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Hawkeye 06 2017

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HOW MUSIC AND FRIENDSHIP COLLIDE JUNE 2017 | VOLUME 32 | ISSUE 6

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SEE WHERE THE SENIORS ARE HEADED

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ONE STUDENT’S RAGS TO RICHES LIFE

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MOUNTLAKE TERRACE HIGH SCHOOL | 21801 44TH AVE. W MOUNTLAKE TERRACE WA 98043

SALUTE TO THE CLASS OF 2017


2 | JUNE 2017

Hawkeye

YOUR SCHOOL YOUR TEAMS

HAWKS·MAVERICKS ROYALS·WARRIORS

RELIVE THE 2016-2017 MAGIC! Follow the action at: www.SoundLiveSportsNetwork.com or

LIVE LIVE and ON DEMAND coverage of Edmonds School District sports!

The Sound Live Sports Network is brought to you in part by the student media programs at Mountlake Terrace High School in cooperation with and support from the My Neighborhood News Network. Students from the HBN Production Club, including students from HBN and the Hawkeye, apply their study of broadcast sports production, sports reporting and sports announcing by producing these broadcasts. Other high school students in the district are encouraged to participate by joining the HBN Production Club. Contact Angelo Comeaux at MTHS for more information.

PRODUCED BY

HAWK TV/HBN & THE HAWKEYE WWW.THEHAWKEYE.ORG


Hawkeye

JUNE 2017 | 3

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HARPER THOMAS | HAWKEYE

HAWKEYE LEADERSHIP ‘17-’18

HARPER THOMAS | HAWKEYE

COURTESY OF HAILEE MALINS

Co-Editors-in-Chief

Sierra Clark Vivian Nowka-Keane Editorial Board Annika Prom, Ben Eyman, Jacob Allard, Marianne Nacanaynay, Sierra Clark and Vivian Nowka-Keane Editorial News Editor Nolan DeGarlais Sports Editor Kennedy Cooper and Sarah Davis Op/Ed Editor Marianne Nacanaynay Lifestyle Editor Annika Prom Business General Manager Ben Eyman Distribution Manager Open

CIARA LANEY | HAWKEYE

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June

2017

7 Jazz catches the flute 8 Cementing her footsteps globally 12 Music in her muted world

Online Online Manager Open Data Manager Sam Johnson Audio/Video Manager Open .................................................... Hawkeye Staff Bobby Stoyanov, Ciara Laney, Derek Nguyen, Flynn Thomas, Gavin Norley, Hank Belanger, Ian Dortsch, Jenny Tran, Jonathan Kwong, Josh Setala, Josh Talley, Matthew Hipolito, Memphis Ramerman, Nhung Lam, Praditha Halstad, Praise Jingjit, Robert Krieger, Samantha Svikel, Semira Beraki, Teresa Bonilla and Yannie Tran

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JOSH SETALA | HAWKEYE

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Contents

Visual Graphics Editor Tessa King Photo Editor Harper Thomas and Jacob Allard Design Editor Open

JACK FIORILLO | HAWKEYE

13 Started from the bottom… 14 Music to heal 16 Blooming from the snow

MTHS ASB, JEA/WJEA, NSPA, Student Press Law Center, Tao of Journalism

Letter from the Editor

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Be grateful of friends and experiences as you move ahead

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s some of our dearest friends and peers take their last steps through MTHS, many of us reminisce on our time with them and try to prepare for a loss. Graduating is difficult, and change is daunting but bittersweet. My message to Vivian Nowka-Keane CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF you is to keep in mind that friendships are never lost; the memories and lessons are always with you, and you’ll continue to make new ones, with people you know and love as well as with those you haven’t met yet. If you and your friend don’t maintain a 300-day streak on Snapchat, it doesn’t

Name in bold indicates the staff member of the month as selected by the Editorial Board. ....................................................... Advisers Vince DeMiero and Mike McLaughlin FANs Coordinators Sandra Merten & Cathy Fiorillo Journalist-in-Residence Samantha Pak Printing Pacific Publishing Member

mean you don’t care about one another. Moving forward, while it may mean moving apart from some, should be more about pursuing your goals and ambitions. Moving apart doesn’t equate to ending a relationship. While it won’t be as intensive and close, it can still exist, and that’s much better than breaking connections. Be happy and grateful that you were lucky enough to have people in your life for the time you did, and that they’re alive and well. To experience such sorrow is to have once known a great joy. As stated in “The Count of Monte Cristo:” “There is neither happiness nor misery in the world; there is only the comparison of one state with another, nothing more.” It’s not over, just different; things have changed. Make those changes be for the better.

Looking at all of the seniors wrap up such an esteemed part of their lives is heartwarming, and for underclassmen, envy, or even fear of what is to come for themselves. One of the best things you can do is take those emotions and express them; show those who’ve affected your life that you treasure them. The sophomore class used Hershey’s kisses as a fundraiser and means for people to express their appreciation for seniors. Whether they’re headed off to the military, another state or even country, or closer to home, our loved ones will always be just a thought or a call away. High school reunions are the classic means for people to reunite with old friends, but a really simple method is using social media to schedule gatherings. H

Contact Us Email editor@thehawkeye.org Phone 425.431.5058 Website www.thehawkeye.org Mail Hawkeye Room 130 c/o Mountlake Terrace High School 21801 44th Avenue West Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043

Mission

Mission Statement The Hawkeye’s mission is to provide the MTHS community with quality, thought-provoking student produced publications. In policy and in practice since 1960, the Hawkeye is a designated open forum publication.

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The Hawkeye has established several open public forums for the exchange of information, opinions and artistic expression dedicated to those in the MTHS community. Since 1960, we have faithfully served our audience and community as an open, public forum where student editors make all decisions. Editorials The editorial section of the Hawkeye serves as a forum for well-written, thoughtful, longer forms of expression. Signed editorials represent the opinions of the author. Unsigned editorials represent the opinion of the Hawkeye Editorial Board. Views printed herein are meant to be opinionated and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the Hawkeye staff, student body, faculty, administration or school board. The Hawkeye will print submitted guest editorials as space allows and requests that all contributors include their name, signature and position relative to the editorial. The Hawkeye will edit all submissions for accuracy, spelling and grammar. We reserve the right to refuse to print any submission. Letters to the Editor Readers are encouraged to voice their opinions in the Opinion section, a public forum for the expression of varying viewpoints on relevant topics. The Hawkeye will print as many letters as space allows. Letters must include the author’s name, signature and class or position relative to the letter. Typed or legible, hand written letters are acceptable, but should not exceed 200 words. The Hawkeye will edit all letters for accuracy, spelling and grammar. We reserve the right to refuse to print any letter. Editorial Cartoons Submissions represent the view of the artist. Editorial cartoons accompanying editorials and editorial columns represent the view of the author. Cartoons are selected based on appropriateness and clarity of message. Advertising The Hawkeye will not accept any advertising that the Editorial Board deems to be: factually inaccurate; designed to mislead, deceive or defraud; containing malicious, vindictive or unsubstantiated attacks; offering goods and/or services illegal for teens to possess, buy or use; libelous; obscene; creating imminent danger or disruption to school. The Hawkeye reserves the right to refuse any advertising, solicited or unsolicited. Advertisements do not necessarily reflect the views or endorsements of the Hawkeye staff, student body, faculty, administration or school board. Revised 9/2013

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OP/ED

4 | JUNE 2017

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

The Monday after

Now it’s your turn

So, what’s on your mind?

T

his coming Monday is always the saddest day of the school year for me. Especially about 7:05 and 10:20 a.m. Those familiar voices I’ve come accustomed to hearing every day and those that bring a calm Kim Stewart ATHLETIC DIRECTOR/ACTIVITIES to me are gone. COORDINATOR The seniors’ voices are gone and there are only juniors, sophomores and freshmen voices now. This will mark the 34th time in my career I have watched kids cross the stage and it never gets old. I even get excited watching students I don’t know very well cross that threshold and move on with their lives and whatever awaits. For many teachers here I’m sure it’s the same feeling. Did I get them ready to face challenges that await them? Did I give them the tools needed to communicate with others? As a teacher, did we as a staff do our job, and make them better people that will make a difference in the world? This time of year TV, the news media and politicians all seem to have advice for graduating seniors. Even we teachers believe we have the magic dust or wand that will put everyone at ease about stepping out into that void of life. I am no different except I hammer home a few quotes every year in class every day of the year. The only advice I can give seniors, I am going with you right now with no explanation. Take what you like and understand these quotes rarely sink in to those senior skulls for at least five to six years: 1) A person’s self-worth can be measured by how much they accomplish when no one is watching. 2) Be nice. 3) The difference between being involved and being committed is like a ham and egg breakfast. The chicken was involved and the pig was committed. 4) Make the big time where you are. 5) Be nice to everyone. 6) A nice person who is rude to the waiter is not a nice person. 7) Be nice to everyone you meet. 8) You can get more with sugar than you can with vinegar. 9) Be nice to everyone you meet, even the rude ones. 10) You can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you get what you need. Good luck Class of 2017. H NOTE: The Hawkeye provides the Activities Coordinator/ Athletic Director space each issue in the Op/Ed section as part of our mission as a designated open public forum.

Hawkeye

The future in store S

eniors. We love some, we dislike some, but no matter how you feel about them, a piece of you and MTHS is lost when they graduate. In the spirit of graduation, I decided to Andy Shaw interview Aarthi ASB PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER Yogendran, Hani Nakkour, and Judy Tran, a couple of seniors that represent the MTHS community well. Each one has been in a leadership role here at MTHS, such as Hani being ASB president, Aarthi being Senior Class President, and Judy being DECA and NHS president. Some tips they had for incoming seniors is to get out of the mindset of “I’m ready to leave” because it will happen and that you should take the time to appreciate those you love here such as friends and staff. They emphasized the fact that senior year is the time to spend time with those you love and to not be afraid to check up on them or give them hugs. Some tips they had for people at MTHS in general is to get involved. Find a home here because there are so many opportunities here and don’t do anything that could ruin your chances at a good college. Not only is joining a club fun, but it gives you and advisor for you to talk to and if you find something you love it will make your high school experience better. You should also make connections with janitors and teachers, as janitors let you into classrooms and teachers could be the greatest people you ever meet because they can give some much more than just help with their curriculum. H NOTE: The Hawkeye provides the ASB space each issue in the Op/Ed section as part of our mission as a designated open public forum. More information on this story can be found online at www.theHawkeye.org

LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD: Got an idea? How about a strong opinion? See something you like? Can’t stand something else? Then write a letter to the editor of the Hawkeye! Drop off your hand-written or printed out letter to us in room 130, email us at editor@thehawkeye.org or tweet it to @MTHSHawkeye

THANK YOU AND A FINAL GOODBYE

T

his has been a pretty surreal month for the people who work in it. MTHS was [a] me. As I wrap up things here at MTHS great school before I came here and it will and make my transition to a new job at the continue to be a great school after I leave district, I have been because of the teachers, counselors, psyexperiencing quite chologists, support staff and classified staff a few “last time” who are here! moments here. Second, I want to thank our parent comMy last prom, my munity. I have really enjoyed getting to know last drama producand work with the families of our students. tion, my last Senior We are really lucky to have a parent comAwards Night, my munity who gets involved in our school and Greg Schwab PRINCIPAL last graduation—it is who does amazing things for our students a reminder to me of and our staff. From our PTSA to our Sports how much I love this place and all the people Booster Club to our Music Boosters, so who make up our school community. many parents care about our school enough I want to make sure that I take some time to give their time and energy to make sure to thank everyone who students and staff have has been such a big part what they need. “Over 13 years, I have so of my life for the past Finally, I want to many incredible memories 13 years. thank you, the students. and experiences that I will First, I want to thank During the past 13 take with me when I go.” our staff. I have been years, I have so many so fortunate to work incredible memories with a truly amazing group of educators and and experiences that I will take with me people. We have been on an incredible jourwhen I go. ney here that for me started in 2004 when Whenever I get the chance, I talk proudly MTHS was in the midst of small schools. As of the school community that we have here we saw the close of the small schools model, and about the students who are such a big MTHS found its way back to a comprehenpart of it. I will always remember these years sive high school again. And we have become here and the many students I have been a truly outstanding school. fortunate to get to watch at games, plays, This is in every way because of the staff we concerts and see in the halls every day before have who have worked to make this school school or during passing times and lunches. a place where all students can find success. Thank you to all of you. I wish you all I think that is all anyone could hope for in the best and know that even though I have a school—a place where students come first moved on to a new job and a new adventure, and where the mission of the school is to I will always be an MTHS Hawk! H NOTE: The Hawkeye provides the MTHS Administration space help students be successful. each issue in the Op/Ed section as part of our mission as Somebody asked me recently what will a designated open public forum. Almost exclusively, Greg Schwab has written this column since 2004. Schwab will happen to MTHS when I leave—my answer become an assistant superintendent for the Edmonds School is simple. MTHS will continue to be a great District beginning on July 1. school because great schools are made up of


Hawkeye

FEATURE

SCHWAB’S GRADUATING By Nolan DeGarlais

intendent will be to work with principals and staff as much as I Greg Schwab has served the can to find out how I can support MTHS community for the past 13 them in my new role, so my plan is years as its principal. Throughout to be in schools as much as I can those 13 years, he has become an and talk with people to see what inseparable member of the comit is they need and how I can help munity and has become the well support them,” he said. known and friendly face of the During Schwab’s time as prinschool’s administration. cipal, MTHS experienced record Now, Schwab is leaving his pringrowth in its award winning cipal role to assume the role of journalism, jazz, STEM and athassistant letic programs, “Deep down, I will always be a superintenwhich have Hawk.” dent of the represented Edmonds MTHS at Greg Schwab PRINCIPAL School the state and District national levels (ESD), a position which he was on numerous occasions. Terrace chosen for in April. Working has also achieved an on-time closely with superintendent Dr. graduation rate of 91.3 percent, a Kristine McDuffy, Schwab will rate much higher than the national oversee all principals and adminisaverage of 83 percent and the trators working in ESD middle and Washington state average of 78 high schools. percent. Schwab views one of his biggest When Schwab became principal contributions to MTHS as being in 2004, MTHS was organized a voice for students and creating a into five smaller learning comlearning environment that allows munities under the Small Schools them to pursue their passions. Initiative and transitioned out of Schwab said he wishes to bring this that model under his leadership in attitude to his new position. 2008. “I really want to see all of our Schwab has been involved in students at the secondary level have education for 29 years and before the kind of access to academic pro- coming to MTHS, he served as grams that they deserve,” he said. an English teacher and assistant “I think that they do and I want principal at Tigard High School to work to continue to support the in Tigard, Oregon. After his time schools in developing those proin Tigard, he served as the athletic grams and making school a great director for the Camas School place for every kid.” District in Camas, Washington Schwab has expressed his desire and then became an assistant printo be out working in the schools cipal at Shorewood High School in of the district as much as possible Shoreline. during his time as assistant super“When I came here I had never intendent. been a principal before; this was “Part of my job as assistant super- my first high school principalship NEWS EDITOR

and I think the community, the students and the staff allowed me to grow, learn the position and make our school a better place. I really think that they supported me as much as I supported them,” he said. After 13 years, Schwab finds it incredibly hard to leave MTHS and the relationships that he has built with the teachers, parents and students in the community. He said he will still live locally and plans to stay involved in the community, but he will have a new, district-wide focus as the assistant superintendent. “I feel like I haven’t just been here for 13 years; I feel like I’m a part of this place and it’s hard to say goodbye,” Schwab said. Schwab has accumulated many memories throughout his 13 years as principal. One of his favorites is a senior prank in 2008, which he said was the best one that he has ever been a part of. That year, school had to be closed many times due to snowy weather, so during the spring, some seniors went to an ice skating rink, got a bunch of shaved ice and put it into their trucks. They drove to MTHS and blocked off the front doorway with the “snow” and posted signs that said school was closed due to a snow day. “I remember standing there looking at that and just laughing. It’s like, what else can you do?” Schwab said. “So then our head custodian and I had to spend the better part of an hour trying to shovel out the doorway so that students could get into the school. It’s one of those memories that I just look back on and

JUNE 2017 | 5

JACOB ALLARD AND CIARA LANEY | HAWKEYE

laugh because it was such a harmhis college football coach offered less prank and it was so creative at to pay for his graduate school if the same time.” he worked as a graduate assistant Some of Schwab’s other favorfootball coach as he figured out ite memories include watching what he wanted to do with his life. students succeed in a wide range “While I was working as a graduof academic and athletic competiate assistant football coach, I had tions. the opportunity to work with high “All of the opportunities to watch school students through some footour students compete and perform ball camps and I found that I really are fantastic memories for me. liked doing that,” Schwab said. “I Seeing our students up on stage, on started working on my teaching the athletic fields and in competicredential at that time, and in two tion; those are always great memoyears I had my credential and got ries for me,” he said. my first job teaching English at Schwab will be “graduating” high Tigard High School.” school this year with the senior With the conclusion of his 13 class, as he will be moving on to years of service to the MTHS comthe next step in his career while the munity, Schwab wanted to thank senior class will be moving onto the all of the community for their trenext step in their lives beyond high mendous support. school. “It has been my privilege and my This year’s senior class started honor to get to be the principal kindergarten 13 years ago, the here for the last 13 years and I just same time Schwab began his career appreciate everything that everyas MTHS’s principal. body has done to help make this “This will be the group that I school such an amazing place, it graduate with, so maybe they will truly has been a team effort and we invite me to their reunion in 10 have all done it together,” he said. years,” Schwab joked believes that “I just appreciate everything that everybody has done to Schwab. he will always help make this school such an During be a part of the amazing place.” his time in school comhigh school munity. Greg Schwab PRINCIPAL and college, “I always Schwab end my graduplayed football. After playing footation speeches by saying you’ll ball at the University of Oregon always be at Mountlake Terrace he signed on as a free agent for the High School and I guess that’s how San Diego Chargers. However, he I feel too. Deep down, I will always could not adapt to playing football be a Hawk. Wherever else I go, as a career rather than just for fun, this place has had such an impact so he went back to the University on me and it’s been such a big part of Oregon for a graduate program. of my life that it will always be Still, Schwab did not know what with me,” he said. H he wanted to do with his life. So


6 | JUNE 2017

FEATURE

Hawkeye

Two students strive to improve the lives of Seattle’s homeless By Vivian Nowka-Keane

and volunteering.” Although helping the homeless wasn’t Raised a Seattlite, senior Amaree Green something Grennan did regularly, she saw it knew in eighth grade she wanted to help feed as another way to serve. Prior to developing the homeless. the organization, Grennan spent time over “I love Seattle and love going down there the span of more than two years volunteerall the time. But whenever I [go] down there, ing at Cedar Way Elementary School. She I always see homeless people on the streets worked with the 1st-3rd grade special needs and no one helps them out — I decided to be behavioral class. the person that helps them,” Green said. After getting Grennan on board, they While many high schoolers partake in realized they needed a name: Delivering a community service clubs and activities, Difference (DD). They decided they needed not very many of them focus on aiding the shirts so when they took trips to downtown homeless. Seattle, the volunteers would be seen as a “I think people don’t help because people group and make the homeless more comfortlike to say that homeless able taking food from people don’t have jobs or them. “I think anybody should are on drugs. Most or a Grennan later made be able to have a full meal lot of them have jobs and a website as well as a every day.” are living in their cars, or Facebook page and other Amaree Green were in the army and got social media profiles for SENIOR injured and came back to the organization, and nothing,” Green said. “You can be homeless after receiving some donations, the girls for many different reasons. Kids get kicked decided to make a GoFundMe account in out of their home. Some people take advanNovember 2016, through which DD has tage, but some people need help.” made $825. Despite taking on numerous extracurricu“We started out pretty much alone; just lar activities, Green continued to make help- the two of us making 100 peanut butter and ing the homeless a priority. In eighth grade jelly sandwiches in Amaree’s room, making she would go downtown to feed the homeless as many care packages as we could with the by herself every chance she had. supplies we owned. Then we worked really Freshman year, she found people who hard to get more people involved,” Grennan wanted to help her and that’s when things said. got big. Over the years, DD has grown from an She decided to start a nonprofit organizaorganization that brings food to the hometion and reached out to her friend and felless to a group that also offers clothes and low senior Maddie Grennan, who she knew toiletries. shared a passion for feeding the homeless Green went through her closet one day and would be a dependable partner. to get rid of clothes and give them to drop Grennan said she was thrilled with the idea boxes and Goodwill, then realized, as a because she’s “really into community service Goodwill customer herself, people who go to Goodwill can afford things. She wanted to give clothes to people who couldn’t afford them. “Hundreds of people donate to Goodwill, [and] people go there to get spirit day clothes [in high school],” Green said. “Jackets that don’t fit [us], homeless people love.” DD aims to travel to downSeniors Maddie Grennan and Amaree Green pose as they wear their town Seattle organization “Delivering a Difference” shirts. CIARA LANEY | HAWKEYE at least once a CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Grennan and Green gather with volunteers fron their organization in Downtown Seattle during a day of delivering essential items to homeless people. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DELIVERING A DIFFERENCE FACEBOOK ACCOUNT

month and help the homeless by giving them these various supplies. The trips downtown serve as a time of leisure for Green. Many volunteers are recruited through friends, so they get to bond and have a good time while volunteering. “It’s what I look forward to every single month just because we get so many volunteers and we all love doing it, we have fun and everyone meets people who tell them their stories and they’re so funny and happy,” Green said. Their website reads, “We meet amazing people every time we go down there, all with unique stories on how they ended up where they are now, and what they’re doing to change that. We strive to change the [lives] of the homeless people in Seattle.” According to Green, making the lunch bags and sandwiches takes hours and it’s difficult to coordinate rides with cars and space for all the volunteers at a time when everyone’s available. So, sometimes a trip will not be made in a particular month. To notify volunteers, DD posts on their social media pages, website, and even send out texts, always welcoming new volunteers to join. Green and Grennan are currently trying to make DD an official, governmentrecognized, nonprofit organization so that donations can be exempted from taxes, but to do so requires a significant amount of paperwork. Green particularly liked the idea of starting her own organization so she would know where all the money and donations were going. Clothing donations are kept in Green

and Grennan’s home and when there is excess, they will donate to shelters or clothing bins. Green also likes to keep some of the supplies in her car so she can hand them out to people on the side of the road. Another reason Green wanted to create a new group to help the homeless was to be distinguished from religion. “With church [groups] I feel that homeless people are obligated to go to church or read a pamphlet to get food and I think anybody should be able to have a full meal every day,” Green said. With DD, “people are just helping people [and there’s] no obligation,” Green said in reference to the organization’s slogan. Furthermore, groups such as Key Club host events like toiletry drives once a year, but DD is always taking donations and keeps the same goal all year long. One of Green’s favorite memories with DD was when a homeless man made Green and Grennan flowers out of toilet paper. He used what he had to show his appreciation. Green’s long-term goal is to open up a shelter for homeless people in Seattle where people can learn job education skills and be given the ability to lead a successful life. After high school, both Green and Grennan plan to continue to run the organization while they attend colleges in Washington state. “There’s so much bad in the world and I think [Green] and I both do this to put in some good,” Grennan said. H NOTE: Go to deliveringadifference.squarespace.com/ for more info or email them at deliveringadifference@gmail.com


Hawkeye

A FLUTIST AND HER FLUTES By Marianne Nacanaynay OP/ED EDITOR

Senior Kaylee McGovern doesn’t remember too much about her first day of high school. What she does remember is thinking about how far away senior year seemed to be from her. “There was no way I was going to be like one of those really cool seniors by the end of the year,” McGovern said. But she made it through four years at Terrace with only a minor hiccup when kicking off senior year. “I remember being very confused when Mr. Traxler was not in his regular classroom, and he wasn’t in the other classroom for PASS either, and thinking that I was done being lost in my classes years ago,” McGovern said with a laugh. McGovern is probably best known for her involvement in the band program, contributing her talent to both Chamber Winds and Jazz Ensemble 1 (Jazz 1). The Jazz 1 band has made a name for itself, whether it’s in making it to Essentially Ellington, or in the numerous evening performances they do, like Hot Java Cool Jazz. Their camaraderie is apparent in their showmanship and attitudes with each other both on stage and off. And McGovern can attest to this. “I felt so connected to my sax section when we played [at Ellington], and to the band as a whole. I felt like one of our strengths as a band was the way that we’re so into each other’s playing. We cheer for each other on stage, and we love that,” McGovern said. Essentially Ellington is an annual jazz festival held in New York for the best of the best high school jazz bands. While McGovern said she wasn’t nervous, “there was no lull in the level of talent that people were bringing to the stage, and every band that stepped up, you were like, ‘Dang, these guys are really good. Dang, these guys are really good. Everyone’s so good.’” While McGovern plays alto sax for Jazz 1, she also plays flute for Chamber Winds. Her skills are raved about by fellow Chamber Winds members. “My brother used to be in band, so we used to go to all the band concerts before I was in the high school…

FEATURE

JUNE 2017 | 7

[McGovern] always seemed like she knew what she was see her in person or if you text her… She’s super big on doing up there,” sophomore Erica Lampers said. nature stuff and she’ll just tell you every cure,” Chamber While McGovern does say she draws inspiration from Winds junior Jessica Gable said. former seniors, such as Lucy Schermer and private teachers, Junior Lindsey Smith hopes she’s able to continue as well as band teacher Darin Faul. She also said her inspiMcGovern’s legacy of kindness to others and be a person ration comes from “some of the younger guys in the band, others can turn to, just as they have been able to with actually.” McGovern. McGovern mentioned both sophomore Kieran Faris and When McGovern stepped into Chamber Winds halffreshman Caden Hargrave as influences for her. way through her freshman year, she debated whether she “Kieran, our drummer, is amazing… He has very strong was “allowed” to be good or not. That mentality made her convictions about his musical taste, but he is such a humble entrance into the band feel awkward. musician. And he’s just killer and he works super hard,” “And that’s why I didn’t want that to happen with Caden McGovern said. “That’s the kind of player who - it doesn’t coming into jazz band,” she said. “Because I knew what it matter how old they are, because they was like to be on the other end, to be “Sometimes it can be tense if bring you up, and same with Caden.” the freshman coming in who’s like, ‘Are you’re not sure if you should When Hargrave joined Jazz 1 as a people being threatened by me?’ So I let seniority be a priority or if it freshman, McGovern remembered really wanted to create a welcoming should be about talent.” being worried Hargrave would threaten environment in that, and I feel like that Kaylee McGovern her. But McGovern took the high route, didn’t happen when I was younger.” SENIOR deciding to trust Hargrave as a musi“Sometimes it can be tense if you’re cian and appreciate him instead of trying to fight for status. not sure if you should let seniority be a priority or if it should “I’m so proud of how far he’s come as a musician… I’m very be about talent,” McGovern added. inspired by his work ethic and his ability to step up in a leadNow that McGovern is a senior, she’s taken an even bigger ership role and also navigate the first year of high school… leadership role. She said her mentality is to “lead in a way with such enthusiasm,” McGovern said. “If I had been that where people trust you… [she] wanted [her] interactions good as a freshman, I can’t imagine where I’d be now.” with my flute section to be characterized by love and grace But for sophomore Zoe Presho, in Chamber Winds, the and friendship, rather than just a dictatorship of someone tables were turned. who’s trying to be better and power struggles with talent.” “I was so scared of [McGovern when I first met her]. I was McGovern wasn’t expecting to have such a strong bond so scared of her… She’s like this tiny little ginger girl, so you with the flutists in Chamber Winds. But after realizing wouldn’t think that she’d be so scary,” Presho said. “Then “there doesn’t have to necessarily be a separation of profesyou listen to her talk, and she is so smart; and you hear her sional and personal relationships,” She and the other musiplay, and you feel like you’re inadequate. Like you shouldn’t cians began to spend time with each other more outside even be in the same room as her. And I was so scared of of school and band events — creating traditions, like one her for like, a month, before I actually got to know involving ballets and french fries. her.” “Gosh, how did that start?” McGovern asked. The flutists are quick to mention McGovern’s There’s no particular name for the tradition, but it started true personality as someone anyone can turn when McGovern and a few friends had an extra hour on to for anything at anytime. Whether it’s help their hands before a performance of “Romeo and Juliet”, preon improving technique or tips on how to keep sented by the Pacific Northwest Ballet at McCaw Hall. themselves healthy with natural remedies, the “There’s this place that only does french fries [in Seattle latter is something that a number of members Center],” McGovern said. “We were like, ‘Nobody’s really of the flute section can attest to. hungry for a meal, so we’ll all just get french fries and lots of “She’s the most nurturing person,” Lampers different dipping sauces that they have.” said. “Some days I’ll walk down the hallway in And thus, going for french fries (Cool Guy’s Fry Bar) along the morning to drop off my instrument, with a trip to the ballet became customary. It’s one of the and every time I walk many memories McGovern will take with her to college at down there I know the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, Minn. to major in she’s going to give me peace studies. a compliment of some “St. Ben’s just really stuck for me,” She said. “I love the sort.” people there, I love that they have their own study abroad No one seems to run out program, so it fits really well into your graduation timeline, of stories of good memoand it’s also pretty comparable to tuition prices inside the ries with McGovern. From country, so I’m really excited for that.” ballets and french fries to tea But before McGovern leaves the hallways of Terrace as a addictions, McGovern is widely student, she has one last trip for memory making. regarded as a sweetheart and a “We’re taking a trip, like, the day after school ends, to go mom of sorts. to Leavenworth,” Presho said. McGovern said she hopes that “You’ll be [sick] and if you the trip will let the more sentimental sides of her flute section come out during their stay before she goes. McGovern’s learned a lot in the past four years. So as for McGovern plays alto saxophone and flute in Jazz 1 and Chamber words of advice for the next leaders in Chamber Winds: Winds. She loves both music styles, “There’s always self doubt, so don’t get down on yourself but it is her proficiency on the flute when you start experiencing that, because you’ll never that has helped her through high school feel like you’re good enough, but I think that’s important and into college. HARPER THOMAS | HAWKEYE because it keeps your pride in check.” H


FEATURE

8 | JUNE 2017

Hawkeye

BROPHY: “IT’S EASY TO GIVE A KID LIKE HER A RECOMMENDATION...”

Hailee Malins By Annika Prom LIFESTYLE EDITOR

When opportunities present themselves, super senior Hailee Malins doesn’t need to think twice before she seizes them. Once she heard of an exchange program she could take part in, Malins had no concern missing graduation, prom, any significant others, friends or family to instead pursue what she loves. During her senior year of 2015-2016, Malins was an exchange student to Germany. Under the CongressBundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX), a total of 500 students participate in exchange programs between the U.S. and Germany annually. Malins initially heard about CBYX from her co-worker, who is like a mother figure to her and had hosted a man from Germany through the program in the previous year. “I’ve always wanted to go on exchanges throughout my life. I just think it’s real interesting to look at the world in a new perspective and to gain better understanding of how people live their lives,” she said. Abroad, Malins learned that American and German culture are “not awfully different.” The biggest culture shock Malins encountered was being asked to squeegee the shower, she joked. From a social perspective, Malins said people her age hold more responsibility in Germany, which they are to

MEGHAN PARK | HAWKEYE

over her life in Germany, Malins is grateful to have gone. treat with respect, or they would be rejected that privilege. She said she opened up in her global minded thinking and “I’ve always wanted to travel, but I always wanted to get became “less ignorant of the real world.” to know new cultures. And this was a way for me to do it. “There’s no reward without some level of risk. [With someIt wasn’t just going off for a year and having a lot of fun, it thing] as small as me trying to speak was also a lot of hard work and there up in class, there’s always a little bit of was a lot of presenting I needed to do,” “There will be times where putting yourself out there that is always Malins said. “I think that stuff in comclass and school will seem slightly uncomfortable but if I didn’t bination is what made [the program] for like a lot, and I know this is ever do that, then I doubt I would have me as I enjoy all aspects of that.” very cliché but all this work ever learned German [or] seen places I Prior to the exchange, all CBYX pardoes go for something.” hadn’t ever seen,” she said. ticipants going to Germany gathered Hailee Malins Malins elected to have that school in Washington D.C., met the Congress SUPER SENIOR year not count toward her graduation members who represent them and held requirements to instead focus on absorbing German culture a meeting at the U.S. State Department. They then flew out rather than worry about grades. In doing so, Malins was to their language camp in Aachen for three weeks and began required to fulfill her senior year credits after returning from their exchange student experience afterward. Germany. There, Malins instead set goals for language learnMalins’ biggest supporters at the time included humaniing and cultural development. ties teacher Christopher Ellinger and history teacher David “I would have had to worry about grades. As a person who Brophy, who supported her decisions and helped recommend Malins to CBYX to increase her appeal for being chosen as doesn’t speak German, going over there would have been very an exchange student. hard for me to really absorb everything that had been hap“It’s easy to give a kid like her a recommendation because pening in class and keep my grades good enough to get into she’s an excellent student and excellent athlete and a very, college,” Malins said. very good person,” Brophy said. The differences in the education systems between Despite being out of the loop and having limited control Washington and Germany, such as class times, number


Hawkeye

FEATURE

JUNE 2017 | 9

of classes and grades, made it difficult for tural design and qualified for nationals. which hurt her because she was “ just there to part” where she suddenly understood discus Malins to be able to earn credit for her “I’ve always been really interested in the wrestle and do [her] best.” and threw it further than usual. Brophy said schooling in Germany. Additionally, as being relationships people have with their environ“I mainly just ignored them and I showed he would like if Malins told him he was her part of the Science Technology Engineering ment which I think is part of the reason why them how good I was,” she said. “I realized Yoda before she graduates, similar to what Mathematics (STEM) program in the aeroI’ve done my SCA crews in the past. That that I kind of have to just stop caring. There’s another athlete had told Brophy in the past. space pathway, electing to take her senior and I like the design and the art and the thousands of women in the world who do “Kind of like the thing I admire the most year off would allow her to thought that goes into [archi- the same exactly sports as me so why should [about Malins], she needs to stay true, “She’s an excellent earn her STEM diploma tecture],” Malins said. “I want I feel like I can’t do it because they’re considnot lose sight and not let others interfere student and excellent once she returned. something that is going to ered too masculine?” with [her] goals and eventualities,” Brophy athlete and a very, She is considered a super best serve a person.” All in all, Malins took on these three said. “She doesn’t need my luck, good luck, very good person.” senior due to attending Because Malins will be sports because she enjoys finding ways to because she’s going to make it. She’s an David Brophy five years of high school moving away for college, she make herself competitive. accomplisher.” HISTORY TEACHER and has been struck with began packing her things and “I think that my body is shaped in a way Malins has earned a letter in swim for “hard senioritis.” However, Malins has no encountered old housing plans from when that helps my ability to do those sports being inspirational swimmer of the year and regrets when it comes to being a super senior she was an eight-year-old. so I’m gonna play off that and be the best in track for being thrower of the year, a team and feels it was “totally worth it” to miss out “You can tell [architecture] was something athlete I can be versus assuming that these captain and a state meet participant, among on graduating with the class of 2016. I enjoyed doing because there were iterations sports are only for men and not do them and others. “There are times that I get frustrated being of the same house. I just remember saving up not be the best I can be,” she said. However, her eligibility for being in high a super senior and I think some of that is money to buy these premade housing floor In addition to having Brophy as her AP school sports expired while she was in [because] I feel like I should be done now,” plans from like Lowe’s and Home Depot U.S. History teacher, he was also her track Germany. When she returned for her super Malins said. “But when I look at what I just because I wanted to flip through them,” coach when she was a discus and shot put senior year, she instead joined TSA to chalgained in comparison, I don’t regret the deci- Malins said. thrower. Malins looks up to Brophy because lenge herself and keep busy. She initially sion I made at all. I would not have had the Her passion for architecture pushed her to he guided her as both a teacher and coach joined TSA in eighth grade but had to stop experiences I had, I wouldn’t have been able join STEM to become better at designing. to see that she “did in high school to to travel to the places that I did if I was sitMalins participated in an architecture sumeverything that he focus on, but with “But when I look at what I gained ting inside of my house in Germany and just mer career workshop at Cal Poly which “fur- possibly could to sports aside now, in comparison, I don’t regret the being hyper studious.” ther cemented [her] love for architecture.” make sure [she] she rejoined. decision I made at all. I would not A main difference between German and Out of about 100 attendees, Malins along succeeded.” She To her freshman have had the experiences I had.” American schooling is that Malins had 13 with a male student both won Director’s appreciates his selfbrother, Lukas, Hailee Malins classes during her time abroad. However, Awards. less giving and care Malins hopes he SUPER SENIOR the schedule did not call for attending every “I think it’s incredibly important [to for her throughout will persevere and class every day. Additionally, the ages of stuempower women in STEM]. When you’re the years. work hard to be dents in her grade ranged from 15 to 26 and looking at the demographics of the world, “When I first started coaching her, I think successful because his efforts will pay off. teachers had more formal relationships with and while this may not be exactly correct, she was a little hesitant to listen to different “There will be times where class and school students. women and men are 50/50,” Malins said. philosophy but it didn’t take that long to will seem like a lot, and I know this is very Managing her confusing schedule in “But to go into the STEM world and see see that there was method to my madness,” cliché but all this work does go for someGermany posed no problem to Malins as she that there are not as many women as there Brophy said. thing,” Malins said. “And while you may enjoys keeping herself busy at all times. She are men... I think it’s important to recognize His fondest track memory with Malins hate what you’re doing now, all this work is serves as a jack of all trades as she works as that these are fields that are not known as was at a state meet where they couldn’t speak incredibly important to do something you a lifeguard and swim instructor, does volunwell for having large women players.” much to each other, and she had a “discovery love in the end.” H teer environmental work with the Student However, the issue of a Conservation Association (SCA), serves as lack of female representathe only senior in the MTHS Technology tion expands beyond STEM Student Association (TSA) and has been fields. While Malins parpart of three sports teams. ticipated in three seasons Malins took a biotechnology approach in of swim and track/field, she her senior STEM project with partners Alex also participated in two seaHermann and Alina Poff, which focused on sons of co-ed wrestling as the finding ways to effectively filter water runoff. only female wrestler. The project won second place in a state com“Not having necessarily petition and she was offered an internship a female role model in the from a company working with the Edmonds room to look up to was sort School District to solve water problems at of a challenge because that’s the bus depot. what I do for swim and track Despite being in the aerospace pathway, as I have both male and Malins’ heart lies more in environmental sci- female role models,” Malins ence. After volunteering with the SCA for said. “It was just hard to have over four years, Malins aspires to become an someone to relate to because official crew leader for the organization when no one was experiencing she’s the eligible age of 21. exactly what I was experiencIn addition to continuing her environing.” mental service, Malins plans to attend the Malins feels she never California Polytechnic State University (Cal really followed typical genPoly) to pursue a degree in architecture, an der roles, but being the only interest she’s held close to her since she was female wrestler made her six-years-old. In this year’s TSA state comnervous. Many people ques- Malins volunteers with the Student Conservation Association to help restore habitats and integrate native species. petition, Malins earned an honor in architec- tioned why she did wrestling, She hopes to become a crew leader when she is 21-years-old. PHOTO COURTESY OF HAILEE MALINS


10 | JUNE 2017 1. Bellingham Technical College Taylor L. Coleman 2. Western Washington University Haley Joy Angelo Thomas Braun Brittany Elizabeth Delaney Meeka Rose Diaz Kira Ann Doan Jack Fiorillo Madeline Grennan Tayona Heller Elizabeth Jean Kisler Maxwell Leidig Finn O’Hea Russell Presho Dylon Rajah Janis Joy Trent Alicia Wagoner Selena Williams Sammy Abebe

FEATURE

Where do we go from here?

3. Everett Community College Karla Ibanez Navarro Echo Marie Johnson Jamie Lindblom Erika Marshall Hannah Elizabeth Marshall Daniel Os Perez Marissa A. Ramos Andersen 4. Edmonds Community College Siara Anderson Sabrina Krystal Ayala Mikayla Barry Madison Caiola Zachary Coxwell Heather Marie Dahl Danishwar Singh Dhillon Angeles Domenica Dominguez Villagomez Cennedy Finnicum Ariana Garcia-Ruiz Riley Gerow Matthew Guardiano Maryam Ibrahim Aleena Janjua Krystin Michelle Johnson Joshua Kamradt Ricki Lee Marie Miller Siban Diana Moreno-Vargas Peyton Morphis Holden Douglas Murray Tracy E. Nakayiza Alexandria Ned Quinn Allen Nicholson Cody Nickell Simran Parihar Shannon Reardon David Ekipre Robert Ana Rojas Gavin Scott Bukhari Shakil Frank Simmons Reyse Tabares Nathan Michael Turner

5. Shoreline Community College Oscar Manuel Arevalo Vazquez Jr. Gabrielle Calhoun Maia R. Christianson Kaenan Anthony Curry Emma Dortsch Noah D. Gamble Vanessa E. Garcia Amaree Green Amanda Healey Karley Kuhn Jenna Merriam Emmaline Powers Lilliana Reid Tanner Ray Rook Miranda Schulze

6. Cascadia College Houda Ettayeby Morgan R. Lewis 7. University of Washington, Bothell Mitchell Alva Campbell Navdha Chadha Jessica N. Crozier Sean W. Kirk Jeremiah D. Lee Tehya Love Nancy Nguyen Danielle Strohl

Hawkeye

8. Lake Washington Institute of Technology 13. Seattle University Karina Gonzalez Elysiana Abellanosa Batingan Virginia Elizabeth Knight 9. University of Washington Nahom Abi 14. Bellevue College Natnael Abraham Owen T. Jones Jeamel Sean Alday Nicholas Jordan Angelica Teresa Andrade Latino Jared Maxfield Edwin Antonio 15. Renton Voc/Tech Jainar Jones Arcilla Viktoria Torchilo David Arriola 16. Central Washington University Vesta Marie Baumgartner Nolan Dahlman Angeline Cartwright Ian Scott Davidson Ena Ducanovic Alexandra Herrmann Jordan Hsu Shu-Fei (Sophia) Lin Adam Lorraine Elizaveta Leonardovna Manevich Toby Wendell Moreno 21 25 Hani Nakkour 22 Arina Negash 23 Kylie Ann Otani 24 Rosa Jiwoo Park Ravy Phann Katrina L. Pirie Alexandra Shehata Mira Shin Andrew Raymund Sumabat Trevor Swanson Molly A. Taylor Matthew Karl Trahms 26 Judy Tran Jennifer Vo 27 Nicholas Whale Hailey C. White 28 Isobel Ann Wright 29-31 Aarthi Yogendran 35

FEATURE

Hawkeye 20. Washington State University Alyssa B. Beck Jake Broulette Sidney Brown Colin Cockbain Max Hairell Nick Leidig Tayler McCulloch Mila Milosavljevic Emilie Roldan Luke M. Smith Ana Marie Wilson

JUNE 2017 | 11

27. Reedley College Zackariah Kadri

38. College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University Kaylee McGovern

28. Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo Hailee Malins Hannah Lily Schuster

39. Carleton College Andrew Fitch

29. California Lutheran University Dylan Withers 30. Santa Monica College Malek Qibaa 31. Biola University Anneka Vander Wel

40. Robert Morris University, Illinois Reiley Marie Tra 41. Lansing Community College Kylee Ann-Rose Lenseigne

Employment Jasmine Aube Weslynn Blackwell Tucker L. Burk Katelyn Clemens Mindy Felber Karina Abigail Franco Kaylee C. Halcomb Stockl Jacob Benjamin Kier Luke Lamb Steven Lowers III Jope Motokana Nolan J. Sowers Kaleb Warren Dyllon Williams

42. Rochester Institute of Technology Austin Christopher Head Natalie Sutton

38 39 41 42 40 44 43 37

36

32-34

10. Northwest University Joshua Leben Samuel Igor Polevoy

11. The Art Institute of Seattle Zoe E. Walton 12. Seattle Central College PengFei Liu

1-2

SAM JOHNSON | HAWKEYE

3-15

18-19 17

16 20

17. Wenatchee Valley College Kaitlin Nicole Powers 18. Eastern Washington University Jeremy Ansdell Kai Hiar Leeann Pearl Weatherby 19. Gonzaga University Nathaniel Cockbain Ryan Dunne Katherine Gustafson Daniel J. Smart

Tech School/Training Austin Bach Gabriel Ray Castoe Sydney Demirel Tavius Bronte James William Keeling Benjamin McGraner Nelson E. Vasquez Castillo

32. University of California, San Diego Isaac Otis

43. Fashion Institute of Technology Lauren Lee

22. Willamette University Zachary Austin Haroian 23. Oregon State University Elizabeth Jurgensen

33. University of San Diego Jessica Marie Ong

44. Johnson & Wales University Emily Anderson

34. San Diego State University Drake Day

24. University of Oregon Angelique Garcia

35. Grand Canyon University Madeline Powers

25. Blue Mountain Community College Grace Naucukidi 26. Academy of Art University Sophia Nelson

36. Oral Roberts University Max Knibbe

Military Solomon Alan Johnson Robert Burns Jay Smith PG Keith Cafino

21. Pacific University Carson J. Dallas

37. University of Missouri, Columbia Stephi Smith

Apprenticeship Program Kobe Robert Brocksmith Brandon Contreras Esther Dell

Community College Maria Celeste Aquino Katharine Micheal Barnes Damara Bell-Shank Cady Bernius Orion Burk-Poole Maria Chong Jordan Cohen Dennis Eugene Dahl Jr. Keelyn Farnam Rachel Graziani Lila Jean Faith Guerrero Wade Hundtoft Destiny Lynn Medina Hunt Megan Anne Johnson Jaden Kelly Jorie M. Lambert Hang Bao Le Samuel McAlister-Mykrantz Garrett J. McDowell Kenan Nakour Shota Numa Pavel A. Oliferovskiy Alexys Pelayo Joshua Perretto Alina Poff Haile Elisabeth Reeff Bryon Shelton Suratsavadee Thongmee James Torbert Kari Tran Nicholas R. Witham

EDITOR’S NOTE: Data was coordinated with Barb Brister in the Career Center. Seniors who didn’t respond to the Class of 2017 Grad List survey were not included in the map.


12 | JUNE 2017

FEATURE

By Semira Beraki

Hawkeye

maintains a close relationship with her parents, although ‘HONK!’,” Elder said. she’s not as “glued to the hip” as when she was younger. ‘HONK!’ was a musical based on the Ugly Duckling tale While most people experience their childhood surrounded In addition to singing, Elder also plays the piano and took that the drama department performed last year. Ever since by sounds and practically anything loud, senior Melissa lessons from second grade up until ninth grade. During her that first theater performance, Elder has considered theater Elder is an exception to this. Her household is always quiet; seven years of piano lessons, she was part of an organization as her third family, choir being the second. not a sound to be heard. The only form of communication known as The National Guild, which Compared to singing, acting is a bit “The one place where I felt the used in her home is through intricate hand gestures. supports its members’ development in more nerve-wracking for Elder, but most comfortable [at MTHS], Elder has always identified herself as a Child of Deaf Adult the arts. loves the thrill of it nonetheless. the most safe, the most calm (CODA). Being a CODA means she has to bridge the gap For Elder, The National Guild Her love and devotion to the perand happy was the choir room.” between the Deaf and hearing world. helped her improve her piano playforming arts have influenced Elder’s Melissa Elder “[Growing up] I had to be a bit more responsible and be ing skills by having her prepare and persona. Before performing in high SENIOR able to communicate for my parents in a lot of situations,” memorize eight to 11 songs before school, Elder was “usually a shy kid” Elder said. She had to learn American Sign Language (ASL) performing them in front of numerous judges. and didn’t talk much. But as she continued to perform and before speaking English in order to understand her parents, While playing the piano, Elder continued performing in grow in choir, from her first real performance at the winas both of Elder’s parents were born deaf. choir and augmented her performing arts skills until seventh ter concert in freshmen year to landing a solo in the Quad Elder considers being a CODA a big part of her life. grade. In eighth grade, Elder took a hiatus due to choir conConcert, she started to come out of her shell. “[It] helps me be more open-minded in how other people flicting with her schedule. “After being involved in choir and theater, [I became] a very view the world and their disabilities,” Elder said. “I was heartbroken about it, but knew I would be able to do outgoing person — [I began to be] more comfortable with it in high school,” Elder said. having conversations with people I didn’t know,” Elder said. So with that mindset, she What she loves about the performing arts is how she gets a entered MTHS in freshmen sense of ownership over her performance and can put in her year determined to join the own interpretation and emotion. choir program. “[When performing, I feel that] this is my performance — Elder was nervous her first this is the way that I see it [and] this is the way that I want day of freshmen year, as she it to sound,” Elder said. She believes that this aspect of the didn’t know what to expect performing arts is important in “developing a personality” as in the “kind of environment” an individual. she was stepping into it. After The lessons Elder has learned in being in the arts departthe first couple of days, she ment have motivated her to continue it post high school. adjusted to MTHS and felt at Elder plans to take a gap year to earn money after graduating ease with it. high school, then attend Shoreline Community College and “The one place where I felt do community theater there while majoring in education. the most comfortable [at She would love to work with kids and help inspire them to MTHS], the most safe, the join the performing arts. most calm and happy was the “[The performing arts] plays a huge role in education, more choir room,” Elder said. than people would think, [as] it helps with so many different The choir program was an things… I wish people would be more into it,” Elder said. important part in helping her She wants to implement the importance of the performing adjust to high school, espearts into kids at a young age so they can keep that with them cially the upperclassmen she as they progress through middle school, high school and met in the department that beyond. guided her through her first Elder takes to heart the lessons she’s learned. year at Terrace. They made a One memory that’s impacted her was the support she got huge impact on her life and coming back from her brother’s funeral. Theater and choir have helped Elder to come out of her shell and has inspired her to continue to be there for her, Her older brother was living in Utah when he died. He had share the importance of the preforming arts. HARPER THOMAS | HAWKEYE as she still stays in contact a drug problem in the past and had gotten a certain infecwith them. tion that spread across his body, which ended with him being Her family doesn’t associate themselves being members of It wasn’t just the upperclassmen in choir that impacted her paraplegic from the waist down. the CODA International, an organization that helps support in Terrace, but also Choir Director T.J. Sullivan. Elder wanted to go see him, but had performances coming children of deaf adults all over the world and provides guid“He has been a real mentor for me and guided me through up and others urging her not to go because of them. With ance to their families. They do, however, go to deaf events a lot — [he also] taught me a lot in life besides music,” Elder one of Elder’s beliefs being “family is over everything,” this and socialize instead. said. She can say without a doubt that learning from Sullivan upset her and she decided to go visit him regardless. Despite being isolated from sound in her muted world, has been fun and will miss him dearly when she leaves. When she came back, she received support from people she Elder found love for music at the age of three when performOne moment she recalled with Sullivan from freshmen year had hardly known who later became her real friends. She ing in her church’s choir. Since then, she’s performed in her was when she was helping him direct music for the drama had at the same time, however, lost others who were close to elementary school’s choir and has gone on numerous trips. department. her because of this. In sixth grade, Elder was a member of her district’s honors At the time, the drama department at MTHS was getNevertheless, this had taught her it was “all for the best.” choir and performed at the Benaroya Hall. ting ready to perform “Sympathy Jones,” a musical set in “High school in itself has kind of showed me who my real “It was really cool [performing at the Benaroya Hall],” the 1960s about a secretary in a spy agency. What Elder friends are and has shown me that family isn’t just blood, it Elder had said, being an amazing experience for her. can recall from that moment was being in the pit below the can be people that are there for you and consistently show Music serves as Elder’s connection to the hearing world. drama stage and looking up at the actors that were dancing you that they are there for you,” Elder said. She was always with her mom growing up, and that didn’t and singing, thinking that she “wanted to be a part of that” Elder leaves the stage and the music hallway with one thing give her much access to exploring the sounds of the world, but was too afraid to go for it. newcomers should keep in mind: “Don’t be afraid to try new which separated her from the hearing world. Jeannie Brzovic, MTHS drama director, was another things even though they might be scary.... You should always “[Despite not being able to hear, my parents] support me influential teacher who helped Elder grow even more in the open yourself up to new possibilities because you never know wholeheartedly because they know this is what I love to do performing arts. where it’s going to take you.” H and know that it means a lot to me,” Elder said. She still “[Brzovic] kind of helped nudged me to auditioning for HAWKEYE STAFF

Bound to sound


Hawkeye

FEATURE

JUNE 2017 | 13

Most recently, Principal Greg Schwab planning [periods were] probably the most called Abraham into his office and stressful weeks I ever had in my high school gave Abraham the opportunity to lead career,” Abraham said. Washington state Governor Jay Inslee In between contacting speakers, finding around MTHS for a day. flags for the march, finding volunteers and “It was an honor for the principal to pick more, Abraham and the rest of BSU were able to organize a successful assembly focus- me out of all the kids in the school,” he said. Abraham further acknowledged his appreing on the actions and goals of Dr. King and ciation for Schwab. the future for African-American youth in “I think Schwab had a big influence on my the United States. senior year,” Abraham said. Abraham took a lead in the assembly, not He said Schwab gave him several contacts just to make BSU known “for once,” but for and helped Abraham network, as well as Michael Boxley, the past advisor for BSU. that he’ll miss Schwab when he leaves due to “Boxley left and I wanted to make him proud because he’s been a big aspect to BSU Schwab’s influence in his senior year. “He was probably the best principal I had. the past five years,” Abraham said. BSU itself had a large impact on Abraham, He was always encouraging me to do better things.” mainly because of Boxley and his influence. Abraham’s childhood experiences continue “It’s like an environment where I can be to influence him, giving him many different comfortable around my other Africanexperiences throughout life. Senior Natu Abraham hosting the district-wide Terrace Idol with ease, a task that he’s familiar with American youth and I felt like I could [say] “If there was an opportunity, I would what I feel like,” he said. as he’s hosted many Terrace events. CIARA LANEY | HAWKEYE always take it,” Abraham and By Sierra Clark Abraham said, with senior Amaree a soccer ball on occasion with the MTHS “I just want to do it on behalf CO-EDITOR-IN-CHEIF the knowledge that Green stepped up boy’s soccer team. This past school year, of the kids back home that [will] Not many know that senior Natu he wouldn’t have been to be the leaders in Abraham and the team made history by never have the opportunities Abraham was born and raised in a small able to do many things making it to finals for the first time since the BSU, as there are no that we have in high school...” back in his home councountry on the East coast of the Red Sea in particular roles in 90’s, a big leap from playing soccer recreNatu Abraham try. Africa, called Eritrea. the club. ationally as a child in Eritrea. SENIOR Throughout high “I came to America when I was eight years “The reason I While Abraham doesn’t plan on playing school, Abraham participated in many old. When I came, in like fourth grade until soccer professionally, he will continue to play wanted to step up, be the leader, is because I school clubs, programs and activities in order like junior year, I never really shared that wanted to be the big brother for the younger as the years go on. to take every opportunity he’s given. with anyone,” Abraham said. “I realized my students out there… Whatever they want to Abraham’s outgoing personality is what Abraham’s perspective towards school is senior year that people should really know paved the roads to many of the opportunities do in high school and that they should not very positive and he said he was grateful for who I am and what my roots are.” be shy,” he said. he’s gotten through MTHS. every privilege because he wouldn’t have had Growing up, he remembers going out Abraham wants to lead the younger Along with receiving opportunities, them back in Eritrea. around 5 a.m. and running at least three students by painting a better picture for Abraham likes to make his own — which is “I just want to do it on behalf of the kids miles to buy bread and milk for his family, African-American youth than what social exactly what he did in his senior year. The back home that [will] never have the opporand bringing it back to his family of four in a most prevalent example was when he was a media shows. He plans to show this by tunities that we have in high school to figure one room home. contributing to the school and community leader in planning and executing the 2016out what we want to do in the future,” he Abraham and his father shared a love for by volunteering, feeding the homeless every 2017 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. assembly said. soccer, watching different games on the teleMonday, going to elementary schools to with the Black Student Union (BSU). Through taking opportunities and building vision. When Abraham was five, his grandtutor and more. “It was really hard. [Those] two week off them, Abraham has been rewarded. mother gave him his first soccer ball. “I got into [the] University of Washington, “Whenever I’m stressed, or in a bad I’m going to study business and communicamood, I just kick around a soccer ball.” Abraham said. tion and I want to — after a couple years — …go to Hollywood and I want to have my It was defining moments like those that own TV show.” constantly reminded Abraham to stay Abraham takes the quote “Be the change humble and never forget who he is or that you want to see in the world” to heart, where he came from. These things motias he wants to be the change. vate him to do bigger and better things for “I have a lot of dreams,” Abraham said, his family and home country. those being a manager of athletes and rap“Coming to America… I never thought it pers, host his own TV show on a program would be possible,” Abraham said. His family came to America only by like MTV and more. chance when his father won a lottery visa But there is one that seems to follow that when Abraham was eight. He said that quote to the fullest. “I want to go back to my native country within a year, his family had moved from and set a foundation there for youngsters to Egypt to Turkey to New York and eventugive them different career fairs, [so] that they ally Washington. don’t have to be just a doctor, teacher or join “It’s been a long ride, but [those are] my the soldiers… I want to expose the differroots,” Abraham said. Many of the things that Abraham does at ent creative ways they can live their life by,” MTHS are influenced from his childhood Abraham said. Abraham speaks with Washington state Governor Jay Inslee, as he leads Inslee through the art in Eritrea. It’s more than safe to say that Abraham is hallway. Inslee’s stops included STEM, music and journalism. JOSH SETALA | HAWKEYE excited for his future. H For example, Abraham still kicks around

NOW HE’S HERE


FEATURE

14 | JUNE 2017

Hawkeye

FATHER FIGURE(S) By Marianne Nacanaynay OP/ED EDITOR

Senior Damon Dahl jokes that he “begged Faul” to get into Jazz Ensemble 1 (Jazz 1). While not entirely true, Dahl said one of the driving forces for him to want to be in Jazz 1 was the opportunity to get to go to Essentially Ellington, a high school jazz competition and festival in New York. “There’s nothing better than playing at Essentially Ellington. For a high school band, that’s like, the pinnacle,” Dahl said. And for Dahl, the experience was well worth it. One of the memories Dahl recalled from Ellington was a banquet, where all the students at Ellington would meet and sit together according to their instrument. “You get to meet [others] at the table. It’s a little awkward for the first few minutes, but you’re going to have to get over that. And after a while, you just open up,” Dahl said. “You really get to know people and connect.” Dahl has come a long way from freshman year. For the majority of high school, Dahl was quiet and kept to himself. “Freshman year, sophomore year, junior year, I didn’t talk to anyone at all. I didn’t mess with anybody; I was so quiet. I didn’t want to bother anybody. And now I’m bothering everybody,” he said, laughing. Dahl was in freshman year when his dad died. Many of the memories Dahl has of him include road trips. “Having trips like that brings anyone together,” Dahl said. One of the lessons Dahl learned from his dad was how to

Dahl breaks into a smile as his close friend Josh Setala takes his photo during Jazz Ensemble 2. JOSH SETALA | HAWKEYE

be courageous. “He taught me it’s OK to f*** up. Even if it’s really bad, you just have to go through it,” Dahl said. “Don’t be afraid to fail.” Three and a half years later, Dahl found himself arranging and composing “Flames in the Dark/Mystrious”, a song played at Jazz Alley with a main message of how he internalized his feelings after his dad’s death. “Death really did change me,” Dahl said. “My dad’s a big part of me. It’s still always going to be a part of me. I can never get over that. You just cope with it.” While the song wasn’t initially about his dad, over time Dahl changed the song to better express his feelings regarding death. “Flames in the Dark/Mystrious” also incorporates elements of change, personal Dahl, playing percussion (right), accompanies Praditha Halstead (middle) and Gian growth and self-development and feaNeri (left) on the second night of 2017 Terrace Idol. CIARA LANEY | HAWKEYE tures influences from artists like Nathan Nzanga, Thomas Marriott, the Young Blood Brass Band, niscent attitude towards his experience in jazz. the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and Melanie Martinez. “After high school, I feel like I’m going to really cherish Overall, Dahl described the song as being more of a mashup these moments, because we all share a common ground: of songs instead of a single one, with two grand pauses disMusic,” Dahl said. tinguishing three different sections of the song apart from While Dahl doesn’t entirely know what he wants to pursue each other. after high school, he does know he’ll continue playing music. Dahl said he “put the burden of a father-like figure on “Over the summer, I’m hopefully going to look into [band director Darin] Faul” after his dad’s death. Edmonds Community College and get my prerequisites “Day of [my dad’s] funeral, Faul was there… I still rememdone,” Dahl said, “and work on my music. Definitely. For ber that day like it was yesterday. He shook my hand and just sure. Yeah, that’s what I’m planning to do. I have no idea left,” Dahl recalled. “He took time what’s going to happen over the summer… out of his day, put on his nice suit, to You just have to move on. It’s the next “Think of it like this: There are be there, even if it was just for a minchapter of my life.” always popular people. And ute. It really did mean a lot to me.” Growing up, Dahl found himself unable then there are people who are While Dahl’s experience in band to fit into a cookie-cutter group, something followers. I can try to merge has led to “life-changing” possibilihe still finds happening now. myself in there, but I will ties and opportunities opening up “Think of it like this: There are always always stand out.” for him, being in band has taught popular people. And then there are people Damon Dahl Dahl “to be considerate of others. who are followers. I can try to merge myself SENIOR Especially being respectful of how in there, but I will always stand out,” Dahl others are. Because not everyone has the same skill level; we said. “It’s just the way that I am. Like, I can always change to have a very diverse group [in terms of skill level].” be like that, [but] I’m never going to be happy like that.” Over the years, Dahl has learned how to be humble, and Dahl’s racial identity is mixed as both black and white. that’s taught him to see past age - particularly in addressing “It’s very hard to find a common place [with others] because concerns over the opportunities opened to people because you’re not the same race,” Dahl said. “Around here, there’s of seniority. “[Freshmen are] the most overlooked people, not that many people who have the same common place as I because their lack of experience seizes their opportunity to do.” teach other people.” For Dahl, many of the people he interacts with are adults. One such freshman Dahl brought up is drummer Josh He said he’s better able to communicate with adults “because Setala, who recently made it into Jazz 1. not a lot of people, especially this age, understand diversity. “When I met [Setala], I was like, ‘I hate this dude.’ … He And that creates a lot of adversity.” has such a diverse skill set… After I really started to get to While change and coping with change has been a huge part know him, I really got to start to realize that it doesn’t really of Dahl’s life, he’s not going to change completely for any matter if you’re a senior,” Dahl said. purposes other than his own. And for Dahl’s advice for incoming freshmen: “Don’t put “You won’t ever be able to get to know yourself, like, really up with all the seniors’ s***. Not every senior knows their know yourself, if you try to be someone else,” Dahl said. stuff.” “Because there’s only one person in the world who is like you, As graduation draws closer, Dahl has come to a more remi- and that is you.” H


Hawkeye

FEATURE

POETRY IS VERSE

JUNE 2017 | 15

A poet uses music to get through high school. Music has allowed Braun to express himself throughout high school, but he’s not going to pursue it as a career. As Braun moves on to the next chapter of his life at Western Washington University, he say he’ll keep music around. It just won’t be his focus, he said, unless of course, something takes off. Until then, he’ll focus on his major, computer science. Computer science was one of Braun’s focuses in high school. He was involved in the Science Technology Math and Engineering program and took many AP classes. It wasn’t an easy workload to carry and required a lot of self-motivation to complete, but it taught Braun an important lesson—if he wasn’t interested in something, he shouldn’t stress about it. This doesn’t mean however that he didn’t put his best foot forward in the classes he took. Braun’s only regret is that he didn’t try harder on all of his subjects from the very beginning. He became a Link Leader and aimed to use his prior experience to help others. Braun advises, “Don’t be that junior in a freshman class.” As a Link Leader, he encourages incoming freshmen to not be shortsighted, to work hard in every aspect of life, and to seize opportunities. Not only does Braun strive to help other students, but he also wants to give back to his school. Being the Associated Student Body Representative for the Class of 2017, Braun aimed to help guide his class to success and promote school spirit. “I wanted to make this school year better for us and While Braun has shown a passion in music, he doesn’t plan to pursue music as a career; instead, Braun will be majoring in computer change anything I can for other people coming in,” science at Western Washington University. JACK FIORILLO | HAWKEYE Braun said. As Braun enters the next phase of his life, he hopes he By Teresa Bonilla and Jonathan Kwong work with the world; he is always learning more about music has left behind a great legacy for the Class of 2017. H HAWKEYE STAFF and the process of writing it. Often he finds himself looking back and feeling he Wordplay, diction and vocabulary are all important in could have done so much more with it. He constantly poetry; they allow for artists to convey their messages and tells himself, “I can do better next time.” He’s really draw a picture. So what happens when you add music to hard on himself because he wants to make sure anythese ideas? thing he puts out is as good as it can be. You get Thomas Braun, also known as Thomas the Poet, It takes Braun a while to write a full song, somean artist who began his work during freshman year. At 14, times scrapping the stress began to build up for entire thing and startBraun. He didn’t take part in “I wanted to make this school year better ing over. He begins by sports or theater, so he turned for us and change anything I can for other brainstorming, allowing to music. people to come in.“ anything that he’s feeling Braun has always been Thomas Braun at the time to wash over interested in music, pulling SENIOR him as he mumbles lyrinspiration from everything ics. Behind these lyrics, he hopes to hide a message for that played on the radio. His style has shifted as his favorite his listeners. Much of his music varies greatly not only artists changed throughout the years. However, it is artists in style but in content as well, so he keeps it to himself like Kendrick Lamar who help guide Braun’s music. until the right time comes. “[Lamar] was able to tell the story, [and] do it with what “It was a confidence booster, and more people were the industry calls his conscience rap. He talks about seriexposed to me as a person because of the music,” Braun ous issues but [is] still able to achieve success because a lot said. He recalled some interesting times where he put of mainstream rap strays away from that and goes towards his music out, and strangers who he had never spoken more partying type things,” Braun said. To Braun, it is the to would approach him in the hallways and comment lyrics that are the most important part of music. on his work. Inspired that somebody enjoyed something Braun contemplates the struggles of life to bring his emotions into his He isn’t satisfied with all of the music he has written; some that he just did for himself, Braun is dedicated to mak- writing. From stressed and heartbroken, to energetic and joyful, Braun of it is more surface level and other pieces he feels can reach brings passion and feeling into his work. JONATHAN KWONG | HAWKEYE ing music a part of his life. out to connect with listeners. It’s hard for Braun to share his


16 | JUNE 2017

FEATURE

MAX LEIDIG

Story by Samantha Svikel Photo by Jack Fiorillo HAWKEYE STAFF

Max Leidig was born two minutes after his twin brother Nick Leidig 18 years ago. “I never hear the end of it ever; he is always the older brother,” Max said. While most people know Nick is the older brother, some people believe Max is the older one. They have opposite schedules so they don’t see each other throughout the day but they drive to school together; the only other times they see each other are late at night or at work. Both Max and Nick work at Anthony’s, a restaurant in Edmonds. Normally, one of them is working when the other isn’t. One day in 8th grade, Max and Nick switched schedules for the whole day; none of their teachers knew but their friends did. The both of them play basketball every once and awhile to make sure they’re both on good terms with one another. “We do get in fights, but it used to be worse than it was now,” Max said.

SCHOOL In his freshman year, Max had poor grades, but the rest of his years have been better. He was pretty quiet and just tried to fit in freshman year. “As far as education would go, science [influenced] me the most,” Max said. He has been in the STEM program for four years and took the Biotechnology pathway. For his senior project, he worked with Vesta Baumgartner. They used two different types of fungi and two different types of strains to by the process of (Top and above) Leidig can be seen covered in snow while he snowboards mycoremediation filter out total petroleum hydrocardown a mountain in Stevens Pass in early March. JACK FIORILLO | HAWKEYE bons from sewer water. Mycoremediation is the process

Hawkeye

A hardworking snowboarder scientist of fungi using extracellular enzymes to break down hydrocarbons (oil and diesel.) Baumgartner and Leidig worked in downtown Seattle off I-5 with their mentor Alex Taylor, who is a grad student from Washington State University, and together they set up a test site underneath the Ship Canal Bridge. They took the water off the I-5 bridge because of all the oil that leaks off cars that then goes into Lake Union. They then used mycoremediation to test reducing oil removal. The two of them had an 80 percent success rate. Leidig said his purpose for the experiment was to explore water quality. “Water quality, especially in Washington and other places, has been deteriorating and it’s definitely a big issue for concern because we need water for a lot of things,” Leidig said. Leidig has taken at least one AP class every year since sophomore year and has always been in honors classes. “I was thinking about [Running Start], but I didn’t want to go back and forth between campuses,” Leidig said. Instead, he’s getting college credit through College in the High School, which is a program for high school students and allows the credits for the class someone is taking in high school transfer to a community college class. “[Penny] Lefavour is my [favorite teacher]; she influenced me a lot and she always helps,” Leidig said, smiling. He has had Lefavour for biotechnology and has her for AP Biology and STEM English 12. Leidig is going for his STEM diploma and wants to focus on environmental science and biotechnology in the future. Leidig’s next journey is to Western Washington University, which he chose because it was closer than other colleges. He’s planning on staying for four years, but said that everything changes in college. “I could start in what I think I’m going to major in, environmental science, but then get a degree in business,” Leidig said. He is expecting his routine to change but says his study habits will be good because of all the AP and STEM classes he has taken.

HIKING CLUB

Throughout his four years, senior Danny Smart and Leidig refounded hiking club — with math teacher Nancy Paine as the advisor. “You get to see a lot of cool places you don’t usually see and you get to share that with people,” Leidig said.


FEATURE

Hawkeye While he uses the club to spend time with friends, he also uses it for exercise, especially with senior Jack Fiorillo; both of them are wanting to get into mountain climbing and hiking helps people prepare for that. Along with going on hikes with the club about twice a month, Leidig also goes on hikes with his friends he knows through snowboarding. “Sometimes we will hike up the mountain and then ski down,” Leidig said. “Heliotrope Ridge by Mount Baker is my [favorite hike]. It’s about four miles in and four miles out,” Leidig said. “You hike up a glacier that is huge and it goes from being 50-60 degrees to 30 all of a sudden.” He enjoys “roughing it” and says it’s more fun; he starts by setting up his tent and then finding everything he needs. He started camping with his family and they do a couple trips a year down the coast.

WORK

JUNE 2017 | 17

Outside of his enjoyment for camping and hiking, Leidig’s part-time job at Anthony’s was intended to help him start saving for college. He had also applied to Olive Garden, but then was hired on the spot by Anthony’s. He works as a busboy, clearing and resetting tables. He also brings water and drinks to customers and will go downstairs if they’re busy to help out with serving. Downstairs, compared to upstairs, is a more casual dining area. Most of his teachers know that he works at Anthony’s, as they have seen him on the job before. “One time I was working on New Year’s Eve and had just put on my uniform and Lefavour was sitting there with her entire family,” Leidig said. While both work and school together are tiring for Leidig, he makes an effort to balance his schedule by using a lot of PASS and class time to finish his work and get ahead when there’s a substitute teacher.

Within his adventurous solitude, Leidig enjoys the freedom of boarding across the snow every weekend the slopes are open.

SNOWBOARDING

“Three or four years ago my [neighbor] brought me back into [snowboarding],” Leidig said. While Leidig had gone up snowboarding a few times as a kid, he didn’t go back up until he was about 13 or 14. “He showed me a video and I was like ‘damn, that’s really cool,’” Leidig said. Now, Leidig goes snowboarding every weekend. “I haven’t found a feeling like it anywhere else. You forget about everything when you’re out there,” Leidig said. “You don’t think about how you have homework or school the next morning, you’re just escaping everything.” Leidig has gotten a lot of free stuff from his snowboarding over the years. He got things from a competition once, but otherwise it was from helping out. “I wouldn’t really say I have a sponsor, nor do I really want one. Just because then you have a lot of obligations and I just do it for me,” Leidig said. H

JACK FIORILLO | HAWKEYE


18 | JUNE 2017

FEATURE

Hawkeye

APPRECIATION FOR THE TERRACE COMMUNITY AND STEM

Story and graphic by Teresa Bonilla

go from metal, wire and code to a functioning robot, many upperclassmen are eager to give back and teach The crowd was on the edge of their seats; two teams had newcomers how things work. numbered tickets that were identical, right up to the last VEX Robotics Competition (VRC) is the “small digit. It was this digit that determined who went to state and robot” robotics club at Terrace. The club offers a year who didn’t. Both teams had done well. As the announcer of learning experience, competition and bonding with read off the final digits, it was Ian Davidson’s FIRST LEGO peers. Robotics are a welcoming group, Davidson said. League (FLL) robotics team that stood up to cheer. “It doesn’t matter if you have experience or not. We’ll Without clubs, Robotics Club President Davidson said teach you, and you’ll learn a whole bunch of skills just he wouldn’t have gotten the full high school experience. He on the first day,” Davidson said. He feels that even even said he wished he had done more during his high school for people who aren’t into robots, there is an aspect of years. Joining clubs allowed him to learn new skills, as well as robotics that they could enjoy and learn from. perfect existing ones. Joining clubs, for Davidson, was a way Though the lifestyle was exciting and gave Davidson to follow his passions. the opportunity to learn a lot, the rest of his years in the Some of Davidson’s most memorobotics program became hectic. FIRST rable high school experiences Robotics Competition (FRC) is the were the times he spent at second robotics club at Terrace; competitions and working on the robots are bigger, the chalrobots that would eventually lenges more difficult and everytake Chill Out to Worlds, thing has to be done in six weeks. which shows what can come Build season, as these six weeks from being active in clubs at are called, are what Davidson Terrace. remembers as the high point Always having been of his high school career. interested in technology During build season, and all the different ways it Davidson had to balance can be used, Davidson joined his rigorous schedule of FLL in seventh grade. FLL is a AP and computer science classes program that challenges kids to think while helping to build a robot and in his last two years, Ian Davidson (left) and Matt Trahmes (right) at a STEM competition, like scientists and engineers. FLL is running a team. where they presented their project on a soft robot actuator. CIARA LANEY | HAWKEYE where Davidson would grow his interest in These few weeks were a frustrating time; teachers computer science and its applications. Having enjoyed didn’t understand it was build season and kept a steady computer science in his middle school years, Davidson decid- homework load. Davidson found it difficult to be able to do and he wants to continue with them in college because they ed to pursue his passion through robotics in high school. everything he wanted, but for him and the robotics team, have allowed for him to really grow as a person. Davidson started out in robotics as most freshmen do: homework comes first. During high school, Davidson had a heavy focus on robotLearning the ropes from upperclassmen. “During build season, balancing homework is pretty difics, but he also joined theater. His sister had been in theater “It’s crucial to help students learn and be inviting because ficult, but we have a saying that ‘school is always first,’” when she was in high school; Davidson says he wanted to folyou come in as freshmen and you basically know nothing,” Davidson said. “Any day, any student [who] had too much low her in this but he didn’t act. Instead he took the behindDavidson said. homework to do, or something after school, [then] they the scenes-approach, working to keep the show running Having dedicated many of their hours to learning how to couldn’t go to robotics. [School] was always a priority for smoothly and make sure that if anything did go wrong, no robotics.” Robotics taught one would know. Davidson that essential life skill In both clubs Davidson found family through groups of of time management which will kids coming together and working for a common goal. greatly benefit him as he goes to “Being [in a club] family allows students to be invited and college. accepted no matter what their strengths are.” That’s why For college, Davidson chose to Davidson enjoyed the clubs he was a part of, because the study computer science at the environment was welcoming and brought so many people University of together. Without the bonds “It doesn’t matter if you have Washington, that he formed in these clubs, experience or not. We’ll teach you, feeling it Davidson said his high school and you’ll learn a whole bunch of was a good experience would have been skills just on the first day.” academic fit. quite bland. Ian Davidson Being close Davidson said these close SENIOR to home will bonds are not only seen in also give Davidson the opporthese clubs but also within the school. tunity to “really give back to the “The community of the students and faculty coming community” by coming back together for a common goal is going to be something I miss to Terrace as a mentor for the about Mountlake Terrace,” Davidson said. He loved the robotics teams in the following environment, and saying goodbye to the families that he years. found will be hard for Davidson. The clubs or groups that However, after four years of the same thing, Davidson said Davidson works on the 1778 Chill Out robot that they took to Worlds in Houston, while in the Davidson has been a part of he is ready to move away from the blur of high school life and STEM lab. JOHNATHAN KWONG | HAWKEYE have really shaped his experience to the computer science filled life he hopes to lead. H HAWKEYE STAFF


FEATURE

Hawkeye

JUNE 2017 | 19

A unique legacy written in activities

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sponsored. Then, he started the 365 Day reading maybe will give people hope that Sprite Challenge where he made a deal with they don’t have to be hidden about it. Or himself, saying if he wasn’t sponsored by day maybe even just start reading,” Day said. 150, he would stop drinking Sprite everyday. “I know some of my friends don’t read, and Today, June 12, he is on day 223. I think that it’s a very good hobby just to When doing the challenge, a struggle expand horizons of all sorts depending on that occurred for Day was when the closest what type of genres you read.” grocery store closed. Instead of going to a During high school, Day also “branched convenient place, Day would have to go out out and started reading more often and more of his way to a different store. Day also noted publicly.” troubles with captions for social media posts. “Before high school, I would only read at “Coming up with something funny to say home and wouldn’t advertise that I read a lot. every single day is kinda hard, so now I’m I don’t really know why, I wasn’t really afraid not posting every single day,” Day said. of any backlash or anything,” Day said. After Sprite sponsored Day, they assigned Day knew he wanted to be a writer in projects to him. freshman year, but has Story by Ciara Laney “I’d like to think that me “They just tasked never started a project HAWKEYE STAFF being open about writing and me with a promposal until recently. “I startreading maybe will give people Sprite theme, so I sent ed a short film with a Few people can say they’ve been sponsored, hope that they don’t have to my date on a scavencouple of my friends. let alone by Sprite, the world’s largest beverbe hidden about it. Or maybe ger hunt all Sprite We never really got to age company. Senior Drake Day created the even just start reading.” themed. That was a film it, but it was still “365 Day Sprite Challenge,” where he would Drake Day project I worked on fun to write, and I’m drink Sprite every day for 365 days with the SENIOR for a little bit,” Day doing a couple of projintention of getting sponsored by Sprite. said. “I recently did a Twitter poll, and now ects right now too.” On the 100th day, Day received an I have to write a Sprite rap, so I’m going to English teacher Peter White also helped endorsement package with “a bunch of Sprite start that over the next couple of days.” Day with writing during his sophomore year. gear,” including socks, a hat, a T-shirt, sunBefore being busy with Sprite, Day grew White “was the first one to really critique glasses and headphones among other items. up in Brier until his parents divorced. Then [his] writing in a way that didn’t make [him] “They pretty much let me say I’m sponhe moved to Magnolia to live for six or seven feel bad. So it kind of frustrated [him] in a sored by Sprite and I just do free advertising years, primarily with his mother. When he way that [he] wanted to get better.” for them. It’s a pretty one-sided deal. I don’t moved back to Brier with his father in eighth Motivation can become a struggle for Day really get anything out of it, but I just find it grade, he didn’t make many friends and during the writing process. enjoyable,” Day said. instead secluded himself for the beginning of “It takes a lot of motivation to just sit down In his childhood, for the most part Day high school. and critique your own artwork or your own would drink root beer instead of Sprite. In high school, he went from feeling “very creative process, and I’m trying really hard When Day was younger, he played “Super uncomfortable in [his] freshman year and on that,” Day said. Smash Bros.” on a nearly daily basis. very comfortable [his] senior year.” During Frustration can occur while he is writing “The game came out in 2001, but I played freshman year, his older brother, Prescott, as well. He feels it can be “pretty frustrating when I was six or seven with my half was a guide for him. when you have a vision and you can’t articubrother. He would always bring over his Towards the end of the year, he and his late it well enough to actually write it out.” GameCube, and me and my two brothers friends formed “Lobster Crew.” They were Reading didn’t become one of his favorite would play, and then around 7th or 8th “always being there” for Drake Day. At the hobbies until the fifth grade when Day was grade I started playing this weird modded beginning of senior year, he shown the Percy Jackson series by one of his “had all of [his] friends back, brothers. and [they] were about to be “After that I really liked reading and I the oldest people, and being a couldn’t stop to put books down. I think senior is pretty awesome.” that’s one of the moments that defined me Although extracurriculars because I want to be a writer when I’m may become his legacy, Day older,” he said. is most passionate about his Day will attend San Diego State University writing. in the fall “and hopefully get a degree in film “I think it’s a really good and production so [he] can learn how to way, even if you don’t show write for film and TV series. [His] biggest it to people, to understand dream would be the guy to make movie and yourself better. And I’ve defifilm adaptations of books that are actually nitely written stuff and never good, and [he] wants to start with Eragon shown it to anybody and or the Inheritance Cycle because [he] really thrown it away the next day likes that series as a book and feel that it and felt a lot better about it,” should get a good on screen adaptation.” Day said. Overall, Day is “pretty excited to graduate Senior Drake Day holds a GameCube controller, which he uses to play “Super Smash Bros.” when he hosts Smash “I’d like to think that me and pretty excited to start the rest of [his] Club with fellow senior Trevor Swanson. CIARA LANEY | HAWKEYE being open about writing and life.” H version of it, and then in 9th grade I started playing the actual version of it and started getting to trying to be good competitive wise,” he said. Playing the game can be frustrating, but it motivates Day to work harder. “I have a friend named Trevor [Swanson] who plays with me, and I love seeing him excel, but when he excels more than me, it definitely frustrates me. I try to use that frustration to get better. It’s worked a couple times,” Day said. Day and Swanson, another senior, are the co-presidents of MTHS’ Smash Club. Day also started the debate team, is one of the four captains of Teens Against Tobacco Use (TATU) and played varsity tennis all four years of his high school career. “I know the tennis team my senior year was probably the best tennis team that’s ever walked the MTHS halls, so I think that might’ve left a decent legacy, and I’m hoping the Sprite thing might be my legacy,” Day said. Electronic sports, or eSports, have started to become more popular. In fact, there are many “Super Smash Bros.” tournaments. “The game that I play is decently big, so I definitely know that my college has a club, and that there are a lot of competitions for it,” Day said. “I definitely want to start playing more and getting more serious about it.” While striving to be “good,” he started to play daily with a friend from Seattle. In the game, the player can choose their own character and color. A color option for the characters was Sprite-themed because professional gamers have the chance to be sponsored by teams. “I liked to make the joke that I was sponsored by Sprite,” Day said. Years after he made the joke, he started pondering the idea about actually being


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