Tri-Color Times 2018-02

Granger high school

Tri-Color Times An open forum for student opinion and expression

TRICOLORTIMES.COM

February 2018 LX-VI

Help celebrate Black History Month at Granger High

By Eric A. Antonio HISTORY is the key to understanding why certain things are the way they are now. For future historians and anyone planning to major in history, this is important.

February is Black History Month and many students look forward to learning about their ethnic past and how they became who they.

The origin of Black History Month goes back to 1915, when Harvard-trained Carter G. Woodson founded the ASNLH, which is short for the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History.

Some students feel upset because it is not being covered or even mentioned in their history classes.

“I feel like we talk more about wars instead, and it makes me upset because this is important for us,” Kevin Mahoney (10) said.

In 1926, the association sponsored the second week of February to be a national Black History Week.

This carried on until 1976, when it was changed by President Gerald R. Ford, who designated the whole month of February to be Black History Month, but it is not in each high school’s curriculum, and that fact upsets many students.

No other national history months are listed in the curriculum either, such as Women’s History Month in March or American Indian History Month in November.

The most effective way to spread awareness is for students to research black history and share it with their friends. Black History Month not being covered does not stop these students from be-

ing proud. “ I am proud to have a whole month dedicated to our history, I am thankful for it,” Joelen Bailey (12) said.

The most commonly heard topics during this month are Martin Luther King Jr., segregation and, recently, former president Barack Obama.

There are many ways to celebrate Black History Month and they are great. For example, conducting a read aloud of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have A Dream Speech” is a great way to learn and celebrate one of the biggest events in the history of the United States of America.

Another way to celebrate can be to binge Netflix documentaries like The Black Jacket or Barry.

The ways to celebrate are endless.

Some students are still hopeful

that they might go over it in school during this month. “We haven’t really covered much about African-Americans, but maybe in February it will be taught briefly,” Salah Issa (11) said.

It is a month of celebration for black history, but some students feel like it is commonly ignored.

It could be because it was not put into the teaching curriculum.

Whatever the reason is, it is still important to African-American students.

All history is history that needs to be shared. Even if it is not listed in the curriculum, students should find a way to share it, because students of Granger have a duty to come together because of their diversity. Take time to celebrate black history throughout the month of February.

39 Steps is a success

Kevin Mahoney hopes to spread awareness about Black History during lunch.

Lancers eager to fix their grades at Saturday School

By Michael Gil Ceballos SOME LANCERS are not doing so well in some classes, and Saturday school is a great way to get those grades fixed. The next Saturday school will be hosted on February 24, and Lancers can bring homework or any other school work with them to work on during that time. There will be teachers there willing to help with any homework or assignment.

Most students only had good things to say about Saturday School.

“I attended Saturday School last year and I loved it, it helped me save my math grade,” said Hamilet Romero (11). “My grade went from an F to a C, I was afraid that I would lose a math credit,” he said.

“I attended Saturday School in Jr High and I really loved it,” Paulina Retes (10) said. Retes only had good things to say about it.

Many students at Granger do not understand how beneficial these Saturday school sessions can actually be. The simple fact that students aren’t allowed to have cell phones definitely makes it easier for the students to focus on improving their grades.

Any electronic device seen in Saturday school will be taken away. It is recommended that students leave their phones at home or keep them in their pockets.

“It really helped me, before attending my grades were only going downhill, but when I started going to Saturday School, I could concentrate better, my grades got much better,” Retes said.

Perla Gaona (10) was not aware that Granger’s Saturday school existed and now has decided to attend it. “I am currently failing World Civilizations because I just can’t understand the current topic, but I am going to come to Saturday School to get

help on it,” Gaona said.

This February 24, students will be able to attend Saturday school and work on any subject that they’re struggling with. One of the subjects that Lancers struggle with the most is math.

“I think math is the most confusing subject, specially graphing equations,” Liliane Kwizera (10) said. “I don’t have time to stay after school to talk to my teacher so I’m going to come to Saturday School,” she said.

If you struggle with math, Saturday School is the perfect place for you.

“Saturday School has helped me a lot before, it’s really good,” Richard Sanchez (9) said.

Saturday school is for students who are interested in fixing their grades, so any student attending it should be prepared with school work to do. Students should also arrive on time.

“Saturday School at Granger

lasts from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM, students will have help from teachers and administration members available,” Mr. Kjar said.

One important rule that students attending Saturday School should keep in mind is that electronic devices are not allowed.

Saturday school is also great for students who like to procrastinate. It is hard for some students to get their homework done when they’re at home, because they get easily distracted by things like their phones, video games, TV, etc. Saturday school is a great option for this students because they’ll be able to concentrate more since the won’t have those distractions around them, especially their phones.

Attending Saturday school is a great decision that many struggling students should make.

Lancers are encouraged to come to Granger’s Saturday school on February 24.

Want more Granger High School news? Check articles at tricolortimes.com or add us on twitter.com/tricolortimes.

Tri-Color Times VOL. LX Issue 6

February 2018, page 2 | Student News

Teacher home visits canceled

By Gabriela Thompson A YEAR ago the Tri-Color Times reported about teacher home visits. It was following an initiative, the Parent Teacher Home Visit Project, that has been active for more than 15 years. It has taken hold in a dozen states and school districts. In finding out about this new approach for teachers understanding students better it had mixed views.

When the article was published, students were against the idea of teachers coming to their houses. However, there was some students who were OK with it.

“To be honest, it would feel different but it’s for a good cause.

It would feel a little awkward and strange, since it isn’t normal, and it doesn’t happen as much. But I would lean toward a good side,” Giovanna Aguilar (17’) said.

While others were not. “Teachers visiting is weird. I think we have parent teacher conferences for a reason,” Angela Montejo (12) said.

Now a year later the home visits idea seems to have stalled, but Mr. Beck is still optimistic.

“The program has a lot of potential, the few visits that took place last year were positive re-

sults. The family’s appreciated it and the teachers enjoyed it,” Mr. Beck, an assistant principal, said.

Yet, the program has hit a major obstacle. Unlike in the lower school system, such as junior high and elementary, High school teachers have after school engagements. Some coach teams, dance, cheer, or advise clubs.

In not continuing the program, it disappoints some administrators like Mr. Beck. “Yeah, I’m disappointed but it’s not from the lack of trying,” Mr. Beck said, “At the end of the day, teachers have a lot of things going on at a high school level. Teachers usually have after-school engagements like sports clubs and other extra-curriculars. That’s what we ran into.”

In a manner of strengthening the bridge of communication, some students are happy with the program failing. For instance, “I think that beats the purpose of assemblies. It’s like we have assemblies for reason or lectures in class. Connect to the student in the classroom not at home where they feel safe. If teachers want to connect, they can do it with clubs,” Thai Thammavongsa (12) said.

Although it seems that some of the students are against it, Mr. Beck saw the reaction of students as humorous. “The feedback was probably more on the humorous side. I would hear, ‘I don’t wanna teacher coming to my house’ or ‘when are you coming to my house?’ ” he said.

Despite these negative reactions, the administration isn’t deterred in trying to implement home visits in the next school year 2018-19. “We are open to it.

If we did it in the month of August before school started, they’d visit freshmen or seniors to motivate them before the school year starts,” Mr. Beck said.

Although the naysayers seem to be against the teacher visits, they do bring up a decent option. “It’s kinda weird like why would they want a teacher at your house? Maybe if it was scheduled beforehand it would work out,” Thammavongsa said.

“Maybe if parents actually want to make appointments. Especially if parents want to meet with teachers they can do that,” Montejo said.

Doing so could most likely ease the teachers burden of visiting 3300 random students.

Freshmen earn awards

Jelena advances to state comp.

By Tiger Mulitalo JELENA Dragicevic (11) won an Award of Excellence in her literature Reflections competition. She won at the school, council, and regional level, now moving her onto state. Her essay had to discuss the theme “Within Reach.”

She discussed her parents’ Yugoslavian background, the struggles they went through, and how their sacrifice has motivated her to reach for her goals. One day she plans on becoming an MD/JD, where she hopes to bring pride to her Yugoslavian people.

Chinese Year of the Dog starts Feb. 16

By Aimal Esa CHINESE New Years is on February 16 this year and marks the beginning of year of the dog. The year of the dog is seen as bad luck for anyone born in the previous year of the dog. It may seem weird that new year’s is in the middle of February for Westerners, but the Chinese use a different calendar.

Their calendar is based off of a combination of lunar and solar calendars.

However, in China they don’t refer to it as Chinese New Year.

Instead, they call it the “Spring Festival.” Interestingly enough, the date changes every year.

Chinese New Year is actually celebrated for 15 days after the actual new year. The final event in the new year’s celebration is the Lantern Festival. This year, it’ll be celebrated on March 2nd.

The first Lantern Festival can be traced back to as far as 2000 years ago.

Much like winter break, students in China get about a month off and sometimes more for university students. Even the adults from China get three days off for the holiday.

There are many students here at Granger that celebrate the holiday, and they are super excited for it. “Every new year I get money from each family member and I go to my temple to watch the Lion Dance,” John Huynh (12) said.

One of the traditions of the holiday is that the old give cash in red envelopes to the young. The color is red because that is the color of good luck, and it’s also used to ward off evil spirits. In fact, most of the decorations are in red in an attempt to have the same effect.

“Red is the lucky color, it represents good luck. It also protects you from the many spirits such as the house spirits and some kitchen spirits to make sure you have

food,” Artemis Miller (12) said.

There are also different types of foods that have special symbolic meanings. These items include noodles for happiness, dumplings for wealth, and fish for increased prosperity. ”My family doesn’t really celebrate it but I remember my grandma buying a special rice cake. She would also make fish and egg rolls,” Thai Thammavongsa (12) said.

Chinese New Years is also largely celebrated in London’s Chinatown with an appearance of about 500,000 people. In Hong Kong, they have a big horse race celebration where about 100,000 people show up.

Chinese New Years also boasts the world’s biggest annual fireworks usage. China produces about 90% of the worlds fireworks. It is said that the fireworks are used to scare off all the evil spirits.

“Every new year I get money from each family member and I go to my temple to watch the Lion Dance,” John said.

Sweethearts ready to dance

By Karina Baez ON FEBRUARY 10, the Sweethearts Dance will begin at 7:00 p.m. and end at 10 p.m. Come with a partner or a group of friends—anyone is welcome who just want to have fun, hang out, and bust some dance moves.

The freshmen class officers are the ones in charge of the theme and setting up for this year’s Sweethearts Dance. The theme of the dance is “Once in a Fantasy”, and it is close to Valentine’s Day. “Everyone can go to this dance. One thing’s for sure, the dance will be held in the commons area as it always is,” Akilah Pham (9) said.

Many Lancers will be going to this February’s Sweethearts Dance. Some with some friends, and others with a special someone.

“Yes I would go to this dance with some friends. I would probably wear something comfortable like some jeans and a t-shirt.

My friends and I would dance all night,” Lala Sili (12) said.

Others take the dances pretty seriously. Due to it being some Lancers’ last year here as seniors, they might want to go all out with what they will wear and take in everything this dance has to offer.

“I would go with someone...no one specific. If I went, I would be wearing something cute and casual. I would also be going because I want to be involved, and it’s my last year here,” Jenny Taula (12)

said.

The dance will just be an overall fun dance to come to for the Valentines holiday. It would be especially fun if it was the first time to a dance for anyone who is a freshman this year.

“If I ever went to a dance it would be just to experience it. I would take some good friends and a classical dress to the dance,” Liliana Arreola (9) said.

Although the dance is in February, close to Valentine’s Day, many people are just thinking about going casual with their outfits and going with a friend or two.

“I would like to go because high school is short and the dances are fun. I would go with anyone for the dance. I would dress in something casually fancy,” Malachi Lolinn (11) said.

The dance is open to everyone and anyone who would like to go.

For a few that will be attending, they will be taking their lover to the Sweethearts dance.

“I would take my girlfriend Holly. It’s a way to spend some valuable time with my girlfriend.

I would probably just wear something nice,” Phillip McIntyre (12) said.

Going to the Sweethearts Dance would be a great idea and fun choice to make, either to enjoy some time with some friends to go out to dance and to laugh or just to spend some romantic time with a special someone.

February 2018, page 3 | Opinion

Tri-Color Times VOL. LX Issue 6

All-Star Week is a drama event

Valentines Day is an “extra” extra holiday Opinion by Andrew Tippetts VALENTINE’S Day is a day to be “extra” extra. But one can’t help but wonder if it is a day of love or just another normal day.

Flowers are going on sale, chocolate prices are rising, and couples are pairing up for dinner dates.

Valentine’s Day is the day for everything love-related. Loving should be done every day, but this day is a day to highlight it.

Students of all different age groups and grades get to express gratitude on Valentine’s Day in many different ways. Elementary school students pass out valentine cards and candy and give special valentines to crushes and bring the teacher her favorite candy. Jr. High schools make sure to have a dance. If it’s not on Valentine’s Day, it is close to it.

High school is filled with activities during lunch and usually some kind of dance as well. Send flowers, chocolates, and a song to your significant other or just bring a gift during lunch time or after class. There is also the Sweethearts dance, which is girl’s choice and takes place February 10 at 7:00 p.m.

Valentine’s Day is just an extra day to be extra. Relationships are full of love and dates normally, but on Valentine’s Day it is enhanced and made the norm.

Dinner and a movie, picnics, frolicking through a field, hot cocoa, downtown, etc. are all dates that could happen on Valentine’s Day. During the month of February, spring also has a chance to come.

This weather creates some mixed emotions but also make the outside warmer and help people get out. Dinner dates and movies will still happen, but maybe the picnics and frolicking will be more likely with spring here.

When people think about Valentine’s Day, they think about love, love, love. This is actually historically correct. St. Valentine was a priest who served in ancient Rome and watched his town’s marriage rights get abolished and thought it was not right. He continued to perform marriages in secret. His actions were discovered and he was sentenced to death.

In England it is believed that February 14 is the beginning of bird mating season. Writing Valentines didn’t begin until the late

1400s. Poems and love letters have been written for hundreds of years and kept safe until now.

The earliest valentine written was a poem written by Charles Duke to his wife while in prison. This was written and dated all the way back to 1415.

Valentine’s Day is celebrated today as a day full of love for anybody and everybody. Relationships ranging from a significant other to a single father and his son. Valentine cards are sent out and given to all ages and genders.

Candies range from things such as chocolates in a heart shaped box or heart shaped lollipops.

Megaplex theaters, a popular place for movie after your dinner, is doing an all-inclusive dinner and a movie event. Locations vary but this is a fun way to stick with a cliché date and still make it different. Movie choices and restrictions may apply. Find your nearest Megaplex and see if they’re doing this around you.

Valentine’s Day is a day filled with fun, happiness, and love. I feel that this holiday is important to highlight the moments taken for granted every day.

Quickly boba and coffee shop hits the sweet spot Review by Alexus Gillette STUDENTS here at Granger are always looking for new places to go out and get lunch. Since we don’t have too much time, students just go for the close, quick, and easy places around Granger.

As the year progresses, we realize that all these places are boring, so when a new place opens up nearby it’s usually the hot spot for a while.

This time it is Quickly just past @Fresh—a new boba and coffee shop. Right when you walk in you are hit with an immediate sweet smell. The entire shop has beautiful colored walls and even has a few flashing LED lights as well as a TV in the corner that plays music videos.

If you are someone who is a fan of the drink commonly known as boba, then this place is for you.

There are so many different varieties to choose from and many

different combinations that you can create. Even if you don’t like boba, you can still get a meal because there is food there as well.

Another thing to enjoy about this place is that if you are a Kpop fan, you will enjoy the fact that they play K-pop in the store.

They even play K-pop music videos up on a TV in the corner. Of course they know that not everyone likes that music, though, so they still have a variety.

The menu is huge and the prices are affordable. You can make different combinations of drinks depending on your preference and style. I think that the fact you can have all of these different things in one shop is amazing. It’s a place where you can enjoy your time with friends.

Since everyone here at Granger goes to the new and good places, you may have to wait in a line for a bit, but it’s still worth the

wait. The employees are nice and the service actually goes pretty fast even though there are so many orders. There is also more than just boba—there are coffees and energy drinks as well.

The variety there is amazing and the atmosphere is really good. You’ll get great vibes and everyone there that you see is so nice. I find it refreshing to be able to walk into a place and not feel like it’s crazy or like you need to fit to a certain way to be in there.

A place that comes to mind when I think of this is McDonalds. That place has been overruled by a lot of trouble through the years and now is a common place where fights seem to happen.

It can be a great place for lunch when walking from here at Granger, but I recommend that you go on your free time to get the full experience and so you can see what it’s really like.

Opinion by Jonathan Manriquez THE 2018 NBA All Star Weekend will be on February 16-18 in Los Angeles. Fans love this event because it includes the Rising Star Challenge, All-Star Celebrity Game, NBA G League All-Star festivities, Hall of Fame Announcement, Skills Challenge, Three-Point Contest and the Slam Dunk Contest.

The All Star Game is something that the fans really enjoy watching, because there is nothing serious in it. The players have fun playing shooting around from places that they wouldn’t do in a real game. This will be the 67th All Star Game to happen in the NBA, and the starters for both teams will be chosen by the captains after All Star voting.

Captains are new to the system because they are trying to change the All Star Game format. I really don’t see the point in a captain, because it seems more for like elementary schools to play a quick game.

Everything is literally the same with the voting by the fans to get their favorite player in it, but the captains choose who are the starters and the reserves.

To figure out who will be the captain for both sides will be the players with the most votes. I already don’t like the fact that there are going to be captains even though they are still choosing the stars that were voted either way.

They’re not even going to televise who is in and who is not in it. I don’t understand why they say they are going change the format

and have captains then try to keep it secret.

It seems like their point was not to have unnecessary drama when the captains choose who they want. That is literally the point of having captains, though—they are trying to choose the best player to win the game. Lebron has a high chance of being captain, so if he becomes ones there are some players he is likely considering.

Kevin Love is in the All Star voting, so Lebron has a tough choice of whether to take him or not. Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant have the same problem.

This is why I say that captains are more for elementary schools because kids will choose their friends over the game. When I play basketball at school or home, we zig-zag after someone makes a shot. That way it’s more fair.

Having captains can save time, but if you choose the game over friends problems can occur. Some players like the idea of captains.

The All Star Game has nothing to with regular games with wins and losses, though, because it doesn’t matter. This year the teams will playing for money to go to their favorite charity, but many players devote a lot to their charities already.

So many players are not going to full-on play. They just want to have fun and play with other players. Making a game that was meant for fun to be serious really doesn’t make players feel like playing very well. I know that if I were told to play a game that was meant just for fun like Horse, I wouldn’t play with much energy.

Tri-Color Times Staff Editor in Chief Skye Rouse

Photo+Online Editor Hayley Rigby

News Editor Gabriela Thompson Opinion Editor Taea Edwards Social Media Editor Calissa Loomis Junior Editor Alexus Gillette

Copy+Lifestyle Editor Madison McCurdy Sports Editor Bryon Brinley Photographer KayLynn Gonzalez Scorekeeper Stephanie Gutierrez

Reporters Molirae Afemata Natalie Aiono Sanah Alkaswan Eric A. Antonio Kalesita Apele Karina Baez Edward Carrasco Allen Carrillo Jelena Dragicevic Aimal Esa Fine Finau Emily Francis Lorena Garcia Michael Gil Ceballos

Reporters Bryndi Harper Jr. Heimuli Braxton Henrie Nathan Hernandez Yecenia Leon-Melendez Tiger Mulitalo Gwen Loloma Nyibol Makol Jonathan Manriquez Ester Manriquez Marcia Tiffany Nguy Ariana Rojas Andrew Tippetts Hannah Wall

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 liability.

Granger High School 3580 South 3600 West West Valley, UT 84119 (385) 646-5320

Tri-Color Times VOL. LX Issue 6

February 2018, page 4 | Student Life

Lancers are getting ready to dance their hearts out

By Hannah Wall SWEETHEARTS is the school dance that happens every February. The dance celebrates Valentine’s Day and encourages couples to use their creative moves on asking each other out; such as using a cute poster board or a specially-written song just to ask their significant other to the dance. This love-filled night allows couples and friends alike to celebrate their love for each other.

With the date swiftly approaching, now is the time for couples and friends to start asking each other to the dance. It can be hard for people to get their creative juices flowing, especially when it comes to asking someone out, but Lancers really know how to do it right.

Some people prefer to keep things simple when asking their loved one to dance. Many students appreciate a simple note or even just the question itself said aloud. “If I were to ask anyone, I would probably give them some kind of flower and then a handwritten note asking them to be my date,” Isabel May (11) said.

Others, though, prefer the more extravagant approach to things. This may include paintings, videos, or even covering one another’s cars entirely in Post-it notes.

“I go based on the theme of the dance. Last year was Grease

and 50’s themed, so I used some lyrics from the song “The One That I Want” and turned it into a poster. I made him brownies and everything, but he didn’t understand it because he had never seen Grease,” Lanoy Phouangphrachanh (12) said.

Not everyone goes to these dances with a significant other. A large majority of students like to go to dances with friend groups.

Attending a dance with friends rather than a date makes some people more free to be themselves and actually enjoy the night.

These days it is widely accepted to go to dances with friends, whereas when Granger’s teachers and faculty were in high school, it was not.

“When I was in high school going with friends was not a thing, and if you did go with a friend it still had to be boy and girl,” Ms. Czapla said.

It is becoming more and more acceptable for students to go to dances without a date. This takes away the stigma around dances that students can only attend if they have a date and opens up the world of school dances to a whole new group of people.

“I think that it is great. I wish it would have been more of a tradition when I was in school. It increases participation in dances and makes the students feel more comfortable,” Ms. Czapla said.

Most couples or friend groups will go on a date or group activity before or after the dance. They do things go bowling or go get Taco Bell while in their formal attire.

Others will do things like watch a movie at someone’s house or have a sleepover with their best friends.

All in all, this year’s sweet-

hearts dance will be one to remember for anyone who attends.

Mark the calendars for Saturday, February 10, because students won’t want to miss it.

This love-filled night allows couples and friends alike to celebrate their love for each other.

February 2018, page 5 | Student Life

Tri-Color Times VOL. LX Issue 6

Social media affects fewer relationships than expected

By Ester Manriquez Marcia IT’S THAT time of year again when people are in a lovey dovey mood. Many are giving each other gifts to show their love and appreciation towards one another. But what many people don’t know is the hidden part of their relationship—social media.

Many people think that social media affects their friendships, relationships, and acquaintances.

There are many ways that it can affect people. There are billions of things to do online, ranging from taking pictures to posting about recently watched movies and shows.

But some might say that it doesn’t affect their relationship because they most likely don’t use it. “It doesn’t matter because if we didn’t have social media, we wouldn’t really care,” Yuleisy Leyva (12) said. People like Leyva don’t seem to care a whole bunch compared to other people.

Others might say that they don’t let people know about what might be happening between them. “It doesn’t affect our relationship, because we don’t post

our relationship on there and don’t find it necessary to let everyone know what’s going on with us,” Diana Cruz (11) said.

Although most Lancers don’t let it get to them, there are few people who have had problems before. “My ex would constantly hate that I posted pictures and had friends, he blamed social media for all the mistakes he made,” Leyva said.

But some students have had different experiences with their relationships. “None of my past exes ever blamed social media, it was always our own problems that didn’t involve social media at all,” Alyssa Luna (10) said.

Many relational partners still have difficulty trusting each other, but there are some students that have a different mentality.

“My boyfriend goes to Hunter and I totally have trust in him and believe in him,” Luna said.

Although they may not see each other often, they still have 100% trust in one another. “We met each other in 7th grade where we instantly clicked and have trusted each other since then,” Luna said.

“Social media doesn’t affect They like being together because “We always hang out at parties our relationship because we don’t they understand each other. whenever we can, we go to 15’s let it,” Aryanna Deherera (10) “Me and him are very much with each other if he doesn’t go said. She and her boyfriend are alike and understand the same to work,” Luna said. very discreet about their relation- things,” Deherera said.

Social media hasn’t affected ship, they let it be known that Lancers are always with their people’s relationships as some they’re together but they don’t let partner whenever they get the people may have expected. people know what happens be- chance to. tween them.

“My past relationship didn’t end because of our social media, we just ended up losing feelings for each other,” Cruz said. Most students don’t have a problem with social media and their relationships. They all try to leave their relationships discreet.

“Me and Aryanna are always with each other and we let it be known that we are together but we don’t let people know if we fight or have problems with each other,” Adrien Aryanna, Vivian, and Maria know that a good friend’s support helps relationships succeed.

Sanchez (10) said.

Take a winter trip to Mexico and leave chilly SLC behind

By Nathan Hernandez MY TRIP to Mexico was a blast.

Everything there is super different from Salt Lake. It is so cold and boring here during the winter, because everything closes early, there is less freedom, and there is less culture to be shared here.

I have been going to Mexico every year since 2014. The moment I step on that flight is when I get butterflies and am full of excitement. Somehow this year was a fun and new experience because I was one of the oldest who went and did everything on my own.

The moment I land, I can smell the difference. The part I went to

visit was called Navajas around Guadalajara, Jalisco which is a farmland. The farmers are always burning sugar cane which gives the air a unique smokey sense.

Everything seems to move so fast since there is so much to do every day. One of my little cousins was having a quince, her fifteenth birthday, and I had to be the main chambelan. I just practiced right outside my house and the locals just stared and watched.

Afterwards we would finish late.

The quince was amazing, it was just a great way to celebrate a family member’s birthday.

On late nights in Mexico, I

would go out with my cousins go to the store to buy some drinks then head down the ranch to go to the local taco stand and eat.

Everything I ate was so authentic- what was really cool was when people would make a lot of food to sell, they’d announce around the ranch. I just had to walk around to my neighbors’ houses to get a quick bite. Nothing there had any preservatives or steroids or anything to mass produce food. Also, so many street vendors who had a bunch of different foods and deserts.

The people there are so friendly, I could walk up to any random

person and have a conversation.

If I were to try this in Utah, people would not acknowledge me and do their own thing.

Around the time I went, the ranch I was staying at had their annual fiestas. It was one of the most amazing things to experience. In the morning they would have a mini parade for the beginning of the fiestas. At night is when everything started, there were tons of different foods to eat, games to play, a banda to dance, fireworks, and drinks for the adults. Everyone would be dressed so nice in their nicest boots and hat with a big belt. It

was nothing but chill vibes and happiness.

What was also a lot of fun was the rodeos—like how we have big stadiums for sports, they had big stadiums for rodeos. It was crazy, as it was full of music, drunk people, and crazy bull riders. It was cool to watch and experience.

I also went to Guadalajara’s professional soccer team game and that was insane. No Real Salt Lake game would compare to that—it was something that you had to be there to experience.

There is also so much more to do that I have yet to experience, and next time I will.

Tri-Color Times VOL. LX Issue 6

February 2018, page 6 | Sports

Granger High wrestlers pin their way to a region title

By Eric A. Antonio WRESTLING is not always an individual sport. The matches might only be 1v1, but it is a team effort. This team showed their rivals that they were more than ready for their annual rivalry meet. The meet was the region championship, and both teams went into it undefeated.

The Lancers defeated Cyprus and Kearns with no problem. A very close meet between Hillcrest did not even make these wrestlers think about giving up. The Lancers came out on top for a score of 38-36. They were scheduled to face the Hunter Wolverines the day after facing the Hillcrest Huskies.

The Lancer wrestlers really needed to focus and prepare for a week of back to back region duals. The night came for the Granger Lancers to meet against their rivals, the Hunter Wolverines, in a night that will be forever in the books.

In addition, It was senior night for the Granger wrestlers. This season, Granger had four seniors on the team: Luke Wamsley (12), Isaiah Ventura-Smith (12), Daniel Flores (12) and Eric Antonio (12). It was their final night wrestling at Granger High.

The varsity line up included Arleth Antonio (9) at 106 pounds, Patricio Vasquez (9) at 113

pounds, Captain Luke Wamsley at 120 pounds, Captain Eric Antonio at 126 pounds, Blaze Blank (11) at 132 pounds, Captain Steven Mott (11) at 138 pounds, Isaih Ventura-Smith at 145 pounds, Park Beeler (9) at 152 pounds, Captain Junior Rubio (11) at 160 pounds, Luis “ Catfish” Ramirez (11) at 170 pounds, Rayden Boguslawski (11) at 182 pounds, Brian Sika (11) at 195 pounds, Robert Tabile (11) at 220 pounds, and Siotame Siaki (11) at 285 pounds.

The meet started at the 113-pound weight class, which meant Vasquez would be the first one up. After the 113 and 120 matches were over, Hunter lead 0-9.

The next weight class was 126. Captain Antonio was looking to set the mood for the dual. In just two minutes, Antonio pinned his opponent making the scoreboard read 6-9.

Blank only needed one minute to pin his opponent, making the score 12-9 after that.

Mott suffered an injury and the score was then

at 12-15. In the 160-pound category, Captain Rubio brought the Lancers back in with a win.

Ramirez then won his 170-pound match to bring the score to 18-24. The Lancers needed a pin to tie the meet, and Boguslawski upset his opponent and delivered that pin to even things up. After a close 195-pound match, Hunter added three points to their score.

The Lancers needed another pin to secure the championship, and that was when Tabile pinned his opponent in 20 seconds. The meet still had two matches to go, before the Lancers were region champs.

Siaki pinned his opponent in the second round to add 6 more points to the lead and at 106 pounds, Antonio had a forfeit, adding 6 more points.

The final score was 42-27, meaning the Granger Lancers beat the Hunter Wolverines for the region title.

It was a very good duel for the Lancers who came out on top and showed their rivals for the third year in a row who the kings of the ‘ville really are. The wrestling team added their 11th region championship onto the banner in the main gym.

Congratulations to the 2017-18 wrestling team on a region win.

Lancers look to stay fit by training outside of Granger

By Bryon Brinley A NEW YEAR means another rotation of grueling workout routines and early starts. For many students at Granger High, the new year brings an opportunity to make this the best time of their life—but athletes are seeing it differently. For these hard-working athletes, a new season starts as soon as the last one ends.

For Sarah Reynolds (11), a rigorous daily routine is her key to staying fit and ready for the next track season. “I run a lot to keep my mileage up. On the weekdays I run five miles, and on Saturdays, ! run 8-10 mile. I rest on Sundays—that was my goal for last year,” Reynolds said.

Although Reynolds works hard, she is unsure about when she will run again because of a foot injury she picked up. “No idea how this season will go because of the injury, I don’t even

know when I’ll run again. It has been over like six months since the last time I ran. I know I would be much more ready if I had that time back,” Reynolds said.

Another aspect of preparedness at Granger lies beyond one’s physical ability, but instead in mental ability. Jaiden Griffiths (12) knows it takes more than just a workout routine to be ready.

“Well yeah I have workouts and go to the open gyms. I always make sure I am getting there academically with my grades to be able to play,” Griffiths said.

Other students look to other sports as their way to stay fit during the off-season. Ying Huang (12) takes full opportunity from the sports Granger offers. “I don’t really do a lot outside of school because I play tennis to stay ready for swim and now swim is doing great with practic-

es. It used to be seven practices a week but now we cut it to five with a little more work and it really helps,” Huang said.

A common saying is that the physical readiness of a sport is only half of the game. For Chris Nuvan (10), being mentally ready is what pushes him ahead.

“I do calisthenics and cardio a lot. I also play some pick-up games to practice my technique and I dribble at home. I make sure that I use my time effectively to better myself in a physical stance and mentally prepare myself so that when a game comes around it’s just easier,” Nuvan said.

Some students find sports teams to be on beyond Granger.

Ilze Enriquez (11) is one student that looks beyond Granger’s offered sports teams to stay fit. “I go to summer training here at Granger. I also play for another

By Edward Carrasco SWIM MAY not be the most interesting sport for some to watch, especially when they don’t follow it much. Swimming is mostly thought to be something to go do leisurely with friends and family.

But for Joe Harvey (12), he’s looking to get competitive with swim.

Harvey has other hobbies other than just swimming all the time, though. “Water Polo, not doing my homework, I enjoy following the NFL, I enjoy playing all the sports in my free time, I enjoy eating food a lot,” Harvey said.

Harvey comes from a family that has participated in swim teams. This is how Harvey found his interest in joining the Granger

swim team.

“My whole family were swimmers, my family are state swimmers- I was born in the water,” Harvey said. This is a great advantage for Harvey, because he is able to ask family members that had made it to state meets for tips and tricks on how to become a better swimmer.

Inspiration is a great thing to have, especially if it is one of your parents. It’s what pushes Harvey to be better at his craft and pushes him to accomplish his goals with an effective mindset.

“My dad inspires me, I always wanted to be like him, to be better than him or even come close to his greatness,” Harvey said.

For Harvey, he wants to be great like his family members.

He has earned trophies to show that he’s making an impact on the swim team. “I’ve won third place in water polo for two years in state,” Harvey said.

Harvey has big dreams to take swim farther than just high school, maybe even as a career. “I think it would be great to play water polo in college, maybe eventually in the Olympics,” he said.

Though it seems like nothing can slow down his dreams, there is one thing that may hold his decision back. “The one thing that would stop me is serving a mission,” Harvey said.

Since Joe Harvey is putting in the work, time, and effort to accomplish his goals, he may very well see his dreams become a reality.

team to keep my fitness up, and I will start to come to the morning practices,” Enriquez said.

Granger students like to mix up the usual routine when it comes to fitness. With some extraordinary athletes at the school, these routines are just some in-

sight on how Granger is creating such participants.

Whether it is running 10 miles a weekend or participating in small pick-up games for practice, Granger is home to some promising athletes.

Jaiden Griffiths is happy about the progress she’s made.

Joe Harvey looks to make a splash on the swim team

Joeseph Harvey has plans to swim after high school.

February 2018, page 7 | Sports

Tri-Color Times VOL. LX Issue 6

Rayden Boguslawski wrestles his way towards victory to elevate his team

By Braxton Henrie LEGACY- that is the one reason Rayden Boguslawski (11) wrestles. At first, Boguslawski wrestled to keep himself conditioned during the off-season of football, but he quickly fell in love with the sport and has been doing it ever since. It has also become a hobby of his that he plans to continue. As of right now, he does not plan to wrestle after high school, but he does plan to wrestle as a senior next year.

“My dad is my main source of inspiration, he wrestled in high school and he also teaches me things that I can work on to make me better at the sport,” Boguslawski said. When he is not doing wrestling, he plans on doing football and track and field to stay in shape and hopefully get a scholarship for sports.

“There are always things to improve on when you are doing a sport and there is always someone better, so you have to work

your hardest to become better,” Boguslawski said. His dad has had the biggest impact on his life.

When his dad was in high school he also did football, track, and wrestling, so when Boguslawski has questions or needs help with a move or needs to work on ball security, he goes to his dad.

“My dad also helps me keep my grades on track, when my grades are slipping he gets me back on track,” Boguslawski said.

“He is a good teammate and gives you support when you need it the most.” Everest Masters (11) said.

For Boguslawski, wrestling has shown him a new way of life that has enlightened him and shown him that there is more to high school than just friends and learning.

“The greatest feeling in wrestling is the sense of achievement when you win knowing that you put everything you had into that match,” Boguslawski said. “I am

a self-motivated person because no one can motivate yourself more than you.” Boguslawski said.

The thing that he and the team are looking forward to are going to state—they all know that they can make it if they band together like brothers.

When the pressure starts to set in, he tends to stay calm and remember why is he is wrestling.

Boguslawski wants to impress his parents and show Utah what Granger is all about. “The team that I am looking forward to playing the most is Hunter because Granger-Hunter games are always the best to be a part of, no matter what sport you are in,” Boguslawski said.

“He is always calm and collected when we need him the most,” Orlando Fernandez (11) said. “The hardest thing about playing sports in high school is keeping up with your homework and then going to practice after

school and then getting home around 7:00 p.m. to do it all over again the next day,” said Boguslawski.

“He is a person you know you can trust and come to with any-

thing,” Kaden Bates (11) said.

“Not everybody can play sports it takes a special kind a person with determination and grit to make it through sports,” Boguslawski said.

When the pressure starts to set in, Boguslawski tends to stay calm.

Tiger and Tee sign letters of intent Brian Sika bounces back after slap tag injury

By Jelena Dragicevic TIGER Mulitalo (12) signed his national letter of intent to Southern Utah University. This means he was awarded a full ride scholarship in honor of his performance on Granger’s football team. He will start at SUU after he serves an LDS mission. He plans to major in history and minor in communications. Granger has prepared him for this success.

Go T-Birds!!!

By Tiger Mulitalo TEE TONGA (12) signed his national letter of intent to Idaho State University, and he had two other full-ride offers. After he serves an LDS mission, he wants to major in sports psychology and minor in communications. Idaho State’s campus really stood out as the people around there were friendly and sociable. It was the right fit, and he is excited to start this new journey. Go Bengals!!!

By Kaylynn Gonzalez ONE YEAR ago, one Granger Lancer on the wrestling team was injured. Last year, Brian Sika (11) broke his tibia, putting him in a cast for four months. This year, he is fully healed and making a comeback.

Last year, during a game of slap tag at practice, Sika fell and landed on his foot wrong. Because of the injury, he was unable to wrestle for the entire 2016-17 season. This year, Sika is back and more thrilled than ever to be able to wrestle again.

“My favorite part about wrestling is the feeling when I step on the mat. It makes me hungry for more, I love the thrill,” Sika said.

“When I broke my foot I was annoyed because I had to sit out and watch everybody wrestle, while I was just sitting in the stands cheering them on,” Sika said. “I felt weak, everyone was learning and getting better but I was just sitting out,” Sika said.

Despite not being able to physically support his team, Sika was still at every practice, game, and meet; supporting his team and cheering them on. “Even though he couldn’t wrestle he still came

to every practice and game. He would cheer us on and was really supportive,” Luke Wamsley (12), a team captain, said.

Even though his injury prevented him from wrestling last year, it still made him a better wrestler by teaching him many lessons.

“It taught me that when the time comes for wrestling season you give it your all because there’s times when you won’t be able to wrestle. The times that you will be able to wrestle you need to take advantage of cause if it’s something you love you’re gonna miss it and if it’s something you love you should give it all you can,’ he said.

Sika’s teammates also noticed a difference in him after his injury. “He likes wrestling more. It’s made him hungry for it because he’s had to wait,” Wamsley said.

Even Sika’s family noticed he was more motivated. “My dad didn’t want me to wrestle because he was afraid I was going to get hurt again. Then he saw me pushing harder and saw I was more motivated and realized that it was something I love. Now he thinks it’s good for me,” Sika said.

Sika has made a lot of improvement since being back this season. Out of 30 matches, Sika has won 20. “He’s one of the best heavyweights we have. If he keeps the right mindset I can see him going to college,” Blaze Blank (11) said.

Sika’s teammates have a high opinion of him. “What sets him apart the most from the rest of us is how nice he is. I think he’s the nicest person I know, and he’s really outgoing and always willing to help,” Blank said.

Outside of wrestling and practice, Sika keeps above a 2.0 GPA and works a part time job. “I work right after practice. That’s pretty much all I do. There’s times when I come home at midnight and have to stay up until 2:00 a.m. doing homework. Then I have to wake up at 6:00 a.m. so I only get four hours of sleep, It’s OK though, because it’s for what I love,” Sika said.

Although Sika had a minor setback with an injury, he made a major comeback this season.

“I’m glad it happened, I definitely learned from it. It has motivated me to push harder, work harder, and grind harder,” Sika said.

Brain Sika is thrilled to be back on the mats after a year off due to an injury.

February 2018, page 8 | Reviews

Tri-Color Times VOL. LX Issue 6

Annihilation obliterates the competition Review by Gwen Loloma THIS MONTH, the movie Annihilation is coming out and I think this movie will be a fan favorite.

It is about a man who signs up to go on a secret expedition where the laws of nature do not exist.

After his return from the expedition, he is unconscious and unable to function like he used to.

As a result, his wife turns her attention to the cause of this tragic situation and seeks answers to her unexplained questions.

Without anyone able to answer her questions, she leaves the civilized world and sets out on a journey to discover what reasons caused the tragic state of her husband.

I am a big fan of adventure/ drama movies because it takes viewers on exciting, unexpected adventures throughout the movie.

When I first found out that this movie was coming out this month, I felt and excited and happy to see how the outcome would be when it actually comes out. I also like how they made the trailer interesting to watch because most trailers I usually watch are boring and basic.

In the trailer, I liked the part where the lady went into the secret expedition—known as area X—to find out what the cause for her husband’s tragic injuries.

I thought that was a really brave thing to do, especially because she didn’t have to. Inside the expedition, she and a group of other girls discover the unexplained.

They find very distinct creatures that leave them questioning how and why their features look similar to other natural animals in the civilized world. The atmo-

sphere inside looks almost beautiful but does not match the dangerous obstacles they go through.

I admired the courage the group of girls had when they came across dangerous obstacles and how they fought back without hesitating. The trailer has been viewed at least six million times on Youtube and is soon going to rise dramatically when the movie comes out this month.

Annihilation is also famous and known for its brilliant novel written by Jeff Vandermeer. This movie would definitely gain millions of views because there is also a good book that goes with it.

Overall, after watching the trailer and reading the feedback, I think this movie is something to be looking forward to, especially if you’re a big fan of watching dramatic science fiction movies.

Bassy’s Gossip Column

Halo Wars: How the story began Opinion by Allen Carrillo HALO USED to be known for its amazing campaign and multiplayer that follows an intergalactic war between humanity and an alien alliance known as the covenant. Those of us that are familiar with the franchise know about the Master Chief, aka John 117, who is the hero of the entire series. However, what most players don’t know is how the war even began.

Halo Wars is the prequel to Halo Reach, so it takes place way before when the Master Chief actually became the Master Chief.

The main Spartans that are part of the prequel is red team, blue team’s rivals (Master Chief’s team), which is why when you play any Halo multiplayer there is a red team vs blue team.

The game only has three Spar-

tans because the Spartan is still relatively new during the time and all the other Spartans are still on reach training. The first human colony to fall, Harvest, is one of the “gateway” colonies that will lead the Covenant to humanity’s home world Earth. If they find it then we are screwed.

During this time period, the war has lasted about five years since the fall of Harvest. The alien threat have found an ancient map of The Forerunners which causes the UNSC race the Covenant to a different colony to find the weapon. The weapon is one that that the ancients left on prebuilt warships that, if taken by the covenant, will mean the end of the war for humanity.

That is the basis of the story, but the game play is really the same as any other RTS (Real

Time Strategy) game. You have to balance resources and out play the AI in order to win with a rock, paper, scissor rule. Rock being the armored units, paper being the air units, and scissors being the infantry units.

There are also six leaders you can play as that each have their own abilities, three of which are UNSC and three of which are Covenant. You have Captain Cutter, the leader of the Spirit of Fire, and Sergeant Forge who is in charge of most of the troops.

Then you have Professor Anders, who is a female character.

For the Covenant you have the Arbiter, The Prophet of regret, and The Brute Chieftain. The covenant are higher in shields and troop productivity, but the UNSC are better fitted with destruction because that’s how humans are.

By Sanah Alkaswan MANY MAY know him for some of his previous albums like, “East Hollywood,” but others were introduced/reintroduced to Marc E Bassy in 2016 when he dropped his second EP “ Groovy People.”

Maybe some know him by his platinum breakthrough single, “You and Me,” featuring G-Eazy.

If you know how good that song is, then you know that the anticipation was high prior to his release of his debut album, Gossip Columns, that dropped on October 13.

This album features artists just as talented, like the already familiar voices of G-Eazy, YG, Kehlani, Kyle, and Bobby Brackins.

Bass was interviewed by Bianca Alysse for www.Billboard.com, and when asked where his inspiration for the album and its name came from he said, “I chose this album title [Gossip Columns] because these tracks are essentially sensationalized stories from my personal life, experience and observation,” Bassy said. Can you say Deep?

Although Bassy points out the personal and emotional side of this album he wants his fans to know what else goes into it. “We put the same amount of effort and care into all the music. The rest is up to the people,” Bassy said.

He said this prior to the release of his groovy, storytelling, R&B album. Not only did he give us a little taste of greatness when he dropped a single from the album, “You and Me,” but he let us preview the personal part and one of the features of the album by also releasing “Plot Twist” featuring

Kyle earlier in 2017.

Love is a lot of things, and one thing it is for sure is complicated.

“Plot Twist” is the perfect song to describe it. When asked where the inspiration for the song came from and what it meant specifically to Bassy he said, “It’s about when a situation with a love interest turns into something more serious than you thought. [You] thought it was just gonna be [a casual encounter], and then it turns into something more real, and something that lasts longer. And it kinda happened to me. So that’s where the song came from.” I personally find this very relatable.

My favorite song was hard to choose, but I chose “Made Love first” featuring Kehlani. The song is about their relationship getting complicated by hooking up first before connecting emotionally. The theme is a relatable one.

This whole album was a relatable; it was the perfect closure to my feelings and 2017.

Many have wondered what’s next for Bassy, whether it be another album or a tour. The eagerness is real. When asked by Billboard’s Alysse what he had planned, he said, “We are going to do this US tour. And then my team is going to visit Europe in December. We will be in 11 different European cities, for the first time. My band will be playing in small intimate venues. It is really Gossip Columns season.

We will be pushing the album everywhere.” All I can say is that we should bring the gossip to Salt Lake City, because after that album, everybody’s gonna be in love with Bassy.