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feburary 2015 LVII-5
Amazing Art Carnival dazzles Lancers By Antonio Loredo THE AMAZING art drawn, painted, and performed was all displayed at the Carnival of the Arts, a free art festival that was opened to the public from 6-9 p.m. on Thursday, January 15. The festival featured art that was made by Granger students and dances and singing performed by Granger’s Dance Company and a show put on by the drama team. There was also a singing performance done by Andrea Jimenez (10) singing Mama I’m a big girl now. In front of all who attended the festival and she showed absolutely no fear when singing. “It was fun and thrilling it felt natural singing to the big crowd on the stage,” Jimenez said. “I think that the whole festival went well there was a lot of heart and work put into the performances,” Jimenez said. The performances were all great everyone definitely worked hard
to put a good show on for all the people who attended. “I wish more people would have showed up to the festival, it was great,” she said. There were four different galleries categories during the festival the drawn art, music, theater, and dance. Each one had an amazing part to it, and music had the school rock band and the school’s marching band. The art was Granger’s student-made paintings, sculptures/masks and pencil-drawn art. “I came to the art show because I love art, and I thought there would be an auction,” Mariah Jimenez (11) said. “I think art is very important because the world would be dull without it there would be no creativity, imagination or inspiration,” she said. The dancing part of the carnival was held towards the end of the art show along with the theater part of the show. The dance
performed by the Dance Company was called Tangled History. Many people loved it, and it was pretty amazing. “My favorite part of the show was the art gallery, I really liked the masks on display,” Jimenez said. Tons of people showed up to the art festival but there still could have been a bigger turnout. Especially the students of Granger high should have been there not just to support the school, but because it is very interesting and amazing. “Tonight I performed with Dance Company in a dance called Tangled History,” Amanda Mckinnon (10) said. “Art is important because people use it as an escape, and it’s great to express.” All of the drawn and painted art was displayed in the alumni room next to the auditorium and it was filled with excellent pieces of work. There was an amazing
drawing of Audrey Hepburn and full-bodied sketches of models. The festival was organized by lots of students like Ciearra Everill (12) who ran the music in the musical theater part of the show. “I’m here because I am the historian of the drama club, and art is an important thing in this world,” Everill said. “I probably won’t be able to see the art because I don’t have the time, since I’m running the show, but I would go see if I wasn’t so busy,” Everill said. Theater is a big part of Everill’s life. She’s been a part of it for three years, but hated the idea of being judged or going on stage. Mr. Fuller and Mrs. Anderson opened it up to her. “Art can capture emotion we can’t express verbally,” Everill said. The Carnival of the Arts was great. The shows had tons of great art that everyone enjoyed.
Andrea Jimenez, Gillian Rosier and Stephanie Wright showing off their amazing pipes to the audience of the art show.
Teachers talk about Valentine’s Day experiences By Andrea Lomeli IT’S THAT time of year again when Lancers get ready to prepare what they’re going to give their sweethearts for Valentine’s Day. And for those who don’t, well they should probably start looking for one or just prepare and anticipate the loneliness that they’re going to encounter on that day. While students try to come up with ways to spend Valentine’s Day, they might be interested in some of their teachers’ experiences, too. Here’s one teacher who talks about one of his best valentines when he was back in high school. “When I was in high school I became really good friends with who I thought was the cutest sophomore in the whole school,” Mr. Pace said. “We became really good friends and went on some dates and on Valentine’s Day, she made me a cookie. I’m not sure
how big it was; it was probably about three feet wide and three feet tall. It was the best cookie I ever had,” Mr. Pace said. Although valentines can be really cute and bitter sweet for some teachers, it could also be a bit awkward and create some misunderstandings. “My first year in college my father sent me flowers for Valentine’s Day and signed it, ‘Love Pat,’ ” Ms. Atkin said. “My roommate was dating a guy named Pat, and she thought her boyfriend was sending me flowers, and she wouldn’t talk to me for about a week. I had to get my dad on the phone to explain to her that it was from him, and she didn’t want to believe it. It was just all-around embarrassing for everybody, including my dad,” she said. After it was said and done, they laughed about it. Now Ms. Atkin is a Facebook friend of her college roommate
and they still laugh about it now. Although some may end in a disaster, others can end in ways that no one ever expected. Ms. Heidinger talks about how she had one of the best Valentine’s Day she ever had when she was in graduate school. “So I had been broken up with a boyfriend, and I thought this Valentine’s Day would end tragically for me. But when I got home to my apartment, I saw that there were a dozen roses waiting for me, and they said they from Mike. And I was like, ‘Oh, my gosh! It can’t be this guy again,’ ” Ms. Heidinger said. She explained how the guy that blew her off was named Mike, and that she also knew this other Mike that she had been talking to recently. “So I was a little bit confused, because it said, ‘To the most beautiful woman in the world.’ It was surprise because I had met
the guy at my sister’s wedding, and we had been emailing back and forth. So that was the first time he let me know he felt,” said Ms. Heidinger. She also went on about what wonderful guy this new Mike turned out be, and that is the story of how she met her husband. Valentine or no Valentine, there’s no need to stress because maybe it takes a while or the right place or the right time to find a valentine. And if Valentine’s Day isn’t perfect, then there will be something to laugh about later on. Sometimes the best Valentine’s Day plan for students is just to defy the loneliness of this holiday by hanging out with friends. That’s one of the great things about this generation. Valentines day will obviously be more meaningful when you get older, but right now Lancers are just going with the flow.
Seminary is worth the price
By Katie Avery THE KIDS who miss out on earning credit by taking seminary say it’s worth it. Kailee Justesen (11) takes the class because she likes it. “I like seminary because it’s fun and I feel like they actually interact with us. It’s not like a regular class,” she said. Justesen thinks it’s worth not getting credit for it because it’s like a free period. “The only thing that’s hard is the reading. My parents make me take seminary, but if it came down to it, I don’t think I’d take a different class,” Justesen said. For Mckaida Davies (11), her parents also started out making her take seminary, but now she takes it because it’s good for her. “I enjoy it some days because I get to get out of school and talk with friends. It’s a way to get me away from the high school scene. It’s worth not getting credit for the class because it’s rewarding spiritually, and it teaches me real-life goals,” Davies said. She thinks seminary is pretty easy. “All we have to do is basically show up, participate, and read,” she said. Della Gurr (12) also likes seminary because it is a way to escape school. “It’s worth not getting credit because you still get credit toward your church education, and if you take seminary, it is a higher chance to go on a mission. I take it because it is part of my religion, and it’s easy. We learn life lessons and church history,” Gurr said. Derek Stephens (12) takes seminary so he can develop “Christlike attributes.” “In seminary we talk about becoming more like Jesus Christ. All we do is show up and ask questions about life. It’s worth not getting credit for taking seminary, because it’s worth bettering myself and becoming the person I want to be after more experiences,” he said. Miranda Musselman (12) thinks seminary is a good experience to get away from school as well. “It’s worth not getting any credit for this class because you still gain a good amount of knowledge. It’s not hard, because there is never a wrong answer. I take it because it’s a good opportunity to get knowledge about something you won’t get in school,” Musselman said. Effort from these kids is required to take the class, but it is an effort they will never regret. It’s a season of growth and a time of opportunity. They are on the quest for truth. It takes loyalty and integrity to be part of the church. It’s their duty to keep their testimonies alive, and seminary can change the lives of those with a willingness and desire to learn.
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VOL. LVII Issue 5
February 2015, page 2
Lancers share their upcoming plans for graduating early By Tina Huynh GRADUATION is on its way, and by the looks of it, it’s on its way fast. This past year couldn’t have gone by faster even if it tried to. Finally getting done with high school could be the most refreshing breath ever taken. Having that diploma in hand and walking that final walk through that arena will make those final four years worth it. All those sleepless nights staying up till 2 a.m. and all those basketball games missed to finish homework assignments that were due last week won’t go unnoticed. There are a couple of extraordinary Lancers who just aren’t going to wait until June to hear that final bell ring. These Lancer’s goals are to finish six months earlier and beat everyone else to graduation. “Graduating early is better than not graduating at all and dropping
out. I technically will be walking with my class, but I only really have one friend I’d be walking with. I’m totally OK with being alone, though. I’m probably going to regret leaving earlier, so it’s going to be the best thing for me, and I know that,” Diana Mendoza (12) said. It’s all about getting a head start for some Lancers. Whether it’s a year or a semester, every day counts. “I’ll miss some of my teachers the most. I think when I do leave, I’ll join the marines or just go to Salt Lake Community College and join the nursing program,” Mendoza said. Most likely, these Lancers probably already have a plan. They know where they’re headed, where they’re going, and what they want to do. It’s all mapped out from here on out. It’s not going to be easy to do
what they do. It’s all part of a dedication system to extra classes and extra work to go through every night. Wanting it bad enough and putting all the work in is how the results are going to come through. Never again having to wake up at 6 a.m. just to sit through lecture after lecture is a deal that most Lancers would agree to in a minute. “One of the reasons I chose to graduate early was because I wanted to get it over with so I could start college early. And honestly, because I really don’t like school. I figured I would just graduate early so I won’t have to be missing so many school days anymore,” Sedia Severiano (12) said. Whatever the reason for wanting to graduate early, it could be bitter-sweet. “I didn’t do it for my friends. I
did it because I always wanted to graduate early, but I didn’t have all my credits until this year to do that. I’m not going to regret it. I honestly won’t miss anything about Granger. Nothing, there’s
nothing for me to miss there,” Severiano said. Starting up college earlier than the rest of your friends, is such a feeling of accomplishment. These Lancers are killing it.
Sedia is excited to graduate early.
Below Fiction has great talent thanks to some Lancers clude Tyler Talbot (10) Bassist/ Manager, Bryan Gutierrez (12) rhythm guitarist, Andre Bettinson lead singer, . Mordue (12) drummer, and last, but not least, Nicholas Holt lead guitarist. All these guys make up an amazing band. Below Fiction played at In the Venue on December 20, 2014. The guys were there all day after the concert started at 4:30 p.m. The show was just the second concert they had played, and Below Fiction rocking out for their fans.
best bands fight over the small things. The band has released five songs that are free to stream and also has merchandise to buy. As well as a new single coming out in spring. The songs they have out are: Drown Out, Elephant in the Room, Choke-Chain, Scarlet Harlot, Prey to God, Rise, and Zeitgeist. On December 22, Below Fiction played their second concert at In the Venue, and they played last out of all the bands. They are an aware, put-together band, and they know when it’s time to rock. They described their music as djent /metalcore. They sound very professional and are some of the sweetest guys out there. “As a band we want to continue writing
By Amy Alcantara BELOW Fiction is a band here in Utah that started on January 26, 2013. The band members in-
for just playing two concerts, the band was very settled. They are very mature and patient to wait a very long time to play. Some famous bands the boys thought inspired their music include Issues, Woe Is Me, Parkway Drive, Bring Me the Horizon, Emmure, Chelsea Grin, Memphis May Fire, Motionless in White, Periphery, Northlane, and Attila. They also get their influences from jazz music, post-hardcore, and metal/death core. Like every other band, there are some troubles first starting. “At first Bryan was lazy, and we also needed to get used to each other’s writing and playing styles,” Bettinson said. “When recording, we fight. A LOT,” Talbot said. So even the
Letter to the editor: teen dating violence statistics
X’s spill about their competitions
Special from Mylan Chau YOUNG adult dating violence is a major problem, yet it is a problem that not everyone is aware of. When thinking of dating violence as a whole, it is deemed as any behavior in a romantic relationship that is meant to establish an unequal balance of power and control. Although it is going on around us every day, we don’t notice because sometimes it is not as obvious as a black eye or some bruises. Abuse comes in different forms including physical, sexual, or emotional. Statistics tell us that 1.5 million teens in the U.S. are affected by teen dating violence and 1 in every 5 teens have actually been in a violent dating situation. That’s twenty percent. If you think about it in terms of our 3,000 students, it would mean about 600 students could have been in a violent dating situation, but it doesn’t stop there. This is something that is happening worldwide, it’s not only in the U.S. It is crazy to think about it from a scale so large yet so small at the same time. Although these statistics seem so large, they are not entirely accurate. When in a situation like dating violence, at times you
might think that it is normal. Some people might have grown up in a household where their parents “love” each other but dad hits mom, so that must be love, right? Kids might not know that that is not normal. These statistics do not include those who are so afraid to speak up that they just live with the abuse. What is even worse is that some teens that suffer dating abuse are more likely to experience long-term consequences. Some of the long-term consequences include things like eating disorders, thoughts of suicide, violent behavior, and alcoholism. Another statistic stays that 50% of young people who experience rape or physical or sexual abuse will attempt to commit suicide. The Student Body Officers will be having a Teen Dating Violence week in February, and we hope that all students participate. We want to be well aware of these situations so that we can let these students know that they are not alone. If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship -- SPEAK UP! You can either talk to an adult you trust or call the Utah Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800897-LINK. Everyone has the right to be treated with respect.
By Skye Rouse THE EXCALIBURS are Granger High School’s drill team, and they compete and perform at halftime shows in advance of their region competition. “Dance is so much fun; it is one of my favorite hobbies. Dance is a lot of work we practice four to five days a week for about three hours, and I also practice at home for about thirty minutes each day. Dance has helped me make a lot of friends and has boosted myself confidence a lot,” Brooklynn Myler (9) said. Dance is a lot to handle for some girls, but because it is their passion, they do it anyways. “My favorite part about dance is how confident it has made me. Practice is hard, but I love it when I get that adrenaline before we perform. Dance camp was hard, but is was also fun. I liked performing with the other teams, and the food…the food was awesome,” Vianka Haro (11) said. The drill team agrees that it’s a lot of time, a lot of dedication, and a lot of fun. “Practice is my favorite and one of the hardest things I do. We practice Tuesday and Thursday for about three and a half hours plus the time we practice at home. I love performing with my team and other teams as well. Dance camp was so cool; we got to cooperate with other people and
learn new skills, and it is something I will never forget,” Wendy Yu (10) said. These dancers know what it takes to make it as a top-notch performer. “If I had to give advice, I would say practice your technique at home, and be confident when you
Amy Chestnut’s dance skills amaze.
perform. In drill, you have a lot of bonding time with your teammates. When I dance I feel complete and like somebody, it has helped me a lot with my schooling because it makes me try harder. My biggest struggle is my flexibility and the butterflies I get before I perform,” Amy Chestnut (9) said. These activities help them phys-
music and building a following and live comfortably doing what we love,” Bettinson said. “The show was really good, and we got a great crowd response. No one was too nervous, and the five of us were pumped,” Holt said, explaining how he felt at the first concert. “I was shaking, but now with fear but with excitement,” Mordue said. The entire band felt good about the show. “It was better than your average concert. It’s amazing: your first venue, paycheck, and fan base. Extremely good, better than your average local band concert,” Gutierrez said. The last concert they played was a night to remember.
ically and mentally. “I love bonding with my team, we have made so many memories on and off the stage and at dance camp. One thing that drives me nuts is the early morning practices. When I first joined drill and we first started to perform, I was always nervous before we went on stage, but when you’re on and you hear people cheering and screaming your name, you feel awesome,” Pauline Tukumoeatu (11) said. The bonds teammates form help them realize who has the best intentions in their lives. “I love getting to know my girls, because they make me realize that there are important people in my life and that they care and want what’s best for me. One thing I loved about dance camp was the twelve hours of dancing, then going back to my room, then laying down and creating awesome memories with the best friends I could have asked for. The struggle of drill for me is getting all the way through the dances because I end up getting really tired because of all the energy,” Karina Carrasco (11) said. It’s amazing to see the strong bond that they have between their team. We hope the best for them throughtout the rest of the year. Make sure to come support them at upcoming events.
February 2015, page 3
VOL. LVII Issue 5
Students still eager to change ‘no hat’ policy
By Angellina Bernal THE ‘NO hat’ policy is a really big concern for Granger students. Granger students don’t understand why school administrators enforce such a controversial rule. A majority of Granger students don’t agree with the ‘no hat’ policy and want it changed, while others might think isn’t such a bad thing. “I want the ‘no hat’ policy to change, I think that if the hats aren’t gang related or say anything inappropriate, we should be able to wear them. Unless the hat offends someone, then I think it should be OK. It shouldn’t be such a big deal,” Jocee Waters (11) said. Granger students all have their opinions and their reason for not liking the policy.
Some student’s just don’t want to wear Granger-related clothing, while some just want to wear their own hats and such. “I would like to wear my other hats rather than just sticking to Granger hats. Granger hats are shaped weird, they’re not comfortable to wear all the time,” Quinnton Draper (9) said. A few students seem to think administrators want Granger students to wear Granger-related clothing or accessories to promote the school, or to be more supportive of Granger. “I feel like they just wants us to wear Granger hats because they want us to be more supportive of our school,” Junior Martinez (10) said. Granger students seems to have more negative feelings about the
policy than positive feelings. Granger students do have a good reason not to like it, but there’s always two sides to every story. “There’s a couple reasons why we enforce the ‘no hat’ policy. When students don’t wear hats it is easier for us to recognize their faces, we have to keep a uniform rule throughout the year, this rule keeps inappropriate hats out of Granger. It is also a safety issue. Another thing is, it would be unfair for others if we tell them no they can’t wear their hat, and then let others wear theirs,” Dr. Dunn said. And if Lancers don’t wear hats, it’s easier to identify trespassers and strangers on school property. Maybe Granger students will be able to see the good in the ‘no hat’ policy now that there is an actual
answer that came straight from the principal himself. No matter what is said students are always going to have opinions on it, it is such a controversial topic. There is a good and a bad side to the ‘no hat’ policy, but once a student’s mind is made up about something, there’s really nothing that can be said to change it. There’s always going to be those who disagree, but the administrators and teachers are only enforcing this policy to keep their students safe. Anything a teacher or administrator does is usually for the good of the school; they don’t just make rules to frustrate students. “I see why administrators are enforcing the ‘no hat’ policy, I don’t exactly agree with it though. I want to wear my own hats. Hats,
beanies, and baseball caps all can put together an outfit. Or if I’m having a bad hair day I can’t just throw on a beanie because I’d have to take it off when I come to school,” Hailey Bernal (9) said.
Approved hats are sold in the office.
Social media complicates dating in high school
By Alisha Chief RELATIONSHIPS can be tricky, and it’s tempting to share secrets or passwords with a trusted partner. Still, Lancers shouldn’t feel bad about wanting some privacy. “I like relationships, but I am really independent. I love my space and time,” Shannon Olvera (12) said. “I feel like it’s OK to be yourself before committing to anyone. No, I don’t think your partner should have the password to your social media because privacy is a right, and the person you’re with should trust you. Be respectful loving, understanding trustworthy and reliable. Just
don’t post your relationship or problems online. Don’t be disrespectful or rude with no manners. Be understanding and supportive,” Olvera said. Some people might want to have the password to your Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc. while others just don’t care. “No, I don’t think that the person you’re with should have the password to anything unless your super close with them. I mean not at this age, at least, not until you’re older or married,” Celina Bracamontes (11) said. “In my opinion, relationships are good. You can have support
not only from them but from your friends, too. I think that you should have social media in your relationship because they’re not going to be only talking to you, they’re going to be doing their own thing. Having social media is a good way to distract yourself. When you’re in a relationship, don’t flirt with others, let your boyfriend or girlfriend know where you stand, and make sure you don’t get pregnant. And social media? Just don’t get too into it,” she said. When in a relationship, people tend to put their life or relationship problems online, but of
Creative Valentine’s Day gifts for Lancers
By Isabel Jackson Mr. Beck says he would make Most Lancers agree that it is VALENTINE’S Day can be very a home-cooked dinner for his necessary to know someone well stressful. Finding a valentine, wife on Valentine’s Day, but he before buying him or her a gift, asking him or her, and getting a would love something else for although Taylor Hensley (9) disgift can be extremely hard and Valentine’s Day also or even any agrees. “Just be glad someone may need lots of thought. day. “For me a new job, like if even got you a gift,” Hensley Chocolates, red roses, and someone came up to me like, ‘Yo, said. small teddy bears may be too Beck, you’re a Firefighter now.’ I It can depend on how long the mainstream for two have known Lancers. It might each other, too: be more fun to someone known give that special for a while or just person a large tedsomeone just met. dy bear or multiThe gift shouldn’t colored roses or just be normal even something like chocolates or else interesting a teddy bear, unand new. less that is exactly Most of the time what they want. it’s the thought It doesn’t have to that counts, but just be a gift. An Maleni Tanaki interesting date is (11) once had an a great alternative awkward experito the usual gifts, ence with Valenand many Lanctine’s Day. “He ers believe in dojust came in during both. A date ing class, dropped doesn’t have to be two Snickers bars expensive, just put on my desk and effort and thought left,” Tanaki said. into it. Be creative Store shelves are stocked with Valentines goodies. Some Lancand fun, and he or ers, like Mason Maughan (10), would be like, ‘I love you man,’ ” she will remember it for a long think it’s about the present and Beck said. time. not how much someone has The average American spends This is all a matter paying atspent on it. “I’m cheap…Just $133.91 on gifts such as candy, tention to what he or she likes. If kidding, it’s the present, not the dinners, roses, and teddy bears. he or she like movies, expensive cost,” he said. The most Lancers would be things, chocolates, dates, or even Another option could be homewilling to spend on Valentines nothing, then plan accordingly. made -- gifts from the heart and gifts sounds like about $35. That Remember it’s the thought that made with love. “Just anything may seem like not a lot, but if counts. A Valentine’s Day gift homemade, be creative and exa few more dollars are spent on doesn’t have to be the most exciting,” Ryanna Chandler (12) special gifts, that special person pensive jewelry; it can be homesaid. might just stay a little longer. made or even anything.
course, your partner might not like that. It’s better to talk about issues face-to-face -- you just have to discuss and understand them. “Putting social media into a relationship is not as bad as some presume. The joy people get when they get together with a person they love makes them want to scream. So much excitement makes you want to share it with friends and family,” Cruz Reyes (12) said. It’s easy to see that Lancers all agree that in relationships it’s easy now days to spill your relationship info.
Celina loves social media.
Tri-Color Times Staff Print Editor Kaitlin Cluff Photographer Caitlin Rosenlof
Junior Print Editor Indigo Hinojos Photo Editor Indigo Hinojos
Reporters Amy Alcantara Ma Denni Arns Katie Avery Angellina Bernal Alisha Chief Chastin Christiansen Hillary Daoheuang Maid Dervisevic Jennifer Duong Angel Figueroa Zayra Gonzalez Scarlett Gregorio Katie Gutierrez Sadiq Hamadi Audrianna Henningsen Danny Hernandez Tina Huynh Claudia Islas Isabel Jackson
Reporters Claudia Leon Andrea Lomeli Antonio Loredo Samantha McClure Evangelina Mendoza Kylee Nielson Daniela Olvera Kat Olvera Diana Perez Hailey Piper Edith Pizana Briana Puga John Quezada Naticha Retamar Skye Rouse Ada Stott Samuel Sua 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
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VOL. LVII Issue 5
VOL. LVII Issue 5
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VOL. LVII Issue 5
Coaches working hard so their players can taste success By Sadiq Hamadi COACH Okeson thinks the most difficult thing about being a coach is getting the players to work at their best ability in everything. “The longest practice I have held for my team has been two hours. We have practice every day that we don’t have a game,” he said. Mr. Okeson has been coaching soccer for sixteen years, eleven years at Granger High School and five years at Canyon View High School located in Cedar City, Utah. “I expect my soccer players to work hard physically and mentally at all times. The best advice I give out to my students is to believe in yourself and work hard to achieve your dreams,” he said.
Mr. Okeson likes the amount of energy it takes to be successful in the soccer career. “The thing I love most about soccer is watching an athlete fulfill his or her dreams and take it to the next level. There have been many students at Granger High School who have advanced in playing college soccer,” Okeson said. Coach Mills is competitive and good at her job coaching the volleyball team. “To be a coach you have to be passionate and love what you are doing. You have to have high expectations and have dedication not only towards your team but also towards yourself. The best thing about coaching volleyball is
Coach Okeson stands in all his glory.
that it’s rewarding to see an athlete excel because of your help,” she said. This coach and other coaches are hard workers towards what they have experienced and love doing, they spend many days and hours so they can see other students succeed. “I’d have to say the worst thing about the job is the long hours and being away from my family,” Ms. Mills said. Coach Crawford played high school and college volleyball, so she has a lot of experience with what her students are learning. “Interacting with the athletes is the best thing about being a coach. You also get to learn about that person personally. The coach works through the hard times just
like the athletes, and sometimes it can be stressful, but you have to get accustomed to it,” she said. Ms. Crawford knows how much time and commitment it takes to be a successful athlete. “I have to balance being an athlete, my family, and how to balance my life with sports.” The coaches at Granger High make commitments to the school and to the athletes so that they will get the proper training and also have the players keep up with their schoolwork. The kids who want to play sports are basically forced to get good grades or else they can’t be on the team. It takes experience, knowledge, and motivation of the sport to be a coach.
Valentine’s Day shines a spotlight on relationship status By Chastin Christiansen VALENTINE’S Day is coming up soon, so all the Lancers are on a run to find their perfect valentine. “I am in a relationship, it has been about two years now. We met because of my sister, and he wanted to know who I was. It’s better to be in love because you can love anyone if you don’t fight. If you find someone you can get along with and be yourself around, date them. People should be in relationships if you are in love, then why not. If you like someone tell them because you never know what can happen,” Vanessa Quiles (12) said. Lancers if you like someone tell him or her that you could have a future. “There is no such thing as love. Love is too difficult and everyone wants to know everything. If you
are in sports, it’s too hard to see someone. There is not any time to see them. I am not in a relationship,” Whitney Coe (11) said. It is not a sin to be in a relationship or not in a relationship in February. Just have fun and be adventurous. If someone is in love, he or she should show that person every day -- not just on one special day. “I don’t think that it matters if you are in a relationship in February. Don’t make it a big deal. To me, it’s just a normal day I spend with my single friends. We like to hang out and make it fun. But if you’re in love with someone, then spend and make the day fun with them. If you’re single, then have fun with your friends,” Megan Peterson (10) said. Many people think it is a pointless so-called holiday.
“I think it’s better to be in a relationship because the way people emphasis it. I like it because of all the colors and I think it’s cute because of the things you can do to show your love for that person. Yes, I am in a relationship it has now been eight months, and we are going to spend the day together and watch The Little Mermaid. Relationships are a lot of work but it’s not bad if you are dedicated to that person. If I were single, I would still be watching The Little Mermaid just alone. You can still have a lot of fun with your friends. Just go and buy yourself some chocolates and eat them and relax,” Lesslie Fabela (11) said. So keep these things in mind as Valentine’s Day come because it’s on its way. Remember to just be yourself and have fun, it’s just another day to most high schoolers.
Megan Peterson is looking forward to Valentine’s Day.
Opinions on sloughing and high traffic sloughing spots By Zayra Gonzalez LANCERS view ditching school in many ways. Some view it OK in certain situations, and some students approve of it all the way, and some feel that it is stupid. “I would not slough because sloughing makes you seem very unintelligent,” Bailey Ledbetter (12) said. There are students that feel that it’s dumb to skip class because going to class is more important than skipping class. Skipping class and not knowing what is being taught and not learning can set students back in school and make student fail in class. It also makes it look like you
don’t care about your future,” she said. Skipping class can also make people lose opportunities in life. In some cases, not graduating can be a huge step back from job opportunities. There are job opportunities that pay well, but the decision to skip and not learn the needed materials can be devastating in the future. “I would leave and go to Ogden this is a good sloughing place,” Angela Franco (12) said. Some students just get tired of the fact that they have to go to school every day “Sometimes I need a break from school,” he said. But there are some students that have experienced how dumb
it is to skip class and get behind. “From my own experience, I think it’s stupid,” Angel said. There are always consequences on sloughing, but bad habits can change a person and make them realize how it can affect students in school. Some spots sound more popular for sloughing to Lancers than others. “I would slough at the mall,” Frank Cansino (11) said. “But I don’t slough school,” he said. Some students feel that they would slough depending on their mood “I think I would slough depending on the class I had,” he said. Some students would slough if they felt they need a break. “I
would slough in my car and just sit there or leave. I would slough school because I get tired sometimes of thinking,” Elizabeth Sariana (11) said. Many students get tired and feel the need to rest or think about something else other than school and problems. That’s why they feel that they need to leave, but there are those students that do it for their friends, too. They think they are cool because they leave school for the majority of the school day. Students have their own opinion on sloughing whether it’s good bad or OK when they need a break from school.
Some students use as a mediation time to think, and others use it for stupidity on a every day basis that can affect them in class or in the future.
By Samuel Su’a “I LOVE the month of February for Valentine’s Day because I can eat lots of candy,” Joe Stanley (11) said. Stanley thinks he’s just a big ole’ candy monster. He said that he likes Valentine’s Day for the candy. “I really don’t like Valentine’s Day because it’s just the theme of red, and I don’t really like the fact that it’s all just for your girlfriend,” Tommy Seth (10) said. Instead he’ll focus on graduation. “I love Valentine’s Day because I really want to get my girlfriend
something sweet,” Martin Jones (11) said. Jones said that he is just going to make the best of his Valentine’s Day by taking his girlfriend to go bowling at Delton’s Bowling Lanes. “I want to make this Valentine’s Day really special for my girlfriend and wanted to take her out to eat,” Brian Lapel (9) said. He chose to take his girlfriend to the Golden Corral restaurant for Valentine’s Day. “I really like the red hearts and it’s really just a special day for our couples over here at Granger
High School,” Catherine Williams (11) said. “I want to make this Valentine’s Day really special for my girlfriend up at Bingham High School as well,” Shawn Dresden (12) said. “I love everything about Valentine’s Day because the Jones’ always put up something special like a special dinner or a very special day and it’s just an honor to spend time with my family and friends,” Johnny Townie (12) said. “I want to get chocolates and flowers for my girlfriend one day,
and I am definitely going to get them for her this year,” Michael De Santa (11) said. “I want to have fun and take my boyfriend out to eat, especially because his birthday is on Valentine’s Day,” Kayla Flautner (10) said. “It really sucks and it kind of makes me angry but Valentine’s Day is always a work day it sucked working on a holiday but I think this year, I am going to quit my job and spend time with my family on Valentine’s Day,” Tim Graz (12) said. “I am not going to do anything
but work on my basketball skills and work on my skills as a sports team leader. I think Valentine’s Day is a waste of my time,” Mikkol Mawien (12) said. “Since my last name is Love, I should just give the love of joy and the love of giving gifts like on Christmas, but on Valentine’s Day,” Smithson Love (11) said. “I want to make the best out of my senior year by loving and caring for the younger grades like the freshmen, sophomores and juniors. I have the utmost respect for my dear Granger Lancers,” Morin Staves (11) said.
Bailey Ledbetter wouldn’t slough.
Lancers aim for the heart on Valentine’s Day
February 2015, page 7
VOL. LVII Issue 5
AP Biology is a new class at Granger High School this year By Kylee Nielson AP BIOLOGY is a new class taught at Granger High School. There are many students who have taken biology before taking this class, and others who have never taken a biology class at all. “I like how I am challenged to do better. It’s helpful to have Ms. Funk reminding us about our work on Instagram and in text messages,” Bethany Kenneally (12) said. Ms. Funk has set up an Instagram account for her AP biology classes to follow. She posts reminders to her AP students of upcoming assignments as due dates approach. “I decided to do an Instagram
for my class because I was frustrated with the ‘I totally forgot this was due today,’ excuse. In my AP classes, the homework is crucial,” Ms. Funk said. Many Lancers are on Instagram, and they spend a lot of their free time on social media sites. “I thought it would be a perfect tool to remind students to do their homework. That, and I’m a little bit conceited, and I set it up so I could show the students pictures of my beautiful kids,” she said. If Lancers don’t do their homework, they won’t understand what is going on in class. And AP classes are very fast-paced classes. “It’s not only hurting your grade
but it’s hurting how fast we can move in class as well as how well you understand the topic,” Ms. Funk said Turning in your homework and assignments is the key to passing any class, but enjoying the class makes it easier. “I love teaching AP. Not only do I get to work with students who really want to learn and want to be in class, but they might also go into careers that directly involve biology. Also, I love biology, so when I get to teach the harder stuff, I am having a grand old time,” she said. A lot of teachers have different reasons they enjoy teaching, and Ms. Funk enjoys being around
her students most. “I like the students the most. They ask good questions, and most of them are willing to do the harder work that is required. That, and I like the inside jokes…DNA Helicase,” she said while laughing. Some Lancers could say Ms. Funk takes her teaching to another level. She’s very out-going and enjoys having fun in the classroom. “I like the class. Ms. Funk is silly and fun, which makes the class fun,” German Andrade (12) said. There are many Lancers at Granger High School who love to challenge themselves, and taking
AP classes is a good start. “I find AP Biology challenging because there is more advanced homework and class assignments,” Anthony Iliff (12) said. “I like AP Biology because I get to learn stuff that I never learned back in regular biology and chemistry. It also is quite fun on some subjects we talk about.” With AP biology being new at Granger High school this year, many Lancers don’t know about it. Students who enjoy biology or like a challenge should take this great class, but they should be prepared for all the work that comes with an AP class. Are you willing to take the challenge?
Skaters want space to ride their boards By Ada Stott GRANGER’S got a place for everything and everyone. A gym for basketball and volleyball, a track for runners, a studio for dancers, fields for football, baseball, softball, and soccer. There is a weight room for weightlifters, music room for musicians, a stage for actors, and so much more. Skaters are wondering if there’s room for them, too. These Lancers on boards aren’t asking for a skate park. “Outside areas should be open to skaters,” Omar Fuentes (10) said. He skates once a week, for fun and for transportation. “My friend got his board taken away the other day, but I don’t think it made him want to skate any less, they should do something else,” he said. To be clear, the administration only confiscates boards when students ride inside the building or when they damage property, according to Dr. Gatti. Manuel Garcia (10) also thinks
that this punishment is inefficient. “My favorite thing about skating is being able to forget everything and enjoy myself. I want to be able to feel that at school, too,” Garcia said. “I love skating, and I’m not going to stop doing what I love,” Garcia said. Peter Hernandez (10) has other ideas for a consequence. “I don’t think taking students boards is effective, it just pisses us off, instead they should just give us tickets, or make us pay a fine,” Hernandez skates three times a week and thinks the administration should create certain outdoor skater-friendly areas. “We want to be able to practice our hobbies. Skating is our sport and they give everyone else a space to practice their hobbies,” Hernandez said. Alex Johnson (12) skates to get to school. “I think you should be able to skate on school grounds because walking as soon as you get to school is boring,” John-
son said. “If students just rode it instead of doing tricks so that they wouldn’t get hurt, then they should allow it,” he said. Shiloh Tolley (11) loves the adrenaline he gets from skating. “If they made a certain section we could skate, we’d stay out of the rest,” Tolley said. A lot of the problem is that there is no West Valley City Skate Park. “If we want to go anywhere to skate, we have to ride down to Taylorsville Park,” he said. Of course Granger cost millions dollars to build, so it’s understandable that the administration wouldn’t want marks or chips in the benches or planter boxes. But if skaters got a section to themselves, it might stop them from skating on off-limit areas. In the end, ‘No Skateboarding” is a Granite District policy, it’s not up to Granger High or any one adminsitrator. Skaters should take their appeal to the district level if they want to change the policy.
VOL. LVII Issue 5
February 2015, page 8
Movie Reviews: The Seventh Son, Jupiter Ascending and more By Danny Hernandez FEBRUARY is filled with just about anything Granger Lancers might want to watch, but it’s especially good for those who like to watch movies filled with bad guys good guys and all the fine little details in between. It’s also action-packed with explosions gunfire and life or death situations. Another aspect of what’s coming up for the actionpacked February is mixed with some comedy and a drama here and there On Friday, February 6, The Seventh Son, a movie about master Gregory, a warrior and the last of his kind, goes looking for Tom Ward, a boy who is foretold to be born with magical powers and is going to be the next hero. Tom is also known as the last
seventh son and master Gregory has to teach Tom years and years of training in a short amount of time before the war between good and evil begins so that Tom can be able to defeat the evil forces that are lurking in the shadows. On Friday, February 6, Jupiter Ascending, a sci-fi action movie that takes intergalactic rulers to the next step with crazy cool effects that will make anyone feel like they’re in the cockpit of a spaceship. This movie is about a forgotten queen who is the queen of earth, but first has to go claim it and go through a special agrogeneration so that it is official. She goes with the help of an exmilitary hunter to get her there, but it becomes rough to do that when another ruler is denied from
having earth, and he does everything in his power to stop Jupiter from being a queen. On Friday, February 13, Kingsman: The Secret Service opens in theaters. I personally have been looking forward to this movie about a young and really smart guy named Eggsy. He has been living on wrong path, but when a mysterious man bails him out, his life will turn around soon. This man, Harry, is prepared turn Eggsy from the young street punk he has been living as into a sophisticated, well-maintained secret service agent. Harry does this by putting Eggsy through the most dangerous job interview in his life to make him everything the Kingsman’s secret service needs.
He does all this to stop a supergenius super villain who plans on eradicating most of the world’s population. On Friday, February 20, McFarland U.S.A. opens. It’s a movie based on the true story of a small town high school cross country team that, like a lot of movies, starts as an underdog and ends up winning the state championship. This movie shows what a lot of motivation and hard work can do for you if you have enough heart to accomplish a goal. In this movie, a gym teacher that just moved in to town gets a job at the local high school and realizes the potential that some students have. He convinces them and their parents that this could be a great
thing for them, and pushes them to be the best they can be despite all they have been told their whole life. On a Friday 27 February, Focus, a comedy/crime movie opens in theaters. It’s about Nikky, who is basically a pro con man that hits casinos and other big establishments. He has been doing great for a while, but then a pretty face comes, that of an amateur deceiver who convinces him to teach her the trade. When things go sour, they part ways, but three years later, they end up meeting up again. Things start take a turn for the worst, and when jealousy comes into play, Nikky makes some mistakes that could possibly be his last.
Charity work opportunities at Granger High School
By Samantha McClure THERE is lots of charity work in Utah, and there are plenty of opportunities for feeding the homeless or just cleaning up the neighborhood. Feeding the homeless can do a lot for just one person for so little work. A lot of people wonder, “Why would anyone work for free?” Some people think seeing someone smile makes everything worth it.
Picking up the neighborhood can make a huge difference. It can make the neighborhood look nice and family friendly. “I enjoy working with little babies,” Nick Jackman (11) said. “Working at foster homes is my favorite: I enjoy mowing the lawns and helping do the yard work,” Jackman said. While some enjoy working with people, others enjoy working with animals instead.
Some people enjoy warming peoples’ hearts, even on cold days. “I enjoy feeding the homeless with my family on holidays” Ryki Dynes (11) said. “My favorite time is Christmas -- everyone is so nice. It can get cold outside, but it’s worth seeing them smile. In my spare time, I like to help my grandma do things around the house,” Dynes said. Even the elderly need help
sometimes. “I like to volunteer at old folks homes. Kyree Larson (11) said. “My favorite thing to do is talk to them, they tell me about their lives and about their kids. They’re really good at giving me advice, and they have funny stories. Some are sad, but most are funny,” Larson said. Some people have never volunteered before. “I have never volunteered for
anything,” Elizabeth Kemp (11) said. “I would like to volunteer in an animal shelter. I want to just play with the animals and keep them occupied and make them happy. I would prefer to work with the dogs but not the cats. I think that giving them baths would be fun, too.” Volunteer work can be hard, but some people love it, while others may hate it or may not even think about trying it.
Lancers take the wheel
By Claudia Islas THE IDEA of driving can be scary, especially to our Lancers who are beginners, but they shouldn’t stress over it too much. These tips from fellow students to fellow lancers will help boost confidence on the road. When it comes to driving being, responsible is a big part of it. There are many rules to know and follow. “To avoid getting a ticket simply follow the rules,” O’Bryan Gip (11) said. “I have never gotten a ticket because I follow the rules on the road,” he said. Another very important thing is texting, there has been a lot of issues with texting and driving most of the accidents involve teens, “Do not text and drive. Wear seatbelts,” Aron Alvarado (11) said. “Be cautious Lancers” he said. First experiences driving are always scary or nerve-racking at least for a couple of students
“I was very nervous when I first started driving” Eddie Calata (11) said. “I tried my best to focus and tried to stop the nerves from getting to me,” he said. “When I was nervous, I tried to focus on the road and just keep driving,” Armando Cox (11) said. Other advice includes: do not get nervous, nervousness tends to distract you focus on the road and relax but be aware of what’s going on around you. Personal experience when it came to learning how to drive stopped a lot of nervousness. Switching lanes was difficult at first, parking was a bit hard, and making turns was a bit difficult as well. It was stressful but with patience and practice it became a lot easier. One other helpful tip is to watch how parents drive: watch and learn. It really isn’t difficult it’s just a matter of being smart.