers keep each other safe on the road. This month, Granger’s SBOs are prompting students to buckle up and drive safely. It is important for students to remember that when they drive out there, not only are they at risk but also mothers, fathers and other people’s families. “Don’t Drive Stupid” is a foundation that promotes safe driving primarily among teenagers. They collect data on high schools, like the percentage of students that use seatbelts. Last year, Granger had the lowest percentage of students who use their seatbelts. The highest was Alta High School. Now it is up to the SBOs to change this percentage. This month SBOs checked for seatbelts in the parking lot.
“We are teenagers and sometimes we make stupid decisions influenced by friends or vice versa,” Vivian Nguyen (12) said. “I consider myself to be a good driver.” Nguyen also has a few tips that she says really help her when driving. “If you know you can’t do something like parallel-park or backing up, don’t do it. Buckle-up and drive defensively, especially with this snowy weather,” she said. The results for the Buckle-Up day are still being counted, but the SBOs assure us that we did much better than last year, despite the fact that some students didn’t take the experiment seriously and opted to take off their seat belts. “As SBOs, we hope we did well, because I don’t want pie in my face,” Manu said, referring to a friendly challenge against Hunter High School for who can raise their Buckle-Up ratio the most. Granger students say it is important to wear seatbelts. “It can save your life and that is a good
enough reason to wear it,” Manu said. “Even if there wasn’t any law against not wearing your seat belt, I would still wear it because I value my life,” Davion Jones (12) said. Winter is very dangerous in Utah and drivers, especially teenagers, should be really careful when driving. Last year one half of the teenagers killed in car accidents were not wearing their seatbelts according to the Don’t Drive Stupid website. Even if students consider themselves to be good drivers, there might always be someone out there who is driving while distracted, and wearing a seatbelt might just save a life. While Lancers have improved over time, they should always take any safety precautions possible while driving. Lancers hope to beat Hunter by improving their Buckle-Up ratio, help out while also driving safely on the roads this holiday season.
Lancers have fun without the sun By Misty Garlick LANCERS don’t need any sun to have some fun. Finding ways to entertain themselves, they are happy to go sledding or sit all cuddled up next to a fire. And for most Lancers, winter means Christmas. “My favorite thing to do during the winter is stay inside with my favorite blanket and some yummy hot chocolate with whipped cream on top watching movies,” Aiza Higley (10) said. She also loves to build forts and have snowball fights with her friends to create memories that will last a lifetime. “When I was in seventh grade I was asked by some friends if I still believed in Santa Claus. I said ‘Yes,’ of course. And then they told me that he wasn’t real. It was really sad.” Although, most Lancers no
longer believe in Santa, there are some who choose to keep the Christmas sprit alive. “I haven’t stopped believing in Santa Claus. It is what keeps the Christmas sprit alive and if no one believes in him. What is the point of Christmas?” Eric Jara (10) said. Jara loves to go to his family’s house and eat a lot of food and enjoy presents, happiness and most importantly memories. One of his scariest memories was when he went sledding and went all the way down the mountain and landed in the road and almost got hit by a car. Some Lancers hate winter. “Snow is fine to look at, but not to touch or to walk in,” Alex Page (12) said. He loves Christmas, though. He enjoys going to his family Christmas party because he gets to see all of his family
and they hand out presents. “It’s awesome,” Page said. And he loves going sledding with his big brother. For some Lancers, getting presents is the best part. “I like staying home because it is way too cold outside to do anything,” Mason Walkins (10) said. His favorite thing about Christmas is the presents of course. He does a lot with his family, like, going to a family member’s house and hanging out and just talking for a while. And some dream big. “Although I stopped believing in Santa Claus when I was in the fifth grade, I still want a pony for Christmas,” Niky Guapi (10) said. Guapi goes to her grandmother’s house for Christmas and then makes tamales and eats a lot of other food, hangs out, and opens gifts.
Mason Walkins would rather open presents than play in the snow.
Students should take Auto Tech for hands-on skills
By Angel G. Figueroa AUTO TECH is a hands-on class that teaches valuable skills for use in the future: oil changes, tire changes, spark plugs changes, etc. “I took this class because I just love cars,” Keaton Nuismer (12) said. “I actually have this class for five periods out of eight because I want to learn as much as I can to be ready for the real world before this year is over,” Nuismer said. “What Auto Tech is to me is... well... my future career when I get older. What I learn is pretty much how to make fast cars and see if enjoy working in a group of people working with my hands or stuff like that. It’s a good reason to join the class, because that’s what we what we do,” he said. “Another reason I love this class is that you get to learn how to search and find the problem and fixing them the first time,” Nuismer said. “Students should join this class because it’s a good class to start getting a really good feel for a
new line of work,” Leo Sanches (11) said. “Auto Tech is learning about cars and how to fix them, and currently we are learning about the electricity of the vehicle like how it works and where it goes, no pun intended,” Sanches said. “The main reason I took this class is to complete my credits for graduation and my second reason is to learn the basics like change the oil of my car or giving it a tune-up if I had a car,” he said. “I have learned how to do some basic stuff like tire rotations, change oil, check simple things in the motor, and spark plugs and like I said before we are learning about electricity.” “I’m taking Automotive 2 next year because I feel what we a learning right now is pretty easy for me and Automotive 2 seems more challenging to me,” Sanches said. “I started teaching 17 years ago, and the reason I started to teach auto tech is because I wanted to make a difference in young lives
-- to help them make a decision that will be beneficial to their lives,” automotive teacher Mr. Ballew said. “When I was younger it was all about to get a four year degree to be successful in the industry but now it looks like the industry wants more and more of people with these types of skills like auto motive, wood work, 3D design, etc,” Mr. Ballew said. “Yeah it’s really good to have a four-year degree and you can get really wealthy and successful, but the industry is so flooded with people that have four-year degrees that it seems like they aren’t seeking people like that,” he said. “That’s where I think the industry is heading. Now it’s hard to find a job even with a four-year degree because like I said before, the industry had been flooded and people now go to get a higher education for a job that’s not really in demand at the time while others have skills that they get here... skills that are in demand,” Mr. Ballew said.
Auto Tech provides recession-proof mechanical skills.
VOL. LVI Issue 3
November 2013, page 8
Lancers enjoyed Catching Fire
By Tina Huynh GOING to see movies is probably everyone’s favorite things to do to pass time. Whether it’s family night, date night, or just a night where you want to go out, movies always spark an interest and kids always find themselves going back to the cinema. But the movies that everyone’s dying to see are those box-office movies that everyone’s been talking about for months and the critics absolutely love. Especially those movies that sell $160 million on the first weekend it’s out. Obviously, Catching Fire is kind of a big deal. The Harry Potter and Twilight series are officially over, and The Hunger Games are taking their place with absolute ease, and no one’s been complaining. “It was so awesome! It was the best movie. I wanted to cry while watching it, honestly. But I didn’t, I swear. My favorite part was the ending because it really pissed me off. But it got me more excited for the next movie,”Stephen Bachem (11) said. “I liked Catching Fire better than The Hunger Games because it has more for me to work with. The second book is also better
than the first, too. It holds more emotion to it,” Bachem said. The Hunger Games trilogy is definitely dramatic. It’s a cleverly written story that no one else could even think of, and it plays out on screen very well. Everybody has, or wants to go see it.
“My friends have been telling me that it’s really good. I heard the books are pretty good too,” Amy Tran (10) said. And then there’s the cast. It seems like every girl in America has been drooling over the hot male leads. They’ve officially made it on their list for “Man Crush Monday.” “I thought the movie was all right, I didn’t really like the ending. But I like Catching Fire more than The Hunger Games because it’s more exciting, and it has a lot more awesomeness in it. My favorite part would have to be when Katniss helps Gale when he’s
being whipped,” Isaac Romano (10) said. That’s probably the most negative thing you’ll hear about Catching Fire. Although Catching Fire has been in the spotlight a lot and for a long time, it still doesn’t stop kids from preferring the first movie. “I liked it. It’s similar to the book, but at the same time, it’s not. My favorite part is when they get back into the games. Even though I do like the first movie better, I really like them both,” Jocelyne Palacios (11) said. The Hunger Games series is both buzz-worthy and talkworthy. Kids literally can’t get enough of it. “It was very nice. When the mist fog came out was my favorite part. Catching Fire is better than The Hunger Games because it’s not all about the actual games, but also the uprising of Panem,” Devin Rock (9) said. “I loved it because there’s so much action. My favorite part was when she came out in the wedding dress. It was awesome. I loved Catching Fire more because it makes more sense to me. I’m definitely going to read the books after that movie.” SheyLeigh Hayes (10) said.
It’s a holly jolly Madrigals Christmas
By Cassidy Hunter IT’S THE most wonderful time of the year; the lights are up and the Christmas music has begun. While some students have already started the sledding and the shopping, the Madrigals have started caroling. “My favorite time is Christmas time because we have lots of concerts,” Andrew Perkes (12) said. “And I love Christmas songs.” “I don’t really like Christmas music as much as I should, but there are no Halloween choir songs. They are fun to sing,” Cece Mendiola (12) said. Some of the favorites consist of “O Nata Lux”, “All I Want for Christmas is You”, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” and, of course, “Fruitcake”. Fruitcake has long been a Madrigal tradition, even before Ms. Spujte became the advisor. They sing it during December. It’s a “fun, laughable, and enjoyable piece.” The elementary children are especially fond of it because
sometimes the Madrigals wear pajamas while performing it. “They did it when my sister was in [Madrigals],” Mendiola said. December is definitely the busiest time of the year for the Madrigals. They have a performance almost every day during this special season. Whether it is at an Elementary school, retirement home, a business, University of Utah hospital, or a church, they are always somewhere singing Christmas songs for anyone who will listen. “I like performing for little kids because they treat us like celebrities,” Mendiola said. “I love how much we perform. I’m excited to perform in public places, because, no offence, but old people really aren’t that lively,” Ryanna Chandler (11) said. Preparations for Christmas season started in September; but they weren’t just preparing vocally, they had to prepare mentally as well. This time of year is a stressful time for Madrigals. Trying to
juggle homework, school, and all their performances puts a lot of weight on their shoulders. “Just decide not to sleep, that’s how you have to do it,” Perkes said. Although it’s hard to manage, singing is something that the Madrigals love to do, and they are all willing to sacrifice a little bit of sleep or spare time. Chandler understands how Madrigals has helped her in all ways with music. She has learned so much in such a short period of time. “It’s harder than I thought, there is no spare time, but it is totally worth it,” she said. The Madrigals this year have way more students than it has ever had before, and according to Spujte, it’s a really good thing. “They’re starting out really strong. It helps with balance and confidence to have a big group,” she said. “They are a great group of kids that work well together, it makes me excited for festival.”
The Madrigals perform their holiday favorite “Fruitcake” at Fresh Market to a crowd of surprised shoppers.
Martin Gomez knows that his Spanish skills will help him succeed.
Spanish speakers learn more Spanish
By Jennifer Lopez STUDENTS take Spanish classes although they already know Spanish. There are students who speak Spanish and write Spanish, but still want to learn more. “I take Spanish to know more and understand better,’’ Martin Gomez (9) said. It helps students to learn more because some people come from Spanish-speaking countries, but don’t know the language. Students also want to learn the language because it’s popular. They like to speak in the language because they feel more comfortable. Spanish-speaking students mostly talk in Spanish at home because their parents speak it. There are many reasons why students want to learn more. Students know that they are from a Spanish speaking state, and they should know more about their own language. “It helps for giving better answers when speaking to people,” Gomez said. Communication skills are important especially if another language is spoken at home. “The goals that I have for my students are to use target language, to speak 605 in Spanish during class, to be passionate about the class, and to learn about the culture,” Spanish teacher Ms. Stowe said. When students know how to do these things, it will be easier for them to communicate in many
ways. Students who know a little, but want to learn more usually take the class again to gain more skills. “[Spanish-speaking] students should take Spanish classes to improve skill, improve writing skills, improve speaking, and improve pronunciation,” she said. Ms. Stowe learned Spanish when she lived in Mexico, when she majored in Spanish in college and when she studied the language on her own. Some people don’t realize how important it is to learn two languages, because it can help get a better job or career. “Someone can get a better job or career,” Gomez said. Most of the Spanish speakers know Spanish already because they lived there or their parents taught them. Some people want to learn about the culture and how to spell better. Spanish speakers know more things about Mexico because they use the language all the time. “There are other ways to learn Spanish, but for now, this is all they have,” Gomez said. Most students at Granger speak Spanish and/or English because those are the most common languages here. Spanish is also a good language to learn for English speakers because the letters mean the same thing.
Cell phones changing world
By Adilene Montelongo also be used as navigation devicTECHNOLOGY is an important es, music players, or even gaming thing in the world today. It has platforms. improved lives in many ways. “A touch screen phone would Advanced technology like cars, be one of the coolest things incell phones, and the Internet vented, because it went from bechange lives every day. ing a huge phone with just butSince technology has a big tons to a thin small phone that impact in lives, it is a touch screen,” can change things Andres Rodriguez by making them (9) said. more productive or “Technology can fun and exciting. be bad or good, bad For example cell because the perphones changed son could be using the way people technology to plan communicate with a bombing or good others and in the because it can help way they get their them in school, or information. help them get in Communication Andres Rodriguez admires contact with friends technology is cru- touch screen technology. and family,” Rodricial today. The Internet’s primary guez said. reason is to transmit information. Edwin Rodriguez (11) agreed Cell phones have helped people that cell phones were one of the stay connected to each other and coolest things ever invented. “It the Internet all over the world. is useful to me, because I can call Before, cell phones could only my parents in case of an emerbe used to make phone calls and gency.” get in contact with people nearby. Everyone has his or her own Now these devices can be used to opinion of technology, but many make long distance calls, access people agree that cell phones are the Internet, send messages and one of the greatest inventions of take pictures or video. They can all time.