Granger high school
Tri-Color Times
An open forum for student opinion and expression
TRICOLORTIMES.COM
October 2014 LVII-1
Representing Granger High comes at a price By Ada Stott It’s no secret that the sport and dance teams at any high school can really cost, and they can. The money goes towards camps, outfits, gear, and other material purchased. Despite the expense, these dedicated athletes sure think they get their money’s worth. Wesley Brinkerhoff (11) described the wrestling team’s expense. “Wrestling can cost anywhere from $80-$100, but Hell yeah it’s worth it,” he said. To pay, he works at Foot Action. Brinkerhoff has been wrestling for two years while living in Alaska because his parents made him. “Now though, I do it because I’m crazy. I love to compete and let my stress out,” he said. He shows his dedication at practice every day for 3-5 hours. “At first, it can be difficult and frustrating trying to make time for
my homework, and friends and family, and life, but then wresting becomes your life and you learn to make it work,” Brinkerhoff said. Dallin Meikel (10) also thinks that it can be difficult to balance everything, especially after adding football to the scale. “You have to plan everything perfectly, you have to be here, be dedicated, and you have to be really good with time,” Meikel said. He has practice 3-4 hours a day, five days a week. Football costs about $235, and he pays with money he gets from mowing lawns. When Dallin was about eight years old, his friend Dayne Mortenson got him involved in football, and he’s been doing it ever since. Gretchen Bingaman (11) also started doing what she loves at a young age. She’s been dancing since she
was just three years old. She auditioned and made Dance Company her sophomore year. She practices every other day during class, and sometimes after school. “It can be challenging, because I have homework and I dance at a studio every night, but it’s fun and definitely worth it,” Bingaman said. She knows that being on the team will help her later in life. “Dance Company can cost $140, including fees, camps, and outfits, but it will benefit me later on when I want to become a dance teacher.” But even before that, it will look good on applications for college, dance teams, and dance will help with scholarships, too. Kristina Linch (12) cheers for fun and for the thrill of cheering on Lancer teams. “My mom used to be a cheerleader, and I wanted to follow in
her footsteps.” Lynch said. It can cost up to $1,500, so her parents loan her the money until she can pay them back. Maddie Archuleta (12) has been doing competitive dance her whole life, and made the drill team her sophomore year. “It costs about $1,700, but it’s worth it,” Archuletta said. They may cost a lot, but team experiences bring Granger students pride and joy as they represent their school while doing what they are passionate about. They pay with more than money -- they pay with time, hard work, dedication, and summers surrendered to practices and camps. In many ways, doing what they love is expensive, and these Lancers are glad to pay the full price. They understand that although it costs a lot, their hard work will pay off. And Lancers love being able to show off that hard work here at Granger High.
Dallin Meikel, Maddie Archuleta, Wesley Brinkerhoff, and Gretchen Bingaman participate in expensive extra-curricular activities.
Lancers have varied experiences with lockers By Hillary Daoheuang THERE are many students at Granger High who use their locker and who don’t but there are some interesting students that use their locker from every day to once a week. Tommy Pacheco (9) doesn’t keep much in his locker. The only item he keeps is a jacket when it starts to get chilly. He also keeps a mirror for his friends, because they like to look at themselves, or for the ladies who need a mirror close by. Tommy says that he does not want to share his locker for personal reasons. Fredrick Montano (9) only uses his binder and backpack. Fredrick is one of the few students who use their locker every other day. By the end of the school year,
Dajane Hamilton (12) uses her Montano is going to accomplish gym locker but not her hallway his goal by using it every day. “I use my locker mainly for locker. She also said she doesn’t books,” Veil Lewis (11) said. want to share her locker. “I like Lewis only uses his locker four my own space,” she said. In her locker, the times a week. most imporHe doesn’t tant thing is think sharher pants. ing a locker “You can is worth it walk around because “you have to keep the school track of who with no uses it, and pants.” I don’t have Hamilton time for believes that that,” he said. without lockLewis keeps Veil Lewis would rather not share a locker. ers it would a jacket and a couple of school be a struggle not only for her, supplies in his locker. It is also but also for other students. If the great to have a gym locker to school didn’t have lockers, she store Track & Field gear. thinks they would fill the space
with vending machines and more ads. Wyatt Nez (11) doesn’t use or keep much in his locker. He keeps the basic stuff in his locker like a binder, gym clothes, books, and a pencil. Nez also doesn’t want to share his locker “I don’t want someone to invade my space,” Khadija Nawaz (12) thinks that the lockers are very useful. She uses it for her jacket and books like many other students. Unlike many other students, Nawaz shares her locker -- many people use her locker because it is close to her friends class, and they are too lazy to walk to their own lockers. She believes that without the locker she would have to carry all her books and it would hurt her shoulders very much.
Students want art in the halls
Adrian Baker loves student art.
By Isabel Jackson MOST OF the artists in school believe Granger needs more art and color in its halls. Posters advertising clubs, classes, and sports are great but its not enough to keep kids from being bored from class to class. The school should be exciting and colorful just like everyone in the school. “We should put up more art around the school, who doesn’t like seeing explosions of color everywhere?” Perla Aguilar (11) said. These students also think that seeing art will help other students avoid stress and boredom. “They need to change it up more often,” Bell said. “It would be cool and give us inspiration.” Most of these students express themselves through art, Bell likes to draw Disney, Aguilar likes to draw mostly people. However, Kyle Tolley (10) draws mainly when he is bored. These students/artists want to see more art around the school and have it give inspiration to everyone else. They have different opinions on whose art should be posted around the school, whether professional artists or Granger student artists. “Students, only if it’s good,” Adrian Baker (10) said. “It should be students, not a pro,” Charles Manzanares (10) said. While Inkley has the same idea, “Both, some students think they can draw when they really can’t,” Inkley said Celis thought of it more logically, “I would want 75% professional art so that the school would look nice, and 25% student art so that the students can appreciate their peers,” he said. Tolley held that just professional art in the school halls, “Not students, professional art would be better,” he said. Lancers see the school colors around the school, and that’s good, but the colors that are put up are dark and dull. The most colorful things in the school are the color-changing light globes in the commons area. Perhaps the other light globes in the halls should change color so students can have something interesting to look at while walking to class.
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VOL. LVII Issue 1
October 2014, page 2
Summer Films
By Chastin Christiansen THIS SUMMER there have been a lot of great movies. Some of the most watched movies were “If I Stay” and “Fault in Our Stars,” With so many good movies this summer, Lancers might still have a few to see. A lot of the great movies this summer were really sad. “I watched ‘If I Stay.’ I really enjoyed it. It was sad but also entertaining at the same time. I would recommend this for everyone,” Noemi Huizar (11) said. “I’ve seen every movie in the theater this last month,” Kayla Aguilar (11) said. “My favorite movies were: “Lets Be Cops,” “If I Stay,” “The Giver,” “Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Hercules,” and the original “Hercules.” My favorite movie out of all the movies was the original Hercules. It’s my favorite, and I recommend it to people because it’s original.” Some Lancers prefer older movies to the newer ones. “I watched “If I Stay,” “Harry Potter,” and “Transformers.” My favorite movie was “Harry Potter.” It is my favorite movie because I love Harry Potter and he is the real MVP. I would recommend this to everyone because it is a great mystery movie,” Kaisha Ekker (11) said. Many people think that some actors are very attractive. There is nothing wrong with thinking actors are attractive. “Augustus is a mega hottie,” Daryan Bauer (11) said. “I watched “Fault in Our Stars”. I loved this movie because it made me cry. I would recommend this to everyone because it will make them cry like a baby.” Movies are not just for entertainment as they also have deeper meanings and deal with lifechanging issues. Lesieli Havili (11) watched “Fault in our Stars”. “It was my favorite movie because it shows how love can be very strong and that cancer can ruin peoples lives. My favorite part was when Gus asked Hazel to meet him at the church to say their goodbyes before he dies. I love Hazel because she was strong,” she said. Movies are a great way to pass the time and still have a good time with friends and family. “I watched “Amazing SpiderMan” and “Man of Steel”. My favorite movie was “Spider-Man” because he is hot. I think Andrew Garfield is a babe. I recommend this movie to everyone,” Michele Souza (11) said. “I watched “Taken”, “21 Jump Street”. My favorite movie out of those two was “Taken”, because it’s more interesting than “21 Jump Street”. I recommend this to everyone because it’s a good movie, and I enjoyed it a lot,” Abryann Herman (11) said. Although movies are expensive they are still worth the money. “I watched “Forest Gump”, “The Gray”, “Amazing SpiderMan”, “If I Stay” and “The Giver”. My favorite movie out of all of the movies I watched was “The Giver” because it gives a new outlook on life. I would definitely recommend this movie to everyone because it gives you a new taste of life,” Skylyn Vasquez (11) said.
Excitement of senior year includes some jitters By Kat Olvera nity College next fall. HERE AT Granger there is a Many of the seniors are terri“sickness” for every grade level; fied. Some of them don’t know seniors have it worst of all. They what they’ll do after high school. get the stress of college applica- Moises Mendoza (12) doesn’t tions, saving up for their own know what’s next. “I’m scared of place, or worrying about paying not succeeding and not being able bills. Many seniors are scared of to graduate,” he said. After high other things and others have dif- school, he plans on going to trade ferent worries. school to conSome may tinue learning be planning about welding. on staying at He also said home while he might go attending colinto the mililege, some tary. Although plan not to atsome seniors tend college at are scared of all. Others may not graduatstay in dorms ing, others are at the schools worried about they attend. In what adulta small recap, se- Camila Rojas has a graduation plan. hood holds for niors are scared. them. “I’m scared of not coming to Like many others, Gabriela school anymore, because once it’s Olmedo (12) is worried about over, everything turns insanely not graduating, but she’s also real,” Camila Rojas (12) said. worried about facing adulthood. She is scared to leave Granger, “I’m really scared of living alone but she has a plan. She plans to and having to pay bills. The thing work over the summer and start- that scares the most is not having ing school at Salt Lake Commu- the help when I need it,” Olmedo
said. She plans on going to medi- (12) have a fear-free mindset. cal or dental school; she wants to “I’m really not scared, but I also take her time building her career. don’t want to mess up,” he said. “I’m going to have my career, and Boyd plans to live his life the he I will succeed in life. There is no wants to without feeling the need maybe,” she said. to please others. “I will get a job Others students worry about that I love and that makes me hapwhat college they’ll get into. De- py, and I’ll live life the way I want nise Cuenca (12) is trying to get to,” he said. Sounds like a plan. accepted into Some stuWe s t m i n s t e r dents are to study busiscared of losness, and if she ing friendcan’t get into ships. David that school, she Maravilla plans on go(12) wonders ing to UVU. “I what will hapstill feel young, pen to his like I don’t befriends. “I’m long in college. scared of losI’m small and I ing my friends. don’t even look I don’t want to like a college stu- Welding works for Moises Mendoza. lose them. I’ve dent,” she said. She is excited for never met anyone like them.” her future, and she sees herself Although he sees himself in coltraveling to Europe, although she lege going to UVU or USU Eastisn’t ready for kids and marriage. ern, Maravilla really is scared of Many students are scared, while leaving. He plans on attending others are prepared for what is in college, still having a crappy job store for them. They know what or maybe one that pays a little they want and they know how to better than minimum wage. He is get it. Students like Jacobe Boyd prepared, but scared to leave.
Students prefer bands over solo artists
By Amy Alcantara and Zayra Gonsalez LANCER students were asked to choose their preference between solo artists or bands, One hundred students were polled and the results were as follows, solo artist: 43; bands: 57. “I say solo artist, because you can focus on his/her voice and talent,” Leydi Torres (12) said. The question was generic so that it didn’t matter what style of solo artist or band. No specific genre was mentioned. That way, the students wouldn’t be persuaded to choose between two styles or genres, making the process unbiased. “Bands are better because they can put more diverse things in their music, since each group member can put in something,” said Ocean Garza (12) said. “You can also relate to the words in their music.” That is a prime example of how music affects students’ lives. Many of the students interviewed had trouble with the question, saying that the question was, “deep” and that they didn’t know
how to answer it. They thought hard as they answered, and it gave them time to reflect on their lives and see how much music really affects their lives. “When you notice that a band
inspiring music,” she said. It was one of the deepest answers given of all the students polled. Music is a big part of students’ lives, and they do almost everything with music. For example
Lancers are devoted to their music -- bands and solo artists alike.
truly wrote a song with so much commitment and passion you feel what they felt, and that is what’s inspiring,” Noe Garcia (10) said. “People in a band are united as one by working together to make
they exercise, work, clean, drive, and sometimes even sleep with music playing. It is hard to imagine life without music; it is just like imagining life without cameras, one could then never capture
those moments in life. Then there are some people who just like to listen to music. “Neither one is better to me, I get no inspiration from either solo artists or bands, I just listen to music,” Omar Fuentes (10) said. He uses music just like in the golden ages, just to enjoy listening to it. Music also reveals a lot about a person: how they act, think, talk, or even their ways of communicating. Without knowing a solo artist or singer one can tell their music personality, by the type of music they sing. Music is what cheers people up and shows people how to live. Music helps people with the obstacles of life like a break up or when someone passes away. Music has the power to change the emotions of its listeners. “I like bands -- they have better guitarists and drummers,” Paulina Cruz (10) said. “They also inspire others to make friends and not care what other people think.” She likes to listen to the instruments in the background that are more often heard in a band’s music than a solo artist’s.
Lancer football has a new coach, new team, and a new beginning By Claudia Leon & Angellina Bernal THE FRIDAY night lights have turn on once again for a new football season and the sound of the crowd cheering in the stadium. Granger welcomed a new coach at the end of the 2013-14 school year. Coach Morgan transferred from Riverton; a school that was 8-2, to Granger that was 2-8 for the 2013-14 football season. This season has taken a rough start, but the players are determined to come back stronger than ever. Learning new ways to work together, not only as a team but also as a family. “He can relate to us, as a former athlete and coach,” Robert Liehr (12) said. Most players on the team like that Morgan knows how
they feel, because he has been in their shoes, once as a former athlete himself. He knows the level of dedication it takes to make a team into a family. Morgan is introducing new strategies to improve the team, making them better players, and encouraging them to show good sportsmanship. “He’s motivated, he understands us as players, and he pushes us to our full potential,” Jeremiah Deegan (11) said. This new coach is showing his team that is doesn’t matter if they win or lose, it’s how they played the game. “He’s done it before himself,” Jacob Miles (12) said. Coach Morgan differs from previous football coaches at Granger High School. “He’s super nice,”
Thomas Bolds (11) said. “We need to be more united as a team.” Bolds said. For many boys this is their first year playing football at the high school level, and for some it might be their second, third, or even fourth year playing. Although the football team started the season off rough, they’re doing their best to work together and turn this rough start upside down. There is always room for improvement and time to turn weaknesses into strengths. Sometimes welcoming new players into a team, can be rough. So can getting used to new procedures, balancing between practice and school or sometimes work. Even the best athletes, always have something to improve. The transition of a new coach, a team
may distance themselves from one another. A team is like second family, players spend countless hours of practice with them and experience the sweetness of victory and the bitterness of a loss. With a rough start to the season, Granger football is excited to go up against high school state champions Bingham Miners, “It’ll be fun, we’re state champions in our hearts.” Liehr said. Win or lose they are ready to put up a good fight, and show the Miners what the Lancers are really made of. Come support Granger football team as they go against the Bingham Miners and beyond, as there are many more opportunities, to show support. There are still some football games left.
October 2014, page 3
VOL. LVII Issue 1
Lancers talk about summer job and experiences
By Andrea Lomeli BORING, average, and dull are just a few words that some students might use to describe their unproductive summer as they’re sitting on their couch and doing nothing all day on their phone. Meanwhile, students who try do something productive and apply for summer jobs might describe it as hard working and are quite rewarding while receiving some extra money before school starts. Some jobs are difficult or frustrating. “Customers can be rude at times, they’ll yell at you because you cannot do something for them,” Jessica Rubio (12) said. She worked a phone-operating job over the summer. “It was kind of boring at times,
too. When it’s not busy there, you just sit there and stare at your screen,” Rubio said. Now that school has started she has talked about how she is still maintaining the job she had over the summer while going to school. “Um… it’s sort of hard but not really, because I just do my homework when things are slow,” she said. If phone operating can be an OK indoor summer job, just imagine how it is having one outside in the summer heat. “My job this summer was landscaping,” Jose Bravo (11) said. “It was OK, but it was kind of hard and I sweated a lot and got sunburned,” Bravo said. “The reason why I worked though was because it pays good and it shows you responsibility
and skills you need to know when you own a house like mowing the grass and putting on sprinklers,” Bravo said. “I think summer jobs
Camie Wilkerson hires Lancers for Winder.
help you do something instead of just sitting on the couch and doing nothing all day,” he said. Although some summer jobs
weren’t exactly summer highlights, many Lancers had better experiences. Camie Wilkerson (12) loves her job. “My occupation is student manager at Winder Farms,” Wilkerson said. She got interested when “Ken Winder came to Granger and was telling the spill on it, and the starting base of how much they made was really good pay for the job at a young age, which pretty much got me interested,” she said. “So pretty much what we do is meet up at 2:30 and have a meeting called correlation which would pump us up they would gives an inspirational quote and tips on how to understand our customers. Then we go to door to door and try knocking and sell the product to the people
who would answer and tell them about the product and how it works and sign them up if they were interested. So that what we basically do on a daily basis.” Although summer is long gone there’s still a chance of having job if you’re still interested. Wilkerson is recruiting kids who are interested at working at Winder. “It can be hard having a job and being a full-time student but its definitely worth it because not only do I have the experience and I get to have spending money, It’s also definitely rewarding to learn how to work with different types of people and it keeps on my toes,” she said. So anyone interested in more information contact her at camiwilkerson@gmail.com or at 801950-4978.
Rockstar resides at Granger By Alex Hawley THE HEAVY thud of a volleyball pounding the gym floor can be heard as the beloved Coach Mills makes her way to her office. As she sits down at her desk, the aroma of hot pockets and trophy cleaner fills the air. The room is filled with various pieces of athletic equipment, and memoirs of volleyball teams past line the walls. She carefully removes a scrapbook from her desk and smiles as she flips through the delicate pages. Contained within the book is a side of the fitness instructor that few students have ever known.
Surprising to most, Ms. Mills was at one time a roadie for the notorious Vans Warped Tour, as well as a close companion to many of the bands Granger students know and love today. “I was actually in attendance at the very first Vans Warped Tour,” she said with pride. “Back then, the set list was limited to about ten music acts only, and the tour never went farther than the West Coast.” The tour is now an international entertainment event, and the performing acts number about 80 bands each year. “I attended the tour for roughly seven consecutive years and even
spent a couple of tours riding on the bus with the bands and taking a flight home at the end of the tour,” she said. Of course, being around the tour long enough has its perks. “I’ve had the opportunity to meet and hang out with many of the tour sponsors and executives and members of different bands,” she said. “I’m actually quite good friends with the members of Pepper [a reggae/ ska-punk band from Hawaii].” In her time at the tour, she has also become close with other bands including 311, Yellowcard, Rancid, Deftones, and The Offspring.
Longboards work for fun and transportation By Samantha McClure ing just to go,” she said. “I don’t at first, but after some time I think “LONGBOARDING makes me ever have to worry about the tires I would get the hang of it and feel free,” Ashten Talbot (11) popping.” have fun,” he said. said. Longboarding to school “I started longboarding be“When I’m going down the or work or even just with friends cause all my friends were doing street I feel awesome, I feel like for fun seems to be a solid trend. it,” Wallace Archer (10) said. everyone should be jealous of “I feel as though it’s better “When I tried it I loved it. I go ev- me,” Abdul Alrekabi (11) said. than riding a bike,” Talbot said. erywhere with my board, it’s like “The faster I go, the better I feel, “It keeps me in shape; it’s what I my best friend” and the more I feel like everyone look forward to in my day, espe“When I’m longboarding and I thinks I’m crazy, but I don’t mind. cially after I think I’m a long day.” awesome,” Longhe said. boarding “One time seems to be I was swimsomething ming with a lot of peofriends and ple want to brothers, try. Whethwe brought er it’s just our longgoing up boards bethe street, cause we or going all board. down a reWhen we ally big hill. were getSomeone ting ready somewhere to go, I rewants to try alized that it. one of the “When longboards I’m on my was gone,” way to go Alrekabi down a big said. “I hill, my was very Longboards stacked in the counseling center don’t tempt owners to skate to class. adrenaline starts mad, and I never going,” Brock Benavidez said. fall, I just get back up and contin- found out who took it.” “When I finally get to the hill ue going,” Trevor Haywood (11) Longboarding is very risky, but I just go -- if I look too long, I said. “It wouldn’t be very fun if I fun and enjoyable for all ages. might nervous,” he said. just sat and cried about it” “It’s fast, it’s fun, and it’s reli“When my car is running low “I would love to try longboard- able,” Kyle Tolley (10) said. Try on gas I just longboard where I ing,” Mack Turk (11) said. it. Even if it ends up being boring need to go,” Cheyleigh Hayes “When I see people longboarding or dumb, at least another Lancer (11) said. “Whether it’s to school it always looks like they’re hav- was up to something new, someor just to a friends house, or going fun. I think it would be scary thing crazy and fun.
Ms. Mills throws it back to an early Vans Warped Tour.
Tri-Color Times Staff Editor Kaitlin Cluff Junior Editor Briana Puga
Photo Editor Indigo Hinojos Photographer Caitlin Rosenlof
Reporters Amy Alcantara Me Denni Arns Katie Avery Angellina Bernal Alisha Chief Chastin Christiansen Hillary Daoheuang Maid Dervisevic Robbie Devenish Jennifer Duong Angel Figueroa Zayra Gonzalez Scarlett Gregorio Katie Gutierrez Sadiq Hamadi Daniel Hernandez Tina Huynh Claudia Islas Isabel Jackson Claudia Leon
Reporters Andrea Lomeli Antonio Loredo Steven Lujan Samantha Mcclure Evangelina Mendoza Kylee Nielson Daniela Olvera Kat Olvera Diana Perez Hailey Piper Edith Pizana John Quezada Naticha Retamar Skye Rouse Angelina Salazar Ada Stott Samuel Sua Cesar Tapia Sendi Torres Pedro Vargas
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
October 2014, page 4
VOL. LVII Issue 1
VOL. LVII Issue 1
October 2014, page 5
October 2014, page 6
Summer Films
By Daniela Olvera SENIORS at Granger High School are very excited to graduate. That is the main activity seniors are getting prepared for: “Graduation Day”. The pressure is on…but many seniors seem to think there is a class higher than theirs. Others have it all under control. “I’m excited for prom. I’m looking forward to this last year with my friends and to making the best memories I can,” Elvis Palic (12) said. He’s also looking forward to the senior “Sunset” so that he may be involved. He plans to graduate early and come back in June to walk with his class. He is nervous and worried about what things are going to go on when he leaves in January. While graduation may be on every senior’s mind, there’s more to senior year than a handshake and a hat toss. “This year my plans are to do great in school,” Edwing Rodriguez (12) said. He wants to make it to second quarter so he can be involved in the parties and activities the school has prepared for the seniors. He and his friends have a lot of activities of their own planned such as going to Lagoon and creating a haunted house collage. He also plans on going to prom. “I’m so excited as well for upcoming sports -- it’s time to get fit,” he said. “I’m going to make this the best senior year,” Manny Machado (12) said. He is going to achieve this by earning his best grades ever and by brightening his future in any way that he possibly can. His current goal is to try out for soccer and make the team. “I have a lot of friends who have my back, so I have no worries,” Machado said. Extra-curricular activities mean a lot to seniors, too. This may be the last chance students have to compete in academics or sporting events. Granger SBO, Khadija Nawaz (12), is very excited for sports. She is getting prepared for Basketball and Softball. “I haven’t played sports since I was in junior high, and I want to end my senior year great,” she said. She’s very occupied, and she is always active either doing something for the school or teaching students something new or preparing activities for the students at Granger. There are all types of students at Granger High School. Dennis Perez (12) wants to end her school year by being involved in debate all year long. “I love to yell and argue with others, so there is no better class for me than debate. Plus, it looks amazing on a college applications,” Perez said. She’s so ready and prepared for college that nothing will get in her way. “I want this to be the best year ever. I’m going to enjoy this year like no other -- it’s going to be amazing,” Abraham Gomez (12) said. He is going to participate in all senior activities. As well, he is going to begin to play soccer again. He plans to spend most of his time with his girlfriend, but he will make time for a huge bromance with his guy friends.
VOL. LVII Issue 1
Lancers offer tips to incoming freshman By Kylee Nielson THIS IS Granger High School’s second year with freshman. It’s time for them to buckle down and get to work. They may have four years left, but before they know it, graduation will be around the corner. “Get hard classes out of the way first. This way you can have fun your senior year,” Billy Johnson (12) said. By taking all your required classes, it will give you more opportunities for elective classes your senior year. Lancers also should be taking classes related to the careers they want to go into. “Do your work, because you won’t survive if you don’t,” Gretchen Bingaman (11) said. “Don’t slough class, It doesn’t make you look cool. It only catches up to you in the end, and you will need to make it up.” There
are many Lancers who have to do school, whether it’s by going to credit recovery in order to gradu- dances to football games or just ate. Be smart, go to class, and do being a part of a team or club. the work, or get ready to spend No matter how big or small the extra time activity, it making up makes the credits. high school Lancexperience ers need to more fun. be in class Always every day, come to their atschool tendance is prepared. very imporBring a tant. When Lancer students AchieveBilly Johnson enjoys his senior electives. miss class, ment Bindthey should get it excused by a er every day. This is one thing parent with the attendance office needed in every class. (either by phone or note). With “Pay attention in all your classunexcused absences, you’re not es and stay caught up,” Daniele able to make up the work. Despain (10) said. Be one step “Get involved.” Dayna Ras- ahead. Get homework, projects, mussen (10) Lancers have many and assignments done early. This opportunities to be a part of their will help to relieve stress about
getting it done the night before it’s due. Students who do not understand the questions should speak up, and ask the teacher for help. If they don’t understand it, odds are others are also struggling. And students having troubles in a class shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help. There are many options for Lancers to get help with homework or classes. Math I students can come to after-school tutoring MondayThursday 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in room J214. Other math classes are Monday-Thursday 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in room F211. “Study hard and stay focused,” Shelby Rasmussen (11) said. Everyone has a class clown in that one class, but being focused and staying on task is the key to good grades. Successful students put homework before social life.
Freshman students start high school as the underdogs By Sendi Torres FRESHMAN students are excited to start their first year of high school, but some are a little scared. Juniors and seniors didn’t start their ninth grade year in a high school. Instead, they spent their ninth grade year a junior high school. The freshman class’s initial fear is not being able to find their way around the school. Natalie Salgado’s (9) biggest fear of starting high school was not being able to find her classes. She was worried that she wouldn’t have classes or lunch with people she knew. “At first I was lost and I couldn’t find my way around the school, but I asked for help. I had friends in my classes as well as lunch. I even had the opportunity to meet new people,” Salgado said. Emily Gonzales’s (9) only fear was not being able to find her way around the school. “The school is big and there’s a lot of people. I was scared that I wouldn’t be able to find my classes and that I
would constantly be late,” Gonzales said. Being late is a common concern for all Granger students because the halls get very crowded.
going to attend Granger. He just wants to pass his classes and get the credits he needs to graduate. “The only worry I had was homework. We are now high school
Briana Olivera is one of hundreds of new freshman at Granger High School.
There are a few freshman students for whom getting lost was their least worry. They had more important things to worry about. “I wasn’t scared to start high school. High school is just school, there’s just older people,” Elvis Torres (9) said. He already knew students that attended or that were
students, and we are expected to do more work,” Angel Diaz (9) said. “I just want to get the credits that are required to graduate and enjoy my high school years.” Students who think freshman year is hard are in for a surprise. The older they get, the more responsibility they have as they re-
ceive more homework. “Meeting new people was my biggest fear,” Briana Olivera (9) said. “I didn’t know if people were going to like me or not, especially the older students. I started talking to new people, and I made new friends,” she said. Jose Lucena (9) was scared that people wouldn’t like him and would try to fight him. “You never know what to expect from people older than you, especially if you’re a freshman. Everyone walks over the freshmen because we’re the youngest in the school,” Lucena said. And to those people who walk over the freshmen just because they’re older: well, stop it. We were all ninth graders once. Freshmen I wish you the best of luck this school year. Go to classes, pay attention and do the work. Pass those classes and join clubs, try out for sports, go to the school dances, and just have fun. High school is a great experience, and once it’s over…, it’s over.
Some students made their summer vacations unforgettable By Angel G. Figueroa THIS SUMMER, most Lancers spent their days hanging out with friends or just laid down and sleeping all day. Other Lancers went out of their way to make this summer one to remember. People would think that a perfect summer includes just kicking it back, but for other students they did more to make it a summer perfect. Alex Archuletta (11) tried to make this summer one of the best by going to see her favorite bands. “This summer I went to Warped Tour because I love to see the welcoming crowd that shows up at these concerts,” she said. She went to other concerts like Crown the Empire and Issues. “It was pretty fun socializing with the people and listening to my favorite artists live, but I also did other things,” she said. “I went downtown to see some sights and hang out with my friend in the park and I got to hang out with one my friends that doesn’t go to this school for a last time this year. Now I’m counting the days until the next summer,” Archuletta said.
Kristi Lago (10) spent most of her summer in Europe. “I missed the last week of school to start my summer early with my dad to Europe,” Lago said. “My dad had to go to meetings in Europe, and he took me along
dream to go there, and my dad went out of his way to take me. We spent a great day traveling all around Venice,” she said. “I also went to Costa Rica for a surprise vacation with my family,” she said.
Kristi Lago visited her dream vacation destination: Venice, Italy.
for the ride,” she said. “We went to France, Germany, Austria, Italy and Spain and I just went touring around a bit,” she said. Lago even got to take her dream trip. “Venice, Italy: it was my
“The best things we did were horseback riding and zip lining -that was the best,” she said. Lancers like Ryan Beckstead (10) who didn’t leave the states did fun things locally over the
summer. “I went and worked at Lagoon, but I only worked there for a while,” he said. “I went to Lagoon so much that I tried every ride at least once or twice,” he said. “I went to Seven Peaks lots of times this summer, too, and I went on all the slides. The only thing bad about Seven Peaks was getting wedgies from some of the slides,” Beckstead said. He also explored some of the great hiking places in Utah this summer. “I went hiking to Mount Timpanogos, Doughnut Falls and other that I can’t remember the names,” Beckstead said. “Doughnut Falls was my favorite place to go to, it took me and my friends a couple of hours to get there, but it was rewarding getting there and feeling the cold water on my head,” Beckstead said. “I also went to Seattle and saw where Bill Gates lived, that was pretty cool,” he said. This summer came and went, but these Lancers didn’t let their vacations go to waste, and the next summer won’t be any different.
October 2014, page 7
VOL. LVII Issue 1
Lancers’ summer 2k14 playlists mix it up By Tina Huynh THIS SUMMER was the summer for those catchy songs that radio stations love to overplay. Changing the station three times will do nothing but play the exact same songs on three different radio stations. Kids have been singing along to ‘Problem’ at the top of their lungs and going ham when rapping ‘Fancy’. These are just a few of the songs that have filled this summer. Different types of music that get less radio play are surprisingly great, because there’s so much good music out there just dying to be heard. “The songs in my summer soundtrack are ‘Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High’ by Arctic Monkeys, ‘Sweet Dreams’
by Marilyn Manson, and ‘It’s Time’ by Imagine Dragons. They relate to my life and the moments that happened in the summer. They sing my feelings,” Ana Diaz (12) said. Not every single artist has to be young, new, and popular to get Diaz’s attention. “I love the band, The Cure. I’m really into rock and alternative, so that explains it,” she said. Throwback Thursday brings a completely different meaning when throwing it all the way back to 1976. “My songs this summer are ‘More Than a Feeling’ by Boston, ‘Faint’ by Linkin Park, and ‘A Little Piece of Heaven’ by Avenged Sevenfold. I’ve been listening to a lot of Aerosmith,
Journey, MGMT, and Led Zeppelin. They’re some of my favorites. I like all of their music. They’re really upbeat, and it makes me feel good when I listen to them,” Tristan Ramirez (12) said. Summer songs are meant to be optimistic and rosy. The sun is supposed to be out and the music should be loud. Slow, calm songs are almost unheard of in the short three months. Maybe for some Lancers, nice, soothing music will help after a night of going hard. “My favorite song is ‘Night Sky’ by Nak. It sets the mood for the summer rain and the beat goes with it. I love listening to Nujabes and Sam Ock, too. When it’s sunnier outside, they have music that’s happy, catchy, and makes
me pumped up. I’m really into piano music, slow beats, and underground music, too,” Kimberly Inga (11) said. Although summer’s almost over, good songs are always making comebacks every season of the year. “I love listening to ‘Obsession’ by Frankie J, ‘When I See You’ by Fantasia, and ‘So Fly’ by NB Ridaz. They’re not songs that only one person would like, but a lot of people. I’m into Spanish music, by the way, if you couldn’t tell,” Rebeca Piña (9) said. The songs included on a Lancer’s summer playlist are obviously there for a reason -- whether it’s because certain songs always play on the radio or because they’re from favorite bands.
Tristan Ramirez likes old rock and roll.
Granger’s Homecoming rated a success Maintain digital privacy By Katie Gutierrez & Alisha member this, it was my last home- if they repeated the songs over Chief coming,” Odaliz Contreras (12) and over. I personally did not ON SATURDAY, September said. “I would love to attend all get asked; I just let my boyfriend 13, Granger High School hosted the school dances this year just to know we were going a week bean early homecoming dance. remember and enjoy my senior fore.” Despite the short notice, most year. Hopefully they have differ“I did not attend homecoming, students from sadly…I was just friends to not asked,” boyfriends and Blanca Corgirlfriends had rea (12) said. a good time. “But I’m sure “It was an it would have amazing night, been a great best school experience, esdance I’ve been pecially since to, I enjoyed it is my senior myself,” Danyear. If I had iela Soto (12) been asked, I said. “For my think I would day activity have liked to we went paintbe asked with balling and it some sort of was something food. Then for new for me.” sure I would “The way I say ‘yes.’ Dani Soto dances with her homecoming date, Brandon Pak. got asked was I I mean, who received a poster that said, ICE ent varieties of music at the other doesn’t love food.” CREAM YOU SCREAM, eat dances, I think it would make “Homecoming sounds like a all of the ice cream, don’t make them a lot better.” fun thing to go to but not for me, a mess, hope you’ll say yes, and “Homecoming was lots of fun, maybe not this year. Carmen at the bottom of the cake there and I was able to spend it with my Cendejas (10) “I think I’ll be atit said HOMECOMING?” Soto boyfriend and my best friend,” tending the school dances when said. Daniela Zepeda (10) said. “The I’m a junior or even a senior. The “Homecoming was fun, I’m only thing I didn’t like was the way to ask me and get me to say glad I came even if it was just music, they needed music from yes, would be to ask me in a big, with my friend, I will always re- different genres. It seemed as public way.”
By Antonio Loredo SOCIAL media privacy is always on someone’s mind: passwords, pictures posted without permission, private messages, or stolen content. Some things are just too confidential or embarrassing to become public. Today’s websites usually keep things under good privacy, and they don’t allow people to see your private things. Not many people know about the terms and services included with the Facebook “Messenger App”. This allows the government’s agents to read private messages and even record anything typed even if the “Messenger App” isn’t open. However, some think it’s a very big invasion of privacy on normal people. Some Lancers don’t really care about invasions of privacy because they don’t have anything to hide. “I don’t really care who sees my messages; I have no secrets,” Lorressa Ortega (11) said. “I also think it’s important to have privacy on the Internet, because if you don’t want people to see it then they shouldn’t,” she said. Ortega is pretty calm about the whole “Messenger App” terms and conditions situation, although it seems to bother other students.
“I think it’s really lame that they are allowed to do that with our private conversations,” Mylan Chow (12) said. “I think even on the Internet, we should still be able to have our own privacy.” Some people don’t like it when others post photos without their permission, but Chow disagrees. “If it’s a picture you took with your friend, then it should be OK to post and tag you in it,” she said. Many things on the Internet embarrass people, things like silly pictures or exposed messages, and those can be invasions of privacy. So many things can happen on the Internet and privacy can be compromised so easily that people shouldn’t really use social media for confidential things. “I’m fine with people reading my messages. If I didn’t want that, I wouldn’t use social media,” Michael Tan (11) said. “I would feel violated without privacy on the Internet though,” he said. And Tan seems to know how to protect his privacy on social media. “I don’t mind if people post pictures of me -- I kind of like it, and it’s a big deal to me,” Tan said. Privacy is good on social media. It is helpful, but not always very private. Things can be stolen or screenshot or hacked.
Granger teachers try profesional learning communities By Robbie Devenish GRANGER high school has brought in a new learning program called the PLC, short for Professional Learning Community. A PLC is a system that gets teachers to work together to make sure that they are teaching their students what they need to know. “It helps teachers in the same department be on the same page. A week before school started, all the teachers were taught about the program,” Mr. Locey said. The PLC program involves common quizzes and tests used by teachers who teach the same classes. They take the results of those tests or quizzes and review them to see what kids understood and what they need to learn. The teachers in a PLC compare the data of the test or quiz, and when they have covered that data, they discuss and use the data to inform instruction. They continue to discuss un-
Math and English at Granger purpose of learning for all. Theretil they come up with ideas and strategies by sharing each other’s High have benefitted from PLC- fore they create structures to proideas in order to come up with based instruction for a while. mote a collaborative culture,” “Educators who are building a as stated by Karen Seashore in better ways of teaching the students. “Chang“It’s new ing the to others Culture of but not to Schools”. G r a n g e r, ” “The PLC Dr. Gatti shifts the said. focus of Every school reschool in form from the Granrestructurite School ing to reDistrict but culturing. Granger In many was just schools no barely inmatter how troduced much they to the prostress colgram. laboration The teachbetween ers know the teachMs. Webb and Mr. Gibbons now coordinate their English classes in PLC meetings. what they ers and staff teach to once the their students, and to help other professional learning community teacher steps into the classroom students create greater learning recognize that they must work to- they go back to what they did befor the students,” he said. gether to achieve their collective fore, they work in isolation,” as
stated on the iowaascd.org website. “There are teams in the workforce that come up with tests and the end of each quarter to test the students in what they have learned or have gotten better at. They meet regularly and work to improve the diversity of their teaching skills. When they do get together, they usually meet during the school day to collaborate.” If the majority of the students don’t understand something or even if it is just one student, the teacher has to reteach that topic in order for all of the students to understand. This is what a PLC is all about: the teachers collaborate with each other in order for all students to get a better teaching plan. They talk to others in order to create a better learning atmosphere for students and the teachers are learning new things, as well. We can’t wait to see the results.
VOL. LVII Issue 1
October 2014, page 8
Social dance takes center stage at Granger
THERE has been a new dance class added to Granger high. Social dance is a new class for students to learn dances that include foxtrot, cha-cha, swing, waltz, and tango. They also learn other Latin dances that include bachata, salsa, and merengue. Social dance is a class that has the opportunity to learn classical dances and meet new people. The social dance class is an elective credit and not officially apart of the core curriculum. It is also a very interactive class. Partner skills is a very important feature of ballroom and of your daily life. Many schools in Utah already have a ballroom dance team. “I’m excited the administration has allowed us to begin a social dance class this year,” Ms. Vance said. “Social dance is a great way to interact with people without words,” Aaron Kim-Kam (12) said. His favorite dances consist of the foxtrot and cha-cha. He also has had four years of dance experience excluding social dance. For social dance, students do not
need any previous dance experience. Also with the Latin dances, there is a difference between social/ or ballroom and what are known as “club” dances. Social
cumbia, bachata, and cha-cha (all Latin dances). Cervantes is new to social dance with no other dance experience. In Ms. Vance’s class, she does
Danny Maestas loves learning about new styles of social dance.
dance is also a very diverse type of class with dance that go from Latin to American to African American. “Social dance is being able to dance with someone and have fun,” Yasmin Cervantes (12) said. Her favorite dances are
what’s called Latin Day. They learn dances like salsa, cumbia, bachata, and merengue. Social dance is very diverse and can take a student around the world with just a few simple steps. “Social dance is a way of expressing your feelings,” Shawn
Students prefer bands over solo artists
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By Ma Denni Arns FROM AMAZING athletes to top skilled academic students, Granger High is pretty special, but it’s easy to focus on sports and grades while missing something important -- all the artistic talent is hiding underneath the radar. Two spectacular students participated in a two-week figure-drawing workshop during the summer at the Art Institute. For fourteen days both Veronica Tann (12) and Jorge Gutierrez (11) worked from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. to spend the day just drawing the human figure using a live model. They finished six drawings a day. In addition to rough sketches, they also worked on a few projects with charcoal, gesso, and some paint, too. Attending this kind of artist workshop costs quite a bit of money, because art
is indeed expensive. Based on Tann’s painting per-
to the Art Institute. The figuredrawing academy definitely ben-
planning to attend medical school to become an obstetrician/gynecologist. “I only want to do art as a hobby,” said Tann. Gutierrez earned Granger’s annual “Fire Within” award for $200 and also a scholarship sponsored by the Salt Lake City Council for $300 including art supplies and a free spot at the figure acadI LIKE emy. Gutierrez FREEagreed with ... TUFF Tann aboutSthe workshop’s value. “I became a better artist and gained a new perspective,” he said. Gutierrez is maybe participating in the Springville museum’s art exhibit. “ I don’t know…it’s scary,” he said. After high school, Gutierrez is without a doubt dreaming to go to college for a bachelor’s in art. Mag’s advertisers at slugmag.com/promos On October 15 to October 22, Tann’s and Gutierrez’s art pieces would be displayed at the cultural center.
Rushton (11) said. He has been dancing for four years, and has earned medals for social dance. Some of his favorite dances are waltz, salsa, and west-coast swing. What makes Ansaf (Leila) Noor (11) happy is social dance. “Social dance to me is a dance I always wanted to learn; my favorites are cha-cha, waltz, bachata, and foxtrot,” Noor said. She also was in dance company as a ninth grader. Each different dance has a different year it started. For example, foxtrot in 1913, rumba and tango in 1914, cha-cha- and swing in 1950, salsa in 1944, and last but not least merengue in 1957. Social dance is one of the best pastimes. “Social dance is like ballroom and Latin dances,” Danny (Anthony) Maestas (11) said. His favorite is bachata, he is also in dance company, which is one of his favorite dance classes. Social dance is a new class to Granger, one that students who like dance should experience and one of the most entertaining.
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formance from the previous year, Ms. Mathews recommended the workshop to her and referred her
efitted Tann. “It was really good. I learned a lot more and met so many people,” she said. Tan is
Trends at Granger have many inspirations By John Quezada GRANGER students show their personality through many things like music, ideas, and self-expression, but another big part is styles and trends. “Everyone has their own style,” Zeus Briceno (11) said. “ I’d like to think I’m original in everything I wear.” Famous stars usually influence people or trends set by a certain mass of the population, but Briceno is his own influence in how he dresses. Many students at Granger High are trend-setters. “Vanessa Hudgens inspires me to dress how I dress,” Khadija Nawaz (12) said. “She gives me the inspiration to have more of a bohemian style,” she said. “I don’t dress like anyone, because I’m my own person,” Ciara Pena (10) said. It’s amusing
to know Granger High School students are so confident in their own styles. “Don’t dress to impress, dress for success,” Pena said. “It’s weird what people wear but it’s what they like wearing and that makes them who they are,” Rigoberto Alvarez (9) said. Fashion and style is a big part of how someone expresses who they are -- not only in personality, but who they are as a person. “How I dress is a big part of how I can express myself,” Alvarez said. “It’s Granger gear day, and I wanted to have as much school spirit as possible,” Michele Souza (11) said. Many Granger students love participating in school activities. School spirit definitely encourages students to dress a certain way. “You want to set trends. You
want someone to notice what you are wearing and make them so interested that they start wearing it,” Gabrielle Knudsen (11) said. “Fashion is one of the most popular trends going on in the world right now.” “Teenage boys have it the easy way,” Gloria Nduwimana (10) said. “Boys don’t have to take hours to pick out a pretty outfit or spend minutes or hours doing their makeup. Teenage boys just wear the same things: cargo shorts, T-shirts, long socks, and a pair of classic Vans.” “Old-fashioned styles have been one of the most popular and hottest trends. I go for more of an urban hipster-type look,” Pedro Hernandez (11) said. “I feel original because my style is different from most kids at my school.” For some Lancers, it’s not about
the latest styles. They rely on their individuality rather than follow fashion trends. “School trends are lame. Be yourself. Nobody has the right to judge you,” Gabe Lazaro (11) said. “I’ve been judged for the way I dress, but it makes no difference to me. I know who I am, and I dress how I want to dress. I don’t feel original, but I know I’m different.” “I feel anyone can wear anything at school because school is to learn not to impress anyone,” Ezra Masters (10) said. “I’m proud of how I dress because it’s me.” Many Granger High school students agree that it’s best when everyone wears what makes them feel comfortable, and they express themselves through what they wear.