Whirlwind issue 2

SNOW SPORTS From winter sports teams to hitting the slopes

CONCEALED

SOUND SPACE Plans for a new auditorium set into motion

Could arming our teachers prevent school shootings?

WEST

BR

ALBANY DECEMBER 2017 / ISSUE 2

O

KE

FOU

N NDA T

Acc o you rding t t o hom h aged a rece stud elessn 13-25 nt stud will y, 1 ents ess i e n in x her e, th 2018. F perien 10 ce o at s tatis r some tic h its h om e.

ION

S

INSIDE

CONTENTS

SPORTS The winter sports season kicks off with a bang

OPINION Do the benefits of technology outweigh the preceived drawbacks?

ENTERTAINMENT Read about the upcoming band and choir concerts

NEWS Get to know the different stories and experiences of our exchange students

CONTACT US C or r ect ion s and L e tt er s t o t h e Ed i to rs P lease sen d c orrec ti ons or c om m en ts on thi s i ssu e to: w a h swh irlwind@gmai l .c om

NEWS Editors’ Letter PAGE 3 Mr. Engel PAGE 7 Gun Control PAGE 10 Features PAGE 11

ON THE COVER Homelessness among teens may be more relavant than some realize

OPINION Foreign Exchange PAGE 12 Youth Shelter PAGE 15 Funding the Arts PAGE 16 Sexual Assault PAGE 17

2 THE WHIRLWIND/ DECEMBER 2017

SPORTS Winter Sports PAGE 19 Snow Sports PAGE 20 Athlete Profile PAGE 24

ENTERTAINMENT Technology PAGE 28 Unsolved Mysteries PAGE 30 Actress Profile PAGE 31

THE WHIRLWIND STAFF

HOPE FOR THE HOLIDAYS Bright lights are strung around homes, and trees are topped with glistening stars. However, for some of the people in our community and school, this is not the case. In this issue, as we enter the holiday LETTER FROM season, we want to shed light on a portion of THE EDITORS our community that often goes unnoticed.

November was National Runaway Prevention month, but December is when many homeless youth are hit the hardest. The holidays remind them of family struggles, the financial woes of Christmas, cold conditions that are brought in by the season, and the end of the semester, causCHASE LAPERLE ing more stress for struggling students. It can be WILL RANDALL a difficult time for many, but can be unbearable for displaced students.

While we explore the challenges some face, we also celebrate upcoming changes. The start of winter sports and the welcoming of snow sports season, the growth of the Unified Sports program, our foreign exchange students, and the upcoming development of a performance space have us ready to ring in 2018. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year, from us to you.

EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Chase LaPerle Will Randall MANAGING EDITORS Curtis Allen Kate Looney COPY EDITORS Megan Carroll Amber Stefan BUSINESS MANAGER Emily Haarstad Jordyn Lockwood ART DIRECTOR Jacqueline LaPlante PHOTO DIRECTOR Brianna Graunitz Geneva Mellison DESIGN DIRECTOR Kaden Strametz PUBLIC RELATIONS Alizah Bueno NEWS Malachi Murphy Vada Shelby OPINION Mattea Helman Jonathan Perkins SPORTS Ruth Nash Kane Weekly ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Jordan Andreas Jaden Rodriguez STAFF Maggie Bedrin Illa McCaulou Hayley Harlan Braxton Reece Mackenzie Wang Abigail Winter Kailee Young ADVISER Michelle Balmeo CONTACT wahswhirlwind@gmail.com

CORRECTIONS In “Take a knee” on page 20 of the October 2017 issue, statements by junior Ori Hales were incorrectly attributed to junior Alex Schrems.

DECEMBER 2017 / WHIRLWIND 3

4 NEWS / DECEMBER 2017

CURTIS ALLEN

Which demographics are most affected?

200% More

ONE IN TEN individuals aged 18-25 will experience homelessness in the year 2018, amounting to 3.5 million people. For youth ages 13-17, there are 700,000.

Unlike many of their peers, these teens have NO DOOR TO OPEN.

Single Teenage Parents

162% More Hispanic

120% More LGBT

83% More African-American Statistics according to The University of Chicago’s Chaplin Hall 2017 study of American youth homelessness.

BY Curtis Allen and Malachi Murphy

NOWADAYS, MOST HIGH schoolers’ first thoughts when starting their day are about whether or not they will catch the bus on time or who they will sit with at lunch. For others, however, every morning presents great uncertainty. Instead of catching up with friends and studying, West Albany High School’s homeless population faces daily questions like “What will I eat for dinner tonight?” and “Who am I going to stay with next?”

This is the reality for some kids.

Although many are familiar with the term “homeless,” its definition is often strewn. According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD, being homeless is described as “living in an unsustainable situation for a prolonged period of time.” This may include a variety of scenarios from living in a garage to pitching a tent in a park. However, Rhonda Jacques, the school’s family service consultant, believes that being homeless means not living in their own house.

Around 40 percent of all homeless

Americans are teenagers, as newly reported in a study released by Covenant House, nonprofit organization dedicated to helping homeless youth. However, agencies such as HUD recognize anyone under the age of 25 to be an “unoccupied youth” and may qualify for special programs. Community Services Consortium Housing Services Manager Dina Eldridge claims she “could count on one hand” the number of teenage cases she’s dealt with over the course of her 20 year career. In her words, “way less than 1 percent” of the people she helps are teenagers. Although that estimate may surprise some, only one out of every four cases Eldridge handles identify as homeless, since her organization’s goal is to assist families before they reach the point of homelessness.

When she does encounter special cases, however, she describes how all the programs can be slightly altered to meet specific needs. For example, if an individual was behind on their rent payments, CSC could cover it. Additionally, if someone is

currently homeless or freshly evicted, the organization can help to locate landlords with lower rates. But, they do not have an endless budget, so time limits have to be imposed on clients. These can range from 60 days to four months. Eldridge suggests the housing market here in Albany also aids in the search.

“Linn County is probably the easiest place to find housing,” she said. This convenience, however, may soon disappear.

Eldridge believes local landlords will soon hike their prices as the population increases. This would present a large obstacle for homeless teenagers who barely have enough to survive on basics, let alone afford expensive housing.

Although many may believe orphanages or foster parents can help keep children living indoors, Covenant House reports that more than 50 percent of children aging out of juvenile justice facilities and foster homes end up homeless within six months.

For many youth with unstable living conditions, the future can be very unclear.

DECEMBER 2017 / NEWS 5

MYTH

FACT

Most homeless individuals Among single adults have a severe mental experiencing chronic illness homelessness, an actual 30 to 40 percent suffer from mental illnesses Most homeless people About 69 percent of can be found on the homeless people live in streets shelters Homelessness is mostly a Only 46 percent of city problem homeless individuals live in urban areas Homelessness is a long- The most common term problem duration of homelessness is one to two days, and half of the people who enter homeless shelters exit them within 30 days, without returning Homeless people don’t 17 percent of homeless have jobs adults within families have paying jobs, and 55 percent had worked in the past year

All statistics credited to a 2010 Washington Post article titled, “Five myths about America’s homeless,” in reference to various studies from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Jackson Street Youth Shelter Phone: (800)-901-2904 Address: 960 SW Queen Ave Albany Helping Hands Phone: (541)-926-4036 Address: 619 SE 9th Ave

RESOURCES Fish of Albany Phone: (541)-928-4460 Address: 1880 SE Hill St

JACKSON STREET YOUTH SHELTER What is it?

JSYSI serves individuals ages 10-24 and provides them with hygiene products, clothing, undergarments, school supplies, and anything else they may need to assume a comfortable life

Where is it?

Albany house, which has been up for two years now, serves youth from Albany and surrounding areas, including Sweet Home, Lebanon, Tangent, Jefferson, Millersburg, Stayton, Sublimity, Salem, and Keizer Corvallis house, the first jackson street shelter serves youth from corvallis and surrounding areas, including, but not limited to, McMinnville, Philomath, Lewisburg, Monmouth, Monroe, Dallas.

Life afterwards...

Upon turning 18, youth have the possibility to apply for transitional living programs provided by Jackson Street Services, for individuals aged 18-20, to experience adulthood normally, when they would otherwise be homeless once more.

National Coalition for the Homeless Website: nationalhomeless.org Covenant House Website: covenanthouse.org

JOURNEY to the West Albany administrator’s desk

College

Went to Oregon State in 1988 Finished at Western Oregon in 1993

His first school

Whiteaker Middle School Campus monitor

Working for West Albany

Started working through the F.A.C.T program at West in 1999 Started teaching in 2005 as a Special Education teacher Became Assistant Principal in 2012

BRIANNA GRAUNITZ

The right Engel

Assistant Principal Rich Engel recently named Oregon Assistant Principal of the Year

BY Kaden Strametz

A CLEAN, TIDY, NEAT DESK. Assistant principal Rich Engel’s office reflects both his personality traits and his character.

Engel, who recently won the Assistant Principal of the Year award from the Confederation of School Administrators, is now advancing to the National Assistant Principal of the Year competition.

Engel started college at the age of 17 with the intent to become a physician. But, it wasn’t long before he realized he might

need to take a different path.

“I wasn’t ready to be a college student,” Engel said. “It made it a little tough.”

Engel wound up coaching football at a middle school where he realized his passion was teaching. He started in 1993. This led him to his current job an assistant principal.

“Working with Rich is a very positive experience because he listens well,” study skills teacher Jane Marshall said. “He knows that every kid in the building is dif-

ferent from the one next to them.”

Part of Engel’s job is intervening with students when there is an issue. According to Marshall, one of Engel’s strengths is his ability to remain composed in those situations.

“It’s like being in a revolving door and like having someone pop through the door that may not be the happiest person,” Marshall said. “He has the ability to keep his composure and work through these things.”

When not dealing with issues throughout the school, Engel takes the time to see what is going on in our school by being surrounded by students.

“You see how he’s in the halls all the time,” Marshall said. …”He’s watching, he knows what’s going on, he stops and talks to kids… Healthy, open communication is essential for a healthy environment.”

Part of Engel’s ability to connect with students has to do with his personality: nice, down to earth, and the kind of person who “would give you the shirt off his back,” according to junior Mclain Timm.

“A good assistant principal is a person who really cares about the kids and listens to them and helps them,” Timm said. “I think he fits that perfectly.”

Rich Engel: a kind, trusting person who cares about the school and its students and loves to get involved.

DECEMBER 2017 / NEWS 7

Away from home How West exchange students adapt to American culture

BY Alizah Bueno

I F Y O U D E C I D E D to leave your country and study in a different country, how would that make you feel?

High school students have the chance to be exchange students. Here at West, there are six exchange students this year. Though we all can try to imagine how hard it would be to move away from family and into a new culture and lifestyle, very few of us will have the opportunity to participate.

Students from Spain, Czech Republic, Japan, Thailand, Pa-

BRIANNA GRAUNITZ

E X C H A N G E Junior exchange student Xenia Buxo serves food at the West Albany benefit concert on Nov. 30 put on by Key Club. Buxo is one of the six exchange students this year.

kistan, and Germany are all staying here at West. When they first arrive here, are they being treated differently based on where they came from?

“Many classmates ask me about Japan,” junior Takumi Kishi, a foreign exchange student from Japan, said.“‘Is it

Gifting Hope

How students can help hurricane victims BY

Megan Carroll

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, most teens will be making lists of things they feel they can’t live without: an iPhone, the latest clothing trends, a new Hydro Flask. Most teens and children will not be wishing Santa would give them a new place to call home, for their dog to come back, a toy just like the one they used to have: this is the reality for hurricane survivors. This gift-giving season, some are making the effort to 8

NEWS / DECEMBER 2017

true that blah blah?’ or ‘What kind of food do you like best?’”

Kishi says he isn’t bothered by the questions he just likes to inform people about his experiences and culture.

When you come from another country, it can sometimes be hard to adjust to the life

give back to those who have lost everything to hurricanes.

Hurricane Harvey, which trailed through the Southeastern United States and northern parts of South America, marked a new record for a tropical storm or hurricane with 51.88 inches of rain this last August. Hurricane Irma, which mostly affected the southern parts of Florida in late August through mid September, was one of the most powerful hurricanes ever recorded. Hurricane Maria destroyed the entire power grid in Puerto Rico.

How can someone here, miles away from the destruction, give to those in need after these tragedies?

“It’s important to build off of already established infrastructure,” says junior Megan Cox, a member of Key Club, “that means donating to charities [...] and

of an American. Some people have different perspectives on different cultures that affect the exchange student’s experience.

“I wanted to know a new way of thinking, and I thought in America there are all kinds of people with their own strong way of thinking,” Kishi said.

attending events like Key Club’s benefit concert.”

In places like Puerto Rico, Key Club members say it’s important to give to organizations that will help get the economy back on its feet.

Junior Amanda Givens and Vice President of Key Club says, “I don’t think it’s realistic for us to send actual stuff [clothes, blankets, etc.] over there. I think monetary donations [and giving to] organizations that purchase things from within [these communities] is the best way to [donate].”

To do so is simple: find organizations that buy goods from these countries. This way, the money purchasing these goods is then cycling around in their economy.

“In Puerto Rico, Hurricane Maria destroyed 80 percent of the crops. With such extensive damage done and suck litILLUSTRATION / MAGGIE BEDRIN

N

Exchange students come for a reason; each one has a different goal or wants to experience new things.

“Sometimes people here don’t understand that much about exchange students,” junior Xenia Buxo, an exchange student from Spain, said. “so it’s not like they judge, but they don’t understand us.”

Even though they have experienced some misunderstandings with other students, these students agree that should not discourage students from try it.

“If you have the opportunity to do this,you should definitely do it,” junior Matyas Hrdina, an exchange student from the Czech Republic, said.

“Experience something new and once you get the chance to

do it, take it.”

Being away from family is one of the things that comes with new experiences. Sometimes people don’t think about that when talking to students who are away from their family such as an exchange student.

Not only are they away from their family, they are away from friends too.

“She said she wanted to go back, like I miss my friends, I miss my family, I feel like people don’t unXENIA BUXO derstand JUNIOR me.” Xenia explains about a recent event that happened with another exchange student.

Taking a moment to learn about exchange students and where they come from, could help the community by learning a new kind of culture and a new way of living and thinking.

The Whirlwind would like to thank to following 2017-2018 sponsors.

“Sometimes people here don’t understand that much about exchange students, so it’s not like they judge, but they don’t understand us.”

tle support from our government at the national level, it is essential that us as citizens support people in crisis,” says Cox. In addition to this, there are many charity websites that give help to hurricane victims. The goal of these organizations differs: animal care, helping survivors recieve health care and medicine, giving young children education and support they need to have tools which will benefit them in different parts of their lives, and rebuilding homes, hospitals, and other destroyed buildings that are important to the lives of many. Many of these organizations are big on volunteer work and are sending in all the help they can. Sources to help this cause can be found through organizations such as: GlobalGiving, Humane Society of the United States, and Americares.

Cox says, “UNICEF has a really good program in place where 89 percent of every dollar donated goes directly to chil-

WHERE TO GIVE Charity Organizations UNICEF.org

nonprofit, betters lives of children

GlobalGiving.org

nonprofit, disaster relief & aid

Americares.org

nonproft, disaster relief, health care (medicine and clinical service)

HumaneSociety.org

animal protection and rescue

CharityNavigator.org find reliable charities

BULLDOG LEVEL

Anonymous B and B Speed Shop Costain Family O’Bryan Family Tom and Sherry Gaulke Tradewinds Transportation

GOLD LEVEL

Bruce Madsen Margie Graves Patrick Moser

BLUE LEVEL

Garrett Brittan Lack Nancy Cottle

HOURS

Tuesday -Saturday 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. eat@thefirstburger.com

541-704-1128

dren in need.”

West Albany Key Club held a benefit concert on Nov. 30 here at West.

All the money raised at this concert is going toward helping victims of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. This benefit concert--with performances from West’s alumni, choir, band, and Improv Club--raised almost $1000 to help Puerto Rico recover from the destruction of Hurricane Maria. “[We] all [came] together for a really fun night which, hopefully, can help our world,” says Cox. It could be easy to give back to those in need this holiday season. With Key Club’s help and many organizations giving to hurricane survivors, sending help is simple. In the words of Givens, “It’s important that we help people that are having trouble, [and] not just because they are American citizens; we should reach out to anyone that’s in trouble.”

DECEMBER 2017 / NEWS 9

Considering the Consequences

By Vada Shelby

The past month has been filled with many events we will never forget. On Oct. first, a shooting in Las Vegas took place.There hadn’t been a mass shooting for a few months before this traumatic event, but society has become fairly used to occurrences like this. Just over one month later, on Nov. fifth, there was another mass shooting at a church in Sutherland Springs, Texas. Around this time, talk of increased gun violence was spreading around the halls here at West.

“I don’t feel safe here at all,” junior Grant Farley said.

“It isn’t hard to think of someone entering our unlocked doors when you’re bored in math class.”

The chaos and tragedy didn’t stop there, however. On Nov. 7, a shooter ran up and down the streets of California, firing for 45 minutes before being caught. All of the chaos ended here in Oregon. Just one day after the events in California, houses in Keizer were tagged saying things like, “Sandy Hook part 2” and, “School Shooting @McKay today.” We have been saying “enough is enough” for a while now, but nothing has come of it. So, this begs the question, why not?

Talking about acts of violence such as mass shootings is a hard thing to do in a group setting, let alone one-on-one October First Shooting in Las Vegas

with somebody. English teacher Jordan Ruppert knows more than most about how guns in schools affect people. Ruppert attended Douglas High School in Winston, Oregon, just 8.5 miles away from Roseburg, where a mass shooting occurred on Oct. 1, 2015. He also taught there for three years before coming to West Albany. Ruppert knew many former students who had gone to Umpqua Community College, simply because it was so close to Douglas High School.

“It changed the way I think about these occurrences,” he said. “It was always something that happened somewhere else, and all of a sudden it was at home… I spent a lot of sleepless nights over it.”

By 2015, Ruppert had already begun teaching at West Albany. However, he still knew many kids from his previous schools. A former student he had known well was shot that day. Ruppert said she had played dead while the shooter was still active, and that led to her surviving the shooting.

Although Farley doesn’t have any experience with gun violence, he has an opinion; he is constantly talking to peers about his views and what he thinks should come of gun control laws and regulations.

“I think if there were certain licenses needed for each type of gun, it would prevent

situations like what America has seen recently... It just shouldn’t be easy to get a gun if you are a criminal,” he said.

French teacher Jacqueline Kahler’s life was affected by a school shooting on May 21, 1998. She was a substitute teacher in the Eugene-Springfield school district at the time.

That day, she was at Springfield High School.

“That day was a weird day,” she said, “Students kept filtering in late, and they were telling me there were lots of emergency vehicles driving around. Señora Faith Kinkel wasn’t in her classroom, so there was also a classroom without a teacher... Then we heard there had been a shooting, and Señora Kinkel was dead.”

Thurston is a small town, relative in size to Albany. On that day, Kip Kinkel killed both his parents, William and Faith, before going to Thurston High School. Four people, including his parents, were murdered by Kinkel, and 25 were injured during the school shooting.

“Every time there is a school shooting,” she said, “I go back to that day”.

Kahler explained that knowing someone who lost their life to an act of gun violence made her think about situations like school shootings a lot more. Just like Farley, Kahler thinks the school is not

as secure as we all think.

There is no doubt that school shootings are scary things. Lots of people know about school shootings and what comes of them, but not everybody knows the law. The Oregon School Board Association’s (OSBA) website has many good sources for anyone to access. With topics such as concealed weapons and gun control on the rise, the OSBA has received many questions on guns in schools. It is important for everybody to understand what weapons are and are not allowed in Oregon Schools.

According to OSBA, anyone with a concealed weapon license is allowed to carry a concealed weapon into a public school--aside from teachers.

This means a teacher with a concealed weapon license cannot bring their concealed weapon to school, but other people can. Parents, community members, and anyone from the public who enters the building is allowed to bring a weapon onto campus with them if they have the proper licensing. It’s a scary thought, and it doesn’t make sense to most people. See the opinion section for some student opinions on this matter, and write to the Whirlwind staff if you have something you want to be heard.

November 5

November 7

November 8

Church shooting in Sutherland Springs, Texas

Random fire in California, lasting 45 minutes

Houses in Keizer were tagged threatening a shooting at McKay High School 10 NEWS / December 2017

FOUR FACTS FROM THE SCHOOL, STATE, NATION

BY Jackie LaPlante

1 No.

Senior Mackenna Grove is one of several peer tutors who helps students during their classes (pictured with fellow Freshman Colby Vigil).

2

No.

3 No.

If you like working with others and are seeking to add to your resume, consider becoming a peer aid. West Albany’s Special Education program is in search of more peer tutors this year and would love your help. Many people don’t know how dynamic the West Albany Special Education program is and how involved the teachers and aides are in the school.

West Albany wrestling coach, Casey Horn, remarks, “We have peer tutors throughout the day come in and work in each classroom. They help anywhere from math, to science, to reading; all the main courses we offer here at West Albany.” Mr.Horn addresses the importance of being a peer tutor, stating that being a tutor “fulfills that feeling of feeling good, like you did something good for somebody else. It’s all about helping other people learn, and helping other people feel like they are a part of West Albany”.

Portland State University’s population research Center has reported on the skyrocketing numbers in which Oregon’s population has increased, The text states, “Oregon’s population increased by 64,750 between 2016 and 2017, largely because of new residents moving to the state.” Most people are moving to largely populated areas in Oregon, like Portland, driving overpopulation to an all time high. The PSU report highlights the reasons behind population growth, stating,” Population growth consists of two factors: natural increase (the number of births minus the number of deaths) and net migration (people moving in minus people moving out).

From 2016 to 2017, net migration accounted for roughly 88 percent of Oregon’s population growth.”

11 NEWS / DECEMBER 2017

8 West Albany High School students dropped out the year of 2016 and 97% graduated on time schools.oregonlive.com

Although West Albany’s gradauation rate stands at an amazing 97% other Oregon schools fall below a rate of 85% to even 75%. Oregon governor Kate Brown has taken action after forcing the head of the Oregon Department of Education to resign. Brown stands adamant about her promise to improve Oregon’s graduation rate. During the week of Oct.11, Brown published a letter to Colt Gill, the Acting Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction, and Elizabeth Keller, the Acting Executive Director of the Teaching Standards and Practices Commission. In the letter, the state released new data reporting on school performance. It showed that most schools were falling under a graduation rate of 90%. Brown states that she will devise a plan to improve the unsatisfying results of the graduation rates: setting a deadline for the beginning of the 2018 legislative session, Feb. 5.

4

School attendance in the United States has decreased immensely during the year of 2017. From Attendance Works and the Everyone Graduates Center, it states,”Over 7 million (1 in 7) U.S. students miss nearly a month of school each year.” This change in attendance has caused many students, who are not attending school on a regular basis, to struggle in their academics.

No.

Some of our leaders would say this is how we protect our classrooms, giving our trusted teachers the weapons necessary to protect those who can’t Teachers carrying guns is not the answer to stopping violence in protect themselves. However, is arming our teachers reschools ally the answer to stop these shootings? Some think yes.

T H E U N I T E D S T A T E S en lately: should we arm our ing.

Oregon law states clearly, However, in one of the most is facing a deadly epidemic. teachers?

“The only way to stop a bad that any individual who has infamous shootings of our Innocent children and adults alike are losing their lives to a guy with a gun is with a good qualified for a concealed carry time, an armed guard failed to national issue that lawmakers guy with a gun,” says Wayne permit has the right to carry a stop the shooters. On April 20, L a P i e r r e , firearm into any public space 1999, Columbine, Colorado, can’t agree on Eric Harris and the Nation- as stated in ORS how to solve.

EDITORIAL Dylan Klebold al Rifle As- 166.370. These Columbine, entered their The opinion of spaces violent sociation’s public Red Lake, San- There have been the Whirlwind high school and dy Hook, and gun related incidents between e x e c u t i v e include schools, editorial board killed 15 people 1990 and November of 2017 vice pres- meaning that any most recently and injured 23. ident. His teacher who has qualified for Rancho TeAn armed security guard was c o m m e n t a concealed carry permit has hama: these on duty that day.

Through no has gained the legal right to bring their are just a few examples of the fault of his own, the guard, of attention, both firearm into the classroom. recurring issue in the past 20 a lot years. Everyone agrees that from those supporting it and Though, according to the Or- even with a firearm, failed to these shootings need to stop. those who find it completely egon School Board Association stop the shooters.

The solution to ending vioWhat we disagree on is what absurd. The argument here it should be said that the emlence doesn’t include violence. exactly we should do to halt is that if we give our teachers ployers of these teachers has The solution is to stop the inthese needless murders. One guns, then they will be able to the right to deny any sort of cidents from happening in the controversial solution has ris- stop any threat from ever aris- firearms in school.

Teachers bearing arms

179

An Exchange of Culture

Why foreign exchange students are so important to WAHS

BY Hayley-Mae Harlan

“I’M NOT RACIST, but…” “Oh wait, you probably don’t know what that means.”

“Are you poor?” “Teach me the curse words in your language!” “Are you rich?” “But you don’t look like a…” “Oh I know a word in your language!”

“Are you really good at math?”

“I hate how the people in your country are always so…” In

addition to bad accents and obvious stares, this can be a typical day in the life of a foreign exchange student. Now put yourself in their position. Wouldn’t you be frustrated, too?

AFS Intercultural Programs is an organization that brings foreign exchange students from over 40 countries to the U.S. to study abroad and learn more about our culture. Many students attend West Albany

12 OPINION / DECEMBER 2017

through this program, from countries like Japan, Pakistan, Spain, and South Korea. Their passion for learning our culture helps us all make progress towards a better understanding of our world.

Foreign exchange students develop their views on our country based on our words, actions, and attitude. We are the example of America they will bring back to their home

country. When they tell friends and family about their experience, they will talk about us; how we speak, what we eat, how we study, and what we do.

This is why it is so important to treat these students with patience and kindness. Not only is it common courtesy, but it improves the country’s overall reputation.

Foreign exchange students also help us develop our school’s community. When they study abroad here, we also benefit and learn. Their presence brings a kind of diversity to our school that many

of us have no experience with because of West Albany’s majority of white students. Seeing variation in color and in culture helps us discover how

“Before I came to the US I had many stereotypes,” junior Jawwad Ali

similar we all are despite distance. West Albany is full of white students, so it’s nice to see some variation in color.

Our global views are widened by these encounters. There’s

Maggie Bedrin

first place. This doesn’t necessarily mean banning guns altogether, as some government officials might suggest. But the solution isn’t arming our teachers either.

Other things can be done to prevent shootings. These killers are often not mentally sound; they are tormented souls. We need to figure out what drives these people to commit such atrocities. If it is mental illness, efforts should be made to reach out to those who need help before they turn to these horrible, violent acts. And if it is not mental illness we need to figure out what drives these people, but the answer is not weapons in the classroom.

If we solve the problems before they happen, there won’t be a need for guns in the classroom. Giving our teachers guns would be fighting fire with fire when we could just take the matches away.

Virgina Tech Sandy Hook 32 Killed

27 Killed

University of Texas

15 Killed

Columbine 15 Killed

Umpqua Community College

9 Killed

Red Lake

9 Killed

no better way to learn about a foreign place than to have a citizen teach you. We should always be open to the understanding of the world around us. Limiting ourselves to one town, state, or country means limiting our overall knowledge.

Students from different cultures need our support. Often, they are treated badly because of their differences. Instead, we should encourage these differences. Just as they are enthusiastic to learn about the U.S., we should show the same eagerness to learn from them.

Crossing an ocean to leave your

Catch AFS on Snapchat or at their other social media pages: @afs_usa

@afs-usa

@AFSUSA AFS_USA

world behind is immensely brave. These students deserve our hospitality.

Ask good questions. Be polite and patient. Learn their names. Make friends. Let’s show some love for our friends from abroad and pass peace forward.

DECEMBER 2017 / OPINION 13

TECH CONNECT How technological advancements have affected our communication skills for the better

BY Mattea Hellman

I N A M O D E R N S O C I E T Y , not owning a phone can prevent a person from gaining many opportunities: getting a job, keeping up with friends and family, meeting new people, and finding inspiration for daily activities. Lack of a smartphone can create a divide between us and the world surrounding. It’s the number one method of distributing information in the 21st century, but is it moving faster than society can keep up with? Is social media and texting causing a loss of quality communication, or is it furthering our development as a society?

Technology brought a way of life into the world that no one expected. With a touch of a button, we can speak face to face with someone from across the world.

This has brought our cultures to a point of no return; a point that will become a better world for future generations to live in. In some ways, speaking in person can be more beneficial, seeing a person’s body language, and the way they audibly convey their ideas creates further mutual understanding. According to business professor, Edward Wertheim, at Northeastern Univer14 OPINION / OCTOBER 2017

sity, “The choice of words or language in which a sender encodes a message will influence the quality of communication. Because language is a symbolic representation of a phenomenon, room for interpretation and distortion of the meaning exists.” This creates a connection and bond that some people believe is not possible with relationships established over technology. However, these advanced devices can make comCONNECTED

71%

OF U.S CITIZENS OVER 3 YEARS OLD USE THE INTERNET, ACCORDING TO THE NATIONAL CENTER FOR EDUCATION STATISTICS.

municating easier than ever before.

Whilst it may be considered overrated, a lack of technology would leave society far less advanced. Running a business, working in the government, teaching a class, and virtually every career imaginable would be more difficult than it needs to be; slow reach between departments, having to display ideas on a whiteboard, not being able to reach data through the internet, etc. Not

to mention the amount of paper we save by not just sending messages via letters.

In the Business Guide to Paper Reduction by Heather Sarantis, she adds, “Technology is becoming an increasingly useful tool to reduce paper dependency...By simply beginning to examine and question the way that paper is used within a company, numerous ways to reduce paper consumption and expenses can be found.”

Over investment in anything, however, is not healthy. You shouldn’t be reaching for your phone at the dinner table with family, or taking selfies at a funeral. A little goes a long way, and less is more. Extra usage can cause a loss of interpersonal relationships, obsession with your online reputation and statistics, and reduction of real life communication skills. A professor of psychology and director of the UCLA Children’s Digital Media Center says, “I feel that actually we should rather say humans are using technology in such a way that it’s affecting their health. Humans are making the choice to be so obsessed with technology.”

As long as we don’t let our personal lives and our online profiles intersect so much that we lose sight of reality, and don’t underestimate the positive impact technology can have on all of our lives, Staying committed to firsthand experiences will prevent the potential negative impacts technology could have on all of us.

A light in the darkness

Jackson Street Youth Shelter provides support for youth facing hard times or homelessness

BY Will Randall

WHAT COMES TO MIND when you hear the words “youth homeless shelter”? An orphanage? Or that stupid “hard knock life” song? Many, myself included, envision lines of white cots in a large room and thick soup ladled into bowls, feeding hungry and bedraggled individuals at the lowest point of their lives. That is not the case.

Firsthand experience with Jackson Street Youth Services has totally debunked all of my preconceived notions on the subject. Where I expected disheveled people, in varying levels of cleanliness, I was shocked to experience a sort of roommate-style living, with a shifting cast of people who needed a place to stay. This year, that included me.

So often homeless youth are given a “bad kid” label. People peg them as the kids that got kicked out, or the kids who ran away for “stupid reasons”, but most of those I’ve met in these past seven months were in a troubled situation, or in conflict with parents at home, which prompted them to leave home.

Jackson Street isn’t like other shelters either. Most focus on a stable place to stay, whereas the program has chosen to

focus on the youth’s personal growth and well being—while providing a bed, food, clothes, and virtually anything the youth needs. Upon entry to the program, each resident is given a case manager in an attempt to establish a better more suitable situation so that the youth may return home: if that is what seems best.

For longer staying residents in the program, case management takes an individualistic approach, working on preparing the youth for life after they leave the shelter. Positive life goals are developed and worked towards, skills are learned, and life is lived. For older youth, college and life after high school is looked at and options are evaluated. A connected network of support is established, furthering the stability offered through the program.

It’s important for youth to know these services are available and not what popular belief has made them out to be. For those who need it, Jackson Street is there and can offer the structure and support a youth in a less than favorable situation may need.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

‘Taking a knee’ an effective method of protest In response to the October 2017 commentary by junior Amber Stefan titled “Fieldside Conflict”: I respectfully disagree with your stance about kneeling during the national anthem. The 2.9 million military personnel that you said lost their lives fought for the very right these football players are using.

In paragraph five of your article, you state, “By allowing this to continue we are not ‘the land of the free and the home of the brave,’ which makes absolutely no logical sense. Do you mean to tell me that letting people practice their freedom of speech no longer makes America, “home of the free”? These athletes are using their platform to bring awareness to a serious issue plaguing America. There aren’t rules and regulations against

where people can protest, so telling them they have to go do it somewhere else is unconstitutional, and in theory un-American.

In your article, you also state that kneeling for the National Anthem is “inconsiderate of veterans’ perspective.” On page 20 of The Whirlwind, the author actually interviews military veterans. Believe it or not, they don’t feel disrespected by the act of kneeling during the anthem. So, my question for you is, why do you feel the need to ridicule the athletes’ use of their First Amendment rights?

XOXO GEMMA WILLIAMS SENIOR

DECEMBER 2017/ OPINION 15

How art paints our future

BY Abigail Winter

WHEN ASKED TO THINK OF THE ARTS, some will first picture the theatrical aspect, the various musicals and movies we watched and enjoyed as kids. Others might think of the more musical side: bands and solo artists that play on the radio, energetic concerts and televised talent shows that raise unknown voices into stardom, the various notes, chords, melodies, harmonies, and many other attributes that create a simple song.

But, after all of these, a blank space often forms in some people’s minds.

Many teenagers have only been exposed to a few main art concepts throughout their lives: art that is displayed on a canvas, art that plays out on a stage or a screen, and art that is shown through music. After that, it might take a while for them to try and think of other art forms. Poetry, fashion design, graphic design, woodworkers, and many other artforms are just a few of many that often go unrecognized.

Environments such as school, the media, or our own homes allow for this lack of representation to happen. Whether they are aware of it or not, teachers and students alike depict art as more of a hobby or mere concept, rather than a real thing students can pursue as a career.

In order for our generation of teens to realize that it is possible for them to do what they love when they’re put out into the real world, these misconceptions need to be unraveled and unlearned. This can all start in one place that most every teen goes to five days a week: school.

At West Albany, the many diverse forms of art rarely

shown. Sure, there are plen- skill sets in certain software and ty of paintings and drawings websites such as Final Cut Pro, hung up along the walls at the Tumblr, Apache Maven, and end of C hall. There are speech many others. and debate tournaments, and a Unfortunately, students who spring musical every year plus want to participate in and learn a few plays that show up here more about these lesser known and there. But what about the arts careers often miss out on other forms of art? We know there’s more to art than painting, singing, and acting. Not every artist is the stereotypical “starving artist.” There are realistic and very possible future career paths for students at West and at high schools all around Oregon.

According to the Occupational Information Network, a graphic designer earns a yearly median salary of $89,820 in Oregon, and a computer programmer earns $77,730.

MAGGIE BEDRIN Art directors earn $82,020 a year. Writers and authors opportunities that would be earn $64,590. Interpreters and recognized if they were more translators earn $40,340, interi- represented inside and outside or designers earn $46,300, and of school walls. Classes such as woodworking machine oper- Video Production, Woods, and ators (not including sawing) Media Lab are openly available earn $31,570. A high school di- to all students, but some stuploma can get you into any one dents don’t want to take them of these jobs, but most em- because they may think that ployers or businesses require they’re too difficult or chalan Associates, Bachelors, or lenging. These same students Masters degree from a college want to have careers in fields or university. These job fields that rely heavily on the skills may require certain certifica- and techniques that are learned tions, licenses, and other forms in these classes, but due to the of training, credentials, and lack of discussion and repreoverall past experience as well. sentation of them, they feel as Most require heavily known if they don’t feel qualified or

16 OPINION / DECEMBER 2017

comfortable to enroll in them.

Luckily, with the new planned building, there will be a brand new auditorium built to replace the “cafetorium” that we have at the moment. Additionally, there will be brand new video production, digital audio, and art studios, along with drama, choir, and band classrooms built in right next to the auditorium. This will take place over the next three years, and, if all goes according to plan, the new and improved building will be ready to open in September of 2020, possibly a little bit later.

In the meantime, we need to focus on creating more recognition of the lesser known art forms and those who participate in them, both inside and outside of school. This can be done by joining an art club or creating a new one with fellow students and staff, attending more art shows, enrolling in those classes that you were too scared and apprehensive to enroll in before, or even by putting ideas or suggestions in the suggestion box in the library.

Art and its diversity lets people escape, find solutions, create discussions, expand their ways of thinking and observe others around them, while also being an outlet that people can use as a way to communicate their emotions and ideas to others who simply couldn’t understand before. By finding ways to support and expand the arts department at West Albany, we can help thriving students achieve the careers that they want and desire without making them feel that it is impossible or near impossible.

Young people are tired of being caged in and misled. Let’s change that by letting them do what they want with their future—creatively and professionally.

Sexual harassment

In recent months, multiple allegations of men sexually harassing people have surfaced.

The power and wealth of the accused hid their behavior for years, which is unacceptable

BY Jonathan Perkins

WITH PROMINENCE AND PROSPERITY comes power, but what does power mean in the eyes of an individual? What people are calling the “Harvey Weinstein ripple effect”, in the past month the victims of sexual harassment by famous men have come out in the open.

Weinstein, a movie producer, has been accused of sexual harassment for approximately three decades, but with his power and influence in the film industry he can use his influence to his advantage with the allegations. A case reported by the New York Times in 2014, a woman by the name of Emily Nestor, who had been invited to a hotel by Harvey Weinstein, was offered a boost in her career if she agreed to his sexual advances.

However, Weinstein hasn’t been the only one to use his power for his own gain. Other celebrities, such as comedian Louis C.K and actor Kevin Spacey, have also used their fame to gain sexual benefits.

In his response, C.K. stated, “The power I had over these women is that they admired me. And I wielded that power irresponsibly.”

Some say that these accounts shouldn’t be trusted because of how long it took for the accusations to be made publicly, but disgusting acts should not be forgotten or pushed aside, no matter the time that has passed. In the perspective of the victim, one has to realize what they’re facing. Making allegations towards someone with mass amount of power doesn’t always work in their favor and can influence the victim’s willingness to come forward.

For those who were sexually harassed, it’s already hard enough to come to terms, let alone go through the process of retelling what happened , considering how powerful all these men are.

It’s an uphill battle for these people because really, unless the accused come out and admit what been done in a short period of time, no legal action is going to really happen.

The power of wealth and fame that these men have does not give them permission to be above the law and abuse their power.

It should never be used in such a repulsive way. We need to, as a society realize the upperhand these men with power have. Not only the famous and wealthy but with those who overpower us in daily life. Until we realize this, we will remain with our old habits and very little will change.

National Statistics on Sexual Violence

One in four women and one in six men will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime.

One in every seven victims of sexual assault is under the age of six.

One in four victims of sexual assault under the age of twelve is a boy.

Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence

17 THE OPINION

/ DECEMBER

2017

2017-2018 SPONSORSHIPS The Whirlwind, West Albany High School’s reemerging student news publication, is seeking sponsors for the 2017-2018 school year. Whirlwind provides a unique service to the school community, covering news and issues related to the WAHS student body. Sponsoring The Whirlwind is a way to show your support for the civic engagement, open dialogue, critical thinking and free exercise of expression that good student journalism encourages.

BLUE LEVEL

$20

GOLD LEVEL

$50

BULLDOG LEVEL

WHO CAN BE A SPONSOR?

Any individual or business can sponsor The Whirlwind. Sponsorship does not indicate endorsement of the views or opinions expressed in The Whirlwind.

TH AN K YO DO U NO NA TE TI ON NA RE ME CE IN IP T SP FR ON EE SO SU R B CE AD SC RT R IP IF TI IC ON AT E

WHAT IS IT?

$100

SPONSOR

Mailing Address:

Name of sponsor:

City, State, Zip:

Name to appear in ad:

Email: Phone:

(cut and return to WAHS Whirlwind)

2017-2018 SUBSCRIPTIONS WHAT IS IT?

The Whirlwind is West Albany High School’s re-emerging student news publication. After being out of print for nearly a decade, it’s returning to provide a unique service to the school community, covering news and issues related to the WAHS student body. Subscribers receive 7 print issues of the magazine.

WHY SUBSCRIBE?

W WHIRLWIND

You might be thinking, “Won’t my student get the magazine for free at school?” Yes, they do. Yet, there’s no way to guarantee it will make it home to you without receiving it delivered directly to your mailbox.

West Albany High School Here are just a few reasons to subscribe: Student Magazine • You won’t have to dig it out of the bottom of your child’s backpack to know what’s going on at school.

• You will have access to the latest news, trends, and topics related to your teen.

• You can keep copies as a record of your student’s time in high school, which can be packaged and gifted to your teen upon graduation.

• Your support the civic engagement, open dialogue, critical thinking and free exercise of expression that good student journalism encourages.

SUBSCRIBER Name of subscriber: Mailing Address: City, State, Zip: Email: Phone:

TOTAL AMOUNT DUE: $35 Payment should be made by cash or check made payable to West Albany High School. Please note “Whirlwind Subscription” in the memo space.

Subscription sold by:

Winter sport teams look forward to season

SPORTS

“I feel like everybody’s going to get along really well.

I’m excited; I think we’re going to do very well.”

FALL SPORTS RECORDS FOOTBALL: 4-6 VOLLEYBALL: 20-7 BOYS SOCCER: 1-11 GIRLS SOCCER: 9-4-1

SHAWN STINSON GIRLS BASKETBALL COACH

RUGBY: 10-1-1

MATTEA HELLMAN

H E A D S U P Varsity girls basketball player senior Elena Meza-Wynkoop looks to pass off the ball during practice on Nov. 29.

WINTER SPORTS STATS

BY Kane Weekly

W H I L E F A L L S P O R T S are coming to a close, winter sports are just winding up and getting ready to follow up from the previous achievements of fall sports. With our football and girls soccer teams making the play-offs, our girls and boys water polo teams earning 4th and 5th place in state, respectively, and our rugby team winning the State Championship for the second year in a row, the up and coming winter teams plan to continue with West Albany’s tradition of victory.

“Excited,” says boys basketball head coach Derek Duman, in reference to the energy he’s seen at tryouts and open gyms.

With practice already underway, the winter sports season has

“I thought the work ethic was always there, and always has been, but I just think the energy with kids getting excited for one another, even though they were competing against each other was a pretty cool thing that I noticed a lot this year.”

more different, but the energy level is still at an all time high.

“Personally, I’m really nervous about it, there’s a lot of really good girls,” senior Tess Irwin said. “I think that overall as a team we’re going to do really good this year.”

The consistent theme from all of our winter sports is that kids and coaches are really enthusiastic about what is already starting to be a great season.

West Albany has many top athletes, and a passionate coaching staff makes for a great combination of success. All sports are unique in their own way, but there’s one common goal across the board: to accomplish great things this season.

Boys Basketball Last record: 5-19 Seniors: 6 Returning players: 7 Best match ups: McNary, McMinnville, Sprague Date of next game: 12/6 @ Greshman Next home game: 12/12 vs.

Sprague Girls Basketball Seniors: 4 Returning players: 6 Date of next game: 12/5 vs.

Willamette Swimming Senior girls: 6 Senior boys: 0 Biggest challenges: South Salem, McMinnville, Forest Grove Date of next meet: 1/5 @ Albany Community Pool

DEREK DUMAN BOYS BASKETBALL COACH

kicked off on a strong note. One game has already passed and there is a pretty good idea of what the coaches and players are expecting from each other and themselves.

“We return a lot of talent and a lot of our main group of kids from last year,” Duman said, “so I think it’s going to be a better year for us overall, and a lot of kids have had varsity experience.”

The girls basketball team’s coaches are equally excited about the upcoming season. “I’m excited; I think we’ll do well,” girls basketball head coach Shawn Stinson said. “I think the league is pretty much wide open because a majority of the league has lost quite a bit of talent this last year.”

From basketball to swimming, the two sports couldn’t be

MATTEA HELLMAN

L A Y U P Head coach Shawn Stinson looks on as junior Sienna Higinbothum goes in for a layup at practice on Nov. 29.

DECEMBER 2017 /

SPORTS 19

UP IN THE

SNOW

As Winter arrives in Oregon’s mountains, West Albany skiers and snowboarders prepare for their snow sport adventures

BY Illa McCaulou, Acacia McGinty, Ruth Nash

Student Q&A Q: How did you get into skiing?

A: “Mainly just family, my mom and dad used to ski a lot. We go to Bachelor, where we have a cabin, and spend the day skiing.”

— Senior Jenna Berg

Q: Any beginner tips?

A: “Take it slow and start on the first hill.”

— Senior Carter Chamberlain

Q: Do you have any advice?

A: “Learning is kinda difficult, but you just gotta get the hang of it.”

— Junior Colby Hansen

Q: Suggestions for beginner gear?

A: “A snowboard, warm jacket, warm pants and maybe a helmet.”

— Senior Cooper Hartsell

Q: What is perfect snowboarding weather?

A: “Average snow with no ice.”

— Senior Nate Ketelson

20 SPORTS / DECEMBER 2017

Upcoming Events Dirksen Derby

Dec. 15-17 Location: Mt. Bachelor Time: TBD Description: snowboard, splitboard, and sit-ski slalom racing event for all levels of skill

New Years Eve Party Dec. 31 Location: Hoodoo Time: starts @ 10:01 pm

Back Country Festival Jan. 13 Location: Hoodoo Time: 12 am — 11:59 pm

Fun Lingo

Winter Carnival

P o w P o w : snow that is especially soft or fluffy D e a t h C o o k i e s : small chunks of ice buried

Feb. 10 Location: Hoodoo Time: 12 am — 11:59 pm

in the snow

S k i B u m : a person who is always on the slopes W h i t e O u t : extremely low visibility caused by

fog or snow

B r a i n B u c k e t : a ski helmet D u m p : a large snowfall F r e n c h F r i e s : skiing so that one’s skis are par-

allel to each other

H a r d g o o d s : ski and snowboarding equipment S o f t g o o d s : ski and snowboarding clothing H u c k : to launch off of a jump

Photo by Bennett Edwards

DECEMBER 2017 / SPORTS 21

T O C O M I NG E T H E R

A sense of growth and belonging is what West Albany’s Unified Sports team brings. Together, they continue to grow throughout all areas of the Albany community. The team is proud of the past and optimistic about the future.

BY Ruth Nash

BRIANNA GRAUNITZ

J u n i o r M i c h a e l T u o m i and sophomore Jesus Diaz practice floor hockey during the seventh period Unified Sports class. The class learns new skills, while having time for activities.

W I T H A T E A R I N H I S E Y E , structured education assistant Bryan Barker sits and watches the seventh period P.E. class on Nov 14, 2017. Everyday kids play, smile, and interact in this Unified Sports P.E. class, and Barker can’t help but get emotional about it. What may seem like just another sports p.e. class is really The Unfied sports 2017 team video. The link so much more. is available watch on West Albany’s unified sports Youtube at https://m. program has grown rapidly since youtube.com/ its start only three years ago. The watch?t=51s&v=g_4qsBfirst year began with the program dlBAw mainly focusing on basketball.

Despite scrambling for practice 22 SPORTS / DECEMBER 2017

times, teachers, peer tutors, and for athletes to find the time to participate, they were able to form a team.

“I saw the game Freshman year, and I thought that was so cool, then after first semester I was like guys we have to get more people in here, unified is fun,” says peer tutor Danae Greig.

Going into the second year, the unified team got its own class with help from the student body and the school. The students brought the help and joy to the class while, the school made the arrangements for the seventh period spot.

There is hope the class becomes a “grassroots movement,” says Barker, “owned by you, the students.”

Going into the third year, the program now

has over 20 peer tutors and a great amount of athletes in the class. The student athletes on the team bring the competition with help from the peer tutors.

They hope the program becomes “something where it’s infectious, where you’re walking in the halls and all the sudden your friends want to be a part of it,” Barker says.

The hope is for every student to feel welcome in the program. All types of students are welcome to join, not only the ones considered athletes.

“You get so many new relationships,” says peer tutor and junior Lexie Stinson, “It’s like you’re a big family.”

Not only has the team developed

through relationships, but it has grown overall as a program. Oregon was the first state in the union to have an Oregon State Activities Association sanctioned state Unified game. This means that, like all other sports, they have state championship playoffs through OSAA. This became a big stepping stone for the union itself.

West Albany’s unified program, in the past and present, has been working on videos about the team and its journey. The videos portrays the meaning of the teams, hope for new beginnings, and the ambition to expand the program. Not only are the videos available online, they have also been sent out for others curious about the program.

“You can meet people, make new friends, plus it’s something you might not normally do.” - J e s u s D i a z

“It means that everyone is out there doing their best, and they’re out there to have fun and having courage in themselves. - J o n a t h a n Holcomb

“Well, we started making videos on it and we sent them off,” says Barker, “All the sudden the state of Oregon looked at them and said we’re not doing this with any other school. We’re going to use this as a stepping material other schools will look at and copy.”

For such a short-term team/program unified sports has become a prominent piece of the West Albany family; bringing together students to become a part of something bigger than themselves.

For those who join it’s much more than just being a part of a team; it creates a sense of belonging. West Albany’s Unified program is one that hopes to keep prospering and becoming a long time school tradition.

“Once I got on the court I was kind of nervous, but once I got out there it was really fun.” - M i c h a e l Tuomi

PT Northwest | Corvallis 541.602.4423 DIRECTOR Jason Ball, MSPT, SCS, PES Certified ASTYM Provider

ptnorthwest.com DECEMBER 2017 / SPORTS 23

Pinning down success Wrestling senior’s work ethic reaps rewards in competition

BY Kate Looney

“ O N Y O U R M A R K . Get set.

Wrestle!” wrestling coach Casey Horn calls out through the mat room. Despite everything happening around him, senior Myres is focused only on the wrestler in front of him. After a struggle lasting only a few seconds, his opponent is on the floor, pinned on his stomach, one arm behind his back with his face pressed against the mat. Myres doesn’t revel in the victory, though. Instead, he gets up, a determined look in his eyes, ready to go again.

Wrestling. For some it’s a hobby, and for others it may even be a passion, but for Myres, it’s a way of life. At only 18, Myres has already been wrestling for 14 years.

He began wrestling very early on, being coached by his dad at only four years old.

Despite participating in the same sport for so long, he still has a passion for it.

To him, this enthusiasm isn’t only a side effect of loving the sport, but also a necessity in order to be successful.

“Wrestling isn’t a sport that you can be like, ‘Yeah, today I’m gonna go wrestle,’” Myres explained. “Every single day you have to be in there working hard, grinding, otherwise there’s somebody else doing it.”

This passion, alongside a strong work ethic, has brought Myres a lot of success.

For example, just last summer he won a cultural exchange tournament and got to represent the United States in a tournament that took place in Russia, becoming the first student from West Albany in 17 years to get to participate in this exchange program.

“I met a bunch of world champions, olympic champions, silver medalists, bronze medalists, [and] all around great people that just love wrestling,” Myres shared.

24 SPORTS / DECEMBER 2017

MALACHI MURPHY

M A T C H Senior wrestler Sawyer Myres prepares to faceoff opponent from Lebanon.

Myres credits his success to hard work and dedication.

RUSSIA TRIP Fast Facts Trip Length: 18 Days Time Spent in Airplanes: 22 hrs. each way.

Location: Yakutsk, which is 4,000 miles away from here.

Favorite Memory: Being featured on the Russian version of ESPN.

“Sawyer pushes himself not to be an average wrestler, but to be a stud, and he pushes the team to believe they are not average, but to believe they are studs themselves.”

TRONA FREE JUNIOR

He wouldn’t have been able to participate, however, if he hadn’t put in a lot of hard work.

“He believes that if you work hard it will pay off,” Horn said. “And right now, his hard work has paid off. It got him to Russia. It got him to [being] a three time state qualifier. It got him to be a state placer last year.”

This type of success, however, couldn’t have been attained without making sacrifices. Myres shared that there were many he had to make along the way, which were not only physical, but academic and social as well.

“You have to go through a lot of adversity,” he said. “Wrestling teaches you, when you get knocked down, how to stand back up.”

After high school, Myres plans to either study to become a high school wrestling coach and wrestle with a college team, or pursue a career in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

“Something that motivates me is wanting to be my own boss,” Myres said. “I want to grow up and be in the UFC or something where my work ethic explains what job I’m going to have.” He is motivated to work hard now, so he can keep doing what he loves even after graduating.

“He loves wrestling,” Horn said, “and he kind of bleeds wrestling, and that’s what he wants to do after high school.”

TEAM TRADITION

Swimming Toward Tradition

The swim team has many different traditions ranging from eating dinner together all the way to singing Christmas songs in practice.

During all of the swim meets when the team isn’t swimming, they’re cheering. No, they didn’t suddenly change sports, they cheer for the team they’re against.

“At the end of every single meet we cheer for the other team.”says senior Eve Vetter “I’m not really sure where the tradition started, but we do it to respect the other team and all their swimmers and thank them for all the racing.”

Christmas break is a time for everyone to sleep in unless, of course, you’re on the swim team, then you still have to get up at 6 am for practices. How do they keep their spirits up during the frigid cold months?

“One of my favorite traditions is during winter break, we sing Christmas

THROUGH MY EYES

INSPIRED BY

By Kailee Young

Cheerleading Chain of Inspiration Freshman Savannah Schnei der is inspired by

GENEVA MELLISON

Senoir Tess Irwin, freshman Ben Huglet, and junior Bailey Dickerson race at South Albany High School on Dec. 1.

songs during our kick sets,” says junior Bailey Dickerson.

Another tradition the swim team has is the night before every single meet, they all eat dinner together.

“It has been at the Hardings house for a long time because her and her older sister both swam and we’d always eat there” Vetter says.

What does basketball look like through the eyes of a player?

Basketball may look like a group of people chasing after a ball, or just a game for amusement, but it looks totally different through the eyes of a player.

“Basketball is a sport of teamwork where communication between all players is key,” said Senior Trenton Dutcher “ A team that has chemistry between all players, whether on GENEVA MELLISON the bench or on the court will, be a successful one.”

If players aren’t communicating in basketball, they can’t score. To have communication, the players need to have some kind of connection with other team members.

Basketball isn’t about the ball, the score, the win, or even the money some people may make from it, it’s about being a part of a team.

“[Freshman] Mimi Mills because even though she got injured and couldn’t practice, she still made an effort to be there for the team and help whenever she could.”

Who is inspired by “[Senior] McKenna Fee because she is really good at tumbling, never drops her flyer, and is an all around nice person to talk to.”

Who is inspired by

Q& ATHLETE

A Q & A with girls varsity basketball senior Molly Hendricks

Question: How did you make the decision to keep playing basketball?

“I’ve been playing basketball since I was really young, and I’ve just developed a passion for the game. What keeps me going is the feeling after the team wins a game and knowing that all the time and effort put into doing so paid off. Also, the opportunity to become so close with people who are passionate about the same sport and being able to create bonds with them.”

Question: What drives you to work so hard on the team?

“My goal is to improve myself in order to contribute more and help the team so we can be more successful together. Also, doing whatever I can to help my teammates improve so we can grow together.”

Question: What will you remember most?

“Definitely the team bonding experiences.”

KAILEE YOUNG

“Definitely [Senior] Dylan Johnson because he’s the only boy on our team and does such a good job fitting in with everyone and making the atmosphere a lot happier.”

Who is inspired by “[Senior] Mckenna Fee and [Senior] Brianna Donner because they are always being positive and helping people through the hard work.”

Brianna Donner is inspired by “My coaches [Ashton cunningham, and Alex Dierksen] because they continually inspire my team and me to not only work our hardest in practice, but to push ourselves toward being the best physically and mentally.”

Ashton Cunningham [The Cheer Coach] says: “I can’t just pick one that inspires me! They are all the reason I continue to do what I do. I love working with this group. Their positive attitudes and willingness to work hard, even when I’m pushing them past what they think is possible, is what inspires me.”

December 2017/ Sports 25

Breaking

Sound

It’s a new dawn, it’s a new day, it’s time for a new auditorium

BY Emily Haarstad and Chase LaPerle

WEST ALBANY HIGH SCHOOL

C U R R E N T L Y , W E S T A L B A N Y is the only 6A school that does not have an auditorium. The original blueprint plan for West, constructed in the early 1950’s, included a large auditorium.

With Albany’s growing population, though, there was a need for another middle school. Because of this, Memorial Middle School was built directly next to West in place of the large auditorium.

The modern day “Cafetorium” being used to showcase West’s musical productions, concerts, does not meet the high standards the performers have created. As competing schools have frequent access to fully-functional performing spaces, the choir, band, and theater departments here at West rehearse in tight spaces, abnormal conditions, and perform in the same place where thousands of teenagers snack on their lunches and breakfast meals daily.

Stuart Welsh, the band director here at West, is one of the many people who played a large role in fighting for the auditorium, along with other band, choir, and drama participants.

26 ENTERTAINMENT / DECEMBER 2017

“We’re really trying to design the space so it will work really well for drama, but will also serve the needs of these really big music events that we do,” explains Welsh.

The auditorium isn’t just for the performing arts students though. Since it’s only one part of a much larger project, this will open up the opportunity for many new groups and activities at West. With all the empty space that the performing arts kids will leave behind, once they transfer to the new building, the possibilities of introducing new clubs and activities will be even higher.

“While the new part of the building is primarily for art, administration, some athletics, and the performing arts students, that makes room in the current building for some other things that don’t really have a home right now,” says Welsh.

Accompanied by the exciment for the new additions, comes some curiosity. All the promotion surrounding the new expansionmight have many wondering when said changes will actually

PLANNING THE FUTURE The information behind and relating to the bond that will completely change the look of all the schools in the Greater Albany Public School district

The Greater Albany Public School Board voted unanimously Jan. 23, 2017 to approve a $159 million bond request to build one new school, start replacing another,- and make major upgrades to several more.

The first phase of a total replacement for West Albany High School, including an auditorium: $42 million.

This new bond is not just for West Albany, but for other surrounding GAPS (Greater Albany Public Schools) including a new gym at South Albany High School, and the first step to a complete rebuild of West Albany High School.

The bond proposal is the result of a more than two year process to identify facility needs in the district. Bond would also include new classrooms, commons, cafeteria, and administrative spaces.

Phase one of the rebuild for West Albany is the largest project in this bond. Since it’s the largest project, the new additions to our school are the least developed compared to the other plans involved.

The Bond Oversee Committee, which is a group that meets regularly to review decisions regarding the bond.

start.

“We’re hoping to break ground next summer,” says Welsh “Their goal is to open in the fall of 2020.”

Unfortunately for a lot of the current student body, they won’t be able to experience these ground-breaking new changes. Along with a brand new 700 seat auditorium, the phase one plan for West includes a new auxiliary gym, common areas, kitchen, art rooms, business classrooms, front office, and more space available for student parking. The estimated cost of both phase one and two will be around $97 million, according to Albany Democrat-Herald.

This new auditorium will not only benefit the student performers, singers, and band members, but the Albany community. Finally, peers longing for this professional stage will be granted their once overlooked wish, and the mere thought of using a “cafetorium” as a stage will soon be forgotten.

Musical Bridges

Joint band, choir concert provides unique opportunities, challenges

BY Jordan Andreas

Two groups of melody, harmony, and rhythm, come together for the holiday season to represent West Albany High School in a two day concert. A special concert, West Albany holds once year in which the band students and the choir students perform together to perform one, tremendous show.

In the past, this performance has been very successful.

“They were initially in the cafeteria, but they got too crowded. About 500 people showed up,” choir teacher Cate Caffarella says about the concert, “They had stopped doing the concerts and came back after 5 to 6 years.” date “It’s a nice way to start December 11-12 the holidays,” Caffarella says time There are many 7:00 p.m. challenges that inevitably come with plantickets ning and performing available online at the big concerts like this.

West Albany website Choir and band have + available at door different teachers and different class periods, so they have to find time to get together.

“Where to put the kids; to think about things like where to put the choir kids so they can be heard and where to put the band so they aren’t overpowering the choir.” Caffarella tells a little bit about some of the struggles they have, “Welsh and I sit down and decide who [kids in both band and choir] is going to perform where. We never argue over kids; we make a decision about who will fit where the best.”

EMILY HAARSTAD

PRACTICE band director Stuart Welsh conducts wind ensemble’s practice for the upcoming concert on Nov. 11.

DECEMBER 2017 / ENTERTAINMENT 27

Is technology improving or worsening our lives?

A face in a glowing screen. A life in engineered pieces of metal parts.

By Jordyn Lockwood

WHEN LOOKING IN THE H A L L S of high schools throughout the past several years, it is visibly noticeable how much technology use has grown.

When really considering the question “is technology improving or worsening lives?” and looking at the progression of technology from different point of views, it doesn’t seem so black and white with an answer.

Kyle Hall, a psychology teacher at West Albany High School, was the only one to disagree with the more popular vote mentioning how technology is worsening our lives because it is simply used as a crutch and answers to questions can often be googled instead of choosing to actually learn about the topic however Hall also points out that if one was truly dedicated to expanding their knowledge about something they could do so much easier.

However, when asked about his usage of technology in teaching Hall feels it’s important to use it to help keep student’s attention. He says, “I try to use [technology] as much as possible depending on […] what my focus is for [the lesson]. I try to use it as much as possible.”

Marty Johnston, a social studies teacher at West Albany High School, thinks that, “[this] generation is missing out [on things due to involvement in technology], especially when I look back at my childhood […] It seems that now kids are content with just sitting.” When talking about his own kids he acknowledged the downsides by saying, ”We already limit their access to screen time […] Once they have it in their hand, it’s just that they would choose to do nothing else. That’s the drawback of it.”

Adults who’ve experienced a different way of living are feel like there’s a

28%

of psycology teacher Kyle Hall’s battery udsage is dedicated to the ESPN Fantasy app

70%

of freshmen student Trenton Crow’s battery usage is dedicated to the Youtube app

C t downside, but kids today don’t know any different, and there are so many benefits that outweigh the downsides.

Freshman Trenton Crow said technology has improved our lives by giving “people in other countries [...] medicine and ideas and better stuff to improve their life,” and when asked about a life without technology, Crow believes it’s a bad idea because “people would have to restrict their ideas to their town or even their state; it wouldn’t really get out.”

Senior David Headrick had similar opinions on the topic. When asked if technology was improving or worsen-

ing our lives, Headrick responded with: “There’s not a definitive answer to that, it kind of depends […] My whole life I’ve had technology, so it’s kind of hard to think about [not having it]. Our whole lives are kind of centered around it, so thinking about taking that away is a pretty difficult thing to try to conceptualize.”

Headrick also pointed out that he believes “there’s a point where we shouldn’t have it, a breaking point; and I’m not sure where that is, and I think we need to figure that out as a society.” In our world, technology has its benefits just as much as it has its downfalls.

Teen phone usage

Faceboook has the largest decline in its popularity in the last couple years.

Instagram has gained the largest amount of followers in the last couple years.

SOURCE: BUSINESS INSIDER

SOURCE: PEW RESEARCH CENTER

Most used apps

TEEN VS ADULT CELL USE

65% ADULT 77% VS 45% TEEN 71%

2004

26%

32%

24%

2008

Longing for a time before technology SOURCE: PEW RESEARCH CENTER

14%

4%

SOURCE: BUSINESS INSIDER

Completely invested in a phone. A piece of metal parts. Perhaps this generation longs for a time before it had come to this.

BY Jaden Rodriguez

A TIME WHEN “TALKING” MEANT F A C E - T O - F A C E . A time when asking your friend for something was riding your bike to their house. Is this a time our generation longs for?

TV shows that our generation obsesses over, such as Stranger Things and the tv show The Carrie Diaries, take place in a time before phones took over our lives.

“I think it would be amazing to go back to a time where it’s close knit,” sophomore John Colgate said, “and we had to ride bikes to each other’s houses and use walkie-talkies.”

While social media has made us feel closer to loved ones— since we can reach out from anywhere, see every moment of someone’s life, and, with the help of an app, get to know anyone in the world—we’re anything but. We live in a world that is now split in two: one of technology, and one of little time left tech-

nology free.

Kyle Hall, psychology teacher at West Albany High School says he limits his kid’s time on technology saying “I try to minimize a ton of technology at home because I want my kids to get a well rounded lifestyle.” Like many parents, Hall wants his kids to have a childhood that isn’t completely based on a phone screen, just like the majority of teens, whose lives are purely technology based. Without even knowing it, this generation is slowly sinking into a world so deep into technology that they don’t know anything else. Perhaps subconsciously we long for a time when we could hang out with friends without being second choice to a screen;when going on dates didn’t mean a facetime call.

DECEMBER 2017/ Arts & Entertainment

29

The Zodiac Killer

By Jaden Rodriguez

At least 18 written letters. Thirty confessed murders.

The Zodiac Killer swept across California in the 60’s, taking innocent lives, mostly those of lovers. Remaining one of the biggest murder mysteries of time, the case is still open.

T H E Z O D I A C B E G A N H I S D E B U T when he shot David Faraday of 17 years and Betty Lou Jensen of 16 years in a remote roadside location. Both dead, the police had no leads or any idea of what this murder was going to lead to.

Chris Hains, who was 1 at the time of the first murder, says “It was one of the early things, murders and things like that are normalized now, but then it was shocking and serious things like that just began to become found out.”

The Zodiac Killer confessed to his murders in the first of many coded letters,he sent to several newspapers in California.

The police knew the author of the letter must have been the killer of the past two murders, for he knew precise details that only the police knew. The letter informed the newspapers that if they did not publish the letters in their next newspaper, that he would continue to kill.

The Zodiac continued with his normal victims, killing yet another couple at a deserted location, but this time he wore a Zodiac symbol on his chest, and strayed from his typical killing method. This suggested that the Zodiac was a team of people, although Criminal Justice Teacher Marty Johnston believes it wasn’t a team saying “Only reason I wouldn’t say it is a group is because typically serial killers are individuals..Also for a group of people and no one to come out and say what they did accidentally would be rare.” The Zodiac could have had some sort of motive change. Suddenly, he wanted people to be sure it was him. It was his way of leaving his mark.

The Zodiac sent his last letters and disappeared from the spotlight in the year of 74. Many believe the last letter was a suicide note, but no one really knows seeing as most of the letters were ciphered. The Zodiacs abrupt, unorthodox murders ceased and the Zodiac had become forgotten news.

30 ENTERTAINMENT /DECEMBER 2017

December 20 1968

When he died in 1992, Arthur Leigh Allen was the closest the police ever got to the Zodiac Killer. The clues were: a watch he wore with the Zodiac Killer’s symbol, a history of past of pedophilia and bad luck with women, which might explain the targeting of couples.

July 5 1969

July 31 1969

August 1 1969

Six months later, yet another couple was killed, shot in their car in a remote location. But this time, there was a survivor. Mike Mageau of 19, severally wounded, survived the Zodiac’s brutal shooting, giving the police the first insight to the Zodiac Killer.

The newspaper’s printed the ciphers and the letters, hoping the Zodiac would not strike again.

September 27 1969

October 11 1969

1974

Continuing his murder spree, as lomg as threatening a bus full of children, The Zodiac began to stray from his typical murder victims, killing a man in a taxi.

Police suspected the motive of this kill was involving a miscommunication between either drugs or money.

laymaker Senior, Josie Davis, starred in the recent play, ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’

BY Brianna Graunitz

GENEVA ME LLISON

S E N I O R J O S I E D A V I S has been St.Louis” and “Cinderella.”

“It’s always fun to be a part of something that performing since fourth grade when she would put on “little plays” with her classmates. These you know is going to turn out well. There are so plays had included Sherlock Holmes and Sa- many talented people here at West,” Davis said. cagawea. Davis starred as Sherlock, in Learn- “It’s really nice knowing all the people who’re ing How To Do Math. In the second play, going to be a part of the show here at West are going to put their best foot forWestward Expansion, Davis perward and do the best they can to formed as Sacagawea. During put together a great show.” this time, Davis was eleven years Over time, Davis has developed old, and in the fifth grade. Davis an idea of the characteristics which got her inspiration from her fifth make a great actor. She believes the grade teacher, Mrs.Riley, who was best actors and actresses know how not only her teacher, but also a to take criticism and how to learn host of the summer acting camp from what they’re doing. They take she attended. input from others.

“She was big on acting and JOSIE DAVIS “Having the guts to go in front musicals,” Davis said, “so she was S E N I O R of people and display emotions,” the one who inspired me.”

Davis said, “ is kind of a vulnerable Davis acted in the recent WAHS thing to do.” production, “The Importance of Davis’ motivation when times get rough in Being Earnest,” starring as Cecily Cardew, a spoiled, young adult . Of the many plays that productions is reminding herself that it’s someDavis has been in, including “Almost Maine,” thing she loves doing. “Even if I didn’t get the and a student directed play, “The Great Gats- part I wanted, or I feel like I didn’t do well for by,” “The Importance of Being Earnest” was an audition,” Davis said, “I just have to remind myself, ‘I do this for fun.’”

Davis’ favorite.

In all of Davis’ acting experiences she has “I liked [playing Cecily] because she was a very fun character,” Davis said. “She was kind gotten really close to her cast mates and loved of spoiled, bratty, really full of herself. She had spending time with them. “You make a whole bunch of different new friends,” Davis said, a lot of confidence. She was very not me.”

In addition to plays, Davis has appeared in “and you get to put on this thing that you all several WAHS musicals, including “Meet Me In love and put a lot of time into.”

“You make a whole bunch of different new friends.”

31 ENTERTAINMENT / DECEMBER

What are my teachers listening to?

BY Geneva Mellison

THE BIG QUESTION

Social Studies

Marty Johnston Johnston said he listens to newer country music but mostly just when he’s in the car. Early 90’s, West coast hip-hop including the Sugarhill Gang and Dr. Dre’s first solo album are some of his favorites. He likes some music from the 60’s and 70’s eras including The Eagles and Fleetwood Mac.

English

Jordan Ruppert Ruppert grew up listening to East coast 80’s punk rock and likes Fugazi. His favorite hip hop artist is Open Mike Eagle, though he also enjoys classical music from the Renaissance era and jazz on Apple Music.

English

Jodi Howell Howell’s music taste ranges from “Frank Sinatra to Dr. Dre,” as she puts it. Some of her favorites are Lynyrd Skynyrd, Eric Church, NWA, and other old school hip-hop.

Special Ed

Tracy Stinson Stinson’s absolute favorite artist is Ed Sheeran, though she also likes Elton John and Johnny Cash.

She also confessed to listening to Drake, but she said “that makes me sound lame.”

By Maggie Bedrin

Some artists MY BEST paint with brushes, but these WORK paint with words.

Poets write to express their feelings. Whether it be rage or tears, poetry seems to help them. This month the Whirlwind focuses on poets who write based off of emotion.

32 ENTERTAINMENT

Counselor

Jan Rasmussen Ras’ music taste exists on a fairly wide spectrum. He really enjoys the hip-hop group, A Tribe Called Quest, as well as alternative rock artists including The Killers, Kings of Leon, and Matisyahu.

Spanish

Drew Small In high school, Small mostly listened to rap music, but as he grew up that changed, though he does still enjoy Macklemore. He mostly listens to blues and rock including Led Zeppelin, The Black Keys, and The Beatles.

Generally, he is not an avid listener of country music although he does have a soft spot for Johnny Cash and Garth Brooks.

Study Skills

Jane Marshall Marshall’s first-choice band is Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds. She also loves The Stones and Fleetwood Mac, and met both of them backstage at their respective concerts.

In general, Marshall can get down to anything except country music.

Jasmine Suhaka

Kaitrin Nash

Sabrina Skinner

“To find my feelings you have to put the pieces together.

I write about my feelings. I like to call it “Expressive Puzzle Rants.”

“I like poetry because it helps others convey emotions in a way that their words normally cannot.”

“It’s an outlet for my frustrations.”

/ DECEMBER

2017