the
the student voice of Whitney High January 2011
roar
Volume 6 Issue 2
carpe diem
2 contents
the roar
JANUARY 2011
Seize the day
PEER PEER PEER PEER
PRESSURE PRESSURE PRESSURE PRESSURE
6 9 11 12 14 16 19 20
This issue is about the Latin phrase Carpe Diem, which translates to “Seize the day,” and how students are living every day to the fullest.
LGBT teens find a friend in the It Gets Better Project. By KAVYA PATHAK
The new year means new opportunities for everyone. By JESSICA RANDHAWA
Students stand strong against the pressure of their peers. By ANIKA TERPSTRA
The annual Mr. WHS Competition is back. Are you man enough? By JESSIE HOLBROOK
Students say what they would do if today was their last day. By SHAI NIELSON
Cody Eagle tried out for a sport he’s never played before and made it. By ROBERT PARKER
The district could be saving money and energy by flipping some switches. By MARGARET TINKER
The warning labels on cigarette packs are larger, but will that stop smokers? By ILAF ESUF Cover photo illustration by Robert Parker
Would you seize the day?
what we say 3
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JANUARY 2011
STAFF EDITORIAL: taking risks will improve your life
S
low and steady may win the race, but life is not a race. Life is a journey, an expedition, an adventure; and the last time we checked, adventures aren’t always safe. There’s a risk in anything, though, whether it’s a physical risk like long boarding or martial arts fighting, a financial risk like investing in the stock market, or health risks like taking drugs or drinking alcohol. The difference is that some risks produce better results than others. Taking small risks every day can build confidence, help you determine and develop your boundaries and can even broaden your social life. For example, if you decide to try out long boarding one day, you may realize that it’s fun and that you’re good at it. You make new friends that share your interest for the sport and they can help you develop your skills. But you’ll never know until you
take the plunge and risk it. Risks do not even need to entail a threat like long boarding or fighting. Risking just means challenging yourself in a situation that may not be comfortable, like asking somebody on a date. Which is what we, The Roar staff, recommend. You will learn a lot about yourself by trying new things and expanding your horizons. This issue is all about people who live their lives to the fullest and take advantage of every day they have. So we encourage you to do the same in everything that you do. By challenging yourself daily, you can learn to appreciate life and change your routine. It’s all about seizing the day.
13-3 AGREE
Would you risk it?
THE ROAR 2010-2011 Editor-in-Chief Robert Parker Assistant Editors Ilaf Esuf Emma Richie Feature Editor Sydney Rodriguera Adviser Sarah Nichols, MJE
Staff Brittaney Campbell Gabbi Forrest Emma Getz Jessie Holbrook Ellis Holdsworth Amy Lu Chloe McCrossen Shai Nielson Kavya Pathak Jessica Randhawa Emma Richie Jessica Sypolt Anika Terpstra Margaret Tinker
THE FIRST AMENDMENT: Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
The Roar is a student publication planned and produced by the advanced journalism class at Whitney High School. The newspaper is an open forum for student expression. Student editors make all content decisions. Columns represent the viewpoints of individual writers and are not representative of the opinions of the student body, faculty, staff or administration of Whitney High School or Rocklin Unified School District. The staff seeks truth, accuracy and objectivity. Staff members practice ethical student journalism by providing fair and balanced coverage as determined by community standards. Students working to publish each issue strive to achieve accuracy by checking sources, spelling and quotes as well as by obtaining information from a variety of credible sources. Students not enrolled in journalism who wish to serve as contributing writers, photographers or graphic artists should contact the editor at theroar@rocklin.k12.ca.us or stop by C-2. The Roar staff gladly accepts letters to the editor, either by e-mail at the address above or delivered to C-2. All letters must be signed by the writer and may be edited for length or content. Letters submitted via e-mail will be verified. Libelous or potentially harmful content will not be printed. Multiple letters about the same topic may not be printed due to space limitations. For information about advertising, including rates, sizes and discounts, contact The Roar at (916) 632-6500 or e-mail a request to theroar@rocklin.k12.ca.us.
4 lifestyle
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JANUARY 2011
TAKING ‘SEIZE THE DAY’
TO ANOTHER LEVEL
Language Arts III Honors classes learn a lesson in living life to the fullest ROBERT PARKER
His personal challenge epitomized the project and the phrase Carpe Diem itself, at least in Karver’s eyes. resley Henderson made a “I give this assignment to have the public speech to overcome students try something new, overcome her phobia. Ronnie Eldabbagh went homeless for a day. Kenny a fear, challenge themselves in some way, or to see things from a new Phan went a week without technology perspective,” Karver said. of any kind. These former Language Brown’s presentation was part his Arts III Honors students had a lesson in Latin with Mrs. Kimberly Karver’s Carpe overcoming his fear, as he got on a desk and sang this school’s fight Diem project. song to the class. This helped propel The assignment is introduced him to eventually becoming spirit when the students are studying the commissioner. Renaissance and romantic periods of “It’s given me more confidence. I literature, which share similar themes already had it set in my mind that I with the assignment itself. wanted to do something like that, (the “It’s about encouraging people to become knowledgeable in every facet of project) was just like another stepping tool to get me there,” Brown said. life,” Karver said. This year , Karver is In this class, the giving her students less students also fill out THIS IS MY 16TH YEAR time on the project as she TEACHING. IN THAT TIME, college applications I’VE HAD FIVE STUDENTS had in previous years. and write their PASS AWAY. IT PUTS THINGS “We’re a little behind in personal statements IN PERSPECTIVE. the classes, so we haven’t throughout the year, started yet. Some of the and this project helps students put in a lot of effort, and some provide them with writing topics. don’t. Somehow I needed to make it “A lot of students have difficulty more meaningful,” Karver said. writing their statements because Karver hopes the students gain a they haven’t had many challenges to fresher sense of the world and a newovercome, which is what a lot of the found perspective on life. prompts are about,” Karver said. “The biggest thing I want them to DaVonte Brown, current spirit get out of this is learning something commissioner and former Language admirable that they can apply toward Arts III Honors student, received a perfect score on his Carpe Diem project. their futures,” Karver said. Even Karver herself has gained a new “I decided to sing, because I really attitude on living life. hate singing in front of people. It was Karver said, “This is my 16th year my fear. I was a shy person when it teaching. In that time, I’ve had five came to singing. I would sing in the students pass away. It puts things in shower or something like that, but perspective. I know you hear it all the never in front of someone. My sister is time, but high school is the best time of a really good singer and I like to sing, your life. It’s a time for you to figure out so that’s why I wanted to seize the day,” who you are.” Brown said. editor-in-chief
P
PAST PROJECTS ANN DIEP “My project was to garden for a whole month. I kind of sucked at gardening, so my mom basically did my project for me.”
SUMMER HANNON “I made my own glasses that caused me to be blind for a day. It was really hard because I had to do my daily activities without seeing anything.”
NATHAN HODGENS “I asked a girl to the Valentine’s Day dance. I bought a 10-pack of roses and spread the petals over her desk. Because we were both in French, I put a note that said ‘Will you go to the dance with me?’ in French.”
Would you do something out of your comfort zone?
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JANUARY 2011
e c On the holidays are ... over
will you stick to your resolutions?
“To host a New Zealand llama dance party slash yard sale.”
“To not push the flight attendant button just to get their number.” Austin Hahn, 11
Kellie Compton, 10
“To stop procrastinating, especially for college.”
“To come up with a New Year’s resolution.”
“To become a Disney Channel star.”
Alex Clark, 10
Lyndsay Crivello, 9
When asked if they normally stick to their resolutions;
19%
ELLIS HOLDSWORTH & CHLOE MCCROSSEN
Darren Garcia, 12
“To steal souls, and find a better spot to hide the band-aids.” Dani Green, 11
81%
say “YES” say “NO”
staff writers
It’s the one thing you tell yourself on the night of December 31st every year. Do you stick to it? It’s mostly up to you, your drive and will to stay true to your New Year’s resolution. Resolutions differ from person to person; some of the more common ones being grades or to get in shape, but some people have plans that you might have never heard of. Kellie Compton’s plans fall into that category; “I always pick the weirdest resolutions, it gives me something to look forward to. It’s better then the boring ones,” Compton said. Her resolution is definitely one of the more uncommon ones. New Year’s resolutions are long-term and short-term goals that are supposed to be achieved within one year’s time. It is a tradition most people join in on, but few of them actually stick to it. “No one sticks to it because when it’s the
holidays, everyone is all happy and like ‘oh okay I can do this,’ but once the holidays are over, their like, ‘oh screw that,’” Alex Clark said on sticking to one’s resolutions. Origins of this tradition go back to ancient Roman and Babylonian times. In ancient Babylon, as the new year started most of the common people would make the resolution to return borrowed farm equipment. During Caesar’s reign in Rome, a mythical Roman king named Janus was placed at the head of the calendar. It was legend that he had two faces, one looking at events in the past and the other witnesses events that would occur in the future. With this figure judging their actions, the Romans would seek forgiveness in the new year. Every year people come up with a resolution they feel they’ll finish, and wether they do or not, they have to seize the moment and make a decision for themselves.
Would you stick to your resolutions?
“To get my cat to stop peeing on my bed.”
Max Freire, 9
“To curse less.” Tamara Townsend, 12 Photos by Ellis Holdsworth
6
lifestyle
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JANUARY 2011
It Gets Better?
Photo by Kavya Pathak
Suicides of gay teens have sparked a media firestorm over the causes of these suicides and how to prevent them. But is all of the media attention really making a difference? KAVYA PATHAK staff writer
igh school was hell,” said Andrew Bristow, looking into the distance as he recounted the two torturous years he spent at Nevada Union High School, bullied for his sexual orientation. Though he came out in middle school, Bristow did not experience such extensive bullying until he came to high school. After that, each day was a struggle against homophobic students and teachers, who tormented him with insults and violence. “One of my teachers told me I was going to hell (for being gay),” Bristow said, “and this clique of rednecks would spit on me and kick me.”
After dropping out at the end of junior year due to the abuse, Bristow attempted suicide. “I felt alone and no one, including my friends and family knew how to help me feel like living was worth it anymore,” Bristow said. Though shocking, Andrew’s story is not unique. Harassed by their peers and ostracized by their families, America’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth face great difficulties in high school. Many make it through, managing to steel themselves against the insults and bullying they endure. Some, like Indiana high school freshman Billy Lucas, who hung himself after years
of torment, do not, and their tragic suicides make headlines nationwide as parents and school officials try to figure out what pushed them to such a drastic act. In the months of September and October alone, five gay teens, ages 1319, have committed suicide, sparking a media firestorm over the victimization of these teens by their classmates. The National Education Policy Center has created a plan to change the school climate for LGBT teens in a significant way, and various other organizations, like the Trevor Project and Sacramento’s own Equality Action Now are working to reach out to LGBT teens. Singer Katy Perry
Would you help stop the bullying?
dedicated her latest song, “Firework” to the movement trying to stop the bullying of LGBT teens, and Canadian teen Brittany McMillan mobilized thousands to wear purple on Oct. 20, in support of those who committed suicide. News organizations, such as News 10 in this area and countless others all over the country, report on the recent suicides and ponder how to end the abuse these teens endure. One particular organization making headlines, the “It Gets Better” movement, tries to tell bullied LGBT teens that life really does get better and try to keep them from attempting suicide. Founded in September by columnist
lifestyle
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JANUARY 2011 Dan Savage, “It Gets Better” consists of short videos created by average people and celebrities telling bullied LGBT teens to maintain hope. Yet, whether the increased media attention LGBT bullying has received will ultimately make a difference is under debate. “Data shows that LGBT teens are still being bullied the same amount as they were in 1999,” Daryl Presgraves, public relations manager for the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network, said. “Nine out of 10 LGBT youth are still being harassed each year.” LGBT students at this school have also felt the abuse teens all over the country are experiencing. “In middle school, guys would call me a faggot, throw rocks at me, and hit me,” Nick Schneider said. “I went to the administration, but they did absolutely nothing.” Simply spreading the word on the disastrous effects of bullying may not be enough to combat this widespread problem, as two thirds of LGBT teens still feel unsafe going to school, according to a 2009 study by GLSEN. “The anti-gay bullying movement is more of a Band-
Aid fix. It’s a remedial solution to a much bigger problem,” Dr. Michael LaSala, associate professor at Rutgers University’s School of Social Work, said. “We need to make it unacceptable to be antigay at the very top level, like in the government and in churches, in order to really make an impact on stopping this bullying.” Furthermore, overly publicizing suicides of LGBT teens can be detrimental to those who may be contemplating suicide. “There’s a danger that media coverage can have another effect: leading to what some call copycat suicides,” Andrew Belonsky, a freelance journalist on LGBT issues, said. “Many countries won’t even report on the “S-word,”(suicide) and I think American media needs to be careful to mix information about suicides of gay teens with deterrent, telling these kids that there are options and all hope is not lost.” However, projects like It Gets Better are still making an impact on the lives of LGBT teens. “I was bullied (for being gay) as a child, and I am sure that seeing people like Barack Obama and Kathy Griffin on the Internet telling kids like me that things do get better would have really helped,” LaSala said. Students here also believe that more publicity about this issue could help reduce the harassment LGBT teens face. “Any kind of publicity helps to bring awareness to parents and teachers who don’t understand what bullied LGBT teens go through,” Rachel Henry, who has been openly lesbian since junior year, said. “(Gay) boys in particular go though hell during high school, and more publicity could help change that.”
7
85%
of LGBT students reported being verbally harassed during school People have yelled insults at me when I walk by at school.” - Rachel Henry
72%
of LGBT students heard homophobic insults, like “faggot” or “dyke” I had to leave high school a year early because the bullying got so bad. No one at school, including the administration, tried to stop it.” -Andrew Bristow
18%
of LGBT students reported having a comprehensive antibullying policy at their schools Data from the 2009 National School Climate Survey by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network
Would you help stop the bullying?
8 lifestyle
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JANUARY 2011
Top 10 Phobias
fears
and
phobias
There is nothing to fear but fear itself. But everyday fears and phobias can sometimes take over the lives of the people who have them.
1.Arachnophobia Fear of Spiders. 2. Social Phobia Fear of social situations 3. Aerophobia Fear of flying. 4. Agoraphobia Fear of being in a situation where help might be hard to find in case of emergency. 5.Claustrophobia Fear of being trapped in small confined spaces. 6. Acrophobia Fear of heights. 7. Emetophobia Fear of vomit. 8. Carcinophobia Fear of cancer. 9. Brontophobia Fear of thunderstorms. 10.Necrophobia Fear of death or or dead things Source: www.phobia-fear-release.com
BRITTANEY CAMPBELL staff writer
We all have them. No matter what it’s there. Maybe it’s a fear of spiders, or a fear of heights. And no matter how tough we try to act, every once in a while we get caught in a situation that causes fear to take over the body, whether we like it or not. Fear is one of the most basic human emotions. It can be like a warning, a signal that cautions us to be careful. A phobia, on the other hand, is an irrational and excessive fear of an object or situation. Many people think that they have one or two of the more common phobias, like fear of creepy crawlies (arachnophobia) like spiders, or maybe a fear of being in small cramped places (claustrophobia), but really they are just scared or freaked out by the object or situation. These are just some of the phobic symptoms that can occur through exposure to the fear object or situation. Sometimes, just simply thinking about the feared object can lead to one of these responces. The symptoms are: dizziness, breathlessness, nausea, a sense of unreality, and fear of dying.
“I’m afraid of germs, I think they are disgusting and I can’t be around them. I use hand sanitizer like every second of my life. I go through about 3-4 bottles a week and I have like 6 bottles in my bag right now.” Amber Monioz n
“My biggest fear is flying, because airplanes are really big and can crash.” Jack Graves n
n “The
only thing that really scares me is failure. I want to succeed at everything.” Eli Nolasco
“Losing a family member would have to be my biggest fear because it’s sad to think that they won’t be around anymore.” Tessa Cinnamon n
Would you conquer your fears?
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JANUARY 2011
Looking forward to Students are looking forward to the Year of the Rabbit because it means new opportunities and experiences JESSICA RANDHAWA staff writer
Photo Illustration by Jessica Randhawa
feature 9
2011
The tradition of new years resolutions dates back to the early Babylonians. The most popular resolution of that time was returning borrowed farm equipment. Modern day resolutions consist of losing weight, getting out of debt and quiting smoking. Students are looking forward to the upcoming year and are are going to make the most of it. “In the new year I look forward to graduating high school and getting to start college,” TJ Papenfuss said. Other people look forward to the start of the new year because it means that they are that much closer to more vacations and breaks. They also look forward to the start of the new year because it gives them more time to be with their friends and family. People celebrate the
What are you looking forward to in 2011?
start of a new year in different ways. Some people go to parties while others stay at home and hang out with the family. “I don’t really do anything to celebrate the new year. All I do is stay home and watch the ball drop in Times Square on TV,” Amanda Potter said. At the start of the new year people make promises to themselves and their family. “Every year we make a promise to stay a family and wish my sister a happy birthday,” Kaylin Mallery said. People try to make the most of a new year sometimes by hanging out with friends more and or promising themselves that they will get better grades. Papenfuss said, “This year I am going to hang out with friends and work a lot harder.”
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F
oreign exchange students are often the trending topic of many schools over the country. Over and over again, students from other countries are asked about their accents, their hometowns, their favorite sports, or anything else about their life back home. But very rarely do they get asked about how they like their lives here. Marina Arroyo from Spain and Vinny Rodriquez from Brazil traveled hundreds of miles to come here for their education.
In a land
far far
AWAY EMMA RICHIE staff writer
Time away from family: one year. Price of foreign exchange program: thousands of dollars. Time spent learning a new language: multiple years. Chance to live in another country and make international friendships: priceless.
“ “ “ “ “ “
WHENEVER I MEET NEW PEOPLE THEY ALWAYS BECOME OBSESSED WITH MY ACCENT. BUT ACTUALLY, I’M OBSESSED WITH THEIRS
I CALL IT FÚTBOL AND YOU CALL IT SOCCER. EITHER WAY, I LOVE IT NO MATTER WHERE I LIVE
MY HOST FAMILY HAS BEEN THE BEST. THEY ARE MY FAMILY, BEST FRIENDS, AND HAVE MADE MY LIFE HERE THE BEST IT COULD POSSIBLY BE
I HAVE ALWAYS WANTED TO LEARN HOW TO SPEAK ENGLISH. IT’S HELPED GOING TO AN ENGLISH SPEAKING SCHOOL, BUT I STILL GET CONFUSED A LOT
I LOVE THE WEATHER HERE. IT’S A LOT SUNNIER AND HOTTER THAN SPAIN. THAT’S MY DREAM: LIVING NEAR A BEACH
I ALWAYS PLAYED FUTBOL BACK IN BRAZIL, AND NOW I PLAYED VARSITY SOCCER HERE. I TOOK SOMETHING I HAD FROM WHEN I WAS A KID AND GOT TO HAVE FUN DOING IT IN A PLACE I NEVER IMAGINED I WOULD BE IN: AMERICA
Marina Arroyo
Photos by Emma Richie
Vini Rodrigues
Would you travel the world for education?
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BEATING JANUARY 2011
PEER PEER PEER PEER ANIKA TERPSTRA
PRESSURE PRESSURE PRESSURE PRESSURE
staff writer
Everyone has pressures. There are pressures to play sports, to do well in school, to have tons of friends. Those are the good pressures. But everyone knows the bad ones too. The pressures to do drugs, to smoke, to cut class. The question is whether you choose to beat them or give in. There are different ways to beat them. You have to come up with those on your own. “For me I stay true to who I am and I don’t let others talk me into things I don’t want to do,” Katie Palin said.
Other students listen to smooth jazz and relaxing music. Or they stay true to their morals and religion. Some people agree that there are different peer pressures than their parents had and others say that the pressures are the same. “I think they might be the same but there are probably different ones too,” Tim Frost said. Although most people don’t fall into peer pressure, there are still some who do. The enticement of drugs, alcohol and any other pressures still lurk around the corner.
Would you have the will power to say “no”?
Photo Illustrations by: Anika Terpstra
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In just a few weeks, it could be you on the stage...
ARE
YOU
MAN
1
This isn’t a pageant for girls, it’s a competition for the men of WHS.
ENOUGH?
“I am hoping to become Mr. WHS even though I’m just a freshman!” n Jack Brooks
Would you earn the most applause?
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JESSIE HOLBROOK staff writer
Mr. WHS is a competition where any male student can try out to be Mr. WHS. n There is a dance that the contestants do together, next is talent, then style, and a one on one interview. n The 2011 competition will take place in the theater on Jan. 21. n The popular black tuxedo shirts are on sale for $12 from now until the show. n Tickets go on sale Jan. 10. (see below) n Applications are available in C-2 to sign up. n Winners get picked from people putting coins in jars. Dollar bills get the contestants marked down in their points.
3
5
1. Shawn Gandola sung for the talent competition. Some other talents could be playing an instrument, karate, humor, and dancing. 2. Leigh Leonard interviewed Mark Riley. 3. Nathan Hodgens played guitar for the talent part. 4. Money in jars for the voting. The winners get picked from people putting coins in jars. Dollar bills get the contestants marked down in points. 5. Darren Garcia, 1st Runner Up. Neal Anderson, Mr. WHS. William Kellogg, 2rd Runner Up of the 2010 competition. Photos by Stephanie Grover
“Last year I was going to be in the competition but last minute I got in trouble. It’s my senior year, so I am determined to become Mr. WHS.” n Davonte Brown “I got sick last year and couldn’t make it to the dress rehearsal, so I couldn’t be in the actual show. I’m only a sophomore, so I doubt I’m going to win. It’s mostly juniors and seniors that do. My friends will be by my side throughout it though.” n Cory Sybrant
Would you charm the audience?
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“Seize the day, trusting as little in the future as possible.” SHAI NIELSON
Photos by Shai Nielson
staff writer
“I would probably take a drive around the whole world. I would get in my car and get on the freeway and just drive straight and see where I end up. If I died while driving, well, oh well. I would just go see the world.” n Jackie Griesemer
“I would tell everyone I love them and maybe go for a joy ride. Maybe I would do something illegal and get arrested. I would also go play Capture the Flag in Orchard. I would break everyone out of class with like a foghorn.” n Arin Muhic
Would you try something new?
“I would go skydiving, tell all my friends how important they all are, and rent the fastest car out there and ask the girl I like to go for a drive.” n Lemi Paval
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A
s children grow up they are told to live their own life and remember they could die any day. Of course, this is more prevalent with teens and adults than little kids, yet somehow all through childhood kids grow up believing in the impossible, living in their imaginations, hoping one day to fulfill their dreams.
Wishes upon stars and waiting for the clock to strike 11:11 further the idea that wishes can come true, and who says they can't? Parents never tell their kids to dream big and then wish for it to just happen, they say to dream big and make it happen. But then again, teens don’t always have the capacity to just “make it happen.”
“I WOULD GO TO PLACES I HAVE NEVER BEEN BEFORE LIKE ITALY, FRANCE AND GREECE.” -M’KAYLA HOUDEK
What if tomorrow never came? How would you spend your last hours?
What would you do if today was your last day?
“I would spend time with my friends and family and take the opportunity to do something crazy and death defying, like skydiving. I would also be nice to everyone since I wouldn't see them again and just do something crazy.” n Scott Fryslie
“In no particular order, I would wrestle the dragon that causes Global Warming to death with my bare hands, kill cancer and not cure it, and summon the souls of the undead and make them act out the scene of Blue's Clues where Steve finally finds his first clue ever by himself. In other words, I would tell everyone what I truly think of them, right what I wronged, and then kick back and relax with my friends and family as my last minutes of life tick away towards God. I would go out with a bang. Kaboom.” n Anthony Fojas
Would you do something crazy?
“I would first somehow get a private jet and fly all the way to Nebraska where I would pick up all my friends that I have not seen in a couple years and then fly all the way to Europe. I would go boating and parasailing across the ocean in Greece, I would shop and visit all the major sites in France. I'd spend the whole entire day soaking it all in and remembering the life I've lived, and at the end of the day I would stay in a fancy hotel and spend my last minutes having a sleep over with my best friends.” n M’Kayla Houdek
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JANUARY, 2011
A joke gone right Senior Cody Eagle didn’t expect to make the varsity soccer team when he tried out as a joke, but he made the cut ROBERT PARKER
got to play about 45 minutes total. Like, a few games I played like two minutes, but some games I’d be in t all started as a joke. Because 15 minutes at a time,” Eagle said. his friend was playing soccer, It was an experience worth Cody Eagle also decided to try having in his mind, and he out, never expecting to make recommends others try it as well. the team. “I’d say to try something like “(Ryan Lewis’ and my) friend that, because you never know until Eirik (Sterri) plays soccer, and we you actually do it. It kind of carries were doing it as a joke... we were over to other stuff, too, like ‘Oh, if like ‘oh yeah, we’ll try out for the I could do this, maybe I could do team, just kidding,’ and then the something else,” Eagle said. joke went wrong, and we actually For Eagle, it has carried over and made the team,” Eagle said. influenced his present life. Eagle wanted Lewis to try out “I’d say I’m a little more confident with him because he didn’t want to now. I think if I actually try do it alone. something or think hard about “I didn’t want to be the only one it and actually who wasn’t good at IT GOT OUT OF CONTROL. commit to it, then soccer, and (Lewis) IT WAS JUST SUPPOSED had played a few TO BE A JOKE, BUT IT WAS I can pretty much years when he was ACTUALLY PRETTY FUN AND do whatever I want within reason. I’m WE WERE GOOD AT IT. little, so I was like, not saying I could be ‘Oh, dude, you president or something ridiculous should do it with me,’” Eagle said. like that, but something that’s like His goal actually wasn’t to make an accomplishable goal, if that’s a the team, as he just wanted to word,” Eagle said. play a joke with his friends. But he His experience on the team this ended up being good enough to make it, despite the fact that he had year has made him somewhat regret not starting sooner. never played soccer before. “I think if I started like freshman “It got out of control. It was just year, I still would have made the supposed to be a joke, but it was team on JV, and it looked like it was actually pretty fun and we were a lot easier, and I think I could have good at it,” Eagle said. actually been good at soccer if I had It was the first team sport Eagle played. For the amount of time we has played for the school, and he didn’t miss anything by not playing. played, I don’t want to say we were good, but we improved a lot from “I wasn’t really doing anything when we started,” Eagle said. (before), and I had a lot of free And his advice for everyone else: time,” Eagle said. “Keep your head up, and all your He was happy he made the team, dreams will come true.” though, even though he didn’t get much playing time. “All the practices were really fun and all the games, like sometimes I actually got to play. I almost scored a goal. The whole season I probably editor-in-chief
I
Would you try out for a sport you’ve never played before?
Photos by Robert Parker
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IN THE
LIMELIGHT EMMA GETZ & JESSICA SYPOLT staff writers
From the time Lynsey Rafferty was a toddler she loved to perform. However, she did not know that theatre would be her calling up until her recent casting in the school productions “The Wedding Singer” and “The Hollow.” “I loved performing so I thought, why not try acting?” Rafferty said. When she first started her high school career, she was a shy student until she decided to go out for the spring musical which changed her entire personality. “I’m way crazier now, you can be yourself, it’s completely accepted. You’re a different person in theatre.” Rafferty said. However, she’s not always an upbeat person. Through long rehearsals and stressful tech weeks, she rarely had time to do her homework or eat dinner. “During tech week our schedule was pretty much wake up, go to school, go to
140 Forni Road Placerville, CA 95648 Phone: (530) 622-6232 Fax: (530) 622-2965 Contact person: Larry Getz Contact phone: (916) 295-0289 Email: lgetz42@yahoo.com
rehearsal, help out until 9 or 10, go out to eat with the cast, maybe get home around 11 or 12 and try to squeeze in some homework. Then do the same thing the next day,” said Rafferty. Along the way, Rafferty gained a new outlook on acting and befriended multiple cast members. “Lynsey’s made a lot of great improvement in acting. I’ve seen her improve on working with the internal conflicts with her characters,” said Caitlin Shantz, a cast member and fairly new friend of Rafferty’s. “I didn’t know her before the plays, but once I met her she got along with everyone.” Shantz wasn’t her only supporter though, she had a lot of support from other cast members and family as well. Rafferty kept her head held high and continued to show her talent. Though she doesn’t know if theatre will be her specific career choice, Rafferty continues to love acting and hopes to keep it as a part of her life forever.
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Would you have the courage to get up on stage?
18 feature
the roar
JANUARY 2011
bringing the heat
Photo illustration by Amy Lu
AMY LU
staff writer
T
en…nine…eight…pick up the pace! Three…two…” Coach Mike Marinoble yells over the techno beat pounding from each corner of the room. It’s 5:42 p.m. and the cold warehouse is thriving. At the row of punching bags, 17-year-old Anthony Davis is dripping sweat down his flushed face after finishing a set of punching exercises. Davis, an on and off MMA fighter in training, is currently attending a kick boxing class at Marinoble’s, a training facility in Roseville owned by three-time World Kick boxing Champion, Dave “Madman” Marinoble. After a quick break, the 14 kick boxing students are at it again, punching the dense, black bag, this time, working on their right arm. As Marinoble pumps up the students, he sets up work-
out stations on the neighboring floor mat. 6:30 p.m. arrives and it’s time for Davis to attend his next hour long class: MMA. Over the sounds of the jiu jitsu class next door, the room is filled with groans as the students practice their kicking. From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Mondays to Fridays, this is what Davis dedicates his life to. Aside from nearly graduating high school, working, and exhilarating teenage life, he claims that it’s been an important part in his life. “I’ve always liked fighting. When I was little, I was in pee-wee wrestling so I’ve always enjoyed full-contact sports,” Davis said. Despite the dangers of the sport, Davis said that his family is supportive on his risky decision. “They’re all really supportive about it and they all come and watch whenever,”
AreWould you addicted to your phone? you fulfill your dream?
Davis said. Davis has currently been entering in tournaments and matches. On Dec. 1, he participated in one in San Francisco. “I entered in three different events. I placed third in kick boxing and third in sports jiu jistu,” Davis. He also attended another Dec. 18 in Roseville.
I’VE ALWAYS LIKED FIGHTING. WHEN I WAS LITTLE, I WAS IN PEEWEE WRESTLING SO I’VE ALWAYS ENJOYED FULL CONTACT SPORTS. Davis said that fighting has changed part of his lifestyle from a delinquent punk to a respectable teenage being active in his community. Davis said, “If I wasn’t fighting, I guess I would just be skating a lot more, and who knows what else?”
environment 19
the roar
JANUARY 2011
+
=
MARGARET TINKER staff writer
Going green. That phrase seems to be everywhere these days. From TV commercials to magazine ads, product packaging to political debates, the green movement is slowly taking over. One concept that seems to be mentioned a lot is cutting back on energy consumption. There are so many ways to save and saving energy not only helps out the environment but also cuts down the costs of energy bills. In October, Rocklin Unified School District spent $35,543.93 in gas and electric charges for this school alone. Not counting the changes for the winter months, that would add up to around $426,527.04 a year. Not to mention the fact that there are 16 schools in this district. Sixteen schools RUSD has to pay for. According to Larry Stark, assitant superintendent for facilities and operations at RUSD, Rockling Unified is spending $3 million a year on just gas and electric bills. If students take the initiative right now to help the school save energy, the district could be gaining money to use on more important things. For instance, transportation for sports was cut this year, that could change with just the push of the thermostat button. A lot of classes don’t have enough books for all students, that could change with the flip of a light switch. We could achieve so much by doing so little. Just take action and think green.
Photo Illustration by Margaret Tinker
Ways to
Save
n Start an energy patrol and monitor the schools use of lighting, air conditioning, heating and other energy systems on a daily basis. n Turn off computers and lights when you leave the room. n Turn the heat down after school and on weekends. n Close the doors when the heat or air is on.
n Do an energy audit on the school and look for ways to conserve energy. n Make sure books and furniture don’t block any vents in classrooms.
do how you
conserve?
“I turn off stuff when I’m done with them and I unplug devices like chargers, iPod docks and radios.” Ashley Taylor
Would you conserve?
“I conserve energy by using power outlets.” Justin Schuyler
“I turn off the water when I’m done and I turn off lights when I leave the room.” Brittany Dianda
20 entertainment
ALLSTAR WEEKEND Livin’ the dream
SYDNEY RODRIGUERA entertainment editor
While the Jonas Brothers were busy signing autographs and the creators of Big Time Rush were holding auditions for their band members, the boys of the pop-rock band Allstar Weekend were busy writing songs in their bedrooms. No one could have imagined that this high school garage band from San Diego would be performing on stages across the country opening for musicians like Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez shortly after graduating. But this sudden success wasn’t just a twist of fate or a freak shot of luck for them. The boys had worked hard to promote themselves. Not only did they post all of their songs on a Myspace page to get their sound out there, like most bands do. But they even drove up to Los Angeles every once in awhile on the night of premieres or special events to promote their band and pass out fliers. Plus, with a budget of only $10, they
created a homemade music video for a song of theirs called “Journey To the End of My Life” and posted it on Youtube. Over time, their Youtube music video racked up 50,000 hits and their Myspace Music page got more than 2.5 million plays. And to top it all off, they ended up passing out a flier to a casting director at Disney, who gave it to someone at Radio Disney. They were contacted later on and asked if they would participate in a Disney Channel/Radio Disney contest for aspiring bands. I bet you can already guess what their answer was. They may have lost the competition, but obviously that didn’t discourage them at all. After millions of people heard their music on Disney’s nationwide radio station, they started to gain more fame and fans. “I can’t tell you how many times we played to just a sound guy,” said drummer Michael Martinez. “I’m amazed that a song we wrote in our bedrooms when we were 16 is now
Would you go to a show?
#1 on Radio Disney,” said bassist Cameron Quesing. And now that they’ve completed a few tours alongside various performers, they have more than enough of a fan base to come out with a successful first official album. The album is called Suddenly Yours. It’s a mixture of different songs lead singer Zach Porter and lead guitarist Nathan Dormandy wrote as teens in high school. And miraculously, each song has maintained the same meaning, lyrics and tune that it was originally intended to have. For a band to be taken in by a company as huge as Disney, and to be able to keep their work the way it was intended is remarkable. So often, bands that are signed onto big record companies must alter their music in order to maintain good feelings between them and the company. And of course, their music has no cursing, no risqué topics, and is 100 percent clean and appropriate for
entertainment 21 everyone to listen to. Everyone assumes they have become this way because of a contract with Disney, but that isn’t true. Their music was that way before they connected with Radio Disney. This was part of the reason why the company was so intrigued by them in the first place. They had a way of successfully writing catchy songs about things teenagers always go through or think about without becoming vulgar. And although being associated with Disney is a huge incentive to maintain the clean music, this doesn’t seem to be a factor that bothers any of the band members. In other words, if you’re looking for a CD filled with censor-worthy lyrics, sexual innuendo, or puns of alcohol reference, Suddenly Yours may not be the CD for you. However, their music isn’t cheesy. The lyrics may not be hardcore, metaphorical or incredibly poetic, but they’re strong in their own way: They’re straight forward. The feelings expressed in the album are relatable feelings for all teenagers. Falling for a celebrity you know you can’t have, strong feelings for someone in school, worrying about your future, and discovering what kind of person you want to be, to name a few. Even though a music artist who discusses topics like self-mutilation, sex, or drug abuse would seem more hardhitting to the public, Allstar Weekend finds it important to maintain a positive
more online
feeling for teenagers. Their songs are all positive. Even the ones about self-doubt or heartache have a “you can do it” or “you’ll be okay” attitude about it. Two of the most popular songs of the album are “Come Down With Love,” and “A Different Side Of Me”. “Come Down With Love” is a charming little ditty about the funny feeling of being a teenager in love. “A Different Side Of Me” has gotten the most publicity because of it’s popular corresponding music video which airs on Disney Channel during commercial breaks. It illustrates wishing you could impress everyone and do everything right. And we all know what that feels like. One of my favorites is “Here With You”. It’s about Porter’s crush on a Maxim pin-up girl, who he had a poster of hanging in his room during his high school days. Not only is the tune really catchy, but the message is adorable and funny. Everyone hangs a picture of a celebrity or someone they find to be hot up in their room, even if they know they stand no chance with them. “Hey Princess” is another catchy one about trying to convince the person you like that you’d be the best choice for them. Warning: the lyrics may make teenage girls swoon. And “Journey To The End of My Life” may seem like another version of “Year 3000” by the good ol’ Jonas’, but it’s not. It’s not so much about what the future will be like, but more-so what your
future will be like. Asking questions like “Will I reach all my goals?” “Will people like me?” and of course the world’s mutual question, “Do I turn out alright?” These are a few of my personal favorites, but my number one favorite of Allstar Weekend’s is “Dance Forever”. This song, along with their song “The Weekend”, is the very definition of their aesthetic. Their message as a band is to not get down because you’ve always got the weekend to look forward to. In a world where almost nothing is guaranteed, you can feel comforted to know that when school or work is over on Friday, you are always entitled to your weekend. So savor it while it lasts. That is what “Dance Forever” is about. The album may not be something that every high school teenager would go crazy over, since some people find themselves too good to listen to anything affiliated with Disney, but it’s definitely a good album. It’s insightful and deep in its own way, and written by people who didn’t just waltz into the music industry with “daddy’s connections” or “mommy’s cash.” Every song was written by a boy or two who has dreams and aspirations as every teenager does. I recommend this album to anyone who needs some feel-good music in their IPod. And in the words of Allstar Weekend, and I quote, “It’s all about the weekend, so let’s get down.”
CHECK OUT other music reviews and more at www.whitneyupdate.com
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Would you give them a listen?
22 health
the roar
Same Warning
JANUARY 2011
BIGGER
LABEL
We all know cigarettes kill,but do the new, severe warnings make a difference? ILAF ESUF staff writer
iding with friends and lighting up cigarettes was the norm for long time smoker, Jamal Esuf. Though he knew it was a bad practice, Esuf had no second thoughts about joining the smoking population. “We were at an age where we had money, so we just bought [the cigarettes],” Esuf said. “The taste of it got addicting.” Although he began smoking in his teens during the 70s, much of the practice remains the same. Children are lured to try the addictive nicotine, often provided by friends or peers. Every day in the United States alone, approximately 3,000 boys and girls under the age of 18 smoke their first cigarette, and every day many adults do the same. That is approximately 46 billion people a year inhaling a lethal, addictive toxin. With the rate of smoking increasing from 1,686 people in 1950 to 5,500 people in 2000, it appears as though most people who try a cigarette get addicted. Once addicted, they inhale the addictive nicotine religiously, buying pack after pack, despite the increase in its price and disregarding
the government-mandated warning label. One of man’s most addictive drugs, the nicotine used in cigarettes, was created in the 9th century and has been successful ever since. Each day it attracts new customers and begins a vicious cycle, a cycle the Federal Drug Administration and Department of Health and Human Services hope to stop. In June 2009, the FDA was authorized to regulate tobacco under the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act which included the responsibility of setting guidelines for marketing and labeling, banning certain products and limiting nicotine. Although it has control over most aspects involving the sale of cigarettes, it is not allowed to ban the nicotine or tobacco due to its large tax revenue and popularity. The FDA plans on using their power to enhance existing warning labels by filling half of the cigarette boxes with unpleasant pictures of corpses, cancer patients and diseased lungs. With phrases such as “Smoking can kill you” and “Cigarettes cause cancer”, the FDA hopes to stunt the growth of the
Would you still pick up a cigarette?
smoking population. Most current smokers do not seem to respond to the smaller, existing warning labels barely visible on the boxes. They rarely acknowledge it while making their purchases. “I’m almost sure that any legitimate smoker has the Surgeon General’s warning memorized, but none of them care. I certainly don’t,” said a sophomore who requested to have his name withheld. Even Daryll Hunter, a doctor at Sacramento’s Kaiser Permanente, admitted that his patients seem to disregard the label. “I think the impact of a warning label is only when first seen. It’s like the buzzing of a light in a room- after awhile, it blends in the background,” Hunter, a doctor at Kaiser Permanente, said. “I have patients who have seen warning labels and loved ones die from smoking and still continue.” It is the FDA’s hope that the new labels will act as a “ very public billboard because you all of the sudden are reading something about lung cancer from that pack behind the cash register, whereas before you were just
health 23
the roar
JANUARY 2011 reading ‘Marlboro,’” said David Hammond in a Yahoo! News article, a University of Waterloo health behavior researcher who is working for the FDA in designing labels. After collecting many drafts and samples of possible pictures for the cigarette boxes, some which include a cartoon of a mother blowing smoke in her baby’s face and rotting gums, the agency will select the final labels and the cigarette makers will then have a year and three months to put them to use. This new label will take up 50 percent of the box and will hopefully be seen stacked on shelves in 2012. Cigarette companies fear the possible financial repercussions caused by this new label, some even say these new advertisements will be offensive and demeaning. Others however, agree that though it may affect their business. “We have to do what we have to do,” Deill, an Auburn Cigarette Store employee said . Deill refused to provide additional information. Although anti-tobacco advocates seem optimistic about this new plan, current smokers seem skeptical. “I think putting gross pictures on the box might scare some people away, but generally won’t be effective,” said sophomore Matt Ochesky, “Children have seen pictures just like that on posters in the nurse’s office. If people are determined to smoke, they will. However, if someone is toying with
the possibility of smoking, it might be enough to keep them away.” The government is by no means attempting to stop smokers from buying cigarettes, however, according to the director of federal legislative advocacy, Kevin Keane, “they are putting the labels on cigarettes to warn people about the dangers. There are many studies that show this has been successful,” and they hope it will have an affect on today’s youth. Through all their efforts, the FDA and Department of Health and Human Services hope to lower if not cease the death rate of 443,000 per year, all caused by the harmful chemicals found in cigarettes. After collecting many drafts and samples of possible pictures for the cigarette boxes, some which include a cartoon of a mother blowing smoke in her baby’s face and rotting gums, the agency will select the final labels and the cigarette makers will then have a year and three months to put them to use. This new label will take up 50 percent of the box and will hopefully be seen stacked on shelves in 2012. “The new labels won’t make a difference to me, because if I’m going with the intention of smoking, I’m going to smoke,” Esuf said. Will it affect you?
Would YOU still try
C I G A R E T T E S ?
38% said Yes
22% said
They Would Try It
41% said
No
Photo Illustration by Ilaf Esuf, Source: Yahoo! News
Are you phone? Would youaddicted still pick to up your a cigarette?
24 lifestyle
take the PLUNGE GABBI FORREST staff writer
LONGBOARDING Longboarding is just like skateboarding, but with a longer board made for coasting down hills. So anywhere there’s a hill, get rolling. *Be careful not to longboard on streets with heavy traffic or at night.
PARKOUR Parkour is ultimately like extreme jumping and running off of urban objects like railings and buildings. Anyplace there’s stairs or ledges, take a chance and try it out. *Remember to keep the jump in mind; it may not look like a high fall from above, but the sport can get dangerous.
HIP-HOP DANCE Hip-Hop dancing, though not considered extreme, can feel extreme for anyone who is not experienced in dance. B-Boy/ Girl-ing is breakdancing in hip-hop dancing. Check out a local dance studio like Dance Elite All Stars or a Pak-4 meeting. *Even with no dance experience, dance can be a great hobby to let out your creative side, try it with a friend and don’t give up!
BMX
BMX, or bike racing, can be done on any rough dirt terrain where jumps and hills can be built. *Try renting or borrowing a friend’s bike before diving in a buying a new bike.
CANOEING While taking a dip in the American River in the warmer months, canoeing is an awesome activity to do with a friend. Getting out to waters people aren’t swimming in is peaceful and quiet and you can enjoy the local wildlife, and chat with a friend. But no need to shell out money for a canoe, you can rent one by the hour right on the shore. *Be sure to keep a watch or phone on you and keep track of time. Don’t go out for more than the time you paid for. Also, know how far you’re allowed to go out in the water.
HORSEBACK RIDING Riding horses is a fun way to get outside without the work of running or lots of sore muscles. Taking care of a horse from a stable is perfect for someone who wants to take responsibility, but not pay the hefty bill it takes to own a horse. Windsong Lessons and Training in Roseville offer lessons for beginners and intermediate riders for $45 a lesson.
the roar
JANUARY 2011
ICE SKATING
Now that winter is here, ice skating rinks are open for business. It’s a fun group activity rather than the same-old walk around the mall, and even taking it up ice skating lessons as a hobby is fun and a unique way to exercise. *If you’re new to skating and don’t want to flop in front of your friends, wearing two pairs of socks and tying your laces around the top of your skates can give you more support.
SURFING Even though it’s winter now, surfing is a great sport to think of trying this summer. Anyone with balance can ride the waves with this summer. *Be sure you know how to swim before getting in the water.
SKIING Skiing can be a year-round activity on breaks or weekends, waterskiing in the summer, skiing in the Sierras in the winter. North Star and Boreal are open whenever snow’s around, and any beach down the coast offers water-skiing lessons. *Sport Chalet and REI in Roseville are offering free vouchers for $61 lift tickets this season.
Would you risk it all to have fun?
Nick Schneider Photo Illustration by Gabbi Forrest
KICKBOXING While mainly considered a more guy sport, kickboxing can be a great fun new way to work out and slim down for girls too. Along with exercise, kickboxing is also perfect for learning some self defense. *You can get a free seven day pass to California Fitness in Rocklin and try out the Cardio Kickboxing class. Class is atleast once a day for 45 minutes to an hour, and you can burn up to 800 calories an hour.