Clypian Issue 4 12152017

Clypian South Salem High School - 1910 Church St. SE Salem, OR 97302 Friday December 15, 2017 - Volume LXIV, Issue IV Clypian.com

Photo By Miguel Hernandez

Table of Contents

2017-2018 Clypian Staff:

Editor-in-Chiefs:

Photo by Ruby Gilbert

3 Alternative Facts: Trump’s Lies a Factor in Fake News

5 Federal Communication Commission Threatens Net Neutrality

6 S.T.E.P Program Making Thier Mark on Salem-Keizer Youth

8 Saxon Drama Makes A Splash: The Little Mermaid

12 Blazers Struggling to Find Rhythm ADVERTISE WITH US: (503) 399-5542 Clypian@southsaxons.com

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Copyright 2016.

Lizzy Palmquist Sean Malloy Toni Trinh Copy Editors: Mackenzie Rolf Samantha Riesterer News Editor: Samantha Riesterer Feature Editors: Chloe Elmore Kaia Alexander Opinion Editor: Mackenzie Rolf Sports Editor: Chandler Walker Web Masters: Lisette Diaz Jason Rodriguez Noe Ramirez Zuleima Lopez Fusfoo.com Coordinators: Antonia Conner Samantha Lolley Kathryn Morris Live Stream Editor: Julian Contreras Social Media Editor: Lauren Smith Katy Collatt Marissa Terwilliger Podcasting Manager: Hayden Cobos Podcasters: Carlos Zacarias Frog Ortiz Alena Thomas Radio Manager: Eric Wunderlich Saxon Wrap Up: Sean Alvarado FJ Salas Soria Advertisement Managers: Cori Harley Kiara Martinelli Graphic Designers: Alyssa Thompson Avalon Specht Photo Editors: Jasmine Chitwood Ruby Gilbert Photographers: Yesenia Dominguez Carol Alamo Miguel Hernandez Heber Hernandez Angel De Jesus De La Cruz Reporters: Jade Raimondi Laura Taylor Lucas Hildahl Adviser: Brian Eriksen

November 17

Opinion 3 Graphic By Avalon Spect

JADE RAIMONDI/Reporter

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In reality, there are many reasons why people do not like Trump’s Tax Bill, including but not limited to its tax breaks to the middle class, the effect it would have on college, and its effect on health care.

Alternative Facts: Trump’s Lies a Factor in Fake News

ccording to the Cambridge English Dictionary, Fake news stories are “false stories that appear to be news, spread on the internet or using other media, usually created to influence political views or as a joke.” Currently, the Republican party passed the Tax Cut Bill, even with the false statements Trump made about who the bill will benefit.

Nowadays, with social media rising and becoming one of the top sources for news and information, fake news is as accessible as ever, and it is everywhere. It is nearly impossible to navigate the web and not run into some unreliable sources and obscure stories that do not seem to have any validity to them and usually they are irrelevant. So the big question is simple. Why is fake news so big and prevalent?

The gaslighting technique, used in many different ways, is a form of manipulation used to instill doubt in an individual, or a group of people, to make them question themselves and what they hear. Politicians have used this technique well, and now people are having a hard time figuring out just who to believe, so the amount of people who are falling for fake news stories is on the rise. President Trump is a significant example of someone who likes to gaslight society, and the media, to get his way.

The 2016 election is long-gone, yet some assertions that President Donald Trump made are still raising some questions today. Such as his saying, “No, I don’t benefit, I don’t benefit,” from the bill that repeals the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT).

In many of Trump’s allegations, he’s provided no means to prove them, or any factual evidence to back it up. If anything,

his dubious claims are only making the country doubt him even more. Sure, the idealistic country where the poor pays less and the wealthy pays more sounds okay, but that is not what the Tax Cut Bill will achieve.

Trump hasn’t released his tax information to the public, despite the fact that he said he would on two separate occasions. Is the AMT repeal the reason for this?

“I think that’s one of the issues.. People don’t really understand a lot of stuff that’s happening,” Sorcha O’Connor,’18, said in response to the false statements that Trump had made about the Tax Cut Bill.

“He may have even believed what he was saying… Most likely he’s, essentially, just lying” O’Connor said, “Which has been a common theme in the past, especially regarding his tax returns… This tax bill definitely does benefit his demographic,” Said O’Connor.

Trump is upset with media. He is attacking news stations, such as CNN, and claiming that they are spreading lies and fake news, but the media has exposed the fact that this tax bill will, most likely, benefit him. This middle-class tax cut, that is supposed to benefit the lower-class, appears to have a very beneficial impact on the wealthy.

To further his own political agenda, Trump claimed that he would create a tax plan for Americans, which sounded wonderful until the truth came out. His claims were false and, well, fake. As if there aren’t enough reasons to be cautious of what one reads and hears already, now there is, because even the President is offering fake news.

December 15

4News

Tradition of Giving

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JADE RAIMONDI/Reporter

he Giving Tree is a long standing tradition at South, and this year Saxons had the opportunity to help!

South students were able to participate in providing gift cards for families in need up until the 12th of December.

This year there were 81 tags on the tree, and that means that there were 81 students who needed additional aid. On the tags were the student’s gender, grade and suggestions for the gift cards.

“Teachers [and] staff nominate students and this year we have 81 tags on the tree. Staff and students were encouraged to adopt a tag, purchase a $20 gift card, and return to the main office by [Dec. 12],” Kathy August, activities director at South, said.

In honor of Kimberly Miller, an English teacher at South who is currently battling breast cancer, the Giving Tree was decorated with pink ornaments to support her and those impacted by cancer. The tree was also decorated with various other ribbons dedicated to loved ones that are facing a variety of health issues. Each color represents a different health struggle.

“The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein, is a children’s book about a boy and a “female” tree who gives everything she has to the boy. She never hesitates to give and it makes her happy and that’s the point of South’s Giving Tree. To give back to the students of South Salem High School for the holidays. August claimed that it, “is not a Christmas tree, but rather a tree that stands for love.”

For those that could not buy a gift card, other opportunities to help the community arose.

Saxons have the opportunity to be bell ringers for Salvation Army until Dec. 23. Key Club’s Fun drive ended on Dec. 9, in which they donated used clothes, new clothes, shoes, linens, toiletries, books and toys to Value village to help raise money for people with disabilities. Students also brought in new or nicely used stuffed animals for the Salvation Army and Salem Police Department toy drive on Dec. 15 assembly to participate in the first annual “Teddy Bear Toss”.

Saxon Giving Tree located in front of the main office decorated in honor of South English teacher, Kim Miller.

Photo By Jasmine Chitwood

Red – heart disease Gray – diabetes Pink – breast cancer Purple – Alzheimer’s Yellow – suicide awareness Orange – leukemia Blue – child abuse awareness Green – depression White – dating violence awareness

December 15

News 5

FCC Threatens Net Neutrality TONI TRINH/Editor-in-Chief

Graphic by Alyssa Thompson

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jit Pai, president Donald Trump’s Federal Communication Commission [FCC] chairman, has proposed to destroy Net Neutrality [NN].The previous president of the United States, Barack Obama, was an avid supporter of NN when he was in office. On Dec. 14 the FCC voted on whether to pass the bill to repeal the regulations that NN has put into place from the previous administration. NN is where Internet service providers [ISP] like AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, Comcast, and Xfinity are unable to speed up, slow down, or block content or applications that one may want to use. The purpose of NN is to protect the right that allows users to freely communicate online.

In 2015 millions of people advocated to the FCC to adopt NN to keep the Internet free and open. When Pai proposed to destroy NN, millions of people were outraged by this plan and are pushing the FCC to consider preserving NN. Cable and phone companies would have the ability to create fast and slow lanes for companies they favor or dislike. Companies would be able to block their competitor’s ads because they disagree with them or charge additional fees to use certain website and push their own political agenda by censoring certain people they do not like, or they can choose which voices they want to have be heard across the United States.

“I think looking at who does not want it to pass shows the people want to concentrate that power and wealth to a select number of people,” Warren Trotter, a math teacher at South, said.

Companies are also able to choose which institutions or networks will have a faster load time than others, this is called data prioritizing. Small business owners may not be able to afford data prioritizing because it can become expensive and the business owners may not have the funds to pay for it. Data prioritizing can cause small business owners their connection to their intended online audience which may be their primary source of communication. If they go back to traditional adver

tising, like local television channels, it may not create the same amount of publicity that it used to do in the past.

“When money becomes involved in the accessibility of knowledge, we lose the ability to trust the information around us. The rich and privileged gain at the expense of the majority and at the expense of our collective future, Sorcha O’Connor ‘18 said.

ISP could potentially increase their Internet service rates and reduce the rate they can provide network upgrades if the bill passes. Internet providers have threaten to sue to have the rules overturned if the bill passes. Broadband companies support Pai in his proposal of restructuring the regulations under NN stating that the current system is heavy-handed and it has damaged investments. Pai wants to return to the light touch regime that was enacted in the previous administrations including Democrat Bill Clinton. Some people are worried that with the repeal of NN, would violate their right to communicate freely online and to do what they want on the Internet.

Visit the Clypian website for updated information.

6 Editorial

S.T.E.P Program Making Their Mark on Salem-Keizer Youth

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December 15

Graphic By Alyssa Thompson

Toni Trinh/Editors-in-Chief

ne of the crucial questions to ask when discussing homelessness is what defines homelessness. There are many different aspects to consider when generalizing the term “homeless”. Homelessness can mean a variety of different things when considering the living circumstances of people. According to the Student Transition Educational Program [S.T.E.P], a person who is homeless lacks a regular, fixed, and stable nighttime residence. An irregular nighttime residence would include: living in a car, “doubled up” or sharing housing with others due to the loss of housing, economic hardships, living in motels, trailer parks, or camping due to the lack of alternative accommodations, living in public places or parks or abandoned buildings, and other similar situations.

Unaccompanied Youth are youth who are not in the physical custody of their parent or guardian and are living in any of the situations defined as “homeless”.

What is S.T.E.P? S.T.E.P is a program that provides educational opportunities that enable students without a home and unaccompanied youth to achieve academic success. Those who fall under one of the criterias of a “homeless” situation is eligible to receive aid from this program. S.T.E.P stems from the McKinney-Vento Act was created to protect the educational rights of youth and children experiencing homelessness. According to the S.T.E.P. program, there were 1150 students who participated in S.T.E.P. that were from the Salem-Keizer Public Schools from 2015-2016 alone.

At the end of each school year, S.T.E.P closes all of their cases and start anew for the next school year. Students who would like to continue using their services need to reapply every year. Over the course of the years, there has been a steady incline of students participating in the program.

Salem-Keizer currently has approximately 600 students who are in the program and roughly 40 students at South uses these resources. For every 50 students, one of them is homeless. That is a rough estimate of how many student are affected at South.

“Before you can be functional at school you need all of these personal things to take care of in order to be successful,” Michelle Howard, a behavioral specialist at South, said.

S.T.E.P works towards eliminating obstacles that may prevent students from attending school. Services that the program offers are ensuring that the student is enrolled,

identified, and attending school, monitoring grades and attendance, access to academic support (tutors, credit recovery, graduation support), provide school supplies and backpacks (if available) refer students to other resources and programs as well, and provide transportation via school bus or public buses. The program hopes to remove these obstacles so students will be able to focus on their education rather than worrying about other challenges such as transportation, food services, clothes, etc.

How S.T.E.P Left Their Mark on Amanda Zuniga Amanda Zuniga, a Salem Keizer graduate from 2012, was part of the S.T.E.P program and helped develop a support group of sorts. Davida, Lindsey, and Zuniga worked together to create this group.

“An important aspect was that we wanted them to feel empowered too by giving back to the community showing that even if you are struggling that you still have the power to do good for others,” Zuniga said.

They wanted to create a safe, fun, and inviting place for kids to come hang out after school where they can eat snacks and talk about life. Davida and Zuniga initially began with inviting a couple of their friend who were also experiencing similar struggles and asking if they had any friends who would also like to participate. Some immediate impacts that Zuniga experienced from this group were “having a network of people to talk to and also the feeling of not being alone.” The support groups were able to create an atmosphere where people were able to receive help when needed such as food, clothes, or simply needing a shoulder to cry on.

“When you’re a teen it’s hard to see past high school, but having that support allows us to see the future beyond our situations. We all have definitely overcome our situations. One of us excelled in honors with a Bachelors at Western!” Zuniga said.

From S.T.E.P, Zuniga was able to form bonds with her peers from high school that extended to college. Although they are not as close due to going their separate ways, they still catch up with each other now and then and they are still people whom she can turn to if she needed it.

An more in-depth story will be provided on the Clypian website.

December 15

Editorial 7

Salem-Keizer Community Reaches Out to Those in Need

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Lizzy Palmquist and Toni Trinh/Editors-in-Chief

ver the last few years, homelessness in Salem has become more of a problem, especially during the winter.

With temperatures dropping down to the upper 20’s last winter, trying to keep those on the streets warm has become a public health issue. In Portland, four people died in 2016 due to frigid temperatures. As winter is soon to be upon Oregon, protecting those on the streets has become an issue now more than ever.

Simonka Place and the UGM There are many forms of homelessness in Salem, from those living with relatives or in shelters to those living on the streets. For those on the streets, Salem has a variety of programs and organizations that help those in need year round and during the holiday season. The Union Gospel Mission [UGM], located in downtown Salem, serves meals and provides shelter for those living on the streets.

The UGM provides transitional housing and shelter for women and children in their Simonka Place located in Keizer.

There, guests are provided with food and shelter, clothing and showers, and counseling. Soap, warm water, and laundromats are also available to anyone who needs them. Transitional services like interview training are also provided to those seeking employment. Simonka Place is located in Keizer on River Road.

One woman writing a Google review about the Simonka Place said that “It’s wonderful to see the Support Simonika provides to our citizens in need. So much better to donate to local charities such as this as compared to others that have huge administrative costs.” The UGM also provides recovery programs for addicts and a has a thrift store where all proceeds go to the care for their guests. A GED program is also available to those seeking to move forward in their education.

Community Warming Shelters and Other Services Warming shelters are also offered during the winter months through the UGM, as well as other organizations. Students can even volunteer at these shelters during the winter to provide help for those in need. These resources are available to anyone who may want a safe place to sleep.They allow people to sleep overnight in a warm environment with food.

Belongings of those vacating the warming shelter are locked up and monitored by volunteers, in order to ensure their safety. Last year, warming shelters opened up in karate studios, shelters, and even an old car dealership on Commercial. If the temperatures fall below 30 degrees, these warming shelters may be reused.

The UGM is just one of many shelters and transitional housing programs that are designated around Salem. While the city had appeared to deal with the issue of homelessness in less

compassionate ways in September, with the possibility of a “sit-lie” ordinance that would have restricted sitting on public sidewalks, Salem has taken important steps towards helping its homeless community. Recently, the city has instituted a rental assistance program that works to give those with housing problems a way to pay their rent. An estimated $2.9 million goes into this problem each year. Services like the Interfaith Hospitality Network also are available to help those needing to find homes and economic stability. The Homeless Outreach and Advocacy Program run by Northwest Human Services also works to provide housing for those on the streets who suffer from mental illnesses that hinder their stability.

St. Francis Shelter Outside the UGM, there is also the St. Francis Shelter that provides warming shelters and temporary housing for families. Unlike the UGM, those who stay at the St. Francis Shelter are responsible for purchasing their own food and clothing.

Fully furnished apartments are provided for guests. A library is also included in the shelter for children to do arts and craft projects, read in, and be tutored by volunteers. For adults looking to find jobs, employment coaching, community resource referrals, and financial planning help are also provided.

Medical Services Salem Free Medical Clinic provides care for those without medical insurance or if they only have emergency insurance.

Individuals can make appointments and receive aid for: chiropractic, asthma/allergy, cardiac, diabetic, dietary, headache, mental health. Neurosurgery consult, orthopedics, physical therapy, and more.

Lancaster Family Medical Center provides treatment for acute and chronic illnesses, sport physicals, prenatal/postpartum exams, and family planning. Northwest human services provides medical, mental, and dental care for those who are of low-income or may need free medical assistance.

HOME Youth and Resource Center Located on 625 Union St. NE Salem OR 97301, the center provides a safe, supportive environment where at-risk homeless youth may have their immediate needs met and have opportunities to reconnect with their community. Youth must be 11-17 years old or 18 if they are working towards a GED or HS. They are open daily from 12-7pm and they provide lunch, snacks, dinner, showers, clothing, toiletries, laundry, phone, and caring adults according to their flyer. There are also activities available such as games, computers, community service, crafts, and sports.

8 Feature

Saxon Drama Makes A Splash: The Little Mermaid

December 15 Photos By Miguel Hernandez

Samantha Riesterer/Copy & News Editor

Briargate Curry ’19 (left) Olivia Sweeney ‘19 (right) perform on opening night Dec. 1 in the Rose Auditorium.

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outh’s production of the Little Mermaid closed on Dec. 9 after six showings. Over 100 Saxons participated in the musical as members of the cast, pit, tech crew and ushers. The main cast performed five times, as understudies were given a chance to perform on Dec. 7.

Conner Towery ‘19 portrayed Flounder in the main cast, a character he described as “the ultimate friendzone.” The role was Towery’s first attempt at acting, although he has been involved with South’s choir program since he was a freshman.

“I thought opening night went really well,” Towery said. ‘it was a lot better than I thought it was going to go, there was a lot of room for errors and stuff that didn’t actually end up happening that had happened in the past, so I thought it was good.”

Set both on land and under the sea the show’s crew had to tackle transitions between the settings, and special effects for Ursula’s magic.

“The most difficult part about running this show was being able to manage such a large cast,” Ethan Nguyen ‘19, a member of tech crew, said. “Using good communication we were able to work together and get ready for show.”

As well as the cast and tech crew, Saxons filled the pit in what Debbie Davis ‘19 called a “mini-symphony.” A violinist, Davis and her fellow musicians performed the musical’s score for each performance and rehearsed four times a week in the “dead week” before the show’s opening.

“My favorite part of the show was the scene with the Chef. I loved hearing the audience laughing at what was happening on stage. It’s a great scene and I’m a little sad that I can’t watch it all since I am playing the music.” Davis said. “I’ve had one heck of an Eel-lectric time performing with a group of

talented people.”

Maddie O’Donnell ‘19 saw the show on Dec. 2 and praised its special effects, vocals and comedy.

“It was a very unique stylization of The Little Mermaid on stage,” O’Donnell said. “It wasn’t what I had pictured in my mind but how they did it worked very well. It was very different from every other adaptation of The Little Mermaid I’ve seen, so I will remember this forever.”

The Little Mermaid was South’s first full-length musical since Thoroughly Modern Millie in 2015. With the completion of the Little Mermaid, South’s drama program will now begin preparations for their adaptation of Shakespeare’s play, “Romeo and Juliet.”

December 15

Feature 9

It’s The Final(s) Countdown

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Laura Taylor /Reporter

ith Finals fast approaching, the time has come to begin coming up with study tips to help students succeed on their exams.

A tip that the Clypian recommends using is knowing which classes one really needs to study for, and give priority to the hard classes first.

“Calendars work, and help with managing your time,” Angela Gunter, an AVID elective and 11th grade English teacher, said.

“I use my T.R.F.’s (tutorial request form) and cornell notes to study for my classes and finals. I also talk to my teachers about criteria I don't understand. I recommend people to use any notes they take in class and their classes study guides to study for finals.” Jayna Jurgens ‘20, an AVID student said.

The Clypian also recommends knowing how much finals are worth and how much that will impact your grade. Studying in

chunks works better than waiting until last minute and cramming all of the information last minute. Staying well rested, making sure to eat breakfast, and bringing snacks to school during final’s week will help keep people focused during finals.

Bringing a water bottle and taking advantage of the 10 minute breaks between finals that South provides will also help you stay hydrated and improve concentration during your finals.

“I plan on asking for advice on how to study for finals from upper classmen. Specific questions I plan on asking my teachers is what their environment’s are like in the classroom when taking my finals. I plan on studying in a quiet environment and having a study buddy to work with and get help from when I’m stuck” Corbin Farmer ’21 said.

Graphic By Alyssa Thompson

10Coloring

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November 17 Graphic By Alyssa Thompson

November 17

Sports 11

College Football Playoff

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Lucas Hildahl/Sports Reporter

s the regular season of the College Football is coming to an end, the College Football Bowl season comes to a start. This is the third instalment of the College Football Playoff. Although it may only be four teams, it is still considered a playoff. The 2017-2018 playoffs consist of the four teams, Clemson University, University of Alabama, University of Oklahoma and University of Georgia.

The Clemson Tigers are the reigning champion of the college football playoff, beating the Alabama Crimson TIde 35-31 in last years National Championship . There will be a rematch of last years national championship in the Sugar Bowl. It will be an interesting match seeing the Crimson Tide take on the high powered offense of Clemson.

The Oklahoma Sooners will take on the Georgia Bulldogs.

The attitude and charisma of University of Oklahoma’s Baker Mayfield will be taking on Georgia’s lights out defense. These two games are expected to be both be highly contested matches that will determine the two teams who will battle it out for the National Championship.

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Winter Sports Preview Chandler Walker/Sports Editor

ow that the Fall sports season is over, the Winter season is now upon us and we are ready to get sports into a full swing again and all of the teams are looking to win league and maybe a state title.

The Saxons have already been on a good start as both the basketball teams have had early success as they have had a combined record of 3-3 after the boys season opener against South Eugene where Tyler Wadleigh ‘18 scored 36 points in the 79-64 win and the girls beating Newberg in their season opener by a score of 52-35 behind Victoria Stafford ‘20 who had 14 points 8 rebounds and 4 blocks.

The swimming team has also had early success as both teams beat McKay with a combined score of 253-64 and also another win to beat Sprague by a combined score of 24282 which brings the boys record 2-0 and the girls to 2-0 so far in their young season.

Wrestling has had a struggling start as they have already had a loss to North Salem in the early season but had some bright spots as Jonathan Thompson ‘18 had a win in the 285 pound weight class and also Somia Letisi ‘21 winning in the 220 pound weight class.

Although the season has only just begun, the Saxons are already starting to show early success in this seasons opening games and matches. The Saxons have a multitude of games coming up for all of these sports in the near future.

Sports

November 17

12

Blazers Struggling to Find Rhythm Sean Malloy/Editor-in-Cheif

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he Portland Trail Blazers play the Orlando Magic today at 4:00pm as the Western Conference teams compete to establish definitive playoff leaders heading into games 25-45. The Blazers have made it into playoffs every NBA [National Basketball League] season since 2013. It will be interesting to see how the team adjusts due to the injuries from their game against The Washington Wizards. Jusuf Nurkic, their starting center, and Moe Harkless, their previous starting power forward are injured. Although the Blazers are performing below average as of game 23, with an 7-6 [7 wins and 6 losses] record at home, and a 13-10 [13 wins, and 10 losses] overall record, they have high hopes for the rest of the season. In an Interview with The Oregonian on Dec 3, members of The Blazers team spoke about their expectations for the coming weeks.

"We need to be better," coach Terry Stotts said. "If we want to be the team that we want to be, we have to be better at home. There's no question."

Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum have been an effective duo on offense, leading the team in points. As of their game against the Wizards on Dec 5, Lillard is averaging just under 30 points per game, and McCollum is averaging just under 25 points per game. The loss of Nurkic and Harkless during that game is a major defensive setback for the Blazers.

"This is my sixth year," Lillard said, "and if y'all ain't figured out that I'm not a worrier by now, then I don't know when y'all going to figure it out."

Photo courtesy of Craig Mitchelldryer/Blazers

During this pivotal time during the season, the Blazers must attempt to break away from the Western Conference pack to build up their record up with wins before game 50, when teams like The Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs break away with long win streaks and championship hopes. A constantly changing starting lineup and individual matchups has prevented the Blazers from settling into a early season rhythm.

"You'd like to settle in on things. But you have to be able to adapt.” McCollum said. “There's a certain type of familiarity when you know who you're going to be out there with and you know what times you're going to be out there. It's also a certain comfort level when guys know when they're going to go in the game. But I think as we progress -- we're only 20-something games into the season - when we get to game 40, game 50, I think you'll find more balance and offensively we'll be better as well."

Jusuf Nurkic celebrates after scoring in their Nov. 13 99-82 win against the Denver Nuggets.