Granger high school
Tri-Color Times
An open forum for student opinion and expression
TRICOLORTIMES.COM
April 2014 LVI-7
Lancers attend Krishna Temple Color Festival By Chardonnay Barlow THE COLOR Festival brought people from all over Utah. It’s no longer just a religiously affiliated festival. People of all ages, shapes, ethnicities, and backgrounds gathered to celebrate love amongst humanity and the coming of Spring. On March 29 and 30, the Hindu Color festival took place in Spanish Fork, about 45 minutes south of West Valley City. This has become a tradition since the first time it took place in Utah, about eight years ago. This was the biggest gathering the Color Festival has had thus far, with more than 70,000 people taking part in the festivities. The place was overrun with people celebrating through interpretive dance, crowd surfing, hugging, and throwing colored powder at
others. However, not everyone views it that way. Other religious entities see the Color Festival as being blasphemous and against their own god. As festival-goers walk up the street, they witness Christian emissaries placing little cards under car windshield wipers. These colored cards, looking so cheerful and happy, have despairing words to say. These cards basically tell people they are going to Hell and that the only way to salvation was to join whatever church placed the cards. A festival that is supposed to be about love and happiness ends up turning into an opportunity for churches to convert more people and boost their numbers. Granger students who went to the Color Festival recall how the event went for them:
“It was so fun,” Rebecca Bramall (12) said. “But I think it’s messed up how other churches think it’s okay to force themselves on another religion’s happenings.” Bramall remembered having gone with a few friends in the morning. She didn’t notice the cards but was irritated after hearing about them. “Every church celebrates their own deal. It’s stupid when another church rains on their parade just because they don’t believe in the same thing.” Yahaira Sierra (12) also had a great time at the Color Festival, although she didn’t enjoy getting the colored powder in her eyes and moving through the large crowds. “Yeah, there was way too many people there, but I did have a great time,” she said. Sierra was also very opinionat-
ed when it came to the cards. “It’s dumb. If people want to have fun let them. No harm was done. I actually recommend that everyone should go at least once,” she said. Overall, the main mission of the Color Festival is for people to have a good time and celebrate. People there aren’t just worshipping a deity that is not their own. There are multiple religions gathering, celebrating their own religion at the Color Festival and not just the Hindu Krishna. Maybe the color festival is a symbol for religious tolerance and putting aside differences. But if festival-goers do not learn to tolerate one another’s choices and love each other, then the Color Festival will eventually create animosity between churches and religions, which is not what it aspires to do.
Despite asthmatic potential, Brenda Nguy joined several Granger Lancers and hundreds of festival-guests at the Utah Krishna Temple Color Festival.
Successful Lancers prepare for ‘Keys’ Assembly By Stephanie Garcia-Muro THE KEYS to Success assembly happened Monday, and Student Body President M.J. Singh’s (12) key started the car, and he won an iPad. Now he’s entered to win a used car at a later drawing. Even if most of these students don’t start the car or win the iPad, they’re pretty happy with the prizes they’ve gotten. The few students who still haven’t turned in their papers should as soon as possible to be rewarded for their great efforts in school. “Going to school and passing all your classes pays off,” Madeline Garcia (12) said. “It feels good, and I’ve made my parents proud, even if they couldn’t attend the assembly.” “They’re my motivation and the
reason why I do good in school,” Nguyen commented, “I’ll be the Garcia said. “I think everyone first to graduate from my family should try and work hard. Sooner and become a better person; it’s a great feelor later eving.” erything pays Although off.” she did not School end up with can be tiring the lucky and boring key, she’s at times, but still happy there are new with the prize things to be she got: an learned and Arby’s meal taught. certificate. Vivian But those Nguyen (12) aren’t the said there only rewards were days she didn’t get Kenny Son is excited for this opportunity. these Lancer enough sleep, but it was worth it, achievers have earned. James and she’s proud of her hard work. Holland (11) said his dad gives “I feel like the best nerd ever” him more free time now and lets
him go out with friends more. “I was shocked when I got the Keys to Success card because there’s times I irritated my teachers. Even my dad knows what kind of student I am, and he’s also shocked,” Holland said. Although not everything is fun and games, there are still punishments for bad grades. “If I don’t get good grades, my parents would be really mad and probably punish me,” Spencer Fulton (11) said. “But if I did win the iPad, I know they’d be proud of me.” Proud parents, happy successful students and the key to success: hard work. Lancers who wish to participate next year should complete their Keys paperwork at the beginning of the year, and if they earn a card, they’ll be ready.
The AP testing season begins
Kevin Castaneda is a test-taking beast.
By Bianca Gomez MAY BRINGS a lot of things from showers to spring flowers, it also brings the big testing season. Students are now cramming and hitting the books hard in order to prepare for their upcoming exams, and this is the start of the AP reviews for all the AP courses. Some students have one test and others have several tests they must take in a day. The score received will decide whether college credit is earned for all that work in high school. If they successfully pass, they don’t have to pay tuition for those college credits -- saving hundreds of dollars all because of one test. Katie Bell (12) is currently taking two AP classes: chemistry and English literature. “Even though they are AP, they are not difficult to pass,” she said. “As long as you keep up and do the work, it is possible.” Although Katie is taking two AP classes, she will be only taking one test this spring. There are veteran AP test takers like Katie and newcomers to the AP game, too. Jorge Gutierrez (10) is in his first AP class: world history. “I really like it, it challenges me more than a regular class. I do not think it’s too hard, unless I fall behind and get swamped with work,” Gutierrez said. There are also over-achievers who are taking more than two AP classes; Kevin Castaneda (12), for example. Crunch time is time is happening, this is when students study and review all the sections they learned over the year. They also stock up on review packets and AP review books in order to have a better chance at passing the exams.
Katie Bell loves free college credit.
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VOL. LVI Issue 8
April 2014, page 2
Ms. Spencer takes a bow
Lancers cannot “weight” to be fit or have a fruit smoothie,” Torres said. Making healthier food choice always help the progress. “In the morning, I eat a hard-boiled egg. I have a smoothie full of fruit and
By Halina Johnson MS. SPENCER has been teaching at Granger High since 2005; she has been awarded the Outstanding Educator award in Granite Schools. Spencer started teaching in 1980. “My major was actually in theater, not history. History was my minor. When I was applying for a job at Granger I thought it would be theater, but instead I took up history because I also love history,” said Ms. Spencer. Even thirty years ago when she was in high school, she was directing plays. Ms. Spencer is not exactly the person a Lancer would be expecting to still be acting, but her next play is at the Hale Centre Theater on the April 25; the play is named “Arsenic Old Lace”. It is about two old ladies seeking out old men to send them to their deaths because they think it is the right thing to do. Spencer has been acting since she was eight years old. Her mother let her to do it because it kept her in one place; later in life she earned her bachelor’s degree in teaching theater. She enlisted in the Army as a Performance Art Specialist where she performed and directed plays in Kaiserhaus, Germany, but her last year of the army she directed tour groups instead of acting and performing. This will be her second show at the Hale Centre. The first was in 2005; she also performed for the USA, she did many Cinderellarelated plays. “When I would teach theater during the day and act at night, it felt like I was working for 20 hours straight, but I enjoy teaching history during the day and acting at night,” said Spencer. For Ms. Spencer, theater and school take up a lot of time, but it makes her happy. It might be hard to see this performance because most of the shows are sold out.
By Taylor Molis TEENAGERS are lazy. It is basic science, but a great number of kids believe it is important to stay fit. There is a great weight-training classroom here at Granger, mostly used by the sports teams, but there are also a few classes just for everyday kids who want to stay fit, and they take advantage of this with every chance they get by working their bodies to their limits. But someone can’t just go in and start lifting, a person has to be smart about it, or they can really hurt themselves. They have to progress, and that is one of the most important things to a student like Isiah Torres (12). “I like seeing progress, it is the most important thing when I workout,” he said. Torres has been lifting for a few years, but became really serious about it for the past year. “I gotta stay in shape, it helps me feel confident and puts me in a good mood for the day. After I workout I usually eat some almonds
protein powder, it really helps eating right,” Torres said. Where students like Torres workout to stay in shape, others work out to test their limits and compete in unique sports. Like Jarret Everett (11), who has been working out since he was
as fast as you can, you’re scored on your time,” he said. “I think the fastest I have gone through a trial was about eight and a half minutes, I tied with two adults on my team and I am only 17, so I am pretty proud of myself. But I can always get better,”
Opinion by Gage Winters THE CONFLICT in Crimea is yet to be solved. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has pushed lawmakers to pass the bill to annex Crimea, and Russia voted to accept them with an outcome of 443 to 1. The Russian decision to annex this territory within the Black Sea peninsula has turned into a confrontation between Europe, Russia, and the United States, and is the most recent clash of East-West relations since the Cold War. “The Ukrainian people will never, under no circumstances, stop fighting for the liberation of Crimea from the occupants, no matter how hard and long it is,” the Kiev Parliament of Ukraine recently stated on its website. In response to the Russian annexation, the U.S. and E.U. have imposed sanctions on senior Russians and “cronies” who hold considerable power in the country. There are many reasons why Crimea and the Black Sea peninsula matter, but most for Lancers , it could mean a return to some Cold War types of concerns and fears. The U.S. is hoping to de-
escalate the situation by using sanctions and diplomatic means, with hopes to further us from the brink of conflict with Russia.
mark how far into the 2014 year that a woman will have to work to earn that of a man’s pay in 2013. When President John F. Kennedy signed the Equal Pay Act into law in 1963, the average woman was earning 59 cents on the dollar in comparison to men. Today on average that figure is about 81 cents on the dollar compared to men. For minorities such as African-American women and Latino women that gap can be even greater. The gap in pay isn’t 81 cents in every state. Because 81 cents is an average, there are states like Utah where that figure is about 70 to 74 cents or Wyoming with a staggering amount of only 69 cents. There are desperately low numbers in some states, but in others like Nevada, Puerto Rico, Maryland, and Vermont they are 84 cents plus and leading the countries average. The reason National Equal Pay Day is so important to Granger High Lancers is because it shows that economic equality is not quite definite today and steps still need to be taken. These figures
are based on annual salaries from the U.S. Census, the U.S. Department of Labor, and the nerdwallet.com website.
By Misty Garlick Some Lancers are wondering where are some good places are to get breakfast. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It helps the brain function and wake up. It keeps it motivated. People need at least bread and or grain (cereal toast, muffin), milk and or milk products (lowfat yogurt, or low-fat milk), fruit or vegetable (bananas, apple, carrot). Some fast food restaurants offer some breakfast: McDonald’s, Carl’s Jr., and now Taco Bell. Some Lancers are now trying out these breakfast places. “The Bacon Crunchwrap isn’t that bad. The Waffle Taco on the other hand is not,” university adviser E. Cooper said. He gave the
Waffle Taco a “no go.” Parker Hughes (10) loves the original Crunchwrap also. “The fact that they added bacon to it makes it that much better,” Hughes said. He said that it is worth the money and recommends it to everyone, and he has tried the grilled taco and does not believe that it is worth the money. He wants to try the Cinnabon Delights next time he goes there. “I love the breakfast burrito!” Jordan Ainslie (11) said. It is his go-to food for breakfast. He has not tried anything else, but he recommends the burrito to anyone who is looking for a fast, on-the-go breakfast. Ainslie recommends getting two because they are kind of small.
Ainslie said he has also has had more energy since he started eating breakfast.
Scarlet Maclaw (11) has tried almost all of the new taco bell breakfast items and dislikes all of them. “The Waffle Taco was the worst. The egg looked like they put it on with an ice cream scoop. I would rather eat the school food than that again,” she said. “I love McDonald’s breakfast because their pancakes are great,” she said. Jorge Garcia (11) has not tried Taco Bell breakfast but would like to. “Carl’s Jr. and McDonald’s have the best breakfasts,” Garcia said. He normally gets pancakes from McDonald’s. Garcia also believes that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. “Although I enjoy going
to fast food restaurants, no one makes breakfast like my mom” said Garcia. Other Granger Lancers prefer having breakfast at home. They believe it is a healthier way. “I choose to eat breakfast at home because I think it is cheaper and healthier,” Cody Harper (10) said. He normally grabs a banana and/or some toast before leaving the house. “Since I started eating breakfast in the mornings, my grades have improved a lot. I definitely see an improvement,” Harper said. He believes it helps him focus more on school and other activities. “I think everyone should eat breakfast at home instead of going for fast food. And plus it is food. Who doesn’t love food?”
in seventh grade: “I do this sport outside of school called CrossFit, which is like gymnastics, strongman, power-lifting, and endurance training. The whole idea is to go through a workout basically
Daniel Perez knocks out some pull-ups; they’re a total body fitness solution.
Everett said. Everett is definitely a really fit guy, but what about kids who aren’t trying much to progress or be the best, but simply just stay in shape. Daniel Perez (12) is one of those kids, “I just like to maintain being fit,” he said, “I have been lifting for about three years, but I do a lot of workouts on my own.” Perez has been working with the famous program called P90X for a while now, “It’s 12 videos, I work out to one a day, and it switches from muscles and all that stuff to cardio or sometimes yoga,” Perez said. “It is just important to me to stay fit, I will really keep working out after high school, it is just a good way to spend time. I drink lots of Powerade and eat protein bars, some are kinda gross but you know, they aren’t that bad,” Perez said. Staying fit is important to these students, they don’t want to turn into the stereotypical lazy teenagers and instead of getting themselves into trouble they have a great way to keep busy.
Gage ‘rounds up’ news Lancers should notice JAN E. TIGHE has become the first female commander of a numbered fleet in U.S. Navy history with her appointment to the U.S. Fleet Cyber Command and the U.S. 10th Fleet. The U.S. Fleet Cyber Command Tighe is heading will be involved in operations pertaining to cryptology and electronic warfare. The elevation of rank for Tighe is a change of pace for the branches of the Armed Forces in the U.S. who have largely come under fire of sexual assault on women based on figures raising in recent years of assault, and accusations that top officers are doing nothing about it. One of the few reasons Tighe’s promotion affects Lancers is how it shows the advancement opportunities of women in the military as well as the issue of sexual assault in the U.S. Armed Forces. NATIONAL Equal Pay Day was on April 8th, this day is meant to
A SHOOTING at two Jewish cultural centers in Kansas City by alleged gunman Barry Grissom was, authorities say, a product of his anti-Semitism and his past involving activity within a white supremacist group. While shooting at a Jewish community center, the alleged gunman shot and killed three Christian volunteers during the attack, which has left some to wonder if the case can actually be filed as a hate crime. However, the case will be filed as a hate crime, because it fits within categories such as “actual or perceived” race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability of a person. The problem and cause this poses to Lancers is very important, because it specifically shows how hate for any specific group can consume someone and cause him or her to hurt even those with whom he or she identifies.
Five breakfast ideas for Granger High Lancers
Parker Hughes loves Taco Bell breakfasts.
Some Lancers disagree and say they would not recommend the Taco Bell breakfast to anyone.
April 2014, page 3
VOL. LVI Issue 8
Vegetarian students have many options
By Brenda Nguy THERE are many vegetarian students among the 3,000 plus at Granger High School that might not have much to eat because they are limited because of what is provided here at the school. Natalia Leonardini (12) has been a vegetarian since she made a resolution at the start of the New Year. She tried to go full vegan for three months, but it became too hard, so she decided to try being a vegetarian. She knew she wanted to be healthier and noticed how bad animal cruelty was and didn’t want to support that. “It sucks that the animals have to suffer. It’s really scary what they have to go through,” Leonardini said. She eats whole foods, tofu, and salads. “I suggest getting food from the whole food stores. They’re natural and don’t have those preservatives and other gross stuff in them like other stores do,” Leonardini said. If she eats school food she usually gets anything with vegetables, like the salads, nachos without meat, and cheese pizzas. And at home she tries to add variety to her foods because being a vegetarian means the food can get bland. She makes stir fry, salads with different dressings, wraps, and veggie burgers. “Veggie burgers are the bomb! They are so good. I sometimes miss eating meat, but it’s for a good cause.” Leonardini said. Daniel Chogas (12) was a vegetarian for seven months; the first
two weeks were really difficult. All he ate were salads, tofu, and “fake” meat. The “fake” meat is usually made of tofu and veggies and tastes almost like real meat. He went to Winco to get all of the vegetarian food he needs. He ate a lot of pasta and went to Zupa’s. He became a vegetarian because it was healthy and because he believes that animals have bad things in them that are not good for you. “Think of the poor animals! It is also a good way to reduce cholesterol because you eat no fat at all,” Chogas said. He recently stopped being a vegetarian because his grandma always stressed about him getting the right nutrients; she passed away not to long ago, so Chogas decided to stop being a vegetarian just for his grandma. As for the students who don’t like school vegetarian food at all, they may try the many fast food restaurants close by or even Fresh Market. Fresh Market provides vegetable salads, potato salads, microwavable rice, and many more items. Carl’s Jr. offers a Guacamole Thick-burger that is just guacamole and all of the ingredients that make up a hamburger but no meat. They also have fried zucchini and salad. Subway’s has a veggie sand-
wich called the Veggie Delite and also provide salads. Taco Bell has the loaded potato griller. Just ask for no bacon, and it will be a vegetarian friendly food. They also provide desserts and sides without any meat. McDonald’s provides many choices. Their breakfast includes hash browns, a bowl of fruit, and pancakes. During lunch you can pick from seven different salads
(just ask for no meat,) they also have fries and apple slices you can snack on. You can also try the nearest taco stand for a cheese quesadilla. The school does offer some vegetarian options like the salads, sandwiches, nachos, mashed potatoes, and pizza. You can ask for anything without meat. The school hasn’t gotten any complaints this year about not having
enough vegetarian choices, but in previous years, they got a few complaints. If enough vegetarian students wanted more of a vegetarian selection such as veggie burgers and tofu or have special needs about food they can and cannot eat, they can talk to the cafeteria manager and provide doctor’s note. T staff will be more than happy to make arrangements.
Natalia Leonardini knows that it takes dedication to switch to a vegetarian lifestyle.
Students make plans for after high school By Lyndsey Xa get the chance,” Danielle Marti- grammers, but the next politicians GRADUATION is quickly apnez (12) said. and lawyers, too. proaching, which means that Imagine knowing the person “I love politics. It’s always has most seniors are starting to plan who created the new top-selling been a subject that has caught my their post high school plans. game or the next big app. These attention,” Martinez said, “That’s Whether it’s college, working, students are pursuing just that why I want to become a lawyer; or exploring new lands, Lancers dream. it also helps that I love arguing.” have big things in store for their M.J. Singh (12) is planning on Lancer aspirations don’t stop future. there. There are Remember Lancers ready when becoming to step into the a doctor or an medical world astronaut was as well. just a dream, “I have always well Lancers known that I are turning their want to be some dreams into rekind of doctor,” ality. Carlos Cano College dead(12) said. “I’m lines have just planning on reached an end becoming a peand with many diatrician right Lancers receivnow, although I ing acceptance want to donate letters, they’re my time to chilready to start dren, too.” the next chapter Omar Useda of their lives. (12) is planning “I’m going to on majoring in Snow College sports medicine because I got at the UniverOlivia Wynn is excited to move away from home. a full ride up sity of Utah. “I there,” Olivia Wynn (12) said. going to the University of Utah. want to be an athletic trainer and “I’m unsure what I want to be “I want to major in computer sci- help people improve their lives in the future, but I plan on transence and become a programmer,” both physically and mentally,” ferring up to Utah State UniverSingh said, “I’ve been doing it for Useda said. sity.” a long time and I enjoy it.” So, far Lancers plan to become Some students don’t want to Derek Dapp (12) is also plan- doctors, programmers, politijust experience college in Utah, ning to major in computer sci- cians, pharmacists, athletic trainbut in a different state. ence. “I want to build and create ers, but the list of opportunities is “I got accepted in Portland, but new things,” Dapp said. He will endless for Lancers. it was just too expensive. I’m goattend Utah Valley University this Granger’s class of 2014 isn’t ing to the University of Utah, but fall with a scholarship. just going out into the world: they I might transfer out of state if I Granger isn’t just creating pro- are going to remake the world.
Tri-Color Times Staff Print Editor Kaitlin Cluff Online Editor Kaitlin Cluff
Managing Editor Kelly Sanmiguel Photo Editor Daryan Bauer
Reporters Brenda Aguilar Maria Avila Chardonnay Barlow Tinnesha Blackhorse Mc Call Buckley Naz Camacho Rosio Chacon Andres Esquivel Victoria Espinoza Angel Figueroa Nicole Carcia Shannon Garcia Stephanie Garcia-Muro Misty Garlick Brandon Godinez Bianca Gomez Tevita Havea Thomas Heart Cris Hernandez Daniel Hernandez Jadira Hueramo Tina Huynh
Reporters Aide Hurtado Halina Johnson Correna Leatherwood Samantha Lopez Rigoberto Lopez Antonio Loredo Taylor Molis Andrea Montes Shelly Ngo Brenda Nguy Yohnathan Rivas Mariana Rivera Melany Rivera Kevyn Robles Roxana Salgado Kelly Sanmiguel Mohammed Sheikh Lucia Urcino Gage Winters Lyndsey Xa Lizbeth Zavala
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
April 2014, page 4
VOL. LVI Issue 8
SBO President M.J. Singh wins iP
VOL. LVI Issue 8
April 2014, page 5
Pad at Keys to Success assembly
April 2014, page 6
VOL. LVI Issue 8
Many Lancers enjoy two New Years
The Nae Nae is the newest viral dance to storm pop culture.
Lancers discuss Nae Nae By Tina Huynh THE INTERNET isn’t a stranger to dance videos that have gotten really popular really fast. Just to name a few, there was the Dougie, the Cat Daddy, the John Wall and the Hall-of-Famer, Gangnam Style. The Nae Nae is the newest trending dance, if it could even be called one, added to that list. The Nae Nae is really just bending knees while waving one hand in the air and moving shoulders. It is also know very famous for shouting “HUAH” in the air while doing so. It’s kind of idiotic, kind of funny, and kind of popular. All qualities that make a video go viral. “I first heard of it from my older brother. He put it on in his car and we started laughing to it. I think the whole thing is just funny in a cool way. It’s just something to have fun with and it’s really simple to dance. I even know a little bit of it,” Angel Ambrosio (10) said. The Nae Nae dance is mostly seen on Twitter and Vine. The hashtag #dropthatnaenae has been used millions of times. It could trend for hours and still make reappear the next day. Vines are probably how the dance got so big. They are sixsecond clips of someone doing it or thousands of compilations of them all. It’s hilarious for people to watch and surprising how many people really get into it. “I first heard of it from Vine from KingBach. It’s so dumb, but funny and it always reminds me
of Vine. The song has a really fun beat to it, too. I absolutely cannot dance it, though,” Angelica Candelaria (10) said. Vine isn’t the only place that you’ll find people dancing it. It’s popular, especially with athletes. Dwight Howard might as well be the king of the Nae Nae. He was the first celebrity to start dancing it, and others followed right after him. Lance Moore and Mark Ingram did the Nae Nae after every touchdown they scored in January. After Mercer beat Duke in the tournament, they did the Nae Nae in celebration. Even John Wall, who has his own dance, did the Nae Nae after one of his killer dunks. The Nae Nae has spread everywhere, and students here at Granger love it. “I first saw it from Nash Grier, so of course I liked the dance. I think it’s funny on whoever does it, like how Nash or Cameron did it. I think the dance is just another way of people becoming popular or being involved in social media. I can’t dance it at all, but it would seem really fun,” Karla Ortega (10) said. The Nae Nae was first introduced in November, and it’s finally starting to simmer down. Although it obviously wasn’t as big as other viral dances, there was no mistaking that the Nae Nae was talked about and well known. Even if it could be one of the most foolish dances out there, Lancers won’t forget to drop that Nae Nae.
By Shelly Ngo THE U.S. New Year passed, but the Laos, Cambodian and Thai New Year festivals are happening right now. This is the time to celebrate with friends and family at the temple and show blessings. Each of these cultures celebrates in almost the same way, but there are a few little differences between them. The selection of favorite foods is the biggest thing shared by these festivals. No one can go wrong with the food that they have at the temple. Celebrating Laos and Indian New Years is one of Hillary Doaheuang’s (11) favorite times of the year. She enjoys spraying all the random people at the Lao temple with water and also spending time with family. Another thing she enjoys is the festival of colors, where they throw spring colors in the air to brighten the season and to celebrate the beginning of spring. “One year I tried celebrating at school by bringing water bottles and spraying everyone. That was one of my favorite memories of Lao New Years even though I got in trouble. My best friend slipped, and there was water all over the floor,” Doaheuang said. She is excited about this year, as it is the Lao pageant and the festival they
have every year. “I go mostly for the food, but I also enjoy the Lao parade,” Mae Siyavong (11) said. She enjoys seeing the different traditional dances that they perform. She thinks it is so beautiful and is the best part of her culture besides the food. Veronica Tann (11) is celebrating Cambodian New Years, and she is excited to spend time with her family coming back from Cambodia. “The best part about New Years is coming together and having fun,” Tann said, “Food is one of my favorite parts about being Asian. I also enjoy the shaving cream fight; it is super fun, but I don’t like to get dirty.” Lao New Years is coming up in April, and Kham Nonhprasith (9) loves learning more about the culture. He hasn’t been to the temple for New Years in almost two years. He is excited to see friends and family that he hasn’t seen in a long time, also the traditional dance that they perform is amazing to watch. Johnny Manykham (11) thinks being Lao is pretty awesome. He loves to try all the different food that people make and bring for Lao New Years. “I love to party during New Years,” Manykham said.
He can’t wait to meet new people and become friends with them. The parade is very entertaining to see, and the performances are amazing. “I love the food, especially all the different varieties, and that it is real Cambodian food,” Monyka Chheng (11) said. “The traditional dances are so beautiful to see. It shows different stories and shows how beautiful the culture is. The shaving cream fight is fun to play. But I hate when it gets in my mouth; it makes me want to throw up,” Chheng said. Kokoko Xayavong (10) thinks the best part about New Years is the water fight that they have at the temples. His past experience was that he made friends during New Years. “I’m most excited about seeing my friends perform, but beside that it will be a surprise,” he said. “I got hit in the face with whipped cream and I freaked out when it happened. I walked to the bathroom with one eye open to wash it off,” Aaron Kim-Kam (11) said. He likes the traditional way for New Years, because it’s always the best. He is excited this year to listen to his dad play guitar in a band. “By far the food is always the best thing there,” he said.
Girls are crowned in the New Years pageant.
Administration changes coming to Granger By Yohnathan Rivas GRANGER High School is coming to some new changes. Principal Haslam is retiring and assistant principal Oaks has been assigned to be the AP at Skyline High School. Grangers new Principal is Dr. David Dunn. He is currently the principal at Murray High School. He was born in Africa and then moved to Chihuahua, Mexico. Dr. Dunn spent fifteen years in Mexico so he is a very fluent Spanish speaker. He moved to the USA when he was 20 years old. “Out of all the other schools, I was only interested in Granger. I am looking forward to the great community to work to help students accomplish their goals to be successful. I believe athletics is an important part of school. Spirit can build while watching and playing. Arts is something I am strong about as well, supporting performing arts,” Dr. Dunn said. Dr. Dunn is more than excited to be the principal at Granger High School. “GO LANCERS!” Dr. Dunn said. Principal Haslam started here at Granger four years ago. Haslam has been involved in school since the first grade in 1963-- he has either been a student, a teacher or an administrator. He will miss the students most. “I hope to say I left this place better than what it was. The respect the students give each other is very strong. When you walk into this building everyone gives you respect. It
doesn’t matter where you came from or who you are. Respect is given and returned,” he said. “This school will be in very good hands,” Haslam said. This was also assistant principal Oaks’s last year at Granger. Oaks started at Granger three years ago. Before he came to Granger, he was a teacher. During his teaching career, he made the crazy decision to become an assistant principal. “First I thought, ‘What in the world did they send me here for?’ Three days later I understood why. This school is amazing,” said Oaks. Mr. Oaks hopes the legacy he left here is one where students and teachers know that he loves them all. Oaks truly believes he works for the students and teachers, and he loves his job. “The thing I will miss the most is that this is the one place you can walk in and you will see all kinds of different people,” said Mr. Oaks. Of all the administration changes that are happening, Dr. Gatti is devastated by the future absences of Mr. Haslam and Mr. Oaks. “Mr. Oaks and I had a strong connection. It is very hard to lose him, and principal Haslam has a very interesting way of pulling the horses in the same direction. The friendship that I had between these two is what I will miss. They are go-getters,” said Dr. Gatti.
Dunn with Superintendent Bates
April 2014, page 7
VOL. LVI Issue 8
Favorite movies By Maria Avila GRANGER students have a variety of different types of favorite movies. “My favorite movie is “The Avengers” because I like superheroes, and my favorite superhero is Thor. I love Thor,” Sharol Brand (9) said. “Yeah, I would recommend this movie to people especially to people who like superheroes,” she said. Although action movies can be awesome, not all people have them as favorite movies. Some enjoy comedies just as much as action movies. “My favorite movie is “This is the End”. I like this movie because it is really funny and it is a fun movie to watch with friends,” Stephanie Bernabe (9) said. “I first saw it with a couple of friends when it first came out.” It seems like Bernabe is not the only one with a favorite movie in the comedy section. “My favorite movie is “Grown Ups Two” I like this movie because it is just a really fun movie
Film kids revive GTV
By Angel G. Figueroa FOR MANY years, Lancers have heard the announcements on the intercom, but now Mr. Clapier’s students restored GTV. Students now watch GTV news in class. Right now it’s in its early stages, but they have a lot of new stuff planned for next year. “We are planning to do a better set for next year,” Priscilla Romero (10) said. “For next year we are going to do a better entry. Like we are going to get rid of the little paper at the beginning of GTV, but we are going to try not making it cheesy,” Romero said. “For me the work is pretty easy, I just run the camera and help set up the room,” she said. “I like socializing with people that are helping with it, meeting new people and helping students that are new to GTV.” “Next year I feel that it’s going to a big change because Michael Manu is graduating this year, and he’s a big help with GTV,” she said. “GTV is pretty much news live
to watch with a friend or any family members,” Kaiya Sheppard (9) said. “When I first saw this movie I saw it with my sister, we thought it was a really funny movie. This movie does not influence you unless you get influenced by dumb things” Although most lancers prefer comedies to any other genre, not all lancers do. “My favorite movie is “Titanic” I like it because it is a romantic movie,” Daniela Salazar (9) said. Like most girls, she prefers a classic love story to a comedy or action movie. “I first saw this movie when I was about seven or eight years old, and I saw it with my family in the movie theater,” Salazar said. “I would recommend this movie to anyone who has not seen it and also to all of my friends,” she said. With new movies coming out every year, people tend to update what their favorite movie is; but some people decide to leave that certain movie as their favorite because they just love it.
in class,” Michael Manu (12) said. “We set this up because we noticed that students weren’t paying attention to the announcements on the intercom. With GTV we hope more students will pay attention to the news,” Manu said. “This is our first year running GTV, and the bad thing about thing about GTV is that teachers don’t know how to show it, If we get tutors for the teachers, the problems will go away,” he said. “I’m pretty sad that I’m graduating this year and I won’t work on this next year. I wish everyone next year good luck,” he said. “Another thing we are trying to do is make GTV an elective class,” he said. “Anybody can be anchor, just go in and if you have the confidence to do it, well go on ahead,” he said. “I would anchor myself, but I have a feeling that people are getting annoyed of me.” “If you missed any of the announcements you can catch up with their YouTube channel,” he said.
Three teachers gave birth last month By Shannon Garcia HERE AT Granger High School, three teachers had newborn babies within a week: Ms. Smith, Ms. Taylor and Ms. House. Congratulation to them! Now a month later they know how much a new baby can change their lives. “I miss the students and I miss getting out of the house. Even with a newborn to take care of, I get really bored staying in this house all day every day! I will be back the last week of April,” Ms. Taylor said. “This is my first baby and everything about having her is awesome. She loves to hold her head up and stare at my face when I hold her on my chest or stomach. This is probably my favorite. She is just so cute,” Taylor said. She delivered a little girl named Reece, who measured 6 lbs. 14 oz., 19 inches at 10:13 p.m. just
shortly after Mrs. House delivered her baby. This is so exciting getting to know the teachers’ babies and how they feel. It is sad that these teachers had to leave for a month or two for the delivery and care of their babies. Lancer students miss their teachers and miss learning from them. It’s weird when a sub takes over for that long. “On March 13, I gave birth to my first baby -- a baby boy we named Wesley Jay House. He weighed 9 lbs. 14 oz. and was 23 inches long. My husband and I have loved spending these first weeks with him. My favorite thing to do is snuggle him; he loves to be held,” Ms. House said. “He is becoming more and more awake and alert during the day, and he likes it when we talk or sing to him. It is very fun seeing him already grow and change. He
is beginning to smile and we love it,” she said. “I plan on coming back in May to finish the school year with my students. Even though I love being home with my baby boy now, I do miss seeing my students. After spring break my students went to Hogle Zoo with the preschool class, and I went took Wesley to say ‘Hello’ to them. It was wonderful getting to see them again and introduce Wesley. My students are definitely the best part of Granger,” Ms. House said. These teachers seem excited for their return to Granger. They haven’t seen their students in a month, and the teachers miss their students. Overall, Lancers and teachers alike are eager to see the brand new moms back in their classrooms.
Lancers fight to prepare for college By Taylor Molis COLLEGE is just around the corner for most seniors here at Granger high school. Some Lancers here are trying to develop study habits early, to get ahead of the game. They know that college classes are going to be hard and many students are already taking college classes in high school. For those who take AP or concurrent enrollment classes, these are great opportunities to get ahead with college credits. Many students have already taken this opportunity, and some are even trying to earn an associate’s degree by graduation. But the work isn’t easy. As mentioned before, these are college classes, and they require just as much work and time as one. Studying is difficult, but students like KC Williams (12) have the answer: “Notes. Lots and lots of notes. I take so many notes in these classes it’s not even funny, then I just go home and read them over a bunch of times. It sounds boring and it can be, but it really helps when it comes down to it,” he said. “These classes challenge you more, the questions are harder and more confusing. You really can’t afford to be lazy
or else you will get left behind pretty fast,” Williams said. In college classes, homework is basically a way of life. Williams said that he has two hours of homework most days of the week, and that’s just for his math class alone. Most students follow study plans like Williams by reviewing notes that were taken in class, but there are others in school that come up with their own unique studying ideas. Somehow they actually work. Anna Fuller (12) is taking four college courses and aspires to go to Southern Utah University to major in psychology and theatre. “Ugh, I have butt-loads of homework,” she said. “I really wish I had more time to do my own stuff outside of school, but I barely do. So much work: it really can get hard with all of that stuff, but my own little idea that helps me is singing. I make songs about whatever I am studying, and then I remember it later. It sounds really dumb, but it helps me.” Like Fuller, many students have big aspirations for their futures and will do anything to achieve them, including all of that homework.
Ms. House cuddles with her husband and new baby.
Granger’s graduating class By Samantha Lopez THE NEW school has made this year one of the most memorable years in Granger history. It has given students many advantages in helping students want to graduate and has given them renewed pride in their school. This year will also be one of the largest graduating classes Granger has had. “It has been at least 20 years since Granger has had a graduating class this big,” Dr. Gatti said. Granger has not always had the best reputation, and with the graduating class being this big this year has put Granger in a whole new light. “The seniors this year have been working towards graduation for a very long time; they didn’t just start this big, it took hard work and dedication. This year’s graduating class took everything they learned sophomore year and used it through their years in
high school, and that’s what made them successful this year with their class size,” Ms. Parrish commented. Granger has some very hard working seniors and the class size definitely has proven that. But the size shouldn’t decrease as the seniors this year graduate, but only get even bigger. The seniors this year should share some of what they have learned and what they have experienced with the younger classes. “The senior class this year should share with their classmates some of their accomplishments in their high school career and how they can get to graduating high school with dedication,” Mr. Oaks said. Granger High has had some of the hardest working seniors to say the least. The seniors have worked together to become a big class and to leave their legacy at Granger
High. They didn’t do it as individuals; they did it as a team. “It’s an honor to get to represent a class so big and build a strong family with the senior class,” Kenny Son (12) said. Many of the seniors this year have been waiting for this moment for a very long time, and the time is almost up for them to walk down the stage and accept that diploma. “To get to graduate with such a big class, with is also the first graduating class at the new Granger High building, is such an honor and makes all that hard work worth it,” Alma Mancera (12) said. This year is going to be memorable, not because of the school, but for the senior class. “The seniors collaborated together. Even though there might be differences between us, we are still a family,” Son commented.
VOL. LVI Issue 8
April 2014, page 8
Lancers support family in military By Kelly Sanmiguel HIGH SCHOOL is a time when many people begin to consider joining the armed services. There are many ways in which one can gain information about it and obtain motivation to get up and join. It is such a courageous thing to sign up to serve the United States. It requires devotion, ambition, and motivation. Although there are many people who sign up to do so, there are many others who aren’t as interested and feel that it isn’t for them. Those who have no personal interest in serving might still know someone close who actually chose to serve. Having a family member in service can compel one to want to serve, however for some it just affects their lives in many other ways compared to someone who has no family serving. There are many emotional situations that are faced when someone close enlists to protect this country. The first is most likely when
the choice is shared with all those whose support that person. “I wasn’t expecting it; it was heartwrenching,” Heidi Alstrom (10) said. More than once, Alstrom has faced being told by a family member that he or she will be serving this country. It’s now a family affair -- after having her father, aunt and two brothers choose to serve. “I did [somewhat] expect it after they started taking after my dad,” Alstrom said. Sometimes it can be an expected move. However there are people who decide to keep it low-key until the last minute when it can’t stay under wraps anymore. “When I first started talking to my girlfriend, she didn’t tell me she was in the Marines until after a few weeks,” Carlos Cano (12) said. “Almost all ten of my family members who are serving pretty much told me just before the time they left,” Miranda Pierce (10) said. One other situation faced, is
Alstrom calls serving the United States a “family affair”.
normally the goodbye, which can be very emotional and raise many new worries. As mentioned, Pierce has ten family members who are serving which makes for many goodbyes. She faced them all within the same week, six years ago. “[I have] family members from both sides, serving in the Air Force, Marines, Army and Navy,” she said. The next emotional phase is faced during the time deployed. “It’s difficult, [my girlfriend] is stationed in Japan… I say, ‘Good morning,’ to her at 2 p.m. She also only has her lunch time to communicate,” Cano said. “The worst part is not being able to talk to my family. They are in an area that doesn’t have Wi-Fi. Letters only come and go so often. It’s like in “Dear John”, they have to number their letters,” Pierce said. Being reunited is something both those serving and supporting look forward to, yet sometimes it’s put off longer than expected. “My family members just keep reinstating,” Pierce said. “The next time I see her [my girlfriend] in person might be in 3-8 months,” Cano said. It is one of the most heartbreaking things to hear about any lost life while serving the United States. This also raises the biggest worry in anyone with a loved one who is deployed. “My biggest worry is them getting attacked,” Alstrom said. It is unimaginable how it must feel to lose a loved one. “Thirty-six other people and my uncle were attacked in their platoon,” Pierce said. He’s been gone for ten years now. Serving the United States comes with many possible outcomes. Even if Lancers aren’t interested in serving themselves they have the possibility of knowing someone who is in the military.
Granger students visit Springville Museum of Art and BYU Museum of Art By Yohnathan Rivas GRANGER students had the opportunity to visit the Springville Museum of Art and the BYU Museum of Art. These art museum field trips are held once a school year during the springtime. The reasoning behind this field trip was to show students that their art could also be displayed for many people to see. “I hope to have students inspired by the art that they get to see,” said Ms. Heidinger. “The senior art exhibit is one that is really amazing. Showing students that they can help blossom and enhance their hidden talent for art and add it to the exhibit is great. It is very generous how Springville supports students,” Heidinger said. Students attend these field trips for different reasons. While some attend these field trips for motivation, others attend to just have the day off from school. “I like seeing the artistic works at the museums. It helps me develop inspiration for future artwork,” Alex Sanchez (12) said.
He started to draw a couple years ago, and he likes to draw from his imagination. Field trips like these help people just like Sanchez enliven their imagination. While viewing others drawings is interesting, it can help develop ideas for future drawings. “My favorite drawing, from the field trip, was the original painting of the “Rhino With The Bird” and the “Blue Background,” said Sanchez. “I had a really fun time,” Zach Parry (12) said. Parry had old elementary friends that submitted their art into the Springville Museum. He was intrigued to experience the way his old friends chose to express themselves through their artwork. “It wasn’t really what I expected; I thought I was going to be bored, but it turned out to be a fun experience,” he said. Parry writes music, which is classified as a form of art. Therefore, he has grown to respect various kinds of art. He believes all art is beautiful in its own mysteri-
ous way. “I went to the field trip so I wouldn’t have two substitutes teaching my classes,” Nicolas Favero (11) said. Overall, Nicolas enjoyed his time on the field trip. “Even though I did not go for the thrill of art, I still enjoyed many of the paintings,” Favero said. Favero’s favorite drawing was the “Burning Spiral Notebook.” “A friend of mine came to me with a permission slip and generously told me to get it signed-- I got it signed and attended the field trip, too,” Joseph Talamantes (12) said. Joseph was a slight bit disappointed with the field trip because he expected to see various sculptures and statutes scattered about, but unfortunately that was not the case. He relished the Springville Museum because they had a variety of art to choose from, which were all amusingly different. “If I had the choice to choose between these two museums, I would of chosen the Springville Museum,” Talamantes said.
Check out these upcoming movies By Rigo Lopez MAY PROMISES great adventures with giant reptiles all the way to crazy frat houses. This month there are five release dates weeks for movies. First off, on Friday, May 2, “The Amazing Spider-Man 2” starring Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Jamie Foxx and the creepy evil kid with Psychic powers from Chronicle. If there is one thing you can at the very least expect from this movie is some good acting. The screenplay however worries me, as there are many enemies, which might hinder the plot. Another thing that promises to blow people away is the action. The small sequences that were shown in the trailer show how this new Spidey gets around, instead of crying for half the movie. The next week on Friday, May 9, “Neighbors” will show why frat houses can teach seniors what they can expect from some colleges next year. In this movie, a couple struggles to find peace as a fraternity moves in next door. And did I mention that Zac Efron is the leader of the fraternity. I sincerely hope he does well in the movie. “Neighbors” is to be the latest from Seth Rogen, who has been on a roll since his latest movie, “This Is the End”. All I have to say about this movie is that anyone who liked the “Neighbors” trailer or “This is the End” movie can’t go wrong watching this movie. Then, the week after that on May 16, the oversized lizard with anger issues gets brought back to the big screen accompanied by Heisenberg himself, Bryan Cranston. Frankly speaking, the plot of this movie could consist of a radioactive chicken on the loose, and I would still watch this movie just to see a few more minutes of Bryan Cranston. The draw of this movie is not Cranston, but Godzilla himself. The trailers of this movie show the least amount of Godzilla possible, which is the best way to create tension in a trailer. However, I would hate to see another failed attempt like Godzilla (1998). Hopefully they can take a piece of advice from Guillermo Del Toro’s “Pacific Rim”, which brought oversized lizards back to the mainstream. As a piece of advice, Lancers should watch “Pacific Rim”, as it is not only awesome, but it will show what to expect from
Godzilla (minus the giant robots or “gundams” as they are called in Japan, of course). For Friday, May 30 everyone should go see X-men: Days of Future Past. Not only because the trailers show pure awesomeness or because Jennifer Lawrence is in a full-on Mystique suit, but because this signifies the return of Bryan Singer to the X-men movies. Bryan Singer was the original director for “X-men” and X2, but left to do other deviant movies not to be mentioned. However he is back to correct the terrible things that took place in X3. This movie will see the cast from the original “X-men” and “X-men: First Class” and will take place during a terrible future where mutants and humans are at the brink of death and the past where Wolverine will once again save the day. True X-men fans probably already have tickets, so less committed fans should go watch the trailer or even better, watch First Class as it will give a taste of what can’t be expected in “Days of Future Past”. Also, it never hurts to see Jennifer Lawrence in a blue suit once in a while. At last on May, 30, “Maleficent”, a new take on the French fairy tale of Sleeping Beauty, hits the big screen. In this live action film, the story unfolds from Maleficent’s perspective. Disney wants to once again prove they’ve got everything, this time with a more gritty take on Maleficent. Give it a try, as this is only the beginning of Disney’s plan to turn the Jungle Book among other tales into live action. I hope they don’t disappoint. Also being released that same week, Seth MacFarlane’s latest comedy starts showing. It’s titled, “A Million Ways to Die in The Old West”. As the creator of Family Guy and Ted, MacFarlane has found success in his formula of insane and at times gruesome comedy. That is why he has now brought it to the old west, in what appears to be another hit for him. To all those who liked Ted and Family Guy this is a must watch. On the other hand, this movie won’t change a MacFarlane-hater’s mind. Unfortunately there are a lot of movies and these shouldn’t go unnoticed this month, tweet what you think of the options above @tricolortimes. Until next time check out all the trailers for the movies above.