March 2017 Gazette Issue 6 by Karl Grubaugh

Foreign languages

The usefulness of languages post-high school

Track and field The largest GBHS team has high goals

Art Street

G12-13

Artists showcase work at local exhibition

The Granite Bay Gazette GRANITE BAY HIGH SCHOOL w 1 GRIZZLY WAY w GRANITE BAY, CA w 95746 w VOLUME 21 w ISSUE 6 w FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 2017

COMMENTARY

Weighing validity of news from social media 35 percent of GBHS upperclassmen get news from social media sites

surina khurana

BY WILL ANDERSON

skhurana.gazette@gmail.com

wanderson.gazette@gmail.com

We should try to understand, not attack, differing beliefs

Numerous demographic groups can be found on the Granite Bay High School campus, and with that variety comes all types of political, social and religious opinions. In the digital world that is modern America, many people choose to express their views through social media. These views can conflict, coincide, instigate disagreement and intrigue a viral audience. Perhaps the most notable aspect of social media is its speed. One tweet, one favorite or one post has the ability to impact millions of people almost instantaneously – but it’s not always for the better. The Pew Research Center found that 64 percent of Americans say they have trouble deciphering factual stories from dishonest ones. This is because of the many inaccurate publications they have encountered that have been spread by way of social media. Whether it misinforms or informs people, social media has began redefining what’s credible when it comes to news. What is more alarming, though, is that credibility has become something that people are willing to overlook. “Social media has definitely played a role in how people view their news,” junior Nash Rood said. “I also think there are a lot of things that circulate on social media that aren’t true.” Unfortunately, one of the biggest issues for people, when discussing

find having conversations surrounding politics with people who don’t share my views burdensome. Yet a few weeks ago, I had an open discussion – a rarity for most of us – with a friend and our views on abortion, which is controversial in its very nature, came up. Never before had I discussed my views on abortion with people other than those who share the same prochoice views as me until that day. I still hold the same beliefs I held prior to our conversation, but I gained a lot by talking with someone who considers himself pro-life. His views, heavily influenced by the Bible, were insightful. He told me about the Bible’s teachings regarding life and helping others. What he said made sense. I felt like I could understand others significantly better having heard him speak about his position. When I explained my views to him, he said he had never thought of what I was saying before. We helped each other gain greater insight and in the end, I tell myself realized we share to respect common ground. their Neither of opinion while us actually the I should be support concept of telling myself abortion; we just to tolerate it understand in differing amounts, their with differopinion. ent reasoning behind those beliefs. We didn’t try to attack or convince each other of the flawlessness of our arguments. Instead, we let each other speak. It seems like today, more than ever, we let our views and stubborn selves interfere with productive discussion and growth. While we should be open to exchanging ideas to possibly reform our own viewpoints, we constantly fail to do so. Instead of having a willingness to understand, people converse to attack the other side or “convert” them to the “better” side. Or people will simply neglect to discuss controversial topics at all. I usually take the latter option. When someone has views differing from my own, I tell myself to respect their opinion while I should be telling myself to understand their opinion. Abstaining from discussion and telling yourself that everyone has a right to their opinion is supposedly the high ground to take, rather than actually understanding the view. We have this concept that each conversation we have isn’t a discussion, but a debate – a competition of us versus them. We feel some obligation to stay true to our party, to attack the other side and thus to limit ourselves from understanding other members of society. However, when we take the time and patience – and perhaps bear some feeling of betrayal to our party – to understand a differing point of view, we can benefit significantly. It’s important we recognize the value of welcoming discussion and being open to changing our opinions as we better understand the viewpoints of those surrounding us. *** Surina Khurana, a senior, is a Gazette co-editor-in-chief.

Gazette illustration /HANNAH XU

Gazette photo /SURINA KHURANA

Social media sites, including Twitter, Facebook and Snapchat, are used as news sources.

Administration plans to add an intervention period School day subject to possible change BY CARISSA LEWIS AND HANNAH XU clewis.gazette@gmail.com

There will soon be an intervention in the bell schedule Granite Bay High School students are so familiar with – literally. According to GBHS administrators and faculty members, an approximately 30-minute intervention period – a time allotted for stu-

dents to start homework or seek help from teachers – is possible as soon as next August, at the beginning of the 2017-18 school year. The decision to carve out time during the day for students to focus on their studies was based on the recent school review of GBHS completed by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. While GBHS received a generally positive review, the examiners pointed out that not all students are able to get the help they need after school hours – and so the need for time built into the school day. When the intervention period will be implemented hasn’t been determined yet, but prin-

cipal Jennifer Leighton said it will likely be no earlier than the fall of 2017. “We’re not going to rush through anything,” Leighton said, “because we believe that we can make a Granite Bay model that makes sense for our kids and our teachers and our families.” Leighton is currently working with school department coordinators to organize the options for the intervention periods. After that, Leighton said she plans to discuss the choices with other faculty members and then eventually take it to the students by organizing a student committee. “We’re not going to get 100 percent of everybody wanting the same thing,” Leighton said, “but I really want good feedback so that we all feel like we have an investment.” Carving out time for an intervention period will force the administration to trim time from See INTERVENTION, page A7

Seal of bilteracy application changes Bilingual seniors who failed SBAC test face consequences BY ANJALI SHRIVASTAVA

ashrivastava.gazette@gmail.com

Taking a pass on last year’s CAASP English test, it turns out, had some negative consequences for more than a few of this year’s seniors. On Jan. 9, the application for the state’s Seal of Biliteracy went live, but it contained one specific requirement that some Granite Bay High students who were otherwise qualified couldn’t provide – in order to prove their literacy in

English, students had to provide a “passing” score on the CAASPP test in English Language Arts. Unfortunately, many GBHS students did not pass the ELA portion of the CAASPP test, and some opted to not take the test at all. These students – despite being strong candidates for the seal – were now ineligible. Flannery Trexler, a senior at Granite Bay High School, was one such student. “I emailed my counselor and (principal Jennifer) Leighton, and

inside This Section news Many have differing views on the Affordable Care Act Some would welcome a repeal of Obamacare

they said that they couldn’t really help me,” Trexler said. “I was very frustrated. … I was blindsided to the fact that something last year could affect me now, and how they didn’t have any way to help me.” The GBHS administration worked on an appeals form for these students, that would help explain why they still deserved consideration for the Seal of Biliteracy. Gazette illustration / HANNAH XU AND SURINA KHURANA Meanwhile, a letter from See SEAL, page A5 Tom Torlakson, the California

AP Human Geography to be offered at GBHS Enrollment for AP European History plummets as many register for new sophomore-level course

voices

controversial topics, has become taking news and other information out of context and claiming it to be a reliable source. “A lot of people, especially on Twitter, if they see something with 100,000 retweets, automatically (assume it) to be true – even if it’s completely false,” Rood said. More often than not, as long as it is compelling, a fabricated publication can get just as many views as an accurate one. “Everyone has an opinion somewhere along the political spectrum,” Rood said. “So I don’t think (news companies) are trying to intentionally create fake news – I think it’s more that bias slips in.” Regarding personal accounts and posts, Rood said social media provides a unique opportunity. “In a time where there is a lot of division, and a lot of political disagreements in general, I think it’s important to voice your own opinion, especially if you have a following,” Rood said. “If you have the power or the platform to put your voice out there, I think it’s necessary.” Junior Garrett Allington also said information can be taken out of context. “The problem is how varied (information) is,” Allington said. “You can find extremely accurate and factual information on social media, but because anyone can post anything, a majority of the information is biased.” Allington added that another issue is that “people see information See MEDIA, page A6

Teachers take on new roles

Blomquist declares retirement after nearly a decade as IB coordinator BY SABINA MAHAVNI

smahavni.gazette@gmail.com

Change can be both exhilarating and anxiety-provoking, especially when it comes to the upcoming change in the Advanced Placement and International B a c c a l a u r e a t e Jennifer Hill program coorAP Spanish dinator position teacher plans for the 2017-18 to take over school year. AP department After Duane in the 2017-18 Blomquist, Gran- school year. ite Bay High School’s IB coordinator and primary overseer of the school’s AP offerings, announced his retirement effective at the end of the this school year, the search for a new coordinator began. See PROGRAM, page A4

Listen to whatever music you like Music played on the radio does not diminish its quality by default

News

Granite Bay Gazette

Friday w March 10, 2017

NAMES IN THE NEWS

Upper left, protesters begin to cross the street towards State Senator Jim Nielsen’s district office, to voice their support for the ACA. Upper right, a woman waves her sign. Below, participants wave their banner to cars driving by.

connor hinson chinson.gazette@gmail.com

GBHS Senior chosen to present at Anaheim convention

enior Jaden Troxel was selected by the Student Television Network to be a presenter at STN Convention Closing Ceremonies on March 31 in Anaheim. I’m calling it now, she’ll be the next Katie Couric.

*** Don’t forget to set your clocks forward an hour this Saturday night for spring forward. Also, be cautious and alert for groggy drivers the next morning.

*** Do you use EasyBib to create bibliographies for your school assignments? Use the coupon code Granihs228 when signing up with EasyBib EDU!

*** Get excited for the Spring musical, “The Unfortunates.” It opens March 30, and runs through April 8. *** GBHS alumnus Hannah Semmler sadly passed away last month. Please keep the Semmler family in your thoughts. *** David Tastor wants you in his International Baccalaureate World Religion class next year. *** Mark Seidman, father of GBHS alumnus Eric Seidman who passed away last March, has written a book focusing on “the 40 things that have helped (him) ... move forward.” The goal of the book is to help other greiving dads, and it is availible on amazon. *** The mysterious GBHS public figure known online as Danielle Robbins has maintained their anonymity after being exposed at the GBHS talent show.

*** Attention all seniors, don’t forget to complete your personal finance course by April 17. You have been warned. *** Connor Hinson, a senior, is a Gazette news editor.

CORRECTIONS The Gazette incorrectly reported in the February issue that the 3-D printer in the technology department is available to all students. It is not. The Gazette regrets the error. *** Accuracy is perhaps the most important fundamental of good journalism. It's the policy of the Gazette to correct all factual errors that are brought to our attention. Email us at: staff.granitebaytoday@gmail. Identification Statement GRANITE BAY GAZETTE PUBLISHED EIGHT TIMES PER ACADEMIC YEAR c/o Granite Bay High School 1 Grizzly Way Granite Bay, CA 95746 Subscriptions: $25 per year/ $15 per half year

Repeal and replace?

People reflect on the pros and cons of the ACA BY KATIE COLOGNA

kcologna.gazette@gmail.com

The Affordable Care Act, which was enacted in 2012, is in danger of being repealed under Pres. Donald Trump’s administration. What started as a way to resolve the “healthcare crisis” by making healthcare more accessible and affordable is now on the chopping block. “Twenty million Americans were provided health care through the Affordable Care Act,” said Peter Henry, who protested in favor of the ACA on Feb. 26 in Roseville. “Many of these were people with low incomes, people with preexisting conditions, and they need

health care just as much as anybody else. We need to improve the Affordable Care Act, not repeal it.” Shortly after the protest, on Mar. 6, Congress finally revealed their long-awaited replacement for the ACA, and have titled it the “American Health Care Act.” The new bill aims to get rid of federal insurance subsidies and replace them with individual tax credits. In order to fund the ACA, the upper-middle class experienced a tax increase to help pay for lower income individuals, which has upset many critics. “It has caused rates to go through the roof, nearly doubling for people who needed cheaper health

care to begin with,” Granite Bay High senior Satgur Maan said. Before the ACA, 15.7 percent of people were uninsured. By the beginning of 2016, it had lowered to 8.6 percent, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. “Seeing patients come back after they had to drop out of treatment because they lost insurance or they switched to an insurance that didn’t have mental health coverage anymore … is very, very gratifying,” said Carolyn Sammon, a psychiatrist at Plaza Psychology and Psychiatry in Rhode Island. Sammon also said the increased insurance rates are not necessarily the fault of the ACA. “I was practicing before the Af-

GB reacts to climate change controversy

Gazette photos/HANNAH XU

fordable Care Act when premiums went up and up and up every single year,” Sammon said. “And every year we paid more for less, and we used to blame it on the greed of the insurance companies. Somehow we managed to change the conversation and instead of blaming corporate greed, ... we started blaming the black man (former Pres. Barack Obama) in the White House.” There is a difference of opinion among many about whether the ACA should be altered or completely abolished. “I think a replacement is necessary, and that’s what Trump and the other Congressional leaders are working on,” Maan said. “We need to make sure all people are covered and drive down costs for those who can’t afford these astronomical rates.” Some Republicans are perplexed by the new bill, as they consider it too similar to its predecessor, the ACA. These people have dubbed

the American Health Care Act “Obamacare Lite” in opposition. Sammon said she found it hard to believe the Republicans could come up with an effective plan that is different from the ACA. As for Henry, the Roseville protester, he just wants something that will make improvements to Obamacare. “What should be done is not (just) the repeal of it, but the improvement of the Affordable Care Act,” Henry said. “And if Republicans want to change the name … then I am in favor of changing the name, but make it better. Don’t take it away.” According to Maan, the privatization of healthcare may lead to lower prices. “One way (to lower costs) would be to make healthcare more competitive, which would mean more providers trying to undercut each other resulting in lower rates for See HEALTH, page A5

What environmental policies will the Trump administration adopt, if at all? years. ... So I think many people take an ‘out of sight, out of mind’ approach to cliOn Jan. 20, when Donald J. Trump as- mate change.” The effects of climate change are well docsumed the presidency, the White House website’s public policy statements and doc- umented and can be seen globally in the risUsed by permission/ANDREW WESTROPE, THE PRESS TRIBUNE uments from the outgoing administration ing sea levels, rising temperatures, warming oceans, shrinking ice sheets, glacial retreat, On the morning of Feb. 1, employees of the Tarbiya Institute discovered that the were archived and replaced with informaocean acidification, decreased snow cover building had been defaced with Islamophobic graffiti, saying “F--- Allah” and tion from the new administration. and aberrant weather patterns. “F--- Islam.” With this change, all According to NASA, the reference to climate global sea level rose 17 centichange was purged meters in the last decade. Earth I think many from the website, exhas witnessed 15 of its last 16 cept for a vow to elimito a mosque, or even any type of a religious people take an warmest years on record since nate “harmful and unbuilding, and decide to vandalize it is so un‘out of sight, out 2001. Greenland has lost 150 to necessary policies such American.” 250 cubic kilometers of ice per as the Climate Action Executive Order 13769 – more colloquiof mind’ year between 2002 and 2006. Plan.” ally known as ‘the Muslim ban’ – was signed approach to The upper layer of the ocean’s The Climate Action by President Donald J. Trump on Jan. 27. AlBY SAMREEN SIDDIQUI Plan was a main platthough it has since been stayed by the courts, climate change. absorption of carbon dioxide is ssiddiqui.gazette@gmail.com increasing by two billion tons form of the Obama adthe controversy surrounding the ban still exper year. ministration aimed at On Feb. 1, the Tarbiya Institute in Roseville, ists. – Lisa Goldsmith, GBHS Most scientists have come reducing carbon dioxide Mehdi Hajar, a GBHS junior and a Muslim, to a consensus that the Earth’s a local mosque, was vandalized with graffiti. explained his mix of feelings concerning the AP Bio teacher emissions and increas“Feelings of anger arose once I saw the vanwarming is caused by the ing the study of climate ban. dalism in person,” said Ustadh Kamran Islam, “greenhouse effect.” These change. “(I reacted to the ban) with mostly sadness greenhouse gases – such as who is the director of youth development at because our country isn’t being as accepting Climate change is dewater vapor, carbon dioxide the Tarbiya Institute. “I knew whoever took as I think it should be,” Hajar said. “I also had fined as a large-scale, long-term shift in the planet’s weather patterns or average tem- and methane – block heat from escaping the such actions had no real idea about all of the a feeling of almost not belonging (in Ameriperatures. According to Granite Bay High atmosphere, ultimately leading to a rise in good things that happen at our location.” ca), because if people like me aren’t allowed Anger is a common feeling in situations like to come, then am I allowed to be here?” physiology and Advanced Placement biol- temperature. “Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that these, but Islam then went on and found the ogy teacher Lisa Goldsmith, it is a natural Science teacher Andrew Phillips is also conprocess that has been happening throughout absorbs infrared radiation which traps and silver lining in the event. cerned about the Muslim ban by the Trump “I felt an intense sense of mission,” Islam administration. holds that heat in our atmosphere,” GoldEarth’s history. said. “I also felt admiration for the people of smith said. “As more carbon dioxide and Goldsmith said, though, that human ac“I think that it’s discrimination and persecutions have been instrumental in climate other greenhouse gases are released into the Roseville and beyond who came by and ex- tion by definition,” Phillips said. “I think that change escalation, although many are un- atmosphere, our atmosphere is trapping and pressed their solidarity with our community.” it’s firing up a country that needs to be unified Yasaman Mohammadi, a junior at Granite more than anything else.” holding more heat, which conversely heats aware of the role they personally play. Bay High School who is a Muslim, was upset Senior Chase Lederer said he understands “Humans have been increasing the rate at up Earth.” Not all emissions from the burning of fos- by the grafitti. the reasoning behind the ban. which our climate is changing in a negative “I was frustrated because I kept thinking if “It is important to keep our country safe at way,” Goldsmith said. “Most of the time sil fuels rise up into the atmosphere, this had been a Christian church, this would all costs,” Lederer said. “A travel ban could when you hear about the consequences of however. have been a much bigger deal,” Mohamour emissions on the climate, these conseSee MUSLIM, page A5 See CLIMATE, page A7 madi said. “The fact that someone would go quences are not going to occur for many BY BRAYDEN JOHNK

bjohnk.gazette@gmail.com

Local mosque vandalized Muslim students discuss travel ban, hate crimes

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Transgender Boy Scouts allowed New rules regarding Scouts membership, following 2013 ruling on openly gay youth BY EMILY TALMI

etalmi.gazette@gmail.com

In the midst of Pres. Donald Trump’s denial of legislation to allow transgender students to choose the bathroom of their gender identity, the recent acceptance of transgender individuals in the Boy Scouts is an outlier in all of the political commotion. “A couple months ago, it felt a lot like we

were taking serious and positive steps forward as far as the LGBTQ equal treatment and status in society stands,” said Granite Bay High science teacher Andrew Phillips, the adviser of the Gender Sexuality Alliance club. “However, the past couple of weeks have shown that this is not a stance that will be supported by the current political administration.” Phillips applauds the Boy Scouts and other organizations that are changing their way of thinking in positive and construc-

tive ways, even if it is not the winning political climate. “This change marks a small light in the ever growing dark that is our fight for trans rights,” said Marty Kantola, a GBHS graduate and a transmasculine individual. “Though we’re experiencing setbacks during the current presidency, changes like this one help give trans youth much needed hope.” In 2013, the Boy Scouts of America decided to allow openly gay youth as scouts, and in July 2015 they ended the ban on gay troop leaders and employees. Although this might be a small step for the transgender community, many find it to still to be a step in the right direction. “This type of change helps validate peo-

PROGRAM: Staff retirement leaves openings These positions are not only loaded with prestige but also heavy with responsibilities. Eventually, principal Jennifer Leighton decided to make English department coordinator and yearbook adviser Bernadette Cranmer the IB coordinator; Spanish teacher Jennifer Hill will be the AP coordinator. Leighton, Blomquist and assistant principal Jessup McGregor had to review each application thoroughly. “Even if you have taught an IB class, there’s a lot more to the program, especially when you’re talking about the service project and the essay and all the trainings that people need, so (we wanted the new coordinator) to be somebody who either understands the IB program or is willing to get in there and really learn it right away,” Leighton said. The IB coordinator position alone requires strong communication and people skills, extreme organization, dedication to the program and its students and, especially, reliability. “I need to be able to say to you (as the IB coordinator), ‘What were the scores on last year’s IB tests?’ and you need to put it in some kind of format that I can understand and read, and you need to know where to get it,” Leighton said. Trusted with organizing staff meetings, working directly with IB students and parents and managing the district’s budget for the IB program, the IB coordinator must be reliable. Four out of the eight original applicants for the position dropped out during the application process. “After talking with each of (the applicants), some of them did back out when they realized the enormity of (the position),” Leighton said. According to McGregor, although they are certainly arduous, the roles of AP and IB coordinator are crucial to ensure the growth of both programs. “My hope is that (our new coordinators) will be able to work together with teachers and administration to come up with a shared vision of the program,” McGregor said. In the past, Cranmer has been very involved with the IB program, having taught IB English HL 1 and IB English HL 2.

Many IB students and parents are cautious, though, about the change and fearful the IB program’s prestige will be diminished. “There’s an incredible amount of worry by the parents,” said Tanner Brasse, who is a junior in the IB Diploma program. “They’re worried that the IB program as a whole is losing traction. … It seems like there’s a lack of care by the school for the program as a whole.” Cranmer said she plans on devoting much of her time to growing and promoting the IB program. “For me to be the IB coordinator, I have to give up English department chair, I have to give up teaching English, and the only way that I was willing to do that is to make a long-term commitment,” Cranmer said. “Part of that commitment is my absolute belief that IB is an important part of Granite Bay High School and something we want to grow, not let go of.” McGregor is also aware of students’ and parents’ concerns about the future of IB, but he said there is absolutely no reason to worry. “If anybody thinks that in any way shape or form we want to diminish IB, (they) couldn’t be further from the truth,” McGregor said. “We’re putting everything we can into making it the best IB program that there is. We want everybody to get a chance to take part in it, and we’re putting a lot of time and resources into it because we value it.” Blomquist had added some coordination duties for the school’s AP program, but it wasn’t considered a formal part of his assignment. Eager to begin her assignment, Hill already has big plans for the AP program like updating the website, increasing AP sign-ups and relieving students’ stress. “A lot of kids sign up for AP and then they drop … so I am interested in implementing something that they have I think at Woodcreek High School where, before you can drop an AP class, you meet with the AP coordinator – who would be me – and talk through your concerns,” Hill said. “You talk to the counselor, and you talk to a assistant principal before we just drop you.” It is no shock that taking on any AP course can be stressful, so Hill is interested in promoting the idea

NEWS BRIEFS

Students learn about Islam; other religions to follow On Feb. 22, David Tastor hosted the first of many religious leaders to speak to his International Baccalaureate World Religions class, and he invited other classes to listen as well. The speaker – Ustadh Kamran Islam – spoke to more than 50 Granite Bay High School students about the basics of his faith, Islam. Islam is no beginner when it comes to public speaking. He has been doing similar presentations for almost a decade, and he has spoken to middle schoolers, high schoolers, church groups and interfaith groups about his religion. After having done this for a number of years, Islam has become used to the types of questions that people will ask, and he is often asked about the same topics. But that wasn’t always the case. “When I started, it was a lot of pressure,” Islam said. “But I think that’s just because, when you’re … representing a whole community, there’s a lot of worry, and I don’t want what I say to have a negative impact on someone else’s life five years down the line.” Islam primarily speaks to audiences who are not Muslim, and who are therefore unfamiliar with Islamic doctrines and beliefs. Because of this, he is often greeted with questions that could be considered ignorant, or even disrespectful. During the presentation, students asked questions that covered a variety of topics – ranging from the Islamic view of homosexuality, to treatment of women, to radical Islamic terrorism. Islam began the presentation by encouraging his listeners to ask potentially irreverent questions, as he would rather clarify misconceptions about his reli-

of an intervention period of about 30 minutes or so in between first and second period in which students can either receive help on concepts they don’t understand or simply use the time to get a head start on homework. “(AP students) are so busy,” Hill said. “What if they had an extra 28 minutes where they could go to the library? Maybe they can connect with other AP students, and they could do study groups, or they could finish up their homework before class starts next period.” Although there will be two separate coordinators for the two programs, with the push for a more program-style AP department, AP and IB may become more similarly run in years to come. “We’d like to make it (AP) more of a program, so you’d (the AP coordinator) have a lot of the same responsibilities as you would for IB,” Leighton said. “Except you’re not going to have the extended essay… you’re not going to have the service project (and) you’re not going to necessarily have a kid follow a pathway as they do in IB, but we would like to bring more continuity into (the AP) program and more specific goals.” Even though the two departments might be run more similarly, they should not be mistaken for a single, combined AP/IB program but two programs that complement each other. “We would like somebody to help coordinate the calendars such as what they do for IB kids, which is why all the IB teachers work to not give tests on the same day,” Leighton said. “We’ve never had that kind of coordination with AP.” Though the future of these academically enriching programs is not completely known, students and parents can hope for the best from Cranmer and Hill, as they take on a greater role in the future of Granite Bay High’s valuable AP and IB programs. “I would love to see every student on our campus take at least one AP or IB class just to try it out and see if it’s something they’re interested in,” McGregor said. “I would hate to think of a kid going through our entire school and never getting a chance to take one of those classes.”

David Tastor

AP World Religion teacher invites different spiritual leaders to give talks over lunch period.

gion than have the audience continue in ignorance. “I had a very good teacher, who made sure that I did not start doing these types of presentations until I could differentiate between people’s intentional hatred, and people’s fear-based ignorance,” Islam said. “Because if you can’t differentiate between the two, you’re going to take offense to everything.” Islam said there is an Islamic teaching which says that if one of your brothers makes a mistake, offer him 70 excuses before holding him responsible. In many ways, this teaching reflects his attitude toward his listeners. “You assume … that it’s not because they’re actually hateful, but because they have fear or confusion or whatever it is. And it’s your job to help them,” Islam said. “You have to have love for the people you’re speaking to, or you have no place to be speaking to them (at all).” On Feb. 1, Islam’s own employer – the Tarbiya Institute – was vandalized with Islamophobic graffiti. Considering the current political climate, Islam said it is important to continue educating the world about Muslims and their beliefs. “There’s a need, and I feel like I’m being called by God to fulfill that need,” Islam said. “I feel very motivated and excited to do this.” Upcoming speakers include Dr. Bhagawandas Lathi, a Hindu professor and Myo Myo, a devoted Buddhist. -Compiled by Anjali Shrivastava, a co-editor-in-chief

ple,” Phillips said. “I think one of the biggest struggles for transgender individuals is that they don’t feel like they are recognized as legitimate and valid human beings. This allows for them to feel like they have a place in society.” Kantola agreed with Phillips on the recognition of transgender individuals. “ I would say this is a step in the right direction – increasing the inclusion of trans people in groups like the Boy Scouts can help spread awareness and understanding,” Kantola said. “Awareness and understanding are the first step towards support and activism.” Parker Wilkin, a senior who is a member of the Boy Scouts, said he believes the transition from an all XY chromosome troop to an XY and XX group was inevitable. “The higher ups in the BSA organization determined that the transgender issue was a losing battle and only prolonged an

inevitable change,” Wilkin said. “Attempting to maintain an XY chromosome as a requirement to become a Boy Scout would only attract negative attention from the media and certain LGBT activists.” However, this change has affected the image of a Boy Scout, according to Wilkin. “The change, like all major changes, has somewhat weakened the traditional vibe of Boy Scouts, but the core values of are still just as intact as when the organization was founded over 100 years ago,” Wilkin said. “The most consistent trend over the past several decades has been the shift to make scouting more secular. This new policy is just the next step in continuing the trend.” While Wilkin finds the image of the Boy Scouts has been weakened, Steven Trythall, also a senior and a Boy Scout, has a different perspective. See SCOUTS, page A7

Lunches stolen; students and administration upset Drop-off table prone to food theft BY LYNDSEY BENNER lbenner.gazette@gmail.com

Several Granite Bay High students have recently had their lunches stolen from the drop-off table at the front entrance to the campus. The table is there for parents to leave students lunches or items that they forgot or need brought to school. Thieves have taken advantage of the table not being closely monitored by taking items that were dropped off for other students. “I have had my lunch (taken) on several occasions, and I think the quality of my lunches is what causes me to repeatedly fall victim to this epidemic,” said Claire Briare, a GBHS senior. Many students have been questioning the motives of the people stealing from the table. “I think people are taking lunches because they think it’s funny and see it as a free good meal that they can brag to their friends about taking,” said Sydney Sampson, a GBHS senior who recently had her lunch from Subway stolen.

dents should be taking responsibility for bringing their own lunches and not forgetting things. However, he said he does think students should report the incident if it happens to them. “(If a student reports it), the assistant principals can at least know what happened and whose it was and we can look for patterns and try to find a way we can address it,” McGregor said. Some students have been trying different tactics to get around others taking their lunches before they can. “I would recommend that when (students) have their lunch dropped off, to pick it up immediately so that way it doesn’t sit on the table long enough for it to get stolen,” Sampson said. Others have even tried making their lunches look less appealing or making it look like it is not even a lunch so their items do not get taken. “The key to a successful lunch drop off is to trick the snakes,” Briare said. “I suggest disguising the food as something less appetizing, and personally I like to place the food in a brown bag and write something like ‘lax socks’ or ‘baseball glove.’ ”

Before there was a drop off table, GBHS staff members in the front office used to collect and then monitor what parents dropped off for their students. But that system was overwhelming staffers, and so the unmonitored table was set up outside. “The previous drop-off system created clutter and disruption for the office front desk, so the school had a (legitimate) reason for moving the drop-off table outside,” Briare said. Employees Amy Rehwald and Janay Hood at the front desk have other jobs to do besides watching students belongings, which is why the change happened. “This is the third school I have worked at, and I have never been at a school where they were able to facilitate deliveries to kids or supervision of kids’ belongings, especially when you have 2,000 students,” assistant principal Jessup McGregor said. “The two people inside (at the front desk) have jobs that they have to do besides just greeting people – like overseeing transportation, counseling stuff and transcript request.” McGregor said he believes stu-

ASB UPDATE ASB plans spirit week, Powder Puff The Gazette talked to Maryssa Schultz about what to expect this spring.

Gazette: What some upcoming ASB events? Schultz: Some of the upcoming ASB events include Powder Puff, Day at the Bay, Junior Prom and Spirit Week. Gazette: What can we expect to see at Spirit Week? Schultz: We aren’t really sure yet but we’ll be releasing the themes out soon!

Your names. Your faces. The Gazette.

A Gazette photo /AVANTIKA PANCHAPAKESAN

Gazette: Would you recommend student government to anyone else? Schultz: I would totally recommend it to anyone because it’s a fun way to get involved with the school and you make good friends.

Maryssa Schultz, a freshman, discusses preparations for the upcoming Spirit Week. Gazette photo /Natalie Erickson

Gazette: What has been your favorite part of student government? Schultz: My favorite part is meeting new people and getting to know everyone better. –Compiled by Avantika Panchapakesan

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News A5

AP Human Geography to be a new class

European history – thus allowing for more exposure to world issues. While there are many students who are taking AP Human Geography, it is important to remember that starkly different. students must take AP European History if they wish With AP Human Geography appearing on the course to complete the IB Diploma. selection list for the first time this year, enrollment in “I wouldn’t say that a student should choose one over AP European History has drastically reduced. the other,” Angelone said. “It depends on “AP (European History) for next their interest and what they want to do. year only has two classes whereas Both of them are extremely intriguing AP Human Geography has approxisubjects.” No matter what mately six,” counselor Paul Stordahl addition, sophomores are not required history class toIntake said. “There is a coherent difference Honors English 10 if they wish to in the enrollment rates for both of you choose, take AP Human Geography. Most stuthese classes.” dents who take AP European History also we all still Why exactly is there such a signifitake Honors English. cant enrollment shift? learn important “A lot of juniors and seniors that I talk to “I decided to do AP Euro since I’ve information. said that I should take AP Human Geograheard it looks better on colleges,” phy instead of AP Euro because AP Euro freshman May Lin said. “(I heard) was really difficult,” Lin said. “Also, I – Hamsah Ahmed, heard that getting a 5 on the AP Human it’s (a) more rigorous course compared to Human Geography.” freshman Geography exam was easier than a 5 on Freshman Hamsah Ahmed is lookthe AP Euro test.” ing for an AP-level course that’s not It is not uncommon that students conas tough as AP Euro. sistently find themselves with borderline “I am taking Human Geography because I have grades on Advanced Placement classes, often because heard Euro is a lot of stress, and this class is easier,” of the rigor of the course. Ahmed said. “No matter what history class you choose, we all still Ahmed added that the curriculum in Human Geog- learn important information.” Ahmed said. “We just raphy is more interesting as it covers more than just need to be informed about past and current events.”

Sophomores given another option for history BY AVANTHIKA PANCHAPAKESAN apanchapakesan.gazette@gmail.com

It is now common for many students to feel pressured to take more and more Advanced Placement classes in order to appear more favorable to colleges. One such AP class, AP Human Geography course, is now being offered to sophomore students at Granite Bay High School, starting next year. For sophomores, this course is equivalent to AP European History – both of which meet the Roseville Joint Union High School District requirement of a year of world history. However, the curriculum and topics covered in the courses vary widely. While AP European History focuses on topics such as the interaction of Europe and the world, AP Human Geography is concerned with geography, including cultural patterns and processes. “AP (European History) focuses more on historical facts and intricate details,” said Katie Angelone, who teaches AP European History teacher and will be teaching AP Human Geography next year. “AP Human Geography focuses more on vocabulary and concepts.” The enrollment in the two courses for next year is

HEALTH: Debate over ACA arises after legislators propose its repeal Continued from page A2

all,” Maan said. On Feb. 25, dozens of protesters gathered on Douglas Blvd. in Roseville to express their concerns about the possible repeal of the ACA. “I‘m here protesting because I believe everybody should have access to health care, particularly if they have a preexisting condition,” said Holly Cuthbertson, who attended the protest. “They should not be denied health care coverage for that.” Sammon, the Rhode Island psychiatrist, is very passionate when it comes to protesting for the ACA, and

she is not shy about voicing her beliefs for the benefit of her patients. “Speak up. Speak up. Speak up,” Sammon said. “And definitely let your Senators and Congressional reps, … know how important the Affordable Care Act has turned out to be for your family, (and) how important it has been for your community. “In other countries it (is) considered a basic human right to go see a doctor when you’re sick. In the United States, it is not. I think we need to be honest with ourselves about why we as a society don’t seem to care about human suffering and human developing.”

MUSLIM: Seven-country ban creates conflict Continued from page A2

possibly increase our national security if there are potential threats in foreign countries.” Mohammadi, though, is concerned about the ban’s possible repercussions. “My own parents are telling me to not say to anyone that I’m Muslim when they ask, and to hide who I am,” Mohammadi said. “It’s frustrating because the whole point of America is be who you are, and that freedom is being taken away.” Similarly, Hajar said officials in society are directing citizens’ interpretations of the Muslim faith. “The ban and the rhetoric that has been used to portray Muslims in America by a lot of the officials now, the president in particular, has created an atmosphere in the country where it is OK to treat certain

groups as if they are less important,” Hajar said. “People are vandalizing our mosque because they feel that it is OK to do that.” Islam said the president’s ban has other potential negative consequences. “When we hear that same rhetoric coming from the highest elected offices in the land, we increase the likelihood of some individuals to be radicalized to act viciously,” Islam said. “They feel powerless to do anything else so they think that by sending hateful messages or by setting a place of worship on fire or by picking up arms and shooting at Muslims, as we saw recently in Canada, they are doing some service to society.” For Phillips, the ban is personal. “I have family that grew up in Jordan,” Phillips said. “The circumstances by which they left

Jordan were really serious, and the idea that their immigration could have been completely foiled just by their general geographical location is preposterous.” The Muslim ban and modern Islamophobia is the subject of strong debate, but the interpretation of the debate is what really matters, according to Islam. “The only real long-term impact will come from our communities and our allies coming together to challenge such ideas,” Islam said. “We will grow as a nation from this experience and learn.” cording to Islam. “The only real long-term impact will come from our communities and our allies coming together to challenge such ideas,” Islam said. “We will grow as a nation from this experience and learn.”

SEAL: Application confuses students

Continued from page A1

State Superintendent of Public Instruction, sent to the superintendent of the Roseville Joint Union High School District said that passing a “California Standards Test in English Language Arts” is an absolute requirement for attaining the Seal of Biliteracy. Once the GBHS staff was notified of this, the appeals form was put to rest. “We said ‘Holy cow, just kidding!’” assistant principal Jessup McGregor said. “We’ve got to do what the state tells us to do.” According to McGregor, however, representatives of district were able to negotiate with the Department of Education and devise the current application for the seal. On the updated application, a student can prove proficiency in English through a variety of means, including Advanced Placement exam scores, SAT scores and ACT scores, among others. Some students have said they think the administration was trying to punish those students who didn’t perform well on last spring’s CAASPP test, but McGregor said that was not the case.. “Yes, we were frustrated by people who purposely didn’t do well, because it had its other ramifications, but we also … own the fact that we didn’t do the best job communicating the value of the CAASPP test,” McGregor said. “We have to be super careful about sticking with state standards … but also, at the same time, we’re always trying to negotiate and see what we can do to help our people.” “This time, while it was rocky getting there, I think it worked out the best way that it could.”

Students struggle to prove fluency in Japanese Students in the Japanese language program, however, did not get their happy ending. Japanese classes were cut from GBHS for the 201617 school year after the only Japanese teacher – Naoko Iwasaki Montague – left to teach at Sheldon High School. To prove proficiency in a foreign language, a student must have successfully completed four years of study in that language. Many students were planning to take AP Japanese this year, but because the course was dropped, these students were unable to fulfill this requirement. “(The Seal of Biliteracy) was something that I was striving for,” said Hannah Bohan, a senior who took Japanese 3 last year. “But I don’t know if I’m able to meet the full requirements.” There are other ways to prove proficiency, including passing the SAT subject test with a score of 550 or higher, or passing the AP exam with a score of 3 or higher. But students generally feel unprepared for these tests without taking a higher-level course in the language. McGregor said that if students are aiming for the Seal of Biliteracy, the GBHS staff is more than willing to help make that a reality. “I am full of regret that we don’t have a Japanese teacher,” he said. “We’ve searched, we’ve posted it … and we couldn’t find a teacher to teach the class. … If anybody’s having issues with that, certainly talk to a counselor, and see if they can help you get connected and see if you can take a Japanese class at Sierra College or something like that.”

/CARISSA LEWI

Gazette illustration

Faculty discusses rules of mandated reporting

with the procedural changes. If he encounters a case of possible child abuse, “I am going to Child Protective Services for sure,” Westberg said. “This is a state issue, and I am going through police department officers. the legal channels until the state of “We are encouraging everybody California says otherwise.” to report as soon as possible so that For many GBHS staff members, we can start the investigation and the comfortable route is to notify preserve evidence,” Hopping said. Child Protective Services like alThis suggestion has not necessar- ways. ily been accepted by many GBHS “Other teachers can do what they staff members who fear the poten- want to do, but I am going through tial consequences of failing to re- the legal route.” Westberg said. port to CPS. Because the reporting require“If the law says to report to Child ment deals with many legal rules Protective Services, then that’s and responsibilities, GBHS staff what I am gomembers are likely to ing to do,” be hesitant to follow Other teachers new guidelines until it’s IB Math and AP Calculus can do what verified that they comteacher Scott ply with state regulathey want to do, tions. Becker said. Becker said “Some of the procebut I am going he doesn’t dures around Granite through the legal Bay High School when plan to completely byroute. identifying a situation pass local law where there might be enforcement abuse have been – Jarrod Westberg, child such as Depumodified, yet still folAP Government low California State ty Hopping if he encounters guidelines,” Hopping teacher a student who said. has experiHopping said the enced abuse, reason for notifying local officers but he will make sure to follow the such as himself is because of timelegal requirements. liness and ability to take immediate Because he doesn’t want to vio- actions. late state reporting guidelines and “If there is suspected child abuse possibly end up being legally re- or any type of criminal activity, sponsible or possibly even sued, law enforcement should be brought Becker said he plans to notify in early to help preserve evidence,” Child Protective Services first. Hopping said. “As time passes, the AP Government teacher Jarrod crime grows cold because percepWestberg said he also has concerns tion fades and memories change.”

Teachers are no longer instructed to relay information to CPS BY JAKE CRISCIONE

jcriscione.gazette@gmail.com

Staff members at Granite Bay High School are considered to be “mandated reporters” under California Penal Code Section 11165.7. What that means is that teachers, administrators, athletic coaches and district employees are all responsible for reporting to Child Protective Services any form of child abuse that they observe. Mandated reporting originated in 1980 through the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act. Over the years, the definition of child abuse and those that are required to report it have expanded. School faculty members are urged to err on the side of caution when it comes to the abuse or targeting of a student. Recently at GBHS, the procedure for mandated reporting has been slightly altered. During the January faculty meeting, school resource officer Deputy Greg Hopping told GBHS staff members that any suspicion of child abuse should be reported to him first instead of directly to Child Protective Services. “It is now encouraged to bring law enforcement in on a situation as soon as it is discovered,” Hopping said. Such law enforcement would include Hopping or jurisdictional

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How much do AP classes really weigh? Colleges balance academics and extracurriculars BY CAROLINE PALMER

cpalmer2.gazette@gmail.com

Granite Bay High School revolves around competitive academics and getting into college. However, students have started to realize that they need a little more than just a perfect GPA to get into the school of their dreams. “Students should have a strong academic profile consisting of rigorous course selection and strong writing skills,” said Sherie Gilmore-Cleveland, the associate director of undergraduate admissions at Mills College in Oakland. GBHS offers 17 Advanced Placement classes, as well as 16 International Baccalaureate classes, according to the GBHS website. With the large number and variety of classes, students who want to have a rigorous schedule have the opportunity to do so. “Students should (also) show involvement in activities outside of the classroom that reflect leadership, service or talent,” Gilmore- Cleveland said. Gemma Rizzuto is a senior who is involved in a large variety of academic and extracurricular activities.

in one place and automatically assume it’s true without factchecking,” propelling the spread of inaccurate information. “Fake news has assisted in dividing the country into two sides that hate each other, and care more about the ‘other side’ being wrong than the facts,” Allington said. “This is super destructive for our society as it just causes more hate and ignorance.” In a poll conducted by the Gazette, 15 percent of GBHS juniors and seniors were asked where they get their news. Leading the way at 35.3 percent was social media, 10 percent more than the next most-popular source, news websites and apps. “For what I teach, (social media) has changed everything,” Advanced Placement American government teacher Jarrod Westberg said. For Westberg, social media is not only altering his style of teaching, but the entire dynamic of the class. “There’s a major lack of depth,” Westberg said. “Students know

Rizzuto has taken 11 AP classes through high school, Hill has been involved with the Autism Awareness including five her senior year, and she’s been a varsity club, programs at Bayside Church, track and field, the soccer player, a member of the National Charity League Principal’s Advisory Committee and RYLA (Rotary and the National Honor Society. Youth Leadership Awards). She’s also participated in engiHill said he thinks his extracurricular neering, ROP and she’s a profesactivities helped him to get into all three The quality of sional model. schools that he applied to. While Rizzuto thinks her extra“It is important that students take AP extra curricular activities will help her courses to challenge themselves,” Gilmcurricular get into some schools, it may not ore-Cleveland said. “I don’t recommend for others. a student take a full course load of AP activities is “For state schools, I only had to classes in an effort to show a challenging valuable in an write how many hours of comschedule.” munity service, grades and test Gilmore-Cleveland said students should application. scores,” Rizzuto said. “Your exhave a balance of classes, including coltracurriculars mainly help with lege prep classes, AP/IB classes and extra– Sherie Gillmoreschools you have to write essays curricular activities. to apply to.” “It is best for students to work with their Cleveland, Associate Some student think the number high school counselor to see what is the Director of Undergraduof activities is more important best mix of CP and AP courses for them,” ate Admissions at Mills than the quality of them. Gilmore- Cleveland said. “(The) quality of extra curColleges are starting to admit more stuCollege ricular activities is valuable in an dents that have more of an advanced thinkapplication,” Gilmore-Cleveland ing process. Because so many students said. “Regardless of quality or quantity, extracurricular have such a high GPA, that they need to expand their activities should show how students embody the follow- applications beyond academics and into more extracuring traits – problem solving, leadership, responsibility, ricular activities. strong work ethic and commitment.” “We look for well-rounded students that have a thirst Gazette photo /CAROLINE PALMER One students who has shown a lot of commitment to for knowledge and passion to contribute to others,” extracurriculars is senior Brandon Hill. Mills College is a small, women’s only university. Gilmore- Cleveland said.

MEDIA: Apps put news at fingertips Continued from page A1

News

more topics than ever, but the depth of it is very limited because a lot of times you just see that small chunk of info (on social media).” Westberg said students are better at recognizing if their source is wrong and changing their view, but older people “seem like they want the source to confirm their own beliefs – even if it’s misinformation or not as accurate as it can be.” GBHS social psychology and International Baccalaureate history teacher Jillyan McKinney acknowledged both the benefits and detriments of social media, comparing social media to “an interesting beast.” No matter who it is, taking the time to understand differing opinions and beliefs is a neverending difficulty. And most of the time, social media doesn’t allow people to branch out as much as they might think. “It is an outlet, but so many times we only find ourselves surrounded by people who share our opinions, and that narrows our lens,” McKinney said.

And however bright the upside of social media might be, the potentially gruesome downside is just as present. McKinney has seen everything from racial and religious discrimination to jokes about sexual assault on social media. “Dealing with these instances is one of the hardest parts of my job,” McKinney said. “It seems as if hurtful and destructive language and behavior has become commonplace in this current political climate. “Social media was supposed to be a tool for people to connect around the world, (but) it has been hijacked and is possibly doing the exact opposite.” McKinney says students and adults alike have to be willing to understand other people – but social media can make that more difficult. “We have to be able to leave our baggage at the door and try to understand someone else’s perspective,” McKinney said. “It is important for all of us to take a step back and stop assuming we know everything – just because we have access to an app.”

Social media led the way among news sources for GBHS students.

156 total voters

SOCIAL MEDIA APP THAT PROVIDES THE MOST NEWS Twitter is the most popular source of news among social media apps.

PERCENTAGE OF NEWS FROM SOCIAL MEDIA

Cheer for The Gazette.

PRIMARY SOURCE OF NEWS FOR GBHS STUDENTS

Among all surveyed students, 36% of students get more than 50% of their news from social media.

166 total voters

164 total voters

In a Gazette poll of GBHS students, juniors and seniors took a paper-and-pencil poll in eight different second-period classes. The poll asked about social media’s influence on their intake of news.

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News A7

INTERVENTION: New period may come to GBHS SCOUTS: Boy Scouts now accepting transgender members

Continued from page A1

other current class periods and passing periods, and perhaps from lunch. Although Leighton said GBHS is still in the first stage of the decision-making process, she does not plan on cutting the collaboration day students get on Wednesday mornings. Instead, Leighton said the school might remove a few minutes from each class period, shorten passing periods or cut out the extra 10 minutes during second period allotted for the video bulletin, which plays only two out of the five school days. Sophomore Brenden Robinson, who previously attended a school in San Diego, said he was shocked when he realized he had 10 minutes to get to classes at GBHS. “At my old school, passing periods were three minutes,” Robinson said. Robinson also said he’d be more than OK with shortening the passing period if it meant he will have an intervention period. Although the administration is working to minimize problems, Leighton admits there could be some initial conflicts. “There could be the potential of teachers feeling a little frustrated and not prepared for it at first,” Leighton said. “It would be something else they have to think about every day.”

Leighton said GBHS might have some trial runs to test which format works best for the intervention period. GBHS will not be the first school in the Roseville Joint Union High School District to incorporate intervention periods – Oakmont, Antelope, Roseville and Woodcreek all have some form of an intervention period built into their schedules. Ria Kotak, a sophomore at Oakmont, said she has intervention periods four times a week. “Oakmont intervention periods are required for students who have failing grades in the class,” Kotak said. “(Struggling students) have to go at their ‘priority periods.’ For example, if I have a failing grade in first period, I have to go to that class for Tuesday intervention.” Kotak said intervention periods allow teachers to give individualized attention to students. “The teacher can go a little more in depth to help a student who didn’t understand the lesson initially,” Kotak said. “During regular class time, the teacher has to focus on the needs of the class, and some students may be left behind.” Robinson said he believes such personalized teaching sessions would be extremely helpful to him, and that he misses having a specific period to go to teachers..

“Every day we would have (a fifth period) at my old school,” Robinson said. “And we could go to teachers if we needed help. It was like a tutoring period.” Robinson also said an intervention period would be helpful because of his occasional struggles that result from having all core classes – and the workload that comes in those classes. Especially for students with extracurricular activities after school, having extra time during school to complete homework might help allow students complete all their work, both in the classroom and out of the classroom. “I was surprised coming to GBHS and having to do homework at home, rather than in school,” Robinson said. “That would probably be the biggest benefit of having an intervention period – finishing homework at school.” Kotak agrees, mentioning how intervention periods can aid students in lowering stress and granting a certain amount of mental relief to students. “Intervention periods alleviate a huge amount of stress,” Kotak said. “Not only (do students) get to lighten their homework, but they also have more confidence in their knowledge and capabilities.”

Continued from page A4

practices,” Wilkin said. “One thing militaries around the world have in common is a strong sense “This change shows that BSA has a of tradition. Boy Scouts shares this desire for more people to join and have as well and in turn was these unique scoutresistant to the change ing experiences,” Girl Scouts had done Trythall said. This change years ago,” Wilkin said. Neither Wilkin nor Trythall are aware shows that BSA “Although Girl Scouts is fantastic organization, of any transgender has a desire for athey don’t have these youth that have more people to traditions as firmly rooted joined the Boy as the BSA does.” Scouts in the Granjoin and have Kantola ultimately ite Bay community. these unique believes this change is a Although the Boy part of the progression Scouts of America scouting of the world of scouting just started to acexperiences. becoming a more fair cept transgender place. members, the “Although the Girl national Girl Scouts – Steve Trythall, Scouts have been alloworganization, which senior ing trans youth as early is not affiliated with as 2012, and the Boy the Boy Scouts, Scouts have only now begun to follow has accepted transgender members for suit,” Kantola said, “I’m glad that trans years. youth can enjoy the benefits of scout“Boy Scouts of America was founded ing – community, a stronger connection by a retired British Army officer in with nature and skills that will last a 1910, and still carries on traditions and lifetime.” principles rooted in that era’s military

CLIMATE: GBHS staff and students discusses the dangers of climate change Continued from page A2

“There are some (emissions) that get trapped lower in the troposphere, the air we breathe,” Goldsmith said. “This is adding to air pollution, which will have adverse effects on our health including asthma, respiratory diseases, damage to your immune, endocrine, and reproductive systems, and most air pollutants are carcinogens or cancer-causing agents.” Climate change is a global concern, and GBHS junior Bella Matthews has witnessed first-hand its effects in her travels. “I visit Korea, Thailand and India a lot, so when I go there you can tell by the smoke and the smog and all the pollution that’s going on,” Matthews said. “It’s really hard to breathe, and there are fewer animals than there used to be there.” Matthews said she agrees that climate change is a humaninduced reality which needs to be addressed – and she has a suggestion. “We need to change from the old fossil fuels to energy sources that are more resourceful and valuable such as solar energy,” Matthews said. “I think we should change the resources we use so we can make a better Earth for the future.” Although much of the scientific data shows otherwise, many believe climate change is just a

natural phenomenon, and human behavior contributes little to it. President Trump has even, in the past, questioned the validity behind climate change and global warming. Junior Nico Maggio agrees – he questions the role of human impact as well. “I think climate change isn’t completely human-caused like many of the scientists are saying because over the years it has been shown that the climate fluctuates quite a bit,” Maggio said. “I don’t think humans are the total cause. Over time it will balance itself out, and I don’t think (there) will be a huge change.” Maggio does, though, advocate policies that attempt to curb human-generated emissions if they do, in fact, contribute to global warming.

“I like the idea of a carbon tax, which has been brought up a couple times, because people take for granted what they contribute to the atmosphere, and I think if they put a tax on carbon they would use less of it,” Maggio said. Science teacher Andrew Phillips said he believes humans not only contribute to climate change, but they also need to step up and take note of the long-term consequences. “My first thought with climate change is that, to me, it strikes me as the most pressing global issue that exists right now,” Phillips said. According to Phillips, making everyone aware and knowledgeable about the climate change issue is crucial to addressing the problem. “Education about it is really, re-

ally important, because you can’t start to develop ideas for change until you identify and recognize the problem,” Phillips said. He believes the “conversation” around global warming has become mainstream and irrefutable from a science perspective. “While there are still differing opinions among the public, the scientific perspective is fairly in consensus in that climate change is, in fact, a very significant and

very real thing that is at least a large part the result of human action,” Phillips said. Phillips cautions that the potential long-term repercussions of climate change can be extreme. With no change, he foresees the well-being of human populations possibly threatened from food insecurity because of crop failure and from the loss of livable areas because they will either be under water or too hot to inhabit.

“The idea of climate refugees is going to be a real thing in the near future,” Phillips said. As a science teacher, he has come to realize the important relationships among life processes. “The more I learn about (climate change), the more interconnected everything becomes,” Phillips said. “And as one thing leads to the next, it starts this chain reaction that is potentially devastating.”

Voices

Granite Bay Gazette

Friday w March 10, 2017

GAZETTE Is Big Brother watching? The Granite Bay

GRANITE BAY HIGH SCHOOL 1 GRIZZLY WAY GRANITE BAY, CA 95746

Editors-in-Chief: Cole Kahmann Surina Khurana Carissa Lewis Anjali Shrivastava Hannah Xu News Editor: Connor Hinson Voices Editor: Natalie Hatch Lifestyle Editors: McKenna Aram Brayden Johnk Sabina Mahavni Green Screen Editors: Natasha Chanda Katie Cologna Whitney Knorp Amanda Prather Sports Editors: Will Anderson Ali Lemos Isabella Tkachuk

chools have the responsibility and duty to keep students safe and protected. But where is the line drawn? Where should educators’ involvement end? Students at Granite Bay High School have a newfound interest in this question, and unsurprisingly, in a very 21st century way. A recent Instagram phenomenon has swept GBHS, and the appropriateness of it has students questioning their privacy. An account by the handle of @deerobins63 has surfaced, quite mysteriously. With proportionally few followers, no profile picture, and no biography, any millennial could tell you the page raises skepticism. But there’s more. The account currently follows 1,215 people, nearly all of whom are students at GBHS. One would normally assume, then, that this account would belong to one of their peers. However, the Gazette staff was able to confirm there is no student at this high school named “Danielle Robins,” as cited on the account.

Social Media Editor: Megan Nimtz

Photo Editor: Carissa Lewis

Adviser: Karl Grubaugh The Gazette is published eight times per academic year by students in the advanced journalism class at Granite Bay High School. Content is determined by the staff and does not necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of Granite Bay High School’s faculty, administration, adviser or student body. Students are protected in their exercise of press freedom by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States and California Education Code 48907. Signed editorials and columns reflect the views of the writer. Letters to the editor and guest commentaries are encouraged and must be signed, although anonymity can be granted on a caseby-case basis. The editorial board reviews letters to the editor, advertising and guest commentaries and reserves the right to edit and refuse material. Reasons can include length, clarity, libel, obscenity, material disruption of the educational process at Granite Bay High School or violation of copyright laws.

Send Letters to the Editor to: gbgazette@yahoo.com Identification Statement GRANITE BAY GAZETTE PUBLISHED EIGHT TIMES PER ACADEMIC YEAR c/o Granite Bay High School 1 Grizzly Way Granite Bay, CA 95746 Subscriptions: $25 per year/ $15 per half year

The voice of the Granite Bay Gazette

Many students have speculated that the account is run by an administrator and is used to secretly oversee social media activity of GBHS students. While ensuring online safety on campus is an important aspect of an administration’s role, the possibility of this “admin” account raises boundary concerns. For decades, students and school administrators across the nation have battled over the ever-grayish definition of student rights. Typically, Constitutional rights are the point of concern, as in the U.S. Supreme Court case Tinker vs. Des Moines. In the ruling, the court set the precedent that “students don’t shed their constitutional rights at the schoolhouse gates.”

And is it reasonable for it to go on when students are not aware of it? The GBHS administration is no stranger to becoming involved in students’ social media or even group conversations in the past, but those incidents were related to school activities. The Gazette is by no means certain of the ownership of the @deerobins63 account. However, we feel that if our school administration is behind this social media account, it is pushing boundaries. Posing as a fellow student would not only be inappropriate and invasive, but it makes students feel quite uncomfortable. For many private users on Instagram, the peace of mind of knowing who is seeing personal posts is taken away with this kind of infiltration. A potential secret administration account might not violate student rights, but it does violate student privacy and consent. The true identity of @deerobins63 might never be known, but regardless, The Gazette believes that the administration should heed appropriate boundaries when it comes to monitoring student online activities. An account like this – if it’s owned by the GBHS administration – is wildly inappropriate.

If music be the food of love, PLAY ON.

Illustrators: Natasha Chanda Isabella Tkachuk Hannah Xu

Staff Writers/ Photographers: Lyndsey Benner Jake Criscione Brian Ding Kaley Dover Logan Embree Jack Kehoe Jack McGrail Megan Nimtz Caroline Palmer Avanthika Panchapakesan Sanjna Saini Max Schwartz Samreen Siddiqui Emily Talmi Dean Wilson Ashley Yung Sidney Zabell

EDITORIAL

Unfortunately, the internet was not around at the conception of the Constitution, and so rights in that realm remain largely ambiguous. Thus, students don’t lose their rights, but they are still subject to having them infringed upon. Typically, American schools justify their role in monitoring students’ lives based on the legal concept of in loco parentis. Simply put, the Latin phrase means that when students are on campus (or headed there or home before or after school), the school is responsible for students and should be considered to be each student’s parent. There are no set of concrete school/parent guidelines, and surely inconsistencies prevent them from being created. However parental supervision in this day and age has grown to normally include monitoring the use of the internet for many teenagers. But, is that an appropriate role for school administrators to assume? Well, maybe. It is sensible that schools monitor students’ social media and internet activity in cases of cyberbullying or threats. However, is oversight of non-school related social media a reasonable expectation of school officials?

Why do people automatically hate music simply for being popular? COMMENTARY

Among this new forming group of “music hipsters,” songs on the radio are said to lack ingenuity and uniqueness. However, in order to make it to the radio, a song has to find popularity among a wide variety of audiences. This audience includes the professional music industry that has a strong influence over what “makes it big.” Because there is such a process to reach the popularity of mainstream media, it seems like playing time on the radio should be the goal of

cole kahmann

ckahmann.gazette@gmail.com

rowing up, music was never my thing. I played the guitar and I quit twice. After playing the trumpet for one year, I quit that too. However, like most people, I enjoy listening to a wide variety of music in my freetime. Personally, my favorite band for the past three years has been Twenty One Pilots. Not only does the band possess talent to produce music across a variety of genres, but it has lyrics that can send me into personal introspection for hours. Back when my sister introduced me to the group, it would barely reach above 100,000 views on YouTube (which these days is not nearly as much as it seems), let alone to get any radio coverage. Now, it will have up to three songs on a variety of radio stations at any time. However, this has brought a sort of backlash from the people who consider themselves the greatest critics of music – hipsters. As I have started jumping into music culture, I am highly perplexed by what I’m seeing. It seems to me that the more established a band, the less important or valuable it is. To me, this is the opposite of what I might expect.

Gazette illustrations/HANNAH XU

most artists. I mean it makes sense that people argue there is more music than just radio songs, but to discredit them altogether just doesn’t make sense to me. Twenty One Pilots, along with many other “radio bands,” have songs where they specifically question the authenticity of writers and the motivations behind their songs. Whether it be for fame or money, Twenty One Pilots has professed they will never make music that doesn’t come from their hearts. Now that they are famous, however, people act like they are just trying to be different to gain popularity and they don’t make really good, quality music. At this point it might seem like a good time to mention bands actually can’t control whether radio stations choose to play them, but I’ll go with the argument. I completely agree with these critics in the sense that many times writers just make music that will sell, not what they actually believe or love. In fact, I feel like it has gotten to a point that threatens the entire radio industry from listeners like me who don’t want to hear about sex, drugs or money. The solution to this is not lashing out at any unfortunate band who makes the radio at the expense of hipster criticism, but to simply not listen to music that lacks any passion or meaning behind it. Not everyone can produce deep, intense music, but everyone should be able to sing about what is important to them in an authentic way. These are the guidelines I use to decide what music I listen to, not whether or not a band is on the radio or not. *** Cole Kahmann, a senior, is a Gazette co-editor -in-chief.

Politics should not pervade all aspects of life It’s great that you’re politically active, but you don’t need to constantly talk about it

eing politically active and informed is a foreign concept to my 12-yearold self. My 12-year-old self would’ve understood that Donald Trump is the president, and that he makes many unhappy, but she wouldn’t have understood why. She lived in a simpler world. Now that I understand politics, government and bureaucracy, I can’t help but think about how these concepts apply to literally everything. I now find myself scrolling through my Twitter feed searching for controversial Tweets so that I can stay updated with the latest White House drama. For me, I always felt that social media was an outlet to express myself, but I would’ve never expected humanity to develop it into a virtual fist fight. Some of the posts coming from users tend to be hostile, demeaning and quite disturbing. All of this over what? Over a politician whose policies you disagree with? Or a

COMMENTARY

isabella tkachuk itkachuk.gazette@gmail.com

friend-turned-enemy’s liberal views? To me none of this is worth the fight. As I grow older and wiser, I realize that people struggle to just keep their thoughts to themselves and to value their peers’ opinions. And the issue isn’t just throughout social

media, it lies on our very campus and in our very classrooms. It is so difficult to bring up any sort of serious issue without it turning political. Too often I see donkeys fighting with elephants, and if I’m not mistaken, George Washington strongly opposed this divisive partisanship. And yes, it is divisive. I have seen friendships begin to tear apart because of political differences. People I have been going to school with since I could hardly remember who were once the quiet, laid back students are now the most actively political teenagers you will ever encounter. I reminisce about the days when the only thing I feared about the future was whether or not my best friend would like the gift I got for her birthday party, not who I should vote for in the next presidential election. Don’t get me wrong – I am very much grateful for my knowledge about the government and my ability to actually understand how it works. However, dare I ask that we not take politics too seriously at this age? After all, we

are still ill informed, and the problem is that we don’t see that. Just because you now know that Paul Ryan is the Speaker of the House does not mean you are qualified to talk about it all the time. Being politically aware is important, especially in my generation because we millennials are actually able to make a change. But how do we expect to create change if we are so close-minded, thinking that the policies we believe in and the issues we support are the only right ones? It’s difficult to refrain from plugging my ears with my fingers while I recite some song I learned as a child just to block out the politics and become a child again. So for the sake of humanity, myself and your inner 12-year-old self, retain your innocence and for once just stop fighting for something that you can’t control. *** Isabella Tkachuk, a senior, is a Gazette sports editor.

Friday, March 10, 2017 w

Voices A9

The Granite Bay Gazette

hate doesn’t discriminate HEARD Religion-fueled on the BAY Non-Muslims are equally guilty of hate, violence W What is your stance on the new DoorDash policy?

“I think that it was unnecessary to ban it entirely. I understand that the safety of the students is a top priority, but it’s just delivery guys delivering food on campus. I know someone who used the app solely because they didn’t like the cafeteria food.”

freshman

ith national chaos stirring, the news world has been focused on the overheating topic of Muslim terrorists and the idea of banning their kind on U.S. soil by drafting an executive order. But Muslims aren’t the only ones hatching terrorist attacks – non-Muslims are also bashing out in hate crimes against the religion. The irony is incredible, yet many fail to realize that Muslims aren’t the only ones carrying out these violent actions, and maybe we should stop harming each other with these so-called terrorist attacks and hate-crimes.

COMMENTARY

sanjna saini ssaini.gazette@gmail.com

A terrorist attack is defined as “unlawful violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims.”

A hate-crime is a “crime motivated by racial, sexual, or other prejudice, typically one involving violence.” Both of these types of violent actions have been done by and against Muslims and non-Muslims. The perpetrators have a range of different beliefs, such as their political and religious ideologies, yet no one side has been the “bigger person” in these cases. From pork on mosque doorsteps near UC Davis to graffiti profanity on mosque walls right outside the neighborhoods of Granite Bay in Roseville, both sides have been bad guys in terms of disrespect.

(Please) turn all the Artificial light ruins natural phenomena

Ipsha Pandey “I don’t think the use of Door Dash should be banned, but the school (administrators) can do what they want.”

COMMENTARY

et’s pretend you almost 80 percent ask a classmate of North Americans for scratch paper are unable to see the Milky Way. to take notes, but rather This statistic was than giving you that new, once much lower, fresh sheet you expected, but the spread of your classmate hands you light pollution has a piece of paper full of made it increasingly random pencil marks and difficult to view drawings. the splendor of the You grab an eraser and skies. vigorously rub at it until But light pollueither your hand is untion is far more than bearably sore or you have the dismantling of withered a hole straight clewis.gazette@gmail.com aerial beauty. It is through the page. But a hazard to both no matter how hard you try, the pencil humans and wildlife. marks just won’t go away. The human body functions on a 24This is the predicament we have handhour sleep cycle – the circadian rhythm. ed to Earth – only on a much larger, According to the scientific news and more serious scale. Unknowingly, research site Futurism, artificial light we have let light pollution smudge the atmosphere, and this damage is not eas- disrupts the continuity of our sleep pattern, which can lead to a heightened ily erasable. risk of sleep disorders, depression and Once in a blue moon, we see it – a cardiovascular disease, among other dazzlingly vast, black sky scattered things. with an unfathomable amount of stars. It is no surprise that numerous birds If you’re lucky, you’ll get to view this die each year by crashing into windows. scene once in your life, perhaps on a As a result of this seemingly suicidal boat in the middle of the ocean or at a attempt, birds are accused of being uncampsite far away from city lights. intelligent – but in fact we are the ones More realistically, you’ll only ever see to blame, and we are just as susceptible this mystical array of stars in rare movie to a collision. scenes. Why? Because it’s practically a Night-migrating birds navigate acfantasy. cording to the stars. When they see According to Science Advances,

carissa lewis

sophomore

Laura Brown “I don’t really use the app, but the ban seems reasonable. School policy on strangers on campus is pretty strict, so it makes sense.”

junior

artificial lights on houses and buildings, the birds get confused and head straight for the light source – where they go out with a bang. Artificial outdoor lighting creates what is known as “disability glare,” which is not just applicable to birds. Disability glare is light that impairs our ability to process certain visual information. This is particularly dangerous while driving, especially for older drivers whose eyes cannot adjust rapidly to synthetic light. As peculiar as it sounds, an increase of light can lead to an increase in crashes. What’s the solution? Do we cut out all outdoor lighting and drive around in a blackened world? Of course not, but there are measures we can take to reduce light pollution and maintain, or even enhance, safety. Turn off the light switch when you are out of a room. Not only will you be helping reduce light pollution but you will also be lowering your electricity bill. When it’s too dark outside to depend on natural light and you need to turn on your indoor house lights, close the blinds. This will prevent artificial light from escaping outside. Similarly, check your outdoor lights.

senior

Brandon Hill “I don’t think a school setting is the right place to be using Door Dash.”

staff

Darrin Pagel Compiled by Samreen Siddiqui

Gazette illustration/HANNAH XU

Many light sources direct light upwards or sideways. You can look for an International Dark-sky Association (IDA) seal of approval for low-glare, limitedpollution lighting. Simply switching to light sources that direct light downward reduce light pollution. Natural light is sensational, so let’s not try to outdo the sun and all the wonders of the sky by blocking it with a layer of our own synthetic light. *** Carissa Lewis, a senior, is a Gazette co-editor-in-chief.

Teachers’ impact on students is underrated

“I think it’s reasonable. The concerns make sense, and I think there are more important things than having the luxury of food delivered to you.”

but why fight back with hate? Not only have these issues been taking place around us, but some verbal attacks have occurred on our very own campus – all because of differing ideologies. If we take a minute to set aside our own ideologies, maybe we can think more as humans – thinking about what we do before we do it, and how it might make people feel. Either way, there is no “good guy” or “bad guy” in this debate – so maybe we should all take a breath and a step back from the controversy. *** Sanjna Saini, a senior, is a Gazette staff writer.

LIGHTS OFF!

one was hopeless. There’s more to the story(time) sheOneknewof thethatfewno memories I have

Jared Stirling

On Feb. 1, the Tarbiya Institute in Roseville was vandalized with painted profanity on the walls of the mosque – when members of the mosque have never committed any terrorist acts of any kind. The members who practice their religion and their beliefs are being told they are something they aren’t, and yet non-Muslims are practicing violence, right in the streets where we live. Assumptions are not OK, and maybe instead of writing racial slurs to get at a point, we can stop these hate crimes and terrorism conversations. We can all argue that some attempts of hurting the American people, like 9/11, have created rage fueled by patriotism,

eachers are the people who influence children the most. Their behaviors and actions leave either a lasting positive or negative imprint on the child forever. Teachers of all ages can help you discover who you are as a person and find the things that you are most passionate about. This is why I believe that being a teacher is one of the most valuable jobs in our society. As students, we often criticize teachers. But instead of thinking that they’re some kind of evil villains out to personally sabotage us, we should try to understand that teachers, like us, aren’t always perfect. I think a teacher’s role is more than just being the person who teaches you a subject. They can share so much more from all their years of life experiences. The best teacher I’ve had was the one who taught my homeroom class in second grade. The truth is I don’t remember anything she taught about English, math or really any subject that a homeroom teacher generically teaches. The reason why she was such a great teacher is because she motivated me and spread her positive attitude. It was contagious. She never gave up on teaching her students because

COMMENTARY

hard work and integrity, and the list expands every year that I’m in school. from her class is when she was teachFrom my minimal experience ing the class long-division on the tutoring elementary school students, whiteboard and I yelled out, “It’s too I know that teaching can be difficult hard. I can’t do it!” and frustrating. Back then, math was a constant struggle. I think people in general don’t Yet for some bizarre reason, I was in give teachers enough credit. Being a the advanced math class. Only now do teacher is incredibly difficult and not I know the other part of the story. that monetarily rewarding. My mother found out from my However, the role is vital. Students teacher that I was struggling with math are the next generation, and therefore and she was told I should be placed in the lower math class if that was where the future. ayung2.gazette@gmail.com I belonged. If they are taught the right values Instead of my teacher taking the easy and skill sets, then they can truly improve our world as way out and having me go to a lower math class, she we know it. said the advanced math class was where I belonged. Without the combination of amazing teachers I’ve She took extra time in class to help me understand had in my life, I hardly think that I’d be the same what I was confused with, and I remember that it was the best feeling in the world to understand and master person that I am today. a concept. Our society needs to better recognize their roles, and She taught me that there was nothing I couldn’t learn have an increased understanding and appreciation of if I put effort into it, that I should always persevere to their incredible worth. the end. *** This is only one instance of a valuable lesson a Ashley Yung, a freshman, is a Gazette staff writer. teacher has taught me. I’ve also learned the value of

ashley yung

Be more than a shadow...

let your voice be heard. Write for the Gazette.

Friday, March 10, 2017 w The Granite Bay Gazette

Second look

News A10

Grizzly Globes GBHS models annual talent show after Golden Globes  Cierra Brown, upper left, sings “I See Fire” by Ed Sheeran. Luke Kerzle, left, performs with the band “Fantastic Beats and Where to Find Them.” Shawn Shaw and Alyssa Sewell, below, announce each act as the performers come onto the stage. Vyas Srinivasan, upper middle right, performs a piano solo. Devin McDermott, lower middle right, beat boxes some original tunes. Sienna Unter and Avi Gattani, bottom left, perform “Skinny Love” by Birdy. Laynee Daniels, bottom right, sings “Sweet Pea” by Amos Lee.

Gazette photos /CARISSA LEWIS

Lifestyle

Granite Bay Gazette

B Section

Friday w March 10, 2017

COMMENTARY

brayden johnk bjohnk.gazette@gmail.com

Having different perspectives can benefit everyone

here is no right answer to any one question or issue, for everything can be looked at differently. Often, in our current polarized, disparate world, we tend to forget this. People are often intolerant and unaccepting of ideas and beliefs that differ from their own. I was recently reminded of this fact after watching the movie “The Revenant” (for my third time) with my mom, dad and sister. It is an ultimate survival story about trapper Hugh Glass, and if you have never seen this movie, it is not for the faint of heart. There are certainly some difficult scenes to watch, but they are, for the most part, well worth it. It is one of my favorites simply because of the spectacular scenery and stunning natural beauty that it displays – a beauty that strongly contrasts with the rest of the content which, while graphic, I now realize, contains a multitude of meanings. To me, the movie focused on pure revenge. After the antagonist, Fitzgerald, killed Glass’ son and left Glass for dead, Glass ran on nothing but his personal pursuit for vengeance till the end. On the other hand, my dad believed the movie revolved around the theme of man versus nature. Throughout it, Glass and pretty much all the characters persevered through brutal conditions in order to survive. It isn’t surprising what my mom saw as the true meaning behind “The Revenant.” She believed the movie illuminated parental love and protection for their young. The mother grizzly bear protected her cubs when threatened, the Native American chief wanted only to find and save his daughter and Glass was driven by his undying love for his son. As for my sister, who never wanted to watch it in the first place, she thought the movie was vile and violent and actually left after about 30 minutes. I hadn’t really thought about all these other interpretations of the movie. I just thought it was my way or the highway. But I was wrong, and I benefited by gaining a greater understanding of the movie by considering my family’s ideas. In listening to them, I was able to constructively broaden my way of thinking. And, just as I learned there was more than one overall meaning to this movie, humanity as a whole can benefit by learning this as well – in a broader sense. Everyone is so limited by their own mindsets and beliefs that we often have little tolerance for others who think differently. We need to minimize this subjective nature and take all other opinions into account. When we do this, we will be able see and understand things in a more comprehensive light. If we continue to close the door on every opinion or perspective other than the ones we believe in, we will see no progress or strength as a people. Yet, with open minds, we all can and will change the world for the better.

***

Brayden Johnk, a junior, is a Lifestyle editor.

Creative Commons content /ALEX R.L.

Gazette illustration /HANNAH XU

Students who spend time studying a foreign language are able to have a greater appreciation for other cultures.

What does learning a new language entail? Students reflect on the benefits of excelling in Spanish and Japanese programs at GBHS BY BRIAN DING

bding.gazette@gmail.com

hile on the path to meeting all of one’s school graduation requirements, taking a foreign language is a necessary step. From all of those flash cards to quizlets, the question withers down to whether or not students truly utilize the education outside of school. As of 2016, the Japanese language program in Granite Bay High School was taken down because of the lack of student enrollment. As a result, the Spanish program has been growing over a very short course of time. Spanish is normally viewed as the easier language to select out of the original three: Spanish, Japanese and French because of the many similarities Spanish holds towards English. Anna-Marie Gonzales, the IB Spanish teacher, has taught students for 29 years. Gonzales said she believes that the education taught is useful and often used outside of school. “Spanish is the only language offered in Granite Bay that has the IB program included” Gonzales said. As of this year, Benjamin Soper, who used to only teach from Spanish 1 to 4, has taken up the position of teaching

AP Spanish as well. The class has been quite successful because of his experience with students and the language itself. Laynee Daniels, a junior at GBHS, has taken Spanish since freshman year and is currently in IB Spanish with Gonzales. She said she believes that the language taught at GBHS has allowed her to communicate with distant relatives. Even though many students may view Spanish in the AP or IB level as being a challenge, many students feel it it well worth the hard work “The name IB Spanish may seem to be intimidating, but the class itself is very interesting and offers a variety of activities for student to partake in,” Daniels said. Similarly, many other students have found the Spanish program to be helpful. For instance, junior Raymond Forbes has stuck with Spanish since freshman year. “Spanish is a very dominant language that is taught in Granite Bay along with the fact that middle schools such as Olympus and Cavitt offer Spanish enrichment programs,” Forbes said. With the program continuing to grow all seems well for

Students feel Black History Month is under-represented Every year, February calls on GBHS to show respect for a culture that has endured years of oppression BY AVANTHIKA PANCHAPAKESAN apanchapakesan.gazette@gmail.com

s Black History Month comes to an end, society pays tribute to the struggles and triumphs of African Americans. One can trace the roots of Black History Month all the way back to 1927. The founder of Black History Month was Carter Godwin Woodson, a profound historian in the 20th century. “It’s important for us to recognize our history and remember how we all achieved equality as a nation,” said Juliana Hedstrom, the Granite Bay High School librarian. Woodson first launched “Negro History Week” in order to showcase achievements and contributions African Americans have made over time. This week long celebration soon morphed into a month–long

recognition. “Civil rights is a pretty important issue in this country, and a lot of the most important civil rights leaders were black,” GBHS senior, Ryan Fang, said. “I’m grateful for their contribution towards the creation of a society with more equality, not just to black people, but to people of color in general.” Many educators believe it is important for students and staff to delve deeper into Black History Month, for people to coherently understanding the true meaning and understand our global conflicts. “As someone who is African American, I find it crucial for us to recognize Black History Month,” freshman Jada Harper said. “We have fought hard for equal rights.” Harper said she thinks her culture is only rarely represented at GBHS. Freshman Hamsah Ahmed said few

students taking spanish, but at the end of the day one begins to wonder, what happened to all the students that were taking Japanese? Students who were taking Japanese before the close down and did not make the bilingual language requirement essentially threw that portion of their time away. Junior Matthew Luckenbihl took Japanese during his freshman and sophomore year and ended at Japanese 3. After learning about the shutdown, the news was quite frustrating. Because there were no longer any Japanese classes being offered, Luckenbihl was not able to obtain his seal of biliteracy. The idea of continuing Japanese in a college environment and level did not seem appealing to him because of the gap in time in which he has not had the chance to practice and the sheer difficulty level. Japanese still proved to be helpful for Luckenbihl during a trip to Japan with fellow juniors Riki Lee and Bronson Vanderjack when visiting students of Japan. “The education in language that Granite Bay has to offer is impactful because not only does it focus on one language,” Daniels said. “But (it also focuses on) the advance culture that revolves around it.”

if any of her teachers even talked to students about Black History Month. GBHS students don’t take a history class until their sophomore year, but Ahmed was still surprised at the lack of focus on Black History Month in her classes. “I know what it is but none of my teachers really covered it which is sad because it is important for us to recognize the contributions African Americans have made,” Ahmed said. Fellow freshman Destini Jacques, however, took a different stance on Black History Month. While most students say they believe African Americans are equal in today’s society, Jacques said that’s often not been her experience. “I feel outcast in the environment at GBHS just because I’m black, and a lot of sisters fight for me to have a right to speak,” she said. Jacques said she also hasn’t heard anything about Black History Month in her classes, and she thinks the school is failing to appropriately recognize African American culture. See HISTORY, page B4

Gazette illustration /CARISSA LEWIS

inside lifestyle Random club B2 Book of the Month B3 Top 10 B5

Confidential medical appointments

An in-depth look into Yearbook

Junior Prom Preview

Leaving school early to meet with doctors.

Behind the scenes of the anticipated book of memories.

Getting ready for the big night.

B2 TCID:BW

B2 Lifestyle

Friday, March 10, 2017

w The Granite Bay Gazette

Questioning confidential medical appointments Analyzing the pros and cons of student privacy BY KALEY DOVER

kdover.gazette@gmail.com

tudents have the legal right to leave school for confidential medical appointments. Granite Bay High School’s website identifies absences for which a student may be legally excused from school. One of these includes “Pupils in grades 7-12 who leave school (with prior approval of the Principal or his/her designee) to obtain confidential medical services. The pupil is to return a copy of the medical professional’s appointment verification form.” The reason for this statement is Education Code 48205 which requires school officials to excuse students from school to attend confidential medical appointments. “The California Legislature and California Supreme Court recognized the importance of providing teenagers with the opportunity to confidentially access medical care in certain situations,” said RJHSD’s executive director of student services Brad Basham. “Accordingly, the intent of the law is to protect and encourage minors to seek certain kinds of needed medical services.” When a student leaves for a confidential medical appointment it is treated the same as any medical appointment absence wise. It is excused although the

student is required to verify that they did leave school for a medical procedure. In the U.S., school attendance is mandatory until a student turns 18 or graduates from high school, which can limit when a student can go to doctors appointments. “We also know that you have to take care of life sometimes … and that’s okay so then as a student you don’t get penalized for taking care of your health,” said Jessup McGregor, Granite Bay High School’s assistant vice principal who oversees attendance. It will be marked on file that the student left school so a parent could find out that they were absent, but the school is not allowed to say that the student missed class because of a confidential medical appointment. “On each student’s attendance record we note on there that they went to a doctor’s appointment, but it doesn’t say on there anything about who they saw or why,” McGregor said. The record is kept out of necessity in case the state decides to look into the school, in which case the records of where students are and why they are gone are needed. According to Mary Van Hoomissen, who has worked as a nurse at schools for eighteen years, students do not leave for confidential medical appoint-

Acceptances depend on continued performance Considering which years matter BY LOGAN EMBREE

lembree.gazette@gmail.com

enioritis is threatening students across the country and many find themselves victim to the unknown, unexpected and unfortunate effects of this wide spread phenomena. A slang term for the effect senior year plays on high school seniors, senioritis is often characterized by a decline in personal motivation and performance. While not being an actual disease, senioritis is an anomaly faced by thousands of senior students around the country who begin to no longer put in the work or time to achieve good grades. This anomaly gives seniors the idea that it is not necessary to complete their work and that their last months of high school should be spent hanging out with classmates. “Senior year is more relaxed,” Granite Bay High School senior Marlee Absalon said. She believes that spending time with friends that she will no longer see after leaving for college is very important. It is very common to see a dip in

grades at the beginning of senior year. This is normally brought about by the lack of time caused by completing college applications, college visits, and other important senior year requirements. However a prolonged decrease in grades is the most prevalent sign of senioritis and potentially the most harmful. Many seniors believe that having a relaxed attitude towards senior year and education will have no effect. Later they find out that unfortunately it can play a major role in college acceptances. The schools and parents of these seniors are not the only ones that have realized the effect senioritis plays on a student’s grades. Many colleges place a GPA expectation on accepted seniors, and these specific students are required to meet this expectation and hold a strong GPA or risk their acceptance being removed. There are also many assumptions concerning which years of high school truly matter when it comes to college acceptance. The general perspective is that all years of high school matter and how you perform academically. “They look at all of your course-

College of the Month

Johns Hopkins University

ments frequently. “In my experience there are usually anywhere from zero to three students who will leave for a confidential medical appointment in a school year that I know of,” Van Hoomissen said. Several years ago there was a push from students’ parents for the district to go against California state law and to not allow students to leave school for health appointments without notifying the students’ parents. “I wasn’t a vice principal here during that time but, as a parent, it freaks me out that at age 12 my daughter can go to the doctor without my knowledge,” McGregor said. “I feel like she’s not old enough for that choice probably, and I imagine that’s where the parents were coming from.” But as a VP, McGregor’s concern is with the students and their health first. “We have to follow the law, and we do our best to be a go between the law and the parents and kids and sometimes those things are in conflict with each other.” There has not been a change in district policy from the parent’s urging for the school to violate state law. “I tell them their rights and that the doctors can’t call their parents – they keep it confidential,” Van Hoomissen said. “I talk with them and do encourage them to talk with an adult in their life who they trust.”

work taken throughout your 9-12 years,” Cindi Underwood, the coordinator of Granite Bay High School’s College and Career Center, said. While this is true that all years are taken into account, many individuals are unaware that specific years of high school are focused on more than others. According to the National Association of College Admissions Counselors, junior and sophomore year are seen as the most influential when it comes to how your grades affect whether or not you are accepted into college. Most colleges begin their initial application process by utilizing the GPA of the student’s sophomore and junior year. So it would be beneficial to have impressive transcripts for both of these years. The fact that colleges place a lot of weight on a student’s GPA brings about the question of whether or not a student should take easy classes and get As or challenge themselves. Colleges prefer to have students that have challenged themselves academically over those that coast through high school. They would rather a student take an AP class and receive a B than take the alternative CP class and receive an A.

Location: Baltimore, MD Enrollment: 21,372 undergraduates

Student medical appointments are portrayed above with specific, private time slots.

GBHS robotics succeeds Students participating in program reach their goals BY JACK KEHOE

jkehoe.gazette@gmail.com

n most cases, teams around the campus of Granite Bay High School are well-known and highly regarded. The Robotics team is no exception. The mission statement of this team holds true: “Granite Bay Robotics is built off the ambition to educate the next generation about engineering and technology. Through learning-by-doing, students gain valuable traits such as leadership, responsibility, and academic ambition, integrating STEM into the Granite Bay community and progressing our new Generation.” The team is run generally by the students, with the class advisor teacher helping them along the way. They also have roles for members, so some are leaders in the club. “The main goal of the program is to give students an opportunity to experience what it is like to be an engineer through building a robot,” team member David Ted said. “Also, the team fosters teamwork and leadership skills.” The members experience levels ranging from many years of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) prior to high school, to little or no experience. But there is always time to teach the less knowledgeable members the gist of what goes on. The team members also teach summer camp workshops to

Random... BY NATASHA CHANDA

Facts

middle schoolers that will be potentially coming into the program in the following years. “We build a robot, basically, while gaining leadership skills by doing so,” team member and GBHS junior Samantha Khieu said. The group has been growing each year. Founded in 1999 by GBHS physics teacher Steve Miller, it began with only of five members. As of today, the team has 76 members and is still growing. They take even the least experienced people and help them understand what they do. Additionally, the robotics team has gone to many competitions over their time as a club. Such competition require rigorous preparation. “We participate in an international competition called First Robotics Challenge,” Ted said. “Each year there is a new challenge and we design and fabricate a new robot to compete.” In 2015, the team placed within the top 8 in both of their regional competitions, and at the end of the season, were invited to participate in the World Championships in St. Louis. They did this again in 2016, making it to the Las Vegas Regional Competition. At these events, the team is known as “Team 925”, as that is their official team number for robotics clubs. Sponsorships and fundraising

It’s pretty hard to not fit in and feel important in this club. – Samantha Khieu, GBHS junior

assists the team greatly as well. They use the money to upgrade their equipment and purchase parts. “Especially as a girl, I love being on the team,” Khieu said. “Our team is a diverse crowd of individuals that respect and help each other become better people.” This is because, like any organization with goals, the team has stated values that they follow. They include: Gracious Professionalism, Hands-On Training and Experience, and a StudentLead Approach. “It’s a great experience for all types of people, even if you’re not interested in engineering,” Khieu said. “It’s pretty hard to not fit in and feel important in this club.”

Club Club

1) Male penguins will scour an entire beach for the perfect pebble to present to a potential mate.

Club Name: Young Entrepreneurs

2) Flamingoes can only eat if their heads are upside down.

Gazette: What does the club do?

3) A group of owls is called a parliament. JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY

Gazette photo illustration/CARISSA LEWIS

4) Alligators can live up to 100 years. 5) All dogs have pink tongues, except for the chow.

- Compiled by Hannah Xu

President: David Song

David: The club teaches students about business concepts and prepares students to start their own small business or startup. Gazette: When do you meet? David: We meet every Tuesday in Ms. Goldsmith’s room (611). - Compiled by Jake Criscione

Tuition: $51,010 Acceptance Rate: 11.4% Mascot: Blue Jay - Researched by McKenna Aram

Read The Gazette.

Friday, March 10, 2017

The Granite Bay Gazette

Lifestyle B3

GBHS senior pranking has failed over the years Students plot the annual 12thgrade stunt BY DEAN WILSON

dwilson.gazette@gmail.com

ithout a doubt, there are widespread differences in customs and traditions across the globe. But, one of the few, humorous traditions that many countries share is the high school senior prank. Just as it is known as “the senior prank” in the United States, it is known as “Muck Up Day” in places such as the United Kingdom and Australia. As the end of the school year approaches, students in their final year of high school seek to leave their mark on the campus in a playful, harmless way. Pranks can be as elaborate as coordinating the whole student body to dress the exact same, or as simple as parking in a peculiar place near the school. Granite Bay High School seniors once did a senior prank where seniors with parking passes got to school early and parked all

down Wellington Way, making sophomores without parking passes park far away from the school because without a parking pass, one cannot park in the parking lot. It has become a ritual among graduating seniors to brainstorm a large scale prank and put it into action. Each year, there remains the unspoken competition between the previous senior class and the current senior class to see who can supercede the other class’s prank in cleverness. Each class is eager to leave their final impression on the school’s staff and student body. But, at GBHS, it is no longer typical for students to pull off one final scheme before graduating. The pressure to behave and follow the rules tends to invoke fear of repercussions, ultimately making the senior class reluctant to do a prank. Because of senior conduct, doing a senior prank could mean that individuals involved won’t be able to walk at the graduation ceremony. In the worst case scenario, students could be suspended, ultimately hampering their plans to make it into the college they’ve had their eyes set on. 2016 GBHS graduate Allison Cooper recalls last year’s attempt to prank the school on the final day before graduation and freedom. “There were a few people who attempted

to TP the school in the early hours of the morning,” Cooper said. “They left because they found out the cops were on the way. The prank was rather underdeveloped and pretty uncreative.” Cooper explained that she and many of her peers were seriously debating devising a more creative prank, but dismissed the idea due to the scrutiny of their behavior as the year came to a close. Many graduated students that have spoken about their opinions on senior pranks feel that the tradition is misunderstood. “The biggest misconception about senior pranks is that (it involves) harming the campus or the student body,” said 2016 GBHS graduate Abriana Rowe. Garrett Franter, who graduated two years ago and never got the opportunity to partake in a prank, shed some light on the true intentions behind a senior prank. “As sappy as it may sound, a senior prank is like a thank you to the four years that we Gazette IIllustration /HANNAH XU have spent in this place,” Franter said. “But Trees covered in TP above are representative of the 2016 senior class prank. (it is) the most immature way that teenagers can express it.” So what about this year? Are seniors plan- students, the seniors that have expressed Despite the tradition being practiced annuning on breaking the streak of not putting their ideas for possible future pranks have ally throughout the world, seniors at Granite together an actual, clever prank? claimed that they will not cause any damage Bay High School haven’t executed a serious It seems that the overall consensus of to the school nor allow the possibility of prank in several years. seniors may be yes. inflicting harm. “Do I feel like there was something missMany seniors claim to have more than one “The pranks are all in good nature,” senior ing in our high school experience? Yes, I plan up their sleeve. Logan Whiney said. “Disrespecting the feel like there wasn’t a cherry on the top when graduating,” Cooper said. Congruent with the beliefs of the former campus isn’t the point of the tradition.”

C.T.E. provides hands-on studies

If you really knew me,

Health program allows students to explore careers BY SIDNEY ZABELL

you would know...

Amanda Batz

“If you really knew me, you would know that I want to visit every country.”

szabell.gazette@gmail.com

to match you where you want to go,” Chugh said. “You can write down certain departments in hospitals… and then they’ll try to accommodate you.” Slightly less than half of the class is placed at Mercy Hospital and the rest in nursing homes, senior facilities or urgent care centers. Chugh’s shift starts at 7:30 a.m. each day and she leaves for school at 10:10 a.m. According to the Placer County Office of Education website, students in the class are recommended to receive 20 credits per semester. “I would say that it’s a good experience as long as you’re flexible,” senior Ashley Martinez said. Students said that the program has so far been helful to help learn more about possible future careers in healthcare. “(It’s) an amazing program that gives students the opportunity to explore careers in health,” Shannon said. “We are truly a family of students, instructors (and) community members from all over the county that come together in a unique way to explore future career and college goals.”

In recent years, a new program has given Granite Bay High School students real-life work experience and provided a preview to careers students are interested in. “CTE WORKS is a regional program and has various locations to serve students according to their location, schedules, and various other factors,” said Carey Shannon, instructor for the Oakmont CTE WORKS Health Careers program in an email. CTE WORKS Health Careers, formerly known as 49er ROP, allows students to explore future possible occupations. “Students all participate in internship opportunities and leave all the classes prepared to pursue health related careers and higher education,” Shannon said. “Like any class, each instructor has their own style, which makes each class unique.” The Health Careers program, specifically, begins with two to two-and-a-half months of daily training in a classroom environment, either at the Auburn location or Oakmont location. The class spans the entire school year for three hours per day, giving students hundreds of hours of volunteer experience. “(It’s a) rigorous, highly engaging, hands on environment where they will master skills and be checked off before beginning their job site placements,” Shannon said. “The students then begin attending the classroom portion for one day per week and externing at their jobsite for 12 hours per week.” Students in the program are also able to get six college credits at Sierra College, a local community college, if they meet guidelines noted in the course outline. “Students have the opportunity to be hired in some of their job placements at the end of the year and are able to work in a care setting while attending college,” Shannon said. Senior Jessica Chugh claimed that she chose to take the class to gain exposure to the field and see if she would enjoy a career in the healthcare system. “For my specific class (CTE WORKS Health Careers), Tuesdays I have to go to Auburn, and every other day of the week I’m working at Mercy San Juan Medical Center,” Chugh said. Instructors place students in externships based on their interests Special to the Gazette /MARCELA CRUZ of what they are most interested in being involved in. “You write down your preference and the teachers kind of try C.T.E. students took a field trip to learn about flight nursing.

School parking vexes students

Adam Newman

“If you really knew me, you would know that I like photography.”

Each morning is a hunt to secure spots BY JAKE CRISCIONE

Alissa Ongaco

“If you really knew me, you’d know I love to swim.”

- By Sabina Mahavni

jcriscione.gazette@gmail.com

or licensed Granite Bay High School students, there are so many yet so few options as far as parking. Feist park, Wellington Way and the GBHS front parking lot are the three current options with each having their various pros and cons. Ryan Hunter, a junior at GBHS, chooses to park in the front lot due to its convenience. “Most of my friends park around me, so I get to see them in the morning,” Hunter said. The main parking lot is also the quickest and closest option for getting to campus from one’s car. GBHS junior Brent Bartholomew takes advantage of the proximity by rushing to his car after school and beating the traffic. “I am able to get out quick as long as I am one of the first ones to my car,” Bartholomew said. Despite the pros, parking in the front lot is not as desirable as it may seem. “It’s sort of dangerous,” Hunter said. “People drive really poorly, so I am afraid my car will get hit.” The front lot has many, new inexperienced drivers and is the ground for many accidents among students. Bartholomew has a similar opinion on the dangers of the main parking lot. “My truck is big and gets close to other cars which scares me sometimes,” Bar-

People drive really poorly, so I am afraid my car will get hit. – Ryan Hunter, junior

tholomew said. On top of the danger, the parking permit for the front lot is $20 and an application must be completed. Unlike Hunter and Bartholomew, junior Owen Crase decides to park along Wellington Way. “I like being able to get out fast without much traffic,” Crase said when describing the benefits of leaving after school. On the downside, however, Crase dislikes the far walk necessary to get from his car to school and vice versa. He also describes how he finds himself having to “leave early to beat the traffic and get a spot in the morning.” Similar to Hunter, Crase dislikes the faulty driving in the front lot and avoids it by parking along Wellington Way. The last and farthest option from campus for parking is Feist Park. Tyler Nickle, a sophomore at GBHS, is one of many students that choose to park in this lot. “One thing I like (about Feist) is that there are always places to park and traffic

is never that bad,” Nickle said. However, on collaboration days, Oakhills and Ridgeview Elementary Schools start at a similar time as GBHS. On these Wednesdays, there is traffic from three different schools all on one road. Nickle found this as a major downside, yet still believes it is “very manageable.” On top of that, the distance from campus is also a drawback. It is about a five minute walk from the lot to the quad. He still prefers it over the front lot and Wellington Way because of its lack of traffic on regular days. “I can get out of Feist much faster than the front lot after school,” Nickle said. Hunter supported Nickle’s suggestion when describing how “traffic can get really backed up because the roads connected to Wellington Way aren’t designed for that many cars.” Despite Nickle’s disapproval of the front parking lot, GBHS sophomores that can drive are restricted from using the main parking lot regardless of their preference. This, in turn, has caused Feist Park and Wellington Way to be popular spots for underclassmen to park. Nonetheless, for the many new drivers, it can be a tough decision determining where to park. A significant amount of thought and consideration is necessary for students to determine what option works best for them. “The decision was fairly easy for me,” Crase said. “My personal benefits for choosing Wellington Way outnumbered the negatives.”

Friday, March 10, 2017

Lifestyle B4

w The Granite Bay Gazette

Diving into the busy world of the yearbook program Students reveal the dedication it takes to put a school year’s worth of memories into one big volume BY SANJNA SAINI

ssaini.gazette@gmail.com

s course requests come in for the arriving 201617 school year at Granite Bay High School, the yearbook organization strives to create another award-winning book, yet something was odd on their roster – fewer staff members. The editor-in-chief, Selena De La Torre, said fewer students are signing up for the class because of negative connotations. “I’ve noticed that less people have been joining every year and it makes me sad,” De La Torre said. “It could be one of many reasons, like people choosing just (to take) photography, or we’re just not promoting it a lot in a positive way. It can be a challenging class at times but it’s a rewarding feeling getting the book done.” Since the roster was cut short, De La Torre confesses that there have been some difficulties with deadlines. “Some deadlines have not been met and it does delay us when we get another page assignment,” De La Torre said. “Whenever someone isn’t finished, we all pitch in to help in whatever we can to lighten the workload.” With the final deadline soon approaching, the pressure seems to be rising and the organization has found ways to make it work so they are able to produce a yearbook to send to Dallas, Texas in the upcoming months. “The deadline is March 25, but I don’t think numbers have changed,” said junior photography editor Isaac Noshka. “We knew this year that we were gonna have less people and because of that, Mrs. Cranmer made a decision to cut pages out of the book, which would make it smaller. It doesn’t affect it too much, but it does make things a little easier.” Receiving complaints from students when the yearbook team asks for interviews, mugshots or quotes, Noshka said he believes that “most people really only appreciate once it’s there.” Noshka said some people don’t realize all the hard

work that goes into making the yearbook before it’s published. “(Students) expect a yearbook but they don’t know the process,” Noshka said. “The things that we have to do might annoy them, but that’s (why) we have such a great yearbook.” Junior managing editor Lindsay said deBy the end, we Withrow signing a yearbook, have a yearbook especially with less students creating it, that’s comcan make it difficult pleted and that to contact students, we’re incredibly but one positive is that it creates “a proud of. little family at a school.” Although students – Lindsay Withrow, may find it burdenjunior managing editor some to be pulled out of class, it is a necessary process in making the yearbook come together. “I’m sure students get annoyed with us constantly trying to get information and quotes from them, but it’s really necessary,” Withrow said. “So if they can just bear with us, it’s very appreciated.” In the end, Withrow said all the interviewing and hard work will pay off. “The overall outcome of the yearbook, I highly doubt will be affected,” Withrow said. “As I said, we are very efficient and time everything so that by the end, we have a yearbook that’s completed and that we’re incredibly proud of.” For junior design editor David Goni, the hardest part will be when the seniors head off to college.

Ursus photo special to the Gazette /ISAAC NOSCHKA

Pavlina Clem helps Ethan Roberts in the yearbook class led by adviser Bernadette Cranmer. “I kind of have mixed feelings about the last deadline,” Goni said. “I’m happy that we’ll finally get to see the final product soon after the deadline is done... It’s sad because this year’s seniors are leaving, including our editor-in-chief Selena. It’s really going to be tough with her and others gone next year.” Recruiting new yearbook members can be difficult, especially when fewer and fewer people are signing up. “(I) believe (fewer) people have signed up for yearbook (because) everyone has a busy schedule, and people see how much work is put into the book and they don’t have the time to dedicate themselves completely

to staying after school hours and work,” said junior assistant photo editor Pavlina Clem. “Or simply because designing, writing and photography just aren’t a part of their interest or potential career path.” Overall, many members of the current yearbook family believe the end result is well worth the time and effort everybody puts in. “It does get challenging and it’s a big commitment, but the amount of skill you learn and the friends you make, make it all worth it,” De La Torre said. “And the finished product makes it worth it as well! Hearing great feedback makes us feel great.”

Senior conduct evokes reactions from students

Random Student

Punitive punishment proves problematic

Ella Flier

Gazette photo /LYNDSEY BANNER

Gazette: What do you like to do in your free time? Ashley: I like to hang out with my friends. Gazette: What is the best thing about Granite Bay High School? Ashley: Being in the tribe and going to sports games. Gazette: What is your favorite snack? Ashley: Fries. Gazette: How many pets do you have? Ashley: I have one dog, and I love him so much. - By Gazette staff writer Lyndsey Benner

BY SAMREEN SIDDIQUI

ssiddiqui.gazette@gmail.com

enior conduct has been discussed on the Granite Bay High School campus for years, making the topic slightly controversial. Critics of senior conduct debate the idea that it discriminates seniors from the rest of the grade levels. Genevra Ryan, a GBHS senior, voiced her opinion on this topic. “I think if (administration is) going to do something like senior conduct, it shouldn’t just target seniors,” Ryan said. “Students build habits that will be very hard to break by the time they are seniors.” Jessup McGregor, a vice principal at GBHS, talked about discussions made that debated the unintended discrimination. “Our team on site has had that conversation about implementing general student conduct because it probably would be more equitable that way,” McGregor said. “It’s a matter of prioritizing what is an urgent matter versus what is a secondary matter.” Although McGregor talked about broadening senior conduct, he doesn’t necessarily approve of it. “I’m not a fan of punitive environments,” McGregor said. “I think senior conduct is definitely a punishment for behaviors.” Even though senior conduct has a negative connotation of discipline, individuals still look at it in a positive way, GBHS senior Jack Lugo judges the conduct as

helpful. “I think (senior conduct) is effective, since (one of) the punishments for being put on it is not being able to walk at graduation,” Lugo said. Ryan also complies with the conduct’s effectiveness. “I think it’s a good way for the school to motivate kids to come to school,” Ryan said. GBHS senior Ariana Samson appreciates the encouragement the conduct gives. “Although (senior conduct) gives students a harder time if they aren’t meeting requirements,” Samson said. “It’ll motivate them to get themselves back on track.” While these students don’t mind senior conduct, McGregor addressed the anxiety that students feel from it. “From what I see, a lot of kids are concerned about getting on senior conduct and that shapes how they act,” McGregor said. “ Do I think that more seniors would be doing things that they shouldn’t be doing without senior conduct, yes.” The stress from senior conduct is working to keep seniors on decent behavior, but McGregor said the staff at GBHS doesn’t rely on it. “We are always looking for ways to help students behave appropriately in a non–punitive way,” McGregor said. “If we could do it by being more proactive, then that’s what we want to do. If we could do it by having more good conversations about things, then that’s what we want to do.” The many perspectives of senior conduct still put it up for debate. “It’s unfortunate that our school system is built around consequences for behaviors,” McGregor said. “But it’s where we are, so we have to move forward.”

I wanted to dedicate a section of our library to Black History Month – Juliana Hedstrom, GBHS librarian

HISTORY: Recognizing the oppressed Continued from page B1 “They can have the teachers talk about someone (who represents) black history or just say something over the loudspeaker,” Harper said. Currently, the only initiative GBHS takes is dedicating a section in the library to Black History Month. “I wanted to dedicate a section of our library to Black History Month so students would recognize the wonderful civil rights movement,” Hedstrom said. “I hope our school recognizes Black History month more starting from next year,” Fang said. “It’s important to honor the civil rights movement.”

National Park of the Month Lassen Volcanic National Park • It is the 10th National Park, which was founded on Aug. 9, 1916, and is located in the northeast corner of California. • Lassen Peak, which erupted several times between 1914 and 1917, is the largest plug dome volcano in the world. • All four types of volcanoes found in the world – shield, composite, cinder cone and plug dome – are found in the park. • It was occupied primarily by four Native American tribes prior to settlers: Maudi, Atsugewi, Yana and Yahi. • Lassen Volcanic National Park is home to 300 species of vertebrates including birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and fish. – compiled by Brayden Johnk, Lifestyle editor

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

Crags Lake in Lassen National Park is a popular tourist attraction in California.

Friday, March 10, 2017

Lifestyle

w The Granite Bay Gazette

Daylight Savings influences habits

Setting the clocks forward in spring is beneficial for outdoor activities BY ASHLEY YUNG

ayung.gazette@gmail.com

his year on Mar 12, Americans will only have 23 hours in the day. This is because the time zones will be set forward an hour due to Daylights Savings. There has been an ongoing dispute about whether or not going backward and forward an hour is beneficial or necessary. One reason Daylights Savings is practiced is because it saves energy. Having the clock revolve around when the sun sets and rises reduces the use of artificial light. “People can rely on the sun for light and heat instead of burning wood or lighting fossil fuels,” GBHS freshman May Lin said. Freshman Jonathan Romeo thinks that Daylight Savings is necessary because it makes it light outside when people wake up and dark when they go to bed. “It’s necessary by the earth’s rotation,” freshman Jonathan Romeo said. “We need it so that it’s not dark (outside) when it should be light.” Daylights Savings prevents those who go outside in the morning or night from being surrounded by darkness. “It allows us to spend more time in the limited amount of light,” freshman Angelina Kolosey said. For this reason, Daylight Savings is beneficial for those who participate in outdoor activities early in the morning or late at night. “It gives us the ability to do more things outside,” Lin said.

People are predominantly awake and working during the daytime, therefore, the increased daylight can increase productivity. “It causes people to be more productive and gives us full use of our days,” Kolosey said. Conversely, Daylight Savings has some drawbacks. Remembering to change the time on clocks can be a hassle. “Sometimes ... it’s annoying because you need to remember to reset all your clocks,” Kolosey said. However, with the iPhone and Apple devices, the time is automatically switched because of installed software. Some people don’t find changing the clocks a big challenge. “It’s not particularly hard to get used to Daylight Savings,” sophomore Jack Crawford said. In addition, Daylight Savings can have an effect on people’s sleeping patterns. Unless a person goes to bed an hour earlier than usual, they’ll lose an hour of sleep. This can make it more difficult to wake up in the morning because the body is used to getting more rest. Ultimately, this new sleeping pattern has an effect on schedules which can be harmful, especially for students of which many are already in need of more sleep. “Daylight Savings offsets time by an hour and upsets your schedule,” Romeo said. However, some people claim that losing or gaining an hour of sleep doesn’t make a huge or lasting

impact on them. “It’s not that hard for me to get adjusted to Daylight Savings,” Kolosey said. “(It) isn’t that big of a deal for me.” Lin, Romeo, Kolosey and Crawford agree that Daylight Savings gives and takes. In March, an hour of sleep is lost, but in November an hour is gifted back. “Sometimes it’s annoying because you lose an hour of sleep,” Kolosey said. “But it’s a plus when you get to gain an hour of sleep.” So, although some may complain when an hour of sleep is lost, there is usually rejoice when that hour is regained in the fall. This year, Daylight Savings in the fall will occur on Sunday, November 5. “It all balances out,” Lin said. Most areas in North America and Europe, including the United States, use Daylight Savings Time. However, most areas of Asia and Africa do not. Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands are all regions that do not observe Daylight Savings. Some students have positive feelings towards America in participating in Daylight Savings, yet some have negative ones. Then, there are the people who have no opinions. “I couldn’t care less (if we keep Daylight Savings),” Crawford said. Observing Daylight Savings continues to remain controversial in reference to the true necessity of it. The debate continues not just among GBHS students, but, the world.

Early graduates keep busy working Seniors who departed in December miss school activities BY CAROLINE PALMER

cpalmer.gazette@gmail.com

ive thousand hours of high school. That’s the amount of time that all students spend in what may feel like the longest four years of their life. Exactly half of the states in the United States have requirements regarding students graduating from high school early. Since California does not have statewide regulations, it is up to school districts to make the decision. In the Roseville Joint High School District, to graduate early, a student must complete all graduation requirements. Since most students follow the typical schedule for high school, they graduate at the end of the academic year time with their class. In December of 2016, 19 students in the class of 2017 met all of the graduation requirements and made the decision to graduate early. The number of students that have made the decision to graduate early has remained about the same over the years. According to information released from the GBHS Registrar, the number of seniors who have graduated after the fall term has remained around 19 or 20 since 2010.

There are a few juniors on campus who will be graduating with the class of 2017. Deciding whether or not you want to graduate early can be one of the hardest parts of the entire high school process. Students often have to rearrange schedules to fit in graduation requirements. “I decided junior year (to graduate early) when I realized that I didn’t need to stay the whole year.” former Class of 2017 early graduate, Devin Engeldinger said. Engeldinger says he made the decision because once he realized that he only had a few requirements left and could finish them in one semester, he didn’t see the point in taking unnecessary electives. Since his graduation in December, Engeldinger has since moved back to Texas where he lived before moving to California. “(One of) the biggest down sides of graduating early is missing out on senior events,” early graduate Alexis Hazelett said. One of the largest events in the spring is Powder Puff which is an annual football game where senior girls compete against junior girls. Students can participate both years. Hazelett says she is sad that she won’t be able to participate in the game, but she is happy that she was able to be a member of the team junior year. Alexis Hazelett is currently working five days a week at Learning Express and as a Realtors Assistant. She is also currently working on her Realtors License, which she will receive by the beginning of April.

BOOK

of the MONTH Title: Wintergirls Author: Laurie Halse Anderson

LAURIE HALSE ANDERSON

TOP Mikuni Rolls Nine-One-One Roll (spicy tuna)

Judie Two Roll (spicy tuna,

crab mix, avocado, eel, masago and onion)

Carmen Roll

(fried lobster, crab mix, spicy dream sauces, masago, onion)

Carmichael Roll (panko

shrimp, crab mix, avocado, tuna, sauce, masago, onion)

Kaiser Roll

Special to the Gazette /AMANDA HAHN

Early graduate Alexis Hazelett works at Learning Express toy store. While graduating early can be what some seniors dream of, Hazelett claims there is a bit of a downside. “I miss (high school) sometimes,” Hazelett said. “I don’t see my friends often and I wish I was still in dance and art.” For many high school students, spring of their senior year is considered the best part of high school. In between the countdown to graduation, seniors get to participate in events specifically for the graduating class. While some graduates, like Megan Cline, are excited to come back and participate in the events that she is allowed to be apart of, not all students will make the trip back. Engeldinger says that he misses his friends that he made at GBHS while playing football, he won’t be coming

back for events because his long term goals come first. Leaving high school can be hard for a lot of people and making the decision to leave early can often be harder. “I miss feeling comfortable and knowing where everything is,” Cline said. “But I’m happy with the new chapter in my life.” While high school can be the best years of some people’s lives, it is not for everyone. “Have a plan for yourself after you graduate,” Hazelett said. “Stay in contact with your friends. Think about everything you’ll miss and make sure you’re okay with that.” Whether that’s joining every club on campus, or only spending three years on campus, it’s important to remember to

(yellowtail, seared tuna, avocado, cucumber, , crab mix, panko shrimp, sauce, masago, onion)

Benjamin Roll (eel, seared tuna, panko shrimp, crab mix, avocado, jalapenos, sauce, torched, masago and onion)

Kings Roll

(sesame chicken, soy wrap, sauce)

The Great Gatsby of mice and men Romeo and Juliet

Grapes of Wrath

BY KALEY DOVER

kdover.gazette@gmail.com

“Eating was hard. Breathing was hard. Living was hardest.” Ten years after Laurie Halse Anderson’s award winning novel, “Speak” she once again manages to portray the hidden, darker side of teen life through telling the story of Lia Overbrook, an 18 year old girl who suffers from anorexia and self harm. “Wintergirls” isn’t ridiculously cheesy like most teen novels and doesn’t shove a lesson down the reader’s throat. It also manages to not be morbidly depressing like many novels with these topics are, as it ends with hope. The novel starts with Lia learning of her ex-best friend’s death, Cassie, which causes

her to spiral downward and worsens the effects of the disease she suffers from, since she blames herself for Cassie’s death. Because of this, and the nature of anorexia, Lia craves to control her life and the only way that she feels she is able to is through restricting what she eats and hurting herself. To those who have suffered from depression, anorexia or from self harm, Lia’s story is eerily familiar with elements of feeling numb, ashamed and going to extreme lengths to try and appear as though nothing is wrong. For those who are fortunate enough to not have suffered from these affiliations, it is like a look into another world.

Annie Roll

(spicy tuna, panko shrimp, avocado, yellowtail, seared rare tuna, sauce, masago, onion)

Fair Oaks Roll

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Incredible Roll (spicy tuna, panko shrimp, tuna, white tuna, avocado, sauce, torched, masago, onion

- Compiled by Emily Talmi

B6 Lifestyle

Friday, March 10, 2017

w The Granite Bay Gazette

Special to the Gazette /OLGA PROCTOR Special to the Gazette /JULIE HAZELETT

Special to the Gazette /RACHEL MENDOZA

Preview to Prom Looking behind the scenes at the annual dance for juniors BY MEGAN NIMTZ

mnimtz.gazette@gmail.com

ne of most anticipated events of the year for high school juniors is the opportunity to attend Junior

Prom. In the past, Granite Bay High School did not have a junior prom on campus. Students took it upon themselves to put on Junior Prom off campus so their class could have a unique opportunity to bond with one another and fundraise for future events. This year it will be held on campus on again, and juniors are actively preparing for the event. Junior prom offers something for everyone and groups often have different plans in terms of what they do before and after the dance. “We went to someone’s house for pictures and it was pouring, so we canceled our reservation at the Granite Bay Golf Club, and then went to Chicago Fire for dinner,” senior Gemma Rizzuto said about last year’s Junior Prom. Rizzuto attended last year and plans on attending again this year. Expenses are always a concern for many when it comes to formal dances. “I don’t remember the prices being too high – not high enough for me to remember,” senior Jack Lugo said. “Our group wasn’t very expensive at all,” Rizzuto said. “Some girls wore fancy, expensive dresses, but others were super simple and inexpensive.” Due to unfortunate weather conditions

during last year’s Junior Prom, students were unable to make the absolute most of the night. “Since it was raining we only went to the dance for about 10 minutes and it was freezing, but the school really tried to make the best out of it,” Rizzuto said. Regardless of the conditions or how expensive an individual’s dress is, the event is still one to remember. “I would tell everyone to make the best of whatever happens and just go with the flow. You only go to high school once, and these are some of the best memories you will have,” Rizzuto said. In preparation for the upcoming prom night, students have different rituals as to how they are preparing for the event. “I’ll probably end up doing my own nails at home, and I’ll get my hair done by one of our family friends,” said junior Claire Lugo. “I enjoy doing my own makeup, so I’m planning on doing my own and anyone else’s in my group that needs or wants theirs done.” Junior prom preparation covers many different things, especially for the girls. “For days in advance we girls have to find a dress and maybe some shoes and schedule makeup and hair appointments. Plus we also have to make plans such as picture spots, dinner and what to do after,” junior Maddie Tastor said. “On the day of, I go get my hair and makeup done, go out to dinner and do pictures with whatever group I’m going with,” Tastor said. Unlike other dances, Junior Prom does

not have a set theme – it is just considered formal. “We don’t really have a theme,” junior class president Taylor Stiern said. “The colors we’re using are blue and gold and our message is ‘Good times come and go, but the memories will last forever.’” Since the event is in the evening and groups normally go out to dinner, there will be simple snacks served. “There will mainly be desserts and beverages,” Stiern said. Attendance is always the main concern when it comes to any school event. “I’m thinking attendance will be pretty high,” Stiern said. “We are hoping for around 350 students to attend this year which will be more than last year’s amount which was around 320.” In order to make the event more formal, Granite Bay has the dance in a tent in the quad instead of in the cafeteria like all the normal dances. “It’s hard to transform the cafeteria,” GBHS activities director Tamara Givens said. “Once you get in the tent you really do feel like you’re at an outside event. I really do love the tent idea because I think it makes it special for the juniors.” This year, Junior Prom will be in the tent once again, but there is always a concern about the weather. “We’re planning on doing the tent, but hopefully it won’t rain,” Givens said. “It’s doable in the rain, but it’s not ideal.” The anticipation grows as the event gets closer and countless juniors look forward to a memorable night at Junior Prom.

Special to the Gazette /DIANA MARIOTT

Special to the Gazette /CINDY MILLER

Emily Schofield and Haylee Miller, bottom left, show off their glamorous prom dresses. Chloe Miller and Diana Garcia, bottom middle, embrace each other before the camera. A group of formerly junior girls gather together in preparation for the evening’s festivities. Sydney Mendoza and Jake Van Order, upper left, color coordinate with a matching bowtie and dress. A group of formerly junior boys, upper middle, pose for an all-men photo before going to Junior Prom with their dates. Michael Colosimo and Alexis Hazelett, upper right, go together as a couple to the dance.

Special to the Gazette /OLGA PROCTOR

Sports

Granite Bay Gazette

COMMENTARY

Friday w March 10, 2017

Standout junior racks up Division 1 offers Will Craig shows next level potential BY MAX SCHWARTZ

mschwartz.gazette@gmail.com

will anderson wanderson.gazette@gmail.com

Bye Demarcus: Is the front office next?

The Granite Bay High School football program has a long history of raising collegiate and pro level athletes and junior William Craig is continuing this tradition. Over recent months, Craig has received over 10 division one offers – a reflection of both his talent and dedication. “I started playing football in 6th grade,” Craig said. “I liked the sport right off the bat

and continued to play.” His enjoyment of football has continued throughout high school, and has started to intensify over the past two years. “It wasn’t until sophomore year that I really thought I would be playing football in college. Before then I was just playing because I liked the sport.” Craig said When Craig finally got to high school, head GBHS football coach Jeff Evans said that he performed the same way they thought he would. “Will has filled the lofty expectations that we have had for him,” Evans said. Craig’s dominate presence on the field is what really makes him stand out. “I pride myself on my run blocking

fter trading Demarcus Cousins to the New Orleans Pelicans, the Sacramento Kings are Cousins free for the first time since 2009. However self-centered Cousins was while he was on the court in Sacramento, however he treated the media or teammates doesn’t matter – the trade isn’t about Cousins. This trade is a reflection of a terrible front office that has run an organization into the ground. Yes, the trade was handled incredibly poorly, but why is that a surprise? Everything in recent years has been handled incredibly poorly by the Kings front office. Besides maybe the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Kings have been the worst sports franchise in America over the past decade. And what hurts Kings fans most, is that the best big man in the NBA was given away for a bag of chips and some spare change. But the deal wasn’t that bad, the Kings received a first-round pick in the upcoming draft! Right? Wrong. Over the past six years, all of the Kings draft picks combine to have a career line of 6.3 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists – not glamorous to say the least. Bad luck perhaps? Wrong again. The Kings have had 10 straight losing seasons so they have had their fair share of top 10 draft picks – nine of their last 11 to be exact. Since this issue is clearly more than just coaching and players, let’s evaluate those at the helm. General Manager Vlade Divac said in an interview that he had better offers than the one he accepted for Cousins. Again, Divac said this publicly, let that sink in. That is like telling your boss that you had the time, resources and capability to do a better job – but you didn’t. And now for owner Vivek Ranadivé, the man who once proposed a four man defense that would have a designated cherry picker on offense as the fifth man on the court – yes he actually wanted a professional team to do this. Ranadivé says Buddy Hield, one of the players the Kings received in exchange for Cousins, has Stephen Curry potential. Hield did have a great senior season at the University of Oklahoma, but the guy was fighting for minutes on a team with a .404 winning percentage, how great can he be? Maybe Hield is the next Curry, but as a 23 year old rookie – at best – he isn’t developed until he is 27. Compare that to an established Kyrie Irving, who is only 24 – I just don’t see Hield getting multiple MVP’s such as Curry has. So there is good news and bad news for the Kings fan base and franchise. The good news is that you got rid of Demarcus Cousins. The bad news is that you got rid of Demarcus Cousins! Kings fans, say goodbye to the subpar Sacramento Cousins, and welcome back the subpar Sacramento Kings.

***

Will Anderson, a junior, is a Sports editor.

C Section

mostly,” Craig said. Craig added that he wouldn’t be able to shine on the field without his fellow lineman. “The whole line has to be in harmony for things to work. We all have a specific job to do and we all count on each other,” Craig said Evans accredits Craig’s success to a plethora of features. “During each individual play, Will is very athletic and very strong,” Evans said. “He has a very rare combination of size, agility, and strength that we usually do not see out of high school football players.” Evans also said how coachable of a player Craig is. Adding that “he is able to absorb the coaching that he gets during the week”

Will Craig Junior prepares himself to continue his football career as a college athlete.

and is still able to “produce on Friday nights.” Evans continued by saying that it is not just Craig’s physical prowess that makes him dominant. See CRAIG, page C3

GBHS track & field team bursting at the seams Gazette Photo /SURINA KHURANA

Hayden Brake, a GBHS senior, warms up for his pole vaulting event during the Clark Massey Invitational meet on Feb. 25, in Rancho Cordova.

Coaches and players adjust to larger squad size during 2017 season BY SURINA KHURANA

skhurana.gazette@gmail.com

Every year the Granite Bay High School track and field team has been known to sweep local competition, bringing home numerous titles and setting records. This year, they plan to do so with the largest team GBHS has ever seen. Although the roster has 156 athletes, team members say the size usually doesn’t pose too many issues. Senior Hayden Brake, a pole vaulter, says because the team splits up during practices into event-specific groups, it’s not “too

tough to corral everyone.” Sprinters, for example, practice separately from the pole vaulters, throwers, hurdlers and distance runners. The only time the whole team is together is while warming up. Jackie Nasca, the head coach of the team since 2009, says team warm ups together, as opposed to in their distinct groups, are extremely important to her. “It’s the only time they’re really together,” Nasca said. “I want to see the whole group running together and when they get their uniforms on, with the size that we are, it’ll look like a big force. We are trying to get them to be a little

more involved so we can … not only see, but also feel a little more team camaraderie.” Nasca added that gaining team camaraderie is difficult, not only because of the size of the team, but also because of the different events athletes participate in. “I think it’s harder for us than for soccer, baseball (or ) other team sports,” Nasca said. “It’s a smaller group and they are all playing the same game whereas (with track) it’s like ‘I got to go throw’ and we have to walk a mile and leave the track to see them.” Nasca added that discus throwers often compete outside the traditional track stadium or in

a separate stadium altogether, making it difficult for their team members to cheer them on. Including Nasca, the team has 10 coaches who all contribute to managing such a large team. “I have three people for the sprint and distance group, the largest group,” Nasca said. “The (sprinters and distance runners) co-mingle. There are two of us for throws. We have one (coach) doing jumps and one doing pole vault.” On Feb. 25, the team competed in its first meet of the year, the Clarke Massey Relays. With three first place finishes and 14 personal records, the athletes set the

bar high for the remainder of the season. Brake and senior Drew Robles placed first and second, respectively, in pole vault. Brake vaulted at 14’ 6” and Robles at 14’. The GBHS varsity girls’ 4x200 meter relay team consisting of Jada Harper, Alexandra Box, Abbie Monk and Janelle Cruz won the event. The varsity boys’ DMR 1200400-800-1600 relay team consisting of Tre Lockwood, Chris Harris, Ricky Frank and Jake Ritter also placed first. See TRACK, page C3

Intimidation on social media impacts Powder Puff game

Administration increases online supervision

BY WHITNEY KNORP

wknorp.gazette@gmail.com

Powder Puff has long emphasized respectful behavior in its guidelines both on and off the field, but now these rules are more strictly being extended to the internet. The rules have been forced to accommodate our ever-changing world by focusing on spaces where the teams students are spending more and more of their time – social media. “All Powder Puff players agree to a Player Code of Conduct when they turn in their packet – and the rules state that anyone who violates the rules could possibly be removed from this year’s game and (juniors from) next year’s game as well,” Granite Bay High School assistant principal Melanie Pando said in an email. Pando also encourages the teams to focus

on positive messages, cheer for their own team and avoid any questionable posts that may be seen as a violation of the rules. “Any negative energy has the potential to impact emotions and trigger reactions,” Pando said. “Student safety is our number one priority at school – and anything that might compromise student safety, such as reactions to negative posts, texts or words is not acceptable.” Aya Atassi is a GBHS senior who played in Powderpuff last year on the junior team and experienced a lot of tension and intimidation due to the way some players used social media to express competitiveness. “Well, for one, I saw the famous hashtag ‘#BAJ’ (Break A Jaw),” Atassi said. “I saw a lot of just negative tweets about us See POWDER PUFF, page C3

Gazette file photo, 2016 /CARISSA LEWIS

Genna Kozlowski, a GBHS senior, lines up as she competes in last years game.

inside sports Grizz Quiz

Fan of the Month

C3 C4

Athlete of the Month C5

Gymnastics

GB Stunt Team

GBHS students discuss pressures of being a gymnast

Stunt at GBHS will start next year

Winter Sports Recap Take a look at the spring programs

Friday, March 10, 2017

Sports C2

w The Granite Bay Gazette

Gymnastics trend declining with GBHS athletes Students discuss how being a gymnast requires mental as well as physical strength BY ISABELLA TKACHUK itkachuk.gazette@gmail.com

Special to the Gazette /CHAMPION IMAGES

GBHS junior Sebastian Abedi competes in the 2016 gymnastic Junior Olympic National Championship.

As athletes begin taking sports at a young age seriously, they usually continue in hopes to one day master their skills. Gymnastics, on the other hand, has seen a major popularity decline within the studentathlete community. GBHS junior Hannah Mortensen quit gymnastics after 10 years of participating in the sport. “I had to stop during the summer between my freshman and sophomore year because of a back injury that would’ve caused permanent damage if I continued,” Mortensen said. The injuries that came along with gymnastics were not the only things blockading Mortensen from continuing her career as a gymnast. “I practiced 5 hours a day and 6 days a week,” Mortensen said. “I was in the gym more than I was with my family and more than I was at school.” Despite the commitment, Mortensen did appreciate the many positives that came with the sport. “(Gymnastics) truly shaped me into the person I am today,” Mortensen said. “It makes a person disciplined, respectful and self-motivated.” After suggesting that gymnastics has given her most of the positive qualities that she now possesses, Mortensen said that she wouldn’t necessarily recommend being a gymnast to

young children. “I probably wouldn’t put my kids in gymnastics,” Mortensen said. “Although I gained so many real life lessons and amazing relationships, I just think that a kid should get to be a kid and you don’t get to do that necessarily with gymnastics.” GBHS junior Haley Wegzyn faced similar challenges when debating whether or not she should continue gymnastics. “(I realized) it took up too much time,” Wegzyn said. “I had too many fears which caused me to lose interest in the sport.” After 11 years of competing, Wegzyn determined that she did benefit from being a gymnast. “I liked the friendships I made and the exercise,” Wegzyn said. Being a gymnast takes a lot of willpower and mental endurance, for it is not only physically, but also emotionally taxing. The sport has seen a decline in the women’s sector of GBHS athletes, but on the men’s side, junior Sebastian Abedi continues his love for gymnastics. “I think the main reason people around my age quit gymnastics is because how hard the commitment is between training 20 plus hours a week and having to do school,” Abedi said. Despite the long hours of strenuous workouts, Abedi has

still maintained the passion he developed when he began 11 years ago. “What I love about gymnastics is the feeling of being in the air and to be able to control my body and make it do all these different skills,” Abedi said. Abedi does recognize that because of his commitment, he has to make sacrifices when it comes to his social life. “The one thing is the sacrifice I have to make between hanging out with friends,” Abedi said. “ I have 4 hour practices Monday-Saturday.” Abedi recognizes the reasons behind some athletes wanting to quit once they have reached a high level. The main difference with men’s and women’s gymnastics is not the mental strength that is required in order to be able to continue, it is the number of events that the gymnast may compete in. “Men’s gymnastics has 6 events and women’s only has 4 events,” Abedi added. Abedi believes that being a gymnast brings about benefits other than muscle, strength and total body fitness. Despite the negatives, the positives seem to outweigh them, and ultimately having a passion for the sport is what will drive an athlete’s desire to want to continue. “I do plan on pursuing gymnastics in college,” Abedi said. “Gymnastics is what I love and I don’t want to ever stop.”

Recognition for dive team grows as many join Members are frustrated with lack of equipment BY LYNDSEY BENNER lbenner.gazette@gmail.com

jjjThe Granite Bay High School dive team is one of the only teams at Granite Bay that has to travel to a different school for practice. GBHS does not have its own diving boards, so students have to go to Bella Vista High School. “I personally dislike the fact that dive practice is not at the high school and think it’s a huge inconvenience that I have to drive far away just so I can practice,” said Bailey Mamone, a GBHS senior on the dive team. “ It’s unfair that every other sport has the proper equipment and mine doesn’t.” GBHS is about a seventeen minute drive from BVHS. Mamone said she is frustrated by not having the equipment, but also understands that the team is one of the smallest on campus so there is not huge demand for the school to invest in it.

“I definitely think (not having diving boards on campus) does affect the size of the team because it’s a really long way to travel for practice,” said Melia Stout a Junior on the GBHS dive team. The team has not been mentioned on the GBHS bulletins and most students who are on the team get their information through word of mouth. “If (the dive team) was advertised on the bulletin and the students were told where they can sign up and when practices were that would be nice,” Stout said. “It’s not really advertised at all.” “The size of the team has a lot to do with advertisement because most students on campus don’t even realize the school has a dive team,” Mamone said. Even though the team may be small, the divers are looking to improve from last season. They are working on new dives and skills hoping to be successful in sections and section finals. “The level of difficulty will be raised from last year and the team dynamic is really good this year,” Stout said. The dive team does not make cuts and anyone See DIVE, page C4

Athletes make sacrifices GBHS students juggle athletics and events

to have a healthy and balanced When asked whether or not lifestyle, they need to have time sports and an adequate social to maintain those friendships and life could coexist, many athletes jjjFinding a balance between have found a way to merge these get away from the sport when sports and social activities is a possible,” said Mark Broers, the ties and create one harmonious common issue for most teenage head coach of the GBHS womrelationship. athletes who are faced with the en’s varsity soccer “Swim and continuous conundrum of having Water Polo team. “I’m hoping to choose between practices, I learned to they have time to have become a games, movie date, or hanging find other things to big part of my prioritize the out with friends. . do that they enjoy social life,” said “Many times I am unable to at- Tyler Boyer, a things that I even if it is just tend social events such as dances, GBHS Junior, love, because hanging out with sports games and other activifriends.” and Varsity ties because of the commitment I know I need Though this Boy’s Swimmer swimming requires” coexistence is atthem all in my and Water Polo said Spencer Richard, a Granite tainable, athletes player. “The life. Bay High Junior and Varsity are still bound by polo team at GB Boy’s Swimmer. the severity of a trains together Along with all other sports, – Nicolette Lewis, junior sport’s commityear round, and commitment is the underlying ment. because of that requirement for when an athlete With huge events signs up. Expressing their loyalty, we’re all really such as Junior close.” an athlete must vow to commit Prom and Powderpuff, many are Boyer believes the two go hand their time and effort. Richard struggling with the harsh reality finds that his loyalty to his athlet- in hand. His friendship with his that they must let go of one or the teammates compensate for the ics ultimately bears more weight, other. tipping the balance in favor of his loss of social events and activi“Most of the time I have to ties. sport. choose sports over big events,” “Working hard and staying “I learned to prioritize the said Makena Blackburn, a GBHS things that I love, because I know focused for my athletics now, is Junior, and varsity girl’s soccer more important than my social I need them all in my life”, said life, because I will have a chance player. Nicolette Lewis, a GBHS junior “I have to go to a soccer tourto socialize in college,” Boyer and varsity girl’s soccer player. nament in Las Vegas instead of said. With many years of experience, Coaches are also very aware of Junior Prom, but luckily enough, Lewis has come to learn how to be both an athlete and a socialite. the pressure and stress that affects Powderpuff doesn’t conflict with any sports events,” Blackburn athletes in regards to balancing Advocating for both, she has added. adapted a system of prioritization social activities and sports. Along with Blackburn, Richard “ Athletes make huge sacriand chooses the event that seems fices in that area, and in order to reign more supreme. See ATHLETES, page C4 BY EMILY TALMI

etalmi.gazette@gmail.com

Special to the Gazette /AUDREY WAGNER

GBHS junior Melia Stout prepares to do a flip on the diving board at practice at Bella Vista.

Cut-sports not always fair Athletes discuss pros and cons BY SIDNEY ZABELL szabell.gazette@gmail.com

jjjThe highly competitive nature of several Granite Bay High School sports has led to many students turning to one of the many nocut sports the school has to provide. Sports such as basketball and volleyball have a limited number of spots for athletes, resulting in many instead participating in sports like swim, wrestling, track and field or cross country. These sports allow any student to join the team, so teams are often have many members. Sophomore Jake McKillop is currently on the GBHS JV track and field team, and was also on the JV basketball team this season. “I really haven’t given much thought (to) it being a no-cut sport,” McKillop said. McKillop joined the Olympus Junior High School track and field team in seventh grade, and is currently in his fourth season of the sport. “I feel like because it’s no-cut, people don’t really fret about it as much,” McKillop said. “If they miss a practice, they’re not really as worried about it… (and) because there’s no cuts, it just doesn’t have the same attitude or vibe.” Sophomore Jacquelyn Wild, a member of the GBHS track and field team, said that she doesn’t think the no-cut aspect of track results in athletes giving less effort. “I like that it’s no-cut because it’s an option for people who want to join a sport but are

Jake McKillop Early graduate reveals her signing experience at GBHS. kihgkldfnbnbnvnbcvnbnvcbn

intimidated or don’t make a team.” Wild said. “There are definitely many athletes who take track seriously that are dedicated and want to get better and perform their best at meets.” “I think that kids that are in… no cut sports oftentimes feel as though they can leave the sport at anytime,” said Mike Trout, GBHS Spanish teacher and assistant coach for freshman football, track and field and wrestling. “The effort varies depending on the athlete and how much time and effort they want to put into it, but I think there is a difference between cut sports and non cut sports as far as effort overall.” Trout says that in no-cut sports, some kids may not give as much effort simply because there are a larger pool of people in the sport as opposed to sports that cut. This opens the door to more students coming into the sport that aren’t fully committed. “When you have the cut (sport) kids, it’s like… you’ve gotten the ones you want that you know are gonna give the full effort,” Trout said. Football is also a no-cut sport, however, it receives much more attention from students and often seems to be taken more seriously by the athletes. “If you look at the amount of people that attend football and the cultural emphasis on football… you have many people that love football in general in society,” Trout said. Students share a similar view of football, too. See CUT, page C4

Friday, March 10, 2017

Grizz Quiz

The Granite Bay Gazette

Compiled by Sanjna Saini

Chris McCaron Soccer

Who is your favorite athlete?

Lionel Messi

What is your ideal game day meal?

Adidas or Nike?

What is your favorite pump up song?

Sports C3

Janelle Cruz Track

Sydney Mclaughlin

A sandwich

Juice or something with sugar before I race

Adidas

Nike

Jonathan Karabinus Football

Sarah Thomas Soccer

Lionel Messi

Acai or trail mix

Arshan Mizani Football

Giannis Antetokounmpo

Dwayne Wade

Spaghetti

Nike

Steak and potatoes

Nike

Tunnel Vision – Kodak Black

If anything pumps me up, its my teammates

Remember the Name – Fort Minor

Water – Kodak Black

Lucifer – Jay Z

Prison Break

Grey’s Anatomy

The Office

Parks and Recreation

What is your favorite T.V. show?

Freshman gains valuable lessons on and off the court BY ASHLEY YUNG

ayung.gazette@gmail.com

Ellen Taylor, currently a freshman at Granite Bay High School, just finished her first season playing for the GBHS girls’ freshman basketball team. Prior to this, Taylor played basketball both years in junior high school and for an AAU team. Taylor found her passion for basketball in the third grade when she decided to join the Junior Grizzlies basketball team because that’s what her friends were doing. Five years later, she is still playing basketball.

Nowadays she is driven by a love for the sport that has developed over the years. Taylor’s love for basketball comes from an appreciation of the tactics and wit in the game, along with the physical aspect. “I like the competition and strategy of it,” Taylor

said. Basketball has taught her important skills, vital to life off of the court that will last forever. One such skill, is teamwork. Anyone who plays a team sport knows that they can’t win purely based on their own efforts. “I’ve learned that people need to cooperate in order to succeed,” said Taylor Not only that, but basketball taught her time management. Taylor has learned how to balance a busy schedule in order to excel in both school and basketball – which isn’t always easy. She says that she does her homework in the evening right after basketball practice which doesn’t

leave time for much else. But those aren’t the only things basketball has taught Taylor. “I’ve learned to respect other teams, coaches and referees,” Taylor said. Most importantly, Taylor has built valuable relationships. “I’ve made really strong friendships and met some of my best friends (through basketball),” Taylor said. Taylor hopes to continue basketball for the rest of her high school career and maybe throughout college. However, one thing is for sure, her love for the sport isn’t going away anytime soon.

CRAIG: Student-athlete prepares to compete at collegiate level, anticipates 2017 fall season Continued from page C1 “It is a mistake people make to write off his success due to his size and speed. All of his physical attributes only add up to so much.” Like many athletes, Craig was in uncharted territory after receiving his first few offers and still is as he continues to receive more and more looks and offers. “It has been a bit overwhelming, but I’m

very thankful for all of them,” Craig said. As a whole, Craig appreciates and recognizes the importance of his peers and relatives throughout the entire recruiting process. “My teammates and family are all very supportive through everything,” Craig said When Janet Craig, Will’s mother, started to see the letters come in from prestigious universities, all that was happening really set in.

“Will has participated in sports from a young age because he enjoyed them – not with the goal of obtaining a scholarship. So when scholarship offers began for football this past summer, it was thrilling and unexpected,” Janet Craig said. Craig’s first offer, from Sacramento State, occurred right on the field during his visit and was one of the more special ones. “It was very unexpected – kind of like

winning the lottery,” Janet Craig said. When a player has received numerous offers, a lot of pressure is presented to them to perform well. Acknowledging the pressure, Craig still assured that there is “no way will it affect how I play this next season.” Coach Evans stated that the real pressure is not always from performance or how many looks a Craig is getting. “(It’s) going to be whether or not he can

stay grounded, stay focused on his schooling and the positive behaviors that earned him these opportunities and stay humble,” Evans said. As Craig continues his school campaign as a captain of the team in his 2017 season, her will continue to show his hard work and humility. “We have zero doubt in Will’s ability to handle this pressure,” Evans said. “He is a better person than a player.”

TRACK: Coaches, players POWDER PUFF: Students say harsh smack talk is going too far adjust to different team size Continued from page C1

Continued from page C1

Lockwood says he has been running since he was a junior high school student and has “grown to love the sport itself as well as all the people that are involved.” Freshman Jada Harper, too, added that though the large team is broken into smaller, individual groups, she loves being on the team. “It’s a really good team sport,” Harper said. “The people in it are really social and fun.” Harper mentioned that she, like Lockwood, ran during junior high. Another motivating factor for her joining the GBHS team, she says, was because her family is “a track family.” Harper’s older brother Jarad is currently on the team, competing in the 4x200-meter relay and long jump. She said that her sister also did track while at GBHS and ever since then she has wanted to be a part of the team. Though track runs in Harper’s blood, many others have joined the team to excel not only in a new sport, but also in another sport like football or soccer. “We had a couple more football players come out and I think they’re going to stick it out,” Nasca said. “It’s great for the football players to come out - there’s a lot of talent there. We just want

them to commit to our team and if (they) can, (they) will undoubtedly be some of the fastest people on the football team.” Nasca added that the individual aspect of track is unique and cannot be felt through exclusively playing a traditional team sport. “When you cross the finish line in a relay or 100-meter dash, the glory is yours,” Nasca said. “Sometimes that’s nice to be the fastest one on the track instead of on the best team.” While track is much more individual-based and less team oriented, teammates say they enjoy the balance between team and individual aspirations. Brake attributes this aspect as one of the contributors to the large team. “I think there are so many people on the team this year because it’s a great way to get in shape, and some of the events look pretty fun, but mostly because of the social aspect,” Brake said. “The thought of joining the track team is appealing to those who have friends on the team and have not much to do otherwise. So it’s like ‘Hey, why not? Let’s do track.’ “And although everyone competes individually, there’s still a lot of camaraderie between team members. A lot of friendships are made during the season.”

stepping down because we were juniors at the time.” The negativity surrounding the 2016 Powder Puff game, because of social media’s role, left many players feeling unsettled according to Atassi. “No one wanted to play – people had been crying all week about it. They were afraid,” Atassi said. “It no longer was a fun thing the girls could do to have a Friday night experience.” Atassi said that she doesn’t think repercussions are always appropriate, and that they should be handled with careful consideration. She also added that this is because she was suspended for half

of the game, because of suspected misconduct on her phone, even though it was searched and there were no signs of wrongdoing. Jordyn Sloan, a GBHS senior, also found the negativity that began on social media to be distracting to players’ abilities to enjoy a safe and fun game. “I remember me and many other players didn’t see it as just friendly competition, but a lot (of people) were actually scared to play and were scared that they were going to get hurt,” Sloan said. “I remember crying at half time because this one girl threatened to punch me right before the time ran out.” Sloan said that the smack talk was taken too far on social media, and agrees that there should be punishments for those who post

threatening content towards the other team. “I think it’s a competitive environment, so there will always be some back and forth in the weeks before the game,” Sloan said. “But I do not think it should be to the point where people actually feel scared for their safety.” Tamara Givens runs the Powder Puff event and strongly encouraged players to just have fun and not take it too seriously or spread hateful messages. “It’s just Powder Puff. It’s not real. and I’m the first to say that – and it’s our event – it’s just fun,” Givens said. “I feel like any kind of negative stuff that takes away, anything that makes kids afraid to go play or makes them feel like people are out to get them – that’s

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not fun.” Givens added that after the social media drama of the previous Powder Puff game, administrators asked her to make sure the rules were clear this year – that negative social media repercussions may compromise players’ ability to play in the game. Pando says that they monitor social media as best as they can, but often hear about social media activity through reports from students who are affected by it prior to, after or during the game. “As I mentioned at the Powder Puff player meeting – let’s keep this positive and encourage and cheer on our own team,” Pando said. “Keep the focus on your team: play your best, be safe, have fun and win!”

Sports C4

Friday, March 10, 2017

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Levels of benefits from club vs school athletics

GBHS student-athletes contrast the competitiveness in their club sports with their school sports BY JACK MCGRAIL

jmcgrail.gazette@gmail.com

There has always been a difference between high school sports teams and club sports teams, but student-athletes and coaches find there to be important and unique aspects of both of these seasons. Despite the pros and cons of both club and school teams, most student-athletes find time to play both. Zach Wong, a current Granite Bay High School varsity soccer player and junior, feels the biggest difference between respective sports teams is the speed of play. “You have to make decisions a lo

faster,” Wong said. “Club soccer is more focused on technical skills and playing as a team.” Playing competitive club soccer for 5 years, and on the GBHS varsity team for the past 3 years, Wong uses extensive soccer experience to learn the keys to success in the two very different play styles. “I like high school soccer because you get to play on the team with your friends that you usually wouldn’t get to play with,” Wong said. High school sports provide a platform for students and build closer relationships with fellow student-athletes that they are with. High school is sometimes more com-

petitive than an athlete's club team, or less competitive but it depends on the club league. Club sports presents the opportunity to play on various levels, but with high school, there is only Paul O’Brien, who just concluded his second season as Granite Bay’s varsity soccer coach, highlights some of the difficulties that high school sports pose. “The level of club soccer is pretty intense” O’Brien said “and with high school soccer it is harder to develop to get team chemistry as well as improve individually in such a short season whereas competitive club soccer can last all year round.” However, high school sports still pres-

ents “the opportunity to represent your high school and do well for your high school team” Paul O’Brien said, rather than a club badge. High school sports have usually different goals and strategies as opposed to club sports as a direct result of the shorter season, fewer games, and short playoff rounds. Despite contrasts that exist between club sports and high school sports, both provide angles of the sports that are important to develop as an athlete. Ryan Haug, in his third year of basketball at GBHS this year, describes how high school basketball is more “structured and team oriented” than year-round club

SPORTS BRIEFS Senior fan is Zellhoefer, MacLeane take Tribe hyped their skills to the National level

Mullany shows spirit and support for boys’ varsity basketball team this past season BY LYNDSEY BENNER lbenner.gazette@gmail.com

Darby Mullany, a Granite Bay High School senior, is a strong supporter of the GBHS varsity basketball team. She has been on the cheer team all four years of high school and is spirited on the side lines. “I love to go out and support the boys to help them perform their best,” Mullany said. She has attended countless games as a cheerleader and has even gone to away games to be a part of the tribe when she is not cheering. “My favorite part of the games is when the teams warm up and the tribe gets pumped up by the music,” Mullany said. She said she believes the cheerleaders being loud and enthusiastic helps the players push through the games and play to the best of their ability. Mullany makes sure to always say the chants as loud as she can and loves to join in when the tribe starts chanting. She said she enjoys wearing her uniform to games and to school to show her Grizzly pride. “My favorite memory from the basketball season this year would have to be the game at home against Del Oro,” Mullany said. “The tribe was huge because of the neon dance after and you could see how

Darby Mullany GBHS senior and varsity cheerleader helps support sports teams with her spirit. and cheering.

the support of the students helped the players.” Mullany does not just support basketball but also cheers at the GBHS football games. “The football games are so much fun and I love getting to be closer to the game by being on the sidelines,” Mullany said. “It gets you involved in what is happening and makes you cheer for the boys even louder.” She has lost her voice on several occasions after games because she is invested in them and wants GBHS to win. Mullany tries to attend every game she can because she loves being in the atmosphere of the games and believes the boys do their best when there is a big crowd. On the sidelines, Mullany stands out for always being one of the happiest cheerleaders who really enjoys being at the games. “Next year when I go off to college, I am going to miss cheering for GBHS but I know I will still come back for some games,” Mullany said. “I will cherish my memories here and getting to attend the football and basketball games.”

On the weekend of February 25th and 26th, two GBHS boys’ water polo players were selected to play in the USA under 18 National Tournament, and won. Both teammates, Jon Zellhoefer and Joey MacLeane competed to win the National title for the second year in a row. “It was incredible,” Zellhoefer said. “I never thought I’d have two national titles.” Even though this was his second year winning, Zellhoefer said it wasn’t an easy win. “This year we knew going in that we would have to fight insanely hard to get into the gold medal game,” Zellhoefer said.

Like his teammate, Joey MacLeane also sees his second title as an honor. “The feeling was unreal,” MacLeane said. “We even lost our first game 11-2 and then somehow went on to beat the same team we beat last year in the finals.” MacLeane and his team have secured their title, and now have the reputation as having a team consisting of some of the best players. “This year was different because last year we knew we were the best team in our age group...,” MacLeane said. “Since we won this year as the highest age group, we know we are the best team in

teams. In shorter seasons, winning games is sometimes paramount to improving as individual athletes because every game counts in the regular season to get a good playoff ranking. It is a whole different kind of game in high school, and every season players need to adjust to the different organizations of youth sports. “AAU is usually faster paced (than high school),” Haug said, who has been playing for the Amature Athletic Union (AAU) since fourth grade. Even though high school sports are still competitive, club sports ultimately help athletes get to the next level.

Joey MacLeane

MacLeane selected to the ODP boys’ water polo team and competed at Nationals.

the entire country.” Being juniors, both Zellhoefer and MacLeane already have interests from schools such as University of the Pacific, University of Washington, and a few others. MacLeane said that this was definitely an experience that he would never forget, and is grateful to have one two years in a row. “The feeling was surreal,” MacLeane said. “I’ve never been so hyped in my life during a game.”

–Compiled by Isabella Tkachuk, sports editor

ATHLETES: Balancing friends with sports

Continued from page C2

is also confronted with this challenge. “I’ve already determined I will miss Powderpuff because I am going to a swim meet and I still have to make a decision about Prom,” Richard said. “I will most likely end up missing that event

as well.” Inevitably, missing out on one’s sport or social event means negative implications will follow suit. However, many athletes shine light onto the subject. “I believe sports can bring me farther in life,” said Jacqueline Laskey, a GBHS junior, and

varsity girls’ swimmer. “I will remember the swim meet, where I got my best time, over a party that I went to.” Laskey looks toward the future and realizes that the jeopardization of social events will mean little in comparison to sporting events, that will ultimately benefit her in the long run.

DIVE: Girls enjoy diving with friends Continued from page C2

“I decided to join the dive team this year because I wanted to try something new and make good memories with my friends,” said Ashley Martinez a senior at GBHS who just started diving. Martinez said she feels very accepted at practice and does not feel too intimidated . “I’m looking forward to the dive meets and being with my friends Audrey Wagner and Melia Stout,” said Martinez. The team’s first meet is on March 29th against Del Oro and Oakridge. “My expectations for this season are to gain more dives than last season,” said Mamone. “I Special to the Gazette /AUDREY WAGNER also just want to make memoGBHS junior Melia Stout does a flip at dive practice at Bella Vista. ries.”

CUT: Levels of ability vary among teams Continued from page C2

“It’s… a tradition to watch football games on Friday nights, (and) it’s a social thing and a highlight of high school,” Wild said. “I think a lot of people have a reason to give it more attention than some sports because of how popular it is.” “I think there’s… that cultural surrounding all over our country, so that compared to wrestling or track (where there’s not) many spectators out, the kids aren’t as focused.” Trout said. In the midwest, there is a large focus on sports like wrestling that have less of a following in California. “We still have great wrestling here, but we don’t fill gyms like they do in Iowa and other places in the midwest,” Trout said. Trout says that oftentimes, cut-sports are more specific to what the coach wants to see from athletes instead of each athlete improving as time goes on. “Cut sports are a little more subjective to what the coach wants at times,” Trout said. “In that, I think a lot of people join the non-cut (sports) because it’s more objective. Your results are because of what you do rather than… whether your coach decides you’re on the team or not.”

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Sports C5

New STUNT team in 2017-18 year GBHS welcomes a new competitive sports team to the athletic program BY NATALIE HATCH

nhatch.gazette@gmail.com

Special to the Gazette /MICHELLE HUBBARD

Junior Hannah Mortensen is lifted by fellow teammates during a STUNT practice, she holds a heel stretch as teammates spot her.

For the past two years, a group of cheerleaders have been flying under the radar at Granite Bay High. However, they are not your stereotypical cheerleaders. These girls are talented, technical tumbling aficionados, and have been competing in the school’s newest sport: STUNT. And next year, they will become an official team at GBHS. Increasing in popularity across the nation, STUNT is derived from cheerleading, but focuses on the skill and athletic capability of the athletes rather than crowd-leading. “It’s more of a competitive sport – you practice to win, not to perform,” junior stunter Hannah Mortensen said. Here’s how it works: teams compete side-by-side, performing routines of various difficulty levels, and are awarded points by judges for execution and technique. “It opens up a new opportunity for cheerleaders that have a competitive edge and actually want to be good at what they’re doing,”

Mortensen said. And it isn’t only recognized at the high school level, STUNT is also becoming recognized by numerous colleges. “STUNT is a competitive sport that will offer more scholarships for girls in the future, while cheer is performance only and does not present as many college opportunities,” senior stunter Emily Larson said. STUNT has already gained attention in the area thanks to the cheerleaders at Oak Ridge High School in El Dorado Hills. Senior Hannah Cavaliere competed for ORHS STUNT, who won the 2016 California State Championship as a brand new team. “I think it is really amazing that my school was able to adopt STUNT on campus.” she said. “(They’ve) been giving us great feedback and really supporting what we are doing.” Cavaliere said that in addition to providing offseason training and opportunities for college recruitment, STUNT will aid in redefining cheerleaders as athletes.

“It really helps take away that stereotype of cheerleaders and how unathletic or talented people think they are now that it is a sport in

STUNT is a competitive sport that will offer more scholarships for girls in the future. – Emily Larson, GBHS senior

California,” she said. Though it may help the perception of cheerleaders, not all are optimistic that it will strengthen appreciation for cheer itself. “I think STUNT will in a way vouch for the athleticism overlooked in cheerleading since we are doing similar stunts and tumbling,” Mortensen said, “but I think of them as two separate sports, and it won’t entirely prove to people that cheer is actually an athletic sport.”

Despite how it will be received once it is certified as a sport on campus, the girls see a promising future for STUNT. “I think it’s awesome that STUNT will be a sport at (GBHS) next year because it’s very fun to watch,” Larson said. “I’m really jealous that I don’t get to be here when it’s officially a sport.” Mortensen, who will be competing next year, hopes STUNT will earn a solid spot among other teams at the school. “It’s had growth every year since it was introduced, and I feel GBHS will just continue on with it,” she said. Cavaliere predicts that STUNT will progressively grow in popularity across the area, and hopefully nation. But as for STUNT at GBHS, Larson is confident in more than just the sport itself. “The future of STUNT at Granite Bay all depends on the girls involved,” she said. “But I think STUNT as a whole will be great for the successful female athletes that participate.”

March Madness Senior begins season hopeful swimmer reflects comes to Golden One Varsity on her athletic career Tournament will be played in Sacramento BY LOGAN EMBREE

lembree.gazette@gmail.com

After nine long years of failed attempts, with a new arena in hand, Sacramento has won the bid to host several NCAA March Madness Basketball Tournament games. The annual National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) March Madness Tournament is a national basketball tournament for both men’s and women’s basketball. Every march, 68 teams gather for the opportunity to compete for the national college basketball title along with a plethora of dedicated fans watching their favorite teams competing. After hosting the tournament in 2007, Sacramento hasn’t been chosen to host games since. Many reasons have been put forth as to why this is, but now there is only one that remains. “The NCAA made it clear.. that we would not be able to host March Madness without a new arena,” Mike Sophia, the director of the Sacramento Sports Commission, said. The construction of the brand new Golden One Center played a major role in the process of getting to host the tournament. “I think the new arena is entirely the reason that the games are in Sac,” Ryan Haug, a Granite Bay High School junior, said. Although the NCAA never said it directly, the collegiate organization did share that Sacramento’s bid was boosted by the $477 million dollar Golden One Center. This advantage has been the greatest reason

for the selection of Sacramento as a host city. March Madness is expected to bring not only college basketball teams back to Sacramento, but also bring beneficial social and economical effects. “We hope having March Madness in town will help grow interest in the game at all levels,” Sophia said. He is expecting an increase in the popularity of college basketball, in addition to giving current fans the opportunity to experience the Golden One Center. According to city officials, the tournament will have an economic impact of an estimated $4 million dollars. As such a large tournament, March Madness is likely to influence local sports programs. “Hopefully it encourages people to go out and support the local colleges and high school programs,” Jason Sitterud, a GBHS boys’ varsity basketball coach, said. Sacramento State is the local hosting institution and along with partner institution UC Davis. They are expected to receive an influx of attention and support. “It has to help,” Sophia said who is anticipating “being a part of March Madness every few years for many years to come.” Without the issue of an old arena anymore, Sophia’s expects March Madness to visit Sacramento more frequently. Sacramento is set to host a combination of six – first and second round – games on March 17-19 at the Golden One Center.

BY BRIAN DING

bding.gazette@gmail.com

Granite Bay High School senior Iris Chan has swam individually, and for the GBHS team, for a long time now. Chan began her swimming career with recreational teams at the age of eight. As a result, swimming has become Chan’s favorite sport. According to Chan, the sport has been a passion that she enjoys despite it adding to her busy schedule. The energy and motivation Chan uses to continue training is the progress she has made so far with the sport, and how influential it has been on her life. “The slightest idea of quitting the sport seems very distant to me because of how much I love the sport,” Chan said. Every aspect of swimming is a positive for her. Because of her love for swimming, training for other sports seem highly unlikely. Running is on the top of the list of being Chan’s most hated activities of all. Chan is currently enrolled in the IB program at Granite Bay, so her free time is very limited when it comes to a school day.

Iris Chan Her daily Senior balances schedule includes her time behaving to wake tween rigorous up very early and IB and swim attend practice at schedules. 5:15 AM. Swimming in the pool is not her only form of training for events. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, Chan does weight training. along with athletic P.E during the week. Being an athlete in IB has proven to be a huge obstacle because of the heavy workload and the rare opportunities for sleep. “I’m very passionate for both swimming and my education through the IB program,” Chan said. “I love both so much, so I usually just sacrifice my sleep hours to work it all in.” “I haven’t been to travel meets or anything, but this year I will be attending a travel meet in Mission Viejo which I am very excited for,” Chan said. The swim team often goes to many invitationals throughout the season. They allow the team to see more competition and encourage them to improve their times. Swimming is one aspect of Chan’s life that she sees being a lasting part of her future.

Athletes balances their schedules to include work Practices, jobs and grades create a hectic schedule for students

stop one of her activities, it would be her job. On the other hand, Brake said he was has faced thoughts on work “I will admit I have considered quitting work,

however not seriously,” Brake said. “The labor intensive eight-hour shifts in the sun really start to take a toll by the end of a summer, but they’re worth every penny. Also, the job has its perks, such as be-

BY ALI LEMOS

alemos.gazette@gmail.com

jjjGranite Bay High School athletics are known for being time commitments but some students have found the time for a job as well. Balancing a social life, academics and a sport can be difficult enough. Adding a job into the mix often leaves no time for athletes to rest. GBHS athletes have found ways to manage their time to fit in paid work, whether it’s one day a week or five. Senior at GBHS, pole vaulter and water skier, Hayden Brake said he began working to “pay off a speeding ticket,” but realized it would help to build his resume. Brake works at the Sacramento State Aquatics center as either a youth camp leader or a dock master. “I wanted to get into the workforce as soon as possible so I could get work experience,” Brake said. “I feel like that’s something that’s valuable while applying for other jobs. Also, I enjoy having my own money that’s well-earned.” According to Brake, his day varies a lot over to summer due to his many commitments. “During the summer I could be working anywhere between 20-40 hours a week because my schedule varies a lot with waterskiing and pole vault,” Brake said. GBHS senior Maddy Freeman, a lacrosse player, finds time to work only once a week. “I only work on Saturdays so it’s not bad managing my time but (sometimes) I have a game and then go to work so (I’m) pretty tired,” Freeman said. However, Freeman said if she had to choose to

Gazette illustration/CARISSA LEWIS

ing located on a lake.” With his busy schedule, Brake still finds time to work because he says he likes having spending money. Senior Autumn Mannsfeld, I will admit I have a University of Califorconsidered quitnia Davis ting work, howcommit, ever not seriously has found a more flexible ... It’s worth every way to earn penny. money, tutoring in – Hayden Brake, pole math. “In the fall vaulter and water skier of junior year and this year I tutored four to five days a week,” Mannsfeld said. “During the spring semesters of junior year and this year I tutor two to three times a week.” Mannsfeld is able to work less during the school lacrosse season since she chooses her hours. “I’ve never thought of quitting lacrosse or tutoring, but I definitely cut back on tutoring during lacrosse season so I can spend my off-days doing more homework for the next few days,” Mannsfeld said. Mannsfeld said she has found one benefit of being self-employed. Each athlete faces their own difficulties, managing their schedules but finding free spaces in their schedules. “I usually don’t do school work after school anyways,” Mannsfeld said, “so it’s a good way to spend my time.”

Friday, March 10, 2017

w The Granite Bay Gazette

SECOND LOOK

Boys’ basketball has a successful season BY JACK MCGRAIL

jmcgrail.gazette@gmail.com

Boys’ Basketball (17-12) 7-5 in League Kicking off the season with some tough games in preseason tournaments, Granite Bay High School boys’ varsity basketball, led by senior Darren Nelson, began the season with an overtime win away at Del Oro High School. Losing eight key senior players from Winter Sports last year, the team Postseason only had four new seniors, half the amount present last season. Finishing league play with a winning record despite two tough losses to a phenomenal Woodcreek High School team, the boys began a great run in playoffs with a win versus Ponderosa High School, but ended up losing in the second round to Sheldon 86-53. Sheldon has prevented the grizzlies playing in sections for the last two years despite the two strong grizzly teams in 2016 and 2017. However, the team was selected to continue in 2017 CIF State Boys Basketball Tournament.

Gazette photo /LOGAN EMBREE

Special to the Gazette/BRENDA CARLSON

Girls’ Basketball(15-12) 5-7 in League This year the girls varsity basketball team looked to improve on a somewhat disappointing season from last year. Despite the loss of a few key seniors, according to junior Carlie Mallo, the girls played better because of “an offense that allowed (them) to work as a team.” The girls made it through to playoffs, but lost an away game against Bear Creek High School. Boys’ Soccer(11-7-1) 7-5 in League After coming out of the gate with strong performances in the first half of the season, the boys’ varsity team was running the league. Bouncing back from last season, which ended in a tough loss in penalty kicks at Napa Valley High School, GBHS looked in good form earning a third seed in the playoffs. “Our record was better this year because we played more as a team, rather than individuals,” Mason Lopez, a junior and captain of the soccer team said. Playing Edison High in the first round of playoffs, the boys lost 1-0, ending the season that started out so well.

Gazette photo /SURINA KHURANA

w Jason Dhanota, top left, swings at the ball in a preseason game. Ryan Byars, top right, attempts to make a shot on goal in the first boys’ varsity lacrosse game of the season. Matias Muñoz and Brendan Pease, top center, exchange the baton in the SMR 100-100-200-400 meter relay during a varsity track and field meet. Darren Nelson, bottom middle, gets ready to deliver the ball to the plate in a varsity game against Oakmont. The STUNT team, bottom left, poses for a photo. Vanessa Contreras, bottom right, cradles the lacrosse ball during a JV practice.

Girls’ Soccer (8-5-3) 3-4-3 in League Girls’ varsity soccer looked to repeat their appearance in the section finals, but with a low goal scoring season they had an uphill battle. They turned on the heat going into playoffs and played up to their full potential. Junior Nicolette Lewis said that “high school games are based off strength and endurance” and tactics are harder because of the shorter seasons. She also said there are tougher practice schedules due to the rainy winter weather and sharing the season with the boys for the first year. Wrestling They boys’ varsity wrestling team had another successful season ending in the state meets with outstanding performances. Junior Teague Dilbeck finished fourth, wrestling at 126 pounds, and junior Nolan Stabbert in the 182 pound weight class, finished seventh. In addition, junior Ethan Tabaie, seniors Mason Kohls and Parker Wilkin, each got a win for GBHS in their respective weight classes. GBHS senior Jack Ramalia came away with the overall championship at 145 pounds, dominating the entire tournament in all of his matches. –Team records current as of March 6 Gazette photo /LOGAN EMBREE

Special to the Gazette /MICHELLE HUBBARD

Gazette photo /LOGAN EMBREE

GS The Gazetteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s arts and entertainment guide.

March 2017

GREENSCREEN GBHS students explore ArtStreet in Sacramento

PAGES 12 &13 Gazette Photo/ KATIE COLOGNA

Page 2

March 2017

sneak peek.

Gazette photo/ CARISSA LEWIS

wSee page 3 Talent show recap

Gazette photo/ KATIE COLOGNA

wSee pages 12 & 13 Sacramento art exhibit

Special to the Gazette /FLANNERY TREXLER

wSee page 24 Local concerts

YouTube grows as an entertainment provider

Popular platform for video entertainment outshines competition

ouTube is taking over the entertainment world as we know videos about their lives, doing tags or challenges, doing tutorials, it. YouTube’s influence has grown exponentially since showing off talents and so much more. Where some vloggers got the site’s launch in 2005 by three PayPal employees and their start making videos as a hobby, some have turned this hobby Google’s purchase of the company in 2006. into a full-time career. Every 60 days, more video content is uploaded to YouTube than YouTube’s stats’ report that the number of channels making six all three major U.S. television networks, according to Mashable. figures per year on YouTube is up 50 percent. The success and The site was an outlet for people to post videos online, but some huge audiences of vloggers even provide them with pathways to creators on YouTube began to post regularly and foster relationhosting jobs, acting jobs, modeling jobs, singing careers, worldships with viewers through creative videos. Not to mention, Youwide tours and allows them access to brand deals and sometimes Tube attracts a lot of viewers not only through even book deals that will earn them even those who post regularly, but also through its more money. multitude of comedic viral videos and music We live in a day and age where people can videos. make a more than decent living to say the Jump forward 12 years and this simple site least off of posting videos about intimate for sharing videos has become a key part details of their lives for millions of strangers of pop culture and has expanded to include to watch – which is a bizarre notion – but “YouTube Red” and now – according to Youdoesn’t often stop us from watching nonetheTube’s most recent announcement – “Youless. Tube TV” as well. YouTube’s influence is truly spectacular YouTube TV is YouTube’s newest advanceby turning ordinary people into role models ment that will allow subscribers to watch live and celebrities, and successful channels into television from over 40 channels for $35 per real TV shows, such as “Awesomeness TV,” month. which became a show on Nickelodeon after YouTube Red allows improved experiences originally finding fame on YouTube. wknorp.gazette@gmail.com for subscribers by removing ads, allowing ofWhere else in the world could an ordinary fline viewing and being able to listen to music girl transform into her strange character “Mior videos with the screen turned off – not to mention exclusive ac- randa Sings,” where she sings and dances horribly on the internet cess to YouTube content, such as original shows and movies, only on purpose, only to build a career from it, write books, tour the available to those who pay the $10 a month for YouTube Red. world and even get her own Netflix show? These advancements are the result of YouTube having “over a Netflix, Hulu and iTunes can step aside because whether you billion users — almost one-third of all people on the Internet” who love YouTube or hate it, it is moving in all the right directions for generate billions of views everyday, according to YouTube’s own dominating the entertainment industry, and it is unique in providstatistics. ing life-changing opportunities for anyone in the world who can For many YouTube users, videos are watched with the same simply attract viewers to their videos. vigor as a Netflix junkie binge-watching a television show. And so enter the stars and backbone of YouTube: vloggers. *** “Vloggers” are content creators on YouTube who regularly post Whitney Knorp, a senior, is a Gazette Greenscreen editor.

Upcoming GBHS Events for February and March

COMMENTARY

whitney knorp

Page 3 Talent show

Guide to Green Screen

Page 4/5 Food reviews Page 6 Top Tweets Page 7 St. Patrick’s day Page 8/9 Music reviews

Page 10 Artist of the month Page 11 Throwback reviews Page 12/13 ArtStreet exhibit Page 14 Date dance stereotypes

Page 15 Sadies v. Jr. Prom Page 16 Spring fashion Page 17 Club Penguin shutdown Page 18 Uber & Lyft

March 16&17 Midterms March 24 Powderpuff March 30April 1 Musical Page 19 Artsy Instagrams Page 20 Zodiac signs Page 21 Spring musical Page 22/23 Movie reviews Page 24 Concerts

March 2017

Page 3

talent show.

The Grizzly Globes A re-cap of the winners and behind-the-scenes of GBHS’s third annual talent show Gazette photo /AMANDA PRATHER

Gazette photo /CARISSA LEWIS

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Senior Connor Hinson, left, performs comedy slam poetry with the assistance of a jazz band backing at the talent show and junior Laynee Daniels, right, plays ukelele and sings “Sweet Pea” by Amos Lee at the talent show dress rehearsal.

Gazette photo /CARISSA LEWIS

In the left photo, Ericha Makenna, a senior, sings “Dogs Days Are Over” by Florence and the Machine and plays tamborine at talent show dress rehearsal. In the middle photo, senior Kyle Sundquist, right, plays drums and junior Luke Kerzie, left, raps “Fergalicious” by Fergie in their large group’s slam poetry/ jazz band performance at dress rehearsal. In the right photo, Cierra Brown, a senior, sings “I See Fire” by Ed Sheeran during dress rehearsal in preparation for the talent show.

BY COLE KAHMANN

ckahmann.gazette@gmail.com

he unseen stars of Granite Bay High School gathered Friday, Feb. 25 in the Granite Bay High School theater for the talent show. The talents that performed at the show included a beatboxer, singers and various musicians. GBHS senior Kyle Sundquist, who was a part of “Fantastic Beats and Where to Find Them” – a group that featured slam poetry with a jazz set – said he appreciates the talent show for its opportunity to shine a light on hidden talents. “The talent show is important because it allows people who normally wouldn’t share their gifts and talents to perform in front of their peers,” Sundquist said. Avery Milner, a GBHS sophomore, sang “No Diggity” by Blackstreet accompanied by her guitar. She agreed with the sentiment regarding the show’s way of finding talent. “I think it’s a really cool way to showcase the talent at our school that doesn’t always have a platform to be shown,” Milner said. “There are so many insanely

talented and passionate kids at Granite Bay (High School), and the talent show just lets everyone see talent that they might not have known was there.” According to Milner, her favorite part about the show was meeting new talents that share similar passions. “I met a bunch of new people who loved to do the same things I did, as well as people who had some pretty awesome talents,” Milner said. “I was looking forward to meeting new people.” Cierra Brown, a GBHS senior who has sung in the talent show all four years of her high school career, agreed. “We are all there to share our passions with our peers, and that is a similarity between all of us (that) is something special,” Brown said. Milner also said she appreciated that watching others is just as rewarding as performing, even though it’s a competition. Sundquist said that the contestants all tried to have a fun time together and relax each other before and during the show. However, a few of the performers complained about

the far-reaching control over the event. “I’d love if we could have a little more freedom in what we could do – I had to change the lyrics in my song, even though everyone knows the song – and I know Connor (Hinson’s) act didn’t get to do a lot of the stuff they wanted to do,” Milner said. “I feel like, while it’s important to make sure it’s okay for school, it’s still a good idea to keep (the performer’s) artistic expression intact.” Milner said that administration shouldn’t get in trouble for a bad decision a student makes but that the performers should be treated like “high school” students rather than “elementary school” students. Awards from the event include: Milner winning best overall performance, LJ Matias, a junior, winning best vocal performance, “Fantastic Beats and Where to Find Them” winning best group performance, and Devin McDermott, a sophomore, winning best nonvocal performance for his beatboxing. “There (were) some incredibly talented people this year,” Sundquist said. “It was fun to watch people I see around school really open up and show us what they’ve got.”

Page 4

March 2017

food.

Let’s TACO ’bout it Costa Vida BY LOGAN EMBREE

lembree.gazette@gmail.com

osta Vida is a local, authentic, Mexican cuisine restaurant that values quality in all aspects of their business. After hearing glowing reviews from a large quantity of individuals I decided to put their restaurant to the test for myself. I entered Costa Vida knowing what to expect. As I entered I was greeted by the warm and welcoming interior design of the restaurant that I found to embody the tone of the restaurant quite well. Upon entry there was little to no line along with an employe standing there eager to take my order when I was ready. The service was very pleasing and all employees that I came in contact with were very kind and courteous. I went with a friend and we both ordered two shrimp tacos with pinto beans and rice. The food took longer than expected to prepare but in the end was definitely worth waiting for. Our tacos were served in a circular dish and every piece of my meal was crafted very well. The food was organized and the presentation was very nice. The tacos were very high quality and the overall quantity of the meal was respective to the price. I am usually a person who saves some food to enjoy for leftovers, but I refused to leave a morsel left on my dish at Costa Vida. The Tacos were delicious and by

The Gazette staff reviews local Mexican restaurants.

El Tapatio the time I had finished my meal I was already fully prepared to go buy some more. The restaurant was very clean and well kept. There was many drink options along with chances to add sides such as chips and guacamole. Overall my visit to Costa Vida was a very pleasant experience overall. I would definitely recommend Costa Vida to someone looking for some high quality Mexican food.

Gazette photos / LOGAN EMBREE

Costa Vida in Roseville offers shrimp tacos, shown above, as well as many other Mexican dishes.

BY AVANTIKA PANCHAPAKESAN apanchapakesan.gazette@gmail.com

s someone who is always delighted to grab a bite of Mexican food, I was elated to drive over to Taqueria El-Tapatio. As soon as I entered into the restaurant, it nearly transported me to Mexico. The colorful murals amongst the Spanish-style interior was truly captivating. Overall, the environment was extremely joyful and inviting. Upon entering, I was immediately seated and was welcomed by an employee. The vibrant and enthusiastic environment was still present as we were seated. We were also provided with free chips, bean dip and salsa. The chips were not extremely fresh and were a little too oily, however both the salsa and the bean dip exceeded my expectations. We soon enough proceeded to order the ‘Tacos al Carbon.’ Since I’m vegetarian, the restaurant was extremely accommodating they removed the streak from the dish and customized it to be ‘vegetarian.’ As soon as I got the dish, I was extremely impressed. The tacos were placed in a fashion where you were able to place the toppings on your taco as you wished. The tacos were served alongside pico de gallo, lettuce and parmesan cheese as a garnish. The portion size was extremely large and the tacos were extremely well made.

As someone who is not very fond of soft tacos, chewing into the tacos here definitely made me change my mind. The tacos were not too chewy or soft. While devouring the tacos, I was able to taste all of the different flavors which harmonized well. The Pico de Gallo was a perfect harmony between spicy and mild, and the fresh lettuce was extremely appetizing. Considering the portion size, the meal was set at a very reasonable price of about ten dollars. The decor, the service and the food were extremely great. While the restaurant itself is located quite a distance from Granite Bay, the restaurant is located near the Sunrise Mall. Next time you pick up your wallet to go to Chipotle – think again.

Gazette photos /AVANTIKA PANCHAPAKESAN

El Tapatio offers a a great vegetarian selection as well as other mexican foods.

El Burrito BY ALI LEMOS

alemos.gazette@gmail.com

perfect post school meal, El Burrito delivers in both quantity and quality. While I’d had the burrito before and loved it, I’d never ordered tacos before. The burritos are about the size of my head so it’s no surprise that the tacos were equally full of ingredients. Upon my arrival into the restaurant, I heard the classic Mexican music and the decor that many other taquerias have. Full of signs advertising beer and soccer playing on the television in the back of the restaurant, the atmosphere was very comfortable The back wall of the restaurant is lined with four kinds of salsas and the tortilla chips are under a heat lamp. Although I was sceptical at first of the point of a heating lamp for chips, it did make them very appetizing combined with the cold salsa. With a couple of taco options I decided on the soft shell taco but I couldn’t decide on what meat to get. After asking the cashier which was her favorite, I went with carnitas steak, and I was not disappointed. After just a quick five or ten minute wait, my food was brought out and I was presented with one flat taco loaded with guacamole, salsa, cheese, lettuce and a double

shell. The plate had more than enough food, and I didn’t even know how to pick it up. Eventually I decided this was a taco I’d have to eat with a fork and knife because anytime I’d try and pick it up, food would simply fall out. Despite my difficulties eating, the flavors within the taco melded well together. The carnitas were well seasoned and the ingredients all tasted fresh, but it felt wrong to eat a taco with silverware. The prices are all very reasonable, especially for the amount of food given. I would definitely recommend the place for tacos but make sure you come hungry because it’s difficult to finish the whole meal. With a cozy atmosphere and a friendly staff, this taqueria is a quality choice. If you’re looking for authentic Mexican tacos, this is the place to go.

El Burrito is a cozy and comfortable mexican resataurant that serves a fantastic burrito.

Gazette photo /ALI LEMOS

March 2017

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food.

Zocalo BY MEGAN NIMTZ

mnimtz.gazette@gmail.com

s I walked into Zocalo I was immediately immersed in a traditional, modern and classy Mexican restaurant. Although I was no stranger to Zocalo, I had previously neglected to notice the amount of culture present in the environment. Countless works of art hang from the ceiling and line every wall so your head is on a constant swivel, trying to take it all in. Like a normal Mexican restaurant, Zocalo has loud Spanish music playing at all times so you are constantly submerged in the culture. Not only was I taken away by the scenery, but the service was impeccable as well. I was seated after a short 25 minute wait and then helped by an extremely friendly waitress who first served complimentary chips and salsa. After a long debate, I decided to order the Baja Fish Tacos not only for their immediate appeal, but it’s description of “popular” on the menu. While I waited for my food, there was no shortage of entertainment around me; there were several TV’s, artwork and the kitchen was in the back of the restaurant and visible to customers so they could see how their meal was being prepared. After a short wait of ten minutes my food arrived and had the most delightful aroma I couldn’t wait to start eating. While some may consider seventeen dollars a little pricey for tacos, I truly believe that you get what you payed for. Not only does the plate come with three good size tacos but on the side there are

Rubio’s BY JACK MCGRAIL

jmcgrail.gazette@gmail.com

hile it is hard to find people that don’t enjoy eating some variation of tacos, many times tacos do not get the recognition they ultimately deserve. At Rubio’s, on Douglas Blvd. there is a modern vibe with a variety of ceiling designs as well as unique light fixtures. The restaurant itself is clean and the service is impressive as well. As I walked in, the environment was quiet, comfortable, and the menu was easily read from anywhere in line. As I ordered, I realized the prices were about average for a somewhat nicer version of fast food. On Taco Tuesday, their original fish taco is only $1.75 from $3.15 on regular days which blows away the competition for cheap, yet tasty Mexican food. The tacos came out at the perfect temperature, with piping hot fried fish yet cool and fresh veggies on top. This fish had a crispy, yet not too heavily breaded. Heavy breading can effectively ruin a great piece of fish, and Rubio’s got that part right. The only downside of using fresh fish is that the fish was not shaped perfectly for a taco, sometimes making the taco extremely thick at one end and empty at the other which made consuming the tacos messy and difficult. The sauces on the fish tacos were what made them as tasty as you will find in a taco for less than $2. With a bar full of salsa, fresh lime slices and other traditional taco toppings, there was a huge variety of flavors in the taco that stood out. Each individual flavor is noticed with their specialized sauces instead

beans, a lime rice and a carrot salad. I was taken away by the flavor of the lime rice which had the perfect spices and was served at just the right temperature. Even more so, I was very impressed with the variety of flavors I tasted in the tacos themselves. Not only do they have a mild, yet apparent taste of the beer battered fish, but the combination of chipotle aioli and pico de gallo added the perfect spice to bring the dish together. The addition of the beans, rice and salad on the side, tie the whole meal together and create a truly unique dish. In maintaining an upbeat and modern environment, the loud noise level is a constant. The combination of the terrific food, energetic setting and fantastic service at Zocalo in the Fountains made me want to return again in the near future.

Zocalo in the Fountains is an authentic Mexican restaurant that offers excellent tacos as well as lime rice.

Gazette photo /MEGAN NIMTZ

El Sombrero of other tacos which drown the filling in bland sauce making each bit taste unoriginal and soggy. The tortillas really bring home the overall taste of the tacos because a tasteless, cold wrapping can really ruin the taco experience. Rubios provides a choice of flour and corn tortillas which are warm and filling and are not easily ripped apart, saving the structural integrity of the taco. Overall, Rubio’s Original Fish Taco, especially with the amazing taco tuesday discount, is well worth the trip to try them for yourself, earning them a four out of five stars. All things concerned, Rubio’s is a viable choice for mostly authentic, less expensive, mexican style cuisine.

Rubio’s in Roseville serves a tasty fish taco that is a great inexpensive find.

Gazette photo / JACK MCGRAIL

BY MAX SHWARTZ

mshwartz.gazette@gmail.com

l Sombrero is an authentic taqueria, that has been cranking out Mexican food for seven years in the Granite Bay area. At first glance, you may not be able to notice El Sombrero, as it’s in a shopping center that is for the most part plain. Aside from the location, the entrance of the store is very colorful and has many signs and decorations around the window. When walking in the ambiance of a traditional taqueria washes over you from a combination of great music and TVs all showing some game of soccer. The restaurant isn’t very large, but there is always some sort of line. There is an attached side room with a bar and more TVs and tables. When walking up to the counter, the menu shows a wide array of typical Mexican items. My order was one shrimp taco, one beef taco and camarones con diablas. My order was ready within ten minutes which was super fast. When I got the food, it was hot and obviously extremely authentic. I started with the beef tacos. It had a very good amount of the typical toppings on a normal taco. The corn taco had a homemade taste with a good texture that held everything together in the tacos. The beef was perfectly cooked and seasoned. The salsa bar that the restaurant provided was extremely delicious and had ranges between mild to very hot. I chose the hot salsa and didn’t regret this choice at all.

The chips that came with the meal were very hot and freshly salted. The shrimp taco, which was my personal favorite, was incredibly delicious. The taco contained shrimp in addition to all the same ingredients as the beef taco. The shrimp was cooked to perfection and had a seasoning to it that did not overpower the original shrimp taste. The Camarones Con Diablas are usually my go to dish when it comes to Mexican food. This version of the dish had a very good sauce that was spicy, but not too overpowering. All of my food was incredible and completely surpassed my expectations. The owners do their job well, and I have no doubt that it will stay that way for a long time.

El Sombrero is located in Granite Bay and offers many different flavors of tacos and other mexican dishes.

Gazette photo /MAX SHWARTZ

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March 2017

current.

Top Tweets Spirited tweets by Granite Bay High School students BY NATASHA CHANDA

nchanda.gazette@gmail.com

Netflix Picks

Twitter

BY CAROLINE PALMER

cpalmer2.gazette@gmail.com

1. The Lizzie McGuire Movie Ever wonder what dreams really made of? Lizzie McGuire discovered this and more on her summer adventure.She simultaneously runs from her tour guide and impersonates a famous singer, all while adventuring through the streets of Rome with Paulo.

2. Camp Rock Ever dream of going to a summer camp filled with some of the most musically talented teens around? Or having a fling with one of the Jonas Brothers? While this isn’t a reality for everyone, people can live through Mitchi as she finds her way through mean girls, hiding who her mom is and her journey to the Final Jam. 3. High School Musical High school jock turned musical star? Follow Troy and Gabriella as they set a new path of ‘High School Norms’ at East High with all of their friends. Don’t worry, the school year doesn’t end yet. Follow along with the team on their summer adventures, and again their Senior year. 4. Hannah Montana: The Movie Miley goes back to her roots when she returns to her hometown in Tennessee for the first time since she was a little girl. She is greeted by a grandmother who she feels she has no connection with, a summer romance and a chicken coop that may just get the best of her.

MEMES

choose kindness

soapy

@sophiemechaune

2 Retweets

9 Likes

Me: needs to complete just one task Me: doesn’t do it

both & unsure

@emilyfranklin28

1 Retweets

10 Likes

It’s so cool to watch people be so passionate about what they do, it’s amazing!

ella

@ellarflier

0 Retweets

28 Likes

No matter how many times I go to the movies I will never be able to tell the difference between Century Roseville and UA Olympus Pointe

Maya Jones

@mayajones2020

2 Retweets

40 Likes

The Gazette is celebrating the creativity of the internet and social media by choosing some of their favorite memes. None of these memes are the Gazette’s original content...but we still like them.

OF THE MONTH

Compiled By Dean Wilsom

March 2017

Page 7

lepre-can’t believe it.

KNOR

S ai n

D s ’ a y k c i r ITNEY s /WH tration e illus Gazett

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Myths of

Students discuss their favorite St. Patty’s Day tall tales BY JACK KEHOE

jkehoe.gazette@gmail.com

ith every holiday we celebrate comes the beloved folk tales and myths of that holiday, and St. Patrick’s Day is no exception. There are beliefs that stretch from the color green being automatically associated with this day, to beliefs deeply rooted in Irish history about the holiday. Susan Nash, a freshman at Granite Bay High School, weighed in on the St. Patrick’s Day myths she knows due to her Irish heritage. “There is one myth about St. Patrick chasing the snakes out of Ireland, and another myth about wearing green and being pinched,” Nash said. Nash said that she doesn’t personally believe any of these St. Patrick’s Day myths because they have been debunked by many sources. However, she said that these myths are common because the country of Ireland is deeply religious, and these myths have religious connotations. A common struggle for people on St. Patrick’s Day is remembering to wear green, because if they do not, they will risk getting pinched by friends. “I do not wear green on St. Patrick’s Day because I always forget about it that day, and it doesn’t matter to me a whole bunch,” Zach Sabbaugh, a GBHS

junior, said. Simply forgetting to wear this important color could result in a pinch-filled day for you. There are also always people who are very passionate about St. Patrick’s Day, and go all out with accessories and extra details. As one would expect, there are many stores that get into the green theme during this time of year to attract customers who want to buy products for the holiday. “I wear lots of green because otherwise my family pinches me,” Laura Berthelsen, a GBHS junior, said. “I’m also afraid of the common myth of leprechauns pinching you if you’re not wearing green.” The widespread word of myths surrounding St. Patrick’s Day are nationally recognized, as shown by the multitudes of people who wear green on Mar. 17. “Myths are so commonly believed on St. Patrick’s Day because, I think, it creates the persona of the holiday and makes it special,” Sabbaugh said. This particular holiday goes to show how far something can spread, from one country like Ireland to other countries in world. “There are many myths surrounding the holidays that are usually fake, but create a nice image of the holiday,” Sabbaugh said. “I think it’s human nature to create myths and go along with them in the holidays.”

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March 2017

tune in.

Terrible Human Beings The Orwells BY DEAN WILSON

dwilson.gazette@gmail.com

he revival of older music sub genres has allowed artists to open up and add some new texture to a preexisting idea. Where the mainstream has seen a rapid re popularizing of the soul genre and even some tones of the 80s, the “underground” scene is being exposed to a revamp of garage rock. Adding their own voice to the garage rock scene, The Orwells have just released their third studio album. Terrible Human Beings is nothing groundbreaking, but it really is a great album in terms of likability. The drums are loud and sound like they’ve been recorded on outdated equipment in the best kind of way. The scratchiness of the symbols and the snare and the tom toms add character to the album.

The guitar is tuned down and serves as the driving force to the energy that the group is trying to convey. The bass adds a depth to each of the tracks which acts as the glue of the record. Where the guitar and drums produce a loud, sharp, bright sound, the bass fills the gaps where it needs to. The blend of instruments and the aggressive vocals create an energy that is present in many garage rock tracks. Because of this vibe, the album is great for a pump up. “Buddy” is an example of a track that can get you stoked for the weekend. Where most of their songs focus on the vocals and guitar, the bass really does all the talking in the song. However, this track is a good example why the whole album is not as good as it can be. The simplicity in some aspects of the guitar and drums on the track are a breath of fresh air in this album.

It seems like The Orwells can’t stand to hear silence, so they are always filling it with something, mostly reverb. Reverb has become the staple for a traditional garage rock song, but The Orwells take this guideline to another level. For goodness sakes, “Body Reprise” is literally just a song of moaning and reverb. Let’s take it down a notch gentlemen. The other complaint I have about this album is that they only capture one mood: energetic and rebellious. While this record is great for preparing you for an event that requires a lot of vigor, you have to be in a certain mindset to listen to it. Songs like “Ring Pop” and “Creatures” really put me in a happy place. For those fans of garage rock, I think you’ll be pleased at the quality of this record. And for those of you that get excited for reverb, welcome to paradise.

Atlantic Recording Corporation

Terrible Human Beings was released February 17, 2017.

BSkip to:

“Buddy”

SweetSexySavage Kehlani BY SIDNEY ZABELL

szabell.gazette@gmail.com

I Atlantic Recording Corporation

SweetSexySavage was released on January 27, 2017.

Skip to: “Advice”

n recent years, R&B artist Kehlani Parrish, more commonly known as Kehlani, has risen greatly in popularity. Born and raised in Oakland, CA, Kehlani was originally a singer for music group “PopLyfe.” After later leaving the group, she soon found success in pursuing an individual career. The release of mixtape “Cloud 19” in 2014 and “You Should Be Here” in 2015 quickly grew her career, culminating in the release of her debut studio album under the label Atlantic Records. On Jan. 27, 2017, Kehlani released “SweetSexySavage.” It received flattering reviews from critics, and the albums refreshing and upbeat sounds gave overall positive feelings to listeners.

The album starts off with the track “Intro”, a spoken-word piece with the voice of artist Reyna Biddy. The second track, “Keep On”, is reminiscent of classic 90s R&B. It’s cool, classy, catchy and anything but average. Another highlight of the album is the track, “Piece of Mind.” My personal favorite song on the album is “Advice,” likely the most heartfelt and touching songs of all. In it, Kehlani reflects on a past relationship that didn’t end well as one would hope. “How is the man of my dreams, not a man of his words? And how is the man for me, just a man that makes me hurt?” she questions. Kehlani then has a realization – that it’s okay to be independent and to start healing. “It’s time to take my own advice,” she sings throughout the chorus. This part is one of the most meaningful few words in the entire album and is empowering and motivating.

Other notable tracks include “Escape,” “I Wanna Be” and “Thank You”. Each song on the album has its own individual meaning, yet all flow together smoothly. It progresses from reflection of the past to looking towards goals of the future, and each song is incredibly immersive and somehow un-skippable. This encompasses the three components of the album – Kehlani can be sweet, she can be sexy, but at times, is a self-proclaimed savage who knows what she wants. The album puts a fresh spin on R&B, and Kehlani’s brutal honesty to herself paints a perspective of her true condition as a strong and independent women. I can’t wait to hear more music from her in future years, and I highly recommend the entire album to anyone. There’s something relatable to everybody on the album, and it is one of the first albums that I’ve ever really enjoyed every track of.

Culture Migos BY JACK MCGRAIL

jmcgrail.gazette@gmail.com

n late January of this year, Migos came out with their newest album by Quality Control Entertainment, 300 Entertainment and Atlantic Records, called “Culture.” Migos, from Lawrenceville Georgia, is composed of three rappers known as Quavo, Offset and Takeoff. Migos are not brothers, but they were all raised together and are related. Quavo is Offset’s cousin and also Takeoff’s uncle. Migos officially went by the name Polo Club until 2010 when they changed it to Migos before becoming popular in the beginning of the next decade. In 2011, Migos came out with their first mixtape together called Juug Season. Migos is a rap and hip hop group that has skyrocketed in popularity since their

new single “Bad and Boujee” featuring Lil Uzi Vert, which made an appearance on Billboard’s Hot 100. Migos has made it to number one on US Hip Hop charts, US Billboards and the Canadian Billboards with appearances at number two in Australia and number six in Finland. Many celebrities have praised Migos for making “Bad and Boujee.” Culture, which came out in January this year, was very well liked by the music industry and the public. A lot of effort went into the making for “Culture,” throwing in their favorite Hi-Hats and Chants with the help of Metro Boomin and 808 Mafia. Migos is known for their unadulterated flow and freestyle creativity on popular rap radio stations and morning shows like “Sway in the Morning.” Their freestyles entail creative lyrics on top of their self-made beats. One freestyle

included words from a children’s book about llamas built on top of the baseline for Bad and Boujee. They are pulling more and more features from popular artists like Lil Uzi Vert, Gucci Mane and Travis Scott. Offset loves referencing his gold chains, cash and rich lifestyle intertwined with lyrics on how they are ruling the rap game and outperforming the competition. Culture is an extension of the flow and one-liners that Migos has been known for in the past. Migos reaches a vast audience of young people and adults with their funny rhymes, yet somewhat vulgar themes and language. Migos blew up on Spotify after releasing their album, getting millions of listens on their songs in only a few days.

Quality Control Music

Culture was released on January 27, 2017.

A-

Skip to: “T-Shirt”

March 2017

Page 9

tune in.

Nü Religion: Hyena THEY. BY EMILY TALMI

etalmi.gazette@gmail.com

he Los Angeles based duo came out with their new album on Feb. 24, 2017 titled, Nü Religion: Hyena. Being their debut album, THEY amazes with their fresh and unique style. THEY, a relatively new music group, released their first songs in 2015 from Los Angeles, CA. Denver native producer Dante Jones and Washington D.C. producer-vocalist Drew Love combine their various influences to create an ingenious blend of hip-hop rock and R&B. Dante and Drew are both very experienced in the line of music and have individually written songs for singers Chris Brown, Jeremih, Will.i.am and Kelly Clarkson. Additionally, the duo is supported by record producer Timbaland and in 2016, the duo accompanied Bryson Tiller as an opening act.

Nü Religion: Hyena features 14 tracks composed of diverse sounds that are eloquently strewn together in a cohesive fashion. The album includes three singles, “Deep End,” “URITE” and “What you Want.” Nü Religion: Hyena is loaded with explicit songs with only four out of the 14 being clean. Their debut album is also featureless, making the platform solely for Dante and Drew. Though the album is not featured on Billboard’s Hot 100 or Billboard 200, Nü Religion: Hyena appears on Apple Music’s Hot Tracks under New Music. Additionally, the album received favorable reviews from music critics. Dante and Drew’s music draws you as a listener in by making every unique note, beat and lyric fall into a beautiful ensemble. There is a diverse amount of instruments that give the album depth and are unique to every genre that the album features. I am a huge fan of Nü Religion: Hyena be-

cause the duo effortlessly provide music lovers with a fresh and cultivating experience that is not given elsewhere. In accordance to many albums I’ve listened to, I have never found an album in which I’ve liked all the songs. Nü Religion: Hyena however, turned that table and left me wishing the album was longer. My top favorite songs from the album would be, “Nü Religion: Hyena-intro,” “Deep End,” “Motley Crew,” “All,” “Dante’s Crew” and “U-RITE.” Every song is drastically different from one another, yet, all the songs contain the raspy R&B voice of Drew and contain a deft mixture of beat and instrumental changes. Ultimately, Nü Religion: Hyena was produced to create a new way of thinking and provide an album that people can gain inspiration from and enjoy.

Mind of a Genius Records

Nü Religion: Hyena was released February 24, 2017.

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FUTURE Future BY MAX SCHWARTZ

I Epic Records

FUTURE was released on February 17, 2017.

C+

Skip to: “When I Was Broke”

mschwartz.gazette@gmail.com

n the past few years, Future has put out projects and songs that rarely fail to impress, and his self-titled album hasn’t seemed to have broken the streak. Leading up to the release, Future had gone on his social media and unfollowed everyone, causing quite the commotion on the scene. Showing this by releasing two completely separate albums within a week, having fairly different sounds. The two album releases were also a complete surprise to the hip-hop world, adding to the mysterious vibes that he had been giving out in the weeks prior. Future opens the album with “Rent Money” which immediately sets the tone for the album as a trap style with a somewhat aggressive vibe. At the end of each song there is an interlude, which is purely talking. Most of these interludes are fairly comical.

An example of this was the first song, where it depicted someone knocking on a friend’s house asking to buy weed for a girl. This then leads into the next song which is called “Good Dope,” which is an ode to having better luxuries such as drugs. The subtleties lie greatly throughout the rest of the album as well. In the album, Future uses his normal, go to themes of drug influences, such as his first major project, “Dirty Sprite.” The beats in the album are good but not great. They are nothing other than what you would expect from Future if you have previously listened to his music. I expected there would be a different outcome considering his big lineup producer-wise, with big names such as Metro Boomin, Zaytoven, DY, Southside, Tarentino and DJ Spinz. The album is for the most part one that you would play in the car when you want something loud on and has a lot of bass. The sound that Future put out in this new album was less professional sounding, and

almost like an undiscovered artist’s. With a big name like Future’s, you need to be constantly bettering yourself and coming up with new sound to prevent sounding like a broken record, and this album didn’t sound like anything new. In a way, it just sounded like a “f*** up some commas” with different words. In an interview with Zane Lowe Future said that he wanted to return to a more underground sound, appealing more to his fans. If his fans find appeal in the typical sound to ‘bump’ in the car and don’t look for any growth in a rapper, then they got what they wanted. Future had an opportunity to turn this album into a very new era for his career and rode the hype he had received from his previous ones. But, instead, he went into familiar territory which was a safe move. This didn’t make Future a terrible album, it just leaves the listener with a lack of diversity.

Prisoner Ryan Adams BY JACK KEHOE

jkehoe.gazette@gmail.com

ife can often feel like an overwhelming, endless prison with all that it throws at you. That’s exactly what Ryan Adams alludes to into his album, Prisoner. This album is a case of irony because the sound and vibes of the song give off a careless feel, when it is really about a serious down point in Adams’ life as it was written around when he divorced Mandy Moore. With tracks titled “Do You Still Love Me?” and “Breakdown,” one can get the sense that the whole divorce was difficult for Adam, but he found a way to channel all the sadness into music. Each track of the album is like following a man who is getting over a breakup, but at the same time the tracks also manage to be uplifting. Adams welcomes you into his world of struggle and turns it into motivation for others

to keep continuing to love their life. The beauty of Prisoner is that it can function to be a motivational album to listen to, and won’t just make you depressed. It’ll immerse you in the world Adams was in and his story, which can directly relate to the listener’s life. Adam’s songs are developed maturely, and will make even the most upset person feel happier. He doesn’t only let his listeners hear his wallowing discontent for what’s happened, he sort of expresses how he’s going to change his destiny for the better. He could have easily found another outlet for his breakup, or no outlet at all. He chose singing, and it’s beautiful how he molded not only himself but also fans with his tragedy. Often, it’s our motives that drive us to do what we do. For Adams, the painful breakup with his ex was his fuel to sing. He put genuine, real life experience behind the songs. Adams has inspiration for music from people, too. Some of his works have been directly inspired from Taylor Swift’s 1989

album, which Adams did his own spin on. He has been in many areas of the music facility as well, having once been in a band called The Cardinals, which got him to where he is today. Prisoner is basically Adams’ drive deeper into 80s music. By his side was producer Don Was, a professional who helped Adams immensely in development. The album may be classified as pop/ rock, but it is still laid-back and mellow in parts, as overcoming an obstacle in life should be, without pressure. It should be taken as soft rock, which is toned down. What makes the album so relatable is that practically everyone goes through a breakup or even a bad slice of life at one point, which is what Adams poured into the album from himself. This album can both heal and make the listener feel comfortable. It’s the best of both worlds. It could be what gets you through your day.

PaxAmerica Recording Company

Prisoner was released on February 17, 2017.

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March 2017

current.

Mixtape - Rainy Days

Artist of the Month anjana ulahannan 1) What got you interested in art? “When I came here was just looking for an elective and I saw art and I was like ‘might as well’ because I always did art in middle school but it wasn’t really an art class so I heard the art program here was good so I just gave it a shot.”

BY AMANDA PRATHER aprather.gazette@gmail.com

1) Make Me (Cry) – Noah Cyrus Noah Cyrus and Labrinth team up to create a song perfect for a sad, gloomy day. Its unique sound and emotional lyrics will give you all the feels. 2) Lemonade – Ukulele version : Jeremy Passion Jeremy Passion conveys a happy light-hearted feel in his song “Lemonade”. The ukulele creates a soft sound that can make anyone’s day better. 3) Lost Stars – Adam Levine The message behind Adam Levine’s “Lost Stars” – although sad – is powerful. He conveys that youth is wasted on the young, and the journey of searching for meaning in life. 4) Sun Shy (Acoustic) – Dresses This upbeat tune will be sure to make your rainy day a little brighter. This duo works together to create a sound that is almost impossible to not snap your fingers or bob your head to. 5) Rise Up – Andra Day If the four previous songs didn’t give you the chills, this one will be sure to do so. Andra Day will make you feel something in her powerful song, “Rise Up.”

Gazette photo /KATIE COLOGNA

and flowers.”

2) What do you enjoy to paint? “I like doing buildings and I enjoy doing people and animals

3) What are your three favorite colors to paint with? “Probably the cooler tones like blues, purples and maybe greens.” 4) What is your favorite part of this class? “Probably the free reign. You kind of get to do whatever, but it’s still productive.” 5) Do you plan on doing art in the future? “Yes. I don’t think I’ll do Art 4 again because you get no credits but I do want to do AP Studio Art.”

Compiled by Katie Cologna

FRESHMAN VS. SENIOR

Follow Friday

Instagram

What is your favorite animal and why?

2020 vs. 2017 Meri Riley, a Granite Bay High School freshman.

Emily Larson, a Granite Bay High School senior.

Meri Riley: My favorite animal is a dog because they are always so cute and playful. Whenever I am down I can always count on my own dog to cheer me up. Emily Larson: My favorite animal is my cat, Tuxedo, because he’s the only man I need.

For a unique instagram account, checkout @deerobins63

Compiled by Kaley Dover

Gazette photo /SIDNEY ZABELL

Compiled by Sidney Zabell

March 2017

Page 11

2007 was 10 yrs ago?

Timeless Tunes and Groovy Movies

Gazette editors review old movies and albums BY CONNOR HINSON

chinson.gazette@gmail.com

hat defines the human experience? Are we made human by our physiological make up, or by something less tangible? Mamoru Oshii’s 1995 film “Ghost in the Shell” seeks not to answer to these questions, but rather offer a sci-fi tinged perspective. Much like “Blade Runner” and “Akira” before it, the near future dystopia of “Ghost in the Shell” is imperfect by nature. As technological advancement encroaches into our physical beings, consciousness becomes the only yardstick with which to measure humanity. Based on a manga series of the same name, the film ostensibly takes place in the middle of the 21st century, in and around a fictional Japanese city. Body augmentation has become commonplace, allowing anyone to upgrade themselves however they see fit. In the case of The Major, the film’s protagonist, her entire body is cybernetic. This leads her to question her own individuality, and whether or not her thoughts are her own. On the surface, the film centers around a three pronged conflict between The Major’s task force called Section 9, the government and a dubious entity known only as The Puppetmaster, who hacks into cybernetics to take control of their ghost. This is where the main philosophical questions come into play, and is the source of the film’s title. The concept of a “ghost” is similar to that of a soul or consciousness; the idea that there is something innate within all humans that separate us in nature and within our own species. This thing has no physical form and wouldn’t be found on any anatomical diagram, yet nonetheless presides within. Without a biological body as an anchor point, our only source of individuality is our ghost, our consciousness. From a technical standpoint, “Ghost in the Shell” remains one of the most impressive anime films of all time. The score is infectious, creating a sense of tranquility within an industrialized world. Moreover, “Ghost in the Shell” remains relevant because of issues of technological advancement it addresses, issues which could become a reality within the next 50 years. Consider this: you live in an era in which self driving cars are less than a decade from ubiquity, unmanned drones can deliver products to your doorstep, yet only 10 years ago smartphones did not exist. “Ghost in the Shell” could mark an uncommon point of insight within a genre whose importance is all too often downplayed. If not, it’s still an incredibly good piece of entertainment.

BY WILL ANDERSON

wanderson.gazette@gmail.com

wo thousand six. A year that gave us Once Again by John Legend – arguably the best R&B album of the 21st century. For obvious reasons, Legend has taken home Grammy Awards multiple times. With vocals as smooth as Sinatra, John Legend has the ideal R&B sound. His deep tone, subtle rasp and daunting falsetto is one of a kind, making his style extremely recognizable. But rambling on about Legend’s voice would never do it justice. Simply put, the vocals on this album are incredible. And the production quality? It’s just as enticing as the vocals. Produced under Kanye West’s label GOOD, Once Again is the perfect sophomore follow up to Legend’s highly successful first studio album from 2004, Get Lifted. Paired with Kanye West are modern day production geniuses Raphael Saadiq, will.i.am and the man himself, John Legend, all four of which, produced the majority of the LP. Despite the endless amalgamation of stunning vocals, soulful harmonies, masterful percussion, funky neo soul guitar riffs and groovy bass – the album has no hiccups. From front to back, there is no loss of energy, there is no song that you will want to skip, it is musical perfection – or as close as you are ever going to get to it. Opening with ‘Save Room’ Legend lyrically confronts the internal and external craze that is loving someone, and continues to do so throughout the first few tracks on the LP. The album, lyrically, could be split into three separate phases of love. The first being the early, head over heels, kind of love. Then there is a transition to songs that represent a more physically passionate love as seen on ‘P.D.A. (We Just Don’t Care)’. And finally is the latter of the three, the heartache stages of love, driven by confusion, loss and disagreement. In all three stages, the instrumentation creates an environment that drives the lyrics. The two coincide effortlessly, and it becomes almost unnoticeable – it is brilliant. Legend does nothing short but live up to his name throughout Once Again. The album is pieced perfectly, and is more than well worth a listen.

Pages 12 & 13

March 2017

street art on art street.

M5Arts hosts a 65,000square-foot art exhibit in downtown Sacramento to help promote artists at the local and global levels BY NATASHA CHANDA

nchanda.gazette@gmail.com

he only thing that might be better than art is a street full of it. Sacramento’s ArtStreet proved to be a major attraction among Granite Bay High School students in the month of February. The project, officially named ArtStreet, was organized by M5Arts, a new organization dedicated to promoting the work of both local and global artists. The 65,000 square foot attraction was centered around an old warehouse in downtown Sacramento and featured an exhibit full of art both inside and outside the premises. Senior Sarah Enos believed holding the exhibit in an abandoned warehouse added another level of meaning. “I think the idea behind it is to show that everywhere, (even) an abandoned warehouse, has beauty,” Enos

Gazette photo /SURINA KHURANA

Gazette illustration/ NATASHA CHANDA AND HANNAH XU

said. Unlike many other exhibits, ArtStreet was a temporary art exhibit that only ran from Feb. 3 to Feb. 25. In the past, M5Arts had organized ArtHotel, an exhibit that was held in an abandoned hotel, and ran from Feb. 5, 2016 to Feb. 13, 2016. Similar to ArtStreet, ArtHotel had also promoted the work of multiple artists, musicians, and authors. Now closed, ArtStreet was a free exhibit and was open to all ages. Though admission was free, it was also on a first-come, first-serve basis, meaning that not all guests were guaranteed entrance. There were particular time slots throughout the day that lasted about 45 minutes each. With a small donation, M5Arts allowed guests to book a reservation for a time slot online, but spots were limited according to their website. Many GBHS students took this unique opportunity and decided to go explore the exhibit for themselves. Senior Arjith Jayaraman found out about ArtStreet from his Advanced Placement Art History teacher, Brad Cordell, and decided to check it out for himself. “He had told us about his recent adventure at ArtStreet and encouraged us to get out there and see some meaningful art,” Jayaraman said. Much of the art displayed had a purpose and held some sort of meaning behind it, allowing it to be interpreted differently by each and every person. “I think the idea behind ArtStreet was to let people know that their voices will be heard and yours should be too,” sophomore Stephanie Samson said. “It was powerful in many aspects. Every exhibit was different to the next and I could tell (almost) everything had a

purpose.” Many of the pieces allowed the guests to interpret each piece however they pleased, a feature Samson describes in her favorite piece. “My favorite piece was this small set up where essentially there was a desk in the center of the room and different screens surrounding it,” Samson said. “... when you pulled out the drawer the lights and sound would intensify. This was my favorite because it was interactive and really had no definite meaning of what it could be.” A number of the pieces shined light on heavier subjects, like the truth behind sexual assault and the reality of the oppression of women. Jayaraman believes that the art allowed individuals to visually see how occurrences like sexual assault oppression can make a person feel. “Personally, I thought Art Street was unbelievably powerful,” Jayaraman said. “There were many pieces that spoke to the oppression of women in society … (however) my favorite piece was the wall of stories and accounts of real life sexual assault. This spoke to me the loudest because it brings to life an idea that is (widely) ignored around the world; when you read these stories, it’s impossible not to feel compassion for these women and what they’ve gone through.” ArtStreet helped provide a greater insight into art for those who hadn’t explored the realm of art previously. “I can honestly say that before high school I had no desire to look at art, nor did I have the capacity to understand what the piece meant,” Jayaraman said. “Now I am able to appreciate the motive of the artist and the beauty of the piece.”

Page 14

March 2017

dance dance evolution.

Dancing through the ages GBHS student and family reflect on their history of school dances

BY ASHLEY YUNG

ayung2.gazette@gmail.com

ate dances have been around since generations ago. While some aspects of a dance have drastically evolved, others have remained the same. Freshman Kaiya Lang has a family whose attendance to date dances goes back to when her grandmother was in high school. Her grandmother, Robin Lang, attended her first date dance in 1967. For Kaiya, last year’s Winter Ball was the first date dance she attended. She spent the night with friends rather than a date. Although going to Winter Ball without a date seems ordinary and common now, it wasn’t always that way. “My grandma told me that they weren’t allowed to go to dances without a date,” Kaiya said. “I’m glad they got that changed.” However, Kaiya was still able to have

a fun time at the dance even without the presence of boys. Kaiya’s mother, Donna Lang, says that relieving the obligation to go with a date can eliminate a stress factor that comes along with date dances. “I feel like when I was in high school there was more of a pressure to go with a date rather than a group of friends,” Donna said. She said that this applied for both genders. Girls would hope that a boy would ask them and boys would hope that the girl they asked would say yes. Health teacher, Terry Stafford, said that when he went to his first dance in 1969, they had a live band play. “Yes, real bands where people play real instruments in front of you,” Stafford said. Another thing that has changed with date dances is the recent presence of social media. At GBHS an account on Instagram was made to update students on who was asked to Winterball.

“It was cool to see who asked other people through the Instagram page,” Kaiya said. The page was run by student government and they awarded the ask with the most likes free tickets to Winter Ball. Despite all these changes society has made to the traditional date dance, there are some things that have withstood the test of time. For instance, there are always the universal concerns swarming through the mind of girls as the next date dance approaches. “Am I going to get asked?” Donna said. “Am I going to go with a friend? Am I going to go with a boy I liked? Am I going to find the right dress?” One thing that will never change is the preparations that go into a dance. GBHS student government went all out preparing for this past Winter Ball. “They had lots of drinks, a chocolate fountain and a bunch of treats to choose from,” Kaiya said. “It was amazing.” Student government also put on dances

when her mother was in high school. Donna’s first date dance was in 1987. Back then, Donna was a part of her student government. “I always thought (date dances) were a big deal because I set them up,” Donna said. However, preparations are not just for those in student government. There is also planning to be done for those attending the dance. “(When I was in high school), you got your shoes dyed to match the color of the dress,” Robin said. “You got your hair done and you got your makeup done.” Date dances have and always will be a huge part of high school and our culture. “Everyone went to the dances when I was in high school,” Stafford said. “It was a big thing for us.” No matter the time or place, date dances, for many generations more, will be a magical experience full of memories that will last a lifetime. “That’s what I remember the most,” Robin said. “How much fun it was.”

Gazette illustrations/KATIE COLOGNA

March 2017

which one?

The discussion between hosting a junior prom or Sadie Hawkins dance continues at BY MEGAN NIMTZ

mnimtz.gazette@gmail.com

igh School dances are considered a rite of passage for kids throughout their teenage years in order to create memories that will last forever. Although within the same district, schools have different perspectives on which dances they choose to throw for their student body. The Sadie Hawkins dance, commonly known as Sadies, is a nationwide event that schools put on so girls can have the opportunity to ask a guy to a date dance instead of the other way around. Junior Prom, however, is an event strictly put on for the junior class of a high school with the intended purpose of raising money for events later in their senior year and creating a night where the class has a unique opportunity to bond with one another. In the Roseville Joint Union High School District, high schools have different perspectives as to why some put on both Junior Prom and a Sadies dance, or one or the other. “Our last Sadies was so low in attendance – 800 to 900 kids used to go to Sadies,” Granite Bay High School Activities Director Tamara Givens said. “At the time students said that the timing was just too close to Junior Prom.” Attendance is the most important factor in all school-run events, because without students going, the school loses money. The conflict with Granite Bay having both Sadies and Junior Prom is that they would be very close together, which would greatly affect the attendance of both events. Students at Granite Bay High School don’t seem to think attendance would be an issue regarding the Sadies dance, and would like to have it back on the agenda. “I would really like to have a Sadies dance because I feel like it would be something different and everyone would enjoy it,” GBHS junior Brennan Holt said. “I don’t think having Sadies and prom would be too much because they are very distinct events and I think the student body would have a great time at both.” Del Oro High School is one of the schools in the district that gives their students the opportunity to attend both Sadies and Junior Prom. “I think my school puts on both because it provides a good balance between the more casual dances like Sadies and the formal,

more serious ones like prom,” Del Oro junior Sylvia Sloss said. “It gives students more opportunities to enjoy times in high school outside of school.” The part that students tend to overlook when discussing junior prom is that when fewer juniors attend, the funds are severely limited for that class’ senior ball. “That money from junior prom helped defray the cost of senior ball, it’s the best fundraiser the junior class has and the goal is to raise money for senior ball,” Givens said. While most schools would love to have a Sadies dance, numerous outside factors contribute to why it is such a difficult event to put on. “I enjoy the Aurora dance but a lot of people don’t go to them,” Woodcreek High School junior Grace Vargas said. For Woodcreek students, Aurora is a more formal dance where the girls generally ask the guys, like Sadies. “It’s also the fact that girls are more uncomfortable with asking a boy to a dance,” Vargas said. “In terms of timing, people always say they wish it was later in the year because of the weather, and it’s only a couple months after homecoming.” While students at Del Oro and Woodcreek look forward to their annual Sadies/ Aurora dance, junior prom is usually the most anticipated dance of the year for the junior class. “I’m excited for our junior prom because it gives us juniors our own special day to focus on our class, and I think it will really bring us together,” Vargas said. Whether a school decides to throw a Junior Prom, Sadies or both depends on the timing of both dances as well as the attendance of the events. The sole purpose of school dances is to create a memorable night for students, as well as fundraising for events later in the year. “I’ve heard that junior prom is a once in a lifetime experience and from anyone who has gone,” Sloss said. “Everyone has told me I have to go because you only get one chance and it’s a really fun night.”

SADIES

JUNIOR PROM

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Zainab Chaudhry, a senior, wears colorful outfits in the spring in her long, detailed dresses and bold statement necklaces.

BY KALEY DOVER

March 2017

spring fashion.

kdover.gazette@gmail.com

Students take advantage of the changing seasons to make new fashion choices, show their individuality

ec o

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According to some students, you can find fashionable pieces for any closet at a multitude of local stores. “My favorite places to shop are Free People, Urban Outfitters, Forever 21, Goodwill and, recently, ASOS and Zara,” Stubee said. Senior Keaton Dougherty, who described his style as “quirky chic,” likes to shop in stores that will ensure his finds are unique to him. “I mainly just thrift shop at Thrift Town and Eco Thrift,” Dougherty said. “But I also love Levi’s jeans and Uniqlo.” This spring seems to be bringing back more retro styles, according to Dougherty. “I feel like styles from the earlier 2000s are reaching their way into pop culture,” Dougherty said. Stubee seems to agree. “I’ve read that button-up shirt inspired looks and off the shoulder shirts and dresses are going to be trending,” Stubee said. “As far as fabrics go, florals and bright colors like blue, yellow and red are always a must for the spring.” Tiwari said that being involved with costume design for the Drama department has affected how he dresses. “Costume design is a challenge in that you need to tell an entire person’s current life situation in one ensemble,” Tiwari said. “So I definitely do consider ... where am I in my life right now, and how can I emulate that in my clothing.” Some students enjoy the freedom clothing provides for them to express their individuality. Dougherty said that his creativity with his style always keeps him looking unique and different from everyone else. Chaudhry also said she appreciates how style is unique to every person’s tastes and personality. “We all have our own personalities and ways we want to express ourselves, and I think fashion is a great way to do that,” Chaudhry said.

ew York Fashion week might have ended in February, but spring trends haven’t yet ended in Granite Bay. Many Granite Bay High School students have their own unique style that helps them to express who they are. Senior Hannah Stubee said that her urban, hipster style is influenced by art. “I like expressing myself through my clothes,” Stubee said. “I think fashion can be considered a form of wearable art.” Similarly, senior Saawan Tiwari, whose style varies from casual and relaxed during the day to alternative and fluid when he goes out, also views clothes as another form of art. “Art is all about expression, and we as artists definitely use any outlet we can to do just that,” Tiwari said. “So, I guess in that way it has pushed me to try to emulate myself through my clothes.” Students aren’t limited to where they are inspired with their fashion. Zainab Chaudhry, a senior at GBHS, whose style is professional casual, tends to look to YouTube fashion bloggers such as Dina Torika and Zoe Suggs, also known as ”Zoella,” for style inspiration. “My style depends on the day,” Chaudhry said. “Usually how I dress depends on how I feel.” Stubee said she is also influenced by what she sees online and likes to look at fashion bloggers on Instagram. Tiwari said he has trouble finding styles that resemble what he is aspiring towards. “I don’t really have a huge fashion icon – there’s not a lot of people that do what I do,” Tiwari said. “I do love Todrick Hall and what he does though. I think it definitely is close to what I try to achieve or what I would like to do.”

Spring into a new style

GBHS senior Hannah Stubee shows her spring style through floral patterns and soft, flowy, feminine clothing.

March 2017

club penguin no mo.

Page 17

Students discuss how the video game’s shutdown will affect them and future generations

Gazette illustrations/AMANDA PRATHER

BY BRIAN DING

bding.gazette@gmail.com

f you were to look back at childhood, you probably remember a time of ease and wonder. The outdoors brought whole new colors to our eyes, and advanced color television of the 21st century helped expand upon that imagination. While looking to satisfy your quick to spread boredom, you probably played a few games here and there, from board games to video games. One internet game that sticks out now in 2017 is Club Penguin, and not in a positive way. Starting on Mar. 29, 2017 Club Penguin on the computer will be shutting down for all users and will be heading towards mobile instead. The new Club Penguin will be titled Club Penguin Island and will be available on the app store as soon as the release date is met. The game was first released Oct. 24, 2005 as a means for younger kids to be able to play different games with others Club Penguin had a lot to offer, from different puzzle games, to sports where you could compete with others in. Additionally, you could even customize your penguin so he or she could look unique from others. Samantha Khieu, GBHS junior started playing Club Penguin at the age of 10 because of her sister, who is two years older than her. She first heard about the news about the Club Penguin shutdown from Reddit. Although some may view Club Penguin as being a simple internet game, you would be surprised at the influence it may have on others. Khieu has faced many hard obstacles throughout her life, and Club Penguin served as the perfect pastime to hang out with friends and simply be herself without being afraid of the criticism. She also added that the move the company is making is the right one.

“Overall, it is extremely smart to make the move from PC to mobile. Younger kids are accessing the internet differently (than) us.” Khieu said. Bronson Vanderjack, GBHS junior, discovered that Club Penguin was shutting down from YouTube. Club Penguin was a huge influence towards him at a young age because the game was a wonderful pastime for him as well. “(Club Penguin) gave me the confidence to hold different online relationships with others and branch out to other internet games” said Vanderjack. Vanderjack believes that the success of Club Penguin Island depends upon how the game layout and experience will be executed when presented to a younger audience. “ Club Penguin Island should still preserve the element of being simple and should be lacking in ads” Vanderjack said. According to the Club Penguin website, developers had been working on the new platform for a while and were waiting on the right time to transition to mobile. Senior Shantanu Rao began playing Club Penguin at a young age. In fact, his best friend was the one that referred him to the game. “The game itself allowed me to become more socially connected with others online” Rao said. Rao first discovered that the game was shutting down from Instagram, which proved to be a shocker. In terms of members who paid for membership to receive certain perks, Club Penguin is offering to provide refunds on the day that club penguin is officially closed, asking for you to check your email to receive a refund confirmation code. So, when club penguin hits the app store, be sure to check it out for the special features and adventure it has to offer for people of all ages.

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March 2017

need a lyft?

Use an app when you have a

JUDGMENT LAPSE GBHS students use taxi services to steer away from drinking and driving BY DEAN WILSON

dwilson.gazette@gmail.com

s the pressure of the school week reaches students, the search begins to relieve the built up stress that they’ve acquired. The most popular alternative to meditating or unwinding at a coffee shop is being in an environment with others who have similar struggles: a party. As parties and kickbacks have become the backbone of a typical Saturday night here in Granite Bay, so has underage drinking. What better way to lose the worries that have been following one through the week than getting inebriated in a social setting? The only difficulty that arises is how students will get a home. While establishing a solid designated driver shift within a friend group is reliable some of the time, most students choose to pay for a taxi service like Uber or Lyft. With all the dangers that come from alcohol consumption, the safety of Granite Bay students is a huge priority to both them and their parents. Recent events involving surrounding schools and programs

like Every 15 Minutes put everyone on high alert. “I think that many other students can agree with me when I say that Uber helped me stay safe on Friday or Saturday nights,” said former GBHS student Katie Densham. “Equally as important was how it ensured that I wasn’t making any stupid decisions that could put others in harm,” Densham said. Not only are the families of students being helped by the taxi service, but the companies are too. It seems that Uber and Lyft drivers have become more and more present in the Granite Bay community. When looking back two years ago, taxi companies were scarce in the Granite Bay area. Confirming the increased observation of taxi activity in Placer County, Lyft driver Thomas Dense has had a growing number of clients in the area over the past several months. “When I started out a year or so ago, most of my rides were in the city. But I find myself closer and closer to high schools in this area every weekend,” Dense said. However, the implications of the increase in Uber

and Lyft drivers in Granite Bay area are not always seen as great for the reputation of the community. A vast majority of students at Granite Bay High School own a car. Those who require a taxi service to get home or move from place to place are few in numbers, so typically the passengers are using the service due to their inability to drive safely. Dense confirmed this assumption by saying that the majority of people he drives around the area are leaving a party in an intoxicated state and appear to be under the legal age requirement. This “responsibility” only goes so far when dealing with under age drinking. Even though students are trying their best to maintain safety in the community, they are breaking the law regardless. “The use of Uber is a convenience to the students” said Deputy Greg Hopping.“Teenagers under the influence are not making mature decisions. It’s hard enough to get older adults to make smart decisions when they’re intoxicated. A younger mind doesn’t think like that.”

Gazette illustrations/KATIE COLOGNA

March 2017

Page 19

artsy instas.

Insta - DAMN!

GBHS students share their love for photography and artsy lifestyles on Instagram

Special to the Gazette / CAMDEN CASTILLO

Special to the Gazette / JAKE BRENSON

BY AMANDA PRATHER

aprather.gazette@gmail.com

nstagram can be an outlet to express creativity, passions, or anything you choose. Some users employ this platform as a way to display interesting, or professional photos they have shot or even modeled for. Photography has become very popular among the younger generations as a way for kids to show off these talents and passions. GBHS senior, Jake Brenson says that photography allows him to visually express what goes on in his head. “If I think up a certain idea, look, or style, I can put it in a photograph and share it with the world,” Brenson said. Brenson added that he does plan on pursuing photography for a career in Los Angeles in the near future. “I can’t imagine doing anything else, sitting in an office, doing the same thing everyday,” Brenson said. Brenson has done a multitude of small projects with local models as well as clothing companies, real estate agents, music artists, and social media influencers. Social media is a very effective way for artists of any medium to get their work out to the world. “Social media has played a massive role in my growth as a photographer … it allows me to engage with my audience, meet new people to work with, and grow as an artist,” Brenson said. On the other side of the camera is GBHS junior Trinity Burley, who often models for photographers, said that modeling allows her to meet new people and create new things with others. “I love getting to capture an idea and bring it to life,” Burley said, “and getting to help people create those images.” She added that social media has been a huge part of the start of her career as a model.

“Social media helps me discover new people or be discovered by new people, which makes it possible for me to do so many shoots,” Burley said. Another photographer and GBHS senior, Camden Castillo, said that what draws him to photography is that everything is in the moment, and there are several opportunities to get the right shot that you are looking for. “When you get that shot you wanted, it’s so satisfying,” Castillo said. Castillo added that with photography and shooting film you are able to give emotion to the audience and separate yourself from others. “With apps like Instagram, anyone can now follow simple social media trends, take photos of pretty people, slap on a VSCO cam filter and label themselves a photographer,” Castillo said, “(however) This type of thing is degrading the art that photography and shooting film (are).” He said that he wishes that people would branch out to see that there’s more that goes on to getting the real photo. “There’s effort. There’s meaning. There’s purpose behind it and it takes actual skill,” Castillo said. Castillo also said that he would love to hopefully pursue a career in photography and that social media and apps like Instagram will help him achieve that. “It would be cool if I could show people real world problems that are actually going on and that many people don’t seem to realize happen,” Castillo said. With photojournalism, the visual often brings a lot more to the story than just the text. Castillo has worked on many projects including Sacramento Fashion week, clothing companies, concerts, and many more. Instagram has helped these photographers, as well as many others, get their work out to the world and advance their careers while sharing their passions. “Instagram has helped me share what I have on a platform that can reach so many people,” Castillo said, “it has helped me build relationships with others as well as meeting new people with similar interests.” Special to the Gazette /MATT WELTER

March 2017

Page 20

written in the stars.

Is it a sign? BY MAX SCHWARTZ

mschwartz.gazette@gmail.com

zet

n/C

atio

tr llus

S RIS

Horoscopes reflect on the past and foreshadow the future Whether you follow them or not, chances are you’ve heard about astrology signs. Nowadays, there is a ‘trendy’ association attached to the zodiac calendar. “I read my horoscope about two times a week from an app on my phone,” sophomore Ellie Wilson said. Horoscopes are based on your astrology sign, which is determined by the day you were born. An astrology sign is supposed to reveal a particular set of when character and personality traits. “I think my sign defines some of the main points of my personality,” junior Delicia Kyubwa said. “It is extremely accurate to the way I am and my overall demeanor. A majority of the time, everything I read about my sign, I can relate to.” On social media, people often put their zodiac sign in their bio. “I feel like not enough people are really knowledgeable about astrology and (care) more about the appeal

of having it in their bio for how it looks,” Kyubwa said. “They result to flaunting about false or inaccurate information regarding it.” Kyubwa said that she stays away from reading her horoscope in the morning because she’s afraid her horoscope will influence her behaviors. “I try my best to avoid reading (what) my daily horoscope is because when I do read it, I will most definitely let that affect my whole entire day,” Kyubwa said. “Throughout the day, the thought of what my horoscope said will stay in the back of my mind without me even realizing.” Senior Kendall Smith is an avid astrology follower. “Your mood is all subconscious thinking,” Smith said. “If your horoscope says you’re not (going to) have a good day, you make yourself not have a good day. The basic horoscope that you read doesn’t affect your day.” Sophomore Ellie Wilson reads her horoscope about

two times every week. Wilson said she tries to read it at the end of the day, rather than at the beginning. “If something happened that seemed to match what my horoscope had said,” Wilson said, “I would think back to my horoscope and draw the connection between what (had) happened and what my horoscope said.” Smith said astrology isn’t just about the typical birthday signs. “You have an entire chart of signs of each planet in our solar system,” Smith said. “Everyone is familiar with their sun sign which is the main sign you have.” Smith said there are many astrology signs beyond the sun signs, which are the symbols most people think about. “Each planet means specific things,” Smith said. “The sign that goes along with that planet gives you different interpretations for each aspect of yourself.”

March 2017

Page 21

get played.

Fortunate enough to see The Unfortunates The GBHS Drama department prepares for the final show of the school year with a never before performed play BY MCKENNA ARAM

maram.gazette@gmail.com

ranite Bay High School’s musical theatre class will be performing the show “The Unfortunates” and is the first amateur cast in history to do so. The show will be conducted on Mar. 30 and 31 as well as Apr. 1, 6, 7 and 8 of this upcoming spring. “It’s not only important to give our students, but also the community, a clear scope of what theatre is really all about,” said GBHS’ Director of Theatre Arts Kyle Holmes. ‘The Unfortunates’ is different in that it’s not a big flashy show.” The musical takes place during the final moments of Joe Mckinney’s life, as he confronts a firing squad due to his death sentence. The comedic musical thrives off of contemporary music, while blending in sentiments of love, courage and community. “‘The Unfortunates’ is the musical we’re doing this year and it’s not a typical Broadway musical, ” said senior and musical lead Evan McGuire. “It’s more fun in my opinion because it has rap, gospel music and jazz.” “The Unfortunates” has only ever been performed by the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and the American Conservatory Theatre. Granite Bay High School’s drama department is the first high school to ever stage the musical.

“It’s like one of those movies that has a cult following and everyone who has seen it knows what it’s all about,” Holmes said. “It was like, ‘oh my gosh you’ve seen ‘The Unfortunates?’ You know what that is?’” Every year the drama department goes to see the Oregon Shakespeare Festival performances in Ashland, Oregon. At the festival in 2013, Holmes accidentally discovered “The Unfortunates” with a friend he had brought along, ultimately inspiring him to bring the play to GBHS. “You’ve got to pick your shows carefully; it’s a-fewfor-them a -one-for-me kind of thing,” Holmes said. “Pick a few the community is really going to like and let’s pick a few that is going to expose them to something new.” From Aug. of 2016 until now, Holmes has been in contact with Casey Hurt, the original music writer for the play, who has helped to facilitate bringing the unique show to GBHS’ campus. “I’m really looking forward to playing off of the energy of the audience,”

said senior and musical lead Sophie Brubaker. “That’s what this show is – a ton of energy.” Preparation for the musical takes place over an eight week cycle from the commencing days of rehearsal to actual execution of the show. Students in the musical theatre class do everything from set construction to costume design. They have to organize the marketing, the program and even lighting for execution day. “I have kids that have fourth period off and just come back in to help (with preparation),” Holmes said. “I think this is very enticing for them because we are kind of our own community.” In the past, GBHS drama has performed renowned musicals such as Beauty and the Beast, Urinetown, Shrek, Guys and Dolls and Into the Woods with casts of 40 to 50 people. This year, the cast is composed of 18 students. “If you get (to the show) early it’s cool because we’re doing something interactive with the audience,” McGuire said. “The audience can come up on stage and there will be concessions so you can hang out on the stage before the show starts.” The instrumental aspect of the music will be performed by the students. There will be an orchestra on stage including drums, bass, piano and a jazz band. “It’s a very intimate musical where the audience isn’t going to be wowed by big fancy sets and special effects,” Holmes said. “The audience is going to be wowed by the music and what they’re feeling after the show.”

Gazette illustration/ NATASHA CHANDA

Musical dates: March 30-April 1 April 6-8

Page 22

March 2017

film.

TWC-DIMENSION

WILD BUNCH

UNIVERSAL PICTURES

By: Jake Criscione jcriscione.gazette@gmail.com

By: Connor Hinson chinson.gazette@gmail.com

By: Brian Ding bding.gazette@gmail.com

Rated: PG-13

the great wall: B-

hrown into the fray, the overwhelming army of ancient beasts storm the Great Wall while in a desperate defense, the last defenders of China defend in what seems to be a hopeless fight for survival. Being of Chinese descent, I already had a bit of a bias and high expectation for the new movie “The Great Wall.” William, played by Matt Damon, finds himself imprisoned within the Great Wall while at the same time discovering the ancient creatures which also reside in the fantasy world. William, a traveling mercenary finds himself aiding the Chinese in defending the wall against the creatures in a crisis which seems unwinnable. While fighting with the walls defenders, he slowly gains the people’s trust and becomes a hero to the cause of defending the lives of the walls citizens. Traveling to discover the source of the beasts, it seems as though the audience is with William as he ventures forth seemingly alone to end the relentless war. The scenery and computer-generated imagery of the movie was not too bad. I found myself at the edge of my seat while watching the different angle shots of the wall and the slow motion effects when battle scenes occurred. The depiction of a man’s resolve against all odds was a major theme of the movie, which seemed a bit cliche. However, one recurring issue I had with the movie was with the story being rather rushed. Scenes jumped around so quickly at times, and so much was happening during the battle scenes that it felt like a Chinese version of “World War Z” with monsters. The acting in the Great Wall was not the best. Doing my research before the movie, I saw that famous Chinese actors such as Jing Tian was part of the movie. One part of Chinese acting that people of different ethnicities do not all understand is how cheesy it can be. The film was constantly filled with mystery and action, similar to the style of “47 Ronin.” During the movie, I expected to see creatures such as dragons and cities of old, which was truly delivered. Despite the semi-cheesy acting, the movie is definitely something I enjoyed.

the red turtle: A

he world seems to be in an inescapable cycle of turmoil. Fear breeds hate breeds fear; so it goes. Luckily, no objective reality exists. It is our perception of reality that shapes our emotions. This concept is at the heart of “The Red Turtle,” a quaint story about finding love through struggle. “The Red Turtle” is the latest from Studio Ghibli, the japanese animation studio primarily known for director Hayao Miyazaki’s masterworks. This time around, they enlisted the help of Michael Dudok de Wit, a Dutch animator known for his academy award winning short “Father and Daughter.” The film opens on the nameless protagonist lost in a turbulent sea. Caught between waves and wreckage, he eventually finds solace on a desert island. After building an escape raft, he sets sail off of the island, only for his raft to be destroyed by an unknown sea creature. Not much more should be said about the plot. It’s best experienced knowing as little as possible. For the entire hour and a half runtime, there is no dialogue. Instead, character development and emotion is conveyed through visual storytelling and a serene score by Laurent Perez Del Mar. This doesn’t come off as a gimmick, but rather a necessary aspect to the narrative of the film. Removing dialogue leaves room for the beautiful animation to shine. The style of the film is unlike any animation I have ever seen. Its minimalistic yet detailed, creating a fully realized world oozing with character. Much of the film is shot similar to the acclaimed Japanese director Yasujiro Ozu, wherein the camera is static, leaving all movement to the characters and scenery. This allows the focus to shift from the film’s direction to its emotion. The brilliance of “The Red Turtle” lies in its simplicity. It’s not trying to be flashy with its story or visuals or score, instead allowing them all to blend together into a singular experience. “The Red Turtle” offers a brief, meaningful experience, unsullied by politics. Through its lack of dialogue, it transcends cultural and linguistic barriers, telling a story relatable to all. Rated: PG

gold: B

ometimes in life, we have tough stretches that make us due for a miracle. “Gold” is a venturesome thriller that is based off of true events with Matthew McConaughey playing Kenny Wells (the desperate businessman) and Edgar Ramirez as Michael Acosta (the eager geologist). The surprisingly anticipated discovery of gold during an Indonesian adventure serves as a miracle for the partnership of Kenny and Michael. This could not come at a more crucial time for Kenny, whose company, Washoe, was financially expiring. In desperation of losing his passed-away father’s business, Kenny had been frantically searched for ways to salvage the family company. Even after the uncovering of gold, the tides rapidly turn once more as they find themselves entangled with the New York Stock Exchange after being caught for fraud. This nail biting, back and forth dispute ends in a breathtaking finish that you won’t want to miss. Miraculously, the events in this movie are based off of true events that occurred with John Felderhof and his company, Bre-X, in the 20th century. Throughout the film, scenes take place in various stunning locations. Jungles, deserts and city settings make the film even more appealing to watch. The brilliant directing of Stephen Gaghan successfully creates an enticing feel throughout the film as I was constantly waiting to see what would happen next at every shift in the movie. On top of that, Gaghan’s creation of the unique characters was tremendously intriguing. Kenny Wells, for example, is developed as a complete mess with his hideous combover, jagged teeth and humorous physique. His horrific characteristics yet bold pursuits help build up his ambitious and restless character. Nonetheless, the portrayal and acting of each character was phenomenal in the sense that it allows you to enjoyably pick your favorite character. Although the film became uneventful at times as it became lost in various conversations, the overall plot and depiction of true events was definitely something worth my time. Not to mention surprise at the end. Rated: R

SUMMIT PREMIERE

By: Samreen Siddiqui ssiddiqui.gazette@gmail.com

rock dog: B-

verall, the premise of a singing dog leaving his village full of sheep for a music career seems far-fetched (no pun intended). Bodi, a sheltered dog who has always had a liking for music, leaves the village for the city after his father Khampa (voiced by the famous J.K. Simmons) lets him find his way in the world. The wolves, the village’s enemies, seek to kidnap Bodi for information once Bodi stumbles across an amateur band and his idol, Angus Scattergood. The synopsis of the film “Rock Dog” is mediocre compared to modern animated features, such as Oscar winning “Zootopia.” I also found the ending, while I hate giving away endings to movies, way to similar to the battle scene in the animated film “The Book of Life.” This is most likely the case since the company that animated this movie, Reel FX, also animated “The Book of Life.” While the storyline seemed redundant, the fact that Bodi and Khampa are the only two animals in their village that aren’t sheep (with the exception of Fleetwood Yak) is actually hilarious. The sheep are portrayed as idiots, while Bodi and his father are looked at as the village’s only chance at survival. My favorite character out of the whole feature was Fleetwood Yak, since he played the iconic role of speaking directly at the camera when things got awkward. He was also the one who talked sense into Khampa when it was necessary, and I like characters who point out what the audience is thinking. While the actual character of Angus Scattergood comes off as a typical burnt-out rock star, Eddie Izzard’s voice work was incredible, and gave off a “power pop” vibe to his character. In other words, I felt like I was listening to interviews with the band members of XTC, or watching Bill Nighy in “Love Actually.” The music in the movie was disappointing, considering that was the element that I was most looking forward to. Famous composer Rolfe Kent put together the soundtrack, but I thought that the music was leaning too much into the pop genre. This film is not something I would run out and see again, but the movie was saved by the voice actors casted and the funny side plots that kept my short attention span. Rated: PG

WARNER BROS. PICTURES

ichie Keen’s “Fist Fight” opens with a scene on the last day of school at Rosemont High, with seniors hanging a sign that says “LAST DAY OF SCHOOL B-----” and seniors wearing shirts that say “I’m a senior. F--- you!” It wasn’t exactly what I was expecting. Nevertheless, the first scene was just a taste of what the rest of the movie would be like. The film was full of raunchiness and characters who swore between every word they spoke. I think the producers could have toned it down a little and still got the pointless, plotless effect it seems like they were going for. A little ways into the school day, two teachers have an argument – the non-confrontational goody two-shoes Andy Campbell (Charlie Day) and the intimidating, terrifying Mr. Strickland (Ice Cube). Strickland challenges little Campbell to a fist fight (who would have guessed?) after school in the parking lot that same day. The rest of the movie consists of Campbell trying to get out of the fight every way he can think of. Of course, he fails and at 3 p.m. he musters up the courage to bring his game to the parking lot. I must say that though the profanity was excessive, the plot utterly unfathomable and acting horrendous, certain scenes in the movie had the few people in the theater and I laughing out loud. That said, I think the movie achieved what it set out to do – make its audience laugh with overly dramatic music and a beyond stupid plot. Sure, I was cringing for a good portion of the movie, but I was also near tears at other points. One of my favorite scenes was when Campbell’s elementary school age daughter sang and danced to a Big Sean favorite at her school’s talent show. I would argue, though, that the best parts of the movie were the senior prank ideas and the the bloopers at the end. They were what really made the ticket a little bit more worth the price. Rated: R By: Surina Khurana skhurana.gazette@gmail.com

fist fight: C

Page 23

film.

UNIVERSAL PICTURES

he plot of seeing the world through another animal’s mind has always fascinated us, and “A Dog’s Purpose” does exactly that. It shows the world through the eyes of a dog and is narrated by the dog, too. The movie started from Bailey’s (the dog) first moments in the world, as a puppy. Bailey gets caught by dog catchers, and is stuck in their car for a long period of time. It’s already looking like the end for Bailey, at such a short lifespan. However, he’s saved by a boy named Ethan, who raises him to be a great dog. The movie primarily focuses on Ethan’s story with Bailey, but there are three other minor stories that come later. Basically, Bailey lives four different lives as four different dogs. They range from being a St. Bernard to a K-9 Police Dog to a Corgie. Each story also has a very unique and different flavor or setting. It’s almost like seeing four movies in one, because of how much detail went into each story so you could understand what went on in that particular life Bailey lived. In Bailey’s four lives, he lives by a different name each time too. First he is Bailey, then he’s Ellie (female), then he’s Tino and finally he is unnamed for a while, but then becomes Buddy. In each life except the last one, where the movie ends, Bailey dies a different way too. From natural causes, to a broken heart of missing Ethan, to getting shot while in a crime scene, Bailey goes on through each life and learns new things about each of his owners, too. What’s excellent about this movie is that it’s not hard to keep track of, while you might think it would be since it involves four different lives with four completely different owners. The movie not only shows how dogs live different lifestyles, but how humans live differently too. Settings like a farm, a lonely apartment in NYC, a run down house and a college campus all add depth to the plots. What’s beautiful about the movie is the dog narration, because it makes you wonder about life as a whole while also making you laugh with how funny dogs can be. The dog lingo is definitely in the movie throughout. If you’re a dog lover, prepare to shed a tear at many moments in this film, but also enjoy the various dogs too. This movie works for all ages to enjoy, because dogs are in everyone’s lives and always will be. Rated: PG By: Jack Kehoe jkehoe.gazette@gmail.com

a dog’s purpose: A-

March 2017

Page 24

in the mosh.

Fifth period setlist Students take advantage of concert season BY SANJNA SAINI

ssaini.gazette@gmail.com

ith a rise of popular artists touring this year, many students have decided seek out the concerts of their favorite artists, despite the often high prices. Junior Chase Mannsfeld bought tickets to Drake’s Summer Sixteen tour in Oakland, since he fell in love with the tracks on the artist’s new album. “I decided to go mainly because of his new album, ‘Views,’” Mannsfeld said. “I had been listening to it a lot. I liked the show set up and the flow of the songs and how he performed. The atmosphere was awesome,” As for the price of stepping into Oracle Arena, the tickets were fairly cheap for Mannsfeld and his sister. “My sister (Autumn Mannsfeld) had an extra ticket. The seats weren’t the best, but they weren’t that expensive, so I felt like we got what we paid for. I was on the top row on the side of the stage and we paid $40,” Mannsfeld said. Before the Sleep Train Arena was shut down, junior Maddie Tastor spent her last moments in the arena by watching her idol on perform. “I went to the Selena Gomez Revival Tour. My sister and I really enjoy Selena

Gomez, we bond over it,” Tastor said. “So we decided to go as soon as we heard that tickets were on sale and we each got to bring a friend. Despite her international pop-star status, tickets for Gomez’s show were surprisingly affordable. “They were really good seats. The price, I think, was right for the seats,” Tastor said. Tastor ended up meeting Gomez, without paying an extra cent. “I have a friend (who) goes to concerts a lot. We didn’t get the meet and greets because those are way too expensive, so she told me to ‘just go wait outside by her bus,’ and that’s what we did. She so happened to come up to me and my friend and we took a picture and talked to her a bit,” Tastor said. The concert itself wasn’t the highlight of Tastor’s experience, but rather “meeting her, because she’s one of my childhood idols and it was really cool seeing her,” Tastor said. Although many go out of their way to see popular, mainstream artists, senior Flannery Trexler enjoys attending some bands that aren’t as well-known. “This year, 2017, I’ve only been to one concert so far, and it was The Growlers,” Trexler said. “I decided to go because I’m a big fan of their music, and I heard

they were good performers. (I also heard) that the crowd was really fun and involved, so I wanted to check it out.” Because of the smaller venue, the prices were fair. “It was at Ace of Spades in Sacramento, which usually isn’t an expensive venue, and the band isn’t too well known,” Trexler said. “The tickets were very reasonable.” Another concert avid, senior Jordan Sloan, went as a VIP to Justin Bieber’s purpose tour, believing it would be the night of her life. “It was underwhelming. For tickets that price, I think he should have been nicer. We took one picture, and he said ‘enjoy the show.’ I was surprised at how unenthusiastic he was,” Sloan said. Gaining admission into the concert came with a hefty price for the ultimate VIP package. “Well my friend got the ticket but I think they were $1500 each and we had VIP so we were front row,” Sloan said. Most would agree that meeting their all-time idol would be the best part of the show. Unfortunately, Sloan said “getting the front row was cool, but meeting him (was not).”

Special to the Gazette/FLANNERY

Special to the

TREXLER

YN SLOAN Gazette /JORD

Jordyn Sloan and Flannery Trexler make it to the front of the crowd at their favorite artists’ concerts. Gazette illustration/CONNOR HINSON