Hawkeye 9 2014

New Year, Big changes to Terrace

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School food gets another makeover

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Student athelete?

You must read this

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September 2014 | Volume 30 | Issue 1 Mountlake terrace high school | 21801 44th Ave. W Mountlake Terrace wA 98043

Hawkeye www.thehawkeye.org

Terrace How-To A new year brings new challenges for all of us.

We’ve got you covered. 8

2 | September 2014

Hawkeye

Mark Hopkins Photography LifeSimplyCaptured.com SENIORS.lifesimplycaptured.com 425.409.3647 2015 Seniors: Don’t wait, the time to book is now!

WATCH ESD15 SPORTS. LIVE. ON-DEMAND. Student Athletes. Student Produced Broadcasts.

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Hawkeye

September 2014 | 3 hawkeye Leadership ‘14-’15

Hawkeye

Editor-in-Chief Nick Fiorillo

September 2014 | Volume 30 | Issue 1

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7

We’re Hawks

Healthful food

School leaders offer their thoughts on all things MTHS.

New federal guidelines have changed what can be served at school.

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Dear Editor

Get involved

Students sound off about current topics and issues.

Join a club, audition for a play, volunteer for a good cause! There are many ways to get involved at Terrace.

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Updates Changes in policies and practices affects students, teachers and parents.

THE HIGH SCHOOL GUIDE FOR ALL We’ve got great tips from students, teachers and parents who have had experience successfully navigating high school.

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“I think being involved made me more successful because it made me more well-rounded. I got to meet new people and try new things.

It’s also hard because you’re taking on more responsibility and you have manage your time better...but it’s definitely worth it in the end.”

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Visual Graphics Editor Erika Fisher Photo Editor Serafina Urrutia Deisgn Editor Arsha Kiani Online Online Manager Jaira Arcilla Social Media Manager Maria Balcita ........................................................

Adviser Vince DeMiero FANs Coordinators Sandra Merten & Cathy Fiorillo Printing Pacific Publishing Member MTHS ASB, JEA/WJEA, NSPA, Student Press Law Center, Tao of Journalism

How do you juggle sports and school? We’ve got tips from the pros.

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.

Letter from the Editor

How to be a savvy consumer of news A

Business General Manager Anthony Markert Advertising Manager Robin Choi Distribution Manager Brian Tran

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Junior

We’ve been working all summer long on improving the ways we serve you. So here’s what you need to be watching to find out the latest of all things MTHS. Our new and improved website. We just finished a complete redesign of our website – thehawkeye.org. You have to check out our new Hawks Sports Center, where you can find schedules, rosters, sports scores and more. Also, you can find the latest news updates.

Live sports with SLSN. We’re back for another year working with My Neighborhood News Network and HBN to bring you live broadcasts of many Hawks games. You can go to thehawkeye.org to go to the SLSN portal.

Our Twitter presence. If you’re not following our twitter accounts, (@ MTHSHawkeye, @MTHSports and @ MTHSWeather) you’re missing out. You

Editorial News Editor Paxtyn Merten Sports Editors Austin McDermott & Luke Thurber Feature Editor Daniil Oliferovskiy Co-Op/Ed Editor Isaac Otis & Beza Ayele Lifestyle Editor Maxine Taylor

Athlete advice

Haeley Johnston

nother year of high school brings challenges to every group, grade and age. Freshmen are trying to find their footing in this seemingly enormous labyrinth.

Seniors are already pulling their hair out over horrible Nick Fiorillo things such as Editor-in-chief the SAT, ACT and dozens of college applications. Everyone, everywhere has challenges. So, we decided to offer some advice we got from students, teachers and parents who have done it before. We aren’t experts. But, the people we talked to are.

What I do know a whole lot about is how you can stay informed at Terrace.

Editorial Board Nick Fiorillo, Paxtyn Merten, Isaac Otis, Erika Fisher, Anthony Markert, Stephi Smith

can subscribe to our tweets to get alerts whenever there are updates, breaking news and new stories posted. Also, be sure to ‘like’ us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram (@MTHSHawkeye).

Our print newsmagazine. We’re in the second year of our new format, and have great plans in the works. Make sure you get a copy each time the new edition comes out.

Here’s what we need from you. You may have noticed we call ourselves an “open public forum.” This is because we’re committed so serving as an avenue for free expression.

Do you have something to say about an issue, event, topic or something you read in the Hawkeye? Write us a letter and send it to editor@thehawkeye.org.

Let us know how we’re doing. We’re going to be asking for your opinion on a regular basis.

I’m thrilled to start another great year. H

Mission

Policies

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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Cover Photo/illustration

by Nick FIorillo

Contact Us Email editor@thehawkeye.org Phone 425.431.7770 Mail Hawkeye | Room 130 c/o Mountlake Terrace High School 21801 44th Avenue West Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043

2014-2015 Hawkeye Staff Andrew Kim, Emily Anderson, Ian Moffet, Irvin Zhang, Jannon Roque, Joshua Morrison, Kiah Helms, Stephi Smith and Stephanie Garcia. © 2014 Hawkeye | All rights reserved.

Name in bold indicates the staff member of the month as selected by the Editorial Board.

reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

4 | september 2014

Hawkeye

Hawks take care of each other

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eptember is here and so is the beginning of hurtful, AND just plain dumb comments a new school year. This is such an exciting about them. time as we reconnect with the members of our I was online looking at this account, trying to school community. figure out if there was any connection to curUsually my beginrent students at MTHS, and as I was doing ning of the year this, I noticed that many other students, curarticle is about the rent and former, were going online and postimportance of getting ing comments to the creator of this account, involved and makletting him/her know this was not acceptable, ing the most of your standing up for the students who were the Greg Schwab school year—not that undeserving targets of this person’s actions.

Principal this isn’t important, In this day of social media anonymity and but this year, I wanted to share some of my the carelessness with which some people make thoughts about the great value in being a part comments online, this was a perfect example of of our school community. the kind of school we are—we do not stand for When I think about our school, the first this kind of behavior. thing that comes to mind is our community.

While I can’t prove it, I think the attention We are part of an incredibly strong school this person got from so many members of our community. school, helped to make the posts stop.

In fact, one of the things that sets our school As you come to school this year, I encourapart from other schools in age you to think about our area is the strength of this and to consider ways “As you come to school our community. that you can be an active this year, I encourage you We have many staff member of our school to think about this and to consider ways that you members who graduated community. can be an active member from our school, many stuGet involved. Care of our school community.” dents whose parents went about each other. If you to school here, and many see someone being treated staff members who have poorly, say something. simply worked here for a Stand up for one anothvery long time. er. Be a student. Go to your classes. Do your All of this contributes to a really strong sense work. Respect your teachers and the job they of community and unity that is really not the are here to do for you. norm for most high schools. We look out for Most importantly, know that you are a memand take care of each other. ber of an incredibly special school community.

Case in point—a couple of weeks before the You are a member of Mountlake Terrace High start of school, someone decided it would be School. funny to create a phony Instagram and Twitter Have a great start to the school year. H Note: The Hawkeye provides the MTHS Administration space each account, posting pictures of some of our stuissue in the Op/Ed section as part of our mission as a designated dents and making some ridiculous, mean, open public forum.

GETTING INVOLVED AT TERRACE T

his time of the year is so bitterperforming arts including; band, orchessweet. We have to say goodbye tra, choir, and drama. We have activities to summer, wake up early, and do for everyone, no matter who you are or homework. what you like to do.

Although; Being a part of this community is truly we do get a privilege. We have such an accepting to start off and cohesive environment. I strongly fresh, make advise you to take advantage of that. new friends, At Mountlake Terrace you are given and we get to the opportunity to accomplish great Alisha Clingan ASB Public Relations Officer look forward things but it’s all up to you to take to what this action. school year holds.

Speaking from personal experience, High school has so much more to offer getting involved with school has been than just the same old boring classes one of the best decisions of my life. and gross school lunches. Believe it It has immensely built my character or not but high school can actually be to help shape me to be who I am today, really fun. It as well as helped all depends on me make countless what you do with friends and memo“Being a part of this community is truly a your time here at ries. privilege. We have such MTHS. These are all things an accepting and cohesive There are so that I’m going to environment. I strongly many different take with me for the advise you to take ways you can rest of my life. They advantage of that.” get involved and aren’t things that make this school weren’t just handed year the best one to me but they are yet. things that I’ve earned and that I am We have all kinds of sports teams that very proud of. you can join throughout the year; rangWhen you get involved not only are ing from cross country, to swimming, you benefiting yourself, you’re helping to golf. out other people around you, making Sports are a great way to make new MTHS a better place. H friends and get in shape.

MTHS offers a huge variety of clubs such as; robotics, key club, and ASB. Clubs are a really fun way to get involved Note: The Hawkeye provides the Associated Student as well as help out the community.

Body space each issue in the Op/Ed section as part of If you love music, we offer superior our mission as a designated open public forum.

ASB office serves as a great place for students to get connected H

ello Terrace High! If you are a new student – Welcome! If you are a returning student we’re glad you’re back. I would also be remiss if I didn’t send a shout out to the Class of 2015 as you enter your last year of public school.

The Hawkeye has graciously allowed me a little space in, without a doubt, one of the top 5 or even number 1 high school newspaper in the United States.

Kim Stewart athletic director/activities This is another great opportucoordinator nity for the MTHS ASB/Athletic Office to get accurate info out to students and parents alike.

So, with that said please utilize us anytime you have questions or concerns.

Our office is always the right place to get the right information you are seeking regarding Activities, Athletics, Eligibility, Clubs, Homecoming, Commencement, Hall of Fame info, the list is endless and we are always ready to help.

“Our office is always the right place to get the right information you are seeking regarding Activities, Athletics, Eligibility, Clubs, Homecoming, Commencement, Hall of Fame info, the list is endless.”

Here are a couple ways to obtain the correct info you are seeking: MTHS Website – www.edmonds.wednet.edu/mths Sports Info – www.wescoathletics.com This is the only 100 percent guaranteed site for MTHS Athletics The Hawkeye, of course – www.thehawkeye.org Stew – 425-431-5693 [stewartk@edmonds.wednet.edu] Nadine – 425-431-5694 [coombsn@edmonds.wednet.edu] Lastly, as many of you know there are new Federal

Guidelines regarding healthier options in vending machines in schools.

You will see quite a change in what you can find during school hours this year and most of you know this is a major source of income for our Activities/Athletic programs.

I’ve got to say the items look pretty darn good, so we hope you will find some items you really like.

As always, we continue looking for alternative sources of revenue to keep our programs going. It is a proven fact that kids do better in school when they are part of a school activity.

My main goal is to provide students with as many options as we can to get them involved. My door, email and phone welcome your ideas at any time. ~ Stew! H Note: The Hawkeye provides the MTHS Athletics and Activities office space each issue in the Op/Ed section as part of our mission as a designated open public forum.

Hawkeye

september 2014 | 5 Hawkeye Staff Editorial

New vending choices aren’t too bad

Counselor reassignments made too abruptly for returning students

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tarting this year, the vending machines will be filled with healthier snack options. There are set limits now on how much sodium and calories can be in one snack or drink. Many snacks students usually buy at school will not be available in the vending machines or at the student store.

While some students disagree with the change, the school board did a good job at choosing what to put in. They put thought into choosing and picked food and drinks that would appeal to students.

The new food also has a higher profit rate with studies showing that people are more likely to buy something that will benefit their body than something that will damage it.

The new snacks provided are now able to boost energy instead of withdrawing it. With more energy, students will be less sluggish and more motivated to work.

Sugary drinks and other junk food can lead to a quick crash and over eating at the next meal, while healthier food can make students sick less often. They also help prevent future health problems, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity.

The healthier snacks will now not only increase energy levels maintain it throughout the day. Students can have a snack before first period and not feel tired and slow by lunch time. The new food is creating a domino effect; when someone buys food from a vending machine, they’re more likely to buy that in a grocery store in larger quantities, bringing healthy eating into homes.

Students will be able to adjust to the new food provided and even benefit from it. H

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ecently, counselors assignments were shifted so that many students were placed under advisement of a different counselor.

For example, Counselor Evan Hatch will advise all of the incoming freshman class instead of a portion of the entire student body.

These changes are understandable, as counselors for specific grades will be more adept to the issues and challenges of a particular grade level.

However, returning students are subject to an abrupt shift in who they go to for help. Students develop a connection and bond with their counselors during their four years at Terrace. A new counselor means a lot of new explaining on the part of the student.

Many students and counselors have been accustomed to each other and how they work, but with the new arrangements they have to recreate those connections.

Some students going into their senior year have had the same counselor for three years, but now will have to switch to someone new. They might not be able to create as close of a unity. They might not get the chance at all with just one year left of high school.

We hope students will still be able to meet with their original, trusted counselor for personal concerns or for advising on special matters.

The relationship and understanding between a student and his or her counselor is not easily nor quickly replaced. H

The staff editorial represents the views of the Hawkeye Editorial Board

Letters to the Editor

Faith and science are not the same

PASS has potential but too often misused

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resident Barack Obama said, “I believe there’s a difference between science and faith. That doesn’t make faith any less important than science. It just means they’re two different things.” As stated by President Obama, there isn’t an order of science and faith. They are, however, two completely different things. Faith matters and it’s important, yet creationism and faith are not the same as evolution and science.

Evolution is a well backed up theory. The definition of a theory as taught in a high school biology class is “a well-tested explanation that unifies many observations.” As of now, there is no unified definition of creationism taught in high school. Creationism has a very little amount of fact to back it up, therefore cannot be considered a theory. Considering creationism would be taught in a science classroom, it makes sense that we should use scientific vocabulary and hold creationism up to scientific standards.

One parent had a problem with this, so the Edmonds School District stepped right up and said science classes will not teach creationism. “Science classes are strictly for teaching science, that’s the ESD policy,” biology teacher Adam Welman said.

Perhaps some of the hundreds of schools in the United States that teach creationism could take note. As seen at MTHS, students practice faith by participating in Youth Group and carrying Bibles to read when they have free time. As far as we can tell, these students have fun keeping their faith and accepting evolution.

As the aforementioned parent believes, a good chunk of America has the belief that creationism is just the same as science. While it’s important to have firm beliefs and often times stand up for those beliefs, it’s also important to not impose your beliefs onto others. The public school system has held the power to dictate what should be taught publicly. The school district chooses the curriculum that has been tested and proven to be true. For example, in history classes, the school district only allows students to be taught events that actually happened, events that have a multitude of sources backing them up. Science classes should be held up to the same standards by teaching only events that have a multitude of very credible sources to back it up, something that creationism doesn’t even have a trace of.

While creationism is believed by some people, the vast majority of science today has backed up evolution. Scientific evidence to back up creationism is almost nonexistent. I suggest we continue down this path and avoid having creationism spread to other school districts.

Elizabeth Jurgensen sophomore

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romoting Academic Student Success. MTHS’s advisory is called PASS. A student at MTHS whom we interviewed says that “PASS is relatively effective but would be more effective if some changes were made.”

So what are these changes? How should MTHS go about making these changes? What are the ways that PASS can be improved?

A survey of MTHS students was taken last spring. Questions in this survey included asking how the use of PASS has affected students, what students do during PASS, and how, if at all, they think PASS should change.

Approximately 20 percent of students said that they use PASS, at least some of the time, to engage in non-curricular activities.

So, we conducted our own mini-survey with our fellow classmates. The majority of them said that they wished there were more PASS days. Why did most of the students want more PASS days? Mainly because it shortened other class times and it was a time to relax, goof off, socialize with friends, etc.

Is this a good use of time? Absolutely not! While most students did say that there was some school work being completed, such as homework, class work, and making up work and tests, they all still preferred more days of PASS mainly for the desire of socializing.

From the surveys that did not favor PASS, students said that the current days of PASS sufficed for these school related necessary activities.

“I realize that [PASS] takes a lot of time away from other teachers’ class times,” one student said in response to the question asking if the current number of PASS days was too much. This statement is very true and illustrates the point that while PASS is helpful in moderation for those needing assistance from teachers. At the current number of days, PASS takes away time from actual valuable learning in the classroom.

PASS is too often being abused by students and can be a waste of time. Many students treat PASS as a free passing period in which they can goof off rather than using their time at school efficiently. PASS is definitely effective for those students needing help or a time to make up work, but it is not necessary as often as it currently is. PASS should be only once a week, providing students a chance to check in with teachers and get help or assistance when needed.

Kyla Yates & Lauren Lee sophomores

6 | september 2014

Hawkeye

New School year means several changes to Terrace

By Nick Fiorillo Editor-in-chief

An end to the culminating project could be replaced by more post-high school planning

that every teacher in the building was a participant in our seniors’ graduation, and it was a way of bringing us together as a school. That’s the one thing that’s not easily replaced. That’ll be missed,” Falk said.

“You don’t just replace that culture. It’s a change and it’s something new. And I’m going to miss that,” Falk added.

The class of 2014 was the last to take part in Terrace’s nearly 20 year history of the much celebrated, feared and anticipated culminating project. This past June, the Edmonds School District Board of Directors decided to eliminate the culminating senior project as a graduation requirement for the class of 2015 and beyond.

The decision came after the state legislature decided to remove it as a graduation requirement in light of new mandated standardized testing and a growing In response to increasing graduation requirements number of other graduation requirements. and a larger need for academic help during school In early June, Assistant Superintendent Patrick hours, Principal Greg Schwab said a new program Murphy told the Hawkeye called “Academic Support that senior projects helped Period” will seek to get stu“We’re going to really put students develop skills in a dents passing all six of their an emphasis on the college variety of areas, including classes. application process, and that’s time management, presentaThe decision is largely going to be the way that the tion, organization, reflection, in response, according to elements of senior project are goal setting and community Schwab, to heightening gradkept alive here.” involvement. uation requirements on the Greg Schwab Principal Principal Greg Schwab horizon. Beginning with the said he hopes to preserve the class of 2019, students must post-high school and college pass the “Core 24,” a total of planning aspects of the senior 24 credits to graduate. project to make them more “school wide.”

That means students must pass all six classes, every “We’re going to really put emphasis on the college year. application process, and that’s going to be the way “We have to get really intentional about how we can that the elements of senior project are kept alive here,” help to make sure students don’t fall behind, because Schwab said. if you fail one class, you’re off track for graduation,” Schwab said he wants every student to get the experi- Schwab said.

With the new program, students who are failing one ence of applying for college, including two year colleges or more classes will be placed on a modified schedule or other types of post high school training, citing the that includes one period of academic support, where need for advanced post high school training in today’s students will study and get extra help and tutoring in workforce. the recently constructed room within the library.

“In this day and age you have to have something else, “One of the things we have been trying to figure you can’t just stop after high school,” he said. out how to do is how to help students when they are Assistant Principal Dan Falk said there are conversastruggling academically. We have PASS and we have tions happening at the district level regarding ways to keep the skills students gained from the senior project. after-school study club, and those are fine. But we need something during the school day that I think is going “There’s work happening at the district level to create to help students,” Schwab said. a really comprehensive post high school planning curSo how exactly does Academic Support work? riculum,” Falk said.

Schwab gave the following example.

However, Falk said the process of switching from the “So for example, say there’s a student who’s failing culminating project to the new plan will take time and English and math. We’re going to pick a period of the possibly additional funding. day to put them into Academic Support. So they’re Falk said new standards and more testing since the introduction of the culminating project in the mid ‘90s going to stay in the English and math classes to try to stay on track, but then they’re also going to be in an have changed education.

Academic Support class just long enough to get pass“We can’t keep everything. The system can’t support ing their classes again and then they’ll move back up to all of it. I think the kids have been well served by the their regular schedule.” culminating project and this is a trade-off,” he said.

Academic Support Period will be run by Sue Van However, Falk said he will miss what the senior projSenus, along with Honors Society student tutors. H ect did for the school culture. He said it won’t be an easy thing to replace.

There’s more online: Go to the new and improved “I really liked the way that Mountlake Terrace came thehawkeye.org for the latest in news, sports, opinions together for years around the culminating project so and features.

Academic Support Period to help students get back on track, pass all of their classes

Above: The results are in. Here are selected figures about the 2013-2014 school year at MTHS. Erika Fisher | Hawkeye

Hawkeye

September 2014 | 7

healthy food requirements now on the menu

Federal guidelines that limit food sold during the school day leave vendors, ESD employees and students wondering what comes next

By Paxtyn Merten

“Just removing something from a vending machine is not going to make [the students] The Department of Agriculture’s “All Foods Sold healthy if you don’t get them up and moving. It in Schools” standards taking effect this year will just drives me nuts,” Stewart said. impact the food sold in the lunch lines, vending Puhan also has some disagreements with the new machines, the student store and for fundraisers. federal guidelines.

These standards, also called “Smart Snacks in “As a retailer, I think consumers should be free School,” were created by the USDA in an effort to to choose what they want to consume and not have promote healthy snacks to students and limit their that be controlled by a federal agency,” he said. junk food consumption while at school.

The impacts of these regulations on vending Essentially, the government has placed limits on income and fundraising are uncertain. the calorie count and amount of sodium, fat and Puhan admits that he isn’t sure what the healthisugar in food sold to students in all schools that er snacks will do to sales, as it’s all completely new. recieve government funding.

“I hate to speculate because these snacks are These regulations apply to all food sold to stucompletely new. It’s kind of a wild card,” Puhan dents on school property from midnight until 30 said. “It’s hard to say [how sales will be impacted] minutes after the end of the school day. at this point, but I have to be optimistic.”

According to David Puhan, General Manager According to Puhan, some of the snacks look of Advantage Vending, the company that supplies appealing and could “bring power to sales.”

Edmonds School District (ESD), the company Green said that it would be challenging to preonly five snack items that were acceptable by the dict how sales would be impacted because students standards at the end of last year. often want to “choose other “I hate to Now, Puhan says the company options.” speculate because has found new products to fill “Kids prefer to have the these snacks are the machines with. freedom to choose. They want completely new. It’s These include granola bars, a variety: Coffee, pop, juice, kind of a wild card.” cereal bars, trail mix, reduced water, just like at a convenience David Puhan fat chips, popped chips, cookies, store or Fred Meyer,” he said.

Advantage Vending general manager whole grain Cheez-Its and more.

Stewart also isn’t sure how The drinks that Advantage the switch to healthy food will now supplies MTHS with include Talking Rain impact ASB vending income.

Sparkling Ice, Flavor Splash Sparklings, Life “I don’t know what kids eat or what they’re into Water, Mor Sparkling Enhanced Water and diet or if the stuff [being put into the machines] will be soda. something they like or not. I have no idea. That’s Also, Puhan says that these items will likely probably the million dollar question,” Stewart said. change over the course of the year, as the manufacASB raised $20,465 in the 2012-2013 school turers have not had much time to formulate and year through vending machines at MTHS. package these new snacks.

Last year, according to Activities Secretary Athletics Director/Activities Coordinator Kim Nadine Coombs, ASB raised a few thousand dol“Stew” Stewart said that MTHS is receiving lars less. However, the vending machines are still additional machines with timers that would turn one of the main revenue sources that fund many on at 2:20 p.m. and turn off at 11:59 p.m. These different programs at MTHS. machines would be able to hold snack items that If the machines lose revenue, it would impact all don’t comply with the health standards, such as of the clubs and activities that receive ASB fundenergy drinks and sugary coffee. ing as well as ASB-funded events such as homeHowever, Advantage Vending sales manager coming.

Lance Green said that there has been discussion, “It’s not something we want to have to face, but but no final decision on whether or not any of the it’s kind of where we’re heading unfortunately,” school’s machines are being put on timers, though Stewart said. they all have timer capabilities.

Individual clubs’ incomes may also be impacted Stewart has voiced his opposition to certain because the regulations apply to on-campus fundaspects of the guidelines. raisers as well.

“We can have soda, but it has to be diet. That’s There can be no morning on-campus Krispy what’s funny, is that [diet soda] is worse than regu- Kreme donut sales. Chocolate bars and cookie lar pop,” Stewart said. dough cannot be sold to students until 2:20 p.m.

Also, he does not believe that simply removing Club members either have to put more time into unhealthy foods from school vending machines selling their products after school or find alternate will be effective in making students healthier. forms of fundraising. H News Editor

it’s what’s inside

The USDA’s “Smart Snacks in School” standards impose these limits on all food sold to students on campus between 12 a.m. and 30 minutes after the end of the school day in an effort to teach students healthy habits. Erika Fisher | Hawkeye

8 | SEPTEMBER 2014

Freshmen · 9 Sophomores · 10 Juniors · 11 Seniors · 12

Hawkeye

Supporters · 13 INvolved studentS · 14 Student AthleteS · 15

Hawkeye

How To Be...

september 2014 | 9

A freshman, just taking wing at terrace

By Stephi Smith & Isaac Otis Hawkeye STAFF

The first year of high school can be pretty daunting and intimidating, but it can also be the start of four great years here at Terrace. High school offers many opportunities that you should take advantage of as soon as possible, and freshman year is the year to begin.

MTHS has a wide variety of clubs and sports that you can join and make friends in, such as Art Club, Key Club, ASB, and Gay-Straight Alliance, so finding what you like is vital. There’s something for everyone. Getting involved early helps you find your passion early. Take each opportunity as a chance to grow. For more on involvement, see page 14.

“High school is a new experience with lots of opportunities so make sure you don’t miss out on them,” sophomore Zanny Shehata said.

Clubs may take up a lot of time in your day, but don’t let that discourage you to try out or join them.

Keep an organized, updated schedule. Forgetting you had homework because you forgot to write it down somewhere is the worst. Don’t let that happen to you.

Try to get to know your teachers and your coun-

Do you feel wide-eyed and lost? Don’t worry. Those feelings will pass soon enough. Michaela Chase | Hawkeye

selor. It makes your life far more easy. all aspects of life. Everyone has something to contribute with “We believe [freshmen] can be successful and we want them a different story. Try talking to everyone you can. Don’t be to succeed,” World History teacher Michole Mattix said. worried if you’re not everyone’s friend. The people who will Don’t tell yourself you’re not doing well in a class because talk to you at 3 a.m. and listen to you when you tell them you think the teacher just doesn’t like you. You’re responabout all your favorite things are the most important. People sible for your future, make sure that your personal life is who make you feel bad about yourself should be cut from separate from your school, its important that your bad days your life. don’t make your GPA suffer. Everybody has bad days, but it’s Don’t take classes your friends are taking just to be with important that you know there are people them. Do what you want to do. You’ll feel here at Terrace who are here for you. better in the long run.

Terrace is full of resources and people “I think all freshmen, if at any point when “One, do the who want you to succeed. Mattix has her they’re feeling unsure about something work. Two, get three rules to a successful year, “Number should ask ninth grade teachers, PASS connected.

And one, do the work. Number two, get conteachers or a trusted teacher and get help,” three, if you nected. And number three, if you need biology teacher Adam Welman said. need help find help find somebody.”

Always ask questions in class, it’s super somebody.”

With these simple rules, your freshman important, and it gets you noticed by the year can be great. teachers. If you’re confused about someMichole Mattix You’ll be applying to college in a couple thing, don’t tell yourself you’ll figure it History teacher of years and it’s important to stay focused out later, it’s not a stupid question; it’s a on grades and extracurricular activities. question that will help you understand the However, it’s important to maintain a well-balanced perspec- material better. But don’t be disrespectful about it and ask a tive. Falling a little behind on one assignment will not ruin million questions just to waste time. your life and it certainly won’t impact your future as much as Something you should learn quickly is that upperclassmen you think it will. aren’t as scary as you think they are. They’re just like you Don’t overreact to bad situations. Just work hard and meet and they want to succeed in this school as much as you do, with teachers to try to figure out what you did wrong, then not. They were a freshman not that long ago and they went try to improve on it. through what you are going through too. Get to know your Don’t tell yourself your freshman year doesn’t count and Link Leaders and other upperclassmen who can offer you you’ll improve your grades later. Your freshman year counts. great advice.

It always counts. Sometimes you can turn it around your “[Upperclassmen] really want freshmen to get involved and sophomore year, but it’s a lot harder. Starting off with a bad be active members of the school,” Mattix adds. year can negatively impact your attitude about school and Enjoy your freshman year. make you think the next three years will be the same.

You only get one. H Grades are incredibly important, however. They’re more important than popularity and they’re way more important than whatever trend is floating around.

Keep your grades up, do your homework early and study.

“Do not forget to study and never turn in late work,” sophomore Maddy Caioloa said. “It’s very important that you prepare yourself for finals, tests, and exams. Even if it’s a little test or quiz you need to be prepared and ready to take it.”

Avoid late work at all costs. While some teachers are flexible about due dates, others will never accept late work and you will receive a zero on the assignment. Stick to deadlines the best you can.

Maintaining healthy friendships is also important. If anything needs to be balanced in high school, remember clear head, grades, and friends. Friends help keep a clear head and a clear head helps you get better grades.

You’ll also quickly learn that being late at Terrace is almost never tolerated. Some teachers won’t care, but others might require you to stay after class for a couple of minutes.

You should do your best to be on time to your classes and, if you can, get there early so you can settle in before class starts.

Here at Terrace, you’ll meet many different people from

10 | September 2014

How to be...

By Paxtyn Merten News Editor

As the clock ticked closer to 3 a.m., then sophomore Haeley Johnston laid on the ground of her dimly lit room and scribbled another piece of information about the Protestant Reformation into her notebook.

She could already tell that the next day would require a sizable cup of coffee.

Johnston, like many other sophomores, had to pull a few all-nighters to finish assignments throughout the year. Despite common belief, this approach is not the only way to find success.

There are many habits and resources that you, as a sophomore, can start using now to help you achieve the most with the least amount of stress.

Sophomore year is important because it’s around the time students should have a general idea of what they want to do after high school and make decisions accordingly, says English teacher Peter White.

For example, if you desire to go to college, sophomore year should be all about getting the best grades you can and getting involved in extracurricular activities.

“The wonderful thing about sophomore year is that it’s the year when it’s all still possible. I don’t care how bad your freshman year was, you can recover from that. You can still do anything you want,” White said.

It’s also the year when classes start to get more challenging with the introduction of more rigorous and time-consuming classes, namely AP classes, according to junior Alex Croce. He said as a sophomore, he had to do more “actual studying” than ever before.

Croce had people in his life to keep him on

A SOPHOMORE

track with his homework and studying. For a planner. Donnelly and junior Catherine both he and Johnston, it was each of their Allemann claim that keeping up on their parents keeping them caught up. planners was key to their success.

“My parents helped motivate me. They “It really helped to keep all the deadlines would remind me of deadlines and things. straight because even though I think I will Even though it got annoying and I didn’t be able to remember everything, I definitely always appreciate it, looking back they gave won’t,” Allemann said. me that extra push,” Donnelly color coded Johnston said. her planner, which kept Though parents her even more orga“The wonderful thing about are often the main nized. sophomore year is that it’s the source of ‘get to For example, she used year when it’s all still possible.

I don’t care how bad your it’ that students red for due dates, blue freshman year was, you can encounter, you could for events, and then recover from that. You can still ask anyone – parent, penciled in what days do anything you want.” friend, or teacher – would be best for doing Peter White to step on your toes specific assignments.

English Teacher and keep you motiWhite suggests that, vated. in order to be successA valuable strategy ful, it’s best to know for staying motivated and getting the most your teacher’s expectations. out of studying is to work in study groups, “Most teachers have really clear expectaaccording to junior AsiaLee Donnelly. This tions. Find out what those expectations allows you and your friends to help each mean to the teacher. Find out how to satisfy other understand different concepts. those expectations, and that’s really the key,” One vital tool that past successful sophoWhite said. mores recommend for staying on track is Whether through reading the assignment

Hawkeye LEFT: Sophomores showing their spirit at last year’s spring sports assembly. Students need to make time for fun, whether it be showing their colors at assemblies and sporting events or having down time. Serafina Urrutia | Hawkeye rubric carefully or asking the teacher clarifying questions, be sure to know what it is your teacher wants from you and work towards those expectations.

As a sophomore, you’ve had a year of experience and know what’s going on around the school, so you have the opportunity to join more clubs and participate in more activities.

However, balancing these activities with academics gets tricky.

Donnelly, who participated in Technology Student Association (TSA), ASB and Honor Society, balanced these with academics by staying up to date on when events were and getting her work done ahead of time.

Though participating in different clubs can cut significantly into your time, it can make you more successful.

“I think it made me more successful because it made me more well-rounded. I got to meet new people and try new things,” Johnston said.

“It’s also hard because you’re taking on another responsibility and you have to manage your time better… but it’s definitely worth it in the end.”

While you may end up with a lot of responsibilities, you still have a responsibility to yourself.

White says it’s important to try to make time for yourself amidst all the activities you may have going on.

“You have to manage your time the best you can. And you have to remember to have fun sometime in there, too. You have to feed the soul as well,” White said.

As you’re juggling all these different components of your life, avoid the urge to procrastinate.

“A kid that’s really successful is a kid who does not procrastinate. Procrastination is always a bad idea. Successful people are always ready early and use their time well,” White said.

Croce said to combat procrastination play relaxing music, keep your phone out of reach and lock yourself in your room until you finish your assignments.

To help with her procrastination, Johnston broke up her bigger assignments into smaller pieces and set deadlines for when those individual pieces had to be done.

“I learned how to manage my time and not procrastinate as much. After pulling a couple all-nighters, I learned my lesson that it kind of just ruins your whole week,” she said.

According to Johnston, whether or not you procrastinate, you’ll have some late nights.

“Caffeine helps you through everything.

Drink coffee, even if you don’t like it. Add a little milk and sugar, it’ll be fine.” H

Hawkeye

September 2014 | 11

How to be...

A Terrace Junior

By Stephanie Garcia Hawkeye staff

Junior year is a time when many things that you were looking forward to in high school start taking place.

For most students, it’s the year that you finally have a driver’s license and are able to drive with your friends. You’re now at an age where you are probably given more freedom from your parents.

You’re also finally an upperclassman and serve as an example to the younger students.

Although you have these exciting things happening, there’s also the other not-soexciting things you need to start worrying about, such as SAT/ACT, college preparation, employment and more difficult classes.

For most universities, admission officers look at your freshman to junior years in terms of what classes you took, the grades that you received in those classes, and the activities that you did. Since junior year is your last year to prove something to these officers, it should be your most difficult and challenging year in high school.

“Push through, keep all your focus for junior year because colleges look at that year probably the most, so push through this last year and just use all of your effort. Senior year is usually when students tend to relax a little bit more, so don’t slack off your junior year,” senior Nicki Bouche said.

If you plan on going to a four-year university, the SAT and/or ACT are inevitable.

The SAT test is something that is discussed in school as early as seventh grade, so it has developed a sort of stigma and fear for students.

The thought of studying for this test creates panic and, on top of the classes that you are already taking and your extracurricular activities, the SAT can seem like a huge struggle for your junior year.

“Take your SAT/ACT early on and once you take them figure out which one you like best, or a personal preference, and then study, study, study for it. Don’t try and take it at the end of the year because you will have AP tests and finals and it will be too much going on, so I would definitely say start early in your junior year,” senior Maci Mata said.

Researching what test the university you want to go to accepts or if they require more than one test is something that you should be informed of prior to your senior year. The key for being prepared when it comes to college applications is planning ahead.

“It is definitely stressful because I didn’t take [the SAT] until June of my junior year

things outside of school in that area,” senior and I probably still have to take more subDanielle Hirano said. ject tests if I want to go into engineering or Since students are typically turning 16 or if I want to go to a really good school, and 17 around Junior year, it those usually happen means that you are now in October. Also, if “Take your SAT/ACT early able to apply for a partI want to retake my on and once you take it, time job. Whether it’s SATs in November, my figure out which one you like best, or a personal your financial situation or senior year is going to preference, and then study, because you want to start be really stressful. So study, study for it.” saving money or taking I’d say definitely take it on more responsibilby April because then Maci Mata Senior ity, you might conyou’ll know your score sider applying and then you can start for a job your junior year. planning for what steps you need to take “If your parents are willing next,” senior Jacinta Garcia said. to pay for your stuff and you Since this is your third year in high school, you probably have already found your niche just want a job because you in high school. You know what activities you want money to spend on enjoy and the kind of classes you work best unnecessary things, I would not recommend in. getting a job unless It’s important to follow through with the things you were previously doing and excel your financial situation depends on it at them you junior year. For example, if you because what you’re were in a club, think about running for a doing in school leadership position. and applying for “Take your freshman and sophomore year scholarships is to find what you really want to do in school going to get you like cross country, track, football, theater, choir, or anything that you like. And by your more money junior year you should definitely start to do than a job will. If you invest more time on applying for scholarships, in the end it will pay off more,” Hirano said.

However, there are benefits to having a job, such as learning about job applications, learning about customer service and the work environment. Also, balancing your time between school, extra-curricular activities and a job teaches responsibility and time management.

Still, applying for a job is something you should discuss with your parents and/or counselor to see if it’s best for your personal situation.

Time management and self-motivation is something that you will need to excel at during your junior year. Because you are getting older, teachers aren’t always on your case about homework and studying. It’s on you to either procrastinate and not do well on the tests or keep up on homework and the material covered in class.

“Junior year is a really self-motivated year, so it’s very easy to slack off or get behind.

Make sure to keep up on school work even though you’re not always required to study the material,” Mata said.

“[If] you’re taking AP classes or other difficult classes, you should be frequently studying so that at the end of year you’re not trying to cram and remember a lot of information you probably should have been studying all along,” she continued.

It’s incredibly easy to get demotivated your junior year because you might get influenced by your senior friends who are graduating and have an easier work load.

However, it’s important for juniors to keep in mind that even though this might be the most challenging year, that it is also the most rewarding school year in the long run. H

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12 | September 2014

How to bE...

Hawkeye

A Terrace Senior

Principle Greg Schwab delivers his commencment speech to send off the class of 2014 equipped with the knowledge and experience for the next great adventure. Nick Fiorillo | Hawkeye

The final year at Terrace brings many stresses, celebrations, joys and exciting times for seniors

By Andrew Kim Hawkeye staff

As the clock counts down, all seniors look forward to that special day: graduation.

When it comes to making the final push, graduation becomes a priority for not only seniors but all lower classmen. Still, seniors must overcome the concerns of A) posthigh school plans and B) senioritis.

With aid from past students and current staff, seniors can avoid these two familiar problems.

The primary concern for a senior is post high school planning and college applications. Seniors must go through an intensive process where they must find schools of their choosing, fulfill college requirements, and meet their financial needs.

When it comes to choosing colleges, it’s important to consider the location, educational programs, athletics, campus size and whether it’s a public or private school. Check out www.collegeconfidential.com or www.bigfuture.collegeboard. org.

These resources allow students to create schools matched with their wants and needs that include but are not limited to college cost, size, religous affiliations, educational programs and clubs.

Furthermore, seniors should also be aware of college requirements.

Colleges require you to take the SAT and/or the ACT, so be sure to take the test of your choosing early and send your scores in.

It is also required that you send your high school transcript and GPA. Talking to Career Center specialist Barb Brister or your counselor may prove helpful as they will give you

helpful advice on your process.

Considering the final stage of applying to colleges, paying for college is a burdensome task, especially since tuition rates continue to grow each year.

First, students must register for financial aid and be mindful of the deadline as well as payment options.

Keeping that in mind, seniors must constantly be wary to ward off senioritis, a decline in motivation or performance.

Because of this, there are always seniors who choose to give up and lose focus.

Alumnae Katie-Beth Higgins said, “Seniors mess up their senior year because they just completely check out.”

“The only regret I had is that during my senior year I started to get a little lazy with school [at] the beginning of the year. But, I came to realize that I wanted to end my high school life on a high note,” alumnus John Moore said, “Plan for success by finding a happy balance between social and school life. You still want to hang out with friends and do some fun activities, but just be mindful that school work should come first,” Moore said.

As senior year comes to a close, make sure to pinpoint your own problems whether it involves applying for colleges or senioritis.

“I would encourage all seniors to live in the moment and keep a journal of their thoughts, emotions and aspirations along the way,” history teacher George Dremousis said.

“Don’t be afraid to laugh, cry and work hard along the way.

Life is unpredictable and you should celebrate and enjoy being young one last time before going your different ways.

Always remember, the impossible only exists for those who dare to dream.” H

Hawkeye

september 2014 | 13

How to bE...

A HAWK supporter

Haw ke ase |

She wakes up each morning, sometimes as early as 5 a.m., to make breakfast for her last remaining child in high school.

She walks downstairs in her night gown and fires up the stovetop and quickly begins to split eggs over the searing flames and hot metal.

As her son quickly swallows the lightly scrambled egg whites with a side of marmalade toast, she gathers up her son’s red and black backpack and neatly tucks in the boy’s books and shamble of papers.

She hugs the boy goodbye and says, “I love you,” before stealing away to bed.

What sets Ellen Pritchett apart is that she has done this routine without fail for all four of her children who attended MTHS and goes out of her way to help all of those near her.

Pritchett not only looks after her children, but she maintains a full-time business, is the president of the MTHS PTSA and volunteers countless hours simply for the joy of serving others.

When most people think of the words “service,” “support” or “encouragement,” those people could easily conjure up an explanation that looks and sounds something like, “helping others when they need it most.” But not many can take the time and the effort to take these unmaterialistic words and bring them to life.

So how can somone express their support, backing, aid and help for others?

In simpler words, what does it mean to be a supporter?

Career specialist Barb Brister answered, “I think it means [you] know a student or person well enough to know what questions to ask, to help them seek out what the answers are because you don’t want to answer all the questions for them. You want to help them figure out the answers to the questions that they have.”

Chemistry teacher John Traxler said, “It’s just the amount of positive words that we use.”

English teacher Peter White said, “giving someone else the tools to do their own work.”

It doesn’t take a genius to notice that Pritchett’s morning routine sounds equally strenuous when attempting to identify what key feature, word or action it takes to exactly pinpoint the charisma of the supportive individual.

But perhaps that is the issue. Maybe there is no absolute or ideal way to serve your community, direct a classroom or even love your own child.

Frankly, a chemistry teacher cannot wake up at five in the morning to make eggs for his students.

Equally, the principal cannot tell every student that walks through MTHS ‘I love you’.

It would be impractical – and a bit creepy.

Keeping that in mind, it is still unfair to say that all of aforementioned individuals are not excellent models of what it means to be a supporter.

After further inspection, a common thread of truth was noticeable: all of these people embrace the community as something larger than themselves.

Pritchett mentioned that, “If we’re doing acts of service for someone else, we’re showing that we care about them and it makes them feel more valued. It’s ok to be alive. It’s ok to go to school every day because somebody cares about me.”

During a discussion, Sports Booster Club President Tara Zhuel asked, “What’s the difference between the Seahawks and the local Hawks? There is a Seahawk community. when you see a T-shirt on or a jersey you know [that person] loves the Seahawks. There is one thing in common: they’re all rooting for the same team.

Our four mile by four mile small family community can get that same mentality with the local Hawks team and that sense of community.”

You get the point.

This group of people seems to have a connection with the people in this 16 square mile community that is greater than a single connection, whether that be a job, a person a position.

Traxler makes himself available after school each day because he wants to, not because it’s a career obligation.

Pritchett chooses to involve herself and serve the MTHS community because she has a serving heart, not because her son is enrolled in MTHS. Likewise, Zuehl looks to play a large role in the Sports Booster Club even though her son Timmy graduated with the class of 2014.

This group of staff and parents all seem to care about the MTHS community more than the average person, but they do so in their own unique ways.

And perhaps that is the key.

There is no neat package or users guide that allows you to imitate the ideal supportive role, instead it appears as though a person must build relationships and a sense of community, and then the means and the method will reveal itself. H

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Feature Editor

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Story by Daniil Oliferovskiy

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Teachers, parents, counselors and mentors make a tremendous difference in a student’s education

14 | september 2014

Hawkeye

How to be...

an involved student at terrace

By Maxine Taylor Lifestyle editor

From the first audition, rehearsal, or meeting, you knew you were going to be committed. All those hours practicing, singing in the mirror, note after note again, because you had to be at your best.

Then…

“What about that Spanish test tomorrow?”

And… “Oh, my sister’s birthday is next week!”

Being an involved student is no easy task, but with a few tips from experienced students, it is possible to thrive in school while remaining engaged in lots of activities.

Senior Danielle Hirano is an involved performer in the drama department and somehow manages to balance her time on stage with her time hitting the books. “There are only 24 hours in a day. It’s difficult just balancing everything and doing it to the best of my abilities,” Hirano said.

Not only do you want to succeed in your schooling, but your hobbies and activities aren’t anything to forget about either.

Executive ASB Secretary junior Liya Ewing shares her tricks to cope with the struggles she has faced with balancing her school and ASB life. She keeps her priorities in check by “If you have an interest, you just need to be willing to look for it, because there is something for you.”

Jeannie Brzovic drama instructor

doing her school work in class.

Many other students have found this to be helpful. Among them is junior Jun Park, who is involved in music. His advice is very simple, “Time management is really important to be successful.”

“Don’t stress too much, I mean school’s important but what’s important is to balance it out, especially time managing, because I didn’t do too well freshman year. I wasted too much time doing nothing,” Park shared from his own personal experience.

A common phrase, ‘I wasted too much time’, can be prevented very easily. Get involved. If you join a group or club, your time will be spent doing something you love.

“If you have an interest, you just need to be willing to look for it, because there is something for you,” drama teacher and theater director, Jeannie Brzovic said.

As many students find their niche in

Many students are involved in Mountlake Terrace High School’s award winning Drama Department. The January performances of the musical “Sympathy Jones” were exceptional and well attended. Serafina urrutia | hawkeye our community, some students could use a tip from the Activities Coordinator and Athletics Director Kim “Stew” Stewart.

“On the website, there’s a list of all our clubs, with advisers. Students can ask one of the [Big] Six kids, or anyone in ASB, or they can stop by and talk to Nadine [Coombs] [ASB Secretary] or me anytime,” Stewart said.

The value of what a club or activity can have in your life is just incredible, Stewart insisted. “I don’t think you can put a pricetag on what an experience like that might mean in your life,” Stewart said, “and that’s kind of the exciting part about it.”

Joining something new can be a bit intimidating, but it’s worth it according to Brzovic.

“I think taking risks is important. If you always stay in that little comfort zone, you don’t really grow,” Brzovic said.

Something Park has found to be helpful is the fact that, “It doesn’t have to be music, joining anything is great. Try to be involved a lot. That really helps with your school and for your future, too,” Park said.

Your future is something you will dream about at night, but in order to make your dreams a reality, keep what really matters to you close to your heart.

“I know money is very important to teenagers, but these are your dreams. Your hobbies and your school work, that’s what’s going to lead you to your dreams,” Hirano said.

Talking to your teachers early on will help with balancing your school work and your hobbies because not only will they appreciate the communication between the two of you, you will also receive the benefits of thriving in both your interests and schooling.

“I’ve definitely branched out to my teachers, and opened up to them and asked for help

with balancing everything,” Hirano said.

Of course, not every teacher will be as lenient about how activities impact their class, but it’s worth talking to them about.

“There were teachers at times who wouldn’t let me skip class [for ASB], but that’s understandable too,” Students who want Ewing said. to participate in Keeping school activities your schoolmust sign an ing in check Activities Contract, is no easy job, purchase an ASB but by having card, pass at least something five classes at all times and agree else, such as a to a few other club or hobby conditions to go back and forth with, is a positive thing in a hectic teen’s busy life.

“Not only is [an interest] good for college, but it also keeps your mind off the burdens you have from school,” Park said.

Any person who loves to be involved, in any way, will be busy and could forget the end goal.

Stewart reminds students to stay healthy and learn to balance their commitments.

“The most important thing is to take care of yourself first,” Stewart said. “If you don’t do that first, that’s usually what stresses people out and they quit being involved in the things they love most.” H

Hawkeye

September 2014 | 15

How to be...

A Hawk Student-athlete

Chinne Okoronkwo pole vaults at the Terrace Invite on April 26. Okoronkwo said that all student athletes must manage their time effectively to stay on top of school and sports.

By Luke Thurber Sports co-editor

Most people know that to be a good athlete, you have to work hard and stay dedicated throughout the whole season. These obvious traits that every successful athlete has are ultimately due to a good work ethic.

Having a good work ethic is essentially just putting in the time necessary to succeed. In sports, that means going to practice every day and giving it your all – and then some.

This is a lot of hard work for full-time athletes and even more so for student athletes.

Being a student athlete is a difficult occupation that is too often overlooked. As a student athlete, you are not only pushed by your coaches to play hard and give 100 percent at practice, but you are also told by your teachers to do your best in school and study hard.

This can become overwhelming for some people and they end up falling behind in either their studies or their athletic commitments.

“I definitely have to force myself to set out a chunk of time just to get my work done and then when that’s done, I’ll let myself go train,” senior Nicki Bouche said.

Bouche is a volleyball and tennis player and, on top of that, takes AP classes. This is easier said than done but, Bouche’s strategy

for keeping on top of things is based mainly on time management and prioritizing.

“I think the key is to look ahead and plan out your schedule,” Bouche said. “Figure out what sports events you will have and try to make time to do homework because doing homework is really, really important [in order to] succeed in the classroom and you don’t want to fall behind or else it will be even harder to catch up.”

Even having a well thought-out plan doesn’t “I signed up for all of these activities and I have a responsibility to each of them...This means that I still need to focus on my school work and not put it on the back burner. Even though I enjoy playing sports, my education is my number one priority.”

Madeline Dellinger Senior

ensure success, however. You need to make sure you’re always sticking to it.

“I have to stay super organized and keep a planner of all my activities. I can’t afford to procrastinate,” senior Madeline Dellinger said.

Dellinger is a cross country and track

athlete who is also an AP student. Taking on all these different activities could seem overwhelming, but since Dellinger made the decision to be very active, she feels an obligation to do them all to the best of her abilities.

“I signed up for all these activities and I have a responsibility to each of them. This means that I still need to focus on my school work and not put it on the back burner,” Dellinger said. “Even though I enjoy playing sports, my education is my number one priority.”

The easiest way to handle being a successful student athlete seems to be planning things out and time management.

“As long as I use good time management I can get it done. I usually base the difficulty of my workouts and what days I do the workout by the amount of homework I get on that given day,” junior Chinne Okoronkwo, considered one of the top track athletes in the country at her age group, said.

Being a good athlete and being a good student both follow the same structure – hard work and dedication. Succeeding at juggling both of them is the most difficult part.

“Being a student athlete can be difficult but it is so worth it and everyone should give it a try,” Bouche said. H

TK Johnson | Alumnus

16 | September 2014

Hawkeye

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Hours:

Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Friday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. ~

Location:

4306 228th St. SW Suite 9 in Mountlake Terrace (Cedar Plaza) ~

Phone:

425-409-5070 ~

Website:

www.LasEspuelas.net