Hawkeye December 2019

ENDANGERING THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT

9

R EHA WKEYE.O

G

EYE K

W

11

SWING AND CELEBRATION: A FESTIVE JAZZ CONCERT

12

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

W .TH

HAW

DECEMBER 2019 | VOLUME 35 | ISSUE 4

“QUILTERS” TELLS MANY STORIES ON ONE STAGE

W

THE HOLIDAYS ARRIVE AT TERRACE 6

2 | DECEMBER 2019

Hawkeye

11/2019 Vol. 35, Issue 4

04

IN THIS ISSUE… Calendar/News Update

06

OP/ED: Save personal accounts

06

OP/ED: Read and change

07

How do we holiday?

07

What Christmas means to me

08 10 10 11 12 14 15

Events here, statewide and abroad that you should know about.

Removing personal accounts could damage clubs and jobs, the Editorial Board warns.

Op/Ed editor Ritika Khanal talks about how books have changed her thinking.

We asked you what you celebrate and how, and these are the results.

What do reindeer, nunchucks, Home Alone and the Seleucid Empire have in common?

Endangered species in trouble Changes to the Endangered Species Act by the Trump administration effectively gut it.

ESD seeks feedback on rule

After backlash, the ESD delayed the removal of personal accounts from Chromebooks.

Testing the tests

The ACT is changing and the SAT may follow suit. Which is right for you?

Terrace goes caroling

Terrace choirs visited the Vineyard Park retirement home for some merry caroling.

Jazz gets festive

Terrace’s jazz ensembles showcase their repertoire, from carols to jazz favorites.

Coach Sells & Coach Sells

Two Terrace alumni return to coach baseball. The catch? They’re identical twins.

Winter sports out in force

January is the first full month for winter sports. What’s in store for Terrace teams?

11 An ardent farewell to 2019 Senior actress Sarah Acheson delivers a heartfelt performance in the musical “Quilters,” produced by the drama department at the end of November.

PHOTO BY VALERIE TOOMBS | HAWKEYE

OP/ED

Hawkeye

DECEMBER 2019 | 3

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM WALDEN POND D

ecember has always appeared to me as a month of sharp dichotomies. Its most common image is that of holiday festivities and the familiar Christmas trees, delicately wrapped presents and peaceful blankets of snow surrounding houses warmed by picturesque hearths. However, when the weather gets cold, and the ground becomes icy with frost, it often carries dire consequences for the least fortunate among us.

So, as we prepare for the twoNolan DeGarlais EDITOR-IN-CHIEF week break that lies in front of us and all of the festive cheer that presumably will occupy that time, let us also take a moment to remember those who may not have the same, joyful experience of the holiday season.

One of the first stories I wrote as a student journalist was on a program operated by the Foundation for Edmonds School District, known as the Nourishing Network. During my eighth grade year as the lead editor of the “Bulldog Brief,” which was the student newspaper run by the journalism club at Brier Terrace Middle School, I heard about the program while reporting on an ASB meeting.

Reporting on the group’s activities, I quickly found out how people in this area will go out of their way to ensure that everyone can take advantage of the beautiful area that we call home. I was amazed at how many volunteers would freely give their time toward a cause so generous as feeding local children who may come from families that cannot as readily feed themselves due to their financial circumstances.

Last summer, I had the pleasure of joining the ranks of these volunteers and giving my time back to the community through the program. As we enter the season of giving, I find it essential to reflect on ways that we can better the lives of others through the donation of our time and support.

Ultimately, the winter holidays are fundamentally about giving back, whether that be to our families, friends, communities or world as a whole. So over this break, I challenge you to think beyond the presents, movies, warm blankets and hot chocolate. Try to imagine how best you can give back to the people who helped shape you, and even to those with whom you may have never interacted.

Extend the spirit of fellowship wherever you may find yourself in the next two weeks, whether that be at home, with family or anywhere in between.

For all of us, winter break represents a time when we can take a break from all of the noise in our lives and focus on

what we fundamentally value. Without the constant threat of impending school work, tests and extracurricular activities, we can recharge our batteries while also taking some time to reflect on the year as a whole and on the potential challenges and triumphs that lie ahead.

However, we should not pass this time in idleness. The reprieve from the bombardment of school activities gives all of us time to reflect on what we truly value in our lives.

In Walden, leading transcendentalist Henry David Thoreau notably wrote that “the mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation,” even though they live amongst plenty and without material want.

Now, what does that mean? I’ll admit that upon my first reading of Thoreau last year in Peter White’s AP English Language and Composition course, I found the subject matter far too abstract to resonate within my being. Sure, it sounded profound, but could something written by a nineteenthcentury transcendentalist who decided to live in a log cabin for two years of his life have relevance in the modern age of interstate highways, electronics and the internet?

As it turns out, the writings of Thoreau and philosophers like him are perhaps even more relevant now than when they were first written. Even as our society becomes even more prosperous on the surface than when those words were laid down on paper in a cabin near Walden Pond, the same spiritual and philosophical hunger which Thoreau so astutely described remains. Paradoxically, gaining more possessions often seems to make us more confused about what truly matters.

I find it particularly appropriate to ponder this concept during the holiday season, a time that has become filled with consumerism and material desires. It is pressing that, rather than give in to the materialism we found pushed continuously upon us, we find ways to be grateful and content. After all, greed is the very antithesis of the holiday spirit.

While I love the tradition of gift-giving, it is crucial to maintain our focus on the “giving” component of the endeavor.

While I enjoy receiving gifts as much as the next person, I find it is far more gratifying to focus one’s attention on the action of giving back to the friends and loved ones who do so much to support us throughout the year. In a way, the holidays are a way to acknowledge all of those who we rely on to stay sane, happy and healthy.

So, go out and live a life that would make the transcendentalists, and your conscience, proud. Figure out what you really value in this life and then hold on to it with every fiber of your being. And, on a more light-hearted note, have a break filled with merriment and joy. I can’t wait to see what our supportive and loving community will accomplish in 2020. H

Contact Us · Follow Us · Subscribe Email editor@thehawkeye.org Phone

425.431.5058

Website www.thehawkeye.org Mail

Hawkeye c/o MTHS

21801 44th Avenue West Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043

RECIPIENT

@MTHSHawkeye @MTHSports @MTHSWeather

@MTHSHawkeye

TheHawkeye

MTHS Hawkeye

mthshawkeye

2000 2006 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

The HAWKEYE

The Hawkeye’s mission is to provide the MTHS community with quality, thought-provoking student produced publications. Since 1960, we have faithfully served our audience and community as an open, public forum where student editors make all decisions.

In policy and in practice, the Hawkeye is a designated open forum publication.

Editor-in-Chief Nolan DeGarlais

Editorial

News Editor: Nathaniel Reyes Sports Editor: Sovanrom Sot Op/Ed Editor: Ritika Khanal Lifestyle Editor: Theresa Van

Business

General Manager: Jonathan Kwong Distribution Manager: Trinity Alber Outreach Manager: Nina Otebele

Visual

Graphics Editor: Nhung Lam Photo Editors: Tommy Tran and Caroline Erdey

Online

Online Manager: Nicole Francois

Contributing Staff

Lin Miyamoto, Cecilia Negash, Sage Thompson, Rachel Davis, Hunter Michaelson, E.J. Jones, Alex Park, Lindee Cutler, Ciara Laney, Fateh Sial, Justin Barsness, Katrina Bushman, Nhan Tran, Casey Carpenter, Natalie Doty, Cyanne Esguerra, Maggie O’Hara, Ryan Melgardshagen, Valerie Toombs, Jonah Paulsene, Amy Harris, Ben Hawkins, Erin Martino Name in bold indicates staff member of the month as selected by the Editorial Board.

Support

Adviser: Vincent F. DeMiero, CTE, CJE Journalist-in-Residence: Samantha Pak FANs Coordinators: Sandra Scherich & Cathy Fiorillo Printer: Pacific Publishing Member of: MTHS ASB, JEA/WJEA, NSPA, SPLC, ESD CTE, FAPFA

Policies

Editorial Policy The editorial section of the Hawkeye, including editorial cartoons, 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 Policy 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.

Advertising Policy 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.

Complete policies are available at www.thehawkeye.org/about-2/mission-policies/

Cover photo by Theresa Van

MTHSHawkeye

© 2019 HAWKEYE | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

2019

REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART WITHOUT PERMISSION IS PROHIBITED.

IN THE KNOW

4 | DECEMBER 2019

COMING UP: December & January

Hawkeye

By Nolan DeGarlais EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

DATE

EVENT

Tuesday, Dec. 17 Orchestra and Choir Concert Thursday, Dec. 19 Band Concert Friday, Dec. 20 EARLY RELEASE

TIME/PLACE Theater, 7 p.m.

Theater, 7 p.m.

10:15 a.m.

Dec. 21 - Jan. 05 WINTER BREAK Dec. 27 - Dec. 28 Basketball Holiday Tournament

Terraceum, all day

Saturday, Jan. 04 Robotics Kick-Off Event

Terraceum, 6 a.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 07 Music Boosters meeting

Library, 6:30 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 10 Acing College

Career Center, PASS

Sports Recognition Assembly

Terraceum, PASS

Jazz workshop

Room 231, 2 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 11 Jazz workshop Monday, Jan. 13 MTHS Boosters meeting Friday, Jan. 17 Martin Luther King Jr. Video Saturday, Jan. 18 Goodwill donation drive

Room 231, 10 a.m.

Library, 6:30 p.m.

All School, PASS Upper Parking Lot, 10 a.m.

Monday, Jan. 20 NO SCHOOL - MLK JR. DAY Jazz workshop

Room 231, 10 a.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 22 First semester finals: Periods 1,3,5 Thursday, Jan. 23 First semester finals: Periods 2,4,6 Friday, Jan. 24 EARLY RELEASE

10:15 a.m.

END OF FIRST SEMESTER

Thursday, Jan. 30 Solo/Ensemble Tea Friday, Jan. 31 Sno-Isle Tech presentation Saturday, Feb. 01 Solo ensemble contest Tuesday, Feb. 04 Music Boosters meeting Wednesday, Feb. 05 First day of 2020-2021 registration Thursday, Feb. 06 Sno-Isle Tech open house

Theater, PASS Room 231, 7 p.m.

Theater, PASS Off-site, All Day Library, 6:30 p.m.

PASS Everett, 5:30 p.m.

Sno-Isle Tech application opens

All Day

BTMS electives fair

Brier Terrace Middle School

Feb. 06 - Feb. 08 School Musical: Godspell

17

ORCHESTRA & CHOIR CONCERT

DEC.

Orchestra and choir merge for their final 2019 concert with a festive twist.

19

BAND HOLIDAY CONCERT

DEC. Terrace’s various bands combine to deliver a jovial spirit before break.

04

Monday, Jan. 27 NO SCHOOL Wednesday, Jan. 29 STEM speaker

SPOTLIGHT

Theater, 7 p.m.

ROBOTICS KICK-OFF EVENT

JAN. FIRST Robotics reveals its competi-

tion and begins its global build season.

17

MLK JR. DAY VIDEO

JAN. MTHS honors the life and legacy of

MLK Jr. and the movement he built.

06

SCHOOL MUSICAL: GODSPELL

FEB. The drama department tells a musical story of Jesus Christ and his disciples.

EDITORS’ NOTE: The information in this calendar is taken in part from the calendar published on the MTHS webpage. Information may change.

For further information on an event, contact the organizing party. For corrections, contact editor@thehawkeye.org or visit us in Room 130.

Hawkeye

IN THE KNOW

Food drive helps neighbors in need

By Nolan DeGarlais EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Throughout November, Terrace students watch as the back end of the HUB is gradually filled with canned and boxed food items donated by students, staff and community members. This occurs each year as a result of the annual food drive organized by the ASB for the Concern for Neighbors Food Bank in Mountlake Terrace. The food bank serves an estimated 100 to 115 local families each week.

Additionally, the food drive functions as a yearly competition between MTHS and Lynnwood High School to see who can collect the most food for local food banks. The winner of the food drive competition will be announced at the Pursuit of the Power Plunger basketball game on Friday, Jan. 24. Until then, the official count of food collected by each school is being kept secret.

The basketball game will feature the PPP competition, in which the two winning PPP teams from each school make contraptions out of various objects and race them by propelling themselves NICOLE FRANCOIS | HAWKEYE with a toilet plunger. The competition, scored based on the results of the races and school spirit shown, serves as a friendly contest between the rivals.

The food drive also serves as a competition between classes, and the class that donates the most to the food drive will receive $500 for their class prom fund.

The winner of this year’s food drive competition was the junior class.

Throughout the drive, ASB members worked to increase the number of donations by running donation drives in front of local stores to collect food from customers.

Executive ASB Treasurer Preston Thrush was impressed by the level of participation by the various class ASB groups at Terrace. Still, he also believes that the school community as a whole should have been more involved in the process.

“We had a lot of cans raised by the classes. I felt that the school as a whole could have participated more, but [ASB] could have done a better job at involving the school, such as by collecting more cans during lunch,” Thrush said.

Although official counts cannot yet be revealed, Thrush believes that once the final count is conducted, Terrace will end up with a higher amount than was collected during last year’s food drive. H

NYPD sued for racial discrimination

By Ben Hawkins HAWKEYE STAFF

A lawsuit against the New York City Police Department has been filed by four black and Hispanic officers for actions taken between 2011 and 2015. Several officers came forward about their experiences within the department and with their commander, Constantin Tsachas.

According to the filing, the officers were directed to not go after white and Asian Americans, which the commander called “soft targets,” and instead to target blacks and Hispanics.

NICOLE FRANCOIS | HAWKEYE The NYPD refused to officially comment on the charges, although the police union stated that the commander has denied the allegations. The controversy began with a large crackdown on fare dodgers within the city’s subway system earlier this year. The NYPD issued 22,000 more tickets for fare evasion than they did in 2018, according to police data in early November.

This sparked protests against racial discrimination in the city and transit police.

Police data collected between October 2017 and June 2019 revealed that black and Hispanic people accounted for nearly three quarters of those receiving tickets for fare evasion, despite making up only half of the city’s population. Additionally, they comprised over 90 percent of those arrested for fare evasion.

The lawsuit alleges the commander actively discouraged policing subway stations in predominantly white or Asian neighborhoods. The former officers claim they faced retaliation for objecting to the quota system for arrests and tickets, which they maintain unduly affects black and Hispanic commuters. H

DECEMBER 2019 | 5

• the update •

A lot happens in a month. From fashion to finance, we are constantly bombarded by headlines from around the world.

Here are the Hawkeye’s picks for what you need to know. stories by nolan degarlais, casey carpenter, theresa van, natalie doty and nathaniel reyes graphics by nicole francois and lindee cutler

Nationalists triumph in British election

International

The United Kingdom held a general election on Thursday, Dec. 12, twoand-a-half years after the country’s previous election in 2017. Prime Minister Boris Johnson called the vote at the end of October in an attempt to secure a parliamentary majority with which to pass an agreement to withdraw from the European Union. Johnson’s Conservative Party secured a majority of 80 seats while the Labour Party lost 42 seats. The pro-independence Scottish National Party won 48 of 59 Scottish seats. It also marks the first time that more Irish nationalists were elected in Northern Ireland than British unionists. H

Impeachment inquiry moves forward

National

The House Judiciary Committee approved two articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump on December 13. The first article accuses him of abuse of power through pressuring a foreign nation for political assistance, as he allegedly withheld military aid from Ukraine to get the country to initiate a corruption investigation on Joe Biden and his son. The second article accuses Trump of obstructing Congress by forbidding several administration officials from testifying before Congress. This approval will put the two articles up for a vote in the House of Representatives before the winter recess. H

Potential terrorist attack devastates Florida

National

A shooting occurred on the early morning of December 6 at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Florida. Four people were killed as a result of the shooting, including the Saudi-born shooter who was an aviation student at the station participating in a security cooperation program between the United States and Saudi Arabia. Additionally, eight other people present on the base were injured by the shooter. The FBI is investigating the event as a presumed terrorist attack and is searching for the attacker’s motive. Terrorist attack or not, the shooting has left a devastating effect on the community in Pensacola. H

Kamala Harris ends 2020 White House bid

National

On Dec. 3, presidential candidate and California Senator Kamala Harris dropped out of the 2020 Democratic presidential primary. Harris was forced to end her campaign due to a lack of funds and popular support. “I’m not a billionaire. I can’t fund my own campaign,” she said in a video posted on Twitter announcing the end of her run. “And as the campaign has gone on, it has become harder and harder to raise the money we need to compete.” Kicking off her campaign in January, Harris had support in several states. But in recent months, she was struggling to gain support, especially from her home state. H

Huskies football coach hands over position

State

After coaching the University of Washington’s football team, the Huskies, for six seasons Chris Petersen has resigned. During his time as coach, he led the Huskies to two Pac-12 Championships, the 2016 College Football Playoff and three consecutive New Year’s Six bowl games. The reason for his resignation is simply to recharge and explore his other passions in life. However, he says that he is not completely closing the door on involvement in football in the future, but he has no desire to return to a coaching position. With Petersen’s resignation, previous co-defensive coordinator, Jimmy Lake, has been promoted to the position of permanent coach of the team. H

6 | DECEMBER 2019

OP/ED

Hawkeye

STAFF EDITORIAL

ON CHROMEBOOKS, PERSONAL MATTERS MATTER O

n Dec. 2, 2019, the Edmonds School District Technology Director Cynthia Nelson sent out an email to all ESD students and staff announcing the termination of personal accounts on District-issued Chromebooks. The email stated that with new Google features being made available, students have the possibility to switch Google accounts to access these new features in a way that the district cannot monitor, raising suspicions of inappropriate activity.

In response, multiple students have contacted Nelson for answers as to the reasons behind the implementation of the ban.

On Dec. 13, the original date of the termination, Nelson answered these questions in an email while additionally extending the termination deadline to the end of January.

“If we continue to let students login with by the implementation, some students, their personal Google accounts, they can especially those who participate in extracuraccess all Android apps. This will result in ricular activities, will get the short end of the lots of non-instructional use that may cause stick. Students participating in clubs, sports problems in our classrooms,” Nelson said. and other extracurricular activities, such as “At this time, Google management does those here in Terrace’s journalism program, not allow us to leave often have a personal personal access on for account for the work that “The termination of other Gmail and G-Suite apps they do specifically related email accounts does ... while preventing it for to that organization. not respect students’ Google Play.”

The termination of other extracurricular work.” email accounts does not While the delay in respect students’ extracurimplementation may ricular work. bring relief to students, The ESD is thinking for the general popuif the district does not reverse its decision on lation of students, but they have yet to take the issue, the effects will still prove harmful into consideration the multitude of activito those who are involved in the school in ties that require free access to such tools ways beyond their basic coursework. that their school accounts may not allow While most students will feel unphazed

– including many accessibility tools for students with disabilities.

For example, say a student is in a professional organization at school that requires them to use their personal account for work-related activities to keep them separate from their schoolwork. If the ESD does go through with this plan, then the work that this student and their peers are doing will automatically be deemed “inappropriate” and the accounts used to complete it will be dissabled.

Thus, the District’s proposed changes to Google account policy should not be implemented due to unforeseen negative consequences that will unduly affect the most academically involved students here at Terrace. H Staff editorials represent the views of the Hawkeye leadership staff. Please share your views with us.

A WORD FROM THE OP/ED EDITOR

F

Read the change you want to see in the world

rom the minute I had each letter of the braille alphabet If I learned anything under my fingers, I wanted a book. Not merely a picture thinkfrom that assignment in book or a short story, but a “big kid” book. ing honors humanities, it’s So, I started out with the seven was in that books do, indeed, books of Harry Potter at the age part due change our views of of seven, reading until my finger to the fact that I the world. Sometimes it’s bled from constantly rubbing needed a reason to proimperceptible, and sometimes against the braille. From there, crastinate just a little longer before startit’s obvious, but whether books are stacks of books kept coming in ing the assignment, but the wiser half good or bad, they are always teaching us about ourselves and the mail from the Washington of my brain kept telling me that books the world around us.

Talking Book and Braille Library weren’t just stories.

So, don’t forget to keep reading, recommending and in Seattle until there was no Then, I began thinking about all learning. You just might find yourself, and your world, Ritika Khanal space left to walk in my room. the books I’ve ever read and how, after change for the better because of it. H OP-ED EDITOR I have always stalwartly refused reading the good ones, and sometimes to listen to audio books. The only even the bad ones, I always seemed to do problem? In order to fit all the pages into a braille book, one something differently based on book requires multiple volumes, and, depending on how long that book for at least a day. of a book it is, there can sometimes be as many as 16 volumes Take the Harry Potter in my room at one time. series, for example. No Over the years, my love of reading only grew, and I read matter how many times I NICOLE FRANCOIS | HAWKEYE everything from books on parenting read it, and relationship advice to the terrifying it always leaves me throwing around magic “Books do, indeed, world of Percy Jackson. spells in a British accent for at least a week. change our views of Did I think I was ever going to use Even though I don’t live in the worlds I the world. Sometimes even half the information I was getting? read about, the lessons found in them have it's imperceptible, and Not at all. remained with me to this day. Books have sometimes it's obvious.”

Which is why, as I sat in my tenth also helped me look at the world through Ritika Khanal grade honors humanities class a couple different lenses that I otherwise wouldn’t OP-ED EDITOR of months ago, I couldn’t fathom why my even have thought about. teacher, Christopher Ellinger, was telling True, I didn’t necessarily want to know us to write to an author explaining how their book changed everything that a series like “Twilight” had to offer, but at our view of the world. least now, when I run into the Edward and Bella couples in Yeah, okay. I like books too, but they’re just stories. At the halls every day, I know not to question it, because doing NHUNG LAM | HAWKEYE least, that’s what I kept telling myself. Of course, this way of so will just make my head hurt more.

Hawkeye

LIFESTYLE

DECEMBER 2019 | 7

What winter holidays does Terrace celebrate?

By E.J. Jones, Katrina Bushman and Cecilia Negash HAWKEYE STAFF

Our student body is filled with scholars of many different backgrounds, each of whom carries with them different ideas of what the winter holiday season truly represents. But what are the holidays that are celebrated by our student body? We set out to find the answer by creating a survey asking students a wide variety of questions to get to the bottom of their thoughts on the holiday season.

The survey received 96 total responses from students and staff members regarding their December traditions and what they enjoy about the holidays.

In the survey, which was sent out to the entire student body by teachers during PASS periods, 96.8% of respondents indicated that they celebrate Christmas, 76.6% New Year’s, 7.4% Hanukkah and the Winter Solstice, 3.2% St. Lucia Day and Epiphany and only 1.1% Kwanzaa. This shows that our student body is extremely diverse in the ways that they celebrate the winter holidays.

According to the survey, most of the Terrace community that celebrates

the participants celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas commemorates the holiday by which is an annual Jewish holiday comvisiting family and friends, baking holiday memorated this year between December dishes, decorating the surroundings with a 22 and December 30, overlapping with the festive spirit and exchanging gifts between Christmas celebrations. It is an eight day friends and family. It is common for famicelebration that revolves lies to organize a special “Having a lot of free time around the kindling of an meal. Children especially to spend with friends eight branched menorah look forward to receiving and family [is my favorite with one helper candle in gifts from the mythical aspect of the holidays]." the middle. One candle is character known as Santa Seth Meyers lit every day over each of Claus.

FRESHMAN the eight days.

While Christmas may Other Hanukkah customs include playbe the most popular of the celebrated holidays shown from survey responses, that does ing with a four sided top called a dreidel and exchanging gifts on each night when a not mean people in the Terrace community candle is lit. Grace Kavanah who is a paradon’t celebrate many other December holieducator here at Terrace said she celebrates days. Many people who responded saying Hanukkah by spending time with her family they celebrate Christmas also celebrate New and friends.

Year’s. Seth Meyers, a freshman here at MTHS, celebrates Hanakkuh, Christmas “Sitting together in our living room and and New Year’s during his break. talking with one another about our many “Having a lot of free time to spend with blessings: practicing family and friends [is my favorite aspect of Hakarat HaTov or the December holidays],” Meyers said in ‘recogresponse to the survey.

The results also revealed that 7.4% of

THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS I

Rudolph wasn’t even a member of the t’s the most wonderful time of the year! Every year on December 25, going back as far as the year 273, Christmas crew. He was introduced in a 1964 stopmotion animation film directed by Larry is celebrated by nations and diverse groups of people across Roemer, named appropriately as “Rudolph the the world.

Red-Nosed Reindeer.” To this day, the film is Christmas is the annual celebration of Christ’s birth. The way it is regarded as a classic and is watched by millions of people each year. usually celebrated is by setting up Many people create events to commemorate this amazing a tree and decorating it, most comholiday, such as potlucks and competitions on building the monly with various festive ornabest gingerbread house or decorated tree. Many companies ments. Then on the night before manufacture multitude of Christmas related products to get Christmas, known as Christmas into the “Christmas spirit.”

For example, Starbucks takes a Eve, a large man with a white Casey Carpenter festive approach by changing up their cups beard dressed HAWKEYE STAFF “[Christmas] is most with red, green and white colors in honor in red, sneaks notable because of the of the holidays. into your joyous memories that Another way in which Christmas is house through the chimney and delicately families share." celebrated is hanging stockings, basically places gifts underneath the tree. No, it’s Casey Carpenter large socks, over the fireplace. These are not a Red Sox fan or a robber trying to HAWKEYE STAFF where the small gifts are left, like candy or draw attention to himself, it’s Santa Claus, little toys. also known as Saint Nicholas, St. Nick and Kris Kringle.

Speaking of candy, we can’t forget about candy canes. These When children wake up on Christmas morning, they get to delicious little hooks are synonymous with Christmas and are open the various presents left by jolly ol’ St. Nick. known for never staying intact when their wrapping is taken Santa flies across the globe in his sleigh delivering presents off. to the nice boys and girls. Unless you’ve been naughty that With a holiday this big, you imagine there would be a lot of is, then you’ll get coal. You might be thinking, sleighs can’t movies surrounding it, and you would be 100 percent right. fly, can they? Well, you’re right. The sleigh is actually carried I mentioned “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” earlier, across the globe by Santa’s nine magical, flying reindeer. Their but that was just skimming the surface. Another Christmas names are Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, movie is “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.” Based on the Donner and Blitzen.

Dr. Suess children's book, it tells the story of a green guy But the most popular of the bunch is the lead reindeer who who hates Christmas and tries to sabotage the holiday for the steers and doubles in function as a headlight. I’m of course people living in the fictional town of Whoville. Many versions talking about Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Originally,

nizing the good’ in our lives,” Kavanah said when asked about her other Hanukkah traditions.

Kavanah’s favorite gift that she has ever received was original artwork given to her by her son during a past holiday season.

Although we all celebrate the holidays in different ways and possess distinct ideas concerning their representation, there is one common theme between all of us. We all aim to spend our holiday break surrounded by our loved ones. This commonality demonstrates how fostering connections between people is perhaps the most significant outcome of the holidays each year.

Our two week break gives us the opportunity to reconnect with our loved ones and to feast on our favorite holiday dishes. It gives us a chance to give and receive meaningful gifts. More importantly for the academic side of things, our two week holiday vacation is also an essential time to recuperate and prepare for the final portion of the semester.

Overall, our holiday is a crucial part of our school year, and of our family lives and personal connections. H KATRINA BUSHMAN | HAWKEYE

of this movie have been created over time, with the latest one released just last year.

“Home Alone” just might be my personal favorite Christmas movie of all time. It follows an eight-year-old boy named Kevin McCallister who gets accidentally left behind at home after his family takes a vacation to Paris. As he is left alone, two men try to rob his house, but with a carefully planned out plan, Kevin manages to take them out with some ridiculous traps. One of these traps include a paint bucket hitting the robbers in the head and knocking them down the stairs, which they somehow survive through the power of kids movie logic.

Many, however, do not celebrate Christmas, and instead celebrate other holidays based on their religious or cultural practices. One of these is the Jewish celebration of Hanukkah.

Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the second century B.C. after Jewish warriors known as the Maccabees defeated the Syrian Seleucid Empire and regained control of Judea for the Jewish people. Hanukkah traditions include the lighting of candles on each night between Dec. 22 and Dec. 30. According to the Talmud, the primary source of Jewish theology, the Temple was purified and the wicks of the menorah miraculously burned for eight days, thus the reason the event goes on for eight days.

Christmas is beloved by people across the globe and is considered by a large portion of them as the most anticipated and beloved holiday of all. This is not only because it’s at the end of the year. It is most notable because of the joyous memories that families share. After all, I don’t think I’ll ever forget the time I got nunchucks in my stocking. H

8 | DECEMBER 2019

In less than three years, the Trump administration has dismantled key protections Story by Nolan DeGarlais Graphics by Nhung Lam and Alex Park HAWKEYE STAFF

In August the Trump administration announced significant changes to the ways in which the Endangered Species Act is applied. These modifications were derided by environmentalists as a considerable weakening of the nation’s most critical conservation law. Environmental groups also allege that these changes will make it far more difficult to protect multiple wildlife species from the threats posed by global climate change.

The Endangered Species Act, passed in 1973 with nearly unanimous bipartisan support and signed into law by Republican President Richard Nixon, has been credited with saving the grizzly bear, American alligator, Florida manatee and bald eagle from the edge of extinction. In Washington, 49 species are protected under the Act, including southern resident orca whales, pygmy rabbits and several species of salmon.

The Act requires all federal agencies to consult with the Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries Service to ensure any actions that they take do not threaten the existence of listed, federally protected species. Additionally, their actions may not destroy or adversely affect habitats that have been designated as critical to these federally protected species.

While Congress has the authority to change the provisions of the law, it is up to the exec-

NEWS utive branch to determine the technical parameters with which it is enforced. These parameters often vastly alter the power of the legislation’s provisions.

Under the changes, implemented in September, it is far easier to remove a species from the endangered list, and species that are regarded as threatened, one step below endangered, have had their protections notably reduced. Plants and animals newly designated as threatened have had their blanket protections done away with in favor of requiring preservation measures tailored to the individual species.

Federal regulators are now also allowed to incorporate an economic perspective in their assessment on whether a species warrants protection. For example, a decrease in revenue from a mining operation that would be prohibited if a species in a certain area was added to the endangered species list could be considered when federal officials decide to issue federal protection to the species.

Previously, determinations on whether to protect a species had to be made with the consideration of purely scientific information. The Act states that all of these decisions must be made “without reference to possible economic or other impacts of determination.”

The current assistant director for endangered species within the Fish and Wildlife Service, Gary Frazer, said the prohibition on economic considerations has been made for the sake of transparency in the Act’s enforcement. According to the administration, economic analyses will be made purely for informational purposes, as decisions determining whether to list a species as federally protected will still be made on the basis of scientific data.

Perhaps the most visible change in the enforcement of the Endangered Species Act is the administration making it more difficult for regulators to factor in cli-

Hawkeye

THE ENDANGERED S

EXTINC mate change and its effect on wildlife when making decisions on which species need protection. This is because effects on endangered species resulting from climate change tend to be decades away rather than immediate threats, and thus are more difficult to use as justification for protecting species under the changes in enforcement rules.

Ultimately, the changes to the Act appear to make it far easier to for oil and gas drilling, mining and other development projects to take place in areas that are currently home to federally protected species, especially in the western states.

In response to the administration’s announcement, Senator Tom Udall of New Mexico said Democrats in the Senate were considering invoking the Congressional Review Act of 1996, which gives Congress wide-reaching authority to invalidate rules made by federal regulatory agencies. Udall is the top Democrat on the Senate Subcommittee on Interior, overseeing the Interior Department’s budget.

Republican party legislators in both chambers of Congress have long sought to reduce the authority of the Endangered Species Act, claiming that it unnecessarily burdens landowners and industry, and thus is a restriction on economic development.

Interior Secretary David Bernhardt, a former lobbyist for the oil industry, has claimed that the Act puts “an unnecessary regulatory burden” on American companies when it is efficiently administered.

“The Act’s effectiveness rests on clear, consistent and efficient implementation. An effectively administered Act ensures

NEWS

Hawkeye

SPECIES ACT FACES

levied much of their criticism against the administration limiting the extent to which the effects of climate change can drive federal conservation efforts.

Chiefly cited among these concerns is a recent United Nations report prepared by over 100 experts from 52 countries warning that human activity is poised to drive over one million species into extinction during the coming decades if conservation efforts are not taken more seriously. These mass extinctions, according to the report, will be driven by a lack of environmental stewardship and mass industrialization, which have both contributed to a significant loss in nature across the globe.

The UN assessment found that the average abundance of native plant and animal life has fallen by over 20 percent in most major land habitats on every continent. Climate change, combined with levels of farming, logging, fishing and mining unprecedented in human history, is pushing an ever greater number of species toward extinction by shifting or shrinking the climates in which plants and animals evolved to survive.

One of the ways in which the changes make it more difficult for the effects of climate change to be considered in relation to protecting species with the Act is by giving government agencies much more discretion in determining what constitutes the foreseeable future” in terms of environmental impacts. Thus, regulators need not take the effects of possible extreme heat, drought and rising sea levels, among other future consequences of climate change in the next few decades, into account when determining the federal protection status of species.

The Fish and Wildlife Service defended these changes by arguing that the agency wished to avoid making speculative decisions based on the effects of events that are “far into the future.”

Senior Henry Belanger, the Secretary of Terrace’s Ecology Club, believes that attempts by the administration to undermine the Endangered Species Act are severely misguided under the threats from global climate change and the possibility of mass extinction connected to it.

“Weakening of the Endangered

CTION more resources can go where they will do the most good: onthe-ground conservation,” Bernhardt said.

A popular talking point among the act’s detractors is that once a species is added to the federal protection list, it is highly unlikely for it to be removed. Over 1,650 species have been added to the list as threatened or endangered since 1973, but only 47 of those have been removed from the list due to a clear population growth since the species was added. Thus, detractors claim that the provisions of the Act do not reasonably take the interests of developers into account.

Environmentalists and the defenders of the Act’s previously enforced provisions have

DECEMBER 2019 | 9 Species Act in any way is profoundly unwise in this day and age,” Belanger said.

Biology teacher Jonathan Tong feels that the changes will be devastating to the environment in the coming decades as the long-term effects of climate change become ever more apparent.

“There is a UN report warning that at least one million species of plants and animals are at risk of extinction within the next few decades, within my lifetime,” Tong said. It's not the same level of mass extinction as during the time of the dinosaurs...but it will have disastrous consequences on food webs and biomes and ecosystems all over. There will be disastrous effects on plants and animals that we depend on for food, medicines and building materials.”

Tong has cultivated an activist community of students at Terrace as part of the global Fridays for Future movement started by Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg. The group of students, many of whom are in Tong’s classes, seek to pressure Washington state and the country as a whole into doing more to limit the planet’s warming and prevent ecological catastrophe. The group’s website, www.revolutionusa.org, seeks to reach out to like-minded youth across the nation to organize for progressive change.

Criticisms of the rollbacks are certainly not limited to individuals or advocacy groups. California Attorney General Xavier Becerra threatened to sue the Trump administration over the weakening of the Act soon after it was announced.

On Wednesday, Sept. 25, Washington’s Attorney General Bob Ferguson joined a multi-state coalition in filing a lawsuit challenging the changes. He claimed that the rollbacks would make it far more likely endangered species in Washington could lose federal protections before the full recovery of their populations.

“For more than four decades, the Endangered Species Act has been a worldwide model of conservation law,” Ferguson said. “This administration has shown over and over that it will stop at nothing to slash regulations at the whim of industry interests, even if it means putting our shared ecosystem at risk.”

The coalition filing the lawsuit in the District Court for the Northern District of California contains 17 states, the District of Columbia and New York City, and it is led by California, Massachusetts and Maryland.

The federal officials and agencies being sued include Bernhardt, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, the Fish and Wildlife Service and NOAA Fisheries Service. The lawsuit alleges that the new rules arbitrarily limit when actions taken by federal agencies resulting in the destruction of critical habitats can be deemed harmful, eliminate recovering a species’ population as a crucial basis for removing it from the endangered list and make it more difficult to designate areas as critical habitats. H

NEWS

10 | DECEMBER 2019

Hawkeye

PERSONAL ACCOUNTS MAY BE REMOVED FROM CHROMEBOOKS

By Maggie O'Hara and Rachel Davis Graphic by Lindee Cutler HAWKEYE STAFF

What would it be like if you could only use your official school Google account on your district-issued Chromebook?

Students may soon find out, although the district's IT department has delayed the move to bar personal accounts following strong reactions since the plan was announced.

An email was sent out to all students and in the Edmonds School District (ESD) on Monday, Dec. 2, informing them that personal Google accounts would no longer be available on Chromebooks starting Friday, Dec. 13. That decision has now been delayed.

The reason behind the blocking of nonschool, personal Google accounts was stated in the email from Cynthia Nelson, the Technology Director for the ESD. “We have learned that if students switch to their personal Google account when using new Google features, we do not have the ability to manage their use,” Nelson said.

“This may result in problems while using the tool or inappropriate use of district-provided equipment.”

When the email was sent out, it caused some confusion among the student body and staff. The district’s technology cen-

ter was sent multiple emails from staff and students questioning this move by the ESD IT and responded with feedback on the planned changes to Chromebook account usage. Two weeks later, on the day in which the changes were scheduled to go into effect, an updated email regarding the changes for Google accounts on Chromebooks was sent to students.

The new email detailed additional plans for the account removal and postponed the removal until at least after winter break.

“We have determined that we will delay the decision to disable access to personal accounts for the time being,” Nelson wrote in the email. “It is our hope that Google will finalize their improvements to our management tools by the end of January, and that we can make a decision at that time, regarding personal accounts, based on the information that is available to us.”

Although the removal of non-district

issued accounts from Chromebooks has been postponed, the Technology Department made it clear that they are committed to making all tools on Chromebooks meet educational goals.

“Our primary focus will be to ensure these tools will best meet the instructional needs of the district,” Nelson said in the email.

Nelson explained that Google updated its system so that Chromebooks can use Android apps. The reason that the district was going to remove personal accounts on the district computers is that students found out how to download Android apps on their computers by logging onto their personal accounts and accessing Google Play.

Students have started to add their personal accounts to their Chromebooks at school, which has led to alleged misconduct by students. The district wants to make it so that these students cannot access Google Play, but can still use certain Android apps for educational purposes. The only way to

do that at the present moment would be to prohibit the use of all other Google accounts by students besides the one issued by the district, according to Nelson.

The main concern of this possible removal is that some students use their personal accounts for easier access to academic-related material. For example, many students use other Google accounts to access pictures for presentations and may have separate emails that are made for specific academic purposes, such as participation in a club, sport or activity. Also, some students’ families may rely heavily upon Chromebook, since it could be the only computer to which a family has access making it the only access to technology that families have in their household.

Restrictions on personal accounts could potentially negatively affect their lifestyle, jobs and future opportunities.

Possible changes that may get rid of personal accounts on Chromebooks are being held off until the end of January. The District would like to hear back from students on this issue. H NOTE: Scan this QR code to access the feedback form for

the proposed change to Chromebook access.

SAT? ACT? So, which standardized test is the best fit for you?

HAWKEYE STAFF

It’s already that time of the year when sophomores and juniors are taking their ACT or SAT college entrance tests and seniors are submitting college applications. Whether a freshman, sophomore or junior, a college entrance exam may be in one’s academic future. It’s important to understand both tests so that one can decide between the two and decide which one will best suit them and increase their chances of attending an ideal college.

An entrance exam, whether ACT or SAT, is one of several components in a student’s college application. Most colleges prefer to gather a holistic view of students rather than select students solely based on their GPAs or test scores. Thus, colleges admire students who are well-rounded, participating in clubs and activities, passionate about certain hobbies and distinguishing themselves through any other means from the rest of the crowd.

Colleges require test scores for many reasons. Chief among these reasons is so they can use scores to narrow down their decision, especially for more prestigious universities that receive thousands upon thousands of applicants each year.

But which test is right for a specific individual?

Both the SAT and the ACT have their pros and cons, and it’s incredibly important to understand how they differ. The first evident difference between the tests is that each test is graded on a different scale. The SAT is scored on a scale from 400 to 1600, whereas the ACT is given a composite score out of a total of 36.

Another difference that sets the two tests apart is their

content. The ACT has an added science portion of the test, which can be helpful for students who excel in scientific subjects. The ACT lasts up to two hours and 55 minutes, while the SAT is three hours and 45 minutes. The difficulty level varies as well, as the SAT is focused on logic and reasoning while the ACT is more straight-forward and knowledge based. A possible strategy for determining where one’s strengths lie would be to take both the PreSAT and PreACT, and from there settle on which test is more suited toward one’s individual strengths.

Recently, the ACT has announced that they’ve made revisions to the test. Anemona Hartocollis of the New York Times compiled a comprehensive report on the ACT’s recent modifications.

“Students who want to improve their scores would be able

NICOLE FRANCOIS | HAWKEYE

By Erin Martino

to retake single sections of the five-part test, which lasts about three hours, instead of sitting for all of them again,” Hartocollis said. “The change would allow students to avoid getting worse marks on sections they had taken earlier.”

This change has the potential to relieve some of the stress that students hold while testing.

Students commit a fairly substantial amount of time to studying for these tests and are pressured to score satisfactorily for colleges to consider them. Assessment of student scores by college admissions has been debated intermittently.

“The new policy comes as educators, students and parents debate the role of standardized testing in college admissions and whether it is an appropriate measure of student ability or worsens persistent social inequities,” Hartocollis said. “A growing number of colleges and universities have made test scores an optional part of applications.”

Taking this into consideration, the College Board is experimenting with different test-taking methods that could alleviate student stress. The ACT changes will be applicable starting the fall of 2020. The College Board is offering test-taking online and as a paper version to accommodate different preferences and produce results faster.

Another modification is that the College Board will superscore the ACT test, as explained on the official ACT website. Superscoring allows students to submit their highest scores in each sub-category of the test for college admission and scholarship purposes. The Superscore is a recalculation which shows the highest possible composite score across multiple ACT tests and ACT section retests. H

LIFESTYLE

Hawkeye

By Maggie O'Hara and Rachel Davis Photos by Valerie Toombs HAWKEYE STAFF

The MTHS drama department’s first production of the 2019-2020 school year was “Quilters,” a musical based on the book “The Quilters: Women and Domestic Art” by Patricia Cooper and Norma Bradley. The musical itself was written by Molly Newman, with lyrics and music composed by Barbara Damashe. The Terrace production featured an all-female cast, and a live pianist performing songs to accompany scenes from the musical.

“Quilters” follows the different stories of pioneer women in the American West, sharing the tragedies and adventures of their daily lives.

Each story is told in a small segment called a “block,” wherein each cast member assumes a different character and tells a new story.

The story of “Quilters” does not follow a singular straight-through, easy-to-follow plot.

Instead, each story is told separately, but every story is connected to each other in some way.

For example, in block 13 the main character Sarah builds a log cabin with her children, showing the hard work of pioneer women. Later, in block 15, “Crosses and Losses,” that same log cabin burns down in one of the most dramatic and intense scenes in the musical, which features the actresses coughing and falling over.

These scenes demonstrate the struggle that pioneer women went through during their lives, and the hard-work that often gets taken away from them in the blink of an eye.

Another important part of “Quilters” is the theme of abortion and the risk these women put their lives in when by having so many children.

Multiple scenes in “Quilters” are about women fearing pregnancy and having abortions to save their lives. It may be a difficult topic to ponder, but the musical sheds light on these problems

DECEMBER 2019 | 11

QUILTERS Intersectional issues through a historical lens

that women have had and continue to face.

Possibly the most important theme of “Quilters” is the theme of memory and leaving one’s mark on the world during life. In this musical, the characters left their mark by sewing quilts and passing them down through the following generations.

“Quilters” had an abundance of positive feedback from the audience. “They were amazing!” and “I’m so proud of these girls!” are just some of the exclamations of support made by the audience following the performance.

However, there was a chance that “Quilters” would not be performed in Terrace’s theater this year. Originally, the drama department was going to perform “Curtains,” a musical by Rupert Holmes, but it was canceled due to a casting shortage.

Ella Seavers, one of the actresses in the department, says that the drama department planned two more musicals, “Quilters” and “Godspell,” in hopes of making it to national judging. Thus, time was limited to prepare for this production.

“There were a lot of bumps in the road, we had to get over the stress and make sure everyone including myself was mentally healthy and getting through the process that was difficult. But in the end, we made a great show,” sophomore actress Anabelle Sumera-Decoret said.

Fellow sophomore actress Hannah FiskerAndersen believes that the drama department put on an excellent show despite the barriers the team encountered along the way.

“I feel the performance is going well, a lot of stuff happened behind the scenes where we had to change things around, but we did really well for what was going on,” Fisker-Anderson said.

Top: A shot from “Cornelia,” the fifth song of “Quilters.” The song is about a cornhusk doll Despite the challenges, the MTHS drama department put on a wonderful show to start off and is reminiscent of an active and imaginative childhood on the prairie.

Bottom: The all-female cast of “Quilters” sing the opening number. “Quilters” is a non-linear the 2019-2020 school year. H musical separated into blocks about women's issues in the early American West.

TERRACE CHOIRS CAROL FOR ELDERLY

By Nina Otebele OUTREACH MANAGER

The Terrace choir performed for a delighted crowd at the Vineyard Park retirement home. FATEH SIAL | HAWKEYE

“Candlelight, angel light, Firelight and starglow, Shine on his cradle 'til breaking of dawn. Gloria, gloria, in excelsis deo, Angels are singing, the Christ child is born.”

So go the lyrics to “Candlelight Carol,” the final song sung by the MTHS choir at Vineyard Park at Mountlake Terrace, a quaint retirement home.

The choir visited Vineyard Park at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 11 to sing Christmas carols to local seniors living at the home. “Candlelight Carol,” as well as the event itself, was a massive hit among the seniors in the audience.

Besides “Candlelight Carol,” the choir sang songs such as “God Bless Us Everyone,” “Gloria,” “White Winter Hymnal,” “Mary, Did You Know” and “Count Your Blessings.” The choir successfully brought joy to the seniors through these songs that night.

This was the choir’s second year Christmas Caroling to the seniors. The event was organized last year by the choir and the tradition has carried on into this year. A choir student was put in charge of calling the retirement center,

making arrangements and scheduling a day that worked well for the seniors and the choir itself.

Choir director T.J. Sullivan was extremely impressed by the choir’s caroling that night. Not only did the event go exactly the way he expected it, the main highlights of the event for him were the amazing soloing talents displayed by senior Olivia Donelson and sophomores Caitlyn Gilchrist and Ritika Khanal.

Senior Peja Shymko said the event was a wonderful opportunity for the choir to spread their music and do good for the community.

“I loved getting to perform at the senior center. It was lovely to talk with the seniors and share our music with them,” Shymko said. “It was definitely a heartwarming experience.”

The choir has been preparing for this caroling event since the end of October.

“The first month of school we just do songs to get us singing together,” Sullivan said. “Then, [we] see who is going to do what and how many parts we can do [for the event]. We were able to do nine parts, which was really amazing.” H

12 | DECEMBER 2019

LIFESTYLE

JAZZ CELEBRATES HOLIDAYS, PREVIEWS THINGS TO COME Terrace's celebrated jazz program performs classic holiday tunes and timeless jazz standards at Dec. 12 concert

Seniors Ernesto Torres and Alec Raring and freshman Eli Faris surround the mic for the pep section on Duke Ellington's "Kinda Dukish/Rockin' in Rhythm" during the Dec. 12 concert.

Hawkeye Story by Amy Harris Photos by Ciara Laney HAWKEYE STAFF

Winter is perhaps the busiest time of year for the Mountlake Terrace Jazz bands. They just finished a round of clinics with esteemed musician Justin DiCioccio less than a week after coming back from a three-day retreat. Jazz 1 has begun recording for Hot Java, Cool Jazz, and they’re getting ready for a trip to the University of Oregon this January.

Despite all of this, they were able to squeeze in a holiday concert on Thursday in the theater.

Jazz 2/3's set was largely defined by the work of composer Sammy Nestico, most known for his work for the Basie band. His style is instantly recognizable by his laidback but clean and bright tone. This year, the 2/3 band is split into the Red and Black bands, each with an equal measure of experienced and new players.

Red band began with “Fancy Pants,” a thick, rich and bluesy tune with a solo from freshman Mark Tiersma on trumpet. “Fancy Pants” is the distilled spirit of the continental sort of jazz in which Nestico specialized.

The Black band played “Front Burner,” a blues shuffle that was rollicking and crisp, with a playful call and response section. Junior Jonas Rivera, whose ability has blossomed, especially in this last year, gave an outstanding tenor solo. Junior Johnny Kim and freshmen Sage Jennings on trombone and Ethan Weight on trumpet rounded out the solo section The bands then combined, forming a monolith of suits, red ties and brass. Their final Nestico chart, “Loose Change,” was polished and nostalgic. Clinician Justin DiCioccio’s influence can be felt on the band’s performance, as this song was delivered with the kind of energy he preaches and the cohesion he accomplishes. Sophomore Connor Leaty gave a solid solo that resonated with the audience.

“I think it’s funny, they all end with the Basie lick,“ senior pianist Lindee Cutler said, in reference to the three note piano lick followed by chord hit from the whole band that is now a jazz cliché.

Festivities amped up as the lighting technicians began to add holiday-themed projections onto the walls surrounding the stage, and the combined band launched into the Christmas classic “Frosty the Snowman.” This version was brash - a snowman that kicks down your door and dances like Astaire all over your parlor. Freshman Sophia Susanto opened on piano, and Tiersma again was on trumpet. “Frosty the Snowman” wandered off the path of convention, but always came back to the familiar musical phrase by means of an intricate sax soli, showing off the unity of the section.

Jazz 1 took stage for the public debut of the pieces they will record for New York judges to evaluate as part of the Essentially Ellington competition operated by Jazz at Lincoln Center.

Their set this year shows off the range Duke Ellington was capable of writing, and that Jazz Ensemble 1 is capable of playing. The sheer variety they had to choose from is a testament to Ellington’s position as easily the greatest composer of the 20th century.

Hawkeye

LIFESTYLE

DECEMBER 2019 | 13

Many members of Jazz 1 are veterans of the prestigious Essentially Ellington competition. The Dec. The Red and Black bands of Terrace's Jazz 2 and 3 mix new and experienced players alike. Their set featured classics from Count Basie and Glenn Miller.

12 concert featured the songs they used to audition for the festival this year.

"The great trumpeter Clark Terry, who played with both soloing ability. “Isfahan” is a similarly slow-burning ballad, holiday chart, so Jazz 1 pulled out yet another Glenn Miller the Basie and Ellington bands, once said 'playing with Basie with cheeky baritone backings from Acheson and a poignant piece. Miller practically monopolized pop big band until his was like college, but Ellington was grad school,'" instructor crescendo. mysterious WWII disappearance, so it’s no wonder that this Darin Faul said as he introduced the set.

“Isfahan” would be a challenging song to top, so Jazz 1 chart, “Sleigh Ride,” is a natural crowd-pleaser. Like “Jingle They began with “Cotton Tail,” one of the songs which responded by going in an entirely different direction and Bells,” it’s grand and ritzy. Moreland did a fine job of putcaused Ellington’s fame to skyrocket in the 1940s. It has a played the Glenn Miller version of “Jingle Bells.” Layered ting his own spin on a bridge that’s only four notes, and then sense of instant familiarity, be it from the rhythm-changes, and chordant, it added depth to the original while a sax soli thankfully was able to give an original solo only a few bars chord structure or the mere fact that it is so wildly popular. established the familiar. Good fills from Setala set this piece later. The song was finished with the unexpected but welSeniors Ernesto Torres, Owen Moreland apart, and Hargrave managed a complex come addition of a horse’s whinny, provided by Jazz 1’s one"This is the most fun we've and Caden Hargrave have established and interesting solo over a Christmas man sound effect department, Torres on trumpet. had at a concert in awhile. themselves as the usual suspects when it carol. Also featuring senior Ethan Moore By now, the audience and band were clearly enjoying This is definitely a really great comes to soloing on their respective instruon trumpet, in typical Miller fashion this themselves. Livelihood and vitality coursed through the group to play with." ments, and along with junior Natalie Song is a lush and extravagant affair, which is entire theater as Jazz 1 prepared for their last piece: “Kinda Ernesto Torres on keys and freshman Ryan Acheson on tastefully punctuated with delicate piano Dukish/Rockin’ in Rhythm.”

TRUMPET baritone sax, gave colorful performances. from Song. This version also nods to The title of the song is a little confusing, but is straightforSenior Josh Setala’s embellished and techMiller’s most famous song, “In the Mood,” ward in regard to the structure of the song, "Kinda Dukish" nically impressive drumming is just one aspect of the outwith its bridge. Here, senior trumpeter James Speedy’s abilserves as an introduction, and was added to the original standing rhythm section, along with the classically-trained ity to play ludicrously high notes is put to good use for a "Rockin' in Rhythm" from the 1930s on his album “Piano in junior Andrew Vinther on bass and the delightful Song on bombastic ending. the Background.” piano. Jazz 1 pulled together for an irrepressibly optimistic "Not gonna lie, the trombones killed that intro," senior "Kinda Dukish" comes solely from the rhythm section, take on this immortal Elllington chart. trombonist Preston Thrush bragged. "At least, we did a lot where Song, Setala and Vinther demonstrated their chops Next, they jumped to the other end of Ellington’s career better than we have the last two days." over the mainly improvised intro. Song sparkled over for a song off of the 1967 album “The Far East Suite.” The The band was hitting their stride as they rolled into Vinther and Setala's immaculate time. The band kicking infinitely innovative writing of both Ellington and Billy “Happy Go Lucky Local.” It’s a train song, in marked the end of "Kinda Dukish" and "Not gonna lie, the Strayhorn, inspired by the band’s tour of the Middle East, a theme which is relatively common in the the beginning of "Rockin' in Rhythm." trombones killed that as well as the deeply atmospheric pieces that maintain blues jazz/blues repertoire, but Ellington has Senior trombonist Alec Raring's brash and intro. At least, we did a structures make this album quintessentially Ellington. arguably done it best in this piece. His sassy solo filled the room. Torres, Raring lot better than we have “Isfahan,” a deeply beautiful and moving piece, was actuaforementioned talent for the atmospheric and freshman Eli Faris were featured for a the last two days." ally composed by Strayhorn a few months before the band’s is used here for playfully immersive effect. punchy pep-section. Acheson, wielding both Preston Thrush trip to Iran, but it still feels influenced by its namesake city.

The rhythm section simulated the chugging his clarinet and bari sax, built the tension as TROMBONIST Originally featuring a masterful solo by Johnny Hodges, the of the wheels and the clacking of the tracks, Setala came in with the hollow jungle-drum MTHS version featured Hargrave. while the brass had a blast pretending to be station horns. sound that was an early Ellington staple. Speedy, again with This isn’t Hargrave’s first time stepping into the legendJunior Emily Sallee broke with the opening lick, after the his magnificent lungs, soared over the rest of the band with ary alto’s shoes - last year, he was featured on “Prelude to a introductory commotion. She utilized the entire range of his crisp and ludicrously high notes. The only thing that may Kiss” while battling food poisoning and still lived up to high her alto to further add to the dynamic of this piece. Vinther have topped this ending is perhaps a line of can-can dancers expectations. and Song traded solos, Vinther with dextrous and virtuosic emerging from the wings of the theater.

This year? bass lines and Song with a rag-time inspired phrase, and "This is the most fun we've had at a concert in awhile," “I think I did alright,” he said. “But I was playing on Emily Moreland gave a high-hitting clarinet solo at the very top Torres commented. "This is definitely a really great group to [Sallee]’s horn because mine was broken.” of his register. It all ended with a rather theatrical perforplay with. We've got a great mix of new and old people who Despite the freak obstacles that the universe keeps sendmance from the trumpet section, who synchronously waved are all really enthusiastic about the music." ing his way, it’s a good thing Hargrave doesn’t stop playing their hat mutes in imitation of the Doppler effect. This song While the winter jazz concert may have contained little by Hodges because he excels at it. While doing justice to the solidified the upbeat tone and palpable energy of the rest of way of the holiday music one may expect, it provided a brief original, Hargrave still added an occasional flighty phrase the night. snapshot of some of the great things we can expect from the that demonstrated his talent for improvisation and complex It wouldn’t be a winter concert without at least one more MTHS jazz program in the upcoming year. H

14 | DECEMBER 2019

SPORTS

Hawkeye

Terrace’s dynamic diamond duo

By Ritika Khanal

“With our durability and skill set, we In 2009, two fierce, just weren’t given a passionate and driven chance,” Ryan said. twin brothers gradu“We didn’t really get ated from MTHS. a chance to prove Though admittedly or show what we not always the best brought to the table.” academic students That’s when they throughout their time decided that they in high school, Ryan wanted to coach a and Jaykob Sells realteam and give back ized early on that they to the community both loved sports. that nurtured them.

The two boys were In the second half raised by a single mothof 2015, Ryan came er, working each and back to MTHS to every single day just to work as a paraeducaprovide for them. tor, helping adminis“We didn’t have a lot trators with student of things handed to us. suspensions and Everything had to be behavioral issues as earned,” Ryan said. well as working with Without a father students with spefigure in their lives, cial needs. He also however, they lacked a coached Terrace’s significant amount of junior varsity baseguidance and support. ball team.

With the exception of In 2016, Jaykob a couple of teachers at joined his brother Terrace alumni Ryan Sells (left), who is the Hawks new head coach, and Jaykob Sells (right) stand side by side on the field where they played from school,including busiat MTHS, helping 2006-2009. The twins have returned to Terrace to coach their former team and give back to the community. CAROLINE ERDEY | HAWKEYE ness teacher and head coach the JV team men’s basketball coach while working on a Nalin Sood, the brothers had to rely solely on the support had a deep passion for sports, but they also had experienced master’s degree in secondary education for physical educathey were giving each other throughout their childhoods. school without having an adult guiding them through every tion.

They were introduced to sports by their uncle and grandstep, and they knew that they could relate to kids who may Earlier this year, Ryan was named as the head coach parents, and that love of sports would lead them both to a be going through similar situations. for MTHS baseball following the retirement of Andrew career of coaching after graduation.

The two brothers also realized school is not just about Watters who had been their Identical twins, Ryan and Jaykob never liked doing anycoach.

“A lot of twins want to be different in a lot of thing apart from one another, and that remains the case to Sood said he is ecstatic different ways. I think for us, we just looked at this day. that both of the brothers each other and we embraced the twin thing.”

“A lot of twins want to be different in a lot of different have returned to their alma Jaykob Sells ways,” Jaykob said. “I think for us, we just looked at each mater to give back to the ALUMNUS/BASEBALL COACH other and we embraced the twin thing.” community that helped Whether it be sports or what they were going to eat, the sports, but also about being a student before an athlete. make them into who they brothers seemed to always be in agreement.

“School is very important, and school is what you’re going are today.

“I didn’t care if he had the same number one [haircut] as to make your money off of once sports is done,” Jaykob said.

“As a coach, to see two forI did, as long as we were both being successful and helping After high school, both brothers attended Southwestern mer student-athletes develop each other out as opposed to arguing,” Ryan said.

Oregon Community College before going on separate paths into the leaders that these This close relationship, coupled with their love of sports, for a couple of years. two have become is what meant that they were constantly pushing each other and For Jaykob, college led to an Associate in Arts degree from coaching and teaching is all ALUMNI UPDATE competing to achieve at even higher levels.

Everett Community College and four years playing baseabout. To have them come As part of our coverage of It wasn’t long until they were playing on the basketball ball for and earning a public health degree from Central back and share their wisdom MTHS's 60th anniversary court and baseball field in high school and showing that they Washington University. He then went on to play indepenand talents with current celebration, the Hawkeye each had something different to offer the sports programs. dent professional baseball in the same league as his brother.

Hawks makes it even more will be featuring stories of “Although they are twins, they are their own unique indiSimilarly, Ryan attended Everett Community College and rewarding for not only alumni from each of the viduals in many ways. I saw this on the basketball court Lewis and Clark State College before rejoining Jaykob to myself, but many others,” past six decades. If you have when they played for us and [see it] now as coaches, teachers, play independent professional baseball.

Sood said. “MTHS just hit a suggestion for a future husbands and a dad,” Sood said.

Not being affiliated with a Major League Baseball team and a home run because we not alumnus to cover, email us After playing baseball and basketball in high school, both playing independently, both brothers found the experience to only scored one great baseat editor@thehawkeye.org brothers wanted to give back to the community. They each be humbling. ball coach, we got two!” H OP/ED EDITOR

SPORTS

Hawkeye

DECEMBER 2019 | 15

JANUARY 2020 VARSITY SPORTS CALENDAR Info compiled by Sovanrom Sot, Alex Park and Justin Barsness Graphics by Lin Miyamoto and Sage Thompson HAWKEYE STAFF

Hey Hawks! Although we’re all ready to settle down for a long winter’s nap, don’t forget there are lots of games, meets and matches going on. Here are all of the upcoming varsity sports events for the remainder of December and January. H

MEN’S BASKETBALL

12/20/19 @ 7:15 p.m.

Snohomish @ Snohomish H.S.

12/27/19 @ 8:15 p.m.

Terrace Holiday Tournament South Kitsap @ The Terraceum

WRESTLING

12/21/19 @ 9:30 a.m.

Lynnwood Classic Wrestling Tournament 1/4/20 @ 9:00 a.m.

Everett Classic @ Everett H.S. 1/9/20 @ 5:30 p.m.

Edmonds-Woodway @ Shorewood H.S.

12/18/19 @ 7:15 p.m.

Bellingham @ Bellingham H.S.

1/11/20 @ 8:00 a.m.

12/20/19 @ 7:15 p.m.

Snohomish @ The Terraceum

King of Beacon Hill Tournament @ Cleveland H.S.

12/28/19 @ 6:30 p.m.

Terrace Holiday Tournament Mariner @ The Terraceum

1/16/20 @ 7:00 p.m.

Cedarcrest @ The Terraceum

1/3/20 @ 7:15 p.m.

Marysville-Getchell @ Marysville-Getchell H.S.

1/23/20 @ 7:00 p.m.

Shorecrest @ The Terraceum

1/8/20 @ & 7:15 p.m.

Arlington @ The Terraceum

1/25/20 @ 10:00 a.m.

31st Annual Lynden Tournament @ Lynden H.S.

1/10/20 @ 7:15 p.m.

Monroe @ The Terraceum

1/28/20 @ 5:30 p.m.

Meadowdale & Archbishop @ Meadowdale H.S.

1/13/20 @ 7:15 p.m.

Marysville-Pilchuck @ Marysville-Pilchuck H.S.

1/30/20 @ 7:00 p.m.

Lynnwood @ Lynnwood H.S.

1/15/20 @ 7:15 p.m.

Oak Harbor @ The Terraceum

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

1/9/20 @ 7:00 p.m.

Shorewood @ Shorewood H.S.

MEN’S SWIM & DIVE

12/27/19 @ 7:15 p.m.

Sedro-Woolley @ Sedro-Woolley H.S. 12/30/19 @ 7:15 p.m.

North Kitsap H.S. @ The Terraceum 1/3/20 @ 7:15 p.m.

Marysville-Getchell @ The Terraceum 1/7/20 @ 7:15 p.m.

Arlington @ Arlington H.S. 1/10/20 @ 7:15 p.m.

Stanwood @ Stanwood H.S. 1/14/20 @ 7:15 p.m.

Marysville-Pilchuck @ The Terraceum

12/17/19 @ 3:00 p.m.

Cascade @ Lynnwood Pool

1/16/20 @ 7:15 p.m.

Oak Harbor @ Oak Harbor H.S.

12/19/19 @ 3:00 p.m.

Kamiak @ Lynnwood Pool

1/17/20 @7:15 p.m.

Everett @ The Terraceum

1/14/20 @ 3:00 p.m.

Meadowdale/Lynnwood @ Lynnwood Pool

1/21/20 @ 7:15 p.m.

Shorecrest @ Shorecrest H.S.

1/16/20 @ 3:00 p.m.

Shorecrest @ Lynnwood Pool

1/24/19 @ 7:15 p.m.

Lynnwood @ Lynnwood H.S.

1/29/20 @ 7:15 p.m.

Edmonds-Woodway @ The Terraceum

1/18/20 @ 10:00 a.m.

District Dive Qualifier Kamiak @ Kamiak H.S.

1/28/20 @ 7:15 p.m.

Edmonds-Woodway @ Edmonds_Woodway H.S.

1/31/20 @ 7:15 p.m.

Cedarcrest @ The Terraceum

1/21/20 @ 3:15 p.m.

Mariner @ Kamiak High School

1/17/20 @ 7:15 p.m.

Everett @ Everett H.S. 1/20/20 @ 9:00 a.m.

Aberdeen @ LCCC 1/22/20 @ 7:15 p.m.

Shorecrest @ The Terraceum 1/24/20 @ 5:40 p.m.

Lynnwood @ Lynnwood H.S.

1/23/20 @ 3:30 p.m.

Shorewood @Shoreline Pool 1/25/20 @ 10:00 a.m.

District Dive Qualifier Mariner @ Mariner H.S. 1/28/20 @ 3:00 p.m.

Mount Vernon @ Lynnwood Pool

THANK YOU

16 | DECEMBER 2019

FOR MAKING JAM SESSION XXVI SUCH A HUGE SUCCESS! Department of Near East Languages and Civilizations

PetAdventure

COACH SOOD & THE WINTER SPORTS COACHES THE MEN’S & WOMEN’S BASKETBALL & WRESTLING TEAMS ALUMNI BASKETBALL PLAYERS • CHEERLEADERS • STEVE WILLITS MTYAA JUNIOR CHEERLEADERS • SHARALEE BURR • ASB • DJ TILT SOUND MUSIC PUBLICATIONS • MLTNEWS.COM • SORELLI PIZZA EDMONDS C.C.• LYNNWOOD BOWL & SKATE • GAME STOP UW DEPT. OF NEAR EAST LANGUAGES • BRIER PIZZA KITCHEN SPROUT BIRTH CENTER • BLACK RHINO MARKETING SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT MARKETING CLASS

JAM SESSION IS A PRODUCTION OF THE HAWKEYE

Hawkeye