Hillside Hotwire January-Febuary 2015

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FOOTHILL HIGH SCHOOL

Pages 22-25

EVERY 15 MINUTES MOCK ACCIDENT TEACHES ABOUT THE DANGERS OF DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE

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CONTENTS Shirts for Sadie's Story by Skylar Scott One Man Show Story by Kaden Jesperson Fiddler on the Roof Story by Camryn Hulshoff and Riley Bidwell behind the wheel Story by Rachel Leone A day in the life of riley grieve Story by Billy Clouse foothill vs. nevada State Story by Rachel Leone and Billy Clouse serving two Story by Kaden Jesperson Dance places 7th at nationals Story by Jesse Lima a great expectation Story by Jesse Lima REMEMBERING miCHAEL vaughn Story by Kaden Jesperson

Jesse Lima If this issue doesn’t blow you away by its size, then what is on the inside should most definitely blow you away. Our staff has worked nonstop to provide you the “Happenings Around The Hill.” This issue features a four-page spread of the Every 15 Minutes event that took place at Foothill High School on February 5.

Our other editor-in-chief, Rachel Leone, took on the challenge of writing about the event while I was actually taking part in the event itself.

There are tons of other eye-opening stories, including personal profiles of students around campus and some sports spreads that are very creative, if you ask me. All of the sports pages will get you caught

@hillsidehotwire

up on how each sport did throughout the season and where they placed during playoffs. In this issue, you will be prepared for things you need to know about the upcoming dance and will also be shown how you can avoid getting your license revoked. You will be taken inside the life of the school president’s daily lifestyle, and she will give you some tips on how to survive high school. You will be informed on some of the changes coming to The Hill next year and find out what will be going away on page 33.

Overall, you will be treated to the biggest issue in the history of the school and arguably one of the best issues ever distributed here at Foothill High School.

800 College Drive Henderson, NV 89002 702-799-3500 EDITORS-IN-CHIEF: Jesse Lima and Rachel Leone SPORTS EDITOR: Jesse Lima WEB MASTER: Jack Wagner Ariana Victoria-Assistant LAYOUT EDITOR: Billy Clouse PHOTOGRAPHERS: Zach Hayes, Dylan Wylie, Dre Vasquez, Thomas Mace GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Ian Berry STAFF WRITERS: Alyssa Miele, Alexis Bobby, Kayla King, Jack Wagner, Ariana Victoria, Riley Bidwell, Kaden Jesperson, Marissa Panchal, Kaylee Stradling, Skylar Scott Cub Reporters: Wyatt Berndt, Kearian Brandner, Megan Berry, Allison Bowler, Dylan Litviak, Iyanna George, Atalaya Strom, Jonah Terrell, Katelyn Vasquez, Brandon White ADVISER: Bill Tobler PRINCIPAL: Joe Caruso

Hours of Operation M-S: 9 a.m.-6p.m.

Sun: Closed

9711 S. Eastern Avenue #H10 Las Vegas, NV 89183

702.314.0520 eastern@nothingbundtcakes.com

The opinions expressed in the Hillside Hotwire are the author’s and do not represent the opinions of the administration, faculty, staff or students of Foothill High School.

The staff reserves the right to reject any advertisement deemed inappropriate. Letters to the editor may be edited for content, clarity and brevity.

Cover photo credit--Zach Hayes

January/February 2015 •Hillside hotwire •3

Feature

80-20 Grading System

PRO

By Alexis Bobby • Staff Reporter

By Kayla King • Staff Reporter

The 80-20 grading system at the Hill has many kids relieved because it has such little emphasis on homework.

For one, it allows students to have a few slips on homework and not have it dramatically affect their final grade.

“It puts less emphasis on homework, which I rarely do,” said senior Hannah Stevens.

This type of grading system makes it possible to not do any of your homework and pass with an 80%-B if you ace all the tests.

“I had a 70% in one of my classes at the beginning of the quarter because I was missing a lot of homework,” said junior Breanna Derflinger. “Once we took our first test, I aced it. This made my grade go up to an A.” Derflinger said that she doesn’t have to spend all of her time doing somewhat “pointless” homework that hardly will affect her overall grade, allowing her to do other extra after school activities. Stevens agrees that it is also a big help that tests are counted for so much more because of all of her extracurricular activities.

“I am a part of Student Council, NHS, Mu Alpha Theta, Delta Psi and softball,” said Stevens.

“I also have four AP classes. Sometimes, I don’t have enough time to do all of my homework along with focusing on sports and clubs.”

Most upperclassman

CON

because they feel it won’t really raise their grade, but if they don’t do their grading system has many homework, it’s more likely downsides, especially during that they won’t understand exam time. Many students the test and more than likely feel that it’s unfair that fail it, and failing the test tests make up 80% of the brings their grade down in grade while class work and the end. homework only counts for “If the system made the 20%; even if you do all of the homework worth more homework and turn in your points, I feel like more people assignments from class, that would try to do it because may not result as much if you they would think not doing fail a test. it could damage their grade, “I think the 80-20 ratio is but because it’s not worth unfair because I do all of that much, no one really my homework, and my 20% does it or puts an effort into grade on Infinite Campus is doing it,” Olivia Wilson said. a 96%, but I did poorly on “They all kind of wait until one of my last tests, and the quarter is about to end it completely brought my to turn it all in.” overall grade down,” said Some students believe that Erin Lameroux. “It’s not fair instead of such a huge gap that I actually work hard, but that is 80 to 20, the grading because I’m a bad test taker, system should instead be it makes my grade drop from something more like 60-40; an A to a B.” 60% for tests and 40% for With homework only being homework and quizzes. If the worth 20 percent, a lot of grading system was a little students tend to not do it more even, they wouldn’t feel so much pressure if they did poorly on Illustration by Alan Campos a test or if they forgot I perform great on to turn in homework. tests, so I don’t have to It would balance out, worry about homework. and it wouldn’t make your grade drop a letter grade. The students feel that a more balanced grading system would improve their grades, and it I have major test anxiety, and would help them even though I study, I nevduring exam time. er do well. I wish homework “I think it could also counted for more points. help with retakes,” Wilson said. “Not as many people would retake a test because the test wouldn’t be worth their entire grade.

That could help the teachers in a way too.”

also have jobs, which also means less time for homework.

“The grading system is sort of like a cushion for our grades,” said Derflinger. “As long as you study for tests and get good grades on those, your grade will stay up no matter if you do your homework every night or not.”

Both girls say that they are really focusing on the final exams because they could quite possibly take them from an A to a B for their semester grades.

“Right now I am mainly preparing for final exams,” said Derflinger. “I really want to make sure I do my best on those to keep all of my good grades in my classes.”

Stevens said that she has also been a very good test taker, which helps a lot.

“The only advice I can give is, STUDY, STUDY, STUDY,” said Stevens.

4• Hillside hotwire •January/February 2015

The 80-20

TECHNOLOGY

Backyard spies Are you being watched?

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By Brandon White • Cub Reporter

uzz! Tristen Rios looked up to the sky and saw a strange flying vehicle soaring above. He had come across a remotely-piloted aerial system, commonly referred to as a drone, which are robots used to record a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding area and can send this information back to a controller in real-time. The use of drones are on the rise, and they are now available to everyone. So this means privacy is about to take another hit.

Drones aren’t necessarily a bad thing. According to Cora Currier of ProPublica.org, “Drones have been the Obama administration’s tool of choice for taking out militants outside of Iraq and Afghanistan.” The use of drones has helped the military with

targeted killing since 9/11, and the benefit of these drones is that they don’t harm American troops.

While most see the military’s use as positive, others worry that their neighbors may use them to look onto their property. “As far as consumer/commercial use goes, drones should have strict laws set on them to make people safe,” said junior Jon Underwood. “I would be completely okay with them if they had regulations set in stone.”

The Federal Aviation Administration has not yet set restrictions or made laws pertaining to drones, and the public is concerned about privacy.

Drones are quite stable and can hover anywhere. A neighbor could fly one over

your house or have it look in a window, all while recording crisp HD video or snapping photos. According to the FAA, the commercial use of drones is completely legal, which has allowed real estate agencies to conduct aerial views of properties they are selling. At the moment, anyone who is interested in buying a drone can purchase one for a couple hundred dollars. “What’s to stop a drone from secretly spying on someone without them realizing it?” said Rios. “I don’t want that happening to me.”

the next big step

As graduation nears, actually going to college, for some, just got real

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he lights from the Thomas & Mack shine down upon the stage. Over 600 seniors wait in line to receive the diploma they have been waiting for since they entered the 1st grade.

“Nic Zelidon!” is announced, and Zelidon steps up the chestnut brown stairs and shakes hands with Principal Joe Caruso and then with School Board Trustee Deanna Wright and receives his diploma cover.

Cheers fill the room as he steps down the center stairs, his face covered with a wide smile and one single tear.

As he walks up the aisle, he quickly realizes that his life has taken a drastic turn.

Instead of marching on a football field every morning, his time will be spent working.

Instead of doing algebra at a desk, he’ll do calculus in a large auditorium. His life is completely changing.

“I really want to go to UNR while I’m in the Air Force,” said Zelidon, “but I have no idea how to apply.” Like Zelidon, many seniors are unsure of what steps to take to secure financial aide or scholarships, or even how

By Jack Wagner • Web Master

to apply to college. For most of the colleges in Nevada, like College of Southern Nevada (CSN) and University of Nevada Reno (UNR), future students can apply online for a small fee, or they can mail in a physical application. However, for all universities, applicants need to take the SAT, ACT or sometimes both.

College can be extremely expensive, with tuition and fees for UNR currently at $3,469.50 a year. Luckily, there are multiple scholarships available for Nevada residents, like the Millennium Scholarship and the Western Undergraduate Exchange program (WUE). The Millennium Scholarship awards $10,000 to eligible students to help pay for their undergraduate coursework, provided they attend an eligible college in Nevada. The WUE program will provide reduced tuition if they decide to attend college out-of-state, but stay on the west side of the United States.

“If there’s one scholarship I’m shooting for, it’s the musicians scholarship at UNR,” said Zelidon, “One thing’s for sure though.

I absolutely need to go to college.”

Helpful Sites http://www.csn.

CSN Admissions: edu/pages/2275.asp

UNR Admissions:

http://www.unr.edu/ admissions/how-to-apply

UNLV Admissions:http://www.unlv.edu/ admissions/freshman http://wue.wiche.edu/profile.jsp?id=124

Millennium: http://www.nevadatreasurer.gov/ uploadedFiles/nevadatreasurergov/ content/GGMS/Forms/Doc-FactSheet.pdf

January/February 2015 •Hillside hotwire •5

Sadies

for Inexpensive ways to get the perfect shirt

By Skylar Scott • Staff Writer

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oing to the store and finding a perfect shirt can be expensive, and stores might not exactly have what you want. Finding shirts you both like is often a bigger problem, as you may have different tastes.

A good fix is to buy them online or to make your own.

Going from store to store looking for the right shirt can be costly and wastes gas, and you still may not find what you want. Most people want the perfect shirt, and that can be hard to find.

Buying shirts online, gives you tons more variety. You are not restricted to a certain selection, and you get to be your picky self. There are thousands of stores online, but make sure you order ahead of time. You don’t want your shirts arriving after the dance/date is over.

Sales are constantly happening online, and you can get the best deal and shopping online means you get to stay in the comfort of your own home.

There are so many websites that let you design your own shirt. For example, at Custom Ink you can have your

own pictures, font, sayings, etc. You don’t have to go anywhere, and it doesn’t take much effort.

In addition, making your own shirts lets you add your own original style so you don’t show up on the date with the same shirts as that other couple.

When you make your shirts, make sure you stay within dress code. You don’t want to ruin your dance that way. No thin straps, or inappropriate sayings or pictures. Keep it classy, cute and fun.

Girls can easily cut up her shirt, and tie the sides. Then both shirts could have matching pictures or quotes.

You can bedazzle as much as you want, and show your creativity so that you and your date are two of a kind.

to do for

By Wyatt Berndt • Cub Reporter

L

ukas Werle and his date, Katie Ballou, stumble off of the New York New York roller coaster in a bit of a daze, after the wild ride. Every item of clothing matches, signifying that they are together for Sadie Hawkins.

The Sadie Hawkins dance, more commonly known as Sadies, puts a spin on the classic boy asking girl out to school dances. For Sadies, the girls ask the guys and also pay. Also, it is not as formal of dance, with attire ranging from t-shirts and hoodies to shorts and jeans and sneakers.

Accordingly, Sadies’ activities are less

formal and more active. Creative activities that allow groups to have fun together are always a big hit. One of those activities is some type of scavenger hunt.

“A few of our parents took pictures of random items at Bass Pro Shop. Once we arrived, we had to find all of the things in the pictures,” said Brittin Fox. Another student and her date and group played laser tag followed by an Inn-Out dinner.

Options for some fun activities that are cheap and fun consist of a photo scavenger hunt, laser tag, movie night, roller coaster or sky zone, all of which

6• Hillside hotwire •January/February 2015

have been successfully pulled off before.

Dinner can range from fast food to Sugar Factory or Outback. It was suggested by many parents that a large group of people would not only be safer, but would also be more fun, especially when it is a group of close friends, or in modern terms a “squad.”

To keep the night fun and safe, here are some suggestions. Do not eat dinner right before riding a roller coaster. Do not decide to take a walk down a dark and sketchy alley. Do not take candy from strangers and anything your parents have told you since day one.

Trying to bring back Sadie Hawkins Schools answer why Sadie’s constantly cancels

By Skylar Scott • Staff Writer

S

ome schools have canceled the Sadie Hawkins dance for years, including Foothill. Other schools still hold a dance but have very low attendance and some schools have tried new ideas to try and attract students back to Sadies, with mixed results.

Students often say they don’t like attending the dance because nobody else attends, which makes it boring.

In the past five years, most kids have skipped the dance and just done their own thing because, some say, there’s things to do that are more fun. “I feel like it’s less awkward,” said Samantha Ryan. “Instead of just waiting around to see if you’re going to dance, you can do something where you get to interact more. At Green Valley High School, attendance was poor for three years until they changed the dance. Two years

ago, they converted the dance to a movie on the football field. Those two years, two to three hundred kids showed up. The school got the idea from Palo Verde High School.

This year Green Valley is doing a drive in movie. Students drive to the parking lot, pay five dollars a head, and get to watch the movie while staying in the comfort of their own car. Their Sadies movie was

February 20.

Coronado High School already had their Sadies dance, and their dance has never been canceled. NHS hosted their dance this year instead of Student Council. About two hundred kids attended, and it was held in the cafeteria. The school had a black light dance, with free food, marriage booth, a DJ, and an area for photos.

Basic High School also already had their Sadies dance. The dance was Candy Land themed, and about a hundred and fifty kids attended. They combined their winter sports assembly and Sadies activities. Basic advertised with posters and by broadcasting on the student news, then sold tickets at lunch. Instead of Student Council hosting the dance, the sophomore class did.

“Girls would just rather go out and have fun instead of paying for tickets to a dance where they probably won’t dance anyway,” said Camryn Hulshoff.

January/February 2015 •Hillside hotwire •7

Clubs

Taking a Shot

New Archery Club lets girls find their inner Katniss

By Megan Berry •Cub Reporter

M

aria Franco nocks back the arrow and she places the arrow on the arrow rest, pulls the string back to her cheek, and releases. She feels the feathers brush through her right knuckle and watches the arrow soar right through the bulls eye. A smile appears across her face as she nocks another arrow.

Mr. Paul DeSantis, nicknamed Robin Hood by the club members, explained the safety rules the first day of the meeting.

“I started this club, because I wanted an after school activity that girls enjoy,” said Mr. DeSantis. The club

1

2 1. Jadila Sweet stares down her target and releases the arrow.

2. Coach Paul DeSantis pulls out arrows shot by Lora Moore at practice.

3. Alexandria Wian eyes the bullseye while holding the string taut.

3

8• Hillside hotwire •January/February 2015

has become popular for girls.

“I joined archery because you don’t have to be experienced to join,” said Cassandra Mendez, as she nocked an arrow, pulled back and fired along with her fellow club members. Fifteen to twenty minutes later, the girls were getting the hang of it.

“You need to keep your arms straight to fire well,” said Mr. DeSantis to Paige Bennett. After some practice, the girls were hitting the target better than Katniss herself. And some believe they can become the future Katniss soon. Each week, the girls have shown improvement, with most now barely missing the targets, If you’re interested in joining, meetings are held each Monday and Tuesday. See Mr. DeSantis for March’s schedule.

Celebrity Obsessions Girls: Favorite celebrity?

Briana Perttu: Justin Timberlake.

Savannah Mason: Channing Tatum.

Alyssa Neal: David Franco.

Favorite part about them?

Perttu: “His eyes, and he is amazing.”

Mason: “He’s hot and a good actor.”

Neal: “He is very nice and really attractive.”

How much do you obsess over them?

Perttu: “I have so many songs and some T shirts, and I’ve had dreams about him.”

Mason: “I wish I had more things of his, but I sadly only have one movie.”

Neal: “I don’t have anything of him, but I’m still slightly obsessed.”

What would you do if you met him?

Perttu: “I would steal him and put him in my closet as a present to myself.”

Mason: “I’d scream, cry, and be so happy, then give him a hug.”

Neal: “I would be super happy.”

Would you marry him?

Perttu: “If he was younger, definitely.”

Mason: “Yes, I would become the happiest person alive.”

Neal: “No, I wouldn’t, and it’s unrealistic.”

By Skylar Scott • Staff Writer

Students:

Briana Perttu Savannah Mason Alyssa Neal Conner Szczepanski Nick Tu angel camacho

Celebrities: Justin Timberlake Channing Tatum David Franco Childish Gambino Taylor Swift katy perry

Boys: Favorite celebrity?

Conner Szczepanski: Childish Gambino.

Nick Tu: Taylor Swift.

Angel Camacho: Katy Perry Favorite part about them?

Szczepanski: “I like him because of his music, and that he has the ability to be successful in more than one type of performing art, like music, writing and singing.”

Tu: “Taylor Swift is amazing, hot, and my celebrity crush.”

Angel Camacho: “She’s inspirational. She inspired me, and now I’m a firework!”

How much do you obsess over them?

Szczepanski: “I wouldn’t say I’m really obsessive. I have some of his music, but that’s about it.”

Tu: “I have every CD and some posters!”

Angel Camacho: “I would love and marry her.”

What would you do if you met him?

Szczepanski: “If I did ever meet him, I would probably thank him for his work.”

Tu: “I would absolutely die if I met her.”

Angel Camacho: “Propose to her.”

Would you marry him/her?

Szczepanski: “No.” Tu: “Of course, she’s a definite ten!”

Angel Camacho: “Yes!” (See answers three and four.)

January/February 2015 •Hillside hotwire •9

Dre Vasquez raps, films and does magic tricks on the side

By Kaden Jesperson • Staff Reporter

D

odging and weaving through dancers while holding a Glidecam, junior Dre Vasquez gets the shot for the FST News at the Winter Assembly. “I’ve been filming for one and a half years,” said Vasquez. “I started when I had a need for a high quality music video.”

Filming has taken Vasquez all the way to New York to film the band in the Macy’s Day Parade. “I can’t describe it,” said Vasquez. “It was such an amazing opportunity, and my filming is what got me there.” Vasquez did everything that the band did, except he took the pictures and filmed them experiencing the trip.

In addition to filming, Vasquez thrives on making others happy.

“The only thing that makes me happy is making others happy,” said Vasquez. “I may not talk about how happy I am, but I am overjoyed when others are happy.” Vasquez said that he has known what it is like to be sad and alone, and that he doesn’t want anyone to ever feel like that. “I went through a phase of depression where I was just sad all of the time,” said Vasquez. During his sophomore year, all of

his goals changed. All he wanted to do was make others feel loved. Last year on Valentine’s day, Vasquez bought 300 roses and gave them out to others. “It was worth any cost to make someone’s day a little brighter,” he said.

While Vasquez’s demeanor is rather reserved, a whole new side emerges during his main hobby: rapping. “I have a whole home studio at my house with a microphone, computer, speakers, and just everything I need to record my songs,” he said. Vasquez started rapping just for fun at the age of 14, but someone told him that he was good, so he continued. Vasquez engineers, produces and mixes all of his music. He tries to incorporate all genres of music, not just rap, into his songs. Vasquez only wishes that he would have capitalized on his music earlier. “I wish I would’ve started earlier so I could have let my skills develop more,” said Vasquez. Vasquez says that he speaks through his songs and that the whole purpose of him rapping is to inspire people. “It may be corny, but I just want to change people and make them enjoy life.”

In hobby #3, Vasquez breaks the ice in an awkward situation by pulling out a deck of cards and showing one of the many magic tricks that he has practiced.

“I got into magic so I could impress the girls,” Vasquez said while laughing, “but now it’s just to put a smile on peoples’

Personal Profile

faces and make their day better.”

Vasquez enjoys magic, but it’s something that is only a side hobby. “It was just something to do for fun, but people love it, I guess!” he said. Vasquez claimed that he would tell students how he does the tricks, but a magician never reveals his secrets.

So with all of these passions, Vasquez had to choose one for a career.

He wants to pursue film making after he graduates, including music videos, movies or even commercials. “I just want to be on the higher end of filming,” he said.

However, his main goal is to go through life making people smile, and improving not just their day, but their whole life.

Vasquez talks about his first music video

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unning through roads and leaping over fences, Dre Vasquez starts out his music video “Runaway.” In May 2014, Vasquez put his music video on You Tube. “The whole process took over a month to get the video done,” said Vasquez. “I was happy with the outcome of the video and how well it did on You Tube.” Vasquez said it was his most professional video. People have come up to him to talk about the video, and have told him how much they appreciate it. “I sing to inspire, and I hope that my song inspired the viewers,” said Vasquez.

Scan to see the video

Up Down?

Turn upTurn or Turn Pro/con regarding food parties in class

PRO

By Riley Bidwell • Staff Writer

Students gather around the food table and stack donuts, chips and cookies on their plates. They cheer on their groups as they play games and wind down. The students whine when their teacher tells them it will be the last food party during school hours because, unfortunately, the school district is cracking down on having no food parties during school hours.

I think food parties can and should be allowed at school for many reasons.

First, it gives students a chance to unwind from a hard month and gives their brain a little break.

Students need a break like this so they will not be too stressed and to recharge.

Parties also give students something to look forward to. Teenagers do not enjoy going to school most of the time. If they have a party

in one of their classes, they will be excited to come to school and be more social.

Parties give teenagers an opportunity to socialize with their classmates. Too often during an ordinary school day, we are hushed and told to stop talking, which is okay because we come to school to learn, but I do not think it would hurt to have an hour to socialize with other people! If students are more social in their classes, it will encourage them to be involved in sports and clubs.

Usually, parties are given because the students have worked hard or accomplished a goal or deadline. This is another reason that there needs to be parties. Without the motivation a party gives, students will not work as hard to get their work done well and on time.

By Ariana Victoria • Staff Writer

CON

Students sit down in their seats and groan as they listen to their teachers tell them that they will no longer be able to have food parties in class.

It used to be a normal thing for teachers to throw parties in their classes for special events, but now the new CCSD Policy of no food in classrooms is being enforced. The policy’s concern for allergies and food contamination called for new enforcement since students’ lives could be in jeopardy.

Some students might have allergic reactions to an item brought for a party or even an ingredient that a student used to make food they brought.

According to school nurse Trina Petty, if a student was to accidently come in contact with the allergen, they could have an immediate reaction, and it could result in hives, or their throat could swell up, making it a struggle for them breathe.

Some reactions are so severe

12• Hillside hotwire •January/February 2015

that students could die if they don’t get an Epi pen shot. Even if a student cleaned up their food afterwards, particles from the food could still be on the surface of the tables, and if a student allergic to that specific food comes in contact with the particles, a reaction could occur.

In addition, parties are pretty messy. Some students do clean up after themselves, but others leave food, wrappers, and other trash on the desks or floor or spill on the desktops, making the desk gross for the person who has it next period. They don’t think about the fact that the mess they leave behind could attract ants or other insects.

Another potential problem is contamination that could come from someone not properly washing their hands while preparing food they bring to class. All of these problems could be easily avoided as long as we continue to keep food out of the classrooms.

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January/February 2015 •Hillside hotwire •13

Feature

r e l d d i F

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reaking

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Chloe Noorda and Nathan Benavidez set the table while talking about their secret romance. Photo by Zach Hayes

Tradition

By Camryn Hulshoff • Peregrine Writer and Riley Bidwell • Staff Writer

he audience hushes as the lights dim. A fiddle begins to play softly. A spotlight turns on, and Tyler Coon is the lone figure underneath. Dramatically, Coon turns to the audience, quietly relaying his character’s thoughts through a monologue. As he nears the end, the fiddle plays on, a single note sustained as actors file onto the stage. The fiddle stops suddenly, and the spotlight is turned off, bathing the stage in darkness.

“It’s...” Coon starts, pausing, “tradition!”

The stage lights flip on, and the actors begin their play.

Fiddler on the Roof, instead of drawing from mostly-seasoned theatre veterans, drew largely from choir veterans. “I was guilt-tripped into it,” said Genevieve Weaver. “I didn’t want to try out at first, but Ms. Snavely needed some of us to audition for the musical.”

Cameron Noorda, on the other hand, had missed class one day, and to make up for it, he went to tryouts. “At first, I thought I was just reading some lines for the other people trying out,” said Noorda.

14• Hillside hotwire •January/February 2015

“It turns out that I was actually trying out for the musical.”

Students from Show Choir, like Cameron Noorda, Chloe Noorda, Genevieve Weaver and Ashley Gornichec, all had to adjust to the stage life. “It’s completely different,” said Cameron Noorda. “For one, a lot of the time we’re singing by ourselves instead of with a group.”

Weaver explained the differnece. “In Show Choir, you’re singing with so many other people,” said Weaver. “No one’s watching just you the whole time, and if you’re out of breath, you can stop singing for a bit, and the group will cover for you. No one will really notice. In this, it’s pretty much do or die.”

Senior year is about taking risks.

Noorda and Weaver decided to be more than Show Choir students, by taking on the responsibility of leading roles in the musical. “I don’t regret doing this at all,” said Weaver. “I did this as a sophomore, and I’ve definitely grown as an actor and a singer. It was great to just come back

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and do it again. It was a fun way to ride out my senior year.”

Fiddler on the Roof is about a poor family with five daughters. The five daughters dream about meeting the perfect match for them.

Chloe Noorda played one of the five daughters named Tzeitel. She said that it was a lot of fun to be in the play but also a lot of hard work.

“The first night was a little nerveracking to perform in front of everyone,” said Noorda, “but after the first night, it wasn’t very bad at all.”

Unique to other theater productions

Tyler Coon looking out in the audience as he begins to sing his solo.

Cameron Noorda is featured as main character in the Fiddler.

at the Hill, Fiddler on the Roof used the orchestra to play live music for the actors to sing along. The orchestra rehearsed just as much as the actors did for the play.

“It was so tiring having rehearsals that were hours and hours long,” said orchestra member Kortnee Killian, “but once the play was over, and everyone realized what an accomplishment it was, I realized it was all worth it.”

“It was a lot of hard work,” said actor Ashley Gornichec, “but it was so much fun! We all got very close, and I’m kind of sad that it’s over!”

The cast of Fiddler on the Roof sings the first song of the musical. Photo by Zach Hayes

January/February 2015 •Hillside hotwire •15

Whether it’s the Bahamas or the back yard barbeque, use the time to make memories

By Jonah Terrell and Dylan Litviak • Cub Reporters

J

enessa Montoya puts on her snorkel gear and prepares to jump into the underwater museum. “Every other Spring Break, I head down to Cancun,” said Montoya. “The very first thing my family and I do is go to the beach. It is probably the calmest place I’ve ever been to. There are not as many people as other beaches have. After lying in the sun for a while, we rent a boat and go scuba diving where the underwater museum is. There are at least 500 statues scattered in one spot there.”

With Spring Break only weeks away, many have already begun working on their tans and waxing their surfboards. “When I think of Spring Break, I think of sun shining, bright, tan people and beaches,” said Spencer Broome.

While Montoya chills at the beach, others

are trying to get a last taste of winter.

Alejandro Casula goes snowboarding at the Alta Lodge in Utah. “It takes about seven hours to head up there,” Casula said. “I always bring a couple of friends, so it’s a lot more enjoyable with friends and a bunch of food. I always love the drives up to the lodge because my friends and I are always either messing around or having deep conversations.”

Alejandro said that he’s been snowboarding for five years now. “I used to go with family, but now they’re too busy, so I take my friends, and we go to the lodge for the whole Spring Break. Every time I go out to the lodge, I get better and better at snowboarding because of Spring Break.”

While many think of exotic locales for Spring Break, like the Caribbean and Tahiti,

others think of it as a time to just get some rest. “Spring Break gives me a needed rest from school,” said Rhett Armstrong.

Parents not taking you to the Bahamas?

There’s still a ton of fun stuff to do locally. 1) Try out a new mall where you don’t normally shop, like Town Square or Downtown Summerlin. With new restaurants and cool stores, it will feel like you traveled somewhere else. Plus, you might meet some cool, new people. 2) Have a movie marathon at the theatres.

Grab some friends, load up on popcorn and snacks and see three movies in a row.

3) Become a Vegas tourist and hit up some of the fun attractions like the High Roller, the New York, New York roller coaster, the zip lines on Fremont or in Boulder City. Or you could go fishing at the lake or down at Willow Beach, stay at the top of the pyramid at the Luxor, see a magic show, play at Cowabunga Bay (opens March 28), camp out at Valley of Fire, or host a backyard Olympics where contestants have to perform Minute-to-Win-It type tasks. All of these save the cost of hotel and eating out, but they’re still a lot of fun, and some are virtually free. Most of all, you’ll have some memories other than what you can binge watch on Netflix.

“There are hundreds of places you could go on spring break. Where ever you go, you just want to have fun and keep it affordable,” said Haven Randall. From fake beaches to theme parks to back yard barbeques, there’s always somewhere you can go.

THRIFT SHOPPIN’

T

In with the newold

By Katelyn Vasquez • Cub Reporter

hrift shopping has been a popular way to shop even before Mackelmore’s song came out.

It’s a very cheap and smart way to maximize your dollar, but people have different views about thrift shopping.

“I love thrift shopping,” said Kayla Clark.

“Most of my clothes are actually from Savers and places like that.” Many girls interviewed said they like to shop thrift shops because they can get their favorite brands for cheap compared to the mall.

“I can find Hollister clothes for around $10,” said Anna Tozier.

16• Hillside hotwire •January/February 2015

However, not everyone likes the thought of purchasing used clothes, no matter how cheap they are.

“I think wearing other peoples’ clothes is gross,” said Megan Black. “You never know where they wore them.” Because of this, thrift shops require donated clothing to be in good condition and to be washed prior to being donated, according to research.

With all the cheaper prices, more things for less money, and popular brands, many love the idea of thrift shopping. Anna Tozier explains more. “I think it’s a fun way to shop. You can go with a little money but get lots of things.”

Best Buddies

New club encourages friendships with special needs students as part of national program

O

Ryleigh Johns Best Buddies President

By Kaylee Stradling • Staff Writer

n a typical Saturday, the average teenager sleeps in, eats a late breakfast while watching his or her favorite shows and then eventually leaves the house to hang out with some friends.

However, for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), their Saturdays are very different, often spending much of their free time at home. But with the Best Buddies Club, these students spend time with other teenagers and experience a typical Saturday.

The Best Buddies Club, according to the their website, is a club that “envisions a world where people with (IDD) are so successfully integrated into our schools, our workplaces and our general communities that our current efforts and services will be unnecessary.”

Foothill’s chapter elected officers January 21 and began planning activities.

“The more general education students who come, the better,” said special education teacher Ms. Stennes. “We need about thirty, and we only have about 12 right now.

Joining is really easy. All you have to do is fill out an application form and pay a $20 fee.”

On January 6, during a meeting in Ms. Lonnie Nicosia’s science classroom, twelve students gathered to plan and discuss the details to the meet-and-great party with club members.

“I joined the club because, over the summer, I went to my grandma’s school, where she was a special needs teacher in Arizona. I just fell in love with her kids,” said Ally Mathijssen.

“They always had big smiles on their

faces. I believe that Best Buddies is a great club because everyone deserves a chance to have great friends.”

Activities will be held once or twice a month during lunch or over the weekends. “Our goal is to help the special education students see how the general education students socialize and act,” said Ms. Nicosia. “We want them to feel as included as we can make them.”

Club member Patrick, who has participated in the Best Buddies club at other places, said he is excited for it to come to Foothill. “It’s fun to hang out with somebody and do different things every time,” he said.

On March 6 (pictured below), a pirate-themed meet-and-greet was held during first and second lunches where general and special education students mingled and got to know each other. “I’m excited to get to meet the students that I never get to see around the school,” said Ashley Aguilar, “and I’m glad that I can be part of such a great club.”

Mrs. Geraldine Milliron speaks with the Best Buddies club during one of their after-school meetings.

Photo by Thomas Mace

January/February 2015 •Hillside hotwire •17

Commentary

Behind the wheel Careless drivers need a reality check

E

verywhere I go, at any time of the day, at any place, it’s blatantly obvious that people have no clue how to operate a vehicle, or simply choose to not follow the basic rules. From texting while driving to reckless decisions to forgetting what the color RED means when approaching a stoplight, people have proven that driving etiquette is too difficult for their tiny brains.

One day, I was at the stoplight at Horizon Ridge and Green Valley when I heard the loud crash of someone ramming into the car in front of them.

By Rachel Leone • Editor-in-Chief

Normally this isn’t a very big issue.

However, instead of turning on his hazard lights and moving to a safe location away from the intersection, this genius put his car in reverse, hit the front bumper of the car behind him, and then crashed into the car in front of him again.

This is also the same day that I counted fifteen people behind me at stoplights who pulled their phones out after they stopped. These are also the same people who honk at you when you’re at a red light with a “No Turn On Red” sign posted or when you’re

18• Hillside hotwire •January/February 2015

in the left turn lane. Then, when it’s finally your turn to go through the intersection, the person who honked at you sits on their phone oblivious that they now are holding up five cars behind them while they check their Instagram feed.

I also don’t understand people who just don’t obey traffic laws. We all know that one brainless person who confuses the numbers 25 and 65 because they always drive forty miles over the speed limit. These people (usually in huge pickup trucks or sports cars), drive the most recklessly, and ironically, always

When will U get here?

Be there in 10 minutes

Make that ten... to life.

seem to crash into another idiot who just wants to flaunt the money that they lost while damaging their $40,000 vehicle.

An easy example of an uncaring person practicing reckless driving took place in our own school parking lot when I witnessed a huge pickup truck drive backwards over the parking barriers, bump my car, then cut me off when I had right-of-way. People like this are the reason everyone hates teenage drivers, and with good logic: you’re stupid. If you want to try something as idiotic as that, at least learn how to drive without hitting a parked car.

Speaking of right-of-way, what’s also annoying is how no one seems to know the definition of the word “Stop,” as in “Stop Sign,” or “Stop Light,” or even “Stop” being an idiot.

People don’t seem to care about anybody else as long as they get where they need to be on time. If that means making someone wait for three cars after you turn to get across the intersection, then do that. Or you can always run red lights, get into a crash, and then blame it on someone else. Because who cares about laws anyway?

I’m definitely not the world’s greatest driver.

Sometimes I drive a little slower than the speed limit in traffic because I’m terrified of hitting the person in front of me. Sometimes I make a mistake and accidentally cut someone off or don’t merge easily into fast-moving traffic. Sometimes, I get distracted by the cute dog on the street. But in today’s world, people are so ridiculously neglectful of the simple common courtesies that we owe each other as drivers and mostly as human beings.

If everyone would leave five minutes earlier so they didn’t have to inconsiderately drive fifteen miles over the speed limit or act like a complete bonehead to be on time, there would be fewer reckless instances. We can fix the stupidity epidemic by simply acting like we aren’t cavemen with no sense of decency.

We have brains for a reason. Please do everyone a favor and use yours.

Illustration by Chad Grape and colorized by Kaden Jesperson Infographic by Ian Berry

January/February 2015 •Hillside hotwire •19

Pro/Con

DITCH SCHOOL, DITCH YOUR LICENSE. YES

Senate Bill 269: Yes or No?

By Alyssa Miele • Staff Writer

A

lthough students may not be happy with Senate Bill 269, there are logical reasons for the passing and enforcement of the bill. With 90% or higher attendance rates, students will have more opportunities to receive better grades, higher standardized tests scores, and in turn, higher graduation rates for the district.

Students will be forced to think about the consequences of ditching school. Without at least a 90% attendance rate, students will not be able to obtain a license, and if the student already has their license, it will be suspended for thirty days, then sixty days if the truancies continue. Without a license, students will be less likely to ditch school because they

NO

won’t have a way to leave.

The new law also creates an incentive for attending; it’s almost as if you’re getting paid to go to school-- but your pay is in driving privileges.

The most beneficial aspect of the law is its ability to force responsibility directly onto the student. Students will be accountable for more than the work they missed while they were not at school--they must take the responsibility to turn in an absent note to get the absence excused or face the possible consequence of finding another way to get to school without a license. Truthfully, if a It depends student is not responsible enough to attend school regularly, they 22.6% are certainly not responsible enough to be driving.

NO 67.9%

Yes 9.5%

By Kaden Jesperson • Staff Writer

T

he new law that a student with three unexcused absences gets their driving license suspended for 30 days is my least favorite law. Why does the school get to say what I do outside of school? This law gives the school too much power over my personal life.

Many times, parents don’t write their kids absence notes because writing them is a hassle, and because you can have ten unexcused absences before getting in trouble. This means kids who aren’t ditching school, just missing for family reasons, being sick, or personal reasons are being penalized for the couple of kids who ditch class.

This law is also going to be expensive. This money is going to have to come from tax payers, and I don’t think that they want

Do Falcons agree with the new law?

190 students surveyed

to use their money to taking away kids’ driver’s licenses.

The law is also going to be hard to enforce. Even if you physically take a student’s license away, he or she will continue to drive because, unless they are doing something illegal, they will not be pulled over.

Many families rely on these students to drive, whether it is picking up other siblings when their parents can’t, or even just picking up groceries from the store. If these students cannot drive, it will cause burdens on these families.

I agree that ditching students should have a form of punishment, but a lot of the kids who ditch don’t have licenses, so the law won’t even affect the kids who are ditching. There has to be another way to get the point of no ditching across to students.

20• Hillside hotwire •January/February 2015

Busting out early could get you busted back to riding the bus to school.

Photo by Zach Hayes

New law clamps down on ditchers Absences will make your heart grow fonder for your driver’s license

O

n Januaruy 1, the Nevada legislature passed a new law targeting teen drivers ages 16-17.

Students who haven’t attended the right amount of school will not be allowed to get a driver’s license until age 18. Students who are trying to get a driver’s license will now have to obtain a form called a Certificate of Attendance and bring it to the DMV. The attendance certification form must be turned in at the time of the driving test teens take to get their license.

Overall, the law is most likely a kneejerk reaction to low attendance rates, especially for upperclassmen. Student reaction was swift, some for and others against the new law.

“I don’t have a problem with the new law because I don’t miss a lot of school unless it is necessary for my family,” said freshman Jessica Arenas. “Others may have a problem if they miss school a lot or ditch, but I don’t need to worry.

When you were a little kid, if you wanted privileges, you had to work for them and

By Iyanna George • Cub Reporter

prove you deserved them. The biggest privilege of high school age students is driving, and the DMV is now like our parents. They can take those privileges away.

That’s the whole reason they made the new law, in my eyes, just to prove that teenagers are worthy for a license.”

Others felt that the new law was an intrusion into their private lives. “To be honest, I don’t think it’s right. I understand that the State wants to see if we are going to school or not, but it’s a little overboard,” sophomore Adrian Zavala said. “Grades are one thing, but they shouldn’t be checking our attendance.

It’s not as important.”

New drivers aren’t the only ones affected. The law can also suspend licenses of truant teens with current driver’s licenses, even if they own their own car and are paying their own insurance. Traffic police officers who pull teen driver’s over for traffic infractions may request an attendance report as well, and if the student driver has accrued too many absences, their license will be suspended.

“I feel like your license shouldn’t be revoked after three unexcused absences,” sophomore Jesse Yates said. “It should be more because three is so little. I believe that they made the new law to keep people from ditching school, so I am not personally worried about the new law because I am a goodie-two-shoes and don’t ditch school.”

Most teens at the Hill who were interviewed by the Hotwire said that the new law was just a way to get kids to stay in school and not ditch. Now, kids who do ditch school and, up to this point, have not really had much of a consequence, will have something to be afraid of, yet some said the law was unnecessary.

“If you aren’t responsible in school, then you probably aren’t responsible enough to be driving,” freshman Kamryn Shackelford said. “They made the new law because kids were not showing up to school and were not caring about it, so they decided to make the law and say, ‘Hey, you need to go to school and learn.

If not, you will not be able to drive.’”

January/February 2015 •Hillside hotwire •21

Tragedy strikes the Hill as part of mock accident

A

somber tranquility hung over the parking lot as students began to swarm into the bleachers. The buzzing chatter diminished to nothingness as they witnessed the immensity of the accident. Blood streamed down the pavement from the body that was projected through the windshield of a vehicle, and shattered glass crystals decorated the

By Rachel Leone • Editor-in-Chief

ground as luminous confetti, reflecting the sun’s rays. As two injured teenage girls sat unconscious in a red car, a single male teenager sat drunkenly passed out in the driver’s seat of a white truck. The obvious culprit was two beer cans and a bottle of drugs found in the driver’s possession.

Over a speaker, students heard a large crash and a long dial tone before a 9-1-1

operator picked up and stated that there had been an accident near Foothill High School. The police and paramedics were called to the scene, where they found one victim dead and two with serious injuries.

Every few years, the program Every 15 Minutes simulates a fake alcohol-induced car accident to teach teenagers about the dangers of drinking and driving.

1

2

violently bloody.

The FHS “There’s a large amount of people who need to look like administration they’re corpses and four people in the accident,” said chooses a couple of makeup artist Nick Kundargi. “We wanted the viewers to students to be involved in the feel horrified, like it’s real.” actual accident simulation and “It’s an unexplainable experience. Watching everyone around twenty-five students to be the getting their makeup put on is actually really sad,” said “living dead,” or the people who die every Riddle.

“It’s almost surreal. fifteen minutes. These students are viewed as the The audience witnessed the normal routine of police school’s leaders who could influence and impact the and medical officials at the scene of a drunk-driving student body the most. accident.

“When I got there, the first thing I saw was a February fifth began with the participants being body on the ground,” said viewer Cheyenne Tennant, pulled out of class by the Grim Reaper, one every “It looked so realistic.”

After a forty-five minute-long fifteen minutes. “Everyone was saying ‘Ooh, presentation, the victims and the drunk driver were what did she do?’ when I was pulled out sent off to different places. of class,” said junior Ashton Shroder, Grant George’s body was identified by his parents “the Grim Reaper actually silenced while on the scene of the accident. The coroner called one of my classmates. It was his parents from the crowd and warned them about so funny!” his injuries.

Their reaction to seeing his body made However, the George very upset. “It made me imagine all the pain participants were not able and sorrow they would be feeling,” he said. to talk or smile. They had After ID’ing his body, George was taken to the to remain silent and act as morgue and given a tour. “They told me that one if they were ghosts. “When teenager was there due to a car accident. He wasn’t I was pulled out of class, they wearing his seatbelt and was ejected from the car said ‘You’re dead, you’re sad, and killed,” said George.

“It made me realize that we don’t talk to anyone—not even have to make the right choices.”

Afterward, he was to each other,’ and they made taken to the hotel where all participants stayed. us stay completely silent as we Madison Cleveland’s injuries seemed superficial, but went and pulled more people there was major damage to her spinal cord, leaving her out of class,” said junior Alyssa paralyzed from the neck down.

“I rode in the ambulance McCoy. “It was really hard while they simulated all the tests that they would actually for me because I smile a lot.” perform if I was really injured,” said Cleveland, “at the One of the most important hospital, the doctor came in as if I were a real patient and parts of the Every 15 Minutes ran more simulations of tests. He asked me the usual experience was the makeup questions, like if I was drinking, (continued on next page) that had to be applied to make the accident look

January/February 2015 •Hillside hotwire •23

Feature

EVERY

believe in taking the “Iadventure but take the

adventure with caution and knowledge.

”

- Rylee Strehlow 3 where I was going and what happened. I received a continued at the CAT scan simulation. Then the doctor told my mom what hotel, where happened and explained my injuries, and the nurses the participants explained what would happen next if I was a real victim.” were shown a The fact that Cleveland played the role of being paralyzed presentation and made her much more alert and sympathetic to those who did team-building are real-life victims. “It made me want to be a better driver activities. Later, they and be more cautious,” she said. “Not only with drinking listened to guest and driving, but with texting, changing the music or taking speakers explain how my eyes off the road at all,” said Cleveland. “It also made me drinking and driving realize how hard it is for [paralysis victims] because they are had affected their lives. completely dependent on someone else. It was hard for just “The most impactful story the short amount of time I pretended to be paralyzed, while was when a boyfriend and they have to live the rest of their lives like that. It also girlfriend were walking down makes me never want to make those mistakes because I the road in the middle of the day, saw how hard it was for my family.” and out of nowhere, a truck sped Rylee Strehlow had massive injuries at the around the corner doing 75 in a 25 accident scene and was taken by helicopter to the and hit them. The driver had six or seven hospital, where she died five minutes after her times the amount of normal marijuana THC parents arrived. “The whole experience was very in his system, and two times the legal amount emotional,” said Strehlow. “Hearing my parents’ of alcohol,” said Cleveland. “The boy was dead at reaction was so hard. My heart broke hearing the scene, but the girl survived after nine days in a my mom cry, and when she squeezed my hand, coma and had severe brain injuries. She had to learn to crying, I became very emotional. When my walk again, and she’s normal now. The only reason she parents left the room, and I was able to sit up survived was because the boy shielded her with his body. and break character, I just broke down and The driver was only sentenced to about twenty years in jail.” cried.”

“The boy’s family had to move away because of the driver’s Austin Phillips was taken to the jail and family, and his mom had to get a new job because everyone was later the courthouse to receive a sixtytreating her differently,” continued George. “The death of one of her year verdict. “Knowing that one stupid sons made the other not want to have kids because they wouldn’t have decision can throw your life away and that an uncle in their lives.” it impacts everyone around you was very All four accident simulation participants called the Every 15 Minutes humbling,” said Phillips. “You can go from program a meaningful learning experience. “It taught me to live life to the fullest, just a normal person to a killer because but to make good choices and to represent my family well,” said Strehlow. you decided to drive while drunk. It “You have to be wiser than your decisions, because you never know how they will made me want to never make that affect others,” said George. mistake.”

Emotions soared again at the assembly the following day. With a melancholy video The emotional roller-coaster presentation from Broadcast, the point that the Every 15 Minutes program wanted to make

24• Hillside hotwire •January/February 2015

15

S E T U IN

M

itor

Ed ayout

Layout

se • L ly Clou

by Bil

was driven home.

“Approximately thirty percent of our fatal or serious-injury accidents involve alcohol,” said Henderson Police Traffic Officer Mark Schiable. “We want to show the consequences of making these bad decisions. It ruins a lot of lives; it ruins a lot of families, and a lot of marriages.”

“The lives of both families are ruined,” said Phillips, “The victim’s family has to deal with the death of a loved one, and the driver’s family has to deal with the mistake the driver made.” Each family has its own remorse, leaving them shattered, never the same again, due to a decision made by a single person. “It made me realize how one mistake can ruin your life,” said Cleveland, “and it can ruin someone else’s in an instant.”

“It was such an amazing and unforgettable experience. I will cherish everything I learned and all the bonds I created with my classmates through the process,” said Strehlow. “I want everyone to know that life is precious. I do believe in taking the adventure, but take the adventure with caution and knowledge.

Getting behind the wheel under the influence is completely preventable, so do not put the keys in the ignition.”

4

Feature

1. Forensics examines Grant George in his body bag at the crash scene. Photo by Dylan Wylie 2. CLICK, the handcuffs tighten around Austin Phillip’s hands as he gets arrested for driving under the influence.

Photo by Zach Hayes 3. The outcome of driving under the influence. Photo by Zach Hayes 4. Grant George lies lifeless on the cold ground as a police officer examines the damage. Photo by Thomas Mace 5. Two cans of what caused the horrific event. Photo by Dylan Wylie 6. The medical response team wheels the body into the hearse to transport him to the mortuary. Photo by Zach Hayes 7. Austin Philips sits in his car drunk, not fully aware of what he has caused. Photo by Thomas Mace

January/February 2015 •Hillside hotwire •25

5

6

7

Goal Keeper Feature

Introducing Madame President What is a day in the life of Student Council President Marisa Milne like?

A

day in the life of Stuco President Marisa Milne includes soccer, planning assemblies and taking care of other presidential duties.

For example, during Stuco class one day, Milne and other Stuco members are going through the Stuco Twitter account to see any students have Direct Messaged them, wishing to be included in the upcoming assembly. Stuco is always looking for new talent, and Twitter is one way to open up the assemblies to everyone.

After solidifying their performance list, they plan hallway/gym decorations and spirit days. The night before the assembly, for four or five hours, Milne and Student Council members create a new and magical scene in the gym. “It is kind of crazy,” said Milne of all the Stuco members trying to figure out where to hang their huge posters. Some are painting posters, and officers are running through the schedule, making sure the script is perfect. An hour before the assembly starts, all performers run through their songs, skits or routines. Then, it’s show time.

“It is a lot of time commitment because I have it during fourth hour and also during fifth hour, but as

Marisa's tips: howto Survive High School

-Stay calm and don’t stress -Remember to stay positive -Be yourself -Stay Organized -Take advantage of the time you have at Foothill

By Marissa Panchal • Staff Writer

the president, that is what you do,” said Milne. “I help plan all the activities, and since I have been in Student Council for the past four years, I have learned to juggle those responsibilities.”

“It is kind of scary,” Milne said, when asked about speaking at assemblies.

“I am totally fine about it until about five minutes before. Then I start freaking out, but once I start speaking, it’s gone, and I am cool with it.”

After planning events, Milne suits up and heads to the soccer field. She is a four-year vet on the Lady Falcon’s soccer team. “It has been a lot of fun,” said Milne. “For the past three years, I have played mid-field, but this year I played goalie. I really like my teammates.

We have been together for a long time, and it has taught me how to be on a team and learn to work with others, which also helps me with Student Council. It is just something I have always played since I was little, and I am going to miss it a lot. I am not planning on playing in college, so this was my last season and I will miss it.”

After practice, Milne, like other students, has to fulfill her duties as a student and complete her homework from AP English and honors government classes.

Overall, the life of President Marisa Milne is one full of activities. From leading discussions fourth hour to working with her adviser planning extra activities to doing any extra work that needs to be done to scoring a goal. The only time she’s not in motion is at 11 p.m., when she switches out the light.

26• Hillside hotwire •January/February 2015

Bound for

By Atalaya Strom • Cub Reporter

F

reshman Jordan Yelton dries her tears as she picks up her phone to text her friends. She was just told that her dad, who is in the Air Force, got stationed in Germany...and she and her family are going too. Thoughts of leaving her friends behind flashed through her mind. She was paralyzed at the thought of missing everything in Henderson.

“The first thing I did after finding out I was moving was go to Buffalo Wild Wings with my friends,” said Yelton. “I just needed to get out of the house and my friends were very comforting.” Yelton decided that she needed to start spending more time with her close friends before she moved.

“One of the biggest things I’m nervous for is not knowing anyone there,” she said. “We aren’t sure if we will be living on the base yet. We are trying to get a house on the base, but we might not,” said Yelton.

“If we don’t get a house on the base, we will have to get one outside of it, but it is a very American area.”

Whether she knows the German language or not, she will still be able to communicate with those around her because they will be American. However, she would rather be able to speak at least a little German. “Germans are surprisingly very nice to Americans if you actually try,” she said. “If you attempt to try and speak German, they will help you out,” she said, “but if you don’t try to learn the language they aren’t going to waste their time on you.”

“Not only is it respectful

GERMANY

to know how to speak the language of whatever country you might be moving to, but it’s also fun to be able to say ‘I know how to speak a different language’.”

In addition, Yelton has already attended one meeting about Germany. “The people hosting the meeting talked about the schools and passports.

They said that I would be going to the school that’s on the base, which is an all-American school. We will get our tourist passports which will allow us to go to Paris or other parts of Europe,” said Yelton. “I definitely plan on going to Disney World there so I can meet a French Ariel.”

Yelton described the three different parts to the base.

“The first area is homes. The second is the doctors, dentists, training, weapons school and flying places, and the third is my favorite, which has a mall, grocery store, bowling alley, parks community centers, pizzeria, schools, and movie theaters,” she said. The base is like a whole other city and world for families in the military.” Everything is paid for on a military base except for things like Internet, cable TV or your monthly phone bill. She will need to purchase different

Jordan Yelton heads to live in Deutscheland after her father gets stationed at U.S. military base

Skylar Hamilton (right), Haley Wampner (next to Hamilton) and Daija Prater (far left) are friends Yelton will leave behind when she goes to Germany. “We’ve all gotten really close this year,” said Yelton. “It’s going to be hard leaving them.” Photo by Atalaya Strom

plugs, for all American electronic devices or else they will get fried.

“I’m really excited to experience all Germany has in store for me,” said Yelton. “But I’m dreading the thought of leaving everybody.”

January/February 2015 •Hillside hotwire •27

B

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF...

efore the sun rises, Brandon “Riley” Grieve gets up in the morning to begin an array of responsibilities.

As News Director for Foothill Student Television (FST News), Grieve reviews the script for the morning’s newscast to check for errors and give guidance to the anchors.

After getting dressed, he attends seminary before heading to the Hill.

During the school day, Grieve takes higher-level classes, including two AP courses, and two honors classes.

“They are all pretty rigorous, and they tend to progress at a fast pace,” Grieve said. “Most nights I spend around four to six hours doing homework.”

Besides classes, one of Grieve’s major responsibilities is FST News. From the time he wakes up until the time he falls into his bed, he works on the newscast.

“I oversee all production in the program, but I am primarily in charge of the content of the news and making sure the newscast runs each day,” said Grieve. “I help the anchors improve by giving them advice and giving the FST News crew constructive criticism about their videos.”

Among his various tasks for the broadcast, Grieve makes most of the videos seen in assemblies, including the ones for Every Fifteen Minutes.

“The actual filming of the event is really stressful, but fun,” said Grieve.

“I’m always excited to finish the final product and watch it move people when it plays during the assembly!”

Although there are many responsibilities for FST News, there is still time for fun.

“In FST News, we generally know when it’s time to be professional and when it is alright to mess around,” said Grieve.

At the annual party last year for advanced broadcast students, Riley set four boxes of pizza down with the rest of the food. While the broadcast awards were being handed out, the students noticed that the pizza boxes were on fire in another room, due to a candle placed too close to them.

“Three of us jumped up and ran into the house!” Grieve explained. “I carried them outside, and someone sprayed them with a hose, yet people still ate the pizza afterwards!”

Video production often carries over after school, but that isn’t Grieve’s only duty. Twice a month, he attends meetings for SkillsUSA, a program that helps students develop abilities that are useful in the workplace. In the organization, he is treasurer.

“I spend a large portion of my time in Skills worrying and thinking about

By Billy Clouse • Layout Editor

funds,” he said. “If we don’t [have enough money], I have to find different ways to get it through fundraising.”

Grieve also participates in activities outside of school, many of which he’s been in since he was young. When he was eight, he started Chun Kuk Do, a martial arts form founded by Chuck Norris. Today, he has a second-degree black belt.

“During the last nine years that I have done karate, I have seen a true difference in the way that I carry myself and how I act,” said Grieve. “I’ve learned discipline, respect, diligence and perseverance, and with all of that comes self-mastery. [Karate] has truly taught me important life skills that I probably wouldn’t have learned otherwise.”

Another activity that Grieve has been a part of since his youth is the Boy Scouts of America. At the age of 13, only one year after he started, he became an Eagle Scout, the highest rank in the association.

The project he did to earn the honor was the “beautification” of Henderson’s Rodeo Park.

After raising money for materials, he oversaw a team of 25 people in placing plants and decorative rock,

1

28• Hillside hotwire •January/February 2015

1

completing the task in five hours.

“My Eagle Scout project was a big step for me personally,” said Grieve.

“The project helped me become a better leader, and because of it, I was able to become more outspoken and not afraid to voice my opinions. It was a huge honor, and the fact that I was so young only magnified the feeling of accomplishment that I had when receiving the award.”

When Grieve doesn’t have extracurricular activities, he has hours of homework to complete. Although he often arrives home at a late hour, he budgets his time so he can visit with his family.

“Out of all of my priorities, being a member of my family is the most important to me,” said Grieve. “Although I have lofty goals for my future, being

a member of my present and future family will remain my most important position.”

Once his homework is completed, Grieve looks at the script for the next day’s newscast, where he makes changes and includes advice for the anchors.

In the evening, he reviews the day in his head.

“I think about the important things that happened,” he said.“These things can vary between my classes, homework, FST News, my family and friends and my interactions with others.”

Before falling asleep, he thinks a little deeper.

“I think about the day mainly with two questions in my mind,” said Grieve. “Did I make wise decisions today? and how can I be better tomorrow?”

SCHEDULE 5:00 a.m.

Wake up

5:30 a.m.

Review that day’s script

6:00 a.m.

Seminary begins

6:45 a.m.

Go to school

6:50 a.m.

Check up on the filming of the morning’s newscast

7:00 a.m. 1:16 p.m.

School: 1) AP English 2) Precalculus H 3) IT Essentials I LUNCH 4) Video Production III 5) US History H 6) AP Chemistry

1:30 p.m.

SkillsUSA Meeting

2:30 p.m.

Extra work in Video Production

3:30 p.m.

Head home to begin homework

6:00 p.m.

Take a break from homework to eat dinner

7:00 p.m.

Begin homework again

8:30 p.m.

Review script for the next day’s newscast and make changes/add advice

9:30 p.m.

Get ready for bed

10:00 p.m. Put phone up (don’t answer messages until tomorrow) 2 1. Grieve sits behind the news desk in the studio where the newscasts are filmed.

Photo by Zach Hayes 2. Riley with his instructior, Mrs. Cox, after earning his second-degree black belt. “She’s amazing and I love her,” said Grieve. “I’ve trained with her ever since I started karate, and she has been the best instructor that I could have asked for. She has helped me get both of my black belts.“ Courtesy photo 3. Grieve in his Eagle Scout attire. Courtesy photo

3

10:30 p.m.

Go to bed

RILEY GRIEVE

January/February 2015 •Hillside hotwire •29

Feature

Should you stay at Foothill or Quick Facts

Website: www.foothillhenderson.com Location: 800 College Drive School Enrollment: 2885 Mascot: Falcon Normal school hours: 7:00 AM - 1:16 PM Principal: Joe Caruso Extra-curricular activities: Fall, winter and spring sports, after-school clubs, National Honor Society, student government, publications and other student organizations

Samantha Hayashi “I wanted to keep my high school experience. I thought that joining Nevada State High School would make me lose moments and memories I could only get as a junior or senior still at Foothill.”

Sabrina Mahe “Foothill has been a place that I wouldn’t want to leave, and I feel Nevada State High School would just take away my high school experience.”

By Rachel Leone • Editor-in-Chief

You’ll never forget the memories--the football games, the spirit days, or the dances. You won’t forget the stress, anxiety or the late-night studying. But you also won’t forget the excitement that you’ll feel after receiving an A on the Pre-Calculus midterm or the memory of laughing with your friends while witnessing one of the many pointless fights because some guy tried to steal someone’s girlfriend--you won’t forget that either. You won’t forget the pride and fulfillment you’ll feel when you walk across the stage to receive your diploma while your friends and peers, some of who’ve you’ve known since J. Marlin Walker elementary, family cheer thunderously for your achievement. These are all things we associate with high school, or as many people say, “the high school experience.”

Many students consider attending Nevada State High School for their junior and senior year. However, the idea that you basically get a “free” college education isn’t necessarily worth sacrificing the last few years before adulthood.

Activities at Foothill are one of the reasons many people stay. Although Nevada State has a handful of activities for their students, Foothill has many more. If there is a class or sport that Nevada State does not have, you can join Foothill’s. However, sometimes there will be scheduling conflicts. The number of opportunities at a public school are truly much more numerous and much easier to join if you’re a very involved student.

One of the main issues with Nevada State is that people believe they will automatically be enrolled in college classes, which is true if you score high enough on a college-placement test. However, if you place in remedial math (like Algebra), then you will have to take that class before receiving college credit in your next class. This means the school pays for your high school education (which is already paid for by the state)--not the college class. If you are not ready for college-level classes, it will be reflected in your test scores. If this happens, the money that you should be saving vanishes.

There is also the issue that many students lack the necessary level of maturity to handle rigorous college classes or the college experience in general. Some people work better in the structured environment of high school where their grades dictate their level of amount of freedom. When someone gains freedom that they aren’t necessarily ready for, there’s a possibility of wasting the credit if they fail the class.

Nevada State is not an opportunity to slack off and get easy college credits. Remember that if you place into higher classes that count as your actual college education, it could be like taking four to six AP classes, and every test is a mini-version of the AP test. Most people don’t take AP

30• Hillside hotwire •January/February 2015

classes because they’re too hard and have too much work.

My best friend moved from Foothill to NS this year, and it’s easy for him because he’s a brilliant human being.

However, I can’t help but wonder about the memories that we could have made if he still sat next to me every day in Journalism at Foothill.

You really need to ask yourself two questions: “Am I really ready for college classes?” and “Do I REALLY want to give up most of my high school experience for it?”

Overall, there are many benefits to going to Nevada State that are impossible to refute, like a five-week winter break, ending the school year in mid-May, and the extra resources to help with standardized testing and resumes.

You will gain college experience and have a smoother transition to a university. You’ll learn dedication and study techniques that you will use for your whole life. You’ll become a mini-adult. Who doesn’t want that? However, I can guarantee that you’ll learn more as a human being by attending your junior and senior at Foothill.

These four years are the ones that determine who you’re going to be. They will determine if you become a doctor because you were inspired by your anatomy teacher, or if you’ll be an engineer because you realize your aptitude for math compared to others. You’ll learn from your teachers, your experiences, your decisions (good and bad), but mostly from people who are just like you.

The best part of my high school experience is easily the amazing people I’ve been around for six hours every day.

I’ve experienced so many ups and downs with them. From intense study groups to emotional class discussions to random comments that make everyone erupt in laughter.

These people are the best part of my four years. No amount of possibly-saved money could put a price on those memories.

The difference between Nevada State and Foothill is that the “high school experience” and the “college/high school experience” are two very different things. The high school experience allows you to mature before becoming completely independent, to still have fun although focusing on your academics, get really involved with the school and community, and discover who you are as a person. Meanwhile, the “college/high school experience” allows you possibly receive college credit, save some money, and prepare you for an experience that you will eventually have anyway.

High school is your opportunity for a self-discovery while you’re still learning under guidance. College is a great experience, but it’s important to enjoy the little things in life while they’re still here. We have enough time to be adults, and we have enough time that we have to be in college. It’s okay to stop, smell the roses, and not grow up so quickly.

transfer to Nevada State HS ?

Feature

By Billy Clouse • Layout Editor

Y

ou’ll remember it forever. Sitting at a table in the UNLV Student Union, eating a Subway sandwich and discussing your chemistry lecture with friends. Skipping down the stairs at CSN after earning an A on your pre-calc test after hours of studying. Signing onto your online class and reading the conversation that emerged from your discussion question. These signs of success are often reserved to college students, but they’re available to you.

After completing my first day of finals last year, I did something most people can’t say they did. At the age of 15, I crossed the road and walked into the College of Southern Nevada to take an introductory English course. I had decided to jumpstart my college plan; I took flight and became a renegade.

I was able to do this by transferring to Nevada State High School, a dual-credit charter school that allows high school juniors and seniors to take college courses free-of-charge.

Currently, I’m in my second semester at the school, not including the summer English class I took. When I graduate from this unique institution in May 2016, my first two years of college will be completed.

There are many advantages to NSHS that students can’t get here at the Hill, the main one being free college courses in a real college environment.

In addition to tuition for up to five classes each semester, the school pays for books, fees and even bus passes if needed.

According to guinncenter.org, more than half of high school graduates in Nevada need to take remedial classes. Students must pay for these courses even though they don’t receive college credit for them. At NSHS, graduates don’t have to spend time and money in these classes because they’re completed in high school, if they are needed.

The school also provides a variety of resources for college admittance, including two free ACT tests (or an ACT and an SAT). Along with that, they offer students access to Study Island, a program that helps improve the scores on the ACT. In addition, NSHS brings in speakers from the community and from various local higher-education institutions to talk about transitioning from high school to the college environment. These speakers also discuss ways to get and keep jobs.

Unlike Foothill, you have full control over your schedule. If you like early classes, take them early.

If you like online classes, take them online. If you don’t want to wake up until noon, you can! Last

semester, I only took classes for three hours a day.

As an added bonus, students have most Fridays off.

Not only do you get to pick when you take your classes, you choose where you want to take them.

Although most students take classes at CSN or Great Basin College, an online school, courses can be taken at Nevada State College and with special permission, UNLV. At NSHS, you are enrolled as a college student, so you get access to a full lineup of resources. Tutoring, advising and counseling are free, and students can receive needed accommodations with the extensive disability resource centers. Because the school follows the college schedule, winter break is five weeks long, and school ends in mid-May. In the college environment, if you get done with a lesson before the end of the class, you get to leave instead of having to do busy work.

Students aren’t just placed into the college environment by the school, they are taught how to smoothly transition. This allows you to be independent in your studies with the option for help as needed.

Although the school allows you to go to college as a high-schooler, you still have the opportunity to be a teenager; social events such as Sadies and Prom are provided. In addition, students this year get to go to Cowabunga Bay before it opens for the season.

In the event that you transfer to NSHS, you don’t have to cut Foothill out of the picture. With the exception of yearbook and student government, you can participate in classes not offered like journalism and athletics pending administrative approval.

I started playing violin in sixth grade and began my work in journalism during my freshman year.

At NSHS, I can still participate in these activities.

Second hour, I take orchestra, and after school I work on the magazine. This story as well as my coverage of the band’s trip to New York in the last magazine was part of that.

At NSHS, you don’t just get an early start to college, you get an early start at your career and consequently, your life.

Whether you want to jump-start your higher education, desire a new challenge, or wish for a chance to go above and beyond, Nevada State High School is the place for you. This unique institution opens doors and creates a culture of success that will last a lifetime. Don’t let this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity pass you by, seize the day and become a renegade.

Quick Facts Website: earlycollegenv.com Location: 233 North Stephanie Street School Enrollment: 311 (only juniors and seniors) Mascot: Renegade Normal school hours: varies by student (3-5 hours on Monday-Thursday) Principal: Dr. Wendi Hawk Extra-curricular activities: Yearbook and student government (sports and other activities can be done with administrative approval

Lauren Hulshoff “I want to go for better academics, the chance to go to college for two years free, and because it seems like a great opportunity to further my education.”

Jaylin Hendricks “It’s good preparation for college. I want a better opportunity to work with real college professors and get tutoring in the college environment.”

January/February 2015 •Hillside hotwire •31

By Kaden Jesperson • Staff Writer

W

ith the new year also comes new changes. As the 2014-2015 school year winds down, it introduces plans to change the campus for the 2015-2016 school year. These changes range from portables, to lunch, to course catalogs.

Principal Joe Caruso said that the course catalog will add some fresh courses. “We are looking for other courses that kids will be interested in,” said Caruso. “Another goal is to offer foreign languages. The only one we have is Spanish right now.” Part of the course changes includes dropping career academies. “They don’t help,” Caruso said. (See adjacent article to find out more.)

As the student population has grown, more space is needed, so more portables will arrive for next school year and will be installed sometime in August. “This should help with overcrowded classrooms,” said Caruso. The portables will be placed in the

e h t und

aro

teacher’s parking lot, which means, more teachers will be hired. Some teachers will have to park in the front parking lot with students to compensate for the new portables.

Lunch may also change for next year.

“We are trying to decide on whether to base lunch off of fourth hour or do it off of fifth hour,” said Caruso. “If we base it off of fifth, seniors can get done and leave without going to lunch.” This will help make the cafeteria less crowded as well as the hallways for periods 5 and 6.

Caruso is also thinking of placing an entrance exam for incoming ninth graders. “This may not happen, but we are thinking about it,” he said. This exam would better inform counselors about where students should best be placed.

These changes will give students more options and give classrooms more space.

“We are just cleaning up and putting structure into place,” said Caruso.

New courses, possible lunch changes coming to the 2015-2016 school year

Changes: The three Connex storage units were moved March 5 so that the grassy area adjacent to the parking lot could be accessed by CCSD employees, who will remove the grass and prepare a pad for incoming portables. Photo by Dylan Wylie

* Traditional Martial Arts of Chun Kuk Do- founded by Chuck Norris * Brazilian Jiu Jitsu * MMA Training • classes are available for ages 3 and UP! • Contact us to set up a free trial class in ANY program!

• CCSD students/employees and City of Henderson employees, mention this add to receive 50% discount on your registration!

• www.coxandgallachermartialarts.com

Conveniently located at: 555 College Drive, Suite B Henderson, NV 89002

Call 702.675.0036

32• Hillside hotwire •January/February 2015

Death of the Academies

Feature

May they rest in peace when discontinued next school year.

By: Allison Bowler - Cub Writer

Academy graveyard photo illustration by Alan Campos Arizmendi

H

is car crawls to a stop between the bleached white lines of its parking spot, and Travis Mandernach steps out with his backpack, ready to begin the first day of his senior year. The last thing on his mind is what career academy his electives fall into.

In recent years, each class a student took was categorized into an academy. The acronyms for the three academies were MAPS (Media, Arts, Public Service), SET (Science, Engineering, Technology) and BIT (Business Information Technology). The classes are grouped somewhat by category so, for example, the English department would be in SET and the yearbook class would be in MAPS and so forth.

“We had career academies, but I don’t think they worked very well because the entire time I’ve been at this school, I think I’ve been in all of them,”

said Travis Mandernach. “It doesn’t serve a purpose. They would tell you to pick an elective from your academy, and you would be like, ‘But this one looks way more fun.’”

Some students who were part of the career academies weren’t 100% sure what they were being put into. “I think it was supposed to be a path that would lead you to your career, but it wasn’t working,” said senior Sierra Bussey. “I got mine freshman year, but I don’t remember what it was.”

If they weren’t sure what they were, they definitely didn’t know what they stood for. “I think MAPS stood for Math, Arts, something something,” said freshman Madison Buckles.

Not many knew about the career academies, not even some of the teachers. “I don’t know exactly what Career Academies are,” said English teacher Mr. Bowler. “I don’t

even know what mine (SET) stands for.” Even the principal is skeptical about what the Career Academies. “I’ve been asking since I arrived, and I’ve had no clear answer,” said Principal Joe Caruso. “It was supposed to help kids with their career paths, but there was no structure or follow-through plan.”

So, after this school year, there will be no more career academies. “After having it in

place for seven years, there was a name, but nothing existing,” said Caruso. “It existed on paper, but there was nothing there. The school improvement team voted unanimously to get rid of them.”

Caruso will add more foreign languages and increase Advance Placement offerings, and by not using Career Academies, selections will be less restrictive, providing more choices for students.

January/February 2015 •Hillside hotwire •33

Serving Two

Alumni series: part 1

The first in a series of stories following recent alumni and their experiences after graduation.

By Kaden Jesperson •Staff Writer

J

ust a few months ago, Editor-in-Chief Jake Jesperson sat in the back corner of the journalism room pounding out the last issue of the Hillside Hotwire, cracking jokes and posting Twitter updates every couple of minutes. Today, he is in Alaska, clad in a white shirt and tie punching in numbers on a non-smart cell phone to set up appointments to teach those interested in his church. Nearby, a moose that lives in his back yard munches on what’s left of the dying grass, and he keeps an eye out for bears.

Like Jesperson, some fellow Falcons laid aside their own plans this summer, donned the black and white badge and shipped off to parts unknown as missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. With a record number leaving so quickly, many Falcons began wondering why so many of these young men and young women were leaving, where they were going and what they were doing out there in the mission field. Just what was serving a mission like?

Who serves? Young men can begin serving at age 18, and young women at age 19. After being deemed worthy to serve by their church clergy, they submit an application to Salt Lake City. After a few weeks, they receive a letter telling them where they will be serving. The location, which could be almost anywhere in the world, is decided by church officials, who pick the location based on where they feel the missionary is needed most.

How and where do they live? Once in the mission field, missionaries live in apartments or small houses or with local church members. They eat breakfast and lunch on their own, and unless someone offers to feed them dinner, missionaries have to buy (Continued on page 28) Student-written articles are the individual, private speech of the student, and are not endorsed or sponsored by Foothill High School or the Clark County School District.

“My goal is to make a spider fang bracelet (Continued from page 27)

their own food. Most are not good cooks, so they are always happy for dinner invitations.

Missionaries work and serve people six days a week.

On their one day off, they do laundry, clean their apartment, help people in need and email home. They are only allowed to email home on their day off and can only call or Skype home to their parents on Christmas and Mother’s day.

After receiving their mission call, missionaries have a couple months to get the things they need, like dresses, suits, passports, visas, shots, and lots of white shirts. These months are also a time of intense study.

“I read, read, read, and prayed, prayed, prayed!” said Elder Jesse Dalton of his prep.

Most missionaries either postpone college altogether or go for a semester before embarking on their service. Most colleges will let missionaries keep their academic scholarships until they return, but some athletes have to choose between a

mission and their scholarship Likewise, missionaries of all faiths must first prepare to teach others by first teaching themselves. This often involves an increase of study, classes and prayer so that they can have enough knowledge and faith to teach others.

Missionaries have to physically and mentally prepare to walk many miles a day and teach people for hours. “It will be hard, but I will get through the next two years,” added Elder Sean Penman, class of 2014, who is preparing to serve in the McAllen, Texas Mission.

While their main purpose is to teach people, their mission is also a grand adventure with many twists, turns and unexpected experiences, such as when Elder Swartzlander was talking to a man about Lebron James. “It turned out that, on this day, Lebron was having a block party in Downtown Cleveland, handing out Nike shirts,” said Swartzlander. “We convinced him to take us there to check it

TAGGED: Class of 2014 Elder Jake Jesperson : Anchorage, Alaska “I am so stoked!” said Jesperson. “I live for the adventure, and you can’t beat the LAST FRONTIER,” said Jesperson. He only has one issue with his call... he hates the cold!

“I was never really a cold person,” he said.

Sister Kaylin Brown : Tallahassee, Florida “I can always go to college afterwards, but a mission is a oncein-a-lifetime experience.” Brown loves her call, and says that it fits her perfectly. The former Show Choir member has traded choir songs for hymns.

out. When we got down there, we got stuck in traffic, because Imagine Dragons was playing a couple 100 feet away!”

Living in the Philippines, for Jesse Dalton, was quite a culture shock. “Most of the time, when I knock on the door, people say, ‘Come in!

Lets Eat!’” Dalton said that he has tried every single part of the chicken that his body can handle. “ I’ve had

Elder Ross Tate : Mexico City, Mexico “It’s a culture shock, but Mexico is legit!” said Tate. “The people are super humble and kind. The only problem is that I can’t drink the water!” Tate says serving a mission will teach him vital skills that will not only help him in life but also in college.

“My goal is to be able to learn this flipping language!” said Tate.

36• Hillside hotwire •January/February 2015

barbecued chicken brains and intestines, boiled chicken feet, blowtorched gizzard, and even the weird rubbery thing on top of a chicken’s head. It all pretty much tastes the same.”

Meanwhile, in the far north, Jesperson is having a different culture shock. “Wasilla, Alaska is a really redneck town,” said Jesperson. “We stop and help people clean up moose that they run into with their cars

Elder Kolton Swartzlander : Cleveland, Ohio The former Grand Marshall of the Badminton Club has but away his racket for two years. “I love my call,” said Swartzlander. “I live 15 minutes away from some of the church’s main historical sites where pioneers walked and struggled because of mob persecution.” In his opinion, he is serving in one of the best missions because all races and cultures come together like a big family.

from all the mutant spiders here.”-Jesse Dalton 1. Elder Jake Jesperson stands on a wooden stump that he uses to chop wood in Alaska. 2. In the middle of danger, Elder Ross Tate tries smiling his way out of it. 3. Elder Kolton Swartzlander shows off his new cross that a man he was teaching gave him. 4. Pointing at the “Do not feed alligator” sign, Sister Kaylin Brown promised not to feed them.

A day in the life of a missionary 6:30 a.m Wake Up 6:30-7:00 a.m.

Exercise

3

7:00-8:00 a.m.

Shirt and tie up and eat breakfast 8:00-9:00 a.m.Study and plan day

1

2

so they can take it home and cook it. Road kill moose is unusually common here.”

Though Mexico is close to Vegas, the cultures are different. “Literally everything here is made of concrete: every house, every store, every building,” said Ross Tate, “and you guessed it, all we eat is Mexican food, but not like Taco Bell, like real Mexican food which is significantly different.”

As missionaries, the 18-19-year-old young men and women still want to have fun now and then, and sometimes that fun comes in unique

Elder Jackson Westover : Billings, Montana To prepare for his mission, Westover had to do more than just prepare spiritually. “I didn’t want to serve a mission for most of high school, but as my life started to unfold, I realized that I needed God more than anything else.” A goal that Westover has for both his mission and life is to prepare himself to be a good man, husband and missionary.

4 ways. For example, Kaylin Brown competed with fellow missionaries in a Jello-eating contest on her last day in the Missionary Training Center.

“We were bored!” said Brown.

Meanwhile, Jesperson confirms his appointment, snaps the flip phone shut and heads back into the log cabin. He shivers in the cold as he walks up the wooden steps. Two years in Alaska? “I got this,” he thinks.

Elder Colby Thornton : Sumter, South Carolina “My goal is to grow spiritually as well as become a better person,” said Colby Thornton who said the food is great. “They deep fry everything, so it is all delicious! I love the banana pudding. It is so good! I recommend it to all.”

Elder Conner Thornton : Macon, Georgia “I feel that the life lessons a mission teaches me are so valuable,” said Thornton.

“It’s different than I thought it would be,” he said.

The people here have a different language almost!

However, I have come to love almost every person that I have taught, and I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else right now.”

9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Teach and meet people 2:00-3:00 p.m.

EAT! 3:00-10:30 p.m.

More teaching and visiting with people 11:00 p.m.Sleep

Elder Jesse Dalton : Baguio, Philippines “It’s different here,” said Dalton. “My goal is to make a spider fang bracelet from all the mutant spiders here..... if I ever have the guts to slay one.”

A former FHS cross country runner, longboarder and swimmer, Dalton has put his hobbies on a two-year break.

January/February 2015 •Hillside hotwire •37

Congratulations Class of 2015!

Don't count the days, make the days count.

Dance places 7th at Nationals

Varsity dance lives up to a top ten tradition every year

B

By Jesse Lima •Editor-in-Chief

ackstage, Noelle Morris stands in a circle with her team, anxious, but ready to perform. She blocks out the noise of Pattonville High School’s performance, the school currently performing. In moments, Foothill’s two-minute performance on the ESPN Wide World of Sports finals stage would show the world what they were made of. Competing against fifty other schools around the nation in the hip-hop division, they were about to have a performance that would put them amongst the top teams in America. Seventh place to be exact.

“Standing back stage with each other and not talking to anyone else but ourselves was when it really kicked in,” captain Morris said. “We knew that we did not have much time left, and the adrenaline rush was faster than you could ever imagine. It was really depressing knowing it was my last routine on the finals stage, and I knew I had to give all I had in me for those final two minutes.”

Pattonville High School exited. “It was now time to leave everything on the stage,” senior Taylor Lester said. “As we were on the stage, most of us noticed our parents. All the support we had was incredible, which made us work harder, and I had so much adrenaline that me being tired did not matter at all anymore.”

The team qualified for the final round as 13th and jumped up six spots with their final performance.

“This year, we took a huge risk in our hip-hop routine by trying a totally new style that the judges did not appreciate so much,” senior captain Sydney Andrews said.

“Unfortunately, the risk did not pay off for us, but we loved performing it. Our team goal was to have our finals performance be the best dance that we had ever had and leave it all on the floor with no regrets, which is exactly what happened. We made a commitment to each other that we wouldn’t worry about our placement and just go out and do our best. Taking

seventh place out of fifty teams, you could definitely say we were pretty happy.”

Six members will graduate, some leaving three trips to Nationals behind. “The first thing I will miss about dance is the assemblies and being the last routine for all of the student body to cheer for,” said Andrews.

“The assemblies are fun and filled with a lot of excitement, but the main thing I will miss is going to be, of course, dancing at Nationals. Not everyone understands the amount of work it takes to even qualify for Nationals. We are the only team from Nevada that goes every year, and we place in the top ten. The feeling on that huge stage in front of the castle is unreal, and it is something I will always remember.”

The team also performed in the pom category and finished as semifinalists. Coach Lana Carey, who has coached the varsity team for the last ten years, took a huge step up in difficulty this year, said team members. “I felt so proud of the team for rising to the occasion, and we hit it to the best of our ability,” senior captain Hunter Riddle said.

“Knowing that I have 15 best friends behind

Melanie Larson>

Story Continued on Page 40>>

Dance

Dance me, supporting me through everything, will definitely be something I will miss. I feel that we really set the bar high for next year’s team.”

Morris won’t miss the time commitment but will miss the camaraderie. “Dance was definitely a lot of time, and that may be something I don’t miss as much,” Morris said. “Something that I will miss is how weird our team can be around each other and how we can express ourselves. We are a legitimate family. With all the support we receive, it almost seems that we have a big family with everyone around, including Principal Caruso. During the trip, Mr. Caruso supported us so much, and when we were practicing, he was working on Foothill stuff in the Starbucks in the resort. Even when we were celebrating in Disney World, he was working. His support was amazing, and so was every other individual who was there to cheer us on all year. The support is going to be one thing I miss the most.”

Principal Caruso saw the dance team at Nationals for the first time. “Like Noelle said, I was in Starbucks a lot during the dance team’s practice times working on school-related things, but during performances, I was with the team, and I could not believe the effort that they put in,” Caruso said. “These girls really want to be the best they can be. I am so proud of what they have accomplished and will always remember this team as my first Foothill High School Nationals Dance Team. They are amazing.”

According to the team, unwinding at

uda

nati

Disney World was the perfect end to an allstar weekend. “Disney World was amazing because, after a hard, fun weekend, we got to relax and enjoy our last day in Florida at the happiest place on earth,” junior Taylor Palermo said. “Just knowing we left everything on the floor and being so happy with the place we got made Disney World so much more fun. Nationals

was an unforgettable experience, and I’m so happy I got to spend it with this group of girls.”

“Flying back made us feel like we had been gone for too short a time, but while we were there, it felt like a couple of weeks.

Another top ten finish is a great feeling, and knowing that I was part of three of them makes me feel awesome,” said Morris.

“Win as a Team. Lose as a team. Fight as a team.” - Hunter Riddle

WSJ

*Photos courtesy of Foothill Varsity Dance media

40 • Hillside hotwire •January/February 2015

Layout by Jesse Lima Photos by Zach Hayes Cutouts by Kaden Jesperson

Looking up to the Captains >>

Hunter: “Being a captain is a great

feeling, and I love being that person the team can look up to for help or advice,” Riddle said. “I love this team more than anything, and I would do anything for anyone, whether it’s dance related or not.”

Sydney: “Being a three-year

returning senior, I know a lot about how the team works and what to expect at each competition and performance so I was ecstatic to when the team voted me to be a team captain,” Andrews said.

“Having my amazing teammates look to me as a leader and a captain has helped me in making this year my favorite year of dance I’ve ever had.”

Noelle: “Being on the team was

incredible, but being able to experience it as a captain is a completely different feeling,” Morris said. “Being a leader for such an incredible group of girls inspired me to work as hard as I possibly could for all of them.”

Sydney Andrews Hunter Riddle

Noelle Morris

ionals

Dance Captains

* All stats are as of End of Regular Season

Sports

3

Kevin Woodland Games Played: 27

Colin Curi Games Played: 27 Points Per Game: 10.8 Assists Per Game: 2.2 Rebounds Per Game:4.2 Free throws: 62%

#3

Points Per Game: 9.2 Assists Per Game: 3.8 Rebounds Per Game: 2.7 Free throws: 65%

#1

#21 Ain’t it Ironic

Torrrance Littles is 6’7,” and his name says the complete opposite. He says that, since he was named after his father, he doesn’t mind when people always mention the contradiction. Littles averaged just over 18 points and 10 rebounds per game.

Photos by Zach Hayes and Dre Vasquez

42 • Hillside hotwire •January/February 2015

1. At the game, cheerleaders Heather Hamilton, Jennifer Embrogno and Bailie Hartline stunt at the Eldorado game. 2. Jose Munoz keeps time with the pep band. Photos by Zach Hayes

1

3

Marvin Coleman by ief ut h ayo r-in-C L nd dito a ry •E Sto Lima e s Jes

Jeron Bodin

F

oothill’s varsity basketball regular season (21-6) was filled with a lot of crazy events, ranging from rivalry scuffles and suspended games to triple overtimes and stunning upsets.

Usually, when a team loses eight seniors and only has four returning varsity players, they are in for a season of rebuilding. But this season was defined by what this team could do to make a big something out of just a little something.

To build more chemistry, Coach Kevin Soares had the team practicing by five a.m. on occasions. “He would divide the team up by positions, and we would randomly have these practices,” senior Kevin Woodland said. “Yes, the practices were tiring, but it helped us because we were putting in that extra work, and we knew that no other team was doing what we were.”

The team started out their season by winning 15 of their first 18 games and eventually ended with an eight-win and

two-loss divisional record, which placed them second in the southeast league.

The season included a triple overtime game against Green Valley on January 20, where the Falcons came out on top by a 15-point margin. “The intensity of the games are something that I look forward to game in and game out,” sophomore Jeron Bodin said, who dropped 15 points during the Green Valley triple overtime thriller.

“Our Hilltown Posse (HTP) fan section made the game even more fun to be involved in.

The section didn’t start out so bulky, but toward the end of the season, they were incredible. I definitely enjoyed the ladies screaming my name in the crowd.”

On senior night, February 11, the Falcons honored six seniors and it took two days to finish the game against Basic, a game that started at 6:30 p.m. on a Wednesday and ended around 3:42 p.m.

Thursday, the next day. The game had to be suspended after a scuffle broke out in the

stands during a tie in overtime. The next day, the game would be completed after an 11-3 run ended the game with the Falcon’s victory.

“I’m going to miss my teammates and coaches and the bond that we have created with each other that helped us get through games like the Basic game,” Woodland said.

“HTP is also going to be something I miss because they would always get everyone pumped, and just hearing them would get us hyped.”

One name that was chanted the most by the Hilltown Posse was scoring leader Torrance Littles, as he dunked on his opponents. “I’m going to miss my coaches and teammates who have helped me improve this season, the fans, and playing league games at home,” Littles said. “HTP helped out tremendously, especially in close games. We hated losing in front of home supporters. HTP did give us that boost.”

A GREAT EXPECTATION Boys Basketball has a lot to live up to and appreciates the support all around

1

2

January/February 2015 • 43 • Hillside Hotwire

Sports

Girls Basketball cruises to another division title Girls go undefeated in Southeast Sunset Division Play

By Jesse Lima •Editor-in-Chief

T

he girl’s varsity basketball team (19-7) seemed to have taken a turn for the worse on January 16 when they got news from junior Gabby Doxtator that she would be out for the rest of the season with a broken leg. Yet, from that point on, the team did not lose another regular season game, which was a total of ten wins.

The season started out rough, with the team playing in several tournaments and losing to some of the elite teams around the country. The only in-state team the Lady Falcons lost to during the regular season was the Patriots of Liberty.

Rancho was the game in which Doxtator believes she broke the side of her foot. She continued to play on it during the week and finally got word just before the Durango game that she had a Jones’ fracture.

“When Gabby went down, we all stepped up at our positions,” senior Mikayla Yeakel said. “It didn’t help that we now

had one of our best players go down with an injury, but after the news, it was as if we grew two inches and gained 15 pounds of muscle.”

“Of course, having to sit on the bench killed me on the inside, but I got a tremendous amount of support from my teammates,” Doxtator said. “The team adjusted very well, and they knew they had to try and fill my role by scoring and rebounding.

They did a great job, and I gave them advice on the bench, and sure enough, they got out and did it.”

Blowouts were something that came almost too often for the team, whether Doxtator was in the lineup or not, as 14 of their 19 wins were double digit victories, including a 65-16 victory over Eldorado on February 3.

Another blowout during the season was the last regular season game against Basic, senior night. Two girls were honored as

they cruised to a 74-49 victory.

“I am definitely going to miss my teammates, the adrenaline and the memories I have made during high school basketball,” Yeakel said. “I feel bad for those people who go through school without having that feeling of anticipation, waiting for your name to be called and the tip off. Your hands shake and get all clammy, and the only thoughts running through your head are hoping that you don’t make a mistake.

Even later in the game, you still get adrenaline rushes.”

The team won their division but lost to Liberty 50-85 in round one and again to Gorman 47-68.Only losing two seniors this season could lead to another big season next year with Doxtator returning from her injury and the team’s leading scorer, Taylor Turney, returning as well.

Kylie Vint

Mikayla Yeakel

Taylor Turney

Games Played: 26

Games Games Played: Played: 26 26

Games Played: 26

Point Total: 159

Point Point Total: Total: 224 224

Point Total: 409

Points Per Game: 6.1

Points Points Per Per Game: Game: 8.6 8.6

Points Per Game: 15.7

Sports

Falcon on me, Falcons on three

Flag Football team takes second in the entire region

S

By Mily Rodriguez• Peregrine Yearbook Staff

aturday over Winter Break, the flag football teams were all together early in the morning. The air was cold and the wind sent chills down players’ spines.

The varsity, JV and freshmen teams were getting ready for the second half of their season, and to prepare for the unexpected, Head Coach Cynthia Guzman directed a scrimmage, where all levels played against each other.

“It was a completely different practice when we played against JV and freshman because we were not used to their plays or the way they did certain things,” said Sayonna Thunstrom. “We know our offense’s plays, so it was very different.”

Agreeing with Thunstrom’s statement, Renee Ritchie said, “These scrimmages helped all the teams practice their plays offensively and read plays defensively, making us a better players overall. Since the beginning of high school flag football three years ago, Foothill’s team has been one of the top teams. “This year’s teams were really great,” said Thunstrom. “After losing

a lot of seniors, there was doubt regarding how the varsity team was going to do this year, but everyone stepped up, and we’re better than ever.”

Varsity nearly went undefeated, losing only to Boulder City High School, to whom they eventually lost to, 0-22, in the playoffs on February 23. “It was one of the best seasons,” said Marissa Brackett “The team was great this year, and there was a lot of new talent.”

With that new talent, varsity was able to catch a win in the Lady Bulldog Invitational tournament in Mesquite. “It was a great feeling to win the tournament,” said Brackett. “This year’s team made my last year really great. Flag football was a really big part of my life. It taught me discipline and how hard work always pays off both on and off the field. I’m going to miss playing after I graduate, but I’m really happy that I was able to play these past couple of years.”

Jackson Dietrich awarded Gatorade Player of the Year

By Jesse Lima •Editor-in-Chief

The Foothill varsity soccer teams playoff run may have ended right before the state tournament, but Jackson Dietrich’s journey did not end just yet. Dietrich has been climbing up the rankings of the most valuable soccer player in the state of Nevada. Sure enough, he was nominated as the Gatorade Player of the Year on Wednesday, February 11.

“I am extremely proud to have won it, not only for myself but for the team and for the school,” Dietrich said. “I could not have won it without the coaches and without the entire team.

It was an honor playing for Foothill the last couple of years, and it was an amazing senior year.”

Dietrich recorded 28 goals and 24 assists during the season for Foothill’s varsity squad.

< Marissa Brackett

Photo By Zach Hayes

Renee Ritchie

<Jadyn McArthur

Sports

Ozuna wins state, and team wins academic title again Ortega overcomes dislocated shoulder and wins region

By Jesse Lima •Editor-in-Chief

Above: Damian Ortega starts by taking down his opponent and later pinning him. In the last picture, he is awarded the win. Photo by Jeremiah Deocampo Left: Bobby Merritt wrestles down an opponent during a home match against the Eldorado Sun Devils. Photo by Thomas Mace

D

uring double overtime in the semi-finals match of the region championships, senior wrestler Damian Ortega had just encountered a slight problem. His shoulder had popped out of his arm socket, and he immediately stopped wrestling and clutched his arm.

“I knew what this feeling was because I had felt it before, so I was familiar with this pain, and it was not a great feeling at all,” Ortega said. “I started yelling pretty hysterically, but not because it hurt. I didn’t think I could finish the match, and my high school season would be over. I didn’t want my last year and my last match ever to end on an injury.”

The trainer at Green Valley High School was up for the challenge of this injury, and she popped that shoulder right back into place and gave Ortega the “okay” to continue the match.

The story book ending pretty much writes itself after that. Ortega took advantage of the trainer being at his assistance as soon as the injury occurred to win the semifinals and then went on to win the regional championship in his weight class.

“I knew I had to take advantage of the opportunity, so I kept wrestling hard and scored two points for near fall in the last four seconds to win in the semis,” Ortega said. “There was so much adrenaline running through me in those last two seconds of the semis match, and when I won, the crowd went crazy. It was the toughest match of my life, and it was surreal when I won. After I was over that hill, there was no doubt in my mind that I would win the finals. I just had to be careful to keep my shoulder tight to my body so it wouldn’t happen again. I wrestled a solid finals match and ended up on top.”

From the regional finals onto the state

46 • Hillside hotwire •January/February 2015

championships, Ortega went along with six other teammates, including senior Joshua Ozuna, who was the only Falcon to win the individual state championship.

Ozuna became the state champion in the 220 pound weight class and was able to pin his opponent in 20 seconds. Freshman Wyatt English made it to the championship match and came up just short in his 106 pound weight class, placing second. Ortega finished third overall in his 138 pound weight class after his miraculous region victory. Senior Bobby Merritt placed third in the 170 pound weight class, and senior CJ Atkerson placed third as well in his 195 pound weight class.

With those victories, Ozuna and his teammates helped the team finish second overall at the Nevada Interscholastic Activity Association State Wrestling Tournament and win the state academic banner for the second time.

Sports

Basic game tests mental reserves of boy’s team

By Marissa Panchal • Staff Reporter

Patrick NG bowls during the match against Basic on January 20. Photo By Bill Tobler

P

atrick NG crouched and stared down the lane, red tape covering his thumb to make sure the ball slipped off easily. After his turn, his teammates all congratulated him with a high five.

Blue bowling bags cover the floor as players stand in line, warming up their arms with a few practice throws. Before the match, Coach Chris Sisson gathered the team in a circle to do the group chant.

“1, 2, 3, FALCONS!” On January 20, the boys’ bowling team had a nail-biting match against rival Basic. “The boys were shooting good first throws,” said Sisson, “but they were not picking up the spares, and this made them frustrated.” The team ended up winning the final game, a necessary win for the boys to continue to the post season.

“The boys struggled in the first two games and were down 128 pins going into the last game,” said Sission. “They won the last game but were only able to make up 119 pins, falling just short of winning the pin total for the match. They ended up losing the match 2-7. The boys won four Grant George matches and lost six after the match against Basic, with an overall point record of 36-54. The boys then prepared for regionals against Coronado on January 22.

“We bowled really well as a team the last game,” said senior Grant George. “It was good to win one game. Basic surprised us. We really should have done better than we did, but it is all good. We got a good win out of it.”

The boys made it to regionals, making the most points they had all season. “Regionals went well. The boys lost 2195-2265 in the first round to Liberty but posted their best team score of the season,” said Sisson.

Jake Davidson qualified for state, bowling a 609 series in the regional qualifier. “He missed qualifying for the finals by three pins,” said Sisson.

“I was really surprised at first,” said Davidson. “I didn’t think I was good enough to bowl with the best kids, but I ended up beating most of them once we were finished with state.” Davidson placed seventh of 44 entrants.

Girls Bowling advances to regionals

W

By Kayla King • Staff Reporter

ith only two bowls left in the match, junior bowler Jordan Corn wiped her ball on her shirt, eyed the pins down the lane, took a deep breath and released, hoping to knock the two remaining pins down.

Her bright green and navy ball traveled down the lane, knocking the pins down one by one. Jumping with excitement, the lady Falcon bowling team added another spare to their match.

The lady bowlers were unstoppable this season, taking down every competitor with the exception of Eldorado, who beat them 7-2. From Green Valley to Basic to Coronado, no one was able to live up to the standards of the girl’s varsity bowling team.

“Eldorado was our biggest competitor,” said junior Jordan Corn.

“They were our only loss in the season.

A girl almost had a perfect game each

match, but we ended up knocking them out.”

The girls were able to defeat the Sun Devils on their second go around on January 5.

The varsity team members said that they all get along exceptionally and always clicked together at the matches, and that they are best friends in and out of bowling.

Before every game, the girls sprinkle glitter on themselves as part of a fun tradition.

“It was one of my favorite parts,” said Corn. “It’s unique and makes the matches so much more fun.”

Against Valley in the playoffs, the girls emerged victorious but when the girls faced off against Liberty, they lost, and their season was over. “I am very proud of my team,” said Corn. “We gave it our all, and that’s all we could do.”

Jordan Corn perfects her form during a season match that would help her during playoffs.

Photo by Bill Tobler

January/February 2015 •Hillside hotwire •47

MIke Vaughn O

Memorial

A fellow falcon gone too soon

By Kaden Jesperson • Staff Writer

n any given day, Michael Vaughn could be found playing video games, hanging out with friends, and always making others smile and laugh.

In late 2014, Foothill lost a beloved student and friend when sophomore Mike Vaughn passed away after a skateboard accident. Fellow students, friends and teachers wanted to share their feelings and favorite memories of Mike.

“Mike was always there to make me smile,” said friend and fellow swim team member Kaden Jesperson.

“Whether it was making jokes or just telling some of his famous stories, Mike was always happy.”

Vaughn was on the football and swim teams as a freshman and was preparing to swim as a sophomore.

Football team member Kealii Maruyama remembers how Mike never gave up. “We would do hitting drills in football practice, and Mike would always go after the biggest, meanest kid. He would get hit so hard, but he would stand up every time and go right back after the same kid. He never gave up or took the easy way out.”

One of Vaughn’s closest friends, Colton Marshall, remembers how much Mike loved Mountain Dew. “We would go down to Speedee Mart and get Mountain Dew,” said Marshall. “We would then walk back to my house and play video games nonstop for hours on end, with breaks only to use the restroom and get more Dew. We just always had a good time.”

Harmony Cole remembers one story that showcased Mike’s fun-loving personality. “We were swimming one day, and Mike climbed up onto a wall trying to jump off and cannon ball into the pool,” said Cole. “When he jumped off the wall, he slipped and completely bellyflopped into the pool! He then came out of the water and cracked a joke about it, getting us all to laugh, and that’s how it was around Mike. He was always making

us smile, and there was never a dull moment with him.”

Being friends with Mike for most of his life, Jeron Bodin remembered a church camp story. “We were at a water park for one of the activities, and Mike got a gnarly sunburn on his back,” said Bodin. “It was so bad that he couldn’t put a shirt on, but he didn’t let that stop him from having fun and telling jokes.” Bodin also said that Mike was always the one to have a smile on his face, and that he was never negative, always positive.

“He always put others in front of himself,” said best friend Brandon Hargis. “There is too much to say about him. He was just a great kid.”

Mike planned on a career as a police officer. His traits of putting others first and of always caring about people were preparing him for this career.

Mike was a great friend to many kids at the Hill, and his friends view the legacy he left behind as a positive one. He made us smile, laugh, and forget about our troubles for a while.

from the faculty As Mike's counselor, every time I met with him, he would smile and greet me with openness and a friendly attitude. I will always remember Mike as a fun-loving, friendly young man. He loved to laugh and joke. He will forever be a part of the Foothill family.

Steven L. Campbell Michael was well liked in my class, and he was loved dearly by his friends. Our hearts were broken when we lost him, but he left us with some great memories of his smile, his laughter and his entertaining comments during class discussions.

Michael was a great kid with a great heart. He is truly missed.

Amy Clark

Mike always came to class with a smile, greeted me kindly, and left with the same positive attitude.

It was always easy to help him because he was always so appreciative. I have had his last test hanging in my classroom since his passing because he received a high A on it, and I thought that was an amazing way to finish. His positive presence is missed.

Jared Owen Mike was a gregarious student in my Culinary Arts class. He was often the center of conversation, laughs, and giggles in the classroom and kitchens. Sometimes he was quite the character, but I remem-

ber specifically his great respect to me as his teacher. Through his actions, it was apparent to me that he had been raised and taught by goodly parents.

Lacey Kalmes On the first day of school, a young man entered my English class with an unstoppable burst of energy and tons of infectious laughter. Michael was always ready to express an opinion or lend a helping hand. He made his classmates chuckle and my day brighter. We shall never forget

48 • Hillside hotwire •January/February 2015

Michael, and I am truly grateful that I had the opportunity to know such a kind soul.

Tarra Swift