2014 January Issue

Crimson Volume 74 | Issue 4 | 1.16.14 | Paso Robles High School

A new year comes with new resolutions– along with making and breaking them

| Table of Contents

News

Blind Date

03 Food Drive the annual 12 Breaking the ice

food drive brings in 494 pounds of food

Opinion

students skate on their blind date

Feature

06 Ask.fm diving into the 16 God Squad students

Indepth 08-09 The Fight junior fights Ewing’s Sarcoma

CTE

04 Future Florists show

cyber bullying social media

dance through god’s movement

off their skills in the floral expo

Sports

17 Going to the Grammys alumni gets nominated for the Grammys

Sports

27 Q&A winter sports teams answers your questions

02 | crimsonweb.net | 1.16.14 | Table of Contents

28 Wrestling analyzed with key aspects of the perfect take down

A&E 23 Robin Hood students

perform in the fall play of the classic Robin Hood On the Cover: Senior Hailey Pietz blows away 2013 and welcomes in the new year. Crimson dives into students and teachers New Year’s resolutions.

Photos by Angela Lorenzo, Matt Durian, Brigitte Maina Cover Photo by Angela Lorenzo

News

Frustrating circumstances for the counseling staff

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Counselors cannot comprehensively deal with student needs

by Rachel Cole, Feature Co-Editor

Due to the struggling economy and the struggling school systems, the Paso High the students and I am getting an increasing number of parent emails. On average, each about eight counseling department still sags under the weight of a 700 student workload, along with counselor was sending out 15-20 call slips a day, and we would only see or nine of them, a very small number,” Moore said. college applications, and the almost constant registration processes.

Along with the difficulty of getting into classrooms, the student Michael Moore, Jennifer Clayton, and Xelina Rojas are the three counselors at our school. Last year, Sandra Buckmoyer, the junior class counselor, retired aides are also facing a problems with uselessness.

“Whenever I could see Mr. Moore it was extremely helpful and Clayton came and took up the third counseling position.

Unfortunately, the gap filled by Clayton means that every senior has a new counselor, and he gave me everything I needed! But there was one time as the three split the senior class between them, as well as each taking a grade. Clayton I signed up to see him and two weeks passed and I still didn’t get called in to see him! Eventually I got in to see counsels the freshman, Moore the sophomores, and Rojas the juniors and some of the him, but now I pretty much just walk in and hope ELL students. he’s there because asking for a call slip isn’t as Clayton and Moore went to the board to make a statement about the efficient,” said Keegan Keelan, a senior workload that they face daily. who applied to Stanford, but found himself “I focused on telling the board about how difficult it has been to provide unable to get a hold of Moore easily, and within comprehensive counseling services to the students because there are only a helpful time frame. three counselors. In our three minutes, I didn’t point out specifics; I just gave “We have two or three student aides per my statement,” said Moore, who has roughly 700 students himself. period and they are no longer allowed to “I gave them the narrative of my time as a counselor, since the first day of school. Also, how difficult the job is with the caseload, because I have 720 Keegan Keelan, 12 walk call slips to class rooms because of the locked door policy. They end up using students. My personal goal was that by the last day of school, I would meet each one of my students,” said Clayton, who had 39 phone messages, 116 emails, and met this period as a study hall instead. The interim step is having the security staff take the call slips because with a student every half hour.

The two counselors asked the board to consider the placement of the counselors on the they have keys and don’t have to knock and disrupt the teaching,” said Moore, who also said that the counseling priority list and to perhaps place a higher urgency on getting new counselors.

Moore and the other counselors are searching for a new plan to request student staff hope maybe to implement an electronic system of communication with teachers instead of paper slips. presence ever since the lock door policy began.

Jennifer Clayton, counselor “With the current lockdown policy the call slips are harder to hand out. We are only able to meet with 40 percent of the students and this causes frustration on the part of Photo by Rachel Cole

News Briefs

Community raises $37K to support Carlson family

by Emily Ayer, Environment Editor

With over 44,000 people going hungry in SLO county Paso Robles FFA is doing their part by holding a canned food drive from Nov. 13 to Dec. 3. They collected 984 bags of Top Ramen and 270 cans of food. It totaled out to become 494 pounds of food which will be able to feed over 500 people. - by Matt Durian, Health Editor Photo by Matt Durian

Deep family grief has been met with profound community support as over 400 people and households have donated $37,000 in less than one month to support sophomore Zyan Carlson and her four surviving family members.

Carlson’s mother, Jana Carlson, suffered blunt force trauma to the head on Dec. 19, 2013, in an unintentional vehicle accident.

The truck was driven by her husband, KC Carlson.

North County residents throughout Paso Robles, Templeton, and Atascadero have responded with grief, outpouring, and action in the wake of the tragedy. Several friends have

been helping out by making meals, and giving monetary donations.

Carlson, who returned to school after winter break, has been welcomed back by many friends who support and care about her.

“I’ve just been hanging out with her a lot and trying to get her mind off things, as a lot of her friends have been doing, ” said junior Collin Barnaby, a family friend.

Nearly 200 people gathered for the Dec. 28 memorial to Jana Carlson at Highlands Church.

“We’ve definitely expressed how much love we have for the family and that we are willing

to help with anything they need,” said sophomore Nash Brandon.

Family friend Justin Hansen started the Jana Carlson Memorial GoFundMe site. “Thank you all so much for all of your support for the Carlson Family. This past week has been an AMAZING display of what a loving community can do.

Jana was such a beautiful person inside and out, and it shows by the amount of lives she has touched,” he wrote.

To help support the Carlson family you can donate to the GoFundMe site or visit the “Help

News Briefs cont’d p.11

News | 1.16.14 | crimsonweb.net | 03

| CTE

C

Floral: Preparing for the future

T

E

The PRHS Floral Program trains students in the florist trade to help them turn interests into possible careers. The December Holiday Expo is a fun, hands-on experience that over 50 Floral students coordinate. This year 32 groups, with two to three students designed and laid out a themed table for the Expo. Initial planning for the event takes a couple of weeks, and then three days more for students to tailor final details: formality or casualness, activity to accompany their design, and final touches to prime their floral arrangements for the judges, who are brought in from local floral businesses.

Each student budgeted their own event, using funds from the floral department—a collective total of $1000.

Left: Nadeene Al Azzam perfecting her table with the theme of “The night before Christmas.

Top right: Page Rodriguez and Priscilla Younce’s arrangement of “Cabin in the woods”.

Bottom right/left: Shannon Steel’s arrangement for her theme of “Sugar Cookie”.

Bottom right: Olivia Campooverde and Jazmin Luna’s theme of “New years Mascarade”.

Floral Timeline Sept.

Welcome back teachers, boutonniere and corsage

Oct.

Breast Cancer Awareness

Nov.

Fall arrangements: cornucopias, and Thanksgiving

Dec.

Holiday showcase, and Christmas Wreaths

Jan.

Winter Semiformal

Photos by Carly Cargill

Finding passions

Two Alumni pursue careers within their floral interests

by Carly Cargill, Feature Editor Searching for a path to follow can be a difficult, frustrating experience for most high schoolers, but for PRHS alumni Brooke Hasch and Gabrielle Rehorn, the “ah-hah!” moment came sooner than expected. Working for professional designers while taking floral at school, Hasch and Rehorn knew what fate had set out for both of them.

“I did not know I wanted to be a floral designer; it was never really in the plans for my life, however after dipping my toes in high school and working my first job at a high end wedding floral shop, I suddenly had a new found passion,” said Hasch who graduated with the class of 2010.

Hasch took floral with Ag teacher Theresa Clark for three straight years, graduated, and knew what she wanted to do with the rest of her life.

“I would like to give credit to Theresa Clark for getting me started on this path in high school; without her I would never have found that I love floral. Next, the two designers I have worked for, because they both showed me the ropes and introduced me to the industry and helped me develop my own style,” Hasch said. She adds that she appreciates her mom, Barbara Edelman, for

04 | crimsonweb.net | 1.16.14 | CTE

always supporting her dreams in floral.

Although Hasch did not receive more training at a trade school, her natural talents were enough to get her career started in the wedding and event industry in April of 2012, when she started her own business, Brooke Edelman Floral Design.

“After working for other designers, I realized that it was time that I started to make my own name in the industry... My specialty is wedding & event designs, specifically bouquet design and centerpieces. My style design style is really loose and organic. I love using a variety of flora in each design and always incorporating a unique and nontraditional element,” Hasch said, who loves the creativity involved in floral design.

Rehorn took her first floral class her freshman year and fell in love.

“My favorite part of that class was when Mrs. Clark lets you do free design, which is where you could make your own floral arrangement and kind of let your talents shine. Put a little bit of yourself and creativity into it, even though you do that with every design you make, but you always have to keep in mind what your customers wants because in the floral industry, it’s what they want, but in a

free design its all you and only you,” said Rehorn, who currently works for Kim Lauhargo’s Flowers

by Kim, and has done 30-40 weddings.

Rehorn plans on moving to Washington to go to the Floral Institute, so she can learn more and better her work ethic. She also dedicates her success to Clark.

“She is one of the most important people in my life. She taught me everything she knows--not only in floral but in being a better person. She was always there for me, and she knew my personality like the palm of her hand,” Rehorn said.

Like Hasch, Rehorn knew that the search for a career was over after being introduced to floral design.

“The moment I truly knew that this was my career was when I worked with the kids. When they started raising their hands and knew Mrs. Clark was busy, I knew I could help them. When I stood by a student, I could teach them how to design a bridal bouquet, step by step, and they would smile when they finally understood,” Rehorn said.

Feb.

Valentine’s Day: Half-dozen, Dozen, Single stem

Mar.

Prom. Spring, weddings

Apr.

Easter

May

Mother’s Day

Jun.

Graduation

Editorial

Compassionate community

Paso Robles has come together to support families victim of tragedy

by Courtney Thompson, Co-Editor-in-Chief Looking back on 2013, tragedy and travesty inexplicably mixed to create the most tragic combination of student events possible.

Junior Danae Ontiveros was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called Ewing’s Sarcoma on Nov. 19, 2013 while sophomore Zyan Carlson lost one of the most important people in her life: her mother. However as tragedy struck and tears were shed, the Paso Robles community did more than grieve and complain about life’s pain; they created, fund raised, loved, problem solved, and reached down deep.

Our school and community have pulled together to raise thousands of dollars for the family of a dear friend and cancer patient, Ontiveros. Parents and students have fundraised for her family, sold merchandise for her cause, and organized events for her benefit.

Students were behind most of it.

Among these invested individuals lie two of Ontiveros’ biggest supporters, sophomores Ryan O’Mahoney and Jeff Neumann. They have put in many hours into a fundraising project that unifies the student body in an attempt to help out in any way possible.

Their decision? A Shave-a-thon.

On Jan.13, nearly 20 students and teachers have pledged to donate and shave their hair off in support of the bravery --and the lost hair from chemotherapy-- of Ontiveros’ battle “We came up with the idea when I thought of others shaving their heads for loved ones. I thought that if just the two of us shaved them, it would be a good message to the community, but once we received interest from others, it seemed like a great idea for everyone to get involved,” said

RALLYING FOR A CAUSE: Students gather in Jeff Mount’s room to talk about future plans and events to raise money for Danae. The team came up with an idea to have a Shave-a-thon.

Photos by Carly Cargill

O’Mahoney.

Similar compassion was shown for the Carlson family.

On Dec. 19, the Carlson family suffered a tragic loss when mother Jana Carlson unexpectedly passed away. The community opened their arms and their hearts as they helped the Carlson family get back on their feet.

An example of such compassion was shown when a page put up on GoFundMe.com raised $37,342 by 472 generous donors.

Justin Hansen, the man coordinating the website, commented on how beneficial it was to have such a caring community.

“I can’t express how thankful I am to all of you during this tough situation. I never thought we would raise this amount of money. It really goes to show how many people Jana Carlson touched in her life. She has made me, and I’m sure plenty of you, a better person,” he said on her GoFundMe.com page.

Paso Robles “is the best city around in San Luis Obispo County. It is the most friendly, close, and helpful community. It has really shown these past few weeks,” said Neumann.

Those are just a few examples on the empathy shown towards these families in times of need. And it makes us proud to be a part of such a community that would support their fellow citizens, even if they don’t have a personal connection. Paso Robles is the epitome of a community. We lift our fellow neighbors back up on their feet. Paso’s compassion shined the brightest during these family’s darkest moments.

“I can’t express how thankful I am to all of you during this tough situation. I never thought we would raise this amount of money. It really goes to show how many people Jana Carlson touched in her life.”

—Justin Hansen

Crimson Newsmagazine Co-Editor-in-Chiefs

Erica Binkele, Opinion

Eden Peterson, Food

Jordan Nevosh, Editorial

Amy Cantrell, Fun & Games

Maureen Pushea, Photo Director

Courtney Thompson, In-Depth

Carly Cargill, Feature

Lauren Reed, Fun & Games

Jessica Cole, A&E

Matt Tyra, Sports

Managing Editors Angela Lorenzo, Center Sydney Matteson, Front Page

Copy Editors Analia Cabello

Editors Emily Ayer, Environment

Rachel Cole, Feature

Mariela Villa, World

Matt Durian, Health

Photographers

Claire Farrell, Business Manager

Pearl Herrera, Photographer

Brandon Kearns, Sci-Tech

Luis Macias, Photographer

Brigitte Maina, Blind Date

Reporters

Natalie Martin, Blind Date

Madeline Raithel, Reporter

Rebecca Mitchell, Career

Maddie Moore, Columnist

Danae Ontiveros, Sports

Facebook www.facebook.com/ crimsonnewsmagazine

Adviser Jeff Mount

Website www.crimsonweb.net

PRHS 801 Niblick Rd., Paso Robles, CA 93446

Email prhsjournalism @pasoschools.org

(805) 769-1500 ext. 50033

Instagram @crimsonnewsmag

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Room 604

Crimson, an open forum for the exchange of student ideas, is an independently funded newsmagazine of the journalism class at Paso Robles High School.

Crimson reflects the majority opinion of the staff and does not necessarily reflect the views of Paso Robles High School, its faculty, administration, or students. All stories, graphics, typesetting, and layouts are completed by Paso Robles High School students. We are happy to talk with you further about our content, subscriptions in U.S. Mail, and advertising on our pages.

Editorial | 1.16.14 | crimsonweb.net | 05

| Opinion

Soapy Story Lines

by Angela Lorenzo, Managing Editor Big bowls of ice cream, chips, and endless hours snuggling with our Beagles are just some of the many routines we ‘typical teenage girls’ play through. Most of the time, theses three events are synchronized with another all too familiar pastime: watching Primetime, ‘girly’ dramas.

Teachers are constantly pounding into our minds about how little time we have left as teenagers, how we are young, honest, energetic, and in the prime time of our life. I am periodically reminded that life is now and there is no time to waste: laying around is lazy, sleeping is silly, and television is a terror. However, there are days–the few days I’m not piled up with hours of homework, work, or chores–where I don’t see the faults in television or relaxing, times when the mere idea of being productive brings my eyelids nearer to the bottom of eye.

What’s wrong with a little unwinding? There’s a million and one ways to relax, many of which could land me in much more trouble than 45 minutes of watching Brooke and Peyton fight over who gets to date Lucas.

Admittedly, I have, in the early hours of the morning, realized deep, semi-life changing revelations through watching prime time television series such as Grey’s Anatomy, Gossip Girl, One Tree Hill, and Pretty Little Liars. For example, I’ve learned never trust your boyfriend, especially if he’s also your teacher, and don’t get in an airplane, because it will crash.

Although the power of the fictional characters, plots, and words can teach me very little about real life, television, however drama packed it may be, isn’t harmful. It’s a “semi-brainless” and pointless way to wear someone else’s shoes for 43 minutes at a time.

So guys, give us girls a break. Let us watch what we want, think what we want, and like what we want. Our girly, romantic, mysterious, and dramatic televisions shows mean as much to us every week as Jackass does to you.

From the tips of their fingers Ask.fm users hide behind anonymity

by Natalie Martin, Blind-date Editor

Get home from school at 3:17 p.m., toss your black Jansport on the floor, lay down on your bed, kick off your vans, log in to Ask.fm, and receive two questions today–sweet.

If you were sophomore Alexis Nocerino, your screen lights up with hatred instead.

Nocerino’s Ask.fm told her “You f***ing disgust me”. It’s the kind of scenario that sets the base for teen suicide and cyber bullying and confirms the disgust many social media users hold towards Ask.com. It’s a site not worth your time, folks.

Ask.fm has been linked to at least 10 suicides, according to Today.com. “We are committed to doing everything we can to protect our users and stamp out bullying or any other kind of abuse. Sadly bullying can take place anywhere–on or offline–so it is important we, parents and users work together to fight it,” said CNN.com. The people at Ask.fm are in a hurry to try and prevent any further online harassment. Why don’t they discontinue the site? That seems like the logical thing to do.

Ask.fm at PRHS is not dead. 104 out of 200 students surveyed at PRHS are actively using their Ask account, each day receiving questions, asking questions, and risking the possibility of being a victim of cyber bullying or subjecting themselves to the pejorative language that can run the Ask.fm experience.

It’s shocking how many people stay connected to Ask.fm, created in June 2010.

Currently 80 million worldwide users seem to want the show to continue.

Perhaps it’s the fact that three out of 10 students admit to creating an account out of pure boredom. The other seven enjoy the thrill of simply answering questions that their peers or randoms want to know.

“It’s pretty messed up. If I have a problem with someone I would take it up with them personally I wouldn’t talk negatively about someone anonymously and I definitely wouldn’t bully someone,” –Tanner Rose,12

Alexis Nocerino, 10

06 | crimsonweb.net | 1.16.14 | Opinion

But it’s unfortunate and damaging that people subject themselves to bullying. If you’re being cyber bullied on Ask.fm, why not delete your account? Users continually answer personal questions about themselves and others but don’t want their classmates or other users to know their personal information. Clearly, malicious users are finding Ask.fm to be a website where they can hide their faces behind a computer, monitor, or laptop screen to type how they really feel or ask questions that they would never be brave enough to ask in person.

Senior Tanner Rose gets it and shuns the world of Ask.fm. “It’s pretty messed up. If I have a problem with someone I would take it up with them personally I wouldn’t talk negatively about someone anonymously and I definitely wouldn’t bully someone,” he said.

Other than Ask.fm there are other sites that provide opportunity for bullying such as Snapchat, Facebook, and Twitter. Snapchat allows users to screenshot time limited pictures Fortunately,due to recent abuse of the site, account owners can prohibit other users from asking anonymous questions on their profile. Users are now able to post video answers and the ability to tag others by using the “@” followed by their username.

These changes are definitely steps in the right direction.

“When people hear something about you, or a rumor gets started about you it gets around... It’s always that game of ‘telephone’, and eventually it turns into something bigger and untrue and unfortunately it makes its way to the internet...

Teens are exploited for stuff that may not be true,” said sophomore Kennice Rowlett.

Tanner’s right. And your time is more valuable than Ask.fm deserves.

Tanner Rose, 12

Most important facts: The Health Insurance Marketplace Opened October 1st, 2013 and closes March 31st, 2014.

Americans must obtain health coverage by January 1, 2014.

It doesn’t ration health care; it regulates it, makes it fair, and puts your health care in your own hands.

It was paid for through 21 taxes placed on large businesses and the health care industry.

If you dont have health care by January 1, 2014 you have to pay a Shared Responsibitlity Fee. Obamacare does not replace private insurance, medicaid or medicare.

A new era of healthcare

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Ins and outs of Obamacare

by Analía Cabello, Copy Editor

The Affordable Care Act (ACA), nicknamed Obamacare, is an attempt to reform the healthcare system in America. It is meant to increase the quality of the health care while preventing the increase in cost of Obamacare. Some reforms made by the ACA are new benefits, rights and protections, taxes, education, new job creation, and more.

When will it be in effect?

Obamacare was signed into law on Mar. 23, 2010. The Supreme Court upheld it on June 28, 2012, and by Jan. 1, 2014, people without healthcare will need to pay a fee of either one percent of their yearly household income or $95 per person for the year, according to healthcare.gov. This fee will increase each year.

What it is?

Obamacare, officially named the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, is set to increase quality of affordable healthcare and availability of health insurance by enforcing consumer protections, taxes, regulations, and other reforms.

What exactly does it entail?

Obamacare will increase the protection of the insured; that is, an insurance company won’t legally be allowed to drop a customer if they’re sick, deny them if they have lifetime limits, or withhold care for pre-existing conditions.

It gives low and middle-income Americans access to affordable healthcare through the Health Insurance Marketplace, which helped 1.2 million of 1.9 million select an insurance plan in its first two months in effect, according to Health and Human Services. It also expands Medicaid to cover 15 million uninsured Americans. Obamacare makes it illegal to charge women more for insurance than men.

How it affects those already with healthcare?

Obamacare’s effects depend on one’s yearly income. Those who earn two hundred and fifty percent below the Federal Poverty Level will obtain enough subsidies to make up for the premium, according to an article in Forbes Magazine by Scott Gottlieb. These subsidies are predicted to cost the U.S. $2.6 trillion in taxes over the next 10 years.

Timeline of Obamacare:

January 2012- The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services takes responsibility of building the insurance market places.

October 1,2013- People begin shopping for health insurance on HealthCare. gov, but the site crashes.

July 2010- HealthCare.gov launches for the first time, without the enrollment function.

March 23,2010- President Obama signs the Affordable Care Act into law. It is intended to provide cover to the millions of uninsured Americans.

Health

December 19, 2012- Obama says that the Health care law and implementing it will be the most important thing in his presidency.

All about yourself

by Maddie Moore, Reporter We all have those days where we question our self being and worth. Our mental or physical self just isn’t making the cut. Am I pretty enough? Skinny enough?

Smart enough? With the pressure of social media and society telling what we are supposed to look and act like, questions like this run through most minds. Even the most intelligent, attractive, or popular person has questioned themselves. The key to being comfortable in your own skin is to be confident.

The old saying “If you look good, you will feel good” actually holds some truth. This doesn’t mean having expensive name-brand clothes or a thick layer of makeup on, but having a poised way about yourself. If you show self-confidence, you’re more likely to act in the same manner by knowing “you need to be confident enough that the bottom of the bucket will keep the water in the bucket,”said senior Teryn Steaffens.

For those concerned about appearances, remember everybody is different. Just because a girl never exercises and hasn’t eaten a healthy meal in who-knows-how-long, but is skinny doesn’t mean she’s healthy. From a scientific view, your body tries to maintain a set point (which is basically just your body trying to keep a normal weight according to your genetics). It depends on a hormone called leptin “which the body’s fat cells release in amounts proportional to their mass”, according to Introduction to Psychology by James W.Kalat. Eating healthy is a simple step; it increases energy and boosts your metabolism all while making you feel better and maintaining an appropriate weight.

Living with a positive outlook on life actually has proven to make a person feel and look better while living a longer life. Stress is one of the factors that can cause acne and weight gain. It often causes a change in sleep patterns and eating habits. The immune system becomes worn out and you’re more susceptible to becoming sick. By simply getting rid of negative influences in your life you’re more likely to become healthier and positive while learning to be self-confident.

January 1, 2014Obamacare went into effect.

Health | 1.16.14 | crimsonweb.net | 07

| Indepth

Bring

on it H

er muscles tensed up as she inhaled. The excruciating pain in her chest could be seen through her watery, green eyes, and her body bent forward as she decided what her next move would be. Little did junior Danae Ontiveros know, her world would change with just a single trip to urgent care after water polo practice, and she wouldn’t see or feel the comfort of her room at home for another 16 days.

Ontiveros was diagnosed with Stage 3 Ewing’s Sarcoma, an adolescent, spontaneous bone cancer, on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2013.

Almost a year of pain in her rib area and episodes of difficult breathing led to a trip to the emergency room at Twin Cities Hospital in Templeton, California. When she arrived, doctors and nurses were shocked that she was even breathing. The X-ray showed a watermelon-sized tumor squashing her left lung closed.

“It is very weird for me to say I have cancer. It's one of those things you would never imagine saying… And I don't know if it is just me, but ever since I got diagnosed, I have this weird feeling that always tells me that I have nothing to complain about. I feel like it could always be worse, and I have so many blessings to count for. I know that I will be cured, and I know my friends and family will be there with me through the whole thing. So honestly, I have nothing to worry about,” said Ontiveros. She knows that her positivity is crucial to becoming a cancer survivor.

The tumor took over ninety percent of her lung, causing shortness of breath that Ontiveros faced when walking during passing periods.

“I was constantly misdiagnosed and ultimately we came to the conclusion that I had a fractured rib. I was told to stay off of it and let it heal. So for two months, I took a break from swim, cheer, and anything that could possibly irritate my side. It didn't get any better, but I never thought something could be seriously wrong,” Ontiveros said.

After having an X-ray at the urgent care, nurses told Ontiveros she needed to come see what the picture showed.

“One half of my chest was completely whited out when it should be dark. They said that there was a large mass and they weren't sure what it was or if it was in or on my lung. At that moment, I knew what it was. I just had that gut feeling,” Ontiveros said.

After being told she needed to be transferred to the hospital of her choice–Cottage Hospital, Stanford, or Valley Children’s– she and her family chose Valley Children’s in

Junior Danae Ontiveros battles cancer—and rallies a community

by Carly Cargill, Feature Co-Editor Fresno, California, where some of her family resided.

“She didn't fear the word ‘cancer’. Her attitude is like, ‘cancer? Okay no big deal.

Let's do it!’ Danae understands that the road ahead will be long and bumpy, but she continues to stay positive. She does not have a negative bone in her. She's amazing!” said Danae’s aunt, Onica Ontiveros, who said she prayed like never before after hearing the news.

The shock of that 3 a.m. phone call came through with the words, “Danae has cancer,” from Danae’s father, Jon Ontiveros, and Onica immediately began preparing to support her niece.

“It was the worst news that I had ever received. I just could not imagine cancer touching my family–my niece–especially at her age. Danae is such a positive and beautiful hearted girl. Danae is the strongest person I know,” Onica said.

Support flooded into the hearts of the Ontiveros’. Family friend Scott Clays prayed and dedicated his time to updating Danae’s CaringBridge website to keep friends and family at home updated on . her first treatment of chemotherapy on November 26.

“She has always had a great outlook on life and seeing her deal with her situation makes me confident she will be a cancer survivor,” said Clays, who has been friends with Jon since high school in 1987, and said that they are more family than friends.

Their outlook on life completely reversed in a matter of days, and the Ontiveros’ have learned to cope with the diagnosis.

“As I reflect on the past several days, I realize how life can stop anyone right in their tracks. One minute she’s coming back from a school trip from Boston. The next day I’m picking her up from water polo practice, and the next minute we find a large tumor on her lung and doctors says she has Stage 3 Ewings Sarcoma cancer.

What? Is this really happening to her? She’s a smart, beautiful, active 16 year old with a bright future ahead of her,” said Danae’s mom, Liz Ontiveros, who says she A yellow ribbon brings knows God awareness to Ewing’s has everything under control.

Sarcoma.

“It is very weird for me to say I have cancer. It’s one of those things you would never imagine saying... ” —Danae Ontiveros

main categories of cancer 08 | crimsonweb.net | 1.16.14 | Indepth

Carcinoma - Cancer that begins in the skin or tissues of internal organs.

Sarcoma - Cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood, or connective tissue.

Leukemia - Cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as bone marrow; causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to enter the blood.

Lymphoma and Myeloma - Cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system.

Central Nervous System Cancers - Cancers that begin in tissues of brain and spinal cord.

Photo used with permission of Photo illustration by Sydney Matteson

Indepth

WHEELED AWAY: Ontiveros was taken to get a biopsy after the first few days at the hospital. They took a sample of the tumor and tested her bone marrow.

Knowing the severity of her cancer, Danae and her family are relieved that the tumor in her lung has not metastasized, spread to other organs, though doctors are still aggressively attacking the tumor.

“Once the tumor is small enough, they’re going to try to surgically remove it.

It’s really confusing. It attaches to a bone, but then it spreads through tissue. I kind of read up on it. But it attaches and then from the bone cell, it finds a place in a soft tissue and it’s usually up in the chest area,” close friend junior Maddi Moore said.

“This cancer is usually mistaken for sports injuries, which is what the doctors had been telling her for quite a while. They thought it was a sports injury. They wanted an X-ray of her rib, and when they did at urgent care, they saw that it was a lot bigger and told her that she needed to go to the hospital,” said one of Danae’s closest friends, junior Claire Farrell, who met Danae four years ago at Lewis Middle School.

Cheerleaders sold DOin it for Danae shirts; Crimson Newsmagazine sold bright green DOin it for Danae wristbands. The water polo and swim teams also will be wearing swim caps dedicated to Danae.

Sophomores Jeff Neumann and Ryan O’Mahoney thought of another idea to help raise money for the Ontiveros family. They have created an event called the “Shave-a-thon”, where students raised money and either shaved, buzzed, or donated their hair to Locks of Love.

“I thought about how people shave their heads for family members who have cancer and just thought ‘Why not have a large amount of people to do it so we can show our love with more than just bracelets and shirts’,” O’Mahoney said.

While O’Mahoney came up with the idea, Neumann has been crucial to the planning.

Photos used with permission of Danae Ontiveros Graphic illustration by Sydney Matteson

TASTY TREAT: Ontiveros was treated to a Starbucks after her first bone scan at the hospital.

“We really hope to bring a lot of supporting funds to help with the financial stress that is cancer. The point of shaving our heads so that we can make a giant picture with a group of people with their heads shaved to give to Danae to not only lift her spirits now, but also give her something to hold on to forever so when she is all grown up, she can look at the picture and remember all of the love and support she received in such an arduous stage of her life,” Neumann said. Neumann, O’Mahoney, and sophomore Maureen Pushea have raised over $1,635 for the Ontiveros family.

My favorite Christmas present was just being able to enjoy my family. I was happy with

the fact that I was alive and that everyone else was healthy and that I wasn’t sick that day. Getting presents was just a small bonus to what was already perfect in my mind.

—Danae Ontiveros

The Shave-a-thon took place on Monday, Jan. 13 during lunch in the quad.

“I have had so much support from everyone... I never expected how much support I got from friends, and schoolmates, and people in the community. It blows my mind everyday to see everyone praying and sending good thoughts.

And then the shirts and bracelets! I would have never thought that people

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CHRISTMAS DAY: Ontiveros was home for Christmas. It was the first day she wore her wig after losing her hair from chemotherapy.

would go through so much for me and help fundraise. I can't even express how thankful I am for everyone and how everyone is helping out,” Danae said. In just the first two months since her diagnosis, students have raised over $2,000.

After three rounds of chemo and three more to go, Danae has lost all of her long hair, and her tumor has shrunk dramatically–from 90 percent of her lung to about 30 percent.

“They are planning for a surgery to remove the tumor [after an evaluation and six rounds of chemotherapy]. After the surgery is when we will know if I have to do more chemo or radiation, or both,” said Danae, who has been craving pickles, hot Cheetos, and Mac ‘n’ Cheese since the start of her recovery.

One day at a time, Danae will breathe easy and recover from cancer with the best support possible.

To purchase a #doinitfordanae shirt, contact Jennifer Bedrosian, at jbedrosian@pasoschools.org Shirts designed by Sydney Matteson

Indepth | 1.16.14 | crimsonweb.net | 09

| Indepth

FIRST DAY BACK: Gage and Maddie celebrate Gage’s first day back to school with yummy frozen yogurt and an all out nurf war at home.

INFINITE SUPPORT: Berry shows her creative side when she made bracelets supporting Gage and his fight with Hodgkin’s Burkitts Lymphoma.

SPARKS FLY: Gage was treated with his own personal fireworks on Fourth of July. The family applied for a firework permit and even a fire truck was on site to make sure all things went well.

Photos used with permission of Maddie Berry

A Violet Ribbon brings awareness to Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

10 | crimsonweb.net | 1.16.14 | Indepth

In sickness & in health W

hile walking down the halls of Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital in Palo Alto, California, senior Maddie Berry walks with a hopeful stride. Her arms are full of unopened packages of legos and dozens of movies. Accompanying the boxes of toys and latest Blockbuster DVDs, she brings along with her faith and strength, two necessary qualities for the journey on which she is about to embark. Faith to keep her own hopes high in times of uncertainty, and strength to look her eight year old cousin in the eye and tell him it is all going to be OK. In 2010, an estimated 13,028,000 US citizens had been or were currently diagnosed with some form of cancer. However, this statistic overlooked how many people sat by the bedside of their loved one when they heard the news, the number of visitors who came to the hospitals with fluffy teddy bears and “get well soon” cards, and the people who donated to support the family and the patient. Cancer affects more than just the person diagnosed: it can affect families, schools, and even towns.

This past year, Berry became one of the unaccounted persons in that statistic when her younger eight-year-old cousin Gage was diagnosed with an aggressive form of Stage Three Hodgkin’s Burkitts Lymphoma, a cancer that begins in cells of the immune system and is common in teenagers and young adults, as well as people 55 years or older, according to Cancer.org.

“I tell you in all honesty, he is miracle. At the beginning of the week in Stanford, eight specialists could not figure out what he had or how to stop it. The doctors told us he wasn’t going to make it and that there was nothing they could do. By the end of that week through much prayer, they figured out what is was and Gage began his fight,” said Berry.

When Gage’s tumor was first discovered, he had only had the cancer for a month and a half prior to the discovery. His tumors doubled in size every 72 hours. The cancer was taking over his body faster than the doctors could diagnose it.

When Gage finally began his chemotherapy treatment, it was so aggressive that he was in a special room alone without any other patients around him. He had a total of five in the first week and one with every round of chemo, and one to extract his chemo port, according to Berry.

“His throat and mouth were dry from his inability to eat or drink and the pain kept him in bed. I laid in his bed with him and he held my hand and his mom was sitting next to the bed in a chair rubbing his hair because that is his favorite thing. The doctor came in and told us that the cancer had spread and that they knew now that it was lymphoma.

As much as we tried not to, tears ran down our faces a little. And this is what Gage did: he reached his little arm up, even though he was in pain, and began to rub his moms hair to comfort her, and he rubbed my hand too. Even when he was in so much pain, he still was taking care of us,” said Berry after one of Gage’s chemotherapy sessions.

The three words Berry used to describe Gage was “strong, loving, and passionate,” a strong, growing boy who has his whole life in front of him. Ever since Gage was a little he has had a tough shell, not letting his fears hold him back, but using them to motivate

Senior Maddie Berry supports family member through cancerous times

by Jordan Nevosh, Co-Editor-in-Chief him to push forward.

“I once saw him fall out of a tree and he was bleeding and laughing so hard because he thought it was fun! He is insane! He really channeled that strength through his fight,” said Berry.

One week after his diagnosis, Gage took his first trip home for Fourth of July. In fear of catching a cold Gage was supposed to stay in doors 24/7.

“My dad called the fire department to see if they could get a permit to do at his house and he could watch from the window and they said yes! They even had a fire truck near by just in case. It made him so happy. He loves fireworks. But Gage didn’t like staying inside so he put his mask on and came outside told us he was fine and by the end of the night he was lighting the fireworks himself and chasing me with sparklers.

He had only gone through one chemo treatment at the time. It was a truly indescribable night. It reminded us all once again that he was, GAGE, not a cancer patient. He never let cancer become his label. It didn’t have that power over him. It was the best Fourth of July anyone in my family could have asked for and far beyond our expectations,” said Berry.

Gage wasn’t the first of Berry’s family relatives to be diagnosed with some form of cancer. Throughout her 17 years, seven family members have been diagnosed, and four out of the seven have passed away. Berry’s father is a cancer survivor of renal cell, or kidney cancer. Since Gage lives in Paso Robles, Berry became very close to her younger cousin, and Gage became very dear to her heart. When Berry heard the news, it came as a shock. It was not easy to see the once vibrant and youthful Gage in hospital beds with machines and cords tangled at his bedside.

Berry was at Gage’s side throughout the whole process. When Gage was taken to Stanford for treatment, Berry was there. When Gage was in the hospital bed recovering from his latest chemo treatment, Berry was there. The only time Berry wasn’t stuck to Gage like glue was when his white blood cell count was low. She kept Gage busy with building blocks of legos, watching movies, and playing hide and seek outside when his counts were up. She always tried to lift his spirits and keep Gage company on days he couldn’t be doing what he loved: playing outside in the dirt, like a normal boy.

“Gage was the one supporting me emotionally. I have to say it was hard at times to not cry in front of him. When he actually looked like a cancer patient, it hurt. But on the inside, I knew he was the same little tough guy I watched fall out of a tree years ago. He was still Gage. He did not let cancer take that from him. Gage was so tough. That’s the only way I can describe it. Amazingly strong. He said his motto was ‘suck it up’. That’s just the kind of kid he is,” said Berry.

After nearly a four month battle, Gage is now in his first stages of recovery. He is attending school again and the community is praying that he continues to do well. As for Berry she keeps an optimistic view of cancer, not being bitter about the subject. But just the opposite, Berry takes her challenges and battles with love ones and cancer and churns it into growth.

“Despite what some may think, I am not angry towards cancer. I actually think cancer can be a blessing. With each case, it hurt, but something positive came out of it. Yes we lost loved ones, but we also saw some amazing survivors and some amazing fighters.”

“Despite what some may think, I am not angry towards cancer. I actually think cancer can be a blessing. With each case, it hurt, but something positive came out of it. Yes we lost loved ones, but we also saw some amazing survivors and some amazing fighters.”

– Maddie Berry

Purple Ribbon Survivor

Indepth

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Senior Troy Trujillo’s battle with Hodgkins Lymphoma

by Becca Mitchell, Career Editor

W

alking hand in hand with cancer is a grueling chapter of life. Senior Troy Trujillo experienced it starting May of 2011.

His story began with misdiagnosis: Trujillo was told he had the flu multiple times at Twin Cities Hospital. Medication wasn’t working. He returned to the hospital several times. Finally, a specialist from out of state conducted X-rays that discovered masses in his chest, but the hospital hesitated to tell him it was cancerous. He had to travel to Stanford Medical four hours away to learn his diagnosis.

It’s a story cancer seems to force on victims constantly: Trujillo went from typical teenage boy who enjoyed riding his dirtbike, carrying a smile on his face--and not a care in the world--to cancer patient in a matter of time. And his family of five entered the battle, as well.

The trip to Stanford diagnosed Trujillo with Hodgkins Lymphoma, a cancer that attacks the lymphatic system and is common in the age groups of 15 to 35 and over the age of 50, on May 4, 2011.

“Why was it me? Why did it have to happen to me? Then I just wanted it to be done, to get it over with,” Trujillo said.

Trujillo’s battle was more than challenging. “I had to go through chemotherapy and losing my hair. I was away from everyone and it was just a hard time,” said Trujillo.

Trujillo had Hodgkins Lymphoma for about a year. After several appointments with Dr. Lunna Finemanm, treatment lasted six months. When the pills, pain, vomiting, and seclusion stopped for a while, Trujillo said he thought he had overcome his cancer.

But a few months later, a follow up test found it growing again. He had to go back into chemotherapy for a second round.

The battle Trujillo faced affected his family as well. He admits that his parents, Dave and Tina, and siblings, Dylan, Tyler and Delaney, were depressed, and it was hard for them with his parents out of work. Their lives centered around Stanford Medical; they weren’t home a lot.

“My family and I went through dealing with so many doctor’s appointments, wrong diagnosis,

and living in one bedroom for three months at one point,” said his sister Delaney Trujillo, a sophomore.

She admits that it was hard for her to believe it was cancer. After she found out, she regretted every time she had been rude to him or didn’t do something he wanted her to do. “ I wanted to just take the sickness out. I hoped it was all just a bad dream,” Delaney said.

Now that her brother is a survivor, he teaches her and her family the stuff it would take a lifetime to learn.

“The strength he has amazes me beyond words. I tell him I love him every chance I get and I don’t take any moment I have with him for granted,” she said, adding that her brother is a cancer survivor and she couldn’t be more proud.

Being a cancer survivor has changed Trujillo’s outlook on life.

“I feel good. I don’t really like to have attitude, I like to stay positive and have a good life and have fun. I don’t want to get carried away on the downfall of things, just stay positive.”

Trujillo said that what he derived from all of this is just to be a better person and to live day by day. He hopes to go to Alaska and work as a pipe welder after attending a community college for welding.

Trujillo’s battle with cancer has opened his eyes to life and aspects of it he didn’t think about before, and, despite the hardship, he can smile knowing he will live everyday to the fullest.

“I feel good. I don’t really like to have attitude, I like to stay positive and have a good life and have fun. I don’t want to get carried away on the downfall of things, just stay positive.”

—Troy Tujillo

News Briefs

A Violet Ribbon brings awareness to Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

Photo by Maddy Raithel

Troy Trujillo, 12

Dancing the night away PRHS puts on winter semi-formal

by Pearl Herrera, Photographer

Get your party dresses and button-up shirts ready for “A Night in Paris.”

The winter semi-formal dance on Saturday, Jan. 25, will be in the PRHS gym from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Doors close at 9:00. Tickets, not sold at the dance, have been available outside Room 502, the Leadership room, since Jan. 14 for $13 with ASB sticker or $15 without.

Worried about what to wear for the dance? Cinderella’s Closet, where the school provides free dance attire for students to borrow, will be opening to provide students with formal wear for men, and a variety of dresses and shoes for women.

Students gathered in the gymnasium on Dec. 16 to witness the dedication of three new AEDs to PRHS by Congresswoman Lois Capps. Capps presented these in memory of Ryan J. Clark, an alumnus who died of Sudden Cardiac Arrest. The AEDs are part of an ongoing effort by Mary and Jerry Winokur to educate and train students in CPR in the hopes of saving lives. They will be located in the main office, gymnasium, and Agriculture Complex.

Capps called the Winokurs the “the heroes of Paso Robles High School,” and expressed her gratitude by presenting the couple with a certificate of recognition from Congress. – by Amy Cantrell, Fun & Games Co-Editor

If you have any overdue library books, overdue textbooks or owe a fine, you will not be allowed to purchase Winter Formal tickets until the books are returned or fines are paid. Please check with the librarians if you have any questions or concerns.

Indepth | 1.16.14 | crimsonweb.net | 11

| Blind Date

Breaking the ice

W

Rate the date Bustamante

Managan

Rate: 7

Rate: 8

Favorite Part: “When we first started skating, and we both sucked really bad and almost fell.”

Favorite Part: “When we laughed at the children who kept falling.”

Second Date: “As Friends.”

Second Date: “Of course.”

WINTER WONDERLAND (above): The daters pose for a quick picture in front of Madonna Inn’s Expo Center’s Christmas tree. The Winter WonderSlo ice rink, sponsored by Jiffy Lube, was in service from December 19 - January 5.

IF THE SHOE FITS (top eft): Managan and Bustamante try on skates to see which size is the best fit.

EAR TO EAR (top middle): Managan and Bustamante smile from ear to ear while skating the evening away. The skating session was an hour long.

FIRST STEPS (top right): The daters take their firs steps onto the ice at the beginning of the date.

12 | Blind Date | 1.16.14 | crimsonweb.net

Blind daters skate the night away at the Madonna Inn

by Brigitte Maina and Natalie Martin, Blind Date Editors

ith a chill in the air, a shake in their knees, and hope in their hearts, freshman Kylie Managan and sophomore Josh Bustamante met for the first time on Friday, Dec. 19 in front of PRHS at 5 p.m. to catch their ride that whisked them away to a promising winter wonderland.

The daters were pleasantly surprised to hear that they were going ice skating! Even though to the two of them hadn’t been in a long while they picked up quick and were more than able to pick up where they left off.

Minutes after speeding up onto the US 101, the daters similarly accelerated into random facts, filling the moments of silence, laughing at the thought of Ping Pong being an Olympic sport. “[Ping Pong] is pretty serious,” said Bustamante, jokingly. “They hit balls like 60 miles per hour!” The chatting continued on subject matters including the Mid State Fair and Paso’s newest concert attraction, Vina Robles.

Contributing to the ride’s conversation, Managan poured information about her favorite genres of music and their artists as well as her avid use of the popular social networking site, Tumblr.

Arriving at the Madonna Inn half an hour later Managen and Bustamante into the holiday-decked Expo Center of the Madonna Inn 30 minutes later, lead to the front desk by giant candy canes, strings of Christmas lights, a trail of paper lanterns, and the anticipation of gliding like an eagle. The two turned in their tickets and received their session’s wristbands, hastily searching for the perfect sized skates. As soon as they completed their search, Bustamante and Managan grabbed a seat next to

each other for a quick shoe change. After lacing up their skates, the daters took the leap of faith onto the freshly, zamboned= ice to begin their hour-long session.

Taking a few practice laps along the sides of the rink, Managan and Bustamante recollected the skills they left the last time they had hit the ice, which was years ago. Soon getting the hang of things, the daters continued to glide with the ice, free of complications. Lightening the already-chill mood, Bustamante showed off his skills by performing a quick routine with spins and backwards skating.

Catching the eye of a rebel little boy in an electric blue shirt, Bustamante raced the kid for two intense laps before the wind caught up to the both of them, causing Managan to skate slowly due to her laugh attacks.

Finishing the session without a mark or bruise to show, Bustamante and Managan turned in their skates, recollected their belongings and posed for a quick photo in front of the fully ornamented 16 foot Christmas tree.

Packing back into the truck, the two commented on the evenings events and expressed their favorite parts. Dropping Managan off, Bustamante walked her to her front door and ended the night with a hug.

Photos by Brigitte Maina and Natalie Martin

Center

Resolution? Challenge accepted Senior challenges himself with vegetarianism

by Claire Farrell, Business Team

Senior Dillon Brown-Silva, then a junior, took the first step into making a successful New Year’s resolution last year as 2013 started bright and hopeful. He chose to become a vegetarian and stick with it for 12 hungry, arduous months in which his diet turned upside down, as well as his stomach.

“My New Year’s resolution was not eating any meat all year, except fish,” he reflected.

Since he’d wanted to make a resolution for some time,

Brown-Silva took this opportunity and marched into it with family in tow--at least in the form of their support. His family members chose to cheer his dietary commitment from the sidelines; since meat is a staple in their diet, his mother would make a smaller portion for him that didn’t contain meat.

“I wanted to challenge myself and accomplish a goal-it was a personal thing,” said Brown-Silva, who began his meatless journey on Jan. 5, 2013, and ended it Jan. 5, 2014. “I wanted to prove to my family that I could do it.”

Even though his reign of vegetarianism is technically over, he won’t be making meat a regular part of his diet. BrownSilva will be enjoying lunch meats, the item he missed the most, mainly for the ease of putting them in sandwiches.

“I’m trying to restrict my diet. Meat still doesn’t taste very good to me, so I don’t want to eat it that much,” said Brown-Silva, whose favorite foods as a vegetarian we’re garden burgers and salad with poppy seed dressing.

His 12 month odyssey places him in a rare group of persons who indeed follow through with their goals. “For all the good intentions,only a tiny faction keep the resolution; University of Scranton research suggest that just 8% of people achieve their New Year’s goals,” observed www.Forbes. com in a recent article.

“I wanted to challenge myself and accomplish a goal—it was a personal thing, and I wanted to prove to my family that I could do it,”

Students’ resolutions PRHS students tell their resolutions for the upcoming year –Emily Ayer, Environment Editor

“Be more positive. Donate more to charities around Paso. Participate in more school activities as it is my last year and I was never one who had a lot of spirit and went to dances and games,” —Claire Verzin, 12

—Brown Silva, 12

“My New Year’s resolution is to work hard and prepare for next year’s polo season,” —Mitchell Iunker, 10

Being nicer

Sophomore inspired to treat people better

by Claire Farrell, Business Team

Sophomore Kayla Merwin reported that she started out last Jan. to become a better person and treat people better. And she’s stuck with it.

“The outcome of me starting to be nicer to people is working out a lot better so far because now instead of just saying what's on my mind I think about if it can hurt someone in the long run and whether it's appropriate to say or not.”

This resolution is obviously made from the heart rather than the feeling of the public’s perception between what is right and what is wrong.

“Now instead of just saying what’s on my mind I think about Merwin fits a pattern in the Forbes article. “You have if it can hurt someone in the long run and whether it’s as much willpower as you think you have, essentially. appropriate to say or not,” Which means that on some level,your journey toward self-improvement will be a self-fulfilling prophecy,” said Forbes.

—Merwin, 10

“This might sound weird but I want to gain 60 lbs. But it’s for football,” —Tyler Mallory, 12 Photos by Angela Lorenzo and Maddy Raithel Center | 1.16.14 | crimsonweb.net | 13

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| Center

So many resolutions, so little will-power Few Americans actually succeed in resolutions

by Analía Cabello, Copy Editor

Te n .

Nine. Eight. It’s the countdown greeting the new year. Seven. Six. Five. People wrack their brains for resolutions to carry out in the upcoming year. Four.

Three. Two. In a split-second choice, he decides to work out more. She decides to give up chocolate. One. But now that the new year is here, how many will actually follow through with their resolutions?

More often than not, the resolutions have a reinventive connotation; the top five of 2012 were to lose weight, get organized, spend less and save more, enjoy life to the fullest, and stay fit and healthy, according to a Dec. 13, 2012 survey by the Journal of Clinical Psychology at the University of Scranton.

The idea of reinvention, though very appealing, is rarely achieved: the same survey reports that, out of the forty percent of Americans who regularly make New Year’s resolutions, only eight percent actually succeed.

Thanksgiving haze T h e gym? Where’s the gym? You’re too busy dousing slices of turkey in gravy to remember, and honestly, you just don’t care anymore. All you want to do is take a long nap, and it isn’t the turkey that’s making you sleepy; it’s the giant meal you just consumed!

The average Thanksgiving dinner contains 4,500 calories, according to Time Magazine.

14 | crimsonweb.net | 1.16.14 | Center

Fired up At first glance, the resolution is exciting: it’s a goal, a challenge, and hopefully it will benefit you. You go to the gym with a buddy and work out for two hours, five times a week. You’re doing well, but don’t feel too special–seventy-one percent of Americans make it past two weeks.

’Tis the season to make new resolutions! You hope you’ll be more successful at maintaining your resolution in the upcoming year. Making your goals more specific and separating them into smaller steps increases your chances--don’t bite off more than you can chew!

Dec.

You are here Losing steam

Off the wagon

By now, you haven’t just fallen off the wagon–it completely ran you over. You nurse your wounds with a Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks and tell yourself that you’ll go to the gym tomorrow.

Oddly enough, tomorrow never comes.

Scho ol dis tract ions Yo u and your friends start hanging out a lot, all in denial at the prospect of school beginning again.

Unfortunately, most of this catching up seems to happen at ColdStone, and an Apple Pie a la Mode is just too tasty to pass up. Gym visits happen less and less regularly, and the times you do workout increase in difficulty. Being sore is never fun.

New beginnings

Teaching perseverance

Sept.

Giving up I t ’s starting to really heat up, and working out just doesn’t sound appealing. You drag yourself off the air conditioning long enough to hit the gym for a few hours. Afterwards, you rationalize that you deserve a treat and must have burned extra calories because of the heat, so why not get a frozen yogurt from Yogurt Creations? Hang in there–six months is a dangerous zone. Only fortysix percent make it to the next month.

Mar.

After two months, your gym buddy proves to be significantly less dedicated than you are (or maybe they just got tired of hanging out with you all the time–who knows?) and no longer accompanies you to work out. Since exercising in public alone sounds almost as unappealing as failing your resolution, your gym visits dwindle to twice a week.

Close call

Jun.

Hide and se ek Unfor tunately, your new friend is really beginning to get on your nerves. Gym visits start to resemble a game of hide and seek as you avoid your workout buddy, and soon, your exercise time decreases again.

Thankfully, you make a new friend at the gym. They grab your hand to keep you on the wagon, and you begin exercising and socializing once more. Gym visits increase until you’re back to your original routine.

Center

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How a teacher on campus maintained their New Year’s resolution for a whole year –Rachel Cole, Feature Co-Editor

“I haven’t made a New Year’s Resolution in a while. However, I made a goal of exercising daily 24 years ago and I have kept it faithfully.

I take the weekends off but I’ve never forgotten it. I get up at three thirty or four o’clock in the morning and work out for 45 minutes. On the upper body days I use small free weights, and I’ll do 300 pushups and use 45 pound weights to do curls. On the lower body days, I do stairs with seventy five pounds in my hands as I run up stairs.”

—Fairbank

“I make a goal whenever a problem presents itself and I just solve it then,” —Neely

“I don’t make New Year’s Resolutions specifically, I just set goals year round,” —Boicourt

“I want to go snowboarding more in the coming year,” —Overton Photos by Angela Lorenzo and Maddy Raithel Center | 1.16.14 | crimsonweb.net | 15

| Feature

GlOry to God Squad G

od Squad Dance Crew is a group of eight dedicated teenage dancers based out of Main Street Dance Studio in Templeton, California, whose goal as a crew is to inspire as many people as possible and shine the light of God. God Squad has found a new way to worship, a new way to glorify God, and a new way to spread the gospel through dance, music, and testimony.

“What better way to combine our two loves and passions: dance and God? It's our ministry. We were all called for this,” said senior Omar Guillen, who has been a part of God Squad since it began in 2010.

Choreographer and dance instructor Jocelyn Willis, who also dances with the crew, founded God Squad about four years ago in hopes to create a group of young believers to spread God’s word through the power of dance. Willis has danced ever since she was a little girl in hopes to grow up and be a professional dancer. However, she said God had a different plan for her. Willis started teaching dance in 2000, and choreographed her first dance for God Squad in 2008. In 2009, God Squad became an official group and, later, a nonprofit organization in 2011.

"When I became a Christian I fell in love with Jesus, and I've always loved dance, so it just went together perfectly to use the gift I was given to honor Him!" Willis said.

Every year, the crew takes a weekend long trip to Venice Beach Gospel Rally to perform and pray for those in need."When we're in the spirit, possibilities are endless," Guillen said. They get visions and urges and feel the need to pray for people and see lives changing in front of their eyes.

"Our goal is to lead people to Christ whether it be through dancing or not," Guillen said. Every year when the crew goes to Venice, they say they feel the Holy Spirit, which they call "getting loafed."

God Squad is touched by many people they meet in Venice;

Reaching for the hearts of followers everywhere, God Squad Dance Crew, including four PRHS students, portray religious stories, while incorporating the movements of modern dance.

by Maureen Pushea, Photography Director

however, some stories do stand out more than others. On one occasion, the beach in Venice was extremely crowded due to the amount of people there to worship, and God Squad wanted to be able to connect with someone special. Freshman Camille Madrigal, senior Luke Clifford, and alumni Courtney Brock were sitting on the beach silently praying when Madrigal and Brock both saw a flash of something green, and Clifford claimed to feel that the person that they needed to connect with would have elbow pain. The group came to the conclusion that the person must be wearing green so they went around the beach trying to find them. Even though many people had green on, they didn’t feel that they had found the person until Madrigal and Brock spotted a man sitting down wearing green. They knew that was the man they were looking for.

The group walked over and asked if they could pray for him.

As they started to pray, Clifford asked if the man was experiencing any elbow pain. As the man’s eyes grew wide, he showed the group his elbow with a scar on it and exclaimed, “How did you know? Y’all angels or something?”

As the group laughed and smiled with the man, they told him about God Squad and what they do, and the man shared about his brother who had just been released from jail and has been having problems with drugs. Later that day, the man and his brother walked over to God Squad’s base on the beach and prayed with them.

“Not only did we help and pray for him but also his brother. It was awesome,” Madrigal said.

The group also prays for people with canes and wheelchairs and sees spiritual healing. God Squad has gone to Venice Beach since 2010 because they know the love of God and want others to know it also.

“What better way to combine our two loves and passions: dance and God? It’s our ministry. We were all called for this.”

16 | crimsonweb.net | 1.16.14 | Feature

—Omar Guillen, 12

FLYING WITH LOVE: God Squad members dance at Vine Street Victorian Showcase in Paso Robles on December 14. The crew shows God’s movement through dance.

Photo used with permission by Omar Guillen and photo by Maureen Pushea

Feature

From Seussical to the big stage Alumni and college choir join the greats in Grammy nomination

by Rachel Cole, Feature Co-Editor

SIDE BY SIDE: Ellsworth poses with his friend, Robyn Stein, a fellow student at Westminster Choir College. They stand beside Princeton University Chapel on Princeton University’s campus.

Photo used with permission by Brandon Ellsworth

S

|

LUNGS BURSTING: Westminster Symphonic Choir performed Beethoven’s 9th Symphony “Ode to Joy” with the Philadelphia Orchestra at the Kimmel Center under the direction of Yannick Nezet-Seguin. Ellsworth has done roughly 20 performances at Westminster.

Photo used with permission by Brandon Ellsworth

etting up for the next concert, shuffling on stage, and singing until lungs burst is the way of the true professional, as alumnus Brandon Ellsworth can attest with his choral Grammy nomination.

Two of the choirs at Westminster Choir College, a part of Rider University in Princeton, New Jersey have received Grammy nominations.

The Westminster Symphonic Choir received two nominations and a Grammy in 1986, and the Williamson Voices is a 40 person audition choir and just received a nomination. Ellsworth is involved in both choirs currently.

“Williamson Voices was nominated for Best Choral Performance for our CD Whitbourn: Annelies. This is the first time in the college’s history that a small, auditioned ensemble has been nominated for a Grammy. This work is also very exciting because it is the first time that the Diary of Anne Frank has been set for a choir,” said Ellsworth, who is a junior pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Music Education, with an emphasis on voice and piano, and a Master of Arts in Teaching through the School of Education.

Ellsworth transferred to Paso High as a junior and immediately got involved with the drama department, soon being cast in plays. These included Lend Me A Tenor, Shakespeare’s Inferno, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Dracula, and Seussical the Musical. He said that he has been involved in hundreds of theatre and choral performances since he first began singing on stage.

“I always knew Brandon would do great things. He is brave, consistent, incredibly talented, and a fantastic leader. During his time in my theatre company, he helped establish theater traditions, was an amazing teachers assistant, consistently helped other students with music, wrote original music for Dracula, and starred in Dracula, and Seussical the Musical. We have stayed in contact and we speak often about him getting his teaching credential and all of the amazing things he is experiencing at school. I am so proud of him for being a part of something so special!” said Marcy Goodnow, who has been the drama teacher at PRHS for four years and has taught theatre for ten.

“I like to sing in the same way I like to act, play the piano, and to compose music. It’s an artistic freedom and a chance to lose inhibitions and join in something larger than yourself. The beauty of choral performance is that every person involved, though each has an individual voice and message to portray, creates this powerful dynamic. You have the opportunity to join voices to speak something much bigger than your own ego or your own talent. For instance, with this recording of Annelies, 40 singers and three

instrumentalists are all working at the highest level to portray the words of Anne Frank. That’s pretty powerful stuff,” Ellsworth said.

Ellsworth is inspired by the Broadway star Natalie Weiss, who recently completed two and a half years of performing multiple ensemble roles in the production of Les Miserables and before that understudied for the role of Elphaba in the production of Wicked.

“I know she is totally out of my style in terms of what I am studying, but I just find myself in awe of what she does. Plus, she sang to me for my birthday this year which was mind-boggingly amazing. She followed me on Twitter after I told her how much I admired her. On my birthday I tweeted her and next thing I know, its in my email,” Ellsworth said.

Ellsworth’s sister Stephanie Ellsworth is a senior at PRHS, and she is excited to see her brother continue in his musical vein. She has now followed his high school drama performances but plans to pursue baking as a career.

“I have always adored my brother and his talents from the time that he was simply playing piano for my family after dinner. I've always been amazed at the fact he taught himself how to play piano and began composing his own works. And not to mention his lovely singing which I'm only able to hear at performances because he will not for the life of him sing for any of the family members otherwise. When I heard of his nomination I was extremely proud and I went around bragging to all his previous teachers I now have. With him being across the country I constantly miss him but I enjoy being able to see all the accomplishments he's had thus far! It would be pretty awesome to say my brother won a Grammy too,” Stephanie said.

Having a family member push a young one into a new pastime can force an unwanted hobby, but for Ellsworth, this was the beginning of something that’s now bigger than him.

“It wasn’t really my choice to join choir, initially. My grandfather knew I was musically capable and kind of pushed me to join choir. Of course, once I was there, our director, Dr. Ackerley really inspired me to continue on in my journey as a musician. I find myself still learning and growing from things he taught me at such a young age,” said Ellsworth, who started singing in choir 13 years ago when he was just seven years old with the Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus.

Ellsworth may have started young, but now he and his choir are at the top, pursuing their dreams and their musical careers.

“The beauty of choral performance is that every person involved, though each has an individual voice and message to portray, creates this powerful dynamic.”

—Brandon Ellsworth

Feature | 1.16.14 | crimsonweb.net | 17

| Feature

hOLIDAYES R U T N E aDV holiday ir e h t k a le Bearcatsestinations d otographer rera, Ph

by Pearl Her

Portland, Oregon “We stayed at their lodge and went to a ski resort. Then went to a Trailblazers’ basketball game and then we visited Oregon university in Eugene.”

­­— Kelsey Thorndyke, 10

10% 10%

2%

of students hopped on a plane for their travel plans!

of students traveled to Mexico for the holidays.

of PRHS students traveled outside of California for Winter break!

Where did you Go?

Honolulu, Hawaii “I took the trip to visit my dad on the Army base in Honolulu. I enjoyed seeing 10 and my —Maddie little brothersWhisler, and sisters getting to see the sea turtles.”

200 PRHS students where suryved on where they travled this break!

—Maddie Whisler, 10

Danville, CA “It is a yearly celebration, and liked seeing my family up north, as well as my grandparents’ carpet; it’s really soft.”

­­— Nickie Gurney, 12

San Diego, CA

“I went camping at Hobson’s with some of my really good friends that I hadn’t seen in a while. I had fun hanging out around the town and beach and surfing with my friends!”

49% Cancun, Mexico “My step-son lives in Cuernavaca, Mexico. He usually comes to the U.S. for the holidays, but this year we decided to go to Mexico and spend the holidays with him down there. We were looking forward to warm weather, fishing, and snorkeling.”

29%

of students stayed right at home in Paso Robles.

MYAN ‘MAZIN: Heather Stover and family pose for a picture in front of the ancient Myan buildings.

­­—Heather Stover, English teacher

­­— Natalie Reeves, 11 reen Pushea Photos by Mau

18 | crimsonweb.net | 1.16.14 | Feature

of students drove one or more hours to their holiday destination.

& Luis Masci

as & us

rdan Nevosh Graphics by Joeather Stover H by ission ed with perm

1.16.14 | crimsonweb.net | 19

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One choice can captivate you

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A&E

Dystopian Divergent makes a name for itself among many of it’s kind

by Analía Cabello, Copy Editor In my seven or so years browsing of & Barnes Noble’s Young Adult section, I’ve noticed that, just as fashions their have popular years and celebrities go through their 15 minutes of fame, books (or, perhaps appropriately, more authors) pass through trends.

Twilight, for example, hit shelves in September of 2006, and here we are, about seven years later, still bombarded with paranormal romance series. Seriously, I’d sincerely like to know what girls found attractive about Edward (but that’s an entirely different subject).

Ever since the release of the Hunger Games in mid-2009, it seems that novels about dystopian societies are the hot new thing, particularly in the form of trilogies, and most of the novels follow a common theme: the society exists in a dome, perhaps, or citizens are dictated on who they can and cannot marry. And there are the two boys to choose between, the skeptical best friend, and the courageous main character who goes against the norm, somehow rebelling and surviving in spite of the many others who’ve tried and died.

However, Veronica Roth’s Divergent is a thrilling first installment to a series I look forward to reading.

Roth’s debut novel, Divergent was released in hardcover on May 3, 2011. Since then, it has won the Young Adult Choice Awards in 2011 and 2013, according to Library Journal. The novel focuses on the protagonist Beatrice (renamed Tris later on), who lives in a futuristic Chicago divided into five factions: Amity, for the peaceful; Abnegation, for the selfless; Candor, for the truthful; Dauntless, for the brave; and Erudite, for the scholarly.

Each faction works to provide that trait in the government, and at 16 years old, each citizen takes an aptitude test and chooses a faction. However, Tris’s test shows an affinity for three factions, something that marks her as a “Divergent” and places her in danger; she’s instructed to tell no one. She’s marked Abnegation, but chooses Dauntless. As Tris is thrown into the whirlwind of harsh Dauntless initiation rituals, she struggles to find her identity and the true meaning of bravery among a faction led by a ruthless leader.

I’d like to say, first off, that I typically stand firmly against buying books in a series unless I’m already certain that I’ll love them.

The thought of owning only one of three just feels wrong--it’s buying the backbone of a puzzle and leaving all the middle pieces in Target, buying a pair of red Toms and leaving the right shoe in Kahunas. I took a chance on Divergent, but I don’t regret it, and I know I’ll be seeing Insurgent and Allegiant under my Christmas tree this Dec. 25.

That being said, I must admit that the absence of a love triangle may very well be my favorite thing about this book. I know, I know; love triangles reel in readers: the suspense, the romance, the jilted lovers! But let’s get real--in real life, they’re awful situations, and in fiction, they’re overwritten. Roth is too mainstream for triangles, and I love it. The romance that blooms between Tris and Four, one of the Dauntless members, is pure and simple. Her feelings for him aren’t clouded by feelings for another boy, and readers aren’t forced to choose “teams.” And, as much as I enjoy a love story, I commend Roth’s ability to allow the romance to take a backseat. Yes, Tris has a love interest. Yes, there is kissing.

And yes, Tris’s relationship with Four plays an integral part of the novel’s However, the novel conclusion.

Tris’s development on focuses more the development than as a character her Furthermore, of her relationship. love her by driven decisions aren’t for Four; instead, she’s propelled to succeed for herself, for her family, for her faction, and for her friends.

Below the surface, Divergent delves deeper into the human nature than most books I’ve read lately (maybe I’m just reading the wrong books, but I feel like most teen novels these days are fluff pieces with no real message). Roth uses the factions to explore different human traits, and their value in society. As the system’s flaws become more apparent, Tris realizes that being brave doesn’t mean she can’t be selfless either. “‘I have a theory that selflessness and bravery aren’t all that different,’ ” says Four towards the middle of the book, a theory that proves true.

He also points out that, while he’s in Dauntless, he strives to be “brave and selfless and smart and kind and honest,” stressing the importance of all the traits together instead of one isolated and elevated above the others.

More than that, however, Divergent shows that bravery isn’t being a bully. It isn’t beating initiates unconscious just because you’re strong. It isn’t nearing a deadly chasm just to prove a point.

Bravery isn’t stupidity, and bravery isn’t fearlessness; because, as Four says, “becoming fearless isn’t the point. That’s impossible.

It’s learning how to control your fear and how to be free from it, that’s the point.”

“I’d like to say, first off, that I typically stand firmly against buying books in a series unless I’m already certain that I’ll love them.

—Analía Cabello, 12

Photo used with permission by Analia Cabello

Check out the Insurgent, the second book and Allegiant, the third book in Roth’s series.

“I really loved [Divergent] and how it didn’t have to be completely out there and ridiculous to be one of the best I’ve ever read.”

—Victoria Osborn, 10 A&E | 1.16.14 | crimsonweb.net | 21

| A&E

Lights, costumes, action

Robin Hood tech crew reviews their work behing the scenes

by Pearl Herrera, Photographer

Costumes-

THE STORY OFFSTAGE (above) Part of Robin Hood’s tech crew sits in the audience. Each person control the lights, costumes, set and sound of the play, being a crucial part of the plays and musicals.

Photo by Mariela Villa

Stage Managers-

Sound-

In charge of overseeing all of the tech processes, stage managers senior David Fitzpatrick, and assistant stage manager senior Meredith Butz work hard to ensure everything behind the scenes runs smoothly.

“Before the show I go through the props with the stage crew for the show, go through the set design with the set designer, and then get the set pieces together with the stage crew,” said Fitzpatrick. Both Fitzpatrick and Butz sat in on most rehearsals over the three month rehearsal process and almost every day of tech week until 10:00 at night.

Between a team of two, the sound crew provides music and sound effects for all 19 scenes of Robin Hood.

“I run the whole sound board and make sure that the everything is in order,” said co-sound designer, sophomore Brandt Goodman, who estimates that he spent about eight hours working on the sound board during tech week. “I wanted to be in tech because I wanted to be a part of something great... we are all one big family,” said Goodman.

Senior Sydney Throop is costume designer for the play.

“I have a crew of about 7 people and it’s my job to go through the script and see what each character should be wearing according to what the script says and the personality of the character,” Throop said. “Then my crew and I start to search for possible costumes for each character. As we find costumes we fit them to each actor,” Throop said.

LightsSenior Nykie Carr literally lights up the stage as head light manager in the Robin Hood tech crew. Along with her crew of five other people, Carr is in charge of designing, programing, and facilitating all of the lights for the play.

“I design the colors and where they go, and I talk to [Marcy] Goodnow before I finalize anything,” Carr said. After 20 hours of work during tech week, the lights team is prepared to light up the show. “It all came together during tech week...”and I’m glad I got to be part of something this great!”

Frozen fun for all

New Disney movie captures the hearts and attention of audiences

by Madeline Raithel, Reporter A handsome transient ice salesman and his reindeer sidekick, a vaguely terrifying yet hilarious snowman, and two lonesome, head-strong royal sisters, one trying to find companionship and one desperately wanting isolation. Disney’s new animated movie Frozen can provide all of these lovable characters and more.

Frozen is a fast-paced yet touching tale of a princess’s love for her estranged sister, Elsa, and her kingdom, Arendelle. The main protagonist, Anna, begins her journey when her powerful sister, Elsa, accidentally traps the kingdom in an eternal winter. Despite their lack of contact throughout their lives due to Elsa’s wonderful but destructive powers to create ice and snow, Ana fights wolves, monstrous snowmen, and devilishly handsome men to get her sister back and save the kingdom.

Frozen’s story, based on Hans Christian Anderson’s The Snow Queen, is a refreshing twist from the token Disney story where the damsel is in distress, the handsome prince saves her, and all is well in the magical land of Disney. Recently, Disney has taken a different

22 | crimsonweb.net | 1.16.14 | A&E

path with movies like Tangled and Brave, that portray independent princesses that save the day without the help of a fair prince. But they really broke the feminist ice with Frozen. The final test that eventually saves the day is an act of true love. In typical Disney if there’s a prince or a handsome man, then the act is probably a true love’s kiss, but Frozen reminds us that true love isn’t always romantic love and can rather be sisterhood.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a story without a good romantic-interest, but Frozen seems to leave behind the gooey romance and focuses more on adventure and goofball comedy. The trailers played up the adventurous plot and pulled in $66.7 million over the traditional three-day weekend— the largest opening ever for a Walt Disney Animation Studios film. Forty-three percent of that audience was male, according to The New York Times, an astonishing amount considering it was a princess movie.

While the musical aspect was also underplayed in the

trailers, it was my favorite part. Unlike a lot of musicals in major motion pictures, the majority of the vocal cast were all broadway veterans, including knockouts such as Idina Menzel from Wicked and Jonathan Groff from Spring Awakening. It was surprising to see Kristen Bell as Ana, but it was a pleasant surprise when she sang her first song, “Do You Wanna Build A Snowman.”

Disney makes it insanely difficult not to fall in love with every character considering the time they spent developing them. “In ‘Frozen,’ we ended up with 312 character rigs, which is more than we’ve built for any of our other Disney films. We also have 245 cloth rigs – that’s 245 simulated costumes – which is far beyond the amount that we’ve created for all of our Disney films combined to this point,” said Frank Hanner, character CG supervisor, in a Yahoo article.

Character rigs are essentially skeletons of the characters with cloth on them that animators use for reference when working.

Artists and directors took the time to analyze every detail of the characters down to every folicle, “The average human has about 100,000 hairs on their head. Elsa has 420,000 hairs. So she has incredibly dense, incredibly thick hair. And just as another point of comparison, one of our last famous Disney leading ladies Rapunzel, only had 27,000 hairs,” said Hanner.

The reason for all that hair? Elsa is an incredibly complex character in everything from her emotions down to her hair. Animators also created layers of clothing for the characters, something we haven’t seen yet, because of the cold conditions of Norway, where the story takes place.

Although it has become my new favorite Disney movie, the plot lacks certain details such as where Elsa obtained her powers that were, in my opinion, necessary for the story. But these were only minor and the rest of the movie redeemed some information-loss.

So whether you see it for the music, the animation, the total overwhelming cuteness of every scene, or the brand new girl power undertones, Frozen is a perfect addition to your holiday season and is enjoyable to all.

A&E

Shooting for success

|

Robin Hood hits the bull’s eye with brilliant cast

By Jessica Cole, A&E Editor From the lights down to the curtains closing, the Robin Hood play was brilliant. Every scene, every word, every expression, and every action was excellent and professional. This play was not only leagues above normal high school standards for the performing arts, but was miles above any other play that the Paso High Theater Company has put on in years.

Every actor shown, making this a truly A-rated production. It was so much better in acting, set, and stage presence than the Sound Of Music remake, which when it broadcasted, garnered thirtyeight million views. And yet, there were six actors and actresses that made this play truly great. I have to say that though everyone was great, two actors really jumped out as flawless in every single way, Ryan Ramos and Amber Burgh were definitely my favorites in this show.

Prince John Teryn Steaffens, 12

It was not hard to see why exactly Steaffens was picked for the role of the Prince.

With his classic Prince Charming good looks and acting skills, he certainly looked and acted like a prince.

He had excellent expression and tone; he managed to convince me of his relationship with his brother and mother.

He was hilarious and was really one of my favorite performers, as he helped develop much of the Sheriff’s personality, and the play would not be half as good without him.

Robin Hood Tour

Marian

Kassidy Rice Smith, 11 Rice-Smith seems an odd choice for the cold and unimpressed Marian Harper, if you know her. Around school, Rice-Smith is sweet, and cute, and when she laughs, nobody else can stop laughing until she does. However, she played Marian to perfection. Her tone, blocking (or how she positioned herself on stage), and expressions were right on point, and there was a certain sauciness even in the mere way that she stood that really drove her character home. Her swordplay was brilliant and captivating.

Bishop

Schuyler McMahan, 11 McMahan completed the trio that was Team Evil, and was the funniest of the three, hands down.

From constantly eating fruit, to screaming about quite literally being a chicken with it’s head cut off, he broke the tension almost as well as Burg, and the audience was supposed to hate him. He was full of sarcasm, and humor: he made me laugh near constantly. His lazy character was played to the fullest and comedy-wise he was worth his weight in gold.

Robin Hood Will Logan Ferry, 12

Amber Burgh, 10

Robin Hood. The name conjures up more images than the Sheriff of Nottingham (mostly for me a red fox in Peter Pan’s outfit) It might be for this reason that Ferry did not manage to quite keep the red fox outside of my mind.

He is of course, one of the images that pops up when I think of Robin Hood, his brilliant acting and puns have earned him that much. And surely all his skill in facial expressions, his tone, and blocking must earn him a place that is near the beginning, however he was not the best Robin Hood that I have ever seen.

However, he was most certainly one of the best leads that I have ever seen in a high school production.

It might have seemed odd to some to cast Burgh in the part of Will in the play. She is, after all, a girl but her name wasn’t changed. But when Burgh made her singing entrance, in a British accent no less, I couldn’t think about anything but her stunning performance. I never stopped laughing.

I could not believe when she was fighting the worst character imaginable, played by one of the best actors that she broke the tension that kept me on the very tip of my chair by saying that she had no fighting style. If comedy is all about timing, Burgh was a walking clock She was perfect, flawless, and born to be in the spotlight--if only to sell pies.

Sheriff of Nottingham Ryan Ramos, 12

Though every one of the players was entertaining in their own ways, senior Ramos stood out in his evil and frightening character.

The Sheriff of Nottingham had me imagining many faces, most of them were old and had twirly mustaches, but after seeing Robin Hood there is no other picture of Nottingham that I could possibly imagine except for Ramos. I could not help hating him by the end, after he killed my favorite character, slapped the woman that he was supposed to marry, and stabbed a bartender, all with a callous smile on his face.

Photos by Jessica Cole, Mariela Villa, and Angela Lorenzo

A&E | 1.16.14 | crimsonweb.net | 23

| Food

Delicious, hot chocolate cupcakes perfect for winter

by Eden Peterson, Food Editor

During winter, hot chocolate is a perfect and delicious way to warm you up, even better when it’s in cupcake form. These scrumptious cupcakes are a sure way to satisfy your most chocolaty craving.

Hot Chocolate Cupcakes Ingredients: 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1 cup hot chocolate (I use 1 cup of hot water mixed with hot chocolate packet) 1 ¾ cup granulated sugar 1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour 2 ½ tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. Kosher salt 2 large eggs

Hot Chocolate Cupcake Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Prepare a cupcake pan with cupcake liners.

2. In a small bowl, mix together the cocoa powder and hot chocolate and set aside.

3. In a medium bowl, soda, and salt

mix together sugar, flour, baking and set aside.

4. With an electric mixer, beat eggs for 1 minute.

5. Add milk, butter, vanilla and yogurt. Beat until well-combined.

3/4 cup whole milk

6. Add hot chocolate mixture, and stir to combine.

1/2 cup melted butter

7. Add flour mixture, and stir until evenly mixed.

1/4 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream 2 tsp. vanilla extract

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8. Divide batter evenly between cups.

9. Bake for 25-35 minutes at 350 degrees.

10. Let cool. Frost and enjoy.

Photo by Eden Peterson

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HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM

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Sports

Winter Sports Q&A As the winter sport season comes into play, seniors from each team share their opinions on the upcoming season

Who is your biggest league competition?

How do all of your team mates get along?

How can the team improve?

by Maureen Pushea, Photography Director

”I would say Righetti.”

Girls Waterpolo

Lindsey Seebart, 12

”Atascadero.”

Boys Basketball

How can“Ithe improve? thinkteam the biggest thing is “So far, yeah. We all get along pretty well.”

communication. We have to be able to work together and know how each teammate plays so that we can read each other and run the plays more effectively.”

“Our team is like a family: we already had a spaghetti dinner and we get along perfectly.”

“To improve, we need to work on our set pieces and first touch.”

“We’re a smaller team. There are only 10 girls, so we all have to work harder in practices, drills and games. The team is also very young! Last year we had 6 seniors, and this year we only have 3. There are 4 sophomores on the team. So in the next few years varsity is going to be really good!”

“We are a smaller team but we make up for it with our speed and ball movement. We have more scoring players this year but still have a strong defense and like always we have a very close team.”

Matthew Mihelic, 12 “I think AG will be our biggest competition.”

Girls Soccer

”Just keep putting in the hard work and dedication and strive to be better.”

”We all get along really well.”

”This year we have a lot more competitiveness with each other. There aren’t many kids who tried out, but with the kids we have, we are differently going to be hard to beat. We are looking at another Pac 7 championship with Varsity and JV.”

Kailey Warren, 12 “Our biggest competition will either be San Luis or Pioneer Valley.”

Boys Soccer

”Compared to a team of mostly seniors last year, I couldn’t be more proud of the team stepping up and filling those shoes. With only three seniors, they are showing tremendous dedication to make this growing year a successful one whereas last year, we just had a natural skill.”

Jimmy Pacheco, 12 “Honestly, I don’t know this year. Usually AG is a threat in league, but we’ll start to see how the other teams are doing throughout the tournaments this month.”

Girls Basketball

”Not as close as last year, but we are all friends!

And water polo definitely makes us closer.”

What are some differences from the team this year and last year?

Laileha Vermy, 12 ”In my weight class, Atascadero. I might go up a weight class to wrestle PV, and he would probably be someone I would have never beat.”

Wrestling

”It will all come with practice, we are already so much faster. We just need to work on game skill.”

“Yeah we do. Actually we get along really well. We have things called team night after practice a day before a game where everyone gets together at someone’s house and we all eat together, play Just Dance, or watch a movie and just hang out. It’s really fun!”

”We get along great! We all enjoy being around each other on and off the court.”

“We are already on the road for improvement but we have intensified our practices and some of that has already showed in our pre-season games.”

”Continue to work hard every day in practice and have confidence in our abilities.”

|

“Well we have a lot of seniors this year so it is an older team than last year. Our team dynamic is better because we are a closer team as well. We all get along pretty well, and I’m confident we will continue to get along throughout the rest of the season.”

”This year everybody is more experienced because we only lost one senior last year.”

Jaylon Davis, 12 Photos by Maureen Pushea and Madeline Raithel Sports | 1.16.14 | crimsonweb.net | 27

| Technically Speaking

Technically Speaking

The breakdown of a take-down

by Erica Binkele, Opinion Editor

A & ttaslya MQ r o p S arcove guards Sophomore Na goals from Paso to San Diego

by Matt Tyra, Sports Co-Editor Sophomore Natalya Marcove begins her second year as the starting goalkeeper for PRHS’s girl’s varsity soccer team, after taking over last year as a freshman

The Penetration Step: The object of this step is to get inside your opponent’s defense, setting him off balance.

How long have you been playing soccer?

Ever since I can remember, it was the first sport I played; I think I was 4 or 5.

What are some soccer accomplishments you’re proud of?

I’ve been borrowed to play with a guy’s team for two tournaments. I was a freshman Varsity starter last year and got PAC-7 All-League honors. I was a 2012 player of the year back when I played for my club team, the Condors.

My team, the Santa Barbara Soccer Club, has just finished in first place this season in our league; we’re a true U-16 team and we were playing in the U-19 division as well.

I had the least amount of goals scored on me the whole season (on my Santa Barbara team).

Knee Drop: This move is designed to gain leverage on your opponent. Taking a knee allows you to lift up your opposition.

Swing the Hip: Moving your leg behind your opponent gives you leverage for the final move.

How big is your Santa Barbara team’s league?

It stretches all the way south from Santa Barbara to San Diego, it’s called the Southern California Development Soccer League, SCDSL. Are you already being scouted by colleges?

I’ve been scouted by a couple, but the colleges aren’t allowed to talk to me until my junior year so they’ve given their cards to my dad to contact them when I’m eligible.

Do you intend to play in college, and, if so, what college do you want to play for?

Yes, I would love to play in college. If I can I want to go to a D1 school. I want to go to CU Boulder up in Colorado, Berkeley, or USC. There’s a couple more, but I still don’t know yet. It’s still early in the process, but I’m working towards those schools.

What do you think are your strengths as a goalie?

I think my strengths as a keeper are my one vs. one saves, my drop kicks and my extended dives.

What are some things you think you have to work on?

Definitely getting up for those high angled shots, reading the ball, and holding onto crosses on corner kicks.

28 | crimsonweb.net | 1.16.14 | Technically Speaking

Bio Blast Coming in at 5’7 135 pounds, junior Trevor Torres is a three year varsity veteran who has been wrestling for eight years; creating bonds and learning discipline, Torres has excelled immensely, having gone to CIF both his freshman and sophomore year. Many know the strenuous work that wrestlers go through to be the best and to make the cut, from cutting weight in a week to dieting throughout the season. There have been many stereotypes that weight loss affects school and is mentally exhausting, but Torres defends his sport: “Honestly cutting weight isn’t that bad besides the eating part, physically just your body changes, and mentally and emotionally you are just frustrated, it just takes discipline, but doesn’t affect your schooling at all.” From the age of nine, Torres has wrestled his way up to the varsity level, traveling to different tournaments all over the state and making lifelong bonds with his teammates and coaches, “traveling and all the bonds you make is the best part,” said Torres. When he finishes up the 2014-2015 season, he plans to wrestle beyond high school to the college level, wherever that may be.

Finish Him!: In a final effort, thrust upward, throw your opponent to the ground, and go in for the pin.

Trevor Torres, 11 Photos by Brandon Kearns