February 2019 by The Rogue News

Rogue

Volume XII, Issue V

News Febuary 18, 2019

MOCK TRIAL MADNESS In This

Edition:

by Skyye D.

photo courtesy of Cambria Floren

n Ms. Florens American Government class, and she was confident that the judge will rule in her students simulated a court case for their final; The favor. Stonewood cross examined a witness named case is of New Columbia vs. Archer. They will took Jordan Mitchell and also prepared a part of the everything they have learned this semester and used prosecution’s opening and closing statements. She it to help their side win the court case. couldn’t wait for the day of the trial. “It’s a unique The case took place on Columbus University’s opportunity that a lot of high schoolers don’t have college campus. The defendant, Chris Archer, was to really get an in depth look at how our justice head of the Phi Gamma fraternity. Archer was system works, specifically related to this murder accused of criminal hazing, and the murder of trial.” Stonewood elaborated on how this simulation freshman Phi Gamma pledge Milan Jackson. The has bonded the class and how both teams worked simulation was intense, and students worked very very well together. While she was a little nervous, hard to make sure their side of the she was relieved she doesn’t have case won. to memorize anything and can’t “IT’S A UNIQUE Althea Moyer, 18, was a little wait for the day of the trial. OPPORTUNITY stressed for the mock trial. Moyer All semester, their lives have was on the side of the defense, been leading up to this moment. THAT A LOT OF and was direct examining a everyone may feel HIGH SCHOOLERS While witness named Jesse Thomas. differently about the mock trial, Moyer said, “I think on the day DON’T HAVE...” it is sure to be a great learning of the final people are going to be experience. The mock trial meets very nervous! There has been a lot of pressure put many of the standards that are required for the on us to do well.” Moyer talked about how it can be class. The trial takes place in the IVC with a student hard to do well when you aren’t the best at speaking jury, and a judge. The students are all encouraged in front of a large audience. She said, “it’s kind of a to dress like their parts. Attorneys are encouraged bummer if you’re someone who has a fear of public to wear blazers, nice shirts and pants/skirts, and speaking because there’s no way to get a grade witnesses are told to dress like their character. without it.” Nonetheless, Moyer was excited for the While none of the students know if Milan Jackson trial, and was very hopeful her side will win. was murdered, they are sure to have fun uncovering Cora Stonewood, 18, was on the prosecution the mysterious circumstances of their death.

What is Hazing? by Rivers Holtzman

azing occurs under the guise of creating solidarity in sports teams, fraternities and sororities, but it is really about control and power. When these groups welcome new members, they often “initiate” pledges through hazing. According to hazingprevention.org, hazing is “any action taken or any situation created intentionally that causes embarrassment, harassment or ridicule and risks emotional and/or physical harm to members of a group or team.” This harassment can manifest itself in many different ways and at seemingly minute levels, like forcing pledges to do unnecessary chores and travel in groups. In more violent cases, hazing can involve kidnapping, threatening,

forced alcohol consumption and even branding and whipping. According to journalism professor Hank Nuwer, over 200 college students have died from “hazing-related accidents” in the U.S. since 1838. While these may seem like clear examples of abuse, a study done by professors at the University of Maine found that two out of every five students say they are aware of hazing taking place on their campus and do nothing about it. Many states in the U.S. have laws against hazing, yet it is still considered a social norm in many teams, sororities and fraternities. Anyone concerned about hazing can report a tip to safeoregon.com or by calling or texting 844-4-SAFE-OR.

02. 03. 04. 05. 06. 07. 08. 09. 10. 11. 12.

Americanah & Queer Poetry Oregon’s Ugly History Animal Cruelty & MASLOW Government Shutdown Sex-Ed & Body Dysmorphia Female Reproductive Health Speech & Debate Rogue News Relflection Oregonian’s Guide NIKE Deal & Unified Sports The 2019 Stamper Awards

Diversity in Literature Discover why many AHS English teachers have decided to integrate the 2013 novel “Americanah” into their curriculum in place of older classics.

Government Shutdown While you may not think the national government shutdown affected you personally, others in the Rogue Valley feel the strain.

Speech & Debate

Hear about the sucesses, the community, and culture of AHS’s winning 2018-2019 Speech and Debate team.

AHS Goes Corporate The Athletics Department celebrates new 3-year deal made with NIKE that will bring in much needed funding.

LISTEN TO THEIR VOICES by Zeleyha Mata

This is a poem written with the words of transgender people at Ashland High School. It is a poem written for all who don’t understand who we are and all who wish to be understood. Please listen.

Dysphoria, what does it feel like?

Identity: Female Stuck in the wrong way To me it’s a sense of nothing will ever be right The feeling of being in extreme danger Like you’re about to die Identity: Male All I can say is this isn’t me The feeling is a long and windy explanation of Disassociation There are things about me that I don’t associate with myself And it’s weird and confusing When I become aware of them Identity: A drag queen? Trans fluid. Dysphoria It’s a lot like, Anger, Betrayal, An itch Like a really itchy sweater, You can’t take it off And the longer you have to wear it the worse it gets You start to hate yourself because You’re the one that put the sweater on in the first place They say we are ill Broken “Tranny” “Fag” “Butch” It’s not correct When they say it’s their right to say those That’s when I get mad If there is no way to make the mind conform to the body You must make the body conform to the mind If they think it’s their right to tell other people that their identity is wrong, Then they are ill and broken They have no f**king clue And I know, I can’t tell them they’re wrong Without telling them why But I realize Explaining this is futile With closed minded people Bathrooms need to change, Health care needs to change, Identification needs to change People are forced to “pick one” Transphobia shouldn’t be tolerated Mental health care shouldn't be because it's a “defect” Social pressure, Internalized oppression, Abuse, Shouldn’t be tolerated Politicians have got it the wrong way around One in two transgender persons have experienced sexual assault One. In. Two. They say, “We don’t want men undercover spying on our women and children” You think they are in there to spy or rape? Name more than two cases in the last 25 years Where a transgender person has sexually abused a woman in the ladies bathroom You can’t But give me five minutes, and I can come up with five to eight names of transgender people That have been assaulted in bathrooms since 2019 started

But our Pride cannot be destroyed It’s our strength A feeling of belonging A belief that we can change this We are not alone

AMERICANAH OUT WITH THE OLD IN WITH THE RELEVANT by Skyye D.

“Moby Dick,” “Animal Farm,” “Of Mice and Men,”: all of these are examples of novels taught to generations of English students at Ashland High School. Recently, many Ashland High School English teachers have begun to introduce more modern and diverse literature into their curriculum. For example, teachers Aimee Cork, Jackie Case and Kimberley Healey have integrated the novel “Americanah” into their syllabus. “Americanah” describes the story of a young Nigerian woman who immigrates to the U.S. The novel touches on themes of racism, identity, language and religion. “Americanah” was written by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie in 2013, making it one of the newest books students will be taught in their English class. Teachers fundraised for class sets of the book and even contributed some of their personal funds, showing how much they wanted their students to read modern literature. “I wanted something that felt relevant to kids but also addressed really pressing issues in our society,” says Cork, who teaches Women's Literature. “Our school desperately needs to have real conversations about race and to be made to feel uncomfortable so that people can actually learn and grow,” notes Cork. The themes in “Americanah” offer an ideal springboard for these conversations to happen. Cork also spoke about the love story in “Americanah” which pulls students into the novel. Cork was very passionate while speaking on why they raised money for the novel. “Basically, we raised the money because we wanted there to be strong female voices and strong voices of color in the book depository, and we're doing that one by one by raising our own funds for more equitable books!” Cork hopes that her class will continue to be a powerful elective that students will choose because they want to learn and expand their understanding of difficult topics. Healey, who teaches AP Literature, had

her students read “Americanah,” as well, which replaced the often dreaded “Moby Dick.” While Healey's curriculum was already diverse, not many of the books are modern. “I find that students aren't reading anymore and it makes me very sad, and

"I WANTED SOMETHING THAT FELT RELEVENT TO KIDS BUT ALSO ADDRESSED REALLY PRESSING ISSUES IN OUR SOCIETY" a lot of them are sad because they used to read novels in middle school and then they stopped. They say they come to high school and there's so much homework they [don’t have time to] read. I wanted something that was eminently readable and enjoyable, and ‘Americanah’ is a page turner.” Many students genuinely enjoyed reading “Americanah,” rather than just thinking of it as a book they need to read for school. While speaking on why she replaced “Moby Dick” with “Americanah,” Healey said that while “Moby Dick” is important to understanding America, “Americanah” is more relevant to students, especially students of color. Hopefully, teachers like Cork and Healey can inspire more and more English teachers to make the switch to more diverse and modern literature. art by Alex Brehmer

It’s Not “Just a Word” The importance of acknowledging racist language at AHS editorial by Grace Johnson

ow many times have you heard someone casually drop the N-word in conversation? How many times have you been in the car with friends while they sing along to a song with the N-word in it? What about at dances when the word is explicitly cut out and the white students around you still say it? Situations such as these vary, but they all share one thing in common: they contribute to the continued oppression of the black community. At Ashland High School, the population of black students is so small, you can name almost all of them. What you can’t count is how many times the N-word is dropped daily by those who are white. This problem lingers over the quad, fills the student parking lot through loud speakers and excessive bass, it is briefly touched on maybe once a year at the MLK assembly, and it is not something to keep quiet about. What students at AHS fail to notice is the impact their language has on their peers and community. If you use a word continually or if you are surrounded by it consistently, you are more likely to use it. Currently, the environment at AHS when it is at its very best is welcoming and inclusive. So, if the student body prides itself on acceptance and liberal views, why is this racial slur in particular still a problem? The N-word prompts wide-eyed looks and sharp intakes of breath, but most of the time, that is where people’s reaction ends. A quick slap on the shoulder accompanied by “Don’t be racist!” is not enough to change others’ perspectives. Many white students don’t feel like it is their place to speak about race. After all, how are they supposed to know if they have not had the same experiences? On the other hand, it is not the inherent job of black

students to educate their peers about their experiences, nor are they expected to always be calling out others if they don’t want to. Because the majority of the student body is white, the most impactful way to create a more positive community comes from allyship and calling out the people who use the N-word. If your friend uses the N-word in a song, do not give them a pass. If your friend sits across from you, telling you they use the N-word because they “love and appreciate hip hop culture,” do not give them a pass. If anyone you know decides to tell a joke at the expense of black people or one that uses racial slurs, call them out. It is imperative not to create a space for those who are contributing to the continuous oppression of black people. Siena Wand, a junior at AHS and co-president of the Black Student Union, pointed out that she notices “a feeling of coolness by using the word, at AHS specifically.” This “coolness” is a direct result of the institutionalized racism that looms over our society, which creates a power dynamic between white people and black people. Wand says that almost every white person she has confronted about their usage of the word have been quick to tell her they’re not racist. When people use the N-word, and are defensive about it, Wand says an excuse like that at this point is “just ridicu-

lous, because there’s no way you can’t know that it’s a hurtful word.” Jada Perry, a black student at AHS has not “gone a single day without hearing it from a white person at school… just from walking around and passing people and their conversations.” Perry also spoke about replacing the word in songs. Replacing the N-word with something that sounds similar or changing the N to a different letter may seem like a solution, but the word still holds its meaning. Perry asks, “Why even say anything at all?... If you knew the actual meaning behind it, you wouldn’t use it.” It is important to note that replacing a letter in a word, does not replace the demeaning connotations attached to it. In order to create the ideal environment that AHS wants, students need to do a better job of calling out their peers when they use the N-word, and we need to be having more in-depth conversations about it. Calling out someone does not need to be dramatic or a big deal. It can simply be a conversation about mutual respect for others. If you are the person being confronted, take a deep breath and realize that it’s not an attack on your character; it is about acknowledging that your words can be damaging and in order to create a better understanding, we must educate each other.

“THERE’S NO WAY YOU CAN’T KNOW THAT IT’S A HURTFUL WORD”

Beyond the Bubble

Oregon’s Dark History of White Supremacy by Allie Poole & Ava Hearn

he state of Oregon has recently cultivated an admirable reputation for tolerance and a growing sense of liberalism in the population. However, this current reputation covers up a shameful and often overlooked past ridden with prejudice. Oregon’s history of discriminatory practices hasn’t made it into primary and secondary school history curriculum. This lack of education veils Oregon’s deeply rooted history of white supremacy. Oregon’s history of racial discrimination goes back further than its statehood. In 1844, fifteen years before Oregon entered the Union, the Oregon Territory issued an order for all residing black residents to leave in under two years. All those who remained would be subjected to whippings every six months if they were still in Oregon. When Manifest Destiny brought settlers to the west coast, many saw the Oregon Territory as an opportunity to create a “white utopia” settled by and for whites. Many who pioneered and settled in Oregon oppressed not only black people, but also immigrants of Chinese and Japanese descent. Today, Oregon residents pride themselves on entering the union as a “free state,” however, they remain ignorant of the bigger story. Oregon’s ban on slavery was not intended to humanize African-Americans, but rather to avoid the conflict of race altogether. It is the only state that literally began as ‘whites only,’ with the exclusion of black people written into its constitution. This law lasted until 1926, when Oregon amended its constitution to remove the clause which prohibited blacks from settling in the state.

As recently as the early 20th century, the Ku Klux Klan (KKK), a national white supremacy organization, had a major presence in Oregon. In fact, it was the largest KKK hub west of the Mississippi River. In 1922, racial bias proved to be of popular public opinion when Walter Pierce, a known member of the KKK, was elected governor. Oregon proved to have a long history in resisting federal laws that protected the rights of African-Americans. Oregon was one of just six states that refused to ratify the 15th amendment, the amendment which granted suffrage to all American men, regardless of race. Officially, black men in Oregon were refused the right to vote in Oregon until 1959, 89 years after it was adopted by the United States federal government. Oregon’s history of white supremacy extended into the 1980s and 90s, when Portland was home to one of the largest neo-Nazi movements in the country. In 1995, Portland was split between two major white nationalist groups, The East Side White Pride and Volksfront. The city was nicknamed “Skinhead City”, after the late 20th century white pride movement, which recruited members from predominantly white states like Oregon. Nearing the late 90s and early 2000s, the skinhead and neo-Nazi movements lost momentum. However, during the presidential campaign in 2015 and 2016, many individuals who identified with these terrorist groups began to radicalize their methods of racism and protest. The most recognizable and recent hate crime to many citizens in Oregon was the stabbing of two men, one of whom was an AHS

alum. The men were stabbed defending two Muslim women on a train. During the trial, the attacker, who identifies publicly as a white supremacist, claimed that his actions were rooted in patriotism, not terrorism. Many argue that Oregon’s history of hostility towards blacks is reflected in the current demographics. Today, while 13 percent of Americans are African-American, just two percent of Oregon’s population is black and Portland remains the whitest large city in the United States. According to the 2010 census, 76.1 percent of Portland residents are white, while blacks make up only an estimated 6.3 percent of the population. Oregon carries a long history of racism which is reflected in the state today. Its history has largely been ignored by Oregon’s school curriculum, which fails to educate students on the state’s history beyond the Oregon Trail and has therefore created a sense of social ignorance on the issue altogether, leaving many adults living in Oregon unaware of the dark past of white supremacy in the state. America’s history of racism is often taught as a southern issue. Many white people outside of the south learn about racial discrimination through units covering events such as the Civil War and Civil Rights Movement from an incredibly safe and often judgmental distance. The lack of teaching of Oregon’s history of white supremacy has allowed residents to distance themselves from racial discrimination which has been rooted in the state since its foundation. 3

Maslow Provides Bumpers by Isabella Ash

“Having classes where I have to bring my own supplies is almost IMPOSSIBLE” -Annonymous

AHS

art by Charlotte Julian

hile homelessness in Ashland and Jackson County may not seem like a problem that affects those at Ashland High School (AHS), the problem of poverty is so prevalent that it actually affects a significant portion of the AHS student body. Many factors contribute to this issue in Ashland, including the average home price. According to CNBC, the United States median home cost was $200,000 in 2017. However, according to the Mail Tribune, Ashland Oregon’s median home cost was $400,000 in 2015, and it’s only gone up since. Also, according to KDRV the unemployment rate of Jackson County was 4.4 percent, in 2018, which is higher than the United States average of 3.7 percent (according to NPR). The Mail Tribune reports that In all of Jackson County, homelessness affects approximately 732 people, ranging from veterans (117 of whom are homeless), parenting youth (54 of whom are homeless), to families and individuals with physical and mental disabilities. Chronic homelessness is on the rise in Jackson County, meaning the amount of time individuals stay homeless is increasing, with 1 in 3 homeless people being chronically homelessness. In fact, Oregon has the nation’s second highest rate of homelessness, according to Willamette Week. In Southern Oregon, the Maslow Project offers support to students and families living in compromised situations. The term “Maslow” comes from a psychology theory proposed by Abraham Maslow

about human motivation and needs. Maslow used the terms physiological, safety, belonging and love, social needs, esteem needs and self-actualization to describe the pattern through which human motivations move. The Maslow project incorporates this concept into their operations and the way that they support those without ample resources. “Homelessness is big in our community, and the way folks become homeless is out of their control,” said Alex Fenimore, Ashland’s Maslow case manager. “Maslow project is like bowling bumpers. We are here all the time under the surface and when clients are in need, we pop up.” At Ashland’s Maslow Project location, Fenimore’s case load was approximately 90-140 students in 2017-2018. About 25 of those are in extreme situations. The Maslow Project helps with basic necessities like toiletries, meals, school supplies, transportation, clothes, job help, housing, medical care, electricity, help with funding extracurricular activities and even help advocating for student needs with school administration. Maslow project is available to “Students and their families who are experiencing a transitional living situation, housing instability and other forms of homelessness, ” said Fenimore. “I am making sure they are not having to jump through hoops just to get by.” The Maslow Project encourages students to “continue to get the word out about the need in Ashland.”

Everyday Animal Cruelty editorial by Charlotte Julian

s an avid makeup lover, I received many new exciting products over Christmas. However, I noticed something alarming — none of the products I received were certified with an animal cruelty-free symbol. Upon further investigation, I found that only two of the products I owned altogether met the requirements to receive an animal cruelty-free symbol. I was absolutely shocked, prompting me to make a vow to start purchasing products that were 100% animal crueltyfree. However, in my attempt to limit the use of these products, I found that not many companies make products that are animal cruelty-free. It made buying certain products extremely difficult. Even though finding animal cruelty-free products is difficult, I am committed to the safety of animals and the struggle to find products safe from animal cruelty is worth it. There are only a handful of legitimate certifications companies can receive that legally declare a product “animal cruelty-free.” One of the biggest and most trusted of these is the “Leaping Bunny” certification. Leaping bunny is the only certification that is internationally recognized. For over two decades, they have been certifying cruelty-free brands. In order to obtain a certification for a company such as 4

Leaping Bunny, companies must apply for an application, complete, and pass the application process. After being supervised by an independent auditor to make sure absolutely nothing in the production promotes animal cruelty, manufactures may be approved. There

“TO TOP IT OFF, AFTER THESE HORRIFIC TESTS, THE ANIMALS ARE OFTEN KILLED” is a fee in order to be able to print the Leaping Bunny logo on products, but without the stamp it’s hard for people to know that a company is ethically driven. In order to remain certified after passing approval, the company must demonstrate an ongoing commitment to avoiding animal cruelty. Animal testing is often done for scientific research in the production of chemicals, cosmetics, household cleaners, toxicology testing and psychological testing. According to the

National Center for Biotechnology Information, companies do this because of the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) regulations. After an accident where many women got blisters and eye infections from a mascara in 1933, the FDA required that all products be tested on animal subjects before being sold to the general public to ensure the safety of the citizens. This is why so many of my products did not meet the requirements for an animal cruelty-free symbol. According to the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), when animals are tested on, they are typically left in isolated, barren cages until they’re needed. Those doing research rub chemicals on the raw shaved skin of animals and leave it for several weeks, or researchers drip the products into the eyes of animals, seeing if it causes pain, swelling or blindness. To top it all off, after these horrific tests, the animals are often killed. In the U.S., there are very few legal protections for animals. This means any manufacturing company in America can conduct tests and do whatever they want during these tests. In China, where many American companies have their factories, animal testing is actually required by law. No product

can leave the building without being tested on an animal subject. Consumer News and Business Control states that in 2013 an estimated 300,000 animals were subject to China’s mandatory regulations—a jaw dropping number. There are many alternative ways companies can conduct tests without the use of animals, and we should be utilizing them as much as possible. For example, companies can use 3-D tissue models, test tube methods based on human cells and tissues, computerized patient-drug databases and various other technology. Fortunately, some companies use these methods to test their products and don’t subject helpless creatures to needless harm. These products and companies can be found on various lists online, and all the products have the animal cruelty free symbol on the back of the product. The symbol will typically consist of a small rabbit and a statement that it avoids animal cruelty. When buying cleaning products, makeup, shampoo or even over the counter medicines, make sure to look for these symbols and avoid further supporting needless animal cruelty.

To the Boys of Covington Catholic High School by Eliza Strong

On Saturday, January 19, several videos went viral of a group of teenagers adorned in Make America Great Again clothing circling and mocking an Indigenous elder identified as Nathan Phillips, a leader of the Omaha tribe. The teens were from Covington Catholic High School, an all-boys institution in Kentucky that had taken a field trip to a “March For Life” rally that supported pro-life policies and organizations. An Indigenous Peoples March was happening nearby, and the boys ended up face to face with Phillips, smirking at him, mocking his song and reportedly chanting “build that wall.” There has been controversy about what or who instigated the incident, but the following response is a direct reaction to the videos that show the boys of Covington Catholic High School mocking an Indigenous elder.

Dear Michael Hodge and the other boys of Covington Catholic High School, On Friday, January 18, you misrepresented our generation when you made clear your sense of superiority by mocking an Indigenous elder. You proved to the youth around you that white supremacy lives on in our generation, even as others your age advocate for the human rights of those who have been consistently marginalized. Your actions carry more weight than you realize. When you taunted Nathan Phillips, it was not a mere conflict between individuals. The interaction was representative of the abuse that your ancestors inflicted upon Phillip’s ancestors, and those who, like him, were made to feel inferior because of their skin color, sexuality, religion or gender. When you mock an Indigenous leader, when you taunt him and assert the privilege which has been consistently and freely given to you, you are showing that you approve of what your ancestors have done; that you approve of their exploitation, their thievery and their murder. You show that, like your ancestors did, you believe that you and those who look and act like you are superior and deserve more respect than others. It is the mission of our generation to recognize and cease to commit the wrongs that our ancestors did. We must not subscribe to the white supremacist systems those before us put in place. We have debts to repay, and your actions only contribute to the amount we as a nation owe to those we have taken from. If you were to apologize sincerely to Nathan Phillips, and publicly recognize the generations of hurt wrapped up in this incident, you would show not only our generation but the ones ahead of us critically watching our every move that we are a generation who sparks change with compassion. Please join others in your generation in recognizing your privilege and do not continue to commit the same atrocities your immediate ancestors did. Your white supremacy has no place in our generation. Sincerely,

Shutdown: Funds Down in Southern Oregon by Grace Shroder & Lara Rivera

ue to gridlock in Congress, the U.S. Government partially shut down from December 22, 2018 until January 25, 2019. When the U.S. government partially shuts down, some functions are not affected, but others cease until a funding resolution is passed. For example, Social Security checks are still distributed, hospitals still receive reimbursements from Medicare and Medicaid, and most troops continue to receive pay. However, over 800,000 federal employees are expected to work without pay during a government shutdown. These workers help support government agencies like the Border Patrol, TSA, Coast Guard, and FBI. While the shutdown occurred at a national level, local governments and programs were also affected. The shutdown has influenced the college application process directly. At Ashland High School, 165 out of 238 Seniors and GED students have already filed their Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) for 2019-2020. Of the students who filed the FAFSA, 39 were selected for verification. When a student is selected for verification, they need to get tax forms from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)—a government agency that was shutdown. The government shutdown made it impossible to contact the IRS and get the necessary forms. A small number of students were rejected from FAFSA altogether because of the roadblocks they encountered due to the shutdown. Now that the government has reopened, students can get the IRS

forms they need, and those who were rejected will be able to resubmit. However, it could become an issue again if the government shuts down after February 15. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Forensics Laboratory in Ashland, the only lab in the world dedicated to researching wildlife crimes, is funded through the federal government. It normally has an

“THE CURRENT GOVERNMENT FUNDING BILL EXPIRES FEB 15, 2019” inflow of specimens and photos of incidents which need quick processing from around the world. The partial government shutdown affected the 30 employees at the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Forensics Laboratory, leaving them unpaid for the duration of the shutdown. Lab director Ken Goddard and an assistant took the responsibility of looking after the equipment and evidence that was vulnerable during the shutdown. The Monday after the

shutdown, lab employees were able to deposit their paychecks in time to pay the bills that usually come at the beginning of each month. Now that the government re-opened, they can continue the wildlife inspections from 182 different nations around the world. During the 35 day shutdown, Crater Lake National Park was also closed. Bathrooms were not cleaned and roads remained snowed in. Now that the government is back in full operation, employees of the park are repairing leaks, checking fire alarm systems, cleaning bathrooms and facilities, and making sure everything is up to standards for visitors. The current government funding bill expires February 15, 2019. As of February 14, when this paper went to press, the House and the Senate are scheduled to vote on legislation to fund a 55-mile wall on the border with Mexico. Initially, President Donald Trump had demanded $5.7 billion dollars, but congress has been unable to compromise with Trump on the funding for the wall. Congress has demanded that the funding only be used for building a wall on the border of Texas and Mexico. Although congress is offering $1.375 billion instead of the $5.7 billion that Trump had demanded, key-Republican legislators have been pushing for Trump to sign the bill in order to avoid another government shutdown. At the time of press, there still has not been a conclusion on the bill.

Sex Education at AHS: Past, Present and Future. A Queer Eye On Education by Novia Wetzel

shland High School’s Queer Straight Alliance (QSA) is working with the sex education teachers to have a more open conversation about the current sex education curriculum. This project is spearheaded by senior Charlie Burr, a board member of QSA who aspires to bring a queer perspective to our current sex education curriculum. “Sitting in Family Health, I noticed that I was answering questions over and over again that weren’t relevant to me,” Burr explains. “I feel like our sex ed teachers are really trying their very best to try to update their curriculums and they want to keep moving forward which is really wonderful, but I just noticed that things were being taught from one perspective.” QSA hopes to bring education on hormones, transitioning for transgender people and education on how sex toys can transfer sexually transmitted diseases to AHS’s

curriculum. According to a QSA member who wishes to remain anonymous, “we wanted to make sure it wasn’t so gender oriented. Basically we wanted to make sure it wasn’t just for one demographic and we wanted to spread the horizon.” When asked about how the QSA board is handling education on hormones and transitioning, this student said, “nobody on the board is actually transitioning so we’re trying to get input from people who are. We really want to include hormone change in sex education because it’s very important. We need to get the right resources for [teaching hormone change].” The same anonymous student recalls that in their wellness class, “they never talked about adoption. They briefly talked about surrogacy and they’ve started talking about intersex people which is awesome

“WE WANTED TO MAKE SURE IT WASN’T SO GENDER ORIENTED”

and they did it in a very nice way.” QSA would also like to include ways to start families outside of traditional ways. Burr also commented on the way Family Health teaches about families and how it separates gay families from all the other family types. “One of the other big things was going through the different family types and seeing ‘Nuclear Families,’ ‘Divorced Families,’ ‘Living with your grandparents,’ and then ‘Gay Families.’” The proposed reform would include gay families in these family types. The LGBTQ+ community is making strides towards progress in modern society and as society is changing, so is sex education at AHS. QSA’s reform is expected to take effect mostly next school year, so expect some changes in AHS’s health curriculum.

Progress in the Grossest of Places by Amber Eaton AHS introduced menstrual hygiene product dispensers into the men’s bathrooms to accommodate transmasculine students who can’t use the women’s bathroom due to dysphoria and social pressure. This change was requested by Reuben Fellman, a junior at AHS who represented the LGBTQ+ community at AHS when he presented plans for the change to an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) committee meeting. Along with the request for the product dispensers, Fellman also asked for stall doors in the men’s bathrooms, more gender neutral bathrooms and updates to the campus maps reflecting this change. He also requested that the staff explain the reasoning for such a decision to the student body. Fellman also pushed for better supplying of menstrual products inside women’s bathrooms due to 6

the fact that the health center dispenses only one free tampon per student and tampon dispensers in the bathrooms are rarely filled. To add insult to injury, any number of condoms from the health center are free. Fellman disliked this fact and explained his reasoning during an interview. “Sex is not a necessity, but menstruation isn’t something you can will to stop.” After pushing for the change to make menstrual products more readily available for people who need them, the EDI thought that people may abuse the resource. Fellman stated that “The people that would be abusing the resource are the people who don’t need it.” His plan to combat this was to explain the necessity of the change to the entire school. “I hope that people can just be mature” Fellman says. When asked if trans men should be able

to use the men’s bathroom Fellman brought up the fact that there have been zero incidents of trans men assaulting cisgender men in bathroom so far. “It’s sad that that question has to be asked.” Fellman also thinks that the school needs a more comprehensive curriculum regarding gender and sexuality to prevent problems such as educator insensitivity, sexual abuse, and bathroom assaults. This would require teachers to learn more extensively about such topics. “But there are more things that can be done without any extra training,” Fellman suggests “The first step, which should have happened a long time ago, is just teachers being willing to educate themselves, and listen.”

INSIDE AHS

Next Generation Sex Education by Lexi Taylor & Kali de Saint Phalle

veryone has encountered sex education in their school careers. Whether it’s putting condoms on cucumbers or talking about tampons, sex education has consistently been a part of high school and middle school life, but it has not always been as informative as it is now. Over the years, sex education and the way it is taught has changed immensely at Ashland High School (AHS). Every year, AHS’s health department works to come up with new ideas and ways to meet the ever changing state standards for sex education. At AHS, students have gone from learning that abstinence is the only option to learning about different methods of contraception and safe attitudes about sex. Sex education may seem menial and unimportant, but many students fail to recog-

nize its immense impact on the safety of much of Ashland’s youth. Since the 1960s, the support for comprehensive sexual education has gained wide support from many Ashlanders. According to Oregon.gov, abstinence education was the only option for health classes at AHS. Ashland’s youth were not learning about contraception, or safe attitudes about sex and its consequences. Today, abstinence is still required by Oregon state law to be encouraged as an option, but the scare tactics and lack of information around sex have been eliminated. Despite its focus on abstinence, Oregon has come a long way. According to Planned Parenthood, state law also requires units on sexually transmitted diseases and infections, different methods of contraception and safe and healthy attitudes about sex. The state standards on sex education are ever changing and becoming more comprehensive and informative. AHS’s health department works hard to meet he changing needs of students Ms. Davidson, a longtime Family Health teacher at AHS says that “changes are ongoing with the health curriculum. Every semester we all get together to update our information, we read new material, meet with guest speakers and try to incorporate all the information.” It’s comforting to know that students are being taught current and factual information. With all the new information being incorporated, it packs a hefty curriculum which can be difficult to cover in just one semester. Davidson says she would like Family Health to be a yearlong class. “It’s one of the most

“WE HAVE SO MUCH INFO TO COVER... TOPICS OUR STUDENTS WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT.”

important classes that students are required to take. We have so much info to cover, not just to meet state requirements, but also topics our students want to know more about.” While it is unlikely that Family Health will be changed to a yearlong class, Davidson makes a valid point that Family Health and Wellness are some of the most important classes at AHS because they greatly impact student’s personal lives and choices. Sex education at AHS is ever changing to keep up with recent studies and s doing its best to inform students about how to use safe methods in their day to day lives. Ms. Stone, another Wellness and Family Health teacher at AHS, states that the most important part of sex education is “teaching people how to communicate and advocate for a healthy sex life. Knowledge is power and prevention is key, especially when it comes to disease. Our hope is to empower people to make healthy choices when it comes to sex. Understanding how easily disease and infection is spread through bodily fluids and skin to skin contact is essential.” The health department continues to improve student’s education and are constantly updating facts and incorporating new teachings into the curriculum. Even though the classes may be full of laughs and awkward conversations, it is important for youth to be educated and informed in order for them to be healthy and safe.

OUT WITH THE OLD FRESH NEW FACES IN CONGRESS editorial by Bridget Burr

f the 435 seats in the House of Representatives, women have never held more than 84. That is, until now. This, the 116th Congress, contains the most racial diversity and the largest group of female representatives the U.S. has ever seen in the over 200year history of the House. Over 100 women now hold House seats, including 43 women of color. This House will consist of more female members, women of color, millennials, and openly LGBT+ members than we’ve ever seen. More than ever, this group of representatives in the “People’s House” will accurately represent the American people. The implication this has about our potential and strength as a unified nation is enormously powerful. Allowing everyone the liberty to hold a position

of power and fulfill their potential regardless of race, religion or sexual orientation is an issue that the world continues to struggle with. America prides itself as a nation promising “liberty and justice for all,” and although we are an imperfect nation far from achieving this, the diversity in this 116th Congress is a step in the right direction. Peter Bolling, an AP Government teacher at AHS, notes that “the number of women and minorities in this year’s Congress, particularly in the House of Representatives, is a testament to the changing nature of our society.” He goes on to recount his experience as a child, remembering the saying that “anyone can grow up to be Presi d e n t .”

But it’s an empty statement, void of the inclusion it promises. What the saying should have been is “any man can grow up to be President.” This is to show that as a country, we’re stuck in a rut. Bolling concluded that the progressive change in the House is a truly great thing. But not all trends have changed. One thing that has always been and continues to be an important part of our Government is military experience. But the faces representing our Armed Forces have changed. Although many men with background in the military often run for office, there’s a notable number of female veterans running too. Former Air Force Captain Chrissy Houlahan was appointed to the House Armed

Up For Debate

Services Committee. Navy veteran Elaine Luria and former Navy pilot Mikie Sherrill also secured their places. Adding to the diversity are Rashida Tlaib and Minnesota’s Somalian immigrant Ilhan Omar who made history as the first two Muslim American women elected to Congress. 38-yearold Sharice Davids from Kansas became the first Native American woman in Congress. A gay member of the Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin and former mixed martial arts fighter, she completely shatters the mold. Was this incredible group the result of a rogue election or is it the beginning of a new wave of inclusivity in politics? The hope is that the 2020 House election will pose another historical turnout of women and minorities, but everyone will just have to wait and see.

photo courtesy of PX Here

by Lily Valenta

he Speech and Debate team this year has won more trophies than all of the sports teams combined, but debate coach Eliza Haas says that winning is not the main focus. Besides being impressed by the students’ passion for real-world problems, Haas is the most amazed by their desire not only to lift themselves up, but their team-

mates as well. Recently Ashland High School hosted the biggest tournament that the debate team has ever held: the Grizzly Invitational. Over 250 other high school student from all over the state attended the tournament. Debate students invaded various science, math and humanities classrooms at AHS from dawn until past dusk. A dozen or so students helped coordinate the tournament and even helped out with organizing parent volunteers. Haas states that this tournament showed her how the debate students approach everything with “an attitude of selflessness in order to help our community better.” Many parents believe that teenagers are apathetic about the world, but Haas noticed how many parents changed their perspective after volunteering at a debate tournament, feeling that the future is in good hands. These students “actually give a crap about the world.” Reed Pryor is one of those students. A sophomore and in his second year of debate, Pryor says that his favorite part of debate is going to tourna-

ments. He loves gaining experience and knowledge, even if he doesn’t win since his main objective is to have fun. He states that “I probably won’t win against a four-year senior, but knowing I will get something out of it is what I look forward to.” Along with gaining knowledge, Pryor says that he has also gained a little family. Going on debate trips all over the country, from Ft. Lauderdale to Santa Monica, students feel both individual and team growth. He compares debate to being on a sports team in how close each and every member are. The long list of commendations goes on, including the fact that, according to Pryor, “debate is the only class which applies to everything else.” Pryor claims that debate has enhanced his essay writing in a much more methodical and meticulous way. Has encourages “every high school student to find something like this. Finding what the debate kids have found can make a kind

of crappy time in your life a lot better.” From joining the team last year as a volunteer, to teaching this year, Haas says that her experience has been incredibly welcoming. The students, she says, are having as much fun as possible while working towards building a supportive com.

art by Alex Brehmer

100 YEARS OF HISTORY: A LOOK INTO ROGUE NEWS’ NOT SO PRETTY PAST

Disclaimer: The following excerpts are taken directly from archived editions of the Rogue News on or before 1971. They contain no edits from or opinions of current Rogue News staff.

The Model A.H.S. Boy - 1930 Excerpt In one of the articles read before the Girls

League, written by a certain prominent A.H.S. boy, he stated that boys did not care to go with girls

whom every boy had, to use the slang expression, “necked.” Did it ever occur to boys that maybe the girls felt the same way towards them? In

the majority of cases, the girls do not enjoy going with a boy who “necks” any more than a boy enjoys going with a girl who “necks.”

Kacey and Kathy’s Kolumn [sic] - 1971 Excerpt

Editorial by Charlie Burr

or many, The Rogue News lasts only a week: you see it, you read it, you toss it, it’s gone. But in many ways, the Rogue News is forever in that it’s been kept, cataloged, and uploaded online. Since 1915, the Rogue News has published a variety of news pieces which serve as a time capsule for cultural changes and events throughout our history in Southern Oregon and the United States. This paper is considered to be of historical importance to the University of Oregon and its pages dating from 1929 to 1973 have been immortalized and meticulously scanned onto the university’s website for anyone to view (bit.ly/2DyNwcF). Through cataloging the student perspective, this newspaper has given us a unique opportunity to view history locally and nationally through a younger lens.

IT MADE ME WONDER WHAT DARK SECRETS COULD BE HIDING IN OUR OWN ROGUE NEWS. During the early stages of writing this piece, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam’s medical school yearbook resurfaced and showed a photo of him wearing blackface next to a student dressed as a KKK member. It made me wonder what dark secrets could be hiding in our own Rogue News. The Rogue News’ more than 100 years of coverage allows us to peek into the value systems, opinions and emotions of the teenage generations before us. We’ve recently come into an age of cultural awareness in which we’ve started to actively confront racism, sexism and other systemic issues directly. As we confront these issues, students have felt a greater need to use their voice, which has led to the increased editorialization if the Rogue News. When looking back at old editions, I found what was not published to be almost more telling than what was. The word “racism” was used only a single time in the University of Oregon’s searchable collection, while the word “negro” was used 23 different times. Earlier Rogue News editions were quick to shy away from talking about racism but certainly not from participating in it. Although we shied away from having conversations about racism, it was apparently not so taboo to discuss student’s sex lives. This was a story in which the author reported on the model AHS boy and girl and how a girl’s sex life can affect how desirable she is to boys (yes this is real, and yes it was printed in our school paper in April 1930.) One of the most striking stories was an opinion column titled “Kacey & Kathy’s Kolumn!” with KKK heading the page in large hand written letters. The column was published in 1971 and this particular installment talked about the weather in an awkward, semi-poetic tone. It’s hard to tell

if the title was supposed to be purposely “ironic” in an offensive way or whether it shows how completely unaware the students were of the obviously racist connotations of the title. The wording, “in case you were wondering what KKK stands for, it’s Kacey and Kathy’s Kolumn!” makes me think they were fully aware of the double meaning. Though I would like to believe this was a benign coincidence, it’s hard to imagine how the idea wasn’t axed as soon as it was come up with. The fact that it was printed shows how drastically our level of awareness has changed. In many ways, the Rogue News highlights our community’s racist past. A news story in 1970 titled “Class Studies Negro Problems” [sic] covers the story of Charles Crutchfield, a student of AHS dressed as a KKK member, who attended a black studies class where they were discussing “The Role of Violence in the Black Struggle.” It opens with a quote from Crutchfield saying, “suppress all the negroes and send them back to Africa” [sic] and goes on to highlight more of his racist comments. Crutchfield fired back in a fiery letter to the editor in which he called the author a “typical pinko journalist” and the Rogue News staff “whimpering isolationists.” He went on to claim that he was severely misquoted and that he was not in fact dressed as a KKK member, although the photo evidence begs to differ. It’s disturbing to see such blatantly racist rhetoric displayed as respectable enough to be presented to a high school class, seemingly as an awkward attempt at showing differing opinions. By including so many racist quotes in the original article, the 1971 edition of the Rogue News gave Crutchfield’s racist rhetoric a platform to be further distributed. You can find the full story at bit.ly/2tniC2f

OUR WORK IN HIGH SCHOOL CAN LIVE ON IN WAYS FAR BEYOND WHAT WE FIRST EXPECTED. Class Studies Negro Problems [sic] - 1970 Excerpt “Suppress all the Negroes and send them back to Africa.” This statement was made by Charles Crutchfield in a panel discussion held in Mrs. McAllister’s first period Black Studies class on December 9. The Role of Violence in the Black Struggle was the topic for the panel discussion. The panel was composed of students in the

Black Studies class. Students on the panel were Jackie Baker, Ray Bartley, Kevin Brown, Charles Crutchfield, and Larry Taylor. Kit Nidever acted as chairman. Charles Crutchfield, dressed in a white sheet as a KKK member

Now let’s be clear, these are very select examples of stories that best highlight a major change in culture. Much of what I found was regular news, editorials on school policy and sports stories (oh so many sports stories.) It was interesting to see the shift in the newspaper throughout the years and what made it to print. For example, in the 1910s and 1920s there were whole sections dedicated to one sentence recaps and quotes of seemingly random local news that weirdly resembled our notes app “quote lists” of today. Because of this, I’m now aware of seemingly random facts like when Mr. Briscoe hurt his ankle in 1915 (absolutely riveting, I know). Throughout the Rogue News’ existence, there have been stories highlighting everything from opinions on WW1, WW2, Vietnam and Iraq, to a janitor’s experience of being thrown into a Nazi prison. We’ve even published movie reviews including the 1977 version of “A Star is Born.” Looking back at older Rogue News editions reminds us how our work in high school can live on in ways far beyond what we first expected. The unfortunate problem is that the racist and sexist articles I highlighted earlier show opinions that still exist in the world today. Last year we saw a massive white supremacist gathering in Charlottesville, and just last week a friend of mine was walking with her African- American friend who was called a “monkey” by a drunk man in downtown Ashland. Although we can look back on news stories from 1970 and gasp, the sad fact of the matter is that these opinions are still closer than we think. In the age of the internet where the Rogue News can be seen by anyone in the world for years to come, it becomes important to think about the longevity of our work. We have a responsibility to be aware of and learn from our past, think clearly about what we want to be remembered for, and what stories we wish to tell. I would encourage anyone at all interested in the history of AHS to visit the University of Oregon’s website to discover more of the Rogue News’ past (bit.ly/2DyNwcF).

Graffiti Reflections These poems are initial reactions and responses to various graffiti art found around the AHS campus. Rogue News does not condone vandalism of any kind.

Apart Four together With nothing between To keep them apart. How does the world Find a way every time To break the bond Four solid hands hold? “It isn’t fair” To who? Not for me, I have no bonded hands. Only two eyes Which see Four solid hands And one space between Drifting them Apart

by Logan Knouse

Secret Keeper It’s a face of sneering Hearing lies of passersby A smirking face Stuck in place It listens on forever To children’s lies And lines of spite— Angst to fill an ocean, And does it speak? Its voice like lotion Captures words you thought you’d keep but slyly whispers those words Back to you in sleep

Conjoined Imagine a shared mind but it’s a neck One head sprouted from another; Synchronistically connected, Could anyone exist So closely conjoined? “At the hip” still leaves room to breathe And it’s important, to me That space. It lets me imagine a life Away from reality; No one to share air Leaves more To dream on. But not them, those neck men— Forever together; What’s the story?

Just Oregon Things

When leaving Oregon, there are a couple things you might need to know. This manual will give you a head start on living outside of the Oregon bubble. by Lily Valenta

PUMP IT It is of the utmost importance to remember that everywhere else in the country requires you to pump your own gas. “But how?” you may be frantically asking yourself. Do not fear! The first step for an Oregonian at the gas station is to sit in your car for an undisclosed amount of time while waiting for someone to help you. After finally realizing that you need to step out of your vehicle, slowly approach the pump. Be cautious, for you never know what could go wrong while a line of cars watches you make a fool of yourself. MONEY MONEY MONEY When shopping, don’t forget that an extra charge is applied to most things you buy. It’s called a sales tax. Crazy, I know. States vary on how much they charge, but no matter what, remember to calculate your whole purchase with tax included in order to minimize the embarrassment when you are 10 cents short for every purchase.

BABY IT’S COLD OUTSIDE In addition to this, Oregon transplants should also purchase chains for their tires in preperation for places that actually snow. Though the millimeter of snow on the ground feels like a crisis here, elsewhere you may be expected to drive in several inches of the white stuff. Do not count on the small dusting of snow to leave you free of school and responsibilities for a day. EVERY DAY IS EARTH DAY No, you can’t hike a local trail on your lunch break. Though it might seem easy enough to step outside and wander through a forest while eating your organic tempeh sandwich, you might find that other places have buildings in the way. Or no mountains or forests at all. Don’t worry. Simply put in your earbuds, play some soothing forest sounds and remember that everything will be OK.

art by Alex Brehmer

NIKE DEAL AHS SPORTS GET A HELPING HAND

by Riley Crook & Payden Swofford

nyone that has played or currently plays on a sports team knows what it is like to have outdated uniforms and equipment. Unfortunately, it is difficult to get funding to replace the old necessities. Fundraising is a integral need for any team and getting sponsors is necessary for teams to succeed. This is why on June 1, 2018, the

athletic department at Ashland High School made a deal with Nike that will provide the school with a sponsorship of $15,000 per year until July 31, 2021. The $45,000 in total can only be spent at Nike. The agreement states that, “each Agreement Year, the Athletic Director at the high school will receive a $15,000 retail product rebate.

This rebate is for use at the discretion of the Athletic Director and must be used during the school year. Funds do not carry over from year to year.” According to Ashland High School’s Athletic Director, Karl Kemper, some of the funds have already been spent. “We have already ordered baseball and softball uniforms this year through the agreement. We are working on an order for girls soccer, an order for football for next year, and we are hoping to get something for boys and girls basketball. We are doing something for tennis too.” Uniforms are to be ordered during the normal buying cycle for each sport. Sports included in this agreement are all the varsity teams including Football, Boys and Girls Soccer, Volleyball, Boys and Girls Basketball, Baseball, Softball, Boys and Girls Track & Cross Country, and Boys and Girls Tennis. Now that the sport teams at AHS are part this agreement, they are required to use and wear exclusively Nike products during games and other official activities associated with the team. In addition, Nike is expect-

ing that all programs will be in Nike uniforms by the end of the three year agreement. Many other coaches and players are delighted to be promised new uniform within the next three years. Ashland’s Bella Sallee stated, “It’s going to be really nice to have new uniforms for Track because [right now], we have uniforms that don’t match and we have had the same ones for the past four years.” This agreement does not apply to club sports that are affiliated with Ashland High School. Although this is the case, they can benefit from the Nike discount on orders of Nike products. On orders of Nike products, the school will be able to use; 40% for footwear and equipment, and 45% for apparel. However, this discount cannot be used by individual players for personal purchases such as custom cleats. It can only be used on purchases by the athletic director, Karl Kemper. With this new agreement with Nike, many sports are already benefitting and there are many more plans for the future of the athletics at AHS.

Unified Basketball by Sequoia Jacobson

n Tuesday, January 29, Ashland out the 3 games they played. This apHigh School’s Unified Sports proach exemplified the goals of the played host to 3 other basketball teams Unified Sports program and overall from Central Medford, South Med- helped contribute to a more growthford and Phoenix. Each team played conducive environment. After the against each other in a round-robin games were over, Rogue News interstyle tournament. However, unlike viewed AHS sophomore James La most tournaments, no one team was Fond about his experience playing on crowned as the winner of the tourna- the team as a Unified Partner (a player ment. Instead, each team without a disability). worked together to emasked about his “EACH TEAM When phasize sportsmanship, overall experience, La teamwork, safety and Fond said, “I definiteWORKED fun. These 6 games were ly enjoyed being able TOGETHER TO part of a collaboration to help. It has been so EMPHASIZE between Special Olymawesome being able to pics Oregon and high get to know the kids SPORTSschools across the state. and even see their MANSHIP, Together, they have cregrowth in the game[s] ated an initiative titled TEAMWORK, in just a few sessions.” Unified Sports. La Fond continued, SAFETY AND saying that his favorite Unified Sports is a program that unites stupart of the event was FUN” dents with and without the parent’s and audiintellectual disabilities to practice and ence’s reactions when the athletes atcompete together on the same team tempted a crazy three-pointer or went with the end goal of being ready to for an impressive layup. compete against other teams of similar Overall, these games constituted a abilities. fun and involved event that allowed For many spectators, the most all who attended to grow. Rogue News likeable aspect of this event was that and the rest of the student body reeveryone was playing together and mains excited to see what other sports each player on the team got to play and games will be brought to our the same amount of time through- school via the Unified Sports program.

photo by Sequoia Jacobson Ashland High School’s number 4, Ezra Steiner, getting ready to receive a throw form AHS’s number 14, James La Fond, at Ashland High School on Tuesday, January 29, 2019.

STAMPER AWARDS Hello and welcome, to the 2019 edition of the...

With hundreds of films and thousands of excellent performances by actors and actresses alike, we here at the Rogue News Academy of Arts, pride ourselves on recognizing those who go unrecognized. With that said, we now present the nominees for our four awards. by Jared Stamper & Jude Williams

Best One Liner The Best One Liner is truly the most sought after award, which is why we took hours upon hours of our personal time making ourselves confident that we had truly found the best one. We here at the Rogue News Academy of Arts sifted through trash and gems alike for the absolute best one, and we have landed on a decision.

Nominees “I never freeze” -T’challa “I thought Squidward played the cello. He don’t. That’s a flute.” -Lil Yachty “I am Beyoncé always.” -Michael Scott

The winner is... “I thought Squidward played the cello. He don’t. That’s a flute.” -Lil Yachty

Best Freddie Mercury As one of the most famous musicians of all time, Freddie Mercury has made a tremendous impact on music today. We decided this year it would be key to finally decide between Rami Malek, and Freddie Mercury as to who is the number one Mercury. While a classic debate between original and doppleganger, we found it easy to decide.

Nominees Freddie Mercury Rami Malek The winner is... Rami Malek

Best Spider Spiders! A fan favorite in the Rogue News Academy of Arts, so nuanced, with many different genres, textures and flavors of spiders. You may be asking what kind of criteria we could use to possibly narrow down the nominees for the Best Spider, but it was rather simple. We chose which Spider gave us deep feelings and connections to those we care about.

Nominees Camel Spider Black Widow Brown Recluse Toby Maguire The winner is... Black Widow

Best Picture

Of course, our most prestigious award is saved for last. When we came together to decide what our best picture would be, despite the wonderful nominees, we knew the decision would be easy. This piece of art, with flawless composition, excellent performers, and a display of emotion unlike any other nominee we’ve had the opportunity of seeing, made our winner an obvious choice.

Nominees Roma Wreck it Ralph: Break the Internet Bohemian Rhapsody The winner is... This Picture of Jared’s Dog