Volume 3, Issue 3 / February 2024

GVA Star Volume 3, Issue 3 / February

Spring Issue

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Naruto Fan Spread / Editorials / Interest Pique / Teacher Importance / Student of the Month

contents

4-11

Interest Pique

14-15

Naruto Fan Spread

16

Editorials

19

Student of the Month

20-23

Teacher Importance

editor's note Ah, February…

A time of love and remembering it’s still pretty cold outside! This happens to me every year, where I can’t wait for the temp to cool down and get out of the extreme Kansas summer, just to beg for the opposite. But now we’re at the home stretch of reprieve from the extreme weather.

Just hold on!

Until then, we have some things in this issue of the GVA Star you can enjoy indoors. I’m writing this in January, and you definitely don’t want to go outside anytime soon with all the blizzarding snows and sub-zero temperatures yet. (Especially unprepared!).

Anyhow, I hope everyone had a great winter break and New Years. Maybe this year you could try something new and lend a hand in the Journalism Club as either a bona-fide member or just as a contributing writer (*wink wink, *nudge nudge, *eyebrow waggle).

Journey C. editor-in-chief

GVA Star editorial board Journey C. Hibba Q. Grace L.

Sponsors: Emily Divis Linda Prior Cindy Nickelson Susan O’Brian

about the cover This image captures spring perfectly; the leaves so nice and floral. This is like an amazing view. When you see it, it’s like heaven. In spring the flowers blossom, the trees start becoming green. In spring the weather is amazing, it’s not too hot or too cold.

photo by Getti Images

[GVA STAR]

Interest Pique

By Journey C. This is a segment where we talk and review things, which could be anything, ranging from video games and shows to music and books, and even pop culture. In this edition, we are going to discuss once more something that I am obsessed with, so it will probably be long. Believe it!

Many people have in the very least heard of Naruto, as it has sunk its claws into the very edges of pop culture. Everyone has at least seen the sakuga from the anime, or the gifs of characters in defining moments (some serious, some comedic, all epic.). Did you know that the creator/author/artist of Naruto, Masashi Kishimoto, was originally going to set Naruto in modern times, where Naruto was going to be a crime-fighting fox demon? I couldn’t imagine!

Naruto did however start out as a one-shot manga piece for the Shonen Jump publication, which is home to many other popular manga-turned-anime.

Naruto

Naruto

I may just betray how much of a nerd I am with this statement, but it is one of my hopes to attend ComiCon or AnimeExpo (preferably both) in cosplay as a Naruto character.

General Story in the Beginning Naruto is a young boy around the age of twelve (don’t worry— he grows up in Shippuden and even more in Boruto) who is the host of the malevolent Nine-Tailed Fox spirit. The fox was wreaking havoc in the Konohagakure Village, also known as the Village Hidden in the Leaves, the Hidden Leaf Village, Konoha, or just the Leaf Village for super-short, when the Fourth Hokage sealed the spirit inside a newborn baby (there’s Naruto!), hoping he’d be hailed a hero and not just an extension of the evil fox spirit. Naruto eventually graduates from the Ninja Academy in the Leaf Village, becoming a genin and getting assigned to squad 7 with his crush Sakura, his ultimate rival Sasuke, and their jonin sensei Kakashi.

When introductions are at hand, Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke’s basic character traits are revealed. Naruto loves instant ramen but hates the THREE MINUTES it takes to make it. Sakura is head-over-heals in love with Sasuke, and the prodigy Sasuke has a blood feud going on. Kakashi is like a really chill dad and weird uncle at the same time, but is incredibly powerful, as you’ll find most characters are in this show/comic.

They go on multiple missions before being assigned their first important, story-moving mission, the first arc! I think this arc is called something along the lines of the Bridge Arc, and though there are important characters along with callbacks and references made in the future to this period, it’s more of a tentative test of the waters, a pilot arc, if you will. And no, it’s not filler, actually. There is no filler in Naruto until all the canon stories are finished. I have only 4-5 books left for the Shippuden manga, but have not yet finished the anime, so I can’t speak for Shippuden.

But boy, if you love a tournament arc, you will love the second arc—the Chunin Exam Arc! The bones of all Naruto is really set up here, and lots of fights! Very important characters are introduced. Reoccurring favorites, iconic moments, intricate storytelling and backstory-reveals are laid bare.

There are also some pretty slappin’ bangers rolled out in the openings and endings during this arc and beyond. The intro song Haruka Kanata is pretty synonymous with Naruto and very iconic in my mind. You should definitely look up the English lyrics so you can sing along.

And I must say this.

My favorite character, Gaara, is introduced in this arc!!

I have so much Gaara fanart and passion it’s a little embarrassing…

Naruto is so much more than a cartoon. Even though the characters are set in an oft fantastical and seemingly magical world, they are relatable. There are a variety of personalities that everyone can see some sort of reflection of themselves in. Usually, I see bits and pieces of myself shine through multiple characters, not just one or two. It’s as is if Masashi Kishimoto knew his audience while he drafted and sculpted these fictional characters.

And the story as a whole is great, if it does get confusing and diluted sometimes. Sometimes I feel slight contradictions in the story or in the mechanics of jutsus, but usually it can unwind itself or it’s not something you must get hung up on and solve before moving on, although it’s always nice to have it figured out. There are also things that are set up that way so it can be solved or explained later on. You have to keep in mind, the author was on a tight deadline to do something like 20 pages of art and story per week for the Shonen Jump magazine.

Kishimoto was under an incredible deadline in a cramped environment, not only developing characters and story but truly suffering for his art by drawing amazing scenes on top of all that! Kishimoto even admitted taking power naps and sleeping in a closet whenever he could. All things considered, it turned out phenomenal!

(Mwah, *Chef’s Kiss*) Not only can you show your love for Naruto by making fanart and the like, but there is also merch (obviously).

There are shirts, hoodies, pants, hats, and so much more.

There are also about… probably a billion Naruto podcasts, fan songs, covers, and memes/gifs. And there are so many cosplayers! The cosplay is often amazing, by the way. The community is huge. Naruto isn’t just something that blew up in Japan and the US. It’s popular all across Asia and has even found fans in the Middle East.

I had even heard of Naruto Running long before I watched the anime or read the manga, and often partook in the running with my arms far behind me.

Fact no Jutsu!!

Just some random facts regarding Naruto.

Did you know that Musashi Kishimoto and his wife agreed to wait on their honeymoon until Naruto was finished?

Did you know that Naruto means “Whirlpool” and Uzumaki means “Spiral”?

Did you know that Ichiraku’s is a real place?

Did you know Kakashi means “Scarecrow”?

Did you know that Gaara’s forehead tattoo/scar means love?

Did you know that Gaara’s hair was originally brown, not red?

Did you know that Rock Lee’s hair shine spells ninja?

Did you know that there are NO cars in Naruto ever?

Did you know that kage means “shadow”? So Hokage means “Fire-shadow”, Kazekage means

Did you know that Kishimoto made the Tailed Beasts/Biju mainly because he just wanted to draw big monsters like Kaiju?

Did you know Naruto’s English and Japanese voice actors are both women?

Did you know Kakashi was supposed to have a catchphrase, gozaru, which translates to “to be”.

Did you know there’s a Naruto musical?

Did you know that Kishimoto and the creator of One Piece kept in touch and often warned each other of plot directions and character creation(s)/delvelopment(s ), as they often overlapped, so they could make changes so there was no overlap?

Did you know Kishimoto said if he didn’t give his main character the name Naruto, he probably would’ve named him a different ramen-related name?

Did you know that Naruto’s original design had him wearing goggles (as seen in Ep. 1 before his graduation), but they were quickly replaced by the shinobi headbands because they were much easier and simpler to draw?

Did you know that Choji’s dad was part of the original group in Ep. 1 that chased Naruto? (Awkward…)

Did you know that Sasuke Uchiha was inspired by another Sasuke from a different manga who shares a very similar backstory?

Did you know that Kishimoto drew on traditional Japanese culture to create and develop Naruto?

Did you know Sakura’s name means “Cherry Blossom”?

Did you know that originally Naruto was going to be framed for murder?

Did you know that the English voice actors for Sasuke and Temari are married?

In Review…

I could talk about Naruto forever! I just

-Haruka Kanata by ASAIN KUNG-FU GENERATION

absolutely love the world in which it takes place,

-Kanashimi wo Yasashisani ni by Little By Little

the characters, their individual stories, quirks,

-Seishun Kyousoukyoku by Sambomaster

and arcs. I will say, this is an anime/manga

-Hero’s Come Back!! by nobodyknows+

where spoilers could be DEVASTATING. So I would

-Blue Bird by Ikimonogakari

definitely avoid researching Naruto until you are

-Sign by FLOW

well-versed and comfortable with your standing.

And there are so many more! Many of the

Another thing I’ve mentioned are the various

intro/outro animation sequences are also the

anisan found in Naruto. (Anisan is another way

bomb. And for gamers much like myself, there

of saying anime intro/outro songs). There are so

are TONS of Naruto fighter games, most in which

many I love! A good chunk of my playlists are

you pick a shinobi or character from the show to

songs from Naruto, both anisan and original

play as and fight others, whether it be online

songs from the show. Some I would recommend

battles or couch co-op, characters from Naruto,

keeping an eye out for are:

Naruto:Shippuden, or Boruto. These games span all the way back to the PS2 era to current times!

All in all, Naruto gets a 9000/10 from me.

(Also, isn’t it funny that in this picture Choji is the only happy one?)

“Hard work is worthless for those that don’t believe in themselves.”

-Naruto Uzumaki

“Maybe, just maybe, there is no purpose in life… but if you linger a while longer in this world, you might discover something of value in it.”

- Orochimaru “If you don’t like the hand that fate’s dealt you with, fight for a new one.”

-Naruto Uzumaki

ush b n e Gre

my e d a l Ac a u t r i V

t t i i r March 4-8 r i i p S Sp e k k e e e W W ys Them

s o C ed

a D e tum

Monday: Favorite Character Day Tuesday: Favorite Meme Day Wednesday: Decade Day Thursday: Soccer Mom vs. BBQ Dad Day Friday: GVA Spirit/Green & Gold Day

Ent

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oW

in P

rize

s!

Send Your Costume Pictures to: https://forms.gle/nRGAp3TubPkvSXTJA

P i n k f l u f f Ingredients: 1 Container of cool wip 1 can of sweet and condensed milk 1 can of crushed pineapples, drained can of cherry pie filling

Instructions: Put the all ingredients in a bowl and then fold it until it is all mixed together, put a lid on it and then refrigerate it overnight, eat within 72 hours

K A K A S H I Kakashi is a character from Naruto. He appears in episode 3 of Naruto: Ninja Clash in The Land Land of Snow (Or Innocent Heart, Demonic Demon. His OVA, is Find The Four-Leaf Red Clover. Kakashi is Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura’s teacher, Kakashi didn’t like Naruto at first, and then he started too care for Naruto a lot.

Kakashi favored 2 of his students, Sasuke and Naruto

-By GL Gva student

I T A C H I Itachi is a major character and an anti-villian. He is an ANBU Captain and a prodigy from Konohagakure's famed Uchiha clan, the son of Fugaku Uchiha, the clan's chief, and Mikoto Uchiha. and the older brother of Sasuke Uchiha .

Star]

The mentor coach that inspired me would probably go way back to my second-grade teacher. In all honesty, without her, I probably wouldn’t have been the person that I have become today. She inspired me in many ways and surprised me with the time I spent with her. She was the first person to be real with me and taught me a lot about myself and life at the time. She first taught me that I should first love myself. Loving myself has always been a struggle with me even to this day but it helped me somewhat. I was able to love my hair, skin, and eyes because of her. She also taught me that it wasn’t bad that I was sensitive because I had empathy for others. She always told me to be nice because you never really know what someone is going through and what goes on in their life. So because of that, I was able to be kind and patient with others, and more understanding. If I never meet her I probably wouldn’t be as understanding and patient as I am now. She also taught me not to be afraid of what tomorrow has to bring and at the time that was one of the hardest and scariest struggles I had to deal with the time. I always thought about the people I would lose and that I was getting older over time. I would constantly have dreams that tomorrow would be horrible and scary but those were only a dream once I told her about my worries she told me to not worry about tomorrow but instead live by today because we have no control over today or tomorrow but to enjoy what we have today. I also struggled with thinking about the future and worrying whether I would be successful or I would not make a good living and that scared me but she told me the same thing and that helped me a lot so now I just don’t pay attention to the past or future but about the present so that was someone who inspired me even this day.

Contribute to the GVA Star!

If You don’t think you have time to join, we would still love your contributions and input!

You can submit articles through the link below. https://forms.gle/zmcNRYqDE9c4Eseo7

Chiefs Superbowl Victory As you all know chiefs have one another super bowl. The last time someone won 2 super bowls in a row was 19 yrs ago.

Chiefs have went to the AFC Championships six times in a row. That takes a lot of work to do that. Andy Reid is the best football coach in NFL. Out of all the coaches, it’s the Chiefs head coach. Patrick Mahomes is the best quarter back in the NFL. Travis Kelce is the best tight end in the NFL. Chiefs has the best head coach, the best quarter back, and the best tight-end in the NFL. If Chiefs win the super bowl next year(hopefully) then Chiefs will be the first team to win 3 super bowls in the NFL history.

Join The Journalism Club

And work with others with creative freedom!

Contact linda.prior@greenbush.org for more information and how to join

Student of the month

6-8

9-12

Evelyn Sanchez

Annabelle Hundley

Adult

Saray Hernandez A little description:

Student of the Month is a way for us to recognize students that are doing things right. The student can be nominated by a Teacher or Academic Coach. The committee will choose two (2) students of the month based on the following grade levels: 6-8, 9-12, and Adult.

All students nominated will be recognized on an honorable mention list. A student that is on the honorable mention list can and should be nominated again.

The Enchanted Radiance of Mentors

By: Hibba Q. In this segment we will talk about the importance of teachers and mentors. Teachers and mentors are so important; they make sure our base is ready for whatever career we decide. We need to start appreciate them more. When you appreciate it really makes their day. Here is a quote from a teacher tell her favorite part about teaching," I love little kids and working with them is rewarding as they love you back:).” Teachers love getting respected and appreciated.

Respect of teachers Sometimes students treat teachers / mentors poorly. And a lot of times students talk behind their teachers back. Teachers shouldn’t be treated like that. Students may not realize it now, but when the gradate and move on to their careers they will. Teachers/ mentors are the ones who teach us everything we know.

Appreciate to teachers

Teachers should be given more gratitude. I thing I have seen a lot in school is that if a teacher tells the student to do something, and a student doesn’t want to, that student will make a fuss or throw a fit. No one likes when people don't obey them and create a tantrum. The are many ways you can appreciate teachers/mentors. You can write them a thank you email or give them a thank you card, give them a candle or a small gift.

You can do help them out. Never underestimate small favors. They can make a big difference.

Talk with Teachers Would you recommend someone to be a teacher? If yes, then why?

Yes, because if you want to help people it is a great job, however it can be difficult for many reasons, so choose carefully.

Why do you like it?

I enjoy interacting with students. I like to learn something special about each one of them. I like to help them succeed in areas they may be struggling in. I also like the work/family balance that teaching provides. I am able to stay home with my own children on winter break, summer break, days off, etc.

What has been your favorite memory from being a teacher The beautiful letters full of love and gratitude from my students have been an ongoing memory of my teaching career.

What What made you become a teacher?

My mother was a teacher so it was an inspiration from her as well as my career choice after I did my training program in teaching.

What made you become a teacher?

When I was younger in junior high, I helped a lot of people in math. Then, when I went to college and took classes and found out I was really interested in education.

Why do you like it?

I love little kids and working with them is rewarding as they love you back:)

In Review…

Teachers/mentors are really important in our lives.

They make sure our base is good so we can move on and get a career. Teachers/mentors love to be appreciated. You can do a small favor, send them a note card, etc. Teachers/mentors should be recognized more. If you ever get a chance to do something nice to a teacher/mentor do it. You can never know how much they might appreciate your small deed.

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GVA STAR

volume 3 Issue 3